Senate approves debt ceiling bill

Fending off a U.S. default, the Senate has given final approval to a debt ceiling and budget cuts package. The Senate ground through late-night voting Thursday to wrap up work on the deal.

The Senate voted  63-36, a day after the House voted in support of the plan.

U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer says the bill is a step in the right direction by restoring order to the appropriations process.

U.S. Senator John Hoeven says while he would have preferred more savings the legislation is better than a debt ceiling increase with no spending reforms.

Senator Amy Klobuchar says the agreement protects Social Security and Medicare while lowering the deficit.

The 99-page bill is on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk to become law.