The US House on Friday approved a $1.1 trillion spending package for 2016 which if passed by the Senate as expected would avert a government shutdown before year-end holidays.<br />The sprawling bipartisan compromise, which also tightens visa requirements, proposes reforms to the International Monetary Fund and lifts a longstanding ban on US crude oil exports, passed easily by a vote of 316 to 113.<br />The Senate was to vote later in the day, and the White House has said President Barack Obama would sign the measure into law.<br />Known as an "omnibus," the $1.149 trillion fiscal year 2016 spending bill became a year-end catch-all that includes priorities of both parties, and leaves out some pet projects that made it difficult for some lawmakers to sign on.<br />But ultimately, "the House came together to ensure our government is open and working for the American people," House Speaker Paul Ryan said after the vote.
