Friday, April 3, 2009

President Barack Obama says the budget blueprints approved by Congress are "an important step toward rebuilding our struggling economy."

The House and Senate approved slightly different plans, mostly drawn to the president's specifications.

The Senate vote was 55-43, along party lines.

The plan calls for spending of $3.5 trillion for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 and has a deficit projected at $1.2 trillion.

It provides for higher spending on domestic programs and clears the way for action later in the year on Obama's call for an overhaul of health care, a new energy policy and changes in federal support for education.

The House version calls for spending of $3.6 trillion but has the same deficit projection.

The budget votes mark victories for the Obama administration, but tough battles lie ahead when lawmakers turn to the other items on the president's agenda.