Senate raises budget and lifts the debt ceiling

Senators are vacating Washington for their home states after voting today in favor of a higher budget and to lift the debt ceiling.  South Carolina’s Tim Scott voted in the minority in a 67-28 outcome.  Scott’s statement from Washington  reflects mixed feelings:  “While I certainly applaud the authors of this deal for a good faith effort to set government spending for the next two years, unfortunately the spending levels are far too high,” he said.  The bill now goes to the President to sign.