Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) The Senate passed the bill avoiding a government shutdown which could have started next week by 56-40 in a late-night vote on Saturday. It's now on the way to the Oval Office for the President's signature.
The budget had been the subject of months of intense debate, with both Democrats and Republicans making concessions.
Starting in January, Republicans will hold a majority in both houses of Congress, and SD US Senator John Thune says there’s plenty on the agenda. Issues such as energy, commodity transport, jobs and immigration will be at the forefront. The Senior South Dakota Senator says he's looking forward to a bi-partisan approach to the measures. Thune takes over leadership of the Senate Commerce Science and Transportation Committee next month.