Senate approves $37.5B measure to fund energy, water

WASHINGTON – The Senate has approved a nearly $38 billion measure to fund energy and water programs for next year. It’s the first of 12 spending bills lawmakers must approve to keep the government running.

Thursday’s vote was 90-8.

The bill would fund the Energy Department and infrastructure projects administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Spending on energy and water programs beginning Oct. 1 would rise by $355 million over current levels.

Supporters say the measure would strengthen nuclear deterrence, promote energy security and improve flood-control projects nationwide.

It was slated for approval last month but got delayed over a Republican effort to undercut the Iran nuclear deal and block the U.S. from buying any more Iranian “heavy water.”