US congress passes $1.7tn spending bill

What can one-point-seven-trillion-dollars get you? It can get you a functioning US government, for a start. Congress has just given final approval to the huge spending bill, just hours before the government would have had to shut down for lack of funds. The bill incorporates the Biden administration's plans to boost domestic spending. It also supports Ukraine's defence effort and reforms US election law. Republicans have condemned the package as a monstrosity, complaining that it contains wasteful spending commitments without addressing their priorities, such as boosting security on the border with Mexico. The oil company Shell has agreed to pay nearly 16 million dollars in compensation to communities in Nigeria that were affected by multiple oil spills from pipelines in the Niger Delta. The money will benefit the Nigerian communities of Oruma, Goi and Ikot Ada Udo, that were impacted by four oil spills between 2004 and 2007. As we reported here yesterday, a "bomb cyclone" - a massive winter storm system is currently expanding across the United States, threatening to upend the travel plans of millions of Americans. Together with snow blizzards and freezing temperatures, local authorities are trying to deal with electricity cuts and protect everyone's Christmas. (Picture: United States Capitol West Facade with Fountain and Flowers. Picture Credit: Getty Images)