Washington, December 12 (RHC)-- U.S. President Barack Obama has signed a $1.8 trillion spending and tax cut package after Congress passed the deal in a rare moment of bipartisan unity.
The measure expands military spending and provides a billion-dollar tax loophole sought by the hotel, restaurant and gambling industry. It also lifts the 40-year ban on exporting U.S.-produced crude oil, a move Oil Change International called "a disaster for the climate." Democratic leaders said lifting the ban was crucial for winning Republican support and Obama praised Congress for passing the bill.