Washington: Senate OKs emergency debt limit bill

photo The U.S. Capitol building in Washington.

by ANDREW TAYLOR

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has approved an emergency bill to avert a first-ever government default with just hours to spare.

The strong bipartisan vote was 74-26. The measure now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature. The legislation makes a down payment on taming out-of-control budget deficits.

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