Republicans challenged Mr. Obama to veto the bill and uphold his campaign promises to cut pork-barrel projects and control spending.
"Our economy is still recovering from one of the worst recessions in our nation's history. American families aren't spending far and away above their means, and the federal government shouldn't be either," said Sen. Johnny Isakson, Georgia Republican.
The bill passed by a vote of 57-35. Three Republicans joined most Democrats and both independents in supporting it, and three Democrats joined most Republicans in opposing it.
The three Republicans who backed the bill were Sens. Thad Cochran of Mississippi, Susan Collins of Maine and Richard C. Shelby of Alabama. The three Democrats who opposed it were Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Claire McCaskill of Missouri.
Taxpayer watchdog groups say the bills are loaded with thousands of earmarks, the pork-barrel spending projects lawmakers include to direct money to pet projects.
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