Washington (CNN)Congress approved a $1.1 trillion spending package on Friday that avoids a government shutdown and funds federal agencies through next fall.

In a surprise, the House overwhelmingly approved the measure in a 316-113 vote. The Senate later backed the bill 65-33, sending it to President Barack Obama, who signed it into law Friday afternoon.

The lopsided House vote was a major victory for new Speaker Paul Ryan. He secured the votes of 150 Republicans -- a majority of the House GOP conference. Ryan's predecessor, John Boehner, rarely got that kind of backing from Republicans on a spending bill when ran the House.

Obama called Ryan after the vote to thank him "for helping government work," the speaker said. The president also invited Ryan to join him for a meal at the White House in the new year.
 

Read More: http://www.cnn.com

Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com
Follow Larry Elder on Twitter