Boost for Obama as US debt bill passed

THE US House of Representatives voted 269-161 last night to keep the government from defaulting on its debts.

The measure also sets a course for reducing the US government deficit in the future and is a major boost for the administration of President Barack Obama.

The Senate, where support is stronger, is expected to take up the bill today, the deadline for Congress to act before the government loses its ability to pay all its bills.