House slashes social programs

By AP

WASHINGTON -- The Republican-controlled House approved a conservative priority Wednesday, voting 215-213 to cut spending across a wide swath of social programs.

The bill has White House support, but also faces Democratic-led opposition in the Senate.

Maryland Democrat Steny Hoyer scathingly criticized the measure, saying the House recently passed tax cuts that benefit the rich.

''With this bill, we are slashing discretionary spending for education, health care programs, worker training and assistance to the most vulnerable,'' he said.