House preserves its own budget as others face cuts

WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers are moving to protect Capitol Hill’s budget even as they’re moving to slash other programs like education, health research, water projects and housing aid for the poor.

The move by the House Appropriations Committee promises a small budget increase for legislative branch operations even as funding for labor, health and education programs would absorb an almost 20 percent cut. Federal firefighting efforts also face big cuts, as do transportation and community development grants.