Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of sacrifice, is underway — just in time for Congress to hammer out an uneasy deal to slash $917 billion in spending over the next 10 years. (See what I did there?)

While not a strictly religion news story, people of faith had reason to both jeer and cheer as the House passed the $2.4 trillion debt-ceiling increase last night… with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords there to cast her yes vote! (It’s not clear from the coverage so far how well she is able to verbally communicate — her quotes all come from written statements — but a miracle nonetheless.)

Some faith-related links so far:

• Giffords votes in House, says she’s running for reelection (JTA)
  
• Congressman explains that debt deal is ‘sugar-coated Satan sandwich’ (CNN)
• Disparity on the way to the debt ceiling (Episcopal Cafe)
• Debt-limit legislation passes House and Senate (Episcopal Cafe)

The Senate is slated to vote on approved the agreement today, so check back for updates and share your thoughts in the Comments section below (scroll all the way to the bottom).

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