MOSCOW, October 19 (RIA Novosti) - The State Duma has passed amendments to the 2005 federal budget at a combined second and third reading, with a majority of 377 to eight, and no abstentions.
To pass a federal law, 226 votes are required.
Spending will be up 16.1% ($17 billion) to $124 billion. The budget surplus is expected at $50.
The GDP forecast is $734 billion, with inflation at 10% to 11%.
Payments into the stabilization fund are set at $43 billion, $30 billion more than for this year's budget.
