A midday procedural vote in the Senate cleared the way for a temporary spending bill to reopen the federal government.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to end debate and move to pass a three-week continuing resolution, which would fund the federal government through Feb. 8. The bill includes a six-year extension of the expired Children’s Health Insurance Program.
The motion passed 81 to 18. Libertarian-leaning Republicans Mike Lee (Utah) and Rand Paul (Ky.) joined 15 Democrats and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in opposing the motion.
