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Senate reaches deal to pass $1.7 trillion budget amid showdown over border policy

Related Topics: United States Senate

The Senate overcame a logjam Thursday to fast-track a bipartisan $1.7 trillion government funding package to avoid a midnight Friday shutdown.

Democrats and Republicans reached an agreement to pass the mammoth spending bill following demands from Sen. Mike Lee, Utah Republican, for a simple majority amendment vote to preserve the Title 42 border policy.

The two sides agreed to vote on up to 17 changes to the legislation, which would fund the government through next September in exchange for not having to run out the procedural clock. None of the amendments are likely to pass.

The spending measure is expected to be approved Thursday afternoon by the Senate before heading to the House for final approval.