The Senate approved a sweeping $1.1 trillion spending bill Saturday night to fund most of the federal government through the next fiscal year.
A small group of conservatives, led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), had tried to block debate on the bill by raising concerns with Obama’s immigration policy, forcing a marathon weekend session. The move infuriated their colleagues, particularly Republicans who complained that forcing senators to stay in session produced nothing positive for the
GOP and only helped Democrats in their bid to approve a final batch of Obama’s nominees for government posts.
For several hours Saturday, senators held procedural votes to begin the process of confirming dozens of Obama’s nominees for federal judgeships and top positions at the State Department and other agencies.
The move forced members of both parties to abruptly cancel holiday and retirement festivities back home.
Note: Arizona Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake voted against the bill.
Information from multiple news sources
