Dems take deal; Senate votes to end government shutdown

Senate Democrats agreed to a deal Monday with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for a floor vote on an immigration bill with an open amendment process  in exchange for their approval of a bill that would end the government shutdown.

What happened?

Eighty-one senators voted Monday in favor of a temporary spending bill that would reopen the government through Feb. 8.

Thirty-three Democrats and 48 Republicans approved the bill. Sens. Mike Lee (Utah) and Rand Paul (Ky.) were the only Republicans to reject it.

According to The Hill, McConnell said the Senate would weigh immigration proposals that would shield approximately 800,000 immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children if Democrats agreed to end the shutdown.

The Hill reported that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) said the deal was enough for his caucus to accept a three-week government funding bill.

"After several discussions, offers and counteroffers, the Republican leader and I have come to an arrangement," Schumer said. “We will vote today to reopen the government to continue negotiating a global agreement.”

According to The Associated Press, McConnell said earlier Monday “I hope and intend” to reach agreement on immigration and other issues. Democrats considered the open amendment process vital to the success of future immigration legislation, for which they believe they can get 60 votes if floor amendments are allowed.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that the House would approve the temporary bill if the Senate was able to pass the measure.