Vote count: Budget deal nearing Senate approval, but not there yet

There are currently a total of 31 aye votes for the budget, according to the count, with two Republicans joining 29 Democrats and one independent. All no votes, according to the count, are coming from Republicans, with 21 senate offices telling CNN they plan to vote against the deal.

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While Democrats do not have the 50 votes needed for final passage, top aides in both parties privately expressed confidence on Friday the bill will get the necessary support, even if a couple of wary moderate Democrats end up voting “no.”

But before the measure faces a final vote, it will need to pass the higher threshold of 60 votes to clear procedural hurdles. But Republicans – like Richard Burr of North Carolina and Jeff Flake of Arizona – have said they plan to back the motions that will eventually allow Democrats to only need a straight majority to pass the bill.

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