With procedural vote, Senate advances bill to stop partial shutdown

WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence has cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate to advance legislation to prevent a partial government shutdown and provide funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall.

Pence’s vote advanced the 47-47 tally Friday after a marathon, five-hour voting session in the Senate that dragged on as senators rushed back to Washington.

Lawmakers scrambled Friday to continue negotiations for a spending package that would prevent a federal government shutdown at midnight. Watch a live video of the Senate floor in the player above. Video by PBS NewsHour

The move doesn’t immediately end the threat of a partial federal shutdown at midnight Friday. But it kick-starts negotiations as Congress tries to find a resolution to Trump’s demand for the wall.

Senators say they won’t vote on a final bill to fund the government until Trump and congressional leaders all agree to a deal.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) spoke from the Senate floor shortly after Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaking vote for the procedural vote. Video by PBS NewsHour

READ MORE: Trump says a shutdown would ‘last for a very long time’