Senate Democrats win critical spending-bill vote

 By Greg Robb

 WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- The Senate approved a measure Friday to cut off debate on legislation to keep the government open, a critical win for Senate Democrats. Conservative Republicans, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, had been trying to get fellow party members to oppose the motion. Democrats, who control 54 votes in the Senate, needed 60 votes to cut off debate. In the end, 25 Republicans joined the Democrats in support of the measure. Only 19 Republicans voted against the bill. Democrats plan to quickly move on a series of votes to send the spending bill, keeping the government open until Nov. 15, back to the House. Democrats first plan to vote to strip out House language that would defund President Barack Obama's signature health-care law. Democrats only need 51 votes to remove the Obamacare language. It remains unclear how the House will react to the changes. If the measure is not agreed to by Tuesday, the government will shut down.