Budget Deal on Path to Final Senate Passage  The bipartisan
budget agreement already approved by the House easily cleared
the 60-vote threshold to limit debate Tuesday. With 12
Republicans joining Democrats to cut off a potential filibuster
- the vote was 67 to 33. Senate Budget Chair Patty Murray -
speaking Tuesday morning - said the bill isn't exactly what she
would have written on her own. But she noted it's probably not
the bill House Budget Chair Paul Ryan would have written on his
own. Murray said it's a compromise - meaning neither side got
everything they wanted and both sides have to give a bit. A
final vote on the budget deal - and its passage - is expected
today (Wednesday). President Obama has said he will sign the
bill - and would like to do so before leaving this weekend.