Orrin Hatch Joins John McCain, Four Other GOP Senators in Agreeing to Vote to Cut Off Debate on Budget Deal
Paving the way for it to pass with a simple majority
Support for a compromise two-year budget deal grew on Monday ahead of a Tuesday vote in the Senate, as Republicans concluded that a measure that achieved overwhelming bipartisan support in the House could not die in Congress's upper chamber.
Senator Orrin G. Hatch, Republican of Utah, announced his support for the measure on Monday, appearing to give it the 60 votes it would need to overcome a filibuster threat and bring it to a final vote, which would need only a majority. Mr. Hatch joined Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona, Richard M. Burr of North Carolina, Susan Collins of Maine and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, all Republicans who have said they will vote to cut off debate.
