Before the U.S. Senate voted to pass a spending bill to fund the government into next year, lifting the threat of a government shutdown, lawmakers were sharply divided.<br/> <br />Passage of the bill was marked by bitter disputes over banking regulations ... and Republican objections to a move by President Obama to grant what they say is amnesty to some illegal immigrants.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATOR TED CRUZ SAYING:<br/> <br />"If you believe President Obama's amnesty is unconstitutional, vote yes. If you believe President Obama's amnesty is consistent with the constitution, then vote no."<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAYING:<br/> <br />"The junior senator from Texas raises a point of order attacking the pending legislation on the grounds that the president has acted unconstitutionally. The junior senator from Texas is wrong, wrong, wrong, on several counts.<br/> <br />The Senate voted 56 in favor of, and 40 against, the bill ... bringing to a close a four-year-l
