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.

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.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATOR TED CRUZ SAYING:

"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."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SENATE MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID SAYING:

"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.

The Senate voted 56 in favor of, and 40 against, the bill ... bringing to a close a four-year-l