Senate approves bill to end record government shutdown

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking | Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end as a small group of Democrats ratified a deal with Republicans despite searing criticism from within their party. The 41-day shutdown could last a few more days as members of the House, which has been on recess since mid-September, return to Washington to vote on the legislation. Presi