The Senate has voted to pass a bill that reopens the government and raises the nation's $16.7 trillion borrowing limit, almost putting an end to a 16-day federal government shutdown and ending the threat of a potential default on U.S. obligations.

The bill cleared a key procedural hurdle, by an 83-16 vote, to move it to a final vote. The final vote, which came right after, passed by an 81-18 margin.

The bill now heads to the House for final passage. House Speaker John Boehner will let the bill come to the floor and pass with mostly Democratic votes.