Senate kicks off new year with full plate

(Washington, DC)  --  The Senate is back in session after the holidays with plenty to do.  

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised the government funding deal congressional leaders agreed to over the weekend.  

He said both parties agreed to a deal without resorting to "draconian" budget cuts.  

Lawmakers now have just a few weeks to pass appropriation bills to avoid a shutdown.  

Schumer also said lawmakers have made progress on border policy negotiations over the last few days.  

Lawmakers are negotiating immigration policy changes in exchange for additional funding for Ukraine, Israel and other national security priorities.