The legislative process re. the shutdown

From a Facebook post

Can I explain something about the government shutdown? The senate needs a majority of votes, not 3/5 to renew existing budget bills. They normally need the 3/5 cloture vote. The republicans could pass this budget, without any problem. So why isnt this happening, you ask?

The republicans have attached non-budget items on the bill. By doing this, they have to get the 3/5 vote. They put things on that they know the democrats will go against. So then, instead of renewing the budget, they can push their agenda and grandstand saying "the democrats caused a shut down." But really, if they take off the non-budget items, they only need a one vote majority and the budget is renewed. The republicans dont want the budget renewed. They want to force their agenda in the back door and hold government shut down over the heads of democrats.

Thats why I support the government shutdown.
During the election, everyone wanted to be political. Instead of raving about which candidate is the best, people should cut and paste this gem into their statuses and share this so their friends can learn something about how the government works. This isnt some debate. The GOP could pass a renewal bill today if they wanted to."

(YES PLEASE SHARE. I would like to credit the author of this clear and intelligent post, but I have no idea who that is.)