As expected.

(CNSNews.com) — The Senate voted 51-46 Friday morning to “table” a House bill that would cut and cap federal spending and require a balanced budget amendment.

The bill advanced by House Republicans was expected to fail in the Democrat-led Senate, which — so far — has not produced any deficit-cutting legislation of its own.

For Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, it’s a case of good riddance:

“We just completed a very important vote. We have now demonstrated that the House Republicans’ Cut, Cap and Balance is over, done — it’s dead.

Reid said it’s time for the “process to move forward,” as lawmakers look for a way to “avoid insolvency.”