The Senate overwhelmingly agreed Monday to advance legislation reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, winning over strong bipartisan support to bypass a filibuster and consider the renewal of domestic abuse funding that is currently on life support.

The motion to proceed to debate passed by a vote of 85-8. Final passage of the legislation is expected later this week.

Top Democrats revealed last Friday that they had lined up more than 60 votes for the legislation and would fast-track it to the floor. Last year, the measure passed 68-31 but died in the House after Republican leaders objected to provisions expanding protections to gays, illegal immigrants, college students and Native Americans who have suffered from domestic abuse.