Reid, McConnell Discussing an Earlier Exit on Thursday

MajorityLeader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)are attempting to negotiate a deal that would keep the Senate insession through Christmas Eve but could allow Senators to adjourn forthe year earlier that day than is currently expected.

SenateRepublicans are committed to debating health care reform throughThursday, when a vote on final passage of the health care reformpackage is set to occur, GOP sources said Tuesday.

However, itremains possible that Reid and McConnell could reach a deal to hold theChristmas Eve vote earlier in the day than is otherwise required underSenate rules mandating 30 hours of debate time following Wednesday’scloture vote on the underlying bill.

“All things are possible — except leaving before Christmas Eve,” a Senate Republican leadership aide said Tuesday morning.

With the vote toend debate on the underlying bill set for around 2 p.m. Wednesday, thevote on final passage could not occur until Thursday between 8 p.m. and10 p.m., unless the GOP yields back time.

Reid andMcConnell also are trying to negotiate a deal on the debt limit thatwould be acceptable to both sides and ensure that Senators do not haveto return to Washington, D.C., between Christmas and New Year’s toaddress this matter.