Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told his Democratic colleagues Wednesday that the chamber will work to wrap up its business by Aug. 3, one week earlier than previously planned.
Reid, speaking at the Senators weekly steering committee meeting, said his goal is to complete business by Friday, Aug. 1, but left open the possibility that Senators would need to stay in Washington on Saturday and Sunday to clear the agenda. Reid has set numerous priorities for the rest of the summer, with the highest among them being energy legislation to address mounting gas prices.
As of right now, we do not expect to be in session the first full week in August, confirmed Jim Manley, Reids spokesman. However, we may need to be in the weekend of Aug. 2 and Aug. 3 in order to complete any and all of our business.
The House is similarly scheduled to leave before Aug. 2.
Reids decision means Senators would have three weeks in their districts before the Democratic National Convention in Denver, which begins on Aug. 25. Republicans, meanwhile, would get an extra week at home since their nominating event doesnt begin until Sept. 4.
