McConnell to Vet Exit Deal With Colleagues
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday will present his GOP colleagues with a deal that would allow for the Senate to adjourn earlier than expected on Christmas Eve with votes on the health care reform bill and a temporary hike in the federal debt limit. Talks on breaking camp for the year remain in flux, but aides in both parties said that as part of the time agreement between McConnell and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Republicans would be allowed to offer two to four amendments to a full debt limit increase bill once the temporary extension runs out in February.The deal, which McConnell is expected to present during the party’s weekly luncheon, would allow Republicans to live up to their promise to have a final vote on health care reform on Christmas Eve while also allowing Senators get home in time for the holiday.