Even as the fiscal cliff debate becomes more heated, the Senate is looking to wrap up consideration of reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on Thursday, with roll call votes expected late in the afternoon on three amendments, and a fourth amendment and final passage scheduled for Friday.

Before leaving for Christmas break, the chamber agreed to consider four amendments to the bill, with a 60-vote threshold required for amendments and passage.

Senators also have agreed to consider 21 amendments to the $60.4 billion Superstorm Sandy supplemental appropriations package, including a substitute amendment that would remove more than $35 billion in mitigation projects and funding for disasters not directly related to Sandy. Passage of that bill is expected Friday.