January 7, 2009
Posted: January 7th, 2009 03:14 PM ET

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WASHINGTON (CNN) - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned senators to cancel their travel plans this weekend because he has scheduled a vote Sunday morning on a long-stalled lands bill.

Beyond that, Reid said because “everything that should be up is down” in this country, senators will need to work weekends regularly until things are turned around.

“As Sen. Obama said, there are people who would love to be able to work on Sunday,” Reid said in a floor speech Wednesday. “We’re going to have to spend a little time on Saturdays and Sundays and night time especially during the first several months of this difficult time.”

An aide confirmed that Reid wants to schedule the weekend sessions to help push through the Democrats’ broad agenda. Reid has scheduled a procedural vote for this Sunday, morning but will cancel it if Republican Sen. Tom Coburn lifts his objections to the bill. Coburn said late Wednesday he would continue to fight the bill unless major changes are made to it.

GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell responded at a news conference: “It's certainly his prerogative to have us vote on Sunday if he would like to. I suppose I would point out whatever vote we could have on Sunday we could have on Monday, and it would probably be a bigger challenge for the majority to get an adequate number of votes on Sunday than for us, but that's - that's really his call.”

Filed under: Congress


fred   January 7th, 2009 8:16 pm ET

Reid, don't even talk. You wouldn't stick around to debate an energy bill over the summer, so why should congress be in session Saturdays and Sundays?? Why don't you just actually DO SOMETHING during the normal times you're supposed to be on the senate floor? Congressmen and women have families too that they need to spend time with, and go to church sundays as well. It's good to have a break anyways. Too much debating could make you guys all dumber. You need rest. Why didn't you just say NO to the bailouts and debate real bills the past few months? Seriously, Reid and Pelosi need a vacation or something. They sound dumber and dumber each day.

Mike, Syracuse NY   January 7th, 2009 8:11 pm ET

Um, shouldn't we get them to start doing their jobs from Monday through Friday first?

BUSH BEGONE AND NOW 75% OF AMERICA AGREES, FINALLY!   January 7th, 2009 8:06 pm ET

Well, it is about time someone made these jokers earn their keep!

Proud American   January 7th, 2009 8:02 pm ET

Thank You Senator Reid, It is so nice to finally have a congress ready and willing to work. GO Get'EM Domocrats.

Hammer   January 7th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

Would you buy a used car from Harry?
And he is the cream of the Democratic party along with Nancy that will lead the country out of the wilderness.

Gallimimus   January 7th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

Wow, do you think their finally getting the message that America is sick of the BS!!! I have my doubts. But, I'd like to remain optimistic!

dmgks   January 7th, 2009 7:54 pm ET

There are a lot of people who would like to get a raise, too, Senator Reid. You're getting one. How 'bout showing some real empathy and convincing your brethren to forgo their automatic pay raises?

No Incumbents 2010   January 7th, 2009 7:47 pm ET

That's the truth. Be very grateful you have jobs. Congress is the only job where you keep getting raises and promotions and keep getting elected, without any expectation of progress or production. Working anywhere else most of the Senate and the House would have already been fired! And Prince Harry and Princess Nancy would suck as CEOs.

paul (staunch Moderate)   January 7th, 2009 7:41 pm ET

And one of the FIRST votes to be taken should be to renounce the automatic pay raises!

lol inhell   January 7th, 2009 7:40 pm ET

LOL, now they have to WORK for a living, even though they are making 10 times what the average Joe is making. Man, I am loving this. hopefully, mr./mrs/miss "i want a bailout" will be laughing along with me seeing these OLD OLD folks working a real job! LMAO!@

paul oregon   January 7th, 2009 7:31 pm ET

reid do you really belive that that stevens a 7 time covected felon should not serve jail time .because he didnt understand the law.
reid maybe if you went on vacation the senate would get a lot more
done. and you wouldnt have to smell people. also youre excause
for not seating burris it makes you look tainted

Rave   January 7th, 2009 7:29 pm ET

Just work the hours you are given and stop Cheating, Fear Monging, Lobbying like the last 8 years.
Do your jobs guys and get us out of this mess

MikeH   January 7th, 2009 7:24 pm ET

Well put, but it's a toothless threat.

old citizen   January 7th, 2009 7:21 pm ET

As if any of those rich muckrakers needed a job !

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