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Published December 24, 2015
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said Tuesday that Congress will do what it takes to get through the rest of its agenda, even if it means working around the holidays or into the new year. Reid made the comments to reporters inside the Capitol after emerging from the Democratic Party Policy Luncheon.
"I know how much time we have," Reid said. "There's still Congress after Christmas. If Republicans think they can stall and stall and stall ... the Congress ends January 4. I understand where Christmas is."
That prompted an immediate response on the Senate floor from Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who suggested such a move would be "extraordinary" and added it, "Would not have the respect of the American people."
The Senate still has yet to pass what are seen as crucial bills on the Obama-GOP tax compromise and a Continuing Resolution to keep the federal government running. Current federal funding is slated to end on Saturday.
"Christmas is a week from Saturday, Reid said. "I understand that. I hope Republicans understand that. We're going to complete our work, no matter how long it takes."
The Majority Leader did suggest the Senate will vote on the tax bill "in early evening," though he added that "Early evening is in the eye of the beholder; sometime before midnight."
He also suggested the Senate will move on to ratification of the START Treaty next, and that the Continuing Resolution-omnibus funding package is in the mix, too.
Rounding out the bursting agenda, Reid also said they would try to tackle the DREAM Act, a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell , a 9-11 Health Care bill and various nominations.
Fox Capitol Hill Producer Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/reid-congress-to-saturday-christmas-and-beyond