Reid Calls Weekend Session

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) tonight announced the Senate has a 2 p.m. vote scheduled for Sunday, followed by a 2:45 p.m. Democratic conference meeting.

Reid has been threatening a weekend session to vote on a package of 164 bills being blocked by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). Both Coburn and Reid have been negotiating to avert such a scenario, however, according to Reid spokesman Jim Manley.

“It is necessary that all senators be in attendance,” Reid said.

Democrats held a conference meeting Thursday to discuss the stimulus plan favored by President-elect Barack Obama. Reid said Sunday’s meeting would be “a continuation” of that meeting.

Reid did not specify what, if any, business the Senate will conduct on Saturday. It is also possible that Coburn and Reid could strike a deal on Friday to avert any weekend work.

–J. Taylor Rushing