The Hill reports that "Democratic leaders sent out a notice Monday morning alerting senators that when the chamber returns to session after the Thanksgiving holiday, 'roll call votes could occur at any time during the day and evening, with weekend sessions likely.'" The health bill is also likely to affect work on a climate change bill and some senators' plans to go to the climate summit in Copenhagen (Bolton, 11/23).
CongressDaily: "Senate Majority Leader (Harry) Reid still aims to pass a healthcare overhaul bill by Christmas, even if it means keeping the chamber in session for most of its holiday break next month." For his part, Reid and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin have indicated some willingness to forgo their proposal to allow states to opt out of a government-run public option for health coverage in favor of one that would be triggered in states that "fail to meet a yet-determined affordability standard" in order to win more senators' votes (Edney and Friedman, 11/23).
The Associated Press: "Failure is not an option on health care, a leading Democratic senator said Monday, even as Republicans turned up the heat on moderates who hold the fate of the legislation in their hands." The AP reports that Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said, "'We're not going to not pass a bill,' ... With or without Republican support, Democrats will get it done" (Alonso-Zaldivar, 11/23).