They may not be home for holidays

Weary lawmakers and congressional staffers are making backup vacation plans, preparing to work over the holidays. Congress has a habit of finishing up late in December, such as when the Senate passed healthcare reform on Christmas Eve in 2009. But this year is different, as many on Capitol Hill believe that Congress will still be working on a debt deal between Christmas and New Year’s.

A Republican leadership aide said, “Some version of: ‘Have you bought your plane ticket yet?’ or ‘Think you’ll spend the holidays here?’ is the new guaranteed way to start up conversation in this town.” House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) made it official earlier this month when he announced that the lower chamber would remain in session until a deal is struck. While that might appease nervous investors on Wall Street, Capitol Hill staffers are left to guess when they might be able to head home for the holidays.