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Sign of Hope? Harry Reid Postpones Debt Vote

It's now scheduled for Sunday afternoon as talks intensify

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 30, 2011 9:37 PM CDT

(Newser) – It's either a sign that a last-minute deal is truly in sight or one last tease: Harry Reid has postponed a 1am procedural vote on his plan to raise the debt ceiling until tomorrow afternoon, reports the Hill. Reid says the delay is intended to give negotiations with Republicans under way at the White House more time to play out. The Senate majority leader, who didn't appear to have the 60 votes necessary to prevail anyway, says the postponement came at the request of the White House because the talks were making progress.

“There are many elements to be finalized and there is still a distance to go before any arrangement can be completed,” Reid said. “But I believe we should give everyone as much room as possible to do their work.” (Earlier, Mitch McConnell had sounded much more optimistic than Reid about a potential deal.) The New York Times and the AP see Reid's delay as an optimistic sign.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid speaks during a news conference Saturday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 10 comments

Rational.-Anarchist

Jul 31, 2011 4:53 AM CDT

They have had how long to deal with this issue? And suddenly, at the last minute,"reach an agreement" to do what has to be done? In the meantime, nearly causing a financial panic & meltdown. We call this leadership? BULLSHIT!!

JimW

Jul 30, 2011 11:21 PM CDT

What a put-on. It never was, nor is ever going to be any kind of a problem, they just like stringing it along for nothing more than showmanship. But it is, in all reality, just bullshit. It was a done deal a month ago. We need vote them all out, and not vote for ANYONE with special interest or corporate sponsorship. ANYONE that refuses either has my vote.

carson

Jul 30, 2011 10:41 PM CDT

at least reid is doing what he is good for...nothing

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Sign of Hope? Harry Reid Postpones Debt Vote

It's now scheduled for Sunday afternoon as talks intensify

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Congress • Senate • Harry Reid • White House • Mitch McConnell • default • debt ceiling

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