VIDEO: Bunning says end could be near

Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) suggested Tuesday afternoon that his block on an emergency benefits bill may be nearing an end.

Bunning told reporters that he may drop his objections to a bill extending unemployment benefits and COBRA health plan subsidies "as soon as possible," possibly meaning Tuesday.

"We're working on it," Bunning told reporters in a video captured by ABC News.

The Kentucky senator has objected to the emergency legislation to demand that it be paid for out of unspent stimulus funds.

Democrats have sought to portray Bunning as an example of filibuster abuse by the GOP in the Senate, and have shamed him for allowing benefits to lapse for people after they expired at the end of February. Republican Sen. Susan Collins (Maine) joined with Democrats in criticizing Bunning's hold Tuesday morning.

Bunning said he was working on reaching an agreement "until we get it settled," but said he had no concerns related to his objections, "except for the people."

It's not clear how or whether Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) might reach any accord with Bunning, though, as he's likely able to summon the 60 votes necessary to end the de facto filibuster.

Watch the brief interview below: