Reid says Senate to have 'short and compact' schedule

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Monday suggested the Senate won't be in Washington too long this fall. 

Reid said the Senate will have a "short and compact" schedule this fall, but that it can conclude a lot of work in that time frame. 

He spoke amid speculation that the Senate could finish its work next week to allow senators to return to their home districts to campaign for the rest of the fall. 

The House is scheduled to be in session this week and next week. But it is also is expected to vote Thursday on a measure to keep the government funded for the next six months. That continuing resolution is the only must-pass legislation left on the agenda, and once the House and Senate complete it there would be little pressure to stay at work. 

Reid has not announced the timing of a vote on the continuing resolution or a recess date for the Senate this fall. 

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