Dems mulling working into August recess

When asked late Monday about the crowded Senate Democratic agenda, and particularly the feasibility of health care legislation before the congressional recess that is likely to start Aug. 7, two leading Democrats told The Hill that the agenda will pass even if leaders delay or even cancel the August recess.

Sen. Ron Wyden (Ore.), who is taking a leading role in health care reform as a veteran member of the Senate Finance Committee, said he is “very much committed” to meeting President Barack Obama’s goal of passing reform legislation — “this year.”

“I’m very open to bagging the whole August recess, and staying here and working on it,” Wyden said.

Asked if a full Senate vote on a health care bill is possible before the August break, Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman Robert Menendez said, “it’s possible.”

“It becomes more challenging as the clock ticks, but it’s possible,” he said.

Asked how seriously Democratic leaders were considering the idea of working through the August recess, Menendez said, “serious consideration is being given to whatever it takes to get it done.”

–J. Taylor Rushing