Reid calls up his $2.7 trillion deficit-reduction package

“It is consistent with things Republicans have agreed on,” said Reid in introducing the measure. 

Reid called the plan down in an unusual manner, tacking it on as an amendment to a piece of legislation that has foundered on the Senate floor that expresses a “sense of the Senate” resolution that millionaires ought to pay more in taxes.

Reid did not, however, file cloture, a move that would have set the clock ticking toward its first procedural vote.

Earlier in the afternoon, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, blasted Reid’s proposal by suggesting it would be rammed down Republicans’ throats.

“He’s going to introduce legislation tonight, and we’ll vote Wednesday morning and it will be good for America,” said Sessions, speaking sardonically. “‘Just do what I tell you and go along and mind your manners, and we’ll get this thing taken care of. Trust me.’”

“The American people have been trusting Washington too long,” he added.

Before leaving the floor Monday night, Reid recognized opposition to the plan across the aisle and pointed to House Republican freshmen for blocking progress in debt-ceiling negotiations.

“The sad part is that it appears that my friends in the House are being lead by a very determined group,” said Reid. “They are driven by 80 Republicans who seem to be calling the shots. It’s unfortunate.”