Congress likely to take a pass on spending

WASHINGTON, July 10 (UPI) -- Congress likely will not pass any spending bills until after President George Bush is out of office, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday.

Reid, D-Nev., left maneuvering room to strike a deal on defense and military construction, but even those could wait-listed until next year, The Hill reported.

For the other bills, he said, "we'll just have to wait and see."

"I anticipate we will do a continuing resolution to get us until Senator (Barack) Obama becomes president," Reid said, referring to the Illinois senator and Democratic presidential candidate.

Reid also said that he doesn't expect Congress to return for a post-election, lame-duck session. Under this circumstance, Congress would be in session for another six weeks this year.