Reid Cancels Congress' July 4th Recess, Cites Debt Deal Work

U.S. Senators stalled on budget talks will have to miss Fourth of July festivities as the chamber’s top Democrat signaled there will be no recess.

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. and Majority Leader said lawmakers will focus on trying to strike a deal to raise the federal government’s $14.3 trillion debt ceiling by August 2.

There's still so much to do to put Americans back to work, to cut our deficit, and put our economy back to work, Reid said on the floor of the Senate.

It is really important that we do this. That moment is too important, the obstacle too steep and the time too short to waste even [one] moment.

Thursday’s announcement came after President Barack Obama’s verbal lashing during a White House news conference where he urged leaders of both parties to negotiate to reach a deal.

They're in one week, they're out one week, Obama said.