Top dog Demo to keep Senate in session until...

Washington - The U.S. Senate's Majority Leader says he will keep the upper chamber in session - nights, weekends, holidays, vacations - until they return legislation that will allow a hike in the nation's debt ceiling.

Nevada Democrat Harry Reid said there's no more important task than ensuring the U.S. pays its obligations, including Social Security checks. Congress faces an Aug. 2 deadline to raise the debt limit to avoid a market-rattling, first-ever default on U.S. obligations.

Senator Reid is working with GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky on a plan to give President Barack Obama sweeping authority to issue new debt without approval by Congress. But tea party forces will first have their day with a House vote on a separate plan and a Senate vote on a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget.