Senate leaders confident of deal on Homeland Security Department

Senate leaders are confident that a compromise will be struck on legislation to create a Homeland Security Department.

The New York Times and the Associated Press reported that incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said Sunday that he has the votes to pass homeland security legislation and believes it will happen during a post-election session that starts Tuesday. Negotiators worked on a compromise over the weekend, he said.

"We hope by Tuesday or Wednesday we could have a bill that would be passed by the Senate by a wide margin," Lott said.

Outgoing Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., also believes a compromise can be reached. He said he would provide one of the 60 votes needed to stop a Senate filibuster if one develops.