Lawmakers continue on new Senate organizing resolution

Republicans and Democrats on Tuesday continued to exchange paper drafts of a new Senate organizing resolution, while aides predicted that negotiations could stretch on at least until Wednesday.

"We're still working," said Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas. "There's still work to be done." Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., today presented a counteroffer to a proposal made by a group of five Republican senators Monday.

Both sides continue to focus on a memorandum of understanding as a way to address Republican concerns about moving presidential nominees.

Daschle said there were "not really" any major differences between the two sides, but said he would refrain from commenting on negotiations as long as they were proceeding well.

The Republican negotiating task force met with Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., this afternoon to discuss the Daschle offer, and members were expected to brief the Republican Conference at today's weekly policy luncheon.