Besides the normal array of spending bills, senators will be working on an energy plan they can take into negotiations with the House.

Republican senators are also working on their own version.

The senator had worked on his public persona; his wife hadn't bothered.

But the senators are not exactly working with a shortage of information.

Until last week, the senators involved had been working to fashion a legislative package limited to food, clothing and medical supplies.

Simultaneously, Republican senators worked to make the argument that wartime was a poor moment for a floor fight on taxes.

Not a single Republican senator was working with the Administration on health care, or much else.

To be sure, the senators and their investigators are working under a handicap.

Several senators were already working on speeches explaining their votes.

At least 30 senators are working on the bill, the Kansas Republican said.