WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate has a full legislative agenda for the final weeks of 2021. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warns of long sessions in order to complete President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” investment bill and raise the debt limit. He also suggests reforms that would affect voting rights.

In a “dear colleague” letter to fellow Senate Democrats, Schumer emphasized his “goal” of passing the $1.75 trillion bill investing in expanded social programs and climate change solutions “before Christmas and get it to the president’s desk.”

The Senate would need to approve any amendments to the House-passed Bill before the bill could be sent back to Biden to be signed into law.

A number of components in the legislation must be reviewed by the Senate Parliamentarian, which includes an Immigration Provision, before the senator can decide whether these should be included under special “budget reconciliation”, which imposes stricter controls than normal legislation.

The Treasury Department could soon run out of funding for federal borrowing this month, so Schumer added a bill to increase the debt limit to his list. Republicans pledged not to vote for any debt limit increase.

The Senate is also struggling for several weeks to pass an expansive defense authorization bill, despite Republican obstructions.

Schumer advised his fellow senators that because of the processing time, they should be prepared for weekend votes.

In this vein, Republicans blocked Senate discussion on voting rights bills for several months. This initiative was nevertheless included in Schumer’s December goals. Schumer did not mention how he would move legislation in the event of a filibuster by Republicans. This would need 60 votes from each 100-member chamber in order to end a deadlock.

Schumer also stated there will be services of condolences for Senator Bob Dole this week, who was killed on Sunday.