WASHINGTON - In a move to prioritize national security and urgent matters, the Senate has decided to delay its holiday break and return next week to continue negotiations on an immigration deal and aid packages for Ukraine and Israel. The House, on the other hand, has adjourned for its Christmas recess and plans to reconvene in the new year.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, announced the decision on Thursday afternoon following positive signs of progress in immigration negotiations. Schumer emphasized the importance and urgency of reaching a framework agreement on the national security supplemental.

"After we finish today, the Senate will return on Monday," Schumer stated, adding that the extended break would allow negotiators from both parties, as well as the White House, to work through the weekend towards a consensus.

For Senate Republicans, an immigration deal is pivotal to securing their support for the passage of aid packages to Ukraine and Israel, which President Joe Biden considers a top priority.

Schumer expressed hope that the Senate would be able to act swiftly once a consensus is reached, with some Democrats aiming for passage of the supplemental package as early as next week. However, the negotiations have yet to produce a firm framework agreement, making it a challenging task.

"We're going to work as long as there's daylight. We'll still definitely be working," Senator James Lankford, the lead GOP negotiator, asserted. Lankford emphasized the need for finalizing the text and ensuring House Republicans have a chance to review it before considering their support.

Senator Chris Murphy, the chief Democratic negotiator, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It's not easy, but this is an emergency." He further acknowledged the lack of a clear schedule in January, underscoring the necessity of working through the weekend to capitalize on the progress made so far.

While some Republicans express concerns about the limited time available, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana confirmed his plan to return next week, highlighting the importance of addressing these pressing issues promptly.

Meanwhile, the House is expected to reconvene on January 9, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, to criticize the Senate's decision before adjourning. Johnson referred to a Republican border and immigration package, known as H.R. 2, which Democrats in the Senate consider a nonstarter. House conservatives have made it clear that passing Ukraine aid would require the acceptance of H.R. 2.

In response to the adjournment, the White House criticized House Republicans for ignoring President Biden's national security funding package. White House spokesman Andrew Bates conveyed his disappointment, stating, "congressional Republicans are actively undermining our national security interests - both domestically and in the world - because they'd rather go on vacation than do their jobs."

As negotiations continue next week, the Senate's decision to delay its holiday break demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical immigration and aid issues. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the legislative agenda for the coming year and have far-reaching implications for national security and international relationships.