As the clock ticked toward midnight, the Vermont Senate convened in a tense atmosphere, grappling with unfinished business that loomed over their proceedings. Senator from Chittenden, addressing his colleagues, acknowledged the uncertainty that had characterized their discussions. "We won't have time to properly caucus," he stated, signaling the urgency of the situation.

With a sense of resignation, he announced the decision to adjourn for the night, emphasizing the need for rest before tackling the complex issues at hand. "It seems to me best practice to let everybody get a good night's sleep," he remarked, highlighting the importance of clarity and focus in their deliberations.

The senator outlined a plan for the following day, calling for conferees to reconvene early at 9:00 a.m. Their goal: to finalize a deal and present it in a finished language by the afternoon. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that some House members would be attending a funeral but expressed confidence they would return in time to contribute to the discussions.

As the meeting drew to a close, the senator urged his colleagues to prepare for another round of negotiations, filled with "uncertainty and tension." With a collective sigh of relief, the Senate voted to adjourn until 2:00 p.m. the next day, leaving the chamber with the hope that progress would be made in the hours to come. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as lawmakers prepared to return to the table, ready to confront the challenges that lay ahead.