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Ryan: If needed, Congress will stay through Christmas to pass tax reform

House Speaker Paul Ryan speaks at his weekly news conference on Capitol Hill. Photo: Andrew Harnik / AP

House Speaker Paul Ryan reaffirmed his threat Thursday to keep Congress in session through Christmas if they don't meet their tax reform deadlines:

"Half this country is living paycheck to paycheck and if it means we've got to stay here 'til Christmas to give them the relief they need and deserve, then tough we will do that."

More from Ryan:

  • Ryan is traveling to PR tomorrow with a bipartisan delegation to assess the damage from Hurricane Maria. "We're in the midst of a humanitarian crisis."
  • On Trump's morning tweets slamming PR's financial crisis: Ryan said he's been busy this morning and hasn't looked at Trump's Twitter feed, but stated "This is an area where the federal government has a responsibility... We need to make sure Puerto Rico can stand on its own two feet."
  • Iran deal: "I think we need a comprehensive strategy on Iran, and we don't have one. I think this deal was a bad deal — it allows them to get nuclear weapons... I think we're due for a comprehensive strategy, and I think that's what the administration is working on and getting set to announce."
  • On nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen as DHS Sec: "She brings a proven track record in response and in emergency management. She's also widely respected for her expertise in cyber security."
  • On Trump threatening NBC's media license: "I'm for the first amendment and I'm a Constitutional conservative and I'm just gonna leave it at that."