The Senate began debate this afternoon on the nomination of Sonia Sotomayor, with Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., saying he wants to make the confirmation vote the last one senators take before recessing.

Reid said he plans to hold votes on expansion of the "cash for clunkers" program and on a bill to promote travel to the United States, before ending the summer work session with the Sotomayor vote.

Democrats worked Tuesday to complete unanimous consent agreements on those two bills, though it is uncertain if there will be time for the travel promotion measure.

Sotomayor's confirmation will most likely occur Thursday, Senate leadership aides, though Friday is possible. Based on senators' announcements, she will likely get votes from all Democrats and from six to 10 Republicans.