Missouri senators take golf trip in session's final days

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- With three days left in its annual session, the Missouri Senate closed up at midafternoon Tuesday so some members could head to a golf course at the Lake of the Ozarks.

On Monday, senators worked until about 11 p.m. Tuesday's session ended around 3:15.

Senators said the outing was a last chance to relax and build relationships before they hunker down for the last three days of the session.

Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields said lawmakers are waiting for joint House and Senate committees to meet. And he said the Senate has sent most bills it cares about to these committees.

But House leaders criticized the Senate golf outing, saying they have priorities that can't move forward until they receive another Senate vote.

The legislative session ends at 6 p.m. Friday.