Mitch OKs justice vote

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced Tuesday that the Senate will vote on a bipartisan bill for criminal-justice reform as soon as this week — after claiming there wasn’t enough time to take up the legislation.

“At the request of the president and following improvements to the legislation that has been secured by several members, the Senate will take up the revised criminaljustice bill this month,” McConnell said on the Senate floor.

As a result, he warned “members should now be prepared to work between Christmas and New Year’s if necessary, in order to complete our work.” President Trump applauded. “Looks like it’s going to be passing, hopefully — famous last words,’’ Trump said at the White House. “It’s really something we’re all very proud of. Tremendous support from Republicans and tremendous support from Democrats. Lot of years they’ve been waiting for it.”

McConnell’s No. 2, Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas), said his concerns about the bill had been addressed with the changes and he’s now a co-sponsor.

“I appreciate those willing to work with me, rather than point fingers, and I expect these changes will result in additional Republican and law-enforcement support,” Cornyn said.

Before his change of heart, McConnell wasn’t eager to schedule a vote, citing a busy schedule and calling the legislation “extremely divisive” within his caucus.

But an unusual coalition — including both Republicans and Democrats — joined with the White House to push the measure.

The bill will need to go back through the House before heading to Trump’s desk.