"I know, I know," the rookie Speaker replied with a grin, according to lawmakers in the room.

Fresh off a nearly $2 trillion government funding and tax-cuts deal, both Ryan and Reid are sounding a rare note of cooperation in the midst of a highly partisan presidential election cycle.

However, Reid's pledge to return to regular order on appropriations bills is facing hearty skepticism from congressional Republicans.

They feel they've been burned one too many times by Reid, who repeatedly filibustered House-passed appropriations bills this year and has a reputation for launching broadsides against the GOP from the Senate floor. And they're not so sure the Nevada Democrat will allow bills to move through the Senate Appropriations Committee to the floor, where after they are approved they could be merged with House-passed legislation.