Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is going Hollywood, reaching out to Director Steven Spielberg to screen his cinematic paean to “16” for lawmakers on Wednesday, Dec. 19.

According to a preliminary report on the entertainment site Deadline, the Nevada Democrat was so taken with the “Lincoln” biopic, a gripping drama which focuses on a career-defining standoff between the embattled president just after his election to a second term and a reticent Congress (hmmm, wonder whether any other Illinois lawmakers can relate?), he was willing to “provide the U.S. Senate to Spielberg as the theatre.”

Not so, says a Reid aide, who told CQ Roll Call that while they are happy to host the film, opening up the chamber is a nonstarter.

“It will *not* be on the Senate floor as one report suggested,” the aide stated.

A government relations aide involved in the bicoastal negotiations told CQ Roll Call that screening plans remain fluid.

The prospective two-hour reprieve, which will undoubtedly be received with open arms by pols otherwise possessed by hammering out an agreement on the looming fiscal cliff lest they be stuck here through the holidays, has been almost universally panned by Deadline’s most devoted.

“Yeah, the modern-day “elected” (actually “bought-off”) members of the Senate (and House, for that matter!) need a serious visual reminder and tutorial of what an ethical and effective politician can accomplish in Washington! ;-D” commenter “Lincoln’s Ghost” quipped.

“Movies? How about viewing a budget? Scumbags! All of them!” armchair critic “Joe Mama” groused.

“I loved the movie, but I’m guessing this is on our dime. Ugh.” Deadline reader “RJ” lamented.