Senate Faces Hurdles as August Recess Approaches

Washington — The Senate seeks to accelerate the consideration of several key issues before the August recess. These include funding the government and confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general.

“There’s still a lot to address,” stated Senate Majority Leader John Thune. “We’ll see how much cooperation we have from Democrats for processing these tasks. There are essential things we must move.”

The agenda includes a continuing resolution to maintain government funding after midterms, a set of executive branch nominees, a Russia sanctions bill, a bipartisan college athletics initiative, and Blanche’s confirmation vote.

Thune has taken steps to prepare votes on these priorities. Leaders will need the agreement of all 100 senators to speed up the process. Thune intends to delay the start of their five-week recess until most of their agenda is completed.

“We must complete as much business as possible, knowing that September will be a rush to Election Day,” Thune commented. Without a deal, delays could extend the agenda into next week.

The Senate GOP faces internal discord on the continuing resolution, with a specific provision under debate. Senator Ted Budd wants to remove language delaying a ban on certain hemp products, citing concerns over cannabis use among minors.

Blanche’s confirmation is uncertain. GOP Senator Susan Collins of Maine will vote against him. With Senator Mitch McConnell absent, Republicans can afford only one more defection. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy have not disclosed their voting intentions.

If Republicans unite behind Blanche, Democrats may stall the process due to their opposition to his appointment.

Another dilemma is the House-passed budget resolution, a top priority for the White House. This resolution aims to initiate a reconciliation process for approving Pentagon funding and farm aid without Democrat support. It includes elements of the SAVE America Act, for which the president has urged Congressional approval.

Thune noted that support for this budget resolution within his conference is uncertain, and the path for a third reconciliation package is unclear. With the president urging the Senate to remain in Washington until passing the budget resolution or acting on the SAVE America Act, GOP leaders are considering their next moves.

“It’s still a work in progress,” Thune remarked.