Senate Faces Legislative Challenges Amid Recess

Fox News’ chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the Senate’s efforts to clear its agenda before the recess, highlighting President Donald Trump’s push for a vote on the ‘Save America Act’.

The Senate adjourned its summer session at 4:57 a.m. ET. During this session, senators confirmed Todd Blanche as the 88th Attorney General and approved a bipartisan interim spending bill to prevent a potential government shutdown in October.

However, the Senate did not address the SAVE America Act. Proponents of the bill, mainly Republicans, did not attempt to bypass the procedural delays to keep the August recess on track. The lack of action is expected to draw criticism from certain conservatives.

Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, had pushed for a voter ID measure that was blocked by the Senate in a test vote before the recess. This vote put Democrats on record opposing the proposal, potentially aiding Husted in his competitive race this fall against former Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

Regarding legislation to regulate intercollegiate athletics funding, a vote was delayed despite support by the Big 10 and SEC. President Trump urged the Senate to pass this bill, authored by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash. Cruz confirmed the bill will be prioritized when the Senate reconvenes in September, although no official vote has been scheduled.

Discussion on cryptocurrency regulation also stalled. However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., scheduled a procedural vote on this topic for September 15.

Chad Pergram has served as Chief Congressional Correspondent for FOX News Channel since 2007, and is based in Washington, D.C.