The Senate is working to finalize several key issues before the August recess. Key matters include government funding and confirming Todd Blanche as attorney general. According to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, cooperation from Democrats is crucial for swift progress.
The list of priorities includes a continuing resolution to keep the government funded beyond midterms, executive branch nominations, a Russia sanctions bill, a bipartisan college athletics measure, and Blanche’s confirmation.
Thune aims to expedite votes but needs unanimous support from all senators. He intends to keep the Senate in session until significant progress is made. The unresolved issues could postpone the senators’ five-week recess.
“We want to accomplish as much as possible,” Thune stated. Without an agreement, Thune’s spokesperson indicated that the agenda might extend into the following week. Internal GOP concerns, especially regarding a provision within the continuing resolution, remain. Sen. Ted Budd opposes delaying a ban on certain hemp products due to cannabis concerns among minors.
Questions persist about Blanche’s confirmation. GOP Sen. Susan Collins opposes Blanche, and with Sen. Mitch McConnell’s absence, Republicans can afford to lose only one more vote. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy’s positions are currently unknown.
Complicating the matter is Democratic reluctance to expedite Blanche’s confirmation. The Senate must also address a House-passed budget resolution prioritized by the White House. This resolution is key for the reconciliation process to fund the Pentagon and farm aid without Democratic support. It includes parts of the SAVE America Act, which the president urges Congress to pass.
Thune acknowledged uncertainty within his conference about the budget resolution and the third reconciliation package. With pressure to remain until these issues are resolved, GOP leaders are assessing their approach. “It’s still a work in progress,” Thune commented.
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