The Senate concluded its summer session at 4:57 a.m. ET, completing essential tasks but leaving critical legislative business unfinished. Among their accomplishments, they confirmed Todd Blanche as the 88th Attorney General and agreed on an interim spending bill designed to prevent an October government shutdown.
However, the ‘Save America Act,’ heavily promoted by President Donald Trump, still lacks enough support for a Senate vote. Instead of pushing through by extending sessions, pro-SAVE America Act Republicans did not attempt procedural stalling to overcome hurdles and delay the August recess.
Moreover, no progress occurred on a budget framework that could have integrated election integrity measures. The inability to advance such a framework has sparked criticism from some conservatives. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, experienced a setback when his voter ID measure was blocked in a test vote before the recess, revealing Democrats’ opposition.
The Senate also missed taking any procedural steps on the ‘Protect College Sports Act,’ though it has received backing from collegiate conferences like the Big 10 and SEC. Despite President Trump’s appeal to extend the Senate’s session to consider this act, the measure remains stalled due to internal Republican disagreements on gender-related issues in sports.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz has vowed to prioritize the ‘Protect College Sports Act’ in September. While a vote has not been officially scheduled, Cruz reassured supporters of the bill’s importance upon their September return.
The Senate also left unresolved legislation concerning cryptocurrency regulation, initially considered for the session’s final days. The widening differences postponed any agreement. Nonetheless, Senate Majority Leader John Thune set a procedural vote for September 15.
Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram continues covering these developments for Fox News from their Washington, D.C. office, contributing his insights on the Senate’s legislative agenda.
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