The Senate left Washington for its August recess without a deal to advance dozens of President Donald Trump’s nominees, calling it quits after days of contentious bipartisan negotiations. Republicans may try to change Senate rules when they return in September to speed up the pace of confirmations. Trump has been pressuring senators to move quickly as Democrats blocked more nominees than usual this year, denying any fast unanimous consent votes and forcing roll calls on each one. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that they are desperately in need of change, and that the last six months have demonstrated that the process of nominations is broken. Senate Republicans will need Democratic votes to pass spending bills and other legislation moving forward. Trump has been pressuring Senate Republicans to cancel the August recess and grind through dozens of his nominations as Democrats have slowed the process.
The Senate is leaving without a deal to expedite confirmations, with President Trump expressing his frustration and urging Schumer to “go to hell.” Sac 919
