- The Senate is scrambling to leave for its August recess but has several hurdles to jump before it gets there.
- The biggest items on the list include acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination for the permanent job.
- On Friday morning, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) announced she was a 'no' vote, leaving Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) little room to maneuver.
- If Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) also becomes a 'no', the nomination may need to be put on ice.
- The Senate will also vote on Russia sanctions bill, college sports legislation, and a continuing resolution to fund the government into December.
- President Trump on Friday has policy meetings at the White House and a roundtable at the State Department, before heading to Bedminster, N.J.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski's opposition to Todd Blanche's nomination as acting Attorney General has created significant challenges for Senate Majority Leader John Thune as the Senate rushes to complete its agenda before the August recess. Murkowski's declaration of a 'no' vote leaves Thune with limited options, especially if Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) also votes against the nomination, potentially stalling it indefinitely.1234
The Senate's agenda is packed, with key items including a Russia sanctions bill and legislation related to college sports. The upper chamber is also expected to vote on a continuing resolution to fund the government through December, reflecting the urgency of their legislative duties before the recess. The pressure is mounting as the Senate aims to finalize these critical votes amidst a tight timeline.5
As the Senate navigates these hurdles, the outcome of Blanche's nomination remains uncertain, with Murkowski's stance highlighting the divisions within the party and the challenges of securing bipartisan support for key appointments.
“Murkowski's 'no' vote puts pressure on Thune, who may need to delay the nomination if Sen. Bill Cassidy also opposes. The Senate also faces votes on college sports legislation and a continuing resolution to fund the government into December.”
