Senate Majority Leader John Thune seeks bipartisan cooperation to clear legislative backlog before August recess
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working to secure a deal with Democrats to process a dense list of legislative priorities before the August recess. The administration announced that the budget resolution, a key step in a reconciliation process for Pentagon funds and farm aid, is a top priority. President Trump has repeatedly pressured Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote, though Thune noted that the current vote count lacks the necessary support to pass the bill immediately. Key items on the agenda include a continuing resolution to fund the government through December, a Russia sanctions bill, and a bipartisan college athletics measure. Additionally, the Senate is working to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, though Republicans face a potential hurdle as Sen. Susan Collins announced she will vote against him. Without a agreement on how to speed up consideration, the legislative backlog threatens to delay the start of the summer break. Thune indicated that the chamber will remain in town until the bulk of the to-do list is cleared.