Senators are racing against time to make progress on the government funding process and confirm President Donald Trump’s nominees before the August recess. Senate Majority Leader John Thune is aiming to clear the first appropriations package through the Senate by the end of the week, emphasizing the need for a deal to avoid a government shutdown by September 30. GOP leaders are in negotiations with their conference members to finalize a ‘minibus’ of three bills that would collectively fund several key departments and military construction projects.