The Senate’s summer session is becoming increasingly complicated as lawmakers prepare for potential weekend work. Tensions are rising over government funding negotiations, and Senate leaders have yet to reach a consensus on advancing dozens of President Donald Trump’s nominees, with Majority Leader John Thune shuttling between the White House and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The situation is further complicated by disagreements over specific legislation and the administration’s demands for the Senate to remain in session until all executive appointments are confirmed.
The prospects for two major appropriations bills are dimming after a flurry of drama. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who has used the Commerce-Justice-Science bill as a platform to challenge the Trump administration’s plans for maintaining the FBI headquarters in Washington, objected to including the CJS legislation in the broader funding package. Van Hollen seeks to relocate the agency’s campus to his home state of Maryland, based on a prior agreement. His hardball tactics rattled Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the lead appropriator on the bill, who expressed emotional distress as he spoke about it on the Senate floor.
Moran indicated that there was no viable path forward that would allow Van Hollen to amend the bill to address his FBI concerns, stating, “Our appropriations process is fragile.” Meanwhile, the Agriculture-FDA funding bill remains a contender for inclusion in the package. However, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) has requested further clarification from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins regarding USDA’s plans for a significant reorganization under Trump. The Senate’s legislative branch funding bill also faces a hurdle with Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), though Thune is optimistic that the Senate will at least secure military and VA funding before recess.
“We’re trying to work out the rest of the package,” Th, said late Thursday. “And the Dems are now sort of changing their demands with regards to amendments, etc., so we’ll have to see if we can land it early tomorrow morning.” Additionally, Thune met with Trump to update him on talks with Schumer regarding the confirmation of the president’s nominees. This remains the most significant factor threatening to keep the Senate in session longer, as securing unanimous consent is crucial for speeding up confirmations.
Trump has not indicated that a deal is in sight, as evident in a 9:52 p.m. Truth Social post where he urged, “The Senate must stay in Session, taking no recess, until the entire Executive Calendar is CLEAR!!!” Trump also separately criticized Maine’s senior senator, Senator Susan Collins, for her voting stance. Thune’s staff and Schumer’s staff are exchanging proposals, with senators believing that if it were up to them, the two leaders could reach an agreement. However, the bigger question is whether any deal they strike can gain Trump’s approval, including Democrats’ demand for the president to unfreeze funding for certain agencies.
“It would be easier if Chuck Schumer and Donald Trump would talk, bare-knuckled New Yorker to bare-knuckled New Yorker,” Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) remarked. Moreover, Senate Republicans are considering a potential rules change in the fall to expedite the confirmation of Trump’s nominees. Thune would need broad support from Republicans, and it remains uncertain whether he has that. Meanwhile, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, leading work on legislative branch appropriations, is still finalizing potential security protocols for lawmakers back home, following House leaders’ announcement of increased funding for their members’ residential security. Mullin mentioned that a “test program” could be unveiled as early as August.
“We’re working with Jennifer Hemingway, the Sergeant-at-Arms, and working through some protocols that may take place and working with state police,” Mullin said. “But yes, we’re very much looking into it.” This article is based on contributions from Jordain Carney.