Senate’s Packed Agenda Faces Legislative Challenges

The Senate concluded its summer session early on a morning, wrapping up by 4:57 a.m. ET. Despite a packed agenda, two key achievements marked the session’s end. First, senators confirmed Todd Blanche as the nation’s 88th Attorney General. They also passed a bipartisan interim spending bill to avert a potential government shutdown in October.

However, other tasks remain unfinished, notably the ‘Save America Act’ which President Donald Trump insisted upon. The Senate did not attempt to pass this act or even challenge the August recess advocated by Republicans supporting the act.

The Senate also didn’t vote on a broader budget framework. The framework could have facilitated the inclusion of election integrity measures, enabling passage in a non-filibustered bill. This inaction has drawn criticism from some conservatives.

The Senate blocked a test vote on a voter ID measure proposed by Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio. The vote was a strategic move, highlighting opposition from Democrats and supporting Husted in his upcoming race against Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

Other measures also experienced delays. A bipartisan bill to regulate intercollegiate athletics funding, despite support from the Big 10 and SEC, faced postponement. It aims to address concerns around men competing in women’s sports. Even President Trump called for a session extension to pass this bill. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, stated that this ‘Protect College Sports Act’ would be a priority when the Senate reconvenes in September.

Furthermore, while there was hope for a cryptocurrency regulation bill, differences prevented action. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has scheduled a procedural vote for September 15.

Chad Pergram, the Chief Congressional Correspondent for Fox News Channel, continues to monitor and report these developments from Washington, D.C.