The Senate was adjourned for the summer by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) on Saturday after Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement to allow quick confirmation of about 160 of Trump nominees via recess appointment.
Thune on Aug. 1 had floated the option of recess appointments, but that would have required an adjournment of at least 10 days, which requires the consent of the Senate.
Instead, the Senate agreed by unanimous consent at 7:53 p.m. ET on Saturday to Thune’s request for the recess with pro-forma sessions every three days during the time off, meaning that Trump is unable to make recess appointments before the Senate reassembles in September. The next Senate vote is scheduled for Sept. 2….