The Senate is set to return this week from a more than two-week break, gearing up for a busy period that includes nominations, renewed conflicts in Iran, fiscal debates, and President Trump’s significant election-related initiative.
With only a few weeks left in July and into early August, there’s a lot on the agenda, and divisions among Republicans are becoming increasingly evident. The sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has further complicated matters for the Republican side, leaving them one vote short for critical votes related to Trump’s initiatives.
Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), will be on the lookout for any signs of discord among Republicans to slow down Trump’s agenda. Schumer has the responsibility of organizing the session amidst these challenges.
Despite his position, there are indications that Trump has inadvertently undercut several of his policies. Much of his focus revolves around pushing for the passage of the Protecting American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE). Previously, he refused to endorse a crucial bipartisan housing bill as a protest against the stalled legislation. He now aims to attach the SAVE America Act to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a vital bill that typically requires Democratic support to pass. However, it’s likely that Democrats would oppose this voter measure being included with military funding.
There’s a concern among Republicans that attempting to add the SAVE Act could ultimately empower Schumer and the Democrats. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) expressed, “We really gave Democrats a reason to block things that they would have had to support, like the NDAA or the spending bill.”
Replacing Acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pruitt, remains a top priority for Republicans as they prepare to leave town. Trump’s June appointment faced criticism from both parties, suggesting he was unfit for the role, complicating efforts to reauthorize important counterterrorism tools.
Jay Clayton, nominated to succeed Pruitt, is set for a confirmation hearing, following Trump’s previous cancellation of an earlier session. There’s also another nominee, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who will have a hearing this week. The outcome for Blanche remains uncertain, as some Republicans have expressed skepticism about his qualifications.
There’s also the issue of government funding, which Republicans want to initiate soon. They are wary that Democrats might leverage a government shutdown for political gain. Rounds noted that he anticipates several spending bills hitting the Senate floor in the upcoming sprint, while Democrats have expressed a willingness to fund the government, albeit with apprehensions that the Trump administration could withhold funding for certain priorities.
Another development affecting support for funding bills is Trump’s recent military actions against Iran—specifically regarding ships being impeded in the Strait of Hormuz. Several lawmakers have shown mixed feelings towards Trump’s temporary agreement with Iran aimed at extending peace talks but are generally supportive of the reduced fighting.
Trump flatly contradicted suggestions of a ceasefire, asserting on Truth Social, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘dialogue.’ We agreed, but we made it clear the ceasefire was over!” This sentiment may spark renewed votes on the War Powers Resolution in the near future, as Democrats push to limit war powers in the region.
Lawmakers successfully passed a nonbinding resolution to restrict Trump’s powers in Iran but hesitated to enforce a full-scale war powers resolution. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) emphasized, “Congress voted against further war with Iran. The U.S. should not initiate new attacks without Congressional approval.”
