Senators concluded their work in Washington on Thursday, departing for a lengthy recess preceding the November midterm elections. The body leaves behind a significant docket of unaddressed legislative priorities, notably the stalled farm bill, the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the annual National Defense Authorization Act, and 12 individual appropriations bills.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, indicated that the incomplete agenda will remain a priority during the lame-duck session expected after the midterms. The formal adjournment marks the end of the current session as lawmakers head home ahead of the crucial election cycle.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has begun a campaign trail tour, traveling to Texas and Oklahoma as he seeks to mobilize support in key battleground regions.
Unbelievable that we adjourn with twelve appropriations bills still on the table. The chaos is really piling up.
Trump in Texas and Oklahoma makes sense strategically. But who is actually going to fix the surveillance laws?
Is it just me, or does this recess feel like a full campaign season for everyone already? Exhausting to watch.
Leaving the farm bill and NDAA unfinished is reckless. Hope the lame-duck session actually delivers results.