Before the Senate left for its August recess on Thursday, lawmakers agreed to a series of pro forma sessions that ensures the Senate never officially goes on recess. The move effectively blocks President Donald Trump from making recess appointments while senators are away.
When Trump’s public humiliation campaign against Attorney General Jeff Sessions was at its peak, Democrats pledged to block any possibility of Trump naming a new attorney general while they’re away for recess.
“Many Americans must be wondering if the President is trying to pry open the office of attorney general to appoint someone during the August recess who will fire special counsel [Robert] Mueller and shut down the Russian investigation,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a late July floor speech. “First let me state for the record now, before this scheme gains wings, Democrats will never go along with the recess appointment if that situation arises. We have some tools in our toolbox to stymie such action. We’re ready to use every single one of them.”
As Trump has stopped publicly fuming about Sessions, concern about him appointing a new attorney general who could fire special counsel Robert Mueller has died down a bit. However, Trump now has an open slot at the head of the Department of Homeland Security after he named retired Gen. John Kelly his new chief of staff.
Trump: This is a direct attack on Putin’s leadership. He deserves a say in our government.
They agreed to this unanimously. This goes beyond solemn expressions of “concern” about matters that are “troubling.” Lately we’re seeing actions. Trump is now pretty much in the position of the cartoon character who’s gone off the cliff but hasn’t realized it yet.
Exactly right, and is really the most important part of this story. REPUBLICANS will be helping Dems run these pro forma sessions. I even believe Murkowski signed up to do the first ones.
Such mixed feelings about this. I despise Sessions leadership at Justice, but certainly don’t want to see Mueller fired.
If the Senate enacts the special counsel bill that’s been proposed to limit Trump’s ability to fire the SC, I’d be happy to see Sessions walk.
And since it’s unanimous Republicans can just have Van Hollen, Cardin, Warner, or Kaine swing by to bang the gavel. No need to waste jet fuel sending a Republican back every three days.
@pshah The special counsel bill co-sponsored by Thom fucking Tillis! Still haven’t gotten over that.