Senate Leaves For Longest Recess In Recent History With Lots Of Work To Do

In this photo taken July 11, 2012, Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada, and Senate Minority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, right, participate in an award ceremony at the U.S. Capito... In this photo taken July 11, 2012, Senate Majority Leader, Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada, and Senate Minority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, right, participate in an award ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. The two Senate leaders appeared separately on CBS's "Meet the Press" Sunday, July 14, 2013, sparring on the eve of a rare closed-door session, where all senators will consider a proposal to change Senate rules to remove a 60-vote threshold for President Barack Obama's nominations to win confirmation. Reid says the changes are minimal and would help Obama round out his team. McConnell says Reid would be "breaking the rules of the Senate in order to change the rules of the Senate." (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) MORE LESS
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And they’re off.

With spending bills left up in the air and a Zika funding bill still undone, the U.S. Senate left for a seven week summer recess Thursday, which according to Democratic aides is the longest since the Senate began taking them in the 1960s.

The next votes won’t occur until September 6 when lawmakers will have to
begin negotiating legislation to keep the government funded.

“The American people expect their elected officials to try to solve problems. At the very least, the American people demand their senators to at least show up to work on a regular basis. But Senate Republicans have done neither,” the Democratic aide said in a statement. “They are setting dubious records for the fewest working days and the fewest judges confirmed. Republicans have denigrated this institution with their obstruction. I hope they will consider the consequences of their inaction over this seven-week vacation.”

Of course, the recess isn’t just a vacation. Lawmakers are breaking to partake in the presidential party conventions as well as return home to campaign for
re-election. When they get back from recess, however, don’t expect them to stay long. They will be back on the campaign trail asap!

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Notable Replies

  1. Avatar for pine pine says:

    ", the U.S. Senate left for a seven week summer recess "

    Shameful on both sides D&R IMHO.

  2. And it’s likely not a real recess or that lame duck of a President of ours could go and wreak havoc with recess appointments!

  3. Shame on them. Continue to do nothing. What else is new?

  4. Calendars are set by the leadership. Not sure how Dems can be at fault here.

  5. They deserve the time off. It’s exhausting re-naming post offices day after day, week after week, year after year.

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