politics

Senate eyes deal to leave for recess as agenda items pile up

August 6, 2026 / 2:07 PM EDT / CBS News

Senate eyes deal to leave for recess as agenda items pile up

TL;DR

  • The Senate is attempting to finalize a deal to clear outstanding legislative items before their August recess.
  • Key priorities include a continuing resolution for government funding, confirmation of executive nominees like Todd Blanche, a Russia sanctions bill, and a college athletics measure.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune is pushing for bipartisan cooperation to speed up consideration of these items.
  • Internal Republican disagreements exist, notably concerning a provision in the continuing resolution related to hemp products.
  • The confirmation of Todd Blanche faces uncertainty due to potential Republican defections and Democratic opposition.
  • A House-passed budget resolution, a priority for the White House, also needs Senate consideration, with its path forward unclear.
  • Failure to reach a deal could extend the Senate's session well into the following week.