Particle.news
Download on the App Store
15 ARTICLES
·
12h ago

Senate Deadlock Deepens as Republicans Weigh Recess Appointments and Rule Change

Stuck in weekend session after bipartisan talks collapsed, Republicans face mounting pressure from President Trump to end the impasse over his nominees.

The US Capitol building on June 9, 2025.
Sen. Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., center, speaks during a news conference after a policy luncheon at the Capitol Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) (R) talks to reporters following the weekly Democratic Senate policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on July 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. // U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C., on August 01, 2025.
Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks during a news conference on tariffs, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Overview

  • Senate Democrats have filibustered every civilian nominee of President Trump, blocking routine voice votes or unanimous consent and forcing the chamber into weekend voting sessions.
  • Negotiations between Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer fell apart Saturday without a deal to advance a tranche of noncontroversial nominees.
  • GOP senators are considering adjourning to trigger recess appointments, although such powers are limited by a 2014 Supreme Court ruling and require both the House and Senate to consent.
  • Republican leaders are also eyeing a “nuclear option” rules overhaul to shorten debate time and amend confirmation procedures, potentially reducing minority obstruction.
  • President Trump has intensified his public attacks on Democrats, telling Senator Schumer to “go to hell” and urging Republicans to take tougher measures on confirmations.