Thune fights to move shrinking Senate agenda under Trump pressure

With about eight legislative days left before the August recess, the Senate is scrambling to pass a government funding stopgap, a Russia sanctions bill and dozens of nominations, while President Trump pressures Republicans to back the SAVE America Act for election-related funding—votes on that front are uncertain. Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott have signaled opposition to adjourning until SAVE America passes, potentially impacting leadership dynamics. Key votes this week include Jay Clayton’s DNI nomination and possibly Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, as lawmakers weigh a December funding package and a cryptocurrency bill (the Clarity Act) that may be punted to next week.