Senators began leaving Washington on Thursday for a multiweek recess, leaving a pile of unfinished business on the Senate floor. The farm bill, FISA reauthorization, the annual defense authorization bill, and all 12 appropriations bills remain in limbo, with Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) planning to tackle them during the lame-duck session after November's midterms.
The Senate formally adjourned late Wednesday night after confirming Keith Sonderling as Labor secretary on a party-line vote. Sonderling had been serving in the role on an interim basis for months, and his confirmation marks one of the few legislative accomplishments before the break.
Meanwhile, President Trump is set to travel to Denton, Texas, where he will tour the Peterbilt Motors factory and deliver remarks on manufacturing and his economic agenda. The visit is part of a broader push to highlight his administration's trade and industrial policies, though recent polls show his economic approval rating has slipped to a new low, with 73% of Americans disapproving of his handling of the economy.
From Texas, Trump will head to Durant, Oklahoma, for a rally aimed at energizing Republican voters ahead of the midterm elections. The event is part of a series of rallies in reliably red states that have alarmed some Republicans who worry that focusing on safe seats could distract from more competitive races.
Senate Republicans, meanwhile, are expressing concern about their narrow majority. A recent analysis suggests that the GOP could lose control of the chamber if voter dissatisfaction with the economy and other issues translates into a Democratic wave. The recess gives senators time to campaign, but it also leaves them vulnerable to criticism that they are leaving critical legislation unfinished.
The farm bill, which expired at the end of the fiscal year, is a top priority for agricultural states. FISA reauthorization, which involves surveillance powers used in national security investigations, is also hanging in the balance. The defense authorization bill, a must-pass measure that sets policy for the Pentagon, has yet to be reconciled between the House and Senate.
Appropriations are perhaps the most urgent, as a government shutdown looms if no deal is reached by the end of the year. Thune has indicated he intends to address these issues in the lame-duck session, but that will depend on the election results and the willingness of lawmakers to compromise.
Trump's trip to Texas and Oklahoma comes as he continues to play a central role in Republican midterm strategy. His rallies are designed to boost turnout, but they also highlight the party's reliance on his base. In Texas, he is expected to emphasize his administration's support for American manufacturing, while in Oklahoma he will likely focus on energy policy and border security.
The political landscape remains volatile, with issues like immigration, inflation, and data center energy demands shaping voter concerns in unexpected ways. As the campaign enters its final stretch, both parties are bracing for a contentious and consequential election.
