Week Ahead in Washington: August 2

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The Senate is facing a full agenda before lawmakers leave for August recess Thursday, with a potential confirmation vote, internal party divisions and questions about whether recess will happen at all.

Among the items on the Senate’s to-do list is the potential confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche. However, party infighting involving two outgoing Republicans — John Cornyn (Texas) and Tom Tillis (N.C.), both of whom have been spurned by former President Donald Trump — could stall the process. They want the Department of Justice to commit to killing Trump’s proposed IRS settlement, which includes a prohibition on audits of the president and his family’s private business dealings and a nearly $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.”

There is also discussion of canceling recess entirely to advance President Trump’s “Save America Act.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has signaled the bill does not have the votes to pass.

On Monday, Jay Clayton will take over as Director of National Intelligence, replacing interim head Bill Pulte. The Senate confirmed Clayton on a party-line vote last Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Trump is scheduled to travel to the battleground state of Nevada, where he is expected to tout the success of last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act..

Across the country, candidates are competing in party primaries this week. Races to watch are taking place in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Washington and Tennessee.