Disclaimer: Many of the developments discussed below are fluid and may change rapidly. The information is relevant and accurate as of 12:00pm EDT on August 11, 2026.
Congress Adjourns for August Recess
Congress has officially departed for August recess. Lawmakers are scheduled to return in September to work on Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations before leaving again in October to campaign ahead of the midterm elections.
Before recess, the Senate failed to advance Reconciliation 3.0 and the SAVE America Act. The House advanced the $95 billion reconciliation package before August recess, but the package remains stalled. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-SD) repeatedly held that the SAVE America Act lacked the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster. He has also rejected calls to abolish the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. The legislation would implement a voter identification requirement, proof of citizenship to register, and restrict mail-in ballots.
The Senate closed out its pre-recess agenda by confirming Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general in a 50-49 vote, marking a major Trump administration victory. All Senate Democrats opposed the nomination, joined by Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Blanche secured the support of Sens. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) after providing a written commitment that the Justice Department’s controversial $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund had been rescinded and “shall have no force or effect.” The initial opposition from Sens. Tillis and Cassidy highlighted lingering concerns among some Republicans regarding the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
Takeaway: The Senate was unable to pass the SAVE Act ahead of President Trump’s stated deadline. However, the Senate approved Todd Blanche as attorney general by a vote of 50-49. With Congress out of session for most of August and October, lawmakers face a compressed legislative calendar to advance priorities before the end of the 119th Congress.
Government Funding
The House and Senate passed separate continuing resolutions (CR) ahead of the FY 2027 deadline. The House approved a clean CR with few deviations from current spending. The Senate passed a bipartisan CR by a vote of 90-6 to extend current funding through December 11th. The Senate CR included provisions that will be considered in the House, including a delay on a ban on THC-Hemp products and a federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rule requiring grant approval by senior political appointees. The bill will be voted on by the House in September.
Takeaway: The House and Senate approved separate continuing resolutions ahead of a pressing funding deadline. Both parties appear eager to avoid another federal government shutdown ahead of the midterm election in November.
Primary Elections
Primary season continued in July and early August as voters in states including Arizona, Virginia, Minnesota, and Michigan selected nominees for the midterm elections. Michigan produced one of the cycle’s biggest upsets, with progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed defeating Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) in the Democratic Senate primary. El-Sayed will advance to face former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI-8) in November.
Attention has also shifted to South Carolina, where a special election is underway following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Gov. Henry McMaster (R) appointed Graham’s sister, Darlene Graham, to serve the remainder of his term. She has entered the crowded Republican primary for the seat and is running with the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Takeaway: Progressive Democrats are gaining ground against establishment Democrats in the primary elections. However, Abdul El-Sayed will face a significant challenge against former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI-8) in November. In addition, the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) opens a crowded Republican primary for the Senate seat.
