Commentary
Senate Republicans could allow President Trump to use recess appointments to fill vacancies and free up scarce floor time. The procedure is available. Republicans control both chambers. The question is why they prefer not to use it.
The Senate’s marathon session before the August recess demonstrated that senators can overcome obstruction when they decide unfinished business must be completed. Republicans could have approached the SAVE America Act the same way.
Lindsey Graham’s death leaves vacancies on four major Senate committees, including Budget. The choices Republicans make to fill them could shape reconciliation this year and control of the Judiciary Committee next Congress.
Mike Lee isn’t asking John Thune to do something extraordinary. He’s asking Senate Republicans to use the chamber’s rules as senators used them for most of its history: bring up the bill, keep it on the floor, make opponents sustain their obstruction, and vote when debate ends.
Congress has little time to avoid a government shutdown. The House and Senate have passed competing CRs - and now must resolve their differences before September 30.