Senators wrapped up a busy final stretch of work early Saturday, confirming Todd Blanche to lead the Justice Department (DOJ) and passing a stopgap funding bill before adjourning for the August recess.
Blanche, President Trump’s former personal attorney, has served as acting attorney general since April and was confirmed in a narrow 50-49 vote. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined Democrats in opposing his nomination.
The continuing resolution will shift the government shutdown deadline to Dec. 11.
Other GOP priorities were left unfinished as lawmakers depart Washington, likely setting up another packed agenda when they return.
Meanwhile, Trump is facing fresh questions about the economy heading into the fall. A weaker-than-expected July jobs report on Friday showed employers cutting 23,000 jobs, as rising inflation and affordability dominate voters’ concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
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