Senate Delays August Recess Start Date

In a relatively unprecedented action, Senate Majority Mitch McConnell (KY) announced earlier this week that the traditional 5-week August Recess would not take place for the Senate.  Instead, McConnell explained that Senators needed additional time to move forward on issues such as health care reform, nominations and confirmations for Federal Agency leadership positions, and budget and appropriations.  The new Senate “recess” target date would be the third week in August.  The delay has support from several senior Republican Senators.  Senate Democrats have not weighed in on the issue as yet.  Meanwhile, no word to date on whether the House will follow suit or begin its recess on the originally scheduled July 28 date.