Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blames the Democratic Party, as he delays the August recess. McConnell announced the canceled of just about half of the Senate summer break, this Tuesday whilst stating that he will be needing lawmakers to continue to work, as they provide the Congress more time to thoroughly consider President Trump’s agenda, such as that on the issue of affordable healthcare.
McConnell argued that the Democratic Party’s opposition to just about everything that Trump and his administration proposes has made it very difficult for the congress to make to progress. He further argued that there is a lot to be within just a limited number of days, “There are other things that we have to do, and we only have a limited number of days left,” Mr. McConnell said. “We intend to fully utilize the first two weeks in August.”
“I think it’s just a realization: We have a lot of work to do and very little time, and the Democrats aren’t cooperating in the slightest,” said Sen. Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican.
It is to be noted that the Democrats are trying their level best to produce hurdles for the Trump administration, every step of the way. While, former President Obama had 183 nominees confirmed at this point in his term, President Trump only has 46 confirmed out of some 178 nominations that he had submitted.
“We’re getting zero cooperation on the personnel part of the Senate’s portfolio, which is confirming nominations,” McConnell stated.
McConnell’s decision came as many Republican’s expressed that would not feel content during their time off, given that there are important things that need to be addressed.
“I don’t believe the Senate should go home if we haven’t do ne our job,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican.
The Democrats, on the other hand, strongly argued that the Republicans are pinning the blame for the delay and their failure to produce policies that take under account the best interests of the people of the United States.
“They’re struggling with health care. They don’t want to go home and face their constituents,” stated Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. “So what Mitch McConnell’s trying to do is sort of say to them, ‘Well, if you don’t do it in two weeks, we may have to stay here,’” he added. And that, “the problem is not the timing; it’s the substance.”
The House Freedom Caucus further stressed upon the immediate need to resolve any issues hindering the Congress from making progress. “There are too many unresolved issues before Congress, including tax reform, health care, the debt ceiling, government funding and more, to leave Washington before the people’s work is done,” they stated. “It is imperative that the additional weeks are coupled with decisive action.”
Rick Manning, president of the group Americans for Limited Government stated that it time for the Democrats to end their “collective temper tantrum.”
“It’s time for the Democrats’ collective temper tantrum to end, and Sen. McConnell must continue to ratchet up the pressure so that President Trump’s nominees and agenda have a chance of being considered,” he stated.
With the healthcare bill on the very top of their list of things to do, the Congress has a lot of work to take care of before the fiscal year ends.