Grassley Supports Trump’s Push To Cancel Senate Recess

Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is backing President Donald Trump’s call to cancel the Senate’s August recess, urging the upper chamber to stay in session and confirm the president’s nominees rather than give Democrats more time to obstruct his agenda.

“If Pres Trump asks us to not take [an August recess, I’m with] him,” Grassley posted on X. “Democrats [have] been slow walking nominations. We [have] to make up for their wasted time. Trump needs his administration in place.”

Trump, fresh off several legislative victories, has made it clear that he wants no delay in cementing his second-term priorities. “Hopefully the very talented John Thune, fresh off our many victories over the past two weeks and, indeed, 6 months, will cancel August recess (and long weekends!), in order to get my incredible nominees confirmed,” Trump said on Truth Social. “We need them badly!!! DJT.”

Pressure Builds to Confirm Nominees

• The Senate currently faces a backlog of 135 Trump nominees awaiting confirmation, including key judicial and federal positions.

• Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) has proposed that the Senate should either clear this backlog before recess or fully adjourn without “pro forma” sessions, which are designed to block recess appointments by the president.

• Trump signaled his approval of Lee’s suggestion, stating, “Very Important. Republicans must play to win. Clear the 135. So badly needed!”

Senate GOP leadership is reportedly considering canceling the recess to ensure the confirmation process moves forward. Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters last week that the plan is “under serious discussion” given the need to keep pace with Trump’s priorities and upcoming appropriations deadlines.

The Senate has already confirmed 107 of Trump’s nominees in 2025, nearly double the 55 confirmed in the same time frame during Trump’s first term. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) celebrated this progress, saying, “After confirming the President’s entire cabinet at record pace, [the Senate GOP] is working [with the White House] to prioritize all remaining confirmations. Like I’ve said, I’m in it. Let’s get it done.”

Meanwhile, the House, already on its August recess, faces criticism from Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) took a cheap shot, calling it the “Epstein recess” a remark aimed at distracting from the Democrats’ own failures to produce results.

Trump’s allies argue that the path forward is clear: work through the summer, finish the confirmations, and keep his America First agenda moving forward without delay.

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