Congress forges ahead to prevent Trump from making recess appointments

Published August 5, 2025 5:43pm ET



Congressional Republicans aren’t ready to cede power to President Donald Trump to swiftly install nominees during recesses and bypass Senate confirmation, despite Democratic roadblocks and pressure from Trump himself.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) both defended the pro forma sessions they presided over Tuesday in their respective chambers, brief procedural maneuvers that Congress relies upon during extended breaks to prevent the president from making recess appointments.

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