Congress Focuses on Judicial Nominations and Budget Extensions
As the lame duck session of Congress proceeds, key focuses for lawmakers in these final weeks of the 118th Congress include:
Judicial Nominations
Senate Democrats prioritize confirming President Biden’s judicial nominations before losing their majority. An agreement reportedly exists to consider seven district court judges after Thanksgiving, with six additional nominations scheduled for December. Donald Trump appointed 234 judges during his first term, while Biden has had 221 confirmed thus far.
The Budget
Lawmakers passed a short-term government funding extension through Dec. 20 in September. They must either extend again or pass a full fiscal year spending bill. Given the Republicans' new power, they may be disinclined to negotiate a comprehensive bill, making another extension likely.
Recess Appointment Scheme?
Rumors suggest Trump may pursue recess appointments to advance cabinet selections by attempting to adjourn Congress. This practice, previously utilized by former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, faces challenges due to recent Supreme Court rulings that enable Congress to block such appointments. Speculation arises that the House could agree to recess while Trump uses Constitutional powers to force Senate adjournment.