Senate's Recess Plans Hinge on Budget Resolution, Crypto Vote

The Senate's ability to clear its legislative backlog before recess may depend on two GOP decisions: attempting to pass a budget resolution and forcing a crypto vote that could fail.

A short-term government funding bill cleared its first procedural hurdle with 89 votes, while the Russia sanctions bill passed last week with 86 votes. However, both bills require consent from all 100 senators to pass before the August recess, giving Democrats leverage in negotiations.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has confirmed that he will force a procedural vote on the Clarity Act, a crypto market structure bill, despite Democratic opposition. Negotiators are still awaiting a White House response to a bipartisan ethics proposal on crypto, which is key to Democratic support.