Donald Trump blocked by US Senate from making government appointments during summer recess
Senior politicians from both major parties unanimously agreed to hold nine short “pro-forma” sessions during the break
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.US politicians have blocked Donald Trump from making appointments without their permission as the Senate begins its summer break.
Senators unanimously agreed to hold nine short “pro-forma” sessions during the break, which runs from 11 August to 5 September.
It means the Senate will be in session every three days throughout August.
Democrats had suggested they would use the procedure to block the US President after it was suggested Mr Trump would try to replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions during recess, The Hill reported.
Mr Sessions has faced an onslaught of criticism from the former real estate mogul after recusing himself from the investigation into Russian collusion in the US elections.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said the party was ready to use “tools in our toolbox” to block a summer appointment.
"We're ready to use every single one of them, any time, day or night. It's so vital to the future of the republic," the senior Democrat said.
Mr Trump is not the first president to be blocked from making appointments by Congress.
Former president Barack Obama was blocked from filling a vacant Supreme Court seat last year.
Pro-forma sessions require a senator to be in Washington during the recess, to open and close session in a brief one-minute meeting.
The US Constitution says neither the Senate nor the House "can adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments