Senate — August 7, 2026
The Senate’s August 7, 2026 proceedings were dominated by major legislative and nominations activity before adjournment into a pro forma period. The chamber passed H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, by an overwhelming 90-6 vote with one present, preserving funding continuity for fiscal year 2027 after adopting a substitute amendment and rejecting a challenge to one section. Senators also approved H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, by 86-11, keeping in place strong provisions aimed at Russian energy purchases and sanctions evasion after defeating a Paul amendment to strike those elements. Personnel actions were equally consequential. The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General by a razor-thin 50-49 margin after invoking cloture by the same vote, underscoring partisan division over the Justice Department nomination. It also confirmed a large en bloc slate of executive, diplomatic, judicial, and independent agency nominees, while receiving additional nominations for ambassadorships, regulatory commissions, agency leadership, and military promotions. The chamber also positioned several issues for future action.