Inside the GOP's mad dash to recess finish line

Senate Republicans are on a frantic push to wrap up legislative work before the August recess, with a focus on issues of particular interest to the MAGA coalition. The agenda includes addressing the federal government's funding, the nomination of Todd Blanche, and 74 other nominations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) outlined the plan on Fox News, emphasizing the priority of funding the government, the Blanche nomination, and the 74 other nominations.

Other topics on the Republican to-do list include cryptocurrency and the CLARITY Act, college sports and the NIL rights bill, and hemp. Thune has not yet decided whether to push for another vote on the SAVE Act or similar election security legislation, despite the bill's low chances of passing. This move could allow Republicans to put Democrats on the record opposing a voting rights measure, appeasing President Trump and his Senate allies.

If a last-minute deal is reached, the Senate could potentially work into the weekend, though the likelihood of this happening appears slim. A major hurdle in the Senate's agenda is the CLARITY Act, which would provide the first federal regulatory framework for digital assets. Democrats are hesitant to allow an initial procedural vote on the market-structure bill, fearing it could undermine bipartisan negotiations and put pressure on GOP leaders.

The Senate also faces a division over hemp, with Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) opposing a language change that delays implementation of a ban on certain intoxicating hemp products.