Key facts
- The U.S. Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Sept. 30, until after the November midterm elections.
- Democrats expressed optimism about controlling the Senate, citing President Donald Trump's low approval ratings.
- Republicans attempted to pass bills on data centers, voter ID, and banning lawmaker stock trading.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer predicted a close election.
- Majority Leader John Thune criticized Senate Democrats for blocking the data center bill.
- The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, Nov. 9.
The U.S. Senate adjourned on Wednesday, Sept. 30, and will remain in recess until after the November midterm elections. Lawmakers are dispersing to campaign for what is expected to be a competitive battle for control of the chamber during the final two years of President Donald Trump's term.
Democrats expressed confidence, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer predicting a close election and attributing potential gains to voter dissatisfaction with Trump and the Republican Senate's alignment with him. He highlighted the divisions between Democratic and Republican platforms.
Republicans, meanwhile, used the final session to push votes on issues such as shielding Americans from energy costs related to data centers, requiring voter ID, and banning stock trading by lawmakers. Democrats largely criticized these as "toothless" show votes. Majority Leader John Thune argued that Democrats blocked the data center bill to prevent Republicans from securing a pre-election win.
Some Republican senators acknowledged worrying signs for the party, with Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia stating that Republicans are in control and face problems if constituents cannot pay their bills. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana commented that voters are not concerned about college sports coaches.
The Senate's final weeks also included passing a college sports overhaul and confirming a new secretary of Labor. The debate over the data center bill reportedly divided Democrats, with four voting with Republicans to advance it, potentially benefiting GOP candidate Jon Husted in Ohio. However, some senators, like North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis, expressed skepticism that these last-minute legislative efforts would significantly alter the election outcome.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, Nov. 9.