The Senate unanimously agreed to block President Trump from making appointments during their August break amid concerns that he’ll replace Attorney General Jeff Sessions during the recess.
Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who Trump blasted on Twitter after she voted against the party on health care last month, locked in nine “pro forma” sessions over the next four weeks, The Hill reported.
No business is conducted during such meetings — which typically last only a minute or so. Their purpose instead is to keep the Senate open during the vacation, which prevents Trump from making appointments without approval.
The agreement comes after the President repeatedly and publicly critiqued Sessions’ choice to recuse himself in the Russia probe. His statements have sparked concern that he’ll attempt to force through a replacement while Congress is out of town, according the news site.
Trump also needs to name a new Department of Homeland Security secretary now that he’s tapped John Kelly as his chief of staff.
The move, which must be approved by all Senators, has historically been used to block a President from making recess appointments. It occurred most recently when former President Barack Obama sought to fill former Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat on the Supreme Court.
The House of Representatives adjourned for break last week and most Senators aren’t expected to return to Washington until after Labor Day.