>
Article snippet: More than a dozen senators missed Monday night votes, despite a lecture last week from leadership about skipping work during the rare August session. Fifteen senators — five Democrats and 10 Republicans — did not show up for two votes in the Senate. The Senate voted on two amendments to a massive Defense, Health and Human Services, Labor and Education bill. Both proposals were approved 85-0, meaning even if lawmakers had shown up, they wouldn't have changed the outcome of the vote. Asked on Monday how many members would show up this week, Senate GOP Whip told The Hill last week. Though Monday evening votes routinely see more senators absent, the 15 missing is a bump in the number absent compared to the four votes last week. Most of the absences last week were by Republicans, including Sen. MORE (R-Ariz.) who is battling brain cancer and has been undergoing treatment in Arizona for months. The drop in attendance comes after McConnell canceled most of the chamber's summer recess, keeping the Senate in for a rare August session. GOP leadership faced pressure from both conservatives and the White House to stay in town amid growing frustration about the slow pace of confirmation votes for nominees, and warnings from Trump that he would not sign another omnibus bill ahead of next month's government funding deadline. The Hill 1625 K Street, NW Suite 900 Washington DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 tel | 202-628-8503 fax The contents of this site are ©2018 Capitol Hill Pub... Link to the full article to read more