The Senate followed the House in leaving for the Christmas break on Thursday, clearing another batch of President Donald Trump’s nominations but kicking to January the fate of the next handful of spending bills.
The Senate confirmed, 53-43, an en bloc package of 97 nominations. Senators also by unanimous consent confirmed the nomination of Kevin E. Lunday to be commandant of the Coast Guard. And they reached an agreement to set up confirmation of additional Trump nominees when they return in January.
“One of the lessons I think you always have to keep in perspective in this job, is that the most important vote isn’t the last vote, it’s the next vote,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters late Thursday night, after being asked about lessons from his first year leading the chamber.
