Senate moving swiftly? It happens when lawmakers can do it

WASHINGTON — The Senate, better known for its glacial pace, is moving swiftly on nominations and legislation.

Greater bipartisanship and a desire to get out of Washington for August have made a dent in the agenda backlog. The Senate this week confirmed a new FBI director, Christopher Wray, and eight nominees for the Defense Department, including Richard Spencer to serve as Navy Secretary.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Wednesday that the Senate was working to complete a bill on FDA user fees and confirm additional nominees.

“I was pleased to hear the Democratic Leader reaffirm his interest in working with us now to clear more nominees before the conclusion of this work period,” McConnell said. “Many of these nominees have been held up for far too long, leaving the administration without a number of key officials at various agencies.”

With Republicans and Democrats in agreement, the Senate late Tuesday approved a pair of bills addressing problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs, including a $3.9 billion emergency spending package to fix a looming budget crisis.

The House recessed last Friday. The Senate is scheduled to stay in session through next week, though some lawmakers were pressing to leave earlier.

Still looming are must-do items, such as raising the nation’s borrowing authority and funding the government by Sept. 30.