Senate adjourns until after the 2026 midterm elections

Key Points:

• The Senate recessed on September 30 until after the November midterm elections, with lawmakers focusing on competitive races to control the chamber during President Trump's remaining two years.
• Democrats expressed optimism amid Trump's declining approval and an unpopular war in Iran but face tougher odds in the Senate compared to the House, with Minority Leader Chuck Schumer predicting a close election and potential Democratic gains.
• Republicans used the Senate's final day to push bills on energy costs, voter ID requirements, and banning stock trading by lawmakers, but Democrats blocked most measures, criticizing them as symbolic rather than substantive.
• Some Republicans acknowledged challenges ahead, noting missed opportunities to pass affordability-related legislation before the election, while a last-minute data center bill vote highlighted divisions within the Democratic caucus and offered a boost to GOP candidates in key races.
• Senators expressed skepticism about the potential for last-minute legislative actions to significantly impact election outcomes, with the Senate set to reconvene on November 9.