Representative Thomas Massie recently spoke out about a move by Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune; the two Republican leaders have set up “pro forma” sessions during Congress’s August recess.
These are quick, almost ceremonial meetings with no real business on the floor. The reason? To stop President Trump from making recess appointments.
If you’ve never heard of a recess appointment, here’s the simple version: The Constitution allows a president to temporarily fill certain government jobs while the Senate is out of town. This helps keep the government running when confirmations are stalled.
But if Congress never officially takes a break, the president can’t use that power.
During August recess, Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune plan to call the House and Senate into session every four or five days, with practically no one there, for the sole purpose of preventing Trump from making recess appointments. Here was today’s House “pro-forma” session: pic.twitter.com/sK1tZTCdYQ
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) July 25, 2025
Why It Matters
President Trump has made no secret of his frustration with the slow confirmation process. Back in 2020, he even threatened to use recess appointments when the Senate dragged its feet on nominees.
By blocking this option, Johnson and Thune are keeping Trump from filling key roles quickly.
The Congressional Research Service points out that recess appointments are rare for top-level jobs. Neither Bill Clinton nor George W. Bush used this tool to fill Cabinet posts.
Trump, however, has made it pretty clear that he doesn’t always follow the usual playbook. That’s why the move to hold pro forma sessions is such a big deal.
A Political Chess Match
This is not a new trick. Both parties have done it when they want to keep control over confirmations.
During President Obama’s years, Senate Republicans used the same tactic. The Supreme Court even stepped in with the 2014 case NLRB v. Noel Canning, ruling that a recess must last at least 10 days for the president to use this power.
By keeping the Senate technically “in session” every few days, Johnson and Thune are making sure any nominee still has to go through the normal confirmation process. This gives senators the chance to review, delay, or even block people they don’t like.
What’s Behind the Strategy?
Some Republicans, like Massie, say this is just blocking Trump’s agenda. Others see it as a smart way to make sure the Senate keeps its constitutional role. After all, the Founders wanted checks and balances, not one branch doing whatever it wants.
This tug-of-war can also be about political leverage. Senators sometimes trade votes for support on other issues.
For example, during the recent confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., rumors swirled that votes were linked to political endorsements. By preventing recess appointments, Senate leaders keep that bargaining power.
The Cost of Delay
Acting officials can only do so much, and big policy plans can stall without confirmed leaders in place. Critics say this weakens the government’s ability to move quickly on pressing issues, from national security to economic policy.
Supporters of Trump argue that this move ties his hands. Johnson and Thune, on the other hand, believe this is about keeping the process honest and transparent.
The Bottom Line
This is all about power and who gets to call the shots.
Johnson and Thune are protecting the Senate’s role in approving Trump’s picks, while Trump wants the freedom to get things done faster.
It’s a classic D.C. showdown that could shape how the administration operates over the next few months.
For conservatives, this raises a tough question: Is it better to back Trump’s push for speed and bold action, or to support Johnson and Thune’s cautious approach to keep the Senate in the driver’s seat?
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
