Welcome back. This is the first of three weeks when the Senate is in session while the House is out on its five-week summer recess. It is highly unusual for one chamber to be here with the other is on recess for that long. Our expectations are low for significant healthcare action during this odd stretch. The Senate could move the ball on opioids, but signs of that happening remain limited. So what should we expect from the Senate during this three-week period?

There could be plenty of nominations considered which has been a top priority of Republican leadership this year. But if the Democrats force Republicans to spend hours and hours of time talking about judges, their vulnerable members can go home and campaign. It is possible that the Senate could consider an appropriations bill with numerous amendment votes as a way to force all Senators to stay here and enjoy August in Washington, DC.