Welcome to The Daily Politic Briefing! Good morning and thank you for joining us on this Thursday edition of The Daily Politic Briefing. I'm your host, bringing you the most significant political developments shaping Washington and beyond. Today, we'll dive into the high-stakes drama unfolding in the Senate as lawmakers race against the clock before their summer recess, plus major developments in funding battles and international relations. In Today's Briefing: Senate leaders are locked in tense negotiations over government funding bills with the summer recess looming. President Trump's nominees face an uncertain path to confirmation, prompting calls for rule changes. Meanwhile, lawmakers are bolstering security measures following recent threats. We'll also examine how Congress is defying White House budget priorities and track important international diplomatic efforts. Senate Funding Showdown The halls of the Senate are tense today as Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer navigate increasingly difficult negotiations over government funding. Lawmakers are bracing for weekend work as the prospects for passing two major appropriations bills before recess are dimming rapidly. The Commerce-Justice-Science bill has hit a significant roadblock due to Senator Chris Van Hollen's objections related to FBI headquarters location decisions. Senator Jerry Moran was visibly frustrated by these tactics during recent discussions. Meanwhile, the Agriculture-FDA funding bill remains in play but faces scrutiny from Senator Amy Klobuchar regarding USDA reorganization plans. Despite these challenges, Thune maintains optimism about passing military and Veterans Affairs funding before senators depart. Trump Nominee Confirmation Battle Heats Up The confirmation process for President Trump's nominees has become another flashpoint in the Senate. Trump himself has publicly demanded action, posting on Truth Social: "The Senate must stay in Session, taking no recess, until the entire Executive Calendar is CLEAR!!!" In response, Senate Republicans are considering dramatic rule changes to expedite confirmations, potentially invoking the "nuclear option" to change Senate rules with a simple majority vote. Proposals include reducing debate time and allowing grouped consideration of nominees. The potential rule changes have created divisions within the Republican caucus, with Senator Thom Tillis opposing the nuclear option while Senators Collins and Murkowski remain noncommittal. Enhanced Security for Lawmakers Following recent security incidents, both chambers are taking steps to protect their members. Senator Markwayne Mullin, who chairs the legislative branch appropriations subcommittee, is developing new security protocols for lawmakers in their home districts. The House has already announced an updated security framework that doubles residential security funding to $20,000 per member. Senator Martin Heinrich emphasized that threats against lawmakers, like recent incidents in Minnesota, are being taken very seriously. Mullin indicated the Senate plan would differ significantly from the House approach. Congress Defies White House Budget Priorities In a significant rebuke to White House priorities, Senate appropriators have approved a $79 billion funding bill for the Education Department, rejecting administration proposals to slash Pell Grant awards and eliminate preschool grants. This represents a substantial increase over the White House request of $66.7 billion. Similarly, defense funding is getting a boost contrary to administration wishes, with Senate appropriators approving a $21 billion increase for the Pentagon. The resulting $853 billion defense bill includes $800 million for new weapons for Ukraine and a 3.8 percent pay raise for troops, despite the administration's preference for flat defense funding. International Diplomatic Efforts On the international front, Senator Roger Wicker is planning to l