Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R?SD) has unveiled a procedural scheme to block President Donald Trump from making any critical appointments during the August recess, effectively aiding the Democrats' obstructionist agenda.

Under the U.S. Constitution, the president can make "recess appointments," temporary appointments to federal positions, if the Senate is in recess and not conducting business. These appointments don't require immediate Senate confirmation and can last until the end of the next session of Congress.

But there's a loophole: if the Senate holds pro forma sessions, very short, symbolic meetings where no actual business is conducted, then technically, the Senate is still in session. That means the president cannot legally make recess appointments during that time.

John Thune has quietly secured unanimous?consent for a paper?thin Senate schedule through the Trump appointee confirmation deadline, ensuring only pro forma sessions on five key dates in early August.

Under the agreement, the chamber will adjourn after today's business and reconvene without conducting any votes or business on:

Tue, Aug?5?– 1:00?p.m.

Fri, Aug?8?– 1:05?p.m.

Tue, Aug?12?– 8:00?a.m.

Fri, Aug?15?– 10:15?a.m.

Tue, Aug?19?– 10:00?a.m.

Fri, Aug?22?– 9:00?a.m.

Tue, Aug?26?– 12:00?p.m.

Fri, Aug?29?– 7:00?a.m.

Thune's pro forma blueprint comes amid mounting pressure from Donald Trump, who has demanded the Senate remain open until all 150+ administration nominees are confirmed.

Under the Recess Appointments Clause, a president may only install nominees without Senate approval if both chambers are in formal recess for at least 10 days. By convening the Senate just long enough every few days, Thune blocks the possibility of Trump making unilateral appointees.