Federal Level
Collins Opposition Clouds Blanche’s AG Vote
On Wednesday, Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche’s path to confirmation grew more uncertain after Republican Senator Susan Collins said a day earlier she would vote against him, Reuters reported. With Senator Mitch McConnell out indefinitely, Blanche can afford only one more Republican defection. Senators Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski, who had voiced earlier reservations, declined Wednesday to say how they would vote. Blanche, now serving as acting attorney general, had won over holdouts John Cornyn and Thom Tillis by pledging in writing that a disputed $1.8 billion fund tied to President Trump’s allies would not move forward. Thune said he still hopes to hold a vote before recess. 1
Senate Votes to Confirm New CDC Director
On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Erica Schwartz to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 51 to 44, according to the chamber’s official daily press record. The vote followed a cloture vote that morning, 51 to 43. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Ruben Gallego, Ron Johnson, Amy Klobuchar and Mitch McConnell did not vote. Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, joined Republicans in confirming her. Schwartz’s confirmation places her atop the federal public health agency as the administration pushes changes to vaccine and pandemic policy. She now leads an agency that has faced scrutiny from both parties over its pandemic-era decisions and recent staffing changes. 2
Senate Advances Funding Bill Toward Vote
On Wednesday morning, the Senate agreed by voice vote to proceed to legislation funding the government through December 11, according to the chamber’s daily press record. Majority Leader John Thune then filed cloture on the measure, on a substitute amendment from Senator Susan Collins, and on the nomination of Todd Blanche for attorney general. The continuing resolution, negotiated last weekend by Collins and Senator Patty Murray, would hold funding at current levels while lawmakers negotiate longer-term spending bills. Thune said he wants passage completed before the Senate leaves for recess. Current funding expires September 30, and a lapse would trigger a shutdown. 2
Senate Blocks Vote on PFAS Reporting Rule
On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate voted 48 to 50 against taking up a resolution that would have overturned an Environmental Protection Agency rule on reporting requirements for PFAS chemicals, according to the chamber’s daily press record. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse had introduced the resolution to reverse a rule adjusting the submission period for reporting so-called forever chemicals under federal toxic substances law. Republican Senator Susan Collins voted with Democrats to take up the measure, while Senators Marsha Blackburn and Mitch McConnell did not vote. The failed vote keeps the EPA’s current reporting timeline in place for companies handling PFAS chemicals. 2
New Mexico Sues DOJ Over Epstein Records
On Wednesday, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez sued the Department of Justice and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, accusing them of blocking a state probe into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at his former Zorro Ranch property. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, said the department ignored a July 31 deadline to hand over unredacted files Torrez’s office had requested at least ten times this year. Torrez said the records are needed to identify victims and possible additional suspects tied to the ranch. The filing asks a judge to declare the department’s refusal unlawful and order the records released. The department had not responded publicly as of Wednesday evening. 3, 4
State Level
AP Declares El-Sayed the Winner in Michigan
On Wednesday morning, the Associated Press called Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary for Abdul El-Sayed, ending one of this year’s most expensive primary contests. El-Sayed, a former public health official backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, led Representative Haley Stevens 48.5 percent to 47.5 percent with nearly all votes counted, the Associated Press reported. Stevens had been backed by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, making the race a test of the party’s direction ahead of the midterms. El-Sayed said his campaign was now focused on unifying Democrats before facing Republican Mike Rogers, who ran unopposed, in November. Michigan’s open seat is seen as critical to Democrats’ hopes of retaking the Senate. 5, 6
Stein Vows to Veto North Carolina Voting Bill
On Wednesday, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced he would veto a Republican-backed elections bill that passed the House a day earlier along party lines. House Bill 958 would shorten the early voting period in primaries from 17 days to 10 and require the state auditor to conduct random post-election audits. Stein said in a social media post that the bill would make voting harder and invite more court challenges to election results. House Speaker Destin Hall said Republicans do not plan a veto override before lawmakers return in November. A separate elections bill from Tuesday remains under the governor’s review. 7
Moore Signs Maryland Redistricting Measure
On Wednesday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation placing a constitutional amendment on this fall’s ballot that would let the state redraw its congressional map before the next census. The measure follows a vote by Democratic supermajorities in the legislature to advance the redistricting question. Moore said the amendment responds to redistricting efforts pushed by Republican-led states at President Trump’s urging last year. Under the measure, Maryland could not redraw its congressional lines until 2028 even if voters approve it. Maryland currently has one Republican member of its congressional delegation, and Democrats have said new maps could eliminate that seat. 8, 9
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Article Sources
1. Reuters, “Blanche’s path to confirmation narrows as key US senator opposes nomination,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/blanche-confirmation-trump-attorney-general-work-progress-after-defection-2026-08-05/
2. U.S. Senate Daily Press, “Wednesday, August 5, 2026,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.dailypress.senate.gov/wednesday-august-5-2026/
3. The Guardian, “New Mexico sues justice department for ‘stonewalling’ Epstein investigation,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/05/new-mexico-sues-doj-epstein-investigation
4. The Washington Times, “State of New Mexico sues Justice Department and Todd Blanche, saying they blocked its Epstein probe,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/5/new-mexico-sues-justice-department-todd-blanche-saying-blocked/
5. Washington Examiner, “Abdul el Sayed wins Michigan Democratic Senate primary,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/congressional/4673520/michigan-senate-democratic-primary-results-2026/
6. Time, “Abdul El-Sayed Wins Michigan Senate Primary,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://time.com/article/2026/08/05/abdul-el-sayed-haley-stevens-michigan-democratic-senate-primary-election-result/
7. WFAE, “Gov. Stein says he’ll veto early voting reduction, election changes,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.wfae.org/2026-08-05/gov-stein-veto-early-voting-reduction-election-changes
8. YouTube / Office of Governor Wes Moore, “Governor Moore | Special Session Bill Signing Ceremony of 2026,” Aug. 5, 2026.
9. The Washington Times, “Maryland Democrats’ plan to box out lone Republican in Congress moves closer,” Aug. 5, 2026.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/5/maryland-democrats-plan-box-lone-republican-congress-moves-closer/