Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell., R-Ky., warned Republican senators they need to improve their attendance in order to get things done in August, The Hill is reporting.
McConnell was critical of some GOP colleagues who did not show for a Wednesday night vote.
The Hill attributed its information to unnamed sources and said McConnell made his comments during a private lunch meeting Thursday.
The website noted Congress usually takes August off, but McConnell canceled the recess after pressure from President Donald Trump.
Eleven senators, almost all Republicans, missed a vote Wednesday. And 10 senators, most of them Republicans, missed two votes Thursday, The Hill said.
McConnell warned if those absences continue, it could create a problem for votes scheduled for next week.
One of the Senators who heard McConnell's warning at the Thursday lunch said the senators who were absent, not the ones who heard his speech, should be criticized.
"He was preaching to the choir," the lawmaker said.
McConnell had announced in June he was cancelling the August recess, bowing to calls from GOP lawmakers to finish work on nominations.
"Senators should expect to remain in session in August to pass legislation, including appropriations bills, and to make additional progress on the president's nominees."
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