Washington: The U.S. Senate has adjourned for the midterm election campaign after lawmakers failed to advance several major pieces of legislation during their final session before voters head to the polls.

The Senate’s September 30 session featured several contentious votes, including legislation concerning stock trading by members of Congress and electricity costs linked to the rapid expansion of data centers. Several measures failed to secure the votes needed to advance.

One of the most closely watched proposals was the Stop Insider Trading Act, which sought to restrict members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing individual stocks. The measure failed to reach the 60 votes required to move forward. Democrats argued that the proposal did not go far enough because existing holdings and certain forms of trading would remain possible.

The Senate also rejected legislation addressing the impact of large data centers on electricity infrastructure and consumer costs. Supporters argued that the measure could encourage large power users to contribute toward necessary grid upgrades, while opponents said it did not provide sufficiently strong protections for consumers.

Before leaving Washington, senators also confirmed Keith Sonderling as U.S. Secretary of Labor by a 47–41 vote. Sonderling had been serving as acting labor secretary since April.

The Senate’s departure marks a shift from legislative activity in Washington to campaigning across the country. The House had already left Washington for the election period, leaving both chambers largely focused on the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.

The temporary government funding legislation signed earlier in September is designed to keep federal agencies operating through December, meaning the immediate funding deadline was moved beyond the election period.

Lawmakers are expected to return after the elections, when unresolved legislation and other major policy issues could again come before Congress.

The final Senate session therefore closed a politically significant period in Washington, with several proposals remaining unresolved until lawmakers return following the midterm elections.