<br /> Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell cancelled the August recess, requiring senators to stay in Washington for the summer. McConnell cited the backlog of executive nominees for the decision. WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell informed colleagues on Tuesday that the August recess, during which lawmakers return to their home states for constituent work and campaigning, will not be a full five weeks this year. The Kentucky Republican said that Democrats' slow-rolling executive nominees was the catalyst for cancelling recess and that the extended time in session will be spent working on confirmations and appropriations bills. <br />