Senate is "in session" each three days so as to preclude recess appointments. The next session that isn't a pro forma session is September 9. They are gone for a month, but faking being in session.
https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2019/08/01/senate-section/article/S5321-3
DEM senate started this practice to preclude GWB from recess appointment of judges. GOP retaliated by doing same vs. Obama, and GOP also aims to stifle Trump any way it can, so McConnell continues the practice vs. Trump.
The government is dysfunctional, broken, paranoid, and all around a drain on society. It is not a "good thing."
Hasn't been a recess appointment since GWB. McConnell is denying recess appointment power to Trump.