Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., is gearing up to prioritize President-Elect Donald Trump's immigration agenda as the first order of business when he takes over from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the upcoming Congress. With Republicans holding the majority in both the Senate and the House, Thune aims to tackle key issues such as ending the Biden-Harris border crisis and deporting illegal immigrants.
Thune also emphasized the importance of reviving elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, set to expire in 2025, to bolster the economy. To achieve this, Republicans plan to utilize the budget reconciliation process, which allows them to bypass potential Democratic opposition.
Thune highlighted his commitment to fostering better communication and procedural transparency within the Senate, aiming to make his office a resource rather than a hindrance for fellow members. He stressed the significance of allowing all senators to have a say in final legislation through amendments, a departure from the previous practice of using pre-determined amendment trees.
Moreover, Thune pledged to restore regular order in the Senate, particularly in the appropriations process, to avoid last-minute funding crises and reliance on continuing resolutions. As Congress faces the looming deadline for another potential stopgap spending bill before Christmas, Thune emphasized the need for a more efficient legislative process.
Confirming Trump's nominees is another top priority for Thune, who plans to maintain an aggressive schedule until all nominees are approved. He also expressed readiness to collaborate closely with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and President Trump to advance the shared priorities of the federal GOP trifecta.
