Special Poll
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune is setting ambitious goals for the upcoming term, planning to push through two major partisan bills, including one within the first 30 days of the Trump administration. Thune shared these priorities during a private GOP conference meeting on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
In the closed-door session, Thune outlined plans for the next Congress, starting with a legislative package focusing on the border, defense, and energy. This bill would be advanced through budget reconciliation, a process that allows legislation to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass with a simple majority. A second package, to follow later, would address taxes and other top priorities for the Trump administration.
Thune’s 30-day timeline signals a fast-paced start to his leadership, though the reconciliation process presents challenges. While it enables Republicans to pass measures without Democratic support, these bills are often large and complex, requiring careful coordination. Complications could arise due to the narrow GOP majority in the House and the need to meet strict requirements from the Senate parliamentarian, who ensures that reconciliation measures primarily impact federal spending and comply with procedural rules.
The GOP has been preparing for this legislative push for months, anticipating a full return to power in the Senate, House, and White House. During Tuesday’s meeting, President-elect Donald Trump called in to address the senators, and Speaker Mike Johnson also spoke, reinforcing the focus on swift action. House Republican leaders had previously signaled their intention to pass a reconciliation package within the first 100 days of Trump’s administration.
In addition to legislative plans, Thune emphasized changes to Senate operations. Votes on the floor, which often remain open for extended periods, will be streamlined, and senators should anticipate longer workweeks, including Fridays and possibly weekends. This marks a shift from the usual schedule, where the Senate typically adjourns on Thursday afternoons and resumes Monday evenings. These adjustments aim to address longstanding concerns from Republican senators seeking a return to a more disciplined legislative process.
Thune’s bold agenda and operational changes underscore the Republican Party’s commitment to advancing key priorities efficiently, though the road ahead is likely to require careful strategy and cooperation within the GOP.