Special Poll
President-elect Donald Trump made a personal call to energize Republican senators during their closed-door meeting, offering words of encouragement as they discussed plans to swiftly tackle his key priorities. According to sources present, the mood in the room reflected a shared sense of urgency and determination.
This moment underscores the importance of Trump’s collaboration with the Senate to accomplish his agenda. Congressional GOP leaders appear ready to hit the ground running, signaling a willingness to put in the hard work necessary to meet their goals.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune set the tone during the Tuesday morning policy retreat, preparing senators for an intensified schedule of longer, five-day workweeks starting in January and continuing through Easter. Their to-do list is formidable: funding the government for the rest of the year, agreeing on a budget framework, potentially raising the debt ceiling, and confirming Trump’s cabinet appointees. Each task is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and advancing their shared legislative objectives.
The retreat, led by Thune and the new GOP Policy Chair, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, has been a deep dive into strategy. A significant portion of the discussions is focused on using budget reconciliation, a procedural tool that allows certain bills to bypass the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold. This approach is seen as key to moving forward on contentious issues like border security, energy policies, and tax reforms.
Sources from inside the room described Thune’s remarks as a rallying cry, urging senators to prepare for the demanding months ahead. The emphasis on extended work hours and intense schedules reflects the Republican commitment to laying the groundwork for Trump’s administration while simultaneously advancing their legislative priorities.
Notably, many senators have voiced frustrations with the Senate’s traditionally lax schedule, where work weeks often begin late Monday and wrap up by Thursday afternoon. Thune’s message makes it clear that this old routine won’t suffice in the fast-paced environment the incoming administration requires. With a packed agenda and a motivated Senate majority, the stage is set for a vigorous start to the new year.