The new leader of the Senate GOP, John Thune from South Dakota, has unveiled an ambitious legislative plan as his party prepares to take full control of the federal government in the coming year.
Speaking at a Senate policy retreat, Thune outlined a strategy focused on advancing key Republican priorities through reconciliation bills. This approach would allow legislation to pass with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster.
Get ready to move fast, writes The Washington Examiner.
The first, to be passed within 30 days of President-elect Donald Trump taking office, would tackle energy, defense, and the border. A second bill would reauthorize expiring tax cuts later in the year.
The legislative strategy reflects a coordinated effort between Thune, Trump, and House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Trump, who called into the retreat to congratulate the expanded 53-seat Republican Senate majority, endorsed the two-bill approach. Johnson, present at the meeting, emphasized the importance of dividing the legislative agenda to meet critical deadlines, such as raising the debt ceiling and ensuring government funding in the first half of the year.
Thune highlighted the importance of working efficiently to honor voter expectations, promising an aggressive Senate schedule that includes extending sessions into Fridays and minimizing delays during votes. His approach signals a shift in leadership style from outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who will now lead the minority Democrats. Thune intends to enforce tighter control over Senate procedures to address inefficiencies that have long drawn criticism.
Thune’s decision to separate the tax bill from the initial reconciliation package is a strategic move to allow more flexibility in achieving legislative goals. It also provides time to address other pressing matters, including government funding and debt ceiling deadlines. Although the 2017 tax cuts do not expire until December, this prioritization reflects the GOP’s focus on fiscal issues as a central part of its agenda.
As the new Congress convenes, much will depend on the Republicans’ ability to navigate these challenges and capitalize on their slim majorities in the House and Senate.
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