Thune says Trump’s border plan is 1st up in rigorous priority list for new Congress: ‘Real work begins’

Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., is gearing up to tackle President-Elect Donald Trump’s immigration agenda as his first priority when he takes over as Senate Minority Leader from Mitch McConnell in the upcoming Congress. With Republicans holding a majority in both the Senate and the House, Thune is ready to get to work on key issues such as ending the Biden-Harris border crisis and deporting illegal immigrants.

In a recent floor speech, Thune emphasized the importance of delivering on the Republican agenda, starting with addressing the immigration crisis and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s borders. Additionally, he highlighted the need to focus on revitalizing the economy, particularly by renewing elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that are set to expire in 2025. Thune plans to utilize the budget reconciliation process to push through these economic measures, bypassing any potential filibusters or delays from Democrats.

Thune also outlined significant changes in communication and procedural processes that will be implemented under his leadership. He stressed that his office will serve as a resource for his fellow Republican senators, rather than a roadblock. One key change he highlighted was his commitment to allowing all senators to have a voice in final legislation through amendments on the floor, signaling a departure from the previous practice of using pre-determined amendment trees.

The South Dakota Republican’s leadership will also prioritize returning to regular order in the Senate, including the appropriations process, to avoid end-of-year funding crises and continuing resolutions. Thune’s goal is to create a more efficient and transparent legislative process that allows for meaningful input from all members of the Senate.

Confirming Trump’s nominees will also be a top priority for Thune, who plans to maintain an aggressive schedule until all nominees are confirmed. He emphasized the importance of working closely with House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump to advance the Republican agenda and deliver on key priorities with the new federal GOP trifecta.

As Thune prepares to take on his new role as Senate Minority Leader, his focus on immigration, the economy, and improving the legislative process signals a new direction for the Republican Party in Congress. With a majority in both chambers, Thune is poised to lead the charge on key issues and deliver results for the American people.