Washington – senate majority leader John Thune He said he was committed to helping Donald Trump “achieve success” when he returns to the White House, but Thune said he would tell the president-elect “what is realistic” in the Senate.
“We want to reach the same destination, but I think sometimes the way we get there will be different.” Thune said in an interview with “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan”.” “And I think I have to explain that as clearly as possible to anyone asking what the challenges are in the Senate.”
Thune insisted that the Senate, with A new Republican majorityFunctions separately from the House, where members face re-election every two years. “Understanding the unique aspects of how the Senate operates is something that I have to be able to share and convey to the President and help him understand,” Thune said.
With the Republican trifecta in Washington, GOP leaders have called for a mandate for the American people Trump's agenda Outlined on the campaign trail. Thune said he talks “fairly regularly” with Trump, noting that the two men have been in contact since before the election and especially now that they are “starting to chart a path forward” on the Republican agenda. Are”.
“We are working closely with his team as we now begin to take control of the Senate,” Thune said as the new Congress convened on Friday. “And hopefully in the next few weeks, before he takes the oath of office, we'll have things ready for him, including the opportunity to confirm many of his nominees.”
For Thune, who took over as majority leader on Friday after Senator Mitch McConnell's decision to step down After being at the top for almost two decades, his first priorities will be Trump's nominees confirmed In top administration and cabinet positions. The Senate confirmation process is expected to take center stage when Trump takes office later this month, as the chamber faces pressure to quickly confirm the picks — some of whom have drawn opposition even within the president-elect's party. Has given rise to controversy.
With a 53-seat majority, Senate Republicans have little margin for opposition when it comes to Trump's nominees. And with a razor-thin GOP majority in the House, both chambers face an uncertain path to approving key legislative priorities more broadly — From border security to taxes – Coordination between the President and both the Houses is a matter of major concern.
Thune cited Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, who will represent Ohio in the Senate through 2023, as a bridge between the upper chamber and the Trump administration, calling him “an incredibly talented individual” whom she said has ” “Quick Study”. Senate.
Thune said, “I think he will be someone who can help the administration as they work on these issues, figure out what's realistic, what's achievable, what we can do here in the Senate.” Can achieve, because he is here.” “He knows it's challenging in the Senate.”