Senator John Thune on Appropriations, Nominations, and Russia Sanctions

Senate Appropriations Process

• 🏛️ The Senate is attempting to vote on an appropriations bill this week, specifically the Milcon VA legislative appropriations bill, with the hope of including other bills in the package.
• 🎯 This is a change from the previous year when no appropriations bills were brought to the floor for a vote, despite bipartisan support.
• ⚠️ The speaker criticizes Democrats for potentially using a minor spending cut as an excuse to shut down the appropriations process and the government.

Nomination Obstruction

• 🚫 President Trump is noted as potentially being the first president in history to have none of his nominees confirmed, a situation attributed to Democratic obstruction.
• 🧠 This is described as an example of "Trump derangement syndrome on steroids," hindering the filling of important government positions.
• ⚙️ Republicans are committed to continuing their work on the Republican side, even without Democratic cooperation to get the president's team in place.

Recess and Cooperation

• 🗓️ The decision to potentially shorten the August recess is contingent on Democratic cooperation in advancing nominees.
• 🤝 The speaker hopes to secure 60 votes for appropriations bills, emphasizing that this process should be bipartisan and return to regular order.

Jeffrey Epstein Case

• ⚖️ Regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case, the speaker defers to committee chairs and believes the President and Attorney General will make the right decisions.

Legislative Priorities

• 🇺🇸 The speaker discusses a large legislative bill, highlighting its broad scope including border security, national security, energy dominance, tax relief, and budget reforms.
• 🗣️ He believes this bill will be popular with the American people once its benefits are communicated.
• 🇷🇺 On Russia sanctions, the bill has significant bipartisan support (85 co-sponsors) and the Senate is ready to expedite its consideration, coordinating with the White House to ensure it aligns with efforts for a peaceful outcome in Ukraine.