Senator Thune on Democratic Obstruction, Appropriations, and Nominations

Senate Appropriations and Government Funding

• 🏛️ The Senate is attempting to pass an appropriations bill this week, including an amendment process and seeking consent to add other bills.
• 🎯 This is a change from last year when under Chuck Schumer, none of the 12 reported appropriations bills were brought to the floor for a vote.
• ⚠️ Democrats are reportedly using the recisions bill as an excuse to shut down the appropriations process, which Senator Thune believes would be a significant mistake.
• ✅ The goal is to re-establish a regular appropriations process and provide the bipartisan approach Democrats have been requesting.

Obstruction of Presidential Nominations

• 📌 Senator Thune highlights that President Trump will be the first president in history with no nominees confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent.
• ⚡ This is described as Trump Derangement Syndrome on steroids, an attempt to block and delay.
• 💼 Many important government positions remain unfilled due to this obstruction, impacting the ability to staff the government.
• 🤝 Republicans will continue to work on getting the president's team in place, even without Democratic cooperation.

Recess and Legislative Priorities

• 🗓️ The possibility of shortening the August recess is on the table, contingent on Democratic cooperation in advancing nominees.
• 📈 Getting 60 votes for legislative bills is challenging, and the outcome of appropriations bills remains uncertain.
• 🇷🇺 Consideration of the Russia sanctions bill is a priority, with 85 co-sponsors, and efforts are underway to coordinate with the White House for a timely vote.

The "Big Beautiful Bill"

• 💰 Senator Thune defends the "big beautiful bill," stating it will be a big winner with the American people.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The bill's target is middle-income and working families, who are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries.
• 🔑 Components include border security, national security, energy dominance, tax relief, and historic budget reforms, all considered long overdue.