Three Republican senators—Scott, Lee, and Johnson—are challenging John Thune's leadership within the GOP, reflecting a shift towards more conservative, MAGA-aligned members in the Senate. Thune is navigating these tensions by seeking consensus on funding bills and maintaining respect for diverse views within the party, while the conservative trio prepares for future battles over issues like earmarks and government shutdowns.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed rare anger at Democrats for refusing to reopen the government, criticizing their repeated votes against it and warning that ongoing delays could prolong the shutdown, though there are signs of potential progress in negotiations on spending bills.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to advance a package of full-year funding bills for multiple agencies to reopen the government, needing at least seven Democrats' support for a procedural vote, while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer considers a short-term government reopening if a shutdown occurs.
Senator John Thune has significantly altered Senate rules through a series of party-line votes, including using the nuclear option, to expedite confirmations and policy changes, marking a departure from traditional norms and weakening the minority party’s influence in a highly polarized Congress.
John Thune, Senate Republican leader, is strategizing for the 2026 midterms by aligning closely with Trump, influencing GOP primaries, and focusing on key Senate races in states like North Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, and Texas, while also addressing potential challenges such as candidate selection and political controversies.
John Thune discusses his 2026 Senate strategy, emphasizing coordination with Trump, candidate selection, and key races in North Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, and Texas, while also addressing potential challenges and political dynamics within the Republican Party.
Senate Republican leader John Thune is coordinating closely with Donald Trump for the 2026 midterms, focusing on candidate selection and primary challenges in key states like North Carolina, Georgia, Iowa, and Texas, while also addressing potential issues such as government shutdowns and political controversies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned senators they may need to work through the first August weekend to vote on nominations, risking a longer session into August to expedite Trump's nominees amid tensions over the recess and campaign schedules.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces increasing pressure and internal challenges to pass the 'big, beautiful bill,' with key issues including Medicaid cuts, GOP holdouts, and President Trump's involvement, as lawmakers work to finalize the legislation amid negotiations and political demands.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, 82, fell during a Senate Republican lunch, but incoming leader John Thune assured reporters that McConnell is "fine" and in his office. The extent of any injuries is unclear, and McConnell's office has not yet released a statement. McConnell, who has a history of falls and health concerns, is set to step down from his leadership role in January. This is a developing story.
Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune is preparing to introduce two major partisan bills early in the Trump administration, focusing on border, defense, and energy, using budget reconciliation to bypass the Senate filibuster. This approach allows Republicans to pass legislation without Democratic support, though it may face challenges due to the House's narrow majority and Senate procedural rules. Thune's plan reflects Republican efforts to advance their legislative agenda swiftly, with a focus on budget-related measures.
Incoming U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressed willingness to challenge President-elect Donald Trump's potential expansion of presidential power, particularly regarding federal spending. Thune emphasized the need for Congress to sometimes "put the brakes on" executive actions. He also discussed plans to work with Trump on shared policy goals, including extending the 2017 tax cuts and securing the southern border. Thune intends to start committee hearings on Trump's Cabinet nominees promptly and is open to recess appointments if Democrats obstruct confirmations.
Incoming Senate GOP leader John Thune is facing his first major challenge against Democratic leader Chuck Schumer over the confirmation of President Biden's judicial nominees. Schumer is pushing to confirm as many judges as possible before the end of the year, aiming to surpass the record set by Mitch McConnell during the Trump administration. Thune has proposed a strategy to delay these confirmations, pleasing some conservatives. The conflict has led to extended Senate sessions and internal GOP tensions, with some Republicans missing key votes. Schumer has confirmed 217 judges so far, 18 short of McConnell's record.
Senate Republican leader-in-waiting John Thune faces a loyalty test as he navigates the confirmation of Donald Trump's controversial Cabinet picks, including Matt Gaetz for attorney general, Pete Hegseth for secretary of Defense, Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary. Thune is balancing deference to Trump with concerns from GOP senators, particularly regarding Gaetz's past allegations. The situation is reminiscent of past confirmation challenges and highlights the complexities of aligning the Republican conference.
This week's news quiz covers President Joe Biden's meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, the removal of Lunchables from school menus due to high sodium levels, the formation of Tropical Storm Sara in the Caribbean, the FAA grounding flights to Haiti after aircraft were shot at, and Sen. John Thune succeeding Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader. Additionally, Italian police uncovered a crime network forging artworks, and wildfires were battled on both US coasts.
