Trump's border plan is the top priority for the new Congress, says Thune: 'Real work begins'

John Thune, the Senate Minority Whip, plans to prioritize implementing President-Elect Donald Trump's immigration agenda as his top priority when he assumes the role of Senate Minority Leader, replacing Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the new Congress, where Republicans will hold a majority in both chambers.

"The real work begins now," he stated in a floor speech on Thursday. "This involves resolving the Biden-Harris border crisis and removing illegal immigrants."

Thune stated that renewing the crucial elements of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which are set to expire in 2025, will be a priority for Republicans through the budget reconciliation process.

The budget reconciliation process would enable Republicans to enact economic action without Democratic obstruction, as it cannot be filibustered or delayed like regular bills. With a 53-member Republican majority, the item would easily pass without any issues.

The South Dakota Republican emphasized the major communication and procedural changes that his administration will bring, which have been a common criticism by senators during McConnell's tenure.

Thune's office would be a resource rather than a roadblock for his conference members, as he stated.

Many outspoken conservative hard-line senators were pleased with his emphasis on amendments.

"Members of the Senate should have a voice in final legislation through amendments on the floor, and not just those on a particular committee. Amendment votes should be assumed as the norm," he said.

In recent history, the Senate has typically utilized amendment trees, which contain pre-determined amendments proposed by the majority leader, thereby limiting the ability of individual senators to present their own amendments during floor debates.

Thune emphasized the need for a return to regular order in the Senate next year, including the appropriations process, to avoid the end-of-year pileup and problematic continuing resolutions.

Another potential stopgap spending bill is likely to be passed by Congress before Christmas, as the deadline for the last continuing resolution approaches.

The minority whip stated that confirming Trump's nominees is a top priority and members should anticipate an active schedule until those nominees are confirmed.

He predicted open communication with both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Trump to achieve his priorities with the new federal GOP trifecta.