Senate Republicans plan a 54-day push to confirm Trump nominees and pass priorities
Republicans aim to pass a reconciliation bill before Jan. 3, and Majority Leader John Thune says the path will be narrow.
Senate Republicans are looking to make the most of their remaining time in the majority before Democrats take over next year. After Senate Majority Leader John Thune was re-elected as the Republican leader, he said the party would extend its calendar, days, hours and votes to get as much done as possible.
A resolution agreed to at a closed-door GOP meeting on Tuesday calls for using the 54 days to confirm judicial and executive nominees, pass core Republican priorities, and try to pass a reconciliation bill before Jan. 3. The Senate had been set to be in session for roughly 20 days from that Tuesday. Thune said the reconciliation effort must be realistic and likely narrow. Sen. Ron Johnson, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, planned to present his plan at a Wednesday lunch meeting.
Republicans are also considering one more attempt at the SAVE America Act, or a version that could pass Senate rules. Defense funding is another major task, as Democrats led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer aim to use spending power to limit funding for the Iran war. Thune said reconciliation could be a route for Pentagon money, though he hoped Democrats would choose another path.
Key points
- Senate Republicans have 54 days in the majority to act before Jan. 3.
- Priorities include confirming nominees and a reconciliation bill.
- Democrats plan to use spending power to limit Iran war funding.
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