Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the press regarding the current state of appropriations and nominations processes in the Senate. Thune highlighted efforts to advance an appropriations bill for a vote, something he noted has not occurred in some time.

"We’re actually teeing up an appropriations bill to vote on on the floor and have an amendment process," said Thune. He emphasized the aim to include additional bills in this package, marking a potential return to regular appropriations voting.

Thune criticized last year's handling of appropriations under Chuck Schumer's leadership, where 11 out of 12 bipartisan-supported bills were not voted on. "We think that there ought to be a regular appropriations process around here," he stated.

He also addressed recent Democratic opposition linked to a rescissions bill, which cut a small fraction of federal spending. Thune urged cooperation from Democrats for a bipartisan approach: "We’re trying to give them what they’ve been asking for."

Additionally, Thune discussed challenges with the nominations process, noting President Trump's nominees faced unprecedented obstruction. "President Trump will be the first president in history – in history – not to have a single one of his [civilian] nominees confirmed either by voice vote or unanimous consent," he remarked.

Thune attributed these delays to political motivations and pledged continued efforts from Republicans: "So we’re going to keep grinding and work as hard as we can on the Republican side."