Republicans Reveal Their New Top Priority
As Senate Majority Leader, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is setting a clear agenda for the upcoming Congress, with a strong emphasis on preserving the legislative filibuster. Thune, in his first remarks as leader, stressed that protecting the filibuster is vital to maintaining the Senate’s role as a deliberative body and upholding the Founding Fathers’ vision for how the chamber should function.
“Preserving the filibuster is one of my top priorities,” Thune declared. “The filibuster is essential in ensuring the Senate remains a place for thoughtful debate and discussion, where major legislation can’t pass without broad consensus. It is central to the structure of our government, and it’s something that should be protected.” Thune’s stance comes in response to growing calls from some corners of the political spectrum, including President Trump’s previous efforts to end the filibuster, particularly when the Senate appeared to stall his legislative agenda during his first term.
Thune is committed to keeping the Senate functioning as it was intended—through extended debate, committee involvement, and allowing each member to voice the concerns of their constituents. He sees the filibuster as a key tool in preventing the Senate from becoming just another rubber-stamp body that allows partisan agendas to steamroll through without proper vetting or consideration.
Looking ahead, Thune outlined the Republican priorities for the new Congress, which include securing the border, extending the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, cutting unnecessary regulations, and increasing defense spending. He also called for a return to regular order in the appropriations process, which has been dysfunctional in recent years, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Finally, Thune highlighted the need for an updated farm bill to address the changing needs of farmers and ranchers across the nation.
For Republicans, these goals are crucial to delivering on the promises made to the American people, and Thune’s leadership will be pivotal in advancing this conservative agenda in the Senate.
