Thune assures cooperation with Trump, commitment to South Dakota

Senator speaks to South Dakota reporters after winning majority leader election

Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks with South Dakota reporters from his Washington D.C. office Wednesday. (Sen. John Thune’s office)

Sen. John Thune is setting a busy agenda for himself and his Republican colleagues as they prepare for the 119th Congress.

Just hours after securing the votes to become the next U.S. Senate majority leader, the Murdo native outlined a series of policy priorities he and his 52 GOP colleagues plan to tackle when they assume control of the Senate in January.

A primary task will be the swift confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s key staff. Thune noted he hasn’t ruled out allowing Trump to make "recess appointments" early in his tenure — a concept that has circulated among Republicans in recent weeks. Although most presidential appointments require Senate approval by a simple majority, appointments made while the Senate is out of session could bypass this requirement.

While he’s open to the possibility, Thune hopes to work with Democrats through a standard vetting process for nominees.

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