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John Thune

John Thune

Senate Republican Leader

Appears in 5 stories

Notable Quotes

Apparently they think a three-year extension with no reforms is actually a plan, Thune said.

There's no appetite for an extension in the upper chamber, Thune said, pointing to ongoing bipartisan talks instead.

"There aren't anywhere close to the votes, not even close, to nuking the filibuster."

Stories

Congress lets ACA subsidy cliff hit, setting up a 2026 premium shock

Rule Changes

Rejected House three-year extension but open to bipartisan Senate compromise with reforms

Enhanced premium tax credits expired January 1, 2026. By late January, 1.2 to 1.4 million fewer Americans had enrolled for marketplace coverage, with total 2026 enrollment at 22.8–22.9 million.

Updated 5 days ago

Congress debates federal citizenship proof requirements for voter registration

Rule Changes

Schedules floor vote despite lacking votes, resists filibuster change

Since 1993, Americans have registered to vote by attesting to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, with no proof required. The House passed the SAVE America Act 218-213 on February 11, 2026, mandating in-person documentary proof—a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers—for federal election registration.

Updated Mar 13

2026 federal spending showdown

Rule Changes

Refusing to separate DHS funding from broader package

A brief three-day partial government shutdown ended February 3 when the House passed the Senate's split funding package 217-214 and President Trump signed it into law, providing full-year appropriations for five agencies through September while extending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding via a two-week continuing resolution through February 13. The shutdown stemmed from Senate Democrats blocking a $1.2 trillion spending package on January 29 after two fatal shootings by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis within three weeks, prompting President Trump and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to negotiate the funding split.

Updated Feb 5

Congress races to complete FY2026 funding after record shutdown

Rule Changes

Managed final Senate floor action leading to shutdown resolution

Congress has not completed all twelve annual spending bills on time since 1996. Fiscal Year 2026 marked a new low with a 43-day shutdown from October to November 2025—the longest in U.S. history—furloughing 900,000 workers and costing $15 billion weekly before resolution. Six bills became law early; the House passed the final package January 23, but Senate modifications over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerns triggered a brief partial shutdown starting January 31.

Updated Feb 5

Two GOP senators block Trump's Fed picks over Powell probe

Rule Changes

Warned investigation must be legitimate

No president has ever criminally investigated a sitting Federal Reserve chair. When Trump's Justice Department served Jerome Powell with grand jury subpoenas on January 11, two Republican senators announced they would block all Fed nominees until the probe ends. With a 13-11 GOP majority on the Banking Committee, even one defection creates a confirmation stalemate.

Updated Jan 28