After serving 20 years in the United States Senate, South Dakota Republican John Thune is the chamber leader.
Senator Thune arrives full circle after defeating then-Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, a Democrat, in 2004.
The 119th Congress was sworn in on Friday, January 3. With that comes a new Republican majority in the United States Senate.
Senator Thune is replacing Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell as GOP leader, who served in the role for 18 years.
During his first speech on the Senate floor, Thune said he views the Senate as a distinct body in the US form of government.
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who would like to see the Senate turn into a copy of the US House of Representatives. That, Mr. President, is not what our founders intended, or what our country needs," Thune said. "One of my priorities as leader will be to ensure the Senate stays the Senate.”
Thune reiterated a commitment to the legislative filibuster—a Senate rule that requires legislation receive 60 votes. Thune said the filibuster has the greatest impact of preserving the founder’s vision of the US Senate.
Republicans hold a 53-seat majority.
Thune also wants Senators to engage in extended debate on the floor. He said border security, tax cut extensions and authorizing a new farm bill are just a few of the upcoming proposals Senators can expect.
“Lifting burdensome and expensive government regulations to help American businesses and families flourish. Providing for our nation’s defense in an increasingly unstable world," Thune said. "Bringing appropriations bills to the floor for serious deliberations so that we make the best possible use of taxpayer dollars.”
Senators will also be busy during the confirmation process for the incoming Trump Administration's cabinet nominees.
One of those nominees is South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who is selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Other high-profile nominees are facing increased scrutiny.
