Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate, emphasizing the ongoing workload in Washington as August approaches. Thune highlighted the need to make progress on appropriations and continue confirming President Trump’s nominees.

He stated that despite what he described as a historic level of obstruction from Democrats, Republicans have confirmed 107 civilian nominees, nearly doubling the pace compared to President Trump’s first administration at this point. “And we’ve done it with good old-fashioned hard work,” Thune said.

Thune noted that the Senate has taken 437 votes so far this year, which he said is more than in any Congress at this point in the last 35-plus years. He pointed out that more votes have been taken in 2025 already – in less than seven months – than the Senate has taken in a full 12 months for 32 of the past 36 years.

Despite these numbers, Thune mentioned there are still several nominees awaiting confirmation and suggested that further progress depends on how Senate Democrats choose to proceed. He criticized Democrats for not allowing any civilian Trump nominee to pass by unanimous consent or voice vote, even when many were ultimately supported by Democrats.

“President Trump is the only president on record – the only president on record – to not have a single one of his civilian nominees confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote at this point in his presidency,” Thune said. He contrasted this with President Biden, who had 44 civilian nominees confirmed by voice vote at a similar stage.

Thune called this situation “a historic level of obstruction” and urged Democrats to reconsider their approach. “Democrats haven’t offered a shred of courtesy to President Trump, to the voters who elected him, or to the people who have stepped up to serve our country in his administration,” he said.

He concluded by stating that whether confirmations move quickly or slowly will depend on Democratic cooperation but affirmed that Republican efforts will continue: “But whether it’s the slow way or the fast way, we’re getting President Trump’s nominees confirmed.”