Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate regarding the current status of appropriations and nominations. Thune noted that the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed six bipartisan bills, with Republicans ready to consider a package on the floor that would allow for amendments from both parties.

Thune expressed optimism about some Democrats showing willingness to collaborate but stressed the need to complete an appropriations package soon and work with the House in August. He emphasized that more appropriations work will be required in September and called for a regular-order process with debate and amendments on the Senate floor.

He stated, “It is in the interest, Mr. President, of both parties to have a regular-order, bipartisan process. And at least some Democrats have acknowledged as much. And it would be nice to see that attitude prevail in the Democrat Party generally.”

Thune also raised concerns over what he described as a threat by Democratic leadership to shut down the government weeks prior, urging Democrats not to pursue such action.

Turning to presidential nominations, Thune highlighted delays in confirming civilian nominees from President Trump’s administration. He compared this with previous administrations, stating that past presidents—both Republican and Democrat—had a significant portion of their nominees confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote during their first terms.

Thune said: “By this point in his presidency, Joe Biden had had 121 civilian nominees confirmed, and 49 of them had been confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent. 49 – or a full 40 percent.” He contrasted this with President Trump’s current term: “You want to know how many civilian nominees President Trump has had confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote? None. Zero. Zero percent.”

He presented historical data indicating high percentages of nominees confirmed quickly under Presidents George H.W. Bush (98%), Bill Clinton (98%), George W. Bush (90%), Barack Obama (90%), Donald Trump’s first term (65%), and Joe Biden (57%). Thune argued that only zero percent of Trump’s current nominees have been confirmed via these expedited methods.

“This isn’t sustainable,” Thune said, adding that there are 1,100 executive branch nominations requiring Senate confirmation—a number he considers too high—and warned many may not be filled before President Trump leaves office if delays persist.

He concluded: “So let me just say, Mr. President, there are important jobs in the government that are currently standing empty – eight months, now, into this president’s term – because Democrats have dragged out the confirmation process and denied President Trump the courtesy that Republicans and Democrats alike in the past have extended to previous presidents.”

Thune called for pragmatic Democrats to help move forward on bipartisan nominees available for consideration: “We have a lot of bipartisan nominees who are available for consideration right now. And we should be able to quickly approve their nominations.”