Washington (AP) As Senate Republicans start to establish the foundation for control of government in the coming year and a possible first-month agenda, President-elect Donald Trump dialed in to what was called a love fest Tuesday.
Those at the private GOP retreat said that Trump’s brief conversation was more celebratory than a prescriptive policy agenda, urging the senators to confirm his Cabinet choices as they begin implementing a tax reduction, deportation, and other agenda items.
According to Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., it was a love fest. The room had a genuine feeling of solidarity.
The virtual visit takes place during the last several weeks of what has been one of the most turbulent sessions of Congress in recent memory. Republicans are keen to perform better next year when Trump returns to the White House, given the complete sweep of party control.
Republicans hope to make progress in the first 30 days following Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
During the private retreat at the Library of Congress, South Dakota’s John Thune, the incoming Senate Republican leader, laid out a possible future course.
Thune outlined a possible two-pronged approach in which senators would draft a first legislative package that would address defense, border security, and energy objectives and could be adopted within the first 30 days of the next administration.
Thune went on to say that the senators will likely take longer, extending into the year, to revive the tax cuts that were set to expire during Trump’s first term.
The Senate anticipates launching confirmation hearings for Trump’s top Cabinet choices, some of whom are already encountering opposition, as soon as the next Congress meets on January 3 after members are sworn into office.
Trump’s selection of the Fox News hostThe confirmation hearings for Pete Hegsethas, the defense secretary and hard-right FBI critic, and Kash Patelto, the head of the FBI, could be challenging. Hegseth spent his second day on Capitol Hill Tuesday, meeting with senators late into Monday night.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, stated that it is crucial that we carefully screen the candidates for these crucial roles.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also spoke to the Republican senators, pointing out that he has a small majority in the House and that party critics have limited room to influence him.
According to his spokesperson Taylor Haulsee, Johnson stressed the importance of togetherness as the first 100 days of the agenda approached.
Even when they have the reins of power in Washington, Republicans have struggled to come together on the specifics of their plan.
In the face of anticipated Democratic resistance, Republicans intend to utilize a procedure known as budget reconciliation in the House and Senate to adopt Trump’s program on party-line votes with a simple majority.
However, disagreements are already arising over a number of tax and expenditure cuts as well as more general ideas like Trump’s proposals for mass deportations of foreigners.
It is probable that the Republicans will reallocate federal monies to finance the construction of Trump’s proposed wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and to employ staff to apprehend migrants for deportation.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., stated that the objective is not only to complete the wall but also to have technology that truly provides eyes and ears on the border. Employ the individuals required to begin deporting the criminals.
Debates over border policy can be just as difficult as those over taxation, according to Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina.
The Senate, which is frequently not in session on Fridays, is expected to work lengthier weeks than the rest of Congress.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a Republican, stated, “We will be here a little longer than we have.”
__ This report was written by Kevin Freking of the Associated Press.
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