News Analysis
Republicans have a short window before the new Congress takes office on January 3. Senate Majority Leader John Thune should start by publishing a week-by-week floor schedule that names the nominees and bills he intends to bring up. That would give voters a way to judge how Senate Republicans used the time they had.
Confirm nominees and take up the SAVE Act. Thune should give early floor time to Trump nominees who have cleared committee and have the votes, especially those who would fill key vacancies. Republicans should also seek a vote on the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register for federal elections. If the full bill lacks the votes, Senate leaders should put members on the record where possible and see whether a narrower bill with practical ways for eligible citizens to prove citizenship could pass both chambers.
Keep the government funded and explain the deal. Republicans should give lawmakers and the public time to read any year-end spending agreement before the vote. Then they should explain what they secured, what they conceded, and what the agreement means for taxpayers. Voters worried about groceries, energy bills, and wages deserve a plain explanation.
Release completed investigative findings. Republican-led committees should publish what they can lawfully disclose, including the records that support their conclusions. They should spell out which questions remain open and make any warranted referrals before the handover. A public record would give the next Congress and the public something concrete to follow up on.
Trump should address the country directly. He should explain why he chose to act in Iran and Venezuela, what he believed was at stake, and what Americans could feel at the gas pump or in their household budgets. He should also tell voters what Republicans accomplished in Congress and where they fell short.
The first test is Thune’s calendar. Put dates on the votes, identify where support is still short, and let voters see how much the Senate gets done before January 3.
