Thune tells incoming majority Dems 'Republicans are ready to work with you'
Senate Minority Leader (soon-former) John Thune signaled that Republicans are prepared to work with Democratic colleagues while cautioning against enacting a leftist agenda, aiming for bipartisan wins on issues like tax relief and border policy. He framed the election as a referendum on the cost of living, not a mandate for sweeping policy changes, and warned against expanding government or dismantling American institutions. Thune stressed that Republicans will oppose policies they deem harmful to hardworking Americans, while urging collaboration on tangible affordability measures. The remarks come as the 120th Congress approaches, with expectations of bipartisan engagement but firm resistance to Democratic-initiated reforms. Overall, the message sets a path for measured cooperation without rubber-stamping Democratic priorities.
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Thune stated to incoming Democrats that Republicans are ready to work with them, but made clear that this does not equate to rubber-stamping a left-leaning agenda or expanding government. He framed bipartisan cooperation as achievable on issues affecting daily costs, while opposing policies he views as destabilizing to tax relief and border control.
He argued the election reflected frustration with rising living costs since the Biden administration began, rather than a mandate for radical policies, and urged Democrats to pursue real work on affordability.
Thune asserted that any expansion of government would be counterproductive to making life more affordable, specifically opposing the growth of federal programs as proposed by Democratic allies.
He claimed Democrats’ flagship 117th Congress bill, the American Rescue Plan Act, contributed to an inflation crisis, and contrasted that with his view of the need for prudent, bipartisan approaches in the 120th Congress.
The remarks come as Thune faced internal GOP criticism for not pursuing aggressive measures like filibuster abolition during his tenure, and as Chuck Schumer was expected to take the helm in a broader Democratic agenda.
The vocal emphasis on collaboration alongside a warning to resist leftist-driven reform signals a cautious but open stance toward bipartisan governance in the near term.