GOP Revolt Grows: Republicans Push Thune to Advance SAVE Act

With fewer than 100 days remaining before voters head to the polls in the midterm elections, pressure is growing inside the Republican Party to move more of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda across the finish line. One Republican senator is now publicly urging Senate leadership to pick up the pace, arguing that time is running short to deliver on several key priorities before lawmakers leave Washington for the campaign season. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune to move more aggressively in advancing President Trump’s agenda, saying he believes Republicans should stop waiting for Democratic cooperation and begin bringing major legislation to the Senate floor. Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Kennedy praised Thune personally but argued the Senate leader has been too cautious.

“Look, I mean no disrespect. I love John Thune. He’s my leader. He’s got a big brain. He’s better looking than me, but I think he’s just being too cautious,” Kennedy said. Kennedy argued that negotiations with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are unlikely to produce an agreement on government funding. “I think he’s going to shut down government,” Kennedy predicted, referring to Schumer. Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to fund the federal government before a partial shutdown would begin. The Senate is scheduled to remain in session through Aug. 7 before taking a five-week recess and returning in mid-September.