Thune plans 30-day sprint to pass border and defense bill

Incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is planning an aggressive schedule to pass the GOP’s legislative priorities next year as Republicans prepare for unified control of Washington.

Thune outlined his plans for two reconciliation bills at a Senate policy retreat on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the matter. The first, to be passed within 30 days of President-elect Donald Trump taking office, would tackle energy, defense, and the border. A second bill would reauthorize expiring tax cuts later in the year.