Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming laid out on Thursday what Senate Republicans plan to get done before the 119th Congress ends. The list includes confirming federal judges and President Trump’s nominees. It also includes passing permitting reform and keeping the government funded.
“In 52 days, the 119th Congress ends. Senate Republicans will make every second count,” Mr. Barrasso said in a speech on the Senate floor.
“We will confirm dozens of conservative federal judges to the courts. We will confirm many qualified nominees to positions across the federal government. We will pass historic permitting reform. We will fund the government,” he said.
Mr. Barrasso said two dozen federal judges will come up for confirmation in the coming days. “Under Chairman Grassley, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced judges at the fastest pace since Ronald Reagan,” he said. “We will leave no vacancy behind.”
He said Republicans will finish a final package of nominations before the end of the year. “President Trump deserves to have his team in place. Senate Republicans will deliver,” he said.
On permitting reform, Mr. Barrasso pointed to a bill written by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia and Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. It would make environmental reviews simpler. It would also rein in abusive lawsuits against projects that have already been approved.
The bill is called the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act. On Monday, the Senate voted 73-25 to take it up. “America is ready to build,” Mr. Barrasso said.
He also said Republicans will keep the government open. “Republicans want to keep the government open, pay our troops, and protect essential services,” he said.
The current short-term funding bill runs out Dec. 11, according to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa. On Thursday, Mr. Grassley also listed his own goals for the rest of the year. They include confirming the president’s remaining judicial nominees, keeping the government open and passing permitting reform.
“Republicans will stand strong, united, and energized on behalf of the American people,” Mr. Barrasso said.
