By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press By — Steven Sloan, Associated Press Steven Sloan, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-senate-considers-bills-on-permitting-survivor-justice-as-gop-mulls-future-leadership Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH LIVE: Senate considers bills on permitting, survivor justice as GOP mulls future leadership Politics Updated on Nov 10, 2026 11:35 AM EST — Published on Nov 10, 2026 11:32 AM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans were meeting Tuesday for a "robust conversation" on their future and to decide whether to keep South Dakota Sen. John Thune as their leader, just a week after steep losses in the midterm elections that cost them their majority. The Senate meets at 12 p.m. EST. Watch live in our video player above. Thune is expected to be reelected, given that he remains popular with his GOP colleagues and is running unopposed. But some Republicans who returned to Washington on Monday for the first time since the election wipeout that cost them at least seven seats said it's too soon to endorse…
WATCH LIVE: Senate considers bills on permitting, survivor justice as GOP mulls future leadership
In short
Senate Republicans met behind closed doors Tuesday to hold secret-ballot leadership votes following severe midterm losses that ended their Senate majority. Although John Thune faces no official challengers to retain his leadership role, conservative members like Sens. Ron Johnson and Josh Hawley pushed to delay the process. Hawley notably criticized past legislative decisions, citing cuts to Medicaid and rural hospital funding in a prior tax bill as key drivers of their defeat. Meanwhile, the chamber's broader legislative calendar advanced with consideration of survivor justice and permitting measures.
Key points
- John Thune remains on track to secure reelection as Senate Republican leader despite faci…: John Thune remains on track to secure reelection as Senate Republican leader despite facing no formal opposition.
- Internal conference tensions have surfaced as lawmakers debate whether past legislative s…: Internal conference tensions have surfaced as lawmakers debate whether past legislative strategies contributed directly to their majority loss.
- Donald Trump signaled deference to the Senate regarding the leadership post after previou…: Donald Trump signaled deference to the Senate regarding the leadership post after previously clashing with Thune over the legislative filibuster.