Schumer Urges Thune for Updates on Recent Attacks
On Friday, Thune assumed leadership of the Senate chamber.
TroibNews 
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging Majority Leader John Thune to convene a briefing for all senators regarding the recent alarming incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
"Given the severity of these incidents and the risk of further attacks and copycat actors, it is essential for the Senate to remain actively engaged in understanding the scope of the attacks and to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address any threat posed by domestic or international terrorism," Schumer stated in his letter to Thune on Saturday.
In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with flammable materials was detonated outside one of President-elect Donald Trump's hotels on New Year's Day, resulting in seven injuries and one death inside the vehicle. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar drove a truck into a crowded street on New Year's Eve, leading to 14 fatalities.
The commencement of the new congressional term on Friday marked Thune's ascendancy to the Senate leadership following four years under Democratic control. This new position requires the GOP leader to manage significant all-senators briefings, oversee floor time, and more.
Schumer's letter signals his intention to remain a proactive leader in the minority. The seasoned senator from New York has consistently called on Thune to foster bipartisanship during his leadership tenure. He emphasized that it has "been the practice in the Senate" for party leaders to collaboratively organize all-senators briefings and that he is "ready to work with [Thune] to facilitate this briefing at the earliest convenience."
Thune has remarked that the recent incidents highlight the urgency of swiftly confirming Trump's national security nominees. However, this task may encounter challenges, as some of Trump's selections, including former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, have faced opposition from some lawmakers.
Additionally, Schumer requested that senators receive updates on the preparations for the upcoming presidential inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 20, along with other significant public events at the Capitol.
"I believe a comprehensive briefing on the investigations in New Orleans and Las Vegas, as well as security planning for the major upcoming public events at the Capitol, is necessary to provide senators with information to make informed decisions about security policy, emergency response, and support for the Capitol complex and the affected communities."
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
"Given the severity of these incidents and the risk of further attacks and copycat actors, it is essential for the Senate to remain actively engaged in understanding the scope of the attacks and to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address any threat posed by domestic or international terrorism," Schumer stated in his letter to Thune on Saturday.
In Las Vegas, a Tesla Cybertruck loaded with flammable materials was detonated outside one of President-elect Donald Trump's hotels on New Year's Day, resulting in seven injuries and one death inside the vehicle. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar drove a truck into a crowded street on New Year's Eve, leading to 14 fatalities.
The commencement of the new congressional term on Friday marked Thune's ascendancy to the Senate leadership following four years under Democratic control. This new position requires the GOP leader to manage significant all-senators briefings, oversee floor time, and more.
Schumer's letter signals his intention to remain a proactive leader in the minority. The seasoned senator from New York has consistently called on Thune to foster bipartisanship during his leadership tenure. He emphasized that it has "been the practice in the Senate" for party leaders to collaboratively organize all-senators briefings and that he is "ready to work with [Thune] to facilitate this briefing at the earliest convenience."
Thune has remarked that the recent incidents highlight the urgency of swiftly confirming Trump's national security nominees. However, this task may encounter challenges, as some of Trump's selections, including former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, have faced opposition from some lawmakers.
Additionally, Schumer requested that senators receive updates on the preparations for the upcoming presidential inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 20, along with other significant public events at the Capitol.
"I believe a comprehensive briefing on the investigations in New Orleans and Las Vegas, as well as security planning for the major upcoming public events at the Capitol, is necessary to provide senators with information to make informed decisions about security policy, emergency response, and support for the Capitol complex and the affected communities."
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
