Senate Majority Leader Thune Pushes Confirmations and Housing Bill, June 17

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is steering multiple bills through Congress this week, including a housing affordability measure and key Trump administration confirmations. The housing bill caps investor purchases of single-family homes at 350 units and could pass the Senate as soon as this week. These moves reflect Thune’s control over the Senate floor and his effort to balance Republican priorities with Trump administration demands.

Housing Bill Limits Investor Home Purchases

A bipartisan housing affordability bill is poised to become law before the end of June after House and Senate lawmakers reached agreement Tuesday. The bill caps the number of single-family homes major investors can buy at 350 and focuses on increasing housing supply. Thune told reporters the bill could clear the Senate as soon as this week, with an initial vote to begin Thursday evening.

Thune Pushes Intelligence Director Confirmation

Senate Majority Leader Thune is pressing Democrats to cooperate on confirming Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence. Clayton’s confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, with Thune hoping to report him out of committee later in the week. Thune noted that President Trump is the first president in history not to have a civilian nominee confirmed by voice vote or unanimous consent under the current Democratic opposition.

Attorney General Confirmation Faces Republican Hesitation

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will face Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings in mid-July on July 15 and 16. Some Republican senators remain undecided about supporting Blanche, citing concerns about a $1.776 billion settlement fund. Thune said Blanche will get a fair hearing and that the Senate will work to schedule and vote on his nomination if it reaches the floor.

Senate Fails Again on Iran War Powers Vote

The Senate voted 47-48 Tuesday on a war powers resolution to halt U.S. military action against Iran, falling one vote short of the majority needed to advance it. This marks the ninth attempt to rein in Trump’s military action against Iran. Four Republicans—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana—joined Democrats in supporting the resolution.

Final Thoughts

Thune’s legislative agenda reflects Republican control of the Senate, though internal party divisions on Iran and confirmations persist. The housing bill’s passage would mark a historic first restriction on private equity investment in residential real estate.

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