Overview

• Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to endorse OMB Director Russ Vought’s “slash-and-burn” approach during the shutdown and warned of the risks of handing him broad control.
• Thune maintained that Democrats bear responsibility for the shutdown but acknowledged Vought’s moves could distract from Republicans’ message to reopen the government.
• Rep. Mike Lawler publicly objected to Vought’s hold on major New York transportation projects after the shutdown took effect.
• Reps. Blake Moore and Brian Babin raised concerns on a private House GOP call with Vought about potential mass layoffs tied to his directives.
• President Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had a meeting with Vought to discuss which agencies he recommends cutting, highlighting alignment with Project 2025 priorities.