New Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.

Republicans broadly support preserving the 60-vote threshold, which in most cases forces compromise to pass legislation through the Senate.

The Senate gaveled in on Friday and officially came under Republican control, with newly elected Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) being sworn in and vowing to preserve the filibuster, among other