Irate Tim Burchett blasts Congress: 'Wasted a dadgum week'

Burchett's frustration comes as Senate Republicans increasingly balk at the prospect of advancing White House priorities and amid mounting frustration from the upper chamber over President Donald Trump's intervention in primary races against their incumbents.

Published: May 22, 2026 4:29pm

An irate Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., this week fumed over the inability of Congress to advance key legislative priorities and particularly singled out the Senate for its lethargy.

"We’ve wasted a whole dadgum week, and I think it’s kind of pathetic," he told reporters. His remarks followed the Senate postponing a key vote on a reconciliation bill to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol until June.

"I think we should have stayed here. I’m disappointed in the Senate, but I’m always disappointed with the Senate," he added.

Burchett's frustration comes as Senate Republicans increasingly balk at the prospect of advancing White House priorities and amid mounting frustration from the upper chamber over President Donald Trump's intervention in primary races against their incumbents.

Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, this week. He also backed Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., in the Louisiana Senate race, resulting in the ouster of Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., after he placed third behind Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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