Trump's private pep talk for Senate Republicans

• Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) warned Republican senators Tuesday to expect longer, five-day work weeks — starting in the new year through Easter.
• They have a long list: Fund the government for the rest of the year, agree to a top line budget number and potentially raise the debt limit — not to mention confirm all of Trump's top administration positions.

Zoom in: Thune and incoming GOP Policy Chair Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) held a lengthy policy retreat Tuesday in D.C.

• A major topic: How they plan to use budget reconciliation to pass policy priorities while evading the 60-vote filibuster.
• Thune told senators he plans to move on a reconciliation package within the first 30 days of the new administration. This one would include border, defense and energy policies.
• A second package would be used to address taxes.

What we're hearing: Early in the retreat, Thune addressed senators telling them to gear up for long work days and work weeks to set up Trump's administration and move fast on their own priorities, two sources in the room told Axios.

• Thune told senators to be prepared to work weekends and skip usual recess weeks in the first 100 days, according to a source familiar.
• Votes will no longer be held open indefinitely to give senators time to vote, another move to make the Senate more efficient.
• Many Republican senators have complained about lax work schedules. In a normal week, senators usually arrive at the Capitol late Monday afternoon and fly home Thursday afternoon.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new reporting from the meeting.