Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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310 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "SD" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing theirlegislationthat will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer's share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success, said Thune. I'm glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority the students. Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota's 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually, said Rounds. This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It's a commonsense law that benefits everyone. Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape, said Johnson. Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I'm grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Actprovides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs. Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by trib… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BE3D2463-5C2C-44AD-906A-88A0BE03A55C | Delegation Bill to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education Signed Into Law | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing their legislation that will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at least the employer’s share of the premiums. This change will free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance and more on education-specific items. The bill was included in the broader COVID-19 relief and government funding package, which was signed into law earlier this week. “As the son of two educators, I understand how critical it is to have adequate resources available to schools and how it can have a positive effect on their success,” said Thune. “I’m glad that our bill to ensure tribal grant schools can participate in federal health insurance programs is now law and that these schools will soon be able spend more of their money on our top priority – the students.” “Our legislation will enhance teacher benefits at South Dakota’s 19 tribal grant schools and, at the same time, save the schools thousands of dollars annually,” said Rounds. “This will not only help improve teacher and administrator retention rates at tribal grant schools, it will allow these schools to redirect resources to the students in the classroom. It’s a commonsense law that benefits everyone.” “Tribal schools have enough challenges without having to deal with unnecessary red tape,” said Johnson. “Ensuring this fix is made has been a longtime coming, and I’m grateful to Cecelia Fire Thunder for working for years to get this done. The Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act provides a simple fix that allows funding to flow directly to the students instead of healthcare costs.” Currently, tribal schools are operated either directly by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE); by tribes, th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/grabbing-the-bull-by-the-horns | Grabbing the Bull by the Horns | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | I heard a story recently about a government bureaucrat from DC visiting real America for the first time. He worked on agriculture policy but grew up in the city so his only experience with food involved his plate. He bought a pair of shiny new boots and headed off to cow-calf country. When his plane touched down, he was greeted by a man with a cowboy hat and a firm handshake. They jumped in the rancher’s F-350, a vehicle so big the city slicker couldn’t figure out how you’d parallel park it, and headed out to his ranch. When they arrived at the rancher’s pasture, the bureaucrat thought he’d ask a tough question to impress the tough cowboy: “Why doesn’t that cow have any horns?” “Well,” the rancher said, “there are many reasons why a cow doesn’t have horns. Ya see, some don’t have horns because we dehorned them as calves and some, like Angus, are a polled breed that naturally never grow horns. But the reason that cow doesn’t have any horns is because it’s a horse.” This joke illustrates a broader point: ranchers in cow-calf country work hard every day to produce the best beef in the world, but continue to lose hundreds of dollars per head because the deck is stacked against them. DC lobbyists and bureaucrats, who have never been to a sale barn or stepped foot on a ranch but still think they know better, continue to rig the system and line the pockets of the big packers. They’re ripping off our ranchers, small processors and, ultimately, our consumers. That needs to stop now. As we enter a new year and a new Congress, it would be easy to get discouraged, see the situation not changing and give up. But these issues are too important to quit on. There is fire in my belly and I’m going to fight like hell until we get this done. When I meet with ranchers in South Dakota in places like Wall or St. Onge or Ft. Pierre, it’s clear they know what’s best for their operation. They demand greater market transparency, new markets for state-inspected facilities, Product of the U.S.A. labeling and Mandatory Country of Origin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7C76022C-877F-40CF-B992-81FB721659AA | Thune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to provide targeted coronavirus relief to the American people. After months of needless delay, I am thankful that we have finally come to an agreement to address the most critical priorities to continue to help the American people through the coronavirus pandemic, said Thune. This targeted package will provide much-needed relief to the families, medical professionals, and small business employees who have shouldered the weight of this pandemic, and it provides additional funding for widespread distribution of the safe and effective coronavirus vaccines. While we could have reached this deal months ago, it comes at a critical time as vaccines are being delivered and there is finally a light at the end of this long tunnel. Key provisions of the bipartisan relief package: Extension of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for the hardest-hit small businesses. The Small Business Expense Deduction Act, which Thune cosponsored to ensure that small businesses that qualify for forgiveness of their PPP loans can still deduct their ordinary business expenses on their taxes. The bipartisan Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which Thune introduced to help more farmers and ranchers benefit from PPP. Five-year extension of the bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act, introduced by Thune and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), which would allow employers to contribute up to $5,250 tax-free to help pay down their employees' student loans. Making biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel eligible for USDA assistance, at the discretion of the secretary. $82 billion to assist schools and universities with reopening for in-person education. $10 billion in grants for childcare centers to help providers safely reopen. $20 billion for purchasing vaccines, making the vaccine available at no cost for anyone who needs it. $8 billion for vaccine distribution. $20 billion to assist states with… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7C76022C-877F-40CF-B992-81FB721659AA | Thune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to provide targeted coronavirus relief to the American people. “After months of needless delay, I am thankful that we have finally come to an agreement to address the most critical priorities to continue to help the American people through the coronavirus pandemic,” said Thune. “This targeted package will provide much-needed relief to the families, medical professionals, and small business employees who have shouldered the weight of this pandemic, and it provides additional funding for widespread distribution of the safe and effective coronavirus vaccines. While we could have reached this deal months ago, it comes at a critical time as vaccines are being delivered and there is finally a light at the end of this long tunnel.” Key provisions of the bipartisan relief package: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DDEE7DE8-7E59-417E-ACB6-CC58BBA6BB18 | Thune: Bipartisan COVID Relief Package is a Win for the American People | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the recent bipartisan agreement on a new targeted COVID-19 relief package, for which he has been advocating for months. This legislation will include a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding for the hardest-hit small businesses and additional money to help schools reopen and safely operate, support vaccine distribution, and prioritize coronavirus treatment and other frontline medical needs. Thune also noted that the agreement will include his Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which will help more farmers and ranchers benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program, and an extension of his Employer Participation in Repayment Act, which was originally included in a previous COVID relief package. The Senate is expected to consider the agreement as soon as today. Excerpt of Thune's remarks: Mr. President, I'm very pleased that we have reached an agreement on a final COVID relief package and none too soon. Last week, we celebrated what will hopefully be a turning point in the COVID fight the first U.S. coronavirus vaccinations. We need to build on that momentum and make sure that vaccine distribution goes swiftly and smoothly so that we can vaccinate as many Americans as possible, as quickly as possible. The COVID relief package will help us achieve that goal by providing important funding for vaccine distribution. It will also provide critical support to Americans to help them weather the rest of this pandemic, including: A second round of Paycheck Protection funding for the hardest-hit small businesses. Money to help schools reopen and safely operate so that our kids aren't left behind. And more money for coronavirus treatment and other front-line medical priorities. I'm very pleased that the final package includes my Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which will help more farmers and ranchers benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program. The bill also includes funding to allow the Department of Agriculture to provid… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DDEE7DE8-7E59-417E-ACB6-CC58BBA6BB18 | Thune: Bipartisan COVID Relief Package is a Win for the American People | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the recent bipartisan agreement on a new targeted COVID-19 relief package, for which he has been advocating for months. This legislation will include a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding for the hardest-hit small businesses and additional money to help schools reopen and safely operate, support vaccine distribution, and prioritize coronavirus treatment and other frontline medical needs. Thune also noted that the agreement will include his Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which will help more farmers and ranchers benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program, and an extension of his Employer Participation in Repayment Act, which was originally included in a previous COVID relief package. The Senate is expected to consider the agreement as soon as today. Excerpt of Thune’s remarks: “Mr. President, I’m very pleased that we have reached an agreement on a final COVID relief package – and none too soon. “Last week, we celebrated what will hopefully be a turning point in the COVID fight – the first U.S. coronavirus vaccinations. “We need to build on that momentum and make sure that vaccine distribution goes swiftly and smoothly – so that we can vaccinate as many Americans as possible, as quickly as possible. “The COVID relief package will help us achieve that goal by providing important funding for vaccine distribution. “It will also provide critical support to Americans to help them weather the rest of this pandemic, including: “A second round of Paycheck Protection funding for the hardest-hit small businesses. “Money to help schools reopen and safely operate so that our kids aren’t left behind. “And more money for coronavirus treatment and other front-line medical priorities. “I’m very pleased that the final package includes my Paycheck Protection for Producers Act, which will help more farmers and ranchers benefit from the Paycheck Protection Program. “The bill also includes funding to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide additio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5DC5AF4C-E159-42F9-B120-CD3B56B49ACD | American Ingenuity at its Finest | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | There is no way around it this has been a tough year. Painful but necessary social distance, economic hardship, and of course unimaginable loss of American lives. It has also been a year of unmistakable American spirit. This spirit of ingenuity and perseverance is highly evident in the impressive push for a COVID-19 vaccine. The first coronavirus vaccine was recently authorized for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, and distribution efforts began immediately. This means that a safe COVID vaccine was developed, tested, manufactured, and authorized five times faster than any vaccine in history. Essentially, our government bet on American ingenuity, and it paid off. The effort to get this vaccine authorized and distributed is a remarkable example of what can be done when we work together toward a single, life-saving goal. All of the experts, scientists, soldiers, trial volunteers, and public servants who worked on this effort deserve the highest praise. I am proud of them and all they accomplished for our country. There is no doubt that their efforts will save American lives, and I don't think I am alone in looking forward to the day that our lives settle back into their normal patterns. Developing a COVID-19 vaccine with impressive speed has produced one unfortunate side-effect: skepticism. Was this process fast? Yes. But was it rushed? No. This was an around-the-clock effort, and methods to speed and streamline the process have not jeopardized safety. This vaccine has gone through the same important steps and review process as any other. To ensure the ability to start distribution as soon as a vaccine was authorized, we started manufacturing them before we even knew if they would be viable. The start of vaccinations for our health care workers marks the beginning of what will hopefully be a decisive victory in our COVID battle. We owe that to the hard work and persistence of medical researchers. But we owe it also to the vaccine trial volunteers, who enabled researchers to complet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D20691B-2370-477D-9017-A9F88CB934B6 | Thune, Brown Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Electronic Prior Authorization System, Get Older Americans Timely Access to the Care They Need | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) this week introduced the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, bipartisan legislation that requires private insurance companies that operate Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to establish an electronic prior authorization (ePA) system to approve medical services in a more timely manner. Implementing an electronic authorization program will reduce delays and help older Americans get quicker access to the treatment and care they need. The bill builds on legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last year by U.S. Reps. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Ami Bera (D-Calif.), and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.). Prior authorization can play a role in ensuring beneficiaries receive clinically appropriate treatments and help control the cost of care. However, when used improperly, prior authorization can lead to delays in care for patients and result in administrative burdens for providers. The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act would help to streamline prior authorization processes, and promote safe, timely, and affordable access to evidence-based care for Medicare Advantage enrollees and the providers and suppliers who care for them. Modernizing and streamlining the prior authorization process is important for seniors and providers, said Thune. Our bipartisan legislation would ensure that everyone knows the rules of the road. It would also promote real-time decisions for routine services when feasible, making health care more efficient and patient-centered. Older Americans shouldn't be held up with unnecessary delays when seeking out medical treatment, said Brown. We should be updating our systems so that they work better and faster for patients and providers. Requiring private insurance companies to streamline prior authorization processes electronically will allow providers to quickly access the information they need to treat and care for their patients in a timely manner. In January 2019, health care… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F41E345-4DFE-4D62-B37B-D94E9B3A86A3 | Thune, Merkley, Collins, and King Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Americas Small Food Processors | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today introduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America's small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. The pandemic has created significant challenges to our nation's food supply chain, especially when it comes to meat processing capacity, said Thune. South Dakota's producers work hard to raise high-quality livestock, and we need to invest in expanding processing capacity to help meet consumer demand for their products. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support small meatpackers and to create additional marketing options for livestock producers. Dedicated workers across our food supply chains in every corner of our country work hard to ensure that when we go to our local grocery stores, there will be plenty of food on the shelves for our families, said Merkley. But nowas the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend every aspect of our economyour food processors, especially small plants that have been hit particularly hard, need help. This bipartisan bill would help provide these plants with valuable support, while also strengthening our food safety inspections and cutting red tape. The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine's rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,said Collins. This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3D20691B-2370-477D-9017-A9F88CB934B6 | Thune, Brown Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Establish Electronic Prior Authorization System, Get Older Americans Timely Access to the Care They Need | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | 0 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6F41E345-4DFE-4D62-B37B-D94E9B3A86A3 | Thune, Merkley, Collins, and King Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Small Food Processors | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) today introduced the Strengthening Local Processing Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide much-needed federal support to America’s small meat and poultry processors and help strengthen and streamline their operations. The legislation would give small food processors more access to information that is critical to food safety planning, allow more inspector-approved meat products to be sold across state lines, and funnel federal dollars toward training, education, and technical assistance grants. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine) are original co-sponsors of this legislation. “The pandemic has created significant challenges to our nation’s food supply chain, especially when it comes to meat processing capacity,” said Thune. “South Dakota’s producers work hard to raise high-quality livestock, and we need to invest in expanding processing capacity to help meet consumer demand for their products. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to support small meatpackers and to create additional marketing options for livestock producers.” “Dedicated workers across our food supply chains in every corner of our country work hard to ensure that when we go to our local grocery stores, there will be plenty of food on the shelves for our families,” said Merkley. “But now—as the coronavirus pandemic continues to upend every aspect of our economy—our food processors, especially small plants that have been hit particularly hard, need help. This bipartisan bill would help provide these plants with valuable support, while also strengthening our food safety inspections and cutting red tape.” “The supply chain disruptions and restaurant closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have placed increasing financial pressure on Maine’s rural farming communities, including our small farms that raise livestock,” said Collins. “This bipartisan bill would provide some relief by clearing unnecessary, bureaucratic hurdles, which would ensure that the li… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5EC60C56-2C21-4063-A506-30760B8B0142 | Thune: Thankful for Bravery of Vaccine Volunteers | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the ongoing negotiations in Congress on an additional COVID-19 relief package and expressed the urgent need for relief for the American people. Thune also thanked the COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers who have bravely put themselves on the line for the sake of this country and recognized the many other quiet heroes who have kept the country running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, I am encouraged that we are making progress on coronavirus relief legislation, but we need to finish up and get this bill out the door. The virus is surging around the country, and we need to get help to struggling Americans as soon as possible. The time for debate is over let's get this done. Mr. President, we started this week out with a tremendously hopeful moment in our COVID fight the first vaccinations against this virus. It's incredible that barely a year since we first learned about the virus, we have a vaccine with more vaccines likely on the way. And I've been thinking a lot this week about the people who volunteered for vaccine trials. We've gained a new appreciation this year for a lot of people whose work we might have taken for granted in the past. The farmers and grocery store workers and truck drivers who have kept food on our grocery store shelves. The delivery drivers whom we have relied on so heavily this year who have brought our packages to us so that we can minimize our time at the store. All the workers whose jobs can't be done from home from electrical workers to trashmen to pharmacists who get up every day and put on their masks and go out and keep our country running. And of course, our nation's medical professionals, who have faced down this virus with courage and determination and great compassion. There have been a lot of quiet heroes this year, Mr. President. And the people who volunteered for vaccine trials should be high on the list. A lot of courageous… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-legislation-to-end-veteran-homelessness-heads-to-presidents-desk | Rounds’ Legislation to End Veteran Homelessness Heads to President’s Desk | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, made the following statement after legislation he introduced to end veteran homelessness was included in a veterans package that passed the House of Representatives yesterday. It now heads to the president’s desk for signature: “No veteran should be without a place to call home,” said Rounds. “While there has been progress made over the past decade at reducing the number of veterans experiencing homelessness, there are still too many vets without a roof over their heads. These are men and women who’ve served and sacrificed for us—they deserve every benefit they’ve earned. I thank my colleagues in Congress for their support of this legislation, which seeks to make sure every veteran has the resources they need to find a home. I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.” The Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act was introduced by Rounds and U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) in October 2020. It will improve two programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate as part of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, MD, Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act. Background: The Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act will make improvements to the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program by: Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to contract out vacant HUD-VASH caseworker positions to qualified community providers—if a VA Medical Center has not used more than 15 percent of its HUD-VASH voucher allocation in the previous year and has had a HUD-VASH case manager position vacant for over 9 months; Allowing for an increase in the per diem payments for community participants in the GPD program; and Allowing GPD participants to utilize GPD funding to gain access to their local Homeless Management Information System in or… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/merry-little-christmas | Merry "Little" Christmas | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Each family celebrates holidays differently. This year, I think it’s safe to say we all share a similar different. Each of us has had to evaluate what our holiday gatherings will look like as we battle this deadly pandemic. Some have concluded that a Merry “Little” Christmas is what works best for their family. While that might be discouraging, just remember that the first Christmas was pretty simple, too. Christmas is a time of hope and joy. But this year there’s an extra element of grief involved as we mourn the lives lost to this awful pandemic. At the time I’m writing this, we’ve lost 1,300 people to COVID-19 in South Dakota. Jean and I pray for those experiencing Christmas without their loved ones this year. Christmas is sometimes called the season of giving. There is real joy in giving. We remember the gift God gave to the world through his son Jesus Christ, by sharing gifts with those we love and finding ways to give back to our communities. Particularly, this year I’ve been thinking about Charles Dickens and his Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. With the vaccine rolling out to more and more Americans each day, it’s only a matter of time until everyone who wants a vaccine has received one. By this time next year, we all hope to be back to normal again. Until we’ve reached that point, let’s use the gift the Good Lord gave us to fight this virus: common sense. Wear your darn mask. I know I am a broken record saying this again, but it needs to be said. We are getting better about wearing our masks when it makes sense, but there’s still improvement that can be made. If you’re out in public and cannot social distance, just wear your mask. It will help protect you and those around you. It’s also important to wash our hands and use hand sanitizer. That’s good advice for combatting COVID-19, but also other more common ailments like the cold and flu. COVID-19 disproportionally impacts those of us who have lived longer. We need to keep that in mind as we celebrate this holiday season. I said this around Thanksgiv… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5EC60C56-2C21-4063-A506-30760B8B0142 | Thune: Thankful for Bravery of Vaccine Volunteers | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the ongoing negotiations in Congress on an additional COVID-19 relief package and expressed the urgent need for relief for the American people. Thune also thanked the COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers who have bravely put themselves on the line for the sake of this country and recognized the many other quiet heroes who have kept the country running throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I am encouraged that we are making progress on coronavirus relief legislation, but we need to finish up and get this bill out the door. “The virus is surging around the country, and we need to get help to struggling Americans as soon as possible. “The time for debate is over – let’s get this done. “Mr. President, we started this week out with a tremendously hopeful moment in our COVID fight – the first vaccinations against this virus. “It’s incredible that barely a year since we first learned about the virus, we have a vaccine – with more vaccines likely on the way. “And I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the people who volunteered for vaccine trials. “We’ve gained a new appreciation this year for a lot of people whose work we might have taken for granted in the past. “The farmers and grocery store workers and truck drivers who have kept food on our grocery store shelves. “The delivery drivers – whom we have relied on so heavily this year – who have brought our packages to us so that we can minimize our time at the store. “All the workers whose jobs can’t be done from home – from electrical workers to trashmen to pharmacists – who get up every day and put on their masks and go out and keep our country running. “And of course, our nation’s medical professionals, who have faced down this virus with courage and determination – and great compassion. “There have been a lot of quiet heroes this year, Mr. President. “And the people who volunteered for vaccine trials should be high on the list. “A lot of courageous peo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9E14AA0D-C53F-485F-9B4A-65A1009F6E0D | Thune Highlights American Entrepreneurship Hearing and Subcommittee Chairmanship | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today highlighted yesterday's Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs subcommittee hearing, which focused on examining where venture capital is being invested in this country. During the hearing, Thune questioned industry experts, including one from Rapid City, South Dakota, on ways to expand American entrepreneurship. Thune also noted his work as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, a role he's held since the beginning of the 116th Congress.The subcommittee oversees matters relating to the technology and telecommunications industries, including 5G mobile broadband development and deployment. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, yesterday afternoon the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet held our final hearing of the 116th Congress. The title of yesterday's hearing was Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs, and it focused on examining where venture capital is being invested in this country and where it is not with an eye to exploring ways to expand investment to other parts of the country. Over the past 50 years, venture capital has come to play an essential role in advancing American entrepreneurism. Venture capitalists have provided key funding for start-ups that have gone on to become some of America's most profitable companies. And many of the technologies and services we rely on today would not be around if venture capitalists hadn't been willing to take a risk on innovation. However, venture capital investment in the United States has traditionally been highly concentrated in certain areas of the country. In 2019, California-based companies received 50 percent of all venture-backed investment in the United States. Just three states California, New Y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9E14AA0D-C53F-485F-9B4A-65A1009F6E0D | Thune Highlights American Entrepreneurship Hearing and Subcommittee Chairmanship | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today highlighted yesterday’s “Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs” subcommittee hearing, which focused on examining where venture capital is being invested in this country. During the hearing, Thune questioned industry experts, including one from Rapid City, South Dakota, on ways to expand American entrepreneurship. Thune also noted his work as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, a role he’s held since the beginning of the 116th Congress. The subcommittee oversees matters relating to the technology and telecommunications industries, including 5G mobile broadband development and deployment. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday afternoon the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet held our final hearing of the 116th Congress. “The title of yesterday’s hearing was “Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs,” and it focused on examining where venture capital is being invested in this country – and where it is not – with an eye to exploring ways to expand investment to other parts of the country. “Over the past 50 years, venture capital has come to play an essential role in advancing American entrepreneurism. “Venture capitalists have provided key funding for start-ups that have gone on to become some of America’s most profitable companies. “And many of the technologies and services we rely on today would not be around if venture capitalists hadn’t been willing to take a risk on innovation. “However, venture capital investment in the United States has traditionally been highly concentrated in certain areas of the country. “In 2019, California-based companies received 50 percent of all venture-backed investment in the United States. “Just three states – California, New York, and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=61FC8CE0-81DF-4678-B650-D945307E9314 | Thune: Senate Republicans Continue to Fight for Additional Relief Funding as First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccines are Distributed | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the recent distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines and celebrated that 100 million Americans are expected to be vaccinated by March 2021. Thune highlighted the significant progress that has been made, but he noted that Congress's work toward providing additional COVID-19 relief is not over. He encouraged his Democrat colleagues to join Republicans to pass a bipartisan relief bill for the American people before Christmas. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, yesterday was a hopeful day, as the first COVID vaccines in the U.S. were distributed to health care workers on the front lines of the COVID battle. And later this week the FDA will hold a meeting on an emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID vaccine meaning that we could have a second coronavirus vaccine authorized before Christmas. If all goes well, we expect to have 100 million Americans vaccinated by March. That's a pretty amazing statistic when you consider that just a year ago we didn't even know about this virus. And it's a tribute to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite vaccine development. It's been a long, hard year, but the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. But while yesterday was an encouraging day, we have more work to do on the COVID front. First, we all need to keep following the CDC's recommendations. The rollout of Pfizer's vaccine is wonderful news, but cases in the U.S. are still surging. Until we can get a lot more people vaccinated, we need to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and avoid overwhelming our hospitals. Second, we need to pass another COVID bill here in Congress to provide additional funding for vaccines and deliver other urgently needed relief to our fellow Americans. Republicans, of course, have been trying to pass additional COVID legislation for months. And I'm encouraged that, in the past few weeks, a n… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A51FEBD9-79E7-4735-94EE-E4B7C9A0CFD2 | Rapid City CEO Joins Thune-Led Hearing to Examine Expansion of American Entrepreneurship | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today led a hearing titled Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs to examine the venture capital gap that exists between different geographic regions in America, how COVID-19 could redefine this gap, and what the private and public sectors are doing to address it. The hearing featured testimony from Ray Hespen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Property Meld in Rapid City, S.D., as well as other industry experts. Thune's full remarks (as prepared for delivery): Good afternoon and welcome to today's subcommittee hearing to review the state of entrepreneurship in America. I would like to welcome everyone joining us today - both in-person and virtually. For much of our nation's history, entrepreneurship has enabled both American progress and American prosperity. It is the bedrock of the American dream and has led to the economic mobility of millions of citizens. Over the course of the last fifty years, venture capital has played an increasingly important role in the continuation of America's entrepreneurial spirit. The venture capital model has led to tremendous economic growth in recent decades, and venture capital investment has resulted in some of America's most profitable and consequential companies. Many of these venture capital-backed businesses have enabled the technology we have come to rely on during the COVID-19 pandemic, from food and grocery delivery services to virtual health care applications. Today, it often feels as if entrepreneurs and venture capitalists go hand-in-hand - the former depending on the latter to scale and realize their full impact. However, we are here to not only talk about the relationship between venture capital and entrepreneurship, but also where this relationship is occurring and, more importantly, where it is not. In 2019, California-based companies received roughly 50 percent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=61FC8CE0-81DF-4678-B650-D945307E9314 | Thune: Senate Republicans Continue to Fight for Additional Relief Funding as First Batch of COVID-19 Vaccines are Distributed | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the recent distribution of the first COVID-19 vaccines and celebrated that 100 million Americans are expected to be vaccinated by March 2021. Thune highlighted the significant progress that has been made, but he noted that Congress’s work toward providing additional COVID-19 relief is not over. He encouraged his Democrat colleagues to join Republicans to pass a bipartisan relief bill for the American people before Christmas. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday was a hopeful day, as the first COVID vaccines in the U.S. were distributed to health care workers on the front lines of the COVID battle. “And later this week the FDA will hold a meeting on an emergency use authorization for Moderna’s COVID vaccine – meaning that we could have a second coronavirus vaccine authorized before Christmas. “If all goes well, we expect to have 100 million Americans vaccinated by March. “That’s a pretty amazing statistic when you consider that just a year ago we didn’t even know about this virus. “And it’s a tribute to the innovative power of the private sector – and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite vaccine development. “It’s been a long, hard year, but the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. “But while yesterday was an encouraging day, we have more work to do on the COVID front. “First, we all need to keep following the CDC’s recommendations. “The rollout of Pfizer’s vaccine is wonderful news, but cases in the U.S. are still surging. “Until we can get a lot more people vaccinated, we need to do everything we can to slow the spread of the virus and avoid overwhelming our hospitals. “Second, we need to pass another COVID bill here in Congress to provide additional funding for vaccines and deliver other urgently needed relief to our fellow Americans. “Republicans, of course, have been trying to pass additional COVID legislation for months. “And I’m encouraged that, in the past few weeks, a number of Dem… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A51FEBD9-79E7-4735-94EE-E4B7C9A0CFD2 | Rapid City CEO Joins Thune-Led Hearing to Examine Expansion of American Entrepreneurship | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today led a hearing titled “Betting on the Rest: Expanding American Entrepreneurship Outside Traditional Hubs” to examine the venture capital gap that exists between different geographic regions in America, how COVID-19 could redefine this gap, and what the private and public sectors are doing to address it. The hearing featured testimony from Ray Hespen, co-founder and chief executive officer of Property Meld in Rapid City, S.D., as well as other industry experts. Thune’s full remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Good afternoon and welcome to today’s subcommittee hearing to review the state of entrepreneurship in America. “I would like to welcome everyone joining us today – both in-person and virtually. “For much of our nation’s history, entrepreneurship has enabled both American progress and American prosperity. “It is the bedrock of the American dream and has led to the economic mobility of millions of citizens. “Over the course of the last fifty years, venture capital has played an increasingly important role in the continuation of America’s entrepreneurial spirit. “The venture capital model has led to tremendous economic growth in recent decades, and venture capital investment has resulted in some of America’s most profitable and consequential companies. “Many of these venture capital-backed businesses have enabled the technology we have come to rely on during the COVID-19 pandemic, from food and grocery delivery services to virtual health care applications. “Today, it often feels as if entrepreneurs and venture capitalists go hand-in-hand – the former depending on the latter to scale and realize their full impact. “However, we are here to not only talk about the relationship between venture capital and entrepreneurship, but also where this relationship is occurring and, more importantly, where it is not. “In 2019, California-based companies received roughly 50 percent of all ve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A539AFAE-A5C7-48EF-8ABE-A0D6CD051C10 | Wicker, Thune, Moran Statement on Government Cyberattack | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection, today released the following statement regarding the cyberattack on U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Commerce. The Commerce Committee received an initial briefing from the Department of Commerce regarding a sophisticated cyberattack, and we will continue to monitor the investigation closely. While many details are still unknown, the attack emphasizes the importance of strong cybersecurity protections and rapid incident responses across all federal agencies. Cyberattacks by nation states like Russia and China threaten our economy and national security. Our response should be swift and clear. Chairman Wicker's bill, S. 2775, the Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge Through Education (HACKED) Act, was included in the recently-passed National Defense Authorization Act. The bill includes provisions to enhance the cybersecurity workforce of federal agencies.It would also develop standards for cybersecurity awareness for federal employees. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A539AFAE-A5C7-48EF-8ABE-A0D6CD051C10 | Wicker, Thune, Moran Statement on Government Cyberattack | 2020-12-14 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection, today released the following statement regarding the cyberattack on U.S. government agencies, including the Department of Commerce. “The Commerce Committee received an initial briefing from the Department of Commerce regarding a sophisticated cyberattack, and we will continue to monitor the investigation closely. While many details are still unknown, the attack emphasizes the importance of strong cybersecurity protections and rapid incident responses across all federal agencies. Cyberattacks by nation states like Russia and China threaten our economy and national security. Our response should be swift and clear.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=6D03CC4B-5CA5-4FAC-97B0-D5EB40044499 | No One Wants a Surprise Tax Bill Under the Tree | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | The complicated tax situation facing mobile workers has been an issue in need of a solution for a while now, but the urgency to address it has grown exponentially during the pandemic. As everyone knows, medical professionals from around the country have traveled to hard-hit areas this year to help hospitals deal with the influx of COVID cases. But what many people don't realize is that these medical professionals like other mobile workers are likely to face a complicated tax situation as a result. Like most Americans, mobile workers' income is subject to taxation in the state in which their permanent home is located, but any income they earned in a state other than their state of residence is also subject to taxation in the state in which they earned it. For example, a worker who lives and works in Minnesota gets taxed in Minnesota. In certain situations, she can also be taxed on the income she earns in Wisconsin and Iowa if she travels there for work. Some states give up to a 60-day window before income earned by mobile workers in their state is subject to taxation. Other states start taxing mobile workers immediately. Navigating different states' requirements can make for a miserable tax season. It can also be a real burden for their employers. It's particularly challenging for smaller businesses, who frequently lack the in-house tax staff and tracking capabilities of larger organizations. The situation has long cried out for a solution. For the past four Congresses, I've introduced legislation the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act to create a uniform standard for mobile workers. Under my bill, if you spent 30 days or fewer working in a different state, you would be taxed as normal by your home state. If you spent more than 30 days working in a different state, you would be subject to that other state's income tax in addition to income tax from your home state. In June of this year, I introduced an updated version of my Mobile Workforce bill the Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act. M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58D2B554-A138-46C8-8FB5-6CB3AC0BC346 | Senate Passes Thune, Peters, Roberts Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Representation for Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Sectors in the Development of Federal Drone Policy | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), today applauded the Senate for passing their legislation to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) chief drone policy committee includes representation for agriculture, forestry, and rural America. The Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act would also ensure that the FAA provides representation for local government officials, including those from county and tribal governments, on the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC). As technology becomes more sophisticated, farmers will increasingly rely on drones to assess, monitor, and manage their farm activities,said Thune.Rural areas like South Dakota where agriculture is the state's top industry deserve to have a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions on drone policies and best practices. I'm pleased the Senate passed this bill to ensure representation from rural areas on the Drone Advisory Committee. With drones becoming integral to Michigan farms and businesses, it's important that farmers, and rural representatives have a seat at the policy making tableespecially when it impacts their bottom line and as they deal with unprecedented challenges related to this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, said Peters I am pleased that the Senate has passed this commonsense bipartisan legislation that will help ensure that agriculture, forestry and rural perspectives across the state are taken into account before new regulations are developed. Drones are another tool in the toolkit for agricultural producers to run a more sophisticated and efficient operation, said Roberts. I'm proud this bipartisan legislation gives farmers a seat at the table when decisions are being made about drone policies. The Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act would encourage public participation in the nomination process to increase broader user representation on the DAC, and would emphasize transparency requirements to ensure that the DA… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8265F247-E93E-44D8-ADD7-1C5B6AFE8195 | Thune Applauds Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important measures Congress passes every year, and I'm pleased that the Senate passed it today with overwhelming bipartisan support, said Thune. This year's bill invests in improving the quality of life for our military members and their families, and it focuses on restoring military readiness to ensure our nation is prepared to meet the threats posed by major powers like Russia and China. The NDAA also authorizes $2.8 billion for the continued development of the B-21 bomber, which will be based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and it authorizes $10 million for a specialized hangar for the upkeep of its stealth coating. The bill preserves all of the maintainers at Ellsworth, even as a few of the most fatigued B-1 bombers are retired. This will not only ensure that the remaining B-1s will receive more resources and be kept at a higher rate of combat readiness, but it also means that the force structure is in place to maintain B-21s as soon as that mission arrives in South Dakota. It's important for this bill to become law as soon as possible. I hope the president will sign the bill and work with those of us who agree with him about the need to reform liability protections for big tech. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/annual-defense-bill-headed-to-presidents-desk-includes-a-number-of-south-dakota-priorities | Annual Defense Bill Headed to President’s Desk, Includes a Number of South Dakota Priorities | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021, which includes a number of South Dakota priorities. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the SASC Cybersecurity Subcommittee, authored and championed a number of these provisions. “Senator Rounds has been a champion for the National Defense Authorization Act and all that it stands for — a strong national defense and robust support for our troops,” said SASC Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). “His efforts were critical to make this the strongest NDAA possible. I’m especially proud of the work Senator Rounds did as chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, where he prioritized forward-looking policies to strengthen our cyber defenses and took a leadership role in establishment of the National Cyber Director. From making sure we maintain the right fleet of aircraft to support the National Defense Strategy to strengthening our national technology and industry base, the energy and intellectual horsepower Senator Rounds brings to national security is the leadership we need to ensure a bright future for our nation and our grandkids.” The fiscal 2021 NDAA: Provides a three percent pay raise for our troops; Supports military family readiness by advocating for the employment of military spouses and making sure the Department of Defense provides high-quality and accessible child care for military families; Includes a Rounds provision to address the Air Force’s bomber shortfall, which directly supports B-21 bomber program and Ellsworth Air Force Base; Includes a Rounds provision to expand the Cyber Institutes program to include institutions that have a Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program, such as South Dakota State University in Brookings; Includes many Rounds-led provisions to strengthen our cybersecurity efforts; Fosters innovative technological development that restores, maintains or expands our comparative advantage over China and Russia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/why-ill-be-getting-the-covid-19-vaccine | Why I’ll Be Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The COVID-19 pandemic has rocked our planet and nothing has been the same since it began. We all want the world to go back to normal and with the emergence of successful COVID-19 vaccinations, we are one step closer to that becoming a reality. I’m not suggesting that government needs to mandate this vaccine. Whether you take it or not will be up to you - it comes down to personal responsibility. Here’s my decision: I will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. As many of you know, my wife Jean has been battling a cancer called sarcoma since 2019. If she were to get COVID-19, it would be difficult for her weakened immune system to fight off this disease. Keeping this virus away from her has been my priority. This vaccine will help keep Jean safe. I have no concerns that the COVID-19 vaccine will be safe and effective. Tests show the Moderna vaccine is 94 percent effective and the Pfizer vaccine is 95 percent effective. These vaccines have gone through the same rigorous trials the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses to test all vaccines. Tens of thousands of people have received these vaccines while successfully participating in trials. By the time a vaccine reaches you, you can trust that it will have been put through numerous phases of clinical trials and be safe for you to take. Despite this success, concerns still continue to float around on social media about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, and in the weeks to come, I anticipate there will be plenty more disinformation floating around online. It’s important when we are making decisions that we take into account the validity of the source and only trust information that comes from reliable sources. The Centers for Disease Control and the FDA say this vaccine will be safe and efficient. I trust that information. Your doctor would also be a good source of information if you have uncertainties. I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating: while we wait for the vaccine, it’s important to continue using common sense to fi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=58D2B554-A138-46C8-8FB5-6CB3AC0BC346 | Senate Passes Thune, Peters, Roberts Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Representation for Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Sectors in the Development of Federal Drone Policy | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), today applauded the Senate for passing their legislation to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) chief drone policy committee includes representation for agriculture, forestry, and rural America. The Drone Advisory Committee for the 21st Century Act would also ensure that the FAA provides representation for local government officials, including those from county and tribal governments, on the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC). “As technology becomes more sophisticated, farmers will increasingly rely on drones to assess, monitor, and manage their farm activities,” said Thune. “Rural areas like South Dakota – where agriculture is the state’s top industry – deserve to have a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions on drone policies and best practices. I’m pleased the Senate passed this bill to ensure representation from rural areas on the Drone Advisory Committee.” “With drones becoming integral to Michigan farms and businesses, it’s important that farmers, and rural representatives have a seat at the policy making table—especially when it impacts their bottom line and as they deal with unprecedented challenges related to this unprecedented public health and economic crisis,” said Peters “I am pleased that the Senate has passed this commonsense bipartisan legislation that will help ensure that agriculture, forestry and rural perspectives across the state are taken into account before new regulations are developed.” “Drones are another tool in the toolkit for agricultural producers to run a more sophisticated and efficient operation,” said Roberts. “I’m proud this bipartisan legislation gives farmers a seat at the table when decisions are being made about drone policies.” The legislation has the support of a number of organizations, including the Rural & Agriculture Council of America, American Forest Foundation, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Association of Corn Growers, Un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8265F247-E93E-44D8-ADD7-1C5B6AFE8195 | Thune Applauds Senate Passage of National Defense Authorization Act | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the most important measures Congress passes every year, and I’m pleased that the Senate passed it today with overwhelming bipartisan support,” said Thune. “This year’s bill invests in improving the quality of life for our military members and their families, and it focuses on restoring military readiness to ensure our nation is prepared to meet the threats posed by major powers like Russia and China. “The NDAA also authorizes $2.8 billion for the continued development of the B-21 bomber, which will be based at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and it authorizes $10 million for a specialized hangar for the upkeep of its stealth coating. The bill preserves all of the maintainers at Ellsworth, even as a few of the most fatigued B-1 bombers are retired. This will not only ensure that the remaining B-1s will receive more resources and be kept at a higher rate of combat readiness, but it also means that the force structure is in place to maintain B-21s as soon as that mission arrives in South Dakota. “It’s important for this bill to become law as soon as possible. I hope the president will sign the bill and work with those of us who agree with him about the need to reform liability protections for big tech.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5256D4C0-E86A-498B-9BD9-E1A565B9A45A | Thune: Coordination Between All Modes of Transportation is Critical to Efficient Vaccine Distribution | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a hearing titled The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine to examine transportation and logistics plans for ensuring COVID-19 vaccines are delivered across the country. During the hearing, Thune questioned a panel of experts on how the vaccinations will be distributed, particularly in rural states like South Dakota. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): In the midst of such a challenging year, the development of several effective vaccines at such an accelerated pace is a testament to the power and ingenuity of American scientific innovation, as well as the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the federal government. This partnership, as well as the partnerships between the federal and state governments, will be critical to the safe distribution and administration of vaccines in the coming weeks and months, a major step toward bringing this pandemic to an end, reviving America's economy, and returning to normal life. Distribution of such a precious commodity will depend on coordination between all modes of transportation, and I am very interested in today's discussion of how a vaccine will be distributed and administered across the United States in a rapid and safe manner, especially in rural states like South Dakota. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F19223A9-0E93-413B-87A5-ABF7DA48E363 | Thune Praises Roberts for Decades of Public Service | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) for his dedicated career of service to the American people, which includes serving our country as a U.S. Marine, 40 years of service in Congress, and his strong advocacy for American agriculture. Roberts was the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and he was the first member of Congress to have written and passed a farm bill in both chambers. Thune expressed his gratitude for Roberts' commitment to working tirelessly for the American people and wished him well in his future endeavors. Excerpt of Thune's remarks below: Mr. President, Pat has proudly represented the people of Kansas in Congress for 40 years 16 in the House of Representatives and 24 in the Senate. But his public service began long before that, with his time as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Pat has proudly represented the Marines here in Congress. He is currently the most senior Marine serving here on Capitol Hill. Mr. President, the motto of the Marine Corps is Semper fidelis Always faithful. And Pat has lived out that motto over his long career of service to our country. I hate to think of the Senate without Pat Roberts. He will be sorely missed. But he has more than earned his retirement, and the chance to spend more time with his wife Franki and his children and grandchildren. Pat, thank you for your leadership and your friendship. And God bless you in your retirement. I will miss you. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5256D4C0-E86A-498B-9BD9-E1A565B9A45A | Thune: Coordination Between All Modes of Transportation is Critical to Efficient Vaccine Distribution | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a hearing titled “The Logistics of Transporting a COVID-19 Vaccine” to examine transportation and logistics plans for ensuring COVID-19 vaccines are delivered across the country. During the hearing, Thune questioned a panel of experts on how the vaccinations will be distributed, particularly in rural states like South Dakota. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “In the midst of such a challenging year, the development of several effective vaccines at such an accelerated pace is a testament to the power and ingenuity of American scientific innovation, as well as the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the federal government. “This partnership, as well as the partnerships between the federal and state governments, will be critical to the safe distribution and administration of vaccines in the coming weeks and months, a major step toward bringing this pandemic to an end, reviving America’s economy, and returning to normal life. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F19223A9-0E93-413B-87A5-ABF7DA48E363 | Thune Praises Roberts for Decades of Public Service | 2020-12-10 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) for his dedicated career of service to the American people, which includes serving our country as a U.S. Marine, 40 years of service in Congress, and his strong advocacy for American agriculture. Roberts was the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and he was the first member of Congress to have written and passed a farm bill in both chambers. Thune expressed his gratitude for Roberts’ commitment to working tirelessly for the American people and wished him well in his future endeavors. Excerpt of Thune’s remarks below: “Mr. President, Pat has proudly represented the people of Kansas in Congress for 40 years – 16 in the House of Representatives and 24 in the Senate. “But his public service began long before that, with his time as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. “Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Pat has proudly represented the Marines here in Congress. “He is currently the most senior Marine serving here on Capitol Hill. “Mr. President, the motto of the Marine Corps is “Semper fidelis” – “Always faithful.” “And Pat has lived out that motto over his long career of service to our country. “I hate to think of the Senate without Pat Roberts. “He will be sorely missed. “But he has more than earned his retirement, and the chance to spend more time with his wife Franki and his children and grandchildren. “Pat, thank you for your leadership and your friendship. “And God bless you in your retirement. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=84FC730B-501E-4043-8671-FF980061B181 | Thune: COVID Pandemic Shouldnt Create Surprise Tax Bills for Remote and Mobile Workers | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today urged Congress to protect doctors and nurses who worked across state lines and those who have been working remotely during the pandemic from surprise state income tax bills. The long-standing issue for the mobile workforce has been heightened due to the pandemic, as medical professionals have traveled to hard-hit areas around the country and more workers have been forced to work remotely. Thune discussed his bipartisan legislation, the Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act, which would create a uniform standard for mobile workers and how they are taxed and address particular challenges faced by remote and mobile workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, I'm hoping that we will be able to pass a COVID relief bill before Christmas. As the leader has said, we don't need to resolve all of our differences to pass a bill. We can pass targeted legislation that focuses on the priorities we all agree need to be addressed. I hope members of the Democrat leadership will decide that they're willing to move forward to meet our country's most critical COVID priorities. Mr. President, on the subject of COVID relief, there's another issue we should address before the end of the year, and that is tax relief for remote and mobile workers. The complicated tax situation facing mobile workers has been an issue for a while now, but it's been thrown into especially sharp relief by the pandemic. As everyone knows, medical professionals from around the country have traveled to hard-hit areas this year to help hospitals deal with the influx of COVID cases. But what many people don't realize is that these medical professionals like other mobile workers are likely to face a complicated tax situation this year as a result. For the majority of Americans, state income tax is fairly uncomplicated. Most Americans work in the same state in which they reside, so there's no question as to what state will be t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=84FC730B-501E-4043-8671-FF980061B181 | Thune: COVID Pandemic Shouldn’t Create Surprise Tax Bills for Remote and Mobile Workers | 2020-12-09 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today urged Congress to protect doctors and nurses who worked across state lines and those who have been working remotely during the pandemic from surprise state income tax bills. The long-standing issue for the mobile workforce has been heightened due to the pandemic, as medical professionals have traveled to hard-hit areas around the country and more workers have been forced to work remotely. Thune discussed his bipartisan legislation, the Remote and Mobile Worker Relief Act, which would create a uniform standard for mobile workers and how they are taxed and address particular challenges faced by remote and mobile workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I’m hoping that we will be able to pass a COVID relief bill before Christmas. “As the leader has said, we don’t need to resolve all of our differences to pass a bill. “We can pass targeted legislation that focuses on the priorities we all agree need to be addressed. “I hope members of the Democrat leadership will decide that they’re willing to move forward to meet our country’s most critical COVID priorities. “Mr. President, on the subject of COVID relief, there’s another issue we should address before the end of the year, and that is tax relief for remote and mobile workers. “The complicated tax situation facing mobile workers has been an issue for a while now, but it’s been thrown into especially sharp relief by the pandemic. “As everyone knows, medical professionals from around the country have traveled to hard-hit areas this year to help hospitals deal with the influx of COVID cases. “But what many people don’t realize is that these medical professionals – like other mobile workers – are likely to face a complicated tax situation this year as a result. “For the majority of Americans, state income tax is fairly uncomplicated. “Most Americans work in the same state in which they reside, so there’s no question as to what state will be taxing their… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8CDB8F20-2BEA-4D5C-AC5A-7D4FDF2C3741 | U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & John Thunes Bipartisan Bill to Maintain Funding for Federally Impacted Schools During COVID-19 is Now Law | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) to help schoolsretain federalfunding during the coronavirus (COVID-19)pandemic is now law.Their Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Actwas signed by President Trump last week. Sen. Thune and I set out on a bipartisan effort to make sure federally impacted schools across the country were able to get the investments they need to continue operating and serving students during this pandemic, said Sen. Smith. I'm glad we could deliver on this and ensure that Impact Aid applications and funding will not be disrupted. It's more important than ever that participating school districts have the funding stability and certainty they need,said Sen. Thune. That's why I'm pleased the president signed this critical legislation into law to help ensure that Impact Aid schools can continue to educate their students now and into the future. Thanks to Senator Smith for helping to get this bill past the finish line. The Impact Aid Programprovides funding toschool districtswith significantfederal propertywithin their boundaries or with federally connected students.The program helps school districts make up for local property tax revenue lost due to the presence of this federal property. Under normal circumstances, schools mustconduct a student counteachyearas part of their application for Impact Aid, but such a count is likely to be difficult for many districts this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the work of Sens. Smith and Thune, schoolsreceiving federal funding throughthe Impact Aid Program will not need to recount their students during the pandemic. This will help prevent further spread of the virus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D10A033D-645B-4C50-92D6-CA265F1654CF | Thune Honors the Service and Dedication of Sens. Gardner and McSally | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) for their years of service in Congress. Thune acknowledged each of them for their significant contributions to the country and noted they will be missed by their friends and colleagues in the Senate. Thune extended his best wishes to Gardner and McSally in their next endeavors. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to two senators whom I had hoped to serve with longer Cory Gardner and Martha McSally. Mr. President, one of the first things that became clear about Cory Gardner when he came to the Senate was that he is an incredibly hard worker. He is tireless. Cory has a great sense of humor, and I remember back during impeachment, when we were working some really late nights, he left 5-hour ENERGY drinks for all of us in our mailboxes. And I've got to say, Mr. President, you kind of need a 5-hour ENERGY drink to keep up with Cory. Seriously, though, Cory has a tremendous amount of energy and focus and drive, and he's left it all on the field during his time in the Senate. I think he knew when he was elected that he might not be here forever, and he has made every moment over the past six years count. He's a results-oriented guy; he's interested in getting things done. And he's built an impressive record. Serving the people of Colorado has been the first thing on his mind every day, and he's spent a lot of time working on Colorado priorities, from protecting our public lands, to improving wildfire preparedness, to expanding health care access for veterans by ensuring the completion of the VA hospital in Aurora. But he's also been a leader on foreign policy issues, specifically on the issue of holding North Korea and China accountable for their lack of freedom and their human rights violations such as China's mass incarceration of Uyghurs and its targeting of Chinese citizens who dissent from the Communist Party line. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8CDB8F20-2BEA-4D5C-AC5A-7D4FDF2C3741 | U.S. Sens. Tina Smith & John Thune’s Bipartisan Bill to Maintain Funding for Federally Impacted Schools During COVID-19 is Now Law | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) to help schools retain federal funding during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is now law. Their Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act was signed by President Trump last week. “Sen. Thune and I set out on a bipartisan effort to make sure federally impacted schools across the country were able to get the investments they need to continue operating and serving students during this pandemic,” said Sen. Smith. “I’m glad we could deliver on this and ensure that Impact Aid applications and funding will not be disrupted.” “It’s more important than ever that participating school districts have the funding stability and certainty they need,” said Sen. Thune. “That’s why I’m pleased the president signed this critical legislation into law to help ensure that Impact Aid schools can continue to educate their students now and into the future. Thanks to Senator Smith for helping to get this bill past the finish line.” The Impact Aid Program provides funding to school districts with significant federal property within their boundaries or with federally connected students. The program helps school districts make up for local property tax revenue lost due to the presence of this federal property. Under normal circumstances, schools must conduct a student count each year as part of their application for Impact Aid, but such a count is likely to be difficult for many districts this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the work of Sens. Smith and Thune, schools receiving federal funding through the Impact Aid Program will not need to recount their students during the pandemic. This will help prevent further spread of the virus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D10A033D-645B-4C50-92D6-CA265F1654CF | Thune Honors the Service and Dedication of Sens. Gardner and McSally | 2020-12-08 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) for their years of service in Congress. Thune acknowledged each of them for their significant contributions to the country and noted they will be missed by their friends and colleagues in the Senate. Thune extended his best wishes to Gardner and McSally in their next endeavors. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to two senators whom I had hoped to serve with longer – Cory Gardner and Martha McSally. “Mr. President, one of the first things that became clear about Cory Gardner when he came to the Senate was that he is an incredibly hard worker. “He is tireless. “Cory has a great sense of humor, and I remember back during impeachment, when we were working some really late nights, he left 5-hour ENERGY drinks for all of us in our mailboxes. “And I’ve got to say, Mr. President, you kind of need a 5-hour ENERGY drink to keep up with Cory. “Seriously, though, Cory has a tremendous amount of energy and focus and drive, and he’s left it all on the field during his time in the Senate. “I think he knew when he was elected that he might not be here forever, and he has made every moment over the past six years count. “He’s a results-oriented guy; he’s interested in getting things done. “And he’s built an impressive record. “Serving the people of Colorado has been the first thing on his mind every day, and he’s spent a lot of time working on Colorado priorities, from protecting our public lands, to improving wildfire preparedness, to expanding health care access for veterans by ensuring the completion of the VA hospital in Aurora. “But he’s also been a leader on foreign policy issues, specifically on the issue of holding North Korea and China accountable for their lack of freedom and their human rights violations – such as China’s mass incarceration of Uyghurs and its targeting of Chinese citizens who dissent from the Communist Party line. “Cory has a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1D2C7BDF-EE65-4A23-92C0-23E315CB214D | McConnell, Paul, and 36 Senate Republicans File Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reaffirm Religious Liberty Still Exists in a Pandemic | 2020-12-05 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | U.S. Senators McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), John Thune (R-SD) ,John Barasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AZ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), issued the following statement Friday regarding the amicus brief they are submitting to the Supreme Court concerning Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and 36 of their fellow Republican Senators announced Friday they are submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron's religious liberty lawsuit, Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear. In the brief, Senators McConnell, Paul, Loeffler (R-GA), Perdue (R-GA), and their colleagues explain that the Constitution cannot permit the selective and overzealous targeting of religious institutions by local officials who seek to impose stricter restrictions in the name of public health than the restrictions enforced against similar but non-religious establishments. In this case, Governor Beshear in Kentucky has unconstitutionally ordered K-12 schools including religious schools to shut their doors while permitting preschools, colleges, business offices, entertainment venues, and many other secular institutions to remain open. Everyone understands this has been a challenging time for local leaders, but pandemics don't erase our First Amendment rights, said McConnell. Court… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1D2C7BDF-EE65-4A23-92C0-23E315CB214D | McConnell, Paul, and 36 Senate Republicans File Brief Urging Supreme Court to Reaffirm Religious Liberty Still Exists in a Pandemic | 2020-12-05 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Senators McConnell (R-KY), Rand Paul (R-KY), Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), David Perdue (R-GA), John Thune (R-SD) ,John Barasso (R-WY), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AZ), Mike Braun (R-IN), Richard Burr (R-NC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Josh Hawley (R-MO), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Ron Johnson (R-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Jerry Moran (R-KS), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Sasse (R-NE), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Scott (R-SC), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Roger Wicker (R-MS), issued the following statement Friday regarding the amicus brief they are submitting to the Supreme Court concerning Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear: U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and 36 of their fellow Republican Senators announced Friday they are submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in support of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s religious liberty lawsuit, Danville Christian Academy v. Beshear. In the brief, Senators McConnell, Paul, Loeffler (R-GA), Perdue (R-GA), and their colleagues explain that the Constitution cannot permit the selective and overzealous targeting of religious institutions by local officials who seek to impose stricter restrictions in the name of public health than the restrictions enforced against similar but non-religious establishments. In this case, Governor Beshear in Kentucky has unconstitutionally ordered K-12 schools including religious schools to shut their doors while permitting preschools, colleges, business offices, entertainment venues, and many other secular institutions to remain open. “Everyone understands this has been a challenging time for local leaders, but pandemics don’t erase our First Amendment rights,” said McConnell. “Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=91D1EEB9-BC19-400A-917F-793EA178625B | Shopping Small Supports South Dakotans | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Every year during the holiday season, I encourage South Dakotans to support the small businesses that make South Dakota great. This year, though, shopping small is one of the biggest ways we can help our neighbors and our communities through this challenging time. While the pandemic has taken a toll on everybody in one form or another, it has presented a particular challenge for many small businesses throughout our state, even though our economy has been relatively resilient. Recognizing this hurdle, South Dakotans have already helped support their local communities over the last nine months by shopping small during these unprecedented times. They ordered more carryout, purchased more goods online, and visited more Main Street stores. I'd also like to recognize the state's economic development effort and our local chamber organizations for their support in keeping our Main Streets open. As we continue to face these pandemic-related challenges in South Dakota and throughout our region, I hope everyone keeps this spirit alive. When Congress first crafted the bipartisan CARES Act, the most comprehensive COVID relief bill to date, one of our main goals was to make sure small businesses across the country, including the self-employed, independent contractors, and farmers and ranchers, could pay their workers, keep them employed, and cover other expenses during this health crisis. While I was proud to support multiple COVID relief measures that continue to help Main Streets across America, one of the single most important initiatives to keep our small businesses open was the creation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP was designed to keep as many people employed as possible throughout this crisis. More than 5 million small businesses including more than 23,000 in South Dakota have taken advantage of PPP's forgivable loans to help keep their businesses operating and their employees on the payroll. And more than two-thirds of these loans were for $50,000 or less, which means the program has helped many o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/thrill-of-hope | Thrill of Hope | 2020-12-04 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | It’s hard to believe Christmas is here again. This season is usually a time of great celebration. There are large Christmas Eve services, visits with Santa, cities hosting lighted parades; and of course, family gatherings around the tree and dinner table. But 2020 isn’t a normal year and we’ve all had to adjust our holiday traditions in some way. As I reflect on the Christmas season during this unique year, I cannot help but think of the words from the carol O Holy Night: “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn.” It would be tough to find a more fitting adjective to describe the world today than weary. 2020 has simultaneously felt like the longest and shortest year of our lives. In one way or another, the global pandemic has taken a toll on all of us. We’ve attempted to keep our distance, temporarily closed our businesses and put on hold important celebrations like weddings and family reunions. But there is light at the end of this long dark tunnel. The hope for a miracle is coming in the form of a vaccine. The good Lord continues to shine his favor on this weary world. When this pandemic began around March, we passed the CARES Act which provided targeted relief to those who needed it most. It also included resources to help accelerate the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. Operation Warp Speed was launched to create a partnership between the government and private sector to develop a safe and successful vaccine at a much quicker pace than the traditional vaccine approval process. The goal of Operation Warp Speed is to produce and deliver millions of doses of safe and effective vaccines by January 2021. Two companies, Moderna and Pfizer, are in the final stages of developing their vaccines and it looks like they will hit that goal. While each state is responsible for creating their own distribution plans once a vaccine is deemed safe, we anticipate seeing the first vaccines administered to the public in the coming weeks. The COVID-19 vaccine will be available fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1BEE75D2-C818-4F7F-B5FD-A3FD88038C41 | Portman, Cardin, Thune, Menendez Introduce Legislation to Fund COVID-19 Vaccine Public Advocacy Campaign | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced bipartisan legislation to fund a science-driven public advocacy campaign to ensure that when an effective COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Americans are ready to get it. According to recent polling, just over half of Americans are willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine when it is authorized and made available to the public. This legislation would authorize necessary funding to fund a public awareness campaign on COVID-19 vaccine information through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grants would go to entities to start developing campaigns that target all Americans, and that would begin no later than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. A science-driven public advocacy campaign can play an important role in increasing public confidence in safe and effective vaccines. I'm pleased to introduce this legislation with my colleagues Senators Cardin, Thune, and Menendez because I am concerned by that latest polling data showing that just over 50 percent of Americans are comfortable getting the vaccine once it's authorized. Once vaccines are approved by the FDA and are made widely available, wide-scale vaccinations will make Ohioans and all Americans safer. When this happens, people will feel more comfortable returning to the workplace, retail establishments, restaurants, places of worship, and schools, as well asgathering with family and friends. The work on vaccines is the single most important part of the ongoing COVID-19 response effort and I believe a science-driven public advocacy campaign will help reassure Americans about the clinical trials being conducted across the country, said Portman. Trust in the COVID-19 vaccine's safety and efficacy is especially critical to overcome challenges in getting the vaccine to Americans, especially in those communities hit hardest… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=683FF56C-5BFE-4649-A10B-35CAE4E38BE0 | Thune: Funding for Men and Women in Uniform Must Be a Top Priority in Congress | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual legislation that authorizes funding for the U.S. military, including our men and women in uniform. Thune emphasized the importance of this historically bipartisan legislation for restoring the nation's military readiness and preparedness. This year's NDAA also prioritizes an improved quality of life for U.S. troops through increased pay and improvements in military health care and housing. The Senate passed its version of the NDAA in July by a vote of 84 to 14, and it is currently being reconciled with the House-passed version. Thune also honored Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), who will be retiring from the Senate at the conclusion of the year. He recognized Enzi as an outstanding legislator and thoughtful human being and expressed his gratitude for Enzi's commitment to the American people. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, I was pleased that the Senate unanimously agreed yesterday to proceed to conference on the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation we pass every year. It's the bill that authorizes funding for our troops and lays out our defense priorities. Like the last two NDAAs, this year's bill focuses on restoring military readiness and ensuring that our nation is prepared to meet threats posed by major powers like Russia and China. In November 2018, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China. And the commission noted that we would be especially vulnerable if we were ever called on to fight a war on two fronts. Over the past two years, we've made real progress on restoring military readiness. But we still have more work to do. And this year's National Defense Authorization Act continues our investment in ensuring that our military … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-inclusion-of-national-cyber-director-in-ndaa-conference-report | Rounds Statement on Inclusion of National Cyber Director in NDAA Conference Report | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON —U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement regarding the inclusion of a National Cyber Director provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021: “As technology advances, so do cyber threats to our nation,” said Rounds. “The creation of a National Cyber Director position in this year’s NDAA was the result of years of hard work. The provision, which was recommended by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, is both bipartisan and bicameral. The end result, we believe, will strengthen our nation’s cybersecurity planning and coordination at all levels of government as well as between the public and private sectors. I look forward to being a part of the implementation process to make sure the role is executed as intended.” Rounds, along with Sen. Angus King (I-Maine) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.), have been heavily involved in developing the final text related to the National Cyber Director that was included in the FY2021 NDAA. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1BEE75D2-C818-4F7F-B5FD-A3FD88038C41 | Portman, Cardin, Thune, Menendez Introduce Legislation to Fund COVID-19 Vaccine Public Advocacy Campaign | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Today, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), John Thune (R-SD), and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced bipartisan legislation to fund a science-driven public advocacy campaign to ensure that when an effective COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Americans are ready to get it. According to recent polling, just over half of Americans are willing to take a COVID-19 vaccine when it is authorized and made available to the public. This legislation would authorize necessary funding to fund a public awareness campaign on COVID-19 vaccine information through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grants would go to entities to start developing campaigns that target all Americans, and that would begin no later than 30 days after a vaccine is authorized. “A science-driven public advocacy campaign can play an important role in increasing public confidence in safe and effective vaccines. I’m pleased to introduce this legislation with my colleagues Senators Cardin, Thune, and Menendez because I am concerned by that latest polling data showing that just over 50 percent of Americans are comfortable getting the vaccine once it’s authorized. Once vaccines are approved by the FDA and are made widely available, wide-scale vaccinations will make Ohioans and all Americans safer. When this happens, people will feel more comfortable returning to the workplace, retail establishments, restaurants, places of worship, and schools, as well as gathering with family and friends. The work on vaccines is the single most important part of the ongoing COVID-19 response effort and I believe a science-driven public advocacy campaign will help reassure Americans about the clinical trials being conducted across the country,” said Portman. “Trust in the COVID-19 vaccine’s safety and efficacy is especially critical to overcome challenges in getting the vaccine to Americans, especially in those communities hit hardest by the pandemic,” sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=683FF56C-5BFE-4649-A10B-35CAE4E38BE0 | Thune: Funding for Men and Women in Uniform Must Be a Top Priority in Congress | 2020-12-03 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual legislation that authorizes funding for the U.S. military, including our men and women in uniform. Thune emphasized the importance of this historically bipartisan legislation for restoring the nation’s military readiness and preparedness. This year’s NDAA also prioritizes an improved quality of life for U.S. troops through increased pay and improvements in military health care and housing. The Senate passed its version of the NDAA in July by a vote of 84 to 14, and it is currently being reconciled with the House-passed version. Thune also honored Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), who will be retiring from the Senate at the conclusion of the year. He recognized Enzi as an outstanding legislator and thoughtful human being and expressed his gratitude for Enzi’s commitment to the American people. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I was pleased that the Senate unanimously agreed yesterday to proceed to conference on the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. “The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation we pass every year. “It’s the bill that authorizes funding for our troops and lays out our defense priorities. “Like the last two NDAAs, this year’s bill focuses on restoring military readiness and ensuring that our nation is prepared to meet threats posed by major powers like Russia and China. “In November 2018, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China. “And the commission noted that we would be especially vulnerable if we were ever called on to fight a war on two fronts. “Over the past two years, we’ve made real progress on restoring military readiness. “But we still have more work to do. “And this year’s National Defense Authorization Act continues our investment in ensuring that our military is prepared t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A619AB89-3BA5-4084-9090-9A979331419A | Thune: Alexander Will Leave a Legacy of Leadership and Service to Country | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who will be retiring from the Senate at the end of this year. Thune discussed the significant mark that Alexander will leave on the Senate through his steadfast commitment to the American people for the entirety of his career. Thune also acknowledged that Alexander's legacy will extend far beyond his many legislative accomplishments to his role as a mentor, leader, and friend to many of his colleagues, past and present. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the Senate is going to miss Lamar Alexander. Listening to his farewell address just now made the fact that he's leaving all too real. And I don't like to think of the Senate without Lamar. He's a Senate institution and a Senate leader, and his leaving is a loss for this body and for the American people. Mr. President, any tribute to Lamar has to mention his incredible career. His walk across the state of Tennessee. His eight years as Tennessee governor. His time as secretary of education under President George H.W. Bush. His stint as president of the University of Tennessee system, and his time as a professor at Harvard. And then his 18 years in the Senate, marked by significant legislative accomplishments on everything from education to opioids. All that, and he makes a plaid shirt look good although these days, he's switched to a plaid face mask. Mr. President, I first met Lamar when he attended a Lincoln Day Dinner in South Dakota in 1995. But I really started to get to know him a little bit when I came to the Senate in 2005. Lamar had already been there for a couple of years by that time, and of course he already had an extraordinary career behind him, and I know I was not the only young senator who regarded him as something of a mentor and role model. I share a couple of things with Lamar. One is the fact that we were both Senate staffers long before we came to the Senate as elected officials. And the other is… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A619AB89-3BA5-4084-9090-9A979331419A | Thune: Alexander Will Leave a Legacy of Leadership and Service to Country | 2020-12-02 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), who will be retiring from the Senate at the end of this year. Thune discussed the significant mark that Alexander will leave on the Senate through his steadfast commitment to the American people for the entirety of his career. Thune also acknowledged that Alexander’s legacy will extend far beyond his many legislative accomplishments – to his role as a mentor, leader, and friend to many of his colleagues, past and present. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the Senate is going to miss Lamar Alexander. “Listening to his farewell address just now made the fact that he’s leaving all too real. “And I don’t like to think of the Senate without Lamar. “He’s a Senate institution and a Senate leader, and his leaving is a loss for this body and for the American people. “Mr. President, any tribute to Lamar has to mention his incredible career. “His walk across the state of Tennessee. “His eight years as Tennessee governor. “His time as secretary of education under President George H.W. Bush. “His stint as president of the University of Tennessee system, and his time as a professor at Harvard. “And then his 18 years in the Senate, marked by significant legislative accomplishments on everything from education to opioids. “All that, and he makes a plaid shirt look good – although these days, he’s switched to a plaid face mask. “Mr. President, I first met Lamar when he attended a Lincoln Day Dinner in South Dakota in 1995. “But I really started to get to know him a little bit when I came to the Senate in 2005. “Lamar had already been there for a couple of years by that time, and of course he already had an extraordinary career behind him, and I know I was not the only young senator who regarded him as something of a mentor and role model. “I share a couple of things with Lamar. “One is the fact that we were both Senate staffers long before we came to the Senate as elected officials. “And the other is that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=AE5059CC-0314-41E5-99C1-8740794956B7 | Were in This Together | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | The Great Plains were homesteaded by men and women with a strong yearning for freedom and liberty seeking an opportunity for their hard work and resourcefulness to cultivate enough prosperity to provide for their families, build some savings, and see the nextgeneration do a little better than themselves. Many who followed in their footsteps and made South Dakota home, like my grandparents, were immigrants who sought the same freedom and opportunity. Enriched by the indigenous heritage of the state, these timeless ideals remain woven in the fabric of our communities to this day and continue to make our state a special place to live, work, raise families, and worship. Within our deeply rooted sense of self-reliance and determination also lives an ingrained sense of community and civic duty. Our nation recently reflected on the military service of generations of men and women on Veterans Day. From the airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base, to the strong participation in the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard from across the state, and through decades of service across the armed forces, patriotic South Dakotans have always demonstrated their sense of service. This sense of civic duty is also evident from our larger cities to our smallest of towns. It's the thread that so tightly holds the fabric of our communities sewn together. We see it in our schools and churches, assisting an elderly neighbor, and sending over a meal to he??lp a family stay nourished through tough times. We see it in helping to pull a tractor out of a muddy field, sandbagging homes and businesses during a flood, and rebuilding after a storm. We see it in police officers keeping our neighborhoods safe and in volunteer firefighters responding to an alarm. We see it in supporting a family while a spouse is deployed, or pitching in during the harvest when a tragedy has struck a family. This is the best of South Dakotans, and it happens every day in every town. We now face a collective hardship, and there has never been a more important time t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/shop-locally-this-holiday-season | Shop Locally This Holiday Season | 2020-11-25 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Small Business Saturday, the annual event that encourages customers to shop at local businesses during the holiday season. South Dakota’s small businesses play a critical role in our communities. In our state, 99 percent of businesses are considered small businesses. In total, that’s nearly 90,000 small businesses in the state of South Dakota. Those businesses employ over 200,000 employees which make up about 60 percent of our state’s workforce. When you support small businesses in South Dakota, you are actually supporting your friends and family. But remember, be courteous and wear a mask when shopping so that both you and your neighbors can be safe. 2020 has been a tough year for everyone. That is especially true for many main street businesses in South Dakota who closed their doors to the public temporarily due to the pandemic. For those small businesses, this holiday shopping season will be especially important. The National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 20 percent of a business’s sales come during the holiday season. With the pandemic taking its toll earlier this year, I anticipate that the support from holiday shopping will be more critical than ever before for many small businesses. This year, I look forward to shopping at local small businesses in Pierre. While I can’t spoil the surprise for my kids and grandkids by telling you what I’ll be buying locally, I can tell you I will be shopping at one of our local jewelry stores. Jean has come to expect jewelry under the tree from me, as I buy her some every year. Creative, I know but at least I’m consistent. She knows it’s coming, and she knows it’s coming from a local store, but what’s in the box is always a surprise. And I’m doing my part to shop locally. This holiday season, I hope you consider shopping at small businesses in your local community. Regardless of what is on your Christmas list, there’s a store in South Dakota that’s got you covered. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=67D3219D-9D9F-4CC8-BAEA-2217ABE40607 | Tough Times Highlight Blessings | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | It's been a tough year for pretty much everybody. The global pandemic has changed our lives in ways we could not have imagined last Thanksgiving, and our celebrations may look a little different this year. Tough times can be, well, tough. We have strains and worries this Thanksgiving that we did not have in years past. But tough times can also highlight blessings. They can throw into sharp relief the things that we do have, some of which we might not ordinarily remember to be grateful for. In America we're used to abundance, and sometimes it can be easy to take that abundance for granted. Things like full grocery store shelves. An endless choice of paper towel brands and toilet paper. Whole aisles full of cereal. But during the early days of the pandemic, as supply chains were disrupted and store shelves emptied, we started to be grateful for what we could find at the grocery store even if it wasn't our preferred brand. We also gained a new appreciation for grocery store workers, truck drivers, food supply workers, and farmers and ranchers the individuals who are responsible for all that food making it onto store shelves. Then there were all the other essential workers whose jobs we don't always think about, but whose contributions have been brought into focus by the pandemic. The delivery drivers who make sure we get our packages of essential items. The people who clean our hospitals and office buildings. The medical researchers who work year in and year out to deliver new treatments and cures for diseases, and who are working right now to find ways to treat and cure COVID with two promising vaccines on the horizon. And of course, the heroic doctors and nurses who are directly confronting this pandemic and who are doing their jobs under conditions of extreme stress. This year and every year, we have cause to be grateful for our country, and the people who defend it. The police officers who protect our streets 365 days a year, pandemic or no pandemic, no matter what the challenges. And the men and women o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/chicken-on-turkey-day | Chicken on Turkey Day | 2020-11-20 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Should we do this? It’s the question on everyone’s mind right now. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we are all attempting to determine how best to celebrate the holidays in the age of a deadly pandemic. Everyone’s situation is a little different. Some of us have big families, some of us have small families. But there’s one thing we have in common: COVID-19 has impacted all of us in one way or another. At the time I’m writing this, there have been 741 deaths from COVID-19 in South Dakota. Let that sink in – 741 deaths. That’s more than the population of some towns in this state. In South Dakota, our communities are so tightly knit together that it feels like we’re part of one big family. That’s what makes this so difficult. This virus has taken from us our moms, our dads, our grandpas and grandmas, our sons and daughters. Our hearts grieve together. This message isn’t about Thanksgiving 2020. It’s much bigger than that. This is about how we get through Thanksgiving 2020 so we can all enjoy Thanksgivings together for years to come. The good Lord blessed us in South Dakota with common sense. Now is the time to use it. First things first - wear your mask. If you’re going to the grocery store to get your turkey, wear your mask. If you’re going out to do Christmas shopping, wear your mask. Are there instances where wearing a mask isn’t common sense? Certainly. But here’s a good rule of thumb - if you’re out in public and cannot socially distance, wear your mask. Wearing a mask isn’t just about protecting you, it’s about protecting others around you. Leaders wear masks. We also need to remember the importance of washing our hands and using hand sanitizer. That’s not only good advice to combat COVID-19, but also other more common ailments we face every year like the cold and flu. What we know about COVID-19 is that it disproportionately impacts those who are older. If you contract this virus and you’re over the age of 70, the numbers show that you have a 7 percent chance of dying. If you’re over 80, your … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-general-counsel-to-serve-as-dc-deputy-chief-of-staff_ | Rounds’ General Counsel to serve as DC Deputy Chief of Staff | 2020-11-19 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE —U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Kyle Chase will serve as Rounds’ Deputy Chief of Staff in his Washington, D.C., office. Chase, who has worked for Rounds since 2017, will continue to serve as Rounds’ General Counsel. Additionally, Mark Johnston, head of Rounds’ DC office since 2018, will remain on Rounds’ staff as a Special Advisor. Chase will report to Chief of staff Rob Skjonsberg, who will remain based in South Dakota. “Kyle is one of my most trusted advisers and plays a critical role on our team,” Rounds said. “Over the past four years, he’s proven to be a steadfast leader who understands the needs of South Dakotans and can cut through DC’s dysfunction to get results. I am excited to have him lead my office in Washington, D.C., where I can continue to rely on his knowledge and insight as we serve the people of South Dakota.” Originally from Mobridge, Chase served as a policy analyst for the South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations prior to working for Rounds’ office. He earned his B.S. in history and education from South Dakota State University and his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law. He is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. “Mark is a dedicated public servant to the people of South Dakota who continues to be an indispensable asset to our team,” Rounds said. “I am thankful for his leadership in our DC office over the past two years, and know he’s looking forward to serving South Dakotans in this new role, which will allow him to spend more time back home in Sioux Falls. I will continue to rely on his trusted service as I begin my second term.” Johnston served as the head of Rounds’ DC staff since 2018, as DC Chief of Staff. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Advancement at Dakota State University in Madison. He previously worked for Sen. Rounds as Regional Director in his Sioux Falls office, and as press secretary for then-Governor Rounds. He is a former South Dakota State Senator and a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army, ser… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=41C9543D-BF0D-44B8-9A30-72EE24682CA6 | Thune: Providing COVID Relief and Confirming Qualified Judges Among Senate Republicans Top Priorities | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the need for Congress to pass additional COVID relief legislation and Senate Republicans' effort to work with Senate Democrats to find common ground on targeted, fiscally responsible legislation to help the American people. He also expressed his disappointment in Senate Democrats as they continue to insist on including their liberal wish list agenda as part of a COVID relief bill. Thune also discussed judicial nominations and the Senate's responsibility to confirm qualified judges who interpret the law as written instead of legislating from the bench. Thune noted that over the last four years, the Senate has confirmed nearly 230 judges to federal courts, an accomplishment he attributes to the majority leader's commitment to leaving no vacancy behind. Excerpts of Thune's remarks are below: I believe what we should be doing is sitting down and working on a reasonable bill, a targeted bill, a fiscally responsible bill, and Republicans have been more than willing to do that, and more than willing to compromise. But the Democrats, both in the House and the Senate, continue to insist upon a multi-trillion dollar bill, which consists, again, of a bunch of liberal wish list items, taxpayer bailouts for blue states, tax cuts for millionaires across this country, and putting money into diversity studies on cannabis, instead of the targeted things, the things that are really going to be necessary to help [the] American people and our economy recover from the coronavirus. **** Mr. President, a couple of weeks ago, we confirmed one of the most qualified Supreme Court judges in living memory to the bench. This week we will confirm five district court judges, bringing the total number of judges we've confirmed over the last four years to nearly 230. Mr. President, confirming good judges is one of our most important responsibilities as senators. And it's a responsibility I take very seriously. In fact, one of the main reasons I was first elected to the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=41C9543D-BF0D-44B8-9A30-72EE24682CA6 | Thune: Providing COVID Relief and Confirming Qualified Judges Among Senate Republicans’ Top Priorities | 2020-11-18 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the need for Congress to pass additional COVID relief legislation and Senate Republicans’ effort to work with Senate Democrats to find common ground on targeted, fiscally responsible legislation to help the American people. He also expressed his disappointment in Senate Democrats as they continue to insist on including their liberal wish list agenda as part of a COVID relief bill. Thune also discussed judicial nominations and the Senate’s responsibility to confirm qualified judges who interpret the law as written instead of legislating from the bench. Thune noted that over the last four years, the Senate has confirmed nearly 230 judges to federal courts, an accomplishment he attributes to the majority leader’s commitment to leaving no vacancy behind. Excerpts of Thune’s remarks are below: “I believe what we should be doing is sitting down and working on a reasonable bill, a targeted bill, a fiscally responsible bill, and Republicans have been more than willing to do that, and more than willing to compromise. “But the Democrats, both in the House and the Senate, continue to insist upon a multi-trillion dollar bill, which consists, again, of a bunch of liberal wish list items, taxpayer bailouts for blue states, tax cuts for millionaires across this country, and putting money into diversity studies on cannabis, instead of the targeted things, the things that are really going to be necessary to help [the] American people and our economy recover from the coronavirus.” **** “Mr. President, a couple of weeks ago, we confirmed one of the most qualified Supreme Court judges in living memory to the bench. “This week we will confirm five district court judges, bringing the total number of judges we’ve confirmed over the last four years to nearly 230. “Mr. President, confirming good judges is one of our most important responsibilities as senators. “And it’s a responsibility I take very seriously. “In fact, one of the main reasons I was first elected to the Senate was to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D97BFC4B-1BFC-43F7-A27A-941C1148A7A2 | Thune: Republicans are Ready to Pass Targeted and Fiscally Responsible COVID Relief | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed recent progress with multiple COVID vaccines, and he recognized the efforts of private sector companies, Congress, and the administration for expediting vaccine developments. Thune also emphasized that Republicans are prepared to pass additional targeted and fiscally responsible COVID relief legislation to provide assistance to American families and businesses. He urged his Democrat colleagues to put politics aside and help deliver relief for the American people. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, for the second Monday in a row, we received tremendous news about the prospects for a COVID vaccine. Last week, Pfizer announced that the initial results of its COVID vaccine showed a greater than 90 percent rate of effectiveness. And yesterday, Moderna announced that its COVID vaccine is showing a similarly high effectiveness rate, raising the possibility that not one but two COVID vaccines may be available in the very near future. This success is a tribute to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite the development of COVID vaccines. Operation Warp Speed has helped fund development of Moderna's vaccine and will help fund distribution of both Moderna's and Pfizer's products. And while vaccine trials and development continue, so does research into new COVID treatments. Drugmaker Eli Lilly just received emergency use authorization for an antibody drug that will be used to treat COVID in patients with mild or moderate illness. Another company, Regeneron, has also filed for emergency use authorization for a potential antibody treatment. And there are a lot of other clinical trials going on right now for COVID vaccines and therapeutics, meaning there may be more good news to come. Meanwhile, we're also strengthening domestic production of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and other essential workers. 3M, which manufactures N9… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D97BFC4B-1BFC-43F7-A27A-941C1148A7A2 | Thune: Republicans are Ready to Pass Targeted and Fiscally Responsible COVID Relief | 2020-11-17 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed recent progress with multiple COVID vaccines, and he recognized the efforts of private sector companies, Congress, and the administration for expediting vaccine developments. Thune also emphasized that Republicans are prepared to pass additional targeted and fiscally responsible COVID relief legislation to provide assistance to American families and businesses. He urged his Democrat colleagues to put politics aside and help deliver relief for the American people. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, for the second Monday in a row, we received tremendous news about the prospects for a COVID vaccine. “Last week, Pfizer announced that the initial results of its COVID vaccine showed a greater than 90 percent rate of effectiveness. “And yesterday, Moderna announced that its COVID vaccine is showing a similarly high effectiveness rate, raising the possibility that not one but two COVID vaccines may be available in the very near future. “This success is a tribute to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite the development of COVID vaccines. “Operation Warp Speed has helped fund development of Moderna’s vaccine and will help fund distribution of both Moderna’s and Pfizer’s products. “And while vaccine trials and development continue, so does research into new COVID treatments. “Drugmaker Eli Lilly just received emergency use authorization for an antibody drug that will be used to treat COVID in patients with mild or moderate illness. “Another company, Regeneron, has also filed for emergency use authorization for a potential antibody treatment. “And there are a lot of other clinical trials going on right now for COVID vaccines and therapeutics, meaning there may be more good news to come. “Meanwhile, we’re also strengthening domestic production of personal protective equipment for medical personnel and other essential workers. “3M, which manufactures N95 masks, recei… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/cdc-qanda-regarding-covid-19-vaccine-progress | CDC Q&A Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Progress | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | As COVID-19 vaccine development continues to progress, South Dakotans have asked me important questions, such as the plan to distribute a vaccine or when it will be available. Information on these and other questions can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website. The CDC is a good source for up-to-date, factual information on COVID-19. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/lessons-from-thomas-paine | Lessons from Thomas Paine | 2020-11-16 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | "These are the times that try men's souls." It was winter in 1776. After suffering multiple defeats, the colonists were losing hope. Morale was at a low point for General George Washington’s troops. The American experiment was on the verge of collapsing. In Philadelphia, Thomas Paine, the renowned author of the day, finished penning a piece he hoped would turn the tide and restore the enthusiasm of the American Patriots. He called it The American Crisis. Days later, General Washington would receive the document and ask that the words be read aloud to his soldiers. It begins: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” On the night of Christmas, days after the reading of Paine’s work, Washington and his troops famously crossed the Delaware River and pulled off the ultimate sneak attack. In what would later come to be known as the Battle of Trenton, the Continental Army would pull off a victory that would prove to be a pivotal point in the American Revolution, thanks in part to Thomas Paine and The American Crisis. If you turn on the news today, commentators on both extremes of the political spectrum claim we are facing a modern day American crisis. But rather than succumb to sensationalism, levelheaded Americans should take a step back and instead take a different page from Thomas Paine – this time from his most famous work, Common Sense. Common sense tells us that every single vote cast legally should be counted. And any ballots that were cast illegally should not be. Common sense tells us that allegations of malpractice and fraud should be investigated. Currently, President Trump’s campaign is in the process of assuring the election has been conducted with integrity. At least 17 lawsuits h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5C73B9E2-BECB-4709-B78E-85E1068CA4EC | Giving South Dakotans a Voice in Washington | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Recently, I was humbled to have been reelected by my colleagues to serve as the Republican whip, or assistant majority leader, the second-highest position in Senate Republican leadership. To boil it down, serving as whip will help me to continue advancing South Dakota's priorities and give a strong voice to rural America in Washington. While there are a couple of Senate races that have yet to be settled, I am confident that Republicans will control the Senate in the 117th Congress, which begins in January. Regardless of the outcome, though, my focus will remain the same: delivering real results to South Dakotans. When I was first elected as whip in 2018, Republicans had just strengthened our majority. Democrats had regained control of the House, which meant we were facing a divided government, but I knew there was an opportunity to use my new role to ensure South Dakotans had a seat at the table for key decisions in Congress. Early in my tenure, and throughout my first year as whip, getting the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) past the finish line was one of my top priorities. I understood how important this pro-agriculture trade deal was for the agriculture industry South Dakota's top industry. I heard from farmers and ranchers throughout the state who voiced how critical USMCA was to help strengthen the already struggling agriculture economy. Low commodity and livestock prices, numerous natural disasters, and protracted trade disputes have left our agriculture economy trailing behind the broader economy for far too long. I worked hard to get this legislation passed, which will help create thousands of new jobs and expand economic growth for South Dakota's producers. There is still more work to be done to help our agriculture economy, and I will continue to fight for South Dakota's leading industry. In March, as the COVID-19 virus pandemic began to hit, the nation felt a world of uncertainty. The Senate immediately got to work to provide much-needed relief to the American people. As whip, I wo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3E3667BE-622C-4654-A592-30629D428F60 | President Expected to Sign Thune-Smith Bill to Ease Application Process for the Impact Aid Program During COVID-19 Pandemic | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today issued the following statements after the Senate unanimously approved their Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act,legislationthat would allow school districts that participate in the Impact Aid Program to use their student headcount from the 2019-2020 school year on their 2021-2022 Impact Aid applications. This bill would ensure that schools do not need to recount federally connected students during the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impact Aid Program reimburses school districts located on federal property for their students who live on federal land and, therefore, collect less in local property taxes to fund their schools. It's more important than ever that participating school districts have the funding stability and certainty they need, said Thune. That's why I'm glad the Senate passed this critical legislation to help ensure that Impact Aid schools can continue to educate their students now and into the future. We need to make sure that schools in Minnesota and across the nation receive strong investments during the pandemic so they can continue to operate, said Smith. We have a special obligation to supporting federally impacted schools, which receive direct federal payments because they're located in school districts with a significant amount of nontaxable land. I'm glad the Senate passed our bipartisan effort to help ensure that Impact Aid applications are not disrupted by the pandemic. The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act now heads to the president to be signed into law. Click here to see Thune's comments and here for Smith's comments on the Senate floor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3E3667BE-622C-4654-A592-30629D428F60 | President Expected to Sign Thune-Smith Bill to Ease Application Process for the Impact Aid Program During COVID-19 Pandemic | 2020-11-12 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) today issued the following statements after the Senate unanimously approved their Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act, legislation that would allow school districts that participate in the Impact Aid Program to use their student headcount from the 2019-2020 school year on their 2021-2022 Impact Aid applications. This bill would ensure that schools do not need to recount federally connected students during the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Impact Aid Program reimburses school districts located on federal property for their students who live on federal land and, therefore, collect less in local property taxes to fund their schools. “It’s more important than ever that participating school districts have the funding stability and certainty they need,” said Thune. “That’s why I’m glad the Senate passed this critical legislation to help ensure that Impact Aid schools can continue to educate their students now and into the future.” “We need to make sure that schools in Minnesota and across the nation receive strong investments during the pandemic so they can continue to operate,” said Smith. “We have a special obligation to supporting federally impacted schools, which receive direct federal payments because they’re located in school districts with a significant amount of nontaxable land. I’m glad the Senate passed our bipartisan effort to help ensure that Impact Aid applications are not disrupted by the pandemic.” The Impact Aid Coronavirus Relief Act now heads to the president to be signed into law. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=90CA1C0B-B4D5-44F7-A7E8-4C8B8CD28BD3 | Thune: We Are Forever Indebted to the Service and Sacrifice of Americas Men and Women in Uniform | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored the brave men and women of the U.S. military, especially those throughout South Dakota, ahead of the Veterans Day holiday. Thune expressed his gratitude and reverence for the selflessness of devoting one's life to service and sacrifice on behalf of the American people. Thune also discussed the recent progress with a COVID vaccine and the status of the 2020 presidential election results. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, before I begin, I want to acknowledge the tremendous news released yesterday that early tests of a COVID vaccine are showing a greater than 90 percent rate of effectiveness. This is great news, and a testament to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite the development of COVID vaccines. The trials for this vaccine will continue, and FDA approval will be required, but these early results are very encouraging. It's been a rough year for Americans and people all over the world but hopefully this is a sign that the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. Mr. President, we're now a week on from the election, but there are still a lot of outstanding races to determine. Votes are still being counted, or will soon be recounted, in many states. The presidential race has yet to be certified (it's important to remember that while media outlets can predict a winner, official results come later). And there are still House and Senate races that have yet to be decided. One thing is clear though. The blue wave' that Democrats, pollsters, and the media predicted was coming did not arrive. Americans emphatically did not endorse the socialist aims of the far left. Instead, they sent a much more moderate message. And I hope that when all the votes are counted and the outcomes of all the races are determined, Democrats will be able to overcome the virulent partisanship that characterized their behavior over the past four years and act… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E2009F4A-0348-4F3E-B33E-3E0C449EBC39 | Thune Statement on Reelection as Republican Whip | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after he was unanimously re-elected by his Senate Republican colleagues to serve as whip for the 117thCongress, which begins in January 2021. The whip, or assistant majority leader, is the second highest position in Senate Republican leadership. Thune was first elected to serve as Republican whip for the 116th Congress, which included a historic response to the coronavirus pandemic and confirmation of a Supreme Court justice, among many other efforts. Working each and every day to represent the people of South Dakota in the U.S. Senate is a privilege that I am infinitely thankful for, said Thune. While serving the state is my top priority, I am honored that my Republican colleagues have once again elected me to serve as the whip, a role that will help me continue to advance South Dakota's priorities and give a strong voice to rural America in Washington. I'm confident Republicans will hold the majority next Congress, where our focus will remain on strengthening our economy, beating the COVID-19 pandemic, and advancing a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda. In addition to serving as the majority whip, a position he's held since 2019, Thune has previously served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC), chief deputy whip, SRC vice chairman, and chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Thune currently serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Finance Committee; and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=90CA1C0B-B4D5-44F7-A7E8-4C8B8CD28BD3 | Thune: We Are Forever Indebted to the Service and Sacrifice of America’s Men and Women in Uniform | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored the brave men and women of the U.S. military, especially those throughout South Dakota, ahead of the Veterans Day holiday. Thune expressed his gratitude and reverence for the selflessness of devoting one’s life to service and sacrifice on behalf of the American people. Thune also discussed the recent progress with a COVID vaccine and the status of the 2020 presidential election results. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, before I begin, I want to acknowledge the tremendous news released yesterday that early tests of a COVID vaccine are showing a greater than 90 percent rate of effectiveness. “This is great news, and a testament to the innovative power of the private sector and the efforts of Congress and the Trump administration to expedite the development of COVID vaccines. “The trials for this vaccine will continue, and FDA approval will be required, but these early results are very encouraging. “It’s been a rough year for Americans – and people all over the world – but hopefully this is a sign that the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. “Mr. President, we’re now a week on from the election, but there are still a lot of outstanding races to determine. “Votes are still being counted, or will soon be recounted, in many states. “The presidential race has yet to be certified (it’s important to remember that while media outlets can predict a winner, official results come later). “And there are still House and Senate races that have yet to be decided. “One thing is clear though. “The ‘blue wave’ that Democrats, pollsters, and the media predicted was coming did not arrive. “Americans emphatically did not endorse the socialist aims of the far left. “Instead, they sent a much more moderate message. “And I hope that when all the votes are counted and the outcomes of all the races are determined, Democrats will be able to overcome the virulent partisanship that characterized their behavior over the past four years and actually … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E2009F4A-0348-4F3E-B33E-3E0C449EBC39 | Thune Statement on Reelection as Republican Whip | 2020-11-10 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after he was unanimously re-elected by his Senate Republican colleagues to serve as whip for the 117th Congress, which begins in January 2021. The whip, or assistant majority leader, is the second highest position in Senate Republican leadership. Thune was first elected to serve as Republican whip for the 116th Congress, which included a historic response to the coronavirus pandemic and confirmation of a Supreme Court justice, among many other efforts. “Working each and every day to represent the people of South Dakota in the U.S. Senate is a privilege that I am infinitely thankful for,” said Thune. “While serving the state is my top priority, I am honored that my Republican colleagues have once again elected me to serve as the whip, a role that will help me continue to advance South Dakota’s priorities and give a strong voice to rural America in Washington. I’m confident Republicans will hold the majority next Congress, where our focus will remain on strengthening our economy, beating the COVID-19 pandemic, and advancing a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda.” In addition to serving as the majority whip, a position he’s held since 2019, Thune has previously served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC), chief deputy whip, SRC vice chairman, and chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Thune currently serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Finance Committee; and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/unforgettable | Unforgettable | 2020-11-09 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | I don’t think I’ll ever forget the weekend of September 15, 2006. It’s one of those memories in life you’ll always remember, no matter how long you live. I was working as governor at the time and that weekend we hosted the dedication ceremony for the state’s Vietnam War Memorial in Pierre. We tried to pull out all the stops to honor our heroes. We scheduled flyovers from various war planes like the B-1B Lancer bomber based at Ellsworth, the F-16 Fighting Falcon stationed at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, and the Vietnam-era Huey helicopter. We threw a parade that lasted more than two hours with 187 entries, 258 motorcyclists and 40 marching bands. We created a field of white crosses with duplicated dog tags for every soldier who died, so families could take the cross and dog tags of their loved ones home. And we had a grand fireworks display over Capitol Lake. In total, more than 32,000 people came to town for all the activities that weekend. We did our best to give our Vietnam veterans the welcome home they never received. But the thing I’ll always remember are the concerts. In preparing for this weekend, we asked the veterans how they wanted to celebrate and they came back with a unified response– through music. We brought in bands the veterans of that era requested - Creedence Clearwater Revisited, the Steve Miller Band, Big & Rich, the Beach Boys and the Red Willow Band. In front of a packed crowd, Big & Rich performed their hit song “8th of November” with on-stage guest Niles Harris, the Deadwood man who inspired the song which tells the story of a boy who left South Dakota to fight for the red, white and blue in Vietnam. Unforgettable. Fast forward a few years to a different concert. Jean and I attended the annual Christmas Concert in Hoven at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, or as it’s better known, The Cathedral of the Prairie. As we went to leave, I received a tap on the shoulder. I turned around to find a lady who said, “Thanks for giving me my husband back.” As you might imagine, I was pretty confused… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:39:51Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=DAC2B8D2-48C8-4998-A84C-AD8B02347C25 | Holding Big Tech Accountable | 2020-11-06 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | I was recently part of a Senate panel that held several of the nation's top big tech leaders accountable for the content moderation practices at each of their respective companies. The American people deserve to know how their information is being used, censored, and potentially exploited online. These companies have an obligation to explain it. I questioned Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai about the perceived political bias that exists within the big tech community and how that might affect their companies' actions when it comes to suppressing or amplifying certain online content. I pressed them on whether or not they believed they were legitimate referees when it comes to political speech on social media platforms. In my opinion, it's not up to them to make those kinds of decisions, especially when it can have an effect on our democracy. If you were an early adopter of social media, you've seen online platforms come, go, and evolve over the years. At their outset, platforms were comprised of a simple, sequential stream of user-generated content pictures of your lunch or dinner, a status update on your weekend plans, or an article about a hot new restaurant opening downtown. In many cases, a dial-up internet connection and desktop computer were an integral part of logging on, scrolling, and posting. Fast forward to today. Things have changed a bit, to say the least. Now you can access social media from nearly every corner of the planet (even from outer space) and from nearly any device with an internet connection: phones, tablets, watches, TVs, computers, and so on. And with the advancement of 5G wireless broadband technology, something I've fought hard for in Congress, you can access information faster than ever before. Access and availability aren't the only things that have changed. Big tech leaders like Zuckerberg, Dorsey, and Pichai are now some of the most powerful people in the world because they, in many ways, shape and control the content that soci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=86CE32D7-8319-4F9B-B69D-787820301FA3 | Delivering on My Promise to South Dakotans | 2020-11-02 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | I was recently proud to vote to confirm one of the most qualified judges in living memory to the Supreme Court.Confirming judicial nominees always feels particularly personal to me, because one of the reasons I was sent to the Senate was to confirm judges like Amy Coney Barrett to the bench. For the better part of two centuries, confirming judges was a pretty bipartisan affair.Presidents of both parties generally got the majority of their judicial nominees confirmed to the bench. But all of that changed in the early 2000s.After President George W. Bush was elected, Democrats decided that they were no longer going to follow the tradition of bipartisan confirmation and would instead prevent judicial nominees they opposed from even getting a vote.Why?Because they were afraid that Republican nominees wouldn't deliver the political and policy results Democrats wanted. And here we come to the fundamental difference between Republicans' and Democrats' judicial philosophies. Republicans want judges who are committed to applying the law as it is written.We want judges who will look at how the law (and the Constitution) applies to a particular case and then make a decision based on those criteria.Not on their personal beliefs. Not on what they think the law should be. Just on what the law (and the Constitution) actually says.Put another way, Republicans believe that the job of a judge is to call balls and strikes not rewrite the rules of the game. But Democrats' philosophy is different. Democrats' primary concern is not that judges follow the plain meaning of the law, but that judges deliver what Democrats consider to be the right outcomes.If a judge can reach the conclusion Democrats want by following the plain meaning of a statute, then fine. But if he can't, then Democrats want judges who will reach beyond the statute to deliver what Democrats consider to be the right verdict. For proof of this, we only have to look at the debate over Justice Barrett's nomination.Democrats didn't complain about Justice Barrett's … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/bringing-south-dakota-values-to-a-broken-washington-dc | Bringing South Dakota Values to a Broken Washington, D.C. | 2020-10-30 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Let’s be real – Washington D.C. is broken. If it were just you and me out there, we could figure this thing out pretty quickly with a little South Dakota common sense. But unfortunately, that’s not the case. Washington is filled with un-elected lobbyists and bureaucrats who think they run the show. They don’t. We the people do. It’s time to take back what they’ve taken from us. And, only together, do we have a chance to break through the bureaucracy. For the past six years, I’ve been honored to serve as your United States Senator. When I was elected, I said I would represent you by bringing South Dakota values to Washington D.C. I’ve done this by focusing on results. We’ve accomplished many things on the national level that help South Dakota families and businesses – like cutting taxes, eliminating Obamacare’s “Cadillac tax” and individual mandate, removing burdensome Obama-era regulations like Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) and Dodd-Frank banking reforms that impaired small-town lending, and confirming conservative judges to serve on the federal court, including over 200 conservative judges and three conservative Supreme Court Justices. We’ve also been able to achieve significant results for local communities in South Dakota. Through my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee, we’ve played a part in securing Ellsworth Air Force Base as the location for the first two B-21 Raider bomber squadrons. This is the most advanced weapon system to have ever been developed by mankind. These two squadrons will play a critical role in the defense of our nation and have a huge economic impact on the Rapid City area for the next 50 years. We have the best armed forces in the world and we need to keep it that way. We never want our service men and women to go into a fair fight—U.S. troops must always have the advantage. We also have a responsibility to take care of our men and women in uniform after they have returned home from serving our country. The Hot Springs VA facility is among the best in the country when it comes t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=386E8114-0640-4209-8357-F2F0A5917E84 | Thune Presses Big Tech Leaders on Consumer Transparency and Accountability, Perceived Political Bias | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today participated in a full Commerce Committee hearing, titled Does Section 230's Sweeping Immunity Enable Big Tech Bad Behavior?, to examine Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and discuss the need for potential reform in response to social media growth and advancement over the last few decades. During the hearing, Thune questioned CEOs from Google, Facebook, and Twitter on consumer transparency and accountability and the perceived political bias that exists on social media platforms. Thune has introduced two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would help increase online transparency and accountability. Earlier today, Thune joined CNBC's Squawk Box to preview the hearing. Thune's opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. Chairman, I appreciate you convening this hearing today, which is an important follow-up to the subcommittee hearing we convened in July on Section 230. Many of us here today and many of those we represent are deeply concerned about the possibility of political bias and discrimination by large internet and social media platforms. Others are concerned that even if your actions aren't skewed they are hugely consequential for our public debate, yet you operate with limited accountability. Such distrust is intensified by the fact that the moderation practices used to suppress or amplify content remain largely a black box to the public. Moreover, the public explanations given by the platforms for taking down or suppressing content too often seem like excuses that have to be walked back after scrutiny. And due to exceptional secrecy with which platforms protect their algorithms and content moderation practices, it's been impossible to prove one way or another whether political bias exists, so users are stuck with anecdotal information that fr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-loeffler-introduce-bill-to-curb-veteran-homelessness | Rounds, Loeffler Introduce Bill to Curb Veteran Homelessness | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE – U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) introduced the Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act, a bill to make needed changes to two programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prevent and decrease veteran homelessness. “Every single veteran should have a place to call home,” said Rounds. “While we’ve made progress over the past decade at reducing the number of veterans experiencing homelessness, there are still too many vets without a roof over their heads. These are men and women who’ve served and sacrificed for us—they deserve every benefit they’ve earned. Our legislation seeks to make sure every veteran has the resources they need to find a home.” “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to America’s veterans who put their lives at risk defending the freedoms we all enjoy,” Loeffler said. “It’s unacceptable that these heroes suffer from homelessness and lack access to resources they desperately need and earned. As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I am proud to introduce the Reducing Veterans Homelessness Act to combat this serious issue and ensure no American hero spends another night without a roof over their heads.” Background: The Reducing Veteran Homelessness Act would make improvements to the Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program by: Requiring the VA to contract out vacant HUD-VASH caseworker positions to qualified community providers—if a VA Medical Center has not used more than 15 percent of its HUD-VASH voucher allocation in the previous year and has had a HUD-VASH case manager position vacant for over 9 months; Allowing for an increase in the per diem payments for community participants in the GPD program; and Allowing GPD participants to utilize GPD funding to gain access to their local Homeless Management Information System in order to track outcomes of homeless veterans without having to pay out of pocket. House Minority Leader Kevin McC… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=386E8114-0640-4209-8357-F2F0A5917E84 | Thune Presses Big Tech Leaders on Consumer Transparency and Accountability, Perceived Political Bias | 2020-10-28 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today participated in a full Commerce Committee hearing, titled “Does Section 230’s Sweeping Immunity Enable Big Tech Bad Behavior?,” to examine Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and discuss the need for potential reform in response to social media growth and advancement over the last few decades. During the hearing, Thune questioned CEOs from Google, Facebook, and Twitter on consumer transparency and accountability and the perceived political bias that exists on social media platforms. Thune has introduced two bipartisan bills, the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency (PACT) Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would help increase online transparency and accountability. Earlier today, Thune joined CNBC’s “Squawk Box” to preview the hearing. Thune’s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. Chairman, I appreciate you convening this hearing today, which is an important follow-up to the subcommittee hearing we convened in July on Section 230. “Many of us here today – and many of those we represent – are deeply concerned about the possibility of political bias and discrimination by large internet and social media platforms. Others are concerned that – even if your actions aren’t skewed – they are hugely consequential for our public debate, yet you operate with limited accountability. “Such distrust is intensified by the fact that the moderation practices used to suppress or amplify content remain largely a black box to the public. “Moreover, the public explanations given by the platforms for taking down or suppressing content too often seem like excuses that have to be walked back after scrutiny. “And due to exceptional secrecy with which platforms protect their algorithms and content moderation practices, it’s been impossible to prove one way or another whether political bias exists, so users are stuck with anecdotal information that frequently … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6469B861-2088-4013-804B-99FF499F0D3C | Thune Statement on Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a person with extraordinary intelligence and comprehensive command of the law, and she is extraordinarily qualified to serve on the nation's highest court, said Thune. Since the day she was nominated, Judge Barrett has proven that she understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government, which is to rule based on the law and the Constitution, not preferred outcomes or policy preferences. Judge Barrett said it herself I apply the law, I follow the law, [members of Congress] make the policy.' That is the kind of justice that Judge Barrett will be, and that's the kind of justice both Democrats and Republicans should want. I look forward to seeing her serve on the Supreme Court. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CA35F514-989B-48E7-82D0-F87A5685F42E | Thune: Judge Amy Coney Barrett Will Be an Outstanding Addition to the U.S. Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming Senate vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to occur later today. Thune also discussed COVID relief and urged his Democrat colleagues to work with Senate Republicans in good faith to deliver much-needed resources to the American people. Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, later today we will confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. By now, I don't need to tell anybody that she is one of the most highly qualified Supreme Court candidates in living memory. Her appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was a master-class in what a Supreme Court justice should look like which is probably why a majority of voters want the Senate to confirm this outstanding nominee to the nation's highest court. Mr. President, a CNN anchor recently pointed out that, and I quote, in another age Judge Amy Coney Barrett would be getting 70 votes or more in the United States Senate because of her qualifications. That's unquestionably true. But unfortunately it's extremely unlikely that Judge Barrett will be collecting 70 or more votes later today. Because for my Democrat colleagues, this has never been about Judge Barrett's qualifications. Democrats were never going to support this nomination, no matter how supremely qualified the individual in question. The president could have nominated the wisest, most outstanding jurist in the history of the world, and Democrats would still be opposing this nomination in large part simply because it was made by this president. Democrats had their talking points ready from the beginning the same talking points they trot out for every Republican Supreme Court nominee. The sky will fall if this nominee makes it onto the court, they cry. Minorities will suffer. Women will suffer. Americans will lose their health care. They've used that one a lot this time. Democrats would like to convince Americans that Republican… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E4215563-FBEF-40A4-A6DF-BB02516996B5 | Thune Joins Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Full Court Press with host Greta Van Susteren to discuss the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the Senate majority, court-packing, affordable health care, and affordable energy, among other topics. Thune also spoke on the Senate floor about Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court and her outstanding experience and qualifications. On helping to slow the spread of COVID: I would argue that we need to continue to abide by and follow and implement the CDC guidelines when it comes to masks and social distancing. The medical treatment part of this is going to continue to improve. But at least for the foreseeable future, people have to take the steps, the cautions that are advised by the CDC, and do their very best from spreading it On keeping the Senate majority: I believe we will win. I think our candidates are trending in right direction, and, you know, but obviously we have some really hard seats to defend in states in the country where the Republicans traditionally don't do that well. And obviously the better the president performs, the more it helps our down-ballot races, specifically with the United States Senate where I would argue we are the firewall against a lot of these radical ideas. I think if for whatever reason we lose the presidential race, we definitely need to keep the majority in the Senate to prevent what I think would be some really bad things from happening, to include the Democrats doing away with the legislative filibuster and trying to expand the Supreme Court. On court-packing: I think that there are cooler heads over there. I hope they prevail, but I also know how much pressure they'll have from their far left. They believe Chuck Schumer, the Democrat leader of the Senate, he's looking over his shoulder at AOC on a daily basis. There's a lot of talk about a primary election perhaps for his seat in New York, and they have, they bring a lot of pressure, I think on these Democrat senators, from … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6469B861-2088-4013-804B-99FF499F0D3C | Thune Statement on Confirmation of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. “Judge Amy Coney Barrett is a person with extraordinary intelligence and comprehensive command of the law, and she is extraordinarily qualified to serve on the nation’s highest court,” said Thune. “Since the day she was nominated, Judge Barrett has proven that she understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government, which is to rule based on the law and the Constitution, not preferred outcomes or policy preferences. Judge Barrett said it herself – ‘I apply the law, I follow the law, [members of Congress] make the policy.’ That is the kind of justice that Judge Barrett will be, and that’s the kind of justice both Democrats and Republicans should want. I look forward to seeing her serve on the Supreme Court.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CA35F514-989B-48E7-82D0-F87A5685F42E | Thune: Judge Amy Coney Barrett Will Be an Outstanding Addition to the U.S. Supreme Court | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming Senate vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is expected to occur later today. Thune also discussed COVID relief and urged his Democrat colleagues to work with Senate Republicans in good faith to deliver much-needed resources to the American people. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, later today we will confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. “By now, I don’t need to tell anybody that she is one of the most highly qualified Supreme Court candidates in living memory. “Her appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee was a master-class in what a Supreme Court justice should look like – which is probably why a majority of voters want the Senate to confirm this outstanding nominee to the nation’s highest court. “Mr. President, a CNN anchor recently pointed out that, and I quote, “in another age … Judge Amy Coney Barrett would be getting 70 votes or more in the United States Senate … because of her qualifications.” “That’s unquestionably true. “But unfortunately it’s extremely unlikely that Judge Barrett will be collecting 70 or more votes later today. “Because for my Democrat colleagues, this has never been about Judge Barrett’s qualifications. “Democrats were never going to support this nomination, no matter how supremely qualified the individual in question. “The president could have nominated the wisest, most outstanding jurist in the history of the world, and Democrats would still be opposing this nomination – in large part simply because it was made by this president. “Democrats had their talking points ready from the beginning – the same talking points they trot out for every Republican Supreme Court nominee. “The sky will fall if this nominee makes it onto the court, they cry. “Minorities will suffer. “Women will suffer. “Americans will lose their health care. “They’ve used that one a lot this time. “Democrats would like to convince Americans that Republicans… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E4215563-FBEF-40A4-A6DF-BB02516996B5 | Thune Joins “Full Court Press” with Greta Van Susteren | 2020-10-26 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined “Full Court Press” with host Greta Van Susteren to discuss the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the Senate majority, court-packing, affordable health care, and affordable energy, among other topics. Thune also spoke on the Senate floor about Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court and her outstanding experience and qualifications. On helping to slow the spread of COVID: “I would argue that we need to continue to abide by and follow and implement the CDC guidelines when it comes to masks and social distancing. The medical treatment part of this is going to continue to improve. But at least for the foreseeable future, people have to take the steps, the cautions that are advised by the CDC, and do their very best from spreading it…” On keeping the Senate majority: “I believe we will win. I think our candidates are trending in right direction, and, you know, but obviously we have some really hard seats to defend in states in the country where the Republicans traditionally don’t do that well. And obviously the better the president performs, the more it helps our down-ballot races, specifically with the United States Senate where I would argue we are the firewall against a lot of these radical ideas. I think if for whatever reason we lose the presidential race, we definitely need to keep the majority in the Senate to prevent what I think would be some really bad things from happening, to include the Democrats doing away with the legislative filibuster and trying to expand the Supreme Court.” On court-packing: “I think that there are cooler heads over there. I hope they prevail, but I also know how much pressure they’ll have from their far left. They believe – Chuck Schumer, the Democrat leader of the Senate, he’s looking over his shoulder at AOC on a daily basis. There’s a lot of talk about a primary election perhaps for his seat in New York, and they have, they bring a lot of pressure, I think on these Democrat senators, from the left, fro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8DD3010-F97D-4431-BE03-0F1043F9F79D | Thune Joins Fox Newss Cavuto LIVE to Discuss Judge Amy Coney Barrett and COVID-19 Relief Negotiations | 2020-10-25 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Fox News's Cavuto LIVE to discusshis strong support for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett ahead of her upcoming confirmation vote in the Senate. Thune also discussed the importance of passing a targeted COVID-19 relief bill, like the one the Senate voted on earlier this week. He urged Democrats to work with Republicans in good faith to arrive at a compromise bill that both parties can support and that can actually make it to the president's desk. Thune also spoke on the Senate floor today about Democrats' continued delay tactics on the Barrett nomination and urged his Democrat colleagues to ditch their all-or-nothing approach to COVID-19 relief. On Democrats protesting Judge Barrett's confirmation vote: Unfortunately, the Democrats have really politicized the court by their tactics not showing up at the Judiciary Committee where her nomination was reported out, not showing up yesterday on the floor when it was called up. They're doing everything they can to protest this. But the truth of the matter is that a lot of the Democrats look at the courts as an auxiliary legislature where they can try and get policy outcomes and results that they can't get through the two political branches of our government. And that's not what the court is about. And Judge Barrett represents what we believe the court should be about and that is a constitutionalist and somebody who is going to, in an impartial way, apply the law and the Constitution. In the last 30 years, the Democrats have consistently changed the rules, going back to the Bork nomination, all the judges they tried to block when George Bush was president of the United States. That's kind of permanently changed the atmospherics around here when it comes to processing judicial nominations. But that can't stop us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent here in the Senate, and we're going to carry that out today, tomorrow, and on Monday. On Judge Barr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F8DD3010-F97D-4431-BE03-0F1043F9F79D | Thune Joins Fox News’s ‘Cavuto LIVE’ to Discuss Judge Amy Coney Barrett and COVID-19 Relief Negotiations | 2020-10-25 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Fox News’s “Cavuto LIVE” to discuss his strong support for Supreme Court nominee Judge Amy Coney Barrett ahead of her upcoming confirmation vote in the Senate. Thune also discussed the importance of passing a targeted COVID-19 relief bill, like the one the Senate voted on earlier this week. He urged Democrats to work with Republicans in good faith to arrive at a compromise bill that both parties can support and that can actually make it to the president’s desk. Thune also spoke on the Senate floor today about Democrats’ continued delay tactics on the Barrett nomination and urged his Democrat colleagues to ditch their all-or-nothing approach to COVID-19 relief. On Democrats protesting Judge Barrett’s confirmation vote: “Unfortunately, the Democrats have really politicized the court by their tactics – not showing up at the Judiciary Committee where her nomination was reported out, not showing up yesterday on the floor when it was called up. They’re doing everything they can to protest this. But the truth of the matter is that a lot of the Democrats look at the courts as an auxiliary legislature where they can try and get policy outcomes and results that they can’t get through the two political branches of our government. And that’s not what the court is about. And Judge Barrett represents what we believe the court should be about – and that is a constitutionalist and somebody who is going to, in an impartial way, apply the law and the Constitution.” “In the last 30 years, the Democrats have consistently changed the rules, going back to the Bork nomination, all the judges they tried to block when George Bush was president of the United States. That’s kind of permanently changed the atmospherics around here when it comes to processing judicial nominations. But that can’t stop us from carrying out our constitutional responsibility of advice and consent here in the Senate, and we’re going to carry that out today, tomorrow, and on Monday.” On Judge Barrett’s qualifications… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5DF27750-E734-495D-AD16-71630FA8989C | Character Matters | 2020-10-23 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Anyone who tuned in for Judge Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation hearing saw why she is held in such high regard by her colleagues, students, and peers and why she will make an extraordinary Supreme Court justice. She's extremely intelligent and possesses a comprehensive command of the law. She has been described as a jurist of formidable intellect, a brilliant and conscientious lawyer, and a staggering academic mind. Even several Democrats on the Judiciary Committee couldn't hide the fact that they were impressed with Judge Barrett. One of the most important qualities I see in Judge Barrett is that she understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government. As Judge Barrett made clear, she understands that the job of a judge is to interpret the law, not make the law. To rule based on the the Constitution, not rewrite the rules of the game. Or as Judge Barrett said to senators at her hearing, I apply the law, I follow the law, you make the policy. Judge Barrett has made it clear that when cases come before her on the Supreme Court, she will consider the facts, the law, and the Constitution and nothing else. Not her personal beliefs. Not her political opinions. Just the law and the Constitution. That's the kind of justice all of us Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative should want. I could spend a considerable amount of time highlighting all the extraordinary tributes to Judge Barrett that have poured in since her nomination from lawyers and scholars of every background and political persuasion. There was one piece of testimony that struck me in particular, though. The chairman of the American Bar Association's (ABA's) Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary testified before the Judiciary Committee during Judge Barrett's hearing. He said, Lawyers and judges uniformly praised [Judge Barrett's] integrity. Most remarkably, in interviews with individuals in the legal profession and community who know Judge Barrett, whether for a few years or decades, not one person uttered a negative w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A8305F45-5420-4840-9C40-926EDA38B640 | Thune: Democrats Continue to Filibuster Targeted and Fiscally Responsible COVID Relief Funding | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today expressed his frustration with Democrats' continued blockade of a targeted and fiscally responsible COVID relief bill that would put money into the hands of small businesses and schools and provide immediate additional funding for COVID testing and treatment. Democrats filibustered a similar bill in September that also received support from a majority of the Senate and would have prioritized federal assistance to help hard-hit small businesses, safely get students back to school, and support frontline workers who are fighting the coronavirus. Shortly before today's vote, Thune spoke on the Senate floor, and his remarks (as prepared for delivery) are below. Mr. President, for months now, Democrat leaders have held additional COVID relief of any kind hostage. Instead of working with Republicans to arrive at a compromise bill that both parties can support and that can make it through both houses of Congress, Democrats have insisted that it's their way or the highway. Either Republicans agree to a bloated, multi-trillion-dollar piece of legislation filled with non-coronavirus-related measures and far-left liberal wishlist items a bill that could never make it through both houses of Congress or Americans get no relief. Mr. President, it goes without saying that this is not the attitude of a party that really wants to get help to Americans. This is the attitude of a party that wants to use this crisis for political purposes. Democrats figure they win either way. Either they use this crisis to force through a bunch of liberal priorities not related to COVID, or they blame Republicans for the lack of a bill. Completely absent from their calculations is any sense of what their intransigence is costing the American people. If Democrats had actually been willing to compromise with Republicans to reach consensus legislation, we could have had a new COVID relief bill months ago. Americans could be enjoying additional relief right now. Republicans have … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-meets-with-judge-amy-coney-barrett | Rounds Meets with Judge Amy Coney Barrett | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on his meeting with Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nominee to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court: “I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Judge Barrett today. We had a wonderful discussion about a number of issues that South Dakotans care about, such as the importance of upholding the Second Amendment and the role of Congress – not the Judiciary – in making policy decisions. During our meeting, she also reaffirmed her commitment to upholding the Constitution as written, and not legislate from the bench. She is a widely-respected legal scholar and judge who will be fair and impartial, as South Dakotans expect from a Supreme Court Justice. I look forward to supporting her nomination to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A8305F45-5420-4840-9C40-926EDA38B640 | Thune: Democrats Continue to Filibuster Targeted and Fiscally Responsible COVID Relief Funding | 2020-10-21 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today expressed his frustration with Democrats’ continued blockade of a targeted and fiscally responsible COVID relief bill that would put money into the hands of small businesses and schools and provide immediate additional funding for COVID testing and treatment. Democrats filibustered a similar bill in September that also received support from a majority of the Senate and would have prioritized federal assistance to help hard-hit small businesses, safely get students back to school, and support frontline workers who are fighting the coronavirus. Shortly before today’s vote, Thune spoke on the Senate floor, and his remarks (as prepared for delivery) are below. “Mr. President, for months now, Democrat leaders have held additional COVID relief of any kind hostage. “Instead of working with Republicans to arrive at a compromise bill that both parties can support and that can make it through both houses of Congress, Democrats have insisted that it’s their way or the highway. “Either Republicans agree to a bloated, multi-trillion-dollar piece of legislation filled with non-coronavirus-related measures and far-left liberal wishlist items – a bill that could never make it through both houses of Congress – or Americans get no relief. “Mr. President, it goes without saying that this is not the attitude of a party that really wants to get help to Americans. “This is the attitude of a party that wants to use this crisis for political purposes. “Democrats figure they win either way. “Either they use this crisis to force through a bunch of liberal priorities not related to COVID, or they blame Republicans for the lack of a bill. “Completely absent from their calculations is any sense of what their intransigence is costing the American people. “If Democrats had actually been willing to compromise with Republicans to reach consensus legislation, we could have had a new COVID relief bill months ago. “Americans could be enjoying additional relief right now. “Republicans have made it clea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F7F3E0AB-9008-4884-A130-44E652EB17F3 | Thune: Its Clear Democrats Would Rather See No COVID Relief Than Compromise With Republicans | 2020-10-20 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed Democrats' unwillingness to negotiate in good faith on a new COVID relief bill. For months, Republicans have been willing to compromise in an effort to find common ground on much-needed relief, but Democrats have made it abundantly clear that they would rather have a political issue than find a real solution. Thune also discussed last week's successful Judiciary Committee hearing and highlighted the qualifications of Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Thune expressed his support for Judge Barrett, and he thanked her for her willingness to serve and for the experience and knowledge that she will bring to our nation's highest court. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, last week, the Judiciary Committee held its hearing on Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination, and it was easy to see why Judge Barrett is held in such respect by her colleagues, students, and peers and why the American Bar Association gave her its highest rating of well-qualified.' We knew long before the hearing that Judge Barrett possesses an extraordinary intelligence and a comprehensive command of the law. But over three days of testimony, Americans got to see her qualifications for themselves. And they saw why she has been described as a jurist of formidable intellect,' a brilliant and conscientious lawyer,' and a staggering academic mind.' Even the Democrat ranking member on the committee, the senator from California, couldn't hide the fact that she was impressed. Most importantly, however, Americans saw that Judge Barrett understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government. As Judge Barrett made clear, she understands that the job of a judge is to interpret the law, not make the law. To call balls and strikes, not rewrite the rules of the game. Or as Judge Barrett said to the Democrat whip at the hearing last week, I apply the law, I follow the law, you make the policy.' Judge Barrett has made it clear that when cas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F7F3E0AB-9008-4884-A130-44E652EB17F3 | Thune: It’s Clear Democrats Would Rather See No COVID Relief Than Compromise With Republicans | 2020-10-20 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed Democrats’ unwillingness to negotiate in good faith on a new COVID relief bill. For months, Republicans have been willing to compromise in an effort to find common ground on much-needed relief, but Democrats have made it abundantly clear that they would rather have a political issue than find a real solution. Thune also discussed last week’s successful Judiciary Committee hearing and highlighted the qualifications of Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Thune expressed his support for Judge Barrett, and he thanked her for her willingness to serve and for the experience and knowledge that she will bring to our nation’s highest court. Thune’s remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last week, the Judiciary Committee held its hearing on Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, and it was easy to see why Judge Barrett is held in such respect by her colleagues, students, and peers – and why the American Bar Association gave her its highest rating of ‘well-qualified.’ “We knew long before the hearing that Judge Barrett possesses an extraordinary intelligence and a comprehensive command of the law. “But over three days of testimony, Americans got to see her qualifications for themselves. “And they saw why she has been described as ‘a jurist of formidable intellect,’ a ‘brilliant and conscientious lawyer,’ and ‘a staggering academic mind.’ “Even the Democrat ranking member on the committee, the senator from California, couldn’t hide the fact that she was impressed. “Most importantly, however, Americans saw that Judge Barrett understands the proper role of a judge in our system of government. “As Judge Barrett made clear, she understands that the job of a judge is to interpret the law, not make the law. “To call balls and strikes, not rewrite the rules of the game. “Or as Judge Barrett said to the Democrat whip at the hearing last week, ‘I apply the law, I follow the law, you make the policy.’ “Judge Barrett has made it clear that when cases com… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=AD724257-2F85-4C10-90E2-348E01B04A53 | A South Dakota Tradition | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | It's been a long year filled with a heavy dose of uncertainty and unpredictability. As we continue to face this unprecedented challenge head on, public health and safety are our top priorities. As a result, many annual events and other seasonal traditions have been upended in South Dakota and around the country. If you're anything like me, though, you've kept your eye on the bright spots on the semblances of normalcy that make things feel right. For me, that means spending more time with family and cherishing the special moments we get to share with one another. It also means keeping an eye on the calendar and counting down the days until the third Saturday in October an unofficial holiday here in South Dakota. Every year, hundreds of thousands of hunters flood to our state to experience the tradition of the pheasant hunting opener and season. With them comes millions of dollars that are added to our economy in food and lodging, transportation, and other related expenses. Since the pandemic has hit some parts of our economy harder than others, many businesses throughout our state that depend on this economic infusion each year have been eagerly awaiting this year's season. Speaking on behalf of all business owners, I hope it's a successful one. Aside from the massive economic effect that pheasant hunting brings to our state each year and the excitement of bagging a limit of birds I think the greatest value comes in the time hunters are able to spend with family and friends. I've participated in this tradition since I was a kid. I have so many great memories hunting with my father, who we lost in August, my brothers and their kids, and my daughters and sons-in law. It's been fun to help pass this tradition down to the next generation. I'm already looking forward to the day my grandkids can join me in the field, too. Until they're a little older, I'll settle on sharing the bounties of a successful hunt with them instead. Anyone who has hunted ringnecks in South Dakota understands why we're known as the phea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/impressive-indeed | Impressive Indeed | 2020-10-16 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | “I’m really impressed.” Words spoken about Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Words spoken by a surprising voice, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the top ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Like many Americans, I watched the confirmation hearings of Judge Barrett this past week. Senator Feinstein put to words what many of us were thinking. Judge Barrett is strong and confident. Her legal prowess was evident as she dissected with ease complicated doctrines like severability and could easily recall from memory the extensive background of obscure cases. She remained calm, cool and collected under fire. And did it all with only a blank pad of paper sitting on the table in front of her. No notes. Really impressive indeed. It’s plain to see Judge Barrett holds a deep respect for the judicial process and the United States Constitution. She recognizes the job of a justice is not to make laws, it’s to interpret them. She will be an independent and impartial justice, or as Chief Justice Roberts would put it, an umpire calling balls and strikes. She understands a justice’s responsibility is to interpret the Constitution and apply the law as written, not based on their personal views or political ideologies. Standing on its own, Judge Barrett’s legal expertise makes her incredibly distinguished and qualified for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. But when you hear her full story, you gain a new appreciation for the woman who could sit on the highest court in the land. Judge Barrett grew up in New Orleans, the oldest of seven kids and 29 grandchildren – a good Catholic family. Her mother was a high school French teacher who inspired her to choose the language as a minor in college. Her father was a lawyer who inspired her to join the legal profession. She attended an all-girls Catholic high school where she was elected student body vice president. After high school, she attended Rhodes College where she majored in English literature and graduated magna cum laude. After earning her undergraduate degree, Judge Ba… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=25C143AA-3795-4391-8A91-B3364BC75898 | Thune Joins Fox Newss Neil Cavuto to Discuss Social Media Censorship | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sioux Falls, S.D. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today joined Fox News's Your World With Neil Cavuto to discuss Twitter's and Facebook's censorship of online material. Thune noted that the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google will be testifying in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation later this month. On social media censorship (here): Well, I think they act as a filter, and they create a bubble for users. And they created algorithms for users to see what they think those users want to see. And this is a big problem. I mean you have got you've got, now, three companies essentially editing everything and limiting what the American people have access to in terms of users on these platforms. So, they've got to be accountable. On the Commerce Committee's hearing with big tech CEOs (here): You now have essentially three companies that have virtually monopoly power in their space of the market, and I think there has to be some accountability. Now, the Democrats up until now, as you pointed out, have been interested in that as well. Currently it's Republicans, conservative content, that seems to be getting censored. But I would hope that there would be bipartisan interest in bringing these companies to account. Not only because of the monopoly power, but also because of the shield against liability that they have with respect to the way that they moderate content. Those issues need to be looked at, and it's time for Congress to have that conversation. Thune has introduced two bipartisan bills, the PACT Act and the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, that would require online platforms to be more transparent and accountable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=25C143AA-3795-4391-8A91-B3364BC75898 | Thune Joins Fox News’s Neil Cavuto to Discuss Social Media Censorship | 2020-10-15 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today joined Fox News’s “Your World With Neil Cavuto” to discuss Twitter’s and Facebook’s censorship of online material. Thune noted that the CEOs of Twitter, Facebook, and Google will be testifying in front of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation later this month. On social media censorship (here): “Well, I think they act as a filter, and they create a bubble for users. And they created algorithms for users to see what they think those users want to see. And this is a big problem. I mean you have got – you’ve got, now, three companies essentially editing everything and limiting what the American people have access to in terms of users on these platforms. So, they’ve got to be accountable.” On the Commerce Committee’s hearing with big tech CEOs (here): “You now have essentially three companies that have virtually monopoly power in their space of the market, and I think there has to be some accountability. Now, the Democrats up until now, as you pointed out, have been interested in that as well. Currently it’s Republicans, conservative content, that seems to be getting censored. But I would hope that there would be bipartisan interest in bringing these companies to account. Not only because of the monopoly power, but also because of the shield against liability that they have with respect to the way that they moderate content. Those issues need to be looked at, and it’s time for Congress to have that conversation.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-urge-hhs-secretary-to-take-a-closer-look-at-reporting-requirements-which-could-disadvantage-rural-hospitals | Rounds, Colleagues Urge HHS Secretary to Take a Closer Look at Reporting Requirements Which Could Disadvantage Rural Hospitals | 2020-10-14 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE–U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and a bipartisan group of his Senate colleagues sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar about changes in reporting requirements, which have the potential to create financial hardships and uncertainty for hospitals across the country, especially those operating in rural areas. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health care providers need more certainty, not less. The CARES Act, enacted in March 2020, established the Provider Relief Fund to reimburse eligible health care providers for health care-related expenses and lost revenues attributable to the coronavirus. Hospitals and other providers received funds and have budgeted accordingly,” the senators wrote. “However, we are still in the midst of a pandemic and providers continue to face uncertainty in terms of loss of revenue from delayed procedures and care as well as increased expenses related to COVID-19.” In addition to Rounds, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), David Perdue (R-Ga.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). The full letter may be found below or by clicking here. Dear Secretary Azar: We write today with concern regarding the Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements published on September 19, 2020. We have grave concerns this change in reporting requirements for funds received from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) will cr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=F504C8DF-5695-44B6-8AA7-ADE373BD5D4F | Families Helping Families | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Every year, as a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I have the privilege of nominating a person or a family for the Angels in Adoption Award. It recognizes the outstanding contributions of the men and women moms and dads across the country who have chosen to adopt or foster children who are in need. In normal times, the award winners and their families would travel to Washington to accept this recognition, and I typically have the opportunity to meet with them to hear their stories in person. I am always inspired by their journey and selflessness, often having to make big sacrifices in order to give adopted or fostered children a better future. Althoughthis year's event will look a bit different as we continue to adapt to life during the coronavirus pandemic, I was nonetheless honored to nominate the Prins family, of Sioux Falls, for this year's award. I'm looking forward to meeting with them so I can to pass along my congratulations andpresent their award. Like most adoption and foster stories, the Prins family story is unique. Although they have no adopted children, Tami and Jason's journey is just as important to the children they've helped throughout the years. This now-family-of-eight answered God's call and has been a foster family for multiple children through Bethany Christian Services in Sioux Falls. Tami and Jason are also involved with Safe Families for Children, a program that helpssupport parents who are experiencing a difficult time, such as homelessness or incarceration, and can even help prevent children from entering the foster care program altogether. Through Safe Families for Children, the Prinses have obtained legal guardianship of a young child in need, Cam'raya, and they have worked to maintain a relationship with her birth mother, whom they now consider family, throughout their host family experience. I love how the mission of Safe Families is connected to the greatest commandment, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your min… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hau-mitakuyepi-cante-waste-nape-ciyuzapelo | HAU MITAKUYEPI, CANTE WASTE NAPE CIYUZAPELO | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HAU MITAKUYEPI, CANTE WASTE NAPE CIYUZAPELO (Hello my relatives, I greet you with warm heart and handshake). This year, South Dakotans are celebrating the 30th anniversary of recognizing the second Monday in October as Native Americans’ Day. As a 30 year old who has never known the second Monday in October to be anything different, I’m honored to share my perspective and reflections on this meaningful day. I’m a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and a lifelong South Dakotan. I’ve grown up constantly analyzing issues from different perspectives: Indian v. non-Indian; State v. Tribal; Midwest values v. Lakota values. The two perspectives can be similar, but more often than not they are very different. When Senator Rounds asked me to write some thoughts for his column this week, I wanted to use it as an opportunity to discuss these dual perspectives I have grown up with so all South Dakotans can take a moment to deepen our understanding of our Lakota, Nakota and Dakota neighbors and appreciate what this culture contributes to our society. I’d like to begin with what Native Americans’ Day in South Dakota is NOT. It’s not Columbus Day. It’s not an attempt to participate in the recent cancel culture fad. Columbus Day only officially became a federal holiday in 1937. Despite Columbus’ recognition on the federal calendar, South Dakota chose to be a leader in promoting our culture and, in 1990, became the very first state to proclaim the second Monday in October as Native Americans’ Day. The naming was also commemorated by proclaiming 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation.” The Year of Reconciliation honored the tragic 100th anniversary of the Wounded Knee massacre and focused on promoting healthy relationships between the tribes and the state into the future. Twenty years later in 2010, Governor Mike Rounds renewed this tradition by proclaiming 2010 as the “Year of Unity;” a theme meant to acknowledge differences but promote working together. We all know that this pandemic has recently tested the health of these … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-official-va-action-to-keep-hot-springs-va-campus-open | Rounds Statement on Official VA Action to Keep Hot Springs VA Campus Open | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | FORT PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) decision to rescind its Record of Decision regarding the Hot Springs VA Medical Center. “The Hot Springs VA facility is among the best in the country,” said Rounds. “Today’s notification is the result of a years-long battle to keep the facility open and make sure veterans from across the region are able to continue receiving the same top-notch care in the future. We thank VA Secretary Robert Wilkie for fulfilling the promise he made to keep the facility open after his visit to Hot Springs earlier this year. The action that Secretary Wilkie took today to have this revision published in the Federal Register means our long fight is over and we have officially secured Hot Springs as a location that will continue to offer significant services to our veterans. Today is a great day for ‘The Veterans Town!’” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie notified Sen. Rounds today that the January 3, 2017, Record of Decision for the proposed Reconfiguration of the VA Black Hills Health Care System Environmental Impact Statement and Integrated Section 106 Consultation is rescinded. Rounds will immediately begin to work with the South Dakota delegation to remove the statutory prohibition of VA realignment of the Black Hills Health Care System. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=029504B7-1949-459F-AE40-8BDF14A006A0 | Thune, Johnson Applaud Decision to Keep Hot Springs VA Medical Center Open | 2020-10-09 | 2020 | 2020-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued the following statements after Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie notified them that the VA has formally rescinded its earlier record of decision to realign the VA Black Hills Health Care System, which would have significantly reduced services at the Hot Springs VA medical center. “We dug in and held fast – through two administrations and four secretaries – to keep the Hot Springs facility open, but we would never have succeeded without the passion and persistence of Hot Springs veterans and the Hot Springs community, which rallied in support of the facility since day one,” said Thune. “I’m thankful to Secretary Wilkie for taking a serious look at South Dakota veterans’ concerns, seeing the opportunity in Hot Springs, and reversing the VA’s decision to close the facility. I look forward to celebrating with South Dakota veterans the next time I’m in ‘the Veterans’ Town,’ a title Hot Springs so richly deserves.” “In March, Secretary Wilkie promised the delegation the Hot Springs VA would not close,” said Johnson. “The VA announcement to formally rescind its earlier record of decision which would have significantly reduced services at the Hot Springs VA is welcome news. I know our veterans will be relieved by Secretary Wilkie’s commitment after the many years of uncertainty. I’m grateful for the Administration’s decision and proud of the years of work members of the delegation have put in to ensure our veterans have the services they deserve.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:34:36Z |
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