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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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256 rows where state = "SD" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending

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chamber 2

  • Senate 228
  • House 28

year 1

  • 2026 · 256 ✖

state 1

  • SD · 256 ✖

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  • Republican 256
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-rural-health-transformation-program-delivers-historic-investments-in-all-50-states/ Thune: Republicans’ Rural Health Transformation Program Delivers Historic Investments in All 50 States 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, we’re coming to the end of the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. “This multi-year initiative, created in Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, will invest $50 billion in all 50 states to put rural health care providers on a more sustainable footing for the future. “And beyond helping to ensure that Americans in rural areas can access health care, it will also ensure that providers are able to leverage technology and innovation to address the challenges unique to rural states. “Mr. President, one year in, this program is off to a promising start. “That’s certainly the case in my home state of South Dakota. “Just last week, CMS announced a $13 million investment in behavioral and mental health care in South Dakota. “This funding will help expand crisis services and build out our state’s workforce in behavioral health care. “And it comes after another announcement in August of funding to modernize technology and strengthen cybersecurity at rural health care providers in South Dakota – an initiative that will not only modernize care in my state but also support future innovation to address the unique needs of rural South Dakota. “Mr. President, when Republicans created the Rural Health Transformation Program last summer, we didn’t take a top-down, Washington-centered approach. “Instead, we designed it to give states the resources and freedom to find solutions to their particular challenges. “And I’m proud to see South Dakota taking the same approach when it comes to distributing the funding that it will receive. “In the words of South Dakota Secretary of Health Melissa Magstadt, and I quote, ‘The initiatives that we’ve developed came strictly from the assessments we had, the expert input we garnered, and what citizens themselves said they needed in the community.’ “M… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-will-democrats-finally-take-yes-for-an-answer-2/ Thune: Will Democrats Finally Take Yes for an Answer? 2026-09-29 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “I said a couple of weeks ago that we had a big, but limited, opportunity to get some really consequential things done. “And unfortunately, it’s been very shameful that the Democrats have decided to play politics rather than to work with us to do what I believe is really consequential legislation. “And the two most recent examples of that are blocking getting on the Clarity Act – which was incredibly necessary for our financial services markets for digital assets, and they blocked it, even getting on it on the floor of the Senate. “And then now we’ve got them also not taking yes [for an answer] on permitting reform. “We have been litigating that for a long time, a tremendous amount of work gone into it by Chair Capito and Chair Lee and their Democrat counterparts on the committees of jurisdiction. “And we had a bill which I thought was an incredibly strong bill. “The Democrats are not prepared to let us vote on that just yet. “So right now, I think this is, a lot of it’s about election year politics, but it’s not the first time this has happened. “If you think about the other things that they blocked just recently, the National Defense Authorization Act, the farm bill, FISA reauthorization – these are all bills that are critically important either to our national security or our economic security in this country. “And in every circumstance, the Democrats have blocked us from consideration, even getting on those bills. “So that’s where things are right now. “It’s a political season, we all understand that. “But you would think that, on issues where you have broad bipartisan consensus and things that are really important to the future of this country, you would get some Democrats to work with you and cooperate. “Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. “But there’s still an opportunity. “So this week,… 1 2026-09-30T10:57:52Z 2026-09-30T10:59:04Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-help-americas-small-businesses-grow-put-more-money-in-americans-pockets/ Thune: Republicans Help America’s Small Businesses Grow, Put More Money in Americans’ Pockets 2026-09-28 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, so far this year, 4.3 million Americans have filed to start their own business. “That’s a 13 percent increase over the same time last year. “And as these entrepreneurs get underway, their businesses will be able to take advantage of the pro-growth tax reform that Republicans enacted last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts. “And because we delivered permanent tax reform, an entire generation of American small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators will have a better environment in which to pursue their American Dream. “Madam President, small businesses are already benefiting from this landmark law. “This year, 12 million small business owners saw a lower tax bill – a $7,000 average tax cut. “That’s the result of lower tax rates across the board. “The permanent 199A small business deduction. “Immediate expensing for new equipment and for factory construction. “And the permanent research and development tax credit. “Madam President, these tax policies are helping small businesses across an array of industries as well as family farms and ranches across America. “That’s certainly true in my home state of South Dakota. “An agricultural co-op in my state says the 199A small business deduction – which Republicans first implemented with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act back in 2017 – has allowed them to pass $140 million in tax savings back to South Dakota farmers over the last decade. “A car dealership in Sioux Falls was able to put an addition on and hire 10 new employees thanks to the bonus depreciation provision. “Just to the west, a rancher in Montana said that thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts’ expensing provisions, his ranch, and I quote, ‘will be able to upgrade equipment, increasing [its] efficiency without being hit by a huge tax burden.’ “U.S. Metal Powders – a manufacturer in Pal… 1 2026-09-29T11:07:12Z 2026-09-29T11:08:49Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-issues-statement-following-release-of-usps-oig-report-on-south-dakota-mail-service Rounds Issues Statement Following Release of USPS OIG Report on South Dakota Mail Service 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued a statement following the release of the United States Postal Service (USPS) Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) report on the status of mail service in South Dakota. This investigation was requested by Rounds in December 2025. The report comes following USPS’s announcement that the Sioux Falls processing facility will be upgraded to a regional facility at Rounds’ request, keeping more intrastate mail in South Dakota. “It’s encouraging and unsurprising that the Inspector General’s report studying the mail service in South Dakota shows evidence to back up what we’ve been hearing and seeing for years: the United States Postal Service is not adequately serving South Dakotans,” said Rounds. “We’ve heard from thousands of South Dakotans who have real concerns about their mail service. Veterans aren’t getting prescriptions on time, bills are arriving after they’re due and newspapers are old news by the time they make it to your doorstep. At the same time, Postal Service executives are receiving bonuses and airport lounge memberships while telling South Dakotans there are no problems. Today’s report states otherwise. “I’m grateful to Inspector General Tammy Hull and her team for their thorough review process in South Dakota and their thoughtful recommendations for improvements,” continued Rounds. “I’m also grateful for all of the South Dakotans who have sent feedback and contributed to this report. We’ll be watching the USPS’s team closely to see if and how these recommendations are implemented, and whether they actually make meaningful improvements in delivery time. Until then, we’ll keep the pressure on and continue to fight for a return to service standards that not only meet but exceed expectations.” Read the report HERE. BACKGROUND: Rounds has been a leader on USPS issues in South Dakota, leading the push to keep local processing facilities in South Dakota. In April 2024, Rounds sent a letter to USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging USPS to a… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-are-the-party-of-no/ Thune: Democrats Are the Party of No 2026-09-24 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, if there’s one thing that quickly became clear at the start of the 119th Congress, it was that anything we were going to accomplish for hardworking Americans we were going to have to accomplish alone. “There’s always some partisanship in Congress, Mr. President – and healthy disagreement – but it became clear very quickly that Democrats were going to be taking partisanship to a new and rarefied level in the 119th Congress. “That started with presidential nominations. “It’s long been standard practice in the Senate to expedite uncontroversial nominations to allow a president to get his team in place. “But from the very beginning of the 119th Congress, Democrats made clear that this history of bipartisan cooperation was over. “Democrats chose to slow down every single nomination – no matter how uncontroversial – for the majority of the 119th Congress. “But slow-walking nominations, Mr. President, was just the beginning. “At the top of our priority list for this Congress was preventing the massive tax hike that was set to hit hardworking Americans. “And for a party that claims to be the party of working men and women, you would think that Democrats would have been eager to work with us. “They weren’t. “And not only were they not interested in working with us, but every single Democrat – in both houses of Congress – voted against tax relief for the American people. “They voted against preventing a massive tax hike. “And they voted against all the new tax relief Republicans implemented – from no tax on overtime, to a new bonus deduction for seniors. “And just in case you thought Democrat opposition was a matter of high-minded principle … Since Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts, a number of Democrats have tried to associate themselves with some of the tax relief in the bill, despite univ… 1 2026-09-25T10:04:52Z 2026-09-25T10:05:46Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-permitting-reform-democrats-need-to-take-yes-for-an-answer/ Thune on Permitting Reform: Democrats Need to Take Yes for an Answer 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “As you all know, Republicans in this Congress have focused on several things. “One is safer streets, secondly is more money in the American people’s pockets, and finally, it’s new opportunities for people to get ahead. “And on all those fronts, we have delivered. “The border is more secure today than it has ever been. “Crime is at historically low levels. “And thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, people have more money in their pockets – not only now, but permanently, because that tax relief has been made permanent. “And then you couple that with things like the newborn Trump Accounts, the new and created Opportunity Zones that are happening out there as a result of that legislation, and things like the expanded child tax credit, expanded … child care credits … “Those are all things that were included in that legislation that, as time rolls forward, people are going to have an opportunity to benefit from, and it is going to result in more money in their pockets. “I will say, the one thing that we would like to be able to get done before we leave is permitting reform. “That’s something that has economic consequences. “It’s very hard in this country to get energy projects permitted and ready to roll, and so we would like to see action on that. “That’s something that we’re going to find out here, I think, pretty soon whether the Democrats are willing to take yes for an answer on that. “But it has consequences for all the things that we’re talking about today – probably most importantly, energy prices. “So if you can build more, create more energy in this country, build more refineries, it makes that much energy more available and more affordable for the American people. “So we’ll know soon enough on that, but I think as you all know, that would be a very consequential development if we c… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-todays-democrat-party-is-the-proud-home-of-socialism/ Thune: Today’s Democrat Party Is the Proud Home of Socialism 2026-09-23 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, there’s no doubt that the Democrat Party has moved sharply left in recent years. “But this election cycle has seen the Democrat Party take a big step further – toward full-blown socialism. “New York City’s new Democrat mayor – a self-proclaimed democrat socialist – might be the most notable example. “But he’s far from alone. “Around the country, socialists have been winning Democrat primaries. “And it’s no exaggeration to say that socialism is rapidly gaining a prominent new role in the Democrat Party. “So let’s talk a little about socialism, Mr. President, and the platform of the Democratic Socialists of America. “And when you take a look at the platform, right away you see some predictable things – namely, government control of almost everything. “Health care. “Business. “Housing. “Education. “Energy. “All of these sectors would come under government control in a Democrat Socialist state. “And when I say government control, I don’t just mean they would be hit with a lot of regulations. “I mean government control. “Government would become the ultimate decision-maker for American families in most aspects of their life. “Take health care, for example. “We often talk about the doctor-patient relationship in medicine. “Well, under Democrat Socialism, that would be a lot more like the government-patient relationship. “It’s the government that would decide what health care Americans are eligible for. “What medications they can take. “And when and where they’re able to access care. “Americans, Mr. President, place a high value on choice and freedom. “But freedom and choice do not last very long when government takes over. “And under Democrat Socialism, Mr. President, government would be truly taking over. “I could dedicate a whole speech to what happens when government takes control of the… 1 2026-09-24T09:44:48Z 2026-09-24T09:45:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-california-dreaming-is-a-nightmare-for-americans/ Thune: Democrats’ California Dreaming Is a Nightmare for Americans 2026-09-22 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, last week I came to the floor to discuss some of the things that this Republican majority has delivered over the last two years. “Permanently lower taxes for families. “A secure border. “We’ve worked to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and make homeownership more affordable. “And we’ve delivered regulatory relief, and tax policies to help our nation’s small businesses as well as family farms and ranches. “Mr. President, Republicans have spent the last two years delivering on our agenda. “And it should be pretty clear what we stand for. “More money in your pocket. Safer streets. And new and more opportunities to get ahead. “Our Democrat colleagues, however, have spent much of the last two years opposing this agenda. “They’ve cast a lot of no votes and criticized Republicans’ agenda at seemingly every turn. “So one has to wonder, what do Democrats stand for? “What is their vision for this country? “Well, Mr. President, I think their last stint in power is pretty instructive: “Democrats’ vision for the country looks a lot like the big-government vision Democrats have implemented in California. “And you don’t have to take my word for it. “A Los Angeles Times headline a few days before President Biden took office read, and I quote, ‘Make America California Again? That’s Biden’s plan.’ “‘California,’ the article went on to say, and I quote again, ‘is emerging as the de facto policy think tank of the Biden-Harris administration and of a Congress soon to be under Democratic control.’ “That’s right, Mr. President. “In the words of the LA Times, Democrats leaned on California for inspiration in setting a progressive policy agenda for the Biden administration. “Democrats’ push to raise taxes mirrored California’s high tax rates – the highest individual rates in the country. “The Biden admini… 1 2026-09-23T09:45:16Z 2026-09-23T09:46:14Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-theres-no-place-like-south-dakota/ Thune: There’s No Place Like South Dakota 2026-09-17 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, late summer in South Dakota is one of my favorite times of the year. “And as usual, I spent a lot of it crisscrossing the state, talking to South Dakotans and seeing some of the great things that are happening – from Sisseton to Spearfish to Sioux Falls. “Late summer, of course, is fair season, and I made the rounds of multiple fairs. “Brown County. Turner County. Butte/Lawrence County. The State Fair. Dakotafest. “I love the chance to meet so many South Dakota families and to hear what’s on their minds. “And, of course, if I can eat a little fair food while I’m at it, it’s even better. “I particularly value the opportunity I have at these fairs to hear from the men and women of South Dakota’s leading industry, which is agriculture. “The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a terrific agribusiness meeting at the Brown County Fair, and the Dakotafest congressional forum always provides me with a lot of valuable feedback from South Dakota farmers and ranchers. “Outside the fair circuit, I also had the chance to talk to South Dakota ag producers at a number of other stops, including the CHS Southwest Grain elevator in Lemmon and the Midwest Agricultural Export Summit. “Farmers and ranchers, Mr. President, are facing a lot of headwinds right now, and I’m committed to doing everything I can in Washington to help producers. “I’m proud that the Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts legislation strengthened a number of programs that producers depend on, such as crop insurance and commodity and livestock programs. “And while I’m disappointed that my Democrat colleagues have chosen to put politics ahead of producers and unanimously oppose the farm bill, which was voted on yesterday at the Senate Ag Committee, I haven’t given up. “Mr. President, another big perk of the past few weeks has been the opport… 1 2026-09-18T09:27:43Z 2026-09-18T09:29:09Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-discusses-the-importance-of-protecting-college-sports-and-athletes/ Thune Discusses the Importance of Protecting College Sports and Athletes 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, it’s no coincidence that the largest stadium in the United States is a college football stadium. “College athletics has a unique place in America. “It’s deeply rooted in our communities and families. “For student athletes, their sport is an important part of their education. “What they learn from their coaches, teammates, and on the playing field, they carry with them throughout their lives. “And there’s nothing like the opportunity to compete in front of your friends, classmates, parents, and professors. “We could say the same about fans in the stands: there’s nothing quite like a college sporting event. “There’s something very unifying about it. “Game day brings together people from every walk of life: “Fans who attended that university and often many who didn’t attend, but nevertheless are a part of that school’s community – all of them united by their love for the school. “Mr. President, anyone who knows me knows I’m a sports fan. “I spend a lot of time at games when I’m back home in South Dakota. “And whether I’m in a high school gym on a Friday night, at a tailgate on a Saturday morning, at the DakotaDome or the Premier Center – in a conversation with sports fans, the current state of college athletics is bound to come up. “Mr. President, anyone who follows college sports knows that the last few years have been complex and, at times, chaotic. “Higher numbers of student athletes are entering the transfer portal, and rosters are being overhauled each season. “Eligibility rules have been stretched – most notably with former professional players being recruited back to a college campus. “And amid the arms race in revenue-generating sports and among larger institutions, smaller schools and non-revenue sports are increasingly anxious about the future. “Smaller institutions risk losing stand-o… 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-advance-senate-farm-bill-while-democrats-continue-to-put-politics-ahead-of-producers/ Thune: Republicans Advance Senate Farm Bill While Democrats Continue to Put Politics Ahead of Producers 2026-09-16 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today issued the following statement after Republicans successfully voted to advance the Senate farm bill out of the Agriculture Committee. Multiple Thune priorities for South Dakota, including the year-round sale of E15 fuel, are incorporated in the bill, which Democrats blocked from advancing to the full Senate on August 6. “A lot of hard work has gone into the Senate farm bill, and reporting the bill out of committee is an important step that pushes us closer to getting this critical legislation to the president’s desk,” said Thune. “While I’m frustrated by Democrats’ lack of support, I’m proud that Republicans united to advance the farm bill so we can build on the historic investments we enacted in the Working Families Tax Cuts and deliver long-overdue policy updates for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. “Senate Republicans worked in good faith with Democrats to negotiate a farm bill that includes year-round E15 and more than 100 bipartisan bills to support rural America, and Democrats’ decision to put partisan politics ahead of producers and vote against the farm bill yet again is simply inexcusable,” Thune continued. “It’s critical that Congress passes this legislation to give farmers and ranchers the certainty they need, and I hope Democrats will come to their senses and put politics aside so we can get the farm bill across the finish line for America’s producers.” Thune-authored proposals included in the Senate farm bill: Thune’s Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act (introduced on March 6, 2025), which would expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program’s (ELAP) authority to cover transportation costs for hauling feed and water and add adverse weather and drought as qualifying disasters; Thune’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act (introduced on July 31, 2025), … 1 2026-09-17T09:52:05Z 2026-09-17T09:53:00Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-congress-has-opportunities-to-deliver-more-if-democrats-are-willing-to-work/ Thune: Congress Has Opportunities to Deliver More if Democrats Are Willing to Work 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Good afternoon, everyone. “We have a big, I would say, but limited opportunity to get some things done here over the course of the next several weeks and, I would say, starting with the Clarity Act, which we’re going to vote on this afternoon. “It’ll be a procedural vote, and we’ll find out if Democrats actually want to pass this legislation and whether or not they’re willing to take yes for an answer. “Because our members who’ve been negotiating this – Chairman Scott, Chairman Boozman, Senator Lummis, others – have been very involved now, literally for months, in trying to come up with legislation that would address the Democrat concerns. “And they have made myriad, I would say, concessions to the Democrats – I think 126 different changes to this legislation since it was first introduced – trying to accommodate some of the Democrat concerns. “So this is, it’s time to vote. “It’s time to put up or shut up. “And so this afternoon we’re going to have that vote. “And then, I would say, on the Protect College Sports Act, that will follow after, depending how the Clarity vote goes, but that’s also legislation that has had a lot of work put into it over the past several months, and I think most people acknowledge that the current landscape in college sports is a mess. It needs to be addressed. “Chairman Cruz and others have worked diligently, Senator Schmitt, coming up with a product that I think is a vast improvement, and of course worked with Democrats as well on trying to get that in a form that we could move it across the floor. “So we will see if there are 60 votes on a procedural vote on that issue as well. “And I would also add to that list, permitting reform. “Senator Capito and her team have been working with the Democrats, and we’ll find out soon whether or not we can. “That is also something that… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-the-clarity-act-regulatory-certainty-is-key-to-american-leadership-in-digital-assets/ Thune on the Clarity Act: Regulatory Certainty Is Key to American Leadership in Digital Assets 2026-09-15 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Last year Congress passed the GENIUS Act – which is the first bill regulating digital assets ever to become law. “And the GENIUS Act was a landmark bill for more reasons than just being the first. “It applied a light-touch approach to digital asset regulation that provides clear rules of the road for stablecoins while allowing space for continued innovation – and encouraging that innovation to happen right here in the United States. “Mr. President, we’ve already seen the positive effects of that approach. “Stablecoin market capitalization increased by 49 percent in 2025, due in part to the regulatory clarity provided by the GENIUS Act. “Visa and Mastercard have been investing in stablecoin-linked credit cards amid heightened demand for such cards. “Visa alone tripled its offering of stablecoin-linked credit cards last year. “And one Visa executive called the GENIUS Act a huge turning point for the industry. “Mr. President, thanks to clear regulatory guidelines for stablecoins, the digital asset industry is moving in the right direction in the United States. “That’s a stark contrast to how things were under the Biden administration. “Not long ago, digital assets operated in a legal gray zone in this country. “The Biden administration was regulating crypto companies with arbitrary enforcement measures – subjecting crypto firms to numerous lawsuits. “And these hostile actions led a number of U.S.-based companies to consider moving out of the United States altogether. “Mr. President, we can all agree that the United States should be the world’s leader in financial innovation. “And as the GENIUS Act proves, innovation surges with certainty. “When we passed the GENIUS Act over a year ago, I said market structure legislation would be the next logical step. “Today, thanks to the leadership of Senator Lummis and Chai… 1 2026-09-16T09:43:13Z 2026-09-16T09:44:22Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-reflects-on-25th-anniversary-of-9-11/ Thune Reflects on 25th Anniversary of 9/11 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, on Friday our nation paused to observe the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “The passage of time has only emphasized the need for remembrance. “For many of us the events of that day are fresh and clear as [if] they were yesterday. “But there are so many young Americans – young adults even, now – who were not alive then. “And who do not remember the grief of that day. The evil we saw. And the patriotism and resolve that rose from the ashes. “There are young men and women who have never heard the stories of the heroes – the firefighters, the first responders, the men and women of Flight 93, the ordinary Americans who placed the lives of others above their own. “In the darkness of that day, the very best of America stood up. “And I pray that we will never forget their example.” 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-are-keeping-our-promises-and-delivering-for-working-families/ Thune: Republicans Are Keeping Our Promises and Delivering for Working Families 2026-09-14 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, it’s hard to believe that we’re in the last few months of the 119th Congress. “Two years ago at this time, Democrats were still in charge, and the country was dealing with the two defining legacies of the Biden administration: a historic inflation crisis, and a historic immigration crisis. “And I don’t use the word historic lightly. “But those two crises were truly historic. “Democrats presided over the worst inflation crisis in 40 years – with inflation reaching 7, 8, and 9 percent. “And they presided over four straight years – four straight years – of record-breaking – record-breaking – illegal immigration. “Republicans’ priority when we came into office was dealing with the effects of these crises. “And that started with preventing a massive tax hike on hardworking Americans. “As everyone knows, during the first Trump administration Republicans passed a historic reform of our tax code. “We cut tax rates across the board, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction. “But that tax relief was scheduled to expire at the end of 2025. “The standard deduction – which is claimed by 90 percent of Americans on their taxes – would have shrunk, increasing the amount of Americans’ income the government could tax. “Tax rates would have increased. “The child tax credit would have been reduced by 50 percent. “For a typical family in my state, that would have meant sending an additional $2,500 a year to Washington. “Well, Republicans were not going to let that happen. “And so in 2025, we passed the Working Families Tax Cuts – sometimes known as the One Big Beautiful Bill – to prevent this massive tax hike on hardworking Americans. “We made the increased standard deduction permanent. “We made the lower tax rates permanent. “And we made the increased child tax credit permanent… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-martha-maccallum-on-fox-news-the-brian-kilmeade-radio-show-and-the-hugh-hewitt-radio-show/ Thune Joins Martha MacCallum on Fox News, The Brian Kilmeade Radio Show, and The Hugh Hewitt Radio Show 2026-09-01 2026 2026-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch Fox News, here to listen to Brian Kilmeade, and here to listen to Hugh Hewitt. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News, The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox Radio, and The Hugh Hewitt Radio Show. On Democrats embracing socialism: “The Democrats in this country, in many cases, have gone so far left … They’ve embraced the socialist wing of their party, and that’s going to put them completely out of the mainstream with the American people.” On the SAVE America Act: “I’m a cosponsor of the SAVE America Act. I was a cosponsor of that in the last session of Congress before it became popular … We’ve had it voted on now six different times, Martha. Every single time, every single Democrat has voted against it. “We don’t have the votes in the Senate to get rid of the legislative filibuster, which is the only way we can pass it at 51. Otherwise, it takes 60, meaning we have to have Democrats, and that’s why we need to elect more Republicans to office, because the Democrats now, on six different occasions, have bloc-voted against photo ID, citizenship to vote … banning mail-in ballots, making sure that we don’t have boys competing in girls’ sports, and trans surgeries for minors. “That is the SAVE America Act in its totality. We voted on that. We voted on the individual pieces of it, now six times, and every single time the Democrats oppose it. So if you want to get it done, then make this an issue in the campaign. Go out and draw contrast with your Democrat opponent and elect more Republicans, and we can get the SAVE Act passed.” On Iran: “I think all tools need to be on the table in terms of holding Iran and its proxies and its international supporters accountable for their actions. “I applaud the administration for finding unconventional ways to achieve what is the underlying goal … I think the military objectives have been very clear there. I think we’ve achieved those. Now the question is, we’ve got to ensure that … the shipping lane… 1 2026-09-15T09:50:21Z 2026-09-15T09:52:05Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-ranch-act-to-help-rebuild-americas-cattle-herd Rounds Introduces RANCH Act to Help Rebuild America’s Cattle Herd 2026-08-19 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today introduced the Rebuilding America’s National Cow Herd (RANCH) Act. This legislation would create a new voluntary grazing land restoration program that would open up to 20 million new acres for grazing. At full enrollment of 20 million acres, the program established by the RANCH Act would provide sufficient grazing land to support an estimated two to four million additional beef cows. “Anyone who has spent time around cattle understands one simple truth: no grass means no cattle,” said Rounds. “With ranchers facing drought, high input costs and a shortage of grazing land, America’s beef cow herd is at its smallest size in over 70 years. The RANCH Act would create a voluntary Ranchland Program that helps producers restore eligible marginal cropland into grasslands for grazing. Producers can use their land in a way that makes the most sense for each individual operation, giving those who know their land best the tools needed to succeed.” “With the U.S. cattle herd at its smallest size in over 70 years, many farmers and ranchers need new opportunities to stay afloat,” said Klobuchar. “The bipartisan RANCH Act will help farmers looking to start a cow-calf herd or expand their existing herd while also providing wildlife habitat on the land. In the long-term, this plan can rebuild the domestic cattle herd and help drive down beef costs.” The RANCH Act: Strengthens American food security by expanding the domestic beef supply and reducing reliance on imported beef. Puts American ranchers first, expanding the grazing land base needed to rebuild the national cowherd and meet growing consumer demand. Expands domestic demand for American-grown grain and forage, giving U.S. farmers a stronger, more reliable market as the cattle herd grows. Supports commodity prices for row crop producers by modestly tightening grain supply through a reduction in planted acres. Makes U.S. farmers and ran… 1 2026-08-20T05:28:41Z 2026-08-20T05:29:58Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-preserve-records-for-at-risk-afghan-allies Rounds Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Preserve Records for At-Risk Afghan Allies 2026-08-10 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) today introduced the Afghan Ally Records and Credential Heritage (ARCH) Act, legislation to establish a Department of War process to identify, verify and preserve the service records of certain Afghan allies who served alongside our forces during the war in Afghanistan. Under the ARCH Act, the Department of War would establish a secure online application system through which eligible Afghan allies or their representatives could submit service information and supporting documentation. After reviewing available military, contractor and biometric records, the Department would preserve verified records for future use. The bill also provides applicants with notice of adverse decisions, an opportunity to appeal and the ability to request reconsideration when new evidence becomes available. “Thousands of brave Afghans stood shoulder-to-shoulder with American service members in some of the most dangerous missions of the war,” said Rounds. “Many of these individuals risked everything to support the United States, yet the records documenting their service remain vulnerable to loss or destruction. The ARCH Act creates a secure process to preserve this documentation, making certain that accurate records are maintained.” “We must keep our covenant with the Afghans who served beside us, risking everything — often at great personal expense to themselves and their families — to further America’s mission,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will ensure Afghan allies can be confident their service records will be preserved to help them establish facts about their service in future applications to the U.S. government.” “We owe it to our Afghan allies to provide a fair and efficient process to preserve the service records documenting the sacrifices they made while serving alongside U.S. forces,” said Tillis. “I’m proud to cosponsor this effort to ensure those records are available for those who stood w… 1 2026-08-11T05:54:29Z 2026-08-11T05:56:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-senate-republicans-deliver-for-the-american-people/ Thune: Senate Republicans Deliver for the American People 2026-08-07 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, when this Congress began last year, we had a long to-do list. “The American people had made their priorities clear. “As I said from the start, this Republican majority was ready to deliver. “Republicans were committed to strengthening our economic future. “Ending the … Biden border crisis. “And making America safer and stronger in the years ahead. “Mr. President, that’s exactly what we’ve been working on these last 19 months. “And the American people are seeing the results of our efforts. “The clearest example came this April when [97] percent of Americans saw a tax cut, which meant more of their hard-earned money stayed in their pockets instead of going to the IRS. “And that was thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. “Mr. President, that was Republicans’ top priority last year. “The American people had suffered for years through an inflation crisis caused by Democrats’ reckless spending. “And they were facing a massive tax hike – $2,500 for a typical family in my state – if Congress had failed to act. “But the Working Families Tax Cuts made sure that tax hike never came. “Republicans delivered permanent, permanent, tax relief that benefited 97 percent of taxpayers this past year. “We implemented new tax cuts like no tax on tips or overtime. “Raised the child tax credit. “Gave seniors an additional $6,000 deduction. “And provided America’s small businesses and family farms and ranches with significant and permanent tax relief too. “And, Mr. President, Republicans haven’t just put more money in hardworking Americans’ pockets. “We’ve been working to bring down costs. “One of the ways we’re doing that is by lifting unnecessary and burdensome regulations that drive up the cost of things that Americans need. “We passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which cuts red tape that has contr… 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-boost-american-manufacturing-of-robotics-stay-ahead-of-china Rounds Introduces Legislation to Boost American Manufacturing of Robotics, Stay Ahead of China 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) today introduced the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act, legislation aimed at boosting American manufacturing of robotics systems. This legislation, which directs the Department of Commerce to collect more data and develop standards for new robotics, would help keep America ahead of China in the robotics industry and keep American manufacturing competitive globally. “It’s important that the United States continues to stay ahead of China when it comes to development and manufacturing of new technologies,” said Rounds. “The Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act would improve data collection and coordination of the use of robotics in the United States.” “The robotics revolution is here. To compete with China and keep workers from being left behind, we need better data and coordination to set smart standards,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill positions Colorado’s growing robotics industry and workforce to lead in this new economy.” Specifically, the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act would: Directs the Department of Commerce to support American industry by improving data sharing to support the development of the models that power advanced robotics. Directs the Office of Advanced Manufacturing, a NIST department which works with Manufacturing USA institutes across the country, to promote the use of robotics. Directs the Department of Commerce to coordinate with the robotics industry for the development of voluntary standards for new and emerging robotics use cases and develop training and apprenticeship programs to upskill American workers. Directs the Department of Commerce to collaborate with the robotics industry to create solutions in the energy, food and healthcare spaces to drive down costs for American consumers. Directs the Department of Commerce to coordinate with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor on the development of material to support workforce development and job creation in the robotics industr… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-johnson-encourage-trump-administration-to-approve-highmore-disaster-declaration Rounds, Thune, Johnson Encourage Trump Administration to Approve Highmore Disaster Declaration 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging his support for South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s request for a major disaster declaration following storms in central South Dakota, including Highmore. The severe weather, caused by a series of storms between June 28 and July 3, impacted 21,786 households in eight counties and two tribal communities across roughly 8,500 square miles. “We support the state’s request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration, as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the relevant areas of our state,” wrote the delegation. “We also strongly urge you to approve the state’s request for hazard mitigation funding. This will allow the state to mitigate future damages to vulnerable electric infrastructure. Without this funding, preventable damage to utilities from future disasters will only compound existing repair challenges.” Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear President Trump, We write in strong support of the state of South Dakota’s major disaster declaration request submitted by Governor Larry Rhoden on July 27, 2026. This disaster declaration request would assist in recovery efforts from severe weather that occurred June 28 to July 3, 2026. From June 28 to July 3, 2026, a single severe weather system brought a series of devastating storms across central South Dakota. This multiday storm system included: a mini-derecho, windstorms, hail, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding. The system also included peak wind gusts of 131 MPH, making it the strongest recorded thunderstorm wind gust since 1983 and among the strongest recorded in the United States. This combination of severe weather impacted 21,786 households in eight counties and two tribal communities across nearly an 8,500 square mile area. In the city of Highmore alone, 80-90% of all structures in the city sustained damage. It also caused signi… 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-put-politics-ahead-of-producers-and-rural-america-at-senate-farm-bill-markup/ Thune: Democrats Put Politics Ahead of Producers and Rural America at Senate Farm Bill Markup 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today issued the following statement after Democrats blocked the Senate farm bill from being reported out of the Agriculture Committee. Multiple Thune priorities for South Dakota, including the year-round sale of E15 fuel, are included in the legislation. “Democrats’ refusal to support the farm bill and year-round E15 is deeply disappointing and only creates more uncertainty for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers,” said Thune. “This bill includes over 100 bipartisan bills, yet Democrats chose to put partisan politics above producers and rural America. I know Republicans on the Senate Agriculture Committee stand ready to enact these sensible agriculture policies.” Thune-authored proposals included in the Senate farm bill: Thune’s Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act (introduced on March 6, 2025), which would expand the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program’s (ELAP) authority to cover transportation costs for hauling feed and water and add adverse weather and drought as qualifying disasters; Thune’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Improvement and Flexibility Act (introduced on July 31, 2025), which would bolster CRP by improving access to grazing, maximizing enrollment options for producers, and expediting emergency haying in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events; Thune’s Safeguarding American Food and Export Trade Yields (SAFETY) Act (introduced on April 1, 2025), which would protect American food products from unfair trade practices by foreign countries; Thune’s Rural Internet Improvement Act, which would streamline USDA’s broadband authorities by merging and codifying the popular Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect) with USDA’s traditional broadband loan and grant program; Thune’s Strengthening Local Processing Act (introduced on April 29, 2025), which would provide support to America’s small meat … 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-americas-newsroom-on-fox-news/ Thune Joins America’s Newsroom on Fox News 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News: On Democrats embracing socialism: “The progressive wing of [the Democrat] party, the liberal far-left wing, is ascendant in the in politics right now … But when you got the DSA and people out there advocating openly for those types of policies, I think the American people are going to say a big fat no to that come November, Bill … This is a clear contrast … elections are about differences, and the choices couldn’t be more clear.” On Republicans’ agenda: “If you look at the policies when it comes to taxes and regulations and energy and all the things that Republicans are delivering on for the American people, our goal and objective is to have more money in people’s pockets, and they will as a result of the policies we put in place.” On the SAVE America Act: “We’ve had five votes on it already … We’ll figure out a way to get yet another vote on the SAVE America Act, but I don’t expect the Democrats to change their view. The issue here is all 47 Democrats, all five times we’ve voted on the SAVE America Act on the floor of the United States Senate, have voted no. “This is an issue about going after Democrats, making this an issue in the fall campaigns, and holding them accountable for being on the wrong side of an 80-20 issue with the American people. But we will try and set up a way to get more votes on that to put them on the record again … The fact of the matter is, you have block opposition from Democrats in the United States Senate when it comes to this issue, and that’s why it’s so important that we elect more Republicans to the Senate in November.” On Todd Blanche’s nomination: “We intend to vote on him before we leave, and I am hopeful and optimistic that we will get him confirmed.” 1 2026-08-07T06:11:19Z 2026-08-07T06:12:42Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/delegation-encourages-administration-to-quickly-approve-disaster-declaration-for-central-south-dakota/ Delegation Encourages Administration to Quickly Approve Disaster Declaration for Central South Dakota 2026-08-06 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) recently sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging his support for South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden’s request for a major disaster declaration following storms in central South Dakota, including Highmore, between June 28 and July 3. “We support the state’s request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration, as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the relevant areas of our state,” wrote the delegation. “We also strongly urge you to approve the state’s request for hazard mitigation funding. This will allow the state to mitigate future damages to vulnerable electric infrastructure. Without this funding, preventable damage to utilities from future disasters will only compound existing repair challenges.” Full letter below: The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear President Trump, We write in strong support of the state of South Dakota’s major disaster declaration request submitted by Governor Larry Rhoden on July 27, 2026. This disaster declaration request would assist in recovery efforts from severe weather that occurred June 28 to July 3, 2026. From June 28 to July 3, 2026, a single severe weather system brought a series of devastating storms across central South Dakota. This multiday storm system included: a mini-derecho, windstorms, hail, straight line winds, tornadoes and flooding. The system also included peak wind gusts of 131 MPH, making it the strongest recorded thunderstorm wind gust since 1983 and among the strongest recorded in the United States. This combination of severe weather impacted 21,786 households in eight counties and two tribal communities across nearly an 8,500 square mile area. In the city of Highmore alone, 80-90% of all structures in the city sustained damage. It also caused significant damage to public infrastructure and … 1 2026-08-08T05:41:38Z 2026-08-08T05:43:24Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-farm-bill-to-provide-real-support-and-certainty-for-south-dakota-farmers-and-ranchers/ Thune: Farm Bill to Provide Real Support and Certainty for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, America’s farmers and ranchers got some good news at the end of last week. “After a lot of hard work from members of the Agriculture Committee, Chairman Boozman released the text of a five-year farm bill, which is slated for a markup tomorrow and will, I hope, be headed soon to the floor. “Mr. President, as someone who hails from an ag state and who’s been part of the drafting of now five farm bills, I know how important the farm bill is, and how much work goes in to getting it right. “As I made clear at the start of this Congress, America’s farmers and ranchers are a priority for this Senate majority. “That started last year with the Working Families Tax Cuts, which strengthened the farm safety net, bolstered critical farm programs, and delivered tax relief to America’s agriculture producers – including relief from the unfair death tax and making the 199A deduction permanent. “And it continues this year with this farm bill, which builds on the important measures in the Working Families Tax Cuts to give farmers and ranchers certainty into the future. “After the Working Families Tax Cuts raised reference prices last year, this farm bill makes further improvements to commodity programs as well as crop insurance – cornerstones of the farm safety net. “It modernizes farm loan programs to get America’s next generation of farmers and ranchers off to a strong start. “And it strengthens other programs that producers depend on. “It improves the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program so that it covers the cost of hauling feed or water and opens the program to producers dealing with drought or other adverse weather conditions. “And it includes my CRP Flexibility and Improvement Act, which will make the Conservation Reserve Program a more working-lands-oriented option for producers. “Mr. President, CRP pla… 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thunes-big-tech-algorithm-transparency-bill-unanimously-approved-by-committee/ Thune’s Big Tech Algorithm Transparency Bill Unanimously Approved by Committee 2026-08-05 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today applauded the Commerce Committee’s unanimous passage of his bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which was included in a larger bill to address kids’ safety on the internet. Thune’s bill would make it easier for internet platform users to understand the potential manipulation that exists with secret algorithms and require large-scale platforms to allow those users to consume information outside of that potential manipulation zone or “filter bubble.” “Consumers deserve more transparency when it comes to how social media and other internet platforms use algorithms to amplify or suppress content on their services,” said Thune. “This bill would help consumers better understand how algorithms are used to select content in their feed and give users more control over what information they are digesting. I’m pleased that the committee has passed my bill as part of the Kids Online Safety Act, and I thank Senator Blackburn for her leadership on this important issue.” The Filter Bubble Transparency Act would require large-scale internet platforms to disclose algorithm use to consumers and allow users to view content that has not been curated as a result of a secret algorithm. The bill would also make it unlawful for any person to operate a covered internet platform that uses a secret algorithm unless the platform complies with the two above requirements. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the legislation’s requirements, and it would be authorized to seek civil penalties for knowing violations. 1 2026-08-06T07:37:31Z 2026-08-06T07:38:34Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-cyber-operations-in-indo-pacific-region Rounds Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Cyber Operations in Indo-Pacific Region 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) today introduced legislation to close strategy and resource gaps in the Department of War’s cyber cooperation activities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indo-Pacific Cyber Cooperation Strategy would require the Office of the Secretary of War and the Joint Chiefs of Staff to institutionalize cyber cooperation between DOW and the United States’ allies in the region. “Modern warfare is now fought in five domains: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace,” said Rounds. “As our cyber capabilities continue to advance, so do those of our adversaries. As China grows increasingly capable in the cyber domain, the United States must leverage the capacity of our partners and allies, who are crucial for securing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our legislation would require the Department of War to close any existing cyber operations gaps that exist between our nation and our allies in the Indo-Pacific Region.” “Cybersecurity is key to a free and open Indo-Pacific, strengthening our national security and keeping us all safe,” said Duckworth. “As a Pacific nation, we must ensure we’re strategically engaging with our regional partners across all fronts to make sure they can protect critical infrastructure and effectively operate in cyberspace. Our bipartisan bill would enhance American cyber cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and partners to better protect our economy and security from shared adversaries and hostile actors.” Click HERE for full bill text. ### 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-congress-has-important-work-ahead-starting-with-government-funding/ Thune: Congress Has Important Work Ahead, Starting With Government Funding 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Busy week in the Senate, a lot going on, … we’re juggling a lot of balls right now. “But there are some things that we intend to get done this week, and the first is to ensure that we get about 75 of the president’s nominations through en bloc. “And so there are a number of very qualified nominees that the president has put forward, and if we can get those across the finish line this week – and we intend to – that would put us on pace to have 95 percent of the president’s nominees done. “And that is a rate that puts us ahead of every [incoming administration] going back for the last 25 years … “And I think there were somewhere on the order, in the last Trump administration at this point, of about 155 nominees that hadn’t been acted on or confirmed, and this would have … that number at about six. “So we’re going to be way ahead of pace of the historical average, and I think that’s really important to ensure the president has his people in place so that he can do the job the American people elected him to do. “The other thing, of course, that we need to do is to fund the government. “And credit to Chair Collins and her team, working with Democrats and Republicans to come up with a plan that will fund the government beyond the election into December. “We were able to get on that bill last night with a very big bipartisan vote, and I hope we can continue down that path and ensure that we have funded the government, taken a government shutdown off the table. “We’ve had two of those, as you know, in the last year. “They are incredibly painful for the American people, and it’s important, in my view, that we demonstrate to the American people that we can do job one – and job one is ensuring that their federal government is working and funded. “So that will also be something that between now and the end of this … 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-working-families-tax-cuts-law-is-delivering-for-hardworking-americans/ Thune: Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Law Is Delivering for Hardworking Americans 2026-08-04 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, a week or two ago I came down to the floor and talked about growing up in a small town in South Dakota. “And as I said in those remarks, I carry those South Dakotans with me in a special way in my work here in Washington. “When I consider bills or look at regulations, I think about what kind of impact they will have on those Americans – on hardworking people without a lot of extra money in the budget. “On people living paycheck-to-paycheck – or, as was the case with some of the farmers I grew up with, harvest-to-harvest. “I think about how to ensure that government isn’t standing in their way – or taking up all the extra money in their budget. “And it was hardworking Americans like the South Dakotans I grew up with who were at the top of my mind when Republicans drafted our landmark tax relief legislation back in 2017. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut tax rates across the board, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction. “It put more money in hardworking Americans’ pockets: money that they were able to use for their particular needs – from child care to home repairs to medical bills to a family vacation. “And those same hardworking Americans were our focus last year when we passed the Working Families Tax Cuts. “Our first aim with the Working Families Tax Cut was making the 2017 tax relief permanent. “And that’s exactly what we did. “We made the lower tax rates permanent. “We made the increased child tax credit permanent. “And we made the increased standard deduction permanent. “But that was just the beginning. “We weren’t content with a permanent extension of the 2017 tax relief. “We wanted to do more for working families. “And so that’s what we did. “As I said, our 2017 tax relief bill doubled the child tax credit. “Well, the Working Families Tax Cuts not only … 1 2026-08-05T07:37:37Z 2026-08-05T07:38:44Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-the-senates-historic-confirmation-pace/ Thune on the Senate’s Historic Confirmation Pace 2026-08-03 2026 2026-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I am pleased to say that the text of the continuing resolution has been released. “It is a strong, bipartisan piece of legislation, and I hope it will receive overwhelming support from both parties in the Senate. “I am deeply grateful to Appropriations Chair Collins for her work to produce this legislation in consultation with members of both parties. “And I also want to thank Senator Murray, vice-chair of the Appropriations Committee, for her efforts to get this done. “I look forward to passing this bill in the next few days. “Mr. President, this week we’ll move our fifth bloc of civilian nominees, which includes 74 well-qualified individuals. “By the end of the week, we will have cleared 95 percent of the civilian nominees who are eligible for floor consideration. “Ninety-five percent. “At this same point in President Trump’s first term, there were 155 unconfirmed nominees on the calendar. “This year that number is on track to be about 10. “It’s the best confirmation track record in a quarter-century. “As I said, we will have confirmed 95 percent of the civilian nominees available for confirmation – meaning that we’re doing better at this point than we were during President Obama’s first term, President Trump’s first term, or President Biden’s. “It didn’t always look like we’d be able to achieve this, Mr. President. “From the very beginning of his second term, Democrats met President Trump’s nominees with a historic level of obstruction. “And when I say historic, I do mean historic. “Up until extremely recently, President Trump was the only president on record – the only, the only, president on record – not to have had any civilian nominees approved by unanimous consent or voice vote. “Mr. President, that used to be the standard way of approving these nominations. “During President George H… 1 2026-08-04T07:35:49Z 2026-08-04T07:37:27Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-the-hugh-hewitt-show-7/ Thune Joins The Hugh Hewitt Show 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to listen. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined The Hugh Hewitt Show. On the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act: “[T]here’s a huge … desire to do this for Lindsey and as a tribute to him, but also because it’s the right thing to do for the country … we’ve really got a chance to do something that helps shift the playing field in … Ukraine … “[T]hese sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, family members, foreign persons, Russian banks, and financial institutions, as well as this Russian ‘shadow fleet,’ which continues to allow Russian oil and gas to fund Putin’s war. So it’s important we get this done, and there was a big bipartisan vote for it yesterday, and we’ve got to finish it now. We’ve got to get it across the finish line.” On confirming President Trump’s nominees: “[N]othing shapes the future of the country more than these lifetime appointments to the court[s] … we are actually about 10 ahead of where we were in the first Trump administration in terms of getting people on the bench … we’re going to continue to focus on that and on the executive branch noms as well. “We’re going to move a package next week of 74 of those, which will keep us well ahead of where the first Trump administration was in terms of getting people confirmed to the departments and agencies that run the government as well. […] “[W]e are working to … virtually clear the executive calendar, which is both judicial and executive branch noms, and we’re going to stay focused on that … it’s part of the Article I responsibility that we have, and I think that getting these on the floor for a vote and ensuring that we’re fulfilling that responsibility and setting the country up for success by ensuring that we have constitutionalist judges on the court to me is a really high priority.” On Senate Democrats blocking the NDAA: “It’s crazy, Hugh … they’re making it all about Iran, but the fact of the matter is, funding the military is job number one. I mean, if you don’t… 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-urges-colleagues-to-support-clean-bipartisan-bill-to-fund-the-government/ Thune Urges Colleagues to Support Clean, Bipartisan Bill to Fund the Government 2026-07-30 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, next week, our top priority will be funding the government until [after] the November election. “The American people have faced two – two – record-breaking government shutdowns in the past 10 months. “We need to ensure that they do not face a third. “We owe the American people some certainty here. “They should not have to be hoping and praying that, on September 30th, that the government will get funded and that government services will continue. “I don’t think I need to tell anyone in this body that government shutdowns serve no one – not members of either party, and most of all not the American people. “Shutdowns strain our national security agencies. “They threaten military, law enforcement, and civilian pay. “They endanger nutrition benefits. “Farm programs. “And a whole lot of other stuff. “They’re bad for our economy. “They snarl air travel. “Mr. President, I could go on. “Shutdowns hit our country – they hit the American people – hard. “And we owe it to the American people to ensure that they do not face another shutdown this fall. “That’s why Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Collins has been hard at work drafting a clean, bipartisan continuing resolution to fund the government through the November elections. “I appreciate everything that she has done to make this happen – engaging with members of both parties, and working through the necessary anomalies from the Office of Management and Budget. “And I intend to bring the CR to the floor for a vote next week. “Again, I would emphasize that the appropriators are working in good faith to produce a clean, bipartisan product, free of poison pills. “And I hope that that will ensure a robust bipartisan vote next week, so that the American people don’t have to spend the next two months wondering if the Senate is going to do its job. … 1 2026-07-31T07:49:23Z 2026-07-31T07:50:48Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-discusses-the-importance-of-russia-sanctions-legislation/ Thune Discusses the Importance of Russia Sanctions Legislation 2026-07-29 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “With the tragic and sudden passing of Senator Graham, the Democrats and Republicans in the Senate have joined together to cosponsor the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. “It’s legislation that I hope we can move across the floor. “It was probably, I would say, in Lindsey’s last days, the thing he cared most passionately about. “It’s something he’s worked on for the past year, and I think we all, both Democrats and Republicans, realize not only would this be a great tribute to him and his work and his legacy on national security matters, but it would also be something that would really give the president a tool at his disposal to try and end the war in Ukraine. “Ukraine is now the largest conflict, literally, since World War II in Europe. “And the Ukrainian people have been resilient, worked really, really hard to try and bring this war to an end. “But as long as Putin has Russian oil and gas money, he’s able to continue this war. “And what this sanctions bill would do would basically cut that off. “And Lindsey also cared passionately, as you know, about the Middle East, and so the sanctions on Iran, I think, complement what’s in the underlying bill. “But the fact is, there are 62 cosponsors on the bill. “We had a motion to proceed vote on it yesterday that got 86 votes in the Senate. “It is a bipartisan bill. “It’s an important bill for this country and for our national security interests, and it’s something that I hope we can proceed with and ultimately pass, get across the finish line here in the next few days.” 1 2026-07-30T07:32:48Z 2026-07-30T07:34:08Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-bolster-national-security-and-innovation-through-quantum-technologies Rounds Introduces Legislation to Bolster National Security and Innovation through Quantum Technologies 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today introduced the National Quantum Readiness Act, legislation that directs the Department of War to support the development of quantum technologies and spur private-sector innovation. “Quantum technologies are critical to the future of warfighting at home and abroad,” said Rounds. “By codifying pieces of the Trump administration’s executive order, we’re kickstarting research and development of quantum technologies that can strengthen our defense systems. I’m pleased to be leading this legislation and look forward to working with my colleagues to get it signed into law.” “As an emerging national leader in quantum innovation, Connecticut deserves support in this bill to promote new technology and prepare localized training,” said Blumenthal. “By prioritizing quantum technology ecosystems and developments, this bill advances both Connecticut’s technological advancements and defense workforce. It aides our military to be at the forefront of navigation and intelligence collection and our state as a bulwark of national defense.” On June 22, 2026, the Trump Administration released the executive order (EO) Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation, which directs a “whole-of-government approach” to secure American leadership in quantum information science and technology (QIST). The National Quantum Readiness Act codifies two sections of the EO related to deploying Quantum-Enabled Sensors and Networks and Bolstering the Domestic Ecosystem for Quantum Supply Chains. Specifically, the National Quantum Readiness Act would: Direct the Secretary of Defense to identify at least three next-generation quantum sensor projects within 60 days of enactment. Task DoD, Commerce, Energy, and NSF to develop a plan to partner with the private sector, potentially through the use of prize challenges or advance market commitments. Direct the Secretary of Defense to increase domestic access to quantum information science. Click HERE for full b… 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-eulogizes-senator-lindsey-graham-at-capitol-memorial-service/ Thune Eulogizes Senator Lindsey Graham at Capitol Memorial Service 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered a eulogy at Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) memorial service at the U.S. Capitol. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. Vice President, Darline – Senator Graham – Larry, members of the Graham family, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. “It’s difficult to believe that we’re here today to say a final farewell to Lindsey as he leaves the Capitol for the last time. “My heart is heavy. “I feel his absence every day – and I know so many of my colleagues do as well. “Senators on both sides of the aisle counted him as a friend. “And Republicans and Democrats alike – including the Democrat leader – are here to say farewell. “Lindsey was a towering figure here in the Senate – and on the international stage. “His leadership on national security and on our national defense is well-known. “I traveled with Lindsey all over the world as part of congressional delegations, and I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies – and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders around the globe. “Striking too was the instant connection he had with the military men and women that we met. “They recognized him immediately as one of their own. “Lindsey’s work on these issues would be enough to cement his place as a leader in the Senate. “But he was a leader on many other issues too. “As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 116th Congress, he fought tirelessly to advance well-qualified judges. “He was serving as chair of the Budget Committee at the time of his death and was responsible for getting important tax relief legislation to the floor. “And no tribute to Lindsey’s work is complete without mentioning that he was a powerful voice for the pro-life movement. “‘Until my last breath, I will be fighting for this cause,’ he said. “And he was. “He was a fierce defender of Ukraine. “He was a fierce defender of the unborn. “And on the surface, these might seem like two c… 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-sean-hannity-on-fox-news-7/ Thune Joins Sean Hannity on Fox News 2026-07-28 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Sean Hannity on Fox News. On radical far-left policies: “This is a Democrat Party that has really lost its identity. They have moved so far left … You’ve got … people who are openly out there espousing and endorsing socialism, which is why you have the Democrat Socialists of America now.” On the SAVE America Act: “[The SAVE America Act] was the pending business in the Senate for over two weeks, late February, early March. We had five votes on it. We voted on photo ID. We voted on photo ID and citizenship to register. We voted on the entire SAVE Act … two different times. And we also voted on no boys in girls’ sports. So we’ve had five votes, portions of or all of the SAVE America Act. “The problem we have is we have no Democrats. The Democrats block voted against it, in spite of the fact that there are at least a dozen Democrats – and I have the quotes – who have come out publicly and said they’re for photo ID, but when they actually got a chance to put up or shut up on the floor of the Senate, they all voted no.” On Senate Republicans’ agenda: “We’re going to do Russia sanctions, and that’s a tribute to Lindsey Graham, who we all are going to … commemorate … I think we’ll get that done. I think we’ve got to fund the government, and I think we’re on a path to do that.” […] “There’s a package of nominations, it’s about 74 noms that the president’s put forward that we’ve now, we’re moving in a block … We will probably have a vote on the Clarity Act, which is the digital assets bill, legislation that’s in front of the Senate. We’ll see if the Democrats give us the votes to get on that. There’s also a possibility on NIL legislation. I had a couple of conversations over the weekend with people like Ted Cruz, Eric Schmitt [who] have been working on that issue, and that’s the college sports issue. A lot of people are interested in that.” 1 2026-07-29T07:41:48Z 2026-07-29T07:42:57Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-rounds-discusses-funding-for-iran-conflict-with-dod-officials-at-appropriations-committee-hearing ICYMI: Rounds Discusses Funding for Iran Conflict with DoD Officials at Appropriations Committee Hearing 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) discussed the President’s supplemental funding request of $87.6 billion for national defense with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “I had the opportunity to serve as governor of South Dakota for eight years. During that time, we deployed over 5,000 young men and women into harm's way, National Guard members from South Dakota,” said Rounds. “I attended their departure ceremonies, I attended their welcome home ceremonies, and I attended 31 funerals. One of the main reasons that I decided to come to Washington was because I never wanted to see young men and women going into harm's way again if they didn't have the best leadership, the best training and the best equipment possible.” “You've offered a supplemental request, and I recognize that it's part of a $1.5 trillion overall. But is this enough money to get the job done, or is this going to just get us far enough until we've got to come back in here?” asked Rounds. “I can't answer the question on what it will cost because the enemy has a vote. What I'll commit to you, as this plays out, we'll make sure that the Congress is informed,” answered Caine. Click HERE to watch Rounds’ full questioning. Read a transcript of the exchange below. +++ Rounds: Thank you, Madam Chair. I had the opportunity to serve as governor of South Dakota for eight years. During that time, we deployed over 5,000 young men and women into harm's way, National Guard members from South Dakota. I attended their departure ceremonies, I attended their welcome home ceremonies, and I attended 31 funerals. One of the main reasons that I decided to come to Washington was because I never wanted to see young men and women going into harm's way again if they didn't have the best leadership, the best training and the best equipment possible. Now, this body, the Senate, with regard to the Iranian war, to date this body has chosen not to … 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-jay-claytons-nomination/ Thune on Jay Clayton’s Nomination 2026-07-27 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, this afternoon we’re going to move on the nomination of Jay Clayton to be director of national intelligence. “Amid a heightened threat environment, having a proven leader in this role is especially important. “And Jay Clayton fits the mold. “Mr. President, during the first Trump administration, Jay Clayton served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission for almost four years. “And under his leadership, the SEC went after financial crimes and fraud and aimed to protect Main Street investors. “He also worked with the intelligence community on national security issues that intersected with our financial system. “That included efforts to address Chinese influence and exploitation of our markets. “And, of course, he worked to maintain economic stability after the onset of the pandemic as well. “So, Mr. President, with that record, it’s no wonder that President Trump wanted Jay Clayton to serve in his second administration, this time as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York: an important law enforcement post. “And for the past year and a half in that role, Mr. Clayton has been busy. “He’s supervised the prosecution of terrorists and the drafting of the indictment against Nicolas Maduro on drug-trafficking and terrorism charges. “And now President Trump has nominated him for a Cabinet post leading our nation’s intelligence community. “Mr. President, Jay Clayton’s record inspires confidence in the type of DNI that he will be. “And Democrats have previously recognized his abilities. “He’s earned bipartisan support in the past. “The Democrat vice chair of the Intelligence Committee even said after Mr. Clayton was nominated for this position, and I quote, ‘I have known and respected Jay Clayton for many years and believe he is a capable public servant.’ “That, again, Mr. Presid… 1 2026-07-28T07:37:32Z 2026-07-28T07:38:50Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-selected-to-serve-on-us-air-force-academy-board-of-visitors Rounds Selected to Serve on U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors 2026-07-24 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has been selected to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the United States Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors,” said Rounds. “One of the most rewarding parts of my work in the Senate is nominating young South Dakotans to attend our military service academies. The students selected to attend the Air Force Academy are some of our nation’s best and brightest, and we must continue to provide them with a quality educational experience that prepares them to defend our country. I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues, the Department of the Air Force and the cadets to make certain the U.S. Air Force Academy is fully resourced and positioned to prepare future generations to serve our country.” Established by law in 1956, the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to the Academy, including morale, discipline, social climate, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and any other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider. For more information on the Board of Visitors, click HERE. ### 1 2026-07-25T07:13:44Z 2026-07-25T07:15:09Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-reflects-on-his-south-dakota-roots-and-values-that-shaped-him/ Thune Reflects on His South Dakota Roots and Values that Shaped Him 2026-07-23 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, over the weekend I headed back to Jones County, South Dakota, for my high school reunion. “It’s been a few years since high school, Mr. President – just a few. “But it’s amazing how the years roll away when you head back and see some of the people who shaped your high school years. “Some of them are missing now, of course. “Teachers. “Coaches. “Parents. “My dad, who was a teacher at my high school, a coach at my high school, and the bus driver at my high school. “And my mom, who served as the school librarian. “Needless to say, we Thune kids didn’t get away with much in our high school years. “My high school reunion this year happened to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the town of Murdo where I grew up – current population: roughly 500. “And being back in Jones County and in Murdo really got me to reminiscing about growing up in small-town South Dakota – about how blessed I was to grow up in a small town in South Dakota. “People discuss the loss of community today that can result from the circumstances of modern life. “That was never something we had to worry about in Murdo. “In Murdo, you knew you were part of a community. “Rural South Dakotans are sturdy and independent people, but they also know from experience that you can’t get by in a small town on the prairie without the support of your neighbors. “And when someone was in need in Murdo, the whole town rallied around to help – whether it was an unexpected death in the family or the collapse of a barn roof. “We celebrated with each other too – whether it was a harvest, Fourth of July, pheasant season. “And the whole town swelled with pride at one of its kids’ achievements. “I carry the sense of community and belonging I had growing up in Murdo with me to this day. “And I carry those small-town South Dakotans with me in a specia… 1 2026-07-24T07:30:11Z 2026-07-24T07:31:13Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-priorities-included-annual-defense-bill Johnson Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with several of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) priorities, including funding for the Ellsworth Air Force Base B-21 Raiders, securing America’s supply chain, improving border security, and countering China. “A strong and secure America requires a military that is prepared to meet the modern challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Johnson. “This defense package invests in our troops, secures our supply chains, and expands production capacity. These investments will reinforce our national security for generations to come.” Johnson priorities included in the 2027 NDAA: 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-remarks-supporting-supplemental-funding-request-at-appropriations-committee-hearing Rounds Delivers Remarks Supporting Supplemental Funding Request at Appropriations Committee Hearing 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) delivered testimony in support of the President’s supplemental funding request of $87.6 billion for national defense and agricultural aid. Rounds spoke as part of a member panel at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. “In South Dakota, farming and ranching is more than a job, it's a way of life built on hard work, stewardship and the hope of leaving the land better for the next generation,” said Rounds. “Feeding and fueling the world has never been easy. Producers continue showing up year after year despite drought, floods, disease, pests, volatile markets and other challenges beyond their control.” “Protecting America's food supply, energy supply and national defense are not separate priorities: they reinforce one another,” continued Rounds. “This supplemental provides needed assistance to help farm and ranch families endure today's economic challenges while Congress and the administration continue advancing long-term policies that strengthen American agriculture.” Click HERE to watch Rounds’ full testimony. Read Rounds’ remarks as prepared for delivery below. +++ Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to highlight why food security and national security go hand in hand. I’d also like to thank the Trump administration for recognizing that input pressures have made it more difficult for American farmers to support their own operations. In South Dakota, farming and ranching is more than a job, it's a way of life built on hard work, stewardship and the hope of leaving the land better for the next generation. Feeding and fueling the world has never been easy. Producers continue showing up year after year despite drought, floods, disease, pests, volatile markets and other challenges beyond their control. This supplemental funding request comes at a critical time. Farmers and ranchers are facing production costs that exceed market returns. Higher fertilizer, diesel fuel, seed, equipment and crop… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-hopeful-democrats-will-cooperate-in-funding-the-government/ Thune Hopeful Democrats Will Cooperate in Funding the Government 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, the Senate is in the middle of a busy work period, and we have a lot to accomplish in the coming weeks and months. “And we have some great opportunities for bipartisan collaboration: “Market structure legislation. “The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act. “The National Defense Authorization Act. “FISA. “But at the top of the list right now is funding the government. “If there’s any responsibility we have as members of Congress, it is that. “And our country cannot afford another shutdown like the two shutdowns we’ve experienced over the course of this fiscal year. “Shutdowns take a toll on our economy. “On our national security. “They create havoc at airports. “And, of course, they take an incredible toll on hardworking Americans inside and outside of government whose paychecks depend on the government being open. “I think a lot of Americans remember pretty clearly what things looked like during the Democrats’ two record-breaking shutdowns this past year. “Government workers lining up at food banks. Charging essentials on credit cards and taking up any work they could find in hopes of being able to make ends meet. “Government services reduced. “National security agencies strained. “I don’t think any American who traveled will forget the effect those two shutdowns had on air travel. “Hours-long TSA lines … snaking … around airport concourses and out airport doors. “Canceled and delayed flights. “A nationwide reduction in air traffic, when our air traffic control system could no longer safely maintain regular flight schedules. “And the list goes on. “We cannot – cannot – have this again, Mr. President. “And that’s why I’ve asked Appropriations Chair Collins to draft a bipartisan and clean continuing resolution to fund the government until after the November election. “And I intend fo… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-lujan-barrasso-legislation-to-expedite-broadband-permits-to-unserved-communities-heads-to-full-senate/ Thune, Luján, Barrasso Legislation to Expedite Broadband Permits to Unserved Communities Heads to Full Senate 2026-07-22 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today applauded the Commerce Committee for unanimously passing their Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026 (S. 4448), bipartisan legislation that would improve federal agencies’ review and processing of broadband permits and allow service to be more quickly deployed to unserved communities. The legislation, which now heads to the full Senate, would cut unnecessary red tape and increase transparency into the federal permitting process. It would also require all federal agencies to implement controls to ensure broadband applications are being processed within the required 270-day deadline. “In order to ensure rural communities in South Dakota have access to reliable broadband, it’s critical that federal agencies are processing permits in a timely fashion and are being held accountable for any delays,” said Thune. “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our legislation to help accelerate the deployment of broadband across our nation, and I look forward to its consideration by the full Senate.” “More must be done to address the barriers that have long kept rural communities from accessing reliable broadband,” said Luján. “For years, I have pushed the federal government to streamline and expedite permitting processes to improve rural broadband connectivity. I’m encouraged that our bipartisan legislation has advanced with the support of my colleagues. This is an important step toward expanding broadband infrastructure in New Mexico and across the country while ensuring programs like BEAD are implemented efficiently. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and deliver high-speed, affordable broadband to every American.” “In Wyoming, nearly half the land is owned by the federal government,” said Barrasso. “Washington red tape makes it harder to expand broadband infrastructure on these lands.… 1 2026-07-23T07:31:02Z 2026-07-23T07:32:26Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/the-working-families-tax-cuts-law-invests-in-future-generations/ The Working Families Tax Cuts Law Invests in Future Generations 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, every parent wants to give their kids a better life than they had. “So parents spend a lot of time making sure that their kids are ready when opportunity comes their way. “In many cases, that involves putting money aside for their future. “Mr. President, opportunity is one of the pillars of Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts. “That means both creating opportunity and helping more Americans to seize those opportunities and get ahead. “And one of the ways this bill does that is by helping parents to save and invest in their children’s futures. “That starts with lower tax bills so parents keep more of their hard-earned money. “And on top of that, we’ve made it easier for parents to support their kids’ dreams with things like the bill’s new Trump Accounts. “These new tax-advantaged investment accounts can be a powerful tool for parents and other family members to give the next generation a brighter future. “Because Trump Accounts can be used for a broad array of expenses. “Money from a Trump Account can go toward education expenses. “Buying a first home. “Starting a business. “Or buying the family farm or ranch when the time comes. “Kids can even opt to use the accounts as retirement savings when they reach adulthood – a financial priority for every American. “Mr. President, Trump Accounts will help bring big dreams closer within reach. “Parents of children born between 2025 and 2028 can opt in to receive an initial $1,000 balance in their Trump Account from the government. “On top of that, numerous companies have already made pledges to contribute to the Trump Accounts for their employees’ children. “And some philanthropists have made similar commitments. “Plus, as I indicated earlier, any member of the family can contribute to a Trump Account. “So an aunt or an uncle, grandma or grandpa,… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-there-is-plenty-of-work-the-senate-can-do-if-democrats-decide-to-cooperate/ Thune: There Is Plenty of Work the Senate Can Do If Democrats Decide to Cooperate 2026-07-21 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “It’s a busy week here in the United States Senate, and I would say that there is no shortage of opportunities for bipartisan legislating in the weeks ahead. “There are a number of things that we can do, one of which would be a market structure bill – that’s something that’s a candidate for consideration. “The Lindsey O. Graham sanctioning Russia legislation is also something that’s being worked on, and is something I hope we can get the necessary support to get to the floor. “And then, obviously, a defense authorization bill, which was voted down on the motion to proceed last week by the Democrats, is something that also normally is a bipartisan piece of legislation. “But none of those things get done if the Democrats continue their posture of trying to block even getting on legislation. “And again, I used the defense authorization bill as an example of something that we’ve done for 65 years in a row, which last week the Democrats decided – even though … a number of them had voted for the legislation when it came out of the Armed Services Committee – decided to block its consideration on the floor. “So that’s something that ought to be able to get done. “And then, obviously, the most important thing that we need to do is to fund the government. “And on that front, Chair Susan Collins is working with Democrats on the Appropriations Committee to find a path forward to have a continuing resolution to keep the government funded to get past the November elections, so that we don’t have the specter of a government shutdown – something that happened a couple of times this last year. “And the disruption, the chaos that creates is just something that both sides ought to be willing to try and avoid. “And so, I think it’s going to be really important that we figure out a path forward to get a bipartisan agreement to f… 1 2026-07-22T07:34:13Z 2026-07-22T07:35:16Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-embrace-far-left-agenda/ Thune: Democrats Embrace Far-Left Agenda 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, at the beginning of last year the New York Times took a poll of American voters. “And the headline captures their results: “This is what it said: ‘Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.’ “Let me repeat that, Mr. President. “‘Many Americans Say the Democratic Party Does Not Share Their Priorities.’ “That’s right. “A New York Times poll taken … weeks after voters rejected Democrats at the ballot box suggested that one of the reasons for Democrats’ loss was that Americans don’t think Democrats share their priorities. “The story went on to say, and I quote, ‘The issues that people cited as most important to them personally were the economy and inflation, health care and immigration…’ “But when the poll asked Americans to identify Democrats’ most important priorities, Americans identified issues like abortion and climate change, among others. “Mr. President, our Democrat colleagues have found themselves out of power for 18 months now. “And we’ve given them plenty of opportunities to show some evolution – perhaps even moderation – to voters. “But as the record shows, Democrats are still in thrall to the far left of their party. “They still have the same priorities that turned voters off from Democrats in the last election. “For starters, radical transgender ideology remains an article of faith among Democrats. “Democrats have repeatedly opposed efforts to keep biological men out of women’s sports. “And when the Supreme Court ruled unanimously last month that state laws protecting women’s sports are allowable under the plain language of Title IX, one Democrat senator called the ruling ‘unjust.’ “Unjust, Mr. President. “As if a young woman working hard all season only to lose to a man with an inherent biological advantage is somehow just. “Mr. President, the overwhe… 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-rounds-legislation-to-advance-lewis-and-clark-water-expansion-project-approved-by-committee/ Thune, Rounds Legislation to Advance Lewis and Clark Water Expansion Project Approved by Committee 2026-07-20 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) applauded the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for passing their legislation on Thursday, July 16, that would authorize a feasibility study for the proposed expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. The bill now heads to the full Senate. “The Lewis and Clark Regional Water System continues to achieve meaningful progress toward fully serving its member communities across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota,” said Thune. “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our legislation and look forward to its consideration by the full Senate. I thank Senator Rounds for working with me on this important effort.” “Continued access to clean and reliable water is critical to economic development and quality of life in our state,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has advanced our legislation that would authorize a feasibility study for an expansion of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. I look forward to working with Senator Thune and my colleagues to get this feasibility study through the Senate and into law.” “Lewis and Clark Regional Water System is grateful to Congress and the champions of this legislation, including Leader Thune, for recognizing the importance of long-term water infrastructure planning,” said Troy Larson, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. “The success of our region depends on a dependable water supply, and this measure will help ensure we are prepared to meet future needs as our communities grow. Thoughtful planning today will help secure reliable water service, economic opportunity, and quality of life for generations to come. We thank the bill sponsors for their leadership.” In addition to Thune and Rounds, the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act (S. 3725) is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn). 1 2026-07-21T07:32:02Z 2026-07-21T07:33:33Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-fetterman-fischer-introduce-legislation-to-improve-the-fccs-broadband-mapping-process/ Thune, Fetterman, Fischer Introduce Legislation to Improve the FCC’s Broadband Mapping Process 2026-07-17 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) on Thursday introduced the Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers (MAP) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to evaluate and improve its broadband mapping process. The FCC has made significant strides in enhancing the accuracy of its National Broadband Map, but providers have reported difficulties with the FCC’s challenge process, which allows providers to dispute the serviceability of certain locations. The Broadband MAP Act of 2026 would instruct the FCC to review and assess its mapping and challenge procedures. “Broadband providers who are on the ground in South Dakota and across rural America have vital, firsthand knowledge of the communities they serve,” said Thune. “Ensuring the accuracy of the FCC’s broadband map and its corresponding challenge process is critical to build on our progress to make federal broadband investments as effective and efficient as possible. I thank Chairman Carr for supporting our efforts and for his continued commitment to connecting households across our country to the internet.” “Broadband internet is a necessity, especially for our rural communities,” said Fetterman. “The first step we can take to ensure families have internet access across Pennsylvania and the country is figuring out who still doesn’t. I’m proud to join Senator Thune in introducing this bill to get us one step closer to bringing connectivity to every American. I look forward to working with the FCC when the maps are complete to continue to expand broadband.” “We need a better understanding of where internet connectivity falls short, especially in rural America,” said Fischer. “With broadband maps, we can accomplish this goal; however, they must be accurate. I’m joining Leader Thune to make sure these maps correctly identify unserved and underserved communities. This will safeguard taxpayer dollars while connecting more Americans to high-speed internet.” “F… 1 2026-07-18T06:58:50Z 2026-07-18T07:00:34Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-targeted-biden-dojs-arctic-frost Johnson Targeted by Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement regarding Operation Arctic Frost in which President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice officials obtained and reviewed the Congressman’s text messages. The investigative team improperly reviewed the messages of 44 Members of Congress. “My text messages obtained by Jack Smith’s rogue investigation team shows an unprecedented level of carelessness for the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers,” said Johnson. “I’m grateful to the whistleblowers who brought these acts to light and to the Senate Judiciary Committee for continuing this Congressional oversight.” Johnson will review the classified information obtained by the Justice Department. Background: The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary released evidence that the United States Department of Justice Special Counsel investigation lead by Jack Smith improperly obtained and reviewed text messages from Members of Congress from across political lines. The Justice Department’s letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley can be viewed here. 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/ Thune Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday 2026-07-16 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, we recently celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – the 250th birthday of our country. “On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration. “The document laid out the causes which impelled the colonists’ separation from Great Britain. “But more than that, it laid out the political beliefs that would govern the new nation. “‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.’ “Unalienable rights. “Rights inherent in man, given by God. “Rights that exist before government, and that it is the job of government to protect. “Government not by divine right or military might, but by consent. “A government that represents the people, not the will to power. “A revolutionary document, Mr. President. “Pun intended. “Many of the ideas in the Declaration, of course, were not new. “It was a document built on the wisdom of the ages, on the tradition of British common law, on the inheritance of Christianity, and the colonists’ own experiment in self-government in the colonies. “Jefferson himself, writing in 1825, said of the Declaration, and I quote, ‘Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. All its authority rests then on the harmonizing sentiments of the day, whether expressed in conversation, in letters, printed essays, or in the elementary books of public righ… 1 2026-07-17T07:15:58Z 2026-07-17T07:17:05Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-highlights-postal-service-improvement-areas Johnson Highlights Postal Service Improvement Areas 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner highlighting geographic areas of South Dakota still experiencing Postal Service delays and service issues. “A functional and efficient Postal Service is essential for many South Dakotans,” said Johnson. “While I’m encouraged to see some improvements in service, progress for southeastern South Dakota is failing to meet the standard of service South Dakotans expect. I’m looking forward to ongoing discussions with the Postmaster General on how we can work together to provide a Postal Service that works for South Dakota.” United States Postal Service data shows continued delivery delays for postal customers in the Sioux Falls metro area and southeastern South Dakota. South Dakotans can submit feedback to the United States Post Office’s Office of the Inspector General here. Click here to view the letter. Background: Johnson surveyed thousands of South Dakotans in December 2025 about their experiences with USPS. He heard hundreds of stories about the impacts of delayed delivery and package routing negatively impacting families and businesses. Johnson hosted a roundtable event in Sioux Falls January 2026 to hear first-hand experiences with the Postal Service. Johnson was joined by Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) who chairs the subcommittee which has oversight of the USPS. Johnson then sent a letter to Steiner detailing the Postal Services’ shortcomings in service. Rep. Sessions joined Johnson for a tour of the Sioux Falls mail processing facility on April 2, 2026. Johnson’s full letter to Steiner: Postmaster General Steiner, I am writing once again regarding the performance of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in South Dakota. Earlier this year, I shared concerns raised by thousands of South Dakotans, outlined persistent service challenges, and expressed my hope that by July 2026 we would be able to point to measurable improvements in service reliability, staffing, and delivery pe… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-dni-nominee-jay-clayton-at-senate-intelligence-committee-hearing Rounds Introduces DNI Nominee Jay Clayton at Senate Intelligence Committee Hearing 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today delivered the introduction for Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton at his nomination hearing in front of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Rounds first met Jay through his role on the Senate Banking Committee when Clayton was nominated and confirmed to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017. “Jay is a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors,” said Rounds. “The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around.” “Jay’s time at the SEC and in the private sector has given him valuable experience with issues that the DNI faces on a daily basis: cyber threats from state and non-state actors, illicit finance, economic competition with China, and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by both our adversaries and our own intelligence community,” continued Rounds. “He brings valuable insight into each of these areas that will serve him well.” Click HERE to watch Rounds’ full introduction. Read Rounds’ remarks as prepared for delivery below. +++ Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Today, I have the privilege of introducing the Honorable Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence. I first met Jay through my role on the Banking Committee when he was nominated by President Trump and confirmed by the Senate to be Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017. He’s a consummate professional with a distinguished career in both the private and public sectors. The Senate previously confirmed him on a bipartisan basis to serve as the SEC Chair, and I’d like to think we were proven correct in judging his character the first time around. It’s no surprise President Trump would select him to serve in his cabinet. The DNI has to be a trusted, unbiased voice to provide ongoing intelligence to the… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-expedite-scientific-research-on-diseases Rounds Introduces Legislation to Expedite Scientific Research on Diseases 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) today introduced legislation to expedite scientific research on diseases through specimen collection. This is the first piece of legislation introduced using feedback from Rounds and Heinrich’s American Science Acceleration Project (ASAP), a national initiative to support making American science 10 times faster by 2030. The Homestake AI Act would establish a pilot program in the Department of Energy (DOE) focused on the collection, cataloguing and sequencing of whole genomes and metabolites from samples collected in unique locations. This includes locations exposed to extreme properties such as high heat or pressure, locations at extreme risk of destruction in coming decades and other locations that hold potential for finding useful organisms to help advance health care treatments. The Homestake AI Act was inspired by the case of the Gila monster. The Gila monster, native to the deserts of North America, can survive on just a few meals a year due to a digestion-slowing hormone in its venom. This discovery helped pave the way for Ozempic, a drug for diabetes patients to manage blood sugar. “The Homestake AI Act would take great strides to accelerate scientific research on diseases here in the United States,” said Rounds. “Evidenced by the Gila monster, species who survive in extreme environments usually hold an interesting secret to doing so. Increasing the amount of data we collect from these specimens could unlock cures to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and different types of cancers. I’m pleased to be unveiling our first piece of legislation related to our ASAP initiative. Thank you to everyone who provided information to make this legislation possible.” “We need to leave no stone unturned in the race to discover cures and treatments for cancer, diabetes, and dementia,” said Heinrich. “Our Homestake AI Act will establish a new initiative at the Department of Energy that helps researchers harness the power of AI to identify,… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-must-come-to-their-senses-stop-obstructing-ndaa/ Thune: Democrats Must Come to their Senses, Stop Obstructing NDAA 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “It’s been a heavy week here in the United States Senate, with the tragic and unexpected passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. “Lindsey was a great American patriot. “He was a champion for the Republican Party. “And for many of us, he was a trusted and loyal friend and adviser. “And so, we mourn his loss, and we welcome his beloved sister Darline here to the United States Senate. “She will take up his duties and responsibilities as a senator for the state of South Carolina. “And I say all this in the context of, I wish we had Lindsey here, because right now we are dealing with an important national security matter, the National Defense Authorization Act, something that Congress has done every year now for the last 65 years. “And yesterday, we had what was simply a motion to proceed to get on the bill – actually, it was a cloture motion to proceed to get on the bill – and the Democrats blocked it, every single one. “And that, my friends, I believe is really unfortunate. “This is an issue that ought to be bipartisan. “It’s about the national security interest of this country, and the Democrats seem to be dug in and willing to play politics with America’s vital national security interests. “This is not about funding for Iran. “This is something we do on an annual basis, and we have for the last 65 years in a row. “So, I am hopeful that at some point the Democrats will come to their senses and realize that national security ought to be a priority for them. “It certainly is for us. “And we will give them more opportunities in which to change that vote, and to express their support for even moving forward and having the debate. “By the way, I would add that there were 38 Democrat amendments that were included in the National Defense Authorization Act that we tried to get up on the floor yesterday. “So, nati… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-ndaa-democrats-latest-national-security-hostage-taking-exercise/ Thune on NDAA: Democrats’ Latest National Security Hostage-Taking Exercise 2026-07-15 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, Americans tend to trust Republicans more than Democrats when it comes to national security, and boy oh boy, do Democrats seem determined to demonstrate why that is the case. “Yesterday afternoon, Democrats voted against the National Defense Authorization Act – the annual bill that authorizes spending for our nation’s defense. “Their ostensible excuse was the conflict in Iran. “Well, in case they were operating under a misconception, I am happy to tell them that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act is not an Iran funding supplemental. “It is the annual – annual – legislation authorizing the basic needs of our military and the basic needs of our men and women in uniform. “Needs that exist no matter what is happening in Iran. “Let’s just talk about what Democrats voted against yesterday. “They voted against a pay increase for our troops. “They voted against quality-of-life improvements for our troops. “They voted against the reform of the Pentagon’s acquisition process. “They voted against funding for unmanned systems, like drones and counter-drone measures – an essential security need in this day and age. “They voted against shipbuilding efforts to strengthen our naval fleet. “They voted against measures to maintain our nation’s air power. “They voted against including 38 of their own amendments! “I could go on here, Mr. President, but you get the point. “Once again, Democrats are playing fast and loose with our nation’s security. “I say once again, Mr. President, because Democrats have been playing fast and loose with our nation’s security all year. “First there was their record-breaking full-government shutdown last fall, which affected our military and all of our nation’s security agencies – to say nothing of the impact that it had on air travel. “Then there was their record-break… 1 2026-07-16T07:21:44Z 2026-07-16T07:23:13Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-calls-on-democrats-to-support-the-bipartisan-national-defense-authorization-act/ Thune Calls on Democrats to Support the Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act 2026-07-14 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, before I begin my remarks this morning, I want to offer a word of welcome to the new senator from South Carolina. “Later today, we will swear in Darline Graham to fill the seat of her brother and our friend, Lindsey Graham. “And I know Darline will carry on Lindsey’s tireless service for South Carolina, and I look forward to serving with her. “Mr. President, like many of us, I represent a state with a rich heritage of military service. “And South Dakota continues to punch above its weight in our armed forces. “Our National Guard is frequently called up for critical deployments at home and around the world. “And Ellsworth Air Force Base is a key asset to our national defense. “In fact, today Ellsworth is the largest construction site in the Air Force as it prepares to host the first B-21 bombers next year. “During the recent state work period, I was glad to welcome Air Force Secretary Troy Meink – a South Dakota native – to Ellsworth. “We met with the base leadership and some of the airmen stationed there, and we saw the progress the base is making as it prepares for its important new mission. “Mr. President, whether responding to a natural disaster at home or fighting our enemies abroad, the men and women in America’s armed forces stand ready to answer the call. “They are our most important national security asset. “And we have an obligation here in Congress to ensure that they have everything they need for whatever the mission may be. “I know senators on both sides of the aisle take that obligation seriously. “And we must. “As I’ve said so often before, if you don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation. “If we don’t make national security a priority here, we run the risk that Americans serving in uniform won’t have what they need when they need it. “Mr. President, that’… 1 2026-07-15T07:12:08Z 2026-07-15T07:13:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-fox-news-cnn-and-newsmax-to-reflect-on-decades-long-friendship-with-senator-graham/ Thune Joins Fox News, CNN, and Newsmax to Reflect on Decades-Long Friendship With Senator Graham 2026-07-13 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch Fox News, here to watch CNN, and here to watch Newsmax. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News, Inside Politics on CNN, and The Record with Greta Van Susteren on Newsmax. On Senator Graham’s legacy: “On a personal level, he was a very good friend to me … He came out to my first campaign, my first House campaign in 1996. And then the last couple of years, he’s been out in South Dakota with me, and we’ve been just a lot of places together through the years. But more important than all of that is just the impact he’s had on this country and the voice that he has been on so many issues that are critical to America’s national security interests and to protecting the American people.” […] “I’ve never seen anybody, honestly, who … had more energy, more passion … Sometimes we kind of find ourselves going through the motions here; Lindsey was never that way. He believed every day in what he was doing and why he was doing it. He had a great sense of mission and purpose, and that is absolutely going to be missed here.” […] “Lindsey was a bigger-than-life impact player in terms of the international scene, domestic politics, legislation, policy, things he was passionate about. But like you said, there are a lot of us who knew him as a close friend. He was that to me. He was a trusted advisor, somebody I could go to to give me straight advice and counsel, and just spent a lot of time through the years. “And I’m really, really, incredibly sad and still in shock, I think like a lot of people are, but we’re doing our best to process it. And you know, we just have to make the best of the situation and do everything we can to honor and give tribute to Lindsey and his life and his impact and just the difference he made here as a public servant through all these years.” […] “I can’t imagine this place without Lindsey. I can’t imagine the world writ large without Lindsey, for the incredible impact that he had on so many levels. Just so pass… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-pays-tribute-to-the-life-and-legacy-of-senator-lindsey-graham/ Thune Pays Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham 2026-07-13 2026 2026-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I come to the floor today with a heavy heart. “I look to my right and I see a desk which we in the Senate refer to and know as the John Calhoun desk. “It’s covered with a black shroud. “And on … top of that shroud is a bowl of white roses. “That, Mr. President, is Lindsey Graham’s desk. “It’s difficult to believe that Lindsey Graham is no longer here with us – that we won’t run into him at a meeting today, or share a joke with him at this afternoon’s vote. “The halls of the Senate already feel empty without him. “And I know I’m not alone in that feeling. “He was a friend to so many of us, on both sides of the aisle. “And I know that I’m not the only one who finds it difficult to imagine the Senate without Lindsey Graham. “Mr. President, the events of Lindsey’s life have been well-documented over the past couple of days. “His humble beginnings in South Carolina, sharing a single room with the rest of his family behind his family’s bar. “His guardianship of his younger sister Darline, after the untimely death of their parents. “His long service in the Air Force, the South Carolina Air National Guard, and the Air Force Reserve. “His career in politics, first as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives; then as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where I served with him for six years; and then in the Senate, where he was just completing his fourth term. “In the Senate, Lindsey distinguished himself as a staunch conservative – and a fierce advocate for South Carolina – but also as someone who was willing to work across the aisle to find common ground and to reach solutions. “A lawyer by trade, he served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021, where he helped confirm a Supreme Court justice and numerous federal judges – the kind of judges who believ… 1 2026-07-14T07:08:55Z 2026-07-14T07:10:52Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-to-attend-independence-day-fireworks-at-mount-rushmore-with-president-trump Rounds to Attend Independence Day Fireworks at Mount Rushmore with President Trump 2026-06-25 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he will be attending the Independence Day fireworks display at Mount Rushmore alongside President Trump on July 3. “I’m looking forward to attending the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore on July 3 with President Trump,” said Rounds. “In South Dakota, we don’t just climb mountains – we carve them. Thanks to President Trump and his team, fireworks will once again be displayed over Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2020, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. There’s no better place to celebrate than at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Thank you to everyone who has been working hard to put on a great event.” ### 1 2026-06-26T06:29:35Z 2026-06-26T06:31:46Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hyde-smith-lead-legislation-to-ban-barbaric-abortion-procedures Rounds, Hyde-Smith Lead Legislation to Ban Barbaric Abortion Procedures 2026-06-24 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, today introduced the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026. This legislation would establish a federal prohibition on dilation and evacuation procedures, commonly known as dismemberment abortions, in which surgical instruments are used to extract an unborn child piece by piece. Under this bill, physicians who knowingly perform these procedures will face fines and/or imprisonment of up to two years. “Every life is a precious gift from God and should be treated with dignity,” said Rounds. “Dismemberment abortions are among the most brutal methods of abortion, accounting for around 80% of second trimester abortions. Our legislation would make performing a dismemberment abortion a criminal offense, with the doctor or health care provider who performs it liable to fines and up to two years in prison.” “Every pre-born child is precious, and it’s appalling that any physician trained to save lives would dismember a child in the womb. The fact that this horrifying procedure is still being done to babies who can feel pain in the womb is why we need to enact the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act,” Hyde-Smith said. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.). “Under our current system, abortion procedures exist in a legal gray area with no federal standards and no accountability. Providers can perform inhumane extraction methods and face zero consequences. That ends now,” said Cammack. “This bill sets a clear federal standard that holds providers accountable, protects the dignity of all life, and ensures women are protected, not prosecuted.” The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act is supported by South Dakota Right to Life, the National Pro-Life Alliance, National Right to Life, the Ethics and Religions Liberty Commission, Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America and Live Action. “South Dakota Right to Life strongly supports this legislation to prote… 1 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-marks-fourth-anniversary-of-supreme-courts-dobbs-decision/ Thune Marks Fourth Anniversary of Supreme Court’s Dobbs Decision 2026-06-24 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, today we mark four years since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision – the landmark Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and returning the question of abortion to the people and their elected representatives. “Roe was, quite simply, terrible constitutional law – a fact that’s been acknowledged by legal scholars across the political spectrum. “And the Dobbs decision reversed this decades-old error and made it clear that Roe’s … supposed constitutional right to an abortion simply didn’t exist. “I’m proud to have fought, along with my Republican colleagues, to put justices on the Supreme Court who focus on interpreting the law and the Constitution – instead of creating new constitutional law out of thin air, as justices did in Roe. “Mr. President, it’s fitting that the Dobbs decision occurs close to our nation’s birthday – July 4, the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. “And as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration – the 250th birthday of our country – the proximity of these two anniversaries has been on my mind. “The Declaration lays out the fundamental principles underlying our system of government. “And no lines are more important than these: “‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ “‘… that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.’ “Unalienable rights, Mr. President. “Rights given by God, rights that come before government, and that government is required to protect. “‘All men are created equal … [and] endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.’ “Mr. President, as our country knows, to its sorrow, we haven’t always lived up to the p… 1 2026-06-25T06:30:03Z 2026-06-25T06:31:21Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-requests-south-dakotans-submit-complaints-with-postal-service Rounds Requests South Dakotans Submit Complaints with Postal Service 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is requesting that South Dakotans submit comments to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) detailing the issues they are having with the United States Postal Service (USPS). As part of their investigation in South Dakota at Rounds’ request, OIG is asking for first-hand accounts of poor mail service. “My office continues to hear from South Dakotans on a daily basis about the issues they’re experiencing with mail delivery,” said Rounds. “At my request, the Office of the Inspector General has opened an investigation into South Dakota’s postal service. They are currently soliciting feedback from South Dakotans as a part of this investigation. I encourage anyone experiencing issues with their postal service to submit a comment to help paint a full picture of USPS problems in our state.” OIG is taking comments from South Dakotans until July 26, 2026. Click HERE to submit feedback. BACKGROUND: Rounds has been a leader on USPS issues in South Dakota, leading the push to keep local processing facilities in South Dakota. In April 2024, Rounds sent a letter to USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging USPS to avoid downsizing or significantly reorganizing mail processing operations in South Dakota. As a result, in February 2025, USPS committed to keeping the Dakota Central processing facility in Huron open, as well as investing $3 million in improvements to the facility. Rounds also secured a commitment from former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to keep mail that originates within South Dakota from leaving the state for processing. In September 2025, Rounds sent a letter to new Postmaster General David Steiner urging him to restore reliable mail service and requesting a meeting. Rounds and Steiner met in October. Steiner followed up on the meeting with a letter dismissing the issues raised by Rounds, claiming that the mail delays were caused by issues at processing facilities in Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City despite none of these facilities handling South Dakota’… 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-a-stronger-america-is-a-safer-america-2/ Thune: A Stronger America Is a Safer America 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I spoke on the floor yesterday about the landmark bill Republicans passed last year: the Working Families Tax Cuts bill. “And I talked about how this bill fits into Republicans’ efforts to turn things around in our country. “Turn things around by putting more money in Americans’ pockets. “Helping small businesses grow. “Strengthening the agriculture sector. “And giving a lifeline to rural health care. “Mr. President, any one of those things alone would have been a significant achievement, but the Working Families Tax Cuts addressed all of them – all of them and more. “Much more. “And this morning, I want to talk about how this bill helps to make America more secure. “That too, Mr. President, is unfortunately a turnaround story. “And I say unfortunately, because the previous administration allowed our nation’s security to fall into a sorry state. “Images of the chaos at the southern border during the Biden administration come to mind. “So does the state of our military readiness. “Mr. President, in recent years, our military readiness has not been where it needs to be to deter and counter threats. “We’ve had ships in need of maintenance. “Planes that can’t fly. “Meanwhile, China was investing in key military technologies. “Yet the Biden administration showed little interest in making the type of investment needed to get our military back to where it needed to be. “And so when Republicans took control last year, we didn’t waste any time. “As part of the Working Families Tax Cuts, Republicans made a generational investment in America’s military. “It was a major investment to help get our readiness to where it needs to be – quickly. “It invested in shipbuilding, missile defense, defense manufacturing capacity, critical munitions, drones and counter-drone technology, an expanded Air Force figh… 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-work-to-make-americans-safer-and-more-prosperous-ahead-of-america-250/ Thune: Republicans Work to Make Americans Safer and More Prosperous Ahead of America 250 2026-06-23 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here or on the picture to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “This is an exciting season of our year. “We are heading up now on the 250th anniversary, a celebration for our country. “And I think I can say that we are very fortunate to live in the greatest land, in my view, in the history of the world. “And we can be enormously thankful and grateful to those who have come before us, who have sacrificed and served to make that possible for the rest of us. “And as we think about this 250th anniversary, it’s also a good time to reflect on many of the things that we’ve been able to accomplish and the issues that we’ve been trying to address here in the United States Senate. “First and foremost, of course, right now, as you know, is the housing bill. “It just passed; it’s going to be taken up by the House later and hopefully signed into law by the president. “It gets at the very heart of an issue that I think is really important to the American people, and that’s the issue of affordability. “You know, homeownership has always been considered to be part of that American dream, and to be able to, you know, put your flag in the ground and have someplace where you can take care of your family – this legislation is going to make that more possible. “And I can’t think of anything that is a better way to celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country than … making it easier for people to pursue the American dream of homeownership. “And as we think about wrapping up this session of the Congress, as we get into the upcoming election, Republicans continue to stay focused on keeping our country safe, on safe streets, on the American people having more money in their pockets, and better opportunities to get ahead. “That’s what our focus has been and will continue to be, and we look forward to, you know, the days ahead, and hopefully more victories for the America… 1 2026-06-24T06:25:30Z 2026-06-24T06:26:49Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-the-working-families-tax-cuts-delivered-major-wins-for-the-american-people/ Thune: The Working Families Tax Cuts Delivered Major Wins for the American People 2026-06-22 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, we’re approaching one year since the Working Families Tax Cuts became law. “For nearly a year now, the American people have been seeing the benefits of this bill. “From a more secure border to a stronger military. “Larger paychecks and bigger refunds. “Support for farmers and ranchers. “And a lifeline for struggling rural health care providers. “Madam President, for the past year the story of the Working Families Tax Cuts has been unfolding across the country in a number of ways. “And this afternoon, I want to talk about how Republicans’ landmark bill has strengthened our economy and put more money in Americans’ pockets. “Madam President, when this Republican majority took over last year, the American people were reeling from the pain of the Biden economy. “They had suffered through an inflation crisis during which the cost of living increased by more than 20 percent in just a few years. “And without action from Congress, they were looking at a $4 trillion tax hike in the not-too-distant future. “For folks in my home state, that would have meant paying $2,500 more in federal taxes this year. “And that was completely unacceptable to Republicans. “And so we set out to prevent that tax hike. “And not just prevent it, Madam President. “We made our 2017 tax reform permanent so that that tax hike would never come. “And then we provided additional tax relief to lower- and middle-income Americans so that they would be able to keep more of their hard-earned money. “Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, 97 percent of Americans who filed taxes this year got a tax cut. “Let me repeat that, Madam President. “Republicans delivered a tax cut for … 97 percent … of tax filers, collectively saving them $82 billion on their federal taxes just this year. “We made lower tax rates permanent. “Raised the s… 1 2026-06-23T06:27:52Z 2026-06-23T06:29:20Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-the-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-makes-life-more-affordable-for-americans/ Thune: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Makes Life More Affordable for Americans 2026-06-18 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, this week the Senate takes a big step forward on an issue that’s important to many Americans. “And that’s homeownership. “Whether you read about it in the news or hear about it in conversation with friends and family members, most people know that the dream of homeownership is out of reach for too many people in our country. “Limited housing supply and burdensome regulations have contributed to higher prices, and many Americans are simply being priced out of the housing market. “That, Mr. President, is a problem. “And it’s a problem we aim to address with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. “Mr. President, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act tackles some of the causes of the higher prices that are preventing too many Americans from realizing the dream of homeownership. “As much as 25 percent of the cost of building a new single-family home comes from regulations. “That figure rises to 40 percent for multi-family construction. “As you can imagine, that contributes quite a bit to the price that Americans pay for that home. “So this bill cuts unnecessary red tape that’s delaying construction and driving up prices. “For example, it removes the outdated chassis requirement for manufactured housing, which will not only reduce the cost of manufactured homes but allow for more innovation in manufactured home design. “And then there are the costs and delays associated with the environmental review process. “This bill enables state, local, and tribal governments to streamline environmental reviews. “It right-sizes the NEPA process and exempts certain rural housing projects from these extensive and often burdensome reviews. “And it directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the USDA to coordinate joint environmental reviews for housing projects funded by both agencies. “It should go w… 1 2026-06-19T06:50:32Z 2026-06-19T06:53:40Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-senate-to-prioritize-passage-of-ndaa/ Thune: Senate to Prioritize Passage of NDAA 2026-06-17 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, last week, a U.S. Army Apache helicopter went down off the coast of Oman. “Within two hours, a rescue boat had located the pilots. “But this was not an ordinary rescue boat, Mr. President. “For the first time ever, an unmanned sea drone was sent to pick up the pilots and bring them to safety. “Mr. President, from the battlefields of Ukraine to the conflict with Iran, drones and other unmanned systems have become the weapon of choice. “Yet the United States military has been dangerously behind in drone and counter-drone capabilities. “We’ve made considerable progress in just the last year – as evidenced by the rescue last week. “But we still have more work to do. “That’s where the National Defense Authorization Act comes in. “Mr. President, I often say if we don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation. “And this annual defense bill is one of the most important bills we consider each year because it’s where we make the policies that help ensure we do get national security right. “We pass this bill every year so that these policies are up to date – so that we’re giving our men and women in uniform the very best equipment and capabilities to do the job we ask them to do. “Mr. President, last week the Armed Services Committee reported out the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2027, and I’m proud to say that this bill authorizes important investments to improve readiness and to provide the capabilities that we need to keep America safe today and into the future. “That includes a heavy focus on unmanned systems. “This bill would create a new combatant command overseeing these technologies. “It authorizes $1 billion in unmanned maritime systems. “Supports drone and counter-drone capabilities at military bases and at America’s borders. “And will ensure that we are… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-national-defense-victories-in-senate-armed-services-committees-fiscal-year-2027-ndaa Rounds Secures National Defense Victories in Senate Armed Services Committee’s Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the committee’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. “The NDAA is the hallmark piece of legislation that the Armed Services Committee works on each year, and it’s always an honor to have a role in crafting it at the committee level,” said Rounds. “This is the 12th NDAA I’ve had the opportunity to work on as a member of the Armed Services committee. I was glad to have several wins for South Dakota in the committee version of this legislation, including $43.7 million for military construction projects for the South Dakota National Guard in Sioux Falls and Sturgis. Our committee version of the bill fully authorizes the B-21 Raider program to be housed at Ellsworth, with $3.23 billion for procurement and another $4.25 billion in ongoing research and development for the platform. As Chair of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, I am also very pleased with the cyber provisions included to strengthen our nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, as well as ongoing efforts to accelerate AI adoption. In an increasingly dangerous world, a consensus on defense spending is more important than ever. I firmly believe that this year’s NDAA takes great strides to secure our nation and put us in a position to fight away games rather than on our own soil. I look forward to working with the rest of my Senate colleagues and the House to get the NDAA passed and signed into law.” Rounds was named as the 6th most effective member of the United States Senate on defense and national security issues for the 118th Congress. Read a full list of his provisions in this year’s NDAA below. Rounds’ South Dakota Victories: Fully authorizes the B-21 Raider program, including over $3.23 billion for total procurement ($2.23 billion for procurement and $1 … 1 2026-06-17T06:49:24Z 2026-06-17T06:50:53Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-break-all-the-wrong-records/ Thune: Democrats Break All the Wrong Records 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I don’t think at this point there are too many people who think Democrats were actually interested in reforms of Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “Because it was pretty clear from their actions that they were not. “If you’re interested in getting reforms, you don’t say no when you’re repeatedly offered a robust reform package. “Even if you can’t get every single thing you want. “But Democrats, of course, said no – again and again and again. “And eventually they just walked away completely. “And refused to provide even a dollar of funding for Border Patrol or ICE. “Clearly, they decided that having a political issue for November was more important than reforms. “And, Mr. President, you certainly don’t have to take my word for it. “Because the Democrat leader came out last week and admitted that the decisions he and his party have made this Congress have been about one thing, and that’s improving Democrats’ prospects in November. “This is a quote: ‘We made a lot of strategic decisions that got us to this place — it didn’t happen by accident,’ the Democrat leader said, referring to his view of his party’s position. “And you know what he ticked off as some of the most strategic decisions, Mr. President? “Democrats’ two record-breaking government shutdowns. “That’s right. “Democrats shut down the government – twice – to try to improve their chances in November. “Not to help hardworking Americans. Not to get reforms at ICE and Border Patrol. “No. “To improve their chances in November. “Mr. President, let’s just run down some of the consequences of Democrats’ choices. “The disastrous situation at U.S. airports that resulted from Democrats’ decision to cut off funding for air traffic controllers, for one. “There are the incredible lines that Americans faced at TSA in the midd… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-must-stop-obstructing-fisa-reauthorization-help-to-quickly-confirm-jay-clayton/ Thune: Democrats Must Stop Obstructing FISA Reauthorization, Help to Quickly Confirm Jay Clayton 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Jay Clayton is an eminently qualified individual to become the new director of national intelligence, and so we are looking forward to processing him this week. “Chairman Cotton, they will be … having his confirmation hearing tomorrow … and hopefully reporting him out later in the week. “It would take cooperation among the Democrats in order to get him confirmed this week, but in my view, at least, he has all the qualifications that are necessary, has the vision, the experience, the judgment, the competence – all the things that you want in that position. “And so I’m hopeful the Democrats will cooperate and enable us to get him into this position and get him confirmed there quickly. “And that, of course, has not been a given. “You look at the fact that this president, President Trump, is the first president in history not to have a civilian nominee confirmed either by voice vote or unanimous consent. “That is truly, truly unprecedented. “But that’s been the Democrat practice and pattern … in this current administration. “But I hope that they will waive that for this and allow us to get this done, because I think that also unlocks the 702 process. “And as most of you know, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s 702 program is the most successful tool when it comes to keeping people and this country safe. “And we are currently lapsed, and that also is unprecedented, and we are lapsed because the Democrats block voted – block voted – against a bipartisan deal that had been worked out between members here in the Senate and the House, Democrats and Republicans, and so it is now currently not an authorized program. “That needs to be changed, it needs to be fixed quickly, and I hope that the Democrats will work with us in order to make that happen. “That’s going to be certainly something that’s front and… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-bret-baier-on-fox-news6-17/ Thune Joins Bret Baier on Fox News 2026-06-16 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Bret Baier on Fox News. On Jay Clayton’s nomination: “I hope he gets through this week … The confirmation hearing will happen tomorrow in the Intelligence Committee. They will report him out. We will take him up as soon as we can, but that will take some cooperation from Democrats. If they want to, they can slow-walk it … They can’t slow it down forever – we’ll get him on the floor – but if we want to get him confirmed by the end of the week, we’re going to need a little bit of help. And right now, we’re getting mixed signals about whether or not the Democrats will participate and help with that.” On FISA: “FISA has, in an unprecedented way, gone dark. And the FISA, which is short for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, there is a section there, Section 702, which is the principal tool by which we keep this country safe. It prevents terrorist attacks, it’s helped us in times of war, protects American citizens, and that program right now [has] ‘gone dark.’ “When we say that, it’s no longer authorized by the Congress. And so the Democrats had agreed to passing it with reforms that Republicans had agreed to. It was a bipartisan deal, and then when Pulte was nominated, they completely block voted against even getting on the bill. So right now, in my view, they own this. That was an irresponsible thing to do on a program that’s critical for America’s national security.” On Iran: “I give the president great credit for having the guts and the courage to do the hard thing that no president for the last 50 years has been willing to do, and that is to degrade Iran’s nuclear capability and significantly diminish their military capabilities in the region. How it winds down now is the thing we’re all paying attention to, and in that respect, I think it’s the old Reagan axiom: you trust but you verify. You’ve got to make sure that … we’ve got a good path forward here.” On the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: “The housin… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-jay-claytons-nomination-and-consequences-of-democrats-fisa-lapse/ Thune on Jay Clayton’s Nomination and Consequences of Democrats’ FISA Lapse 2026-06-15 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, on Thursday President Trump nominated Jay Clayton – the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York – to be the director of national intelligence. “He has an impressive resume, with experience in both the public sector and the private sector. “And he has the kind of skill set necessary for managing issues as complex and varied as those faced by the director of national intelligence. “And for some perspective from the other side of the aisle: the Democrat vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee noted on Thursday, and I quote, ‘I have known and respected Jay Clayton for many years and believe he is a capable public servant.’ “Mr. President, Republicans here in the Senate have built a record of acting quickly on the president’s nominees, and we’re going to do the same with Mr. Clayton. “The Senate Intelligence Committee has already announced that it will hold a hearing on Mr. Clayton’s nomination this week. “And once he is approved by the committee, it is my intention to bring his nomination to the floor very quickly. “And I hope we will have bipartisan support for making that happen. “Mr. President, while we didn’t know exactly when it would arrive, we knew a nomination like Mr. Clayton’s was coming. “How? “Because the president made it very clear that his choice of Bill Pulte for acting director of national intelligence was a temporary pick. “Despite this, Democrats decided to hold Section 702 of FISA hostage over Mr. Pulte’s temporary, short-term appointment. “And thanks to their decision, as of Friday this program authorization has lapsed. “What does that mean, Mr. President? “It means the nation is currently operating without the full capacity of its most critical intelligence-gathering tool. “Let that sink in for just a minute. “Thanks to Democrats’ actions, the … 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-service-academy-appointments-2 Johnson Announces Service Academy Appointments 2026-06-15 2026 2026-06 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced nine South Dakotans will be attending the United States service academies. They will begin their military training at their respective schools in June. Johnson nominated each of these students in December 2025, and they recently accepted their appointment offers. This is a highly competitive process; approximately ten percent of applicants receive appointment offers across the five service academies. “One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota’s best and brightest who strive to begin their service to our country at one of our nation’s esteemed service academies,” said Johnson. “These students are exceptional, and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America’s freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.” Representative Johnson’s Class of 2030 Service Academy Appointees: Miles Bender – United States Air Force Academy Miles Bender of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy and intends to study operations research or civil engineering. He is eager to serve his country and live by a code. Miles participated with the Civil Air Patrol’s youth cadet program for three years and held leadership roles at O’Gorman High School in campus ministry, rotary club, and student council, including student council president. He was a member of O’Gorman’s Hope Squad, which helps fellow students with mental health issues, and as a regular volunteer at a local meal ministry. Additionally, Miles participated in football, tennis, and powerlifting. Each of these have instilled “a sense of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence – qualities that align and are upheld by the service academy.” His mentors say, “Miles excels at those traits that aren’t always measurable.” He’s looking forward to the daily sports, beautiful nature of Colorado Springs, CO, and the drive of like-minded people. Kanin Booth – United States Air Fo… 1 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z 2026-06-27T22:11:26Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-democrats-refusal-to-prioritize-national-security/ Thune on Democrats’ Refusal to Prioritize National Security 2026-06-11 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, last week, Senate Republicans passed legislation to fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years. “On Tuesday, House Republicans passed the legislation. “And yesterday, the president signed the bill into law. “Mr. President, I’m proud that we got this done of course. “Republicans are deeply committed to ensuring a safe country and safe communities, and border security and immigration enforcement are key parts of that. “No country – no country – can be secure if bad actors can make their way freely across our borders, or if criminal illegal immigrants are able to operate freely within our neighborhoods. “So, as I said, I am proud that we got this done. “But, Mr. President, I also have to ask, how did we get here? “How did we get to the point where one party has completely abdicated any responsibility for our nation’s security? “And it’s not just this bill, Mr. President. “Democrats have been playing fast and loose with our national security all year. “Their two record-breaking shutdowns strained our nation’s critical national security agencies – particularly agencies at the Department of Homeland Security, which was shut down for a staggering 119 days all told this fiscal year. “The TSA, responsible for the security of our nation’s airports, has seen a flood of resignations thanks to Democrats’ decision to make these critical workers go without pay for quite literally months. “And then there’s border security and immigration enforcement. “Democrats absolutely refused to provide so much as a dollar – a dollar – to fund the agents who provide security at our nation’s borders and remove criminal illegal immigrants from America’s streets. “I can’t make that point enough, Mr. President. “If Democrats had their way, there would be zero – zero – physical presence… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-mornings-with-maria-and-americas-newsroom/ Thune Joins Mornings With Maria and America’s Newsroom 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch Fox Business and here to watch Fox News. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Mornings With Maria on Fox Business and America’s Newsroom on Fox News. On FISA: “Here’s the issue: This is an irresponsible position for the Senate Democrats to take. The 702 program – first off, you had … air [traffic] control issues, then it was the border security issues, sanctuary cities. This is a party of defund the police, open borders, sanctuary cities, and now, now shutting down one of the most important tools we have to keep people in this country safe. And this thing goes dark at midnight on Friday, and what you heard the speaker say yesterday is absolutely right: This is an absolutely irresponsible position for the Democrats to take, and one that puts at risk and in jeopardy the American people if this particular program goes dark.” […] “[Democrats want] to defund the intelligence gathering capability that has been responsible for 90 percent of the drug busts that we’ve had. And it’s prevented terrorist attacks, it is a tool, it’s a national security tool, it needs to be reauthorized … When we moved to proceed to it last week, [Democrats] block voted against it. “We’ve got to take care of the business of national security. If we don’t get that right, the rest is conversation, and the Democrats right now are dug in over this Pulte issue, and it’s an irresponsible position to take.” […] “This is a bipartisan bill, it was negotiated – and bicameral – between the House, Senate, Democrats and Republicans, with significant reforms in it, and it needs to get passed. And it doesn’t matter who’s running DNI; this is legislation you want in place. So, it’s a bogus argument, and this is the problem we have with Democrats: their Trump Derangement Syndrome, the blind hatred they have of the president, is preventing them from doing anything, even if it’s something that is in the national security interest of the country.” On the Working Families Tax Cuts: “Republicans car… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-rounds-legislation-to-advance-key-south-dakota-water-projects-approved-by-committee/ Thune, Rounds Legislation to Advance Key South Dakota Water Projects Approved by Committee 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today applauded the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for passing their bills that would authorize feasibility studies for the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS) and the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System, respectively. Thune’s Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (S. 3723) and Rounds’ Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act (S. 3736) now head to the full Senate. “These bills are aimed at addressing the rapidly growing water needs in rural communities across South Dakota,” said Thune. “I’m pleased that the committee has passed our bills and look forward to their consideration by the full Senate. I’m proud to work with Senator Rounds on this critical effort.” “Rural water projects are crucial for the success of South Dakota, both in the near future and for the next generation,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has passed our bills to authorize feasibility studies for the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System and the Western Dakota Regional Water System. I thank Senator Thune for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working together to get these bills through the full Senate.” “The advancement of S. 3723 to Senate markup is an encouraging step forward for the future of water security in western South Dakota,” said Kristin Conzet, executive director of WDRWS. “WDRWS is grateful for the leadership and diligent work of Senators Thune and Rounds, whose commitment has been instrumental in advancing our legislation. Reaching this stage reflects growing recognition of the need for a reliable, long-term water supply to support our communities, economy, agriculture, and national defense interests.” 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-the-working-families-tax-cuts-is-delivering-for-working-americans/ Thune: The Working Families Tax Cuts Is Delivering for Working Americans 2026-06-10 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, it’s been almost a year since Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts. “One year since Republicans delivered permanent tax relief to the American people and put more money in their pockets. “And I’m proud to say that it’s working. “Mr. President, at the start of this year, hardworking Americans saw their take-home pay go up as the new tax law took effect. “They saw its impact again in April when they filed their taxes, and many Americans saw a significant boost in their tax refunds. “The New York Times interviewed three dozen Americans and reported that, and I quote, ‘Many of the taxpayers said they had received their largest refund in years, allowing them to pay down debt, save more or cover the cost of a vacation or a new bed.’ “And, Mr. President, last week, we got yet more news that shows that the Working Families Tax Cuts is working. “The Treasury Department released data showing that [97] percent of Americans who filed taxes this last year actually got a tax cut. “So, take a look at that, Mr. President. “That’s a pretty stunning number, if you think about it. “97 percent. “Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, 97 percent of taxpayers got a tax cut this year, collectively saving about $82 billion on their tax bills. “And who was it – who was it – that benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts, Mr. President? “Well, I’ll give you a hint: It’s in the name. “Working families. “Almost every one of the 97 percent of American taxpayers who saw a tax cut this year earned less than $200,000. “Nearly 70 percent earned less than $100,000. “So, if you take a look at this chart, Mr. President, you’ll be able to see just exactly what I’m talking about. “If you look at the dark blue line, those are the number of people who are making less than $100,000 a year who benefitted from the ne… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-must-not-expose-americans-to-the-consequences-of-letting-fisa-section-702-lapse/ Thune: Democrats Must Not Expose Americans to the Consequences of Letting FISA Section 702 Lapse 2026-06-09 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, in four days, authorization for our nation’s most critical intelligence-gathering tool will expire. “Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows the U.S. government to target the digital information of foreign actors located outside of the United States for specific national security purposes, such as counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction. “Established in the wake of September 11 to address gaps in foreign intelligence collection, this program plays a vital role in foiling bad actors, including terrorists, cyber criminals, and drug and weapons traffickers. “Our nation’s policymakers – from the White House to the Pentagon to Congress – rely upon intelligence acquired from Section 702 on a near daily basis. “Twenty-four percent of the National Security Agency’s intelligence reports in 2025 contained Section 702 information. “So did 62 percent of products in the CIA’s daily World Intelligence Review. “And 63 percent of articles in the President’s Daily Brief. “And just to bring this down to the concrete, Mr. President, more than 90 percent – 90 percent – of synthetic drug disruptions enabled by the CIA in 2025 relied on Section 702 information. “Synthetic drug disruptions – that’s operations targeting fentanyl and fentanyl analogues: poison intended for America’s streets. “The CIA reports that one raid alone supported by Section 702 resulted in the seizure of more than one metric ton of fentanyl pills from a facility in Mexico. “And drug disruption is just one activity supported by 702 information. “Section 702 provided intelligence that helped prevent a terrorist attack at a Taylor Swift concert. “It enabled law enforcement to warn potential U.S. victims of ransomware attacks planned by North Korea. “It helped enable the su… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-joins-squawk-box-on-cnbc-3/ Thune Joins Squawk Box on CNBC 2026-06-09 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Squawk Box on CNBC. On the Secure America Act: “We had to use [reconciliation] because Democrats wouldn’t fund ICE and [Border Patrol] through the normal appropriations process, so we had to do it with Republican-only votes. It got a little complicated along the way, but we were successful in defeating all the poison-pill amendments that would have taken it down. And this week, hopefully, the House will vote on it, put it on the president’s desk, and we’ll get those important law enforcement agencies funded. “It is really unfortunate we had to resort to this … The Democrat mantra now is defund the police, open borders, and we’re seeing more evidence of that this week as they block … the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization, which is a critical tool that our intelligence agencies use to keep Americans safe.” On Democrats’ sanctuary city policies: “I think there is a high level of frustration at the sanctuary city policies and what they are doing to a lot of our major cities in this country. And I think the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Mullin, obviously are coming up with ideas that they think would help at least incentivize a lot of these cities to start behaving in a way that doesn’t give sanctuary to criminal illegal aliens in this country … I think the sanctuary city policy, coupled with defund the police, coupled with open borders – these are just Democrat policies right now that are anti-law enforcement, and frankly, are dangerous with respect to a lot of America’s biggest cities and ensuring that those communities and those streets are safe and secure for people who live there.” On reconciliation: “A reconciliation 3.0 is something that’s been considered and talked about. There’d have to be a specific reason for doing it, and you’d have to ensure that you’ve got 218 in the House and 50 votes in the Senate for it. These have become increasingly hard as we’ve gotten into this ye… 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-democrats-holding-fisa-hostage/ Thune on Democrats Holding FISA Hostage 2026-06-09 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “We have a saying around here that, if you don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation. “And that’s certainly true with respect to some of the issues that we have in front of us right now. “The FISA legislation, which is pending here in the United States Senate, is critical to keeping this country safe and secure for Americans. “And just to put a fine point on that, if you look at how effective FISA has been, it has stopped numerous terrorist attacks. “It has been used in 90 percent of the CIA’s synthetic drug disruptions. “So, in other words, these drug busts that you keep reading about, a lot of that originates with information derived from the 702 process. “So, it’s very, very concerning when you have the Democrats here in the United States Senate essentially saying that, ‘We are not interested in reauthorizing this program,’ which will go dark at midnight on Friday if we don’t take action. “And it would be alarming under any circumstance, but it’s especially alarming now, given the fact that we are heading into a time where the U.S. starts hosting the World Cup, for example. “We’ve got all kinds of 250th anniversary celebrations coming up here in the not-too-distant future. “And you’ve got a program that has a proven record when it comes to keeping this country safe that is at risk because Democrats here in the United States Senate have decided to block vote against it. “That is a very dangerous proposition. “It puts Americans at risk. “And it started with the air traffic control, and then it was border security, the Department of Homeland Security – you go right down the list of all these agencies the Democrats have decided not to fund. “They truly are the party of open borders, defund the police, sanctuary cities, and unfortunately right now, defunding the 702 program, which … 1 2026-06-18T06:41:00Z 2026-06-18T06:43:25Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=963EF55B-B715-4E6B-A8D9-B88B042DAF47 Thune: Republicans Thwart Democrats’ Pursuit of “Defund the Police 2.0” 2026-06-08 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, sometimes I have to wonder if Democrats remember the last election – and how four years of record-breaking illegal immigration on President Biden’s watch helped hand the House, the Senate, and the White House to Republicans. “Because to watch the Democrat Party right now, you’d think that 2024 never happened. “Democrats not only haven’t rejected the open-borders philosophy of the Biden administration, they’ve doubled down. “At least we had the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Biden. “Now every Senate Democrat is on record as wanting to shut down those agencies. “That’s right. “Democrats voted to defund – to defund – the agents who stand guard on our nation’s borders and help prevent dangerous individuals from entering our country. “They voted to defund the agents who remove criminal illegal immigrants who do make their way into the United States. “And when I say defund, Mr. President, I mean defund. “Democrats opposed giving these agencies a single dollar. “And I hope – I really hope – that my Democrat colleagues are not going to attempt to defend themselves by claiming that they simply wanted reforms of these agencies, and that Republicans wouldn’t give them. “Because as the record amply – amply – reflects, Democrats were offered reforms again and again. “The White House not only made reforms on its own, it repeatedly offered Democrats a robust legislative package. “But Democrats weren’t interested. “Presumably because they somehow thought that ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘abolish border security’ would play well for them in November. “Of course, I’m pretty sure most Americans don’t think we should eliminate security at our nation’s borders, or open the floodgates for unchecked illegal immigration. “But that hasn’t stopped Democrats from embracing Defund th… 1 2026-06-09T06:27:37Z 2026-06-09T06:30:10Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-thwart-democrats-pursuit-of-defund-the-police-2-0/ Thune: Republicans Thwart Democrats’ Pursuit of “Defund the Police 2.0” 2026-06-08 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “On our watch, there will be agents at our borders to prevent terrorists, traffickers, and other dangerous individuals from making their way into our country, and there will be agents to take criminal illegal immigrants off of America’s streets.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, sometimes I have to wonder if Democrats remember the last election – and how four years of record-breaking illegal immigration on President Biden’s watch helped hand the House, the Senate, and the White House to Republicans. “Because to watch the Democrat Party right now, you’d think that 2024 never happened. “Democrats not only haven’t rejected the open-borders philosophy of the Biden administration, they’ve doubled down. “At least we had the Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Biden. “Now every Senate Democrat is on record as wanting to shut down those agencies. “That’s right. “Democrats voted to defund – to defund – the agents who stand guard on our nation’s borders and help prevent dangerous individuals from entering our country. “They voted to defund the agents who remove criminal illegal immigrants who do make their way into the United States. “And when I say defund, Mr. President, I mean defund. “Democrats opposed giving these agencies a single dollar. “And I hope – I really hope – that my Democrat colleagues are not going to attempt to defend themselves by claiming that they simply wanted reforms of these agencies, and that Republicans wouldn’t give them. “Because as the record amply – amply – reflects, Democrats were offered reforms again and again. “The White House not only made reforms on its own, it repeatedly offered Democrats a robust legislative package. “But Democrats weren’t interested. “Presumably because they somehow thought that ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘abolish border security’ would play well … 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0C174FF5-0FBB-478C-8906-E73069D070D9 Thune: Republicans Invest in Border Security, Democrats Undermine Law Enforcement 2026-06-04 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today on a lot of topics. “So I wanted to take just a minute to focus in on the essence of the bill that we are on, that we will be considering and voting on today. “It’s a simple bill, Mr. President. “It will do nothing more than fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years. “And why are we doing this bill, Mr. President? “Why are we doing appropriations for these Department of Homeland Security agencies separately – and for three years instead of the usual one? “Because Democrats have refused to fund border security or immigration law enforcement. “That’s it, Mr. President. “We are here today only – only – because Democrats refused to appropriate a single dollar for our border and immigration law enforcement. “They originally agreed to fund them, of course. “Back in January, Democrats in both houses – House and Senate – signed off on an appropriations bill that included multiple reforms. “But shortly before passage, after the events in Minneapolis, Democrats reneged. “They wanted more reforms, they claimed. “And Republicans agreed to reopen negotiations. “The White House implemented a number of reforms on its own. “And then the White House repeatedly – repeatedly – offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms. “But Democrats would not agree to anything. “And eventually, they walked away altogether. “Presumably because they thought that it would serve them better to have an issue for November. “Although I would say it remains to be seen, Mr. President, how well ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘eliminate border security officers’ play for Democrats this fall. “Because let’s be very clear, Mr. President, that is what Democrats have opted for. “No – zero, no – officers at our nation’s borders. “And no… 1 2026-06-05T06:35:23Z 2026-06-05T06:36:42Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-republicans-invest-in-border-security-democrats-undermine-law-enforcement/ Thune: Republicans Invest in Border Security, Democrats Undermine Law Enforcement 2026-06-04 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “[W]hen all the political statements have been made, we will pass the underlying bill and be one step closer to funding border security and immigration law enforcement for the next three years.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I expect there will be a lot of amendments today on a lot of topics. “So I wanted to take just a minute to focus in on the essence of the bill that we are on, that we will be considering and voting on today. “It’s a simple bill, Mr. President. “It will do nothing more than fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next three years. “And why are we doing this bill, Mr. President? “Why are we doing appropriations for these Department of Homeland Security agencies separately – and for three years instead of the usual one? “Because Democrats have refused to fund border security or immigration law enforcement. “That’s it, Mr. President. “We are here today only – only – because Democrats refused to appropriate a single dollar for our border and immigration law enforcement. “They originally agreed to fund them, of course. “Back in January, Democrats in both houses – House and Senate – signed off on an appropriations bill that included multiple reforms. “But shortly before passage, after the events in Minneapolis, Democrats reneged. “They wanted more reforms, they claimed. “And Republicans agreed to reopen negotiations. “The White House implemented a number of reforms on its own. “And then the White House repeatedly – repeatedly – offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms. “But Democrats would not agree to anything. “And eventually, they walked away altogether. “Presumably because they thought that it would serve them better to have an issue for November. “Although I would say it remains to be seen, Mr. President, how well ‘defund law enforcement’ and ‘eliminate bor… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2C05CD29-E0ED-4E6F-A6A5-AF9B269AC895 Thune: Trump Accounts Set Kids Up for Success 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, as of tomorrow, we will be one month away from the opening date for Trump Accounts. “These are new, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children created by Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts. “And as of a few days ago, parents can now download the new app for Trump Accounts. “The app will allow parents to track current and projected account balances. “Schedule automatic account contributions – whether that’s $20 a month, or $200 a month. “And, eventually, choose among multiple broad-based investment accounts, all designed to make investment easy. “The app also offers several modules to educate children and parents on investing and to boost financial literacy. “Mr. President, Trump Accounts, as I said, were created as part of Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law. “We call it the Working [Families] Tax Cuts for a reason, Mr. President – because that’s who we were focused on with this legislation. “We prevented a massive tax hike on Americans making less than $400,000. “Made lower tax rates for hardworking Americans permanent. “Increased the child tax credit, which we had already doubled in 2017. “Implemented no tax on tips and no tax on overtime to give American workers a further break on their taxes. “Instituted a new bonus deduction for seniors. “And more. “All of these measures were designed to help everyday Americans and to make life a little easier for working families and help put their dreams within reach. “Trump Accounts are a part of that. “These tax-advantaged accounts were designed to allow parents to save for their children’s future beyond their education: to give kids a nest egg, whether large or small, to help them buy a home or start a business – to help them pursue their American dream. “And if kids choose not to withdraw money once they reach adulthood, they can use… 1 2026-06-04T06:38:12Z 2026-06-04T06:39:44Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-trump-accounts-set-kids-up-for-success/ Thune: Trump Accounts Set Kids Up for Success 2026-06-03 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “These tax-advantaged accounts were designed to allow parents to save for their children’s future beyond their education: to give kids a nest egg, whether large or small, to help them buy a home or start a business – to help them pursue their American dream.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, as of tomorrow, we will be one month away from the opening date for Trump Accounts. “These are new, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children created by Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts. “And as of a few days ago, parents can now download the new app for Trump Accounts. “The app will allow parents to track current and projected account balances. “Schedule automatic account contributions – whether that’s $20 a month, or $200 a month. “And, eventually, choose among multiple broad-based investment accounts, all designed to make investment easy. “The app also offers several modules to educate children and parents on investing and to boost financial literacy. “Mr. President, Trump Accounts, as I said, were created as part of Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law. “We call it the Working [Families] Tax Cuts for a reason, Mr. President – because that’s who we were focused on with this legislation. “We prevented a massive tax hike on Americans making less than $400,000. “Made lower tax rates for hardworking Americans permanent. “Increased the child tax credit, which we had already doubled in 2017. “Implemented no tax on tips and no tax on overtime to give American workers a further break on their taxes. “Instituted a new bonus deduction for seniors. “And more. “All of these measures were designed to help everyday Americans and to make life a little easier for working families and help put their dreams within reach. “Trump Accounts are a part of that. “These tax-advantaged accounts were designed to allow parents to save for thei… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=136039E3-9F71-4DFF-AE86-86331DD02CDF Thune Commemorates C-SPAN’s 40th Senate Anniversary and Discusses Recent Work in South Dakota 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, as we begin our proceedings this morning, I want to take a moment to recognize a milestone here in the Senate. “On this day 40 years ago, C-SPAN broadcast the United States Senate for the very first time. “On June 2, 1986, the American people were able to turn on their televisions and see the Senate come to order and their senators engage in debate until the gavel dropped later that day. “Gavel-to-gavel coverage, Mr. President. “That’s the C-SPAN way. “And over the last 40 years, C-SPAN hasn’t missed a beat. “It’s captured 43,830 hours of Senate proceedings. “Broadcast 169,000 speeches by hundreds of United States senators who have served in these halls. “And captured the moments large and small – historic and human – that make up the United States Senate. “Mr. President, on that day, that first day 40 years ago, the Senate was considering an education bill. “And what a fitting topic of discussion for C-SPAN’s first day covering this chamber. “Education is C-SPAN’s entire mission. “C-SPAN urges its viewers to ‘Make Up Your Own Mind.’ “And for 40 years, C-SPAN has enabled the American people to make up their own minds about what we do here in the Senate. “It’s helped countless American students see the legislative process in action. “And it’s ensured that what happens here is lost neither to the day’s news cycle nor to history. “And I trust that C-SPAN will continue to offer the American people a front-row seat to the Senate for many decades to come. “Mr. President, C-SPAN captures a lot of our work here in Washington, but just as important is the work that senators do back in our states. “Last week, the cameras were off here in the chamber, and senators were back at home hearing from the people that we all represent. “I spent last week back home in South Dakota, traveling around my state and … 1 2026-06-03T06:40:39Z 2026-06-03T06:42:22Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=740AEA4A-0844-4EBA-92AD-A9C23BDB3419 Thune on Republicans’ Fight to Secure America 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhere to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Last Thursday was the 102nd anniversary of the Border Patrol in this country. “And as we celebrate 250 years for America, I think it’s interesting to also observe that we have had an agency like … Border Patrol defending our borders now for over 100 years. “And if you think about what they’ve done just in this last year, it’s pretty remarkable, because what we inherited from the Biden administration was the most open border that we’ve ever seen – literally millions of people crawling, pouring across the border, literally every single year, illegally. “And in a year’s time, Border Patrol has completely cleaned that up, to the point, as, I think it was the month of April, there was an entire year where there hadn’t been a single illegal released into the country. “And so a truly remarkable record and a tribute to the men and women, the dedicated men and women who make the Border Patrol work. “And Rodney Scott, the commissioner, has said that the mission of the Border Patrol has never changed; what has changed is that now their members, their agents, are able to do their jobs, the jobs that lawfully we ask them to do. “And so, tremendous change from one administration to the other, literally, in the time span of a year, Border Patrol has done just a truly incredible job of securing our southern border. “And that’s what we are committed to doing as Republicans here in the Senate, and we, as we move forward on the Secure [America] Act this week, intend to ensure that law enforcement – both ICE and CBP – have the resources they need to carry out the responsibilities that they are given by the American people. “And I believe the American people are on our side on this issue. “They do not want to defund the police, they don’t want open borders. “Those are Democrat policies. “Republican policies are to have the b… 1 2026-06-03T06:40:39Z 2026-06-03T06:42:22Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-commemorates-c-spans-40th-senate-anniversary-and-discusses-recent-work-in-south-dakota/ Thune Commemorates C-SPAN’s 40th Senate Anniversary and Discusses Recent Work in South Dakota 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “C-SPAN captures a lot of our work here in Washington, but just as important is the work that senators do back in our states … I spent last week back home in South Dakota, traveling around my state and hearing directly from South Dakotans.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, as we begin our proceedings this morning, I want to take a moment to recognize a milestone here in the Senate. “On this day 40 years ago, C-SPAN broadcast the United States Senate for the very first time. “On June 2, 1986, the American people were able to turn on their televisions and see the Senate come to order and their senators engage in debate until the gavel dropped later that day. “Gavel-to-gavel coverage, Mr. President. “That’s the C-SPAN way. “And over the last 40 years, C-SPAN hasn’t missed a beat. “It’s captured 43,830 hours of Senate proceedings. “Broadcast 169,000 speeches by hundreds of United States senators who have served in these halls. “And captured the moments large and small – historic and human – that make up the United States Senate. “Mr. President, on that day, that first day 40 years ago, the Senate was considering an education bill. “And what a fitting topic of discussion for C-SPAN’s first day covering this chamber. “Education is C-SPAN’s entire mission. “C-SPAN urges its viewers to ‘Make Up Your Own Mind.’ “And for 40 years, C-SPAN has enabled the American people to make up their own minds about what we do here in the Senate. “It’s helped countless American students see the legislative process in action. “And it’s ensured that what happens here is lost neither to the day’s news cycle nor to history. “And I trust that C-SPAN will continue to offer the American people a front-row seat to the Senate for many decades to come. “Mr. President, C-SPAN captures a lot of our work here in Washington, but just as important is the work tha… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-on-republicans-fight-to-secure-america/ Thune on Republicans’ Fight to Secure America 2026-06-02 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “Republican policies are to have the back of law enforcement to ensure they have the resources, the personnel, the technology – everything they need to keep our border secure – and to ensure that our nation’s laws are enforced …” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Last Thursday was the 102nd anniversary of the Border Patrol in this country. “And as we celebrate 250 years for America, I think it’s interesting to also observe that we have had an agency like … Border Patrol defending our borders now for over 100 years. “And if you think about what they’ve done just in this last year, it’s pretty remarkable, because what we inherited from the Biden administration was the most open border that we’ve ever seen – literally millions of people crawling, pouring across the border, literally every single year, illegally. “And in a year’s time, Border Patrol has completely cleaned that up, to the point, as, I think it was the month of April, there was an entire year where there hadn’t been a single illegal released into the country. “And so a truly remarkable record and a tribute to the men and women, the dedicated men and women who make the Border Patrol work. “And Rodney Scott, the commissioner, has said that the mission of the Border Patrol has never changed; what has changed is that now their members, their agents, are able to do their jobs, the jobs that lawfully we ask them to do. “And so, tremendous change from one administration to the other, literally, in the time span of a year, Border Patrol has done just a truly incredible job of securing our southern border. “And that’s what we are committed to doing as Republicans here in the Senate, and we, as we move forward on the Secure [America] Act this week, intend to ensure that law enforcement – both ICE and CBP – have the resources they need to carry out the responsibilities that they are given … 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2115A147-837A-4432-B254-0F84CAC38F2F Thune to Democrats: Enforcing the Law Isn’t A Choice 2026-06-01 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, enforcing our nation’s laws is not optional. “Securing our borders isn’t optional. “And supporting the men and women who do this important work – funding law enforcement – isn’t optional either. “That should go without saying. “But unfortunately, Mr. President, members of the Democrat Party have made it very clear that they disagree. “Incredibly, Democrats have refused to provide a single penny for border security and immigration law enforcement for fiscal year 2026. “That’s zero dollars for a physical presence at our nation’s border. “Zero dollars to deport criminals who have made their way into our country illegally. “If Democrats had their way, illegal immigrants would be allowed to flood across our nation’s southern border entirely unchecked. “And I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised, Mr. President. “After all, this is hardly the first time Democrats have demonstrated that border security and immigration enforcement are at the very bottom of their priority list. “For decades now, Democrat-led cities and states have implemented sanctuary policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. “These policies have had deadly consequences, yet Democrats have defended them and continue to uphold them across the country. “Then there was the crisis at the southern border. “Four – four – straight years of record-breaking illegal immigration at our southern border under Democrats and President Biden. “As the New York Times reported, and I quote: ‘After Mr. Biden became president, migrant encounters at the southern border quickly doubled, then kept rising. New arrivals overwhelmed border stations, then border towns, and eventually major cities like New York and Denver.’ “That from the New York Times, Mr. President. “Now, contrast that with today. “Ille… 1 2026-06-02T06:40:38Z 2026-06-02T06:42:17Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-to-democrats-enforcing-the-law-isnt-a-choice/ Thune to Democrats: Enforcing the Law Isn’t A Choice 2026-06-01 2026 2026-06 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “Democrats haven’t exactly demonstrated an eagerness to come to the floor and defend open borders – and I strongly suspect that’s because at some level they know that their position is completely indefensible.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, enforcing our nation’s laws is not optional. “Securing our borders isn’t optional. “And supporting the men and women who do this important work – funding law enforcement – isn’t optional either. “That should go without saying. “But unfortunately, Mr. President, members of the Democrat Party have made it very clear that they disagree. “Incredibly, Democrats have refused to provide a single penny for border security and immigration law enforcement for fiscal year 2026. “That’s zero dollars for a physical presence at our nation’s border. “Zero dollars to deport criminals who have made their way into our country illegally. “If Democrats had their way, illegal immigrants would be allowed to flood across our nation’s southern border entirely unchecked. “And I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised, Mr. President. “After all, this is hardly the first time Democrats have demonstrated that border security and immigration enforcement are at the very bottom of their priority list. “For decades now, Democrat-led cities and states have implemented sanctuary policies that prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. “These policies have had deadly consequences, yet Democrats have defended them and continue to uphold them across the country. “Then there was the crisis at the southern border. “Four – four – straight years of record-breaking illegal immigration at our southern border under Democrats and President Biden. “As the New York Times reported, and I quote: ‘After Mr. Biden became president, migrant encounters at the southern border quickly doubled, then k… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-28T06:33:41Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-legislation-to-prevent-smuggling-of-american-semiconductors-into-china-unanimously-passes-senate Rounds Legislation to Prevent Smuggling of American Semiconductors into China Unanimously Passes Senate 2026-05-22 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that his legislation to prevent the smuggling of American-made semiconductors into China has passed the Senate. The Stop Stealing our Chips Act would amend the Export Control Reform Act to create a whistleblower incentive program at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The program is designed to increase reporting of illegal exports. “I am pleased that the Stop Stealing our Chips Act has passed the Senate,” said Rounds. “The United States has taken extensive measures to prevent American-made semiconductors from falling into the wrong hands, particularly China; however, China continues to smuggle these chips into their country. As the use of artificial intelligence continues to accelerate, this creates a grave national security concern. Our legislation would strengthen BIS’s export control enforcement by rewarding whistleblowers with credible information on illegal actions to come forward. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House to get this important legislation through Congress and to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.” Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) is a cosponsor of this legislation. “Today’s Senate passage of the Stop Stealing our Chips Act is an important step toward strengthening our export control system and protecting America’s national security,” said Warner. “As China continues working to acquire advanced American AI technology through illicit networks, we need stronger tools to detect and prevent these violations. This bipartisan legislation empowers whistleblowers to help expose illegal export schemes and gives BIS additional support in enforcing our export control laws. I’m proud to work with Senator Rounds to help safeguard America’s technological edge and keep sensitive technologies out of the wrong hands.” BACKGROUND: The smuggling of cutting-edge semiconductors from the United States into China is a growing national security concern, as China intends to use advanced AI systems created with these ch… 1 2026-05-23T06:08:46Z 2026-05-23T06:10:20Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-advance-highway-bill Johnson Votes to Advance Highway Bill 2026-05-22 2026 2026-05 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to invest in America’s critical transportation and infrastructure programs and protect American infrastructure from Chinese spy technology. Several of Johnson’s priorities were included in the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development (BUILD) for America’s 250th Act, which passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee with a bipartisan 66-2 vote. “America’s roads, bridges, and railways are among our most important assets,” said Johnson. “People use roads every day to get to and from work, school, or the doctor. For others, the roads are their office – they spend hours each day hauling goods across the country. Roads are critical to community life, the supply chain, and our national security. The BUILD America 250 Act provides a strong investment in our transportation system to keep America moving and gives states the driver’s seat to address their unique needs.” Click here to watch Johnson’s remarks. “The South Dakota Trucking Association applauds the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for advancing the BUILD America 250 Act,” said Christine Erickson, President of the South Dakota Trucking Association. “A long-term, sustainable surface transportation bill is critical to keeping freight moving safely and efficiently across South Dakota and the nation. Investments in our roads, bridges, and supply chain infrastructure support economic growth, strengthen rural connectivity, and ensure the trucking industry can continue delivering for American families and businesses.” The BUILD America 250 Act: Provides $45 billion for bridge program funding – the largest-ever investment in American bridges. More than one-third of United States bridges need major repairs or replacement. Motorists drive across “structurally deficient” bridges 163 million times each day. Cuts red tape to ensure projects get built more quickly and with fewer costs due to permitting delays. Invests $750 million to expand truck parking … 1 2026-06-27T21:44:12Z 2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=93D60303-0376-4A56-B9C0-C02BBD77D091 Thune: Democrats Cling to Open Borders, Republicans Want to Secure America 2026-05-21 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, the Democrat Party has gone off the rails. “It’s no secret that the Democrat Party has drifted sharply leftward in recent years. “And it’s become increasingly divorced from the concerns of ordinary Americans. “‘Many Americans Say the [Democratic] Party Does Not Share Their Priorities’ – that was a headline noted last year from The New York Times. “But it is remarkable just how extreme Democrats have become. “Everyone remembers the Democrat Party’s flirtation with ‘Defund the Police’ a few years ago. “But when it rapidly became apparent that we actually need the police, Democrats seemed to rein things in. “But no more. “In today’s Democrat Party, ‘Defund the Police’ is back – and more strongly than ever. “The reason we’re here today, Mr. President – I would say the sole, sole reason we are here today – is because we’re considering this reconciliation bill because Democrats refused to fund law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. “They refused to fund Border Patrol. “And they refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “At all. “They wouldn’t agree to provide a single dollar for either of these agencies. “Not a single dollar for a physical presence at our border. “Not a single dollar to take criminal illegal aliens off of our streets. “Really think about that for a minute, Mr. President. “Is there any country in the world that doesn’t have officers to protect its borders? “Well, if Democrats had their way, that would now be the United States of America. “The public record provides ample evidence of the fact that among those who try to make their way illegally across the border, there are bad actors whose presence in this country would endanger Americans. “Democrats don’t want there to be a single individual at the border to stop those individuals from entering our cou… 1 2026-05-22T06:27:39Z 2026-05-22T06:29:18Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-cling-to-open-borders-republicans-want-to-secure-america/ Thune: Democrats Cling to Open Borders, Republicans Want to Secure America 2026-05-21 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “As long as [Republicans are] in charge, there will be agents at our borders to prevent terrorists, traffickers, and other dangerous individuals from making their way into our country, and there will be agents to take criminal illegal immigrants off of America’s streets.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, the Democrat Party has gone off the rails. “It’s no secret that the Democrat Party has drifted sharply leftward in recent years. “And it’s become increasingly divorced from the concerns of ordinary Americans. “‘Many Americans Say the [Democratic] Party Does Not Share Their Priorities’ – that was a headline noted last year from The New York Times. “But it is remarkable just how extreme Democrats have become. “Everyone remembers the Democrat Party’s flirtation with ‘Defund the Police’ a few years ago. “But when it rapidly became apparent that we actually need the police, Democrats seemed to rein things in. “But no more. “In today’s Democrat Party, ‘Defund the Police’ is back – and more strongly than ever. “The reason we’re here today, Mr. President – I would say the sole, sole reason we are here today – is because we’re considering this reconciliation bill because Democrats refused to fund law enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. “They refused to fund Border Patrol. “And they refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “At all. “They wouldn’t agree to provide a single dollar for either of these agencies. “Not a single dollar for a physical presence at our border. “Not a single dollar to take criminal illegal aliens off of our streets. “Really think about that for a minute, Mr. President. “Is there any country in the world that doesn’t have officers to protect its borders? “Well, if Democrats had their way, that would now be the United States of America. “The public record provides ample evidence of t… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0CB53BFD-D4C8-4EC4-B688-678E77A584A1 Thune: Democrats Have Made Their Choice; Republicans Will Fund Border Security Despite Them 2026-05-20 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, yesterday on the floor I discussed some of our accomplishments here in the Senate, and one of those accomplishments is restoring regular order consideration of appropriation bills. “Unfortunately, in fiscal year 2025, we were forced to do a full-year CR after the failures of the previous Democrat majority and the Biden administration to enact full-year bills in a timely manner. “But at the start of this year, we were on the verge of concluding an open, member-driven, and bipartisan appropriations process and passing the full complement of 12 full-year appropriations bills. “It’s what I said I wanted to do when Republicans took the majority last year. “And we were about to get it done. “That is, until Democrats reneged on our bipartisan DHS funding bill – a bill, I might add, that included bipartisan reforms and money for additional body cameras for immigration enforcement. “When they backed out of this deal, Democrats said they just needed two more weeks to negotiate additional reforms on immigration enforcement. “Republicans were willing to do that, and we began negotiations. “But then that two-week deadline came and went without much progress. “And pretty soon it drug on into 40, 41, 42, 43, 45 days. “And instead of agreeing to fund the Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continued, Democrats shut the department down. “Meanwhile, the White House implemented reforms of its own. “And as negotiations continued, the White House repeatedly offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms. “But as the weeks dragged on, it became very clear that Democrats weren’t interested in reforms at all. “And eventually, they just walked away. “Now why would they do that, Mr. President? “If reforming immigration enforcement is as important as Democrats were claiming, why would Democrats c… 1 2026-05-21T06:28:16Z 2026-05-21T06:29:43Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/thune-democrats-have-made-their-choice-republicans-will-fund-border-security-despite-them/ Thune: Democrats Have Made Their Choice; Republicans Will Fund Border Security Despite Them 2026-05-20 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ scraper “[D]espite Democrats’ partisan games, we’re still going to get the entire federal government funded. We’re going to ensure our immigration laws are enforced and criminal illegal aliens are not allowed to live freely in our country.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, yesterday on the floor I discussed some of our accomplishments here in the Senate, and one of those accomplishments is restoring regular order consideration of appropriation bills. “Unfortunately, in fiscal year 2025, we were forced to do a full-year CR after the failures of the previous Democrat majority and the Biden administration to enact full-year bills in a timely manner. “But at the start of this year, we were on the verge of concluding an open, member-driven, and bipartisan appropriations process and passing the full complement of 12 full-year appropriations bills. “It’s what I said I wanted to do when Republicans took the majority last year. “And we were about to get it done. “That is, until Democrats reneged on our bipartisan DHS funding bill – a bill, I might add, that included bipartisan reforms and money for additional body cameras for immigration enforcement. “When they backed out of this deal, Democrats said they just needed two more weeks to negotiate additional reforms on immigration enforcement. “Republicans were willing to do that, and we began negotiations. “But then that two-week deadline came and went without much progress. “And pretty soon it drug on into 40, 41, 42, 43, 45 days. “And instead of agreeing to fund the Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continued, Democrats shut the department down. “Meanwhile, the White House implemented reforms of its own. “And as negotiations continued, the White House repeatedly offered Democrats a robust package of legislative reforms. “But as the weeks dragged on, it became very clear that De… 1 2026-06-27T20:01:11Z 2026-06-27T22:21:02Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=92C406B2-9938-4BBA-992D-4EA7E53A71BA Thune: Republicans Fight to Secure America 2026-05-19 2026 2026-05 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Clickhereto watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership: Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “The former vice president said here recently that this is a moment when there are no bad ideas. “With all due respect to the former vice president, it seems to me, at least, to the Democrats, there’s no shortage of bad ideas. “And chief among those is this idea that they’re going to defund the police. “That is the mantra of the Democrat Party, it’s the position of the Democrats here in Washington in the House and the Senate. “And as a consequence of that, Republicans are going to be forced to take care of the American people. “Because I think the question … that’s before us is, do we want to live in safety and security? “And obviously the answer to that, for most Americans, I think, is going to be yes. “And if you look at the record of success that this administration and working with this Congress has had, in the last 12 months, there was not a single illegal immigrant released into this country. “Last 12 months, not a single one. “And you go back to just two years ago, under the Biden administration, there were literally thousands being released into the country every single day. “So, this is about whether or not you want to live in a country that is safe and secure, where you support law enforcement and the important job they do – Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – or whether you don’t. “And Republicans do. “Republicans are going to have law enforcement’s back. “And so this week we’re going to vote on the Secure America Act, which is a piece of legislation that will fund ICE and CBP, not only for this year but through the entirety of the Trump administration, because the Democrats have adopted a defund-the-police and open-borders policy, which is incredibly detrimental to this country, and we’re going to ensure that that doesn’t happen. “So that’s what’s going to be … 1 2026-05-20T06:27:31Z 2026-05-20T06:28:54Z

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