US Senator John Thune (R-SD)
U.S. Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | U.S. Senator
Recent News About US Senator John Thune (R-SD)
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Thune Praises Selection of Sen. Katie Britt to Deliver Republican Response to President Biden’s State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) has expressed his support for the decision to have Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) deliver the Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union address on March 7, 2024.In a statement, Sen. Thune said, "I am pleased to hear that Sen. Katie Britt will be delivering the Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union address. Her insights and perspective will provide a valuable contribution to the national dialogue."Sen. Katie Britt, who will be taking on this significant role, has yet to comment publicly on her...
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Thune Praises Leader McConnell for Decades of Service to Party and Country
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement praising Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the longest serving party leader in Senate history, who announced he would not seek another term as leader.Thune expressed his admiration, saying, "Sen. McConnell has dedicated decades of service to our party and country. His leadership and commitment have left an indelible mark on the Senate and our nation."McConnell's decision not to seek reelection as leader marks the end of an era in the Senate, as Thune acknowledged, "His legacy will be remembered...
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Thune Urges Swift Action on Farm Bill to Support Farmers and Ranchers
U.S. Sen. John Thune delivered a speech on the Senate floor emphasizing the urgency of passing a full and updated farm bill that addresses the needs of farmers and ranchers, particularly in South Dakota. Thune highlighted the challenges faced by agricultural producers and stressed the importance of providing them with the necessary support.Thune underscored the significance of farmers and ranchers, stating, "America needs farmers and ranchers." He emphasized the vital role they play in feeding the country and the world, acknowledging the risks and uncertainties they...
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Thune Secures Key South Dakota Priorities in FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023, which includes important provisions led by U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), has been passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This bipartisan bill addresses crucial issues such as aging airport infrastructure, air traffic controller staffing shortages, rural air service programs, pilot training, the integration of drones, and aircraft accessibility."South Dakota and the nation depend on a safe, efficient, and robust national aviation system," said Thune....
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Thune’s Office Accepting Summer Internship Applications
U.S. Senator John Thune is currently accepting applications for summer internships in his offices in Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. These internships provide college students with a unique opportunity to gain experience in the legislative process and constituent service.Interns in Thune's Washington, D.C., office will have the chance to witness the legislative process firsthand, attend Senate votes and hearings, and participate in other activities specific to Capitol Hill. Meanwhile, interns in the state offices will be involved in constituent...
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Thune: United States Must Be Ready to Counter Global Threats
U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, spoke on the Senate floor about the recent strikes against the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria. Thune emphasized the need for a forceful response to the attacks against American troops in the Middle East and commended the men and women who carried out the strikes.Thune highlighted the professionalism of the 28th Bomb Wing's aircrews and maintainers, specifically mentioning their ability to generate combat power that can strike anywhere on the map. He stressed the importance of...
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Thune, Senate 340B Bipartisan Working Group Release Legislative Discussion Draft
U.S. Senators John Thune, Debbie Stabenow, Shelley Moore Capito, Tammy Baldwin, Jerry Moran, and Ben Cardin, members of the Senate 340B bipartisan working group, have released a legislative discussion draft aimed at updating the 340B program. The senators sought input from stakeholders last year to find bipartisan policy solutions that would ensure the program's stability and transparency.In a letter addressed to stakeholders, the senators emphasized the importance of passing legislation in the 118th Congress to provide clarity, transparency, and accountability to the...
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Thune and Peters Call on TSA to Expand PreCheck Enrollment and Ensure Security Standards
U.S. Senators John Thune and Gary Peters have written a letter to Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske, urging him to prioritize the expansion of the PreCheck program to underserved areas without accessible and secure enrollment options. The senators also expressed concerns about security breaches reported by CLEAR, an airport membership program that expedites the security screening process.In the letter, the senators emphasized the importance of ensuring that TSA's Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements align with congressional intent to expand...
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Thune: Iran’s Reign of Terror Must be Stopped
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today expressed his condolences to the families of the American soldiers who were tragically killed in an attack by Iran-backed militias in the Middle East. He also highlighted the dangers of Iran's influence in the region and criticized the Biden administration's approach in deterring and degrading Iran and its proxies.Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune acknowledged the loss of three American soldiers in an attack by an Iran-backed militia in northeast Jordan. He also mentioned the two Navy SEALs who were lost at sea off the...
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Thune and Hyde-Smith Call on Defense Secretary to Uphold Conscience Protections in Pentagon's Abortion-Travel Policy
U.S. Senators John Thune and Cindy Hyde-Smith have sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging him to clarify the Department of Defense's implementation of conscience protections for military personnel and civilians involved in carrying out the Biden administration's abortion leave and travel policy. The senators expressed concern about the potential violation of sincerely held moral and religious convictions and called for the responsibility of implementing the policy to rest solely on Secretary Austin.In the letter, the senators highlighted the Biden...
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Thune Pushes for Permanent Telehealth Access for South Dakotans
U.S. Senator John Thune is working to preserve and expand telehealth access for South Dakotans. As a member of the Senate telehealth working group, Thune is urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities permanent before they expire at the end of the year. These flexibilities expanded access to telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries."South Dakotans have long understood the value of telehealth," said Thune. "I will continue to propose and support efforts to help strengthen telehealth and expand mental health...
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Thune, Blackburn Demand Answers From IRS For Failing to Comply with TikTok Ban
U.S. Senators John Thune and Marsha Blackburn have demanded answers from IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel regarding the agency's failure to comply with the No TikTok on Government Devices Act. The act, which was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, bans the use of TikTok on any federal device due to security risks associated with the Chinese-owned social media application.In a letter to Commissioner Werfel, the senators expressed concern over a report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) that found over 2,800 mobile devices...
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Thune Slams the Biden FCC’s So-Called Net Neutrality Proposal
Jan 25, 2024 - U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) proposed net neutrality regulations in a speech on the Senate floor. Thune argued that the Biden administration's plan would give the government excessive control over the internet and could result in higher costs for consumers. He also pointed out that broadband investment and internet speeds have increased since the repeal of similar regulations during the Obama administration. Thune led a letter with more than 40 colleagues urging FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to...
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Thune: Americans Are Worse Off Under President Biden
U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, criticized President Biden's three-year tenure, highlighting the negative impact it has had on the American people. Thune focused on the issues of inflation, open borders, energy insecurity, and weakness on the world stage. He cited polls that indicated a majority of Americans feel worse off under President Biden and expressed concerns about the state of the economy.Thune began by addressing the issue of inflation, stating that while it may have decreased from its peak, it still remains well above the Federal...
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Thune: Border Security Requires Parole Reform
U.S. Senator John Thune has recently highlighted the urgent need to reform the parole system, particularly in relation to border security. In an interview with Stuart Varney on Fox Business, Senator Thune expressed his concerns about the abuse of parole by President Biden, which has resulted in 95 percent of individuals who cross the southern border illegally being admitted into the country.Thune emphasized the significance of parole reform in achieving effective border security. He stated, "We have to close the southern border, and this president has shown no interest in...
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Thune: Life Will Always Prevail
U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, delivered a powerful speech on the Senate floor today, expressing his support for the upcoming March for Life and the rights of the unborn. Thune commended the thousands of Americans, including many South Dakotans, who will be traveling to Washington, D.C. to participate in the march.Thune emphasized the significance of the March for Life, stating, "They come to Washington, D.C., for a simple reason – to testify to the truth enshrined in our Declaration, that all men and women are created equal, that they are...
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Thune: Congress Must Act to Fix Biden's Border Crisis
U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has called on Congress to address the border crisis resulting from President Biden's failed policies. Thune emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "the situation at our southern border is in fact a crisis – a logistical crisis, a humanitarian crisis, and a national security crisis."Thune highlighted the record-breaking numbers of illegal immigration during President Biden's tenure. He stated, "We have had three record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border on President Biden’s...
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Senate Passes Thune-Rounds Resolution Honoring SDSU’s Back-to-Back Football National Championship
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution honoring the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits football team for their impressive victory in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Championship Subdivision. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, both from South Dakota, expressed their congratulations and admiration for the team's accomplishments.In a joint statement, Senators Thune and Rounds said, "Congratulations to the SDSU Jackrabbits football team on another remarkable season. It’s a privilege to lead the Senate in...
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Thune: From Hoops to the Gridiron, South Dakota Sports Legacy is Alive and Well
U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota congratulated the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits on their second consecutive Division I national championship in football. In a speech delivered in the Senate, Thune praised the team's performance and highlighted their impressive winning streak.Thune commended the Jackrabbits' defense, which allowed an average of just 9.27 points per game and gave up a total of only 15 points in four postseason games. He specifically mentioned a pivotal play in the championship game where linebacker Adam Bock made a crucial stop at...
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Biden's Border Crisis: Coming to a City Near You
U.S. Senator John Thune has called on Senate Democrats and the White House to reform the asylum and parole systems in order to regain control of the southern border. Thune highlighted the negative consequences of the Biden administration's border policies, stating that communities across the country are dealing with the harsh realities. He emphasized the need for the administration to enforce the laws and focus on improving security at the southern border.Thune addressed the Senate, stating, "For three years – almost since the day President Biden took office – we’ve...