U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S. Dak.)
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Recent News About U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S. Dak.)
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Senator Thune urges focus on agriculture in upcoming farm bill
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today regarding the farm bill framework recently released by Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.). The framework aims to prioritize the needs of farmers and ranchers, addressing issues such as the farm safety net, crop insurance affordability, meat processing, and forest restoration.
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Thune and Vance demand answers on Biden administration's handling of asylum cases
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) have called on U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to halt the processing of new amnesty cases following recent actions by the administration. The senators expressed concerns over reports indicating that more than 350,000 individuals have had their asylum cases closed without a decision since 2022.
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Senators urge abandonment of proposed regulation on AI-generated political ads
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) have called on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon a proposal they claim infringes on free political speech. In their letter, the senators argue that the FCC lacks broad authority over political advertising and that the proposal would place unreasonable burdens on local broadcasters and cable companies.
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Thune criticizes Democrats' legislative strategy as election-year politics
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today, criticizing Senate Democrats' strategy to force votes on bills that he argues are intended to score political points rather than become law. He specifically mentioned a bill that he claims threatens Americans’ conscience rights.
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Senator Thune criticizes Biden's handling of border security
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor on June 4, 2024, criticizing President Biden's recent immigration executive order. Thune argued that the order is an attempt to obscure what he described as failed policies contributing to a worsening situation at the southern border.
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Senators urge increased timber harvesting in Black Hills National Forest
On May 29, 2024, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) urged the Biden administration to increase timber harvesting targets in the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF). In a letter addressed to U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Randy Moore, the senators criticized current forest management policies that they claim have reduced available trees for harvest and negatively impacted the health of BHNF. These policies, they argue, have led to sawmill closures and job losses for South Dakota timber workers.
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Senator Thune honors U.S. servicemembers ahead of Memorial Day
On May 23, 2024, U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor to honor individuals who serve or have served in the United States military and to pay respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. Thune emphasized that recognizing American servicemembers, including South Dakota National Guardsmen and personnel at Ellsworth Air Force Base, would be incomplete without acknowledging their families.
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Senator Thune criticizes Biden's new student loan forgiveness plan
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today, criticizing the Biden administration’s new student loan debt transfer initiative. Thune argued that this latest measure would unfairly shift the burden of forgiving billions of dollars in student debt onto those without loans and fails to address the rising cost of higher education.
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Senator Thune criticizes Democrats' handling of southern border crisis
U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today regarding the ongoing situation at the southern border and criticized Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's recent actions, which he characterized as attempts to shift blame onto Republicans for what he described as a crisis created by President Biden.
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Thune urges withdrawal of new student loan debt transfer proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently urged the U.S. Department of Education to withdraw its latest proposal to transfer student loan debt onto American taxpayers. The proposed rule by the Department of Education is projected to cost Americans an additional $147 billion, potentially increasing the total student loan debt transferred to taxpayers to as much as $1 trillion.
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South Dakota Federal District Judges receive Senate confirmation
U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently took to the Senate floor to extend their congratulations to Eric Schulte and Judge Camela Theeler, nominees for the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, following their confirmation votes in the Senate. Both senators had previously introduced these nominees during the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on their nominations.
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Senator Thune honors law enforcement during National Police Week
U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor to commemorate National Police Week and honor law enforcement officers and their families for their service. He particularly paid tribute to Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty earlier this year.
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Senator Thune criticizes Biden's economic policies on Senate floor
U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor regarding the April Consumer Price Index report, which indicated a 19.9 percent increase in prices since President Biden assumed office. In his remarks, Thune emphasized the persistent inflation and high prices, arguing that Democrats' plans to raise taxes would only intensify economic difficulties.
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Senator Thune criticizes Biden administration's regulatory policies
U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) recently addressed the Senate floor, expressing his concerns about the impact of the Biden administration's regulatory policies. Thune argued that these regulations have led to a surge in costs for families, farmers, and small business owners, and have also posed a threat to American energy security.
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Senate passes FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 with key Thune-led provisions
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued a statement following the Senate's passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. The legislation includes key provisions led by Thune.
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FAA Reauthorization Bill Addresses National Pilot Shortage and Aviation Safety
"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the upcoming passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. The package includes several Thune-led provisions, including an amendment to address the national pilot shortage, legislation to increase competitiveness for American drones, and legislation to improve the flying experience for those who use mobility aids."
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Thune Leads Effort to Protect Taxpayer Data From the IRS’s High-Risk Bring-Your-Own-Device Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, today introduced the Ensuring No Devices Bear Your Own Data (END BYOD) Act. This legislation would prohibit IRS employees, volunteers, and contractors from accessing sensitive taxpayer information on their personal computers or phones through the IRS’s bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program."I have been sounding the alarm on the IRS’s troubling history of mishandling taxpayer information, and the bring-your-own-device program is...
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Thune: Antisemitic Harassment and Violence Have No Place in America
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor, expressing deep concern over the surge of antisemitic harassment and violence targeting Jewish students on college campuses across the nation. Thune criticized President Biden's response to the issue, calling for immediate action to protect Jewish students.Thune highlighted the distressing incidents unfolding on college campuses, stating, "We’ve witnessed a wave of antisemitism sweep college campuses across the country." He emphasized the need for federal intervention to enforce the law and safeguard...
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Senator Thune Highlights Dangers of Biden's Energy Policies
May 1, 2024U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) recently addressed the Senate floor, expressing his concerns about the energy policies implemented by the Biden administration. Thune specifically highlighted the implications of President Biden's actions on conventional energy sources and the nation's electric grid.Thune emphasized the challenges facing the nation's electric grid, stating, "Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power." He pointed out the strain on the grid due to increased demand and the shift away from conventional energy sources,...
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Thune: Global Threats Must Be Met With American Strength
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor in favor of the national security supplemental legislation being considered in the Senate. Thune emphasized the importance of responding to global threats with American strength and support for allies in need.Thune highlighted recent events, stating, "Mr. President, less than two weeks ago, Iran attacked Israel with a barrage of more than 300 missiles and drones." He expressed concern over Iran's actions and the need for a strong response, mentioning the Biden administration's approach towards Iran...