Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Thune criticized Senate Democrats for their failure to prioritize border security in a national security package. In a speech on the Senate floor, Thune expressed disappointment that aid for Ukraine, an important ally, had not yet been passed due to Democrats' focus on open borders.

Thune emphasized that border security should be the primary concern, as it directly impacts the national security of the United States. He pointed out that Democrats had been aware for months that border security would be a requirement for the national security supplemental, yet they wasted weeks refusing to engage in substantive negotiations.

As a result of the delay caused by Democrats, the national security supplemental will now be pushed to January, making it impossible to pass a substantive border security deal before Christmas. Thune highlighted the irony of President Biden's statement that failing to pass the supplemental would be a gift to Putin, stating, "the only reason we haven't passed the national security supplemental already is because of Democrats and President Biden."

Thune criticized the Biden administration for its failure to address the national security crisis at the southern border. He highlighted the record-breaking numbers of illegal immigration, with the latest data showing the highest number of encounters in October. Thune stated, "President Biden wants to talk about a gift to Putin? Let's talk about the gift the president has been giving to terrorists and criminals and cartels for three years with the chaos at our southern border."

Thune stressed the importance of addressing the border crisis, as it poses a threat to national security. He cited the arrest of 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the southern border during fiscal year 2023, a substantial increase compared to previous years. Thune also raised concerns about the number of unknown individuals who were able to evade apprehension by Border Patrol.

While Thune acknowledged the need to provide aid to allies like Ukraine, he made it clear that any supplemental package must include measures to address the national security crisis at the border. He expressed gratitude to Senator Lankford for his efforts in bringing Democrats to the table and commended the White House for finally stepping up to take a role in negotiations, although he expressed disappointment that it was done so late.

Thune concluded by stating that the ball is now in Democrats' court and urged them to prioritize the national security crisis at the southern border. He emphasized that cosmetic measures and superficial tweaks would not be sufficient, and a solution that effectively addresses the border crisis is the only acceptable outcome.

In his closing remarks, Thune stated, "I hope that Democrats' concern for our national security interests abroad will lead them to finally, finally, get serious about working with Republicans to address the national security crisis here at home."

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F8ACF987-8B0F-4645-AFD9-DA1E4CB86E56