Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, appeared on Fox News to discuss the need for strong border security provisions in a national security supplemental bill. Thune criticized President Biden for his policy choices regarding border security and emphasized the urgency of the situation.

Thune pointed out that the Biden administration had completely abandoned the policies that were working during the previous administration. He stated, "These are policies that [President Biden] changed when he came to office, completely abandoned everything that was working throughout the course of the previous administration."

Thune also criticized the Democrats for their delayed response in engaging with Republican negotiators. He highlighted that Republicans had introduced their border proposal during the first week of November, but the Democrats only came to the table last week. Thune expressed his frustration, saying, "We have been waiting for seven weeks for the Democrats to engage."

The Senator emphasized that the border crisis is not just an immigration issue but a national security threat. He stated, "You've got to stem the flow. Right now, everything, every policy this administration has, they're pull factors. They're pulling people into this country. It's like we're putting a big welcome sign out there, and all the signals are, 'Come, come, come.'" Thune further added, "This is a national security crisis, and it needs to be treated that way by this administration."

Thune also highlighted the alarming statistics regarding the individuals crossing the border. He stated, "But if you just look at the composition of the people coming across the border, in the month of October, 1,569 people had criminal convictions, 93 had warrants out for their arrest, 50 were gang members, and 12 were on the terrorist watchlist." Thune also mentioned that last year, 169 people on the terrorist watchlist entered the country through the southern border. These numbers further underscored the severity of the situation.

Regarding the timing of the Senate processing a national security supplemental package, Thune acknowledged that it would not be completed before the holiday season due to the delayed engagement from the Democrats. He stated, "We are going to get something across the finish line. Now, it's not going to get done before the holiday for the reasons I just mentioned."

In conclusion, Senator John Thune criticized President Biden's policy choices regarding border security and highlighted the urgent need for strong border security provisions. He emphasized the national security threat posed by the border crisis and called for immediate action from the administration. Thune also expressed his frustration with the delayed engagement from the Democrats in negotiating a national security supplemental package.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A9EF41E1-E65C-4176-BC41-53B9D78F5C52