Western South Dakota News

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 Reserve's target rate of 2 percent. He emphasized the financial burden this has placed on American households, stating that a typical household now has to spend over $11,000 more each year to maintain the same standard of living as before President Biden took office.

The senator also highlighted the difficulties many Americans face in achieving the dream of homeownership, attributing this in part to the rate hikes implemented by the Federal Reserve to combat the inflation crisis. Thune argued that President Biden's American Rescue Plan Act, which aimed to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has ultimately resulted in economic misery for many Americans.

Moving on to the issue of open borders, Thune criticized President Biden's handling of border security. He accused the president of prioritizing other issues and creating a magnet for illegal migration by repealing border policies implemented by his predecessor. Thune cited record-breaking numbers of illegal immigration at the southern border during President Biden's tenure, with each fiscal year surpassing the previous year's record. He raised concerns about national security, noting that individuals on the terrorist watchlist have been apprehended at the border and that thousands of known individuals were able to evade law enforcement.

Thune also criticized President Biden's energy policies, particularly his hostility towards conventional energy production and his support for Green New Deal policies. He warned of the risks to America's energy security and the weaknesses in the electric grid that have already been observed. Thune expressed concern that the president's policies could lead to significant disruptions in the future.

Additionally, Thune criticized President Biden's lack of action on meaningful trade agreements, which he argued has resulted in declining market access for American farmers and ranchers and threatens America's competitiveness in the global economy. He also highlighted the president's perceived weakness on national security issues, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the attempt to revive the Iran nuclear deal.

In conclusion, Thune asserted that the past three years under President Biden have been challenging for the American people. He expressed his concerns about the state of the economy, border security, energy security, and national security. Thune's remarks reflect the criticisms often raised by Republicans regarding President Biden's policies and actions during his tenure.

Source: U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.)