Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) expressed strong criticisms of President Biden's State of the Union address, highlighting what he perceives as the shortcomings of the administration's policies. Thune's remarks focused on the economic challenges facing the country and the lack of effective solutions proposed by President Biden.

Thune began by stating, “Mr. President, President Biden came to Congress on Thursday night to deliver the State of the Union address." He went on to describe the address as containing “The same old tired tax-and-spend proposals" and “A far-left agenda," emphasizing a perceived failure to address critical issues.

The Senator particularly criticized the handling of economic matters, pointing out the consequences of past decisions: “Three years ago this month, the president signed into law a massive, partisan, $1.9 trillion spending bill under the guise of COVID relief." Thune highlighted the inflation crisis that followed and expressed disappointment that the State of the Union address did not offer concrete solutions.

Regarding the southern border crisis, Thune accused President Biden of evading responsibility, stating, “Despite the fact that the crisis at our southern border is a direct result of President Biden’s policies, the president spent his entire discussion of the border suggesting that it is Congress’ responsibility to act." Thune argued that the President has the power to end the crisis but is more focused on political considerations.

In his critique of the President's approach to inflation, Thune dismissed the notion of 'shrinkflation' as a significant factor, asserting, “‘Shrinkflation’ is not an explanation for the inflation crisis the president helped create." He further criticized the President's emphasis on certain policy areas, such as the Green New Deal and abortion, as indicative of misplaced priorities.

Thune concluded his remarks by highlighting the perceived lack of real solutions in the State of the Union address, stating, “Suffice it to say that if Americans were looking for solutions to the challenges facing our country, they did not hear them in the State of the Union." He then yielded the floor with the statement, “Mr. President, I yield the floor."