Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today, expressing concerns over what he describes as a Democratic effort to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. Thune's remarks came in response to recent criticisms from Democrats following decisions by the court that did not align with their policy preferences.

“Mr. President, the Supreme Court recently concluded its term, and as predicted, Democrats met the decisions they didn’t like with howls of outrage,” Thune stated.

Thune referenced various statements made by Democrats, including calls to "rein in" the court and suggestions to expand it. He argued that these reactions are part of a broader campaign by Democrats to portray the Supreme Court as illegitimate whenever it delivers rulings contrary to their expectations.

“Democrats think that the only legitimate Supreme Court is a Supreme Court that rules in line with Democrats’ policy preferences,” Thune asserted. He further criticized what he sees as an attempt by Democrats to delegitimize an institution fundamental to American democracy simply because they disagree with some of its decisions.

Thune highlighted instances where both conservative and liberal justices have reached unanimous decisions, countering claims that ideological biases dominate court rulings. However, he emphasized his primary concern about the potential damage such rhetoric could cause to public trust in judicial impartiality.

“We hear a lot from Democrats about their concern for our institutions," said Thune. "And yet they are attempting to delegitimize a bedrock American institution all for the crime of periodically daring to deliver decisions that Democrats disagree with.”

The senator also touched on what he perceives as anti-religious sentiment among some Democratic members when criticizing certain justices' faith-based beliefs. He cited past comments made during judicial nomination processes and reiterated Article Six of the Constitution: “‘… no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.’”

Thune closed his remarks by urging Democrats to cease efforts aimed at undermining trust in one of America's key institutions, especially during times of political division and ahead of upcoming elections.

“Mr. President, if Democrats really cared about protecting our democracy and American institutions, they would stop trying to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court,” Thune concluded before yielding the floor.