Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today, condemning recent pro-Hamas violence and vandalism in Washington, D.C., and urging Majority Leader Schumer to schedule a vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Thune emphasized the need for enhanced security measures both domestically and internationally.

Thune described scenes of "lawlessness" near Union Station, where violent protesters reportedly tore down American flags, set at least one on fire, and raised Palestinian flags. Additionally, slogans such as "Hamas is comin'" and "Globalize the Intifada" were seen defacing monuments. He highlighted an incident involving anti-Israel protesters releasing maggots and mealworms into a hotel where the Israeli prime minister was staying.

"This is pure thuggery," Thune stated. He criticized what he perceived as insufficient responses from Democratic leaders: "Every single public official – and every single American – should be united in condemning this violence and vandalism."

Shifting focus to legislative matters, Thune expressed approval for the upcoming vote on the Kids Online Safety Act. The bill includes his Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which mandates that social media platforms notify users when content is selected by hidden algorithms and offer an option to switch to a filter-bubble-free version.

Thune stressed that more legislative action is needed beyond the Kids Online Safety Act, particularly concerning national defense. He referenced threats from Iran-backed terrorist organizations, Russia's actions in Ukraine, China's aggression towards Taiwan, and concerns about U.S. military readiness.

"Our defense budget as a share of the economy has fallen to near historic lows," Thune remarked, advocating for increased defense spending based on a blueprint proposed by Senator Wicker (R-Miss.). He called attention to last fall's Strategic Posture Commission report indicating that the U.S. faces potential nuclear peer adversaries in Russia and China.

The NDAA put forward by the Senate Armed Services Committee authorizes funding for European and Pacific deterrence initiatives, modernizes military capabilities, and includes full funding for new strategic bombers like the B-21 Raider at South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Thune concluded by urging prompt consideration of the NDAA: "I hope [the Democrat leader] will bring this legislation to the floor in the very near future."