Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor today, criticizing Senate Democrats' plan to end the legislative filibuster. He described it as a political tactic aimed at advancing their agenda and silencing the minority party.

Thune's remarks highlighted what he perceives as a pattern of Democrats changing rules that hinder their progressive objectives. "Mr. President, it’s no secret that Democrats increasingly subscribe to the philosophy that if you don’t like the way the game is going, you change the rules," Thune stated.

He drew attention to past Democratic responses to Supreme Court decisions they disagreed with, suggesting that such actions indicate an intention to reshape institutions like the court and the Senate for partisan gains. "Democrats respond to pretty much every Supreme Court decision they don’t like these days with claims not just that the court’s decision was wrong, but that the court itself is illegitimate," he said.

Thune expressed concerns over potential changes in Senate rules if Democrats win in November, specifically targeting the filibuster rule. He argued this would enable them to pass significant legislation without opposition. "The Democrat leader made that very explicit last month at the Democrat National Convention," Thune remarked.

He emphasized his belief in the importance of preserving the filibuster as a tool for ensuring deliberation and protecting minority rights within Congress. Quoting past statements from prominent Democratic figures including Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer, Thune underscored what he sees as their previous support for maintaining such institutional checks.

"The Founders intended the Senate to be a counterbalance to the House," Thune noted, adding that abolishing or weakening the filibuster could lead to legislative instability and confusion among Americans.

Thune also warned of potential regret among Democrats should they succeed in ending or altering the filibuster rule. He pointed out past instances where changes led to unforeseen consequences, urging caution against short-term political expediency.

"Mr. President, it’s become disturbingly clear that the Democrat Party is committed to getting its way in whatever way it can – no matter how many institutions it damages or how many rules it breaks in the process," he concluded before yielding back his time on the floor.

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