Western South Dakota News

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) spoke on the Senate floor today, contrasting Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent policy changes with the Biden-Harris administration’s record over the past four years. Thune highlighted what he described as high prices, open borders, and global weakness under Democratic governance.

Thune began his remarks by acknowledging the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks. “As on every September 11 since that black day, we remember the heroes who rose up – at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in that bare field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania,” he said.

Addressing recent shifts within the Democratic Party, Thune pointed out significant changes over the past few months, including replacing President Biden with Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee. He noted Harris’ attempts to reinvent herself despite her previous positions during her primary campaign five years ago.

“It’s been five short years since Kamala Harris was running for president in the Democrat primary as a leftist,” Thune remarked. He listed several policies she had endorsed then, such as a ban on fracking and taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries for detained immigrants.

Thune criticized what he sees as Harris' recent reversals on various issues. “She opposed a border wall – now she apparently supports one. She supported a ban on fracking – well, now she opposes one,” he stated.

Referencing comments from another senator, Thune suggested that Harris’ policy shifts are strategic moves aimed at winning the election rather than genuine ideological changes. “‘I think she’s trying to be pragmatic and doing what she thinks is right in order to win the election,’” he quoted.

Thune further criticized the administration's handling of inflation and border security. “Inflation started spiking within two months of President Biden and Vice President Harris taking office,” he claimed, attributing this to their spending policies. He also mentioned ongoing issues at the border which began early in their tenure.

He concluded by urging voters to consider these points when evaluating Democratic governance: “Suffice it to say that after the past four years, no one has to wonder what Democrat governance would look like.”

“Mr. President, I yield the floor.”