Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota addressed the Senate for the first time as majority leader of the 119th Congress, covering a range of topics in his remarks. Thune began by acknowledging recent tragic events, including a terrorist attack in New Orleans that claimed 14 lives and injured over 30 others. He also mentioned an incident in Las Vegas involving an Army soldier and a Tesla truck explosion.

Thune expressed condolences for former President Jimmy Carter's passing on December 29 at age 100, highlighting Carter's post-presidency work with Habitat for Humanity. "I will have much more to say about President Carter next week," Thune noted.

Welcoming new members to Congress, Thune congratulated the new secretary of the Senate and Senate sergeant at arms. He emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and preserving legislative traditions like the filibuster. "That means preserving the legislative filibuster – the Senate rule that today has perhaps the greatest impact in preserving the Founders’ vision of the Senate," he stated.

Thune outlined priorities such as border security, tax relief extension, reducing government regulations, national defense funding, and updating farm programs. He drew inspiration from his father’s coaching philosophy: "Sports to him was not about personal glory. It was about elevating the team."

Expressing gratitude towards his family and colleagues, Thune concluded by thanking God for his blessings: “As it says in Scriptures, ‘For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.’”