Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor, expressing his concerns over what he describes as a shift in Democrats' stance on the filibuster. Thune highlighted recent actions by Democratic senators, who he claims have reversed their previous positions.

“Mr. President, I think we all remember the situation just a few short months ago, in the leadup to the election," Thune stated, pointing out that many Democrat senators had previously expressed a desire to eliminate or weaken the filibuster. He noted that this sentiment was echoed by party leaders during the Democrat National Convention.

However, according to Thune, there has been a notable change in position. “Yesterday, it seems, there was a sudden change of heart," he said, referring to a recent instance where every Senate Democrat participated in filibustering legislation.

Thune criticized what he perceives as inconsistency among Democrats regarding the filibuster's use. “Back in 2017... 32 Senate Democrats... joined a letter to Senate leadership asking for preservation of the legislative filibuster," he recalled. He argued that Democrats' support for the filibuster seems contingent upon their position of power.

Thune emphasized his belief in the importance of maintaining the filibuster as part of the Senate's role in checks and balances within government. “The Founders intended the Senate to be a counterbalance to the House," he remarked, adding that preserving this mechanism is crucial for ensuring all Americans have representation.

He concluded by expressing hope that when Democrats regain control of the Senate, they will recognize and uphold the value of the filibuster: “And I hope that when the day comes that Democrats retake the Senate... they will carry their newfound enthusiasm for the filibuster with them when they again find themselves in our shoes."