Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune recently addressed the Senate floor regarding a legislative measure that was blocked by his Democratic colleagues. The proposed legislation aimed to impose sanctions on individuals at the International Criminal Court (ICC) involved in investigations or prosecutions of American or Israeli citizens.

Thune expressed his disappointment with the outcome, stating, "Mr. President, yesterday afternoon my Democrat colleagues – and when I say my Democrat colleagues, I mean all of my Democrat colleagues, with one exception – chose to block legislation to sanction individuals at the International Criminal Court who participate in investigations or prosecutions of American or Israeli citizens."

He noted that while some Democrats expressed concern over the ICC's decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, he felt their actions did not align with their statements. "I suppose it’s nice that they’re concerned, Mr. President," Thune remarked. "They should be concerned. But it would be even nicer if they had done something about it."

Thune criticized the Democrats for not supporting what he described as a commonsense measure and highlighted their reluctance even to engage in debate on the issue. He speculated on possible reasons for their stance, mentioning potential fears of upsetting anti-Israel factions within their party or being influenced by Big Tech concerns.

"But whatever their reason, Democrats chose to vote no," Thune said. "No to standing up for our ally, Israel. And even worse, no to standing up for our own citizens."

The Republican leader emphasized that his party made efforts to collaborate with Democrats but was unwilling to compromise significantly on the bill's contents just to secure Democratic support.

"If Democrats decide that they want to take real action to address the targeting of our allies and prevent future targeting of American citizens," Thune stated, "Republicans are here." He concluded by affirming Republicans' commitment to defending both allies and national interests independently if necessary.