Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune delivered remarks on the Senate floor regarding what he perceives as a double standard by Democrats. His comments were made during the discussion preceding a vote on a nomination.

Thune criticized the executive branch for actions taken over the past four years, claiming that Congress has relinquished too much power to it. He highlighted instances where he believes the executive branch overstepped its bounds, citing programs like the BEAD program and changes to student loans and food assistance programs.

Discussing the BEAD program, Thune stated, "And we are now three years into that program, and there hasn’t been a single dollar spent or a single household connected through that program." He attributed this to additional conditions imposed by the administration that made it difficult for telecom companies to participate.

On student loans, Thune noted, "Not cutting spending, but increasing spending... totally outside the parameters of what Congress intended for the program."

Thune also referenced changes in food assistance: "The Government Accountability Office busted the administration for doing it," he said about adjustments made to the Thrifty Food Program.

He further mentioned an earlier bipartisan stance on maintaining legislative filibuster rules: "In 2017 there were 32 Democrat senators who signed that letter," indicating some have since changed their position following shifts in political power.

Concluding his remarks, Thune commented on political consistency: "But these are some pretty striking, I think, and glaring examples of the inconsistency that is being applied to the current administration."

The session concluded with Thune urging his colleagues to proceed with voting on the nomination.