Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor, emphasizing a shift in how legislative business is conducted under his leadership. Thune highlighted the need to address unfinished business from the previous year, specifically concerning appropriations.

Thune criticized last year's Democratic majority for delaying full-year appropriations, noting that 11 out of 12 bills were reported by the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support. He stated, "Six of those bills passed out of the committee unanimously." However, he pointed out that none of these bills reached the Senate floor due to other priorities set by then-Leader Schumer.

Today, the Senate faces another continuing resolution (CR) vote as a result of these delays. Thune expressed Republican dissatisfaction with this necessity but acknowledged it as "our best option to make sure that last year’s failure by Democrats doesn’t interfere with this year’s appropriations process."

He urged Democrats to avoid government shutdown threats and support passing the bill. Thune stressed moving forward with prioritizing appropriation bills in the Senate and committed to bringing them to the floor for consideration once reported by the Appropriations Committee.

"We’re going to have a debate, consider amendments, and vote," Thune said, aiming to prevent end-of-year pileups and reliance on continuing resolutions. He concluded by expressing hope for improved processes in fiscal year 2026.