Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor, reflecting on a significant 10-week session that marked the longest in-session stretch in 15 years. During this period, substantial progress was made across various legislative fronts.

Thune highlighted several key achievements: "We confirmed nearly the president’s entire Cabinet – the fastest pace since the administration of George W. Bush." He also mentioned efforts towards "a transformational investment in border security and national defense" and continued development of legislation to extend tax relief initiated during President Trump's first term.

The session saw passage of critical bills, including legislation ensuring detention for illegal aliens arrested for crimes and the HALT Fentanyl Act aimed at tackling fentanyl trafficking. Thune noted, "In our final week of session we passed the HALT Fentanyl Act – legislation to give law enforcement a critical tool to go after the people trafficking fentanyl in our country."

However, some bills faced opposition from Democrats who blocked initiatives such as protecting Americans from illegitimate targeting by the International Criminal Court and preserving athletic opportunities for women and girls. The government funding bill narrowly passed with ten Democrats voting in favor while others opted for a filibuster.

Thune criticized what he described as Democrat hypocrisy: “Democrats who had campaigned to abolish the filibuster enthusiastically embraced it now that it served their purposes.” He expressed hope that Democrats would move past their inability to shut down the government as a new session begins.

Looking ahead, Thune outlined priorities including confirming more nominees for undersecretary and ambassador positions and rolling back regulations via Congressional Review Act resolutions. He emphasized upcoming efforts on tax relief extension and border security investment: “Confirming nominations, lifting burdensome regulations, laying the groundwork for tax and border security legislation…”

Thune concluded with anticipation of another productive work period: “Mr. President, I look forward to another busy work period ahead.”