Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed a press conference in Washington, discussing the Republican agenda and an expected confrontation with Democrats over tax policies. Thune expressed concern about the Democratic-led proposal, emphasizing the significant impact it would have on American taxpayers.

“Republicans continue to have very productive conversations on how to achieve our agenda, and working with President Trump on making sure that we are rebuilding our military, unleashing American energy dominance, making sure that there isn’t a $4.5 trillion tax increase on the American people at the end of this year, and obviously securing our border,” stated Thune.

Thune highlighted the anticipated resistance from Democrats towards Republican measures. He noted, "Unfortunately for them, when they talk about fighting and fighting and fighting, what they are fighting, obviously, against – or for, I should say – is a $4.5 trillion tax increase on the American people at the end of the year."

The potential consequences of not extending current tax relief measures were also detailed by Thune. He pointed out that without these extensions, families earning less than $400,000 a year might face increased taxes. “So say, for example, if you’re a, you know, working family in this country with kids, if we don’t extend the existing tax relief by the end of this year, then you will see the child tax credit go from a $2,000 child tax credit to $1,000 child tax credit."

Thune concluded by reiterating the Republicans' commitment to policies they believe will benefit the American populace, including energy costs reduction and border security enhancements. “This president has made huge progress on that front already. We want to be good partners in working with him to achieve these objectives on behalf of the American people,” he said.