Western South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor on April 30, 2025, focusing on efforts to reduce what he described as burdensome regulations introduced during the Biden administration. Thune criticized the Biden administration's regulatory practices, stating, “over the last four years the Biden administration subjected Americans to an onslaught of regulations.”

Thune highlighted the financial burden of the Biden regulatory agenda, claiming it cost $1.8 trillion and significantly increased paperwork for business owners. He criticized these regulations as often being part of a "radical climate agenda," aiming to tie up conventional energy production and promote the adoption of electric vehicles, among other measures.

Thune emphasized the Republican response, noting progress made against these regulations. "President Trump has moved swiftly to unleash energy production and remove regulatory barriers," he stated, highlighting Congressional efforts, including using the Congressional Review Act to block certain Biden-era regulations.

He drew attention to a current Senate resolution led by Senator Husted, which seeks to block the Biden administration's appliance standards regulation. Thune named several household appliances affected by the rule, arguing that compliance costs could raise consumer prices, and quoting industry concerns about the regulation's practicality and burden.

Thune also spoke on upcoming Senate votes, including one to challenge a rule setting stricter standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers. He suggested that the regulation might increase costs for businesses and consumers, noting, “it will take more than 90 years” for businesses to see savings from one new standard, based on Department of Energy estimates.

The Senate will consider overturning the Biden administration’s major source rule, which Thune called “burdensome” and "backwards." Thune criticized the rule for maintaining strict regulations on pollutants classified as "major sources," even if emissions are reduced below the threshold.

In conclusion, Thune asserted the Senate Republicans' commitment to reducing what they view as excessive regulation, emphasizing that "rules out of Washington can frequently have very negative consequences in the real world." He advocated for using regulatory power prudently and eliminating unjustified burdens that affect businesses and consumers alike.