Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the Senate floor, emphasizing the Republican party's commitment to fulfilling promises made during the last election cycle. Thune highlighted a proposed bill aimed at making permanent several tax cuts and reforms initiated in 2017.

Thune stated, "Mr. President, last November the American people elected President Trump and a Republican Congress with a clear mandate." He emphasized that since taking control in Washington, efforts have been focused on delivering "a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America."

The bill seeks to make permanent tax relief measures such as lower tax rates for all income brackets and an increased child tax credit linked to inflation. According to Thune, without action from Congress, these policies will expire at the end of the year, potentially resulting in higher taxes for families across the nation.

Thune noted specific benefits of the bill: "Seniors will have an even higher standard deduction," while millions of tipped workers and hourly workers could see tax reductions on tips and overtime pay respectively.

Economic growth is another focus of the bill. It proposes making permanent deductions for small businesses and full expensing for new equipment and domestic R&D. Thune asserted that these measures would encourage investment in American operations and workforce.

Agriculture also features prominently in the proposed legislation. The bill aims to support farmers through increased reference prices for commodities and enhanced crop insurance coverage.

On national security, Thune remarked on investments in border security and military readiness: "Our bill provides those resources" needed by law enforcement to manage illegal immigration effectively. Military enhancements include shipbuilding investments and missile defense improvements.

Energy independence is another pillar of the proposal. Thune mentioned that maintaining energy independence is crucial for national security, advocating for responsible domestic production of natural resources.

Finally, Thune discussed government efficiency: "It delivers savings to the American people by reining in waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs." The proposal includes significant spending cuts intended to reduce the deficit substantially.

In conclusion, Thune stated that this comprehensive bill aims to deliver on promises made by Republicans during their electoral campaign: "A stronger America. A safer America. And a more prosperous America."