Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) addressed the Senate floor, highlighting significant achievements made under President Trump's administration and the Republican majority in the Senate. He noted that it has been six months since President Trump assumed office and marked 200 days of Republican leadership in the Senate.

Thune emphasized several legislative accomplishments, including sending the Laken Riley Act to President Trump during his first week in office to address criminal illegal immigration. The HALT Fentanyl Act was signed last Wednesday, classifying fentanyl analogues as deadly drugs. Additionally, the GENIUS Act was enacted to enhance U.S. leadership in financial innovation, and a major rescissions package is awaiting presidential approval.

Other measures passed include ending 16 regulations from the previous administration, combating nonconsensual explicit images with the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and enacting permanent tax relief through the Big, Beautiful Bill signed on July 4th.

Looking ahead, Thune mentioned upcoming bills such as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and four bipartisan bills reported by the Appropriations Committee under Chair Collins. Thune reiterated his commitment to considering appropriations bills through regular order but stressed that cooperation from Democrats is essential.

Thune expressed disappointment at threats from Democratic leaders to shut down the government over budget cuts but remained hopeful about bipartisan cooperation. He also highlighted efforts to confirm President Trump's nominees quickly despite what he described as historic obstruction by Democrats.

"President Trump is the first president on record not to have a single civilian nominee go by unanimous consent or voice vote at this point in his presidency," Thune remarked, criticizing Democrats' strategy even for noncontroversial nominees.

Thune concluded by asserting that Republicans will continue working towards confirming President Trump's nominees: "Democrats can continue to drag this process out. But Republicans are going to get these nominees confirmed."