Second Amendment

I strongly support the Second Amendment, which protects “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” While others may disagree, I firmly believe the plain language of the Second Amendment guarantees the individual right of law-abiding citizens to own firearms.  This must include robust due process protections to guard against any policies that would suspend or curtail someone’s lawful Second Amendment right. Firearms have long been a part of the history and culture of South Dakota. Like many South Dakotans, I have a deep respect and appreciation for firearms, hunting, and the outdoors, which was instilled in me from a young age. Responsible use of firearms for sporting purposes and personal protection are valued components of South Dakota’s heritage, ones that support important hunting and tourism industries and protect our personal liberties.  As South Dakota’s U.S. Senator, I take seriously my responsibility to represent and protect your right to bear arms, and I remain a vigilant advocate for the Second Amendment and for protecting the rights of South Dakota gun owners.

Recent Actions:

September 2023

Date Title
9/13/23 Thune Calls Out Biden for Defunding School Hunting and Archery Programs

August 2023

Date Title
8/11/23 Thune Slams Biden’s Outrageous Guidance on School Hunting, Archery Programs

March 2023

Date Title
3/21/23 Thune Leads Effort to Block Unfair IRS Audits That Target Firearm Sales

April 2021

Date Title
4/12/21 Thune on Fox News Sunday: Save Socialism for Another Day, Make Infrastructure Bipartisan

March 2015

Date Title
3/15/15 Protecting Our Sporting Heritage
3/10/15 Thune: ATF Overreach Could Limit Law-abiding Citizens’ Right to Bear Arms

July 2014

Date Title
7/9/14 Thune Offers Amendments to Sportsmen’s Bill

March 2014

Date Title
3/12/14 Following Pressure From Thune, OMB Announces Restoration of Funding to Sportsmen Trust Funds

September 2013

Date Title
9/13/13 Klobuchar, Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Ammunition and Fishing Tackle from Unnecessary EPA Regulation

March 2012

Date Title
3/20/12 Thune, Vitter Concealed Carry Reciprocity Bill Would Balance Rights of States, Individual Gun Owners