On July 3, 1986, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan were in New York to help kick off Liberty Weekend, which celebrated the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and commemorated its 100th anniversary in America. The next day, on Independence Day, President Reagan addressed the nation from... Continue Reading
Unlike the majority of the economy, which was thriving before the coronavirus pandemic, the agriculture economy had been struggling for a while. Low prices, extended trade disputes, and natural disasters had meant a tough few years for farmers and ranchers even before the coronavirus hit. Now things are even more... Continue Reading
For the last few months, essential employees across the country have been showing up for work, often risking their health and safety when they do. We’ve all heard harrowing stories of doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who’ve spent weeks away from home so they could help treat patients... Continue Reading
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. This senseless death left Americans reeling, most of all because there have been too many George Floyds. And Breonna Taylors. And Ahmaud Arberys. As a nation, we need to work to ensure that what happened that day... Continue Reading
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which formally granted women the right to vote, was officially adopted on August 26, 1920, a common-sense change that was long overdue. For its centennial celebration, I can think of no better location to honor the women who helped build America than Mount... Continue Reading
The internet has been a part of our daily lives for quite a while now: Netflix. Twitter. Amazon. But the internet has taken on new importance during the coronavirus pandemic. It’s become the main source of connection with friends and family. It’s enabled many people to work from home to help reduce... Continue Reading
Click here to watch Thune’s virtual commencement address. Congratulations, class of 2020. I can’t gloss over the fact that these are unusual times. This isn’t a normal high school graduation. And this hasn’t been a normal semester. I know this is a wonderful time of the year when the spring season rolls around.... Continue Reading
During times of crisis, Congress is an essential industry for the American people. That’s why I’m glad the Senate recently returned to Washington to continue doing the people’s business in a safe and responsible way. While walking the halls of the Capitol isn’t quite like it used to be, the... Continue Reading
The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for small businesses. Small business layoffs soared by 1,000 percent in March, with roughly 2 million employees losing their jobs, and that number is rising. Some businesses have closed, while others have been forced to cut employee hours drastically to stay afloat. To... Continue Reading
The American people have faced adversity before, and if history has taught us anything, we likely will again. While the challenges are never the same, the strength and determination with which America faces them is as predictable as the sun rising in the east. Look around, and there are examples... Continue Reading
The people of South Dakota are my top advisors. I rely on them more than anyone to get important advice and feedback about my work in Washington. While my reliance on their expertise hasn’t changed – and it never will – the venues through which I receive it certainly has... Continue Reading
I’ve written this sentence too many times over the last few years, but South Dakota’s agriculture community is hurting. It has been for a long time. While farmers and ranchers are all too familiar with adversity, the most frustrating part about what they’ve been facing is that it has all... Continue Reading
