Thune Reflects on 2019 Accomplishments

Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune’s speech.   WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed his number one priority in the Senate: serving the people of South Dakota. Thune discussed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which will authorize the full... Continue Reading

The Season to Rejoice

The holiday season is a special time of year. We get to rejoice in God’s gift to mankind while spending time with our family and friends, enjoying traditions of holidays past and the moments and memories created with those we love. It’s also a good reminder to slow down and... Continue Reading

South Dakota Leading the Way

I served four years as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to the depths of the ocean and the heights of outer space. And no matter the subject, one of my favorite parts about serving in... Continue Reading

“Shop Small” in South Dakota

While I’m sure most people know about the Black Friday shopping event that follows Thanksgiving each year, a relatively new shopping “holiday,” of sorts, popped up in the last decade that is celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday was created almost ten years ago to encourage... Continue Reading

‘Tis the Season to Be Thankful

(audio/video available here)   Like every Thanksgiving, I’ll be home in South Dakota, celebrating with my family: my wife, my daughters, my sons-in-law, and my four – soon to be five! – grandchildren. I’ll be taking on my traditional job of carving the turkey – and helping with the dishes... Continue Reading

The Work Goes On

When I served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, we had a four-year track record of bipartisanship and a reputation for getting things done. I’m proud of what we accomplished, including helping to lay the groundwork for the 5G mobile broadband revolution, enhancing Ellsworth Air... Continue Reading

Bursting the Internet “Filter Bubble”

Imagine walking into a local hardware store for its grand opening. As the door closes behind you, you look around and realize that almost all of the products in the store seem uncannily familiar. Those that aren’t, they pique your interest. As the store manager greets you, it’s as if... Continue Reading

South Dakota Leading the Way on 5G

Closing the digital divide in rural America has long been a priority for me, not only because it’s urgently needed and long overdue, but because I’ve experienced the divide firsthand here in South Dakota. My guess is that you probably have, too. But for some of my Senate colleagues who... Continue Reading

There’s No Place I’d Rather Be

There’s nothing better than autumn in South Dakota. I always enjoy traveling around the state in the fall. So far this October, I’ve gotten to visit with South Dakota students, present a Purple Heart medal to a Vietnam vet, talk to the new commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, attend... Continue Reading

Leadership Our Airmen Can Count On

South Dakota has a special connection to the U.S. Air Force, especially to the airmen who support its missions in the United States and around the globe. It’s because of this special connection that I’ve always had a particular interest in ensuring the Air Force’s civilian leaders both meet the... Continue Reading

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

There’s nothing quite like autumn – cooler temperatures, the sound of crisp leaves under your feet (or snow as may be the case), and students settled back in school. After a warm summer, this time of year is usually highly-anticipated in South Dakota, but not just because of the relief... Continue Reading

Celebrating Native American Day

While much of the United States celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, South Dakotans instead proudly recognize Native American Day, honoring the rich heritage and tribal people of our state. A tradition that began in 1989 when Gov. George Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation,”... Continue Reading