The Republican-led Senate, the Democrat-led House of Representatives, and the president all agree: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will modernize the longstanding trade relationship with South Dakota’s top trading partners and help take us further into the 21st century. I’m relieved that after more than a year of unnecessary delay by House... Continue Reading
President Ronald Reagan once said, “I’ve always thought New Year’s Day was an especially American tradition, full of the optimism and hope we’re famous for in our daily lives – an energy and confidence we call the American spirit. Perhaps because we know we control our own destiny, we believe... Continue Reading
If you’re a Seinfeld fan like me, you probably remember the episode where Jerry receives a phone call from a telemarketer, interrupting his conversation with other characters on the show. Jerry tells the person on the other end of the line that he’s busy, but says that if the telemarketer... Continue Reading
In 1906, two brothers, Nikolai and Matthew Gjelsvik, arrived at Ellis Island from Norway. The only English they knew were the words apple pie and coffee, which they learned on the boat on the way over. The immigration officials at Ellis Island asked them to change their last name because... Continue Reading
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 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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
