Press Releases

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today introduced a Concurrent Resolution expressing the sense of Congress that no U.S. assistance should be provided to the Palestinian Authority if a ruling majority party within the Palestinian Parliament maintains a position calling for the destruction of Israel. “It would be wrong for a single... Continue Reading

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today sent a letter to Dr. Mark McClellan, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), requesting a detailed description of the steps that CMS will take to ensure that states and pharmacies recover expenditures due to administrative problems in the enrollment of dual-eligibles... Continue Reading

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today commended the Senate Judiciary Committee for reporting Judge Samuel Alito’s Supreme Court nomination to the full Senate and urged his Democrat colleagues to confirm Judge Alito without delay: “I’m pleased the Judiciary Committee has reported Judge Alito’s nomination to the full Senate for a vote.... Continue Reading

Yesterday evening, Senator John Thune (R-SD) joined Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), urging him to quickly bring overdue legislation to the Senate floor that would provide low-income and elderly Americans with assistance in affording their heating bills. “While additional LIHEAP... Continue Reading

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today issued the following statement regarding Japan’s decision to halt U.S. beef imports, following an incident in which animal spine was found in a beef shipment at Tokyo International Airport: “This unfortunate incident is a serious matter that we cannot take lightly,” Thune said. “Secretary Johanns... Continue Reading

Senator John Thune will join a congressional delegation trip (CODEL) Saturday, January 7, to South America to review security, trade and agricultural issues. Senator Thune will be joined on the trip by Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Mel Martinez (R-FL), and Richard Burr (R-NC). The CODEL will make stops in Chile,... Continue Reading

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced $100 million in emergency contingency funds to states, tribes and territories that will help families in need pay their heating and energy bills this winter. In addition, HHS will now make available up to 100 percent of states’ remaining block... Continue Reading

Due to the Indian Health Service’s plan to shift its Wagner Service Unit (WSU) emergency room service from a 24-7 operation to a 7AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday operation, Senator Thune offered a measure that would allow dollars allocated for staff quarters to be used to keep the current... Continue Reading

Senator John Thune today announced the passage of the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Authorization bill. The Senate passed the bill late last night. “I was proud to support this important legislation that authorizes funding for important projects that will directly benefit South Dakota—our veterans, our active... Continue Reading

Today, the Senate passed the conference report for the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations bill, which includes over $17.6 million of Senator John Thune’s requested funding for various defense-related projects that will be spent primarily in South Dakota and at least $41 million in upgrade or development programs for the... Continue Reading