Thune Votes to Defend COOL

Senator John Thune today voted against the Agriculture Appropriations Conference Report because it contained an unacceptable two-year delay of the Country of Origin Labeling law (COOL). Senator Thune has been working to implement COOL since his days as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives: “Country of Origin Labeling... Continue Reading

Thune Votes to Trim $35 Billion from National Deficit

Senator John Thune today voted in favor of the Deficit Reduction Act, which will reduce the national deficit by $35 billion. This bill, which passed 52-47, is the first deficit reduction bill since 1997. “I was proud today to vote in favor of a thoughtful package that reduces our nation’s... Continue Reading

Thune Comments on the Nomination of Judge Samuel Alito

Senator John Thune (R-SD) made the following statement today regarding President Bush’s nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court: “Samuel Alito appears to be a highly experienced judge whose qualifications make him an excellent nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court. The Senate is responsible for providing... Continue Reading

Senate Passes Thune Telehealth Amendment

The U.S. Senate today passed an amendment offered by Senator John Thune (R-SD) to the Fiscal Year 2006 Labor-HHS appropriations bill that sets aside $10 million for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to increase access to telehealth resources across the nation: “Whether it’s an expectant mother or an... Continue Reading

Senator Thune Comments on COOL

Senator John Thune today made the following statement regarding the two year delay of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL): “This most recent delay in country of origin labeling is unacceptable. I am very disappointed with this unfavorable decision,” said Thune. “This delay hurts South Dakota’s cattle producers and treats consumers... Continue Reading

Senator Thune Comments on Harriet Miers

Senator John Thune today made the following statement regarding the withdrawal of Harriet Miers: “I applaud Harriet Miers for her distinguished service to our country. Her decision to withdraw out of respect for the separation of powers, one of America’s greatest founding principles, was a selfless act of courage that... Continue Reading

Thune Joins Senate Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Urge Japan to Open its Markets to American Beef

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today joined Senate colleagues in unveiling bipartisan legislation to encourage Japan to open its domestic market to American beef. “After the discovery of a single case of BSE in this country back in December of 2003, Japan has blocked imports of U.S. beef,” Thune said. “On... Continue Reading

Thune Applauds Presidential Signature of Law to Protect Gun Manufacturers Against Frivolous Lawsuits

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today applauded Presidential signature of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act—legislation Thune cosponsored in the Senate. “Today’s signature of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act into law is a tremendous victory for America’s gun manufacturers and retailers, and for the millions of... Continue Reading

Thune: Stop Fuel Price Gouging

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today issued the following statement as oil companies began releasing third quarter profits and House Republican Leadership called on oil companies to explain their profits and what efforts they are making to bring down the cost of fuel: “I commend the House Republican Leadership for stepping... Continue Reading

Thune Offers Telehealth Amendment

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 Labor-HHS appropriations bill that would set aside $10 million for the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth to increase access to telehealth resources across the nation: “Access to health care is a growing concern among Americans across... Continue Reading

Thune Applauds House Passage of Bill to Protect Gun Manufacturers from Frivolous Lawsuits

Senator John Thune (R-SD) today applauded House passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, legislation he cosponsored in the Senate. Congress now sends this legislation to the President for his signature. “In South Dakota, we have a great respect for the firearms industry, which provides more than... Continue Reading

Thune Announces Additional Funding for Defense Projects to Benefit South Dakota

Today, the Senate passed the Fiscal 2006 Defense Appropriations bill, which includes over $30 million of Senator John Thune’s requested funding for various defense-related projects that will be spent primarily in South Dakota and at least $26 million in upgrade or development programs for the B1-B bomber and Airborne Laser... Continue Reading