Senator John Thune has introduced legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to consolidate its information technology (IT) projects in the hands of the VA’s chief information officer (CIO). The bill is a response to the failure of several expensive IT projects at the VA, and is... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today issued the following statement regarding the opening of enrollment season for the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit tomorrow, November 15: “Tomorrow, for the first time ever, South Dakota Medicare beneficiaries will have an opportunity to sign up for voluntary prescription drug coverage through Medicare. I am pleased... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced a major new transportation development in South Dakota. If approved, this initiative would represent the largest private investment in South Dakota’s history and would result in the creation of thousands of jobs. The Transportation Reauthorization bill, recently signed into law, included a provision authored by... Continue Reading
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
