WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement regarding passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 1094), which would give the Department of Veterans Affairs secretary greater flexibility to terminate or demote agency employees based on performance, misconduct, or other issues... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress: “Tonight President Trump highlighted his continued focus on tackling the issues that matter most to Americans,” said Thune. “I look forward to working with the president to implement policies that will... Continue Reading
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, legislation that will provide our military with the largest pay increase since 2010 and make reforms to defense acquisition, military health care, military justice, and... Continue Reading
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after Senate Democrats today blocked funding for veterans benefits, combating the Zika virus, and the Department of Defense for the third time this year. “Despite the fact the Zika virus currently poses a significant public health threat... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, discussed the recent terror attacks in Brussels and Istanbul by ISIS and efforts to address security vulnerabilities in the United States. Thune also spoke on the Airport Security Enhancement and Oversight Act (S. 2361), legislation... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after President Obama announced a plan to close Guantanamo Bay and transfer terrorists to the United States. Under current law, it is illegal to transfer foreign terrorists at Guantanamo to the United States. “Once again, the president is attempting to move... Continue Reading
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas) today introduced the North Korea and Iran Sanctions Act, which would require the immediate reinstatement of sanctions against Iran that were waived or suspended as part of President Obama’s flawed nuclear deal if it’s determined Iran sought nuclear... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today previewed President Obama’s final State of the Union address while citing many of the burdens placed on the American people by the Obama administration. Remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, tonight President Obama will come to Congress to deliver his final State of... Continue Reading
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the completion of the first large force exercise at the expanded Powder River Training Complex: “Congratulations to our commanders and airmen on the completion of the first large force exercise at the expanded Powder River Training Complex,” said... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran announced today: “Now that a deal has been struck, the onus is on President Obama to convince the American people that the contents of this deal are beneficial to... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced an amendment to the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (S. 615) to require the secretary of state to verify whether the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which would be in charge of inspections in Iran under this agreement, would have access to inspect... Continue Reading
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement regarding the extension of the Iranian nuclear talks: “After continued unsuccessful talks and repeated extensions while Iran continues to enrich, it is increasingly evident that the administration is unable to secure a... Continue Reading
