U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today questioned Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture nominee. If confirmed, Vilsack will be head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the second time, as he served as secretary during the Obama administration.... Continue Reading
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today reintroduced the Telecommunications Skilled Workforce Act, legislation to address the shortage of trained workers necessary to fill next-generation jobs in the telecommunications industry... Continue Reading
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today urged the U.S. Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue guidance excluding Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments from farmers’ and ranchers’ 2020 gross receipts for purposes of obtaining a second draw loan through the Paycheck... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming virtual March for Life and expressed his gratitude for those who will join in this ‘march’ to stand up for innocent lives. He thanked them for their commitment to the pro-life movement and offered encouragement to continue fighting for justice for... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today questioned Secretary of Commerce nominee Gov. Gina Raimondo (D-R.I.). Thune pressed her on her outlook concerning broadband availability for rural America, spectrum management, and her stance on the incorporation of innovative approaches to... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the legislative filibuster, the feature of the Senate that requires 60 senators to agree before the Senate can end debate and vote on a bill, ensuring that the minority party is represented in legislation. Thune expressed his hope that all Senate Democrats will... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today congratulated President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following their inauguration. Thune emphasized America’s deep need for unity amidst the current state of the nation and discussed his hope that as this new presidency begins, all American voices will be respected and heard.... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered remarks at the committee’s nomination hearing for Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be Secretary of Transportation. Thune questioned Mayor Buttigieg on his approach to freight rail policy, tribal transportation, and support for state... Continue Reading
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today urged President-elect Biden not to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline and the regional economic investment it will drive to South Dakota. “As you begin your term, we know you will face many calls to... Continue Reading
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives for passing their legislation that will allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance programs and cover at... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to provide targeted coronavirus relief to the American people. “After months of needless delay, I am thankful that we have finally come to an agreement to address the most critical priorities to continue to... Continue Reading
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the recent bipartisan agreement on a new targeted COVID-19 relief package, for which he has been advocating for months. This legislation will include a second round of Paycheck Protection Program funding for the hardest-hit small businesses and additional money to help schools reopen... Continue Reading
