SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune has a bold legislative agenda.
“We want to make sure we’re securing the border, rebuilding our military, strengthening our economy, renewing American energy dominance in this country, and then making sure that we prevent a major tax increase on the American people,” Sen. John Thune said.
Thune says there’s a lot to do once President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20th. Despite some past tensions, Thune now describes his connection with Trump as a “strong working relationship.”
“I speak to the president regularly. We are, as I’ve said, aligned on the things we want to accomplish. And if he is a successful president, the country will be successful,” Thune said. “It’s very much obviously in the interest of the United States Senate and the House to work with him to be able to implement his agenda.”
Thune said he anticipates Governor Kristi Noem’s Senate confirmation as Department of Homeland Security secretary will follow fairly quickly after Wednesday’s hearing, given the national security implications of the role.
“A week from Monday when the president sworn in, he’ll submit the paperwork which will enable the committees then to meet and to report those nominees out to the floor for consideration. Once they’re reported out of the committee and on the floor, then it’s just a function of how quickly we can get through the process,” Thune said.
As the Senate Majority Leader, one of Thune’s key priorities is passing a reauthorized farm bill. According to Thune, it’s been delayed several times, creating economic uncertainty for farmers across the country, including his home state of South Dakota.
“Commodity prices are down. Input costs are up. Margins have shrunk,” Thune said. “In many cases, lenders are getting nervous, as are our farmers and ranchers. I would argue that agriculture is always going to be one of my number one issues.”
Thune is also pushing for stronger border security. He highlighted the Laken Riley Act, a bill aimed at addressing illegal immigration. The bill faced partisan opposition last year, but Thune remains hopeful for more bipartisan support moving forward.
“All but nine Democrats voted for it in the Senate. Hopefully, there’s a change there,” Thune said. “I think they recognize that bills like this, which are just common sense and particularly those that deal with border security and in the security of our communities in this country, they need to be highlighted.”
The Senate Majority Leader serves as the spokesperson for their party’s positions on issues and schedules business on the floor.
