John Thune

Electoral integrity

Criminal justice

Fiscal policy

Healthcare

Education

Economy and labor

Environment and energy

Immigration

National security and foreign policy

Civil rights and liberties

Social policy

Technology and data

Civil liberties and government power

Government accountability and transparency

Infrastructure and public investment

Thune delivered remarks on the floor of the Senate honoring National Police Week and remembering law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, noting that more than 200 officers were killed in 2025 and acknowledging the sacrifices of officers and their families.

Thune asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the cloture motion on the nominations en bloc pursuant to S. Res. 690.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor stating that President Trump is the only president in history who has not had a single civilian nominee approved by voice vote or unanimous consent, and that Democrats have obstructed his nominations for partisan reasons while Republicans plan to vote soon on a fourth nominations package containing 49 Trump nominees.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor in support of Kevin Warsh's nomination to be Chairman of the Federal Reserve, stating that Warsh has the appropriate profile for the position and that Democratic opposition is based on "Trump derangement syndrome" rather than substantive concerns about his qualifications or the Fed's independence.

Thune hosted a business roundtable in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and visited the Business and Health Innovation Center at Northern State University to hear from small business owners and learn about entrepreneurial support services.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 4486 in order to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that Democrats refused to provide funding for border security and immigration enforcement officers at the Department of Homeland Security and compared their position to the "defund the police" movement.

Thune asked for unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to immediate consideration of S. 4465.

Thune stated that Senate Republicans moved forward last week to begin a process to fund Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the next 3 years without Democratic support.

Thune stated that the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down because Democrats refused to fund border security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Border Patrol, and quoted the Democrat leader as saying "Nobody in this country respects ICE and Border Patrol."

Thune welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to the Capitol and spoke about the special relationship and alliance between the United States and Great Britain.

Thune spoke on the floor during National Apprenticeship Week to discuss how the Working Families Tax Cut bill expanded 529 education savings plans to include vocational and continuing education programs, doubled withdrawal limits to $20,000 per year, created Trump Accounts, and established a new Workforce Pell program to provide financial assistance for skills and career training programs.

Thune stated that the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner shooting was the third assassination attempt on President Trump in 2 years and called for rapid funding of law enforcement agencies at the Department of Homeland Security.

Thune announced he would move to proceed to a budget resolution and stated that Republicans were using budget reconciliation to fund the Department of Homeland Security agencies ICE and CBP because Democrats had rejected bipartisan appropriations negotiations and reform proposals.

Thune stated that Republicans would move forward that week with a budget resolution to take up a funding bill for law enforcement and border security components of the Department of Homeland Security, and would fund those components for the next 3 years to prevent Democrats from defunding them in future appropriations.

Thune objected to further proceeding on S. 4344, a bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune read an excerpt from a Washington Post article about tax refunds and discussed the provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts, including increased standard deductions, child tax credits, and deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest.

Thune asked for unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to immediate consideration of H.R. 8322, a bill to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 30, 2026.

Thune requested the first and second readings of S. 4344, a bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years, and objected to his own request for second reading to place the bill on the Calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to proceed to H.J. Res. 140, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of a Bureau of Land Management rule relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for withdrawal of federal lands in Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, Minnesota.

Thune spoke in support of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, describing its provisions including permanently locked-in lower tax rates, increased standard deductions, an expanded child tax credit indexed to inflation, and new deductions for seniors, auto loan interest, overtime pay, and tips.

Thune stated that Senate Democrats opposed a voter ID amendment offered by Senator Husted that would have required a photo ID at the polls, despite public statements from Democratic senators expressing support for voter ID requirements.

Thune stated that Democrats shut down the government for 43 days in the fall, refused to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security for over 50 days, reneged on a January funding agreement by demanding additional immigration reforms, and voted to defund law enforcement agencies including the Border Patrol, ICE deportation operations, drug interdiction, and DHS criminal investigation units.

Thune requested the first reading of S. 4280, a bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to reauthorize and reform certain authorities and provide greater transparency and oversight, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 4277, a bill to make appropriations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to table the House message regarding H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and the motion was agreed to.

Thune stated on the Senate floor that President Trump found a way to provide relief for tens of thousands of TSA officers working without pay, and attributed the Department of Homeland Security shutdown to Democrats' refusal to reach a funding agreement.

Thune requested the first reading of S. 4277, a bill to make appropriations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and then objected to his own request for a second reading to place the bill on the Calendar under rule XIV.

Thune asked unanimous consent to proceed to immediate consideration of H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and requested that a substitute amendment be considered and agreed to.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, and stated that Republicans have repeatedly negotiated with Democrats while Democrats have refused multiple offers to fund the department.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, a bill making further consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke in support of voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, arguing they are commonsense policies supported by polling.

Thune withdrew a motion to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, moved to table Schumer's motion to suspend rule XXV, and moved to table the motion to refer the bill to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor during the SAVE America Act debate, arguing that the bill's policies on election security and transgender issues reflect common sense supported by the American people, while characterizing Democratic opposition to the bill as radical.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke in support of the SAVE America Act, explaining that it would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification to cast a ballot.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke on the Senate floor regarding Democratic opposition to a photo ID voting requirement bill and an amendment to protect women's sports.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke in support of the SAVE America Act, discussing policies on election integrity and athletic eligibility for women's sports.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke about voter ID requirements, noting that Americans regularly use photo IDs for various activities but Democrats object to requiring them for voting.

Thune moved to concur in the House amendment to S. 1383 with Amendment No. 4420, and introduced Amendment No. 4421 (on behalf of Tuberville and Blackburn) to replace Title II with provisions protecting women and girls in athletics by prohibiting recipients of federal funds from permitting males to participate in athletic programs designated for women or girls.

Thune moved to proceed to legislative session.

Thune asked that the Chair lay before the Senate the House message to accompany S. 1383.

Thune stated that Democrats blocked the Senate from proceeding to a Department of Homeland Security funding bill for the fourth time and that the bill included reforms such as body cameras, deescalation training, and additional oversight of immigration enforcement activities.

Thune objected to further proceeding on S. 4064, a bill to provide for regulation of digital commodities by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that he would bring the SAVE America Act to the floor the following week for a full and robust debate, and he described the act as requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship to register to vote and show an ID at the polls.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 311, H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, and submitted a cloture motion signed by 17 senators to bring debate on the motion to a close.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor to argue that Democrats' proposal to selectively fund certain DHS agencies was unserious and that every part of the Department of Homeland Security is essential, citing the importance of Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and enforcement and removal operations.

Thune requested unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs from consideration of S. 2074 and proceed to its immediate consideration, passage, and engrossment.

Thune objected to further proceeding on S. 3977, a bill to amend bankruptcy eligibility requirements in title 11 of the United States Code, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor to contrast Democratic and Republican approaches to addressing affordability, stating that Democrats created an affordability crisis through excessive spending including the American Rescue Plan, while Republicans have addressed costs through tax cuts and regulatory reform.

Thune stated that Senate Democrats were responsible for a second government shutdown in 6 months, affecting Department of Homeland Security employees including TSA agents and Coast Guard civilian employees, and argued that the White House had shown willingness to negotiate and make substantial offers to Democrats.

Thune described the impacts of the Working Families Tax Cut Act on South Dakota businesses and farmers, citing examples including Pizza Ranch franchisee Todd Pharis, car dealership owner Jim Lake, and Agtegra Cooperative's Paul Forst.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 343, H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and submitted a cloture motion signed by 17 senators to bring to a close debate on that motion.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor regarding the Department of Homeland Security shutdown, stating that Democrats had shut down the department for 11 days and expressing concerns about the consequences to federal agencies and employees.

Thune described tax relief provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, including an enhanced child tax credit linked to inflation, a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, an increased standard deduction, tax-advantaged investment accounts for children with initial federal contributions, and tax deductions for tips and overtime.

Thune objected to further proceeding en bloc on three bills (S. 3805, H.R. 6500, and H.R. 1834) in order to place them on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that Republicans gave Democrats a tight timeline for the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill to prevent a government shutdown, and that Democrats must now negotiate in good faith while addressing Republican priorities including law enforcement harassment concerns and local-federal law enforcement cooperation.

Thune spoke in favor of President Trump's Executive order to protect women's and girls' opportunities in sports by denying Federal funding to institutions that allow biological males to compete in women's sports.

Thune spoke about the working families tax cuts, describing benefits including tax deductions for tips and overtime pay, and citing examples from workers in Nevada, Iowa, California, and Michigan about how the tax relief would affect their finances.

Thune objected to further proceedings on H.R. 7147 under rule XIV to place the bill on the calendar.

Thune announced that the Senate passed five appropriations bills on Friday and stated that 11 of 12 fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills have been passed, expressing pride in returning to regular order consideration of individual bills rather than omnibus continuing resolutions.

Paul Amdt. No. 4272

Motion to Table Lee Amdt. No. 4236

Motion to Table Lee Amdt. No. 4234

Motion to Table Lee Amdt. No. 4286

Sanders Amdt. No. 4290

Motion to Waive All Applicable Budgetary Discipline Re: Merkley Amdt. No. 4287

H.R. 7148, as Amended

Thune requested the first reading of H.R. 7147, a bill making further consolidated appropriations for fiscal year 2026, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under Rule XIV.

Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 7148

Thune discussed the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, explaining its provisions including lowered tax rates, increased standard deductions, a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, an increased child tax credit of $2,200 per child linked to inflation, and new investment accounts for newborns retroactive to 2025.

Motion to Invoke Cloture on the Motion to Proceed to S. 3627

Motion to Invoke Cloture: H.R. 6938

H.R. 6938

Is the Point of Order Well Taken Re: To the Privilege Status of S.J. Res. 98

Thune spoke on the Senate floor opposing a Democratic resolution to direct the removal of U.S. forces from Venezuela, arguing that the United States was not engaged in hostilities there and characterizing the resolution as politically motivated opposition to President Trump.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 3627, a bill to require institutions of higher education to disseminate information on the rights of, and accommodations and resources for, pregnant students, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Motion to Proceed to S.J. Res. 84

Thune requested the first reading of S. 3627, a bill to require institutions of higher education to disseminate information on the rights of and accommodations and resources for pregnant students, and then objected to his own request for a second reading in order to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune called up Amendment No. 4208 to H.R. 6938 to add a provision that the Act shall take effect 1 day after the date of enactment, proposed a second-degree amendment to change it to 2 days, and moved to commit the bill to the Committee on Appropriations with instructions to report back with Amendment No. 4210 to change the effective date to 5 days.

Motion to Invoke Cloture: Motion to Proceed to H.R. 6938

Motion to Discharge S.J.Res. 98

Confirmation: Alexander C. Van Hook, of Louisiana, to be U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana

Thune stated that the Senate would focus on government funding this month with a January 30 deadline, noted that the House was expected to consider a three-bill appropriations package later that day, and explained that this package spends less money than a continuing resolution while funding law enforcement, infrastructure projects, and energy programs.

Motion to Proceed to S.J.Res. 86

Thune spoke on the Senate floor to describe the Rural Health Transformation Program, a $50 billion initiative created by Republican legislation that provides states with resources to address rural healthcare challenges including hospital closures and doctor shortages.

Confirmation: Joshua Simmons, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency

Confirmation: Sara Bailey, of Texas, to be Director of National Drug Control Policy

Thune spoke in support of the Working Families Tax Cuts legislation, describing it as landmark legislation that provides permanent tax relief including bigger paychecks, an increased standard deduction, an expanded child tax credit worth $2,200 per child, and tax relief on tips and overtime income, while also noting the bill made investments in rural healthcare through a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund and border security measures.

Confirmation: Keith Bass, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense

Thune stated that 2025 was a historically busy year in the U.S. Senate with the longest session period in more than 15 years and the greatest number of votes in half a century, and outlined legislative accomplishments including confirmation of over 400 Presidential nominees, passage of the Working Families Tax Cut, repeal of Biden regulations, and legislation on fentanyl, immigration, and stablecoins.

Thune stated that President Trump's nominees have been confirmed at a rate exceeding both Trump's previous term and Biden's, and that Democrats have required rollcall votes on every civilian nomination without a single confirmation by unanimous consent or voice vote, which he characterized as unprecedented obstruction.

Thune moved to proceed to legislative session.

Thune discussed Republican tax relief legislation passed in July as part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," detailing its effects on South Dakota families, farmers, ranchers, and small business owners, including working families tax cuts, child tax credits, standard deductions, and provisions benefiting agricultural and business operations.

Thune stated that the Democrat proposal for a 3-year extension of Biden COVID bonuses at a cost of $83 billion to taxpayers is an attempt to disguise the real impact of ObamaCare's spiraling healthcare costs and does not lower healthcare costs.

Thune stated that during the Biden administration hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants arrived at the southern border monthly, that the administration repeatedly rejected recommendations to address the border crisis, and that under the Trump administration apprehensions dropped 95 percent with zero releases of apprehended individuals into the country.

Thune moved to adjourn the Senate until 6:48 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Thune requested first reading en bloc for three bills (S. 3385, S. 3386, and H.R. 1949), then requested second reading and objected to his own request en bloc, placing the bills on the calendar for second reading on the next legislative day.

Thune objected to further proceeding en bloc on three bills (S. 3385, S. 3386, and H.R. 1949) in order to place them on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune read quotes from Democratic colleagues acknowledging problems with the healthcare system and contrasted them with their 2009 promises about the Affordable Care Act, arguing the program has failed to reduce healthcare costs.

Thune reported that the Senate has confirmed 314 of President Trump's civilian nominees as of the previous day and filed a nominations package expected to bring total confirmations to more than 400.

Thune requested that the Senate stand in recess under the previous order, following the remarks of Senator Cassidy.

Thune sent S. Res. 532 to the desk to authorize en bloc consideration of certain nominations in Executive Session and then objected to his own request to place it on the calendar.

Thune described the Working Families Tax Cut legislation passed in July, which made permanent the 2017 tax relief provisions including lower tax rates, increased standard deduction, expanded child tax credit indexed to inflation, a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, and business tax provisions including full expensing for new factories and domestic research and development.

Thune stated that healthcare premiums on the ObamaCare exchanges have increased 221 percent since they went live over 10 years ago, and argued that Democrat policies rather than Republican policies are responsible for rising healthcare costs.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor regarding the Biden administration's regulatory policies, stating that the incoming mayor of New York City promised "there is no problem too large for government to solve, and no concern too small for it to care about," and then argued that growing government is the driving philosophy of the Democratic Party, citing examples including mask mandates for young children, EPA regulations on puddles, electric vehicle mandates, and appliance efficiency rules.

Thune moved to proceed to legislative session.

Thune submitted S. Res. 520 to authorize en bloc consideration of certain nominations in Executive Session and objected to his own request to place it on the calendar.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 136, H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke about the need for strong military investment and defense capabilities.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 136, H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, and spoke about the recently ended 43-day government shutdown, stating that Republicans had offered Democrats a clean funding extension without partisan demands while Democrats chose to shut down the government because the far left demanded a showdown with President Trump.

Thune objected to further proceeding on S. 3168, a bill to appropriate funds for federal employees, contract employees, and members of the Armed Forces during a lapse in appropriations, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that eight Democrats joined Republicans to take the first step to reopen the government and urged all members of both parties not to obstruct the passage of a continuing resolution with three bipartisan full-year appropriations bills.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Thune requested the first reading of S. 3168, a bill to appropriate funds for pay and allowances of Federal employees, contract employees, and members of the Armed Forces during a lapse in appropriations, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 3166, a bill to rescind unused COVID funding and reduce the deficit, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and delivered remarks opposing the Democrat leader's proposal to extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.

Thune introduced S. 3166, a bill to rescind unused COVID funding and reduce the deficit, and requested its first and second readings.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and spoke about the government shutdown, stating that Democrats instigated it by rejecting a clean funding resolution and that Republicans would not negotiate on healthcare while the government remained shut down.

Thune called for Democrats to vote for a clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution to end the government shutdown and allow time for bipartisan work on appropriations bills.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and spoke about the effects of the government shutdown on military families, food banks, SNAP, Head Start Programs, housing assistance, and veteran programs.

Thune requested authorization for the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to meet during the Senate session on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to conduct a business meeting.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and stated that Republicans offered a clean continuing resolution with no partisan add-ons while Democrats demanded $1.5 trillion in new spending and are refusing to reopen the government.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026, and delivered remarks stating that Democrats were responsible for the government shutdown and that the House-passed bill could pass with five additional Democratic votes.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Thune requested that the name of Senator Mike Lee of Utah be added as a cosponsor of S. 421, a bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to establish country of origin labeling requirements for beef.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Thune discussed a series of votes including Senator Johnson's proposal to pay Federal employees working during a government shutdown, and stated that Democrats had voted against a continuing resolution that would reopen the government.

Thune objected to further proceedings on three bills (S. 3030, S. 3031, and S. 3032) en bloc in order to place them on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a continuing appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026.

Thune requested first and second readings en bloc for three bills (S. 3030, S. 3031, and S. 3032) and objected to his own request for second reading, which postponed the second reading to the next legislative day.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Thune stated that Republicans were offering Democrats a vote on a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government at current funding levels for a few weeks while full-year appropriations were being worked on, and opposed Democrats' $1.5 trillion demand that included an Obamacare bailout and healthcare benefits for noncitizens.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 3012, a bill to appropriate funds for pay and allowances of excepted Federal employees during a lapse in appropriations, thereby placing it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026.

Thune requested the first reading of S. 3012, a bill to appropriate funds for pay and allowances of excepted Federal employees during lapses in appropriations, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026.

Thune asked unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session and execute the order with respect to Calendar No. 115, S. 2296.

Thune congratulated Senator Susan Collins on casting her 9,750th consecutive vote and yielded back all time on H.J. Res. 105.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 2983, a bill to reauthorize the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune noted that October 7, 2025, marks 2 years since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, recalled that hundreds of Israelis were killed and over 200 hostages were taken on that day, acknowledged that some hostages remain in captivity, and expressed prayers for the remaining hostages, survivors, those grieving, and for a just and lasting peace in the region.

Thune moved to proceed to legislative session.

Thune stated that a government shutdown could be ended by taking one rollcall vote on a House-passed clean continuing resolution that would reopen the government through November 21 and that Democrats need to vote for this resolution instead of holding the government hostage to their $1.5 trillion in partisan spending demands.

Thune stated that Democrats rejected a clean funding bill to keep the government open, that the Senate would vote the following day to give Democrats another opportunity to reopen the government, and that a clean, nonpartisan funding extension was being offered without new Republican policies or partisan demands.

Thune stated that the Senate was 14 hours away from a government shutdown, that the House had passed a clean continuing resolution to fund the government until November 21 with presidential support, and that Senate Democrats were blocking it for partisan purposes.

Thune moved to proceed to the motion to reconsider the vote on passage of H.R. 5371 and moved to reconsider the vote on passage of H.R. 5371.

Thune asked unanimous consent that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.

Thune stated that the House passed a short-term clean continuing resolution to fund the government, that the Senate would vote on that resolution as well as a Democratic alternative, and that the Republican bill contrasts with the Democratic bill because the Republican version is clean and nonpartisan while the Democratic version is laden with partisan policies.

Thune asked for the yeas and nays on H.R. 5371 and entered a motion to reconsider passage of the bill after it failed to pass.

Thune requested unanimous consent to authorize Senators to use their office accounts for security enhancements and services and asked the Senate to proceed to consideration of S. Res. 413.

Thune stated that Democrats' continuing resolution proposal is "packed full of partisan policies" including funding healthcare for able-bodied adults who refuse to work and ensuring noncitizens go back on Medicaid rolls, while removing Republican measures to eliminate waste and fraud in Medicaid and eliminating investments in rural healthcare and home and community-based services for Americans with disabilities.

Thune asked for the first reading of S. 2882, a bill making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2026, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune sent an executive resolution to the desk authorizing en bloc consideration of certain nominations in Executive Session and then objected to his own request to place it on the calendar.

Thune objected to further proceeding on two bills en bloc in order to place S. 2805 and S. 2806 on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor advocating for a clean continuing resolution to fund the government into November, stating that the Senate should pass appropriations bills through regular order rather than behind closed doors.

Thune stated that Republicans will put forward a clean continuing resolution to fund the government until mid-November and urged Democratic colleagues to work with Republicans to quickly pass the legislation.

Thune requested first reading en bloc for two bills (S. 2805 and S. 2806) and subsequently requested second reading while objecting to his own request.

Thune offered seven amendments (Nos. 3863, 3864, 3865, 3866, 3867, 3868, and one additional) relating to enactment dates and a motion to recommit the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 to the Committee on Armed Services, and delivered remarks commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Thune objected to further proceeding en bloc on S. 2748 and H.R. 4553 in order to place the bills on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune requested unanimous consent for the Senate to proceed to immediate consideration of S. 93, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025, and for the bill to be considered read a third time and passed.

Thune suggested the absence of a quorum during consideration of S. 2296, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

Thune initiated a process Monday to restore Senate precedent and codify in Senate rules the practice of the Senate acting expeditiously on Presidential nominees, and defended this action against Democratic criticism by noting that 62 of 139 civilian nominees have been confirmed with Democratic support and that Trump nominees have emerged from committee with bipartisan support.

Thune described provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, explaining that it would provide tax relief to Americans in every county, make 2017 tax cuts permanent, increase the child tax credit to $2,200 per child linked to inflation, add a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, and eliminate taxes on tips.

Thune sent S. Res. 377, an executive resolution authorizing en bloc consideration of certain nominations, to the desk and requested its immediate consideration.

Thune stated that President Trump has not had a single civilian nominee confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote during his first 8 months in office, contrasting this with the historical practice of both parties confirming the majority of presidential nominees through these expedited procedures.

Thune reported on his activities during the August state work period in South Dakota, including visits to county fairs in Parker, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Huron, and Aberdeen, a farm policy forum in Mitchell with Senators Rounds and Congressman Johnson, and visits to small businesses in Hoven and Mobridge.

Thune asked unanimous consent to resume legislative session and to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the motion to proceed to Calendar No. 115, S. 2296.

Thune reported that an agreement with Democrats on an appropriations package was reached and that three fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills—Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Agriculture—were passed the previous night.

Thune stated he knew of no further debate on the Lindberg nomination.

Thune stated he knew of no further debate on the Pirro nomination.

Thune requested unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on the Judiciary from further consideration of S. 1659 and proceed to its immediate consideration, then requested unanimous consent to consider and agree to the Coons amendment, read the bill a third time, and pass it.

Thune requested unanimous consent for a series of Senate votes on executive nominations, including a confirmation vote on Andrea Lucas at 7 p.m. and cloture votes on four other nominations, with postcloture time to be expired and final votes no earlier than August 1.

Thune stated that the Senate Appropriations Committee has passed six bipartisan appropriations bills and that Republicans are ready to consider a package of appropriations bills with a floor process involving amendments from both sides, while noting that no civilian nominees for President Trump have been confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote compared to 49 of President Biden's 121 confirmed civilian nominees.

Thune objected to further proceeding on H.R. 4016, a Department of Defense appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune requested the first reading of H.R. 4016, a bill making appropriations for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune described the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill, including making 2017 tax relief permanent, increasing the child tax credit to $2,200, increasing the standard deduction, adding a $6,000 bonus deduction for seniors, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, and funding for military readiness, border security, and energy production.

Thune spoke to recognize the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for delivering Nash Keen, a baby born at 21 weeks of gestation who set a Guinness World Record as the most premature baby to survive, and highlighted the hospital's exceptional survival rates for extremely premature infants.

Thune described provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill related to agriculture, including reauthorization of commodity programs through 2031 with raised reference prices, a voluntary base acre update making 30 million acres available, extended crop insurance support for beginning farmers from 5 to 10 years, improvements to the Livestock Indemnity Program, reduced drought triggers for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, investments in disease prevention and preparedness, and enhancements to the Dairy Margin Coverage program.

Thune asked that the Senate execute the order of July 23 with respect to the Bove nomination for Emil J. Bove III to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit.

Thune stated that Senate Republicans have confirmed 107 of President Trump's civilian nominees at nearly double the pace of his first administration, and that Democrats have not allowed a single civilian Trump nominee to pass by unanimous consent or voice vote, unlike President Biden who had 44 such confirmations by the same point in his presidency.

Thune stated that the Senate Appropriations Committee under Chair Collins released four bipartisan appropriations bills and that the Senate is bringing the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026 to the floor for consideration, which was approved by the committee in a 26 to 3 vote.

Thune stated that the Trump administration and Senate Republicans have accomplished passage of the Laken Riley Act, the HALT Fentanyl Act, the GENIUS Act, a rescissions package, measures ending 16 Biden-era regulations, the TAKE IT DOWN Act, and the Big Beautiful Bill providing permanent tax relief, and that the Senate has confirmed 96 of the President's civilian nominees.

Thune moved that the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Budget be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 4 in accordance with title X of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.

Thune called up amendment No. 2853 to H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, on behalf of Mr. Schmitt, which proposed to rescind certain unobligated balances from international organizations and foreign aid programs.

Thune spoke in support of a Trump administration rescissions package that would cut approximately $9 billion in federal spending, characterizing the cuts as targeting wasteful foreign aid and representing one-tenth of 1 percent of the federal budget.

Thune discussed the Agriculture appropriations bill for fiscal year 2026, describing its provisions for supporting farmers and ranchers, including funding for the Farm Service Agency, rural development programs, conservation efforts, and market access initiatives.

Thune filed cloture on the nomination of Whitney Hermandorfer of Tennessee to be U.S. circuit judge for the Sixth Circuit.

Thune described the Senate's accomplishments during the first six months of the 119th Congress, including the confirmation of 21 Cabinet members, passage of 18 measures to overturn Biden administration regulations, confirmation of 10 ambassadors, passage of the Laken Riley Act, HALT Fentanyl Act, and GENIUS Act, and passage of a reconciliation bill signed into law on July 4 that permanently extends 2017 tax relief and includes border security investments and military readiness measures.

Thune expressed prayers for victims of torrential flooding in Texas that resulted in more than 100 deaths, praised rescue workers and volunteers, and honored everyday Americans who died attempting to save others during the floods.

Thune stated that Republicans delivered legislation permanently extending tax relief from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including lower tax rates for all income levels, an enhanced child tax credit linked to inflation, no tax on overtime or tips, and full expensing for new factories.

Thune requested unanimous consent to establish an order of procedure for votes on the Griffith and Bedford nominations, stipulating that postcloture time be expired upon cloture invocation and that confirmation votes occur no earlier than Wednesday, July 9.

Thune spoke in support of a comprehensive tax bill that would make the 2017 tax cuts permanent, raise the child tax credit to $2,200 per child, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, and make business tax provisions permanent.

Thune requested the first reading of H.R. 1, asked for a second reading, and objected to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune spoke in support of a reconciliation bill that would make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, expand the child tax credit to $2,200 per child, suspend taxes on tips and overtime pay, and increase the standard deduction for seniors.

Thune remarked on the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision, stating that new protections for unborn Americans exist in many states while noting that other states have enacted pro-abortion laws and that over a million abortions were reported in the United States in 2024.

Thune spoke about a bill extending and expanding tax relief provisions, including making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act's lower tax rates permanent, increasing the child tax credit to $2,200 per child, providing a $6,000 standard deduction boost for seniors, and eliminating taxes on overtime pay and tips.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor regarding Iran, stating that President Trump ordered precise and limited strikes against Iran's nuclear program after Iran refused to give up its nuclear weapons ambitions, and noting that Iran subsequently launched attacks against U.S. servicemembers in Qatar and Iraq.

Thune stated that the Senate Finance Committee released the text of a reconciliation bill to make the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including extending lower tax rates, the doubled child tax credit, and nearly doubled standard deduction, while also increasing the child tax credit by an additional $200 on a permanent basis.

Thune expressed horror at the shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses over the weekend, offered prayers for the victims' families, and spoke about Iran's role in enabling Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel while praising Israel's retaliatory strikes on Iranian sites.

Thune spoke in support of the GENIUS Act of 2025, stating that it would provide a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins, protect national security and prevent criminal activity, and represent bipartisan consensus on cryptocurrency regulation.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor regarding work on the reconciliation bill and described provisions released by the Banking Committee and Commerce Committee, including spectrum auction authority renewal, Coast Guard investments, and federal spending reductions.

Thune stated that Democrats are opposing a reconciliation bill that would extend tax relief for American families, fund border security, equip the military, and unleash American energy, and that by fighting the bill, Democrats are endorsing a $2.6 trillion tax hike on Americans making less than $400,000 a year.

Thune withdrew Senate amendment No. 2228, called up amendment No. 2307 on behalf of Mr. Hagerty, requested a cloture motion on the substitute amendment, and called up amendment No. 2308 to amendment No. 2307 during consideration of S. 1582, the stablecoin regulation bill.

Thune described the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as legislation to make tax relief permanent and invest in security, and detailed its provisions including $29 billion for shipbuilding to build 13 new battle force ships and $25 billion for defense infrastructure.

Thune stated that Senate Republicans are working on a reconciliation bill that will unleash American energy dominance by opening leases on America's lands and waters for conventional energy development and expanding production opportunities for essential energy resources.

Thune delivered remarks highlighting Republican legislative accomplishments during the first six months of the Trump administration, including confirmation of 21 Cabinet positions, 68 civilian nominees, passage of the Laken Riley Act and HALT Fentanyl Act, and repeal of 18 Biden-era regulations through Congressional Review Act resolutions.

Thune asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Duffey nomination.

Thune submitted a statement honoring fallen American military service members on Memorial Day, specifically naming three South Dakota World War II veterans—CPT Arlo Olson, Lieutenant Earl Ferguson, and Private Glenn Dow—and reflecting on his experiences welcoming South Dakota veterans to Washington during Honor Flight visits.

Thune expressed condolences to the families of two Embassy employees killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, and stated support for the Israeli and Jewish communities.

Thune moved to proceed to H.J. Res. 87, a joint resolution providing congressional disapproval of an Environmental Protection Agency rule relating to California State Motor Vehicle and Engine Pollution Control Standards.

Thune stated that President Trump has spent the last 4 months working to end the war in Ukraine, called on Putin to engage in good faith negotiations for an immediate cease-fire, and noted that bipartisan legislation cosponsored by 80 senators, led by Senator Graham, proposes additional economic sanctions and tariffs on Russia if serious diplomacy does not occur.

Thune called up amendment No. 2228 to S. 1582, which would require the Stablecoin Certification Review Committee to expedite the certification process for states with existing digital asset regulatory regimes implemented within 180 days of the act's enactment.

Thune spoke in favor of the GENIUS Act, stating that it provides a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins to protect consumers and national security while keeping the United States at the forefront of financial innovation.

Thune delivered remarks recognizing National Police Week and honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, including specific mention of Moody County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorock of South Dakota who was killed in the line of duty in February of the previous year.

Thune requested unanimous consent to proceed to immediate consideration of S. 195, the American Music Tourism Act of 2025, which amends the Visit America Act to promote music tourism.

Thune described efforts to save Ellsworth Air Force Base from closure after the Defense Department recommended it for closure on May 13, 2005, explaining that he and his staff worked intensively over 100 days to present data and arguments to the BRAC Commission to keep the base open.

Thune objected to further proceedings on H.R. 276, a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," in order to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that Democrats filibustered the Senate's attempt to move the GENIUS Act on Thursday afternoon after ending bipartisan work on the bill, and that 57 out of 58 of President Trump's civilian nominees have required cloture votes, an unprecedented number, with none confirmed by unanimous consent or voice vote.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 1668, a bill from Senator Merkley to prohibit certain federal officials from issuing, sponsoring, or endorsing certain financial instruments, in order to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to Calendar No. 66, S. 1582.

Thune spoke in support of the GENIUS Act, explaining that it would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins by implementing reserve requirements, enforcement provisions, and national security protections while providing clarity for digital asset innovators.

Thune stated that Democrats used the filibuster for the fourth time that year on a bipartisan bill and expressed disappointment that they voted against cloture to proceed with debate, while announcing he changed his vote to no so the legislation could be brought up again when Democrats were ready to proceed.

Thune objected to further proceedings on S. 1582, a bill to provide for the regulation of payment stablecoins, in order to place it on the calendar under Rule XIV.

Thune spoke in the Senate about Small Business Week, stating that making the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent is a top priority to prevent a $600 billion tax hike on small businesses in 2026 and to encourage long-term investment and economic growth.

Thune requested unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on the Judiciary from consideration of S. 307 and proceed to its immediate consideration, then requested unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed.

Thune stated that President Trump's administration had made significant progress in its first 100 days on border security, energy policy, tax relief, and restoring what he characterized as common sense to Washington after the Biden administration.

Thune stated that the Senate would vote on David Perdue's nomination as Ambassador to China and would work through several other Ambassador nominations that week, including to Great Britain.

Thune announced that the Senate was scheduled to have four votes starting at 1 a.m. with 15-minute vote periods and requested consent to recess the Senate until later that evening.

Thune stated that President Trump's foreign policy is centered on advancing America's interests and keeping Americans safe, and highlighted the Trump administration's actions against terrorists, hostage releases, and efforts to counter China and Iran.

Thune stated that the Senate recently completed a 10-week session during which it confirmed nearly the President's entire Cabinet at the fastest pace since the George W. Bush administration, passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, and passed legislation to fund the government with support from ten Democrats.

Thune objected to further proceeding en bloc on H.R. 1968 and S. 924 in order to place the bills on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune stated that Democrats have filibustered three bills in the new Congress—the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, and the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act—and argued that every Democrat in the Senate voted against the Born-Alive bill.

Thune asked unanimous consent that S.J. Res. 12 be indefinitely postponed.

Thune spoke in support of Jamieson Greer's nomination as U.S. Trade Representative, noting his qualifications in trade law and international experience, and stated his priority of expanding trade opportunities for South Dakota's agriculture producers.

Thune stated that President Trump's border czar updated Republican Senators on arrest and deportation progress, and that Senator Lindsey Graham is beginning a Senate Budget Committee markup of a budget resolution to fund increased border security and immigration enforcement resources.

Thune moved to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Kennedy nomination.

Thune objected to further proceeding on H.R. 29 in order to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Thune spoke in favor of Pam Bondi's nomination as Attorney General, citing her experience as a prosecutor and her work addressing the opioid crisis and pill mills in Florida.

Thune stated he knew of no further debate on the Bondi nomination, requested the yeas and nays, and asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Turner nomination.

Thune spoke on the Senate floor about Cabinet confirmation hearings and specifically praised Senator Marco Rubio's expertise in foreign policy during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of State, noting Rubio's work on China policy and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

Thune stated that the lack of clear American leadership under President Biden has contributed to international unrest, citing examples including the Russia-Ukraine invasion, China's actions in the Indo-Pacific, Iran's activities in the Middle East, and the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.