U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized Democratic lawmakers on Mar. 23 during a speech on the Senate floor, arguing that they are out of touch with most Americans regarding the SAVE America Act and related policy issues.
Thune said that public opinion supports the policies included in the SAVE America Act, but claimed Democrats have not shown interest in securing elections or addressing concerns about gender transition procedures for minors. He said, “Polls show that the commonsense policies in the SAVE America Act have support from the American people.”
During his remarks, Thune questioned Democratic opposition to measures such as requiring photo identification for voters and limiting participation in women’s sports to biological females. “What’s radical is men lining up alongside women at the starting line and winning medals and trophies meant for women,” he said. He also addressed concerns about children undergoing gender transition procedures, stating, “Democrats are more than happy to let transgender ideology reign even when there’s little to no evidence to support gender transition procedures for minors – and increasing amounts of scientific evidence about the harms of these procedures for children.”
Thune argued that Democrats ignore scientific studies and international developments related to gender transition care for minors. He said several European countries have limited such procedures after reviewing available research.
According to the official website, Thune has served on key Senate committees including Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Finance. He has held leadership roles such as Senate majority leader as well as Republican whip and conference chairman. Thune grew up in Murdo, South Dakota where an encounter with a congressman inspired his interest in public service. The official website also notes that he earned degrees from Biola University and the University of South Dakota.
In closing his remarks on the floor, Thune said: “So commonsense, in fact, that only congressional Democrats could oppose it.”
Thune’s comments come amid ongoing debates over election security laws and transgender rights across state legislatures nationwide.
