U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced on Mar. 17 the beginning of an extended debate on the SAVE America Act, a legislative package focused on election integrity and youth protection.
The proposed legislation aims to require proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification at polling places. Thune said these measures are intended to ensure that only eligible voters participate in elections. “Because if there’s any word that is suitable to describe the measures we’re considering, it’s that,” Thune said, referring to what he called commonsense reforms.
Thune also addressed concerns about transgender participation in women’s sports, citing an August 2024 United Nations report stating, “According to information received, by 30 March 2024, over 600 female athletes in more than 400 competitions have lost more than 890 medals in 29 different sports.” He argued that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports disadvantages female athletes.
In addition, Thune referenced data from The New York Times: “A review of hospital data from 2016 through 2020 identified about 3,600 patients aged 12 to 18 who had received gender-related surgery.” He said the SAVE America Act would extend protections against such procedures for minors nationwide.
Thune represents South Dakota and focuses on agriculture, energy, economic development, and support for veterans according to the official website. He serves as Senate Republican Whip and holds committee positions including Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation according to the official website.
Thune concluded his remarks by saying: “It’s unfortunate that common sense is not very common anymore in the Democrat Party.”
