Rushmore State News

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream to discuss several legislative priorities and current events.

Thune outlined the Senate Republicans’ approach to tax policy, emphasizing their intention to increase the Child Tax Credit and prevent its reduction. He warned that if the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expires at the end of the year, working families would see their Child Tax Credit cut in half. Thune stated, “We’re increasing the Child Tax Credit, and if the Democrats had their way, at the end of the year … the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would expire, and you would have the Child Tax Credit cut in half for working families. So we’re not only going to keep it from getting cut in half, we’re going to increase it.”

He also addressed other proposed tax measures: “No tax on tips, no tax on overtime … lower the tax on Social Security recipients. Those are all things that were the president’s priorities and the House included them in their version of the bill. Now we will also have them incorporated into ours.” Thune emphasized that these policies are focused on middle-income taxpayers and highlighted potential consequences if Congress does not act: “If we don’t act, at the end of the year, there will be a $2.6 trillion tax increase on families making less than $400,000 a year and a $600 billion tax increase on small businesses.” He added that preserving family finances is central: “So this is really about preserving and protecting families and ensuring that they’ve got more dollars in their own pocket and they’re sending less to Washington.”

Discussing spending cuts within an upcoming reconciliation bill, Thune described it as a historic measure: “This will be the largest spending reduction in history.” He estimated reductions could reach up to $2 trillion but noted final figures would depend on Senate negotiations. Thune said reforms aim to address waste, fraud, abuse, while encouraging economic growth: “If you get greater growth in the economy, more revenue here, spend less here, and pretty soon you can start seeing things balance out.” He concluded about fiscal policy changes: “[Y]ou have to start somewhere, and that’s what this bill does. It is a big, big change from the way that things have been done in Washington for the last several decades.”

On international affairs concerning Israeli airstrikes in Iran, Thune expressed support for efforts toward peaceful outcomes while recognizing Israel’s security concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He said: “I think President Trump is all about trying to keep America out of wars, and to try to find a path toward peaceful outcomes and peaceful solutions. I think he’s trying to do that with Iran.” Regarding Israel’s actions he stated: “What this comes down to is actions taken by Israel to defend themselves and their people. They view Iran’s nuclear capability, as we believe, as a nonstarter.”

Thune recalled remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about Israel standing between Iran and Western interests: “[W]hat you heard Prime Minister Netanyahu say when he spoke to Congress last year is that the only thing standing between Iran and the United States is Israel. And that’s absolutely true.” He continued discussing regional tensions: “[T]hey want to talk about how they’re going to wipe Israel off the map, and that just isn’t something that the Israelis can accept. And so this is their decision to defend themselves and their people.” On U.S.-Iran relations he cautioned: “What I would suggest to Iran is that they not target Americans in any of this because if they do, they better be prepared because we will respond.”

Finally addressing his relationship with former President Trump amid ongoing legislative work Thune remarked: “[T]o get things done around here … he’s the closer. He has to help when we’re trying to pass major legislation ultimately has tremendous influence in talking not only to senators but House members ensuring that we’re all operating as a team.”