U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) spoke on the Senate floor, criticizing Democrats for their approach to addressing inflation and rising costs. Thune referred to recent remarks by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who stated that “Lowering costs will be Senate Democrats’ North Star in 2026.” Thune questioned the credibility of this commitment, pointing to what he described as an affordability crisis resulting from previous Democratic policies.
Thune referenced the passage of a $1.9 trillion spending bill by Democrats five years ago, known as the American Rescue Plan, and argued that it contributed to high inflation rates still affecting Americans today. He said, “Five years ago this week, Democrats were getting ready to pass a massive, $1.9 trillion spending bill [with] no offsets – their so-called American Rescue Plan – despite warnings that their bill’s excessive spending could cause a serious inflation crisis.”
He continued: “They passed it anyway. And it helped unleash the worst inflation crisis in 40 years. An inflation crisis whose reverberations are still being felt today.”
Thune contrasted Republican actions with those of Democrats, saying Republicans have worked to provide tax relief and reduce regulatory burdens since taking control of Washington over a year ago. He highlighted the Working Families Tax Cuts as an example: “The first step was putting more money in Americans’ pockets, which is exactly what we did with the Working Families Tax Cuts.”
He also discussed efforts to reverse regulations introduced during the Biden administration, particularly those related to energy policy and vehicle emissions standards. Thune credited Republicans and former President Trump for rescinding electric vehicle mandates and other rules: “Thanks to President Trump and Republicans, these EV mandates are a thing of the past.”
Thune emphasized ongoing Republican initiatives aimed at lowering health care costs and improving access through legislative measures such as provisions targeting prescription drug prices and housing reform bills like the ROAD to Housing Act.
He concluded by warning against returning to what he described as Democratic strategies involving increased government spending: “Democrats may have amnesia when it comes to their record on costs. But I’m pretty sure that the American people don’t.”
John Thune represents South Dakota in the U.S. Senate, focusing on issues such as agriculture, energy policy, economic development, and veterans’ support according to his official website. He serves as Senate Republican Whip and holds committee positions including Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; and Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Thune is also involved in community outreach activities across South Dakota according to his official website.
