U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) appeared on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom to discuss recent legislative developments and national policy issues.
Thune commented on President Trump’s State of the Union address, highlighting several initiatives aimed at supporting working families. He said, “The things that the president has done – the Trump newborn accounts, for example, child care tax credits, tax credits for employers who … are willing to build daycare facilities – there were so many things in [the Working Families Tax Cuts] targeted at working class families. No tax on tips, no tax on overtime, reducing taxes on seniors on Social Security.
“There have been some consequential and major pieces of legislation passed, policies that are going to be felt by the American people for years to come. And I think they’re going to start feeling that this next year, more specifically, when they file their tax returns and the refunds are significantly bigger than they were last year.
“This president is committed to safer streets, to more money in the American people’s pockets, and to new opportunities for Americans to get ahead. And I think those are the things that we need to be focused on as we head into this year and into the midterm elections.”
On election integrity measures such as the SAVE America Act, Thune stated: “[W]e will [have a vote on the SAVE America Act]. We’ll put the Democrats on the record … The Democrats even in the chamber last night having to sit there and try and defend allowing noncitizens to vote in American elections, that is a losing proposition for them. So, we will get a vote on it.
“We are right now in the middle of a government shutdown, so we’ve got to try and get the government opened up first, but in due time … we will get that up on the floor … It is a stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats about how they want to handle elections in this country and this is going to put them … in a very difficult position. It’s an issue, if I were running as a Democrat in the midterm elections in November, I wouldn’t want to have to defend.”
Regarding foreign policy under President Trump’s administration, Thune remarked: “I think that the president is preparing us to defend America’s vital national security interests both in that region and here at home … We cannot abide, we cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran … [President Trump] made that clear in his speech last night [and] I think that’s something … that a big majority of Americans agree with.
“We have vital interests in that region, and obviously the capabilities that the Iranians have to hit a lot of our allies in the region is something that we have to be well attuned to as well. And I think the president is pursuing peace through strength by ensuring that America has the right assets in the right places at the right time if necessary. Hopefully it won’t be necessary. If the Iranians come to the table, I think there’s potentially a deal that could be made there.”
Thune represents South Dakota in Congress, focusing his work on agriculture policy initiatives as well as energy development efforts within his state and nationwide. He also holds committee assignments including Finance; Agriculture; Nutrition and Forestry; Commerce; Science; and Transportation accordingto official sources. In addition he provides services such as casework assistance for constituents—including veterans—and engages with communities across South Dakota as part of his role.
