Mr. President, this week, we will move our fifth block of civilian nominees, which includes 74 well-qualified individuals. By the end of the week, we will have cleared 95 percent of the civilian nominees who are eligible for floor consideration--95 percent. At this same point in President Trump's first term, there were 155 unconfirmed nominees on the calendar. This year, that number is on track to be about 10. It is the best confirmation track record in a quarter century.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+44$2.8M raised
John Thune
Senator · South Dakota · Republican
John Thune
Border Security · Tax Cuts · Agriculture Subsidies · Energy Development
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, a week or 2 ago, I came down to the floor and talked about growing up in a small town in South Dakota. As I said in those remarks, I carry those South Dakotans with me in a special way in my work here in Washington. When I consider bills or look at regulations, I think about what kind of impact they will have on those Americans, on hard-working people without a lot of extra money in the budget, on people living paycheck to paycheck or, as was the case with some of the farmers I grew up with, harvest to harvest.
Mr. President, next week, our top priority will be funding the government until the November election. The American people have faced two--two--recordbreaking government shutdowns in the past 10 months. We need to ensure that they do not face a third. We owe the American people some certainty here. They should not have to be hoping and praying that on September 30, the government will get funded and that government services will continue.
Biography
John Thune grew up in a small South Dakota town and began his career as a public servant before entering politics. Elected as U.S. Senator for South Dakota in 2004, Thune focuses on rural development, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural policy. He has played a key role in shaping federal farm bills and serves as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Thune works to expand broadband access and support economic growth in South Dakota, representing his state with a pragmatic and results-oriented approach.
Education
- M.B.A., University of South Dakota1984
- B.S. in Business Administration, Biola University, CA
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2005–PresentSenator from South Dakota. 4 terms.
U.S. Representative
1997–2003Represented South Dakota (at-large district) for 3 terms.
Executive Director, South Dakota Municipal League
1993–1996Led the association representing South Dakota’s municipalities.
Railroad Director of South Dakota
1991–1993Appointed by Governor George S. Mickelson to oversee state railroad matters.
Executive Director, South Dakota Republican Party
1989–1991Served as the state party’s executive director after moving to Pierre.
Policy Focus
Congress9%
Taxation9%
Agriculture and Food8%
Health4%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from John Thune's record in Congress.
Surface Transportation Legislation
Championed the FAST Act, securing long-term federal funding for highways, bridges, and transit infrastructure.
Broadband Expansion
Led efforts to expand high-speed internet access in rural South Dakota through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
Rail Safety Reform
Sponsored legislation improving rail safety standards and oversight, notably through the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act.
Farm Bill Advocacy
Helped shape multiple Farm Bills, enhancing crop insurance and conservation programs for South Dakota farmers and ranchers.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Senate Committee on Finance
- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Senate Select Committee on IntelligenceEx Officio
Sen. John Thune FAQ
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