Mr. President, we are coming to the end of the first year of the Rural Health Transformation Program. This multiyear initiative created in Republicans' Working Families Tax Cut legislation will invest $50 billion in all 50 States to put rural healthcare providers on a more sustainable footing for the future. Beyond helping to ensure that Americans in rural areas can access healthcare, it will also ensure that providers are able to leverage technology and innovation to address the challenges unique to rural States.
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, the theme of the Senate this week is common sense. Today, we will be voting on two eminently commonsense pieces of legislation: the Stop Insider Trading Act and the Ratepayer Protection Act. The Stop Insider Trading Act actually pairs two commonsense measures: a stock purchase ban for Members of Congress and a voter ID measure. Neither requires much explanation.
Madam President, so far this year, 4.3 million Americans have filed to start their own business. That is a 13-percent increase over the same time last year. As these entrepreneurs get underway, their businesses will be able to take advantage of the pro-growth tax reform the Republicans enacted last year in the Working Families Tax Cuts. Because we delivered permanent tax reform, an entire generation of American small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators will have a better environment in which to pursue their American dream.
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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