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Hill Policy
U.S. SENATE

John Thune

RepublicanSouth DakotaCurrently serving

Sworn into the Senate on Source

What they said 11

Their stated policy positions and commitments, with quotes and links to the original sources.

All statements (11)After election (3)In office (8)
After the election · legislative priority · 11/10/2026
Government & elections

Pass government funding legislation

AI-assisted summary

For the remaining weeks of the 119th Congress in November 2026, Thune said Senate Republicans plan to pass government funding legislation before the current session ends, with the stated aim of preventing disruptions to federal operations.

Context: The statement concerns the current session, before it ends; no funding bill or funding terms are specified. KOTA report published November 11 UTC describes a Tuesday press conference, November 10. This concerns the lame-duck period before January 2027, not a specified new 2027 policy.

After the election · legislative priority · 11/10/2026
Government & elections

Advance executive branch nominations

AI-assisted summary

For the remaining weeks of the 119th Congress in November 2026, Thune said Senate Republicans plan to advance executive branch nominations before the current session ends. This is a priority for the remaining work of the current Congress.

Context: The statement concerns the current session, before it ends; it does not identify nominees or specify the steps to advance them. KOTA report published November 11 UTC describes a Tuesday press conference, November 10. This concerns the lame-duck period before January 2027, not a specified new 2027 policy.

After the election · legislative priority · 11/10/2026
Government & elections

Confirm judicial nominees before the current session ends

AI-assisted summary

For the remaining weeks of the 119th Congress in November 2026, Thune said Senate Republicans plan to confirm judicial nominees before the current session ends. This is a priority for the remaining work of the current Congress.

Context: The statement concerns the current session, before it ends; it does not name nominees. KOTA report published November 11 UTC describes a Tuesday press conference, November 10. This concerns the lame-duck period before January 2027, not a specified new 2027 policy.

While serving · Original date not established
Transportation & infrastructure

Support federal funding for South Dakota transportation infrastructure

AI-assisted summary

Thune supports federal funding for South Dakota highways and transportation infrastructure. He points to the state’s wide open spaces and long distances to hospitals and airports as reasons transportation funding is important.

Context: The supplied summary does not specify funding levels or particular projects.

While serving · Original date not established
Agriculture & foodEconomy, taxes & work

Expand access to international markets for South Dakota businesses

AI-assisted summary

Thune supports access to international markets for South Dakota producers and small businesses, including farmers, ranchers, and business owners. He presents market access as important to their business interests.

Context: The supplied summary does not specify trade policies or agreements he would support.

While serving · Original date not established
Foreign affairs & defense

Maintain a strong military for deterrence and defense

AI-assisted summary

Thune supports maintaining a strong military to deter potential adversaries and protect the United States when diplomatic efforts fail.

Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 10, 2026.

While serving · Original date not established
Public safety & firearms

Support the Second Amendment right to bear arms

AI-assisted summary

Thune strongly supports the Second Amendment and its protection of the right to keep and bear arms.

Context: Original statement date not established. Source collected on November 10, 2026.

While serving · Original date not established
Civil rights & justice

Support a ban on abortion

AI-assisted summary

Thune supports a ban on abortion and describes his congressional voting record as consistently supporting such a ban.

Context: The summary does not specify the scope or exceptions of the ban.

While serving · commitment · Original date not established
EducationEconomy, taxes & work

Promote postsecondary opportunities and education reforms

AI-assisted summary

Thune says he will support efforts to foster academic opportunities so students can pursue postsecondary education, including four-year degrees and technical school programs. He also says he will continue promoting reforms intended to expand educational opportunities for students and graduates and help them join the workforce.

Context: The passage does not specify particular reforms or programs.

While serving · Original date not established
Education

Support Impact Aid

AI-assisted summary

Thune supports federal education programs that benefit South Dakota, including Impact Aid. The program compensates local school districts for property tax revenue lost because of tax-exempt federal property or federal activities.

Context: The passage identifies South Dakota as the beneficiary scope of the programs he supports.