John Thune

“I represent a beef-producing state. We have four times as many cattle as people,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-22

Senate Majority Leader John Thune previously explained his opposition to lowering beef import tariffs.

“So, I'd turn my fire on the Democrats, attack them for being against something that is fundamentally straightforward, simple to understand for the American people, and realize that the best way to get the SAVE Act across the finish line is to elect more Republican senators.”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune said Republicans should focus criticism on Democrats and elect more GOP senators to pass the SAVE Act.

“Everybody has their own ideas about how best to communicate our message, but I think our message between now and November ought to be why the Democrats are completely out of step with the American people and why we need to elect more Republicans so we can do things like the SAVE America Act,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune said the GOP's message should focus on electing more Republicans rather than infighting.

“The president made the argument, ‘Well, pass the Save America Act, it will motivate our base,’”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune described the president's argument for passing the SAVE America Act as a motivator for the Republican base.

“I mean, that's just not an issue that's going to win the hearts and minds of the American people in November,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune said internal GOP disputes over the filibuster won't win over voters.

“Why not turn [the SAVE America Act] into a campaign issue,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune suggested turning the SAVE America Act into a campaign issue.

“If you look at Maine, in North Carolina, in Ohio, in Iowa, in Alaska, you know, it's the Indy voters, it is the middle of the electorate, and we are not talking to them when we are arguing with each other over whether or not to eliminate the filibuster,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune pointed to independent voters in key states as the real audience Republicans need to reach.

“Yeah, but I think the base can be plenty motivated by other issues, and particularly by the president getting out there on the campaign trail and telling them why it's important that they elect Republicans to the Senate.”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20

Thune argued the base could be motivated by other issues besides the SAVE America Act.

“ought to be available to us,”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-06

Thune said a contempt vote ought to be available but has given no sign he would support eliminating the 60-vote requirement.

“But for me, most of all, I will remember him as my friend. It’s hard to think that there will be no more Senate dinners with Lindsey.”

John Thune · said 2026-07-28 · reported 2026-07-28

Thune spoke at the Capitol ceremony and reflected on his personal friendship with Graham.

“Lindsey was a towering figure here in the Senate and on the international stage. ... Lindsey will be remembered as a senator and as a statesman,”

John Thune · said 2026-07-28 · reported 2026-07-28

Thune spoke at the Capitol ceremony honoring Graham's legacy in the Senate and on the international stage.

“It’s difficult to believe that we’re here today to say a final farewell to Lindsey as he leaves the Capitol for the last time. My heart is heavy,”

John Thune · said 2026-07-28 · reported 2026-07-28

Thune spoke at the Capitol ceremony as Graham's casket lay in the rotunda.

“small but important step for fiscal sanity that we all should be able to agree is long overdue.”

John Thune · said date not stated · reported 2025-07-17

Senate Majority Leader John Thune supported the rescissions request as a way to target wasteful federal spending.