"We're battling for patients ... the families around the country who have been hurt by the Obama health care law."… https://t.co/5XsmjuTY64
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/11/17
"Obamacare is failing the American people right now, today." – Sen. @JohnCornyn #RepealObamacare https://t.co/ZwKDVU16qg
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/11/17
.@SenJohnThune: We are unified that Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced with something that is patient-cent… https://t.co/a7mcbJAM8Z
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/11/17
How many people were really covered by #Obamacare? #RepealObamacare https://t.co/BibIVcBqbg
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/11/17
Senate Republicans have heard the American people and are working to #RepealObamacare. https://t.co/MF05fkDGCi
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/10/17
Happy birthday to the Senate Republican Conference vice chair, Sen. @RoyBlunt. https://t.co/cF5xuTXwD7
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/10/17
"It’s now clear that the so-called Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable." –@SenateMajLdr #ObamacareRepeal https://t.co/8Pj8Uub45W
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/10/17
"We cannot sit on our hands and hope that Obamacare will improve." – @SenateMajLdr #ObamacareRepeal https://t.co/8Pj8Uub45W
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/10/17
"The pain Americans are experiencing under ObamaCare is deeply personal ..." – @SenateMajLdr #RepealObamacare https://t.co/knrmYTQaCV
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/9/17
"ObamaCare has failed: It didn’t lower costs, it didn’t increase choice ..." – @SenateMajLdr #RepealObamacare https://t.co/knrmYTQaCV
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) 1/9/17
It was great having Vice President-elect @Mike.Pence join Senate Republican leadership today in the @USCapitol.
After a 3,771-mile journey from Idaho, the @uscapitol Christmas tree is almost ready for its unveiling next week. Behind the 🎄, construction for Inauguration Day continues apace.
WASHINGTON — The Senate Republican Conference, chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today released a video titled “Who Is Really Covered by Obamacare?” The video sheds light on how many Americans are actually covered through the Obamacare exchanges as the Senate continues its work to repeal Obamacare and deliver patient-centered health care reforms for all Americans.
Click to watch “Who Is Really Covered by Obamacare?”
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“Abstaining from today's United Nations vote is one more slap in the face from the Obama administration to our ally, Israel.”
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the United States abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote on Israeli settlements, breaking a long tradition of standing with Israel before the international body.
"Abstaining from today's United Nations vote is one more slap in the face from the Obama administration to our ally, Israel. Unfortunately, this unprecedented move while on his way out the door perfectly summarizes President Obama's foreign policy that has led from behind, stood silent as red lines were crossed, and alienated our allies around the globe."
“Providing our troops with the resources they need to keep our nation safe is one of Congress’ most important responsibilities.”
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, legislation that will provide our military with the largest pay increase since 2010 and make reforms to defense acquisition, military health care, military justice, and security cooperation.
“Providing our troops with the resources they need to keep our nation safe is one of Congress’ most important responsibilities,” said Thune. “After extensive bipartisan work in the House and Senate, we are sending the president a bill that provides troops with the pay raise they deserve and includes reforms to make our military more efficient and effective. I urge the president to put our troops first and sign this bill without delay.”
For information on sexual assault prevention reforms in the NDAA from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, of which Thune serves as chairman, click here. To see Senator Thune’s comments about a provision that will fix statutory language that negatively affects the Impact Aid program in states across the country, including South Dakota, click here.
“Today the Senate delivered a victory for the American people with passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.”
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, released the following statement after the Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which will bring lifesaving drugs and devices to market more quickly, as well as boost cancer and Alzheimer’s disease research, provide grants to states to fight opioid abuse, and much more.
“Today the Senate delivered a victory for the American people with passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. This bipartisan legislation will dramatically advance medical research and innovation, opening up new possibilities for cures and improvements to patients’ lives. I applaud passage of this bill and ask the president to sign it into law as soon as he receives it.”
WASHINGTON — The Senate Republican Conference, chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today released “A Class of Their Own,” a video highlighting the Republican freshman class of the 114th Congress and thanking its members for their contributions over the past two years. The approximately two-and-a-half-minute video features every member of the freshman class at work on Capitol Hill and includes a special appearance by the newly elected freshman for the 115th Congress.
Click here to watch “A Class of Their Own.”
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“Iran’s attempts to test the United States and destabilize the Middle East must not go unchecked.”
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the Republican-led Senate voted to reauthorize sanctions against Iran through 2026.
“Iran’s attempts to test the United States and destabilize the Middle East must not go unchecked,” Thune said. “The Obama administration’s flawed nuclear deal with Iran has failed to curtail Iran’s illicit behavior. By reauthorizing these sanctions, the United States can maintain pressure on the world’s largest sponsor of terror and make it clear that the Iranian regime’s attempts to harm the United States and our allies will not be tolerated.”
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WASHINGTON — The Senate Republican Conference, chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today released a video wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving by showing how to bring the Senate’s bean soup to your holiday table. The video provides step-by-step instructions for making the soup, which has been a tradition since the early 20th century. Senate bean soup continues to be served in Senate dining areas every day.
Click here to watch “Senate Bean Soup.”
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WASHINGTON — This morning the Senate Republican Conference elected its leadership team for the 115th Congress: Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as Senate Republican leader, John Cornyn (R-Texas) as Senate Republican whip, John Thune (R-S.D.) as Senate Republican Conference chairman, John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as Senate Republican Policy Committee chairman, Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) as Senate Republican Conference vice chairman, and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman.
“It’s an honor to once again have been chosen by my colleagues to continue serving as their leader,” said Sen. McConnell. “I know I speak for each of my Republican colleagues in expressing my gratitude to the American people for entrusting us with this majority. We are eager to work with House Republicans and President-elect Trump to bring the national and economic security our nation is asking for.”
“I’m grateful for the privilege to again help lead my colleagues and build on the progress we’ve been able to make over the last two years in the Majority,” Sen. Cornyn said. “The hallmark Texas principles of limited government and individual liberty will continue to guide me as we work with the new Republican Administration to chart a new direction for the country.”
“I’m honored my colleagues re-elected me to serve as chair of the Senate Republican Conference,” said Sen. Thune. “The Republican-led Congress will work with President-elect Trump and our colleagues across the aisle to continue the work we began two years ago to improve Americans’ economic security and protect our nation. We have a lot of work to do, and we look forward to bringing our country together to address the big challenges we face.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a unified Republican Policy Committee. We plan to move quickly to support our conference and to work closely with the new administration,” said Sen. Barrasso. “There are clearly policy areas that will be high on the list for the new Congress. Jobs, the economy, protecting our homeland and dismantling Obamacare will drive much of the agenda. It is critical during those first 100 days that we get the policy right.”
“I’m proud that the American people have returned a Republican majority to the Senate to continue advancing their priorities,” said Sen. Blunt. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we maintain an open and robust dialogue with the American people about the challenges they’re facing and what we’re doing to address them. I thank my colleagues for this opportunity, and look forward to continuing our efforts to expand our digital reach, meet people where they are, and help bring this country together.”
“I am excited about this expanded opportunity to serve Coloradans and make their voice heard on a larger stage. I am honored to have the confidence of the other Republican Senators to take on this leadership role and I won’t let them down,” said Sen. Gardner.
Click here to watch “A Veteran’s Message.”
WASHINGTON — The Senate Republican Conference, chaired by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today released "A Veteran's Message." This video features Army veteran Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) in a brief message to honor America's heroes on Veterans Day and thank them for the sacrifices they have made to protect our nation.
Video transcript:
“One of the great honors of my life was serving in the United States Army.
“During my time in Iraq and Afghanistan and on duty here at home, I worked alongside some of America’s finest.
“Men and women of substance, whose lives are defined by service, valor, and sacrifice.
“Today, as we honor our nation’s veterans, I want to say thank you.
“Thank you to the Army, for giving me the privilege of serving my country.
“Thank you to the men and women with whom I was fortunate enough to serve.
“And thank you to every veteran out there, who heard and answered the call.
“We will always honor your sacrifice.”
"We are unified that [Obamacare] needs to be repealed and replaced with something that is patient-centered, personalized, and more affordable to every American.” – Senator John Thune
Obama claims 20 million Americans gained insurance under Obamacare, but only 14 million actually signed up. Twelve of those 14 million enrollees are in the broken Medicaid system, and two-thirds of those were eligible for Medicaid before Obamacare. Meanwhile, 28 million Americans remain uninsured.
Members of the Senate Republican leadership team brief the press on repealing Obamacare.
"Supporters of Obamacare promised lower costs, but it sent them soaring. They promised families could keep their plans or doctors, but many Kentuckians have seen their options limited. Every year since this law’s passage, a growing number of people in Kentucky and throughout the nation have called for Obamacare’s repeal.” – Senator Mitch McConnell
"The pain Americans are experiencing under ObamaCare is deeply personal, the betrayal middle class families are feeling is clearly palpable, and—unless we do something soon—Americans will continue to lose their health plans. They’ll continue to get stuck with insurance that costs more and offers less. Choices will continue to shrink uncontrollably. Costs will continue to rise unsustainably.” – Senator Mitch McConnell #RepealObamacare
"For most Americans [#Obamacare] was life-changing, but it didn't turn out to be an opportunity." – Senator Roy Blunt #RepealObamacare
“The thing that’s clear is that [Obamacare] isn’t working. It’s a broken system. It’s got to be fixed … We think it makes more sense to have a market-based approach that gives people more choices and creates more competition.” – Chairman John Thune
"Throughout most counties in Arizona, it’s now cheaper to put a roof over your family’s head than it is to pay your monthly health insurance premium under Obamacare." – Senator Jeff Flake
The average deductible for a mid-level Obamacare plan increased more than $500 in one year. #RepealObamacare
President Obama’s economic legacy includes:
The weakest recovery in at least 60 years.
Only president to not achieve at least one year of 3 percent real GDP growth.
Millions out of the workforce.
Federal debt that has nearly doubled.
Under Obama a slew of burdensome government regulations have weighed down businesses and discouraged job growth.
Americans deserve better. The Republican-led Senate will continue to advance policies that promote job growth and create better opportunities for Americans.
While trying to sell his health care plan to the American people, President Obama famously promised that he would lower health care costs by $2,500 per family. That was the claim. Here’s the reality:
Customers on the Obamacare exchanges are facing staggering premium hikes for 2017. The average increase for a benchmark silver plan is expected to be 25 percent. Obamacare premiums are so expensive that many Americans can’t afford to fully make use of their plan after they get it.
And on top of skyrocketing costs, Americans are facing fewer choices. Americans in many parts of the country will have only one insurer to pick from when signing up for health care coverage on the Obamacare exchanges for 2017.
Even some Democrats are starting to face the fact that the health care law they pushed through Congress is hurting rather than helping Americans. Too many other Democrats, however, are doubling down on the law, despite its many failures.
Americans deserve better. It’s time to replace this law with real health care reform that will actually drive down costs and increase access to care.
While trying to sell his health care plan to the American people, President Obama famously promised that he would lower health care costs by $2,500 per family. That was the claim. Here’s the reality:
Customers on the Obamacare exchanges are facing staggering premium hikes for 2017. The average increase for a benchmark silver plan is expected to be 25 percent. Obamacare premiums are so expensive that many Americans can’t afford to fully make use of their plan after they get it.
And on top of skyrocketing costs, Americans are facing fewer choices. Americans in many parts of the country will have only one insurer to pick from when signing up for health care coverage on the Obamacare exchanges for 2017.
Even some Democrats are starting to face the fact that the health care law they pushed through Congress is hurting rather than helping Americans. Too many other Democrats, however, are doubling down on the law, despite its many failures.
Americans deserve better. It’s time to replace this law with real health care reform that will actually drive down costs and increase access to care.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides much-needed resources for our troops and their families.
The NDAA modernizes the military health system to provide our wounded warriors, military service members, retirees, and their families with higher-quality care, better access to care, and a better experience of care.
Our men and women in uniform deserve the best possible care, and the NDAA provides funding and resources to help make that care a reality.
The NDAA passed out of the Armed Services Committee with significant bipartisan support and meets the funding level the president requested in his 2017 budget. Despite this, Democrats continue to threaten to hold up the legislation. There is no reason for Democrats to keep this bill from moving forward aside from partisan politics.
The NDAA increases combat and troop pay and provides for the personnel and equipment necessary to combat ISIS and threats around the world.
It also contains sweeping reforms necessary to harness American innovation and preserve our military’s technological edge.
This bill would provide the first major update to Pentagon organization in 30 years, which will help improve the development of defense strategy.
Bottom line: The NDAA funds our troops and their families.
The American people deserve better than what the sluggish Obama recovery is delivering.
During the first three months of 2016, our economy grew by just 0.5 percent, which simply isn’t enough to improve opportunities for middle-class Americans who feel they can’t get ahead. President Obama has continued to make big promises and insist his policies are working, but his rhetoric does not match the reality that many are experiencing.
The deluge of burdensome mandates and regulations during the Obama administration stands in stark contrast to the pro-growth agenda of the Republican Senate, which remains focused on policies that promote job growth and create better opportunities for Americans.
The Senate-passed FAA reauthorization bill includes strong, new security measures that address the threat ISIS and other terrorist groups pose to airline passengers.
The bipartisan legislation includes several measures to bolster airport security for passengers and addresses growing cybersecurity threats facing aviation and air navigation systems.
The legislation was described in the Washington Post as “one of the most passenger-friendly FAA reauthorization bills in a generation” due to its robust, new consumer protections.
The GOP-led Senate is continuing to work to pass legislation that strengthens our economic security and national security.
In the first four months of 2016, the Senate passed significant, bipartisan legislation that:
- Combats the nation's opioid epidemic (CARA)
- Strengthens sanctions on North Korea
- Stopstaxation of the Internet (ITFA)
- Modernizes America's energy policies for the first time in eight years (EPMA)
- Protects American companies' trade secrets
It is clear that under Republican leadership, the Senate is working hard for Americans.
President Obama and the U.S. Senate are divided on what direction to take the country.
Instead of spending time on an issue we can’t agree on, we should tackle the issues where we can find common ground – like getting our economy moving again and keeping America safe.
The last time the American people spoke, they elected a Republican Senate to be a check and balance to President Obama and his left-wing agenda. The next Supreme Court justice could dramatically change the direction of the court. The American people deserve to have a voice in the direction the court will take for decades to come.