Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., took office as Senate majority leader Friday, telling fellow senators in his introductory speech that he would be a moderating force in government as Republicans attempt to pursue an aggressive agenda in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory.
Thune promised to protect the filibuster rule—which Trump has previously criticized—in order to maintain the Senate as a check on excessive government.
“The founders established safeguards, checks and balances throughout our government to keep the government in check and ensure that the rights of all Americans were protected. One of those safeguards was the United States Senate.”
Thune specifically took aim at proposals to eliminate the filibuster rule, which he views as a valuable method to curb government overreach.
“Unfortunately, today there are a lot of people out there…
