John Thune: “Again I thank the distinguished gentleman. As the gentleman knows, the National Guard Starbase program is an important…”

“Again I thank the distinguished gentleman. As the gentleman knows, the National Guard Starbase program is an important initiative in my State of South Dakota. This program is strongly supported by the South Dakota National Guard and teachers all across my great State. It has impacted the lives of students and Guard personnel alike. We all recognize the importance of encouraging students to enter into the fields of science and math in our country. This program bolsters those efforts by reaching over 200,000 students across this country. The $6 million allocation would be a very small investment in a program that has shown great returns in the education of our Nation's youth. I am pleased that the gentleman from Florida and the gentleman from Vermont are working with me on this matter.”