John Thune: “I am very disturbed by what has been going on around here lately. We have a disaster bill that is awaiting action by…”

“I am very disturbed by what has been going on around here lately. We have a disaster bill that is awaiting action by this body, but it is getting bogged down by all kinds of shenanigans, every shenanigan known to man. Granted, a supplemental appropriations bill always ends up being a Christmas tree that everybody tries to hang their favorite ornament on, but in the meantime we have people who are desperately in need of assistance. I have seen in my home State of South Dakota and the States of North Dakota and Minnesota the displaced families, the devastated homes and businesses, the dead livestock, some 200,000 in my State alone. I have seen the roads and bridges that have been obliterated by this year's weather. If we are going to help these people, then let us get on with it. Construction season in my State is very short. We have a limited amount of time to get the work done that is necessary to get our people back on their feet.”