Trump Administration

Floor Speech

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Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, before I begin, I want to note that this week marks the 500th day of captivity for those hostages still imprisoned by Hamas--500 days, well more than a year deprived of family, home, loved ones, freedom.

It is imperative that the rest of the hostages be returned as soon as possible and that the remains of those killed be returned with dignity so that their families may have closure, and I am grateful that the Trump administration is making this a priority.

My prayers today are with all those still suffering in captivity and with their families.

Mr. President, it only took 4 years--just 4 years for the Democrat leader to become concerned about inflation. Shocking.

Last week, the Democratic leader came down to the floor multiple times to complain about January's inflation numbers--inflation numbers that he blamed on--get this--President Trump. That is right. I guess it didn't occur to the Democratic leader that it was actually President Biden who was President for most of January--up until January 20--and, by the way, for the past 4 years. So I guess, what are you going to do? You have to have something to talk about.

But it was fascinating to hear the leader complain about inflation being at 3 percent. Inflation was over 3 percent more than 2 straight years during the Biden administration. I might add, mostly way over 3 percent--like 7, 8, 9 percent. I am trying and failing to remember the Democratic leader even expressing half this outrage.

By the end of the Biden administration, a typical family had to pay-- get this--$13,000 more per year to maintain the same standard of living that they had enjoyed when President Biden took office--$13,000 more per year as a result of Biden inflation. I would be very surprised if the Democratic leader came to the floor to highlight that fact even once. I think we all know the answer to that.

But I am forgetting the rules are different for Democrats. If you are a Democrat, it is perfectly fine and not at all hypocritical to plan to abolish the filibuster should you gain a majority in the Senate but to use it regularly when you do not.

It is perfectly fine and not at all hypocritical to convey outrage about a Republican President daring to use executive power, even if the prior Democrat administration used it profusely.

Apparently, it is perfectly fine and not at all hypocritical to condemn a Republican President for a 3-percent inflation number, even if he wasn't actually President over most of the month in question, the month of January, while ignoring the raging inflation crisis that characterized a large chunk of the prior administration.

One rule for me, another for thee. That, apparently, is the Democratic motto.

Mr. President, I guess I should have some sympathy. Recent headlines have described Democrats as ``dejected'' and in ``disarray,'' and I guess they have to make some kind of messaging attempt, however weak and ill-founded. But I have to say, the hypocrisy is really something to behold.

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