PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Incoming Republican Majority Leader and South Dakota Senator John Thune, addressed the Senate Floor for the 119th Congress on Friday, vowing to preserve the filibuster. VERBATIM: “…that means preserving the legislative filibuster…the senate rule that today is perhaps the greatest impact on preserving the founders’ vision of the United States Senate. It also means restoring the senate as a place of discussion and deliberation…and that includes empowering committees, restoring regular order and engaging in extended debate on the Senate floor where all members should have a chance to make their voices, and the voices of their constituents heard…” Leader Thune also welcomed the incoming Congress and said he’s committed to working every day for the American people.