WASHINGTON, D.C. (KELO)-

Senator John Thune is sticking to his guns on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026.

He took to the floor of the U-S Senate Thursday to promote the measure, saying Federal red tape has crippled the permitting process for important projects.

Senator Thune addressed how the bill would impact South Dakotans.  One key issue raised over the past year was the issue of data centers.  Thune talked about what the bill does to address that.

Thune also talked about how the bill would benefit farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.

Some South Dakota landowners are opposed, saying it gives the upper hand to developers while ignoring their property rights.

The bill passed on procedural vote 73-25.  They hope to have it on the floor for a final vote next week.

Senator Mike Rounds has voted against the bill because of concerns it puts landowners at a disadvantage.