YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Senator John Thune has a new role in the Senate this year, that of assistant minority leader. He says it does have a different feel.

A one point nine trillion-dollar stimulus plan proposed by democrats will start moving through Congress.

Thune says republicans are willing to work with democrats, up to a point.

Democrats have threatened to do away with the filibuster if the stimulus bill doesn’t pass. Thune says it’s important for the Senate to hold on to it.

Thune spoke to several classes at USD in Vermillion.