This afternoon Senate Republicans elected Senator John Thune of South Dakota the new Senate Majority Leader. Senator Thune is the former Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2018 Legislative Champion of the Year. He has been a longtime advocate for many of our priorities and has a strong relationship with the bikers in South Dakota.
 
Senate Majority Leader is an extremely powerful position. The leader helps set the agenda and shape all policy debates in the U.S. Senate. The Republicans taking control of the Senate means the current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York must step aside. This is also a dramatic change for Senate Republican leadership, as Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who previously led the Republican Senate is leaving his post in leadership after a record 18 years.
 
Congratulations to Senator Thune and motorcyclists in South Dakota! We look forward to working together to protect the rights of the millions of riders across this country.