[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

  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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