ROGER LARSEN

After supporting Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., called on President Obama to rethink his veto threat of the bipartisan bill.

Earlier this year, Republicans passed a budget that balances in 10 years without raising taxes, Thune said in a Wednesday conference call.

Congress must now follow through with a dozen appropriations bills to authorize spending the money.

But Thune said Senate Democrats have blocked consideration of the first of those, including the defense appropriations bill to fund the troops.

A veteran health services bill has also been blocked.

It’s disappointing and frustrating that Democrats are holding the measures hostage as they push for more government spending in other areas, Thune said.

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