In 2005, the European Union (E.U.) put in place an Emissions Trading System which, beginning in 2012, will include new taxes on all international flights, including flights between the United States and the European Union. Recently, I introduced the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Prohibition Act of 2011 to prevent... Continue Reading
After nearly three years of gathering input, holding public meetings, and an extensive review, the U.S. State Department recently issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Keystone XL pipeline that would run from Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Despite this lengthy and thorough review and the Final... Continue Reading
December is upon us and the winter weather has arrived. As the temperatures dip, we are reminded that many will go without warm clothing and hot meals this winter. Churches, schools, and countless non-profits throughout South Dakota organize holiday collections for those in our state who have fallen on tough... Continue Reading
This past year has been particularly tough on many South Dakotans. From historic flooding along the Missouri River and throughout the state that damaged homes and businesses, to prairie fires that destroyed acres and livelihoods, to economic uncertainty that has taken a toll on businesses and families’ bank accounts, to... Continue Reading
Thousands of generous families throughout South Dakota have lovingly and generously opened their hearts to adopt children without homes. These families often endure large expenses, inconveniences, and even heartache, all in order to provide a loving home for children who may otherwise have little hope. I admire these families and... Continue Reading
For generation after generation, South Dakotans have proudly answered the call of duty and served our country with honor and distinction. The service numbers for our state are astonishing to say the least. Approximately 32,000 South Dakotans served in World War I, 65,000 served in World War II, 26,000 in... Continue Reading
America stands at a crossroads. We face near-record unemployment, a stagnant economy, and a structural fiscal imbalance that threatens the well-being of Americans today as well as future generations. President Obama recently outlined his solution: a Stimulus 2.0 consisting of short-term, temporary tax incentives and new spending, paid for with... Continue Reading
U.S. taxpayers received some good news recently. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced that she was dumping Obamacare’s Community Living Assistance Services and Supports program, which was intended to provide government-run, long-term care insurance. No one was especially surprised by her declaration that CLASS is a house... Continue Reading
South Dakotans along the Missouri River continue to make significant progress in the clean-up and recovery efforts following the historic flooding of 2011. While these recovery efforts continue in earnest, many questions still need to be answered regarding what went wrong and what action should be taken to help prevent... Continue Reading
In 1988, the “Red Ribbon Week” was formally recognized by President and Mrs. Reagan as a time for schools and communities across the country to raise awareness about drug prevention. This year’s celebration has been designated to take place during the week of October 22nd-30th, and I am pleased to... Continue Reading
Recently, taxpayers in South Dakota and throughout the nation were victorious over the threat of yet another unaffordable Washington-created program. As part of Obamacare, Democrats created a new long-term care entitlement program called the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Act that was aimed at providing substantial cash benefits... Continue Reading
Earlier this year, environmental groups filed a lawsuit to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban all traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) of 1976. According to industry experts, metallic non-traditional ammunition makes up only one percent of the market share. Banning... Continue Reading
