South Dakota became the first state in the Union this year to pass a balanced budget. Elected officials and state leaders were forced by South Dakota’s Constitution to take a hard look at spending priorities, especially in light of the current challenging fiscal times, and were required to make some... Continue Reading
The Fourth of July is upon us and as we plan this year’s celebrations, we are reminded of the unique memories each of us carries from years long ago. For me, I can recall the taste of hotdogs on the grill, the sound of the fireworks as they painted the... Continue Reading
The devastating flood situation along the Missouri River continues to affect thousands of South Dakotans. As the flood situation has grown worse over the past several weeks, my staff and I have been in constant contact with state, local, and federal officials to ensure that all measures necessary to protect... Continue Reading
Over 200 years ago during the American Revolution, the Continental Congress authorized a new Flag design that would come to represent the ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice that our country holds dear. Since June 14, 1777, the design of the Flag has sustained changes, along with our young Democracy,... Continue Reading
As I traveled across the state for meetings and community events this past week, I was struck yet again by the generosity, dedication, and strong will of the people of our state. Communities across South Dakota are dealing with rising water levels on the Missouri River and are now bracing... Continue Reading
Memorial Day is upon us and people across the country will take time to remember the generations of young men and women who have laid down their lives in defense of our freedom. From the fallen patriots who won our independence at the start of this great nation, to the... Continue Reading
Representing South Dakota’s agriculture producers continues to be one of my highest priorities in the Senate as I begin work on my third Farm Bill since being elected to Congress. While serving on both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, I have worked to ensure that South Dakota agriculture—the state’s... Continue Reading
Over the past year, my staff and I have continually fielded concerns from South Dakota surface mine owners, operators, and employees stating that federal regulators are levying inconsistent and arbitrary mine safety inspections and citations at gravel pit sites and other surface mining operations. Enforcement of safety regulations is important,... Continue Reading
After a long, hard winter in many parts of the state, spring is finally starting to show its face in South Dakota. The weather is getting warmer, spring sports have commenced, and soon the official start of the summer tourism season will be here. From the Mount Rushmore National Memorial,... Continue Reading
Generations of South Dakotans have long enjoyed the vast outdoors our state has to offer. Hunting and fishing are integral to our identity as South Dakotans and are a source of pride for many of us. Growing up, my father and mother shared their love and appreciation of the outdoors... Continue Reading
Just two months ago, President Obama submitted his proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2012 to Congress. This budget included $9.5 trillion in deficit spending and would add $13 trillion to the nation’s debt over the next 10 years. Since the president submitted his massive government spending proposal, we have... Continue Reading
The U.S. military is currently engaged in conflicts across the world, requiring servicemen and women to be away from their homes and loved ones. It is important that we not only take time to care for our troops, but their families who are back at home. The children of our... Continue Reading
