This past week, I received my committee assignments for the 112th session of Congress (2011-2012). In addition to remaining on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, I will also be serving on the Finance Committee and the Budget Committee. With our state and... Continue Reading
Over the past two weeks while the U.S. Senate has been in recess, I have had the opportunity to travel across South Dakota and meet with business and community leaders. Between my trips to Yankton, Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and several towns in between, I was even able to stop... Continue Reading
While holding a public event on January 8, 2011, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, along with a number of her constituents and staff, was shot by a deranged man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this tragedy, as well as their families and friends. At this difficult time,... Continue Reading
After failing to receive Congressional approval for the controversial cap-and-trade tax in the last session of Congress, the Obama administration has decided to move forward unilaterally with climate regulations. On January 2, 2011, the administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began enforcing expensive carbon emission regulations, despite bipartisan Congressional opposition to... Continue Reading
Another year has passed and 2011 is now upon us. The New Year gives us an opportunity to reflect on the year that has gone by and on what we hope to accomplish in the months ahead. It is a time to consider new solutions to the problems of the... Continue Reading
While many people were preparing for the holidays last week, the Obama administration was busy making plans to announce major policy changes through federal regulations. Just two days before Christmas, the Obama administration’s Department of Interior (DOI) issued a secretarial order to reverse the wilderness policy set in place by... Continue Reading
Since its inception in December of 1985, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has transitioned from a grain stock management program that helped rural farmers and ranchers prevent soil erosion to a tool that helps preserve wetlands, ensure water quality protection, and increase wildlife habitat. Today, the CRP is not only... Continue Reading
Christmas is a special time of year when families and friends gather to celebrate many blessings. It is a time of coming together to share gifts and enjoy the company of others-a time for reflecting on the year that has passed. As we share in the love and friendship of... Continue Reading
Over 3000 people in our state serve in the South Dakota National Guard. In addition to serving their state and the nation, most of these men and women have full time jobs in our communities. Balancing both service to country and a career can often be a challenge. The U.S.... Continue Reading
The U.S. Senate recently had a second opportunity to vote on a popular, bipartisan amendment that would have fully repealed the costly and burdensome 1099 tax reporting provision buried in the recently enacted health care law. This tax reporting mandate will force all businesses, charities, churches, and state and local... Continue Reading
With weeks of conditioning spoiled briefly by turkey and pie, high school hoopsters across South Dakota will get ready to kick off the first games of the season this December. Rest assured-they will have plenty of time to run lines before that first game. I get nostalgic this time of... Continue Reading
In the past few years, many families in South Dakota and throughout the country have dealt with smaller budgets and thinner wallets due to the downturn in our nation’s economy. Tangible hardships are perhaps more prevalent for our friends, families, and neighbors this year as our economy continues to lag.... Continue Reading
