Two of the biggest issues facing our nation today are the need for job creation and our overdependence on imported energy. In South Dakota, we have seen the positive effect that renewable fuels production can have on job growth, and we recognize that biofuels can reduce our dependence on imported... Continue Reading
In the past few weeks, our television screens and newspapers have been filled with heartbreaking images of the devastation following January’s earthquake in the Caribbean nation of Haiti. The powerful earthquake has claimed thousands of lives and left many more injured, homeless, and hungry. U.S. and international aid organizations have... Continue Reading
On Christmas Eve, the U.S. Senate voted on and passed a health care bill that would fundamentally restructure one-sixth of our entire economy while raising taxes and increasing the cost of health insurance. On Christmas Day, an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist attempted to blow up an airline flight carrying 258 passengers... Continue Reading
South Dakotans know how important it is to keep the family checkbook balanced. By keeping careful count of how much money comes in and how much goes out, families can avoid debt and the headaches that accompany it. Unfortunately, Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have gone on a... Continue Reading
Every time we enter a new year, many of us examine the things in our lives we can improve. We make resolutions and do our best to live by them. This year, Congressional leaders and the Administration could do right by the American people by following through with past pledges... Continue Reading
Christmas is a special time when we are particularly mindful of the importance of our families in our lives. This year, I am joined in wishing all South Dakotans a Merry Christmas by my wife Kimberley and our daughters, who I am happy have travelled home from college for Christmas... Continue Reading
The debate over how to enact needed reform for our nation’s health care system has been the subject of much attention around the country for months. Members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate have offered various health care reform bills, and numerous proposals have been analyzed by... Continue Reading
The fact that paying some taxes is necessary does not make writing the check any easier for most of us. South Dakotans work hard for their money, and I believe that they should be able to keep as much of it as possible. The reality is, however, that the federal... Continue Reading
It seems as though every day we become more aware of the changes that have been brought about by technology. Through the Internet and other mediums of communication, a person in South Dakota can connect with someone in South Korea more quickly and more easily than ever before. As technology... Continue Reading
At the end of every year we take time to be especially mindful of all of the blessings in our lives. I, like many South Dakotans, count my family as the greatest blessing I enjoy. There are many families in South Dakota that have another great blessing: adopted children. November... Continue Reading
As the end of another year approaches, we once again gather with family and friends to remember all we have in our lives for which we are thankful. Before the turkey is carved, we should all take stock of the year that has passed and reflect on the things that... Continue Reading
When I return to South Dakota on most weekends, I frequently hear from constituents about their concerns with increased government spending and the unprecedented level of intervention from the federal government the private sector. I share many of their concerns, particularly when it comes to the fact that this degree... Continue Reading
