There are few South Dakotans who do not have a friend of family member who is a veteran of our Armed Forces. This Veterans Day, South Dakotans will show their gratitude for those loved ones who served and remember especially those who gave their lives in defense of our freedom.... Continue Reading
A year ago our country was in the midst of a serious crisis. There was a very real danger credit markets would freeze and the economy would grind to a halt, affecting families and businesses across South Dakota and the country. Faced with this threat, Congress passed the Troubled Asset... Continue Reading
When I visit communities throughout our state, I am always proud of the attention that South Dakotans pay to the national issues that are being debated in Congress. Similarly, the letters, phone calls, and emails to my office show that South Dakotans are very engaged in the discussion about the... Continue Reading
Fall in South Dakota is notable for many reasons, not the least of which is the dropping temperature and the first dustings of snow in the Black Hills. Of course, fall in South Dakota also means the start of pheasant hunting season, one of our state’s favorite pastimes and a... Continue Reading
A year ago our country was in the midst of a serious crisis, with large financial institutions teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. There was a very real danger credit markets would freeze and the economy would grind to a halt. Faced with that threat, Congress passed the Troubled Asset... Continue Reading
During my many conversations at town hall meetings and coffee shops in recent months, I have heard concerns from South Dakotans about the potential costs of Congress creating a host of new government programs, including the creation of a cap and trade program for the regulation of greenhouse gases. The... Continue Reading
South Dakota’s agriculture industry is central to our state’s economy, and livestock production is a major part of agriculture in our state. As a Senator, I am committed to helping shape federal policies that support a healthy, dynamic agriculture sector, and that includes fighting bad ideas that would hurt our... Continue Reading
Congress is currently focused on the health care reform debate, and South Dakotans are understandably paying close attention. While domestic issues like health care may be the primary issues in Washington right now, it is important for national leaders to not lose sight of the fact that every day there... Continue Reading
The peak summer driving season may be over, but concerns about fuel prices, energy supplies, and greenhouse gas emissions remain a part of our national debate. While Congress’s consideration of new energy legislation is important, there are many policies already in place that are shaping the future of renewable energy... Continue Reading
The Senate’s end-of-summer work period has given me the opportunity to travel extensively around South Dakota and hear from constituents about their views on the issues being debated in Washington. Many South Dakotans expressed their concerns about the direction of our country and our economy. The debate over how to... Continue Reading
If a neighborhood small business spends more money than it brings in, it is no surprise when it has to close its doors. South Dakota families work hard to live within budgets, and successful business owners balance their ledgers before considering any kind of expansion. The federal government at the... Continue Reading
History students learn about the compromises that were crafted through the debate over the Constitution, and how those compromises allowed the new government to succeed. One of the most important compromises was the creation of the U.S. Senate: a legislative body where states are given equal power regardless of their... Continue Reading
