For America to achieve energy independence, we must work to diversify our energy sources. I have worked throughout my years in Congress to promote energy opportunities in South Dakota such as wind energy production, biodiesel, and corn ethanol, and I believe there is more that we can do to grow,... Continue Reading
One lesson we can all take to heart as we work through the current economic downturn is the importance of not borrowing more money than we can repay. While South Dakota has largely been insulated from the home foreclosure crisis, we have seen what happens when individuals live beyond their... Continue Reading
Congress is preparing to explore reform of the U.S. health care system, and I believe that it will be a worthwhile debate. There are many ideas for how to expand health care coverage for Americans and how to reduce costs, and many of these proposals will be contentious. There are,... Continue Reading
In South Dakota and across our country, we have seen the way that communities come together in tough times to help those who are suffering. There is no question that today we face serious economic challenges, and I am optimistic that we will pull through. In the meantime, however, there... Continue Reading
While Americans are rightly proud of all the liberties we have secured through our Constitution and Bill of Rights, few freedoms are more cherished than that of free speech. We are all entitled to our own opinions, and I do not believe that the government should stand in the way... Continue Reading
Since South Dakota’s pioneer days, each generation has made great sacrifices so that their children and grandchildren could have a better life. Unfortunately, the trillion dollar spending bill passed by Congress turns this heritage on its head. With the passage of this bill, Congress will spend more borrowed money than... Continue Reading
For many South Dakotans, responsible firearm ownership is a significant part of life. Hunting is not only a large part of our state’s culture, it is a major economic engine that generates a great deal of revenue for our state as well as local businesses. This, in addition to my... Continue Reading
As unemployment figures continue to rise across the country, elected officials in Washington are looking at ways to end the recession and get our economy moving forward again. Despite testimony from leading economists for timely, targeted, and temporary measures to stimulate the economy, Democrat leaders in the Senate and House... Continue Reading
During my years of service in both the Senate and the House of Representatives I have had the great honor of seeing four Presidential Inaugurations up close. There are few events which have the ability to remind us how blessed we are as a nation more than witnessing the peaceful... Continue Reading
We are all introduced to the idea of heroes at a very young age. In school, students study history and literature where examples of men and women doing great deeds are used to inspire and to educate about important lessons of morality and life. Even much of what entertains us... Continue Reading
As a new Congress and a new Administration prepare for the upcoming year, health care reform is at the top of the agenda. There will be many proposed solutions to the issues facing the American health care system, and one issue that I hope receives attention is the need for... Continue Reading
Now that the celebrations of Christmas and New Years are behind them, South Dakota’s students are returning to school for another semester of learning and development. Chances are good that many of these students received new books, making this time of year an especially good one to focus on the... Continue Reading
