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
Many of us spend the days after Christmas reflecting on the year that has passed and looking toward the year that is to come. As the start of 2009 will bring the start of a new session of Congress, I am looking forward to building on the successes of 2008.... Continue Reading
During the past year we have seen the effect that high energy costs can have on our economy and our daily lives. While gas prices have retreated significantly from their record highs this summer, the need to utilize alternative sources of energy is still great, both for fueling our vehicles... Continue Reading
Christmas is always a special time of year, but in a year when many in South Dakota and across the nation are feeling the uncertainty of the times, I hope that Christmas serves as a chance for families to gather and be strengthened by each other in preparation for the... Continue Reading
Agriculture is the largest sector of the South Dakota economy, and ranching is one of the most significant components of agricultural production in our state. There is a proud ranching and farming tradition in South Dakota that is as integral to our culture as it is to our economy, and... Continue Reading
