As I return to the Senate after spending most of August traveling around South Dakota, I am more convinced than ever that Congress must act quickly to pass meaningful legislation without succumbing to the temptation of waiting until after the November election to come up with solutions. Like most Americans,... Continue Reading
Even though I know thousands of South Dakota parents are going through the same thing, somehow that doesn’t make it any easier. This week, my wife Kimberley and I joined the ranks of the empty nesters. We dropped our youngest daughter Larissa off at college, and in that simple act,... Continue Reading
As I have traveled across South Dakota this month, I have found the number one issue on the minds of South Dakotans continues to be the high cost of energy. For many rural South Dakotans who must travel great distances for work or school, the cost of fuel hits especially... Continue Reading
South Dakota wheat farmers, so far in 2008, have been blessed with one of the most abundant harvests ever, with bin-busting record winter and spring wheat yields being reported across all areas of the state in August. Adequate to surplus rainfall has fallen across much of South Dakota this spring... Continue Reading
There are many things that make living in South Dakota’s smaller towns so special. The peace and gentle pace of life cannot be matched anywhere else. There are, however, several challenges facing small towns in South Dakota, and one of them is access to quality and affordable health care. It... Continue Reading
In recent weeks I have used this space to share what I have been doing, both in Washington and in South Dakota, to lead Congress in taking action on high gas prices. I am pleased to announce that the bipartisan “Gang of 10,” which I helped form, has unveiled a... Continue Reading
For many South Dakotans, including myself, summer road trips are a quintessential memory. Whether it was when I was a boy or now as a dad, loading up the car for an adventure has always been an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, high gasoline prices are forcing many South Dakotans to forego... Continue Reading
Partisan political discourse is nothing new in America, but that does not mean that members of Congress can’t reach across the aisle to find solutions to critical challenges that face our nation. In particular, I believe that there is room for such cooperation in addressing record high energy costs, even... Continue Reading
South Dakotans have a proud tradition of answering the call to serve America in times of need, and in the conflicts we are fighting today, South Dakotans have served nobly. Our state has a service rate among the highest in the nation for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service... Continue Reading
With the increased demand on our nation’s vast transportation network, it is becoming increasingly clear that more needs to be done at the federal level to ensure that our transportation system is safe, well-maintained and upgraded to meet future needs. The government plays an important role in funding transportation infrastructure.... Continue Reading
The rising cost of fuel continues to have an impact on the lives of everyone in South Dakota and across the nation, and as Congress returns to session after Independence Day, energy costs are an issue we must address. The focus of nearly all of my meetings during this past... Continue Reading
It is difficult to imagine Independence Day without people traveling to and across South Dakota to enjoy Mount Rushmore, local parades, or other celebrations, but the reality is that with the high cost of fuel, many families have been forced to cut back on travel. Tourism is a vital industry... Continue Reading
