Christmas is a special time in South Dakota just like it is across the country and the world. Families who are spread far across the nation often return home to be together and to share the peace of this holy time of the year. It goes without saying, however, that... Continue Reading
I have been frustrated by the lack of progress under Democratic leadership in the U.S. Congress all year on legislation especially important for South Dakota and the nation. Countless hours have been spent engaged in partisan wrangling while the Farm Bill and Energy Bill remained stalled. Last week, however, marked... Continue Reading
The distance between South Dakota and Washington should not be a barrier between citizens and their elected representatives, and as your U.S. Senator I take very seriously the responsibility to keep you informed about the most important issues. Over the last few months I have frequently updated South Dakotans about... Continue Reading
One of the greatest challenges our country faces is energy independence. As a nation, we face growing demands for energy and if we do nothing to address this situation we will become even more dependent on foreign sources of energy. I find it unacceptable that the world’s largest economy, which... Continue Reading
I want to take this opportunity to remind South Dakotans that the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit open season began November 15, 2007 and continues through December 31st. Over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in South Dakota currently have prescription drug coverage. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the agency... Continue Reading
One of the great advantages of representing South Dakota in Washington is the ability to see how life can be so different from one place to another. Congress is currently mired in a mess where little progress is being made on issues that are vital to our national interest and... Continue Reading
If Congress fails to enact a higher Renewable Fuels Standard, South Dakota’s biofuels industry faces an uncertain future. South Dakota has 13 ethanol plants in operation and four plants under construction. In the current ethanol marketplace, our small-locally owned ethanol plants, which have created thousands of jobs in our state,... Continue Reading
South Dakotans who meet with me in Washington frequently ask me what I recommend they see and do while they are in town. The city is rich in history and I always have plenty of suggestions. Part of Washington’s heritage comes from the monuments that the nation has erected to... Continue Reading
After months of deliberation, the Senate Agriculture Committee has written and passed its version of the 2007 Farm Bill. This legislation is important for all Americans and it would have a major impact on South Dakota’s economy for years to come. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I... Continue Reading
I truly believe that listening to South Dakotans is one of the most important parts of my job as a United States Senator. Certain things are frequently on the minds of constituents, including improving access to high-quality, affordable health care. At a time when Congress is looking for ways to... Continue Reading
Beginning mid-October, blaze orange vests and hats are common sights in South Dakota’s corn fields, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands and sloughs. October is synonymous with pheasant hunting for many South Dakotans, as well as for many visitors to our state. I personally am looking forward to joining family and... Continue Reading
After months of playing politics with the future of our military funding, the Senate has passed the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Appropriations bill. The Senate leadership is finally starting to get work done, but we certainly have a long way to go. None of the 12 appropriations bills that Congress... Continue Reading
