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
This time of year is typically a busy period for Congress because all federal spending measures must be signed into law by the end of September. Sadly, Congress has not sent one of the 12 Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriations bills to the President for his signature. Because of this inaction,... Continue Reading
Today it is hard to imagine a world without the Air Force protecting us in the skies above, yet it was only 60 years ago, on September 18th, 1947, that the Air Force became an independent service. The theme of the Air Force’s 60th anniversary celebration is Heritage to Horizons:... Continue Reading
People associate South Dakota’s economy primarily with agriculture and tourism, and with good reason. The expanse of farm land that stretches for miles punctuated with the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore on the western edge are dominant symbols of our state. It is important, however, to look beyond agriculture and... Continue Reading
September 9th marks the beginning of National Assisted Living Week. Many people will have the experience of requiring some kind of long-term health care in their lifetime, including assisted living. The challenges that families face in providing necessary care for loved ones can be daunting, and long-term care services are... Continue Reading
A few weeks ago I wrote about how much there is to explore in South Dakota. When the Senate went into recess for the month of August, I came home to talk with people and hear about issues important to them and see first-hand a number of exciting things that... Continue Reading
August is a time when many set work aside for a while to spend time with their families and to enjoy a relaxed pace away from the pressures of their jobs. For many who serve in the South Dakota National Guard, however, this August will find them far away from... Continue Reading
