For parents, it’s always a challenge to know what is going on in the lives of our children. There are rules, laws and guidelines designed to help parents keep their children safe and guide them in their decision-making so they make responsible, healthy choices. They range from labels on CDs... Continue Reading
As South Dakotans gather across the state to celebrate our nation’s independence, we are reminded of the freedoms we sometimes take for granted, and the great sacrifices that have been made over the years to secure those freedoms. From a kindergartener reciting her first pledge of allegiance to a college... Continue Reading
This summer, South Dakotans will be reminded of the importance of the federal highway system as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Federal-Aid Highway Program. In June of 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act into law. Ike not only envisioned the highway system as a... Continue Reading
At the turn of the century, west river South Dakota was the leading edge of what remained of the American frontier. Between 1905 and 1907, however, the railroads finally crossed the Missouri River at Chamberlain and Pierre and eventually extended their lines to Rapid City. One-hundred thousand settlers soon moved... Continue Reading
As the dangers of our nation’s dependence on foreign oil become more apparent, we continue the search for viable sources of alternative energy. Last year, Congress established a 7.5 billion gallon ethanol mandate which will help reduce our foreign energy dependence. Many automakers are also manufacturing vehicles that can run... Continue Reading
This month thousands of South Dakota high school seniors will don a cap and gown and walk across the stage in ceremonies all across our state, leaving behind a past they have known for a future yet unknown. I remember making that walk across Murdo’s auditorium stage 27 years ago... Continue Reading
Individuals and families across South Dakota and America are finding it harder and harder to afford quality health insurance. In an attempt to solve this problem, the United States Senate recently debated two medical liability reform bills that would have brought sensible and needed reform to the medical liability system,... Continue Reading
Just over four years ago, an enemy like none we have ever known attacked our country on a sunny September morning without warning and killed nearly 3,000 innocent people. For every American and especially those mothers and fathers, wives and husbands, children, friends and relatives who lost loved ones on... Continue Reading
I’m very concerned about the rapidly spreading methamphetamine abuse problem throughout the country and especially in rural states like South Dakota. Meth abuse poses a dangerous threat to our families and communities throughout the state, and it is a problem that must be addressed. On a recent visit to Rapid... Continue Reading
As South Dakotans gather to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the warmth of family and friends, I hope we can all pause to consider what is perhaps our greatest Christmas gift — the gift of freedom. And as we do, I hope we keep close in our thoughts and prayers... Continue Reading
It’s been a year since I was sworn-in to serve the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate and it has been an honor for me to represent the people of this great state in that great and hallowed chamber. Looking back, this has been a year filled... Continue Reading
As the holiday season gets underway in South Dakota and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it is important for us to pause to consider one of our greatest blessings—the gift of freedom—and express our gratitude to the men and women who have and continue to defend that freedom. From... Continue Reading
