Today, Senator Thune introduced legislation that would fix the definition of renewable biomass in the 2007 Energy Bill. In the final version of the 2007 Energy bill, the definition of “Renewable Biomass” excludes any material removed from national forests. Therefore, cellulosic ethanol derived from this feedstock does not count towards... Continue Reading
U.S. Senator John Thune expressed concern today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) track record of prolonged implementation for two recent programs poses serious doubts about the USDA’s ability to timely and efficiently administer upcoming 2007 Farm Bill programs. Congress authorized $3.2 billion for crop and livestock disaster assistance... Continue Reading
The non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation today released the detailed results of their survey of all Congressional websites, where it was announced that Senator Thune’s official website, www.thune.senate.gov, was ranked number one out of 99, making it the highest rated website of any individual Senator in the United States Senate. The... Continue Reading
U.S. Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Department of Education is currently accepting nominations for the American Stars of Teaching awards. These awards recognize teachers across the nation who improve student achievement, use innovative strategies in the classroom, and make a difference in the lives of students. “As... Continue Reading
U.S. Senator John Thune commented today on a report released by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General T. Michael Moseley. The report is the Air Force’s weapon system “roadmap,” which is a long-term plan for providing the U.S. the necessary Air Force capabilities to meet threats to... Continue Reading
The non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation today honored Senator John Thune’s official website with the 2007 Gold Mouse Award. Senator Thune’s website is one of 36 honored with the Gold Mouse out of 618 Congressional websites reviewed. “My official website, http://www.thune.senate.gov, is a valuable resource for South Dakotans to use in... Continue Reading
U.S. Senator John Thune commented today on a recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Nebraska, which found that switchgrass ethanol produces 540 percent more energy than is required to produce the fuel. In particular, for every unit of petroleum used to grow and... Continue Reading
Today Senator John Thune announced that Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing ad hoc disaster payments to crop and livestock producers who suffered eligible losses in 2005, 2006, and through February 28, 2007. The disaster payments FSA is issuing today were authorized for the Crop Disaster Program (CDP), the... Continue Reading
Today Senator John Thune attended the ceremony where President Bush signed into law the Energy Bill, H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which includes an historic increased Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Senator Thune has been working for months to get an increased RFS through the Senate.... Continue Reading
The U.S. Senate last night passed Senator John Thune’s bipartisan legislation (S.2260) that seeks to restore commercial air service to Brookings and two other airports that were impacted by the September 30, 2007 expiration of a provision in the 2003 Federal Aviation bill. The bill is also sponsored by Senators... Continue Reading
Today the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which includes an historic increase in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Senator John Thune has been working to increase the RFS and following Senate approval last week, today’s vote in the House... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune issued the following statement after the Senate approved the FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. This bill contains several requests Senator Thune made on behalf of South Dakota. The Democrat led Congress has been far behind in completing action on the annual appropriations bills. Despite the fact that... Continue Reading
