The House of Representatives today passed Senator John Thune’s bill, S. 975, which would allow South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado to enter into agreements to share resources and aid each other in fighting forest fires. In order for states to officially work together under such an agreement, Congressional... Continue Reading
U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) today sent a letter to Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Dr. Charles Grim to express strong support for continued 24-hour service at the Wagner Service Unit’s Emergency Room. In the letter, which House Natural... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune announced today that four South Dakota fire departments were awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public. “As South Dakota continues to deal... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Senate approved the Border Security First Act of 2007 as an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill. The Act authorizes $3 billion in emergency funding to be used to secure the southern border of the United States. “If we do not... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved companion legislation to his bipartisan bill, S. 824, to authorize an extension for a Disabled Veterans Memorial. “Establishing this memorial will demonstrate our nation’s commitment to those veterans who have been disabled in battle,” said Thune. “I... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune announced today that the Senate passed by unanimous consent his legislation (S.1716) that would correct a potentially devastating mistake in the $3 billion agriculture disaster aid package that passed Congress in May. “Congress clearly intended disaster assistance to be available to crop and livestock producers who suffered... Continue Reading
Senator Thune (R-SD) supported an amendment today that would protect our right to free speech and free debate on our nation’s airwaves. The amendment, which was introduced by Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN), Senator Thune and others, would prohibit the FCC from reinstating the so-called “Fairness Doctrine”. The amendment was defeated... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today introduced The Long-Term Care Act of 2007, legislation that would allow individuals to use their IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), and 457 plans to purchase qualified long-term care insurance with pretax dollars without penalty. “Long-term care costs are skyrocketing in South Dakota and across this country,” said Thune.... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced funding levels for fiscal year 2008, which were approved by the Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill includes several priorities for which Senator Thune specifically requested funding. “The importance of these projects to South Dakota’s agriculture economy cannot be overstated,” said Thune, a... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced S. 975, legislation that would allow South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado to enter into agreements to share resources and aid each other in fighting forest fires, passed the United States Senate by unanimous consent. In order for states to officially work together under... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune issued the following statement after the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2008 Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies’ (TTHUD) Appropriations bill. This bill contains several requests Senator Thune made on behalf of South Dakota. “This measure would provide needed funding for some of... Continue Reading
United States Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune and Congressswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin today outlined next steps for securing federal funding for a Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL) at the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota. Earlier this week, the National Science Foundation announced the selection of... Continue Reading
