Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for payments from the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program (ELAP). This program is one of five permanent disaster relief programs Senator Thune helped establish as part of the 2008 Farm Bill. “South Dakota farmers and... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today led a group of his Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner urging him to allow the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to expire on December 31, 2009. Last year’s Emergency Economic Stabilization Act allows the Treasury Department to extend TARP... Continue Reading
Earlier this week, Senator John Thune was presented with the Golden Triangle Award, the highest legislative award given by the National Farmers Union. Senator Thune was recognized for his leadership on renewable energy, strengthening the farm safety net, and rural development issues. “I am honored to receive this award, and... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today issued the following statement in remembrance of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks: “The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 were a tragedy perpetrated by an enemy determined to destroy our nation and our way of life. I ask all South Dakotans to join me in... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced he would not support the nomination of Cass Sunstein to be head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs within the White House Office of Management and Budget. “Mr. Sunstein’s past statements about banning hunting and allowing animals to bring lawsuits make it impossible... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun making payments to facilities converting nonedible plant material into biofuels and bioenergy through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). Senator Thune authored BCAP, which was included in the 2008 Farm Bill. “Biofuels and other forms of renewable... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune tonight issued the following statement after President Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress: “I stand ready to work with the President and Congressional Democrats on a bipartisan common sense health care solution that would lower costs and improve care rather than force a massive new... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today discussed national energy policy relating to biofuels with Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) as well as industry experts, researchers, and agricultural producers at a United States Senate Agriculture Committee Field Hearing in Sioux City, IA. The hearing focused on the artificial barriers erected by... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced his nomination of Donna and Bob Burke of Brookings for the 2009 Angels in Adoption Award, which is presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Since 1984, the Burkes have cared for over 30 children as foster parents in addition to raising two biological and... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today made the following statement on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy: “Senator Kennedy was a very effective advocate for the things he believed in and earned the respect of Senators on both sides of the aisle. Although we didn’t always agree, I admired his service to... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released $188,100 to the Community Health Care Association of the Dakotas. The funds, which were requested by Senator Thune in the Fiscal Year 2009 Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill, will be used to... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune has added two additional town hall meetings to his Senate recess schedule. On Friday, August 28th at 8:30 AM MT he will hold a town hall in Rapid City at the Surbeck Center Ballroom on the campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and... Continue Reading
