Charles Whitepipe, Sr., a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and a Sioux Code Talker in World War II, passed away Monday, June 26, 2006. Whitepipe, Sr. was one of the two living Sioux Code Talkers who then-Congressman Thune worked to recognize with the Congressional Gold Medal. “I am saddened... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune announced today that important funding he requested for South Dakota has been included in the 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The bill, which was reported out by the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee includes $10.5 million for South Dakota that was not included in the House... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today voted in favor of a Constitutional Amendment that would allow Congress to prohibit the desecration of the American Flag. “Many of our veterans have stood in harm’s way around the world to protect everything that the American Flag represents. The American Flag has been a part... Continue Reading
As drought conditions in South Dakota worsen, U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) urged USDA to release CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is in the process of receiving a... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today issued the following statement regarding the 10 by 10 Act, legislation that would amend the Clean Air Act to require that all gasoline sold for use in motor vehicles contain 10 percent of renewable fuel by 2010. Senator Thune is a cosponsor of the 10 by... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune (R-SD) today issued the following statement regarding Japan’s decision to resume importation of U.S. beef after a five-month ban: “I am glad to see Japan has resumed the commitment it made last December to lift its two-year ban on U.S. beef. While overdue, Japan’s decision to resume... Continue Reading
U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-SD) and John Thune (R-SD) today announced more than $2.5 million in funding to resurface South Dakota Highway 40 from Hermosa, SD to the Shannon County line. This funding was approved by Congress in last year’s Transportation, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development (TTHUD) Appropriations bill.... Continue Reading
Senators Tim Johnson, John Thune and Representative Stephanie Herseth today discussed South Dakota’s funding priorities with White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Rob Portman. Portman was sworn in as OMB Director in late May. As OMB Director, Portman is responsible for crafting the President’s annual budget requests... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today issued the following statement warning South Dakota Medicare beneficiaries to be on the lookout for fraudulent phone calls associated with the “$299 Ring” scheme, in which callers contact Medicare beneficiaries promising a new prescription drug card for a flat fee of $299, and request bank account... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune toured the Sully and Potter county areas last weekend to assess the current drought conditions in central South Dakota, and Judy Vrchota, Thune’s Northeast Area Director, will be touring Edmunds, McPherson, and Campbell counties today. “Drought conditions continue to devastate farmers and ranchers across South Dakota,” said... Continue Reading
Senator John Thune today made the following statement regarding the Conference Report on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery for Fiscal Year 2006: “I voted for this emergency spending bill because I am committed to providing our troops with the necessary... Continue Reading
Yesterday Senator John Thune introduced three tribal chairmen from South Dakota to speak on behalf of the Tribal Parity Act and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Equitable Compensation Amendments Act of 2005. Chairman Mike Jandreau of Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and Chairman Lester Thompson, Jr. from Crow Creek Sioux Tribe... Continue Reading
