South Dakotans understand the importance of our state’s water system. Periodic droughts are a fact of life in South Dakota, so maintaining an efficient system to distribute water across large, rural areas is a challenge that public officials on the federal, state, and local level must work together to meet.... Continue Reading
Speaking to school groups in South Dakota, I am often asked how I ended up pursuing a career in public service. It is impossible for me to think about the path that led me to where I am today without giving thanks for the guidance of many people who have... Continue Reading
There are many in South Dakota who have answered the call to defend America with extraordinary military service. All of South Dakota’s veterans deserve recognition for their sacrifice, but special tribute must be paid to those who have been wounded in defense of freedom. April 13-19, is National Paralyzed Veterans... Continue Reading
The cold South Dakota winter may be drawing to a close, but regardless of the temperature, South Dakotans can count on plenty of windy days. Wind is an ever-present reality in South Dakota, and I believe wind energy can be a permanent part of America’s long term clean, renewable energy... Continue Reading
During the recent Easter Recess Work Period when the Senate was out of session, I had the opportunity to travel around South Dakota and meet with people in every corner of the state. I was fortunate to visit several hospitals and health care facilities across our state, and it is... Continue Reading
Firearms have long been a part of the history and culture of South Dakota. It is difficult to imagine homesteaders defending their claims without the assistance of rifles, and it is hard to ponder an autumn in South Dakota without the blaze orange vests and shotguns that are everywhere during... Continue Reading
The U.S. Senate spent a week in mid-March debating the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution. This annual exercise seeks to establish a framework for the upcoming year’s funding levels for federal programs, including the expected levels of tax revenues that allow the federal government to operate. It is said that... Continue Reading
The Constitution was carefully written to make sure that the process by which the government raises and spends money was not too far removed from the people, which is why Congress is given the “power of the purse.” As Congress prepares to write the budget for the next Fiscal Year,... Continue Reading
For more than a year, the Senate Agriculture Committee, of which I am a member, worked to draft a new Farm Bill. The Senate Farm Bill, which passed December 14, 2007, made a bold statement about the future of permanent disaster relief for U.S. agriculture producers. The Senate farm bill... Continue Reading
With the Senate in recess in honor of Presidents Day, I had the opportunity to travel across South Dakota and meet with people in all parts of the state. While these meetings covered a wide range of topics, including improving law enforcement and education in Indian Country, many visits demonstrated... Continue Reading
On February 18th the nation will celebrate President’s Day, which is not a celebration of all of the Presidents in our nation’s history, but rather a remembrance of the two men who have guided our nation through its stormiest days: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. No President in our history... Continue Reading
The U.S. Senate recently passed a bill aimed at reviving our slowing economy by providing tax rebates to over 130 million households nationwide. I want to use this column to answer some questions about the stimulus plan and tell you why I support it. The economic stimulus bill will put... Continue Reading
