I’m very concerned about the rapidly spreading methamphetamine abuse problem throughout the country and especially in rural states like South Dakota. Meth abuse poses a dangerous threat to our families and communities throughout the state, and it is a problem that must be addressed. On a recent visit to Rapid... Continue Reading
As South Dakotans gather to celebrate the holidays and enjoy the warmth of family and friends, I hope we can all pause to consider what is perhaps our greatest Christmas gift — the gift of freedom. And as we do, I hope we keep close in our thoughts and prayers... Continue Reading
It’s been a year since I was sworn-in to serve the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate and it has been an honor for me to represent the people of this great state in that great and hallowed chamber. Looking back, this has been a year filled... Continue Reading
As the holiday season gets underway in South Dakota and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, it is important for us to pause to consider one of our greatest blessings—the gift of freedom—and express our gratitude to the men and women who have and continue to defend that freedom. From... Continue Reading
As we celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month and pay tribute to the American Indian culture sewn deep into the fabric of American history, it’s important to look toward the future and identify ways we can increase opportunity and strengthen the quality of life for every American Indian, and specifically,... Continue Reading
As South Dakota farmers continue their harvest and families across the state prepare for the winter months, I am deeply concerned about high fuel costs. Gasoline costs in the wake of several catastrophic hurricanes pose a considerable burden for South Dakotans and all Americans. But as rebuilding and recovery efforts... Continue Reading
Recently, the people of Iraq overwhelmingly denounced violence by exercising a newfound freedom – their right to vote for a draft constitution. It may take a few days or even weeks until we know the official outcome of the vote, but what we do know is that Iraqis turned out... Continue Reading
Firearms are a valued part of the culture and fabric of South Dakota. Each year, South Dakota issues well over 120,000 resident hunting licenses, and nearly 100,000 nonresident hunters visit our state each year to support our tourism and hunting industry. Unfortunately, the centuries-old firearms industry has come under attack... Continue Reading
The rising cost of health care and prescription drugs is of great concern, but for South Dakota seniors, help is on the way. Starting November 15, seniors across South Dakota will have an opportunity to start signing up for the new prescription drug coverage under Medicare. This new benefit is... Continue Reading
The high cost of health care weighs heavily on many families and small business owners across South Dakota. We need to create more cost-effective and efficient health care, and I expect the Senate to tackle this issue head-on this fall. Ensuring access to quality affordable health care in rural areas... Continue Reading
While criss-crossing the state during the Senate’s August recess, it was good to hear the variety of issues that concern South Dakotans. Some issues tend to be more regionalized, with Ellsworth Air Force Base dominating the discussion in West River, and Missouri River water issues at the forefront in the... Continue Reading
Our 2002 Senate race was certainly one of the most contentious in our state’s history, as most folks reading this will remember. However, we both have come to the conclusion that – in order to effectively represent the state that we both deeply love and care about – we need... Continue Reading
