Recent Press Releases

Washington, DC —  Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune today announced they will jointly tour drought-stricken areas of South Dakota next week.

Senators Johnson and Thune will discuss this tour and the drought, as well as other issues, separately today on their respective weekly conference calls.

"Producers across the state of South Dakota are suffering from the worst drought since the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. The Senate has passed the disaster assistance. While Senator Thune and I tour South Dakota and listen to producers, it is critical that this Administration realize how very serious and urgent this situation is," Johnson said.

"My staff and I have been visiting with South Dakota farmers and ranchers over the past several weeks and it is a hard truth that we are experiencing one of the worst droughts in our state's history. The Senate already passed $3.9 billion in the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senator Johnson and I will continue to fight for this much-needed emergency funding for our farmers and ranchers. I am optimistic that we will get a package through the Senate," said Thune.

Johnson-Thune Drought Tour:

When: Wednesday, August 9, 2006
Who: Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune
Where: (All events are open to the press).

10:20-11:15am CDT -- Meet with Johnny Smith and others (Ft. Pierre)
Ft. Pierre Livestock Auction
804 Salebarn Road

11:30-12:15pm MDT -- Meeting with Ranchers (Eagle Butte)
Diamond A Restaurant
Highway 212W

1:15-2:00pm MDT -- Meet w/ Ranchers at Sale Barn (Faith)
Faith Livestock
127 N. 5th Ave. west

4:15-5:00pm CDT -- Tour Duane Quiett's Farm (Gettysburg)
409 W. Commercial Ave

5:30-6:00pm CDT -- Grain Elevator (Onida)
Oahe Grain Corp
300 Ash Avenue

7:30-8:15pm CDT -- Press Availability at Airport (Sioux Falls)