{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"SD\" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=466111FE-E80C-4AAD-BD16-5FAC3023D14A", "Happy 100th Birthday, Dad", "2019-12-20", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. John Thune \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tIn 1906, two brothers, Nikolai and Matthew Gjelsvik, arrived at Ellis Island from Norway. The only English they knew were the words apple pie and coffee, which they learned on the boat on the way over. The immigration officials at Ellis Island asked them to change their last name because they thought it would be too difficult for people in this country to spell and pronounce. So the two brothers picked a new name. They chose the name of the farm they worked at near Bergen, Norway  which was called the Thune farm. So Nikolai Gjelsvik became Nick Thune  my grandfather.\r\nThe two brothers worked on the railroad as they built it west across South Dakota, learned English, and saved up enough money to start a small merchandising company, and then later a hardware store, in Mitchell, South Dakota.\r\nTo this day there is a Thune Hardware in Mitchell, although the family sold it many years ago. In 1916, Nick Thune married an Iowa girl who had moved to South Dakota to teach school, and they had three sons. Their middle son, Harold, will turn 100 on December 28. That middle son is my dad.\r\nMy dad is a World War II veteran, a member of the Greatest Generation, and he shares the qualities of so many in that generation  humility, patriotism, quiet service. Dad was a Navy pilot who flew Hellcats off the USS Intrepid. And he was an excellent pilot. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for shooting down four enemy planes in one engagement (that commendation was issued by Admiral John McCain, Sen. John McCain's grandfather.)\r\nBut my dad didn't  and still doesn't  talk about his own exploits. In fact, without my mom, I'm not sure I'd ever have known about my dad's record in World War II. I interviewed Dad for the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project a few years back, and he shared a lot of wonderful details about his service. But as usual, his focus was never on his own achievements, but on those of his fellow pilots.\r\nI'd also probably never have learned what an outstanding athlete my dad was if it hadn't been for my mom. My dad grew up in the small town of Murdo, South Dakota, during the Great Depression. They didn't have a lot, but there were a lot of basketball hoops around Murdo  on barns, poles, garages  and my dad learned to play. In fact, he learned to play so well that he took his high school basketball team to the state championship game  where, although they lost narrowly, he was named the tournament's most valuable player.\r\nMy dad had hoped to attend college in South Dakota, but a doctor in Murdo named Joseph Murphy thought my dad was good enough to play at the University of Minnesota and used his contacts to get my dad up to Hibbing Junior College in hopes that the Minnesota Gophers would notice him. They did, and he went down to the Twin Cities on a scholarship and played three seasons for the Gophers. He was the team's most valuable player in his junior year. In fact, he was high point man in Madison Square Garden on his birthday, December 28, 1940.\r\nWhile at the University of Minnesota, Dad met a girl who served sodas at a drugstore just off campus. They were married within a couple of years, while my Dad was in flight training for the Navy, and spent the next 69 years together.\r\nAfter the war, they came back to South Dakota.\r\nMy dad had been thinking about a career in the Navy, but his dad asked him to come back and run the family hardware store. My dad said that his heart sank, but he knew what he had to do. So he came home and went to work for his dad.\r\nThe hardware store struggled, so dad eventually went back to school to get a teaching degree. All parents are teachers for their kids, but my parents were my teachers several times over. Kids usually get a break from their parents when they're at school, but my dad was a teacher at my high school. He was also a coach. And the athletic director. And he drove the bus. And my mom was the school librarian. So it's safe to say my brothers and sister and I were pretty much always under the watchful eye of my parents. I never had my dad for a class, but my brother Rich did. Rich was the valedictorian of his high school class, and the only B he got in high school was from my dad. That was Dad for you.\r\nHe never showed any preference or gave any of his kids better treatment than anybody else. In fact, some of us might argue that he gave us a harder time because we were his kids! He believed very firmly that you had to earn your achievements. As a coach, my dad taught us about being a team player. He made it clear that being on a team was not about building your personal statistics but about making the players around you better. It's a lesson I've carried throughout my life, and one I try to live by every day.\r\nA few years ago, the Jones County School District named the auditorium in Murdo after my dad in recognition of his service and achievements at the school. It was particularly special since my dad was one of the volunteers who originally built the auditorium. My dad told me that he was more scared up on the scaffolding of that building than he'd ever been flying off a carrier during World War II.\r\nYou might think that with my dad as a coach and athletic director, sports were the main focus around our house, and they certainly were a big part of our lives. But my mom was determined that we would grow up to be well-rounded people, and my dad always supported her in that. They worked hard to ensure that we grew up with a perspective on life that went beyond just the latest sporting event. Mom made us study piano and, during the summers, come in from outside and read for an hour every day. We complained at the time, but I know that all of us today are grateful to her and my father for that.\r\nMom and Dad made a good team  Mom was an optimist and Dad was a pessimist  or, as he'd put it, a realist  and they really balanced each other. We didn't have material riches growing up, but we were beyond rich in those things that money can't buy but that lend purpose, joy, and meaning to life. All of us Thune kids are very grateful for that heritage.\r\nI'd be remiss if I didn't mention something that was life-changing for my parents, and that was their strong faith in Christ. My dad has always had real discernment and wisdom  in no small part because of his daily dependence upon God in his life. He's always prayed for wisdom, and God has blessed him with it.\r\nDad, thank you for the example of faith, integrity, character, and humility you've given to me and Bob and Rich and Karen and Tim. Thank you for faithfully serving God's purpose for your generation, and happy 100th birthday.\r\n(Audio/ video available here.)", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=20CBE167-60DF-41BE-A78F-74451A1D7C98", "Thune Statement on RFS Final Rule", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that establishes the required renewable fuel volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2020 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2021. The EPA has committed to ensuring a net of 15 billion gallons of ethanol is blended in 2020, among other reforms.\r\nThe administration has committed to reaching 15 billion gallons of ethanol-blended fuel next year, and South Dakota will hold them to it, said Thune. This final rule unfortunately falls short of the deal we reached in the Oval Office, and while the proof will be in the implementation, I am glad that EPA has at least recognized the compounded hardships the last three years of small refinery exemptions have placed on farm country. In addition to reducing the number of waivers and having more accountability, I am pleased to see EPA taking additional steps to build off our win to permit the year-round sale of E15, like by supporting an infrastructure program and reducing labeling requirements.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8E7C71F1-EE14-407B-8239-99EC62408F82", "President Expected to Sign Thune-Markey Bill to Crack Down on Illegal Robocalls", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and current chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), also a member of the Commerce Committee and author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, issued the following statements after the Senate approved a modified version of their bipartisan Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act (S. 151) by a simple voice vote. The Senate first passed S. 151 by a vote of 97 to 1 on May 23, 2019, and the House of Representatives passed a modified version of the bill by a vote of 417 to 3 on December 4, 2019. It now heads to the president, who is expected to sign it into law.\r\nAmidst ever-increasing numbers of robocall scams, the TRACED Act, which the Washington Post editorial board recently said is what good, old-fashioned legislating looks like, gives regulators more time to find scammers and levy fines for those who are caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption,and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws.\r\nI have yet to meet someone who says they enjoy receiving those unwanted and illegal robocalls that plague our phones, whether we're at home, at work, or in the car, which is why the TRACED Act takes several important steps in the fight to curb this scourge, said Thune. This bill represents a unique legislative effort that is not only bipartisan at its core, but it's nearly unanimously supported in Congress. Most importantly, this is a significant win for consumers in every corner of the country, and it finally and officially puts illegal robocallers on notice. While no process is perfect, I'm glad we were able to work together with Republicans and Democrats, senators and members of the House to reach this important compromise, which, once signed into law, will begin to make an important down payment on the fight against illegal robocalls.\r\nThe U.S. Senate today sent Americans a holiday gift on everyone's list: stopping the plague of robocalls, said Markey. The annoying and harassing robocalls we receive every day are neither a Democrat nor Republican menace; they are a universal menace. The TRACED Act cracks down on scammers by requiring phone carriers to authenticate whether calls are legitimate, and then blocking unverified robocalls at no charge to consumers. I thank Senator Thune for his unwavering partnership on this important consumer protection issue. I hope the President quickly signs this bill into law so that families can enjoy a new year of family calls instead of robocalls.\r\nIn November 2019, House and Senate negotiators, including Thune and Markey and U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), and Bob Latta (R-Ohio),announcedan agreement on this bipartisan, bicameral compromise.\r\n   Summary of the TRACED Act:\r\n \r\nBroadens the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call on people who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions.\r\nExtends the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to four years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and theFCC has told the committeethat even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against violators.\r\nBrings together the Department of Justice, FCC, Federal Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other relevant federal agencies, as well as state attorneys general and other non-federal entities to identify and report to Congress on improving deterrence and criminal prosecution at the federal and state level of robocall scams.\r\nRequires voice service providers to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones.\r\nDirects the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers.\r\nDirects the FCC to initiate a rulemaking process to protect consumers from one-ring scams.\r\nRequires the FCC to establish a working group to issue best practices to prevent hospitals from receiving illegal robocalls.\r\n \r\nThune and Markey introduced the TRACED Act on January 17, 2019, and its cosponsor list quickly grew to more than three-quarters of the Senate. The bill is supported by attorneys general in all 50 states, by all current commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission, and by industry and consumer groups, including AARP. It was also the subject of a Thune-led hearing entitled, Illegal Robocalls: Calling All to Stop the Scourge.\r\nIn 2018, when Thune served as chairman of the Commerce Committee, the committeeheard testimonyunder subpoena from Adrian Abramovich, the president of a now defunct company called Marketing Strategy Leaders. Abramovich, who has since been assessed a $120 million fine by the FCC for making nearly 100 million robocalls between 2015 and 2016, described a telemarketing operation as rather easy to put together and nimble, thus making enforcement difficult. His identification by the FCC and assessment of civil penalties raised questions for the committee about the lack of criminal prosecution for offenders caught intentionally and repeatedly violating telemarketing laws.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-rfs-announcement", "Johnson Statement on RFS Announcement", "2019-12-19", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today made the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a finalized rule, establishing renewable fuel volumes for 2020 as required under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).\n\n\"EPA's announcement is an improvement in restoring integrity for the RFS, but there is much more work to be done to undo the Small Refinery Exemption abuses and the demand destruction SRE's have caused South Dakota's ethanol industry. I will continue to work with the administration to remove regulatory barriers and encourage ethanol exports across the world.\"\n\nIn May, along with Agriculture Committee Chairman Peterson, Johnson introduced the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act of 2019 which establishes an annual June 1st deadline for refineries to submit small refinery exemption (SRE) petitions from their RFS blending obligations each year and increases transparency in the process. The RFS Integrity Act would increase transparency by making information with respect to a petition subject to public disclosure.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=F82E27C5-4124-4AEF-AD53-50270F8AB0AC", "Thune Reflects on 2019 Accomplishments", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed his number one priority in the Senate: serving the people of South Dakota. Thune discussed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which will authorize the full annual funding request for development of the B-21 bomber, his effort to help Sioux Falls become one of the most rural 5G-enabled cities in the country, and other wins for the people of South Dakota. Thune also discussed his continued effort to strengthen the agriculture economy for our farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, we're wrapping up the year here in the Senate, and I'm looking forward to getting home to Sioux Falls for Christmas.\r\nBefore we leave, we'll wrap up this year's spending bills, including the defense funding bill.\r\nYesterday, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act, yearly legislation to authorize funding for our military and our national defense.\r\nI'm pleased to report that this year's bill authorizes the full annual funding request for development of the B-21 bomber, which will be coming to Ellsworth in the not-too-distant future.\r\nThenews that Ellsworth Air Force Base had been selected as the first home of the future B-21 Raider was exciting news this year.\r\nEllsworth has been a priority of mine since I first came to the Senate and worked with a lot of dedicated people to prevent Ellsworth from being closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 2005.\r\nSince then, I've worked with the other members of the South Dakota delegation and Air Force and community leaders to make sure the base never again finds itself in the same position.\r\nAmong other things, our efforts resulted in the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex into the largest training air space in the continental United States.\r\nAnd it's undoubtedly partly thanks to this air space that Ellsworth was chosen as the first home for the B-21.\r\nEllsworth is going from strength to strength, and I'm honored to advocate for our national security and the airmen at Ellsworth in the Senate.\r\nMr. President, agriculture is the lifeblood of our economy in South Dakota, and our farmers and ranchers are always at the top of my priority list here in the Senate.\r\nThanks to natural disasters, protracted trade disputes, and several years of low commodity prices, farmers and ranchers have had a tough few years.\r\nThis spring, farmers throughout the Midwest were hit with heavy rainfall and flooding.\r\nBy the time the soil finally dried out enough for planting, it was too late for many farmers to plant their normal crops, and many had to turn to quick-growing cover crops that could be used for feed and grazing and to protect the soil.\r\nBut farmers in South Dakota and other northern states faced a problem.\r\nThe Department of Agriculture had set November 1 as the first date on which farmers could harvest these cover crops for feed or use them for pasture without having their crop insurance indemnity reduced.\r\nFarmers who hayed or grazed before this date faced a reduction in their prevent plant indemnity payments  crop insurance to help them cover their income loss when fields can't be planted due to flooding or other issues.\r\nWhile November 1 is a reasonable date for farmers in southern states, for farmers in northern states like South Dakota, November 1 is too late for harvesting thanks to killing frost and the risk of late fall and early winter storms.\r\nAnd it is too late to maximize the use of cover crops for pasture, since a killing frost is liable to flatten cover crops before they are grazed.\r\nSo beginning in early May, I started pressing the Department of Agriculture to change the November 1 date.\r\nAnd in June, the Department of Agriculture announced that it would move up the November 1 date for 2019 by two months, to September 1  a significant amount of time that allowed South Dakota farmers to plant cover crops without worrying about whether they would be able to successfully harvest or graze them.\r\nA year ago this week, the president signed into law the 2018 farm bill, which contained nearly 20 provisions I authored based on input from South Dakota farmers and ranchers.\r\nThis year I've closely monitored the Department of Agriculture's implementation of the bill.\r\nIn particular, I've pressed the Agriculture Department to implement the bill's improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program and hold CRP sign-ups, and I'm pleased that the administration opened a CRP sign-up earlier this month.\r\nWhen I talk to farmers and ranchers at home in South Dakota, they emphasize that the most important thing Washington can do to boost our agriculture economy is to take action on trade agreements.\r\nFarmers and ranchers need access to new and expanded markets for their products.\r\nAnd just as importantly, they need certainty about what international markets are going to look like going forward.\r\nI've spent a lot of time this year pushing for Congress to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\nAfter months and months of unnecessary delay, I'm pleased that this agreement is now moving forward.\r\nI'm hopeful that the Senate will pass it in January so that farmers and ranchers can start experiencing the benefits.\r\nOne piece of good news for corn farmers came this year with the administration's announcement that it would permit the year-round sale of E15, 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel.\r\nI've spent over a decade advocating for the year-round sale of E15, and I was very pleased by the administration's announcement.\r\nHowever, for corn farmers to see the full benefit of year-round E15 sales, the Environmental Protection Agency needs to start accounting for its unprecedented use of small refinery exemptions.\r\nThese so-called hardship waivers should be limited only to instances where small refiners would no longer be profitable or competitive by complying with their blending obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard.\r\nOn Friday, the EPA is poised to finalize a supplemental rule that it assures us will deliver on the president's commitments to account for waivers and truly blend 15 billion gallons of ethanol each year.\r\nHowever, based on this EPA's track record, it's difficult to trust it will retreat from its aggressive issuance of small refinery exemptions.\r\nI hope the EPA proves me wrong, but I think I speak for most of farm country when I say I'll believe it when I see it.\r\nOn the topic of renewable fuels, I'm happy to be able to say that the biodiesel tax credit will be extended for five years, through 2022 , as part of this week's tax extenders deal.\r\nBiodiesel is a good deal for farmers, as it adds value to each bushel of soybeans by making use of the oil from bean processing.\r\nAnd it's a good deal for our environment, because the use of this fuel lowers emissions.\r\nMr. President, as a former chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and current chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I've spent a lot of time over the last few years focused on internet, communications, and data privacy issues.\r\nOne big priority of mine has been paving the way for 5G  the next generation of wireless technology  and ensuring that rural areas and not just big cities get this technology.\r\nLast year, the president signed into law my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act, legislation I introduced to help secure adequate spectrum for 5G technology.\r\nAnd earlier this year, Senator Schatz and I introduced the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act to address the other part of the 5G equation  infrastructure.\r\nI was thrilled to be home in Sioux Falls to mark a huge milestone for the city and for South Dakota  the unveiling of Sioux Falls' first 5G small cells, small antennas that will join traditional cell towers to support 5G technology.\r\n5G has tremendous promise for rural areas, but it will only deliver on that promise if we ensure that 5G cells are actually deployed in these areas.\r\nI'm proud that we've made a good start in South Dakota.\r\nSioux Falls' mayor Paul TenHaken has worked aggressively to remove barriers to telecommunications investment in Sioux Falls.\r\nAdvancing 5G will continue to be a priority of mine in the Senate.\r\nWe want the United States  and not China or South Korea  to win the race to 5G and seize the economic benefits 5G will bring.\r\nAnother thing I've spent a lot of time working on in the Commerce Committee this year is data privacy.\r\nIn October I introduced the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which is designed to address one aspect of the data privacy problem  the issues that arise from internet companies' use of consumers' personal data to shape what consumers see on their platforms.\r\nI also introduced legislation this year with Senator Ed Markey to address the problem of annoying and illegal robocalls.\r\nI'm hopeful that our legislation, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act  or TRACED Act  will pass the Senate soon and be on the president's desk before Christmas.\r\nMr. President, I've worked on a lot of other bills this year to make life better for South Dakotans and American families.\r\nI've introduced tax reform bills to help small businesses, update the tax code for the 21st century economy, encourage charitable giving, and permanently protect family farms from the death tax.\r\nI've introduced legislation to protect access to health care in rural areas.\r\nHelp Americans repay their student loans.\r\nAnd more.\r\nAnd I will continue to work on these issues in the new year.\r\nAs always, my priority will be ensuring that Congress is addressing the challenges facing South Dakota families.\r\nThe holidays are a time to reflect on the blessings we've received, and I feel truly blessed to call the great state of South Dakota home.\r\nIt is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of South Dakota here in the Senate. \r\nTo all South Dakotans, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a joyful holiday season.\r\n\r\nAnd I look forward to continuing to represent your priorities in Washington in the new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A5F9ABBD-2E64-42F3-A6DD-23F26A030E52", "Thune Reflects on 2019 Accomplishments", "2019-12-18", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed his number one priority in the Senate: serving the people of South Dakota. Thune discussed the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act, which will authorize the full annual funding request for development of the B-21 bomber, his effort to help Sioux Falls become one of the most rural 5G-enabled cities in the country, and other wins for the people of South Dakota. Thune also discussed his continued effort to strengthen the agriculture economy for our farmers and ranchers in South Dakota.\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\nMr. President, we're wrapping up the year here in the Senate, and I'm looking forward to getting home to Sioux Falls for Christmas.\r\nBefore we leave, we'll wrap up this year's spending bills, including the defense funding bill.\r\nYesterday, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act, yearly legislation to authorize funding for our military and our national defense.\r\nI'm pleased to report that this year's bill authorizes the full annual funding request for development of the B-21 bomber, which will be coming to Ellsworth in the not-too-distant future.\r\nThenews that Ellsworth Air Force Base had been selected as the first home of the future B-21 Raider was exciting news this year.\r\nEllsworth has been a priority of mine since I first came to the Senate and worked with a lot of dedicated people to prevent Ellsworth from being closed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission in 2005.\r\nSince then, I've worked with the other members of the South Dakota delegation and Air Force and community leaders to make sure the base never again finds itself in the same position.\r\nAmong other things, our efforts resulted in the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex into the largest training air space in the continental United States.\r\nAnd it's undoubtedly partly thanks to this air space that Ellsworth was chosen as the first home for the B-21.\r\nEllsworth is going from strength to strength, and I'm honored to advocate for our national security and the airmen at Ellsworth in the Senate.\r\nMr. President, agriculture is the lifeblood of our economy in South Dakota, and our farmers and ranchers are always at the top of my priority list here in the Senate.\r\nThanks to natural disasters, protracted trade disputes, and several years of low commodity prices, farmers and ranchers have had a tough few years.\r\nThis spring, farmers throughout the Midwest were hit with heavy rainfall and flooding.\r\nBy the time the soil finally dried out enough for planting, it was too late for many farmers to plant their normal crops, and many had to turn to quick-growing cover crops that could be used for feed and grazing and to protect the soil.\r\nBut farmers in South Dakota and other northern states faced a problem.\r\nThe Department of Agriculture had set November 1 as the first date on which farmers could harvest these cover crops for feed or use them for pasture without having their crop insurance indemnity reduced.\r\nFarmers who hayed or grazed before this date faced a reduction in their prevent plant indemnity payments  crop insurance to help them cover their income loss when fields can't be planted due to flooding or other issues.\r\nWhile November 1 is a reasonable date for farmers in southern states, for farmers in northern states like South Dakota, November 1 is too late for harvesting thanks to killing frost and the risk of late fall and early winter storms.\r\nAnd it is too late to maximize the use of cover crops for pasture, since a killing frost is liable to flatten cover crops before they are grazed.\r\nSo beginning in early May, I started pressing the Department of Agriculture to change the November 1 date.\r\nAnd in June, the Department of Agriculture announced that it would move up the November 1 date for 2019 by two months, to September 1  a significant amount of time that allowed South Dakota farmers to plant cover crops without worrying about whether they would be able to successfully harvest or graze them.\r\nA year ago this week, the president signed into law the 2018 farm bill, which contained nearly 20 provisions I authored based on input from South Dakota farmers and ranchers.\r\nThis year I've closely monitored the Department of Agriculture's implementation of the bill.\r\nIn particular, I've pressed the Agriculture Department to implement the bill's improvements to the Conservation Reserve Program and hold CRP sign-ups, and I'm pleased that the administration opened a CRP sign-up earlier this month.\r\nWhen I talk to farmers and ranchers at home in South Dakota, they emphasize that the most important thing Washington can do to boost our agriculture economy is to take action on trade agreements.\r\nFarmers and ranchers need access to new and expanded markets for their products.\r\nAnd just as importantly, they need certainty about what international markets are going to look like going forward.\r\nI've spent a lot of time this year pushing for Congress to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\nAfter months and months of unnecessary delay, I'm pleased that this agreement is now moving forward.\r\nI'm hopeful that the Senate will pass it in January so that farmers and ranchers can start experiencing the benefits.\r\nOne piece of good news for corn farmers came this year with the administration's announcement that it would permit the year-round sale of E15, 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel.\r\nI've spent over a decade advocating for the year-round sale of E15, and I was very pleased by the administration's announcement.\r\nHowever, for corn farmers to see the full benefit of year-round E15 sales, the Environmental Protection Agency needs to start accounting for its unprecedented use of small refinery exemptions.\r\nThese so-called hardship waivers should be limited only to instances where small refiners would no longer be profitable or competitive by complying with their blending obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard.\r\nOn Friday, the EPA is poised to finalize a supplemental rule that it assures us will deliver on the president's commitments to account for waivers and truly blend 15 billion gallons of ethanol each year.\r\nHowever, based on this EPA's track record, it's difficult to trust it will retreat from its aggressive issuance of small refinery exemptions.\r\nI hope the EPA proves me wrong, but I think I speak for most of farm country when I say I'll believe it when I see it.\r\nOn the topic of renewable fuels, I'm happy to be able to say that the biodiesel tax credit will be extended for five years, through 2022 , as part of this week's tax extenders deal.\r\nBiodiesel is a good deal for farmers, as it adds value to each bushel of soybeans by making use of the oil from bean processing.\r\nAnd it's a good deal for our environment, because the use of this fuel lowers emissions.\r\nMr. President, as a former chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee and current chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I've spent a lot of time over the last few years focused on internet, communications, and data privacy issues.\r\nOne big priority of mine has been paving the way for 5G  the next generation of wireless technology  and ensuring that rural areas and not just big cities get this technology.\r\nLast year, the president signed into law my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act, legislation I introduced to help secure adequate spectrum for 5G technology.\r\nAnd earlier this year, Senator Schatz and I introduced the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act to address the other part of the 5G equation  infrastructure.\r\nI was thrilled to be home in Sioux Falls to mark a huge milestone for the city and for South Dakota  the unveiling of Sioux Falls' first 5G small cells, small antennas that will join traditional cell towers to support 5G technology.\r\n5G has tremendous promise for rural areas, but it will only deliver on that promise if we ensure that 5G cells are actually deployed in these areas.\r\nI'm proud that we've made a good start in South Dakota.\r\nSioux Falls' mayor Paul TenHaken has worked aggressively to remove barriers to telecommunications investment in Sioux Falls.\r\nAdvancing 5G will continue to be a priority of mine in the Senate.\r\nWe want the United States  and not China or South Korea  to win the race to 5G and seize the economic benefits 5G will bring.\r\nAnother thing I've spent a lot of time working on in the Commerce Committee this year is data privacy.\r\nIn October I introduced the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which is designed to address one aspect of the data privacy problem  the issues that arise from internet companies' use of consumers' personal data to shape what consumers see on their platforms.\r\nI also introduced legislation this year with Senator Ed Markey to address the problem of annoying and illegal robocalls.\r\nI'm hopeful that our legislation, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act  or TRACED Act  will pass the Senate soon and be on the president's desk before Christmas.\r\nMr. President, I've worked on a lot of other bills this year to make life better for South Dakotans and American families.\r\nI've introduced tax reform bills to help small businesses, update the tax code for the 21st century economy, encourage charitable giving, and permanently protect family farms from the death tax.\r\nI've introduced legislation to protect access to health care in rural areas.\r\nHelp Americans repay their student loans.\r\nAnd more.\r\nAnd I will continue to work on these issues in the new year.\r\nAs always, my priority will be ensuring that Congress is addressing the challenges facing South Dakota families.\r\nThe holidays are a time to reflect on the blessings we've received, and I feel truly blessed to call the great state of South Dakota home.\r\nIt is an honor and a privilege to represent the people of South Dakota here in the Senate. \r\nTo all South Dakotans, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a joyful holiday season.\r\nAnd I look forward to continuing to represent your priorities in Washington in the new year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F06E6F9-75A0-43A9-95F0-0BE056E71389", "Thune: Tax Reform Has Delivered on Its Promises", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming two-year anniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law and the positive results it has delivered to the American people. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law in December 2017, hard-working middle-income American families have seen lower rates, improved benefits, better job opportunities, and many other positive results.\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, December 22 will mark the second anniversary of the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nTax reform was a big priority for Republicans.\r\nWe wanted to help American families by reducing their tax burden and spurring the kind of economic growth that would result in better jobs and better wages.\r\nAnd so at the end of 2017 we passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nWe cut tax rates for American families, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction.\r\nWe lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small and medium-sized businesses, farms, and ranches.\r\nWe expanded business owners' ability to recover the cost of investments they make in their businesses, which frees up cash that they can reinvest in their operations and their workers.\r\nAnd we lowered our nation's massive corporate tax rate  which up until January 1 of 2018 was the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world  and brought the U.S. international tax system into the 21st century so that American businesses are not operating at a competitive disadvantage next to their foreign counterparts.\r\nAnd over the last two years, tax reform has done exactly what we intended.\r\nIt's allowed American families to keep more of their hard-earned money, and it's helped spur wage growth and increase the availability of good jobs for American workers.\r\nFor 2018, the average family of four with an income of $75,000 saw a tax cut of more than $2,000.\r\nOn top of that, company after company responded to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by issuing bonuses, improving benefits, or increasing wages.\r\nAt least 100 utility companies around the country announced plans to cut utility rates for consumers.\r\nAnd then of course there's the economic growth the law has spurred.\r\nA whopping 266,000 jobs were created in November, smashing expectations and bringing the average monthly job creation for 2019 to a strong 180,000.\r\nJob creation since President Trump was elected has exceeded the Congressional Budget Office's 2016 pre-election prediction by more than 5 million.\r\nThe unemployment rate is at a 50-year low and has been at or below 4 percent for an incredible 21 straight months.\r\n2019 has also seen record-low unemployment rates for African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Americans with a disability, Americans without a high-school diploma, and veterans.\r\nFor 20 straight months, there have been more jobs available than Americans looking for work.\r\nMeanwhile, wages for American workers are growing steadily.\r\nWage growth has been at or above 3 percent for 16 straight months.\r\nBefore the start of this streak, the last time wage growth had reached 3 percent was more than a decade ago.\r\nIncome inequality has declined.\r\nThe poverty rate has fallen to a 17-year low.\r\nAnd the list goes on.\r\nNow that's a lot of numbers and percentages.\r\nBut they all boil down to one thing: American families are doing better.\r\nThanks to Republican economic policies, fewer Americans are having to choose between a car repair and a doctor's bill.\r\nMore Americans are able to put away money each month for their retirement or their children's education.\r\nThere are more good jobs available for Americans looking for work.\r\nOf course, Mr. President, there's still more work to be done.\r\nOur farm economy, for example, is not doing as well as the economy as a whole, and passing policies that will bring relief to our farmers and ranchers and expand markets for their products is a priority of mine.\r\nBut two years on from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we can celebrate the fact that millions of American families are bringing home more money in their paychecks and have access to better jobs and better opportunities.\r\nPreserving and building on those accomplishments is a Republican priority.\r\nUnfortunately, our Democrat colleagues are more likely to suggest tax hikes than preserving the tax cuts that have brought so much economic progress over the past couple of years.\r\nDemocrats opposed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, despite the fact that many of the ideas included were the product of both Republican and Democrat proposals, because they were determined not to work with this president.\r\nTwo years on, Democrats would still like to pretend that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act didn't help American families  despite the reams of statistics on the economic progress we've made and the fact that an estimated 90 percent of middle-class families received a tax cut.\r\nAfter all, if Democrats acknowledged that tax cuts have made life better for families, it would be even harder for them to defend the massive middle-class tax hikes that would be needed to fund their socialist proposals like Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.\r\nIt's unfortunate that Democrats are so opposed to policies that have made life better for millions of families.\r\nI'm proud of all that we've achieved for American families with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nAnd I will continue to work with my colleagues to keep our economy growing and expand opportunities for Americans even further.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=74BEE8BA-8347-4149-89B1-5FA613FE4F6A", "Delegation Urges Veterans Affair Secretary to Prioritize Hot Springs VA in 2020", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today urged U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie to prioritize visiting the Hot Springs VA medical center in 2020 and address the long-standing matters of uncertainty at the facility. The letter follows the secretary's September 27, 2019, statement of intent to visit Hot Springs, which he issued in advance of traveling to the Fort Meade VA medical center.\r\nAs you look ahead to your 2020 schedule, we request that you expand upon this experience and work to address the long-standing matters at the Hot Springs VA, the delegation wrote. As you know, the Hot Springs VA is a priority for veterans in western South Dakota and neighboring states.Unfortunately, thecampus has endured a persistent cloud of uncertainty for nearly a decade, which has affected employee recruitment and retention, reduced urgent care hours, required the use of short-term contractors. In November 2018, the South Dakota congressional delegation wrote to request that you visit Hot Springs to meet with veterans and VA employees that would be personally affected by the VA's realignment plan, as well as see firsthand the quality care and healing environment in the Veterans Town.'\r\nGov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) was copied on the letter.\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter below:\r\n\r\nDecember 17, 2019\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Robert Wilkie\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\r\n810 Vermont Avenue Northwest\r\nWashington, DC 20420\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Wilkie:\r\nThank you for your continued work to address the significant challenges facing America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you seek to improve access to quality care and increase VA accountability. We hope your October 3, 2019, visit to the Fort Meade VA medical center was productive and informative with respect to the unique challenges veterans in our region of the country face concerning access to care. We especially appreciate your attention to the needs of rural and Native American veterans, including housing.\r\nAs you look ahead to your 2020 schedule, we request that you expand upon this experience and work to address the long-standing matters at the Hot Springs VA. As you know, the Hot Springs VA is a priority for veterans in western South Dakota and neighboring states. Unfortunately, thecampus has endured a persistent cloud of uncertainty for nearly a decade, which has affected employee recruitment and retention, reduced urgent care hours, required the use of short-term contractors. In November 2018, the South Dakota congressional delegation wrote to request that you visit Hot Springs to meet with veterans and VA employees that would be personally affected by the VA's realignment plan, as well as see firsthand the quality care and healing environment in the Veterans Town. For example, the Hot Springs VA has an outstanding Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program that holds promising potential for expanded compensated work therapy programs and recreational and retreat opportunities for veterans receiving treatment for PTSD and substance abuse.\r\nAs the fourth VA Secretary to oversee this matter, we believe you have a real opportunity to revisit the VA's record of decision, the disputed data behind it, and move forward in a collaborative way, but this will require direct dialogue.\r\nWe know the demands of your schedule are many, which is why we appreciated your September 27, 2019, statement of your intent to visit Hot Springs months after your travel to Fort Meade. We look forward to working with you to foster a productive discussion with the veteran stakeholders in Hot Springs.\r\nThank you for your continued consideration and attention to this important matter.\r\n\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A7C2AE45-B988-4329-B96F-6A0625E54E30", "Thune Statement on Senate Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act", "2019-12-17", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\r\nThe NDAA is a positive step toward ensuring our troops are able to continue the important work of protecting Americans at home and abroad. Support for our national defense is essential and should never be subjected to partisan posturing. I am pleased Congress has been able to come to a consensus on this important legislation  legislation that also delivers the largest pay raise for our military in a decade and authorizes a significant down payment for the B-21 bomber, which will soon be based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. In today's global atmosphere, we must ensure America's military stands strong. With the passage of the NDAA, Congress delivers on fulfilling that fundamental responsibility.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=912A488A-AD7C-404C-812D-110CA2BE3E16", "The Season to Rejoice", "2019-12-13", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The holiday season is a special time of year. We get to rejoice in God's gift to mankind while spending time with our family and friends, enjoying traditions of holidays past and the moments and memories created with those we love. It's also a good reminder to slow down and take stock of the blessings that surround us.\r\nFor me, many of those blessings come in the form of family  my wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandkids; my siblings and my dad, a World War II veteran who will turn 100 years old shortly after Christmas Day. A bounty of blessings, to be sure.\r\nThe Christmas season can also be a time capsule of sorts  both in terms of what you put in and everything you can take out. For example, this time of year often takes me back to a snow-covered Jackson Avenue in Murdo, which we'd sled down as kids. I'm reminded of all those Christmas Eve nights at my grandmother's house and the unmistakable aroma of her lutefisk and lefse wafting through the air. And I can't help but smile when I think of watching Brittany and Larissa perform in church and school Christmas programs through the years.\r\nI cherish the old memories and how they've shaped me and our family, but I also look forward to creating new ones with my kids and grandkids, who I hope will be able to remember these moments during Christmases yet to come.\r\nLooking back on 2019, like most years, there's a lot for which I can be thankful. Aside from health, happiness, and my family, I'm always thankful to know that I live in the greatest country on the face of the earth. There is no other place on the planet where people enjoy the same freedom and opportunities that are afforded to the American people, and we should never forget that.\r\nWe also shouldn't forget that our freedom comes at a cost. A big one. I'm so thankful for the men and women in our military  for their humility, honor, courage, and sacrifice. I'm also thankful for their families. Ask any service member, and they will tell you that service is a partnership, because families are just as invested as those in uniform.\r\nIn Washington, I'm continually thankful and humbled to be able to serve South Dakota and work on the issues that are important to the state. As politically divided as the country might seem right now, believe it or not, we can still work in a bipartisan way. In fact, I'm hopeful that by the end of the year, my bipartisan bill that would help protect consumers from illegal robocallers will land on the president's desk. In a sea of disagreement, going after these scammers is one thing on which nearly everyone can agree, and for that, I hope we all can be thankful.\r\nAs the year comes to a close, I want to wish you and your family the blessings of this holiday season, and I hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable time with those who you hold dear.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A32E091B-E320-4D12-9E17-CCCA7831AB92", "Thune: Proud of Bipartisan Support for TRACED Act", "2019-12-12", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today discussed the TRACED Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced with Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) to combat the illegal robocall epidemic. Thune also discussed the final step in getting the bill to the president's desk  passing it in the Senate. Thune is hopeful his TRACED Act could pass before Christmas. \r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, every American has had to deal with annoying and illegal robocalls.\r\nAll of us have been interrupted at one time or another by a robocall announcing we've won a prize or claiming to need important banking information so that our account won't be closed.\r\nThese calls are a major nuisance.\r\nBut of course they're not just a nuisance.\r\nToo many Americans fall victim to sophisticated robocall scammers and have their money or identity stolen.\r\nThese individuals can spend months or years struggling to get their life back after falling prey to these scammers.\r\nThere are currently laws and fines in place to prevent scam artists from preying on people through the telephone, but unfortunately these measures have not been sufficient.\r\nIn many cases, robocall scammers simply build the current fines into the cost of doing business.\r\nAnd the Federal Communications Commission's enforcement efforts are hampered by a tight time window for pursuing violators.\r\nI've been working on this issue since my time as chairman of the Commerce Committee, and at the end of last year I introduced the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act, or TRACED Act, with my colleague Senator Markey.\r\nThe Senate passed our bill in May, and last week our bill was passed by the House.\r\nThe TRACED Act provides tools to discourage illegal robocalls, protect consumers, and crack down on offenders.\r\nCriminal prosecution of illegal robocallers can be difficult.\r\nScammers are frequently based abroad and can quickly shut down shop before authorities can get to them.\r\nBut I believe we need to make sure there is a credible threat of criminal prosecution and prison for those who use robocalls to prey upon the elderly and other vulnerable Americans.\r\nThe TRACED Act convenes a working group with representatives from the Department of Justice, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Commerce, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, state attorneys general, and others to identify ways to criminally prosecute illegal robocalling.\r\nAnd in the meantime, it expands the window in which the FCC can pursue scammers and levy fines from one year to four years.\r\nThe bill also makes it easier for your cell phone carrier to lawfully block calls that aren't properly authenticated, which will ultimately help stop scammers from getting through to your phone.\r\nThe TRACED Act also tackles the issue of spoofed calls  where scammers make the call appear as if it's coming from a known number.\r\nI remember an article from my home state a couple of years ago that reported that scammers had successfully spoofed the number of the Watertown Police Department.\r\nTo anyone who received a call, it looked as if it really was the Watertown Police Department calling.\r\nTRACED also addresses the issue of so-called one-ring scams, where international scammers try to get individuals to return their calls so they can charge them exorbitant fees.\r\nAnd it directs the Federal Communications Commission to convene a working group to address the problem of illegal robocalls being made to hospitals.\r\nThere are numerous stories of hospital telephone lines being flooded with robocalls, disrupting critical lines of communication for hours.\r\nThat can't be allowed to go on.\r\nMr. President, I want to thank Senator Markey for partnering with me on the TRACED Act, and my House colleagues for advancing this legislation.\r\nI'm proud of the bipartisan support our bill has received in both houses of Congress.\r\nOne last step remains before we can get this bill to the president's desk, and that is Senate passage of the final bill.\r\nI'm hoping we can get that done in the coming days so that we can get this bill to the president before Christmas.\r\nWhile the TRACED Act may not eliminate all the robocalls Americans receive, it will go a long way toward making it safe to answer your phone again.\r\nI look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law in the near future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2302A0CE-7443-419C-8834-426B8C9213D7", "Thune Statement on Committee Passage of 5G Spectrum Act", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch Thune's remarks.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the 5G Spectrum Act, which he introduced in November with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Commerce Committee. Their bill would ensure mid-band spectrum is quickly made available in the market by requiring a transparent and competitive public auctioning process. The bill would require that at least 50 percent of the first $40 billion in auction revenue be reserved for the American people and that a portion of those proceeds be dedicated specifically for rural broadband build-out. The bill prescribes a tiered system with respect to auction revenue, requiring 90 percent of the top tier  any revenue above $50 billion  to be returned to the American people.\r\nI support this legislation for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that if we don't win the race to 5G, we're going to lose out on the economic benefit and dividend that comes with that, said Thune. China isn't having this kind of discussion right now. They're just clearing mid-band spectrum and allowing their companies to go after it. This is important to the future of this country that we get this right, and the only way we get it right is we've got to get more mid-band spectrum made available for commercial use  And I will take a backseat to no one  on this committee or in the Senate  when it comes to advocating for more technology to be delivered, services to be delivered to rural areas of this country, and I will continue to do that.\r\nThe 5G Spectrum Act would:\r\n \r\nBring spectrum to market that provides the coverage and capacity essential for deployment in America's rural communities.\r\nRequire the FCC to conduct a public auction of C band spectrum.\r\nRequire the auction to start no later than December 31, 2020.\r\nRequire the FCC to make availableat least280 MHz of spectrum.\r\nRequire the FCC to capture for the taxpayerat least50 percent of the fair market value of the spectrum.\r\n\r\n10 percent of these proceeds would be specifically dedicated to rural broadband build-out, including a set-aside for tribal areas.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C1ED44E8-F97A-4FA0-ADF7-17E2D171FFD9", "Thune: Pelosi Drug Bill is a Bad Prescription for the American People", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the Pelosi prescription drug bill, Democrats' latest installment in their campaign to have the government takeover Americans' health care. If passed, the bill would reduce Americans' access to lifesaving treatments. Thune encouraged Congress to find a solution to lower prescription drug costs without resorting to government price controls and cited bipartisan proposals that could be passed through both chambers of Congress.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, over in the House this week, Democrats are taking up the latest installment in their campaign to have the government take over Americans' health care: the Pelosi prescription drug bill.\r\n\r\nNow, Mr. President, there's no question that high prescription drug costs are a problem.\r\n\r\nOne in four seniors reports difficulty affording medications, and there are too many stories of patients being forced to ration pills or abandon their prescription at the pharmacy counter.\r\n\r\nBut the Pelosi drug bill is the wrong prescription for the problem of high drug prices.\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\nBecause it would reduce Americans' access to lifesaving treatments and discourage investment in prescription drug research.\r\n\r\nMr. President, between 2011 and 2018, more than 250 new medications were introduced worldwide.\r\n\r\nAmerican patients have access to nearly all of them.\r\n\r\nBut that's not the situation for patients in a lot of other countries.\r\n\r\nThe Chamber of Commerce reports that patients in France have access to just 50 percent of those new drugs.\r\n\r\nFrench patients, in other words, are missing out on fully half of the new drugs that have been introduced in the past eight years.\r\n\r\nSo why do Americans have such tremendous access to new drugs, while other countries trail behind?\r\n\r\nBecause the U.S. government doesn't dictate drug prices or drug coverage. \r\n\r\nAs statistic after statistic demonstrates, when governments start imposing price controls, patients' access to new drugs and treatments diminishes.\r\n\r\nGovernment price controls also discourage the medical research and innovation that produces the prescription-drug breakthroughs of the future.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. leads the world in prescription drug innovation, and a big reason for that is because the U.S. government doesn't dictate drug prices.\r\n\r\nIt wasn't always this way.\r\n\r\nEuropean investment in drug research used to exceed U.S. investment.\r\n\r\nBut that changed when European governments stepped in and started imposing price controls. \r\n\r\nToday, European investment in drug research and development is almost 40 percent lower than U.S. investment, in large part because of European governments' price controls.\r\n\r\nNo other country comes close to achieving the number of prescription drug breakthroughs that companies in the U.S. achieve.\r\n\r\nThat situation is not going to last, however, if the Democrat Party has its way.\r\n\r\nThe Pelosi drug bill would impose a system of government price controls on up to 250 medications.\r\n\r\nAnd reduced access to drugs and fewer medical breakthroughs would soon follow.\r\n\r\nThe California Life Sciences Association released a statement noting that the Pelosi drug bill could result in, and I quote, an88%reduction in the number of drugs that are brought to marketby small/emerging companiesin California.\r\n\r\nSuch a dramatic decline,' the association notes, would be felt most in thehigher risk/smaller populationtherapeuticareas of R&D, includingnew drugs for endocrine, metabolic, genetic andrare diseases,and pediatric cancers.'\r\n\r\nIn other words, fewer medical breakthroughs for those who need them the most.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as I said earlier, the high cost of some prescription drugs can be a real problem for many families.\r\n\r\nBut the answer is not to introduce a government-run pricing system that would mean that important prescription drugs would not be there when you  or your child  need them.\r\n\r\nThere are a lot of things we can do to lower the cost of prescription drugs without resorting to government price controls.\r\n\r\nMultiple Senate committees have been actively engaged on this topic.\r\n\r\nThere are options for how to improve transparency in a complicated and often opaque drug pricing process.\r\n\r\nThere are ideas to examine competition and consolidation in the pharmaceutical supply chain. \r\n\r\nTo ensure generic companies can access the samples they need to develop a new generic or biosimiliar. \r\n\r\nTo prevent companies from engaging in patent thicketing to block competition. \r\n\r\nTo promote real-time benefit tools to help inform consumers of cheaper drug options. \r\n\r\nTo advance value-based insurance design to support coverage of high-value items and services, like medicines, that people with chronic conditions need to manage their health. \r\n\r\nAnd to modernize the Medicare Part D plan design and cap seniors' out-of-pocket costs. \r\n\r\nRepublicans in the House recently introduced legislation on prescription drug costs that both promotes innovation and contains bipartisan ideas for reform, including increased transparency in drug pricing and provisions to prevent drug companies from gaming the system.\r\n\r\nThis bill includes several ideas passed by the Senate Finance Committee, while focusing on policies that can be passed through both chambers of Congress.\r\n\r\nImportantly, it eliminates those policies that divided us. \r\n\r\nThere are bipartisan solutions on the table.\r\n\r\nIt's unfortunate that House Democrats have abandoned bipartisan efforts on drug pricing and have decided to pursue their government-run alternative.\r\n\r\nMr. President, it boils down to this: Government price controls mean access to fewer drugs.\r\n\r\nAnd access to fewer drugs means that when you, or your child, or your mom or your dad needs a lifesaving medication, that drug may be out there, but it may not be there for you.\r\n\r\nAnd that's not acceptable.\r\n\r\nThe Pelosi drug bill is a bad prescription for the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/annual-defense-reauthorization-including-johnson-s-legislation-passes-house", "Annual Defense Reauthorization Including Johnsons Legislation Passes House", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, legislation authored by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was included in the House passed National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1790).\nThe Rapid Fielding Defense Capabilities and Risk Assessment Act was included in the Senate and House of Representatives NDAA Conference Report which passed the House by 377-48. The bill will allow Department of Defense's (DOD) to develop and field defense acquisition capabilities more efficiently, therefore improving military readiness.\nOur nation's military should never swing in the balance, said Johnson. I am proud to support a bipartisan defense agreement that supports our nation's military branches, ensures survivors of deceased service members receive their benefits, and provides the biggest raise our troops have seen in over a decade. My legislation helps streamline defense acquisition efforts, and I'm grateful it was included in this bipartisan and bicameral agreement.\nThe fiscal year 2020 NDAA Conference Report authorizes $738 billion in defense funding and provides a 3.1% military pay-raise. Additionally, the legislation includes a three-year phased repeal of the Widow's Tax.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/annual-defense-reauthorization-including-johnsons-legislation-passes-house", "Annual Defense Reauthorization Including Johnson\u2019s Legislation Passes House", "2019-12-11", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, legislation authored by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was included in the House passed National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1790).\n\nThe Rapid Fielding Defense Capabilities and Risk Assessment Act was included in the Senate and House of Representatives NDAA Conference Report which passed the House by 377-48. The bill will allow Department of Defense's (DOD) to develop and field defense acquisition capabilities more efficiently, therefore improving military readiness.\n\n\"Our nation's military should never swing in the balance,\" said Johnson. \"I am proud to support a bipartisan defense agreement that supports our nation's military branches, ensures survivors of deceased service members receive their benefits, and provides the biggest raise our troops have seen in over a decade. My legislation helps streamline defense acquisition efforts, and I'm grateful it was included in this bipartisan and bicameral agreement.\"\n\nThe fiscal year 2020 NDAA Conference Report authorizes $738 billion in defense funding and provides a 3.1% military pay-raise. Additionally, the legislation includes a three-year phased repeal of the \"Widow's Tax.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-06-27T23:45:33Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=21439B24-CED4-48C4-948C-89CEAD093013", "Thune: Defense Funding Should Not Be Delayed Any Longer", "2019-12-10", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch Thune's opening statement.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that would give our troops the funding they need to best defend our country. Although this legislation has been held up by Democrats for far too long, Thune is hopeful they will come to the table and pass this critical defense funding bill before the end of the year.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, I'm very pleased to hear that a deal has been reached to finally advance the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act.\r\n\r\nEvery year, Congress takes up the National Defense Authorization Act to authorize funding for our military and our national defense.\r\n\r\nLike last year's NDAA, this year's bill focuses on rebuilding our military and ensuring we are prepared to meet 21st century threats.\r\n\r\nWhile many take it for granted that we have the strongest military in the world, in recent years our military advantage over near-peer adversaries has eroded.\r\n\r\nBudgetary impasses combined with increased operational demands left our military under-manned, under-equipped, and ill-prepared for the conflicts of the 21st century. \r\n\r\nIn November 2018, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China.\r\n\r\nAnd the commission noted that we would be especially vulnerable if we were ever called on to fight a war on two fronts.\r\n\r\nThat's not a good position to be in, and restoring our readiness has been  and must continue to be  our top priority.\r\n\r\nThis year's National Defense Authorization Act continues our efforts to rebuild our military.\r\n\r\nIt invests in the planes, combat vehicles, and ships of the future, including the Joint Strike Fighter and the future B-21 bomber, which will be based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in my home state of South Dakota.\r\n\r\nIt authorizes funding for research and development and advanced technology.\r\n\r\nIt also focuses on ensuring we are equipped to meet new threats on new fronts, including in the space and cyber domains.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, this bill invests in our most valuable resource  our men and women in uniform.\r\n\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Act authorizes a 3.1 percent pay increase for our troops, the largest increase in a decade.\r\n\r\nThis is not only something our troops have earned; it's also an important way to increase retention in our all-volunteer force.\r\n\r\nThis year's National Defense Authorization Act also focuses on addressing the recent significant health and safety issues with private on-base housing.\r\n\r\nAnd it contains measures to support military spouses seeking employment and increase access to child care on military installations.\r\n\r\nMr. President, I'm glad we're finally on track to get this important legislation done.\r\n\r\nThe final bill is not perfect, but it will help ensure that our military receives the resources it needs to meet current threats and prepare for the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nI'm also encouraged by the fact that it looks like Democrats have decided to work with us to get fiscal year 2020 defense appropriations passed before Christmas. \r\n\r\nNeedless to say, the 2020 defense appropriations bill is critical legislation that provides funding for current and future military priorities.\r\n\r\nIt provides funds to support that pay increase for the men and women who keep us safe.\r\n\r\nIt provides funding for the weapons and equipment our troops need right now to carry out their missions.\r\n\r\nIt provides funding for the equipment and technology that our military will need to defeat the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nIt provides funding for missile defense.\r\n\r\nFor research and development.\r\n\r\nFor ships, planes, and combat vehicles to update our aging fleets.\r\n\r\nIt also provides funding for our allies, including $250 million in military assistance for Ukraine.\r\n\r\nThis is a critical national security bill, and it needs to be enacted as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nIt's unfortunate that we couldn't get this legislation done sooner, before the start of the new fiscal year in October.\r\n\r\nDelaying defense funding has left our military short of the resources it needs and unable to start important new projects.\r\n\r\nBut I'm glad that Democrats are finally willing to work with us on this legislation.\r\n\r\nIt's time to get this bill done so that we can get our men and women in uniform the resources they need without further delay, as well as uphold our security commitments to friends and allies.\r\n\r\nI hope negotiations will continue to move forward and that we can get this legislation to the president's desk within the next two weeks.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=176F9BF0-7A9E-449E-A25D-B3FDDFE40E79", "Thune, Klobuchar Lead Colleagues in Urging FCC to Prioritize Rural Broadband", "2019-12-09", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), also a member of the Commerce Committee, today led 46 of their Senate colleagues in urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to prioritize sustainable rural broadband networks as the FCC considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) proceeding.\r\n\r\nIf our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas, the senators wrote. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come.\r\n\r\nJoining Thune and Klobuchar in sending the letter were U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-N.V.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Martha McSally (Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Jacky Rosen (D-N.V.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\r\n\r\nAs the FCC moves forward in the RDOF proceeding, NTCA applauds Sens. Thune and Klobuchar and their many Senate colleagues for urging the Commission to structure a program that will support sustainable networks capable of delivering the best possible broadband access for many years to come, said Shirley Bloomfield, chief executive officer ofNTCATheRural Broadband Association.\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter below:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Ajit Pai\r\nChairman, Federal Communications Commission\r\n445 12th Street Southwest\r\nWashington, D.C. 20554 \r\n\r\nDear Chairman Pai:\r\n\r\nAs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we write to emphasize the importance of sustainable networks that meet the needs of consumers now and in the future.\r\n\r\nGiven that the FCC plays a critical role in connecting rural communities to high-speed internet through the universal service fund (USF), we encourage the FCC to make the most efficient and effective use of those funds. Any large-scale infrastructure project requires reasonable planning that takes account not only of current needs, but also of projected demands over the life of the asset being funded; and the distribution of USF should be no different. For broadband specifically, this requires that networks, built using USF, must be capable of delivering speeds, latency, and usage capacity according to what the FCC deems necessary to meet the needs of consumers over the next decade.\r\n\r\nIf our rural communities are to survive and flourish, our rural constituents need access to services that are on par with those in urban areas. By contrast, it would be an inefficient use of resources to promote services that cannot keep pace with consumer demand and the evolution of broadband in urban areas. As the FCC moves forward to adopt new rules in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund proceeding, we urge you to promote the deployment of networks that will be sustainable even as new advancements are made and are capable of delivering the best level of broadband access for the available USF budget for many years to come.\r\n\r\nSimilarly, we believe it is important for the FCC to be responsible for USF resources and ensure that those parties receiving such support can deliver on the commitments they make. This requires monitoring and reporting once USF support is received to guarantee it is being used as intended. The FCC should also make sure before the auction occurs that the participants in the auction can successfully deliver on their promises. If a party is incapable of delivering broadband as promised, the American ratepayer loses twice over  first for having contributed sums that did not go toward the deployment of broadband as hoped, and then again for those ratepayers who reside in the area that ended up not receiving the promised service. It is therefore critical that any use of an auction to distribute USF support include meaningful processes upfront to prequalify bidders. This should apply to all bidders, regardless of the technology they propose to use or the performance levels they promise to deliver.\r\n\r\nThank you for your work to deploy reliable broadband networks in rural America. We look forward to working with you to help close the digital divide and provide rural American consumers with the same kinds of digital opportunities that many others take for granted.\r\n\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=CC6AE80E-2978-487F-A6F9-86C276672508", "South Dakota Leading the Way", "2019-12-06", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I served four years as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to the depths of the ocean and the heights of outer space. And no matter the subject, one of my favorite parts about serving in that role was giving South Dakota a seat at the table by elevating the issues that are important to the state and by providing South Dakotans with the opportunity and platform to share their expertise and experience on a wide range of issues. \r\n\r\nWhile I no longer serve as chairman of the full committee, I'm still a member, and I'm closing out my first year as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. It's been a fun and rewarding experience, particularly because I'm still able to give South Dakota a seat at the table.\r\n\r\nThe subcommittee's membership mirrors the full committee's membership, so we have a variety of voices, experience, and priorities on which we can lean. I also love the subject matter. I'm able to continue working on several initiatives that began years ago, particularly my effort to ensure the United States wins the race to 5G mobile broadband technology.\r\n\r\nWinning the race to 5G isn't just about the jobs and opportunities it would create or the enhanced speed with which we'd be able to consume or share information. As important as those things are  and they are very important  this is also about better positioning the United States from a national security and economic security perspective.\r\n\r\nFor these reasons, it's more imperative than ever that we beat our global competitors in this space, particularly China, which often plays by a different set of rules. I've been committed to doing everything I can to ensure the tools are available for the United States to be the first to carry this across the finish line, but we can't take our foot off the gas. \r\n\r\nOver the years, I've led full committee hearings on this topic. I've led subcommittee hearings on this topic. I've brought the committee to South Dakota to examine this topic. I've written bills on this topic. I've even had one signed into law. And since the federal government isn't going to win this race alone, I've also found partners at the state and local level who have been instrumental in helping South Dakota lead the way on 5G. \r\nSioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has been one of those partners, and it was a things-have-come-full-circle experience to join him and others in November as the first 5G cells in South Dakota went live. After years of putting in the work, Sioux Falls is now one of the most rural communities in the entire United States to be 5G-enabled. \r\n\r\nBecause of his leadership on this issue, I recently invited Mayor TenHaken to Washington, D.C., to share his unique perspective on how important this issue is at the local level. Specifically, the mayor weighed in on the implementation of my Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act  or MOBILE NOW, for short  which was signed into law last year. This new law helped lay some of the important groundwork that has made it possible to more easily deploy mobile broadband networks in the country.\r\n\r\n5G is expected to contribute $275 billion in new investment and $500 billion in economic growth, and, as I mentioned, it will help strengthen our national security, too. We're at the point in the race where the finish line is in sight, and there's no turning back. With the right investment, a committed team, and a clear vision, the United States can win, and when we do, South Dakota will have been a part of its success.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8A92EF9A-9AAC-472F-A33D-6C9C5A626643", "Thune Reintroduces Bill to Eliminate Government Competition With Private Industry", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today reintroduced legislation that would require federal agencies to rely on the private sector when providing goods and services that are readily available. Thune's legislation, the Freedom from Government Competition Act (S. 2990), would ensure private enterprises that provide services that are replicated by the federal government have the ability to compete for the opportunity to deliver those federally provided services.\r\nThune's legislation would make the federal government smaller and more efficient while providing the best value to the taxpayer. The bill has been likened to codifying a Yellow Pages test, meaning that if the federal government is doing something that can be found in the Yellow Pages, or now in a simple online search, the product or service should be subject to market competition.\r\nThis bill is a commonsense approach in allowing small businesses to compete with the federal government if they can provide that same good or service, said Thune. These businesses can oftentimes provide services in a cheaper, more efficient manner. Fair competition will allow businesses to thrive and save taxpayers money.\r\nThe Freedom from Government Competition Act does not mandate the privatization of any specific federal service and would protect those activities that are inherently governmental, such as certain national defense and homeland security functions, prosecutions, foreign policy, and activities to bind the United States to take or not to take some action by contract, policy, regulation, authorization, or order.\r\nRep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) is the sponsor of the companion bill, which was introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E0EAD38F-BB63-4B27-A478-3119C72D9E9D", "Thune Leads Hearing on MOBILE NOW, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken Testifies", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch Thune's opening statement.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today led a hearing titled,The Evolution of Next-Generation Technologies: Implementing MOBILE NOW. The hearing examined the implementation of several mandates required by the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. At the invitation of Thune, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken testified on MOBILE NOW's spectrum provisions and the streamlining of broadband infrastructure deployment on federal lands, among other things. Thune is the author of theMOBILE NOW Act, which was signed into law in 2018.\r\n\r\nThune's opening statement (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nGood morning and welcome to today's hearing examining the implementation of the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act, also referred to as the MOBILE NOW Act.\r\n\r\nIt is our job as policy makers, particularly those of us who serve on the Commerce Committee, to make sure that the United States is a leader in the deployment of next-generation technologies.\r\n\r\nTo fulfill that obligation, we must ensure that the market has access to both licensed and unlicensed spectrum and that industry is not unnecessarily burdened when bringing this spectrum to market.\r\n\r\nThat's where the MOBILE NOW Act plays a crucial role. \r\n\r\nMOBILE NOW reflected several years of hard work by many of the members who serve on this Committee.\r\n\r\nThis important legislation made a down payment on both spectrum and infrastructure needs, positioning the United States to lead in the race to 5Ga race that has major implications for our national security and economy.\r\n\r\nIt is also our job as policy makers to make sure that legislative efforts, like the MOBILE NOW Act, are implemented thoroughly.\r\n\r\nMOBILE NOW required identifying 255 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless use, including 100 megahertz of spectrum below 8 gigahertz for unlicensed use and 100 megahertz of spectrum below 6 gigahertz for commercial licensed use.\r\n\r\nBoth licensed and unlicensed spectrum play an integral role in the communications landscape. \r\n\r\nWi-Fi is responsible for a growing amount of the data transmitted in our homes and offices and will have an increasing role as we continue to expand the Internet of Things in the 5G era.\r\n\r\nOne particular band that has a lot of promise for fulfilling much of the unlicensed requirement in MOBILE NOW is the 6 gigahertz band.\r\n\r\nThe FCC has begun the process to permit unlicensed use in this band while also protecting the incumbents serving critical infrastructure.\r\n\r\nIt is my hope the FCC will move expeditiously on finalizing rules for that band.\r\n\r\nAs this Committee has discussed previously, 5G, which is expected to contribute $275 billion in new investment, $500 billion in economic growth, and three million new jobs requires the right spectrum and smart policies on how to bring the spectrum to market.\r\n\r\nI applaud the FCC for its successful auctions of millimeter wave spectrum important for 5G, but as we have all recognized, we need much more mid-band spectrum to provide the capacity and flexibility needed to build a robust 5G network.\r\n\r\nMOBILE NOW directed the Commission to evaluate commercial wireless use in the 3.7 to 4.2 gigahertz band or the C-Band, as it's known, mid-band spectrum that is ideally suited for 5G deployment.\r\n\r\nI was encouraged to see Chairman Pai announce his intention to bring the spectrum to market through a public auction, and I want to make sure that happens with no additional delays.\r\n\r\nTo achieve that goal, Chairman Wicker and I introduced the 5G Spectrum Act, legislation that would bring at least 280 megahertz of spectrum to market through a public auction and require that at least 50 percent of the fair market value of the spectrum be captured for the taxpayer. \r\n\r\nThe other proceeds would help cover the costs of the auction and allow for the incumbents of the C-band to be fairly compensated for modifications to their infrastructure to clear the spectrum so that they can continue to serve broadcasters.\r\n\r\nNot having the right policies in place will slow our leadership in the deployment of next-generation technology, particularly in more rural areas, so I appreciate Chairman Wicker's leadership on the 5G Spectrum Act and I look forward to working with him to move that legislation.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has an important role with regard to spectrum.\r\n\r\nMOBILE NOW directed NTIA, in consultation with the FCC, to examine the feasibility of commercial services in the 3100 to 3550 megahertz frequencies.\r\n\r\nLast February, I was pleased NTIA identified the 3450 to 3550 megahertz frequencies as a potential candidate for shared use, but that is only a first step under its requirement in MOBILE NOW.\r\n\r\nToday, I, along with Chairman Wicker, wrote to Acting Administrator Diane Rinaldo asking NTIA to review the remainder of the band and identify any other frequencies for shared use. \r\n\r\nAccess to the right spectrum is only one part of the challenge. \r\n\r\nIt can take years and tremendous investment to deploy next-generation services. \r\n\r\nMOBILE NOW streamlined the process of applying for easements, rights of way, and leases for federally-managed property, and established a shot clock for review of those applications. \r\n\r\nIt also established a National Broadband Facilities Asset Database listing Federal property that could be used by private entities for the purpose of building or operating communications facilities.\r\n\r\nAnd importantly, it helped reduce the costs of deploying fixed broadband by establishing a Dig Once policy.\r\n\r\nLike I said earlier, the MOBILE NOW Act incorporated many provisions from members on this Committee and it is our duty to make sure it is being implemented properly.\r\n\r\nToday, we are joined by a panel of expert witnesses to discuss the provisions in MOBILE NOW and give us a perspective on what needs to be done to continue advancing American leadership in next-generation technologies.\r\n\r\nI'd like to welcome Paul TenHaken, who serves as the mayor of Sioux Falls, SD. Mayor TenHaken has done exceptional work removing barriers to wireless infrastructure deployment, resulting in the city of Sioux Falls being one of the first 5G cities in the nation.\r\n\r\nWe're also joined by Mr. Scott Bergmann of CTIA, Ms. Mary Brown from Cisco, Mr. Jonathan Adelstein, President and CEO of the Wireless Infrastructure Association, and Ms. Sarah Morris from New America's Open Technology Institute. \r\n\r\nThank you all for being here and I'll now turn to the Ranking Member for his opening remarks.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F3BFED3B-8ECD-43C0-9145-EAD7E44EE13E", "Thune Discusses His Bill to Give Consumers More Control Over Digital Content", "2019-12-05", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch the video.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today participated in a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, Examining Legislative Proposals to Protect Consumer Data Privacy. The hearing examined multiple legislative proposals and how they intend to provide consumers with more security, transparency, choice, and control over personal information, both online and offline.\r\n\r\nDuring the hearing, Thune discussed his Filter Bubble Transparency Act, bipartisan legislation that would increase internet platform transparency and provide consumers with greater control over digital content.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nThank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding today's hearing as members of this Committee continue to work on crafting a national consumer data privacy bill. \r\n\r\nIt is my hope that we can ultimately work together on a bipartisan basis to produce legislation that puts consumers' interests first while still allowing the private sector to innovate and grow the economy. \r\n\r\nAll of us understandor at least shouldthat only a bipartisan proposal has a chance of clearing the Senate and becoming law. \r\n\r\nAnd, my view is that a bipartisan outcome must include strong consumer protections while also avoiding the regulatory patchwork that is beginning to emerge at the state level.\r\n\r\nI remain committed to working with the chairman and ranking member and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a consensus solution. \r\n\r\nSince we started privacy discussions last Congress, I've said that consumers are entitled to clear and concise explanations of how the services they use are collecting and using their data. \r\n\r\nOne specific area where I believe consumers deserve more transparency and control is with respect to how internet platforms use artificial intelligence and opaque algorithms to make inferences from the reams of data collected about all of us that too often results in users being caught in a so-called filter bubble. \r\n\r\nThe filter bubble is essentially the unique universe of information generated on an internet platform for each user. Many users are unaware of the filter bubble. \r\n\r\nThat's why I've introduced the bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which would give individuals a greater understanding of how internet platforms use algorithms to increase user engagement. \r\n\r\nIt would also give consumers the option to engage with a platform without being manipulated by opaque algorithms powered by the user's own personal data. \r\n\r\nI'm proud to have Senators Blumenthal, Moran, Blackburn, and Warner as cosponsors of this bill. \r\n\r\nAt the same time, whether it's algorithm transparency or privacy, I understand that bills touching on highly technical issues can have potentially unintended consequences, so I welcome constructive feedback on this bill and the committee's efforts more generally.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=46312DCE-30CC-44BD-9601-062D2891F27C", "Thune, Markey Statement on House Passage of the TRACED Act", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Ed Markey (D- Mass.), author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, today released the following statements after the House of Representatives passed an amended version of their Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence(TRACED) Act (S. 151), legislation to combat the illegal robocall epidemic. Their bill, which will need to be reconsidered in the Senate, passed in May 2019 with near unanimous support.\r\nIn today's political climate, it's hard to find an issue on which almost everyone can agree, but we found one with the TRACED Act, said Thune. With House passage of our bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect consumers from pesky and sometimes financially harmful robocalls, we are one step closer to getting this legislation to the president's desk. I'm hopeful and confident that we will be able to bring this legislation to the Senate floor in the very near future.\r\nI applaud House of Representatives passage of the TRACED Act, my legislation with Senator Thune that cracks down on the deluge of robocalls that drown our phones every day, said Markey. There are no red robocalls or blue robocalls, only despised robocalls. I thank Senator Thune for his partnership on this important consumer protection bill. I expect quick passage of the legislation in the Senate so that Americans can finally get the relief they deserve from these harassing and fraudulent calls.\r\nLast month, House and Senate negotiators, including Thune, Markey, and U.S. Reps. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), and Bob Latta (R-Ohio), announced an agreement on bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat illegal robocalls.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D9D83124-9653-40CD-8659-50C0D4A453D6", "Thune Previews Tomorrows MOBILE NOW Hearing on Senate Floor", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the image above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled,The Evolution of Next-Generation Technologies: Implementing MOBILE NOW, tomorrow, December 5, 2019, at10:00 a.m. EST. The hearing, which will be livestreamed here, will examine the implementation of several mandates required by the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. Witnesses, including Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, will discuss MOBILE NOW's spectrum provisions and the streamlining of broadband infrastructure deployment on federal lands, among other things. Thune is the author of theMOBILE NOW Act, which was signed into law in 2018.\r\n\r\nEarlier today, Thune previewed the hearing on the Senate floor.\r\n\r\nExcerpt from Thune's speech below:\r\n\r\nAnd tomorrow, in my role as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I'll be chairing a hearing looking at the progress that has been made in implementing the MOBILE NOW Act. We have a great slate of witnesses testifying, including Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who has driven the implementation of advanced mobile broadband technology in Sioux Falls. The MOBILE NOW Act has helped us make progress toward the deployment of 5G, particularly in identifying licensed spectrum that can be used to support 5G deployment in more rural areas.\r\n\r\nHearing Details:\r\n\r\nThursday, December 5, 2019\r\n10:00a.m. EST\r\nSubcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet\r\n\r\nWitness testimony,opening statements, and a live video of the hearingwill be available onwww.commerce.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-usda-efforts-encourage-employment", "Johnson Supports USDA Efforts To Encourage Employment", "2019-12-04", "2019", "2019-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a rule impacting able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits. This rule significantly reduces waivers, requiring ABAWDs to enroll in a training program, pursue higher education, or seek employment in order to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations, issued the following statement applauding USDA's announcement:\nWe all know education and work provide dignity and economic opportunity, said Johnson. The stats are clear. Nearly 75 percent of able-bodied SNAP recipients don't work. The unemployment rate is at an all-time low. Simply put, people who can work, should work. I applaud the administration for crafting a rule that supports adults as they transition towards and into employment.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=DCA749B8-B59F-4744-863A-18DF6D4DD438", "Shop Small in South Dakota", "2019-11-27", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While I'm sure most people know about the Black Friday shopping event that follows Thanksgiving each year, a relatively new shopping holiday, of sorts, popped up in the last decade that is celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Small Business Saturday was created almost ten years ago to encourage people to shop small and check out their local brick and mortar stores that dot Main Streets across America.\r\nIn South Dakota, with 99 percent of businesses classified as small businesses, this event is particularly special. There are over 86,000 small businesses in the state that employ over 210,500 employees, collectively. So, when you support small businesses and the hardworking people who make them possible, you also help support the economy of South Dakota.\r\nI recognize what these stores, shops, and restaurants mean to our communities.Aside from the economic impact they have on our state, they also help give South Dakota its charm. Almost every city in our state has a Main Street that is home to a number of unique stores, from restaurants to retail. A local downtown coffee shop can serve as a great spot for friends to gather. The town bookstore can be the spot for all generations to share stories and book recommendations. And these are just a few examples.\r\nSmall businesses are not just Main Street shops, retail stores, and restaurants. Small businesses are also the construction companies that keep our state's communities growing by maintaining our local roads and infrastructure. They're the local dentist, optometrist, and doctor's offices that ensure our small towns have the services they need. They're the local insurance companies and law offices  and many other businesses, too numerous to name. Small businesses are what make communities in our state great.\r\nAlmost two years ago, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, historic tax reform that has helped small businesses expand their operations, increase wages, add new employee benefits, and hire more workers. In addition, the reduction of unnecessary red tape over the last few years has helped create a regulatory environment that continues to allow businesses of all sizes  small businesses, in particular  to keep thriving. I will continue to look for ways in Congress to ensure our Main Streets remain a prosperous part of our communities, because I know there is always more that can be done.\r\nThis holiday season, consider supporting your local communities by shopping small. Remember how important these businesses are for our neighbors, friends, and families, and the state of South Dakota.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=728024F8-0709-4759-8C8F-B5923F984399", "Thune to Hold Hearing on 5G Next Week, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken to Testify", "2019-11-26", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled,The Evolution of Next-Generation Technologies: Implementing MOBILE NOW, at10:00 a.m. EST on Thursday, December 5, 2019. The hearing will examine the implementation of several mandates required by the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless (MOBILE NOW) Act. Witnesses, including Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, will discuss MOBILE NOW's spectrum provisions and the streamlining of broadband infrastructure on federal lands, among other things. Thune is the author of theMOBILE NOW Act, which was signed into law in 2018.\r\n\r\nWitnesses:\r\n\r\n \r\nThe Honorable Paul TenHaken, mayor, City of Sioux Falls, South Dakota\r\nMr. Jonathan Adelstein, president & CEO, Wireless Infrastructure Association\r\nMr. Scott Bergmann, senior vice president of regulatory affairs, CTIAThe Wireless Association\r\nMs. Mary Brown, senior director of technology and spectrum policy, Cisco\r\nMs. Sarah Morris, director, Open Technology Institute, New America\r\n \r\n\r\n*Witness list subject to change\r\n\r\nHearing Details:\r\n\r\nThursday, December 5, 2019\r\n10:00a.m. EST\r\nSubcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet\r\n\r\nWitness testimony,opening statements, and a live video of the hearingwill be available onwww.commerce.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=0A53BF16-4333-40C8-8F0B-CF6C566021D3", "Tis the Season to Be Thankful", "2019-11-21", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(audio/video available here)\r\n\r\nLike every Thanksgiving, I'll be home in South Dakota, celebrating with my family: my wife, my daughters, my sons-in-law, and my four  soon to be five!  grandchildren. I'll be taking on my traditional job of carving the turkey  and helping with the dishes afterward. I'm looking forward to a lot of good pie  apple pie  la mode, pumpkin (with a lot of whipped cream), and my favorite, anything in the cream pie family.\r\n\r\nI'm also looking forward to spending time outdoors. My daughters and I traditionally go on a trail run on Thanksgiving morning  it's a good way to work up an appetite for all that pie  and we all enjoy throwing around a football before or after the meal.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakotans are pretty resilient when it comes to being out in the cold, and as long as we don't have tons of snow, we like to get outdoors on Thanksgiving. Like many South Dakotans, I also love to squeeze in a little pheasant hunting over Thanksgiving weekend whenever I can. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I love sitting down with my whole family  and extended family  and getting to spend time in the outdoors before winter really hits us.\r\n\r\nOur current celebration of Thanksgiving can be traced to Abraham Lincoln, who issued a proclamation in 1863 inviting a national celebration of Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November. In 1941, Congress codified the Thanksgiving holiday and permanently set the date as the fourth Thursday in November. I don't think it's too surprising that the celebration of Thanksgiving is a recurring part of our history.\r\n\r\nOn Thanksgiving in my family, typically we go around the table and say what we're thankful for. And in this country, that's a pretty long list. The tremendous natural riches of this country, from great rivers to magnificent mountains to our wide-open access to the sea. The tremendous freedom we enjoy. In the twenty-first century, freedom of religion, of speech, of the press  and other freedoms, like the freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures, or excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments  all of these freedoms that we so often simply take for granted are still unknown to too many people across the world.\r\n\r\nThe United States is not perfect, and we don't always get it right, but we enjoy tremendous blessings in this country, and it's important not to take them for granted. Thanksgiving gives us a chance to pause and reflect on all we've been given.\r\n\r\nI am grateful to God for so many blessings this year.\r\n\r\nI am thankful for the great blessing of my family  my dad Harold, a World War II naval aviator who will turn 100 next month; my brothers and sister; my wife Kimberley, the best thing in my life; my beautiful daughters and my sons-in-law; and our grandchildren  pretty much the most amazing grandkids ever, in my own unbiased opinion.\r\n\r\nI'm thankful for the great state of South Dakota  for our fresh air and wide-open spaces, from the prairies of farm country to the rugged terrain of the Black Hills. South Dakotans are a resilient, kind, and gracious people, and I'm thankful every day that I am lucky enough to call South Dakota home.\r\n\r\nI'm also tremendously grateful for the work I get to do. Getting to represent South Dakotans in the Senate is one of the great privileges of my life. And while it's been a contentious year with a divided Congress, I've still had the chance to continue to work on important issues affecting people in my state and around the country, like helping our nation's farmers and ranchers in this tough agriculture economy.\r\n\r\nI'm grateful for the privilege of living in this great country, and I am grateful for all the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Our military men and women represent the very best of America, and I am grateful every day for their service and sacrifice.\r\n\r\nIn that 1863 proclamation of Thanksgiving Day that I mentioned, Abraham Lincoln, referring to the blessings America had experienced even in the midst of the horrors of the Civil War, said, No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things.They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.\r\n\r\nGod has blessed us with very great gifts in this country, and it is indeed fit and proper that we should dedicate a day to reverently and gratefully acknowledge them.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9F1E69EE-A624-4C57-9823-FB7F1BA707AD", "Thune: Senate Confirming Well-Qualified Judges at Record Pace", "2019-11-20", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the Senate's latest action on judicial confirmations. With the confirmations of Justices Robert Luck and Barbara Lagoa, the Senate has now confirmed 48 appellate court judges during this administration  more appellate court judges than had been confirmed at this point in any of the previous five presidential administrations.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, yesterday we confirmed Robert Luck, a Florida Supreme Court justice, to be a U.S. circuit judge for the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.\r\n\r\nWith Justice Luck's confirmation, the Senate has now confirmed 47 appellate court judges during this administration, and 163 Article III judges overall.\r\n\r\nThat's more appellate court judges than had been confirmed at this point in any of the previous five presidential administrations.\r\n\r\nAnd it's a particularly outstanding number when you consider the fact that Democrats have made confirming these judges as difficult as they possibly can.\r\n\r\nFrom day one of this administration, Democrats were determined to obstruct anything this president did  and his nominations in particular.\r\n\r\nAgain and again and again, they've attempted to block nominees for no other reason than the fact that they were nominated by this president.\r\n\r\nDemocrats have subjected roughly 75 percent of the administration's judicial nominees to the time-consuming cloture process.\r\n\r\nCompare that to the treatment of President Obama's nominees.\r\n\r\nAt this point in President Obama's administration, roughly 3 percent of his judicial nominees had been subjected to cloture votes.\r\n\r\nJust 3 percent.\r\n\r\nAnd the difference in these numbers is not because this president has nominated scores of supposedly extreme nominees whom Democrats felt they couldn't support.\r\n\r\nIn fact, Democrats have repeatedly turned around and voted for the very same judges they've obstructed.\r\n\r\nIn one particularly egregious example, in January of 2018 Democrats forced the Senate to spend more than a week considering four district court judges even though not one single Democrat voted against their confirmation.\r\n\r\nThese judges could have been confirmed in a matter of minutes by voice vote.\r\n\r\nBut Democrats forced the Senate to spend more than a week on their consideration  time that could have been spent on genuinely controversial nominees or on some of the many important issues facing our country.\r\n\r\nMr. President, despite Democrats' obstruction, we've continued to move forward, and as I said, yesterday we confirmed our 163rd judge to the federal bench. \r\n\r\nToday we will confirm our 164th.\r\n\r\nWe're putting judges on the bench with a real respect for the law and the Constitution and a commitment to applying the law as it is written.\r\n\r\nNow those sound like basic requirements for a judge, Mr. President.\r\n\r\nBut too often, it seems like my Democrat colleagues are interested not in judges who will uphold the law but in judges who will act like super legislators, rewriting the law and the Constitution when they don't fit with Democrats' political opinions.\r\n\r\nAnd that's a very dangerous thing.\r\n\r\nWhen judges rule based not on what the law actually says but on what they think the law should be, they undermine a fundamental principle of our system of government.\r\n\r\nOur system is based on a belief in the rule of law.\r\n\r\nIn the American system, the law is supposed to be the final, impartial arbiter.\r\n\r\nCases are to be decided based on what the law says, not on what a particular judge feels.\r\n\r\nSure, it might seem nice when an activist judge goes outside the meaning of a law and rules for your preferred outcome.\r\n\r\nBut what happens when that same judge reaches beyond the law to your detriment?\r\n\r\nWhat protection do you have if the law is no longer the highest authority?\r\n\r\nEqual treatment under the law, equal justice under law  these principles can only be maintained as long as judges actually rule based on the law, and not on their personal feelings or political opinions.\r\n\r\nNow, Mr. President, my Democrat colleagues have shown a disturbing tendency to believe that their opinions are the only ones that should prevail.\r\n\r\nThey disapproved of the outcome of the last election, and so for three years they have done everything they can to undermine a duly elected president.\r\n\r\nThey're upset by the fact that the president got to replace a perceived swing vote on the Supreme Court, and the solution floated by more than one member of their party was to pack the Supreme Court.\r\n\r\nFor anyone who needs a refresher on an idea that most thought had been consigned to the dust bin of history decades ago, the theory of court-packing is as follows  if the Supreme Court is not deciding cases to your liking, add more justices to the court until you start getting the decisions you want.\r\n\r\nListen to Democrats question judicial nominees, and it soon becomes apparent that their biggest concern is not finding judges who will uphold the law and the Constitution but judges who will uphold Democrats' political opinions and preferred policy outcomes.\r\n\r\nIt's a disturbing trend, Mr. President.\r\n\r\nIt's natural to want your party to prevail and to believe that your ideas are the best ones for the country.\r\n\r\nIt's another thing entirely to start acting like your opinions are the only ones that should ever prevail, regardless of election outcomes or the wishes of the American people.\r\n\r\nMr. President, I'm proud that we're putting judges on the bench who will rule according to the law and the Constitution  not their personal opinions, their political beliefs, or the political party of the individuals before their court.\r\n\r\nI'm proud that we're putting judges on the bench who will help ensure that the rule of law is maintained and that everyone in their courtroom receives the equal protection of the law.\r\n\r\nAnd I look forward to confirming more excellent judges in the near future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F9D4E182-068D-409B-B467-5AAB07AD06BB", "Thune: Its Time to Get Our Military the Funding It Needs", "2019-11-19", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the defense appropriations bill, legislation that ensures our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our country. The bill has been filibustered by Senate Democrats the last two times it was considered on the Senate floor.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, our most fundamental responsibility as members of Congress is to provide for our nation's defense.\r\n\r\nAnd a big part of that is ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to defend our country.\r\n\r\nThat means, of course, that we have to ensure that our military receives adequate funding to meet today's priorities and prepare for the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nAnd it also means that we need to ensure that our military receives timely funding.\r\n\r\nOur military doesn't just need sufficient funding to cover defense priorities; it also needs to receive that money on time, on a predictable schedule.\r\n\r\nThat means passing the defense appropriations bill before the end of each fiscal year, instead of forcing the military to rely on temporary funding measures that leave the military in doubt about funding levels and unable to start important new projects.\r\n\r\nMr. President, right now, we're almost two full months into the 2020 fiscal year.\r\n\r\nWe should have passed the defense appropriations bill by the end of September.\r\n\r\nBut we didn't.\r\n\r\nBecause unfortunately our Democrat colleagues were unable to resist the chance to pick yet another fight with the president.\r\n\r\nMr. President, this wasn't supposed to happen.\r\n\r\nAt the end of the summer, congressional leaders of both parties and the president reached an agreement on funding levels for 2020 and 2021.\r\n\r\nLeaders also agreed on a number of guidelines for appropriations bills, including a ban on poison pills intended to derail appropriations legislation.\r\n\r\nThe idea behind this agreement was to pave the way for the timely passage of appropriations bills and prevent the kind of situation we're in right now  almost two months behind on passing defense and other funding.\r\n\r\nBut unfortunately Democrats chose to renege on this agreement.\r\n\r\nSenate Democrats are currently holding up defense funding by insisting on the type of poison pills they promised to forgo just a few months ago.\r\n\r\nThe leader has attempted to bring up the defense appropriations bill twice, and both times Senate Democrats have filibustered the legislation.\r\n\r\nIt's deeply disappointing, Mr. President.\r\n\r\nI understand that my Democrat colleagues are looking for any opportunity to pick a fight with the president.\r\n\r\nBut funding for our men and women in uniform should not be subjected to Democrats' partisan whims.\r\n\r\nThanks to Democrats, right now our military is operating under a continuing resolution that leaves the military short of the funding it needs for the 2020 fiscal year.\r\n\r\nThat has real consequences.\r\n\r\nIn addition to leaving the military underfunded, a continuing resolution prevents the military from starting key projects that will help ensure our men and women in uniform are prepared to meet the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nThe Pentagon can't start new procurement projects.\r\n\r\nNew research and development initiatives that keep us a step ahead of our adversaries are put on hold.\r\n\r\nAll told, under a continuing resolution, the military's purchasing power is reduced by roughly $5 billion each quarter.\r\n\r\nTo put that in perspective, that's the equivalent of losing out on about 56 Joint Strike Fighter planes, depending on the variant, every three months.\r\n\r\nThat $5 billion the Pentagon is going without is urgently needed funding for critical military priorities.\r\n\r\nAnd the longer the Pentagon goes without this funding, the greater the consequences for our military preparedness.\r\n\r\nMr. President, playing politics with our national defense is unacceptable.\r\n\r\nWe owe our men and women in uniform timely, reliable, adequate defense funding.\r\n\r\nAnd we owe every man, woman, and child in the United States the same thing.\r\n\r\nThe safety of every person in this country depends on the strength of our military.\r\n\r\nI hope that at least some of my Democrat colleagues will see their way to joining Republicans to get this year's defense appropriations bill to the president's desk.\r\n\r\nIt's time to get our men and women in uniform the funding they need.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8EEAFACF-127D-4BAD-B07A-80AFF65F90BF", "Wicker, Thune Introduce 5G Spectrum Act", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,and John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, introduced the 5G Spectrum Act. This legislation would ensure mid-band spectrum is quickly available in the market by requiring a transparent and competitive public auctioning process. The bill specifically would require that at least 50 percent of the value of auction revenues be reserved for the American people.\r\n\r\nAfter years of delay, this legislation would get crucial mid-band spectrum into the market to benefit the American people and secure our position as the leaders in the race to 5G, said Wicker. Senator Thune and I have been working together for over a year to come up with the best way to expand access to 5G, especially in rural areas, andsecure value for all Americans.I look forward tocontinuing to workwith him as we get this legislation over the finish line.\r\n\r\nThis legislation, which is a win-win for taxpayers, would quickly free up much-needed spectrum  the airwaves over which digital information flows  and, as a result, put more money back in the U.S. Treasury, said Thune. I have long supported efforts to make additional mid-band spectrum available for commercial 5G use so we can lead the world in the 5G revolution. More spectrum means more opportunities for American entrepreneurs and consumers, especially those in rural America, to innovate and access better and more efficient information and technology.\r\n\r\nThe 5G Spectrum Act would:\r\n\r\n \r\nProvide the coverage and capacity essential for deployment in America's rural communities.\r\nRequire the FCC to conduct a public auction of C band spectrum.\r\nRequire the auction to start no later than December 31, 2020.\r\nRequire the FCC to make availableat least280 MHz of spectrum.\r\nRequire the FCC to capture for the taxpayerat least50 percent of the fair market value of the spectrum.\r\n \r\n\r\nTo read the full bill, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E64AD361-D4D7-45F6-85C5-09F1A52D844F", "Delegation Applauds Administrations Decision to Grant Disaster Declaration For Southeast South Dakota Following September Flooding and Tornadoes", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the Trump administration for approving a major disaster declaration for several South Dakota counties, including Aurora, Brookings, Brule, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, Union, and Yankton, and the Yankton Indian Reservation and Flandreau Santee Indian Reservation following severe flooding and tornadoes from September 9-26. On October 30, 2019, the delegation wrote to the president in support of Gov. Kristi Noem's (R-S.D.) request. This is the fourth disaster declaration the president has approved for South Dakota this year alone.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakota has been hit with far more than its share of severe weather and flooding this year, said Thune. I'm glad the administration has been supportive of our state through these important disaster requests so communities across our state can quickly begin rebuilding and regain peace of mind.\r\n\r\nMother nature has taken its toll on our state this year, said Rounds. Ithank President Trump for once again recognizing the need to provide disaster assistance to South Dakota communities impacted by recent storms. This will help communities and families across the state rebuild critical infrastructure, homes and businesses that were severely damaged.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakotans have been hit with tough weather over and over again, said Johnson. I appreciate Governor Noem and the administration's swift efforts to provide disaster relief to our communities hit the hardest. This disaster declaration will provide much needed relief ahead of the holidays.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-applauds-administration-s-decision-grant-disaster-declaration", "Delegation Applauds Administrations Decision to Grant Disaster Declaration For Southeast South Dakota Following September Flooding and Tornadoes", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the Trump administration for approving a major disaster declaration for several South Dakota counties, including Aurora, Brookings, Brule, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, Union, and Yankton, and the Yankton Indian Reservation and Flandreau Santee Indian Reservation following severe flooding and tornadoes from September 9-26. On October 30, 2019, the delegation wrote to the president in support of Gov. Kristi Noem's (R-S.D.) request. This is the fourth disaster declaration the president has approved for South Dakota this year alone.\nSouth Dakota has been hit with far more than its share of severe weather and flooding this year, said Thune. I'm glad the administration has been supportive of our state through these important disaster requests so communities across our state can quickly begin rebuilding and regain peace of mind.\nMother nature has taken its toll on our state this year, said Rounds. Ithank President Trump for once again recognizing the need to provide disaster assistance to South Dakota communities impacted by recent storms. This will help communities and families across the state rebuild critical infrastructure, homes and businesses that were severely damaged.\nSouth Dakotans have been hit with tough weather over and over again, said Johnson. I appreciate Governor Noem and the administration's swift efforts to provide disaster relief to our communities hit the hardest. This disaster declaration will provide much needed relief ahead of the holidays.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-murphy-and-roe-introduce-worker-s-choice-act", "Johnson, Murphy, and Roe Introduce Workers Choice Act", "2019-11-18", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), and Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN) today introduced the Worker's Choice Act, which would amend the National Labor Relations Act to empower employees in a unionized workplace to independently negotiate their employment terms with their employer.\nIn Right-to-Work states like South Dakota, North Carolina, and Tennessee, an employee who opts-out of union participation is still subject to the collectively bargained employment terms negotiated by the union. The National Labor Relations Act provides unions with exclusive bargaining power, but under the Worker's Choice Act, workers will not be forced to have unions represent their interests and dictate employment terms.\nThe Worker's Choice Act is supported by Heritage Action, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, Institute for the American Worker, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Center for Worker Freedom, Americans for Tax Reform, and Club for Growth.\nEmployees deserve their own negotiating power, said Johnson. The Worker's Choice Act allows American workers in union shops to set their own terms with their boss, the employer.\nEnding exclusive representation would be a huge victory for workers' freedom. Jobs today are more unique, and many workers want more flexibility and opportunity than rigid union-negotiated contracts provide, said Murphy. Ending this relic of the past would free unions from having to represent non-dues paying members and it would free workers to choose their own method of negotiationsincluding one that does not force them into employment contracts that don't represent what they want and need.\nWith the rapid growth of the U.S.economy, and more job openings than job seekers, workers are benefiting like never before,said Congressman Roe. I am proud to join my friend and colleague Congressman Dusty Johnson in supporting this commonsense piece of legislation to help empower workers to choose their workplace representation and to earn higher wages.\nHeritage Action: The Worker's Choice Act would finally allow workers the freedom to negotiate their own contracts, salaries, and working conditions. For too long, union bosses have held a monopoly over negotiations on the behalf of workers, even in states where workers are free to leave their union contracts. Heritage Action applauds Rep. Johnson for working to empower workers with more choice and more freedom in the workplace. \nAmericans for Prosperity - SD State Director Don Haggar: Workers should have power over their paychecks and be free to choose who speaks for them in the workplace. We applaud Representative Dusty Johnson for taking on this important issue by introducing the Worker's Choice Act, legislation that would end the restrictive practice of exclusive representation, and in doing so, expand worker freedom. By allowing workers to opt out of monopoly union representation, even unions benefit by no longer having to commit resources towards those who don't want their representation in the first place. With Workers Choice, workers can stand up for themselves.\nAmericans for Tax Reform: Today, American workers in the private sector who choose not to join and support a union are still represented by that union. This gives the unions tremendous power over these non-union member workers, effectively forcing many workers to join a union. Congressman Dusty Johnson's Worker's Choice Act would allow these private sector workers the opportunity to represent themselves, giving workers the true freedom to decide whether or not to join and support a union. Americans for Tax Reform strongly supports this legislation.\nFreedomWorks: Freedom of association is one of the cornerstonesof American liberty. This is no exception in the workplace. Rep. Johnson's bill would free workers to negotiate independently of unions and ensure they don't have to pay union dues. On the other hand, unions would no longer be forced to negotiate terms for workers who don't contribute to them. It is a win-win for those involved, and we appreciate the innovative problem solving that the Worker's Choice Act employs.\nCenter for Worker Freedom: The Center for Worker Freedom strongly supports Representative Dusty Johnson's Worker's Choice Act because the legislation would restore the First Amendment rights of private sector workers. American workers should have the choice of whether to accept union representation or not.\nCompetitive Enterprise Institute: The Worker's Choice Act is a commonsense bill that Democrats and Republicans should both embrace. Workers should not be forced to have a union speak on their behalf or work under a union contract against their will. The bill fixes this injustice by allowing workers to represent themselves and negotiate their own work terms directly with their employer. It is time to stop forcing union representation on workers and instead give individuals the freedom to choose how they are represented at the workplace.\nF. Vincent Vernuccio, Senior Fellow at the Mackinac Center and President of Institute for the American Worker: Representative Johnson's bill creates a fairer system for everyone. Worker's Choice gives employees the ability to say no thanks to unwanted representation and unions the ability to say goodbye to workers that do not want to pay dues.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=EA96DFFF-D82D-45C3-9271-F3AD9E81C074", "The Work Goes On", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When I served as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, we had a four-year track record of bipartisanship and a reputation for getting things done. I'm proud of what we accomplished, including helping to lay the groundwork for the 5G mobile broadband revolution, enhancing Ellsworth Air Force Base's strategic value, combatting human trafficking, improving weather forecasting, and working toward ending those illegal and abusive robocalls we all hate receiving.\r\n\r\nWhile I now serve as chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I'm still the senior Republican member on the full committee, and I'm glad our members have not only maintained the panel's productive workload under the new chairman, but we have also continued to make progress on many of the issues we started working on years ago.\r\n\r\nFor example, at our most recent committee markup, which is a formal committee process to consider legislation and presidential appointments, we sent more than two dozen bills and nominees to the Senate floor. Many of the bills we recently considered were bipartisan, and all of them were approved by voice vote, which means there was strong enough support for each of the measures to move without a single roll call vote  something that only happens when there's little or no disagreement among senators.\r\n\r\nThree of the bills heading to the full Senate have my name attached to them, including my Learning Excellence and Good Examples from New Developers (LEGEND) Act, which I introduced in October with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). This legislation essentially recognizes that there are a lot of smart and talented people who work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and we should make their innovative weather models available to other smart and talented people who don't work for the government so we can make NOAA's good ideas even better.\r\n\r\nAccurate weather forecasting is important for a lot of reasons, from safety to knowing when to put seeds in the ground. We should make these tools as efficient as possible, which is why I believe in my bill's collaborative approach that builds off my previous work toward improving weather forecasting in South Dakota and throughout the United States.\r\n\r\nThe Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement Act, which, among other things, would help ensure Americans are receiving important emergency alerts on mobile phones and other devices, and the Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge through Education Act, which would build on the important work being done by South Dakota universities to strengthen America's cybersecurity workforce, were also overwhelmingly approved. I'm proud to cosponsor these bipartisan bills, and I look forward to sending them  and the LEGEND Act  to the president without delay.\r\n\r\nWith today's 24-hour news cycle, a lot of the good work being done in Senate committees  and by the Senate as a whole  is unlikely to make the top of the evening news or the front page of the daily newspaper. It can be frustrating at times, especially when we've got good things to show for our work, but count me as one who is undeterred. The work goes on, and I'm committed to seeing it through, as always.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=15F07626-0CFC-419A-BE72-BEB5F10D26AB", "Midwest Senators Renew RFS Recommendations to President Trump", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) today renewed their recommendations to President Trump with respect to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) proposed Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) supplemental rule. The letter, which enclosed their initial comments to EPA, urges the administration to take corrective action in its RFS rulemaking to uphold the agreement reached between President Trump and Midwest senators on September 12, 2019.\r\nThis supplemental rulemaking is an opportunity to definitively restore integrity to the RFS, provide certainty for American agriculture, and further bolster our energy independence, the senators wrote.We are confident that reverting to the agreed upon framework to account for actual waived gallons will deliver on your agenda to support thousands of agriculture jobs throughout the Midwest and nation.\r\nFull text of the letter is below:\r\nDear President Trump:\r\nWe write to thank you for your continued commitment to America's farmers and resolve to see that integrity is restored to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).Your work to finalize the year-round sale of E15 was a milestone victory for American consumers and agriculture stakeholders alike.However, as you well know, this progress will be erased unless the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begins to account for small refinery waivers (SREs) when setting future blending obligations.\r\nThe September 12, 2019, meeting you convened in the Oval Office resulted in a restorative framework for EPA to incorporate in a supplemental rule.Your meeting, which was attended by Vice President Pence, Director of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow, and acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler participating by phone, arrived at a multi-point roadmap for getting the RFS back on track.The reforms were built on a foundation of ensuring that at least 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuel are blended, accounting for waivers by using a three-year rolling average of actual volumes waived by SREs. The framework would also reduce barriers to market, such as burdensome labeling requirements and fuel pump limitations, as well as coordinate infrastructure investment.\r\nUnfortunately, as you can see in our enclosed comments responding to the proposed supplemental rule, we interpret EPA's action to fall far short of what was agreed to in the Oval Office.This assessment is shared by ethanol, biodiesel, and other agriculture stakeholders across the heartland and is confirmed by leading market indicators.\r\nEPA's proposal would only account for gallons waived per the recommendation of the Department of Energy (DOE).Under the previous leadership of former Administrator Scott Pruitt and continued by Administrator Wheeler, EPA has issued SREs far beyond the annual recommendations of DOE.If this waiver regime is continued and the supplemental rule is not changed to reflect the agreement made around the Resolute Desk on September 12, not all SREs will be accounted for, meaning our stakeholders and rural communities will continue to suffer compounded economic harm, biofuel plant closure, and lost commodity demand.We urge the administration to take the corrective action necessary to produce a final supplemental rule that will account for all SREs.\r\nThis supplemental rulemaking is an opportunity to definitively restore integrity to the RFS, provide certainty for American agriculture, and further bolster our energy independence.We are confident that reverting to the agreed upon framework to account for actual waived gallons will deliver on your agenda to support thousands of agriculture jobs throughout the Midwest and nation.\r\nThank you for your continued attention to this matter and determination to resolve these longstanding obstacles for American agriculture.\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=181E4FC0-ABFE-46CB-ABDA-74A6D9A9C167", "Thune Recognizes Angels in Adoption Award Winners From Sioux Falls", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today acknowledged National Adoption Month and discussed the important role adoption plays in the United States. Thune also recognized the Mike and Kim Adams family, Sioux Falls residents whom he nominated earlier this year for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's Angels in Adoption Award. Thune met with the Adams family earlier today in Washington, D.C.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, November is National Adoption Month, and later this morning I'll be spending time with the family I nominated to receive an Angels in Adoption award this year.\r\n\r\nThe Angels in Adoption Program is designed to bring recognition to individuals and organizations who are, in the words of the program, making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and child welfare.\r\n\r\nAngels in Adoption is a program of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and each year members of Congress are invited to nominate an individual or family to receive an Angels in Adoption award.\r\n\r\nI've been making these nominations for more than a decade now.\r\n\r\nAnd it has been a privilege and an inspiration to meet South Dakota families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need.\r\n\r\nThis year, I nominated Mike and Kim Adams, fellow residents of Sioux Falls.\r\n\r\nMike and Kim have a tremendous heart for children.\r\n\r\nThey have five biological children, but as they learned more about the plight of children in poverty, they were drawn to adoption.\r\n\r\nGod put the country of Ethiopia on their hearts in a particular way, and in 2008, they adopted a daughter from Ethiopia, Eva.\r\n\r\nWithin a few years, they had adopted three more children  Selena and Amanuel, from Ethiopia, and Shakira, from Uganda  making them a family of 11.\r\n\r\nBut the story doesn't end there.\r\n\r\nSeeing the poorest of the poor in Ethiopia deeply moved them, and in addition to adoption they sought ways to help communities stuck in poverty.\r\n\r\nThe needs of children were particularly close to their hearts, and in 2013 Mike and Kim agreed to take over two schools in Ethiopia when the agency running them was forced to pull out of the country.\r\n\r\nThe Adams formed the Adams Thermal Foundation to support the schools.\r\n\r\nToday the foundation supports more than 1,000 students in two schools in Ethiopia.\r\n\r\nThe schools' mission is to serve children most in need, those who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity for an education.\r\n\r\nIn addition to academic instruction, the schools provide other resources in an effort to alleviate some of the effects of poverty and make it easier for the children to stay in school.\r\n\r\nTo name one example, at the end of last year the foundation completed a project to provide a permanent source of clean water to its school in Ottoro, Ethiopia, as well as to seven local villages.\r\n\r\nIn addition to providing essential health and sanitation benefits, the new pipeline also frees children from the hours-long task of fetching water for their families, meaning that more children can attend school.\r\n\r\nMr. President, in learning Mike and Kim's story I was struck by how love multiplies and expands.\r\n\r\nMike and Kim's willingness to open their hearts has led not only to four children finding a forever home, but to hope and opportunity for hundreds more.\r\n\r\nI feel privileged to have learned their story and to be able to nominate them for an Angels in Adoption Award this year.\r\n\r\nMr. President, National Adoption Month is a chance to honor all those who, like the Adams, have chosen to welcome a child in need of a home.\r\n\r\nSadly, not every child is born into a safe and loving home.\r\n\r\nSome are born to parents who are unable to take care of them.\r\n\r\nSome lose their parents to war, or accident, or illness.\r\n\r\nAnd tragically, some are born to parents who refuse to take care of them or actively seek to damage the great gift in their care.\r\n\r\nBut thankfully, there are parents out there eager to receive these children.\r\n\r\nAcross our country, there are countless parents whose homes and hearts are already prepared to welcome a child in need.\r\n\r\nThey may not yet know the names of their future sons or daughters, but they're ready and waiting to meet them.\r\n\r\nNational Adoption Month is a good time to rededicate ourselves to caring for children in need and helping them find loving families to receive them.\r\n\r\nMr. President, in the gospel of Mark, Jesus says, Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.\r\n\r\nThere are few actions more worthy of admiration than a decision to welcome a child in need and create for that child a secure and loving home.\r\n\r\nI am so grateful for all the generous families around this country who have opened their hearts and found sons and daughters through adoption.\r\n\r\nI am also thankful for all of the birth mothers who have chosen adoption for their children to give them a better life in a loving family.\r\n\r\nAnd I'm honored to be able to recognize the Adams family today for their embrace of their own adopted children as well as everything they've done to make life better for children in Ethiopia.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D21E5933-C79C-49EE-B5C2-D74DD3E3D841", "House & Senate Announce Agreement on Anti-Robocall Bill", "2019-11-15", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Chairman John Thune (R-SD), Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA), and Ranking Member Bob Latta (R-OH) announced that they have come to an agreement in principle on legislation, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, to combat the robocall epidemic:\r\nToday, we are proud to announce that we have come to an agreement in principle on legislation, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, to combat the robocall epidemic that we believe can be signed into law by the President, the six House and Senate leaders said. It's time to put Americans back in charge of their phones. Our agreement will require telephone carriers to verify calls and allow robocalls to be blocked in a consistent and transparent way, all at no extra charge to consumers. The agreement also gives the FCC and law enforcement the ability to quickly go after scammers. We look forward to finalizing the bill text in the coming days.\r\nIn May, the Senate passed the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act by a vote of 97-1. In July, the House of Representatives passed the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act by a vote of 429-3. The bills will be merged and reconciled as part of the agreement in principle.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=55A86A4E-C659-46A4-9075-F07F33DF44D9", "Several Thune-Supported Bills Head to Full Senate", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today applauded the committee's passage of the Learning Excellence and Good Examples from New Developers (LEGEND) Act, Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge through Education (HACKED) Act, and the Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement (READI) Act, all bills he's either sponsored orcosponsored. These bipartisan bills now head to the Senate floor for consideration.\r\n\r\nToday's executive session proves that my colleagues in the Senate can continue to get work done for the American people in a bipartisan manner, said Thune. My LEGEND Act will improve forecasting capabilities and will benefit farmers and producers, not only in my home state, but across the country, and the READI Act will make necessary improvements to the nation's emergency alert system. I'm thankful for Sen. Schatz's partnership on these important bills, both of which unanimously passed the committee today.\r\n\r\nI'd also like to thank both Sens. Wicker and Klobuchar for their help in strengthening the HACKED Act, legislation that would ensure we have the necessary cybersecurity workforce to combat any potential threats in today's internet and digital economy.\r\n\r\nThune introduced the LEGEND Act last month with Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). This legislation would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to make certain operational models publicly available and utilize any innovations to improve the models that are developed as a result of public collaboration.\r\n\r\nThe READI Act, which Thune cosponsored with Schatz last month, would ensure more people receive relevant emergency alerts on their mobile phones, televisions, and radios, explore new ways of alerting the public through online video and audio streaming services, track and study false alerts when they occur, and improve the way states plan for emergency alerts.\r\n\r\nThune joined Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) in introducing the HACKED Act last week. This legislation would build on the important work being done by South Dakota universities to strengthen America's cybersecurity workforce by bolstering existing science education and cybersecurity programs within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Transportation. The HACKED Act includes Thune's amendment to establish a cybersecurity exchange program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, incorporating one aspect of Thune's and Sen. Amy Klobuchar's (D-Minn.) Cyber Security Exchange Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B3657962-9692-40EB-BCCB-5C17D35F8D4D", "Thune: Americans Have Waited Long Enough for USMCA", "2019-11-13", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on House Democrats to bring up and pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It has been 13 months since the administration concluded USMCA negotiations, but instead of passing this legislation that would bring real relief to American workers, Democrats are prioritizing partisan politics.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, it's now been 13 months since the administration concluded negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\n13 months of uncertainty for U.S. farmers and ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses, digital firms, financial institutions, and many others.\r\n\r\n13 months of wondering what the rules of the road on trade are going to look like going forward.\r\n\r\nMr. President, we should have passed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement months ago.\r\n\r\nRepublicans in the Senate have been ready to take up this agreement for a long time.\r\n\r\nBut trade agreements have to be considered by the House of Representatives first.\r\n\r\nAnd the House of Representatives is controlled by the Democrat Party, which is far more interested in partisan pursuits than in actually doing any meaningful legislating.\r\n\r\nWhile House Democrats are happy to consider far-left messaging bills that have no chance of going anywhere, they have no interest in working with Republicans to actually get something signed into law.\r\n\r\nWhy?\r\n\r\nDemocrats have convinced themselves that partisan posturing is more important than securing a bipartisan legislative victory, like a strong new trade deal that will benefit the American economy.\r\n\r\nAnd so they're currently opposing a trade agreement that would benefit millions of American workers.\r\n\r\nMr. President, let's be very clear  Democrats' decision to prioritize partisan politics is having real consequences for the American people.\r\n\r\nRight now, the members of our military are unable to fund new priorities because Senate Democrats are blocking consideration of defense appropriations.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers in my home state of South Dakota and around the country are struggling, but House Democrats refuse to move forward on a trade deal  the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement  that would bring them relief.\r\n\r\nMr. President, thanks to low commodity and livestock prices, natural disasters, and protracted trade disputes, farmers and ranchers have had a tough few years.\r\n\r\nAnd one of the biggest things we can do to help them is to take action on trade.\r\n\r\nOur nation's farmers and ranchers depend on trade.\r\n\r\nWhen I talk to farmers and ranchers at home in South Dakota, they emphasize that the most important thing Washington can do to boost our agriculture economy is to take action on trade agreements.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers need access to new and expanded markets for their products.\r\n\r\nAnd just as importantly, they need certainty about what international markets are going to look like going forward.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would help meet those needs.\r\n\r\nIt would preserve and expand farmers' access to two critical export markets, and it would give farmers certainty about what these markets will look like long-term.\r\n\r\nI'm particularly pleased with the improvements the agreement makes for U.S. dairy producers.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakota has experienced a major dairy expansion over the past few years, and this agreement will benefit U.S. dairy producers by substantially expanding market access in Canada, where U.S. dairy sales have been restricted.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that the agreement will boost U.S. dairy exports by more than $277 million.\r\n\r\nThe agreement will also expand market access for U.S. poultry and egg producers.\r\n\r\nAnd it will make it easier for U.S. producers to export wheat to Canada.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, the benefits for the agriculture industry are just one part of this agreement.\r\n\r\nVirtually every sector of our economy will benefit from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement  from manufacturing to digital services to the automotive industry.\r\n\r\nUSMCA breaks new ground by including a chapter specifically focused on small and medium-sized businesses  the first time a U.S. trade agreement has ever included a dedicated chapter on this topic.\r\n\r\nRoughly 120,000 small and medium-sized businesses around our country export goods and services to Mexico and Canada.\r\n\r\nUSMCA will make it easier for these businesses to successfully export their products.\r\n\r\nMr. President, it would be nice if House Democrats woke up tomorrow and decided that 13 months was long enough to make America's farmers and ranchers and manufacturers and small businessmen wait for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\n\r\nBut my hopes of seeing action from the House grow dimmer each day.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Democrats in the House should be addressing the American people's priorities.\r\n\r\nAmerican workers shouldn't be sacrificed for Democrats' partisan political goals.\r\n\r\nI hope enough of my Democrat colleagues in the House will urge House leadership to bring up the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in the very near future.\r\n\r\nAmericans have waited long enough.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=0002AE13-E42B-4523-9F60-49FC67EE9903", "Bursting the Internet Filter Bubble", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Imagine walking into a local hardware store for its grand opening. As the door closes behind you, you look around and realize that almost all of the products in the store seem uncannily familiar. Those that aren't, they pique your interest. As the store manager greets you, it's as if he knew you were going shopping that day, and he directs you to the products and services you didn't know you needed or wanted. In fact, you were surprised to learn that he knew your dishwasher needed to be repaired, and you didn't even know it was broken.\r\nYou come to find out that the store was designed for you  the only customer  and its entire inventory was assembled based on statistically driven predictions about the stores you've visited, the items you've purchased, the magazines you've subscribed to, and the conversations you've had with friends and family. But you didn't realize anyone was even paying attention.\r\nWhile the hardware store example seems relatively innocuous, the reality is that something like this is happening in the vast majority of Americans' online experiences, from simply trying to catch up on the news to socializing with friends.\r\nAs technology has evolved and made life easier for the American people, so too have consumers' concerns over privacy and how their data is being collected, shared, and used by third parties. That's where my hardware store analogy might start to make a little more sense. As you use your smartphone, smart speaker, or computer to click, share, surf, download, purchase, post, or watch online, internet platforms are learning about you, and as they do, they use artificial intelligence to gorge on your data and create an engineered, just-for-you experience based on statistical predictions about what these platforms think you'll want to see or do next. When we're on our smartphone or on the internet, we're constantly being measured, receiving engineered feedback to keep us engaged on the platform.\r\nAs internet platforms deliver this customized online experience, users can become ensnared in what one person in the technology industry coined a filter bubble  the online version of the hardware store that was constructed just for you. These filter bubbles can be created on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, search engines like Google and Yahoo, or even entertainment platforms like Netflix and Hulu.\r\nNow don't get me wrong, a personalized experience on these platforms isn't necessarily a bad thing. For example, I like when Netflix suggests which program I might like to watch next. If I haven't checked Twitter in a while, it can be helpful to see the top tweets I've missed, which are curated based on the content with which I'm most likely to engage.\r\nOther times, though, I might want to opt out of that filter bubble and experience the platform without viewing content that has been selected based on my personal data and behavior. Think of this opt-out experience as a competing hardware store that's been built for the entire community, where a wide range of products and services exist, not just the ones that were strategically selected and placed in front of you.\r\nFor example, Twitter currently allows its users to toggle between a customized newsfeed  based on what it thinks you'll like to see  and another newsfeed that's a chronological view of content as it's being posted. Another example, in a filter bubble experience, if you and I each searched the same term  shopping, for example  we're likely to be delivered vastly different results. In a filter bubble-free experience, we should be delivered the same results, no matter who we are.\r\nLike a customer who might enter one of my imaginary hardware stores, I think consumers should have the option to choose between a personalized, filtered view of content and a view that is filter-free. Or, at the very least, consumers should know which store or experience they're about to enter. That's why I recently introduced the bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act in the Senate, which would give consumers more control over their digital experience and provide them with more transparency about what they're seeing online.\r\nMy bill is pretty simple and straightforward. It would require large-scale internet platforms to let consumers know when they're being given a personalized user experience designed by artificial intelligence (filter bubble transparency), and it would give users the option to escape the filter bubble and consume information that has not been engineered specifically for the user to see (consumer control). That's it.\r\nI strongly support a light-touch approach to internet regulation that allows the free market to flourish. The internet would not have grown the way it has if it had been weighed down with heavy-handed government regulations. But in order for free markets to work effectively, consumers need as much information as possible  including a better understanding of how internet platforms use artificial intelligence and complex filters to shape the information users receive, and that's exactly what my bill aims to achieve.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=962BC0FA-BC9C-42D8-B7A1-E6F289221ED2", "Thune Statement on POW/MIA Flag Act Being Signed Into Law", "2019-11-08", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the National POW/MIA Flag Act was signed in law. Thune cosponsored this bipartisan legislation, which will require the POW/MIA Flag to be displayed whenever the American flag is displayed on prominent federal properties to honor the more than 82,000 Americans who are listed as Prisoners of War (POW), Missing in Action (MIA), or otherwise unaccounted for from our nation's past wars and conflicts.\r\nToday and throughout the history of our country, our men and women in uniform have valiantly chosen to serve in defense of freedom and the security of the United States, said Thune. I'm glad this legislation is now law. Displaying a POW/MIA flag to honor those who have not returned home is the least we can do to recognize these heroes and the sacrifice of their families.\r\nThe National POW/MIA Flag Act will ensure that the POW/MIA Flag is displayed whenever the U.S. flag is displayed, effectively ensuring that both flags are displayed concurrently and every day at federal locations already designated under existing law. Those locations include the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, every national cemetery, the buildings containing the official offices of the Secretaries of State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs, the office of the Director of the Selective Service System, each major military installation (as designated by the Secretary of Defense), each Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, and each United States Postal Service post office.\r\nBefore the lawmakers' bill became law, the POW/MIA Flag was required to be displayed by the federal government on certain prominent federal properties only six days per year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, and Veterans Day.\r\nThe legislation was sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.). In addition to Thune, the legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11C5C7C3-59CF-4D13-99D4-F4AF5A0F3A90", "Thune, Rounds Join Corn-State Senators in Submitting Comments on EPAs Supplemental Rule on RFS Deal", "2019-11-07", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today joined a group of corn-state senators who submitted comments to the Federal Register regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) supplemental rule on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In individual letters to EPA Administrator Wheeler, the senators expressed concerns about the way the agency plans to calculate the reallocation of biofuel gallons lost due to exemptions for oil refineries.\r\n\r\nWhile I appreciate the administration's commitment to restore integrity to the RFS and provide that at least 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels are blended into the fuel supply, the proposed supplemental rule unfortunately lacks safeguards that will assure its intent, said Thune. As you know, resolution of this matter is of critical importance to agriculture stakeholders in South Dakota and across the country, and I urge EPA to reconsider the incorporation of language to make certain that all gallons waived by SREs will be accounted for in final RVOs. Read his letter here.\r\n\r\nWe're grateful to President Trump for his commitment to assuring 15 billion gallons of ethanol is blended into our fuel supply annually, said Rounds. However, the EPA's proposed rule fails to honor the agreement which the president directed them to formalize. Taking steps to fully restore the integrity of the RFS will honor the agreement as Congress intended. Read his letter here.\r\n\r\nJust this week, the CEO of a major oil refinery bragged that small refinery exemptions were a real cash flow that [they] get every year,' said Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). This is at the expense of farmers and biofuel producers. The EPA's proposed rule fails to ensure that 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol are actually blended into our nation's fuel supply. In my letter, I called on Administrator Wheeler to fulfill the president's commitment and provide certainty for rural America. Read her letter here.\r\n\r\nAs the number one producer of corn, ethanol, biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol, the renewable fuels industry is an important sector of Iowa's economy, said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). It generates nearly $5 billion of Iowa's GDP, over $2.4 billion in household incomes and supports 47,000 jobs across Iowa. President Trump made a commitment to Iowa and other biofuels producing states, and I look forward to seeing this promise fulfilled. The EPA shouldn't undercut President Trump's support of the Renewable Fuels Standard. I urge EPA to adjust the proposed supplemental rule to account for actual waived gallons using hard data from past practice to provide certainty to the marketplace. Read his letter here.\r\n\r\nPlain and simple, if the market for biofuels does not trust EPA to implement the proposal President Trump negotiated, the market will not make investments in biofuels  a dangerous spiral for Iowa farmers and producers which will only lead to more plants closed and jobs lost in the heartland, said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). It is time again for EPA to get this policy right, respect the President's intent, and uphold the law as it was written. This means providing certainty that EPA will ensure that 15 billion gallons of ethanol will be blended each year. Read her letter here.\r\n\r\nMissouri farm families have faced a number of challenges over the past year, from catastrophic flooding to market uncertainty and now the EPA's failure to uphold its commitments to the biofuels industry, said Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Renewable energy policies like the RFS have helped diversify our nation's fuel supply while creating and sustaining jobs, strengthening local economies, and lowering gas prices. I urge the administration to produce a final rule that addresses the concerns my colleagues and I have raised and supports America's biofuels producers. Read his letter here.\r\n\r\nThe state of Indiana is the fifth largest ethanol producing state in the country, said Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.).I urge the EPA to implement the agreement in a way that provides certainty to Hoosier farmers and refiners.Read his letter here.\r\n\r\nOn November 4th, over 60 corn, soybean, and biofuel groups wrote a letter stating that the EPA's supplemental rule would not accurately account for small refinery exemptions and would hurt farm economies and biofuel plants in rural America. To read their letter, click here.\r\n\r\nTo submit a comment to the Federal Register, click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=59D3FC54-7098-4E93-A339-41557338DC28", "Thune: Funding Our Military Should Be Congresss First Priority", "2019-11-07", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on Democrats, who are blocking the ordinarily bipartisan defense funding bill, to abandon their partisan politics and fund our military.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, on Tuesday morning I visited with Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.\r\n\r\nWe talked about the military's needs and national security priorities.\r\n\r\nAnd we talked about the fact that more than a month into the new fiscal year, Congress still hasn't funded the military for fiscal year 2020.\r\n\r\nWe shouldn't have needed to talk about that, Mr. President.\r\n\r\nWe should have passed the defense appropriations bill for 2020 weeks ago.\r\n\r\nBut Democrats won't let us.\r\n\r\nLast week, Democrats blocked consideration of the 2020 defense appropriations bill for the second time.\r\n\r\nAnd apparently they have every intention of continuing to block military funding.\r\n\r\nMr. President, this is politics at its worst.\r\n\r\nAnd make no mistake, this is politics.\r\n\r\nA couple of months ago, Democrats and Republicans got together and agreed on defense and non-defense funding levels for 2020 and 2021.\r\n\r\nThe idea was to pave the way for the passage of appropriations bills in a timely fashion. \r\n\r\nIt seemed for a moment that despite Democrats' fixation on partisan politics and impeachment, we could actually go about the business of funding the government and the military in a somewhat bipartisan fashion.\r\n\r\nBut apparently that was too much to ask of the Democratic Party.\r\n\r\nSenate Democrats are currently running from the agreement, attempting to derail the defense funding bill with poison pills that would prevent the bill from ever being enacted into law. \r\n\r\nMr. President, funding our military should be the first priority of every member of Congress.\r\n\r\nThe safety of our country depends on the strength of our military.\r\n\r\nIf we don't get national security right, well, the rest is just conversation.\r\n\r\nAnd getting national security right means making sure that our military is adequately funded  making sure that we're funding the current needs of the military and preparing for future priorities.\r\n\r\nAnd it should go without saying that an essential part of this responsibility is getting that funding passed in a timely fashion.\r\n\r\nRight now, since we haven't passed the 2020 funding bill, the military is operating under a continuing resolution that maintains funding levels from last year. \r\n\r\nThere are multiple problems with that.\r\n\r\nIn the first place, of course, the military is operating without all the funding it needs. \r\n\r\nFor example, the Pentagon can't fully support the pay increase military members should be getting. \r\n\r\nBut in addition, a continuing resolution prevents the military from starting key projects that will help ensure our men and women in uniform are prepared to meet the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nThe Pentagon can't start new procurement projects.\r\n\r\nNew research and development initiatives that keep us a step ahead of our adversaries are put on hold.\r\n\r\nAll told, under a continuing resolution, the military's purchasing power is reduced by roughly $5 billion each quarter.\r\n\r\nTo put that in perspective, that's the equivalent of losing out on about 56 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter planes, depending on the variant, every three months.\r\n\r\nOr nearly two complete Virginia Class Attack Submarines, like the recently commissioned USS South Dakota. \r\n\r\nOr about 5,000 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles like those used to clean up the site of the Baghdadi raid or strike Syrian chemical weapons facilities in 2018.\r\n\r\nThat $5 billion isn't spare change. \r\n\r\nIt's funding for critical military priorities.\r\n\r\nMr. President, in November 2018, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China. \r\n\r\nThat's a dangerous situation for our country to be in, and we need to keep working to rebuild our military.\r\n\r\nAnd that starts with making sure that our military is fully funded in a timely fashion.\r\n\r\nMr. President, on the floor last week I noted that Democrats would like us to believe that they're serious about legislating, and that their years-long obsession with impeaching the president isn't distracting them from doing their job.\r\n\r\nWell, after Democrats' defense filibuster last week, it's become abundantly clear that Democrats are incapable of putting anything ahead of partisan politics  including the safety of our country and the wellbeing of our military.\r\n\r\nIt's particularly ironic that Democrats are blocking this defense funding bill, which would provide $250 million in assistance to Ukraine, at the same time that they are trying to impeach the president for allegedly delaying Ukraine funding.\r\n\r\nMr. President, it's hard to know what to say to my Democrat colleagues.\r\n\r\nIt should not be this hard to convince them that funding our military is more important than scoring points against the president.\r\n\r\nI hope the leader will continue to bring up the defense funding bill and that enough of my Democrat colleagues will decide to join us in getting this funding to our military.\r\n\r\nIt's the very least we can do for the men and women who spend every day working to keep us safe.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Veterans Day is coming up on Monday.\r\n\r\nAnd our nation will pause to remember all those who have served in our military.\r\n\r\nI'll be calling up my dad, a World War II vet who flew Hellcats in the Pacific, to thank him again for his service.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as a U.S. senator, I've had the privilege of meeting many veterans  men and women who decided that they were willing to lay down their lives if necessary to ensure that their families, their communities, their fellow countrymen, could enjoy the blessings of freedom.\r\n\r\nMembers of the military give up a lot for us.\r\n\r\nThey forgo physical comforts and embrace sacrifice.\r\n\r\nThey accept long deployments.\r\n\r\nDays of duty that start before dawn or stretch long into the night.\r\n\r\nThey accept that they will miss Thanksgivings and birthdays and Christmases.\r\n\r\nFirst steps and first days of kindergarten.\r\n\r\nDate nights and Little League games and family reunions.\r\n\r\nThey shoulder the burden of facing evil head on, so that the rest of us will never have to.\r\n\r\nAnd many of them bear the scars.\r\n\r\nPhysical wounds.\r\n\r\nAnd the invisible wounds that war can also leave.\r\n\r\nMr. President, we enjoy tremendous blessings.\r\n\r\nAnd we're used to them.\r\n\r\nWe're used to waking up in safety.\r\n\r\nWe're used to going about our days in safety.\r\n\r\nWe're used to voting in safety, attending church in safety, reading the newspaper in safety, expressing political opinions in safety.\r\n\r\nAnd it can be too easy to forget that we enjoy these tremendous blessings because men and women have been willing to go out and put their lives on the line for them.\r\n\r\nVeterans Day is a chance to remind ourselves.\r\n\r\nTo remember that we live in peace and freedom every day because men and women were willing to answer the call to serve our country.\r\n\r\nWe owe our veterans a debt we can never repay.\r\n\r\nBut we can make sure that we never forget what they've done for us.\r\n\r\nAnd we can resolve to lead the kind of lives that will make us worthy of their sacrifice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D088147-0395-40DB-BE8C-AE09411C26F9", "Thune: America Can Lead the World in the 5G Revolution", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click here or on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON  Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today discussed the effort to make 5G a reality in the United States. Last Friday, Thune was in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to unveil the city's first 5G cells.\r\n\r\nThune has been a leader in the race to make 5G a reality, authoring the MOBILE NOW Act, which was signed into law in 2018, and the bipartisan STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act,legislation he reintroduced in June.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery): \r\n\r\nMr. President, last Friday was an exciting day.\r\nI was home in Sioux Falls to mark a huge milestone for the city and for South Dakota  the unveiling of Sioux Falls' first 5G small cells.\r\nBy the end of this month, Sioux Falls will have a working, albeit limited, 5G network  one of the first cities in the entire country to have one.\r\nMr. President, most people take internet access for granted these days.\r\nWe assume that anywhere we go, we'll be able to access our GPS, check Facebook, or send a text message.\r\nBut the truth is that there are still areas of the United States where it can be difficult to get reliable internet access.\r\nSome of those areas are in South Dakota.\r\nThat's why expanding access to broadband internet in rural communities has been a priority of mine since I came to the Senate.\r\nWhile it can be nice to turn off our phones and take a break, in this day and age Americans need reliable internet access.\r\nMore and more of the business of daily life is being conducted over the internet, from scheduling appointments to figuring out the shortest way from point A to point B.\r\nThe internet has also become an integral part of commerce.\r\nSmall businesses and farms in areas without dependable internet access miss out on a lot of opportunities that most businesses take for granted.\r\nBoth as chairman and as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, I've had the chance to draw attention to the state of broadband access in rural communities.\r\nI've conducted numerous hearings with testimony from rural broadband providers, farmers, tribal representatives, and federal officials both here in Washington and in my home state of South Dakota.\r\nOver the past several years, we've seen the number of Americans lacking access to broadband decrease significantly.\r\nBut there's more work to be done.\r\nAnd with the advent of 5G technology, we now have to expand our efforts to make deploying 5G technology to rural communities a priority.\r\nMr. President, most of us think today's internet is pretty fast.\r\nWe get traffic updates that are basically in real time, receive emails seconds after they've been sent, and stream our favorite shows at home or on the go.\r\nBut 5G will make 4G look like dial-up.\r\nIt will deliver lightning-fast speeds up to 100 times faster than what today's technology delivers.\r\nThat's hard to imagine.\r\nAfter all, as I said, today's technology seems pretty fast.\r\nBut 5G will enable near-instant responsiveness from our phones and other devices.\r\nHowever, 5G is about a lot more than streaming more shows on more devices, or receiving emails instantly.\r\nIn addition to being up to 100 times faster than current speeds, 5G will be vastly more responsive than 4G technology and will be able to connect 100 times the number of devices that can be connected with 4G.\r\nBecause of this, 5G will enable massive breakthroughs in health care, transportation, agriculture, and other key industries.\r\nAnd it will bring new opportunities and benefits to rural communities in particular.\r\n5G will pave the way for the widespread adoption of precision agriculture, which uses tools like robotics and remote monitoring to help farmers manage their fields and boost their crop yields.\r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that precision agriculture will reduce farmers' operational costs by up to $25 per acre and increase farmers' yields by up to 70 percent by 2050.\r\n5G will also make it easier for residents of rural communities to access business and educational opportunities and long-distance health care.\r\nMr. President, the technology for 5G is already here and is actually being implemented, as Friday's event in Sioux Falls demonstrates.\r\nBut there's more work to do before 5G is a reality across the United States.\r\nIn order to deploy 5G, wireless providers need access to sufficient spectrum, and they need to be able to deploy the infrastructure needed to support the technology in a reasonable and timely manner.\r\nLast year, the president signed into law my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act, legislation I introduced to help secure adequate spectrum for 5G technology.\r\nAnd earlier this year, Senator Schatz and I reintroduced the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act to address the other part of the 5G equation  infrastructure.\r\n5G technology will require not just traditional cell phone towers, but small antennas called small cells that can often be attached to existing infrastructure like utility poles or buildings.\r\nWhile the Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Pai has modernized its regulations on small cell siting, there's more work to be done.\r\nThat's where my bill, the STREAMLINE Act, comes in.\r\nThe STREAMLINE Act will expedite the deployment of small cells while respecting the role of state and local governments in making deployment decisions.\r\nAnd importantly, it will make it more affordable to bring 5G to rural areas by addressing the costs of small cell deployment.\r\n5G has tremendous promise for rural areas, but it will only deliver on that promise if we ensure that 5G cells are actually deployed in these areas.\r\nI'm proud that we've made a good start in South Dakota.\r\nSioux Falls' mayor Paul TenHaken has worked aggressively to remove barriers to telecommunications investment in Sioux Falls.\r\nNationally, we urgently need to take action to remove the final barriers to large-scale 5G deployment.\r\nWhile we've made good progress on securing low- and high-band spectrum, China and South Korea are far ahead of us in opening up mid-band spectrum for 5G.\r\nIf we don't want China and South Korea to win the race to 5G  and seize the economic benefits 5G will bring  we need to substantially increase the amount of mid-band spectrum available to U.S. companies quickly. \r\nWe also need to take action on legislation like my STREAMLINE Act to pave the way for the widespread deployment of 5G infrastructure.\r\nMr. President, America can lead the world in the 5G revolution.\r\nThe technology, as I said, is here.\r\nWe just need to take the final steps to bring 5G into our communities.\r\nI look forward to continuing to work to support the nationwide deployment of 5G.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=87C20FC7-3F27-4FA2-A932-5DC2F1A733B5", "With Delegation Support, Brookings Receives Critical Infrastructure Grant", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) decision to award the City of Brookings $18.7 million in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today's announcement follows requests from the delegation to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for the project's funding.\r\n\r\nWith the help of the infrastructure funding awarded by DOT, the City of Brookings will be able to move forward with this important project, which will relieve congestion, improve safety, and spur economic growth, said Thune. I want to congratulate the Brookings community and its leaders for advocating for this funding, and I'd like to thank Secretary Chao for recognizing how important projects like these are to South Dakota communities.\r\n\r\nThanks to Secretary Chao for her commitment to investing in infrastructure projects in South Dakota,said Rounds.This BUILD grant will help relieve congestion along an important intersection in the city of Brookings, allowing for easier traffic flow in the area. We're grateful for all state and local officials who workto make sure our roads and highways are maintained so we can get where we need to go safely and efficiently.\r\n\r\nBrookings and the surrounding communities have seen tremendous growth over the last several years, said Johnson. This BUILD Grant will allow Brookings to continue on a path of economic success and foster opportunity for the I-29 corridor.\r\n\r\nThe City of Brookings plans to use the BUILD funding to construct an interchange at the intersection of Interstate 29 and 20th Street. This project would allow for an additional arterial road to provide proper traffic flow between the residential and commercial sectors of the city, taking pressure off of the 6th Street interchange, which has become increasingly congested. It will also provide more convenient access to I-29 for southern Brookings as the area continues to grow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-support-brookings-receives-critical-infrastructure-grant", "With Delegation Support, Brookings Receives Critical Infrastructure Grant", "2019-11-06", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) decision to award the City of Brookings $18.7 million in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today's announcement follows requests from the delegation to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for the project's funding.\nWith the help of the infrastructure funding awarded by DOT, the City of Brookings will be able to move forward with this important project, which will relieve congestion, improve safety, and spur economic growth, said Thune. I want to congratulate the Brookings community and its leaders for advocating for this funding, and I'd like to thank Secretary Chao for recognizing how important projects like these are to South Dakota communities.\nThanks to Secretary Chao for her commitment to investing in infrastructure projects in South Dakota,said Rounds.This BUILD grant will help relieve congestion along an important intersection in the city of Brookings, allowing for easier traffic flow in the area. We're grateful for all state and local officials who workto make sure our roads and highways are maintained so we can get where we need to go safely and efficiently.\nBrookings and the surrounding communities have seen tremendous growth over the last several years, said Johnson. This BUILD Grant will allow Brookings to continue on a path of economic success and foster opportunity for the I-29 corridor.\nThe City of Brookings plans to use the BUILD funding to construct an interchange at the intersection of Interstate 29 and 20th Street. This project would allow for an additional arterial road to provide proper traffic flow between the residential and commercial sectors of the city, taking pressure off of the 6th Street interchange, which has become increasingly congested. It will also provide more convenient access to I-29 for southern Brookings as the area continues to grow.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=34C74692-BB2A-4EBA-8D6F-27A2A53D41D3", "South Dakota Leading the Way on 5G", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Closing the digital divide in rural America has long been a priority for me, not only because it's urgently needed and long overdue, but because I've experienced the divide firsthand here in South Dakota. My guess is that you probably have, too. But for some of my Senate colleagues who represent more urban areas of the country, it's often hard for them to conceptualize the idea that there are still parts of America that lack basic connectivity.\r\nI don't just mean connecting your phone or computer to the internet, a hurdle in many areas of the country, including South Dakota, to be sure. I'm also talking about the pockets of dead zones that still exist, preventing people from even making a phone call. It's 2019, and people can communicate with one another as they fly above the Atlantic Ocean. If that can happen at 30,000 feet, the least we can expect is the ability to make a simple phone call here on the ground.\r\nWhile we all can likely agree that being in a dead zone might seem like a luxury  where phone calls, social media, and emails can't distract us  it's easy to see why the advantages of having access to mobile broadband and basic cell service far outweigh the disadvantages.\r\nFor example, what if you get a flat tire late at night in the middle of a dark country road? Or worse, maybe you're involved in an accident and need medical attention. Having one bar of service or fewer just isn't going to cut it. So, if we looked at this issue purely from a safety perspective, it's enough of a reason alone to ensure that everyone who wants to be fully connected can achieve that goal and realize its full potential (and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it).\r\nThe same general principle could be applied to business, education, agriculture, telehealth or other parts of our everyday lives. Folks are far more likely to succeed if they have access to mobile broadband technology and the opportunities it can create. And we all know those opportunities can mean the difference between success and failure, high yields and low yields, or e-meeting your doctor in your living room and traveling hours to see her in person. Connectivity, or lack thereof, can be the difference-maker.\r\nWhen I was chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I committed to having South Dakota help lead the way in the 5G mobile broadband revolution, and I meant what I said. My MOBILE NOW Act, which is now the law of the land, laid important groundwork that has made it easier to deploy 5G in a timely manner in rural America and around the country. I've worked closely with the Federal Communications Commission and have even brought several commissioners to South Dakota to showcase our state and everything it has to offer.\r\nI've hosted committee hearings in South Dakota and in Washington, and I've invited South Dakotans who are on the front line of this effort to testify and share their work with the nation. I've reintroduced bipartisan legislation that will help improve 5G infrastructure, and I've partnered with the City of Sioux Falls and its forward-looking leaders, like Mayor Paul TenHaken, to make it one of the first, and one of the most rural, 5G-enabled cities in the country.\r\nGiven the years of work that have gone into this effort, it was humbling to be in Sioux Falls when Verizon recently flipped the switch on the first 5G cells in the state. Faster speeds and easier access to information is great, but there's more to offer. 5G also means jobs and economic growth. In the Sioux Falls area alone, 5G is expected to create an additional 1,500 new jobs and give the city's economy a big shot in the arm.\r\nBy the end of the year, nearly a dozen 5G-enabled small cells will be active along Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls. It's a major milestone in this technological revolution, but this marks a new beginning in a lot of ways, too. There's a lot more work ahead of us, but when they write the history book on 5G, Sioux Falls will be among the first few chapters, and that's something our state can be proud of having accomplished together.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F0D3EA8C-D573-4A7F-89BB-027ABE2781F2", "Thune: Bipartisan Filter Bubble Bill Would Give Consumers More Control Over What They View Online", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today discussed hisFilter Bubble Transparency Act, bipartisan legislation he introduced last week that would require large-scale internet platforms to provide greater transparency to users and give more control to consumers over what they choose to view on online platforms. Thune also discussed the urgent need for Democrats to stop blocking the defense appropriations bill, which funds the military and our men and women in uniform.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, the internet has brought Americans a host of benefits  a wealth of information at our fingertips, unparalleled convenience, new opportunities for education and commerce, and innumerable new methods of communication.\r\nBut I don't need to tell anyone that along with the countless benefits of the internet have come a number of concerns.\r\nOne thing that's on the mind of many consumers is privacy.\r\nAs the internet gradually permeates every area of our lives, internet companies become the repository for an ever-increasing amount of our personal data  from what we ate for dinner last night to the temperature we like to keep our house.\r\nAs chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, I spend a lot of time focused on data privacy issues.\r\nThis past June, I convened a hearing entitled Optimizing for Engagement: Understanding the Use of Persuasive Technology on Internet Platforms, where we heard from a variety of experts about the ways companies use consumers' personal data to determine what individuals see online.\r\nAs I said at the time, one reason I decided to hold the hearing was to inform legislation I was developing that would require internet platforms to give consumers the option to engage without having the experience shaped by algorithms driven by user-specific data.\r\nAnd last Thursday I introduced that legislation, the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, here in the Senate.\r\nI'm proud to have a number of bipartisan co-sponsors on this bill.\r\nSenator Blumenthal, Senator Moran, Senator Blackburn, and Senator Warner have all co-sponsored this legislation, and I'm grateful for their support.\r\nMr. President, the Filter Bubble Transparency Act is designed to address one aspect of the data privacy problem  the issues that arise from internet companies' use of consumers' personal data to shape what consumers see on their platforms.\r\nMany people are unaware that much of the content they see on internet platforms is determined by sophisticated algorithms and artificial intelligence that draw on data about each consumer's online activity.\r\nFor example, a recent Pew Research Center study found that 53 percent of U.S. adults don't understand how Facebook's News Feed works.\r\nMany of us know that Netflix is curating recommendations specifically for us based on the movies and shows we've watched.\r\nAnd a lot of us are aware that Amazon is delivering product recommendations based on our purchase history.\r\nBut the reality is that internet companies have moved far beyond just recommending TV shows.\r\nIncreasingly, every aspect of our online experience is personalized based on the vast amount of information companies collect about us  from our age and occupation to how many times we visit certain websites.\r\nThe data used by these companies to make predictions about us comes from a wide range of sources  from smart devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, Ring doorbells, and Nest devices; to scanned emails and documents; to data acquired from third parties like banks, credit card processors, and health data services, among many other sources.\r\nThis data is used to make statistical predictions about how we'll behave.\r\nAnd this statistical prediction-making is happening on a massive scale.\r\nFor example, Facebook has stated that the artificial intelligence it uses for its News Feed can make 6 million predictions per second.\r\nBillions of people are being fed content on internet platforms that is basically selected for them by algorithms trying to make predictions about what will keep each user engaged on the platform.\r\nAnd clearly, the powerful mechanisms behind these platforms meant to enhance engagement also have the ability  or at least the potential  to influence the thoughts and behaviors of literally billions of people.\r\nThat is why there is widespread unease about the power of these platforms, and why it is important for the public to better understand how these platforms use the information they collect to make predictions about our behavior.\r\nAs I've said, a significant cause for concern is that most people are not always aware that the information they see is being filtered.\r\nWe're trapped in what one observer has termed the filter bubble  our own private world of filtered search results and tailored content  without even knowing that we're there.\r\nThere are real concerns that the ever-increasing use of filters to shape our internet experience contributes to political polarization, social isolation, and addiction, as well as permitting companies to manipulate user behavior.\r\nMy bill, the Filter Bubble Transparency Act, takes aim at these concerns by requiring major internet platforms to notify consumers that the information they're seeing has been selected for them using filters based on their personal data.\r\nIt would also require these sites to give consumers the option of seeing unfiltered results.\r\nTwitter provides a good example of what the Filter Bubble Transparency Act would do.\r\nTwitter gives consumers an option to view an unfiltered timeline through the use of a prominently displayed icon that's easy to access throughout a user's time on the platform.\r\nConsumers have the option of viewing the timeline that Twitter has curated for them  which pushes the posts Twitter thinks they want to see to the top of their feed  or viewing an unfiltered timeline that features all posts in chronological order.\r\nThat's the kind of option that my bill would give to consumers.\r\nConsumers would be able to choose whether to see an unfiltered social media feed or search results, or whether to view the curated or personalized content that the site chooses for them.\r\nAnd they'd be able to easily switch back and forth between the two options whenever they wanted.\r\nAfter all, consumers may want to see filter-driven content sometimes.\r\nI certainly prefer to see Netflix recommendations that are tailored to my viewing history.\r\nAnd if you have 1,000 tweets to read, it can be useful to see the ones you're most likely to be interested in at the top of your feed.\r\nBut consumers should also have the option to escape from the filter bubble  to see information that has not been selected specifically for them.\r\nI strongly support a light-touch approach to internet regulation that allows the free market to flourish.\r\nThe internet would not have grown the way it has if it had been weighed down with heavy-handed government regulations.\r\nBut in order for free markets to work effectively, consumers need as much information as possible  including a better understanding of how internet platforms use artificial intelligence and complex filters to shape the information users receive.\r\nMy bill would provide transparency and consumer control without jeopardizing the opportunity and innovation we've come to expect from the tech industry.\r\nMr. President, as internet companies collect and make use of more and more of our personal information, it's important that consumers know how their data is being used.\r\nAnd at an even more basic level, it's important for consumers to know that their data is being usedto curate the content they see.\r\nAnd that is exactly what the Filter Bubble Transparency Act would do.\r\nI look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and continue the Senate's broader debate on data privacy.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F286E1D1-2DB7-4373-AB9E-CCBF876A7831", "Thune Joins Colleagues in Introducing the HACKED Act", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, today joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Harvesting American Cybersecurity Knowledge through Education (HACKED) Act. This legislation would build on the important work being done by South Dakota universities to strengthen America's cybersecurity workforce by bolstering existing science education and cybersecurity programs within the National Institute of Standards and Technology, National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Transportation.\r\nIn a world dominated by the internet and digital technology, a robust network of cybersecurity professionals is critical to America's national security and economic prosperity,said Thune.The HACKED Act would bolster partnerships between local employers and universities on cybersecurity education and workforce needs and require greater coordination between federal agencies on cybersecurity training and workforce development.This legislation would build upon the important work being done by universities across the nation  including in South Dakota  to prepare and sustain a strong, talented, and much-needed national cybersecurity workforce.\r\nCybersecurity risks are constant in the growing digital world. It is critical that the United States stay ahead of malicious cyber activity with a workforce that can safeguard our innovation, research, and work environments,said Wicker, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the bill's lead sponsor.This legislation is an important first step to expand the cybersecurity workforce and provide tools to support necessary education and training.\r\nIn addition to Thune and Wicker, the bill is also cosponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)\r\nThe HACKED Act would:\r\n \r\nIncentivize recruitment of cybersecurity educators.\r\nAlign education and training with the cybersecurity workforce needs.\r\nDesign clear paths in the cybersecurity workforce for cybersecurity professionals to advance their careers.\r\nImprove cybersecurity awareness guidelines for federal agencies.\r\nIncrease coordination in federal cybersecurity workforce programs through a new Office of Science and Technology Policy working group.\r\n \r\nClickhereto see the full bill.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-real-meat-bill-fight-imitation-meat-labeling", "Johnson Supports Real MEAT Bill to Fight Imitation Meat Labeling", "2019-11-05", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) cosponsored the Real Marketing Edible Artificial Truthfully (MEAT) Act of 2019, to address imitation meat and to establish a federal definition of beef that applies to food labels.\nA plant-based creation isn't the same as South Dakota beef, said Rep. Johnson. It's to the benefit of consumers and producers alike when folks have a better understanding of where their food comes fromthe Real MEAT Act would provide the transparency Americans deserve.\nThe Real MEAT Act would bolster misbranding provisions to prevent consumer confusion and provide tools to better enforce the law. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Marshall (R-KS) and Rep. Brindisi (D-NY).\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1595915-69A3-456B-8CBA-0237F28AB4A3", "Thune, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Internet Platform Transparency and Provide Consumers With Greater Control Over Digital Content", "2019-11-01", "2019", "2019-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the internet and consumer protection, and Mark Warner (D-Va.) today introduced the Filter Bubble Transparency Act. The bill would require large-scale internet platforms that collect data from more than 1 million users and gross more than $50 million per year to provide greater transparency to consumers and allow users to view content that has not been curated as a result of a secret algorithm. The Filter Bubble Transparency Act would make it easier for internet platform users to understand the potential manipulation that exists with secret algorithms and require large-scale platforms to allow those users to consume information outside of that potential manipulation zone or filter bubble.\r\nThis legislation is about transparency and consumer control, said Thune, chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.For free markets to work as effectively and as efficiently as possible, consumers need as much information as possible, including a better understanding of how internet platforms use artificial intelligence and opaque algorithms to make inferences from the reams of personal data at their fingertips that can be used to affect behavior and influence outcomes.That's why I believe consumers should have the option to either view a platform's opaque algorithm-generated content or its filter bubble-free content, and, at the very least, they deserve to know how large-scale internet platforms are delivering information to their users.\r\nConsumers deserve to control their own online experiences instead of being manipulated by Big Tech's algorithms and analytics, said Blumenthal. So much of what we do online is increasingly being shaped  without our knowledge or consent  by the companies that own those platforms, which use our personal data to choose what information consumers see or don't see. Our bipartisan bill will allow consumers to regain some control over their online experience by letting them simply opt out of the filter bubble.\r\nThroughout recent efforts to identify meaningful consumer protections in an increasingly complex and innovative tech economy, a concept that has been consistently identified as a key component has been the request for increased consumer education and awareness of how personal information is being collected, processed and repurposed, said Moran, chairman of the Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection. This legislation not only seeks to increase consumer awareness, but also requires companies to offer certain products and services to consumers free of manipulation.I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on providing appropriate consumer protections without disproportionately harming innovation.\r\nWhen individuals log onto a website, they are not expecting the platform to have chosen for them what information is most important, said Blackburn. Algorithms directly influence what content users see first, in turn shaping their worldview. This legislation would give consumers the choice to decide whether they want to use the algorithm or view content in the order it was posted.\r\nAs we've seen over and over, consumers have limited understanding of how their data is being used and how platforms operate, said Warner. This bill helps reduce the power of opaque algorithms on our discourse and put greater control in the hands of consumers.\r\nOnline algorithms shape what we get to see online, but they're hard to understand because they're invisible  it's difficult to tell how your feed differs from that of your friends or neighbors, said Eli Pariser, chief executive of Upworthy and author of The Filter Bubble: How the New Personalized Web Is Changing What We Read and How We Think. The Filter Bubble Transparency Act is a big step toward making these algorithms more visible  helping consumers understand how they work, how significant these editorial choices really are, and giving people the choice to see the world in a less filtered way. We need common ground and a common sense of the truth now more than ever, and I'm glad this bipartisan group of senators is taking up that important charge.\r\nFilter bubbles divide and conquer, said Shoshana Zuboff, professor emerita at Harvard Business School and author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power. We are trapped unaware inside these bubbles, without the rights to know, escape, or resist, even as we now understand the dangerous political and social consequences of thesecommercial systems. The Filter Bubble Transparency Act begins the work of breaking this manipulative and divisive cycle. The bipartisan sponsorship of this Senate bill reflects a new era of lawmaking determined to shape a digital future that is good for people, good for shared prosperity, and good for democracy.\r\nThe Filter Bubble Transparency Act would require large-scale internet platforms, as defined by the legislation, to:\r\n \r\nClearly notify its users that their platform creates a filter bubble that uses secret algorithms (computer-generated filters) to determine the order or manner in which information is delivered to users; and\r\nProvide its users with the option of a filter bubble-free view of the information they provide. The bill would enable users to transition between a customized, filter bubble-generated version of information and a non-filter bubble version (for example, the sparkle icon option that is currently offered by Twitter that allows users to toggle between a personalized timeline and a purely chronological timeline).\r\n \r\nThe Filter Bubble Transparency Act would make it unlawful for any person to operate a covered internet platform that uses a secret algorithm unless the platform complies with the two above requirements. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the legislation's requirements, and it would be authorized to seek civil penalties for knowing violations.\r\nIn June 2019, Thune led a hearing entitled, Optimizing for Engagement: Understanding the Use of Persuasive Technology on Internet Platforms, in which he pressed technology experts, including current and former Google employees, on how algorithmic decision-making and machine learning on internet platforms influences the public.\r\nThune, Blumenthal, and Moran have been actively engaged with other Commerce Committee members as they work toward finding consensus on a bipartisan national data privacy bill, and they, including Blackburn and Warner, believe the Filter Bubble Transparency Act could be an important part of this broader discussion.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A8411465-FEBF-49F7-AEEE-3AD664156C03", "Thune Statement on Democrats Blocking Military Funding", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate Democrats blocked passage of a bill that would provide essential funding for our troops.\r\nAs members of Congress, it is our duty to ensure our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to keep our nation safe. By blocking this year's defense appropriations bill, Democrats are failing to fulfill that fundamental responsibility. The stakes are too high when it comes to our national defense. Not only are Democrats putting politics before the safety of our nation, but they are also blocking funding for a well-deserved pay raise for our troops. If Democrats are actually serious about legislating, then they need to put aside the political games and work with Republicans to get our military funded. \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D9E1371C-7D94-4D9B-BB5B-39533C541E5D", "Thune: Senate Democrats Are Jeopardizing Military Funding", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the importance of ensuring that U.S. troops have the funding they need to do their jobs and come home safely. Thune also urged Senate Democrats to abandon their partisan games by moving forward with the defense appropriations bill to give our military the resources it needs.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, last weekend I had the privilege of attending the welcome-home ceremony for 112 members of the South Dakota National Guard.\r\nThese men and women, who serve in the 147th Forward Support Company or in Bravo Battery of the 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion, were deployed to Europe as part of Atlantic Resolve  a partnership with our allies in Eastern and Central Europe developed in response to Russia's invasion of the Crimea in 2014.\r\nAtlantic Resolve allows U.S. and allied forces to build strong working relationships and hone their ability to conduct joint operations.\r\nMembers of Bravo Battery and the 147th Forward Support Company spent most of the year in Europe working with partner forces.\r\nThey participated in two multinational exercises and brought artillery to Germany and Hungary.\r\nThese soldiers finally got home last weekend, but they didn't leave Atlantic Resolve without South Dakota support.\r\nOther members of the 147th Forward Support Company and Alpha Battery of the 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion headed for Europe in September.\r\nOther South Dakota-based military members  airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base  also deployed abroad recently.\r\nFour B-1 bombers from the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons at Ellsworth made a flying trip to Saudi Arabia late this month to support the U.S. military presence there.\r\nThe bombers flew directly from South Dakota to Saudi Arabia, refueling six times in mid-air, once again demonstrating the incredible capability of this aircraft  and of our Ellsworth airmen.\r\nMr. President, Atlantic Resolve, the B-1 mission, the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi during a raid conducted by U.S. troops  they're all a reminder of the vital work our military members are doing.\r\nA lot of military missions don't make a big splash in the news.\r\nWe don't hear a lot about everything our men and women in uniform are doing every day.\r\nWe don't hear details of all the operations, the joint exercises with our allies, the countless training evolutions, the never-ending aircraft and vehicle maintenance, the hours watching radar systems for contacts, the endless logistical work to support troops in the field, the painstaking weeks and months of intelligence gathering for a single mission.\r\nBut every hour of every day, members of the United States military are on duty, working to keep the peace and ensure the security of our nation.\r\nAs members of Congress, we have no greater obligation than to ensure that our troops have the resources they need.\r\nWe owe it to the men and women who get up each day willing to lay down their lives for us.\r\nAnd we owe it to every man, woman, and child we represent, because the safety of our country depends on the strength of our military.\r\nMr. President, ensuring that our troops have the resources they need obviously means ensuring that they have adequate funding.\r\nBut it also means getting that funding to them in a timely fashion.\r\nIt means passing regular-order appropriations bills, instead of forcing our military to rely on temporary funding measures that leave the military in doubt about funding levels and unable to start important new projects.\r\nGetting military funding approved in a timely manner is a priority for me and for a lot of my colleagues here in the Senate.\r\nChairman Shelby worked hard this year to ensure that we could bring the defense appropriations bill to the floor in a timely fashion.\r\nBut Senate Democrats have so far blocked Senate consideration of this legislation.\r\nTheir refusal to allow the Senate to move forward on funding has left the military in limbo, unable to fully fund 2020 priorities and move ahead on key projects for the future.\r\nLater today, Democrats will have another chance to move forward with the defense appropriations bill and get our military the resources it needs.\r\nI'm hoping they will have a change of heart and decide that funding our military is more important than the partisan games they've been playing.\r\nOur military members are waiting on that funding.\r\nTheir ability to do their jobs is being jeopardized by Democrats' continued blockade of defense appropriations.\r\nMr. President, we live in peace and safety every day because of the men and women of the United States military.\r\nIt's not a new sentiment, but it bears repeating.\r\nBecause it's too easy to forget that we would not be enjoying the freedoms and benefits we enjoy without the constant vigilance of our men and women in uniform.\r\nThe least  the very least  we can do in return is make sure that they have every resource they need to do their jobs and come home safely.\r\nI strongly urge my Democrat colleagues to vote yes on moving forward with the defense appropriations bill.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-against-impeachment-inquiry", "Johnson Votes Against Impeachment Inquiry", "2019-10-31", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representatives formal vote on the impeachment inquiry:\nI voted against the impeachment resolution, said Johnson. The process it establishes doesn't provide the transparency and fairness we need. It concentrates power in the hands of Adam Schiff, who is given a veto over Republican efforts to call witnesses and subpoena records. A tainted impeachment process does not better us as a nation.\nThis formal impeachment vote comes thirty-seven days after the Speaker of the House launched impeachment proceedings. There have been seventy-two hours of testimony the majority of Congress and the American people has been denied access to.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0C410F79-F1E5-451D-BAA4-CAA41AF73491", "Thune: Democrats Should Support our Military and Vote for Defense Funding", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the responsibility of Congress to provide adequate funding to our troops, helping to ensure that our men and women in uniform are prepared to meet any threat. Thune urged Democrats to put aside partisan politics and work with Republicans to pass the defense appropriations bill.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, ISIS took a big hit over the weekend when U.S. forces raided ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's compound in Syria.\r\n\r\nAl-Baghdadi died in the raid after he detonated a suicide vest in a final act of cowardice, killing three children with him.\r\n\r\nHis second in command was confirmed killed in a second military strike hours later, leaving the organization temporarily leaderless.\r\n\r\nMr. President, over the past few years, ISIS has spilled a river of blood across the Middle East.\r\n\r\nIts brutality has set it apart even among other terrorist organizations.\r\n\r\nTorture, rape, enslavement, crucifixions, beheadings, the deliberate targeting of whole populations based on their religious beliefs  the list of crimes is long and often nearly unspeakable.\r\n\r\nThe world is a safer place today because of al-Baghdadi's death.\r\n\r\nBut this impact will only be temporary unless we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that ISIS is permanently defeated.\r\n\r\nMr. President,the successful raid on al-Baghdadi's compound is a reminder of the fact that our military may be called on at a moment's notice to head halfway around the world to fight evil.\r\n\r\nThe men and women of the United States military stand on guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to put themselves between us and danger.\r\n\r\nThis past weekend I had the honor of helping to welcome home 112 South Dakota Army National Guard soldiers of the 147th Forward Support Company and Bravo Battery of the 1-147th Field Artillery Battalion.\r\n\r\nThese citizen soldiers were in Europe for nearly a year, working with our NATO allies and increasing unit readiness.\r\n\r\nAs members of Congress, we have no more fundamental responsibility than ensuring that our men and women in uniform are prepared to meet any threat.\r\n\r\nAnd we do that by providing timely and adequate funding for the current and future needs of our armed forces.\r\n\r\nThat means funding the military through regular-order appropriations bills  not through temporary funding measures that leave the military in doubt about funding levels and unable to start essential new projects.\r\n\r\nUnfortunately, our efforts to fund the military in a timely fashion have been stymied by Democrats, who blocked the Senate from passing the defense appropriations bill in September before the end of the fiscal year.\r\n\r\nWe're now a month into the new fiscal year, and Democrats are still indicating that they intend to block this year's defense appropriations bill.\r\n\r\nLet me briefly review what Democrats are blocking.\r\n\r\nThey're blocking funding to support a pay increase for our military men and women.\r\n\r\nThey're blocking funding for weapons and equipment that our troops need right now.\r\n\r\nThey're blocking investment in the equipment and technology that our military will need to defeat the threats of the future.\r\n\r\nThey're blocking funding for missile defense.\r\n\r\nFor research and development.\r\n\r\nFor ships, planes, and combat vehicles to update our aging fleets.\r\n\r\nAnd they're blocking funding for our allies, including $250 million in military assistance for Ukraine.\r\n\r\nLet me just repeat that last point, Mr. President:\r\n\r\nDemocrats, who are currently trying to impeach the president for allegedly delaying Ukraine funding, are currently blocking $250 million in assistance for Ukraine.\r\n\r\nI'm pretty sure that's the definition of both irony and hypocrisy.\r\n\r\nMr. President, toward the end of the summer, it looked like Democrats might actually be willing to work with Republicans to pass this year's appropriations bills.\r\n\r\nBoth Democrats and Republicans agreed to a bipartisan deal laying out funding levels for both defense and non-defense spending.\r\n\r\nBut apparently that was as far as Senate Democrats were prepared to go.\r\n\r\nNow that it's come time to honor the spirit of that agreement and get this year's defense appropriations bill done, Senate Democrats are balking.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Democrats would like us to believe that they're serious about legislating  that their years-long obsession with impeaching the president isn't distracting them from doing their job.\r\n\r\nWell, Mr. President, they're going to have a chance to prove that in the near future.\r\n\r\nIf Democrats are actually serious about legislating, if they're serious about meeting their responsibilities, then they will work with Republicans to move forward on the defense appropriations bill and get this legislation to the president as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nI hope that's what they'll choose to do.\r\n\r\nAs Chairman Shelby noted on the floor last week, Congress' failure to do its job and fund our military is making the military's job more difficult.\r\n\r\nAnd that, as Chairman Shelby noted, is unacceptable.\r\n\r\nIt's time to get our men and women in uniform the funding they need and the pay increase they deserve.\r\n\r\nIt's time to get this year's defense appropriations bill done.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3CF1B686-DB68-41FE-BE75-AABA0BEE9D15", "Delegation Urges Administration to Quickly Approve South Dakota Disaster Declaration", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. JohnThune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) todaysent a letter to President Trump in support of Gov. Kristi Noem's (R-S.D.) request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on September 9, 2019.The delegation has strongly supported South Dakota's previousdisaster requests, including those from late-winter storms that caused significant damage to infrastructure, livestock, homes, and bridges throughout the state.\r\nSouth Dakota has been hit with disastrous storm after storm this year, and the devastation has been catastrophic,wrote Thune, Rounds, and Johnson. We are determined to help South Dakota recover by supporting the local communities and the state of South Dakota as we continue to rebuild areas affected by these major weather events.\r\nFull text of theletteris below:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Donald Trump  President of the United States  The White House  1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nDear President Trump:\r\nWe write in full support of Governor Kristi Noem's request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on September 9, 2019.\r\nAs Governor Noem's disaster declaration request indicates, the severe weather last month caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, agriculture, and public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, highways, railroads, parks, and electrical systems across southeastern South Dakota.Many residents had to be evacuated from flood waters or buildings that had been damaged from tornadoes.Thousands of acres of farmland cannot be planted due to severe flooding, which will have a financial impact on individual farming operations and the rural communities in which farmers live.\r\nSouth Dakota has been hit with disastrous storm after storm this year, and the devastation has been catastrophic. We are determined to help South Dakota recover by supporting the local communities and the state of South Dakota as we continue to rebuild areas affected by these major weather events.\r\nThank you for your consideration of this request.Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort. \r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-urges-administration-quickly-approve-south-dakota-disaster", "Delegation Urges Administration to Quickly Approve South Dakota Disaster Declaration", "2019-10-30", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to President Trump in support of Gov. Kristi Noem's (R-S.D.) request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on September 9, 2019.The delegation has strongly supported South Dakota's previous disaster requests, including those from late-winter storms that caused significant damage to infrastructure, livestock, homes, and bridges throughout the state.\nSouth Dakota has been hit with disastrous storm after storm this year, and the devastation has been catastrophic, wrote Thune, Rounds, and Johnson. We are determined to help South Dakota recover by supporting the local communities and the state of South Dakota as we continue to rebuild areas affected by these major weather events.\nFull text of the letter is below:\nThe Honorable Donald Trump\nPresident of the United States\nThe White House\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW\nWashington, DC 20500\nDear President Trump:\nWe write in full support of Governor Kristi Noem's request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that began on September 9, 2019.\nAs Governor Noem's disaster declaration request indicates, the severe weather last month caused extensive damage to homes and businesses, agriculture, and public infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, highways, railroads, parks, and electrical systems across southeastern South Dakota.Many residents had to be evacuated from flood waters or buildings that had been damaged from tornadoes.Thousands of acres of farmland cannot be planted due to severe flooding, which will have a financial impact on individual farming operations and the rural communities in which farmers live.\nSouth Dakota has been hit with disastrous storm after storm this year, and the devastation has been catastrophic. We are determined to help South Dakota recover by supporting the local communities and the state of South Dakota as we continue to rebuild areas affected by these major weather events. \nThank you for your consideration of this request.Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort. \nSincerely,\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DB2B9B7C-79C5-47B3-9F39-5B2EFC3F38C0", "Thune: Democrats Want to Maximize Washington Control of Americans Health Care", "2019-10-29", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the Democrats' latest political messaging bill, which would repeal guidance that the administration issued to give states more flexibility to design health insurance plans that meet the needs of their residents.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, before I begin, I want to say that I was saddened to hear of the death of former Senator Kay Hagan yesterday.\r\n\r\nShe was a dedicated public servant.\r\n\r\nMy thoughts and prayers are with her family.\r\n\r\nMr. President, later this week we will vote on a Democrat resolution to repeal guidance the president issued to give states more flexibility to design insurance plans that meet the needs of their residents.\r\n\r\nDemocrats have tried to portray this resolution as a move to protect people with preexisting conditions.\r\n\r\nThat is just a smokescreen.\r\n\r\nDemocrats know very well that Republicans are committed to protecting those with preexisting conditions.\r\n\r\nIn reality this is just another political messaging bill.\r\n\r\nIt's also another attempt by Democrats to maximize Washington control of Americans' health care.\r\n\r\nIn keeping with their push toward socialism, Democrats want to make very sure that states don't have the chance to escape from any of Obamacare's bureaucracy.\r\n\r\nBut let me back up for a minute and talk about the waivers and the guidance from the president that Democrats are attacking.\r\n\r\nSection 1332 of the Affordable Care Act  the law that Democrats enacted on a completely partisan basis  allows states to apply for waivers from certain Obamacare requirements.\r\n\r\nThe requirements that can and cannot be waived are the same today as they were the day Obamacare passed.\r\n\r\nLet me repeat that.\r\n\r\nThe Obamacare requirements that can or cannot be waived are the same today as they were the day Obamacare passed.\r\n\r\nThe 2018 guidance from the White House did not changeanythingabout what requirements can and cannot be waived under Section 1332.\r\n\r\nLet me be very clear:\r\n\r\n1332 waivers DO NOT allow states to waive Obamacare's preexisting condition protections.\r\n\r\nThey do not allow health plans to utilize preexisting condition coverage exclusions.\r\n\r\nThey do not allow health plans to refuse coverage for people with preexisting conditions.\r\n\r\nAnd they do not allow plans to charge individuals more based on a preexisting health condition.\r\n\r\nSo what do the 1332 waivers do?\r\n\r\nThe waivers give states the opportunity to take action to stabilize insurance markets and try out new ways of providing coverage to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford insurance.\r\n\r\nMy colleagues across the aisle would have the American public believe that these waivers will, quote, allow states to greenlight substandard, junk insurance plans.\r\n\r\nLet me remind my colleagues that these plans they deride as junk plans are the very same short-term limited duration plans that were permitted in seven out of the eight years of the Obama administration.\r\n\r\nAnother refrain we will hear from my Democrat colleagues is that the administration's guidance will permit states to waive essential health benefits, or EHBs.\r\n\r\nI want to remind them that the Affordable Care Act itself permits the waiving of EHBs by states.\r\n\r\nThe Trump administration guidance does not change this.\r\n\r\nSo again, while Democrats would have people believe that Republicans are destroying EHBs, states can already choose to waive them, and have not to date.\r\n\r\nMost of the states who have applied for waivers have wanted to use them for reinsurance programs to drive down premiums.\r\n\r\nAgain, waivers give states some relief from Obamacare's one-size-fits-all requirements, allowing them to try out new ways to drive down prices and help individuals afford care.\r\n\r\nIt's about choice, and empowering Americans to decide what type of coverage meets their needs.\r\n\r\nMr. President, we might not be having this conversation today if Obamacare had lived up to the rosy promises that were made when it was passed.\r\n\r\nBut I don't have to tell anyone that it didn't come anywhere close to living up to those promises.\r\n\r\nObamacare was supposed to give Americans without health insurance access to affordable care, while preserving the health insurance of the millions of Americans who were satisfied with their plans.\r\n\r\nAs everyone knows, what actually happened was quite different.\r\n\r\nMillions of Americans lost their plans; health insurance premiums went up, not down; and premiums and out-of-pocket costs on the exchanges were unaffordable for many from day one.\r\n\r\nThe average monthly premium for a family plan on the exchanges has increased by $742 over the past four years.\r\n\r\n$742.\r\n\r\nThat's close to the average mortgage payment in my home state of South Dakota.\r\n\r\nSo it's not surprising that states would be looking for ways to help families afford care through 1332 waivers.\r\n\r\nAnd waivers are in fact helping to lower premiums.\r\n\r\nSeven states that received waivers saw average premiums for a benchmark silver plan drop by 7.5 percent from 2018 to 2019.\r\n\r\nStates are using 1332 waivers to make health care more affordable and Obamacare premiums less burdensome.\r\n\r\nThey are NOT using the waivers to do anything to undermine protections for people with preexisting conditions  something they couldn't legally do anyway.\r\n\r\nIt's worth noting that more than one state with a Democrat governor has applied for a 1332 waiver this year.\r\n\r\nAre Democrat senators suggesting that these governors want to undermine protections for people with preexisting conditions?\r\n\r\nMr. President, numerous Americans are struggling to afford their Obamacare premiums, and many others have been priced out of the Obamacare market altogether.\r\n\r\nIt only makes sense to give states as much flexibility as possible to address Obamacare's problems and expand insurance access for their residents.\r\n\r\nBut Democrats are so set on maximizing Washington control of Americans' health care that they're determined to oppose any Obamacare flexibility  even if that flexibility is resulting in lower premiums for Americans.\r\n\r\nToday's resolution is just another example of Democrats' prioritizing their political ideology over the welfare of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-bill-require-analysis-added-cftc-regulations", "Johnson Introduces Bill to Require Analysis of Added CFTC Regulations", "2019-10-28", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Cost Benefit Improvement Act to formalize the office of the Chief Economist at the CFTC and require the Commission to assess the cost and benefits of any Commission actions or added regulations. The House Agriculture Committee will consider this legislation on Wednesday during the markup of the CFTC reauthorization.\nA proper cost-benefit analysis will foster a more informed dialogue between regulators at the CFTC and market participants, said Rep. Johnson. Formalizing the office of the Chief Economist will ensure the best economic analysis is taken into account with every decision the Commission makes.\nIn 2011, President Obama issued Executive Order No. 13563, which required non-independent executive branch agencies to conduct cost-benefit analyses to ensure that the benefits of any rulemaking outweigh the costs. The proposed legislation seeks to apply those same standards to the Commission.\nThe CFTC Cost Benefit Improvement Act would raise the legal standard for cost-benefit analysis the Commission is required to perform by requiring the Commission to assess the costs and benefits, both qualitative and quantitative of Commission actions. Furthermore, the legislation would also formalize the Office of the Chief Economist in statute, in a manner consistent with the CFTC's General Counsel's office, to ensure there is a Chief Economist to task with producing the required analysis.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B35DEDAE-751D-4C39-A42B-D55B7C4C1356", "Theres No Place Id Rather Be", "2019-10-25", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There's nothing better than autumn in South Dakota. I always enjoy traveling around the state in the fall. So far this October, I've gotten to visit with South Dakota students, present a Purple Heart medal to a Vietnam vet, talk to the new commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, attend the groundbreaking for Dakota Wesleyan University's new School of Business Innovation and Leadership, greet a returning Honor Flight, visit some outstanding South Dakota businesses, chat with Sioux Falls' mayor, and a whole lot more.\r\nAnd of course, I got to participate in Hobo Day  South Dakota State University's (SDSU's) annual homecoming. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big sports guy  in particular a South Dakota sports guy  so I keenly enjoy every visit to the home of the Jacks. And even as a graduate of the University of South Dakota, Hobo Day is a fall highlight. There's a parade, a lot of good food, and a lot of excited sports fans. What's not to love?\r\nThe best Hobo Days, of course, are when the Jacks win their game, and that's exactly what they did this year, handily defeating Southern Illinois. And speaking of Jacks football, I know there was a lot of excitement on SDSU's campus and throughout the Brookings community when ESPN's College GameDay announced it would cover the annual Dakota Marker matchup, the show's first-ever visit to South Dakota  a big deal for any college town!\r\nIn addition to Hobo Day and Jacks football, one of the things I look forward to the most each fall in South Dakota is the start of pheasant hunting season. I went out with several friends this year, and we had a great day. The weather was gorgeous  that blue, blue South Dakota sky  and the fall colors were finally showing themselves after a late start to the season.\r\nPheasant hunting's economic importance to South Dakota is one of the many reasons I've worked to support and expand the Conservation Reserve Program. Taking underperforming land out of production is not only good for the environment and for farmers, it's also key to maintaining wildlife habitat, including pheasant habitat.\r\nI pushed for an increase in the Conservation Reserve Program acreage cap in the 2018 farm bill, and the final bill raised the acreage cap to 27 million acres. I will continue to work to support and strengthen this program to help farmers, benefit the environment, and provide habitat for wildlife  especially the South Dakota pheasant.\r\nWith several beautiful fall weekends around the corner (before the white stuff arrives for good), I'm looking forward to spending as much time as possible in South Dakota. There's no place in the world I'd rather be.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A8AE66B5-A48A-4419-9476-1FC06A5FC0F4", "Thune: Drug Pricing Legislation Should be a Bipartisan Effort", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the importance of making drug pricing legislation a bipartisan effortto ensure Americans are able to access the medications they need at an affordable price. Thune also discussed the harm that would be done by Speaker Pelosi's prescription drug bill.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, over in the House today, the Ways and Means Committee is marking up Speaker Pelosi's prescription drug bill, the latest installment in Democrats' campaign for government-run health care.\r\nLike Democrats' other plan for a government takeover of health care, so-called Medicare for All, the Pelosi drug bill would ultimately leave Americans worse off when it comes to access to care.\r\nMr. President, there's no question that the American health care system isn't perfect.\r\nHigh drug costs are a problem, and one in four seniors reports difficulty affording medications.\r\nStories of patients being forced to ration pills or abandon their prescription at the pharmacy counter are unacceptable. \r\nBut upending the entire American health care system is not the answer.\r\nA strong majority of Americans are happy with their health insurance coverage and the quality of the health care they receive.\r\nAnd Americans have access to treatments that individuals in other countries simply don't have access to.\r\nTake cancer drugs, for example.\r\nBetween 2011 and 2018, 82 new cancer drugs became available.\r\nU.S. patients have access to 96 percent of them.\r\nIn Germany, by contrast, patients have access to just 73 percent of those drugs.\r\nIn France, just 66 percent.\r\nAnd in Japan, patients only have access to 54 percent.\r\nIn other words, Japanese patients are missing out on access to roughlyhalfof the new cancer drugs that emerged between 2011 and 2018.\r\nSo why do Americans have such tremendous access to new drugs, while other countries trail behind?\r\nBecause the U.S. government doesn't dictate drug prices or drug coverage. \r\nThat's also the reason why American companies lead the world in medical innovation.\r\nBack in 1986, investment in drug research by European drug companies exceeded U.S. investment by approximately 24 percent.\r\nBut that all changed when European governments stepped in and started imposing price controls.\r\nToday, European investment in drug research and development is almost 40 percent lower than U.S. investment.\r\nSpeaker Pelosi's bill would start the process of destroying the system that has produced so much access and innovation for American patients.\r\nHer legislation would impose government price controls on as many as 250 medications.\r\nIf the progressives in her caucus had their way, the bill would impose government price controls on all medications.\r\nEither way, the result is likely to look much the same as we have seen before  reduced access to lifesaving treatments, and substantially reduced investment for the prescription-drug breakthroughs of the future.\r\nUnder the Pelosi bill, Americans could look forward to a future wherewemight be the ones losing out on a quarter or more of the new cancer drugs coming to market.\r\nMr. President, there's no question that we need to find solutions to drive down drug costs.\r\nBut the answer to the problem of high drug costs is not to destroy the system that has given American patients access to so many new cures and treatments.\r\nRepublicans want to develop bipartisan legislation focused on lowering prescription drug costs without destroying the American system of access and innovation.\r\nThe Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee have spent a lot of time this year working on this issue,and work on truly bipartisan solutions remains ongoing. \r\nEarlier this year, House committees advanced drug pricing legislation on a bipartisan basis.\r\nBut unfortunately House Democrats have made it clear that they're more interested in playing politics than in cooperating on legislation to address the challenges facing American families.\r\nDemocrats know that the Pelosi drug bill has no chance of passing the Senate, but they've chosen to pursue this socialist fantasy instead of working with Republicans to develop a bipartisan prescription drug bill that isn't just price controls and might actually go somewhere.\r\nLike Democrats' larger socialist fantasy, Medicare for All, the Pelosi drug bill would ultimately hurt the very people it's supposed to help, in this case by restricting their access to lifesaving drugs and future prescription-drug innovations.\r\nThe Pelosi drug bill is a bad prescription for Americans.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FDE5C1DB-6289-459E-A265-F89B8326A957", "Thune: I Will Continue to Fight to Protect Religious Liberty", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the growing hostility to religion within the far-left wing of the Democrat Party, which recently included a proposal to selectively tax churches based on their religious beliefs. Thune also discussed the Democrats' desire to roll back a key provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which would amount to a tax cut for millionaires.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nToday, Democrats are forcing a vote to repeal the administration's sensible rule to disallow bogus charitable deductions that are designed to circumvent the SALT deduction cap.\r\nFrankly, I welcome this vote and today's debate. It gives us an opportunity to review all of the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nWhile drafting the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Congress made a conscious choice to cap the state and local tax, or SALT, deduction at $10,000.\r\nDoing so allowed us to provide additional tax relief to the middle class, support families by doubling the child tax credit, and simplify the tax code for filers by nearly doubling the standard deduction.\r\nThese changes resulted in the average family of four in my home state of South Dakota receiving a tax cut of more than $2,000.\r\nIn response to this cap, certain high-tax states adopted  what some call creative but I call bogus  schemes to try to circumvent the cap.\r\nThe so-called charities these states have set up are designed solely as an alternative method of paying state and local taxes so millionaires can shirk their federal tax obligations.\r\nSo the IRS did what the law directed  it enacted sensible regulations to shut down these bogus tax avoidance schemes.\r\nBut it did so in a thoughtful manner, carefully considering more than 7,700 comments and creating a safe harbor for certain donations to avoid unintentionally discouraging actual charitable giving.\r\nIt's ironic that Democrats  who uniformly opposed the middle-class tax cuts in the new tax law  are now calling for a tax cut for the most well-off Americans.\r\nBased on nonpartisan data from the Joint Committee on Taxation, 94 percent of the benefit from passing this CRA would flow to taxpayers with incomes over $200,000.\r\nFifty-two percent of the benefit would go to those with incomes over $1 million.\r\nIn fact, repealing the SALT cap would result in millionaires receiving an average tax cut of nearly $60,000, while the average tax cut for taxpayers with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 would be less than $10.\r\nThe choice here is clear. Vote no on Democrats' tax cut for millionaires.\r\nMr. President, the Democrat Party has undergone quite an evolution over the past three years.\r\nLike all political parties, the Democrat Party has always had an extremist fringe, but the far-left wing of the Democrat Party is rapidly becoming its mainstream.\r\nDemocrats have been falling over each other to see how far they can run to the left.\r\nSocialism, a concept that  in America at least  seemed to have been firmly consigned to the ash heap of history, is now being openly embraced by the Democrat Party.\r\nLeading Democrats have embraced putting the government in control of everything from Americans' energy usage to their health care.\r\nBut Mr. President, it's not socialism or government-run health care that I want to focus on today.\r\nI want to talk about another trend that has been gradually emerging in the Democrat Party, but that doesn't always get the coverage that proposals like Medicare for All receive.\r\nAnd that is the growing Democrat hostility to religion, which culminated a couple of weeks ago in a Democrat presidential candidate's proposal to selectively tax churches based on whether or not he agrees with their religious beliefs.\r\nLet me repeat that, Mr. President.\r\nA Democrat presidential candidate proposed that the government should selectively tax churches (and synagogues and mosques) based on whether or not their religious beliefs pass muster with the president.\r\nThat is  or should be  a shocking statement, Mr. President.\r\nThe idea of taxing churches based on whether or not their religious beliefs meet with a political party's approval is antithetical to the fundamental right to freely exercise one's religion.\r\nAnd not just antithetical  it's frankly unconstitutional.\r\nTargeting churches for discriminatory treatment based on their theology is a violation of the First Amendment.\r\nIt's an understatement to say that it's deeply disturbing to see this proposal emerge from a mainstream candidate.\r\nBut what might be even more disturbing is that members of the Democrat Party aren't lining up to reject this outlandish and unconstitutional proposal.\r\nBut maybe we shouldn't be surprised.\r\nBecause this is not the first time a Democrat has shown signs of regarding religious people as second-class citizens.\r\nDuring some of the judicial confirmations during this administration, it became clear that Democrats believed religious people should be subjected to extra scrutiny.\r\nThere was the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, during the first year of this administration.\r\nShe was an outstanding judicial candidate who received the American Bar Association's highest rating of well-qualified. (The ABA's evaluation, as the Democrat leader once said, is the gold standard by which judicial candidates are judged.)\r\nYet during the confirmation process, it became clear that some Democrats thought she should be disqualified because she is a practicing Catholic.\r\nThe dogma lives loudly within you,' the Democrat ranking member on the Judiciary Committee said, with the implication that anyone who takes his or her religious faith seriously can't be trusted to hold public office.\r\nLast December, Democrats raised questions about another judicial nominee because he is a member of a Catholic charitable organization, the Knights of Columbus  which participates in such disturbing activities as serving veterans, raising money for the needy, and providing young people with scholarships.\r\nMr. President, the Constitution is very clear on whether being a person of faith can disqualify you from public office.\r\nFrom Article Six: No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.'\r\nNOreligious test shalleverbe required as a qualification toanyoffice or public trust under the United States.\r\nMr. President, religious liberty is a foundational part of our system of government.\r\nThere's a reason it's the very first freedom mentioned in the Bill of Rights.\r\nMore than one of the 13 original colonies was founded for the express purpose of securing religious freedom.\r\nAnd by religious freedom I don't mean the right to worship privately as long as you don't bring your faith into the public square.\r\nWhat people were looking for in America  what they still look for in America  is the freedom to live according to their religion, according to their conscience and beliefs,freely and PUBLICLY, without interference from the government.\r\nThat's what the First Amendment was intended to protect.\r\nI want to move away from the Constitution for a minute, though.\r\nThere's no question that Democrats' increasingly hostile public attitude to religion raises some serious questions about constitutionality.\r\nBut that's not the only disturbing aspect of it.\r\nI'm also profoundly disturbed by the none-too-subtle implication that religious people are second-class citizens  that we may have to tolerate them, but that we should seek to push them out of public life.\r\nThat idea is also one that would be absolutely antithetical to the Founders.\r\nThe Founders didn't see religion as something to be tolerated  they saw it as an absolute good.\r\nAnd that isn't just because a number of the Founders were men (and women) of faith.\r\nThey didn't think religion was just a private good  that it kept you in a good place with God.\r\nNo, they thought religion was good for society.\r\nThink of the famous passage from Washington's Farewell Address, which we read in the Senate every year in observance of Washington's birthday:\r\nOf all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man,ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with privateand publicfelicity.'\r\nThis is a sentiment that occurs over and over again during the founding  that religion is of benefit not just to individuals privately, but to the public.\r\nThat it makes men and women into good citizens.\r\nIt encourages them to uphold the law.\r\nTo live virtuous lives.\r\nTo take their oaths seriously.\r\nTo respect the property of others.\r\nTo moderate problematic passions like vengeance and avarice.\r\nNow, that's not to say that you have to be religious to be a good citizen.\r\nBut it does point to the truth that religion is something that adds value to society.\r\nThat it builds men and women who are a blessing to their neighbors and to their country.\r\nAmericans are known for being a generous people.\r\nI don't think it's much of a coincidence that Americans are also known for being a religious people.\r\nAgain, to be clear, that doesn't mean that you have to be religious to be generous.\r\nBut religion encourages generosity.\r\nThink about how much of the charitable work in this country would go away overnight without religion.\r\nChurches and religious organizations support food banks and homeless shelters and crisis pregnancy centers.\r\nThey run tutoring programs and scholarship programs and mentoring programs.\r\nThey reach out to immigrants and refugees, to struggling parents and struggling families.\r\nThey serve military members and first responders.\r\nThey sign up people to vote, they help families looking to adopt, they implement recycling programs, they collect aid for individuals caught in the path of natural disasters, they build houses for those without a home  I could go on, and on, and on.\r\nTo provide just one South Dakota example, a few months ago I visited LifeLight's new youth center in the Pettigrew Heights area of Sioux Falls.\r\nIn addition to providing spiritual opportunities, the center is focused on providing a safe place where underprivileged children can come to hang out, play games, have a snack, and do their homework.\r\nIt's just one of the many tremendous things being done by churches and religious organizations in Sioux Falls and around my state.\r\nI doubt there's any area where good work is being done in this country where you won't find religious people helping out.\r\nSo, Mr. President, I don't just want to see religious people tolerated.\r\nI'd like to see the Democrat Party rejecting the un-American idea that being religious makes you less qualified to participate in the public square.\r\nAnd I'd like to see the Democrat Party standing up to condemn unconstitutional ideas like that proposed by one of their presidential candidates.\r\nUntil then, I will keep fighting to ensure that every American's fundamental right to live in accordance with his or her religious beliefs is protected.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-house-energy-and-commerce-hearing-epa-refinery-exemptions", "Johnson Statement on House Energy and Commerce Hearing on EPA Refinery Exemptions", "2019-10-23", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voiced support following notice of a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Integrity Act of 2019, a bill that Johnson introduced along with Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN). The hearing will examine the Environmental Protection Agency's Small Refinery Exemption waivers and mismanagement of the RFS program.\nThe EPA's newly proposed RFS rule does not deliver what was promised, said Johnson. President Trump has stood by our ethanol producers and the EPA should follow suit. I introduced the RFS Integrity Act along with the Chairman of the Ag Committee to provide certainty and close the waiver loophole. Our bill looks better every day, and I am encouraged this issue is getting the hearing it deserves.\nThe bill is supported by Growth Energy, Fuels America, National Corn Growers Association, Renewable Fuels Association, and the National Biodiesel Board.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-about-livestock-risk-management-and-education-act", "What They Are Saying About the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act", "2019-10-22", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Liz Cheney (R-WY), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, a bill that would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training. Cattle Association's and educators had the following to say:\nAmerican Farm Bureau Federation, Scott VanderWal, Vice President:\nLivestock producers are not immune from a tough farm economy. Producers need every tool at their disposal to manage risk and have the market intel available to optimize their ability to weather economic volatility. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act will help land-grant universities partner with producer associations to make sure more producers have market and risk management information they can trust to make vital business decisions.\nNational Cattlemen's Beef Association, Todd Wilkinson, Policy Division Vice Chairman: \nIn a market environment that continues to challenge even the most experienced multi-generational operations, NCBA believes that it is critical for producers to understand their options for managing risk. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act policy will provide the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture the authority and flexibility to collaborate with industry to ensure that cattle farmers and ranchers have access to those options and the knowledge base to determine which ones are right for their operations.\nSouth Dakota State University, Daniel Scholl, VP Research and Economic Development:\nThis bill strengthens the ability of South Dakota State University and other Land-Grant Universities to provide unbiased third-party research and expertise on livestock market risk management to one of the nation's high risk food sectors. We look forward to the possibility to develop and deliver cutting edge risk management tools and education programs to livestock producers in partnership with key industry organizations. This should be a win for U.S. livestock growers and for consumers.\nOklahoma State University:\nOklahoma cattle producers are facing a great deal of uncertainty in market conditions and production constraints. In these times, farmers and ranchers can benefit from risk management tools that rely on futures markets to offset those conditions. Oklahoma State University Extension assists crop producers in using futures markets to manage risks and would benefit from resources to extend that expertise to livestock producers as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-cheney-lucas-introduce-livestock-risk-management-and-education-act", "Johnson, Cheney, Lucas Introduce the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act", "2019-10-21", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Liz Cheney (R-WY), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, a bill that would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training.\nThe Livestock Risk Management and Education Act would authorize the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to provide resources to improve livestock producers' knowledge of futures markets to better manage market volatility. An understanding of futures contracts and risk management strategies will allow producers both large and small to better anticipate cattle prices. This new authority would allow land-grant universities, such as South Dakota State University, to partner with grower associations to more directly reach producers.\nProducers already face an uphill battle of unpredictable weather, understanding cattle prices doesn't need to be an added challenge, said Rep. Johnson. The Livestock Risk Management and Education Act will supply producers with the tools needed to anticipate highs and lows in the futures markets. I'm proud to partner with my colleagues from cattle country to help best prepare our Ag economy and producers for the future.\nI am pleased to join Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in his legislation to provide funds to improve available resources and educational materials for producers from land grant institutions, said Rep. Liz Cheney. With ever-changing markets, this measure will enable land grant universities like the University of Wyoming to assist ourproducersin giving them the background they need to properly plan for the future.\nWhile we've seen tremendous signs of a strong economy- witnessing record declines in unemployment and rising wages across America- sadly, our nation's farm industry continues to face challenging times, leaving our producers vulnerable to disruptions provoked by market instability and other factors.\nLivestock producers across the country have faced years of uncertainty and, like others, need every tool within their belt to manage risk and sharpen their ability to weather the market's uncertainty. I'm proud to join Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) as a cosponsor of the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, ensuring that our livestock producers have the resources they need to better utilize risk management strategies as they overcome market volatility. Our producers rise to the challenge day in and day out and the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act would help provide stability for those that feed billions across the globe, said Rep. Frank Lucas.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=CB598C9D-7E4C-4E33-BEC2-4439936C1ADE", "Leadership Our Airmen Can Count On", "2019-10-18", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "South Dakota has a special connection to the U.S. Air Force, especially to the airmen who support its missions in the United States and around the globe. It's because of this special connection that I've always had a particular interest in ensuring the Air Force's civilian leaders both meet the needs of those they lead and possess the right vision for the future of the military and our national security interests as a whole.\r\nFor the last few years, South Dakota was proud to have Dr. Heather Wilson, former president of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, serve at the top as secretary of the Air Force. Having lived with Ellsworth Air Force Base in her backyard, Secretary Wilson brought a small piece of South Dakota with her when she led the department.\r\nI was proud to work with her on a number of projects, but I will never forget when the phone rang on the morning of March 27, 2019. I was sitting in my office in Washington when she delivered the news we had long been waiting for: Ellsworth Air Force Base had been officially selected to receive future B-21 training and operational squadrons, which meant South Dakota would be home to the first of our nation's newest bombers.\r\nI always appreciated Secretary Wilson's leadership, and while she has since left her post to resume her career in higher education, the Air Force is still in good hands. On October 16, 2019, Ambassador Barbara Barrett was overwhelmingly confirmed by the Senate to become the 25th secretary of the Air Force. Secretary Barrett is not only the fourth woman to lead the department in its history, but she is the third consecutive woman to hold this post since 2013, and I was proud to support her nomination.\r\nSecretary Barrett is uniquely qualified for this role, and you don't need to look further than her long and notable resume to prove it. She has served as U.S. ambassador to Finland, deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and as a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board. As impressive as those achievements are on their own, she's gone even higher. Tens of thousands of feet higher, actually. She became the first civilian female pilot to land in an F-18 on an aircraft carrier, part of a mission to demonstrate women's fitness to fly in combat.\r\nBefore she was confirmed, I had the opportunity to sit down with then-nominee Barrett to discuss her vision for Ellsworth Air Force Base and how she believed it fit in the department's broader mission. I'm confident she will serve our airmen and their families well, and I look forward to working with her, particularly as Ellsworth prepares to host the B-21s in the not-too-distant future.\r\nSpeaking of new leadership, I visited Ellsworth in early October and was able to spend some time with the new commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, Colonel David Doss, as well as Command Chief Master Sergeant Rochelle Hemingway. They, too, will play a critical role in preparing for the B-21s, and I'm thankful for their service and leadership to carry out the base's current missions.\r\nDuring this recent visit, I couldn't help but think about how far things have come at the base. In a mere 14 years' time, Ellsworth went from imminent closure to now being on the leading edge of our national security strategy. I couldn't be prouder of what it's become, and I'm so thankful for the men and women of Ellsworth who call South Dakota home.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B047B887-DBBD-4D84-B5A0-092D5D873F0B", "Thune, Klobuchar Lead Colleagues in Urging USDA to Prioritize CRP State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today led a bipartisan group of senators in urging U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to prioritize enrollment and implementation of the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative within the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).\r\n\r\nWe are concerned that the decision to limit the practices and associated cost-share incentives available in recent continuous sign-ups, and excluding wildlife practices like SAFE, will decrease landowner interest in CRP and the effectiveness of the program,the senators wrote.The statutory purpose of CRP is to conserve and improve the soil, water, and wildlife resources' of enrolled land and address issues raised by state, regional, and national conservation initiatives.' The land enrolled through SAFE serves as an example of how USDA, landowners, and other partners can work together to address all three resource concerns on the same acre of enrolled land.\r\n\r\nIn addition to Thune and Klobuchar, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).\r\n\r\nFulltextof the letter below:\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Sonny Perdue\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Agriculture\r\n1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.\r\nWashington, D.C. 20250\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Perdue:\r\n\r\nWe write to express our strong support for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative within the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prioritize enrollment and implementation of SAFE through future continuous CRP sign-ups.\r\n\r\nSAFE was created to allow states to design CRP practices that maintain the program's soil and water conservation benefits while targeting specific wildlife species and habitat types. Because wildlife needs and conservation priorities vary across regions, SAFE allows local and regional conservation groups, government agencies, agricultural producers, and others with first-hand knowledge to design projects and practices that help address the needs of high-priority species. By voluntarily enrolling their land in SAFE, landowners can also help avoid the need for future regulation through species listings, as in the case of the lesser prairie-chicken, greater sage-grouse, and other high-priority candidate species.\r\n\r\nSince it was first available for enrollment in 2008, SAFE has benefitted more than 2 million acres of wildlife habitat throughout the country. According to the most recent enrollment numbers from the Farm Service Agency, 36 states have at least one SAFE project, and 11 states currently have more than 90 percent of their allocated acres enrolled. Despite the success and popularity of this initiative, USDA has not made these practices available for sign-ups on a nationwide basis since 2017.\r\n\r\nWe are concerned that the decision to limit the practices and associated cost-share incentives available in recent continuous sign-ups, and excluding wildlife practices like SAFE, will decrease landowner interest in CRP and the effectiveness of the program. The statutory purpose of CRP is to conserve and improve the soil, water, and wildlife resources of enrolled land and address issues raised by state, regional, and national conservation initiatives. The land enrolled through SAFE serves as an example of how USDA, landowners, and other partners can work together to address all three resource concerns on the same acre of enrolled land. \r\n\r\nWe urge you to make SAFE and other wildlife practices available in future CRP sign-ups. Doing so will maximize the benefits for wildlife habitat, soil health, and water quality while providing landowners with options when considering what is best for their operations and land. Thank you for your attention to this request, and we look forward to working with you and your staff to continue the success of this critical conservation program.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8302776-C399-4CA0-AD6E-802B219E4268", "Thune: Passing USMCA Will Boost the U.S. Economy", "2019-10-17", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\nWASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the need to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to give farmers and ranchers more certainty and preserve and expand market access while boosting the U.S. economy as a whole.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, farmers and ranchers have gotten some good news on the trade front in recent weeks, with the signing of a trade deal with Japan.\r\n\r\nU.S. farmers depend on access to the Japanese market  it's the fourth-largest market for U.S. agricultural products  and this agreement will remove barriers to the sale of a variety of products, from cheese and sweet corn to beef, pork, and wheat.\r\n\r\nBut while this is very good news for farmers and ranchers, we have a lot more work to do on the trade front to help our ag community and increase demand for American agricultural products around the world.\r\n\r\nAnd we should start by passing the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\nCanada and Mexico are the number-one and number-two markets for American agriculture products, and preserving and expanding access to these markets is key to improving the economic outlook for American farmers.\r\n\r\nOver a year ago, the administration finished negotiating a strong deal with these countries that will help boost our struggling agriculture economy.\r\n\r\nTo start with, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will provide farmers with certainty about what these important markets are going to look like going forward.\r\n\r\nOne of the biggest challenges facing farmers on the trade front right now is the uncertainty about what markets around the world are going to look like.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will give farmers and ranchers clarity about what trade is going to look like with these two key trading partners.\r\n\r\nIn addition to providing certainty and preserving market access for American farmers and ranchers, the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement makes a number of improvements to the status quo.\r\n\r\nOf particular interest to South Dakota are the agreement's dairy provisions.\r\n\r\nDrive the I-29 corridor north of Brookings, and you can see firsthand the major dairy expansion South Dakota has experienced over the past several years.\r\n\r\nThe U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will preserve U.S. dairy farmers' role as a key dairy supplier to Mexico, and it will substantially expand market access in Canada.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that the agreement will boost U.S. dairy exports by more than $277 million.\r\n\r\nThe agreement will also expand market access for U.S. poultry and egg producers.\r\n\r\nIt will make it easier for U.S. producers to export wheat to Canada.\r\n\r\nAnd more.\r\n\r\nAnd Mr. President, I've just focused on the benefits for farmers.\r\n\r\nIn fact, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will benefit almost every sector of our economy, from the automobile industry to digital trade and e-commerce.\r\n\r\nIt will create 176,000 jobs.\r\n\r\nAnd it will raise wages for workers.\r\n\r\nSo given the major benefits, not only for farmers but for the economy as a whole, why hasn't Congress passed this agreement yet?\r\n\r\nThe answer to that is simple.\r\n\r\nBy law, the House of Representatives has to take up this agreement first, and the House has unfortunately been more focused on political theater than on collaborating on measures that would actually help American families.\r\n\r\nAnd unfortunately it doesn't look like that's going to change.\r\n\r\nWith even the speaker of the House joining the far-left's impeachment crusade, I don't think it's too likely that Democrats are going to wake up one morning and decide that they should spend less time on partisan politics and more time working with Republicans to pass real solutions for the American people.\r\n\r\nBut I do hope Democrats won't destroy this trade agreement.\r\n\r\nThere are thousands of farmers in my state  and around the country  who are waiting for the relief that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement would bring.\r\n\r\nIt's past time to pass this trade deal.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F99DACE5-AAD2-49CB-A157-C5A22BF99510", "Thune: Looking Forward to the Future of Ellsworth Air Force Base", "2019-10-16", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed newly confirmed U.S. Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and the current situation in Syria. Earlier today, Thune met with Barrett where they discussed the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base as it prepares to serve as the first home of the B-21 bomber. \r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, later today, the Senate will vote to confirm Barbara Barrett as secretary of the Air Force.\r\n\r\nI have come to the floor directly from a meeting with her this morning.\r\n\r\nAmbassador Barrett has had an impressive career, both inside and outside of government.\r\n\r\nAmong other things, she has served as U.S. ambassador to Finland, deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and as a member of the Civil Aeronautics Board.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, she has a deep understanding of the U.S. Air Force, thanks to her work as a civilian adviser to the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services, she fought to expand opportunities for women in the military.\r\n\r\nShe became the first civilian woman to land an F-18 on an aircraft carrier, part of a mission to demonstrate women's fitness to fly in combat.\r\n\r\nThanks in part to her work, in 1993 the military changed its regulations to allow women to fly combat aircraft.\r\n\r\nMr. President, I'm always particularly interested in making sure we have an outstanding Air Force secretary because my state of South Dakota is lucky enough to play host to Ellsworth Air Force Base, home of the 28th Bomb Wing and future home of the B-21 bomber.\r\n\r\nOver the state work period in October, I was able to visit Ellsworth to sit down with the new commander of the 28th Bomb Wing, Colonel David Doss, as well as Command Chief Master Sergeant Rochelle Hemingway.\r\n\r\nWe had a great discussion, and we had the chance to talk about the needs of the base going forward, including what will be needed as Ellsworth prepares to serve as the first home of the B-21.\r\n\r\nEnsuring that the base has the necessary resources and infrastructure to fully support the B-21 mission will be a priority of mine not just as we await the mission, but for decades to come.\r\n\r\nSince I came to Congress, I've worked with the base and the greater Rapid City community to build up Ellsworth.\r\n\r\nWe've gone from fighting to keep the base open, to adding an MQ-9 Reaper mission and supporting the B-1 as a workhorse of the bomber fleet, to hosting the largest training airspace in the continental United States and being chosen to host both the B-21 training mission and first operational squadron.\r\n\r\nI'm incredibly proud of all that Ellsworth airmen have accomplished, and I'm looking forward to seeing everything the team at the base will do in the future.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as I reflect on the critical role our military plays in the world, I want to take a minute to talk about what's happening in Syria right now, and the United States' response.\r\n\r\nThis is a complex situation.\r\n\r\nGiven its proximity to several fronts of conflict and unrest, Turkey is facing immense pressure to address security concerns and is straining to support a huge number of refugees.\r\n\r\nTurkey also has an understandable interest in rooting out terrorists within its country and stemming any factions that support them.\r\n\r\nBut the Kurdish militias the United States has backed in Syria are not the same as the group Turkey has struggled to contain in its own country.\r\n\r\nAnd Turkey's decision to attack Kurdish forces in Syria will do nothing but exacerbate the humanitarian crisis on its border.\r\n\r\nIt will also strengthen the Assad regime and foster greater influence in the region by Russia and Iran.\r\n\r\nMost alarmingly, Turkey's incursion will force the Kurds to pull resources that would otherwise be committed to keeping ISIS fighters imprisoned.\r\n\r\nIt's deeply concerning that the withdrawal of U.S. forces has set this into motion.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as you know, a major reason for ISIS' rise was President Obama's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Iraq on a timetable he announced to our enemies and before the security situation was stable.\r\n\r\nThe departure of U.S. forces created a vacuum in the region that ISIS quickly stepped in to fill.\r\n\r\nIt's important that we don't allow history to repeat itself.\r\n\r\nU.S. and Kurdish forces have been working together against ISIS for years now and have succeeded in drastically shrinking ISIS' territory and weakening this terrorist organization.\r\n\r\nThanks to their work, in many respects ISIS can be said to be on the run.\r\n\r\nBut this achievement could quickly be undone by a U.S. withdrawal from the country.\r\n\r\nI hope that we'll be able to have some fruitful discussions here in Washington this week about the need to maintain our strategic gains against ISIS and avoid creating a vacuum for our enemies to fill.\r\n\r\nAnd I hope our NATO ally Turkey is listening closely.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2453A1C-51A3-41F2-B830-397D48553BE4", "Thune, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Improve Weather Forecasting Models", "2019-10-15", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Learning Excellence and Good Examples from New Developers(LEGEND) Act, legislation that would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to make certain operational models publicly available and utilize any innovations to improve the models that are developed as a result of public collaboration.\r\nThe livelihoods of farmers and ranchers in my state often depend on forecasting accuracy, so it's important that we find innovative ways to improve government forecasting capabilities,said Thune.This legislation, which builds off my work to improve weather forecasting throughout my time serving on the Commerce Committee, makes NOAA's current and future models more accessible to outside expertsincluding scientists and engineers in academia who can provide new insights to improve existing forecasting models.\r\nIn a place like Hawaii, NOAA models provide vital warning for hurricanes, king tides, and tsunami,said Schatz.Making the code for these models open source will make it easier for experts to partner with NOAA to improve forecasts and keep our communities safe.\r\nOn January 7, 2019, the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 included a requirement for the U.S. Weather Research Program to establish the Earth Prediction Innovation Center (EPIC), which was intended to advance weather modeling and improve the translation of forecasting research into operational models by leveraging private sector innovations.When fully established, EPIC would provide a platform for stakeholder collaboration to improve operational models and greatly advance NOAA's forecasting skill.\r\nThe LEGEND Act would clarify and strengthen the efforts of EPIC through the following provisions:\r\n \r\nMake Certain Operational Models Publicly Available\r\n \r\nStakeholders currently do not have access to the operational models developed by NOAA. The bill would require the agency to make its operational models open source by publically posting the source code, including information about the models and the data they use. This includes the data used for current operational forecasts and a description of intended model outputs.\r\n \r\nReview Models and Leverage Innovations\r\n \r\nEPIC is intended to promote collaboration with the private sector.LEGEND strengthens this by mandating periodic reviews and adoption of innovations and improvements to the operational models made by parties outside NOAA. \r\n\r\nThis bill also requires NOAA, within one year, to submit a report on the implementation of LEGEND's mandates.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=43C29E83-A2DD-4995-BE0B-D8652E0B176C", "A Tradition Unlike Any Other", "2019-10-11", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "There's nothing quite like autumn  cooler temperatures, the sound of crisp leaves under your feet (or snow as may be the case), and students settled back in school. After a warm summer, this time of year is usually highly-anticipated in South Dakota, but not just because of the relief from hotter temperatures and football season being back in full swing. Fall and October are synonymous with one thing for South Dakotans: pheasant hunting season.\r\n\r\nThe third Saturday in October could be considered an unofficial holiday in our state. Friends and family have an excuse to get together, spend the day pursuing roosters, and usually end it celebrating bagging their limits by making some type of pheasant dish and enjoying in community with one another. I've been partaking in this tradition since I was 12 years old, and now I get to share this weekend with my daughters and sons-in-laws and hopefully one day with my grandkids, as well.\r\n\r\nAlthough South Dakota is probably the only state that hunts its state bird, it's not just South Dakotans that like to participate in this tradition. Nearly 100,000 out-of-state hunters flood to our state to pheasant hunt each year, adding over $200 million to the state's economy by shopping at our stores, eating at our restaurants, and staying in local hotels. Many of South Dakota's small businesses depend on the pheasant season's positive economic impacts each year.\r\n\r\nEvery weekend that I'm able to share with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful outdoor landscapes of South Dakota is considered a win to me, but it's even more enjoyable when the ringnecks are plentiful. Something that contributes to a successful pheasant hunt and wildlife habitat in general is good conservation practices.\r\n\r\nThe Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is widely credited for creating an environment where pheasants can nest and raise their brood. I've been a champion of the program during my time in Congress, and I've continued to fight to ensure we strengthen CRP by raising the acreage cap in the 2018 farm bill so additional acres can be enrolled. Good conservation practices contribute mightily to pheasant numbers and therefore our state's economy.\r\n\r\nThe use of our land not only produces food and fiber for us to eat and feed the world, but it can also preserve the habitat areas that support wildlife. Nothing compares to the memories I've made with my family out in the fields, and I will continue to work to ensure these traditions are preserved for generations to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=CE31B81A-68B7-40BD-AD57-8FC4021A817F", "Celebrating Native American Day", "2019-10-04", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "While much of the United States celebrates Columbus Day on the second Monday in October, South Dakotans instead proudly recognize Native American Day, honoring the rich heritage and tribal people of our state. A tradition that began in 1989 when Gov. George Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the Year of Reconciliation, we've continued to celebrate Native American Day in lieu of Columbus Day. The South Dakota legislature formally recognized this day by unanimously passing legislation, and we have been honoring the day for nearly thirty years.\r\n\r\nNative American culture can be found in every corner of our state. One way to experience this culture is by attending a powwow. Powwows are still very prevalent in South Dakota today, and they provide an opportunity to participate in traditions that are passed on by the Native American people through things like traditional music and dancing. These events take place nearly every month from May to October, and I encourage all South Dakotans to attend these unique celebrations.\r\n\r\nOral storytelling is another important tradition, allowing tribes to pass down their religions, history, and origin stories from one generation to the next. Oral storytelling is an art that is still practiced by tribes across the state, and it remains an important part of tribal people's connection to their past.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite stories shared in the Lakota language is of the importance of the tatanka, or buffalo. Although the term buffalo is now scientifically classified as a bison, the word buffalo is more frequently used in Native American cultures throughout the Midwest. Aside from being the basis of the Lakota diet and an integral part of their way of life  from providing hide for shelter to the bones for tools  the bison is also a large part of their spirituality. Because the tatanka provided the Lakota people with clothing, shelter, and food, among many other things, it was a sacred animal to the people. For example, the tatanka skull was used in many spiritual rituals.\r\n\r\nThe tatanka skull is featured in the center of the Lakota Sioux Medicine Wheel, representing the circle of life and the four cardinal directions, a beautiful symbol that has endured throughout time, much like the culture of the Sioux people. Though they have faced many challenges, they have continued to maintain their spirit through the guidance of community leaders today and warriors of the past. Warriors like Crazy Horse  a Lakota man who led a band of warriors and defeated General Custer at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Crazy Horse will forever be memorialized in the granite of the Black Hills, on display for folks not just in South Dakota, but throughout the world to see and learn about.\r\n\r\nI am grateful for the rich heritage of the South Dakota tribes. Their history is woven deep within the fabric of our state. This Native American Day, take time to reflect on and honor the courageous warriors that continue to make our state the best in the country.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C7DAA1F9-933E-4DB6-A5C4-0482A1042AF4", "Thune Praises Administrations Commitment to Agriculture", "2019-10-04", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the administration announced that it has reached a deal to restore integrity to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by accounting for the issuance of small refinery exemptions when setting future ethanol blending targets. Thune has openly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) unprecedented and unnecessary use of small refinery exemptions, which have waived billions of gallons of biofuel blending. Today's announcement means that the EPA will also make related reforms to improve implementation of the RFS and increase ethanol blending.\r\n\r\nI want to thank the president for standing up for farm country and sticking to the commitment he recently made to me and several of my farm-state colleagues in the Oval Office, said Thune. The president understands that the agriculture community is hurting, and while I look forward to seeing the final details, this announcement builds off our E15 win and points to a new and brighter day at the EPA.\r\n\r\nIt's no secret that I've been critical of the EPA's use of small refinery waivers, a process that  when used for its intended purpose  can help alleviate certain hardships for small companies that truly need it. Unfortunately, the EPA has abused this process over the last few years, having granted unnecessary waivers to large companies, which has significantly undermined the RFS. These actions have had a direct and negative effect on operations in South Dakota and other states throughout the Corn Belt, which is why I congratulate the president on today's announcement.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-praises-administration-s-biofuels-agreement", "Johnson Praises Administrations Biofuels Agreement", "2019-10-04", "2019", "2019-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the administration's announcement to expand ethanol blending beginning in 2020. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will partner to improve the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and implement it as intended.\nToday's announcement is a win for South Dakota farmers, ethanol producers and anyone that cares about a strong rural economy and job growth, said Johnson. I'm proud of the coalition of farm-state members that made it clear that we must maintain the integrity of the RFS as Congress intended.\nBy maintaining the integrity of the RFS and preventing the abuse of Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs), as well as forward-looking proposals that cut red tape and build biofuel infrastructure, the Administration showed they are committed to rural America.\nIn May, Johnson and Agriculture Committee Chairman Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) introduced H.R. 3006  the Renewable Fuels Standard Integrity Act of 2019. The bill would reallocate gallons lost through SREs that undermine the integrity of the RFS, ensuring lost gallons are included in any final Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs). Today's announcement follows that intent and restores the integrity of the RFS by reallocating gallons on a three-year rolling average of waived gallons. Furthermore, the plan will roll-back regulations that have stood in the way of higher blends of ethanol and promote infrastructure investments for greater use here and abroad.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=1C8E7B79-5A06-4A3A-832E-AB67C5B2DF3C", "Realizing the Joy of Being a Dad", "2019-09-27", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Every once in a while, you experience one of those occasions where you stop to appreciate how blessed you are. Our family had one of those times recently when our oldest daughter, Brittany, was inducted into her collegiate hall of fame.\r\nWhen our daughters were growing up, we encouraged them to try different activities at school. Of course, I wanted the girls to play basketball. They both tried it to appease me, but neither of them liked it, nor were they very good at it (as I think both girls would freely admit today)\r\nSoccer seemed to be a better fit for Larissa, our youngest daughter, where she excelled, but that wasn't where Brittany would find her niche either. However, as I observed Brittany on the soccer field, I saw that she had a nice, long stride, and I encouraged her to join track and field. It was running that turned out to be her gift.\r\nBrittany came onto the running scene during a very historic period in South Dakota. She got to run with, and against, some of the most competitive and accomplished track and cross country athletes the state has ever seen. Brittany was blessed with some talent, but she had a powerful work ethic, a quality that serves people well in running sports. We watched her battle through injuries to experience a high level of success as a high school athlete.\r\nOf course, we hoped she would compete in South Dakota as a college athlete, but she got a full-ride offer to run at Belmont University, a small Division I school in Nashville, Tennessee  and run she did. She won back-to-back conference cross country championships and was twice named to the NCAA Division I All South Regional Team. She won numerous other awards, all of which contributed to her hall of fame induction. It was a well-deserved acknowledgement that all the hard work she put in through the years had paid off.\r\nBut as we watched her on the stage that night, sharing her remarks at the induction ceremony, I saw something else. I saw that little red-haired, pony-tailed girl all grown up. I heard her talk about the gift God had given her and how she had wanted to use it for His glory. I saw the character and courage that He had formed in her as she fought through an eating disorder and other challenges that came with succeeding as a college athlete. And I saw a confident wife, mother, and professional who continues to live life with the same sense of purpose that enabled her to log the thousands of miles that landed her on the hall of fame stage that night.\r\nFor a brief moment, everything else I do in life paled in comparison to the joy that comes with being a dad  and on that night, the dad of a hall of famer. Congratulations, Brittany!", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B88091E5-17D6-4BA2-BBD5-3F61C30A5D9E", "Thune Hears From Livestock Industry Leaders on Market Transparency", "2019-09-26", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereto watch Thune's speech.\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today heard from cattle industry leaders in a committee hearing on perspectives of the livestock and poultry sectors.\r\nThe fact that losing just one beef plant in the United States created so much volatility in the cattle marketplace, including decreased cattle prices for producers and increased boxed beef prices, is deeply concerning, said Thune.I think that transparency in these markets is really important.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=922945C9-6E09-4B64-89BF-65587E357175", "Thune Statement on Trade Deal With Japan", "2019-09-25", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abeannounceda limited tradeagreementbetween the two countries. The agreement will result in lower tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and streamline rules with respect to digital trade between the United States and Japan. Thune has been a strong advocate of a bilateral trade agreement with Japan ever since the United States announced it would withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multilateral trade deal that would have included Japan.\r\nAmid what seems like a tidal wave of obstacles this year, this is exactly the kind of news farm country has been waiting for, and I expect this deal, once approved by Japan, will have a direct and positive effect on the U.S. agriculture industry, said Thune. In addition to helping beef and pork producers, this agreement will boost America's dairy, ethanol, and wheat industries. Any day that we can create more opportunities for U.S. companies to reach new or expanded markets around the world is a good day, and I can say with confidence that today is a good day. I look forward to more deals that will open new markets around the world.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5539E793-75FE-4FA5-9700-2A4148FAFF59", "Delegation Applauds Administrations Decision to Approve South Dakota Disaster Declaration Following Severe Storms and Flooding", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the administration for approving a major disaster declaration for several South Dakota counties, including Aurora, Bennett, Brule, Butte, Campbell, Custer, Deuel, Fall River, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hanson, Jackson, Jones, Lyman, Meade, Mellette, Pennington, Sanborn, Todd, Tripp, Turner, Union, Walworth, and Ziebach, as well as the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and the Rosebud Reservation following severe storms and flooding from May 26 to June 7, 2019.\r\nSouth Dakota has been hit with storm after storm this spring and summer, so I'm glad this disaster declaration was approved and will provide our state with some much-needed relief,said Thune. I'm thankful that the administration understood the urgency of this request and that folks affected by the storms and flooding will hopefully be able to get back on their feet more quickly.\r\nThanks to President Trump for recognizing the need to provide disaster relief to South Dakota communities impacted by recent severe weather and flooding,said Rounds.This will help local units of government and certain non-profit organizations to rebuild critical infrastructure and facilities that have been severely damaged.\r\nSouth Dakota has had a tough year,said Johnson.This disaster declaration will allow South Dakota's communities to heal and repair more quickly, and I am grateful for the steadfast support the administration has shown our state during a year of unpredictable weather.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD001849-B29F-4749-94DB-A2E84AB5FAA9", "Thune: Its Time for Congress to Ratify USMCA Now", "2019-09-24", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the importance of passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as quickly as possible. Last week, seven former U.S. agriculture secretaries from both Democrat and Republican administrations sent a letter to House and Senate leadership stating their strong bipartisan support for USMCA.\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, in just a few days, we will mark the one-year anniversary of the president concluding negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\nIt's time for Congress to ratify this agreement now.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will benefit pretty much every sector of the U.S. economy.\r\n\r\nThe automobile industry.\r\n\r\nTextiles.\r\n\r\nDigital trade and e-commerce.\r\n\r\nServices.\r\n\r\nManufacturing.\r\n\r\nAnd, of course, agriculture.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as the representative of a state whose lifeblood is agriculture, farmers and ranchers are always at the top of my mind.\r\n\r\nAnd a huge focus of mine right now is helping our struggling agriculture economy.\r\n\r\nLow commodity and livestock prices, natural disasters, and protracted trade disputes have meant a tough few years for farmers.\r\n\r\nOne of the most important things we can do to help our agriculture economy recover is to open new markets for American agricultural products.\r\n\r\nDuring August, I spent a lot of time talking to farmers back home in South Dakota.\r\n\r\nAnd again and again, they emphasized that they need action on trade from Washington.\r\n\r\nWith so many trade deals currently up in the air, farmers and ranchers are struggling with a lack of certainty about what international markets are going to look like.\r\n\r\nWhile they share the president's goal of addressing trade imbalances and securing more favorable conditions for American products, they also believe that we need to conclude the agreements we're negotiating as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nThe longer negotiations drag on, the tougher their situation gets.\r\n\r\nThat's why I've repeatedly stressed the need to bring these agreements to a swift conclusion.\r\n\r\nAnd I emphasize that point to the president nearly every time I talk to him.\r\n\r\nHowever, there's one deal we don't need to wait for  the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\nAs I said earlier, negotiations on this agreement concluded a year ago.\r\n\r\nAnd it's high time for Congress to take it up and pass it so that our farmers and ranchers can start seeing the benefits.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a big win for farmers and ranchers.\r\n\r\nOf particular interest to South Dakota are the agreement's dairy provisions.\r\n\r\nDairy is an important and rapidly growing industry in South Dakota.\r\n\r\nDrive the I-29 corridor north of Brookings, and you can see firsthand the massive dairy expansion we've experienced over the past few years.\r\n\r\nThe U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will preserve U.S. dairy farmers' role as a key dairy supplier to Mexico.\r\n\r\nAnd it will substantially expand market access in Canada, where U.S. dairy sales have been restricted.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that the agreement will boost U.S. dairy exports by more than $277 million.\r\n\r\nThe agreement will also expand market access for U.S. poultry and egg producers.\r\n\r\nIt will make it easier for U.S. producers to export wheat to Canada.\r\n\r\nAnd more.\r\n\r\nAbove all, this agreement will provide farmers and ranchers with certainty about what the Canadian and Mexican markets will look like going forward.\r\n\r\nAmerican farmers depend upon these markets to sell their products, and it's vital that farmers have a clear idea of what these markets are going to look like in the future.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Republicans in the Senate are ready to take action on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement at any point.\r\n\r\nI hope House Democrats will quickly work out their remaining issues and indicate their willingness to vote on this deal.\r\n\r\nThe administration has made addressing Democrats' concerns a priority throughout the negotiation process.\r\n\r\nAnd it's time for Democrats to bring this process to a swift conclusion.\r\n\r\nLast week, seven former U.S. agriculture secretaries from both Democrat and Republican administrations sent a letter to House and Senate leadership stating their strong support for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\n\r\nAs the secretaries noted, and I quote, With farmers facing one of the lowest net farm incomes in the last decade, USMCA would create enhanced export opportunities and help fully capitalize on increased global demand for food products. Furthermore, USMCA would significantly boost farm incomes and create jobs both on and off the farm in rural communities.'\r\n\r\nMr. President, life has not been easy for our nation's farmers and ranchers over the past few years.\r\n\r\nAnd the surest way to stabilize and boost farm income and help farm country is to conclude agreements like USMCA.\r\n\r\nI urge my Democrat colleagues in the House to make getting this deal over the finish line their number-one priority.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B97F76BE-2B6E-40EF-9B5F-8D4B03EBDE11", "The Time is Now to Pass USMCA", "2019-09-20", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "It's been a rough year in farm country. Severe weather. Flooding. A delayed (and in some cases non-existent) planting season. Sluggish agriculture economy. Barriers to market access. Ongoing trade disputes. There are plenty of things South Dakota's farmers and ranchers could complain about  things for which most Americans would be sympathetic  but these folks don't have a complaining bone in their body, because a complaint is time wasted, and it doesn't do anything to help an operation succeed.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers are hardworking, glass-half-full optimists, and I'm proud of what they do, but I don't want to underplay the raw anxiety that exists in farm country today. While folks are glad this administration is willing to go toe-to-toe with China on trade, and they look forward to what that means for the future of agriculture, there's no doubt they are still concerned about the here and now and the difficult situation that currently exists.\r\n\r\nIt's not just farmers' and ranchers' optimism that I admire. One, they know more about agriculture policy than just about anyone else I know. And two, they aren't shy. I rarely make a stop in South Dakota these days without hearing about the day-to-day struggles in the agriculture community as well as the many ideas folks have to address it, and I want to thank them for their counsel, especially on trade.\r\n\r\nNot only do I take the advice I receive throughout South Dakota seriously, I oftentimes take it directly to the White House  to the Oval Office, if necessary. I've met with the president twice in September alone, during which I had the opportunity to advocate for South Dakota's agriculture producers.\r\n\r\nWhile negotiations with China and other countries are ongoing, there's one important trade agreement that's already been completed, and it's now up to Congress to get it across the finish line. The administration wrapped up its negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) literally hundreds of days ago. Mexico's government has already approved it, and Canada is just waiting on the United States to take the next step. We could take that next step, and we could take it quickly, but there's one thing standing in the way: politics.\r\n\r\nIf possible, the Senate would be prepared to vote on USMCA tomorrow, but the Democrat-led House of Representatives continues to drag its feet on this deal, which would benefit virtually every sector of our economy  from manufacturing to digital services to the automotive industry. They're standing in the way of a pro-growth trade agreement that is expected to create 176,000 new U.S. jobs and raise wages for workers.\r\n\r\nFrom my vantage point, this administration has worked in good faith to address many of my Democrat colleagues' concerns, and I'm encouraged by their ongoing discussions. I just hope Democrats wouldn't intentionally slow-walk this deal just to prevent a perceived political win for the president. Let me be clear, political parties don't win with USMCA. America wins, which is why every single living former secretary of agriculture who has served since the Reagan administration  Republican and Democrat  supports USMCA.\r\n\r\nFarming and ranching is a tough, unpredictable business. Last year at this time, many of the same parts of the state that have battled this year's wet weather were facing opposite conditions  a drought. There's more than enough unpredictability for these folks as it is, which is why we owe it to them to provide as much certainty as possible in the areas that are within our control. That's exactly why the time is now to pass USMCA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-usda-investigation-real", "Johnson: USDA Investigation is For Real", "2019-09-19", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click hereto watch the full speech.\nWashington, D.C. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today spoke on the U.S. House of Representatives Floor regarding an ongoing investigation into the cattle market.\nJohnson's Remarks Below:\nMr. Speaker, this is a town where some investigations last for years and sometimes cost millions. \nOther investigations are for insignificant little things, conducted to check a box before moving onto the next task. \nWe all know in D.C. there are two types of investigations. Investigations that are for show and investigations that are for real.\nIn cattle country we need an investigation for real.\nTimes have been tough for cattle producers, especially the last couple of years. \nThe producers I know don't ask for guarantees or handouts, all they want is a fair chance to earn a living. \nUnfortunately, prices have been soft, and those producers are not sure the market is accurately applying margin to our feeders and to our ranchers. \nFollowing the Holcomb fire, the market experienced extreme volatility. The producers I know, smart and savvy professionals, have told me the immediate aftermath caused serious damage to the long-term viability of their business and to their way of life. \nThat's why I was grateful to see USDA, under the Packers and Stockyards Act, open up an investigation into the cattle market. An investigation like that does not happen every day. \nMany folks in South Dakota are anxiously awaiting the results. I know that I am. \nWhat I have seen and heard so far from USDA gives me a good feeling that they are conducting this investigation for real. \nI believe they are doing their best to gather and analyze the pertinent data. \nThey want to get to the bottom of this. They want to determine if there have been unfair trade practices or market manipulation. \nMaking that kind of a determination won't be easy. It will require real effort, real persistence, and a real willingness to dig deep.\nAs I said at the beginning, there are two types of investigations in this town, those that are for show and those that are for real.\nIt looks like USDA is conducting this investigation for real, and thank goodness for that. \nOur cow-calf producers deserve it, our feedlots deserve it, and our country deserves it. \nThank you and I yield back.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-urges-passage-usmca", "Johnson Urges Passage of USMCA", "2019-09-18", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Click hereto watch the full speech. \nWashington, D.C. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today repeated his support for the United States Mexico Canada Agreement on the U.S. House Floor.\nJohnson's remarks below:\nMr. Speaker, it's time.\nIt's time for Congress to pass the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement: the USMCA. This is not, as many of you know, a new issue.\nThe administration finished its work months ago, 292 days ago to be exact.\nWell that's 292 days that Congress has had to ask questions. That's 292 days that we have had to assess the benefits of the agreement. That's 292 days that we have had to analyze the text of that agreement.\nDuring the August recess I had conversations with hundreds, maybe thousands of folks and their message was clear: USMCA is clearly a better agreement and Congress needs to do its job for the good of this country.\nThere are a number of ways in which the president has negotiated a USMCA that is stronger, that is better than NAFTA.\nFirst, USMCA ensures that the digital economy will be more open and more secure.\nSecond, the strong currency manipulation language and intellectual property language provides a model for other agreements, especially one with China.\nAnd third Mr. Speaker, the benefits to the Ag community are compelling. My colleagues have heard me speak before about the fact that our Ag producers have not had the easiest of time of it lately.\nThey need the USMCA. This agreement opens up new access to Canadian markets for wheat, wine, egg, poultry, and dairy.\nIt increases agricultural exports by nearly $200 billion per year and that is why 1,000 Ag groups across the country have endorsed USMCA.\nThey know with fair access to markets, American producers can compete, and they can win.\nUSMCA is not perfect, but collectively, with these improvements, can create 176,000 American jobs and would increase our GDP by $68 billion.\nThat is real value across the agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors.\nThe administration has done its job. The administration has negotiated an agreement that powers economic opportunity and grows American jobs. \nAnd so, it's time for this body to act. It's time for the Speaker to bring this bill to the floor.\nMr. Speaker, it is time for us to pass the USMCA.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8895FD54-7BED-4D4E-9674-1A9A62C82B28", "Thune: Defense Funding is Imperative", "2019-09-18", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tU.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the importance of funding the U.S. military by passing this year's defense appropriations bills. Thune also recognized the U.S. Air Force, but especially the airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base, on their 72nd birthday today.\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\nMr. President, defense funding is always an imperative.\r\nThere are always going to be bad actors who threaten our country, whether they're major powers like China or Russia or terrorist organizations like ISIS or al-Qaeda.\r\nAnd we have to be prepared to counter those threats.\r\nIn the United States, we're used to having the most outstanding military in the world.\r\nWe've come to rely on it.\r\nWe assume our military will always be the best because it has been the best for as long as we can remember.\r\nBut we can't forget that our military preeminence is the result of sustained investment.\r\nAnd while our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines constitute the most advanced and proficient fighting force in the world, they can't do their jobs or maintain our military superiority without adequate resources.\r\nAnd that includes funding not just the weapons, equipment, and technology of today, but also the weapons, equipment, and technology of the future.\r\nIt's too late to modernize our military when the threat has reached us.\r\nWe need to invest in the equipment and technology of the future now, so that when the threats of tomorrow materialize, we will be ready.\r\nThis means delivering platforms like the future B-21 bomber on schedule and making robust investments in the cyber and space domains.\r\nMr. President, right now, our military is rebuilding after years of underfunding and the strains of the war on terror.\r\nHere in the Senate, members of both parties have worked together over the past couple of years to meet our military's funding and rebuilding needs, and I hope that trend will continue.\r\nIn November 2018, the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that our readiness had eroded to the point where we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China.\r\nAnd the commission noted that we would be especially vulnerable if we were ever called on to fight a war on two fronts.\r\nThat's a dangerous situation for our country to be in, and we need to keep working to rebuild our military so that we are not trailing behind other nations.\r\nOther countries are certainly not holding back on military preparedness.\r\nRussia and China are busy investing in their militaries as we speak, and have recently conducted joint military exercises.\r\nAs the leader noted on the floor on Monday, military spending in China over the last decade has nearly doubled.\r\nMeanwhile, these countries have continued to flex their military power outside the borders of their countries, underscoring the need for other nations to be prepared to deter their aggression.\r\nAnd of course, while we may be in a new era of great power competition, we still face threats from rogue states and terrorist organizations.\r\nWe need to be prepared to meet multiple threats on multiple fronts if we want to ensure the security of our nation.\r\nMr. President, later today the leader is planning to have the Senate vote to begin debate on a package of appropriations bills, including this year's defense appropriations bill.\r\nLess than two months ago, Democrats in both the House and the Senate agreed on an increased funding level for our military, which is reflected in the defense appropriations bill.\r\nThe defense appropriations measure funds current military priorities and invests in the research our men and women in uniform need to be prepared for the future.\r\nIt also provides for a 3.1 percent pay increase for our military  the largest pay increase in a decade.\r\nIt would be very disappointing if Democrats chose now to play politics and put their personal political agenda over the security of our country and the welfare of our men and women in uniform.\r\nThe military needs to be funded through regular-order appropriations bills  not through temporary funding measures that leave the military in doubt about funding levels and unable to start essential new projects.\r\nSo I hope our Democrat colleagues will honor the commitment they just made and work with Republicans to pass the defense appropriations package before the end of the fiscal year.\r\nLikewise, I hope Senate Democrats will resist the temptation to play politics over this year's national defense authorization bill and will work with us to initiate a conference with the House to resolve our differences.\r\nOur colleagues have the opportunity to take both of these important steps this week.\r\nMr. President, before I close, I'd like to wish a happy 72nd birthday today to the U.S. Air Force, most especially to the airmen of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.\r\nI'd also like to wish a happy birthday to the South Dakota Air National Guard, which celebrates the 73rd anniversary of its establishment on Friday.\r\nThe Guard's 114th Fighter Wing recently had a change of command.\r\nColonel Mark Morrell assumed command from Colonel Nathan Alholinna on September 7.\r\nI wish the Fighting Lobos continued success under their new leadership, and I wish Colonel Alholinna the best and thank him for his many years of service.\r\nWhile investing in equipment and technology is essential to our nation's defense, as always our greatest strength is found in the men and women of the United States military.\r\nIt is first and foremost because of their dedication and sacrifice that all of us live in freedom.\r\nI hope the men and women of Ellsworth and the South Dakota Air National Guard enjoy their celebrations this week.\r\nThey are well-deserved.\r\nMr. President, I yield the floor.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4E1326D9-C884-4AD1-88C0-BF0C292823E6", "Thunes Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications", "2019-09-17", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking college students to serve as spring interns in his office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls.\r\nInterns in Thune's state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while students in the Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol building tours, and attend Senate votes and hearings. Both in-state and Washington, D.C., internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills.\r\nThe opportunity to intern in a Senate office is one of the best ways to learn how our federal government works, while also serving the state of South Dakota said Thune. Interns in my offices will experience the inner workings of a Senate office firsthand, while improving their legislative knowledge and communication skills. I encourage all college students to consider applying for this rewarding experience.\r\nThune serves as the Senate majority whip, the number two position in Senate leadership, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance.\r\nCollege students who are interested in interning in Thune's Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices should fill out an online application by November 1, 2019, athttps://sen.gov/Y191,or they can locate the application by searching intern program onwww.thune.senate.gov.\r\nFor more information, please call 202-224-2321.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=624CD500-C1B1-4A08-B927-4BC72D1A7810", "Thune: Congress Should Pass USMCA As Soon As Possible", "2019-09-17", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the benefits that the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) would have for farmers, ranchers, and the U.S. economy. Thune called upon House Democrats to commit to taking up and passing USMCA without further delay.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, I spent a lot of time talking to South Dakota farmers over the August break.\r\n\r\nAnd I can tell you that if there's one thing on farmers' minds right now, it's trade.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers have had a rough few years  low commodity and livestock prices, natural disasters, and protracted trade disputes have left our agriculture economy trailing behind our economy as a whole.\r\n\r\nAnd as farmers emphasized to me during August, one of the biggest things we can do to help our agriculture economy is to implement trade agreements that benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers.\r\n\r\nThe United States is currently involved in trade negotiations on multiple fronts  with the European Union, with China, with Japan and other Asian-Pacific countries.\r\n\r\nLike many farmers and ranchers, I support the president's goal of addressing trade imbalances and securing more favorable conditions for American products abroad.\r\n\r\nBut we need to conclude these agreements as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nThe longer negotiations drag on, the tougher the situation for farmers, who face retaliatory tariffs as well as a lot of uncertainty about what markets are going to look like.\r\n\r\nWe've had some recent successes  in August the administration announced a deal to increase U.S. beef sales to Europe.\r\n\r\nAnd in May the administration announced a deal with Japan to remove all remaining age restrictions on U.S. beef, giving U.S. ranchers full access to the Japanese market for the first time in more than a decade.\r\n\r\nBut that's just a tiny fraction of what needs to get done on the trade front when it comes to agriculture.\r\n\r\nAnd every time I speak with the president and his administration, I emphasize what South Dakota farmers have told me: We need to conclude negotiations on the various trade deals we're working on. And we need to do it now.\r\n\r\nWe need to open new markets, expand existing ones, and give farmers and ranchers certainty about what markets are going to look like.\r\n\r\nWhile we're still in negotiations on a number of agreements, one deal that we don't need to wait for is the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\nThis agreement has already been fully negotiated by our three countries, and Congress can take it up at any point.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a clear and significant win for our farmers and ranchers.\r\n\r\nCanada and Mexico are the number-one and number-two export markets for American food and agricultural products.\r\n\r\nThis agreement will preserve and expand farmers' access to these critical markets and give farmers certainty about what these markets will look like long-term.\r\n\r\nI'm particularly pleased with the improvements the agreement makes for U.S. dairy producers.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakota has experienced a massive dairy expansion over the past few years, and this agreement will benefit U.S. dairy producers by substantially expanding market access in Canada, where U.S. dairy sales have been restricted.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that the agreement will boost U.S. dairy exports by more than $277 million.\r\n\r\nThe agreement will also expand market access for U.S. poultry and egg producers.\r\n\r\nAnd it will make it easier for U.S. producers to export wheat to Canada.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, while I've been talking a lot about farmers, the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will not be limited to the agriculture industry.\r\n\r\nVirtually every sector of our economy will benefit from this agreement  from manufacturing to digital services to the automotive industry.\r\n\r\nIt will create 176,000 new U.S. jobs, grow our economy, and raise wages for workers.\r\n\r\nMr. President, Republicans in the Senate are ready to consider the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\n\r\nWe're just waiting for House Democrats to stop threatening to oppose the agreement and to show a willingness to put it to an up or down vote.\r\n\r\nThe administration has made addressing Democrats' concerns a priority throughout the negotiation process, and it seems to me that if you are a Democrat who is unhappy with the status quo, voting for USMCA is the best way to fix it.\r\n\r\nI'm encouraged by the fact that Democrats appear to be working with the administration to reach a resolution on this agreement.\r\n\r\nAnd I hope they will continue to work with the White House to bring this agreement to a vote in the House of Representatives as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nAmerica's farmers and ranchers need the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.\r\n\r\nWhile it won't be a cure-all for the problems facing farm country, it will be a significant step forward.\r\n\r\nCongress should pass this agreement as soon as possible and allow farmers, ranchers, and the rest of the American economy to start realizing the benefits.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-s-office-accepting-spring-internship-applications", "Johnsons Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications", "2019-09-17", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that his office is seeking internship applicants for Spring 2020 in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.\nDuties will include researching legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and providing support to the staff and the Congressman. Interns will work closely with constituents and staff while developing their research, writing, and communications skills. Most importantly, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the South Dakota At-Large Congressional office.\nWorking in the House of Representatives gives you a first-hand look at how the federal government operates on a day to day basis, said Johnson. Interns won't be making coffee runs, they are a major part of our team and we always strive to provide them with meaningful work and experiences, whether that is in Washington or in the state.\nInterested applicantsshould complete the online internship application and submit a resumeno later than November 1, 2019.More information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online. Resumes should be submitted atdustyjohnson.house.gov/services/internships. \n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=EA7A1B87-7B41-438B-B329-A542FE15BF37", "Listening is One of the Best Ways to Stay Informed", "2019-09-13", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Shortly before the Senate adjourned for its annual August state work period, I went to the Senate floor to lay out my agenda for what I wanted to accomplish while I was home. At the top of my list was meeting with as many South Dakotans as possible, which has always been the best part of my job. I was also looking forward to fair season  a great time to connect with people and taste some of the most iconic fair food our state has to offer: ice cream, pork sandwiches, milkshakes, cheese curds, Brown County's famous Tubby Burger, and more. \r\nAfter several weeks crisscrossing the state and putting on more miles (and calories) than I can count, I wanted to report on my progress and let you know how much I appreciate your feedback and advice. One of the most endearing qualities of South Dakotans is their honesty, particularly about my work in Washington, and that honesty is what keeps me grounded and focused on what matters.\r\nDuring the several weeks I was home, I attended the South Dakota State Fair, the Sioux Empire Fair, the Turner County Fair, and the Brown County Fair, and yes, I'm still dreaming of the Tubby Burger I inhaled for lunch  a burger standard by which all other burgers should be judged. I held town hall meetings in Philip, Wall, Lemmon, and Bison, and I toured local businesses in communities in nearly every corner of the state. \r\nI received a lot of feedback along the way, but one of the most consistent concerns I heard from folks was about the agriculture economy and how tough of a year it's been for most producers in South Dakota. You don't need to talk to many people to realize how real of a concern this issue is for folks.\r\nI'll take a back seat to no one when it comes to my support for our farmers and ranchers, so I've used every opportunity possible to relay what I'm hearing from the South Dakota agriculture community directly to the president. I met with the president twice during the first week of the fall work period in Washington, and during both meetings, I had the opportunity put a plug in for farm country. Believe me, there's zero ambiguity when it comes to my position on these issues when I'm face to face with the president. \r\nThere have been bright spots along the way, including the approval of year-round E15 sales and news that the administration has reached a deal to increase U.S. beef sales to Europe, but as positive as those developments might be, farm country is still hurting. In my opinion, the most effective way to provide certainty and additional security for these folks would be for Congress to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and I strongly urge Democrats in the House of Representatives to indicate they'd be willing to consider it, because I can tell you that the Senate stands ready to act.\r\nIf there was one theme or takeaway from my time in South Dakota during the August break, it would have to be the constant reminder that I'm tremendously lucky to be able to represent this state in the U.S. Senate. It never ceases to amaze me what South Dakotans are capable of, which is why I'm not only energized by the time I spent at home, but I'm looking forward to continuing to fight for South Dakota's priorities in Washington this fall.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/farmers-want-usmca", "Farmers Want USMCA", "2019-09-13", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Rep. Dusty Johnson\nThe six-week August break did folks some good  my colleagues on the right, and many on the left, are ready to get to work on passing the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). It's amazing the spark that ignites when legislators spend six weeks hearing from their bosses back home. Democrats and Republicans are finding common ground on this issue  that's a win for America.\nI spent the majority of my first week back in Washington meeting with ag groups to talk trade. On Thursday, farmers from across the country gathered near the Capitol's reflecting pool to rally for the passage of this 21st century trade agreement. Farmers for Free Trade, a group led by former Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln, traveled by bus across the country to bring the message of USMCA to local agriculture communities. The last stop on the tour was the steps of our nation's Capitol.\nDuring our rally, former USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and President Zippy Duvall from the American Farm Bureau addressed a crowd of over one-hundred ag community leaders and legislators. Zippy urged both myself and my colleagues to finish the drill. I agree with Zippy  we are in the fourth quarter at the end zone, it's not time to fumble.\nIt's no secret in Washington that for months now, Speaker Pelosi has held up a vote on USMCA. However, during our USMCA rally with producers, Democrat Representative Cuellar from Texas assured the crowd that USMCA was going to get done this year and Pelosi would put the bill on the floor. Producers received further assurance from Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson that USMCA would happen and needs to wrap up quickly so we can continue to leverage with China.\nNot only will this agreement bring certainty to our nation's closest trading partners  Canada and Mexico  but it will provide farmers with the relief needed following unprecedented weather challenges and trade obstacles. Farmers don't want aid, they want trade  exports would increase by $2.2 billion under USMCA.\nIf we have the opportunity to open up new markets, we should take it. We are in our fifth year of a declining farm economy and commodity prices continue to go up and down.USMCA opens the Canadian market up for the first time to American dairy, wheat, poultry, and turkey products, further expanding exporting opportunity for America's farmers and ranchers. There is no reason to delay the additional trade certainty USMCA would provide.\nPresident Trump and his administration did their job. They negotiated an agreement that protects American jobs and drives growth. I've said it before, and I will say it again and again until Speaker Pelosi brings the bill to the floor. Madam Speaker, we need to pass the USMCA now.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AF9ADA0C-7385-453E-B6F4-A86FAB5B829B", "Thune Statement on EPAs Commitment to Rolling Back WOTUS", "2019-09-12", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule to formally roll back the Obama administration's overly burdensome Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule, which, if enacted, would have amounted to one of the largest federal land grabs in U.S. history. Thune has long advocated for overturning the rule and hasco-sponsored legislationthat would have achieved that goal.\r\nWOTUS was one of the most ill-conceived ideas to have ever emerged from a federal government agency  the kind of idea that gives the federal bureaucracy a bad name,Thune said. Opening up nearly every body of water, no matter how large or small they might be, to federal jurisdiction would be a nightmare for property owners and producers in South Dakota and around the country. While WOTUS was tangled in legal battles during the final years of the Obama administration, the uncertainty still hung over the heads of farmers and ranchers, which is why I'm glad this administration followed through on its commitment to unravel this rule once and for all.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C8A07946-BD44-4940-8697-DE2A3B8B29E8", "Thune: I Will Continue to Fight for South Dakotas Priorities in Washington", "2019-09-12", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "I'm energized by the time I spent with South Dakotans during the August break, and I'm looking forward to continuing to fight for South Dakota's priorities here in Washington this fall.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\nClickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\n\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed his work during the August state work period, which he spent traveling throughout South Dakota, meeting with constituents, visiting fairs, and he even held a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation fieldhearingon rural broadband in Sioux Falls.\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, it was a good August.\r\n\r\nWhile I head back to South Dakota almost every weekend, August gives me the chance to spend multiple uninterrupted weeks back home, visiting with South Dakotans and traveling to the far corners of the state.\r\n\r\nAugust is also fair season in South Dakota.\r\n\r\nAnd there is nothing better than a South Dakota fair.\r\n\r\nThis year I got to attend the South Dakota State Fair, the Brown County Fair, the Sioux Empire Fair, and the Turner County Fair.\r\n\r\nAnd as usual, I had a great time at all four.\r\n\r\nThe people are the best part of course.\r\n\r\nAlthough the fair food isn't far behind.\r\n\r\nI'm still dreaming of the Tubby Burger I had at the Brown County Fair.\r\n\r\nThey don't have burgers like that in D.C.\r\n\r\nAgriculture is the lifeblood of South Dakota, and as always, a lot of my conversations over August were centered around agriculture.\r\n\r\nFarmers and ranchers have had a very rough few years, and addressing the needs of our agriculture community is one of my top priorities in Congress.\r\n\r\nOne big concern for our producers is ethanol and biodiesel.\r\n\r\nWhile we received some good news this year with the approval of year-round E15 sales, the ethanol industry is still facing significant challenges owing to the excess of small refinery waivers that have been issued.\r\n\r\nPerhaps the biggest concern for our farmers right now is trade.\r\n\r\nMultiple protracted trade disputes have exacerbated an already struggling ag economy and have left farmers and ranchers unsure how markets are going to look going forward.\r\n\r\nWhile ranchers received some good news in August with the announcement that the administration has reached a deal to increase U.S. beef sales to Europe, that's just a tiny fraction of what we need to do trade-wise.\r\n\r\nEach time I speak with the president and his administration, I tell them what South Dakota farmers have told me: We need to conclude negotiations on the various trade deals we're working on as soon as possible to open new markets and expand existing ones  and to give agriculture producers certainty about what the playing field is going to look like going forward.\r\n\r\nOne of my priorities right now is pushing for passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.\r\n\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will preserve farmers' access to two of our nation's most significant agricultural export markets  Canada and Mexico  and substantially expand market access for U.S. dairy products in Canada.\r\n\r\nNegotiations on this agreement have already been concluded.\r\n\r\nWe need Democrats in the House to indicate their willingness to take it up and pass it.\r\n\r\nMr. President, August is always a great time to share with South Dakotans what I'm working on in Washington and get their feedback, which is why I'm glad I had the opportunity to host four town hall meetings, tour numerous local businesses, and visit nearly every corner of the state.\r\n\r\nAs South Dakotans know, I'm a long-time member of the Senate Commerce Committee.\r\n\r\nI served as chairman of the committee in the last Congress, and I currently chair the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.\r\n\r\nThis has given me the chance to address a number of issues facing Americans, from the frustration of illegal robocalls to the data privacy concerns we all face in the internet age.\r\n\r\nIt's also given me the chance to focus on digital issues that affect rural states like South Dakota  particularly the lack of high-speed internet access in rural areas.\r\n\r\nTo residents of large cities, being without access to high-speed internet is unthinkable.\r\n\r\nBut for families in rural areas, which lack the telecommunications infrastructure of cities and suburbs, even basic internet access can sometimes be a struggle.\r\n\r\nBroadband access is frequently just a dream.\r\n\r\nAnd that has real consequences for these Americans.\r\n\r\nIt's not just a matter of being able to stream Netflix without interruption.\r\n\r\nIn our digital economy, a lack of reliable, high-speed internet access means losing out on opportunities to grow your business.\r\n\r\nIt means fewer educational opportunities.\r\n\r\nIt means fewer health care resources, in areas that already lack easy access to specialty care services.\r\n\r\nTelehealth promises to reduce some of the geographic barriers to care for individuals in rural areas, but it depends largely on high-speed internet access.\r\n\r\nThen there's the rapidly developing field of precision agriculture.\r\n\r\nPrecision agriculture, which uses tools like robotics and remote monitoring to help farmers manage their fields, promises to help farmers substantially increase their yields while reducing their costs.\r\n\r\nBut once again, it depends on reliable access to high-speed internet.\r\n\r\nThat's why I've made this issue such a priority.\r\n\r\nNationwide, the digital divide is shrinking, as more and more Americans gain access to broadband.\r\n\r\nAnd in South Dakota, we're ahead of the curve, thanks to people like Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who has worked aggressively to remove barriers to telecommunications investment in Sioux Falls.\r\n\r\nAnd I was very encouraged by the Federal Communications Commission's recent announcement that it will invest $705 million over the next decade to bring broadband to rural areas in South Dakota that currently go without.\r\n\r\nBut there's more work to be done.\r\n\r\nAnd I'm committed to pushing this issue until reliable broadband access is standard for rural America.\r\n\r\nDuring the last week of the August break, I brought the Commerce Committee to Sioux Falls, to conduct a field hearing on rural broadband.\r\n\r\nWe brought an FCC commissioner with us so that he could hear directly from South Dakotans who are on the front lines of rural broadband expansion and leading the innovations that come along with it.\r\n\r\nIt was a great hearing, and I'm very encouraged by the progress we're making on this issue.\r\n\r\nAnd I look forward to doing more work on this issue in the coming months.\r\n\r\nI'm energized by the time I spent with South Dakotans during the August break, and I'm looking forward to continuing to fight for South Dakota's priorities here in Washington this fall.\r\n\r\nMr. President, before I close, I want to take a minute to recognize one of the people who has been instrumental in helping me serve South Dakotans throughout my time in the Senate.\r\n\r\nThis week, my whip office chief of staff, Brendon Plack, is leaving my office after 14 years.\r\n\r\nHe's been with me during my entire time here in the Senate  from my very first month on the job  and it's difficult to imagine the office without him.\r\n\r\nHe started out at the bottom, as the guy who had to drive me to evening events so that I could squeeze in a little more work or a few more phone calls to South Dakota on the way.\r\n\r\nBut he was always cheerful about it  and even better, he drove well and he never ran out of gas.\r\n\r\n(That may not sound like a big deal, but having been subsequently stranded on the way to an event after running out of gas, I appreciate Brendon's preparedness.)\r\n\r\nBrendon soon moved up to legislative correspondent, and then legislative assistant.\r\n\r\nAnd then up from there.\r\n\r\nPolicy director. Legislative director. Staff director. Chief of staff.\r\n\r\nHe has been an indispensable part of my team.\r\n\r\nNo job has ever been too big for Brendon; no task too hard.\r\n\r\nIt doesn't matter how long the hours get  he's always willing to put in the work that needs to be done.\r\n\r\nAnd he stays cheerful through it all, lifting everyone else up with him.\r\n\r\nHe's a natural leader, who is not only exceptionally talented himself but is great at spotting talent in others.\r\n\r\nHe helped me put together an outstanding team for the whip office, and he has helped me maintain an outstanding team in my personal office.\r\n\r\nIn politics, you meet people who are great at the nuts and bolts of policy and know every detail of an issue.\r\n\r\nAnd you meet people who aren't as focused on the details but who have an ability to see the big picture and how what we're doing fits our larger goals.\r\n\r\nYou don't always meet people who can do both.\r\n\r\nBut Brendon has always been able to get into the nuts and bolts of a policy and at the same time see the bigger picture.\r\n\r\nOne of the things I've appreciated most about Brendon is the fact that no matter what we're doing, South Dakota is at the forefront of his mind.\r\n\r\nAs a native of Madison, South Dakota, and the son of a farmer, Brendon has a keen insight into South Dakotans' priorities.\r\n\r\nAnd whether it's tax reform or energy legislation or agriculture, Brendon is always thinking about how we can serve South Dakota on the national stage.\r\n\r\nAnd he's played a key role in so many of the things I've been able to get done for South Dakota here in Washington.\r\n\r\nNow, I've described a pretty outstanding individual here.\r\n\r\nBut Brendon is not without his flaws.\r\n\r\nHe is a long-time Vikings fan.\r\n\r\nOver the past 14 years, I've tried hard to convince him that he should be rooting for the Packers, but so far I haven't gotten anywhere.\r\n\r\nFortunately, our shared appreciation for the tuba has helped us get over our major disagreements on football.\r\n\r\nBoth Brendon and I are tuba players from way back  although I think Brendon is a little more accomplished than I am.\r\n\r\nI never made it beyond the high school marching band, but Brendon went to Augustana University in South Dakota on a music scholarship and played in the concert band.\r\n\r\nI just learned he actually lost his tuba scholarship to dedicate time to my campaign.\r\n\r\nMr. President, as I said earlier, it's hard to think of my office without Brendon.\r\n\r\nHe will be deeply missed.\r\n\r\nBut I look forward to watching him excel in all his future endeavors.\r\n\r\nAnd I know he may enjoy having a little more time to spend with his wife Lindsay and his little ones Timmy and Katie Lou.\r\n\r\nDays on the Hill can be very long.\r\n\r\nMr. President, if you ask Brendon how he got into politics, he'll tell you about the meeting he attended in college where I was the guest speaker.\r\n\r\nThat meeting, Brendon says, got him interested in politics for the first time.\r\n\r\nShortly after, he applied to work on my first Senate campaign, and the rest, as they say, is history.\r\n\r\nTo hear Brendon tell it, attending that meeting was a lucky day for him.\r\n\r\nBut I know that it was an even luckier day for me, and for the people of South Dakota.\r\n\r\nMr. President, I yield the floor.\r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3162FC2-C335-47B6-A486-58EB001581CD", "Thune Commemorates the 18th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks", "2019-09-11", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senate Majority Whip Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today commemorated the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. Thune also discussed the severe weather that caused significant structural damage throughout Sioux Falls, South Dakota, last night.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, before I begin, I need to mention the tornado that tore through my hometown of Sioux Falls last night.\r\nThankfully there appear to have been no fatalities, but there was a lot of structural damage.\r\nI'm grateful to all the emergency responders, electric crews, and all those who worked through the night to keep residents safe.\r\nMy thoughts are with Sioux Falls today and all those who are dealing with the tornado's aftermath.\r\nI had the opportunity this morning to speak with Mayor Paul TenHaken of Sioux Falls, who was, as you can expect, up throughout the night with his team and just expressed our support to him, to his team, to our community, as they begin the process of clean-up and recovery from what was a very, very damaging storm.\r\nI also talked with my wife and older daughter, who lives in Sioux Falls, both of whom were in their basements last night, as most, I think, residents were. But glad to hear that people took the necessary steps to keep themselves and their families safe. And, as I reported, so far, knock on wood, we're not aware of any injuries associated with that.\r\nBut I will continue to monitor the situation, and my staff and I are available to help with whatever is needed, as a result of this storm.\r\n\"Mr. President, it's difficult to believe that it's been 18 years since the September 11 attacks.\r\nThat bright September morning is seared in our minds as if it were yesterday.\r\nThe shock.The horror. The sense of unreality.\r\nAnd in the days that followed, the grief and loss.\r\nBut also the resolve.And the unity of purpose.\r\n\"And as always where there is great evil, good rose up in response.\r\n\"The courageous passengers on Flight 93, who laid down their lives to protect their fellow Americans.\r\nVietnam veteran and Morgan Stanley security chief Rick Rescorla who successfully evacuated more than 2,000 of his firm's employees from the World Trade Center and died returning to help evacuate others.\r\nJason Thomas and Dave Karnes, two former Marines who dropped everything and sped to the towers, saving the lives of the two Port Authority officers they found trapped in the rubble.\r\nNational Guard pilots Heather Penney and Marc Sasseville, who scrambled their F-16s weaponless to meet the threat heading toward D.C., prepared to sacrifice their lives by ramming their aircraft into Flight 93 before it could hit the Capitol or the White House.\r\nThe hundreds of first responders who ran toward the Towers, toward the inferno, and headed up the steps while civilians ran down.\r\nAnd then there were the countless ordinary Americans far away from New York and Washington, who flooded blood banks and overwhelmed organizations like the Red Cross with their donations.\r\nWho stormed heaven with prayers for the missing and the injured and the suffering.\r\nWho proudly flew their flags and reached out to their neighbors.\r\nAnd in the weeks and months and years to come, there was the 9/11 generation of soldiers  those who signed up in the wake of September 11 to fight back against the terrorists, and those who were already serving.\r\nThey deployed around the globe to fight terror and defend freedom.\r\nAnd thousands of them laid down their lives.\r\n18 years on, we remember the horror of that September day.\r\nBut we are also lifted up by the memory of the heroes who came out of it.\r\nFor those of us who serve in Congress, the anniversary of September 11 is also a reminder of our obligation to provide for our nation's defense and ensure we are prepared to meet and defeat any threat.\r\nI'm proud that here in the Senate members of both parties have worked together over the past couple of years to rebuild our nation's military after years of underfunding and the strains of the war on terror.\r\nSeptember 11 is also a reminder of our obligation to care for those who stand between us and danger  our soldiers, our veterans, our first responders, our law enforcement officers.\r\nThey take on a heavy burden so that the rest of us can live in peace and safety.\r\nWe owe them a debt we can never repay.\r\nThis year Congress overwhelmingly passed legislation making the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund permanent, to ensure that first responders whose health has suffered in the wake of their work at Ground Zero, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, will have the resources they need.\r\nMr. President, while we're on the subject of veterans, like all my colleagues I am saddened that Senator Johnny Isakson is retiring at the end of this year.\r\nWe were members of the same Senate freshman class in 2004.\r\nHe's been a tireless advocate for veterans during his time here, and he will be deeply missed.\r\nBut his hard work as the head of the Veterans' Affairs Committee here in the Senate will continue to bear fruit.\r\nAnd we will continue to work to implement the VA reforms he shepherded to ensure our veterans receive the care they have earned.\r\nMr. President, I was here in D.C. on September 11, and evacuated the Capitol complex.\r\nAnd one of the things I remember very clearly from that day is the Capitol Police officers who directed us out of the buildings.\r\nWe were running from danger  they weren't.\r\nThey weren't going anywhere until they were sure every last man and woman had made their way out.\r\nAgainst that spirit of courage and self-sacrifice, evil will never ultimately triumph.\r\nMay God bless all those who stand between us and danger.\r\nMay He bless the victims of September 11 and their families.\r\nAnd may He continue to bless the United States of America.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-bill-expand-childcare-options-parents-college", "Johnson Introduces Bill to Expand Childcare Options for Parents in College", "2019-09-10", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Empower Parents in College Act (H.R. 4253), which would provide more flexibility for universities to partner with local child care providers to offer child care services to their student-parent population.\nThe Empower Parents in College Act would allow colleges and technical institutes that serve low-income students to apply for existing grant funds from the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). SIP helps postsecondary schools expand their ability to serve low-socioeconomic students by providing funds for programs critical to college completion.\nIf Congress can add flexibility for college student-parents at no extra cost to the program, it should be a no-brainer, said Johnson. More than 24% of college students nationwide are parents, and an even higher percentage of those parents are single mothers. The Empower Parents In College Act would provide resources for parents pursuing higher education outside of the traditional 9-5 schedule.\nCurrently, colleges and technical schools utilize SIP, however, this program is limited, and the Department of Education's Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program is limited to campus-based child care. The Empower Parents in College Act would broaden the flexibility of SIP at no extra cost to the program.\nThe Empower Parents in College Act is an important step in expanding solutions for student parents by enabling that access to safe and reliable childcare is not a barrier to completion, and we applaud Congressman Johnson's leadership on this issue. Today's students deserve updated federal policy to access and succeed in postsecondary education, and enactment of the Empower Parents in College Act would provide much needed support to today's student parents. Julie Peller, Executive Director, Higher Learning Advocates\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=68B3090E-705E-4A98-BDA8-F6A176C61B2B", "Taking the Senate Commerce Committee on the Road", "2019-09-09", "2019", "2019-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The only thing better than hosting a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the importance of rural broadband is hosting one right here in South Dakota. Rural Americans, like many people throughout our state, understand the unique opportunities that broadband connectivity can provide, which is why I took the committee on the road for a field trip of sorts before Congress reconvenes this fall, hosting a hearing at Southeast Technical Institute on Transforming Rural America: A New Era of Innovation.\r\nHaving a variety of perspectives on this issue is important, and I want to thank Brendan Carr, a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission, and Nebraska U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer for coming to South Dakota to join me and representatives from Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, Avera eCARE, SDN Communications, and VIKOR Teleconstruction. Their collective insight helped paint a clear picture of the hurdles we still need to overcome in order to bridge the digital divide in South Dakota and around the country.\r\nRural broadband connectivity is critical for many reasons, not the least of which, obviously, is that it helps connect people and communities to the world around them. The fact that it is 2019, and the technology exists to put a remotely operated vehicle on the surface of Mars, yet people in some parts of the United States can't even connect to the internet is astounding, and that's an understatement.\r\nIt's for that reason that I've made closing the digital divide in rural America one of my top priorities. Through much-need investments, modernized broadband mapping, and commitments from elected leaders and federal, state, and local agencies, accomplishing this goal is well within reach.\r\nA fully connected United States means businesses can tap into markets that have been unreachable, and it means new educational opportunities for students and teachers alike. Imagine being able to have the world at your fingertips and what that can do to better position our students for careers now and in the future.\r\nFor folks in the agriculture community, this technological advancement means having additional state-of-the-art tools at their disposal to increase crop yields, eliminate overlap in operations, and reduce inputs like seed, fertilizer, pesticides, water, and fuel. And for telehealth services, connectivity potentially means reduced costs and fewer barriers to care.\r\nAs I said during the hearing, all of these applications are the result of having a reliable broadband network, and as we look ahead to next-generation fixed broadband and wireless services, it is critical we have the workforce and proper infrastructure in place to bring communities further into the 21st century.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=D6ED0FF1-CA93-4565-8817-907E70D77CBB", "A Bipartisan Idea to Address Americas Mountain of Student Loan Debt", "2019-08-30", "2019", "2019-08", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Every summer, college graduates around the country don their caps and gowns in celebration of a job well done, with the hopes of using their degrees to propel them into a successful career.\r\nBut for many young Americans entering the workplace, that first job will also bring with it the first payment on tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt  debt that can take them decades to pay off.\r\nWhile college is certainly not the only path to a good job, the fact is more than half of all jobs paying over $35,000 require a bachelor's degree or higher  and that number is only expected to grow.\r\nAmericans are following the money. Today more than 44 million Americans have outstanding student loan debt, which has become the one of the biggest consumer debt categories. All told, student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion.\r\nAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez says it was easier for her to become a representative than pay off her\r\nFor South Dakotans, more than 109,000 borrowers hold $3.3 billion in total outstanding federal student loan debt, according to recent data from the Department of Education. That averages out to more than $30,000 per borrower. In Virginia, more than 1 million borrowers hold $38 billion in total outstanding debt. Across America, it's estimated that the average borrower has more than $37,000 in debt, while more than 2 million student loan borrowers owe $100,000 or more  and these figures continue to rise.\r\nAs a result of this growing student debt crisis, many borrowers struggle to pay for day-to-day necessities like rent, groceries or car payments. For others, their student debt stands in the way of buying a home, starting a business or pursuing a new career opportunity.\r\nWhile the federal government already provides some assistance to those who are eligible, much more can be done to help graduates responsibly pay down their student debt and help employers recruit and retain qualified candidates for good-paying jobs.\r\nThat is why we introduced the bipartisan Employer Participation in Repayment Act. Employers can already contribute up to $5,250 each year tax free to help cover the education expenses of students who are working while taking classes. Our legislation would expand this benefit to allow employers to provide the same tax-free contributions to their employees who are no longer in school and help them pay down their student loan debt.\r\nRight now, borrowers pay taxes on any contributions their employer makes toward their student loans. Our bill would help employees pay down their student debt more quickly and put more of their hard-earned money toward buying a home, starting a business, or saving for the future.\r\nThis is an obvious benefit for graduates, but it would also give employers a new tool and benefit option that would help them attract and retain top-level talent. This is a win-win scenario for graduates, for businesses, and for the American economy.\r\nWe know this bipartisan legislation isn't a silver bullet. More must be done to bring down the cost of higher education and expand opportunities for those Americans who choose not to go to college. But for the millions of Americans currently saddled with student debt, our bill would begin to ease that burden almost immediately.\r\nOur bill can pass Congress and get the president's signature this year. With more than one-third of both the House and the Senate signed on as cosponsors and a wide variety of endorsing stakeholder groups, our bill has earned the type of consensus support that's not easily found in Washington these days. Several major companies have already committed to introducing student loan repayment benefits if Congress steps up and makes this fix. Let's give employees the chance to take them up on the offer.\r\nBy working together in support of this bill, Democrats and Republicans can help give student borrowers some relief and put them on the pathway to success.\r\n**Note to editors: A version of this op-ed first appeared on TIME.com.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=70D9789B-9917-4E6E-B307-983083F21889", "Hope For a Better Future", "2019-08-23", "2019", "2019-08", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. John Thune \r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tBeing a parent to two beautiful daughters is the greatest gift in the entire world, although, as any parent can attest, it did come with its challenges. Sleepless nights, balancing siblings' needs and interactions, and helping them throughout school  you name it. Raising kids can be a tall task for any parent, but I'm forever grateful for these challenges and opportunities, and they remind me of the additional sacrifices adoptive parents make each and every day to raise their children  initial costs, medical bills, and helping children adapt to a new lifestyle, to name just a few. Parents who choose adoption give the gift of family to children, and I'm so thankful for the sacrifices these families make to better the life of these deserving kids.\r\nI've been a proud member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption throughout my time in Congress. Every year, I nominate a family for an Angels in Adoption award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of the men and women  moms and dads  across the country who have chosen to adopt or foster children who are in need and who inspire others to do so, too.\r\nThis year, I nominated Mike and Kim Adams and their family from Sioux Falls. Mike and Kim have a heart for children, with five biological children and four adopted children. As they learned about the plight of kids in need, both here in our country and also around the world, their hearts were broken, and they wanted to do something about it. While Kim was pregnant with their youngest biological son, Josiah, she was making plans to adopt and was patiently waiting for the time to be right. At the same time, Mike was looking for ways to help address extreme poverty around the world. Through separate events and a lot of prayer, both of their hearts were drawn to Ethiopia.\r\nIn 2008, they brought their first adoptive child home  Eva. Seeing the poorest of the poor transformed them, and they sought to help children and communities stuck in poverty, as well as the children who were orphaned and had nowhere to turn.They also started using proceeds from their company, Adams Thermal, to not only fight poverty in South Dakota, but also on the other corner of the world in Ethiopia.\r\nIn 2009, they brought home another daughter, Selena, and three years later, Amanuel, both from Ethiopia. In 2014, they adopted Shakira from Uganda.A year before they completed their family with Shakira, they established the Adams Thermal Foundation whose mission is to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable by confronting all forms of human poverty in our community, nation, and our world. The foundation now runs two schools in Ethiopia that serve 1,200 students. They also work with their community in Sioux Falls on various development projects  all of which they credit the generous help of families in South Dakota that give and serve sacrificially for these children and communities.\r\nMike said this on adoption, So many children are in need of a loving home so it is critical to get the word out.There are so many loving and capable families  they just need to understand the need, and they will step forward and provide a loving home for these kids.Parents like Kim and Mike Adams are an inspiration to their community, and I appreciate everything that they, and all other adoptive families throughout our state, do to give children hope for a better future.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=7EF040CC-85FA-41F1-9516-825BD0C86C3F", "Rural America Cannot Be Overlooked", "2019-08-16", "2019", "2019-08", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that it was authorizing nearly $5 million to invest in expanding rural broadband access across South Dakota. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, who visited South Dakota with me in 2017, said that he was excited to see the benefits for rural residents who live all across the country. He went on to say, In South Dakota, this round of funding takes another step toward closing the digital divide, providing access to digital opportunity to nearly 900 more unserved rural homes and businesses.\r\nThis might come as a surprise to folks who don't live in the heartland, but believe or not, there are still many places in America that don't have basic cell phone service, let alone high-speed rural broadband. This technology obviously exists, though, which is why I so strongly share Chairman Pai's commitment to closing the digital divide in rural America, particularly in parts of South Dakota that have been underserved or unserved all together over the years.\r\nThis effort means so much more than ensuring customers can stream their favorite Netflix show a little bit faster. For many families and businesses, having access to reliable broadband services means connecting to the world in ways they haven't been able to do before. It means tapping into markets that have been unreachable or accessing information that has been beyond their fingertips for far too long. Long story short, it means bringing these communities further into the 21stcentury.\r\nI became chairman of the Senate's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet earlier this year, and the very first hearing I convened was on the state of rural broadband in America. I wanted the subcommittee and the rest of my Senate colleagues to hear directly from South Dakota companies that are helping lead the way in expanding access to rural broadband, so I invited representatives from Golden West Telecommunications and Midcontinent Communications, which will be responsible for most of the infrastructure work related to this latest round of FCC funding, to participate. Their insight was invaluable, and the work they're doing in this space should be applauded. \r\nAccording to the FCC's recent broadband deployment reports, the number of Americans lacking access to a fixed broadband connection has continued to decline, but this issue will continue to be a priority for me until we've closed that gap entirely for everyone who wants access to broadband. As folks in South Dakota know, rural America has a lot to offer, and with the potential for new and more efficient broadband infrastructure, there will be even more meaningful opportunities for advancements in health care, agriculture, education, economic development, and more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=C064E39B-96D6-4D43-95CC-EDB922E39C83", "Its Always Ag Appreciation Day in South Dakota", "2019-08-09", "2019", "2019-08", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Sioux Empire Fair's Ag Appreciation Day is one of many annual events throughout South Dakota that I try to attend each year. It's a great event for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the hardworking farmers and ranchers who I'm able to see and personally thank for everything they do to help support our state's number one industry.\r\nThis year's event was a successful one, as always, where the food and company was far better than my rendition of You Are My Sunshine  another annual tradition. A big thanks to Mogen's Heroes for their musical accompaniment, but let's just say, I won't be selling out stadiums any time soon.\r\nI've spent a lot of time this year listening to South Dakota's agriculture community. Things have been tough, which is an understatement, I know. Mother Nature has thrown one thing after another at farmers and ranchers, and it would be hard enough if it were only the weather that had contributed to this year's difficulties, but it's not. Producers have been left in the wake of multiple protracted trade disputes that have only compounded the anxiety in farm country during this growing season.\r\nMy message to the president and his administration throughout these ongoing trade disputes has been the same message that you've relayed to me: We need to successfully conclude these negotiations as soon as possible in order to expand existing markets and open new markets around the world. I believe it's the best way to create additional opportunities for producers and help ensure they are profitable in 2019 and beyond.\r\nWhile we've seen some recent successes in Japan and the European Union, China remains one of most challenging hurdles to overcome. They're always playing the long game, and they're willing to endure economic pain that could only be tolerated by a state-run economy, which they're using as a weapon in this trade dispute.\r\nLet me be clear: While I strongly support the president's goal in this fight, I can't emphasize enough how important it is that it come to a successful conclusion as soon as possible, because it's continuing to take a toll on the agriculture community, and they're feeling it.\r\nFarmers and ranchers will be the first to tell you that they would much rather receive a check from a satisfied customer than from Uncle Sam. I truly believe most folks who aren't in the agriculture industry understand that, too, but I also believe they recognize there are times, like the ones we're facing today, where the agriculture community needs help in the form of a hand up, not a handout. \r\nThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is currently in the process of accepting applications for its second round of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments, which are intended to help producers who have been affected by the current sluggish agriculture economy, trade uncertainty, and difficult growing season offset some of their losses. MFP sign-ups began in late July and will be open until December 6, 2019, and payments are expected to begin by the end of August.\r\nI've fought hard to help ease some of the requirements for folks to qualify for MFP payments, and while several of these efforts have been successful, I will continue to do everything I can to help mitigate the pain. None of these short-term programs will be able to fully replace what these folks have already lost, and they are merely a Band-Aid amid this ongoing trauma, but South Dakotans will always have their back, and for one big reason: the agriculture community has always had theirs.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B33EF80F-D63B-44C3-92E9-1D3231C9828C", "Summer Road Trip", "2019-08-02", "2019", "2019-08", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Great faces. Great places.If you live in South Dakota or have traveled to the state, you've seen it on license plates and billboards, and some of you might have even had the catchy South Dakota Department of Tourism jingle (Great faaaces. Great plaaaces. South Dakota!) stuck in your head at one point or another, too. If not, maybe you do now \r\nIt's a great slogan for a state that's home to the faces of Mount Rushmore and some of the best scenery in the United States, but it means more than just the obvious. South Dakotans  the faces that visitors encounter in communities large and small across the state  are some of the friendliest people in the world, and they play an integral role in showing off so many of the state's must-see tourist destinations like the Corn Palace in Mitchell, the Missouri River, the Badlands, Wall Drug, the Black Hills, the Crazy Horse Memorial, or Mount Rushmore, just to name a few. In my completely unbiased opinion, they all make South Dakota the best place to take your family on vacation or for a road trip.\r\nI know how great South Dakota is  and so do you  but I thought it was important to share everything our state has to offer with my colleagues and the rest of the American people directly from the Senate floor. While I can't say this with 100 percent certainty, I would venture to guess that my recent reference to Tubby Burgers on the Senate floor  I'm looking at you, Brown County  was the first in Senate history. Anyone who's had a Tubby Burger, though, knows they deserve the Senate's undivided attention.\r\nI commute to and from South Dakota nearly every week, but with the Senate having just begun its traditional August state work period, lawmakers like me get an extended stay back home, so bragging about South Dakota from the floor was a fitting end to this most recent Senate session. Having more time at home means more opportunities to travel to some corners of the state that are a little more difficult to get to between back-to-back weeks of voting in Washington.\r\nMany of those opportunities revolve around fair season, and that means two things. First, some of the state's best events are right around the corner: The Sioux Empire Fair.The Turner County Fair. The Brown County Fair. The Central States Fair. Yankton Riverboat Days. And pow wows in tribal communities around the state. It also means food. Lots and lots of food. Ice cream at the fair in Parker. Pork sandwiches with the pork producers. Milkshakes at Dakotafest. And cheese curds at the state fair. Now that I'm thinking of it, I pretty much just eat my way across South Dakota in August.\r\nSummer travel brings back a lot of memories for me. I distinctly remember traveling to the Black Hills with my family when I was a kid. We used to go out there for Labor Day, stay in this little non-air-conditioned cabin, and just glory in the outdoors. And as a parent myself, I have just as many memories traveling around the state with my girls, and now their kids, too.\r\nHow many miles is it from Wall Drug to Washington, D.C.? Way too many. So I'm looking forward to closing the gap this month and seeing all of the great faces and enjoying the great places that make South Dakota the best place to be, no matter the season.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0ADBE190-1E9C-42C1-8582-C6B9427AE2DA", "Thune: Theres Nothing Better Than A South Dakota Road Trip", "2019-07-31", "2019", "2019-07", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming congressional state work period, what he likes best about traveling around the state, including some of his favorite stops, and why South Dakota is the best place in the country to take a road trip.\r\n\r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, I love August.\r\n\r\nI head back home to South Dakota almost every weekend to meet with South Dakotans.\r\n\r\nBut August is wonderful for two reasons.\r\n\r\nFirst, August gives me time to visit the furthest corners of the state  places it might be hard to visit on just a weekend.\r\n\r\nPlaces like Bison, and Milbank, and Clear Lake, and Huron, and Mobridge.\r\n\r\nI get to talk to folks who make their living in production agriculture in some of the most rural parts of South Dakota.\r\n\r\nThere's nothing more valuable than getting to talk to these South Dakotans firsthand  to hear what challenges they're facing and what I can do here in Washington to help out.\r\n\r\nNot to mention how wonderful it is to spend time in these beautiful parts of the state.\r\n\r\nIf you haven't taken in the rugged beauty of the Badlands or the rivers and prairies of central South Dakota, you're missing out.\r\n\r\nThe other thing I love about heading back to South Dakota for August is that it's fair season.\r\n\r\nThe Sioux Empire Fair. The Turner County Fair. The Brown County Fair. Yankton Riverboat Days. And pow wows in tribal communities around the state.\r\n\r\nThe list goes on!\r\n\r\nYou'd be hard-pressed to find better events, better people  or better food.\r\n\r\nI often joke that in August I'm basically just eating my way across South Dakota.\r\n\r\nIce cream at the fair in Parker.\r\n\r\nPork sandwiches with the pork producers.\r\n\r\nMilkshakes at Dakotafest.\r\n\r\nCheese curds at the state fair.\r\n\r\nI could go on.\r\n\r\nI vividly remember the year I had a Tubby Burger, plus a big fries, plus a malt at the Brown County Fair.\r\n\r\nThen I got up early the next morning to run the 5K at Riverboat Days in Yankton.\r\n\r\nIt was not my best run time.\r\n\r\nBut it was worth it for that burger.\r\n\r\nThere's really nothing better than a South Dakota road trip.\r\n\r\nOur state has so much to offer.\r\n\r\nAn incredible range of scenery, from rolling prairies to the heights of Black Elk Peak.\r\n\r\nHundreds of miles of wide-open country.\r\n\r\nThere's nothing better than a summer afternoon driving down a South Dakota highway.\r\n\r\nYou feel like you can see forever.\r\n\r\nWe have an incredible number of outdoor opportunities  from fishing and hunting, to hiking, biking, rock climbing, water sports  You name it; we have it.\r\n\r\nSouth Dakota is an affordable place for families too  you're not going to break the bank on meals or lodging.\r\n\r\nAnd of course, we have unforgettable road trip stops, like the Corn Palace in Mitchell or Wall Drug.\r\n\r\nMake sure to grab a homemade doughnut or a free ice water at Wall Drug, and take a picture for Instagram with the giant jackalope outside.\r\n\r\nAnd as for South Dakotans  well, they're the nicest people you're ever going to meet.\r\n\r\nA South Dakota road trip is worth it for the people alone.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the wonderful memories I've made traveling across the state as an adult, I cherish my memories of trips to the Black Hills as a child with my parents and siblings.\r\n\r\nWe used to go out there for Labor Day, stay in this little non-air-conditioned cabin, and just glory in the outdoors.\r\n\r\nWe'd hike and visit the caves, or go to Mount Rushmore, or head to the lake.\r\n\r\nI loved  and still love  visiting Sylvan Lake.\r\n\r\nI loved being there with my parents and siblings, and I loved taking my daughters there on trips like the ones I took growing up.\r\n\r\nNobody who visits South Dakota should miss the Black Hills.\r\n\r\nI'm not sure there's a more beautiful place on earth.\r\n\r\nThe interplay of light and shadow on the trees and rocks late on a summer afternoon.\r\n\r\nThe endless South Dakota sky reflected in the clear blue of Sylvan Lake.\r\n\r\nPeople in Washington D.C. don't know what the Milky Way looks like on a clear night in the Black Hills  as if the sky had been carpeted with millions of diamonds.\r\n\r\nMr. President, I'm lucky to be a son of South Dakota.\r\n\r\nAnd I'm looking forward to getting out of D.C. this week and heading back to my home state for some of the best weeks of the year.\r\n\r\nAnd Brown County, if you're listening to this, please save me a Tubby Burger.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=179F0B3D-B1E8-4AC7-B06F-D59860C8C60A", "Thune: Im Here to Listen to South Dakotans Priorities", "2019-07-30", "2019", "2019-07", "Republican", "House", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Clickhereor on the picture above to watch Thune's speech.\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how he has worked to address South Dakotans' priorities in Congress so far this year.  \r\nThune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\r\n\r\nMr. President, I always find that the end of the July work period here in D.C. is a good time to take stock of the year so far.\r\nI'm looking forward to getting out of D.C. in the next few days and heading home to South Dakota.\r\nI'm lucky enough to get to meet with South Dakotans most weekends, but congressional recesses provide unbroken blocks of time to spend in the state and hear about South Dakotans' needs and priorities.\r\nIt's been a busy year here in D.C. so far.\r\nIn the last seven months, the Senate has worked to confirm nearly 50 well-qualified judges, provide funding to address the humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border, give our military the resources it needs to defend our country, and more.\r\nI'm proud that in May the Senate passed my bill to address illegal and abusive robocalls by an overwhelming bipartisan margin.\r\nMy legislation would increase the financial penalties for making illegal robocalls, and it would give law enforcement more tools to go after these scammers, who prey on vulnerable populations.\r\nThe TRACED Act, my bill to address illegal robocalls, is one of more than 80 pieces of legislation I've introduced or co-sponsored this year.\r\nMy robocall bill grew out of my work on the Commerce Committee, which I've served on for seven years now, including four years as chairman.\r\nServing on the Commerce Committee has given me an up-close look at the issue of consumer privacy.\r\nLast year, as chairman of the Commerce Committee, I convened hearings into consumer data privacy and the accessing of millions of Facebook users' personal data by the political intelligence firm Cambridge Analytica.\r\nI also led a hearing to discuss the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and California's new privacy-related law.\r\nAnd I've continued to focus on consumer privacy this year as chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet.\r\nI recently convened a hearing to look at the use of persuasive technology on internet platforms like Facebook and YouTube and how these technologies can be  and have been  abused.\r\nI believe that developing bipartisan consumer privacy legislation needs to be a priority, and it's an issue I will continue to focus on here in Congress.\r\nAnother thing I've focused on at the Commerce Committee is paving the way for 5G technology  the next phase of the wireless revolution  and ensuring that Americans in rural communities have access to the same broadband technology residents of more urban areas enjoy.\r\nLast year, the president signed my bipartisan MOBILE NOW Act, which I introduced to help secure adequate spectrum for 5G technology.\r\nAnd in June, I reintroduced my STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act to address the other part of the 5G equation  infrastructure.\r\nAmong other things, the STREAMLINE Act will make it more affordable to bring 5G to rural areas by addressing the costs of small cell deployment.\r\nMr. President, I am privileged to represent South Dakota's farmers and ranchers here in the U.S. Senate.\r\nAnd year after year, one of my major priorities is making sure that the needs of our nation's farmers and ranchers are addressed.\r\nOne of my priorities right now is pushing for passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement here in Congress.\r\nFarmers and ranchers have been through a tough few years, and one of the things they tell me they need the most is market access for their products around the globe.\r\nThe United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will preserve farmers' access to two of our nation's most significant agricultural export markets  Canada and Mexico  and substantially expand market access for U.S. dairy products in Canada.\r\nIt will also expand market access for U.S. poultry and egg producers.\r\nAnd it will make it easier for U.S. producers to export wheat to Canada.\r\nSenate Republicans are ready to pass this agreement as soon as the president formally submits it to Congress.\r\nWe're just waiting for Democrats in the House, who have still not indicated that they're ready to take up the agreement, despite the significant steps taken to address their priorities.\r\nI will continue to urge them to take up this agreement so that our nation's farmers and ranchers can experience the benefits.\r\nI will also continue to push for a swift conclusion to the other trade agreements the administration is negotiating.\r\nMr. President, being a member of Congress doesn't just allow you to push for legislation.\r\nIt also gives you an important platform to advocate on your constituents' behalf with the president and his administration.\r\nThis year, I was able to help persuade the Department of Agriculture to move the haying and grazing date to September 1 for this year for cover crops on prevent plant acres.\r\nThis will allow farmers and ranchers in northern states like South Dakota to sow cover crops without worrying that they won't be able to harvest or graze them before winter weather sets in.\r\nMr. President, I've been advocating for higher blends of ethanol for more than a decade  both here in Congress and with multiple presidential administrations.\r\nAnd I was very pleased that this year the Trump administration moved to lift the ban on the year-round sale of E15, 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel.\r\nThis is a big win for American consumers, our growing energy independence, and especially for U.S. corn producers, including those back home in South Dakota.\r\nCorn producers are thankful that the president delivered on his commitment to year-round sales of E15, but it's still a tough environment for agriculture.\r\nThat's why we need to update the EPA's emissions modeling to reflect ethanol's 40 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gases, which will boost its export potential.\r\nAnd most pressing, the administration needs to curb the issuance of small refinery waivers, which are in part forcing ethanol plants to slow down, idle, or shutter across America's heartland.\r\nThis is critical to seeing through the president's commitments to farmers.\r\nMr. President, throughout my time in the Senate, I've been proud to advocate for Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City, South Dakota.\r\nI've spent years working with the other members of the South Dakota delegation and Ellsworth and community leaders to build up Ellsworth.\r\nAmong other things, our efforts resulted in the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex into the largest training air space in the continental United States.\r\nAnd it's undoubtedly partly thanks to this air space that this May Ellsworth was chosen as the first home for the future B-21 bomber, hosting both training and operational squadrons.\r\nI'm very proud of Ellsworth for receiving these exciting new missions, and I look forward to more great developments for Ellsworth in the future.\r\nMr. President, I've worked on a lot of other bills this year to make life better for South Dakotans and the American people.\r\nI've introduced tax reform bills to help small businesses, update the tax code for the 21stcentury economy, encourage charitable giving, and permanently protect family farms from the death tax.\r\nI've introduced legislation to strengthen the agriculture economy.\r\nSupport the Second Amendment.\r\nHelp states like South Dakota with low unemployment rates address workforce shortages.\r\nAnd more.\r\nAnd there's a lot more to come.\r\nThis fall, I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue building on the economic progress we've made, tackle our nation's infrastructure needs, and lower health care costs, among other things.\r\nI'm proud to represent the people of South Dakota here in the United States Senate.\r\nAnd I will continue to do everything I can to address South Dakota's priorities and expand opportunities for South Dakotans and all Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 272, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "SD", "p2": "2019"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 272, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 272, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "SD", "label": "SD", "count": 272, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2019", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 272, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2019-07-30,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ethune~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D179F0B3D-B1E8-4AC7-B06F-D59860C8C60A", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2019&_next=2019-07-30%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Ethune~2Esenate~2Egov~2F~2Fpublic~2Findex~2Ecfm~2Fpress-releases~3FContentRecord_id~3D179F0B3D-B1E8-4AC7-B06F-D59860C8C60A&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 107.38061903975904, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}