{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"SD\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/the-christmas-spirit", "The Christmas Spirit", "2023-12-24", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!\n\nAs we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the promise of a loving God who offered to us His only son.\n\nOn Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the idea of the Christmas Spirit. Many may think of the Christmas Spirit as baking cookies or decorating the Christmas tree. While this is true, the Christmas Spirit also manifests in how we treat one another. The true Christmas Spirit reflects the teachings of Jesus: love one another, share our gratitude for all of the good things in our lives and give back to those less fortunate.\n\nShowing kindness is the Christmas Spirit. Counting our blessings is the Christmas Spirit. Giving back in our communities is the Christmas Spirit. Thanking others is the Christmas Spirit. Helping our neighbors \u2013 strangers, too \u2013 is the Christmas Spirit.\n\nOne of the blessings I\u2019m giving thanks for this Christmas is the service of our brave men and women in uniform overseas. Our service members and their families sacrifice time together on Christmas so the rest of us can celebrate with our families in peace. We owe them a debt we can never truly repay.\n\nI\u2019m looking forward to spending this evening the same as I do every Christmas Eve: hosting dinner at my home in Fort Pierre with around 100 of my family members, including my kids and grandkids. I hope that you are able to celebrate your traditions this Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones.\n\nWishing you and your families a blessed Christmas and a joyful holiday season. It is an honor to work for you in the United States Senate. Thank you for all you to do make South Dakota the greatest place in the world to call home.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-provisions-signed-law", "Johnson Provisions Signed into Law", "2023-12-22", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, two provisions led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) were signed into law. The provisions would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization and ban the use of LOGINK, a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-controlled shipping platform, at U.S. ports.\n\n\u201cSecuring these provisions will protect our imports and exports from the CCP\u2019s spying eyes and ensure our Native American veterans get long-overdue recognition they deserve,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAfter years of hard work and team effort, I\u2019m glad to see more success for South Dakota.\u201d\n\n\u201cSigning the NDAA into law is important for our country in so many ways and strengthens our military. This bill includes a provision the NAIV has been working on for many years: a provision to grant NAIV a federal charter. On behalf of all of our Native veterans, I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and all the supporters of this section that means so much to the Native men and women who have honorably served for more than 200 years,\u201d said Don Loudner, National Commander, National American Indian Veterans.\n\nLOGINK Background:\n\nLOGINK is used at more than 20 ports worldwide and stores unrivaled data and visibility into global shipping container flows. It\u2019s estimated the CCP and its state-controlled shipping platform have contact with at least half of the global shipping container flows. If LOGINK gained access to U.S. carriers and ports, the CCP would be at an extreme competitive advantage, allowing them to underbid foreign competitors and further increase dependency on Chinese markets.\n\nIn March, Johnson introduced legislation to ban LOGINK. Read the full amendment text here.\n\nNational American Indian Veterans Congressional Charter Background:\n\nCongress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for tribal veterans nationwide. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, as of today, no Native American veterans\u2019 organization has received one, yet Native Americans serve in our military at five times the national average.\n\nOriginally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. NAIV was formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing in 2004.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-mchenry-lead-77-colleagues-in-requesting-delay-for-unclear-reporting-requirements-for-small-businesses", "Rounds, McHenry Lead 77 Colleagues in Requesting Delay for Unclear Reporting Requirements for Small Businesses", "2023-12-20", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) partnered with Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) to lead 77 of their colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki asking the department to delay implementation of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements for small businesses.\n\nThe reporting requirements put into place by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) are set to begin January 1, 2024. The letter requests that FinCEN delay the January 1, 2024, effective date for requirements by a minimum of one year which will give FinCEN adequate time to finalize all outstanding rulemakings. The additional time will enable regulators to finish the necessary regulatory framework and give both FinCEN and the 33.2 million small business owners across the country additional time to prepare for this new reporting regime.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the millions of small businesses in our states, we write to you today with significant concerns regarding the implementation of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA),\u201d wrote the members. \u201cThe CTA requires most corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities created in or registered to do business in the United States to regularly report information about their beneficial owners\u2014the persons who ultimately own or control the company, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) beginning on January 1, 2024.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, FinCEN is woefully behind in educating small business owners and stakeholders of their new obligations under the CTA that begin in just a few short weeks,\u201d the members continued. \u201cIn fact, a National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey found that 90 percent of respondents were entirely unfamiliar with these reporting requirements. Even more concerning is that the CTA has civil and criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and two years of jail time for failure to comply.\u201d\n\nOther signers included Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nThe letter was also signed by Representatives Frank Lucas (R-Okla.), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), Bill Posey (R-Fla.), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Roger Williams (R-Texas), French Hill (R-Ark.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Alexander Mooney (R-W.Va.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Bryan Steil (R-Wisc.), William Timmons (R-S.C.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Dan Meuser (R-Pa.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Young Kim (R-Calif.), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Mike Flood (R-Neb.), Michael Lawler (R-N.Y.), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Randy Weber (R-Texas), Tracey Mann, R-Kan.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Jake La Turner (R-Kan.), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.), Brad Finstad (R-Minn.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Sam Graves (R-Mo.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.), Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Earl \u201cBuddy\u201d Carter (R-Ga.), Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) and Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.).\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Yellen and Director Gacki:\n\nOn behalf of the millions of small businesses in our states, we write to you today with significant concerns regarding the implementation of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). The CTA requires most corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities created in or registered to do business in the United States to regularly report information about their beneficial owners\u2014the persons who ultimately own or control the company, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) beginning on January 1, 2024.\n\nWhile the goal of this new law is to target shell companies involved in illicit financial transactions, the CTA defines covered entities as those having 20 or fewer employees and under $5 million in revenue. In other words, not just shell companies, but nearly every small business in America.\n\nEffective January 1st, small businesses will be required to provide the personal information of their beneficial owners \u2013 owners, board members, senior management, legal representation \u2013 and continue to monitor and report this information to FinCEN to ensure that it is current and up-to-date or they will face civil and criminal penalties. According to FinCEN estimates, more than 32 million separate reports are expected to be filed in 2024, with an additional five to six million filings each year thereafter.\n\nUnfortunately, FinCEN is woefully behind in educating small business owners and stakeholders of their new obligations under the CTA that begin in just a few short weeks. In fact, a National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey found that 90 percent of respondents were entirely unfamiliar with these reporting requirements. Even more concerning is that the CTA has civil and criminal penalties of up to $10,000 and two years of jail time for failure to comply.\n\nThis lack of awareness and education is alarming and must be addressed before the law is implemented. Dozens of organizations, representing millions of small businesses operating in every state and community across the country, have already publicly expressed their strong support for delaying implementation of the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements by one year.\n\nFurther, FinCEN has yet to finalize the two final BOI rulemakings that are critical to protecting small businesses\u2019 personal information. These include the \u201cAccess Rule,\u201d and the \u201cCustomer Due Diligence Rule\u201d. As you know, the Access Rule specifies the parameters around which the database can be accessed, the purposes for which the information can be used, and how the highly sensitive information will be protected. The Customer Due Diligence Rule is critical to make sure BOI would not result in a duplicative reporting regime for small businesses.\n\nTherefore, we strongly request that FinCEN delay the January 1, 2024, effective date for all BOI requirements by a minimum of one year which will give FinCEN adequate time to finalize all outstanding rulemakings. Additionally, we believe a year\u2019s delay will provide FinCEN and the business community with more time to educate small business owners of their new reporting obligations.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-2024-congressional-app-challenge-winner", "Johnson Announces 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winner", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Congressional App Challenge winner Casie Dale from Spearfish, South Dakota. Casie coded an app called \u201cSiren Shield.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs technology becomes more important in our society, so does technological literacy,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI am proud to see young folks like Casie involved in these fields, and I\u2019m impressed her app has a real-world impact.\u201d\n\nCasie created \u201cSiren Shield\u201d to wirelessly activate a Hail Protection System to protect gardens and windows. The app actively listens for the tone of the local weather siren, and once detected, a motor lowers a shield onto the garden and window to protect from hail.\n\nCasie says, \u201cI have lived in Spearfish, South Dakota for almost thirteen years and have had to contend with the hail season annually\u2026Past solutions have always gotten in the way of tending to our garden though\u2026The app/robot will detect and respond when the weather siren goes off to protect our garden and windows from hailstorms, and when it is not needed, it will retract out of the way.\u201d\n\nAnnually, students from each congressional district compete in the App Challenge. This year, Casie\u2019s app will be displayed in the Capitol, featured online, and she will have the chance to participate in #HouseofCode, a gathering of all the current year\u2019s winners.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2024-2025-school-year", "Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2024-2025 School Year", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation\u2019s service academies.\n\nRounds nominated Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre as his top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Maya Lee of Dell Rapids as his top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. In addition, Rounds nominated Nicholas Hanson, who received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an honor to nominate our nation\u2019s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We\u2019re proud of Ryan, Nicholas G., Maya and Nicholas H. for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.\u201d\n\nRyan Fiechtner of Aberdeen\u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nRyan Fiechtner is the son of Brad and Pam Fiechtner of Aberdeen, South Dakota. A senior at Aberdeen Central High School, Ryan is a member of the marching band and symphonic band. Ryan volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 3.87 GPA.\n\n\"I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy,\u201d said Fiechtner. \u201cIt has been my dream to serve since my freshman year of high school. I'd like to thank my teachers, friends and family for their overwhelming support along the way. This opportunity has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the United States armed forces where I seek to become a representative for myself, my family and my country.\"\n\nNicholas Gray of Fort Pierre \u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nNicholas is the son of Bob and Cara Gray of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. A senior at O\u2019Gorman High School, Nicholas plays hockey for the Sioux Falls Flyers, coaches younger skaters and teaches at hockey camps and clinics. Nicholas is involved in his church youth group and volunteers with Feeding South Dakota. Nicholas holds a 3.82 GPA.\n\n\u201cIt's an honor to be nominated to a service academy,\u201d said Gray. \u201cI am extremely thankful for the people who have supported me over the years and will continue to support me - including my family, friends, teachers, and coaches. West Point will help me achieve new heights as a leader and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country.\u201d\n\nMaya Lee of Dell Rapids \u2013 Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)\n\nMaya Lee is the daughter of Christy and Gregory Lee of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Maya is a 2023 graduate of Dell Rapids High School and is currently attending the Georgia Military College under the Falcon Foundation Scholarship. While in high school, Maya was active in boxing, jiu jitsu, cross country and National Honor Society, graduating with a 3.95 GPA.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m extremely grateful to receive Senator Rounds\u2019 principal nomination for USAFA,\u201d said Lee. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting to have a chance to serve alongside the brave men and women in the United States Air Force. I want to thank Senator Rounds and his team for helping me on this journey and my parents, teachers, friends, and boxing coach, as they continue to inspire me every day.\u201d\n\nIn addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to nine competitive candidates per academy for consideration by that academy. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments.\n\nNicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes \u2013 Competitive Nominee with Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nNicholas is the son of Joe and Jesica Hanson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. A senior at Dakota Valley High School, Nicholas is active in student government and currently serves as Student Body President. He is on the football and track teams, and plays the trumpet in the marching, jazz and concert bands. Nicholas is a National Honor Society member and holds a 4.0 GPA.\n\n\u201cI am very thankful to have been selected to receive a nomination from Senator Rounds and his nominating committee,\u201d said Hanson. \u201cIt has been my dream to attend the United States Naval Academy. I look forward to representing South Dakota while serving our country as an officer. I am blessed to be able to have this opportunity and appreciate the support from my family and friends.\u201d\n\nU.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)\n\nRyan Fiechtner of Aberdeen, SD \u2013 Principal\n\nAubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nNicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nNicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes, SD \u2013 Competitive (Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment)\n\nDale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nTalan Lunders of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nNicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nGrant Masek of Sioux Falls, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nJagur Parks of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nKeegan Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nU.S. Military Academy (West Point)\n\nNicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD \u2013 Principal\n\nAubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nDale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nSavanah Hendricks of Vivian, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nJagur Parks of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nU.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)\n\nMaya Lee of Dell Rapids, SD \u2013 Principal\n\nTrey Dunse of Webster, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nShae Fiala of Baltic, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nWilliam Fogarty of Hartford, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nTristan Fosberg of Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nSamuel Garrett of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nTalan Lunders of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nNicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nTrey Murray of Gregory, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nCaleb Pitsenberger of Flandreau, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nU.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)\n\nTalan Lunders of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nJagur Parks of Rapid City, SD \u2013 Competitive\n\nStudents interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at service academies. Students applying for service academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.\n\nIndividuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination beginning in academic year 2025-2026 (Class of 2029) should apply by October 1, 2024. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds\u2019 Sioux Falls office by calling (605) 336-0486 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Senator Rounds\u2019 website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.\n\nPhotos of Rounds\u2019 nominees can be downloaded HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A9EF41E1-E65C-4176-BC41-53B9D78F5C52", "Thune on Fox News: Biden\u2019s Border Crisis Was a Policy Choice", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the interview.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News to discuss the need for strong border security provisions in a national security supplemental bill. Thune noted that a supplemental package will not be considered before the end of the year because the White House waited until last week to engage with Republican negotiators, despite Republicans introducing their border proposal during the first week of November.\n\nOn the White House refusing to engage on border security until last week:\n\n\u201cThese are policies that [President Biden] changed when he came to office, completely abandoned everything that was working throughout the course of the previous administration.\n\n\u201cBut to your point, the reason we don\u2019t have a deal right now is because the Democrats didn\u2019t come to the table until literally last week. I told you this, we had a proposal out there, first week in November. We have been waiting for seven weeks for the Democrats to engage.\u201d\n\nOn the border crisis being a national security threat:\n\n\u201cYou\u2019ve got to stem the flow. Right now, everything, every policy this administration has, they\u2019re pull factors. They\u2019re pulling people into this country. It\u2019s like we\u2019re putting a big welcome sign out there, and all the signals are, \u2018Come, come, come.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd right now, it is overwhelming the southern border, and it\u2019s overwhelming our cities in the interior of the country, too. Every state now has become a border state.\n\n\u201cBut if you just look at the composition of the people coming across the border, in the month of October, 1,569 people had criminal convictions, 93 had warrants out for their arrest, 50 were gang members, and 12 were on the terrorist watchlist. And last year, on the terrorist watchlist, 169 people came into this country across our southern border.\n\n\u201cThis is a national security crisis, and it needs to be treated that way by this administration.\u201d\n\nOn the timing of the Senate processing a national security supplemental package:\n\n\u201cWe are going to get something across the finish line. Now, it\u2019s not going to get done before the holiday for the reasons I just mentioned.\n\n\u201c[Democrats] just came to the table, and the administration hasn\u2019t up until recently gotten serious about the policy changes that are going to be required to stem the flow at the border.\n\n\u201cWe will get this done. It may be early January, but these numbers are out of control. They have completely lost control of the border, and they should be taking steps on their own to address that, but we\u2019re certainly going to do everything we can do to make sure that they do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F8ACF987-8B0F-4645-AFD9-DA1E4CB86E56", "Thune to Senate Democrats: No Border Security, No Deal", "2023-12-19", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about Democrats\u2019 unwillingness to prioritize border security in a national security package. Thune noted that it is essential for the United States to support its allies, but addressing the national security crisis on the southern border must be the priority.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, President Zelenskyy visited Washington, D.C., last week to ask for the United States\u2019 continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia.\n\n\u201cAnd as someone who strongly believes it is in our national security interest to aid Ukraine as well as our allies Israel and Taiwan, I am disappointed that we have not already passed the aid Ukraine needs.\n\n\u201cBut let\u2019s be very clear, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cThe reason the Senate has not already passed a national security supplemental is because Democrats have so far chosen to prioritize an open border over aid for our allies.\n\n\u201cDemocrats have known for months that border security was going to be part of the national security supplemental \u2013 after all, the president himself requested border funding in his supplemental request.\n\n\u201cAnd Republicans have had a border security proposal on the table since the beginning of November.\n\n\u201cBut Democrats wasted weeks refusing to engage in substantive negotiations, even though they were well aware that border security was going to be a requirement for getting this supplemental through both houses of Congress.\n\n\u201cAnd now the supplemental will be pushed to January because Democrats have run out the clock to the point where getting a substantive border security deal passed before Christmas is impossible.\n\n\u201cMr. President, last week President Biden said that failing to pass the national security supplemental before the holidays would be a Christmas gift to Putin.\n\n\u201cWell, Mr. President, I\u2019d like to point out once again that the only reason we haven\u2019t passed the national security supplemental already is because of Democrats and President Biden.\n\n\u201cOnly one of the two parties has been dragging its feet on negotiations, and it has not been Republicans.\n\n\u201cA lot of us Republicans are very eager to get Ukraine the aid it needs.\n\n\u201cBut we cannot \u2013 we cannot \u2013 tend to our national security interests abroad while ignoring the national security crisis on our own doorstep.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden wants to talk about a gift to Putin?\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s talk about the gift the president has been giving to terrorists and criminals and cartels for three years with the chaos at our southern border.\n\n\u201cWe have had three successive record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border on President Biden\u2019s watch.\n\n\u201cAnd the president is no closer to getting this crisis under control than when it first started.\n\n\u201cDuring October \u2013 the latest month for which we have data \u2013 U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 240,988 migrants at our southern border \u2013 the highest October number ever recorded.\n\n\u201cThe past 24 hours alone saw a record-breaking 12,600-plus migrant encounters at the southern border \u2013 the highest daily total ever recorded.\n\n\u201cAnd those numbers don\u2019t count gotaways \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, let\u2019s be very clear \u2013 while many of these individuals may simply have headed to the United States in search of a better life, there is no question that there are dangerous individuals trying to make their way into our country.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol arrested 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the southern border.\n\n\u201c169.\n\n\u201cThat was a substantial increase over fiscal year 2022, which was itself a substantial increase over fiscal year 2021.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not a good trajectory, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd, again, these numbers only refer to individuals the Border Patrol actually apprehended.\n\n\u201cThere were 670,000 known gotaways during fiscal year 2023 \u2013 how many of them were terrorists, criminals, or other dangerous individuals?\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t know.\n\n\u201cBut one thing we do know, Mr. President, is that the chaotic situation at our southern border cannot continue.\n\n\u201cOur country cannot be secure while we have 10,000 people a day pouring across our southern border \u2013 and hundreds of thousands of unknown individuals taking up residence in our country.\n\n\u201cThe federal government is charged with responsibility for our nation\u2019s security.\n\n\u201cAnd we owe the American people nothing less than a secure border.\n\n\u201cAnd so while I believe it is essential that we get aid to our allies, any supplemental must include measures to address our national security here at home at the border as well as our national security interests abroad.\n\n\u201cAnd I want to thank Senator Lankford for his patience and tenacity in working to bring Democrats to the table.\n\n\u201cMr. President, after weeks of Democrat intransigence, it is encouraging that the White House has finally \u2013 finally \u2013 stepped up to take on a role in negotiations.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s too bad they didn\u2019t do this weeks ago.\n\n\u201cBut I hope that the president and Democrats understand that the only acceptable outcome of negotiations is a solution that meets the challenge at our southern border.\n\n\u201cCosmetic measures and superficial tweaks are not going to cut it.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, the ball is in Democrats\u2019 court.\n\n\u201cWe need to get aid to allies like Ukraine.\n\n\u201cBut we cannot pass legislation to do that without addressing the situation at our southern border.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to think that Democrats would see the necessity of addressing our border crisis irrespective of what is needed to get this bill through Congress.\n\n\u201cBut at the very least I hope that Democrats\u2019 concern for our national security interests abroad will lead them to finally, finally, get serious about working with Republicans to address the national security crisis here at home.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-and-johnson-urge-interior-secretary-to-address-public-safety-crisis-on-reservations", "Rounds, Thune and Johnson Urge Interior Secretary to Address Public Safety Crisis on Reservations", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland urging the Department of Interior to immediately address the public safety crisis and lack of law enforcement resources on reservations in South Dakota. This action follows a June 2023 letter requesting additional support for tribal law enforcement agencies.\n\nSpecifically, the delegation asked Secretary Haaland to coordinate with the Department of Justice and other relevant federal partners to provide additional resources to tribal law enforcement agencies and consult with individual tribal leaders to find immediate solutions.\n\n\u201cWe write to you to follow up on our June 12, 2023, letter and to again report to you that the shortage of law enforcement personnel in South Dakota tribal communities continues to present a significant threat to public safety,\u201d wrote the delegation. \u201cSince the writing of our last letter, tribal law enforcement leaders have reported an increase in violent and drug-related crime. It is critical the Department of the Interior consider the severity of the current situation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe current situation presents a serious threat not only to tribal police officers, but also to all law-abiding citizens in reservation communities,\u201d the delegation continued. \u201cIn the last several months, at least three tribal governments in the state of South Dakota have declared a state of emergency in response to public safety threats. The current situation is causing other tribal leaders in the state to consider doing the same. In response to the police shortage, some residents of tribal communities have even resorted to establishing citizen patrols to look out for crime.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of the letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Secretary Haaland:\n\nWe write to you to follow up on our June 12, 2023, letter and to again report to you that the shortage of law enforcement personnel in South Dakota tribal communities continues to present a significant threat to public safety. Since the writing of our last letter, tribal law enforcement leaders have reported an increase in violent and drug-related crime. It is critical the Department of the Interior consider the severity of the current situation.\n\nDuring our recent discussions with tribal leaders, it has become apparent that the public safety crisis is worsening. As discussed in our earlier letter, law enforcement leaders in Indian Country directly attribute the recent uptick in crime to police personnel shortages. On several reservations in South Dakota, only a handful of officers are tasked with patrolling millions of acres. Criminal entities are taking note of the lack of manpower and are directly targeting reservation communities. As a result, tribal law enforcement officers are encountering higher volumes of illegal drugs, including illicit fentanyl.\n\nIn the Department of the Interior\u2019s September 28 response to our original inquiry, Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland did not share any specific plans to allocate immediate resources. In addition, the response highlighted slight decreases in reported violent crimes from 2021 to 2022. This response seems to suggest the current crime situation is improving, which contradicts the experience of tribal law enforcement officials on the ground. As you are well aware, complex jurisdictional law in Indian Country can skew tribal crime data. The response letter also highlighted the lengthy hiring processes tribal police agencies must deal with when filling open positions. We encourage the BIA to search for any attainable steps to expedite hiring processes for tribal law enforcement officers.\n\nThe current situation presents a serious threat not only to tribal police officers, but also to all law-abiding citizens in reservation communities. In the last several months, at least three tribal governments in the state of South Dakota have declared a state of emergency in response to public safety threats. The current situation is causing other tribal leaders in the state to consider doing the same. In response to the police shortage, some residents of tribal communities have even resorted to establishing citizen patrols to look out for crime.\n\nWith the current set of circumstances in mind, we urge the Department of the Interior to coordinate with the Department of Justice and all other relevant federal partners to provide additional resources to tribal law enforcement agencies in South Dakota. We also ask the Department of the Interior consult individual tribal leaders when attempting to find immediate solutions. If tribal law enforcement agencies in South Dakota do not receive immediate assistance, we fear reservation communities will continue to experience a surge in violent crime.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nCC: Attorney General Merrick Garland\n\nFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/national-american-indian-veterans-congressional-charter-passes-with-fy24-ndaa", "National American Indian Veterans Congressional Charter Passes with FY24 NDAA", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that the congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization has passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024.\n\nCongress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. The NAIV serves the needs and interests of Native American veterans in collaboration with its national leadership and 14 regional offices. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, no Native American veterans\u2019 organization had received one.\n\nHeadquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of tribal veterans. Originally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. The NAIV formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee hearing in 2004.\n\nRounds and Senator Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.) first introduced this legislation, which grants a congressional charter for the NAIV, in the 116th Congress and again in the 117th Congress, where it unanimously passed the Senate.\n\n\u201cNative Americans serve in our nation\u2019s military at five times the national average, and this charter gives them the recognition they truly deserve and have earned,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe NAIV works closely with Tribal Veterans Service Officers to make certain Native American veterans receive proper benefits and resources. Congress regularly looks to the NAIV for input when addressing issues facing Native American veterans. This charter will help give the NAIV a larger platform to continue advocating for and serving the more than 140,000 Native American veterans living in the United States. I am pleased to have had it included as part of this year\u2019s NDAA.\u201d\n\n\u201cNative Americans serve in our nation's Armed Forces at greater rates than any other demographic,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cWe owe a great debt to Native American veterans for their service and sacrifice. I\u2019m glad Congress is finally recognizing their service with a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV). The NAIV is a critical resource that delivers assistance, and securing this charter ensures that Native veterans can access the benefits they have rightfully earned.\u201d\n\nThis legislation has been endorsed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Oglala Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, Coalition of Large Tribes, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Military Order of the Purple Heart, Korean War Veterans of America, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Gold Star Mothers, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Navajo Nation, Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Seminole Nation, Blackfeet Nation, Crow Nation, Eastern Shoshone Tribe, Fort Belknap Indian Community, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, Northern Arapaho Tribe, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Spokane Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe, Jena Band of the Choctaw Indians, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Mohegan Tribe, Catawba Nation, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.\n\nSUPPORTING QUOTES:\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the men and women members of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc., I want to say how happy we are that legislation to grant NAIV a federal charter is included in the NDAA,\u201d said Don Loudner, National Commander of NAIV. \u201cNative veterans have served our country from Valley Forge to Afghanistan and with this action, Congress has shown Native American veterans past and present the respect that is so well-earned. We want to thank Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and the many Republican and Democrat Senate co-sponsors in really grinding this effort out and getting it done. We are very much in your debt and look forward to continued collaborations on behalf of Native veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cGranting congressionally chartered corporation status to National American Indian Veterans is a declaration to the world that the United States Congress supports and lifts up the important work of this organization,\u201d said Frank Star Comes Out, President of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. \u201cIt is a public recognition that reflects and recognizes the organization\u2019s years of hard work, and assures all of the authenticity and quality of the organization\u2019s services. Elevating NAIV to the status of congressionally chartered corporation provides long-overdue parity of recognition for Native veterans. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is proud to be a long-time partner of Senator Rounds, who has loyally introduced and re-introduced this legislation, and congratulates the Senator on his work to ensure that this veteran-oriented provision is appropriately included in the National Defense Authorization Act. As a Marine Corps veteran myself, I applaud Senator Rounds for this action and thank him for his continued advocacy for Native veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is proud to support Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in creating a congressional charter the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV),\u201d said Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. \u201cIt is a great honor to Headquarter the National American Indian Veterans on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and serving the needs of our brave Native American Veterans across the nation. We honor the sacrifices made by our ancestors before us, and our warriors \u2013 the Veterans who unwaveringly answer the call to stand up to protect the people and our future generations. We commend all who have worked to move in support of the National American Indian Veterans Charter Bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, specifically our veterans, we thank you for your hard work and dedication regarding those who served in the Military,\u201d said Clyde J.R. Estes, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. \u201cWe respect and support the efforts of the National Commander of NAIV (National American Indian Veterans) Don Loudner and Senator Rounds to create a Congressional Charter (NAIV) for Native Veterans across our Tribal land. Your patriotism and desire to honor and pay tribute to our Veterans who served our country with the highest acts of gallantry is commendable.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Crow Creek Sioux tribe is in support of Sen. Rounds and the introduction of a federal charter bill for the National American Indians Veterans,\u201d said Peter Lengkeek, Chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. \u201cSecuring this charter means full representation of the Native American Veterans and the honor and the acknowledgment of the level of service of this country's indigenous population. We commend Sen. Rounds for his efforts to include this legislation into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).\u201d\n\n\u201cI would like to thank all the Native American Veterans from past and present for their patriotism and dedication to serving our country,\u201d said Christian Skunk, Council Member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. \u201cI would like to thank Senator Rounds for working to include this legislation into NDAA and securing its final passage.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis Federal Charter is something that I have been working on for several years and it is long overdue,\u201d said Ken Teunissen, Past Vice Chair of the South Dakota Veterans Council and Past Region III Commander of Military Order of the Purple Heart. \u201cSecuring this charter will mean greater representation for American Indian veterans on both the state and federal level. Recently, the South Dakota Veterans Commission disbanded and the South Dakota Veterans Council assumed the duties of leading veterans advocacy in South Dakota. When that happened American Indian veterans lost their representation because the National American Indian Veterans organization does not have a Federal Charter, which according to the Bylaws of the South Dakota Veterans Council is required. I am glad we were able to get this done for our Brothers and Sisters in Arms.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a 10-year member of National American Indian Veterans, I appreciate Senator Rounds\u2019 continued efforts to get NAIV our charter recognition,\u201d said Geri Opsal, Tribal Veterans Service Officer of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate on the Lake Traverse Reservation. \u201cHaving a Congressional Charter will allow us to advocate for Native American veterans across the United States. Many tribal nations face similar healthcare or housing challenges, including helping tribal veterans. This recognition will help us reach more Native American Veterans and help to strengthen each other.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis charter is long overdue,\" said Robert Dunsmore, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Veterans Service Officer. \u201cWe as American Indian veterans want to thank the U.S. Senate for moving this forward. We as veterans have been asking for this charter since 2004. We as American Indian veterans hopefully will have a voice on matters that pertain to American Indian veterans. As a tribal veteran service officer, I fully endorse this bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-rounds-manchin-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold", "Senate Unanimously Passes Rounds, Manchin Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation offered by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) that would provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would also make an adjustment to the affected service members\u2019 time in grade and other administrative fixes. The bipartisan legislation has 52 cosponsors and now heads to the House of Representatives, where companion legislation was introduced by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.).\n\n\u201cI am pleased the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan, commonsense bill to provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cWhen our men and women in uniform serve our country, they don\u2019t know whether the people they are serving with are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. I disagree with the Department of Defense\u2019s policy of paying the travel expenses for service members and their dependents seeking abortions. I also support a member of the Senate\u2019s right to hold any nomination; however, our men and women in uniform should not be caught in the middle of partisan politics. I urge the House to move quickly on this legislation to do the right thing for our service members.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan legislation to provide retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation\u2019s senior military officers after the delay of their promotions,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cThese men and women are true American heroes and the least we can do in Congress is restore the benefits they have earned and deserve. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this important legislation as quickly as possible to compensate our troops and reprioritize national security.\u201d\n\nThe Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4EC3DDD6-6718-4C80-A031-C1782ED691D9", "Thune, Cruz, McMorris Rodgers, Latta Raise Serious Concerns About the FCC\u2019s Management of the ACP", "2023-12-15", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Bob Latta (R-Ohio), chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, today sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expressing concerns with its management of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s reckless spending spree has left America\u2019s current fiscal situation in a state of crisis, with gross debt at nearly $34 trillion,\u201d wrote the members. \u201cIt is incumbent on lawmakers to protect taxpayers and make funding decisions based on clear evidence. Unfortunately, your testimony pushes \u2018facts\u2019 about the ACP that are deeply misleading and have the potential to exacerbate the fiscal crisis without producing meaningful benefits to the American consumer.\u201d\n\nEarlier this year, Thune and Cruz highlighted the FCC\u2019s mismanagement of the ACP. In a previous letter, Thune, Cruz, McMorris Rodgers, and Latta requested the FCC\u2019s Office Inspector General (OIG) to conduct a comprehensive review of the ACP after it was revealed that the vast majority of ACP subscribers had high-speed broadband prior to the subsidy. In response, the FCC OIG shared many of the concerns raised by the lawmakers.\n\nFull letter below:\n\nThe Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel\n\nChairwoman\n\nFederal Communications Commission\n\n45 L Street, NE\n\nWashington, D.C. 20554\n\nDear Chairwoman Rosenworcel,\n\nWe write asking you to clarify your recent congressional testimony regarding the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). At a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on November 30, 2023, you asserted \u2013 without evidence and contrary to the FCC\u2019s own data \u2013 that \u201c25 million households\u201d would be \u201cunplug[ged]\u2026from the internet\u201d if Congress does not provide new funding for the ACP. This is not true. As Congress considers the future of taxpayer broadband subsidies, we ask you to correct the hearing record and make public accurate information about the ACP.\n\nAs you are aware, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 established the temporary $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to help consumers pay for their internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic when government lockdowns were common. Congress subsequently allocated an additional $14.2 billion to create the ACP as the EBB\u2019s successor program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.\n\nAs lawmakers with oversight responsibility over the ACP, we have raised concerns, shared by the FCC Inspector General, regarding the program\u2019s effectiveness in connecting non-subscribers to the internet. While you have repeatedly claimed that the ACP is necessary for connecting participating households to the internet, it appears the vast majority of tax dollars have gone to households that already had broadband prior to the subsidy. According to your testimony, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) found that only \u201c20 or 22 percent\u201d of ACP recipients lacked broadband prior to the ACP. Previous FCC surveys have found the number of non-subscribers served by the program to be even lower at 16 percent. The program\u2019s record of targeting taxpayer subsidies to consumers who already had broadband is further apparent in the FCC\u2019s enrollment numbers: The number of households in the ACP \u2013 approximately 22 million \u2013 far exceeds the 16 million unconnected households according to 2021 Census data.\n\nWhen questioned about these wasteful discrepancies, you dismissed these concerns, claiming that Congress did not require broadband providers to ask subscribers whether they paid for broadband prior to the ACP program. You claimed, therefore, that any data on the ratio of new subscribers to subscribers who previously paid for broadband prior to ACP was merely \u201cspeculative.\u201d\n\nIf anything, it is much more speculative to claim that 25 million households will lose broadband if the ACP does not get new funding. If you are going to dismiss concerns over the ACP\u2019s inefficiency as unproven (even where there is ample data underlying this fact), you should hold yourself to the same standard and avoid sweeping claims of effectiveness with no basis in data.\n\nFurther, any lingering ambiguity is exacerbated by the FCC\u2019s own failure to publish data that it committed to make publicly available. For example, the FCC\u2019s order implementing the ACP requires USAC to report the number of households enrolled through each eligibility threshold, including through a participating provider\u2019s existing low-income broadband program. To date, this data has not been included in public reporting. The ACP order also required the FCC to collect data on broadband adoption by first-time subscribers. Neither this data nor information on the FCC\u2019s progress in reaching first-time subscribers has yet been made public. As part of correcting the record, all of this information should be made public as soon as possible.\n\nThe Biden administration\u2019s reckless spending spree has left America\u2019s current fiscal situation in a state of crisis, with gross debt at nearly $34 trillion. It is incumbent on lawmakers to protect taxpayers and make funding decisions based on clear evidence. Unfortunately, your testimony pushes \u201cfacts\u201d about the ACP that are deeply misleading and have the potential to exacerbate the fiscal crisis without producing meaningful benefits to the American consumer. We therefore ask you to supplement your testimony from November 30, 2023, with the correct information about the number of Americans that will \u201close\u201d broadband if the ACP does not receive additional funds, and correct the hearing record accordingly by January 5, 2024.\n\nAdditionally, we request that you provide the following information by January 5, 2024.\n\nA description of efforts by the FCC to prepare for a potential lapse in ACP funding, including the agency\u2019s communications with participating providers regarding their plans to notify consumers;\n\nWhether the FCC has continued to support the expansion of ACP enrollment, including by encouraging providers to expand enrollment, since August 2023;\n\nA list of efforts by the FCC to identify low-income households that do not already subscribe to broadband service;\n\nWhy the FCC has not yet published data on the number of households enrolled through a provider\u2019s existing low-income program, as required by the ACP implementation order, and when it plans to do so;\n\nWhether the FCC has collected and analyzed information about low-income households that currently lack broadband subscriptions to determine why those households do not purchase broadband;\n\nData that the FCC is collecting to measure progress towards achieving the goal of connecting households that were previously not subscribed to broadband, and how the FCC is using that data to measure progress towards that goal;\n\nA list of efforts by the FCC to target ACP funds to households that previously lacked broadband subscriptions, rather than those that already had broadband, amid a potential lapse in funding;\n\nA description of how the FCC has prioritized the ACP Outreach Grant Program applications that target unserved low-income households, as required by the ACP Outreach Grant Program implementation order;\n\nA list of efforts by the FCC to measure the performance of ACP with respect to broadband adoption, as urged by the 2021 Grant Thornton Lifeline Report, and a description of the extent to which such efforts distinguish the respective effects of ACP and Lifeline; and\n\nEnumeration of all expenses covered by the two percent of total ACP funding that the FCC reserved for administration costs.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-secures-south-dakota-wins-annual-defense-bill", "Johnson Secures South Dakota Wins in Annual Defense Bill", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House passed the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with two bills led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). One provision would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization, while another bans the use of LOGINK, a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) state-controlled shipping platform, at U.S. ports. The NDAA now heads to the president\u2019s desk.\n\nThe NDAA also includes:\n\n$269 million for construction projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base.\n\n$2.325 billion for B-21 procurement.\n\n$5.25 million to complete the construction of the National Guard Readiness Center in Sioux Falls.\n\nA 5.2% pay raise for troops \u2013 the largest pay raise in over 20 years.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakota and our troops will certainly benefit from the NDAA,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cOur military will be stronger and our nation will be more secure. I\u2019m proud of the work done to support our state.\u201d\n\nIn March, Johnson introduced legislation to ban LOGINK. Read the full amendment text here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-south-dakota-victories-in-ndaa", "Rounds Secures South Dakota Victories in NDAA", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Rounds authored 33 provisions in this year\u2019s NDAA.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that provides for our national security and supports our service members and their families,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cOur members on the Senate Armed Services Committee have worked hard all year to craft this piece of legislation. The NDAA is a prime example of Congress putting politics aside to provide for our strategic national security interests and achieve results for our men and women in uniform.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m particularly excited that this year\u2019s NDAA includes legislation I\u2019ve led for years that would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans. Additionally, the bill contains over $274 million in funding for construction projects in South Dakota. Most of this funding will support preparations for the bed down of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Ellsworth Air Force Base. As ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, I am also proud of our work to strengthen our nation\u2019s cyber capabilities and develop advanced technology to combat threats from our near-peer adversaries, the People\u2019s Republic of China and Russia.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that this bipartisan legislation is heading to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\u201d\n\nThis is the ninth NDAA that Rounds has helped craft as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In last year\u2019s bill, Rounds authored more than 45 provisions, which were ultimately adopted and signed into law. Earlier this year, Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia\u2019s Center for Effective Lawmaking named Rounds as the second most effective Republican on Defense issues.\n\nSUPPORTING QUOTES:\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the men and women members of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc., I want to say how happy we are that legislation to grant NAIV a federal charter is included in the NDAA,\u201d said Don Loudner, National Commander of NAIV. \u201cNative veterans have served our country from Valley Forge to Afghanistan and with this action, Congress has shown Native American veterans past and present the respect that is so well-earned. We want to thank Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and the many Republican and Democrat Senate co-sponsors in really grinding this effort out and getting it done. We are very much in your debt and look forward to continued collaborations on behalf of Native veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust as when he was Governor and he led the efforts to create the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority, Senator Rounds continues to support Ellsworth Air Force Base with his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee,\u201d said Scott Landguth, Executive Director of the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. \u201cSenator Rounds\u2019 continued support of the B-21 expansion at Ellsworth Air Force Base is a crucial piece to the success of the B-21 arriving in South Dakota. The Senator\u2019s role on the Armed Service Committee is extremely valuable to these efforts. The South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority looks forward to continue to partner and work with the Senator to guarantee that the B-21 program and bed down at Ellsworth remains on schedule.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Rounds understands the importance of being proactive in regard to cybersecurity,\u201d said Jos\u00e9-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. \u201cBecause of Senator Rounds\u2019 ardent support of our programs, students, and forward-thinking endeavors, our distinctive graduates are poised to help protect the nation through a strong cyber presence. I commend and thank Senator Rounds for his ongoing commitment to getting priorities in the NDAA that will benefit DSU, South Dakota, and our country for years to come.\u201d\n\nROUNDS-SECURED VICTORIES:\n\nCreates a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans. Rounds has led the Congressional effort on this legislation since 2020.\n\nAuthorizes the DOD to conduct cyber operations against a range of Mexican transnational criminal organizations, drug cartels chief among them, and requires a related strategy on how to counter them.\n\nRequires the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) of the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake an AI related vulnerability analysis.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to establish an AI bug bounty program.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to provide an annual review until 2029 on the status of the implementation plan for digital engineering career tracks that was required by the FY20 NDAA.\n\nAdjusts the threshold amount for minor medical facility construction projects of the Department of Veterans Affairs from $20 million to $30 million.\n\nMakes improvements relating to cyber protection support for DOD personnel in positions highly vulnerable to cyberattack, and requires a study on how effective the existing protections are for DOD personnel and their families.\n\nUpdates the authorities and organization of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) and reorganizes the CDAO Governing Council.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve training for VA staff processing disability claims for post-traumatic stress disorder.\n\nRequires the Chief of Space Operations to brief the defense committees on how the Space Force will organize and execute space-based Moving Target Indicator and future space-based sensing and targeting missions.\n\nRequires a briefing from the Government Accountability Office briefing on the woeful delays in the fulfillment of foreign military sales.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to improve methods and processes for securing laboratories of the Armed Forces.\n\nLimits funding for the destruction of anti-personnel landmines until the Secretary of Defense provides information on current landmine capability gaps.\n\nRequires expansion of the Contested Logistics Working Group to include representatives of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Strategic Capabilities Office, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.\n\nRequires the DOD to establish a critical reserve of long-lead items and components to provide the capability to, if needed, quickly access required components to accelerate the delivery of munitions.\n\nRequires that the DOD send an Annual Unfunded Priorities List for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation.\n\nRequires the creation of an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) records collection at the National Archives and Records Administration.\n\nAuthorizes the review, identification and transmission of UAP records to the National Archives and Records Administration.\n\nCreates guidelines for public disclosure of UAP records and the grounds for postponement of release of certain records.\n\nProhibits funding for unreported UAP programs.\n\nMAJOR ROUNDS-SUPPORTED SOUTH DAKOTA VICTORIES:\n\nAuthorizes $269 million for construction projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base, including $34 million for B-21 Phase Hangar, $160 million for B-21 Weapons generation facility and $75 million for B-21 Fuel System Maintenance Dock.\n\nAuthorizes $2.325 billion for B-21 procurement.\n\nAuthorizes $66.8 million for the Long Range Standoff Weapon, which will enable the B-21 to provide even better conventional and nuclear deterrence in a contested environment.\n\nIncludes $5.25 million in funding to complete the construction of the National Guard Readiness Center in Sioux Falls.\n\nPromotes the use and funding of \u201ccold spray\u201d technology for maintenance, repair and overhaul to increase the service life of aging systems, provided by a South Dakota company using a technology developed at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.\n\nROUNDS-SUPPORTED CYBERSECURITY VICTORIES:\n\nRequires the development of a regional cybersecurity strategy to support the operations of each geographic combatant command.\n\nRequires the establishment of a dedicated cyber intelligence capability to support the entire joint force for information sharing on cyber threat actors\u2019 technology developments, capabilities, operations and intentions.\n\nDirects AI and machine learning tools to better employ narrative intelligence technology in order to monitor and assess information campaigns by delivering comprehensive analysis of narrative themes, language and information patterns.\n\nRequires the tracking of results of sharing cyber capabilities and related information with foreign operational partners.\n\nRequires a modernization program for network boundary and cross-domain defense against cyber attacks.\n\nFurther directs the services to partner with universities to increase learning opportunities for DOD personnel awaiting assignment by providing hands-on cyber operations experience, training opportunities and access to courses to assist transition into the DOD cyber field.\n\nDirects a briefing on the National Security Agency Cyber Collaboration pilot program, including an analysis of the program\u2019s effectiveness and a plan to expand coverage for up to 10,000 defense industrial base entities.\n\nDirects a mission assurance program to acquire and maintain all-domain awareness of threats posed to defense critical infrastructure.\n\nDirects an independent assessment of creating a Cyber Force or further evolving the existing force development and management model.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Defense to implement recommendations aimed at improving cybersecurity of mobile devices applications.\n\nRequires a prize competition to evaluate technology, including applications, tools and models, for the detection and watermarking of generative AI.\n\nDirects the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a process to assess and report whether artificial technologies are developed and function responsibly.\n\nOTHER ROUNDS-SUPPORTED VICTORIES IN THE NDAA:\n\nProvides a 5.2 percent pay raise for both military service members and DOD civilian workforce.\n\nIncludes provisions, which help preserve the performance-based warfighting ethos of the military and stop the toxic, so-called \u201cequity\u201d agenda at DOD at its source.\n\nMandates a full accounting of the cost and content of previously opaque and unaccountable programming across DOD\u2019s Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and making certain senior defense officials are not required to take time and effort promoting these toxic policies.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-announce-move-to-overturn-biden-administration-decision-allowing-beef-imports-from-paraguay", "Rounds, Tester Announce Move to Overturn Biden Administration Decision Allowing Beef Imports from Paraguay", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 As part of their continued efforts to support American producers and consumers, U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) announced that they will file a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the Biden administration\u2019s decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s decision to allow beef imports from a country with a history of foot and mouth disease is a mistake that impacts South Dakota producers and consumers,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cOur producers work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world. Our consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I am proud to partner with Senator Tester to overturn this Biden administration rule that would allow beef imports from Paraguay.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration has this one backwards \u2013 resuming beef imports from a country with a recent history of foot and mouth disease is bad news for both Montana consumers and producers,\u201d said Tester. \u201cMontana ranchers work hard to produce the best quality beef in the world, and it\u2019s clear that the USDA doesn\u2019t have the data to show that Paraguay meets the same animal health standards. I\u2019m willing to take this fight to the Senate floor because it\u2019s clear that bureaucrats in Washington are endangering our food supply while giving a raw deal to American ranchers and consumers.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Rounds and Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to suspend beef imports from Paraguay in response to animal health concerns. The senators have called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect more up-to-date data before resuming beef imports from a country like Paraguay with a recent history of foot and mouth disease. Paraguay last reported cases of foot and mouth disease in 2012. The USDA\u2019s decision to resume Paraguayan imports relies on an analysis completed in 2018, and American inspectors have not conducted a site visit to Paraguay since 2014.\n\nIn addition to suspending beef imports from Paraguay, the bill would also require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by Paraguayan beef.\n\nThe bipartisan legislation is supported by R-CALF USA, United States Cattlemen\u2019s Association (USCA) and National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association (NCBA).\n\nRounds and Tester have led the charge to support American family farmers and ranchers. In February, the senators also introduced bipartisan legislation to suspend Brazilian beef imports to the United States until experts can conduct a systemic review of the commodity\u2019s impact on food safety and animal health.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=65DF5877-3BE0-4C70-8286-B58CE6CDFE58", "Thune: Democrats\u2019 Refusal to Secure the Southern Border Holds up Aid for U.S. Allies", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on President Biden and Senate Democrats to get serious about working with Republicans to address the growing humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that Democrats are holding up the much-needed national security package for the United States\u2019 allies because they are unwilling to take meaningful steps to slow the flow of illegal migrants entering the country at the southern border.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n\u201c10,109.\n\n\u201c10,109.\n\n\u201cThe number of people that were apprehended trying to come across the border illegally yesterday.\n\n\u201cThose are the people that were caught, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cThat doesn't count the people who got away, and that Customs and Border Patrol know got away.\n\n\u201cThen there are all the unknown gotaways.\n\n\u201cBut over 10,000 people in a single day apprehended trying to come across our southern border illegally.\n\n\u201cAnnualize that.\n\n\u201cAgain, you\u2019re talking 3.5 to 4 million people a year.\n\n\u201cFour million people is larger than 24 states in the United States of America.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s the dimension of the problem that we are talking about.\n\n\u201cAnd that we\u2019re trying to get the White House and the Democrats here in the Senate to focus on and address.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s any surprise that Democrats aren\u2019t interested in making the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border a priority.\n\n\u201cAfter all, the president and Democrats have spent almost three years now ignoring, minimizing, or actively abetting this crisis.\n\n\u201cBut over the past few days, we\u2019ve had a chance to see the true depth of their animosity to border security.\n\n\u201cBecause it\u2019s become increasingly clear that Democrats are so opposed to serious border security measures that they\u2019re willing to sacrifice aid to Ukraine and other allies, including Israel, in order to keep the border open.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s right.\n\n\u201cDemocrats are holding up an aid package for our allies because they are not willing to take meaningful steps to secure our border.\n\n\u201cNow, Mr. President, I strongly support aid to allies like Ukraine and Taiwan and believe that supporting these nations is in our national security interest.\n\n\u201cAnd Republicans have been ready to take up the national security supplemental for weeks.\n\n\u201cBut we\u2019ve asked for one thing.\n\n\u201cJust one thing.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve asked that while we\u2019re looking after our national security interests abroad, we also address the national security crisis here at home.\n\n\u201cThat we give the safety of the American people the same priority as the safety of our allies.\n\n\u201cMr. President, national security begins at home.\n\n\u201cAnd we have an obligation to the American people to address the crisis at our southern border that is threatening the security of our nation.\n\n\u201cAnd while it is hard to understand how any Democrat can fail to understand the gravity of the situation at our southern border, let me just run through some of those numbers again.\n\n\u201cMr. President, we have had three successive record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border under President Biden.\n\n\u201cIn October 2023, which is the latest month for which we have data, U.S. Customs and Border Protection encountered 240,988 migrants at our southern border \u2013 which is the highest October number ever recorded.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s nearly a quarter of a million individuals in just one month.\n\n\u201cLast Tuesday, as I mentioned, there were a staggering 12,000-plus encounters at our southern border \u2013 the highest daily total ever recorded.\n\n\u201cThat was followed by two days of 10,000-plus encounters.\n\n\u201cAnd, as I said, yesterday, the number was once again up over 10,000.\n\n\u201cIn fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol apprehended 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the southern border attempting to illegally enter our country.\n\n\u201c169.\n\n\u201cPeople on the terrorist watchlist.\n\n\u201cThat number is more than the total of the previous six fiscal years combined.\n\n\u201cDuring October 2023 alone, more than 1,500 individuals who had previously been convicted of a crime were apprehended by the Border Patrol.\n\n\u201cMore than 90 of them had outstanding warrants for their arrest.\n\n\u201cAnd the Border Patrol apprehended \u2013 get this \u2013 50 gang members.\n\n\u201cThink about that.\n\n\u201cPeople on the terrorist watchlist.\n\n\u201cPeople who have warrants out for their arrest.\n\n\u201c1,500 individuals who had previously been convicted of a crime.\n\n\u201cAnd 50 gang members.\n\n\u201cYou can\u2019t make this stuff up.\n\n\u201cWhere is the outrage?\n\n\u201cThis is insanity.\n\n\u201cThe risk that we are putting our country at, the threat that this represents to the safety of the American people.\n\n\u201cAnd again, those numbers are just for October.\n\n\u201cMr. President, there is no question that many illegal immigrants are coming to the United States in search of a better life.\n\n\u201cWe know that.\n\n\u201cBut there is equally no question that there are bad people \u2013 dangerous people \u2013 trying to make their way into our country.\n\n\u201cAnd some of them may already be here.\n\n\u201cThe numbers I\u2019ve referred to only cover individuals who have actually \u2013 as I said \u2013 been apprehended.\n\n\u201cBut a staggering number of people have made their way into our country during the Biden administration without being apprehended.\n\n\u201cIn fact, during the last fiscal year, there were 670,000 known gotaways \u2013 and those are individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cNow, to put that number in perspective, Mr. President, that\u2019s more than three times the number of people in the most populated city in my home state of South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAnd it is highly likely that among those gotaways were dangerous individuals who should not be taking up residence in our country.\n\n\u201cMr. President, as the director of the FBI reminded us in his testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month, it doesn\u2019t take many dangerous people to cause a lot of devastation.\n\n\u201cAnd the crisis at our southern border is creating a situation that could allow not just a few but a lot of dangerous individuals to enter our country.\n\n\u201cAnd so while a lot of us Republicans are ready and eager to take up aid to our allies like Ukraine, we will continue to insist that any national security supplemental address not just the security needs of our allies abroad, or helping them defend their borders, but the security needs of the American people here at home, by defending our border.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, the ball is in Democrats\u2019 court.\n\n\u201cThey can work with Republicans to address the national security crisis at our southern border in the supplemental appropriations bill.\n\n\u201cOr they can continue to sacrifice aid to our allies in order to keep the southern border open.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s their choice, and it\u2019s really that simple.\n\n\u201cDemocrats have already jeopardized our ability to get anything done before Christmas.\n\n\u201cFor the sake of Ukraine and our other allies, I hope they decide to work with Republicans sooner rather than later.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bill-included-select-committee-china-economic-report", "Johnson Bill Included in Select Committee on China Economic Report", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Select Committee on the China voted to pass its report addressing America\u2019s economic and technological competition with the Chinese Communist Party, which includes the PRC Accountability and Divestment Act, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.).\n\n\u201cBankrolling the growth of China\u2019s economy is a direct threat to American values,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe Select Committee\u2019s thoughtful and targeted economic recommendations will lessen our reliance on China without blindly decoupling, which would pose risks to our own economy.\u201d\n\nJohnson introduced the PRC Accountability and Divestment Act in November with the support of Governor Kristi Noem. Read Johnson and Noem\u2019s op-ed here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A650AF9-8906-4259-955B-E92158AF1D34", "Thune: National Security Starts at Home", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the interview.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Charles Payne on Fox News to discuss the ongoing negotiations over a national security supplemental bill. Thune stressed that the package must have strong border security components in order to pass the Senate.\n\nOn the national security threat at the southern border:\n\n\u201cWhat we\u2019ve argued all along is we've got a national security crisis at our southern border, and national security starts at home. We cannot move a national security bill that doesn't address that crisis.\n\n\u201cAnd there isn't a day goes by where we're not getting more and more signals that you've got people on the terrorist watchlist who have been coming into the country, trying to get into the country, illegally, you know, through the southern border, some of them getting caught, but there are a ton of 'gotaways.' Who knows how many of those 'gotaways' are perhaps on the terrorist watchlist or have malign designs on the United States.\n\n\u201cOne way or the other, we know, at some point, there's going to be an incident here, and that incident is going to get traced back to somebody who came across our southern border. The terrorists have figured it out. The cartels obviously have figured it out. It is time for us to get serious about shutting it down.\u201d\n\nOn the overwhelming conditions at the southern border:\n\n\u201cWhen you look at the numbers we saw last week, which were [10,000] to 12,000 every single day, you annualize that, that's over 4 million a year.\n\n\u201cAnd remember, back under the Obama administration, then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said 1,000 a day would overwhelm our system. We saw, on Tuesday of last week, over 12,000 people be apprehended trying to come across the border illegally.\n\n\u201cThe magnets are there. The big green light is there. All the signals are saying, \u2018Come.\u2019 And we've got to change that, because it's now no longer just a humanitarian issue. This is a national security crisis.\u201d\n\nOn the need for the national security supplemental to address the border crisis:\n\n\u201cIf the president wants assistance for Ukraine, many of us are inclined to support that request, but it's got to come with some border security measures that defend America's borders first and foremost.\n\n\u201cThey could do that tomorrow, Charles. So it's, you know, obviously they're trying to win the messaging war here. But in our view, at least, all they have to do is come to the table, work with us to reinforce our southern border, to try and deter the national security threats that we believe are very real down there, and we can address these national security issues that we're facing elsewhere around the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AA5E904A-FF72-4324-818F-D9722628E16F", "Thune: Annual Defense Bill Provides Critical Funding for Ellsworth Air Force Base", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024, which contains numerous priorities that benefit South Dakota and the B-21 bomber mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Thune noted that in addition to the NDAA, Congress must prioritize passing a national security supplemental bill that provides support to the United States\u2019 allies \u2013 like Israel and Ukraine \u2013 and contains meaningful measures to secure the southern border.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, this week the Senate will vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA \u2013 one of the most important bills we consider each year.\n\n\u201cWe had a robust floor debate on the Senate version of this bill in July, featuring the kind of open amendment process that we should be using on a regular basis to debate important legislation.\n\n\u201cAll told, more than 900 amendments were considered and 121 amendments were adopted during floor consideration \u2013 making this the most open NDAA floor debate in years.\n\n\u201cI wish we had been able to take up a final version of this legislation earlier.\n\n\u201cBut I am glad we are on track to finally pass it this week.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I\u2019ve said it before and I\u2019ll say it again \u2013 if we don\u2019t get national security right, the rest is just conversation.\n\n\u201cThe security of our nation is the precondition for everything else \u2013 for the continued enjoyment of our freedoms, for a flourishing society, for a healthy economy, for government\u2019s ability to do anything.\n\n\u201cAnd so there is no time when we can afford to let our readiness slide or take the security of our nation for granted.\n\n\u201cBut the unfortunate truth is that we have some catching up to do when it comes to military preparedness.\n\n\u201cWe have military services that are well below their recruitment targets.\n\n\u201cWe are behind on shipbuilding and ship maintenance.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a persistent pilot shortage, and in a number of cases we have too few mission-capable aircraft.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re not doing an adequate job of maintaining the kind of supply we need of munitions.\n\n\u201cAnd the list goes on.\n\n\u201cThis is not an acceptable situation, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd it could have very serious consequences.\n\n\u201cTo give just one example, recent war games envisioning a U.S.-China conflict following an attack on Taiwan have had grim results, showing enormous military and economic costs on both sides.\n\n\u201cOne story on these war games noted, and I quote, \u2018And while the ultimate outcome in these exercises is not always clear \u2014 the U.S. does better in some than others \u2014 the cost is [clear]. In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground.\u2019\n\n\u201cNeedless to say, Mr. President, we have some serious work to do.\n\n\u201cAnd I am pleased to report that this year\u2019s NDAA does make some genuine progress on the readiness front.\n\n\u201cThe bill expands the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and deepens our ties with our ally Taiwan to help deter Chinese aggression.\n\n\u201cIt rejects the president\u2019s dangerous plan to shrink the U.S. Navy, and authorizes investment in new ships.\n\n\u201cAnd it contains multiple measures to increase our supply of munitions, including the addition of six critical munitions to the Pentagon\u2019s multi-year procurement program.\n\n\u201cTwo of these munitions \u2013 Tomahawk missiles and Mark 48 torpedoes \u2013 play an important role in our ability to deter China.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also pleased that the committee responded to my requests and included significant funding for Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile procurement, the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, and development of the nuclear Long Range Standoff weapon, or LRSO.\n\n\u201cThese are essential arrows to have in the quiver for our bombers, and the future LRSO will help modernize the air leg of our nuclear triad.\n\n\u201cThis year\u2019s NDAA also \u2013 critically \u2013 invests in recruitment.\n\n\u201cAs I mentioned earlier, we have multiple military services that are well below their recruitment targets.\n\n\u201cThese represent serious future personnel deficiencies.\n\n\u201cAnd all the ships, planes, and munitions in the world will be of very limited help if we don\u2019t have the personnel necessary to deploy those resources.\n\n\u201cAnd so expanding and improving our recruitment efforts has to be a priority.\n\n\u201cWe also have to continue to work to improve the quality of life of our military members and their families \u2013 which is why I am pleased to report that this year\u2019s bill includes a 5.2 percent pay increase for our troops, as well as measures to improve barracks quality and expand access to mental health care, among other things.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also pleased that this year\u2019s NDAA takes measures to keep our military\u2019s focus on warfighting, and not the dissemination of \u2018woke\u2019 ideologies by Pentagon bureaucrats.\n\n\u201cAbove all, I\u2019m proud to report that this year\u2019s bill authorizes full funding for the next steps of the B-21 mission \u2013 the Air Force\u2019s new long-range strategic bomber, which will revolutionize our long-range strike capabilities and be hosted at South Dakota\u2019s own Ellsworth Air Force Base.\n\n\u201cThe Air Force calls the B-21 Raider the future backbone of its bomber force.\n\n\u201cAnd one of my top priorities here in Congress over the past several years has been ensuring that the Air Force \u2013 and Ellsworth in particular \u2013 has everything it needs for this critical advancement in our nation\u2019s readiness.\n\n\u201cAnd this year\u2019s NDAA will once again fund not only the B-21 bomber, which we excitedly saw take flight one month ago, but the support facilities at Ellsworth that will be needed to maintain this aircraft once it enters service.\n\n\u201cMr. President, while, as I said, we are passing this bill a little late, I am pleased that we are finally passing it, and in what I expect will be a strongly bipartisan fashion.\n\n\u201cNow we should turn to addressing another important aspect of our national security in a bipartisan fashion \u2013 securing our border.\n\n\u201cThe kind of unchecked illegal immigration we\u2019re currently experiencing at our southern border represents a serious national security threat \u2013 one that so far Democrats are refusing to meaningfully address.\n\n\u201cI hope that their position will shift in the coming days and that we\u2019ll be able to work together to pass a supplemental bill that not only provides support for our allies but also contains real measures to secure our border.\n\n\u201cThe NDAA should not be the only national security legislation we pass this December.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-manchin-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold", "Rounds, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Additionally, the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would make an adjustment to the affected service members\u2019 time in grade and other administrative fixes.\n\n\u201cThe men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America should not be negatively impacted by political squabbles,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cWhen our men and women in uniform serve side by side, they don\u2019t know whether the people they are serving with are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. I disagree with the Department of Defense\u2019s policy of paying the travel expenses for service members and their dependents seeking abortions. I also support a member of the Senate\u2019s right to hold any nomination; however, our men and women in uniform should not be caught in the middle of partisan politics. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Manchin to do the right thing and provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to join Senator Rounds in introducing this bipartisan legislation to provide retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation\u2019s senior military officers after the delay of their promotions,\u201d said Manchin. \u201cThese men and women are true American heroes and the least we can do in Congress is restore the benefits they have earned and deserve. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation that compensates our troops and reprioritizes national security.\u201d\n\nThe Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=93EEE016-FDC0-45BA-8129-EFEA100C2E33", "Thune: National Security Debate Incomplete Without Addressing Southern Border", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Senate Democrats for turning a blind eye to the national security crisis at the southern border. Thune urged his Democrat colleagues to stop rejecting much-needed policy changes to help slow the flow of illegal immigrants entering the country and provide law enforcement with additional tools and resources to effectively do their jobs.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, if Democrats were unsure about Republicans\u2019 seriousness about including meaningful border security provisions in the national security supplemental, yesterday\u2019s vote made it crystal clear.\n\n\u201cEvery single Senate Republican rejected Democrats\u2019 collective attempt to bury their heads in the sand and pretend that what\u2019s happening at our southern border isn\u2019t a threat to our security.\n\n\u201cBorder security is national security, which is why any national security supplemental that moves through this chamber must tackle this crisis head-on.\n\n\u201cMr. President, on Tuesday FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and told members, quote, \u2018\u2026 I\u2019ve never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are all elevated all at exactly the same time.\u2019\n\n\u201cSenator Graham then asked Director Wray to comment on the threat environment using the blinking red lights analogy often used about warnings before the September 11 attacks.\n\n\u201cAnd Director Wray responded, quote, \u2018I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. President, it is against the background of this threat environment that Republicans are asking Democrats to finally, finally help secure our border.\n\n\u201cWe have endured three record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border under President Biden.\n\n\u201cAnd the situation is only getting worse.\n\n\u201cTuesday saw a staggering 12,000 migrant encounters at the southern border.\n\n\u201c12,000.\n\n\u201cIn just one day.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s eight people per minute.\n\n\u201cAnd that follows two days of 10,000-plus encounters.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m not sure how anyone can look at these numbers and not think this is a crisis.\n\n\u201cPlus, those numbers don\u2019t count any gotaways \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend \u2013 who may have made their way across the border during that same period.\n\n\u201cThe month of October saw an average of roughly 1,000 gotaways a day.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s roughly 30,000 unknown individuals who made their way into our country.\n\n\u201c30,000.\n\n\u201cIn just one month.\n\n\u201cAll told, there have been more than 1.7 million known gotaways on President Biden\u2019s watch \u2013 not to mention an unknown number of unknown gotaways.\n\n\u201cAnd these gotaways are not the migrants who are showing up hoping to be apprehended because they know they can game the asylum or parole system.\n\n\u201cNo, these are individuals bent on avoiding detection \u2013 which should concern us deeply.\n\n\u201cAnyone who doesn\u2019t think bad actors are attempting to exploit the situation at our southern border needs to think again.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023, the Border Patrol apprehended 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist attempting to make their way across our southern border into our country.\n\n\u201cThat number is more than the total of the previous six fiscal years combined.\n\n\u201cFBI Director Wray noted at that same Judiciary hearing that since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the threat level has gone to, quote, \u2018a whole other level.\u2019\n\n\u201cAbroad, American troops have been attacked nearly 80 times since October 7.\n\n\u201cAnd it is na\u00efve to think that there aren\u2019t terrorists out there currently trying to make their way into the United States to attack our country.\n\n\u201cAnd why wouldn\u2019t any terrorist trying to enter our country take advantage of the chaos at the southern border?\n\n\u201cAnd you don\u2019t have to take my word for it.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security \u2013 in its threat assessment released in September \u2013 noted the risk that, quote, \u2018Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd that assessment was written before the October 7 attack \u2013 or the many attacks on U.S. troops abroad that followed it.\n\n\u201cIf there was a risk before, I think it\u2019s safe to say that there is an even greater risk now.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this situation cannot continue.\n\n\u201cThe massive flood of illegal immigration at our southern border has to stop.\n\n\u201cThat is why the national security supplemental must contain real measures to secure our border.\n\n\u201cNot cosmetic fixes.\n\n\u201cNot superficial tweaks.\n\n\u201cReal border security measures.\n\n\u201cI believe it is in our national security interests to support allies like Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine.\n\n\u201cBut we cannot support American interests abroad while continuing to sacrifice the security of the American people here at home.\n\n\u201cMr. President, for three years the Biden administration has put out a de facto welcome mat at our southern border.\n\n\u201cIf we want to protect our country, that has to stop.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-lead-legislation-to-block-paraguayan-beef-imports-in-response-to-animal-health-concerns", "Rounds, Tester Lead Legislation to Block Paraguayan Beef Imports in Response to Animal Health Concerns", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to suspend beef imports from Paraguay. The senators\u2019 bill would also require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by Paraguayan beef. This comes after the Biden administration recently lifted a long-standing ban on Paraguayan beef imports.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakota ranch families work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cParaguay has historically struggled to contain outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has prioritized diplomatic initiatives in the region over the interests of the American cattle industry. This poses a significant threat to not only our producers, but our consumers as well. Consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation that prioritizes the well-being of American producers and consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cI drove more than 50 miles one-way from my farm this past weekend to butcher a cow because Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world and work tirelessly to ensure their livestock are safe,\u201d said Tester. \u201cParaguay has failed to meet the standard put forward by Montana ranchers. That\u2019s why I\u2019m leading bipartisan legislation to stand up to the Biden Administration and block beef imports from Paraguay until we have good, reliable data to show they can meet these same high standards as American ranchers.\u201d\n\nThis legislation is supported by R-CALF USA, U.S. Cattlemen\u2019s Association (USCA) and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).\n\n\u201cWe applaud Senator Rounds and Senator Tester for introducing this bill to protect both American livestock and American citizens,\u201d said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA. \u201cBy requiring a timely and thorough evaluation of potential risks to disease introduction and food safety associated with importing fresh and frozen beef from Paraguay, the bill will ensure that America\u2019s food supply remains safe and it\u2019s cattle herd remains healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe U.S. cattle industry has been absolutely clear on the immediate need to halt the importation of beef from countries such as Paraguay and Brazil,\u201d said Justin Tupper, President of U.S. Cattlemen\u2019s Association. \u201cThere are numerous reasons to take action, including the threat to the health of the domestic cattle herd, the associated food safety risks due to government corruption within these nations, the deforestation of critical ecosystems to support industry in these countries, and the use of forced labor practices. Senators Rounds and Tester continue to demand accountability and transparency from countries like Paraguay and Brazil. USCA strongly urges other Members of Congress to support these efforts and join the call for the immediate half of Paraguayan and Brazilian beef imports.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe United States has the highest food safety and animal health standards in the world, and any country who wishes to trade with the United States must demonstrate that they can meet those standards,\u201d said Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs of NCBA. \u201cParaguay\u2019s long history of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks and the lack of recent site visits, makes importing beef from Paraguay too risky. All our trade partners need to have inspection systems that can clearly provide an equivalent level of safety for animal health to prevent a possible foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United States. Cattle producers thank Senators Mike Rounds and Jon Tester for introducing legislation to help protect consumers and cattle from foreign animal disease.\u201d\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CA2B809B-B1BF-46C2-AEBE-A8AA66CDF15F", "Thune to Senate Democrats: National Security Begins at Home", "2023-12-06", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the dire need to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Senate Republicans have made it clear that any national security supplemental must meaningfully address the out-of-control illegal immigration at the southern border through additional law enforcement and asylum and parole reforms.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, later today the Senate will take a vote on whether or not to move to consideration of the national security supplemental.\n\n\u201cAnd make no mistake, this vote will fail.\n\n\u201cNot because Republicans oppose supporting our national security interests overseas, but because Democrats are refusing to take seriously the national security crisis here at home.\n\n\u201cMr. President, from the beginning Republicans have made it clear that any national security supplemental would have to address one of the biggest threats to our national security \u2013 the out-of-control illegal immigration at our southern border.\n\n\u201cThis is not an extraneous issue, as the Democrat leader suggested last week.\n\n\u201cBorder security is national security.\n\n\u201cAnd anyone who thinks that our nation can be secure while we have hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants pouring over our southern border each month needs to think again.\n\n\u201cDuring the month of October alone, 240,988 individuals were encountered at our southern border \u2013 the highest October number ever recorded.\n\n\u201cBut on top of that, the month of October saw an average of 1,000 gotaways per day \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s 30,000 unidentified individuals entering our country in just one month.\n\n\u201c30,000.\n\n\u201cAnd there\u2019s no telling how many unknown gotaways there were during that same period.\n\n\u201cAnd there is no question that some of these gotaways were dangerous individuals who should not be entering our country.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201c169.\n\n\u201cAnd thousands of what are known as \u2018special interest aliens\u2019 \u2013 individuals who may pose a threat to the United States \u2013 have been apprehended trying to illegally cross our southern border over the past two years.\n\n\u201cThen there are the criminals who are trying to make their way into the United States \u2013 from drug traffickers to child predators.\n\n\u201cOne border reporter noted last month, and I quote, \u2018Border Patrol\u2019s Del Rio Sector has arrested at least 21 child sex predators crossing illegally since the new fiscal year began on October 1st.\u2019\n\n\u201cTwenty-one child sex predators.\n\n\u201cIn a single sector of the border.\n\n\u201cAnd again, Mr. President, all of these numbers I\u2019m mentioning only refer to individuals who have actually been apprehended.\n\n\u201cWith 30,000 unknown individuals entering the United States in October alone, there\u2019s no telling how many terrorists, criminals, and other dangerous individuals have made their way into our country without our knowledge.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, I think it\u2019s fair to say that the issue of border security is not \u2018extraneous,\u2019 but is in fact fundamental to our national security \u2013 something the Democrat leader ought to realize.\n\n\u201cIndeed, the fact that New York City is currently facing across-the-board cuts to city services \u2013 including a staggering 13.5 percent cut to its police force \u2013 as a result of the migrant crisis should be all the information the majority leader needs to realize that our current situation is not sustainable, even without the national security risks posed by unchecked illegal immigration.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I support aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine, and I believe that it is in our national security interest to support these allies.\n\n\u201cSo I want to see us take up this national security supplemental.\n\n\u201cBut national security begins at home.\n\n\u201cAnd we can\u2019t pass a bill to advance American interests abroad while ignoring the national security crisis at our own border.\n\n\u201cWe owe the American people better than that.\n\n\u201cThe Democrat leader needs to understand that Republicans are serious.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve said all along that this national security supplemental must address the national security crisis at our border.\n\n\u201cAnd we will continue to hold to that principle.\n\n\u201cAnd while we recognize that in a negotiation neither side will get everything it wants, the final border security component of this supplemental must have real teeth.\n\n\u201cCosmetic measures are not acceptable.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t afford anything less than real solutions to our nation\u2019s border crisis.\n\n\u201cMr. President, 10,000-plus individuals were encountered at our southern border on Sunday.\n\n\u201cAnother 10,000-plus were encountered on Monday.\n\n\u201cThings are getting worse, not better.\n\n\u201cAnd we have an obligation to do everything we can to get this crisis under control.\n\n\u201cSo I will vote against moving to this supplemental while it lacks serious border security policy changes.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope that today\u2019s failed vote will clearly demonstrate to our Democrat colleagues that there will be no national security supplemental without the kind of border security measures that we need to keep our nation secure.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B5C25490-87D4-4460-BBBA-ACEC3FEC67B1", "Thune: \u201cBidenomics\u201d Costs Families an Additional $11,400", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the harsh realities families are facing due to \u201cBidenomics.\u201d Thune noted that hardworking Americans are grappling with high prices, soaring interest rates, mounting debt, and shrinking savings as a result of the president\u2019s misguided economic agenda.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, $11,434.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s how much more a typical family has to spend today to maintain the same standard of living they had at the beginning of the Biden administration.\n\n\u201c$11,434.\n\n\u201cThat is a lot of money.\n\n\u201cAnd needless to say, it\u2019s money that a lot of Americans don\u2019t have.\n\n\u201cMr. President, nearly three years of high inflation has taken its toll.\n\n\u201cAmericans are exhausted from constant price hikes.\n\n\u201cAnd they are struggling to keep pace with the huge increase in their cost of living.\n\n\u201cOne recent news story noted, and I quote, \u2018Since early 2020, prices have risen about as much as they had in the full 10 years preceding the health emergency.\u2019\n\n\u201cLet me just repeat that, Mr. President.\n\n\u201c\u2018Since early 2020, prices have risen about as much as they had in the full 10 years preceding the health emergency.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn other words, Mr. President, we\u2019ve had 10 years of price increases packed into the last four years.\n\n\u201cAnd the lion\u2019s share of those increases has occurred during the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cSince President Biden took office, the price of groceries has risen by almost 21 percent.\n\n\u201cGas prices have risen by 54.8 percent.\n\n\u201cElectric bills are up almost 25 percent.\n\n\u201cCar repairs and maintenance are up 26.5 percent.\n\n\u201cRent is up 18 percent.\n\n\u201cAnd the list goes on.\n\n\u201cAnd unfortunately at this point it\u2019s clear that today\u2019s high prices are here to stay.\n\n\u201cMr. President, inflation didn\u2019t come out of nowhere.\n\n\u201cInflation is the result of too many dollars chasing too few goods and services.\n\n\u201cAnd that\u2019s exactly the situation the Biden administration and Democrats helped create in 2021.\n\n\u201cThe president\u2019s first major piece of legislation was a massive, partisan, $1.9 trillion spending bill filled with unnecessary spending and handouts to Democrat interest groups.\n\n\u201cThe bill flooded the economy with unnecessary government money, and the economy overheated as a result.\n\n\u201cAnd almost three years down the road, we\u2019re still dealing with the inflation crisis the president and Democrats helped create.\n\n\u201cSo it should come as no surprise that the president\u2019s \u2018Bidenomics\u2019 pitch \u2013 his attempt to sell the American people on his economic record \u2013 is falling flat, even among members of his own party.\n\n\u201cA substantial majority of Americans have a negative view of the economy.\n\n\u201cFifty-five percent of voters say they are worse off financially under President Biden.\n\n\u201cAnd a large percentage are cutting back on spending to make ends meet.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden claims that, quote, \u2018Bidenomics is just another way of saying \u2018the American Dream.\u2019\u2019\n\n\u201cBut for a lot of Americans, Bidenomics has proved to be less dream and more nightmare.\n\n\u201cBecause the reality is that under Bidenomics, working Americans are struggling to get by.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re tapping into their savings.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re taking on more debt.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re falling behind on car payments, or other bills.\n\n\u201cAnd increasingly, one key measure of the American dream \u2013 owning your own home \u2013 is out of reach for many Americans.\n\n\u201cThe higher interest rates the Federal Reserve was forced to put in place to help rein in President Biden\u2019s inflation crisis has meant more expensive mortgages \u2013 which, combined with higher home prices, has eroded homebuyers\u2019 purchasing power.\n\n\u201cA recent NBC News article reported, and I quote, \u2018\u2026 in late 2020, the monthly mortgage payment on a typical, newly sold home was around $1,100 in principal and interest. It\u2019s now about twice that.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018It\u2019s now about twice that.\u2019\n\n\u201cOn the car-buying front, Mr. President, Americans are facing loan rates last seen, as one article noted, during the Great Recession.\n\n\u201cAnd soaring credit card interest rates are making it difficult for Americans to afford their credit card bills, much less make progress at paying them off.\n\n\u201c(A situation not helped, of course, by the fact that many Americans have had to turn to their credit cards to help them get by under Bidenflation.)\n\n\u201cUnder the Biden administration, Americans can\u2019t catch a break.\n\n\u201cMr. President, President Biden has spent a lot of time talking about giving families \u201ca little bit of breathing room.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut the reality of Bidenomics is that a lot of families have seen their breathing room disappear.\n\n\u201cPerhaps the president should remember that before he gives another speech touting his economic record.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:56:20Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-calls-committee-field-hearings-indian-country", "Johnson Calls for Committee Field Hearings in Indian Country", "2023-12-04", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) called on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to hold field hearings on Indian reservations to learn about the challenges faced by tribal law enforcement in the Great Plains.\n\n\u201cAs I speak with leaders from South Dakota\u2019s nine tribes, it is clear the number one concern facing Indian reservations is the dismal state of law enforcement,\u201d Johnson wrote. \u201cTribal communities are desperate for relief\u2026The federal government [should honor] the commitment we made and works to meet the law enforcement needs of Indian country.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe praise Rep. Dusty Johnson\u2019s action today to request House field hearings on tribal law enforcement needs in the Great Plains. We welcome these hearings as an opportunity for Members of the House to hear firsthand about the crisis we face every day in our tribal communities. A generation of our people are now born plagued by gangs and cartels, human and drug trafficking, organized crime, abuse, and murder. The sole provider of law enforcement services to the Oglala Sioux Tribe is the federal government, and this plague has only grown under their administration in the last 20 years. After years of effort to raise awareness about the dire public safety situation on our lands and our victory in court, we still need federal decision-makers to focus on the reality of public safety in Indian Country in the Great Plains and to take the bold actions to address it. We thank Rep. Dusty Johnson for being an unwavering ally in our fight for the survival of our people. We look forward to a frank discussion with Congress at the field hearings and a plan of action to address this problem once and for all,\u201d said President Frank Star Comes Out Oglala Sioux Tribe.\n\nJohnson has fought to secure resources for tribal police departments and has been a leader on legislation such as the Tribal COPS Act and the Invest to Protect Act.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis year, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe each issued a State of Emergency on their reservations due to insufficient law enforcement in their communities. The Oglala Sioux Tribe has only 33 officers to cover land areas of more than 3 million square acres.\n\nOglala Sioux Tribe Chief of Police Algin Young shared how his officers must work 80 hours of overtime each month in an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing earlier this year.\n\nReservations face violent crime rates much higher than the national average.\n\nThe Pine Ridge Reservation has only one officer to every 1,333 persons and face slow response times as long as thirty minutes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-continues-commitment-secure-border", "Johnson Continues Commitment to Secure the Border", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) cosponsored three bills to strengthen security and policies at the southern border.\n\n\u201cUnder the Biden Administration\u2019s weak border policies, every state has become a border state,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAn increase in drugs and crime is seen in communities across America. I remain committed to securing the border to keep South Dakota families safe.\u201d\n\nThe Biden Administration\u2019s border policies have increased the monthly average of illegal crossings by 368 percent from September 2020 vs. September 2023. Although South Dakota is 1,000 miles from the southern border, illegal immigration has cost our state $56.9 million in 2023. In May, Johnson voted in support of H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, when it passed with some of the strongest border security measures to be voted on by the House.\n\nLegislation:\n\nThe Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act, led by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), would:\n\nGive CBP the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 in order to combat trafficking and child recycling;\n\nRequire DHS to publicly report the number of apprehensions in a given month involving child traffickers who falsely claimed that an accompanying child was a relative;\n\nRequire DHS to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the number of minors who were fingerprinted pursuant to this Act;\n\nRemove the Attorney General\u2019s authority to waive fingerprinting requirements for those illegally crossing the southern border; and\n\nCriminalize child recycling.\n\nThe Southern Border Transparency Act, led by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA), would require Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report:\n\nNumber of migrants paroled at each POE and each Border Patrol sector, broken down by nationality and demographics.\n\nNumber of migrants apprehended at each POE and each Border Patrol sector, and how many were granted voluntary departure, placed into expedited removal, or entered another process (likely humanitarian release).\n\nFor each POE and Border Patrol sector: the number of migrants that entered into expedited removal, how many claimed a fear of persecution, credible fear of persecution, and were either removed, detained, or entered another process (likely release).\n\nThe number of petitions for parole received and granted by USCIS.\n\nThe total number of aliens paroled into the US, broken down by nationality and demographics, and of these for each fiscal year\u2014\n\nHow many granted employment authorization;\n\nHow many still had a valid employment authorization;\n\nHow many have not had parole expire;\n\nHow many had status adjusted or parole extended;\n\nHow many had parole expire, and of these, how many exited the United States;\n\nHow many were returned to DHS custody from which they were paroled.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-legislation-to-address-federal-government-overreach-on-south-dakota-farmers-ranchers-and-landowners", "Rounds Leads Legislation to Address Federal Government Overreach on South Dakota Farmers, Ranchers and Landowners", "2023-12-01", "2023", "2023-12", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to address federal overreach and provide regulatory certainty to South Dakota farmers, ranchers and landowners. The Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 would protect the definition of prior converted cropland (PCC) in the Biden administration\u2019s most recent Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.\n\nThe Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.).\n\n\u201cFor far too long, South Dakota producers have been subject to a number of complex and burdensome WOTUS rule changes,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cWhile past administrations have issued problematic WOTUS rules, the previous Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) worked to protect owners of prior converted cropland from undue regulation while providing producers with needed flexibility. This legislation seeks to restore this definition of PCC and prevent further overreach on South Dakota farmers and ranchers, who know their land better than any D.C. bureaucrats.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration continues to burden American agriculture with onerous rules,\u201d said Ricketts. \u201cProducers need relief, not regulation. I\u2019m pleased to support this effort to bring certainty to landowners and prevent more big government overreach.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince coming to Congress, I have worked to protect our farmers from the reckless overreach of the Biden Administration and its misaligned use of WOTUS,\u201d said Marshall. \u201cWhile I\u2019m disappointed to see this Administration defy the U.S. Supreme Court\u2019s ruling on the issue, we cannot give up our fight to protect our landowners from more red tape and burdensome regulations. We must provide certainty to close loopholes that can and will be abused by the EPA in its attempt to regulate every pond, stream and puddle.\u201d\n\n\u201cFarmers supported President Trump\u2019s definition of WOTUS because it gave them clear protections for prior converted cropland,\u201d said Braun. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor the Farmers Freedom Act, which reinstates the Trump-era protections and gives farmers much-needed peace of mind.\u201d\n\n\u201cLandowners need more freedom to use their land as they see fit without excessive, burdensome environmental regulations,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cThe Biden administration is deferring to a loosely-defined and arbitrary definition for prior converted croplands which creates uncertainty for landowners, especially those in the Prairie Pothole region. Our producers will always be better caretakers of the land than federal bureaucrats in Washington, and the administration should acknowledge it.\u201d\n\nFor the last several decades, wetlands converted to cropland before 1985 have remained exempt from WOTUS regulation. Under the Biden administration\u2019s rule, previously-converted cropland could revert to a wetland status if it is unavailable for commodity production. Specifically, if a section of PCC floods and is unable to produce commodities, it could be subject to regulation under the authority of the Clean Water Act.\n\nThe Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 is supported by the South Dakota Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, the definition of prior converted cropland (PCC) in the latest WOTUS rule will only contribute to further uncertainty for producers,\u201d said South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal. \u201cI thank Senator Rounds for introducing legislation to address this problematic piece in the latest reiteration of WOTUS.\u201d\n\n\u201cFarmers take seriously the responsibility for properly caring for the land they\u2019ve been entrusted with,\u201d said Courtney Briggs, American Farm Bureau\u2019s Senior Director of Government Affairs. \u201cThe current rules surrounding prior converted cropland make it difficult for farmers to ensure they are making the best use of their land while protecting the environment. We appreciate Sen. Rounds for working to bring clarity to the PCC exclusion.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFor the last several decades, wetlands that were drained to be cropland prior to 1985 have remained exempt from regulation under the Clean Water Act.\n\nIn 2015, the Obama administration finalized a rule that expanded the definition of WOTUS, creating confusion and burdensome red tape, especially for South Dakota\u2019s agricultural communities.\n\nThe Trump administration released a proposed rule to replace the 2015 WOTUS rule with a new one that provided much-needed predictability and certainty for farmers by establishing clear and reasonable definitions of what qualifies as a \u201cwater of the United States.\u201d The Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) was finalized in 2020.\n\nThe NWPR clarified the rules governing PCC, protecting impacted land from Clean Water Act regulation as long it was used for agricultural purposes once every five years.\n\nOn day one of his administration, President Biden signed an executive order to begin the process of rolling back the Trump administration\u2019s NWPR.\n\nIn December 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new rule repealing the NWPR and changing the definition of WOTUS in a way that will expand federal regulatory authority.\n\nThe Biden administration\u2019s WOTUS rule also tightened the regulations guiding PCC, allowing the federal government to end the exemption for such land immediately upon a change in use.\n\nIn May 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency that overturned the previous 2022 WOTUS rule.\n\nIn August 2023, the EPA issued a new iteration of the WOTUS rule with changes after Sackett, which retained the problematic definition of PCC.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-leads-bill-block-state-investments-communist-china", "Johnson Leads Bill to Block State Investments in Communist China", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to allow states to prohibit state funds from bankrolling the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP); Governor Kristi Noem endorsed the legislation.\n\n\u201cAmerica should not help advance the CCP agenda, especially with state funds,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cMy bill empowers states to divest their investment dollars from CCP-linked companies. South Dakota understands the threat of the CCP, and I am grateful for Governor Noem\u2019s leadership and partnership to protect our state from their communist regime.\u201d\n\nThroughout the summer, Governor Noem and Congressman Johnson held several conversations about this legislation and how it would benefit both South Dakota and the nation. In December 2022, Governor Noem wrote to congressional leadership calling for legislation like what Congressman Johnson is introducing.\n\n\u201cI am grateful that Congressman Johnson sees the national security threat that China poses,\u201d said Governor Kristi Noem. \u201cProtecting South Dakota from nations that hate America has been a priority of mine as Governor, and I am glad that he is doing the same in Congress.\u201d\n\nThe PRC Accountability and Divestment Act of 2023 is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Carlos Gim\u00e9nez (R-FL).\n\nThe PRC Accountability and Divestment Act of 2023 allows states to make the decisions to divest taxpayer funds from China. Specifically, this bill:\n\nProvides State and local governments with the authority to divest assets from and prohibit investments within the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC);\n\nProvides State and local governments with a safe harbor for changes of investment policies related to the PRC; and,\n\nStates a fiduciary of an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan may divest plan assets from the PRC.\n\nCongress has previously passed similar legislation supporting state and local actions to divest from states that are a threat to the United States or committing human rights atrocities. In 2010, Congress passed the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act. In 2007, Congress passed the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B3D8BA0F-E554-4FFF-87D5-721FC8A6D024", "Thune Highlights South Dakota\u2019s Time-Honored Pheasant Hunting Tradition", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about South Dakota\u2019s time-honored pheasant hunting tradition and discussed the important role it has on the state\u2019s economy and its dependence on effective conservation practices. Thune also spoke about the worsening security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border, and he called on the White House and Senate Democrats to prioritize a border security package that includes meaningful asylum and parole reforms.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as delivered):\n\n\u201cMr. President, before I begin the subject I want to address today, I just want to make an observation about this discussion we're having on our southern border.\n\n\u201cAnd I would reiterate what I\u2019ve been saying now for some time, and that is that it's no longer just a humanitarian crisis.\n\n\u201cIt is every bit of that, but it is a national security crisis.\n\n\u201cWe see the numbers on a daily basis, a number of people who are apprehended at the southern border trying to come into the country illegally.\n\n\u201cThe last three days, the last three days, that's over 9,000 per day, over 9,000 per day, and that doesn't include the gotaways or the unknowns.\n\n\u201cThat's the people who are apprehended coming across the border illegally.\n\n\u201cAnd we now know, in the month of September, for example, that there were a significant number of people \u2013 18, actually \u2013 apprehended coming across the southern border who were on the terrorist watch list.\n\n\u201cPeople coming from all over the world have figured out, if you want a portal, if you want to get into the United States, just come to the southern border and we'll wave you in \u2013 which is essentially what's happening today.\n\n\u201cThe question I would ask, Mr. President, is in what universe does that make any sense?\n\n\u201cI said this yesterday: We are a nation of immigrants.\n\n\u201cWe've been a very welcoming country.\n\n\u201cWe have ways of bringing people into this country legally.\n\n\u201cWe do that on an annual basis.\n\n\u201cBut we are a nation of laws, first and foremost.\n\n\u201cThe rule of law is what distinguishes our country from many other countries around the world.\n\n\u201cAnd yet, at our southern border, that doesn't mean a thing.\n\n\u201cOver 9,000 a day.\n\n\u201cAnnualize that.\n\n\u201cThink about what that means.\n\n\u201cThat's 3 million people a year.\n\n\u201cAnd we have people who want to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to it.\n\n\u201cWe have an opportunity in this national security supplemental bill that will be on the floor perhaps as early as next week that will deal with issues like Ukraine; issues like Israel, what's happening there; Indo-Pacific, where we have national security interests at stake.\n\n\u201cMr. President, we have to deal with the national security crisis at our southern border.\n\n\u201cThis is insanity.\n\n\u201cI don't understand it.\n\n\u201cI don't understand the administration.\n\n\u201cI don't understand some of my colleagues here in the Senate who feel like this isn't something that we need to be dealing with or addressing.\n\n\u201cThis is a national security crisis on a daily basis.\n\n\u201cOver 9,000 in the last three days in a row \u2013 and again, some of which we know, because they are catching them, are people on the terrorist watch list.\n\n\u201cIn what universe does what's being done at our southern border make sense to anybody, any rational person?\n\n\u201cIt doesn't make sense to the mayor of New York \u2013 New York City \u2013 or the mayor of Chicago, where as migrants arrive there, they're having to divert resources to address that.\n\n\u201cThe mayor of New York City said he was going to freeze hiring police officers in New York City.\n\n\u201cThat seems like that\u2019d be a problem if I was a New York City resident.\n\n\u201cHe said he was going to have to close libraries, cut funding for education.\n\n\u201cThat is what we are talking about.\n\n\u201cThis is not just an issue that affects communities on the southern border \u2013 although I\u2019ve been down there a number of times, and believe me, they are profoundly affected.\n\n\u201cThis is an issue where every state becomes a border state, as literally thousands of people on a daily basis are released into the interior of the United States, waved by, no regard or respect for our heritage as a nation of laws and a country that is built upon a foundation of the rule of law.\n\n\u201cIt's got to be fixed.\n\n\u201cIt's got to be done and needs to be done now.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and our folks at the White House understand that.\n\n\u201cWe can't wait any longer.\n\n\u201cThis is out of control.\n\n\u201cOn another subject, Mr. President, there are some things that are timeless.\n\n\u201cThat are cherished by every generation.\n\n\u201cThings that never get old, no matter how long they\u2019ve been going on.\n\n\u201cIn South Dakota, one of those things is our pheasant hunting tradition.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s been a part of South Dakota\u2019s way of life for well over a century.\n\n\u201cOver the years, as the pheasant population grew, so did the state\u2019s reputation as \u2018The Pheasant Capital of the World.\u2019\n\n\u201cToday, hunters come from all over to participate in the annual hunting season.\n\n\u201cAnd the season opener, which falls on the third Saturday in October, is all but an official state holiday.\n\n\u201cMr. President, pheasant hunting is a tradition in a lot of South Dakota families, including my own.\n\n\u201cI can\u2019t remember a time when I didn\u2019t look forward to the start of pheasant season.\n\n\u201cMy dad would take my siblings and me out hunting.\n\n\u201cHe taught us how to bag a rooster and work together as a team in the field.\n\n\u201cHe wasn\u2019t one to miss a pheasant season, even into his late nineties.\n\n\u201cOver the years, I\u2019ve enjoyed sharing this tradition with my daughters and, later, with their husbands.\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019m looking forward to passing it on to the next generation when my grandchildren are old enough.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I was able to get out pheasant hunting over the Thanksgiving holiday.\n\n\u201cAnd I can say that there\u2019s nothing like a crisp fall day spent in our great outdoors with friends and family.\n\n\u201cI think that\u2019s what keeps so many hunters coming back each year.\n\n\u201cOf course, they also come for the challenge of the hunt and to (hopefully) limit out on roosters.\n\n\u201cLike I said, folks come from all over for South Dakota\u2019s ringnecks.\n\n\u201cLast year, 127,000 hunters came through our state and bagged over a million roosters.\n\n\u201cAnd this year looks sure to be another great hunting season.\n\n\u201cMr. President, there is no shortage of satisfied hunters in South Dakota this time of year.\n\n\u201cBut pheasant season\u2019s benefits go far beyond just the hunters.\n\n\u201cFor communities in the heart of pheasant country, the hunting season has a significant economic impact.\n\n\u201cIn just over 100 days of hunting, pheasant season contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to our state\u2019s economy.\n\n\u201cAnd folks in these small towns always make sure the out-of-towners feel welcome.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s just part of who we are in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAnd Mr. President, there could hardly be so many satisfied hunters each fall without the conservation efforts of so many landowners and agriculture producers in the state.\n\n\u201cThe size of our famed pheasant population is thanks in no small part to land conservation efforts that provide quality habitat for the birds to roost.\n\n\u201cA good hunting season in the fall depends on the spring nesting season and the ability of pheasants to hide their nests and protect their brood.\n\n\u201cAnd South Dakota\u2019s farmers and ranchers make sure there\u2019s habitat for that nesting.\n\n\u201cMr. President, a lot of the conservation efforts in our state are supported by the Conservation Reserve Program \u2013 the cornerstone of federal conservation programs.\n\n\u201cIt plays a critical role in South Dakota by supporting farmers who take environmentally sensitive land out of production.\n\n\u201cTaking this land out of production protects against soil erosion, improves water quality, and provides wildlife habitat, including for pheasants.\n\n\u201cAnd it provides an economical alternative for farmers, who would otherwise have to invest in expensive fertilizers and other inputs to keep this land in production.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I\u2019ve been a longtime supporter of CRP.\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019m working to make sure this program is strengthened and supported in the next farm bill so that more farmers and ranchers can access its benefits \u2013 and, of course, so that future pheasant seasons are as good as seasons past.\n\n\u201cMr. President, it might seem that pheasant season is the pride of South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAnd we\u2019re certainly proud of it.\n\n\u201cBut the pride of our state is really our way of life.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s our values and our work ethic.\n\n\u201cFrom the plains to the ponderosa pines, there\u2019s so much to appreciate about our state and its people.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakotans cherish our freedoms; we love our country.\n\n\u201cAnd we recognize that with freedom comes responsibility.\n\n\u201cWe recognize that sometimes you\u2019ve got to step up and do the work.\n\n\u201cAnd that you need to help your neighbors when they\u2019re in need.\n\n\u201cThese values have been forged in our small towns \u2013 the kind of places where everyone knows each other and everyone does their part.\n\n\u201cThese are the timeless treasures that make life in South Dakota so good.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re a big part of what makes me proud to serve our state here in the Senate.\n\n\u201cAnd they\u2019re the values Kimberley and I tried to instill in our daughters, and that I\u2019m confident the next generation of South Dakotans will continue to uphold.\n\n\u201cMr. President, whether gathered around a meal of fresh pheasant in our great outdoors or gathered around the Thanksgiving turkey, there\u2019s a lot to be thankful for as a South Dakotan.\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019m grateful to be a son of our state.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B64FBD6A-12AF-4D28-A036-72C9832D8EDF", "Thune Statement on Passing of Harriet Pressler", "2023-11-30", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "SIOUX FALLS, S.D. \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the passing of Harriet Pressler, wife of former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.):\n\n\u201cKimberley and I join South Dakotans today in mourning the loss of Harriet Pressler,\u201d said Thune. \u201cHarriet was a faith-filled woman who radiated grace and kindness to everyone she met as she and her husband Larry proudly served the state of South Dakota for many years. Kimberley worked for Senator Pressler and came to know Harriet as a tireless fighter for our state, and she has so many friends in South Dakota that are saddened to hear this news. We are praying for the Pressler family and know that Harriet\u2019s legacy will continue to live on through those she leaves behind.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4CA99B5-47F9-4057-8AFE-FDEE0BB6CAF2", "Thune: Border Security Must Be a Top Priority", "2023-11-29", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the imminent need to address the growing security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that any national security supplemental appropriations legislation must include a border security package \u2013 including asylum and parole reforms \u2013 in order to reverse some of President Biden\u2019s failed policies that have fueled the crisis at the southern border.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, once again, the Biden administration has set another record when it comes to the border \u2013 and not the good kind.\n\n\u201cDuring the month of October, 240,988 individuals were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201cThat is the highest October number ever recorded.\n\n\u201cAnd those are just the individuals who were actually apprehended.\n\n\u201cThe month of October saw an average of 1,000 gotaways per day \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s 30,000 unidentified individuals entering our country in just one month.\n\n\u201cAnd there\u2019s no telling how many unknown gotaways there were during that same period.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the situation at our southern border is out of control.\n\n\u201cThe closing of the fiscal year in September marked the third successive record-breaking year of illegal immigration at our southern border under the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cAnd as the October numbers demonstrate, the end of this crisis is nowhere in sight.\n\n\u201cThe problems here are too many to count.\n\n\u201cThe men and women of the Border Patrol are under incredible strain \u2013 and have been for pretty much the entirety of the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cBorder cities are struggling to deal with the ceaseless influx of migrants \u2013 and major cities in other areas of the country are now discovering what border cities have been going through.\n\n\u201cThe situation is encouraging migrants to undertake the dangerous journey to our southern border \u2013 with sometimes tragic results.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, our national security is in jeopardy.\n\n\u201cBecause a border security problem is a national security problem.\n\n\u201cThis isn\u2019t a matter of speculation.\n\n\u201cWe know for a fact that dangerous individuals are attempting to make their way across our southern border.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201c169.\n\n\u201cAnd thousands of so-called \u2018special interest aliens\u2019 \u2013 individuals who may pose a threat to the United States \u2013 have been apprehended at our southern border over the past two years.\n\n\u201cAnd, again, the numbers we have refer only to those who have been apprehended.\n\n\u201cAs I said, last month alone 30,000 unidentified individuals made their way illegally into our country.\n\n\u201cMany of them may simply have been seeking a better life.\n\n\u201cBut it is not only possible but likely that some of them were dangerous individuals who should not be entering our country.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this work period we expect to take up supplemental spending legislation to address national security priorities \u2013 notably support for our allies like Israel and Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAnd one national security priority that this legislation must address is border security.\n\n\u201cAs the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel reminds us, national security requires constant vigilance.\n\n\u201cAnd our nation is simply not secure as long as we\u2019re dealing with a massive flow of illegal immigration at our southern border.\n\n\u201cWe must get this crisis under control.\n\n\u201cSenators Graham, Lankford, and Cotton have been working to craft a set of border security measures for inclusion in the national security supplemental, focused on the two areas in obvious need of reform: parole and asylum.\n\n\u201cUnder our current asylum system, a large percentage of individuals claiming asylum are released into the interior of our country after initial screening, with court dates up to a decade later.\n\n\u201cThe Associated Press reported that in March, 77 percent of individuals claiming asylum passed the initial screening.\n\n\u201cIn practice, this means that thousands of individuals who have entered our country illegally end up taking up residence in our country \u2013 possibly for a number of years, given our immigration court backlog.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s a problem.\n\n\u201cAnd our parole system is in trouble as well.\n\n\u201cIn fiscal year 2022, the Biden administration granted parole to 417,326 individuals.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s because the Biden Department of Homeland Security has instituted an overly permissive application of parole \u2013 which means that, again, tens of thousands of individuals who have not been granted legal status and who may not have a case for remaining in the United States have been taking up residence in our country, with instructions to report back a year or more into the future for further review of their status.\n\n\u201cGiven the backlog and overwhelmed nature of our parole system, this ends up being de facto permanent residence.\n\n\u201cNeedless to say, this invites abuse.\n\n\u201cAnd individuals are availing themselves of these flawed policies to gain entry to our nation.\n\n\u201cAnd any supplemental legislation must not only deal with border security generally but with our asylum and parole systems specifically if we want to get the crisis at our southern border under control.\n\n\u201cMr. President, our porous southern border is a massive national security vulnerability.\n\n\u201cRepublicans know it, and while they may not always admit it, I think my Democrat colleagues know it as well.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for them to act on that knowledge and join Republicans to pass real border security measures as part of the national security supplemental.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BA4FB0B1-4269-4C9B-923C-263A44217D94", "Thune: Bipartisan AI Bill Promotes Transparency and Encourages Innovation", "2023-11-28", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023, his bipartisan bill that would bolster the United States\u2019 leadership and innovation in AI, improve transparency for consumers, and create common-sense safety and security guardrails for the highest-risk AI applications.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, artificial intelligence \u2013 or AI \u2013 has been with us for quite some time now.\n\n\u201cAnd whether it\u2019s the chatbot providing help on Amazon, or personalized recommendations on Netflix, or the algorithms curating your social media feeds, these days most of us interact with artificial intelligence on a daily basis.\n\n\u201cBut as the release of ChatGPT to the public last year demonstrated, artificial intelligence is about to take a giant step forward.\n\n\u201cThe AI applications I\u2019ve mentioned, like chatbots and personalized recommendations, are examples of so-called narrow AI \u2013 AI trained to perform specific tasks.\n\n\u201cBut ChatGPT is an example of the next generation of AI \u2013 artificial intelligence systems set up to imitate the human brain and produce original content based on the assimilation of vast sets of data.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this next generation of AI \u2013 so-called foundation models, which underpin systems like ChatGPT \u2013 offers tremendous possibilities.\n\n\u201cAdvances in medicine. In farming. In manufacturing.\n\n\u201cThe automation of routine tasks.\n\n\u201cNew ways to manage infrastructure.\n\n\u201cBetter and more resilient supply chains.\n\n\u201cAdvances in national defense.\n\n\u201cThe list goes on.\n\n\u201cBut as with any sophisticated technology, this next generation of AI presents risks as well.\n\n\u201cAnd those risks are heightened by the enormous capabilities of AI and the potential for this technology to pervade every corner of our society.\n\n\u201cAnd our goal needs to be encouraging the promise of AI while putting safeguards in place to minimize potential dangers.\n\n\u201cThe light-touch approach the United States has taken to internet regulation is a good model to follow as we approach AI regulation.\n\n\u201cThe explosive growth of internet innovation in the United States is in large part a result of the fact that the government has not weighed down this sector of the economy with heavy-handed regulation.\n\n\u201cAnd we should maintain a similarly light touch when it comes to AI to encourage innovation and keep the United States at the forefront of the next generation of artificial intelligence.\n\n\u201cLeadership in AI will benefit our economy.\n\n\u201cAnd there are also serious security reasons why staying at the forefront of the AI revolution is important.\n\n\u201cThere is no question that AI will come to play an important role in national defense, and falling behind adversaries \u2013 like the Chinese Communist Party \u2013 in this area could put our country at a serious disadvantage when it comes to our national security.\n\n\u201cSo we need to start establishing some basic rules of the road that will allow AI innovation to flourish while at the same time minimizing the dangers it presents.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the race to regulate AI has already started.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden has released a sweeping executive order that empowers multiple government agencies and departments to regulate all AI systems, and even the algorithms that recommend our next movie on Netflix or remind us that we need to order more paper towels.\n\n\u201cAnd internationally, the European Union has continued to press forward with a heavy-handed regulatory regime.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time for Congress to ensure innovation in the United States continues.\n\n\u201cRegulating AI by executive order is not the way to go about things.\n\n\u201cEven if the president\u2019s executive order on AI weren\u2019t overly broad and heavy-handed, executive orders are by their very nature not permanent, since they have the potential to be reversed or amended at any time \u2013 and stand a good chance of being reversed or amended when a new administration comes into office.\n\n\u201cThis creates uncertainty for companies, which can stunt expansion and innovation.\n\n\u201cThe right way to approach AI regulation is to pursue a bipartisan, nationwide approach in Congress that will protect innovation while putting in place the necessary safeguards for the riskiest applications of this technology.\n\n\u201cTo that end, shortly before Thanksgiving I introduced bipartisan AI legislation with Senator Klobuchar and several of our Commerce Committee colleagues from both parties.\n\n\u201cOur bill is intended to establish some basic rules of the road for artificial intelligence while protecting the ability of companies to innovate and advance this technology.\n\n\u201cOur bill focuses on two things \u2013 transparency for consumers, and a tiered, risk-based framework for oversight of the highest-impact applications of AI.\n\n\u201cOn the transparency front, our bill would require any large-scale internet platform that uses generative AI to create content to clearly inform consumers of that fact.\n\n\u201cOne of the risks presented by generative AI is the difficulty of distinguishing AI-produced content from human-produced content.\n\n\u201cThat may not be a huge issue if the content we\u2019re talking about is an amusing meme, but it\u2019s a real issue if a consumer is trying to figure out whether information or an image is real or whether it\u2019s been generated by AI.\n\n\u201cSo requiring transparency about whether content is being produced \u2013 or partially produced \u2013 by generative AI needs to be a priority.\n\n\u201cThe second part of our bill deals with high-impact and critical-impact AI \u2013 that is, AI applications used to make significant decisions in particularly high-risk sectors.\n\n\u201cOur bill establishes a two-tiered system for overseeing these applications.\n\n\u201cCritical-impact AI applications \u2013 for example, like those used to make significant decisions in the operation of critical infrastructure \u2013 would be required to self-certify compliance with testing, evaluation, validation, and verification standards.\n\n\u201cHigh-impact AI applications would be subject solely to transparency reporting requirements.\n\n\u201cImportantly, this part of the bill is carefully tailored to apply only to AI applications making complex decisions in high-risk sectors, and is meant to respond directly and narrowly to the recent leap in capabilities of foundation models that power them.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I believe that the bill Senator Klobuchar and I have introduced is the right first step when it comes to AI technology.\n\n\u201cUnlike the White House\u2019s executive order, our bill doesn\u2019t instantly assume that artificial intelligence technology is bad and that it should be subject to heavy-handed government intervention.\n\n\u201cNor does our legislation rush us into regulations before we have a clear idea of what aspects of this technology need to be regulated and in what way.\n\n\u201cInstead, our bill puts in place guardrails to mitigate the dangers posed by the highest-impact AI applications, while leaving American innovators and entrepreneurs free to move forward with innovation.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Senator Klobuchar and our other co-sponsors for working with me on this bill, and we will continue to welcome ideas to further improve our legislation.\n\n\u201cLegislation on an issue of this magnitude calls for the deliberation of the committee process and regular order consideration, and I will work to ensure that we take it up in the Commerce Committee in the coming months.\n\n\u201cThis bill will not be the last bill that Congress needs to consider when it comes to AI, but I believe it is the right place for us to begin.\n\n\u201cAnd I look forward to working with colleagues from both parties to get this bill through Congress and across the finish line.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-continues-protect-us-farmland-foreign-ownership", "Johnson Continues to Protect U.S. Farmland from Foreign Ownership", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), and John Moolenaar (R-MI) introduced the Farmland Security Act of 2023 to protect food security and national security by strengthening analysis of foreign ownership of American agricultural land.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s farmland is highly sought after, not only by U.S. producers, but by individuals and companies around the world,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cIf our ag land is sold into the wrong hands, we could face threats to our food security and national security. This bill puts provisions in place to give a more detailed analysis of who is buying our farmland so we can protect our rural communities, producers, food security, and national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen foreign investors buy up broad swaths of American farmland, our food access and national security are put at risk \u2013 all at a time when we import a significant chunk of the fruits and vegetables we consume each day,\u201d said Gluesenkamp Perez. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation would help us maintain control over our food supply and ensure family farms across Southwest Washington don\u2019t get squeezed out.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to introduce the Farmland Security Act to help protect Michigan farms and our food supply. This legislation promotes transparency to the American people on foreign shell corporations and increases penalties for foreign entities failing to accurately report their land ownership,\u201d said Moolenaar. \u201cFarmland is a vital asset for our food supply, economy, and national security. It is more important than ever that we have the structures in place to review and assess foreign ownership.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe amount of foreign-owned U.S. agricultural land has increased significantly over the past ten years. Johnson cosponsors several bills to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries, such as the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, and the Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act.\n\n37.6 million acres of U.S. agricultural land, valued at over $60 billion, have been reported to the USDA as foreign investor owned. However, these figures are likely an underestimation as there is a lack of oversight for foreign investors who evade reporting requirements for domestic farmland purchases.\n\nThe Farmland Security Act of 2023 would:\n\nImpose new financial penalties on foreign owners or \u201cshell companies\u201d who fail to disclose or misreport their acreage;\n\nRequire research into foreign ownership of agricultural production capacity and foreign participation in the U.S. agriculture economy; and\n\nDirect the USDA to conduct an annual compliance audit to better identify non-reporting foreign-owned ag land.\n\nCompanion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-rounds-fischer-legislation-to-give-tribal-colleges-and-universities-a-stronger-voice-in-education-funding", "Senate Unanimously Passes Rounds, Fischer Legislation to Give Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding", "2023-11-21", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u00ad\u2013 The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation offered by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) that would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) Improvement Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the NACIE Improvement Act has passed the Senate,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cLeaders of Tribal Colleges and Universities know the needs of their organizations, faculty and students better than anyone else. This legislation will amplify their voice on how to best meet those needs and improve the effectiveness of federal resources.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal Colleges and Universities should not be left out of the conversation when it comes to federal education resources,\u201d said Fischer. \u201cI am glad to see this strong, bipartisan legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support. It\u2019s long past time to ensure that the Departments of Education and Interior hear directly from TCU leaders about their challenges and funding needs.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal Advisory Councils are an integral part of the federal trust responsibility, ensuring that the voices of our Tribal Nations have a formal role in advising the federal government,\u201d said Tesia Zientek, President of the National Indian Education Association. \u201cThe National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act is an important step that will serve to uplift the Nation-to-Nation relationship, securing the future of our Native children. It is time NACIE\u2019s role in the Departments of Education and Interior is empowered and solidified. NIEA applauds the Senate passage of the NACIE Act and now looks towards the House to continue moving this important legislation forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are pleased that the NACIE bill has passed the Senate,\u201d said John Phillips, Interim President & CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. \u201cIt is important to include a seat at the table for our Tribal Colleges and Universities. They offer great insight and knowledge not only into the needs of their students and institutions but also of the educational system that serves these students throughout their education journey. Our students will be best served by all tribal educational systems working together to ensure they have the best possible educational opportunities.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Fischer, the NACIE Improvement Act was introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).\n\nBACKGROUND:The U.S. Department of Education\u2019s (ED) tribal advisory group, the NACIE, advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving tribes and their members. The NACIE releases an annual report, but the ED does not have a process for considering the NACIE\u2019s report when developing its budget request. Additionally, the ED\u2019s tribal consultation sessions often do not provide the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input.\n\nThe NACIE Improvement Act would address these challenges by:\n\nRequiring at least one of the NACIE\u2019s members be the president of a TCU.\n\nRequiring the Secretaries of Education and Interior to consider the NACIE\u2019s annual report when preparing their budgets each year.\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-legislation-to-rename-post-office-in-honor-of-fallen-army-first-lieutenant-thomas-martin", "Rounds Leads Legislation to Rename Post Office in Honor of Fallen Army First Lieutenant Thomas Martin", "2023-11-20", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "HURON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to designate the Huron Post Office as the \u201cFirst Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building.\u201d Originally from Huron, 1LT Martin was a 5th generation Beadle County Martin whose great-great-grandfather homesteaded northeast of Huron in the 1880s. He died in action while serving his country in Iraq.\n\n\u201c1LT Martin represents the best of our country,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cHe gave his life to defend the freedoms we enjoy in America. The First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office will stand as an important reminder of him, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the American people. Though we will never be able to repay the debt we owe 1LT Martin, this renaming is one way to honor and remember his life of sacrifice and service.\u201d\n\n1LT Martin was born in Huron and later moved to Texas and Arkansas due to his parents\u2019 active duty service that moved the family out of South Dakota. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1998 and would go on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. 1LT Martin died during combat operations on October 14, 2007 while serving his country in Iraq.\n\n\u201cOur family is so honored to have a prominent building named in memory of our son, in the city I grew up in, and where two of our four children were born,\u201d said Ed Martin, 1LT Martin\u2019s dad. \u201cOur family is confident that Tom\u2019s legacy will live on for years, as those who pass by the Huron Post Office will give cause to pause and research who he was, what he stood for, and why our beautiful historic Huron Post Office is named in memory of our Tom.\u201d\n\n\u201cTo be able to show respect by naming a public, federal building after 1LT Thomas Michael Martin for his brave service to our country, where he made the greatest sacrifice, is a wonderful, humbling gesture,\u201d said Laurie Shelton, President & CEO of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau.\n\nBACKGROUND (Courtesy of the 1LT Tom Martin Memorial Foundation):\n\n1LT Martin was born October 10, 1980, in Huron, South Dakota. He left South Dakota as a very young boy, went to school for a short time in San Marcos, Texas and then graduated from high school in Cabot, Arkansas in 1998. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Army completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training as a Field Artilleryman at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 2000, after an assignment to Camp Stanley in Korea, 1LT Martin was accepted for admission to the United States Military Academy. After attending the United States Military Preparatory School, he entered West Point in the fall of 2001. As a West Point Cadet, 1LT Martin started on the Rugby team, was a member of the Military Tactics Team and earned his Parachutist Badge by graduating from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He majored in Military Science and graduated with his class in May 2005. 1LT Martin was commissioned as an Armor Officer and completed the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky.\n\n1LT Martin volunteered for Ranger School and graduated earning his Ranger tab in May 2006. He reported to the 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment at Fort Richardson, Alaska in June 2006. Upon arrival, he was assigned as the Sniper Platoon Leader in Crusader Troop and deployed with the unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in October 2006.\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-awarded-american-farm-bureaus-golden-plow", "Johnson Awarded American Farm Bureau\u2019s Golden Plow", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was awarded the American Farm Bureau Federation\u2019s (AFBF) 2022 Golden Plow Award for superior commitment and leadership on behalf of U.S. agriculture.\n\n\u201cSecuring wins for South Dakota and American agriculture is one of my top priorities in Congress,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cIt\u2019s an honor to receive the Golden Plow Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation for my work in Congress \u2013 but there\u2019s more to do. I\u2019ll keep working hard for our producers who work tirelessly to provide for South Dakota, America, and the world.\u201d\n\nThe Golden Plow Award is given to only one member of the U.S. House of Representatives each year. Last year, the Center for Effective Lawmaking named Johnson the most effective House Republican on agriculture issues.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bill-memorialize-wounded-knee-massacre-land-passes-senate-committee", "Johnson Bill to Memorialize Wounded Knee Massacre Land Passes Senate Committee", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 This week, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. This is the identical Senate companion, led by U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), to U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson\u2019s (R-S.D.) bill that passed the House unanimously in September 2023.\n\n\u201cThe events that happened at Wounded Knee on December 29, 1890, should not be forgotten,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m thankful for the Senate Committee following the House\u2019s lead. This progress brings us closer to properly memorializing and remembering the lives lost and securing lasting protection for the land.\u201d\n\nRead full bill text here. Find the Covenant between both tribes here. Find the map here.\n\nWounded Knee Massacre Background:\n\nIn the late 1880s, a movement called the Ghost Dance swept across the nation. Indians believed that this dance would give stolen land back to the Indians, bringing about a renewal of Native society. Indians would join together, wearing shirts they believed would protect them from bullets, to dance for this renewal, all at the protest of the federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-legislation-to-preserve-tribal-property-rights-at-wounded-knee-massacre-site-unanimously-passes-committee", "Rounds, Thune Legislation to Preserve Tribal Property Rights at Wounded Knee Massacre Site Unanimously Passes Committee", "2023-11-17", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, delivered remarks ahead of the committee considering his legislation, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. The bill, introduced by Rounds and Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), unanimously passed out of committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). Click HERE to listen to Rounds\u2019 remarks.\n\n\u201cTo date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased\u2026This legislation, which places the 40 acres into restricted fee status, will help preserve the site for future tribal generations,\u201d said Rounds.\n\n\u201cMoving forward, it is my hope we can come together to acknowledge the history of the Wounded Knee Massacre and work to mend our history through reconciliation and mutual respect,\u201d Rounds continued. \u201cThis is an important step in honoring the deceased and protecting the ground for future tribal generations.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nThank you, Chairman and Vice Chairman for holding this Business Meeting today. I would like to provide some brief remarks on the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, S. 2088.\n\nAs you can recall, this legislation would place 40 acres of tribally-purchased land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site into restricted fee status to be held by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. With the Wounded Knee Massacre taking place on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the majority of the deceased tribal members being from the Minneconjou band, both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes hold a deep connection to this event and the site where it occurred.\n\nAs you all know, the Wounded Knee Massacre not only represents a low point in U.S.-Lakota relations, but it also serves as one of the darkest moments in our nation\u2019s history. To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased.\n\nIn September of 2022, both tribes purchased the 40 acres from a private owner in an effort to preserve the land. Shortly after the purchase, both tribes signed a covenant, holding that the property shall be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site without any development. This legislation, which places the 40 acres into restricted fee status, will help preserve the site for future tribal generations. This will allow the tribes to own the land outright, while also keeping protections in place, such as a restriction on alienation and taxation from any state or local government.\n\nMoving forward, it is my hope we can come together to acknowledge the history of the Wounded Knee Massacre and work to mend our history through reconciliation and mutual respect. This is an important step in honoring the deceased and protecting the ground for future tribal generations. I want to thank both the Chairman and Vice Chairman for considering this legislation today.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cantwell-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-usda-tribal-programs", "Rounds, Cantwell Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve USDA Tribal Programs", "2023-11-16", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen tribal economic development programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Rural Economic-Development Assistance and Consultation to Help (REACH) Our Tribes Act would improve USDA\u2019s tribal consultation, data reporting and interagency collaboration for economic development.\n\n\u201cNative American communities are an integral part of South Dakota,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cIt is crucial those communities have the resources necessary to thrive for future generations. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve tribal access to federal economic development programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal communities in the State of Washington are economic engines that generate jobs and prosperity,\u201d said Cantwell. \u201cTo keep these engines running strong, Tribes need to invest in water systems, energy production, broadband infrastructure, and economic development. The REACH Act will make it easier for Tribes \u2013 especially those in rural areas -- to access programs that can help secure these investments, so that Tribal communities can see their businesses and job opportunities grow.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Cantwell, this legislation was introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.)\n\nSpecifically, the REACH Our Tribes Act would:\n\nRequire USDA to establish a formal budgetary consultation process for the annual budget process and for Farm Bills.\n\nRequire USDA to analyze, estimate and publicly report obligations made to tribal entities.\n\nRequire USDA to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to streamline application requirements for economic development programs, which would reduce the administrative burden for both applicants and federal agencies.\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Commerce, in coordination with USDA and other agencies, to establish a public comprehensive repository of economic development programs available to tribes.\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen\u2019s Association, National Congress of American Indians, Native Farm Bill Coalition, Rural Community Assistance Partnership and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.\n\n\u201cWhile the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a number of important economic development programs, it is apparent tribal governments have not always been able to access these funds,\u201d said Ryman LeBeau, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. \u201cThe REACH Our Tribes Act supports tribal access to USDA rural development programs with improvements in data reporting, consultation and inter-agency collaboration\u201d\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-budd-demand-that-dod-rescind-abortion-travel-policy", "Rounds, Budd Demand that DOD Rescind Abortion Travel Policy", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and 26 Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denouncing the Department of Defense\u2019s policy of paying the travel expenses of those service members and dependents seeking abortions.\n\n\u201cYou have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy.\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cRather than respect the Supreme Court\u2019s decision, you decided to engage the Department, and our men and women in uniform, in a policy debate properly reserved for the legislature.\u201d\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter concludes by calling on Secretary Austin to, \u201cDo the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Budd, the letter was signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nSecretary Austin:\n\nYou have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy. On June 28, 2022, four days after the Supreme Court\u2019s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization, you issued a memorandum to senior leaders in the Department of Defense (\u201cDepartment\u201d) stating that the Department is authorized to pay for government funded, official travel for active duty personnel to receive abortions outside of the state in which they are stationed.\n\nOn October 20, 2022, you issued the memorandum Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services, properly referred to as the Department\u2019s abortion travel policy (\u201cPolicy\u201d), which directed the Department to pay travel expenses not only for active duty personnel to receive abortions, but for their dependents to receive abortions as well. Importantly, on July 19, 2023, at a hearing on the Department\u2019s abortion travel policy, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness confirmed that this policy extends to late term abortions.\n\nAll legislative power is vested in Congress, and the Executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the law. While the Department may issue regulations, it can only do so under the laws authorized and enacted by Congress. But, Congress never authorized the Department to expend funds to facilitate abortions and, until the Policy was issued, the military never facilitated abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother would be endangered if the unborn child were carried to term. Now taxpayers\u2014many of whom have deeply-held religious and moral objections to abortions\u2014are on the hook to facilitate the very abortions they fundamentally oppose. Indeed, a Marist poll in January 2023 found that 60% of Americans strongly oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for an abortion, consistent with polls taken throughout recent years.\n\nRather than respect the Supreme Court\u2019s decision, you decided to engage the Department, and our men and women in uniform, in a policy debate properly reserved for the legislature. You did so by claiming that Dobbs had \u201creadiness, recruiting, and retention implications for the Force.\u201d By your own officials\u2019 admissions, however, the Department has no data to support that claim, and few servicemembers or dependents have utilized the Policy.\n\nAfter multiple inquiries from Congress on this question, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness finally confirmed that \u201cThe Department does not have any data on women being deterred from joining the military for fear of being stationed at an installation or base in a state or nation that has restrictive abortion laws.\u201d Finally, a recent letter from the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee revealed that only 12 women have taken advantage of the Policy since its inception, which undercuts your argument that Dobbs has significant recruiting and retention implications.\n\nOur men and women in uniform deserve Senate-confirmed leadership but the current situation began with your original sin of promulgating the Policy. Much has been made in the press about one Senator\u2019s decision to try and stop your egregious wrongs, without acknowledging the Senate Majority Leader\u2019s refusal to bring general and flag officer nominations to the floor until forced to by Republicans. Seeking to circumvent the Senate prerogative of the informal \u201chold\u201d practice without addressing the underlying causes\u2014the novel Policy and the subsequent refusal of the Majority to bring these nominees to the floor\u2014will not ultimately reconcile this matter. It could create a toxic precedent with lasting negative effects on future military nominations.\n\nYour decision to issue the Policy politicized the military and placed the wants of a few over the needs of the entire nation.\n\nDo the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-colleagues-in-urging-biden-to-tackle-fentanyl-crisis-during-meeting-with-xi", "Rounds Leads Colleagues in Urging Biden to Tackle Fentanyl Crisis During Meeting with Xi", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC). In their letter, the senators focus on the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States and the PRC\u2019s role in the fentanyl supply chain. The letter calls on President Biden to urge President Xi to do more to stop the flow of precursor chemicals that are sent from the PRC to Mexico. These chemicals are used to manufacture deadly drugs, which are then trafficked across our southern border. From 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.\n\n\u201cIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States,\u201d wrote the senators.\n\nThe senators\u2019 letter continued, \u201cBeyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl,\u201d the senators wrote. \u201cIf Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\u201d\n\nRounds was joined by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in sending the letter.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nThe devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic on our communities and families cannot be overstated. We strongly request that you urge President Xi Jinping, in this week\u2019s meeting, to take decisive action in curbing the production and export of fentanyl-producing precursor chemicals from the People's Republic of China (PRC).\n\nIt is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States. Prior to 2019, the PRC was the world\u2019s primary source of fentanyl until the substance was effectively banned. Despite the prohibition on producing fentanyl itself, pharmaceutical labs in the PRC still profit from the drug through the development and sale of precursor chemicals that are used to make fentanyl. Beyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.\n\nDespite many of the precursor chemicals being technically legal to sell, it is clear the PRC can do much more to adequately regulate the businesses that sell these chemicals to eager buyers. For example, responsible sellers in the chemical industry typically implement required identity checks of those who are attempting to buy their product. According to a former DEA agent, \u201c\u2026 to sell non-listed chemicals, a good-faith seller would normally ask a buyer about the intended use of the compound and whether the buyer had the backing of a company or institution, such as a research organization or university.\u201d It is clear PRC companies are not voluntarily inquiring about the potential nefarious uses of their products when they are selling to international buyers. As such, there is undoubtedly more oversight the PRC can be conducting to make certain these precursor chemicals do not end up in the hands of illegal drug manufacturers.\n\nAs we all understand, tackling this crisis will require a multifaceted approach, and a crucial element is holding those responsible accountable. Addressing the role of the PRC in the fentanyl trade is paramount to our collective efforts in combating this epidemic. It is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC\u2019s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl. If Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.\n\nFrom 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 26.1 out of 100,000 deaths in the United States are related to fentanyl up from 5.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2016. With each passing day, our nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis continues to intensify, with no end in sight without prompt action from our Chinese counterparts. We strongly urge you to use this opportunity to implore President Xi to finally put an end to the manufacturing of illicit fentanyl and hold the PRC accountable for its role in contributing to the fentanyl crisis.\n\nThank you for your attention to this very important matter, and we look forward to your timely response and action.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8F4DFEB3-8FDE-423D-B0E2-C1E152BAA157", "Thune: \u201cBidenomics\u201d is a Nightmare for South Dakota Families", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the incredible burden South Dakotans are facing as a result of \u201cBidenomics.\u201d Thune noted that Americans are having to deal with record-high prices and sky-high interest rates on credit cards, mortgages, and car loans due to President Biden\u2019s big-government, big-spending agenda.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, yesterday morning the monthly inflation report came out.\n\n\u201cAnd once again, inflation was well above the Fed\u2019s target rate of 2 percent.\n\n\u201cOverall, prices have risen by 17.6 percent since President Biden took office.\n\n\u201c17.6 percent.\n\n\u201cAnd price hikes in certain categories are even worse.\n\n\u201cGroceries are up 20.9 percent over that same period.\n\n\u201cGasoline prices are up 54.8 percent.\n\n\u201cElectricity is up almost 25 percent.\n\n\u201cRent is up 18 percent.\n\n\u201cCar repairs and maintenance are up 26.5 percent.\n\n\u201cAnd the list goes on.\n\n\u201cThe president said the other day that Bidenomics is the American dream.\n\n\u201cIt turns out that Bidenomics is more of a nightmare.\n\n\u201cMr. President, President Biden likes to talk about giving American families \u201ca little bit of breathing room.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut that is the exact opposite of what his policies have provided.\n\n\u201cWealthy Democrats may not be concerned about a 20 percent increase in the cost of their groceries, or a 54 percent increase in the price of gas.\n\n\u201cBut for a lot of hardworking American families, those kind of price increases have meant the difference between having that \u2018little bit of breathing room\u2019 and having absolutely none.\n\n\u201cThe Joint Economic Committee estimates that Bidenflation is costing American families $953 per month.\n\n\u201c$953.\n\n\u201cPer month.\n\n\u201cEven at half that, inflation would be a massive burden on working families.\n\n\u201cHow many families have put off needed home or car repairs, deferred a kid\u2019s braces, or eliminated a family vacation because they are paying hundreds of dollars more a month for their basic needs?\n\n\u201cAnd how many other families haven\u2019t even been able to pay for their basic needs thanks to the inflation crisis the president helped create?\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s no surprise that 65 percent of voters said they had cut back on nonessential spending.\n\n\u201cOr that 52 percent of voters \u2013 more than half \u2013 said they had cut spending \u2018on food or other everyday necessities.\u2019\n\n\u201cOr that 55 percent of voters say they are worse off financially under President Biden.\n\n\u201cOr that 66 percent of Americans rate the economy as \u2018fairly bad\u2019 or \u2018very bad.\u2019\n\n\u201cThe fact of the matter is, Mr. President, Americans can\u2019t catch a break under President Biden.\n\n\u201cFirst there was the worst inflation crisis in 40 years \u2013 a crisis that has improved from its worst point but is still very much with us.\n\n\u201cAnd now there are the heightened interest rates that the Federal Reserve was forced to put in place to help rein in this inflation crisis.\n\n\u201cSo now Americans are dealing not only with persistently high prices, they\u2019re also dealing with sky-high interest rates on credit cards and mortgages and car loans, which are being driven in part by the Fed\u2019s rate hikes.\n\n\u201cThe monthly mortgage payment on a single-family home has increased 19 percent since last year.\n\n\u201cA recent NBC News article reported, and I quote, \u2018\u2026 in late 2020, the monthly mortgage payment on a typical, newly sold home was around $1,100 in principal and interest. It\u2019s now about twice that.\u2019\n\n\u201cLet me just repeat that, Mr. President.\n\n\u201c\u2018\u2026 in late 2020, the monthly mortgage payment on a typical, newly sold home was around $1,100 in principal and interest. It\u2019s now about twice that.\u2019\n\n\u201cIf the American dream is owning one\u2019s own home, it\u2019s a dream that\u2019s out of reach for too many Americans in the Biden economy.\n\n\u201cOn the car-buying front, Mr. President, Americans are facing loan rates last seen, as one article noted, during the Great Recession.\n\n\u201cAnd soaring credit card interest rates are making it difficult for Americans to afford their credit card bills, much less make progress at paying them off.\n\n\u201c(A situation not helped, of course, by the fact that many Americans have had to turn to their credit cards to help them get by under Bidenflation.)\n\n\u201cMr. President, it\u2019s been a rough three years for the American people.\n\n\u201cAnd I wish I could say that Americans could expect some relief.\n\n\u201cBut with at least a year more on the president\u2019s time in office, I\u2019m afraid that Bidenomics will continue to eliminate American families\u2019 breathing room for the immediate future.\n\n\u201cSo much for the president\u2019s \u2018American dream.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E27EFA8B-3AD1-42B5-8248-3987D2AFA649", "Thune, Klobuchar Lead Commerce Committee Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan AI Bill to Boost Innovation and Strengthen Accountability", "2023-11-15", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), all members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation establishes a framework to bolster innovation while bringing greater transparency, accountability, and security to the development and operation of the highest-impact applications of AI.\n\n\u201cAI is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to improve health care, agriculture, logistics and supply chains, and countless other industries,\u201d said Thune. \u201cAs this technology continues to evolve, we should identify some basic rules of the road that protect consumers, foster an environment in which innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive, and limit government intervention. This legislation would bolster the United States\u2019 leadership and innovation in AI while also establishing common-sense safety and security guardrails for the highest-risk AI applications.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial intelligence comes with the potential for great benefits, but also serious risks, and our laws need to keep up,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation is one important step of many necessary towards addressing potential harms. It will put in place common sense safeguards for the highest-risk applications of AI \u2013 like in our critical infrastructure \u2013 and improve transparency for policy makers and consumers.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial Intelligence technologies hold incredible potential for the future of our country, and it is important for Congress to provide guidance to industry as new applications emerge,\u201d said Wicker. \u201cThis legislation would provide a light-touch framework to help protect Americans and ensure this promising capability is not crushed by an overly burdensome and reactive approach.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re entering a new era of Artificial Intelligence,\u201d said Hickenlooper. \u201cDevelopment and innovation will depend on the guardrails we put in place. This is a commonsense framework that protects Americans without stifling our competitive edge in AI.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am glad to partner with my colleagues to introduce a bipartisan first step towards addressing the development of AI,\u201d said Capito. \u201cOur bill will allow for transparent and commonsense accountability without stifling the development of machine learning. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cArtificial Intelligence is advancing faster than ever. AI presents immense opportunities, but these high-tech capabilities also pose significant risks,\u201d said Luj\u00e1n. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to support research and innovation in AI, and approaches for accountability and safeguards for its use. Congress must keep pace with the development of AI systems with the American people in mind, and this bill will do just that through the creation of risk-based guardrails, transparency requirements and corporate accountability.\u201d\n\nRead additional statements of support here.\n\nFind additional information on the AI Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023 here:\n\nContent Provenance and Emergence Detection Standards: To provide clearer distinctions between human and AI-generated content, the bill would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to carry out research to facilitate the development of standards for providing both authenticity and provenance information for online content, similar to the efforts of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity. The bill would also direct NIST to support standardization of methods for detecting and understanding emergent properties in AI systems in order to mitigate issues stemming from unanticipated behavior.\n\nAI Definitions: The bill would provide new definitions for \u201cgenerative,\u201d \u201chigh-impact,\u201d and \u201ccritical-impact\u201d AI systems. A clear distinction would also be made between \u201cdeveloper\u201d and \u201cdeployer\u201d of the AI system for purposes of requirements outlined below.\n\nGenerative AI Transparency: To ensure consumers are properly notified when they are interacting with generative AI, the bill would require large internet platforms to provide notice to users when the platform is using generative AI to create content the user sees. The U.S. Department of Commerce would have the authority to enforce this requirement.\n\nNIST Recommendations to Agencies: NIST would be required to develop recommendations to agencies for technical, risk-based guardrails on \u201chigh-impact\u201d AI systems, in consultation with other agencies and non-government stakeholders. The Office of Management and Budget would be tasked with interagency implementation of such recommendations.\n\nRisk Management Assessment and Reporting: Consistent with the structure of NIST\u2019s AI Risk Management Framework, the bill would require companies deploying critical-impact AI to perform detailed risk assessments. These reports would provide a comprehensive, detailed outline of how the organizations manage, mitigate, and understand risk. Deployers of \u201chigh-impact\u201d AI systems would be required to submit transparency reports to the Commerce Department.\n\nCritical-Impact AI Certification: The bill would require critical-impact AI systems to be subject to a certification framework, in which critical-impact AI organizations would self-certify compliance with standards prescribed by the Commerce Department. The structure of the certification process is outlined below:\n\nAI Certification Advisory Committee: The bill would establish an advisory committee, composed of industry stakeholders, to provide input and recommendations on the issuance of proposed critical-impact AI certification standards.\n\nSubmission of Certification Plan: Before any standards for critical-impact AI could be prescribed, the Commerce Department would be required to submit to Congress and the advisory committee a five-year plan for testing and certifying critical-impact AI. The plan would outline not only proposed standards and a timeline for their implementation, but also a process for (1) evaluating whether standards are necessary and appropriate, including whether a prevailing international standard is sufficient and (2) how objective and transparent information will be gathered. The Commerce Department would be required to regularly update the plan and consult with other government agencies, the advisory committee, and non-governmental standards organizations in the process.\n\nCritical-Impact AI Standards: The Commerce Department, upon submitting a certification plan to Congress and the advisory committee, would have the authority to prescribe testing, evaluation, validation, and verification (TEVV) standards for critical-impact AI. Critical-impact AI deployers would self-certify compliance with the standards. All standards would have to be submitted for public comment.\n\nExemptions: The Commerce Department would have the authority to issue exemptions from certain TEVV standards, as deemed appropriate, in response to exemption applications from critical-impact AI deployers.\n\nNoncompliance and Enforcement: Upon discovering noncompliance with an applicable TEVV standard, critical-impact AI organizations would be required to immediately notify the Commerce Department and provide a plan for addressing the noncompliant aspect of the AI system. In response, the Commerce Department could order additional actions to be taken by the organization.\n\nAI Consumer Education: The bill would require the Commerce Department to establish a working group to provide recommendations for the development of voluntary, industry-led consumer education efforts for AI systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-slams-burdensome-regulations-in-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-emphasizes-negative-impact-on-local-communities", "Rounds Slams Burdensome Regulations in Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing, Emphasizes Negative Impact on Local Communities", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing titled, \u201cOversight of Financial Regulators: Protecting Main Street Not Wall Street.\u201d Click HERE to listen to Rounds\u2019 opening remarks.\n\n\u201cAs a direct result of these regulations and proposals, banks will now spend their time complying with more Washington bureaucratic red tape instead of investing that time or resources into their local communities,\u201d Rounds said in his remarks. \u201cBeyond overly burdensome compliance costs to financial institutions, we must recognize and emphasize that the costs of this rulemaking onslaught will ultimately be borne by small businesses and wage earners who are on a fixed income and rely on their local banks for loans and access to credit.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the Biden administration took office, it now costs the average American family of four over $700 more per month to live in this country \u2013 it\u2019s close to $1000 in my home state of South Dakota,\u201d continued Rounds.\n\nRounds closed with, \u201cAt a time when all Americans are suffering from persistently high inflation caused by \u2018Bidenomics\u2019, the last thing they need is a bunch of Washington Bureaucrats upending and rewriting a decade\u2019s worth of banking rules which will only serve to restrict capital, harm the economy and punish American families. I think you need to go back to the drawing board.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nThank you, Chairman Brown, and thank you to our witnesses for appearing before us today.\n\nWhile this group comes before the committee every year, today\u2019s hearing feels particularly timely given the number and breadth of regulations being pushed through by our financial regulators.\n\nIn the last few months alone, your agencies have put forth, or finalized, regulations and guidance that represent the biggest rewrite of banking regulation since the passage of Dodd-Frank.\n\nWe have seen regulations on bank capital, long-term debt, resolution planning, the Community Reinvestment Act, debit card interchange fees and climate risk management, just to name a few.\n\nThese proposals collectively amount to thousands of pages, with the Community Reinvestment Act alone standing at almost 1,500 pages, nearly double the length of the entire Dodd-Frank Act.\n\nMoreover \u2013 none of these regulations exist in a vacuum.\n\nAs legislators, my colleagues and I recognize the importance of actively considering all possible effects a law might have, including its impact on individuals and how we can mitigate unintended consequences.\n\nTherefore, we find it concerning that you have failed to consider how these rules will impact banks and businesses of all sizes\u2013ultimately harming the American people.\n\nAs a direct result of these regulations and proposals, banks will now spend their time complying with more Washington bureaucratic red tape instead of investing that time or resources into their local communities.\n\nBeyond overly burdensome compliance costs to financial institutions, we must recognize and emphasize that the costs of this rulemaking onslaught will ultimately be borne by small businesses and wage earners who are on a fixed income and rely on their local banks for loans and access to credit.\n\nYesterday, several of the witnesses before us received a letter led by Ranking Member Scott on the Basel III endgame rule, which was signed by myself and 37 other Republican senators.\n\nWe have heard from countless constituents, from all walks of life, about the harm they will experience should this rule go into effect.\n\nOur letter emphasized the detrimental impacts, such as limiting the availability of credit for housing in low- and moderate-income communities, severely restricting small business lending and decreasing the retirement savings of hardworking Americans.\n\nVice Chair Barr, you recently stated that, \u201cThe proposal is projected to raise capital for large banks. This may result in higher funding costs. But this is only half the story.\u201d\n\nHowever, I think the other half of the story is the millions of hard-working families who will be unable to achieve the American dream of homeownership, the tens of thousands of small businesses who will be unable to secure a loan and the workers forced to stay on the job past retirement age because their pensions are providing less returns.\n\nWhat happens to them?\n\nWe must remember that at the end of each regulation are real people, people who care about the safety and security of their families\u2013 including financial safety and security.\n\nResults matter.\n\nSince the Biden administration took office, it now costs the average American family of four over $700 more per month to live in this country \u2013 it\u2019s close to $1000 in my home state of South Dakota.\n\nYou are adding to that pain.\n\nThis rule would put a strain on all institutions seeking to provide services that would help American consumers and businesses prosper, like many of those in my home state of South Dakota.\n\nDue to the scale and breadth of each of these proposals, I would support having a hearing dedicated to each and every one to understand the impacts they will have.\n\nBut seeing as my time today is limited, I wanted to call attention to another proposal where the regulators are operating well outside of mandates given to them by Congress.\n\nWe have heard Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Powell, state as recently as last month that the Fed is not and will not become a climate policy maker.\n\nYet, our regulators are mandating that banks must engage in climate scenario analysis.\n\nEarlier this year when the Fed conducted a climate scenario analysis exercise, officials stated that it would have no supervisory implications, but now banks are being told that they will be supervised to make sure they have such programs in place.\n\nSo, which is it?\n\nNot a single bank has failed because they have failed to account for climate risk.\n\nAs Governor Bowman discussed in her dissent of the climate guidance, this action could ultimately lead to negative impacts on low-income communities who will have reduced access to capital.\n\nIn your desire to worship at the altar of climate change, you are sacrificing the economic wellbeing and capabilities of hardworking Americans.\n\nLet me repeat: none of these regulations exist in a vacuum and collectively, these rules paint a devastating picture for consumers, especially in low- and moderate-income communities.\n\nAt a time when all Americans are suffering from persistently high inflation caused by \u2018Bidenomics\u2019, the last thing they need is a bunch of Washington Bureaucrats upending and rewriting a decade\u2019s worth of banking rules which will only serve to restrict capital, harm the economy and punish American families.\n\nI think you need to go back to the drawing board.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=502DAB77-ADFD-4310-9D67-E4E14579D3FD", "Thune Welcomes DSU President Griffiths to Testify at Senate Agriculture Hearing on AI", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today questioned witnesses at a hearing on leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. agriculture. Thune welcomed Dr. Jos\u00e9-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, to testify on the potential of AI within the agriculture industry and ways South Dakota farmers and ranchers are already utilizing the technology.\n\nThune\u2019s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cThank you, Chair Stabenow.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to welcome Dr. Griffiths from Dakota State University (DSU) to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Griffiths for several years.\n\n\u201cShe\u2019s testified in front of the Senate Commerce Committee multiple times, and I appreciate her willingness to share her expertise with the Ag Committee.\n\n\u201cDr. Griffiths has served in presidential appointments to the National Science Board, Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and she has recently been appointed to be a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.\n\n\u201cBecause of Dr. Griffiths\u2019 passion about expanding research and educational opportunities, Dakota State University is a leader in the nation in developing a high-quality skilled technology and cyber workforce.\n\n\u201cAnd DSU has played a critical part in ensuring our farmers and ranchers are able to take part in the technological revolution.\n\n\u201cDSU, in partnership with South Dakota State University, launched a joint doctorate program on precision ag and cyber.\n\n\u201cThis program brings an important focus to the cybersecurity threats the agriculture economy faces, and this is critically important as new technologies like artificial intelligence become more prevalent in the agriculture sector.\n\n\u201cDr. Griffiths, thank you for being here today, and I look forward to your testimony.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9C67F98E-0665-41F5-8BBB-C5E4B5470745", "Thune: Energy Security is National Security", "2023-11-14", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how President Biden\u2019s misguided energy policies have put the United States on a dangerous trajectory that jeopardizes national security. Thune noted that the president should pursue an all-of-the-above energy policy that would reduce the United States\u2019 reliance on foreign sources of energy and strengthen America\u2019s defense against global threats.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, recent events \u2013 notably Putin\u2019s war of aggression in Ukraine and Hamas\u2019 deadly October 7 attack on Israel \u2013 have thrown the importance of national security into sharp relief.\n\n\u201cAt its most basic level, of course, national security means having a strong military \u2013 a fighting force that can meet and defeat any threat it\u2019s called upon to face.\n\n\u201cBut there are other key components of national security as well.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s border security.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s economic security.\n\n\u201cAnd there\u2019s energy security.\n\n\u201cWhat do I mean by energy security, Mr. President?\n\n\u201cI mean a strong and stable energy supply that does not depend on imports from hostile countries or unstable regions of the world.\n\n\u201cYou only have to look at the soaring costs and supply challenges countries like Germany have faced in the wake of Russia\u2019s attack on Ukraine to realize that relying on energy from other countries \u2013 particularly hostile countries \u2013 can leave a country in a deeply vulnerable position.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the United States had been doing a good job of maintaining our energy security.\n\n\u201cWe developed domestic resources, both renewable and conventional, which meant that we were able to minimize our reliance on other countries.\n\n\u201cBut President Biden upended that trajectory with his singular focus on Green New Deal policies.\n\n\u201cAnd now we\u2019re at an inflection point, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s energy policies have put us on a dangerous trajectory \u2013 one that could easily result in significant disruptions to our domestic supply.\n\n\u201cFor starters, there\u2019s the president\u2019s notable hostility to conventional energy production.\n\n\u201cSince the day he took office, President Biden has pursued an agenda that is hostile to conventional sources of energy \u2013 namely, oil and natural gas.\n\n\u201cHe set the tone on his first day in office when he canceled the Keystone XL pipeline \u2013 a pipeline project that was already underway and that was to be paired with $1.7 billion in private investment in renewable energy to fully offset its operating emissions.\n\n\u201cHe also almost immediately froze new oil and gas leases on federal lands \u2013 sending a clear signal to oil and gas producers that his administration would be reluctant to work with them to increase American energy production.\n\n\u201cAnd he\u2019s continued along the same lines ever since \u2013 with a recent notable example being his cancellation of seven oil and gas leases in the small portion of ANWR \u2013 the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge \u2013 that is available for energy exploration and development.\n\n\u201cThe problem with the president\u2019s actions, of course, is that our nation is nowhere near being able to end our reliance on conventional energy.\n\n\u201cI am a big \u2013 and longtime \u2013 supporter of renewable energy, but we are simply not in a position yet where we can rely predominantly on alternative energy technologies.\n\n\u201cThe president himself admitted as much in his most recent State of the Union address, but that hasn\u2019t stopped him from pursuing policies that seem designed to eventually force our nation to rely on other countries for oil and gas \u2013 with all the attendant security and economic risks that brings.\n\n\u201cAnd the president\u2019s energy agenda isn\u2019t limited to canceling oil and gas leases, or discouraging investment in conventional energy production.\n\n\u201cAlso of deep concern is the president\u2019s apparent determination to force Americans to adopt electric vehicles on a broad scale within the next decade.\n\n\u201cAnd why is this so concerning?\n\n\u201cBecause our electric grid is nowhere near capable of supporting that kind of a widespread transition to electric vehicles.\n\n\u201cRising electricity demand is already stretching our grid, which has been weakened by the move away from conventional energy sources.\n\n\u201cIn February the PJM Interconnection \u2013 which manages a substantial part of eastern America\u2019s electric grid \u2013 warned that fossil fuel plants are being forced to retire at a faster rate than new renewables can be brought on line, at a rate of roughly two to one.\n\n\u201cIn other words, Mr. President, we\u2019re rapidly approaching a situation in which we simply don\u2019t have the ability to keep up with current electricity demand.\n\n\u201cAdd charging for tens of thousands \u2013 or hundreds of thousands \u2013 of electric vehicles on top of that, and we could be looking at a future of widespread blackouts and brownouts \u2013 to say nothing of soaring electricity prices.\n\n\u201cAnd it goes without saying that a nation that can\u2019t reliably keep its lights on or its homes heated is a nation that is less than secure.\n\n\u201cTo make matters worse, the Biden administration has proposed a rule that would severely constrain the supply chain for distribution transformers \u2013 a critical component of America\u2019s electric grid.\n\n\u201cStakeholders are already facing significant backlogs for these critical components, whether they are trying to recover from a storm, improve the grid, or tie in new development.\n\n\u201cAnd the Biden administration\u2019s proposed rule would guarantee that these problems would get worse.\n\n\u201cMr. President, recent events remind us that we can\u2019t take our nation\u2019s security for granted.\n\n\u201cWe have to work constantly to maintain our nation\u2019s strength \u2013 both to ensure that we are always prepared to meet any threat, and because being strong is the best way to discourage any threat.\n\n\u201cAnd energy security is an essential part of maintaining that strength.\n\n\u201cAnd if we want to maintain our energy security \u2013 if we want to maintain the kind of energy supply that can not only deal with all domestic energy demands but will leave us free from overreliance on other countries \u2013 we can\u2019t keep heading down the path the Biden administration has put us on.\n\n\u201cI hope the president and his allies will realize this before it\u2019s too late.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-blackburn-introduce-legislation-to-allow-fingerprinting-of-migrant-minors-to-combat-trafficking-child-recycling", "Rounds, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Allow Fingerprinting of Migrant Minors to Combat Trafficking, Child Recycling", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and 16 of their Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act. This legislation would aim to combat trafficking and child recycling by giving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14.\n\n\u201cThere is a humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThose wishing to do us harm are taking advantage of the Biden administration\u2019s weak policies, some of them going so far as to use children to cross the border illegally. This is wrong. I\u2019m pleased to cosponsor this legislation that would help border patrol agents identify these children, stop child recycling and further secure our southern border.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnder President Biden\u2019s open border policies, we are witnessing a devastating humanitarian crisis, and children are the primary victims,\u201d said Blackburn. \u201cAbusing and using a child again and again is one of the most heinous acts imaginable, and yet it happens every day along the southern border. Empowering border patrol agents to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 would give them the tools they need to identify victims of child recycling and stop this abuse in its tracks. Given that the Biden administration just carelessly lost track of 85,000 migrant children, passing this legislation could not be more critical.\u201d\n\nIn 2019, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified 600 children who were \u201crecycled,\u201d with one child being brought across the border as many as eight different times. Despite these statistics, current U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation and federal law prohibit Border Patrol Agents from fingerprinting children under the age of 14.\n\nSpecifically, the PRINTS Act would:\n\nGive CBP the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 in order to combat trafficking and child recycling;\n\nRequire DHS to publicly report the number of apprehensions in a given month involving child traffickers who falsely claimed that an accompanying child was a relative;\n\nRequire DHS to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the number of minors who were fingerprinted pursuant to this Act;\n\nRemove the Attorney General\u2019s authority to waive fingerprinting requirements for those illegally crossing the southern border; and\n\nCriminalize child recycling.\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Blackburn, this legislation was introduced by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A5456842-DD4F-44E7-9804-49CBA7B46652", "Thune Slams Biden\u2019s Big-Government Labor Policies", "2023-11-09", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Biden administration is using the federal regulatory system to implement overreaching labor rules that prioritize union bosses over American workers and small businesses. Thune recently urged the U.S. Department of Labor to withdraw its new overtime rule that would result in higher prices, fewer jobs, and lower base salaries for employees.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, as I\u2019ve said before, when it comes to the actions of government, it\u2019s often legislation that grabs the biggest headlines.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s equally important to focus on what a presidential administration is doing with its regulatory power \u2013 something I was reminded of again last week when I signed on to a letter headed by Senator Cassidy on the Biden administration\u2019s proposed new overtime rule.\n\n\u201cBecause in the modern regulatory state, presidents have a tremendous amount of power to affect our economy and federal policy through regulation.\n\n\u201cAnd today I\u2019d like to take a couple of minutes to talk about some labor regulations coming out of the Biden administration that are likely to prove detrimental to workers, business owners, and our economy.\n\n\u201cLet me start with the Biden administration\u2019s proposed new overtime rule.\n\n\u201cThis proposal would impose a 55 percent increase in the exemption threshold for providing overtime pay for covered employees.\n\n\u201cCurrently, employers are required to pay covered employees making less than $35,568 per year overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week.\n\n\u201cUnder the Biden administration\u2019s proposed new rule, employers would be required to pay overtime to covered employees making less than $55,068 \u2013 as I said, a massive 55 percent increase in the exemption threshold.\n\n\u201cSo what would be the effects of this proposed rule?\n\n\u201cWell, it would likely result in some combination of higher prices, fewer job opportunities, and lower base pay for employees.\n\n\u201cBecause employers \u2013 and I am thinking particularly of smaller businesses, who are always going to be hit hardest by regulations like this \u2013 are going to be forced to look for ways to offset what could be a substantial increase in costs.\n\n\u201cIndeed, many smaller businesses will have to find some way of offsetting this cost increase if they want to stay profitable.\n\n\u201cAnd so businesses large and small are likely to compensate either by increasing prices on their goods or services, reducing the number of positions they have available, or lowering base pay to create room to pay overtime wages.\n\n\u201cAnd needless to say, none of these are attractive options for workers, consumers, or businesses.\n\n\u201cConsumers are currently stretched to their limit with price hikes in the Biden economy.\n\n\u201cAnd lower base pay or fewer available positions are not attractive options for American workers.\n\n\u201cAnd by the way, you don\u2019t have to take my word for it on that lower base pay.\n\n\u201cThe head of President Biden\u2019s own Council of Economic Advisers has previously noted, and I quote, \u2018The costs of increased [overtime] coverage would ultimately be borne by workers as employers set base wages taking expected overtime pay into account.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. President, it would be nice if this were the only bad labor rule coming out of the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s not.\n\n\u201cAmong other bad regulations, there\u2019s also the independent contractor rule, which the Biden Labor Department is likely to finalize soon.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s referred to as the independent contractor rule, but in many ways that\u2019s a misnomer \u2013 because this rule is likely to substantially reduce the number of independent contractors.\n\n\u201cHow?\n\n\u201cBy replacing the previous administration\u2019s independent contractor rule, which would have provided clear guidelines for determining whether a worker classifies as an independent contractor, with a vague, sweeping new rule that could end up with many workers being reclassified as employees.\n\n\u201cMr. President, independent contractors \u2013 who range from computer programmers to freelance editors to Uber and Lyft drivers \u2013 generally value independent contracting thanks to things like the flexibility and opportunity this path provides.\n\n\u201cIndeed, a 2017 survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that fewer than one in 10 independent contractors would prefer traditional employee status.\n\n\u201cBut thanks to the Biden administration, many of them may be forced into employee status.\n\n\u201cThe rule will threaten workers in the \u2018gig economy\u2019 \u2013 which is made up of platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and TaskRabbit that allow workers to pursue full-time work with the platform or simply augment their income from a regular 9-5 position.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, the bad ideas don\u2019t end with the independent contractor rule.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s also the joint employer rule the National Labor Relations Board recently finalized \u2013 yet another move from the Biden administration to use the power of the federal government to advantage unions.\n\n\u201cThe joint employer rule substantially changes the standard of what constitutes a joint employer \u2013 which comes into play in a major way with franchising.\n\n\u201cTo put this in practical terms, this rule means that companies could end up being considered joint employers of employees at franchised locations of their business \u2013 which could force both the company and the local franchise owners to negotiate with unions, or make both the company and local franchise owners liable for unfair labor practices that potentially only one party is responsible for.\n\n\u201cThe result is likely to be that companies cut back on franchising or increase oversight or control of their franchisees, which would disrupt one of the most accessible paths to business ownership for Americans looking to run their own businesses.\n\n\u201cIn comments after the new joint employer rule was proposed, the International Franchise Association noted, and I quote, \u201cThe proposed rule will needlessly upend the franchise business model and close the door to opportunity for hundreds of thousands of Americans, especially women, people of color, veterans, and first-time business owners.\u201d\n\n\u201cBut apparently that doesn\u2019t matter to the Biden administration as long as union bosses are benefiting.\n\n\u201cMr. President, on the economic front, President Biden is perhaps most famous for helping to kick off the worst inflation crisis in 40 years with the so-called American Rescue Plan Act.\n\n\u201cBut as these rules demonstrate, the president is continuing to build on that negative economic legacy with regulations that will diminish economic opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs and likely continue to drive up prices for consumers.\n\n\u201cIn other words, business as usual in the Biden administration: The president imposes his big-government policies, and the American people pay the price.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=54F9303C-F0F1-4957-BAB3-CA5A1EE15225", "Thune Honors South Dakota Veterans", "2023-11-08", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored the dedicated men and women who serve or have served in the United States military. Thune spoke about his experiences meeting with South Dakota veterans on Honor Flights \u2013 a nonprofit organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials created in their honor.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, engraved on a wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., are these words: \u2018Freedom is not free.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018Freedom is not free.\u2019\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a stark reminder that our freedom has come at a cost.\n\n\u201cThat it has been bought and paid for in blood.\n\n\u201cIn dark days and terrifying nights of battle.\n\n\u201cIn fear and loneliness.\n\n\u201cIn Christmases and holidays and birthdays spent far from home.\n\n\u201cIn visible wounds, and in invisible ones.\n\n\u201cAnd on Veterans Day above all, we remember this.\n\n\u201cWe remember that we live in peace and freedom because men and women have answered our country\u2019s call.\n\n\u201cHave stepped up and said, \u2018I will serve.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd have paid a price for that service.\n\n\u201cMr. President, one of my greatest honors as a U.S. senator is having the opportunity to interact with military veterans.\n\n\u201cAnd in addition to meeting veterans around South Dakota, I\u2019ve had the immense privilege of visiting with veterans who come to D.C. on Honor Flights.\n\n\u201cFor anyone not familiar with the organization, Honor Flight is a nonprofit that exists to bring military veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials created in their honor.\n\n\u201cAt its inception it focused on bringing World War II veterans to D.C., but now, with members of the Greatest Generation few and far between, Honor Flights have been filling up with veterans of Korea and Vietnam, as well as critically ill veterans from all eras.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been lucky enough to participate in three Honor Flight visits so far this year organized by Midwest Honor Flight, our local Honor Flight hub in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAnd the chance to interact with these heroes who have sacrificed to defend and preserve American freedoms is not something I take for granted.\n\n\u201cSeeing the look in their eyes as they visit the memorials \u2013 knowing that for some it will be the last opportunity they have to visit \u2013 is a profound privilege and a reminder of all these men and women have given for our country.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s also deeply moving to hear from the family members who accompany these veterans, a number of whom have told me how cathartic these visits have been for their loved ones \u2013 sometimes marking the first time they\u2019ve really talked about their wartime experience.\n\n\u201cMr. President, on multiple occasions when I\u2019ve been down at the memorials visiting with Honor Flight veterans, I\u2019ve seen students with school groups come up to the veterans to thank them.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s an amazing thing to witness.\n\n\u201cAnd it\u2019s made me reflect on just how important it is that children have these opportunities to see and thank our veterans \u2013 and to understand what they\u2019ve given us.\n\n\u201cRonald Reagan once said, \u2018Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.\u2019\n\n\u201cFreedom is indeed a fragile thing, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s easy to take it for granted when you have it.\n\n\u201cBut it is not a guarantee, and it must indeed be fought for and defended constantly by each generation.\n\n\u201cAnd seeing those schoolchildren interact with the veterans who have helped secure our freedom reminded me of the importance of handing down an understanding of that freedom to our children.\n\n\u201cOf teaching them just what our military men and women have fought and died for.\n\n\u201cAnd of reminding them that it will be their responsibility to preserve it.\n\n\u201cSeeing those schoolchildren and veterans interact, Mr. President, also reminded me that we should hold up our veterans to our young people not just as examples to revere, but as examples to imitate.\n\n\u201cWe should make sure that young people know that serving their country in the U.S. military is one of the noblest paths they could take.\n\n\u201cAnd that while the military life is a life of sacrifice, it is also a life of meaning and purpose.\n\n\u201cOne that offers pride, and brotherhood, and the lasting knowledge that your labor has made a difference.\n\n\u201cMr. President, on Veterans Day and every day, I am grateful to those who have answered our nation\u2019s call and taken up arms in defense of liberty.\n\n\u201cMay God bless all the men and women who serve or have served in the United States military.\n\n\u201cAnd may He help us to live lives worthy of their sacrifice.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cramer-introduce-legislation-to-address-health-care-workforce-shortages-prioritize-merit-based-immigration", "Rounds, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Address Health Care Workforce Shortages, Prioritize Merit-Based Immigration", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced legislation to address health care workforce shortages by recapturing previously authorized Green Cards that simply went unused. The senators\u2019 bill also establishes merit-based immigration policies.\n\n\u201cLegal immigration is a critical part of our workforce,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cAs the health care worker shortage continues to impact South Dakota and other rural states, we are in need of qualified, hard-working nurses and physicians to fill positions in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. I\u2019m pleased to join Senator Cramer on this legislation that would increase our ability to provide timely, quality health care to South Dakotans.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn rural states like North Dakota, highly skilled immigrant doctors and nurses play a critical role in our healthcare workforce, sometimes providing the only specialty care available in the area,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cOur open borders and per-country caps are nonsensical and chaotic. It\u2019s long-past time our immigration policies reflected a skills-based approach, welcoming hard-working immigrants who help fill the labor and service gaps in the U.S.\u201d\n\nThe Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would make a limited number of Green Cards available to qualified immigrant nurses and physicians to address critical health care workforce shortages. The bill would also allow the \u201crecapture\u201d of Green Cards already authorized by Congress but unused in previous years, allotting up to 25,000 immigrant visas for nurses and up to 15,000 immigrant visas for physicians. This bill does not authorize any new visas.\n\nThis legislation would require employers to attest that immigrants from overseas who receive these visas will not displace an American worker. Additionally, it would necessitate eligible immigrant medical professionals to meet licensing requirements, pay filing fees and clear rigorous national security and criminal history background checks before they can receive recaptured Green Cards.\n\nThe Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act is supported by the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, Sanford Health and Avera Health.\n\n\u201cThe South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) fully supports any effort to strengthen the healthcare workforce as staffing shortages continue to be the number one problem for our members across the continuum of care, from hospitals to nursing homes,\u201d said Tammy Hatting, Chief Operating Officer of SDAHO. \u201cWe need to streamline and expedite the hiring and placement of qualified immigrants in our healthcare facilities, and we are thankful to our South Dakota Senator, Mike Rounds, for cosponsoring this very important bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cSanford Health is grateful for the support from Senator Rounds as a sponsor of the Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act,\u201d said Corey Brown, System Vice President, Government Affairs of Sanford Health. \u201cWorkforce is a critical challenge in healthcare, especially in rural areas. Recapturing unused VISAs is a commonsense measure that allows us to employ internationally educated nurses and physicians who are an integral and important part of our workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cMaintaining a highly skilled workforce is vital to providing care across our rural footprint, which covers 72 thousand square miles\u201d said Kim Jensen, Chief Human Resources Officer of Avera Health. \u201cOften there are not enough nurses and physicians available to recruit to fill our workforce needs. The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would help fill critical positions and offer meaningful work experiences for those who want to practice in the United States.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CB6EB754-A676-499E-BF4C-15D1E4F1ABB7", "Thune Discusses the Importance of American Leadership on the Global Stage", "2023-11-07", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of American leadership on the global stage. Thune noted that America must maintain and use its strength and influence to contain evil actors like Iran, Russia, and China in order to advance peace and freedom around the globe.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, we have had no shortage of reminders in the last couple of years that we continue to live in a dangerous world.\n\n\u201cVladimir Putin\u2019s war of aggression in Ukraine, increased Chinese belligerence, and Hamas\u2019 October 7 attack, enabled by Iran, are all powerful reminders of the fact that there will always be malign actors in this world who must be confronted.\n\n\u201cThese events are also a powerful reminder of something else \u2013 the need for American leadership on the global stage.\n\n\u201cNature abhors a vacuum, and if the United States and other free countries don\u2019t lead, other countries will fill the void.\n\n\u201cCountries like Iran.\n\n\u201cRussia.\n\n\u201cAnd China.\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t need to tell anyone that all three of these countries have been flexing their power in recent years and seeking to expand their footprint.\n\n\u201cIran, as Hamas\u2019 recent attack so pointedly reminded us, is supporting terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East:\n\n\u201cHamas.\n\n\u201cHezbollah.\n\n\u201cPalestinian Islamic Jihad.\n\n\u201cThe Houthis in Yemen.\n\n\u201cShia militias that are attacking U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria.\n\n\u201cThe list goes on.\n\n\u201cNor is Iran confining its sphere of activities to Middle Eastern countries.\n\n\u201cIran has provided Russia with weapons to use in its war on Ukraine, and it is helping Russia to build its own drone manufacturing facility to dramatically increase Russia\u2019s drone supply.\n\n\u201cRussia, of course, is currently providing the world with a clear illustration of its imperial aspirations in its war of aggression in Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAnd Putin has made it clear that his ambitions don\u2019t end there.\n\n\u201cHe is also occupying territory in Georgia and seemingly working on asserting Russian influence in Moldova and the Balkans.\n\n\u201cAnd as for China \u2026 whether it\u2019s increasingly aggressive threats against Taiwan, efforts to expand its military and economic hold over the Indo-Pacific, menacing U.S military aircraft, or sending a spy balloon across the United States in an attempt to gather information on sensitive military sites, China has made it very clear that it is set on expanding its power \u2013 and woe to anyone who gets in its way.\n\n\u201cAnd it is backing up its determination with an aggressive military buildup that has seen the Chinese military outpace the U.S. military in modern capabilities like hypersonic missiles.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, it\u2019s abundantly clear that bad actors are flexing their power.\n\n\u201cAnd, as I said, our response to that must be a renewed commitment to American leadership internationally.\n\n\u201cNow American leadership doesn\u2019t mean attempting to fix every country\u2019s problems or get militarily involved in every conflict around the globe.\n\n\u201cWe neither can nor should attempt to become the world\u2019s policeman.\n\n\u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean that we should retreat from the global stage or confine our focus to one or two areas.\n\n\u201cThere is a lot we can do while not attempting to play global policeman or solve every conflict.\n\n\u201cIn the first place we can and should project the kind of strength that makes bad actors unwilling to tangle with us \u2013 or our allies.\n\n\u201cThat means first and foremost having a strong military prepared to meet and defeat any threat, backed up by resilient supply chains.\n\n\u201cBut it also means things like a strong economy and developing our energy resources so that we don\u2019t have to depend on hostile countries or hostile areas of the world for oil.\n\n\u201cMilitary and economic strength is a powerful deterrent.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s not enough.\n\n\u201cWe also have to engage on the global stage.\n\n\u201cWe need to build and maintain relationships with allies, support free nations, and stand against hostile actions by hostile countries.\n\n\u201cThe stronger the bonds of free nations and the more united our response to belligerent countries, the less scope these countries will have for their aggression.\n\n\u201cThe world stage is going to be dominated by someone, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd when free countries abdicate a leadership role, malign actors are likely to end up controlling the playing field.\n\n\u201cMr. President, some might suggest that the United States should only engage globally when events directly and immediately affect us.\n\n\u201cBut unfortunately that thinking often involves underestimating just how much we are affected by world events \u2013 even those that are not a direct and immediate attack on U.S. interests.\n\n\u201cSome, for example, would question our continued support for Ukraine.\n\n\u201cWell, Mr. President, I question what will happen if we don\u2019t support Ukraine.\n\n\u201cWithdrawing American support for Ukraine could very well end up with a victorious and newly emboldened Putin on the doorstep of four former Soviet satellite states \u2013 now NATO members whom we are bound by treaty to protect.\n\n\u201cIf Putin wins in Ukraine, it\u2019s not hard to imagine him viewing incursions into one or more of those former Soviet states as a good idea.\n\n\u201cAnd given our treaty obligations \u2013 and the imperative to prevent a Soviet Union 2.0 \u2013 it\u2019s not hard to imagine American troops being drawn into the resulting conflict.\n\n\u201cSupporting Ukrainians\u2019 efforts to defend themselves against Putin\u2019s war of aggression is a way of preventing a conflict that would require a far greater commitment from the United States.\n\n\u201cNot to mention warding off a likely catastrophic economic fallout in Europe from a wider war, which would take a heavy toll on American businesses and consumers.\n\n\u201cFurthermore, there\u2019s little question that a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden not just Putin but other malign actors \u2013 notably China.\n\n\u201cIf Russia is successful at taking over part or all of Ukraine, why shouldn\u2019t China think it can successfully take over Taiwan?\n\n\u201cWe should be supporting Ukraine \u2013 not just because peoples fighting for freedom against tyranny are worthy of support, but because supporting Ukraine, like supporting Taiwan and Israel and other free countries, is in our national interest.\n\n\u201cBut, Mr. President, we should support Ukraine with an endgame in mind.\n\n\u201cSaying we\u2019ll back Ukraine \u201cfor as long as it takes,\u201d as the president likes to say, is noble.\n\n\u201cBut not being intentional about the resources we send risks prolonging this war without advancing toward that end state.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t expect Ukraine to tread water indefinitely, and I am hopeful that the arrival of M1 Abrams tanks, longer-reaching ATACMS missiles, and (soon) F-16s, while too late to meaningfully contribute to Ukraine\u2019s summer counteroffensive, will enable Ukraine to make new battlefield gains.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Senate may soon take up a supplemental spending bill to address defense issues.\n\n\u201cAnd any such bill should promote security abroad by providing support for our allies \u2013 specifically right now Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.\n\n\u201cAnd after three successive years of record-breaking illegal migration at our southern border, we should make sure that any supplemental also focuses on building up our security here at home by tightening security at our borders, in addition to addressing military priorities like ramping up munitions production.\n\n\u201cSenators Graham, Lankford, and Cotton have produced a substantive plan to help secure the border and stem the historic level of illegal migration under this president\u2019s watch.\n\n\u201cAnd we should take up their proposal to address this essential aspect of our national security.\n\n\u201cMr. President, we can\u2019t solve every problem or bring peace to every conflict around the world.\n\n\u201cBut the United States can be a powerful force for good, if we\u2019re willing to lead.\n\n\u201cAnd we should use our strength and influence to contain evil actors and advance peace and freedom around the globe.\n\n\u201cFailing to do so may have consequences for our national security now and long into the future.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-biofuels-caucus-bill-update-epa-greenhouse-gas-modeling", "Johnson, Biofuels Caucus Bill to Update EPA Greenhouse Gas Modeling", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for renewable fuels.\n\nThe Adopt GREET Act would require the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab's GREET Model for renewable fuels. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made.\n\n\u201cThe EPA\u2019s current greenhouse gas modeling is limiting adoption of homegrown renewable fuels,\u201d said Rep. Johnson. \u201cIn contrast, the GREET model takes into account the full lifecycle of renewable fuels \u2013 from a farmer\u2019s field to fuel pumps \u2013 and gives consumers a more accurate picture of the benefits biofuels offer. We should be using the best science available and that\u2019s exactly what this bill does.\u201d\n\n\u201cAgencies must use up-to-date, scientifically accurate modeling to ensure we keep pace with the latest technologies and innovations,\u201d said Rep. Smith. \u201cIt is crucial EPA adopts the GREET Model to fully reflect the positive impact of biofuels on emissions reductions. Not only does the model reinforce the positive contributions of American farmers and ranchers, it also makes agriculture products and byproducts more competitive exports. As co-chair of the Biofuels Caucus, I thank Reps. Johnson, Pocan, and Craig, as well as our colleagues in the Senate, for their partnership in reinforcing the competitiveness and sustainability of American energy.\u201d\n\n\u201cHomegrown biofuels are tools we have at our fingertips right now to help address climate change \u2013 and it\u2019s critically important that the EPA\u2019s data accurately reflects that,\u201d said Rep. Craig. I\u2019m proud to be working across the aisle to pass this bill and make sure the true benefit that homegrown biofuels bring to our environment, economy and ag communities is recognized.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill will help our country harness the power of innovation and science to drive cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions,\u201d said Rep. Pocan. \u201cThis commonsense legislation directs the EPA to use the latest tool already used by other federal agencies - the GREET model - to fully capture the impact that biofuels have in making our transportation choices more eco-friendly. Thank you to Reps. Johnson, Smith and Craig for joining me in introducing this vital piece of legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Reps. Johnson, Smith, Craig and Pocan for leading the reintroduction of legislation, which will ensure the global gold-standard modeling tool for lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions will be used to properly value corn ethanol\u2019s carbon footprint when establishing future regulations impacting biofuels. Enactment of this bipartisan bill will ensure ethanol plays a significant role in decarbonizing the transportation sector,\u201d saidBrian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol.\n\n\u201cThis legislation would go a long way to ensure that renewable fuel regulations are based on sound science and current data, not obsolete information and speculative theories. The Argonne National Laboratory GREET model is recognized around the world as the gold standard for analyzing the lifecycle GHG impacts of renewable fuels like ethanol, regularly updated to reflect efficiency improvements and technological advancements in the fuel production process. We thank Representatives Dusty Johnson, Adrian Smith, Angie Craig and Mark Pocan for your efforts to require scientific integrity and accuracy in federal government regulatory actions on renewable fuels,\u201d saidGeoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.\n\n\u201cThe GREET Model isn\u2019t just the most accurate, complete tool for lifecycle analysis; it\u2019s also a critical part of securing a successful future for America\u2019s biofuels producers and the rural communities they support. The Adopt GREET Act is a commonsense piece of legislation that would give producers greater certainty and allow for homegrown bioethanol to play an even bigger role in decarbonizing the transportation section. We applaud the introduction of this bill in the House by Representatives Johnson, Smith, Craig, and Pocan, and hope to see it quickly approved and signed into law,\u201d saidEmily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.\n\nThe Adopt GREET Act is cosponsored by Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Ron Estes (R-KS), Mark Alford (R-MO), Mike Bost (R-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Jake LaTurner (R-KS).\n\nThe Adopt GREET Act is supported by the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Corn Growers Association, POET, Gevo, and the National Oilseed Processors Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-on-protecting-financial-well-being-of-service-members-and-veterans", "Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing on Protecting Financial Well-Being of Service Members and Veterans", "2023-11-02", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing on securing financial protections for service members, veterans and their families. Click HERE to listen to Rounds\u2019 opening remarks.\n\n\u201cProtecting the financial well-being of our men and women in uniform is incredibly important \u2013 not only while they are serving, but also after their service ends and they transition into civilian life,\u201d said Rounds in his opening remarks.\n\n\u201cImproving financial literacy among our service members empowers them to take advantage of available benefits throughout the entirety of their careers, improve early financial decision-making and better identify and avoid scams and fraudulent activity,\u201d continued Rounds. \u201cAnd for our veterans, financial literacy paves a continued pathway toward success.\u201d\n\nRounds closed with, \u201cI look forward to hearing from each of our witnesses today about the financial issues confronting our service members, veterans and their families, with the hope to learn from your experiences and better protect the American dream of our heroes.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nProtecting the financial well-being of our men and women in uniform is incredibly important \u2013 not only while they are serving, but also after their service ends and they transition into civilian life.\n\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, I view it as our responsibility to make certain that our service members, veterans and their families are not preyed upon by bad actors.\n\nWhile everyone can agree that our service members and veterans deserve the highest protections for their sacrifice, financial safeguards should be more than blunt government mandates and general prohibitions \u2013 no matter how well-intended they may be.\n\nWe will never be able to eliminate every bad actor from the market, we can try, and we must attempt to reduce heavy-handed approaches like price controls or one-size-fits-all policies, which have historically done more harm than good, reducing the access and affordability of credit.\n\nWe should not lose sight of what is most important in this conversation.\n\nNumber one: equipping young service members and their families with the education, guidance and tools necessary to make decisions that will set them up for long-term financial success.\n\nNumber two: making certain that when someone leaves the service, they\u2019re taking that financial knowledge with them as they transition to civilian life.\n\nApproximately 40 percent of the total Department of Defense (DoD) military force is 25 years old or younger.\n\nMany newly enlisted service members are fresh out of high school and have received little to no financial literacy education.\n\nImproving financial literacy among our service members empowers them to take advantage of available benefits throughout the entirety of their careers, improve early financial decision-making and better identify and avoid scams and fraudulent activity.\n\nAnd for our veterans, financial literacy paves a continued pathway toward success.\n\nOur veterans earn an array of benefits following their service, deservedly so, but this also makes them a high value target for scammers and other bad actors.\n\nCongress has established and built upon financial literacy training and counseling requirements over the past two decades.\n\nHowever, we must ask ourselves if these programs are operating as effectively as they could and if they truly are improving service members\u2019 and veterans\u2019 financial wellness outcomes, or if they have become more of a \u201ccheck the box\u201d exercise to meet minimum requirements.\n\nWhether that is more engagement between the DoD and private sector financial counseling \u2013 or enhancing coordination between military banking program partners and the Office of Financial Readiness \u2013 we can always do more to provide our service members and their families with the financial education and tools to better serve them, as they so valiantly serve our country.\n\nThat said, federal mandates are never a silver bullet.\n\nTo have a real impact, we must make sure that government programs are working with each other rather than in opposition.\n\nWe must also focus on enacting commonsense, tailored legislation that will stop bad actors while connecting veterans with opportunities.\n\nSpeaking of common sense, Native American veterans, who have the highest record of military service per capita, face unique challenges that can affect their financial wellness and limit access to the benefits they have earned through their service.\n\nThe VA\u2019s Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program was established over 30 years ago to provide mortgage financing to Native American veterans living on trust land.\n\nHowever, this program is not meeting its full potential to improve homeownership opportunities for very deserving and qualified Native American veterans.\n\nIn fact, one of my constituents died before his loan was closed after working with VA for over seven years.\n\nWe have to do better, which is why Senator Tester and I introduced the Native American Direct Loan Improvement Act earlier this year to make certain that Native American veterans are able to access this home loan benefit that they have earned through their service.\n\nI am committed to getting this bill across the finish line, but NADL is just one example.\n\nWe need to take a hard look at all programs to make certain that they are truly meeting the financial wellness needs of our service members and veterans.\n\nA holistic approach to financial education and protection of our service members enhances financial readiness, and ultimately operational readiness, while allowing our service members to focus on their core mission.\n\nI look forward to hearing from each of our witnesses today about the financial issues confronting our service members, veterans and their families, with the hope to learn from your experiences and better protect the American dream of our heroes.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:01:09Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=730FBFFD-EBB3-43C6-8373-A92B9C9C124F", "Thune: Biden\u2019s Border Policies Threaten Our National Security", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden\u2019s failed border policies that have jeopardized our national security. Thune highlighted the third consecutive record-breaking year of illegal border crossings under President Biden, as well as the influx of individuals on the terrorist watchlist who have attempted to enter the country at the southern border. Thune called on the administration to immediately reverse its misguided policies and focus on improving border security and enforcing the law.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, we recently learned that fiscal year 2023 set a new record for the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border \u2013 the third record-breaking year of illegal immigration under the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cFirst, fiscal year 2021 set an all-time record.\n\n\u201cThen fiscal year 2022 broke that record.\n\n\u201cAnd now fiscal year 2023 has broken that record.\n\n\u201cIn other words, Mr. President, we\u2019ve had three straight years of the Biden border crisis getting worse and worse and worse.\n\n\u201cSince the president took office, more than 6.2 million individuals have been caught attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201c6.2 million.\n\n\u201cIf every one of these individuals lived in one city, it would be the second largest in the country.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I don\u2019t need to tell anyone that the kind of unchecked illegal immigration we\u2019re experiencing represents a serious security threat.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security recently noted in its 2024 threat assessment that, quote, \u2018Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd, by all indications, bad actors are in fact taking advantage of the chaos at the border to try to enter the United States.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023 alone, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were caught attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201c169.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s more than in the previous six years combined.\n\n\u201cThe head of the Border Patrol recently said that his agency is arresting an average of more than 47 people per day who have, and I quote, \u2018serious criminal histories.\u2019\n\n\u201cMore than 47 people. Per day. With \u2018serious criminal histories.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, that\u2019s just the individuals who are being caught.\n\n\u201cSince January 2021, when President Biden took office, there have been more than 1.7 million known gotaways \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cAnd we can only imagine the number of unknown gotaways who have sneaked into the country.\n\n\u201cHow many of those individuals have \u2018serious criminal histories\u2019 or hail from hostile countries?\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t know.\n\n\u201cBut we can be pretty confident that among those gotaways are dangerous individuals who should not be entering our country.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this is a serious issue.\n\n\u201cAnd we need a serious course correction from this administration.\n\n\u201cVice President Harris, who is in charge of overseeing border policies for this administration, recently told 60 Minutes that, quote, \u2018we need a safe, orderly, and humane border policy.\u2019\n\n\u201cThis has been the purported goal of the Biden administration for almost three years now.\n\n\u201cBut the administration has been failing on all three counts.\n\n\u201cAnd the current crisis we\u2019re experiencing is a predictable result of the Biden administration\u2019s decisions.\n\n\u201cBefore the president took office, his team was warned of the possibility of a migrant surge.\n\n\u201cYet the moment the president took office he set about dismantling the immigration policies of his predecessor and weakening our nation\u2019s border security.\n\n\u201cAnd the result has been three successive years of record-breaking illegal immigration.\n\n\u201cAnd while the Biden administration has finally started to at least half-heartedly acknowledge our nation\u2019s border crisis and put in place policies attempting to encourage legal migration and penalize illegal border crossings, the changes are insufficient.\n\n\u201cFar too little, far too late.\n\n\u201cOr as one columnist put it recently in the Washington Post, \u2018The Biden administration\u2019s various efforts have amounted to Band-Aids on a massive, open wound.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd the president\u2019s recent supplemental funding request has not left me hopeful that the administration is suddenly going to become more effective.\n\n\u201cPotentially billions in reimbursement for blue states struggling to house illegal immigrants won\u2019t do a single thing to solve the crisis we\u2019re facing at the border.\n\n\u201cAnd while the president\u2019s proposal does include some funding that would actually go toward security, funding alone is not enough.\n\n\u201cWe need meaningful policy changes that will, for starters, end the rampant abuse of our asylum system and sweeping parole designations.\n\n\u201cSenators Graham, Lankford, and Cotton, among several others, are working hard to craft a set of changes to our asylum and parole policies that would stem the flow at our border.\n\n\u201cThese changes would address obvious flaws in President Biden\u2019s immigration policies and make tangible progress toward getting our border crisis under control.\n\n\u201cMr. President, recent events have underscored the importance of national security.\n\n\u201cAnd a porous southern border is a huge vulnerability.\n\n\u201cWe need to use every tool we can to secure the border and keep terrorists and criminals out of the United States.\n\n\u201cSenate Republicans are committed to putting policies in place at the border that keep Americans safe.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope that in the days and weeks to come, Senate Democrats will join us to make securing our border a priority.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AED411EE-565A-4D6F-A478-4A98B3767A08", "Thune, Scott, Barrasso, Boozman Urge the Biden Administration to Abandon Unrealistic, Costly Energy Efficiency Standards", "2023-11-01", "2023", "2023-11", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.); Tim Scott (R-S.C.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; and John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; today led more than 20 of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to abandon their proposal that would require new single and multifamily homes that are insured or guaranteed by the agencies to be subject to unrealistic and overly burdensome energy efficiency standards. The proposal would reduce the supply of new housing, increase costs on residential contractors, and significantly impact low-income households.\n\n\u201cOver the last few years, the Biden administration has demonstrated a reckless commitment to forcing its unrealistic environmental agenda onto various aspects of the economy via its push toward electrification, regulating household appliances, and the stifling of conventional American energy production,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cSo it is not at all surprising that the administration is now forcing its agenda onto families purchasing or renting a home, all while admitting that \u2018lower-income households . . . may be challenged in their ability to address first costs.\u2019 To that end, we request that you abandon this effort and conduct an honest evaluation as to how adoption of the revised international energy conservation code (IECC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards would increase costs and give special attention to the affect adoption would have on lower-income families.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Thune, Scott, Barrasso, and Boozman, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).\n\nFull letter below:\n\nDear Secretary Fudge and Secretary Vilsack:\n\nWe write to raise significant concerns with your proposed adoption of revised energy standards for newly constructed and rehabilitated homes insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). We urge you to change course, as adoption of these standards would impose significant costs on American households, particularly low and moderate-income families, and put undue pressure on an already constrained housing supply.\n\nAs you know, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140) requires HUD and USDA to adopt revised energy standards if, after the U.S. Department of Energy determines that the revised standards would improve energy efficiency, the agencies \u201cmake a determination that the revised codes do not negatively affect the availability or affordability\u201d of newly constructed or rehabilitated homes insured or guaranteed by HUD or USDA. Though you preliminarily determined that revised energy standards would not adversely impact the availability or affordability of housing, we disagree as evidence exists to the contrary.\n\nHUD and USDA incorrectly conclude that the availability or affordability of housing will not be negatively impacted by adoption of the revised standards. The agencies, for example, ignore costs that will be placed on single-family borrowers by relying on a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory study to estimate savings that optimistically presume a mortgage interest rate of three percent, disregarding the fact that mortgage rates are currently more than double this estimate. The agencies also admit that \u201cnew construction for federal housing administration borrowers would decline\u201d if revised standards are adopted and naively declare that \u201cborrowers could adapt to the supply constraints by seeking a conventional loan or by purchasing an existing home with similar qualities.\u201d Moreover, the agencies cite research finding energy efficiency programs have a lower net benefit for low-income households than expected, and unequivocally conclude that \u201cenergy efficiency requires an additional cost and one that lower-income households may not have the disposable income to accommodate.\u201d\n\nIt is no secret that the cost of purchasing and renting a home has surged over the last few years, and the problems are more pronounced for lower-income families, making adoption of the revised IECC and ASHRAE standards all the more ill-timed. In recent years, construction of smaller and typically less-expensive, single-family homes represents a small fraction of all new, single-family construction. On the multifamily front, though construction has increased, rental units are increasingly becoming unaffordable for lower-income households partially because permitting activity is overwhelmingly concentrated in large metro areas where the bulk of new construction has been driven by properties with 20 or more units, presumably being built in higher-cost urban centers. Moreover, the supply of lower-cost rentals is consistently declining.\n\nOver the last few years, the Biden administration has demonstrated a reckless commitment to forcing its unrealistic environmental agenda onto various aspects of the economy via its push toward electrification, regulating household appliances, and the stifling of conventional American energy production. So it is not at all surprising that the administration is now forcing its agenda onto families purchasing or renting a home, all while admitting that \u201clower-income households . . . may be challenged in their ability to address first costs.\u201d\n\nTo that end, we request that you abandon this effort and conduct an honest evaluation as to how adoption of the revised IECC and ASHRAE standards would increase costs and give special attention to the affect adoption would have on lower-income families.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:49:58Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-working-group-to-host-ai-discussion-on-workforce", "Rounds, Working Group to Host AI Discussion on Workforce", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "Forum to Feature DSU President Jos\u00e9-Marie Griffiths\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 On Wednesday, November 1, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group will host a discussion focused on AI in the workforce. The forum will feature academic and industry experts, including Dr. Jos\u00e9-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. The group will discuss the intersection of AI and the workforce and will aim to explore how AI will alter the way that Americans work. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).\n\n\u201cAI is leading to incredible advancements in our daily lives, including the way we work,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cFrom medicine and manufacturing to entertainment and hospitality, workers in all industries will feel the impacts of AI. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Griffiths and other top experts as we discuss the development of AI in the workforce.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Griffiths, featured speakers include:\n\nAllyson Knox, Microsoft \u2013 Senior Director of Education Policy and Programs\n\nAmeenah Salaam, Communication Workers of America \u2013 Secretary-Treasurer\n\nAnton Korinek, University of Virginia \u2013 Professor\n\nArnab Chakraborty, Accenture \u2013 Senior Managing Director of Data and AI and Global Responsible AI Lead\n\nAustin Keyser, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers \u2013 Assistant to the International President\n\nBonnie Castillo, National Nurses United \u2013 Executive Director\n\nChris Hyams, Indeed \u2013 Chairman and CEO\n\nDaron Acemoglu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology \u2013 Professor\n\nMichael Fraccaro, Mastercard \u2013 Chief People Officer\n\nMichael Strain, American Enterprise Institute \u2013 Director of Economic Policy Studies\n\nPatrick Gaspard, Center for American Progress \u2013 President and CEO\n\nPaul Schwalb, UNITE HERE \u2013 Secretary-Treasurer of DC Local 25\n\nRachel Lyons, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) \u2013 Legislative Director\n\nRob Atkinson, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation \u2013 Founder and President\n\nIn May 2023, the working group was formed to pursue the opportunities and tackle the threats presented by AI. In order to provide additional information to members of the Senate, the working group has hosted a series of briefings. These briefings have included a first-of-its-kind forum that featured top tech leaders including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates and a panel discussion comprised of academic and industry experts focusing on how AI is transforming health care.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FDBF4E2C-8045-444D-B6E1-8DCE757CCF9C", "Thune: It\u2019s Time to End Iran\u2019s Reign of Terror", "2023-10-31", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the dangers of Iran\u2019s influence on terrorism in the Middle East. Thune also called on President Biden to withdraw his nomination of Jack Lew to be ambassador to Israel, noting that Lew\u2019s role in the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal is disqualifying.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, Hamas\u2019 brutal attack on Israel on October 7 has thrust not just Hamas but Iran into the spotlight.\n\n\u201cWhy?\n\n\u201cBecause while Hamas may have carried out this attack, Iran enabled it \u2013 and is currently enabling terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s Hamas, which gets approximately 90 percent of its military budget from Iran and benefits from Iranian training and weapons.\n\n\u201cThen there\u2019s Hezbollah \u2013 the terrorist organization on Israel\u2019s northern border with Lebanon \u2013 which is also armed and financed by Iran.\n\n\u201cThere are the Houthis in Yemen, who are backed by Iran and who in the aftermath of October 7 fired missiles and drones headed in the direction of Israel, likely at Iran\u2019s direction.\n\n\u201cThere are the Shia militias who are attacking American soldiers in Iraq and Syria.\n\n\u201cPalestinian Islamic Jihad.\n\n\u201cAnd the list goes on.\n\n\u201cAs I said on the floor last week, through its proxies, Iran is literally getting away with murder.\n\n\u201cOne has to wonder what the Middle East would look like today if Iran hadn\u2019t spent decades funding and arming terrorist organizations.\n\n\u201cNor are Iran\u2019s malign activities confined to the Middle East.\n\n\u201cIran has provided Russia with drones to use in its war of aggression against Ukraine.\n\n\u201cAnd now it appears that Iran is helping Russia to build a drone manufacturing facility to dramatically increase Russia\u2019s drone supply.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, Russia\u2019s foreign minister was in Iran last week and met with the Iranian president.\n\n\u201cA Reuters article on the meeting reported, and I quote, \u2018Russia and Iran are firming up bilateral relations in a \u2018trusting\u2019 atmosphere, Russia\u2019s foreign ministry said.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. President, Iran doesn\u2019t just represent a danger to peace and stability in the Middle East \u2013 and beyond \u2013 it is directly responsible for much of the strife we see there.\n\n\u201cAnd in the wake of the October 7 attack and Israel\u2019s military response, Iran has threatened Israel with escalation and a war on, quote, \u2018multiple fronts.\u2019\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to make it clear to Iran that its deadly activities can\u2019t continue.\n\n\u201cThe Biden administration must clearly articulate to the Iranians that if they do not stand down, or if they greenlight any escalation against Israel, the United States and our allies will respond.\n\n\u201cIn the meantime, the administration should be exploring all avenues for ending Iran\u2019s career as a state sponsor of terror.\n\n\u201cIsrael and the Arab world deserve a chance to move forward free of Iran\u2019s malign meddling.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and his administration do not have the strongest track record on Iran \u2013 witness their misguided attempts to reboot the Obama administration\u2019s problematic nuclear deal and the decision to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds as part of a deal to free American prisoners.\n\n\u201cThe president did finally listen to calls from myself and others in the wake of Hamas\u2019 attack to once again freeze that $6 billion.\n\n\u201cAnd the administration was right to move more U.S. forces into the region to deter escalation and to respond to attacks on U.S. troops.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s clear that a lot more needs to be done if we want to stop Iran from funding terror.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m disappointed that the president has continued in his choice of Jack Lew as ambassador to Israel.\n\n\u201cMr. Lew played a key role in developing and carrying out the Obama administration\u2019s misguided nuclear deal.\n\n\u201cAnd his nomination does not exactly send the message to Iran that the Biden administration will be cracking down on Iranian warmongering.\n\n\u201cMr. President, 33 Americans died as a result of Hamas\u2019 October 7 attack, and as many as 10 Americans are still likely trapped as hostages, with hundreds of other Americans still stuck in Gaza.\n\n\u201cMeanwhile, a number of American military personnel have been injured in drone attacks in Iraq and Syria carried out by Iran-backed groups.\n\n\u201cAdd the more than 1,400 individuals who died in Hamas\u2019 October 7 attack and countless other terrorism-related deaths in the Middle East, and it becomes very clear that Iran\u2019s hands are stained with the blood of thousands.\n\n\u201cIf there is to be any hope of peace in the Middle East, if there is to be any hope for a brighter and more secure future for Israelis and Palestinians and many others, then Iran\u2019s career as a state sponsor of terror must be ended.\n\n\u201cAnd I will do everything I can with my colleagues in Congress to see that that is accomplished.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope the Biden administration will do the same.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s time to end Iran\u2019s reign of terror.\n\n\u201cMr. President, before I yield the floor, I want to take a moment to talk about the disturbing displays of antisemitism we are seeing around the world, and, appallingly, right here at home.\n\n\u201cFrom celebrations of Hamas\u2019 attack to threats of violence directed against Jewish individuals and organizations \u2013 and a United States senator \u2013 the weeks since October 7 have contained horrifying echoes of a very dark time in human history.\n\n\u201cThe spectacle of a mob storming a runway to hunt for Jewish passengers is a sight I never thought to see in my lifetime.\n\n\u201cAnd I pray it is a sight we will never see again.\n\n\u201cBut preventing this kind of evil from expanding its foothold is going to require action on our part: a willingness to stand up and call it out and affirm that this kind of hatred has no place in civilized society.\n\n\u201cAnd in the days to come, I hope that leaders around the world will make it very clear that antisemitism\u2019s day is over \u2013 and that neither our nation nor the world community will ever allow the dark history of the 20th century to be repeated in the 21st.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-letter-urging-ihs-to-improve-accessibility-to-health-care-services", "Rounds Leads Letter Urging IHS to Improve Accessibility to Health Care Services", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led the South Dakota and North Dakota congressional delegations in sending a letter to Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Roselyn Tso urging IHS to expand access to outside health care services in both states.\n\n\u201cWe write today in support of efforts to consider expanding the Purchased and Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) to all counties in South Dakota and North Dakota,\u201d wrote the members. \u201cIt is our understanding the Indian Health Service (IHS) is considering conducting a study to examine the feasibility of this potential residency expansion. We respectfully ask IHS to conduct this study in a timely manner and move to promptly analyze the results.\u201d\n\nThe members\u2019 letter continued, \u201cAccording to census data, thousands of citizens of tribal descent are residing in counties not covered under the PRCDA. In addition to residency requirements, these tribal beneficiaries must abide by a number of other rules when attempting to access PRC, including medical priority and notification requirements. With the Great Plains Area (GPA) being a stronghold for IHS direct care, tribal members in South Dakota and North Dakota have little opportunity to access healthcare away from the agency. This may be problematic when a tribal beneficiary is unable to access IHS direct care or a service unit does not have the resources to provide care in a timely manner.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds, the letter was signed by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.).\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\n+++\n\nDear Director Tso:\n\nWe write today in support of efforts to consider expanding the Purchased and Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) to all counties in South Dakota and North Dakota. It is our understanding the Indian Health Service (IHS) is considering conducting a study to examine the feasibility of this potential residency expansion. We respectfully ask IHS to conduct this study in a timely manner and move to promptly analyze the results.\n\nAs you are aware, IHS beneficiaries must reside within the PRCDA to be eligible for the PRC program. According to the 2010 reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, the entirety of South Dakota and North Dakota should fall under PRCDA status. It is our understanding IHS has opted not to implement statewide coverage in South Dakota and North Dakota on the basis such a change may impact services for those residing in PRCDA counties. With IHS service units in both states increasingly accessing funding from third-party collections, we believe this is an opportune time to seriously reexamine the possibility of expanding residency eligibility.\n\nAccording to census data, thousands of citizens of tribal descent are residing in counties not covered under the PRCDA. In addition to residency requirements, these tribal beneficiaries must abide by a number of other rules when attempting to access PRC, including medical priority and notification requirements. With the Great Plains Area (GPA) being a stronghold for IHS direct care, tribal members in South Dakota and North Dakota have little opportunity to access healthcare away from the agency. This may be problematic when a tribal beneficiary is unable to access IHS direct care or a service unit does not have the resources to provide care in a timely manner.\n\nWe understand IHS has conducted similar studies in the past before moving to expand residency eligibility in other states. As your agency begins to work through this process, we encourage you to work closely with tribal leaders. With consideration given to the challenges outlined in this letter, we request you provide our offices with regular updates on the status of this study. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if we can provide you with additional information.\n\nThank you for your consideration of these requests.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-scott-and-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-confront-chinas-influence-on-us-financial-system", "Rounds, Scott and Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Confront China\u2019s Influence on U.S. Financial System", "2023-10-30", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and the Republicans on the Banking Committee in urging the Biden administration to confront the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (CCP) expanding footprint in the U.S. financial system and global payments market.\n\nIn their letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, the senators warn that rapidly expanding Chinese payment networks may undermine U.S. foreign policy, threaten Americans\u2019 sensitive financial and consumer data privacy and violate international trade practices. In addition to calling for the Biden administration to examine the infiltration of Chinese payment networks into the U.S., the senators urge the administration to evaluate CCP\u2019s unfair commercial practices toward U.S. companies and review potential U.S. sanctions gaps related to China\u2019s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System.\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party\u2019s (\u201cCCP\u201d) ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the United States\u2019 (\u201cU.S.\u201d) financial system and the global payments market\u2026undermine U.S. foreign policy, threaten Americans\u2019 sensitive financial and consumer data privacy, and violate international trade practices,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201c\u2026Efforts by the CCP to infiltrate the U.S. financial system must be met with extreme scrutiny.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Scott, the letter was signed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).\n\nClick HERE to read the full letter.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-rounds-and-rosen-additional-iron-dome-systems-heading-to-israel", "Following Push from Rounds and Rosen, Additional Iron Dome Systems Heading to Israel", "2023-10-27", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) will transfer two Iron Dome systems to Israel. These systems are currently in possession of the United States and are not being utilized.\n\nThe announcement to transfer these Iron Dome systems comes after Rounds and Rosen led a bipartisan letter urging the DOD to take this action as Israel continues to face rocket and missile attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see that the Department of Defense is transferring these Iron Dome systems to Israel,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe United States must do everything we can to help our ally as they continue to defend their nation against terrorist attacks from Hamas. This is an important step in the right direction.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince their terrorist attack began nearly three weeks ago, Hamas has indiscriminately fired thousands of rockets into Israel,\u201d said Rosen. \u201cThe Iron Dome defense system is the only thing preventing Hamas\u2019s rockets from killing countless innocent people. After the bipartisan push I led, I\u2019m proud to announce the United States will transfer two additional Iron Dome batteries to Israel to help increase its capacity and ability to intercept Hamas\u2019s rockets and protect Israeli families.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-scott-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-cfius-review-process-protect-american-land", "Rounds, Scott Introduce Bill to Strengthen CFIUS Review Process, Protect American Land", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to introduce the Protect Our Bases Act. This legislation would make certain the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites.\n\n\u201cProtecting American land is critical to maintaining our national security,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cOur near-peer adversaries, like China, only wish to gain advantage and opportunities to surveil our nation\u2019s capabilities and resources. I am pleased to join Ranking Member Scott on this legislation to make our homeland more secure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Chinese Communist Party can\u2019t be allowed to compromise the security of military and government facilities on our home turf,\u201d said Scott. \u201cBy enhancing the review of foreign real estate transactions near sites that are vital to U.S. national security, this legislation will increase accountability to help ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States can take proper action to push back on Communist China and keep our nation safe.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Scott, this legislation was introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.)\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated information on sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites in order to properly assess the security risk of foreign investment in our country. If CFIUS member agencies do not appropriately update their site lists, CFIUS cannot guarantee an accurate review.\n\nThe senators\u2019 bill requires agencies represented on CFIUS to provide updated records of the military, intelligence and national laboratory facilities that should be sensitive sites for national security purposes to CFIUS on an annual basis. Additionally, the legislation requires CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of such reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.\n\nThe Protect Our Bases Act builds on Rounds\u2019 existing legislative work to safeguard America from malign foreign investments that pose national security concerns. Earlier this year, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) by a vote of 86-11 The FY24 NDAA included an amendment offered by Rounds that bans foreign adversaries from purchasing American farmland and agricultural businesses. Additionally, it would add the Secretary of Agriculture as an ex officio member of CFIUS to consider agriculture needs when making determinations affecting our national security and require the president to submit a report to Congress on any waiver granted to a prohibited country.\n\nClick HERE for full bill text.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=88776699-6292-43C6-9825-EFAC73F4AA81", "Thune, Wyden Reintroduce Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act", "2023-10-26", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service Oversight, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act. The bipartisan legislation would improve child support enforcement for tribal child support agencies by allowing the more than 60 tribes that currently operate their own child-support programs to access the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program, which allows them to collect past-due child support from non-custodial parents. The bill would also, among other things, create parity between tribes and states by ensuring tribal child support agencies have access to the same information as states do to administer their child support programs.\n\n\u201cTribal child support agencies do not currently have access to certain federal programs and information that would make it easier for them to collect past-due child support from non-custodial parents,\u201d said Thune. \u201cBy ensuring that tribes have the same access to these programs and information as states, we can help Native American families in South Dakota \u2013 and across the country \u2013 receive the child support payments that they are owed, and also put tribal and state programs on equal footing.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribes in Oregon and nationwide need and deserve the same abilities as state child support agencies to ensure families can recover past-due child support payments,\u201d said Wyden. \u201cThis common-sense, bipartisan bill takes a significant step to ensure Tribal youngsters aren\u2019t deprived of financial support that can be used for food, housing and other essentials that add up to the healthiest and safest possible childhood.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) has long-supported this legislation to provide our tribal partners with the same tax offset tools that states have as well as give all child support agencies necessary access to tax information to further support children,\u201d said Erin Frisch, president of NCSEA. \u201cThis legislation is our top priority this year and we are pleased to see the bipartisan support for the measure.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Nation Tribal Child Support Association (NTCSA) supports the legislation to provide tribal child support programs with the Federal Tax Offset Program,\u201d said Sand Cloer, president of NTCSA. \u201cOur state partners have has this tool for many years. Tribal child support programs continue to work hard for our Indian children in order to afford them the same financial opportunities as all other children. This legislation is vital to our programs.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe economic, political, and social linkages between our Tribe and children are critical and often ignored at the children\u2019s peril,\u201d said Gregg Duffek, president of the National Association of Tribal Child Support Directors. \u201cWith passage of this critical legislation, we will be able to provide greater enforcement of child support for our families. We applaud the efforts of Senator Thune and Chairman Wyden for continuing to support tribal families.\u201d\n\nStates have several enforcement methods at their disposal to enforce child support, one being the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program. With this program, when a non-custodial parent is due a refund but owes past-due child support, the U.S. Department of the Treasury can withhold the tax refund and send it to the child support agency to get it to the family.\n\nThune and Wyden\u2019s legislation unanimously passed out of the Senate during the previous Congress on July 13, 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-israel-condemns-hamas", "Johnson Supports Israel, Condemns Hamas", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to express unconditional support for Israel and condemn Hamas in response to Hamas\u2019 acts of terror on Israel.\n\n\u201cHamas is evil. America can\u2019t allow terrorists to grow in strength,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cIsrael has the right to fight back, and they have the wide support of Congress in that endeavor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-restore-order-house-representatives", "Johnson Votes to Restore Order to House of Representatives", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to elect Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana as Speaker of the House to restore order in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud to vote for Rep. Mike Johnson for Speaker,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cNow we can put these unfortunate three weeks behind us and get back to work to address the southern border, $33 trillion of national debt, and a looming government shutdown.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-new-leadership-in-sioux-falls-office", "Rounds Announces New Leadership in Sioux Falls Office", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Keith Moore will serve as the Southeast Regional Director and State Director of Tribal Relations. Moore will be based out of Rounds\u2019 Sioux Falls office, starting on November 6, 2023.\n\n\u201cKeith is a committed and respected public servant who will be a great asset to our team,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cHis years of experience, both in South Dakota and in D.C., will serve our state well. I am pleased to have Keith in this role, and I have confidence in his ability to make a meaningful impact for the good of South Dakotans.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m excited to get started serving the citizens and tribal members of South Dakota,\u201d said Moore. \u201cSenator Rounds has worked tirelessly for all people of our great state, and I intend to do the same as we take on the multitude of issues that are in front of us.\u201d\n\nOriginally from Mission, Moore grew up in Kennebec and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. After graduating from Lyman High School, he earned a scholarship to play basketball at Northern State University, majoring in education. He later received a master\u2019s degree in educational administration from South Dakota State University and specialist degree in educational leadership from Montana State University. Moore most recently worked as the South Dakota Director of Americans for Prosperity. He has previous experience as the Director of South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Dakota and Indian Education Director at the South Dakota Department of Education. Moore also served as the SES Director of the Bureau of Indian Education in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Kristie, have five daughters and reside in Sioux Falls.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=577BAA16-9A0B-448C-800F-0D3714AD2A98", "Thune: Hamas and Its Supporters in Iran Must Be Sent a Clear, Strong Message", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the interview.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News to discuss his recent bipartisan trip to the Middle East, which included a visit to Israel. Thune highlighted the grave stakes for Israel in this conflict and stressed that a message must be sent to Iran for its role in supporting terrorism around the world.\n\nOn the stakes in Israel:\n\n\u201cThis is existential for Israel. And the videos that we saw, the images that we saw, just reinforced how important it is that not only the United States, but hopefully partners in the region and beyond, band together and support Israel in its efforts to eliminate Hamas.\n\n\u201cIsrael cannot exist side-by-side with a terrorist organization whose main mission is to kill Jews and to wipe Israel off the map. It's as simple as that.\n\n\u201cAnd you can understand why there is so much frustration and angst in the country right now. They see what's happening on their border. In the last 15 years, they've been attacked five times. But this time, it just \u2013 it has to be dealt with.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope that the United States will do everything that it can to stand with our ally and our friend, Israel, ensure that they have everything they need to defend themselves, and to go after this vicious terrorist regime, enabled by Iran, and destroy it if that's what has to happen. And we also need to lay down some markers and some red lines with respect to Iran, and we've made that very clear as well.\u201d\n\nOn sending a message to Iran:\n\n\u201cWe obviously need to be, as Israel needs to be, strategic about this, Bret, but not responding is not an option either.\n\n\u201cI mean, you have the \u2013 the animating force behind the evil in that region is Iran. They are, all these entities, these terrorist organizations, are Iranian proxies. And Iran needs to understand that they cannot continue to engage with and support these terrorist activities in the region, and particularly now with their attacks on American troops. That is a whole new level of escalation and the message is going to have to be sent.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F18A3B9D-60AF-4271-A7D0-2855F45B7989", "Thune Discusses Bipartisan Trip to Middle East", "2023-10-25", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to the Middle East as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Yesterday, Thune spoke about the need for the United States to support Israel as it works to eliminate Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and he called on the Biden administration to prioritize freeing American hostages. Thune also joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News and Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss Iran\u2019s blatant role in fostering and supporting terrorism in the Middle East.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, early yesterday morning I returned from a whirlwind trip to the Middle East as part of a bipartisan CODEL, or congressional delegation, to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.\n\n\u201cThe trip was a direct response to Hamas\u2019 savage attack on Israel.\n\n\u201cThe CODEL, led by my friend Senator Lindsey Graham, brought together 10 senators from both parties to show the United States\u2019 support for Israel and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to protecting our now-threatened national interests in the region.\n\n\u201cOur message was united:\n\n\u201cThe United States stands with Israel.\n\n\u201cIran is on notice, and it must stand down.\n\n\u201cAnd we need to get hostages freed and Americans out of harm\u2019s way.\n\n\u201cWe are committed to seeing Hamas defeated so that a new chapter of prosperity for Israel and its Arab neighbors can begin, of which normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be a keystone.\n\n\u201cOur engagements on the ground included frank and candid discussions with heads of state, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and our U.S. embassy teams on the ground.\n\n\u201cOur day in Tel Aviv began with meeting the families of hostages being held in Gaza, including Americans, who shared their painful stories.\n\n\u201cAs a parent and grandparent, it is heartbreaking to see and hear the grief of these family members.\n\n\u201cLater that day, we met with Israeli defense officials for an update on the war.\n\n\u201cWe were shown video evidence of the unnerving atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists \u2013 horrific images I will not soon forget.\n\n\u201cMr. President, our meetings made clear the absolute imperative to see Hamas defeated.\n\n\u201cHamas\u2019 attack has been likened to Israel\u2019s own September 11.\n\n\u201cBut Prime Minister Netanyahu made a point that is especially chilling for Americans, but that every critic of Israel must hear.\n\n\u201cHe pointed out that on 9/11, our enemy was thousands of miles away.\n\n\u201cIn Israel, their enemy is only a kilometer away.\n\n\u201cMr. President, for more than 15 years, Israel has had to live every day with a terrorist organization on its border whose sole mission in life is to kill Jews and to wipe Israel off the face of the earth.\n\n\u201cAnd during that time Hamas has loomed as a persistent threat to Israel, attacking, kidnapping, and killing Israelis.\n\n\u201cBut the barbarism and brutality Hamas displayed in its October 7 attacks took its evil to new heights.\n\n\u201cAnd now Israel knows what it has to do.\n\n\u201cIt has to wipe Hamas off the face of the earth.\n\n\u201cFor the Israelis, this is existential.\n\n\u201cIsrael\u2019s cause is just, and its resolve is firm.\n\n\u201cAnd it should have every peace-loving nation in the world on its side.\n\n\u201cNow, how Israel goes about that mission matters.\n\n\u201cIt needs to be done in a way that minimizes civilian casualties.\n\n\u201cThe Palestinians living in Gaza are also victims of Hamas\u2019 reign of terror.\n\n\u201cHamas has made it clear that the only value it places on the lives of Palestinians is to use them as fodder to direct attention away from its atrocities and to try to turn public sentiment \u2013 especially in western media and the Arab street \u2013 against Israel.\n\n\u201cCase in point: Hamas\u2019 disproven claim that Israel struck a hospital, which sparked protests and riots in a number of countries.\n\n\u201cIsraelis know that there are innocent Palestinians trapped in this fight, and that civilian casualties and a humanitarian crisis could drive more Palestinians toward extremism.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s why Israel is taking measures to protect innocents in Gaza \u2013 although its efforts are being undermined by Hamas, which has discouraged Palestinians from complying with Israel\u2019s evacuation order.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. and other peace-loving nations in the region and beyond need to give Israel space to take the fight to \u2013 and eradicate \u2013 Hamas.\n\n\u201cBecause if Hamas and its reign of terror is allowed to continue, no nation in the region or beyond will be able to live in peace and security.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s really that simple.\n\n\u201cAnd one final but important point: Hamas might claim to represent Palestinians, but its violent actions do nothing to benefit the Palestinian people.\n\n\u201cThe only people who benefit from this brutal bloodshed are the ayatollahs in Iran, whose goal is to bring chaos, violence, and death to all who don\u2019t share their extreme and militant religious ideology \u2013 which, I might add, includes wiping Israel off the face of the earth.\n\n\u201cLook no further than Hamas, 90 percent of whose military budget comes from Iran.\n\n\u201cOr Hezbollah, the terrorist organization on Israel\u2019s northern border with Lebanon, which is also armed and financed by Iran.\n\n\u201cThen there are the Houthis in Yemen, who in the aftermath of October 7 fired missiles and drones headed for Israel, likely at the direction of Iran.\n\n\u201cThe Shia militias who are attacking American soldiers in Iraq and Syria.\n\n\u201cThe killing, by Russians, of innocent civilians in Ukraine, with drones supplied by Iran.\n\n\u201cThrough its proxies, Iran is literally getting away with murder.\n\n\u201cTo the Iranian regime, we say, \u2018We\u2019re on to you.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd in addition to working with regional partners to get American hostages and citizens out of Gaza, the Biden administration must clearly articulate to the Iranians that if they do not stand down, or if they greenlight the escalation of this war, the United States and our allies will be forced to respond \u2013 forcefully.\n\n\u201cThe movement of U.S. firepower to the region should make that point very clear to Tehran.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the attacks on October 7 represent a kind of evil that the world hasn\u2019t seen in generations.\n\n\u201cAnd it must be confronted, and contained.\n\n\u201cIf it\u2019s not, we could see death and destruction on a scale akin to the horrors of the last century.\n\n\u201cHistory is watching.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1843AC25-1E69-4A5D-90A6-02A0E1480BAC", "Thune: Israel Should Not Have to Tolerate a Terrorist Organization Next Door", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference hours after returning from a bipartisan trip to the Middle East, which included a stop in Israel. Thune spoke about the need for the United States to support our allies in Israel as they work to eliminate Hamas terrorists, as well as the need for the rest of the world to confront Iran\u2019s support of terrorism in Israel and around the globe.\n\nOn the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel:\n\n\u201cI was among those who just returned from a trip to the Middle East, including a stop in Israel. And it's been 17 days now since the October 7 attack, but I will tell you that the video and images continue to come in.\n\n\u201cThe barbaric, brutal, just absolutely brutal, attacks were nothing less than despicable. These were heinous and just unbelievable violations of humanity.\n\n\u201cAnd so, as we think about how to respond, clearly, the Israelis can't abide having a terrorist organization living right on their border. Hamas has to be eliminated. And we should aid and support, in every way possible, the Israelis as they endeavor to do just that.\u201d\n\nOn Iran\u2019s role supporting terrorism in Israel and around the world:\n\n\u201cAnd of course, we have to remember that the animating force behind the evil in that region of the world is, as the leader pointed out, Iran. It is Iran that finances more than 90 percent of the weaponry, training, and everything that Hamas does. They are the force behind their other proxy on the northern border of Israel, Hezbollah, and of course, the Houthis in Yemen, the Shiite militias that are attacking our troops in Syria and Iraq.\n\n\u201cThis is an evil regime whose clear objective is to kill Jews and to wipe Israel off the map. That's the reality that is confronting the leaders in Israel right now.\n\n\u201cAnd Hamas, when they committed these incredibly violent and brutal acts, also preserved it, posted it on social media, celebrated it in front of the rest of the world. This evil has to be confronted, it has to be dealt with, and we need to do everything we can to support and defend our friend and our ally, Israel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DBAA71BB-8D22-4AC4-9F4F-6B9957C71E69", "Thune\u2019s Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications", "2023-10-24", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 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.\n\nInterns in Thune\u2019s Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process and attend Senate votes and hearings, while interns in the state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities. Both Washington, D.C., and in-state internships are paid and will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and gain valuable office experience.\n\n\u201cInterns who are selected will receive a firsthand look at the legislative process and the day-to-day life in a congressional office,\u201d said Thune. \u201cIn Washington, interns will have the opportunity to attend Senate votes and hearings and participate in other activities that are unique to Capitol Hill. Students who are interested in interning in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, or Rapid City will find an equally rewarding experience with assisting staff on important constituent service requests and state outreach activities, which are critical to my work for the people of South Dakota. I encourage all college students who are interested in these opportunities to apply today.\u201d\n\nCollege students who are interested in interning in Thune\u2019s Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices can apply by November 5, 2023, at https://sen.gov/Z003 or they can locate the application at www.thune.senate.gov under the \u201cServices\u201d tab.\n\nThune serves as the Senate Republican whip, the number two position in Senate Republican 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.\n\nFor more information, please call 202-224-2321.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-presses-nominees-on-protecting-american-families-and-businesses", "Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing, Presses Nominees on Protecting American Families and Businesses", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing on key nominations. Click HERE to listen to Rounds\u2019 opening remarks.\n\n\u201cIn the upper Midwest, producers rely on access to credit from their local credit unions and other financial institutions for the financing of their farming and ranching operations,\u201d said Rounds in his opening remarks. \u201cThey feed the world.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t need bureaucrats telling farmers, ranchers and the credit unions that support them how to run operations. Especially bureaucrats that believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows,\u201d continued Rounds.\n\nRounds closed with, \u201cAmericans are frustrated, deeply frustrated by the actions of regulators that are hurting their businesses, families and interfering in their daily lives. It is our role in the Senate to scrutinize and evaluate each nominee who comes before this committee. The decisions you make in your respective roles, if confirmed, will have a bearing on the quality of life of American families.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\nI want to say welcome to all of the nominees. I commend each of you for your desire to serve the American people.\n\nWith six nominees today, I will try to move through each quickly.\n\nCongressman Bachus \u2013 welcome back to Capitol Hill and congratulations on being renominated for a position on the Board of the Export-Import Bank.\n\nThe Export-Import Bank is a valuable tool for promoting U.S. exports, economic growth and job creation.\n\nIn the face of an increasingly competitive global market, I believe American companies must be able to effectively compete on the international stage.\n\nI look forward to hearing ways you believe the EXIM Bank can continue to be effective, especially as countries like China bolster their own companies by guaranteeing export loans.\n\nMr. Uyeda, in your capacity as a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for the last year, you have been an independent voice of reason, pushing back against harmful policies that aim to overhaul our capital markets.\n\nOver the last three years, under Chair Gensler's reign, the SEC has issued dozens of complex rulemakings that will hurt markets and investors.\n\nMr. Uyeda, I am confident that you will continue to act as that rational voice to promote policies that will strengthen our capital markets while protecting investors \u2013 not attempt to legislate through rulemaking.\n\nTurning to Ms. Fain.\n\nDuring the Obama administration, the Department of Justice and financial regulators initiated the controversial \"Operation Choke Point.\"\n\nThis program aimed to pressure banks into withholding their services from completely legal industries that the Administration didn\u2019t support, such as firearm manufacturers and payday lenders.\n\nThe FDIC's own Inspector General, the position for which you are nominated, determined that FDIC personnel singled out these businesses, in line with a widely held belief that senior FDIC officials disapproved of the businesses.\n\nI fear that there are individuals in the Biden administration who still advocate for the core principle of Operation Choke Point, which involves the abuse of regulatory power to restrict financial access to lawful businesses that happen to be politically disfavored.\n\nMs. Fain, if confirmed, I'd charge you to use your 22 years of experience in federal oversight to make sure the FDIC adheres to its mission of promoting stability and public confidence in our financial system, rather than playing politics with American companies.\n\nMs. Otsuka, we know financial institutions are fully capable of pricing risks into their business decisions, including risks from changing customer preferences over time.\n\nI am extremely concerned financial regulators are trying to allocate capital away from carbon-emitting industries, including agriculture, to those deemed to be sufficiently green.\n\nFor example, NCUA has warned that credit unions \"may need to consider adjustments to their fields of memberships as well as the types of loan products they offer\" because of climate change.\n\nIn the upper Midwest, producers rely on access to credit from their local credit unions and other financial institutions for the financing of their farming and ranching operations.\n\nThey feed the world.\n\nMs. Otsuka, as we discussed, I remain concerned about unintended consequences from the misapplication of climate financial risk considerations, especially if credit unions are pressured to unnecessarily avoid and/or reduce serving certain industries, like agriculture, if an examiner deems it too risky based on climate change.\n\nWe don\u2019t need bureaucrats telling farmers, ranchers and the credit unions that support them how to run operations.\n\nEspecially bureaucrats that believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows.\n\nI look forward to discussing ways NCUA can engage with the agriculture community to protect their access to capital.\n\nI also want to thank you for your service to Chairman Brown\u2019s team and the Committee at large.\n\nFinally, we have two nominees before us today who have been renominated to the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) which serves as a liquidator for broker-dealers that experience financial trouble or are forced into bankruptcy and protects against the loss of cash and securities.\n\nSince its creation, SIPC has helped to recover $141.8 billion in assets.\n\nMs. Slacik and Mr. Brodsky, I look forward to learning more from you during this hearing on your plans to protect American families.\n\nI will note, that the Banking Committee's last SIPC oversight hearing took place in 2015 \u2013 I believe we should be more diligent in conducting our oversight role here so that the public has a better understanding of the functionality of SIPC.\n\nI will close by saying that Americans are frustrated, deeply frustrated by the actions of regulators that are hurting their businesses, families and interfering in their daily lives.\n\nIt is our role in the Senate to scrutinize and evaluate each nominee who comes before this committee.\n\nThe decisions you make in your respective roles, if confirmed, will have a bearing on the quality of life of American families.\n\nWe are entrusting you with very real and serious responsibilities.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hosts-discussion-on-ai-in-cancer-research", "Rounds Hosts Discussion on AI in Cancer Research", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group today hosted a panel discussion focused on the use of AI in cancer research. The panel, comprised of academic and industry experts, discussed how AI is transforming health care. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\n\u201c\u2026Today\u2019s discussion on AI is about something that\u2019s a bit more personal to me: the fight against cancer,\u201d said Rounds in his opening statement. \u201cAs many of you know, I lost my wife to cancer one year, 11 months and 17 days ago. I firmly believe that AI has the potential to change every aspect of cancer care as we know it. Continued investments in this technology will help us to not only improve the lives of people with cancer, but to one day ultimately overcome this disease.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nGood morning. Thank you all for taking the time to join us here today.\n\nI\u2019d like to first thank the panelists who took time out of their busy schedules to come speak with us today.\n\nI\u2019d also like to thank my colleagues, Leader Schumer and Senators Young and Heinrich for working with me on this event.\n\nWe\u2019ve had a lot of discussions in the Senate this year about artificial intelligence, and how it\u2019s leading to significant changes across our society.\n\nBut today\u2019s discussion on AI is about something that\u2019s a bit more personal to me: the fight against cancer.\n\nAs many of you know, I lost my wife to cancer one year, 11 months and 17 days ago.\n\nI firmly believe that AI has the potential to change every aspect of cancer care as we know it.\n\nContinued investments in this technology will help us to not only improve the lives of people with cancer, but to one day ultimately overcome this disease.\n\nHowever, when it comes to AI and health care, the impacts of AI will go far beyond fighting cancer.\n\nI look forward to having a robust discussion and exchange of ideas about what we can do to enable the use of AI in our health care system.\n\nWe also need to make certain that as we\u2019re considering new regulation that we\u2019re speeding up AI innovation in this space, not slowing it down.\n\nNow, I\u2019d like to welcome our guests\u2014\n\nDr. Ned Sharpless, with the University of North Carolina School of Medicine;\n\nDr. Michael Howell, with Google;\n\nDr. Eli Van Allen, with Harvard Medical School;\n\nRick Stevens, with Argonne National Lab; and\n\nLauren Silvis, with Tempus.\n\nThese experts are going to cover topics related to how artificial intelligence is transforming health care\u2014from research and drug development, to the delivery of patient care and treatment\u2014and I am very excited for them share their perspectives with the Senate.\n\nDr. Sharpless, over to you.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=56813046-F3F5-4F73-B40E-B4E186E23772", "Thune: Border Security is National Security", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on President Biden and congressional Democrats to join Republicans in prioritizing border security and national security. Thune noted that porous borders are an invitation to criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals, and in order to keep our country secure, the situation at the southern border must be addressed.\n\nThune also discussed the critical need for border security today with Stuart Varney on Fox Business.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, yesterday I came down to the floor to discuss the importance of military preparedness to our national security.\n\n\u201cThe most basic requirement of national security is a strong military.\n\n\u201cBut it is not the only requirement.\n\n\u201cMaintaining our nation\u2019s strength \u2013 and our ability to deter threats and discourage our enemies from tangling with us \u2013 also involves things like a strong economy, energy security, and border security.\n\n\u201cAnd today I want to spend a few minutes talking about border security.\n\n\u201cMr. President, border security is an essential part of keeping our nation secure.\n\n\u201cPorous borders are an invitation to criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals.\n\n\u201cAnd let\u2019s be very clear \u2013 there are dangerous individuals out there right now who would like to enter and harm our country.\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of this month, four Iranians considered to be \u2018special interest aliens\u2019 \u2013 individuals who may pose a threat to the United States \u2013 have been apprehended at the border in Texas.\n\n\u201cAll told, thousands of special interest aliens, a number of them from Middle Eastern countries, have been apprehended at our southern border over the past two years.\n\n\u201cDuring fiscal year 2023, 151 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border.\n\n\u201c151.\n\n\u201cAs a recent news story noted, and I quote, \u2018That figure is more than the total of the previous six fiscal years combined.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat same story also notes, and I quote, \u2018In the first two weeks of this fiscal year, the CBP sources told Fox News that agents have apprehended more than 30 Iranians, nearly 60 Syrians, 35 Pakistanis, more than 100 Russians, 285 Afghans and nearly 2,000 Chinese migrants at the southern border.\u2019\n\n\u201c\u2018\u2026 more than 30 Iranians, nearly 60 Syrians, 35 Pakistanis, more than 100 Russians, 285 Afghans and nearly 2,000 Chinese migrants at the southern border.\u2019\n\n\u201cNow, Mr. President, it\u2019s likely that many of those individuals were simply in search of the promise the United States offers of a better life.\n\n\u201cBut it is also entirely possible that some of those individuals \u2013 some of them from intensely hostile countries like Iran \u2013 had more malign intentions.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, while Customs and Border Protection apprehended the individuals I\u2019ve mentioned so far, it is not only possible but likely that similarly concerning individuals have entered our country undetected.\n\n\u201cSince President Biden took office, there have been more than 1.5 million known gotaways at the southern border \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cAnd we can only imagine the number of unknown gotaways who have sneaked into the country.\n\n\u201cHow many of those are individuals from hostile countries or the terrorist watchlist?\n\n\u201cOr members of cartels that target every state in the union and are fueling the fentanyl epidemic?\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t know.\n\n\u201cBut it\u2019s a good bet that among those gotaways were dangerous individuals who should not be entering our country.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I don\u2019t need to tell anyone that the situation at our southern border right now is disastrous.\n\n\u201cAll signs point to fiscal year 2023 being a third record-breaking year of attempted illegal crossings at the southern border under the Biden administration\u2019s watch.\n\n\u201cThe number of attempted illegal crossings at the southern border last month alone has been estimated to be somewhere in the region of 270,000 \u2013 which would make it the highest monthly number ever recorded.\n\n\u201cCustoms and Border Protection is overstretched \u2013 to put it mildly \u2013 and has been for pretty much the entirety of the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cWe could scarcely be sending a more welcoming signal to criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals if we put out a welcome mat.\n\n\u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t dangerous individuals like this take advantage of the chaos at the border to slip in undetected?\n\n\u201cThe director of the FBI recently warned of copycat attacks in the U.S. after Hamas\u2019 deadly attack on Israel.\n\n\u201cAnd a September threat assessment from the Department of Homeland Security noted, and I quote, \u2018Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.\u2019\n\n\u201cIf we want to keep our country secure, we are going to have to get the situation at our southern border under control.\n\n\u201cNow.\n\n\u201cI am glad that President Biden has finally conceded that a border wall is part of the solution.\n\n\u201cBut it must be backed up with a willingness to fully enforce our laws.\n\n\u201cMr. President, in the coming weeks, I expect that we will take up a supplemental spending bill to address support for our allies and provide any additional funding our military may need.\n\n\u201cI hope \u2013 and will work to ensure \u2013 that that legislation also includes measures to help secure our southern border.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve said it before, and I\u2019ll say it again: If we don\u2019t get national security right, the rest is just conversation.\n\n\u201cAnd securing our border is an indispensable part of national security.\n\n\u201cThe terrorist attack on Israel on October 7 should be all the reminder we need of the importance of being constantly on guard against those who would seek to enter our nation and do us harm.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope that in the wake of this attack, President Biden and congressional Democrats will join Republicans to make both strengthening our military and securing our border a priority.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD1FF772-C2BF-4566-B3BA-72874E2DC70A", "Thune, Hassan, Blackburn Introduce the SAVE IMD Options Act", "2023-10-19", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Securing Advances and a Variety of Evidence-Based (SAVE) Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Options Act. The bipartisan legislation would establish a permanent state plan option in Medicaid that allows states to provide patients between the ages of 21 to 64 with substance use disorder treatment in IMD. Current law does not allow federal Medicaid funds to be used for those patients at IMD, which include hospitals, nursing facilities, or other institutions with more than 16 beds that provide care for mental health diseases, including substance use disorder.\n\n\u201cAs the opioid epidemic and substance use disorders continue to devastate families and communities across South Dakota and the country, it is critical for patients to have access to treatment services,\u201d said Thune. \u201cSouth Dakota has relied on a state plan option in Medicaid to provide these services for the past five years, and it is critical that patients do not lose access to this life-saving care.\u201d\n\n\u201cMedicaid recipients deserve access to short-term inpatient care at addiction treatment facilities, which can be lifesaving,\u201d said Hassan. \u201cAs we continue to work on ways to expand mental health care and support for people struggling with opioid use, the bipartisan legislation that Senators Thune, Blackburn, and I are introducing today will help more people get the treatment that they need and deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince 2021, Tennessee has leveraged the Institutions for Mental Diseases state option to deliver critical treatment and support to individuals suffering from substance use disorders,\u201d said Blackburn. \u201cMaking this state option permanent and breaking down barriers to comprehensive care would be a major step in the right direction as we address substance use disorders across our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) strongly supports Senator Thune\u2019s efforts to improve access to substance use disorder services,\u201d said Shawn Coughlin, president and CEO of NABH. \u201cEstablishing a permanent state option in Medicaid for substance used disorder treatment provided in IMD will provide states with certainty and ensure individuals have access to this lifesaving treatment.\u201d\n\nThe Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act, legislation that was enacted in 2018 to address the opioid epidemic, included a state plan option in Medicaid that allowed federal Medicaid funds to be used for patients in IMD with substance use disorder. However, this option recently expired. Several states, including South Dakota, relied on this program to provide substance use disorder treatment services for patients.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-anderson-family-of-rapid-city-for-angels-in-adoption-award", "Rounds Nominates Anderson Family of Rapid City for Angels in Adoption Award", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated Nathan and Angela Anderson for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI).\n\nNathan and Angela Anderson have been married since 2006. Nathan is originally from the Huron area, and Angela is originally from the Rapid City area. In 2015, they were blessed with their son Boaz through a private adoption with the help of Hughes Law Office, Bethany Christian Services and Jean Cline. Boaz is now eight years old, and he is full of energy and laughter. Then, in 2021, the Andersons received a call from their pastor, Wes Roth, who was approached by biological grandparents needing to find a family to adopt their two-week-old granddaughter who was in foster care. Nathan and Angela selflessly opened their home once more and adopted their daughter Emma. Now, the Andersons are a family of four who affectionately embrace being \u201cTeam BEAN\u201d (Boaz, Emma, Angela and Nathan).\n\n\u201cWe are humbled to have been nominated by Senator Rounds for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award,\u201d said Nathan and Angela Anderson. \u201cAdoption was originally a road we didn\u2019t know we\u2019d travel on, but it has been such a beautiful and enriching part of our lives. While the adoption process comes with many hills and valleys, Boaz and Emma are a forever blessing. We feel incredibly grateful, and we hope our story encourages others to consider adoption.\u201d\n\nRounds nominated John and Beth Hughes for the 2022 Angels in Adoption Award. Their adoption practice, Heart2Heart Adoptions, which is part of Hughes Law Office, has brought hundreds of families together, including the Anderson family. Additionally, Rounds nominated Wes Roth, the Anderson\u2019s pastor, and his wife Kimberly for the 2018 Angels in Adoption Award.\n\n\u201cI am honored to nominate Nathan and Angela for this year\u2019s Angels in Adoption award,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThroughout years of adversity and perseverance, the Andersons relied on their Faith and trusted God\u2019s plan for their family. Team BEAN serves as a great example of how powerful the gift of adoption can be. The connection between the Anderson, Hughes and Roth families makes this year\u2019s award even more special. These families have made a tremendous impact on the lives of so many, and our state is lucky to have them.\u201d\n\nRounds is a member of the CCAI. Each year, members of Congress are invited to nominate an outstanding family or organization from their state to receive an Angels in Adoption award. CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption. For more information, visit CCAI\u2019s website.\n\nRounds\u2019 office is currently accepting applications for the 2024 Angels in Adoption Award. For more information, please visit rounds.senate.gov/adoption.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-working-group-to-host-discussion-on-ai-in-cancer-research", "Rounds, Working Group to Host Discussion on AI in Cancer Research", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 On Thursday, October 19, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group will host a panel discussion focused on the use of AI in cancer research. The panel will feature academia and industry experts to discuss how AI is transforming health care, from research and drug development to the delivery of patient care and treatment. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\n\u201cAI is a tool that will lead to incredible advancements in every aspect of our lives,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cOne of those aspects is health care. We were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments when my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago. Now, there is a real opportunity to utilize AI in ways never thought possible that will help save lives. I look forward to hearing from top experts as we discuss the life-changing possibilities of AI in cancer research.\u201d\n\nFeatured speakers include:\n\nNed Sharpless, MD, Professor of Cancer Policy and Innovation at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine & former Director of the National Cancer Institute\n\nMichael Howell, MD, Chief Clinical Officer at Google\n\nEliezer Van Allen, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School & Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute\n\nRick Stevens, Associate Laboratory Director at the Argonne National Laboratory & Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago\n\nLauren Silvis, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Tempus & former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration\n\nIn May 2023, the AI working group was formed to pursue the opportunities and tackle the threats presented by AI. In order to provide additional information to members of the Senate, the working group has hosted a series of briefings. Additionally, the working group hosted a first-of-its-kind discussion in September that featured top tech leaders including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=771A3D51-6B44-48E2-BB2B-8D3A007E3787", "Thune: America Must Strengthen Its National Security Posture", "2023-10-18", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of passing the final version of this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act and additional supplemental funding in order to bolster national security, enhance shortfalls in military readiness, and support our allies.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, Israel and the world are still reeling from the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 that left somewhere around 1,400 Israelis \u2013 and at least 31 Americans \u2013 dead.\n\n\u201cIn scale and scope, the attack carried echoes of our own 9/11.\n\n\u201cAnd, as on 9/11, life changed in an instant.\n\n\u201cI came down to the floor yesterday to talk about these attacks and the United States\u2019 commitment to standing with the Israeli people against terrorism.\n\n\u201cAnd today I\u2019d like to talk about another important point these attacks raise \u2013 the importance of our national defense and military readiness.\n\n\u201cMr. President, it has been said that \u2018only the dead have seen the end of war.\u2019\n\n\u201cWe live in a fallen world, and as long as we live in a fallen world, there will be evil men bent on aggression.\n\n\u201cAnd if we wish to continue living in peace and freedom, we must be always ready to defend against such men.\n\n\u201cMilitary preparedness is an essential and constant need.\n\n\u201cThere is never a time where we can guarantee our peace and safety, and so there is never a time when we can afford to be ill-prepared to defend our peace and safety.\n\n\u201cAs citizens of the United States \u2013 an immense country with a reputation for military strength \u2013 it can be easy to become complacent and assume that we will always be able to deter or defeat attacks.\n\n\u201cBut that is a dangerous assumption.\n\n\u201cAs strong as we are, we are not invulnerable, and we are not the only great power out there.\n\n\u201cAnd if we don\u2019t make the necessary investments in our military to back up our reputation of strength, we may find our ability to deter hostile countries quickly waning.\n\n\u201cAnd the fact of the matter is, Mr. President, our military preparedness is not where it should be.\n\n\u201cThanks to budgetary impasses and increased operational demands, by 2018 our readiness had eroded to the point that the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission released a report warning that we might struggle to win a war against a major power like Russia or China.\n\n\u201cAnd while we have made progress since then, we are still a long way from where we need to be.\n\n\u201cWe have military services that are struggling to meet recruiting targets.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a persistent pilot shortage, and in a number of cases we have too few mission-capable aircraft.\n\n\u201cAnd we are not doing an adequate job of maintaining the kind of supply we need of munitions.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not an acceptable situation for us to be in.\n\n\u201cAnd it could have very serious consequences.\n\n\u201cTo give just one example, recent U.S. war games envisioning a U.S.-China conflict following an attack on Taiwan have had grim results, showing enormous military and economic costs on both sides.\n\n\u201cOne story on these war games noted, and I quote, \u201cAnd while the ultimate outcome in these exercises is not always clear \u2014 the U.S. does better in some than others \u2014 the cost is [clear]. In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground.\u201d\n\n\u201cLet me just repeat that last line.\n\n\u201c\u2018In every exercise the U.S. uses up all its long-range air-to-surface missiles in a few days, with a substantial portion of its planes destroyed on the ground.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not a promising scenario, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd it highlights our serious readiness shortages \u2013 shortages that other countries may not share.\n\n\u201cChina, which is investing heavily in its military, is outpacing our military in modern capabilities like hypersonic missiles, and has amassed a larger navy.\n\n\u201cAnd while Russia is currently expending its military resources in its war of aggression against Ukraine, it too does not hesitate when it comes to military investment.\n\n\u201cMr. President, we have serious work to do on the readiness front.\n\n\u201cAs I said, we have made progress since 2018.\n\n\u201cBut we still have a long way to go to ensure that our military is fully prepared to meet and deter 21st century threats.\n\n\u201cAnd this is a priority we need to address now.\n\n\u201cNot when we\u2019re waking up one morning reeling from an attack on our country or Americans abroad.\n\n\u201cBut right now.\n\n\u201cInvesting in our military after we\u2019re threatened or attacked is too late, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t scale up defense capabilities in an instant or suddenly produce an adequate supply of munitions out of thin air.\n\n\u201cWe need to get \u2013 and keep \u2013 our military where it needs to be on the readiness front so that we can deter threats and meet them if needed with overwhelming force.\n\n\u201cAnd boosting our strength is important for our friends and allies as well.\n\n\u201cWe can\u2019t and shouldn\u2019t send troops into every conflict, and we can\u2019t solve all the world\u2019s problems.\n\n\u201cBut sooner or later, world events do affect us.\n\n\u201cAnd we can\u2019t retreat from the world stage and allow malign powers to fill the resulting vacuum.\n\n\u201cNor can we afford to concentrate on one threat or area of the world to the exclusion of others.\n\n\u201cPutin\u2019s war in Ukraine and Hamas\u2019 attack on Israel should be ample reminders that threats can come from both great powers and non-state actors alike.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, we need to get to work.\n\n\u201cAnd that should start with passing a final version of this year\u2019s National Defense Authorization Act and making progress on our annual appropriations bills, including the defense appropriations bill.\n\n\u201cAnd we should also take up a supplemental to provide the necessary support to our allies and ensure that we provide any additional funding needed for our own military.\n\n\u201cOctober 7 was the latest reminder that we live in a fallen and dangerous world.\n\n\u201cLet\u2019s ensure that we are always prepared to preserve the peace and defend our nation.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-seeking-spring-2024-internship-applications", "Rounds Seeking Spring 2024 Internship Applications", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.\n\n\u201cOur internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cInterns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring internship.\u201d\n\nIntern duties include researching bills, tracking legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, handling constituent correspondence and providing support in all areas of the office to Rounds and his staff. Internships can also be tailored to an intern\u2019s specific interest areas when possible.\n\nInterested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is December 1, 2023. For more information, please call Rebecca Herman at (605) 336-0486.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0E2F0A84-E51C-4F3D-902A-36EC07438BE0", "Thune Denounces Hamas\u2019 Terrorist Attacks on Israel", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today condemned the senseless attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Thune expressed his unwavering support for Israel and the need to hold Iran accountable for its continued support of Hamas and other terror organizations. Thune called on all Americans \u2013 from the halls of Congress to college campuses \u2013 to support Israel\u2019s right to defend itself and its people.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, there are days and events that are almost unspeakable.\n\n\u201cAnd October 7, 2023, is one of them.\n\n\u201cThe slaughter of hundreds of innocent Israelis \u2013 men, women, and, unthinkably, children \u2013 at the hands of Hamas terrorists was a terrible witness to the evil of which man is capable.\n\n\u201cThe stories and images that have emerged are searing.\n\n\u201cA bloodied infant seat.\n\n\u201cParents tucking their 10-month-old twins into hiding before being murdered by the attackers.\n\n\u201cA mom and dad killed with their three young children.\n\n\u201cAs a father and a grandfather, I cannot imagine the terror those parents must have felt as they realized Hamas gunmen had moved into their villages.\n\n\u201cIt is a terrible fact of war that the innocent are often drawn into the crossfire, but to make war on the innocent \u2013 to target the innocent deliberately \u2013 is perhaps the greatest evil of which man is capable.\n\n\u201cMr. President, it\u2019s nearly unimaginable to think that someone could look at Hamas\u2019 attack and find any cause for joy or celebration.\n\n\u201cAnd yet in the days following the attacks, we have seen far too many people right here at home \u2013 including at our so-called top universities \u2013 attempt to defend or even celebrate the indefensible.\n\n\u201cAnd while the First Amendment protects their right to speak, I hope that we as a society can categorically reject the view that anything can justify or excuse the deliberate murder of babies and children.\n\n\u201cMr. President, Israel is currently working to bring a swift end to Hamas\u2019 reign of terror, and it should have the full support of the United States in this mission.\n\n\u201cThe United States has long provided security assistance to Israel, including an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding that supports foreign military financing and missile defense assistance through fiscal year 2028.\n\n\u201cIn 2021 we passed supplemental funding to restock the Iron Dome system in response to rocket attacks from Hamas, and I anticipate Congress will soon consider a supplemental in response to this attack.\n\n\u201cWe must also use every resource available to prevent escalation and expansion of this war and ensure that Israel does not end up fighting on multiple fronts.\n\n\u201cWe can already see that other hostile actors are angling to enter the fray.\n\n\u201cIran is actively threatening Israel.\n\n\u201cHezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has fired rockets and artillery across Israel\u2019s northern border with Lebanon.\n\n\u201cAnd we need to band together with our allies to make it clear that any attempts to escalate this war would be a grave miscalculation.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s also past time to hold Iran \u2013 a longtime funder of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations \u2013 to account for its role in fomenting unrest and destabilizing the Middle East.\n\n\u201cI have not been shy about calling out the Biden administration\u2019s poor track record on being tough on Iran, in particular the administration\u2019s misguided goal of re-signing a flawed nuclear deal and attempting to appease the country\u2019s leaders with billions of dollars in sanctions relief.\n\n\u201cJust over a month ago, on September 11 of all days, the administration lifted a freeze on $6 billion in Iranian assets \u2013 which would likely have resulted in the freeing up of additional funds for Iran\u2019s hostile activities.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad that the president listened to calls from Senator Blackburn, me, and others to block Iran\u2019s access to these funds.\n\n\u201cAnd I hope that the Senate can soon pass legislation to permanently freeze these assets.\n\n\u201cWe need to make it very clear to Iran \u2013 and to any other country that would seek to imitate the Iranians \u2013 that there will be consequences for aiding and abetting terror.\n\n\u201cMr. President, 30 Americans have now been confirmed to have died in Israel.\n\n\u201cAnd as I speak, we have 13 possible American hostages being held by Hamas.\n\n\u201cWe also have an estimated up to 600 Americans in Gaza in harm\u2019s way, including a family my office is working with.\n\n\u201cWe must get them out.\n\n\u201cMr. President, in the midst of war and Hamas\u2019 brutality, it is important to remember our own sense of humanity and the innocents on both sides.\n\n\u201cHamas\u2019 utter indifference to human life was on full display in its rampage through Israeli villages.\n\n\u201cAnd that indifference extends to the lives of its own people.\n\n\u201cHamas has tangled its terrorist infrastructure throughout \u2013 and under \u2013 an incredibly dense urban population center, ensuring that innocent civilians will always be in harm\u2019s way during attacks on legitimate terrorist targets.\n\n\u201cAnd as Israel prepares to go after targets in Gaza, Hamas is now discouraging \u2013 and, it appears, actively trying to prevent \u2013 civilians from heeding Israel\u2019s calls to evacuate.\n\n\u201cApparently Hamas believes that dead Palestinians will advance its cause and keep the focus on Israel\u2019s response, not the abject brutality Hamas unleashed on October 7.\n\n\u201cAnd we must be resolute in exposing and condemning this callousness.\n\n\u201cWe must also work to ensure that the response of free countries conveys the respect for human life that is so woefully lacking in the terrorists, and that we do everything we can to ensure that innocent civilians on both sides in this conflict are protected as much as possible \u2013 and that humanitarian aid reaches innocent Palestinians and is not intercepted by Hamas terrorists.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Jewish people have suffered much.\n\n\u201cBut their story, and the story of Israel, is one of resilience.\n\n\u201cAnd the United States stands with Israel at this most challenging time.\n\n\u201cMy prayers this week are with the grieving families in Israel and all the suffering, and for the permanent defeat of Hamas and a just and lasting peace.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2F9E4184-8105-4FD4-9E05-BC96437D4681", "Thune-Klobuchar Bill Would Recognize Environmental Benefit of Biofuels, Promote Efficient Farming", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Specifically, the bill would require EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab\u2019s GREET Model to any fuel for which EPA has approved a pathway and deemed qualified for the RFS. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time for the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all biofuels, which would more accurately reflect the emissions reductions achieved by ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,\u201d said Thune. \u201cThis would not only underscore how homegrown biofuels can be a cleaner part of our energy security and environmental policy, driving value for South Dakota farmers, but also make biofuel exports more attractive to countries seeking to lower their transportation emissions.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is critical that the EPA\u2019s greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels be updated to fully reflect the newest science and technology,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis legislation will allow us to fully recognize how ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel can contribute to our emissions reduction goals while expanding and promoting the use of clean energy and rural jobs across the country.\u201d\n\nThe legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).\n\n\u201cBiofuels are playing a crucial role in helping our nation meet our energy and climate goals,\u201d said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. \u201cAs a country, we can\u2019t afford for renewable, affordable biofuels to be held back by outdated and inaccurate modeling. Years of rigorous, peer-reviewed research have shown that corn ethanol already cuts greenhouse gas emissions nearly in half compared to gasoline. Unfortunately, EPA\u2019s outdated model fails to fully capture the enormous decarbonization potential of ethanol. Growth Energy and its members applaud Senators Thune and Klobuchar for sponsoring this commonsense legislation. It\u2019s past time for the EPA to implement sound science and fully recognize biofuels\u2019 outsized role in creating our clean energy future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation would help ensure that renewable fuel regulations are based on sound science and current data, not speculative theories and obsolete information,\u201d said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. \u201cAround the world, the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model is recognized as the gold standard for analyzing the lifecycle greenhouse gases impacts of renewable fuels like ethanol, and the model is regularly updated to reflect efficiency improvements and technological advancements in the fuel production process. We thank Senators Thune and Klobuchar for bringing scientific integrity and accuracy to the federal government\u2019s regulatory actions on renewable fuels.\u201d\n\nThe legislation is also supported by POET, Gevo, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Oilseed Processors Association.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EAEECD39-3349-4C82-876B-D6E87CB84790", "Thune: Stand With Israel and Stand Up to Iran", "2023-10-17", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference in strong support of Israel\u2019s right to defend itself from heinous terrorist attacks. Earlier today, Thune spoke at a press conference led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) where Republican senators highlighted Iran\u2019s sponsorship of terrorism in Israel and called for passage of legislation to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets the Biden administration attempted to provide Iran last month.\n\nOn standing in solidarity with Israel:\n\n\u201cLet me just say that all of us are heartbroken and disgusted, really, by the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel.\n\n\u201cThere are some in this country, and you see it more on our college and university campuses, who don\u2019t seem to see this issue with moral clarity. But it really is an example of unspeakable evil committed against innocent civilians, innocent children.\n\n\u201cAnd I can say that the Republican Conference stands in solidarity with Israel and its right not only to exist, but also to defend itself and to protect its citizens from these types of attacks.\n\n\u201cRight now, the administration\u2019s focus should be on getting Americans home, working on trying to free up some of the hostages that\u2019re still held in Gaza, and I hope that will be first and foremost what they work on.\u201d\n\nOn the need to secure America\u2019s southern border for the sake of national security:\n\n\u201cLet me just say, too, that as you think about this issue and the issue of national security, the director of the FBI warned just recently that there could be copycat attacks here in the United States.\n\n\u201cAnd that really bears on one of the issues that the leader mentioned with respect to whatever package emerges from the Congress and is put forward by the White House, that we deal with the issue of our southern border.\n\n\u201cAnd if you look at just in the last two years, they have a category called \u2018special interest aliens,\u2019 and in that category, there have been 659 Iranians that they have apprehended trying to come across our southern border. And in this last year, there have been 151 people on the terrorist watch list who have been apprehended at our southern border, which is more than the last six years \u2013 six years \u2013 combined.\n\n\u201cThis is a national security issue and it demands attention from this administration. And so I hope that, as we anticipate, contemplate, dealing with a package up here that addresses the needs in Israel and Ukraine and Taiwan and other places in the world, that that focuses clearly on the national security challenges that we have here right at home, in the United States. And that is a porous southern border that this administration has ignored since the time it took office.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-communications-director-to-serve-as-chief-of-staff", "Rounds\u2019 Communications Director to Serve as Chief of Staff", "2023-10-16", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Dezmond Ward will serve as Rounds\u2019 Chief of Staff. Ward, who has worked in Rounds\u2019 office since 2018, most recently served as the Communications Director for Rounds.\n\n\u201cDezmond has been a trusted member of my team for almost six years,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cNo matter the role, Dezmond has proven to have a strong work ethic and knowledge of issues both in South Dakota and in D.C. I am excited to have him lead my team and see his impact in this new role.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of South Dakota in this new capacity,\u201d said Ward. \u201cI\u2019m excited to lead our great team that is service-oriented and focused on getting results. I look forward to the challenges ahead as we continue to work to bring South Dakota values to a broken Washington, D.C.\u201d\n\nOriginally from Milbank, Ward is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Ward interned in Rounds\u2019 office before joining full time as a Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant. He also served as a Field Representative until becoming Rounds\u2019 Communications Director.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-condemns-hamas-terror-attacks-israel", "Johnson Condemns Hamas Terror Attacks on Israel", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "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.) cosponsored legislation to condemn Hamas in the strongest terms and express unconditional and unwavering support for Israel and its right to defend itself. In the wake of the Hamas acts of terror on Israel, Johnson expressed his support for America\u2019s ally Israel.\n\n\u201cAs Hamas continues to commit barbaric violence against innocent Israeli elderly, women, and children, the U.S. House stands nearly united in its support for Israel,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAmericans remain among the missing; the U.S. should remain steadfast in its mission to bring these people home.\u201d\n\nThe House Resolution is cosponsored by 414 members of Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/lawmakers-urge-tsa-rescind-burdensome-employee-screening-policy", "Lawmakers Urge TSA Rescind Burdensome Employee Screening Policy", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), sent a letter to Transportation Security Administrator (TSA) David Pekoske, urging the agency to rescind its Airport Security Program National Amendment (TSA-NA-23-02) issued earlier this year. The National Amendment requires airports to implement a costly and impractical employee screening policy without any financial support.\n\nThe TSA delayed its implementation by one year, but the lawmakers said the National Amendment remains highly challenging for small airports to implement, regardless of the timeline.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate your recent decision to delay the National Amendment\u2019s implementation by one year. It is a step in the right direction, but we remain highly concerned over the long-term. The National Amendment places burdensome requirements upon small, rural airports and calls into question its implementation's feasibility, regardless of the modified timeline,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nThe letter also highlighted the onerous screening requirements mandated under the National Amendment, and stressed it goes go well beyond airports' current capabilities and budgets.\n\n\u201cWhile we share your commitment to advancing aviation security, the National Amendment goes well beyond the scope of our airports\u2019 security programs and current capabilities. It would mandate redundant and onerous screenings, requiring our airports to recreate the individual screening process TSA screening officers are already trained for, have equipment for, have expertise in, and, most importantly, are already performing,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cThis Amendment also equates to an unfunded mandate. Airports in our states are estimating these requirements will cost over $1 million to develop, implement, and operate, putting unnecessary strain on their already-limited revenue sources,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\n\u201cGiven the outstanding challenges faced by our airports in implementing screening processes mandated under this National Amendment, we believe the TSA is better suited to implement aviation worker screening. We respectfully request the TSA provide long-term certainty by rescinding its National Amendment and retaining aviation worker screenings as the sole responsibility of the TSA,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-rosen-lead-bipartisan-push-in-requesting-additional-iron-dome-systems-for-israel", "Rounds, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Push in Requesting Additional Iron Dome Systems for Israel", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Defense to transfer two additional Iron Dome systems and other unused military assets to Israel as it continues to face rocket and missile attacks from Hamas and the threat of Hezbollah entering the conflict. These systems are currently in possession of the United States and are not being utilized.\n\n\u201cSince October 7, Hamas, which Iran directly supplies and funds, has fired thousands of rockets into populated areas across Israel with the intention of killing as many innocent civilians as possible,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cAs you know, the United States Army is currently in possession of two Iron Dome batteries that have not been deployed and have no operational use inside the United States where they are currently stored.\u201d\n\n\u201cImmediately transferring these two Iron Dome batteries that are not in use to Israel would provide tangible, life-saving and sustained support to our ally as it faces rocket and missile salvos that threaten to overwhelm its defenses,\u201d the senators\u2019 letter continued. \u201cThe transfer of these two Iron Dome batteries, in addition to sending other unused military assets, would bolster Israel\u2019s defense capabilities and immediately help Israel combat terrorist aggression.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Rounds and Rosen, the letter was signed by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).\n\nThe full text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5EC99D03-7D92-4E22-B8D5-0EB66BBC57B5", "Thune Calls On Biden To Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer", "2023-10-11", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined several of his colleagues in calling on President Biden and the U.S. Department of State to immediately restrict Iran\u2019s access to $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen by the Biden administration as part of a recent U.S.-Iran prisoner swap.\n\n\u201cTo stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cYour administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran\u2019s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attach\u00e9 from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.\u201d\n\nThe letter was led by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and, in addition to Thune, was also signed by U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).\n\nFull letter below:\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write today to affirm our unwavering support for Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, and call on the U.S. Department of State to freeze the accounts in Qatar containing $6 billion in Iranian funds that were released from South Korean accounts in September.\n\nSince Hamas began its attack on Israel on Saturday, more than 4,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza, countless Israelis have been injured, and more than 130 individuals have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. Hundreds of civilians have been brutally murdered in Israel, and recent reports confirm that several Americans were killed in the attacks.\n\nIran is the world\u2019s largest state sponsor of terrorism, and Wall Street Journal reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps worked with Hamas to plan the ongoing attacks on Israel. These horrific attacks come on the heels of the State Department issuing sanctions waivers for Iranian funds held in South Korean accounts to be converted from won to euros and then transferred to bank accounts in Qatar.\n\nTo stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable. Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran\u2019s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attach\u00e9 from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.\n\nWe must stand with Israel and restrict access to these Iranian funds. Iran should be placed under the most stringent sanctions admissible. Anything short of this is unacceptable and only aids in the ability of Iran and Hamas to fund these heinous acts.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-spring-2024-internship-applications", "Johnson\u2019s Office Now Accepting Spring 2024 Internship Applications", "2023-10-06", "2023", "2023-10", "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.) is seeking internship applications for the spring in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.\n\nDuties will include researching legislation, writing memos, attending committee hearings and briefings, answering constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Member of Congress.\n\nInterns will be given the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and communications skills while working closely alongside staff. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of how the legislative branch of government operates while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.\n\n\u201cThe fast-paced nature of a Congressional office is an exciting environment,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cMotivated interns play a vital role in our collaborative office and are involved in projects that give them a behind-the-scenes look at Congress.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9C834BF2-4894-425F-98CA-2625ACE19ED1", "Thune Leads Colleagues in Opposing Biden FCC\u2019s Internet Takeover", "2023-10-05", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband; and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; today led more than 40 of their colleagues, including every member of the Senate Republican leadership team, in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon her proposal to reinstate the failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. In their letter, the senators note that following the repeal of the Obama-era rules in 2017, all of the Democrats\u2019 fearmongering claims \u2013 most notably that Americans would get the internet one word at a time \u2013 were debunked and proven to be completely false.\n\n\u201cRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices,\u201d wrote the senators. \u201cFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Thune and Cruz, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).\n\nThune recently spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of maintaining a free and open internet, and he urged Democrats to reject the administration\u2019s misguided net neutrality power grab.\n\nFull letter below:\n\nThe Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel\n\nChairwoman\n\nFederal Communications Commission\n\nWe write regarding our strong opposition to the Federal Communication Commission\u2019s (FCC\u2019s) proposal to reinstate the heavy-handed, public-utility regulations of Title II of the Communications Act on the internet. Doing so would be an historic mistake.\n\nWhen the FCC rescinded the Obama-era Title II order almost six years ago, partisans argued that it was the \u201cend of the internet as we know it,\u201d that \u201cyou\u2019ll get the internet one word at a time,\u201d that consumers would have to pay by the tweet, and that online access would slow to a crawl. All such hyperbolic claims have proven false, as even FCC Democrat commissioners have admitted.\n\nThe growth of the internet continues to be a great American success story. Broadband investment has increased, deployment has increased, speeds have increased, and high-speed internet access has become more affordable than ever. American networks, freed from obtrusive regulations, easily handled the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, Europe\u2019s heavily regulated internet providers were forced to actively slow down speeds to maintain connectivity. Indeed, America is now a leader in adopting next-generation telecommunications services like 5G and Wi-Fi 6e while Europe struggles to keep pace.\n\nRe-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices.\n\nFurther, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court \u2013 more than once \u2013 and two of President Obama\u2019s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.\n\nGiven the lack of any policy or legal rationale for moving forward with such a proposal, the FCC should not pursue a hyper-partisan, politicized rulemaking.\n\nOur country faces real challenges. A lack of public-utility regulations for the internet is not one of them. Instead, the FCC and the Biden administration should be focusing on bipartisan efforts to address real problems, such as addressing rampant waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government\u2019s broadband subsidy programs, and regulatory and permitting obstacles to broadband deployment, both of which divert funds and resources from the goal of connecting unserved Americans.\n\nWe urge you to end this charade and shelve this fifth attempt to adopt so-called \u201cnet neutrality\u201d regulations.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=79F5C644-48C1-4309-A2D3-C8E7EC47CCBA", "Thune Presses FAA Nominee on Need to Strengthen Pilot Training", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today questioned Michael Whitaker, President Biden\u2019s nominee to be administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing. Thune discussed the need to pass a strong, pro-safety FAA reauthorization, which should include his and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema\u2019s (I-Ariz.) amendment that would enhance aviation safety, improve pilot training, and increase jobs.\n\nOn enhancing pilot training:\n\n\u201cAs you know, current training for airline transport pilots requires the vast majority of their flight hours to be accumulated in the cockpit.\n\n\u201cI fully recognize the value of cockpit experience, and see time in real aircraft as an essential part of training airline pilots.\n\n\u201cHowever, I am concerned that little to none of the currently required flight hours are accumulated in the type of aircraft that these pilots will be flying should they get a job with an airline.\n\n\u201cInstead, they are typically accumulated in small, single-engine aircraft.\n\n\u201cTo address this issue, Senator Sinema and I offered an amendment to the Senate FAA reauthorization codifying the recommendations of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee to create a two-month Enhanced Qualification Program (EQP), completed in exchange for a 250 hour credit toward the requisite aeronautical experience.\n\n\u201cThe EQP\u2019s use of simulator training \u2013 whose proven value has resulted in its extensive use by the military \u2013 and instruction from seasoned airline pilots would give trainees exposure to the cockpits of the jets they would actually be flying and, crucially, allow them to experience what it\u2019s like to handle challenging and dangerous situations in those cockpits.\n\n\u201cA bipartisan group of former FAA administrators and Airline Pilots Association presidents recently called on Congress to expand the use of simulator training, stating that, \u2018Requiring the repeated practice of the prevention of and recovery from myriad real-world accident scenarios in full-motion flight simulators will make better pilots.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. Whitaker, I frankly find it hard to believe that anyone would disagree with this statement from a respected group of aviation safety officials.\n\n\u201cJust like with the adoption of Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast \u2013 which you championed when you were last at FAA \u2013 the agency\u2019s leadership in adopting new technologies has significantly benefitted aviation safety time and again, making the U.S. aviation system the safest in the world.\n\n\u201cCan you describe how, if confirmed, you would work to ensure the FAA takes the same leadership role in expanding the use of flight simulators to ensure new pilots are well-rounded and best prepared to fly safely in airline operations?\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8CD5CD65-9FB1-4E8F-9214-885C54EC9D38", "Thune Calls Out Biden\u2019s Radical Return to Obama-Era Net Neutrality Proposal", "2023-10-04", "2023", "2023-10", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden administration\u2019s attempt to return to failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. Thune noted that in order to maintain a free and open internet, Democrats should reject the administration\u2019s misguided net neutrality power grab.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, the specter of heavy-handed government regulation of the internet reared its head once again last week with the Federal Communications Commission\u2019s announcement that it will consider a so-called net neutrality proposal at its October meeting.\n\n\u201cSo what is net neutrality, Mr. President?\n\n\u201cWell, at its most basic level, it\u2019s simply the idea that internet service providers shouldn\u2019t prioritize or block certain internet traffic at the expense of others.\n\n\u201cUnderstood in that way, it\u2019s a concept that enjoys broad support in both parties.\n\n\u201cBut that\u2019s not what we\u2019re talking about with the Biden FCC\u2019s net neutrality proposal.\n\n\u201cLike the Obama FCC before it, the Biden FCC wants to assert broad new government powers over the internet using rules that were designed for telephone monopolies back during the Great Depression.\n\n\u201c\u2018Today, there is no expert agency ensuring that the internet is fast, open, and fair,\u2019 FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said last week, proving once again that Democrats\u2019 faith in Washington experts is undying \u2013 and that nothing scares a Democrat more than the thought of some aspect of society not being regulated by the federal government.\n\n\u201cMr. President, this is not the first time Democrats have sounded the alarm about the perils that await us if we don\u2019t let the government regulate the internet with a heavy hand.\n\n\u201cIn fact, back in 2015 the Obama FCC actually implemented the regulatory regime the Biden FCC is considering imposing.\n\n\u201cThis opened the door to a whole host of new internet regulations, including price regulations.\n\n\u201cAnd, unsurprisingly, broadband investment declined as a result.\n\n\u201cThat was a problem for Americans generally, who benefit when the United States is at the forefront of internet growth and expansion.\n\n\u201cAnd it was particularly bad news for Americans in rural states like South Dakota.\n\n\u201cGetting broadband to rural communities is already more challenging than installing broadband in cities or suburbs, and the possibility of heavier regulations acted as a further disincentive to expanding access.\n\n\u201cFast forward to 2017, and the FCC under Chairman Pai voted to repeal the heavy-handed internet regulation passed by the Obama FCC.\n\n\u201cThe prospect of this repeal was greeted with near hysteria from Democrats.\n\n\u201cWe were told that internet traffic would slow to a crawl.\n\n\u201cThat innovation would be stifled.\n\n\u201cThat our freedom of speech was threatened.\n\n\u201cAnd more.\n\n\u201cAnd in the wake of the repeal \u2026 none of the things Democrats predicted came to pass.\n\n\u201cThe internet as we know it not only survived; it thrived.\n\n\u201cInnovation flourished.\n\n\u201cThe internet remained a vehicle for free and open discourse.\n\n\u201cAnd internet speeds not only didn\u2019t slow down, they got faster and faster.\n\n\u201cDuring the pandemic, despite the explosive growth in internet usage, American networks had no problem keeping up with demand, delivering the reliable service Americans have come to expect.\n\n\u201cContrast that with Europe \u2013 where internet regulation is much more heavy-handed \u2013 which struggled to deal with increased internet usage.\n\n\u201cIn fact, European service providers slowed internet speeds to maintain connectivity.\n\n\u201cThe United States is now a leader in adopting next-generation telecommunications services like 5G and advanced Wi-Fi while Europe struggles to keep pace.\n\n\u201cBut that may not last if the Biden FCC goes ahead with its net neutrality plans.\n\n\u201cAs I said, the last time a Democrat-led FCC put heavy-handed internet regulation in place, broadband investment declined.\n\n\u201cAnd there\u2019s good reason to believe that the same thing would happen this time.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s also substantial reason to be concerned that the Biden FCC\u2019s proposed regulatory regime would result in higher internet bills for Americans.\n\n\u201cAs FCC Commissioner Carr \u2013 a Republican appointee who opposes Democrats\u2019 proposal \u2013 recently pointed out, and I quote, \u2018Since 2017, the prices Americans pay for Internet services have decreased on an inflation-adjusted basis. Meanwhile, the prices for utility-regulated services like electricity, water, and gas have increased over two times faster than the prices for Internet services. Monopoly regulations invariably lead to monopoly prices. In addition, Title II regulation opens the door to regulators adding new taxes and fees to consumers\u2019 monthly broadband bills.\u2019\n\n\u201cAnd in addition to higher prices for consumers and decreased broadband investment, another consequence of the Biden FCC\u2019s proposed new regulatory regime could be government interference in internet traffic.\n\n\u201cIronically, given Democrats\u2019 professed concerns, it is precisely the net neutrality regime they\u2019re calling for that could imperil the free and open internet they claim to want.\n\n\u201cUnder the regulatory regime the Biden FCC wants to impose, the federal government would be allowed to block or prioritize internet traffic or otherwise interfere with the free flow of information.\n\n\u201cAnd given the Biden administration\u2019s demonstrated willingness to use its regulatory power to advance its social and environmental agenda, it\u2019s not hard to imagine the Biden administration using this proposed new regulatory power to shape Americans\u2019 internet experience for its own ends.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Biden FCC should be focused on addressing real challenges, such as continuing our efforts to close the digital divide and ensure that every American has access to high-speed broadband.\n\n\u201cIt should not be wasting time and money advancing a solution to a problem that doesn\u2019t exist.\n\n\u201cThanks in substantial part to the light-touch regulatory regime currently in place, the internet in the United States is thriving and bringing new benefits to American families and businesses.\n\n\u201cAnd if Democrats really want a free and open internet \u2013 and to keep the U.S. at the forefront of broadband development \u2013 they will oppose the Biden FCC\u2019s heavy-handed power grab.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:43:12Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-thune-seek-nominations-us-service-academies", "Johnson, Thune Seek Nominations to U.S. Service Academies", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced that they are accepting applications to the U.S. service academies for the class entering in the summer of 2024.\n\n\u201cService academies provide an excellent educational opportunity for a select number of young men and women each year,\u201d said Thune and Johnson. \u201cOur state has always punched above its weight when it comes to military service, so we\u2019re looking forward to meeting the next generation of military leaders and helping them embark on the next chapter in their young careers.\u201d\n\nStudents interested in attending a service academy must first obtain a nomination, most commonly from a member of Congress. Thune and Johnson will make nominations to the Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1B1BE49A-78C3-440B-A8CD-17E80B1E3D73", "Thune, Johnson Seek Nominations to U.S. Service Academies", "2023-09-29", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today announced that they are accepting applications to the U.S. service academies for the class entering in the summer of 2024.\n\n\u201cService academies provide an excellent educational opportunity for a select number of young men and women each year,\u201d said Thune and Johnson. \u201cOur state has always punched above its weight when it comes to military service, so we\u2019re looking forward to meeting the next generation of military leaders and helping them embark on the next chapter in their young careers.\u201d\n\nStudents interested in attending a service academy must first obtain a nomination, most commonly from a member of Congress. Thune and Johnson will make nominations to the Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.\n\nThe deadline for submitting an application to Thune\u2019s office is November 1, 2023, and to Johnson\u2019s office on October 27, 2023. Interested applicants should contact Thune\u2019s office at (605) 334-9596, and Johnson\u2019s office at (605) 275-2868.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7AA76F8B-BFA2-4C5F-A987-AC4452E1A8D2", "Thune: Biden Must Embrace an All-of-the-Above Energy Policy", "2023-09-28", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden\u2019s out-of-touch energy agenda that continues to undermine the nation\u2019s energy security. Thune noted that it\u2019s time for the president to take a more realistic approach to American energy and embrace an all-of-the-above energy policy that prioritizes both conventional and renewable sources.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Biden administration\u2019s war on affordable and reliable energy continues.\n\n\u201cThree weeks ago, the administration announced the cancellation of seven oil and gas leases in the small portion of ANWR \u2013 the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge \u2013 that is available for energy exploration and development.\n\n\u201cIt was just the latest move by the Biden administration to stifle conventional energy production.\n\n\u201cMr. President, in his State of the Union address this year, the president acknowledged, and I quote, \u2018\u201cWe\u2019re going to need oil for at least another decade\u201d \u2026 and beyond that.\u2019\n\n\u201cLet me just repeat that \u2013 and again, these are President Biden\u2019s own words:\n\n\u201c\u2018\u201cWe\u2019re going to need oil for at least another decade\u201d \u2026 and beyond that.\u2019\n\n\u201cThe president is right.\n\n\u201cWhile alternative energy is powering an increasing share of American energy production, we are nowhere near being able to rely exclusively on alternative energy technologies.\n\n\u201cWe are going to need conventional energy for quite a while yet.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, the best way to get that conventional energy is by developing the United States\u2019 abundant domestic resources in an environmentally responsible way.\n\n\u201cBut the president\u2019s anti-development strategy seems designed to force us to remain at the mercy of producers like OPEC and rely on expensive imports from sometimes dangerous or unstable countries and regions.\n\n\u201cMr. President, there are multiple problems with relying on foreign sources of oil \u2013 not the least of which is the potential for our oil dollars to fund oppressive regimes.\n\n\u201cBut even leaving that aside, depending on foreign oil sources threatens the stability and affordability of our oil supply.\n\n\u201cYou only need to look at the energy challenges and soaring costs countries like Germany have faced in the wake of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine to recognize how perilous it can be to rely on another country for energy.\n\n\u201cAnd anyone who is concerned about the environment should recognize that oil and gas production here in the U.S. is likely to be substantially more environmentally friendly than a lot of foreign production.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the president\u2019s war on domestic production isn\u2019t the only dangerous element of his energy strategy.\n\n\u201cAlso of deep concern is the president\u2019s apparent determination to force Americans to adopt electric vehicles on a broad scale within the next decade.\n\n\u201cAnd why is this so concerning?\n\n\u201cBecause our electric grid is nowhere near capable of supporting that kind of a widespread transition to electric vehicles.\n\n\u201cRising electricity demand is already stretching our grid, which has been weakened by the move away from conventional energy sources.\n\n\u201cIn an apparent response to the impact of overreaching Green New Deal-style policies, NERC, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, for the first time identified energy policy as a risk to grid reliability in its recent biennial report.\n\n\u201cDiscussing the move away from conventional sources of electricity, NERC found, and I quote, \u2018Collectively, the new resource mix can be more susceptible to long-term, widespread Extreme Events, such as extreme temperatures or sustained loss of wind/solar, that can impact the ability to provide sufficient energy as the fuel supply is less certain.\u2019\n\n\u201cIn February the PJM Interconnection \u2013 which manages a substantial part of eastern America\u2019s electric grid \u2013 released a report warning that fossil fuel plants are being forced to retire at a faster rate than new renewables can be brought on line, at a rate of roughly two to one.\n\n\u201cIn other words, Mr. President, we\u2019re rapidly approaching a situation in which we simply don\u2019t have the ability to keep up with current electricity demand.\n\n\u201cAdd charging for tens of thousands \u2013 or hundreds of thousands \u2013 of electric vehicles on top of that, and we could be looking at a future of widespread blackouts and brownouts \u2013 to say nothing of soaring electricity prices.\n\n\u201cI should also mention that the Biden administration\u2019s proposed distribution transformer rule, which would require a move to amorphous steel cores for new distribution transformers, would do the grid no favors.\n\n\u201cIn fact, it would be almost guaranteed to worsen supply chain issues and seriously slow grid maintenance and upgrades.\n\n\u201cAnd the supply chain backlog is a top concern for utilities and electric cooperatives, which are already facing headwinds from overreaching EPA regulations.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I don\u2019t need to tell anyone that utility bills for electricity and natural gas have risen dramatically since President Biden took office, as have gas prices.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a predictable outcome of the economic and energy policies he\u2019s pursued.\n\n\u201cAnd if his war on conventional energy continues, today\u2019s high prices could look cheap next to the energy prices of the future.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I\u2019m a strong \u2013 and longtime \u2013 supporter of renewable energy, and am proud to be from a state that is a top producer of ethanol and that derives a substantial portion of its electricity generation from renewable resources like wind and hydroelectric.\n\n\u201cBut the fact of the matter is, energy technology has simply not advanced to the point where we can rely solely or even mostly on renewables.\n\n\u201cAnd while the president may sometimes pay lip service to our continuing need for conventional energy, his actual policies seem to ignore this fact \u2013 and are setting us up for a future of higher prices, grid instability, and insufficient supply.\n\n\u201cThe president\u2019s policies have already resulted in a two-year-plus inflation crisis.\n\n\u201cIf he keeps going the way he\u2019s been going, his legacy may include an energy crisis as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7A0E465D-5B9D-40DC-B17C-5B62D1D44386", "Thune Discusses Biden's Border Blunders", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the crisis at the southern border is impacting communities all across the country. Thune noted that President Biden has the power and authority to end the crisis he created by simply enforcing the law and reinstating the effective immigration policies that were previously in place.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, \u2018No end in sight.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s how one Border Patrol chief described the influx of migrants in the Rio Grande Valley sector of the southern border in March 2021.\n\n\u201c\u2018No end in sight.\u2019\n\n\u201cThat was two and a half years ago, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd there\u2019s still no end in sight to this crisis.\n\n\u201cOn Friday we learned that 232,972 individuals were caught trying to illegally cross our southern border in August.\n\n\u201c232,972.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s the highest August number yet for the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cAnd all signs suggest that we\u2019re on track for a third record-breaking year of apprehensions at the southern border.\n\n\u201cRoughly 11,000 individuals were apprehended attempting to cross our southern border in just 24 hours this past weekend.\n\n\u201c11,000.\n\n\u201cIn 24 hours.\n\n\u201cIf the White House really thinks it\u2019s, quote, \u2018stopping the flow at the border,\u2019 as the White House press secretary said last month, it should think again.\n\n\u201cAnd, Mr. President, it\u2019s important to note that the numbers I\u2019ve mentioned only reflect individuals who were actually apprehended.\n\n\u201cThey don\u2019t include individuals who have made their way into the country illegally without being caught.\n\n\u201cSince the beginning of the Biden administration, there have been at least 1.5 million known gotaways \u2013 individuals the Border Patrol detected but was unable to apprehend.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Biden administration\u2019s so-called border plan is clearly not working.\n\n\u201cAnd state and local governments are stretched thin.\n\n\u201cAnd I\u2019m not just talking about border towns and border states.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m talking about places like New York City.\n\n\u201cChicago.\n\n\u201cMassachusetts.\n\n\u201cAs migrants flood into these locations, blue states and blue cities are learning what border states have been experiencing for years.\n\n\u201cAnd they\u2019re struggling with the costs this crisis is imposing.\n\n\u201cDenver, Colorado, has spent almost $25 million sheltering migrants.\n\n\u201cChicago is projected to spend more than $250 million this year on migrant care.\n\n\u201cAnd New York City could spend $12 billion by 2025 on the migrant crisis, possibly precipitating cuts to city services.\n\n\u201cTo give just one example of the current crisis, the city has begun housing 3,000 illegal immigrants at a makeshift shelter on local soccer fields, eliminating a popular source of activity and recreation for local children.\n\n\u201cHere\u2019s what New York City mayor Eric Adams had to say about this crisis the other day: \u201cLet me tell you something, New Yorkers, never in my life have I had a problem that I did not see an ending to \u2014 I don\u2019t see an ending to this. This issue will destroy New York City.\u201d\n\n\u201cMr. President, the border crisis we\u2019re experiencing is the predictable outcome of decisions made early in the Biden administration.\n\n\u201cThe president\u2019s team was warned of the possibility of a migrant surge.\n\n\u201cYet the moment the president took office he set about dismantling the immigration policies of his predecessor and weakening our nation\u2019s border security.\n\n\u201cAnd it wasn\u2019t long before the border was overwhelmed.\n\n\u201cAnd while after two years the Biden administration finally started to at least halfheartedly acknowledge the border crisis, what few proactive measures the administration has taken have been ineffective to say the least.\n\n\u201cAs one columnist put it recently in the Washington Post, \u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s various efforts have amounted to Band-Aids on a massive, open wound.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m also deeply concerned about some of the new policies the administration seems to be considering.\n\n\u201cThe Department of Homeland Security is reported to be considering requiring some illegal immigrants to remain in Texas or perhaps other border states while they await asylum screening.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I\u2019m not sure if this is an attempt to spare blue states from having to deal with the border crisis, or a recognition that releasing tens of thousands of illegal immigrants into the interior of the country isn\u2019t a good idea, but regardless, forcing border communities to shoulder even more of the burden of this crisis is a terrible \u2013 and profoundly unjust \u2013 idea.\n\n\u201cHow about actually turning illegal immigrants back at the borders of this country, instead of keeping them within the borders of border states?\n\n\u201cThen there\u2019s the supplemental funding request the White House sent to Congress.\n\n\u201cAs our colleague Senator Hagerty has pointed out, the request includes a provision that would allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding to be used for shelters and migrant services.\n\n\u201cIn the words of the senator from Tennessee, this could, quote, \u201ceffectively convert ICE from a law enforcement agency into a U.S. travel agency for illegal aliens and into a grant-making bureaucracy for sanctuary cities.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am pleased that the administration and Mexico have reached an agreement in which Mexico will attempt to reduce pressure on its border cities by sending migrants back to their home countries, among other reforms.\n\n\u201cBut after letting this crisis deepen for two and a half years, the administration has a lot more work to do.\n\n\u201cMr. President, currently immigration is high on Americans\u2019 list of concerns.\n\n\u201cAnd it\u2019s no wonder.\n\n\u201cAmericans can tell that our borders are open and that things are not getting better.\n\n\u201cAnd they know that our current situation is not sustainable.\n\n\u201cIt would be nice if the president could figure that out as well.\n\n\u201cMr. President, ultimately, it\u2019s simple.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden created this crisis.\n\n\u201cAnd he has the power to end it.\n\n\u201cHe just needs to decide that he\u2019s going to enforce the law.\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, until he does so, I\u2019m afraid that it will continue to be \u2018no end in sight\u2019 at the southern border.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E73F9FA7-1ACE-4DBB-91EE-D943C2AC6F79", "Thune: Foreign Ownership of Farmland is a Matter of National Security", "2023-09-27", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today participated in a hearing to examine foreign ownership in U.S. agriculture. Thune discussed the importance of protecting South Dakota farmers and ranchers from foreign adversaries \u2013 like China, Russia, and Iran \u2013 that seek to purchase U.S. farmland and agriculture businesses, which threatens food security.\n\nThune\u2019s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cThank you Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman for holding today\u2019s hearing on foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture.\n\n\u201cI also want to thank our witnesses for appearing before the committee and for your input on this important issue.\n\n\u201cFood security is a critical component of national security, and we need to make sure foreign countries do not hold an undue influence over our food supply.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that this year\u2019s Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes Senator Rounds\u2019 amendment to prohibit China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from purchasing U.S. agricultural land and businesses, and I will continue to advocate for this provision\u2019s inclusion in the final NDAA.\n\n\u201cWe also need to take a close look at the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s role in overseeing foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture, particularly as we keep working on the next farm bill.\n\n\u201cWe must safeguard U.S. farmland and food security as a critical component of national security, and I look forward to working with members of this committee on this issue in the next farm bill.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-we-must-get-our-fiscal-house-order", "Johnson: \u201cWe Must Get Our Fiscal House In Order\u201d", "2023-09-26", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) spoke in support of historic federal spending cuts. House Republicans are voting on a series of individual appropriations bills ahead of the funding deadline on September 30th. These bills return many non-defense, non-border security programs back to pre-Covid levels.\n\n\u201cWe must get our fiscal house in order,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe appropriations bills before us move us in that direction. They do so through real, robust, and significant cuts\u2014billions of dollars in cuts.\u201d\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-honors-peterson-family-angels-adoption-award", "Johnson Honors Peterson Family with the \u201cAngels in Adoption\u201d Award", "2023-09-22", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Zach and Katie Peterson of Aberdeen for being selected as South Dakota\u2019s 2023 Angels in Adoption honorees.\n\n\"Adoption is a beautiful and selfless decision,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe Peterson family\u2019s story is no exception. I\u2019m proud to recognize them as the 2023 Angels in Adoption honorees.\u201d\n\nZach and Katie Peterson built their beautiful family on the foundations of faith, love, and a whole lot of humor. They married in 2006 and their family of two grew in both expected and unexpected ways in the years to follow.\n\nThey lovingly adopted their first son in 2008. Soon after, their family of three nearly doubled in size when they adopted their twin daughters in 2010. After complications with a pregnancy that resulted in the heartbreaking loss of their unborn daughter in 2012, this family felt blessed when Katie gave birth to a healthy baby girl two years later. In the next two years, the Peterson family adopted one more son and had another biological daughter.\n\nEach year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Each family\u2019s tireless dedication to child welfare stands out in their community but earns them recognition as an extraordinary family deserving of this award.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bill-protect-wounded-knee-massacre-land-passes-us-house", "Johnson Bill to Protect Wounded Knee Massacre Land Passes U.S. House", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act passed the U.S. House by unanimous consent. This bill preserves a section of the land where hundreds of Lakota Indians were massacred by the U.S. Army. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the bill in May after months of working in coordination with the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The bill unanimously passed the House Natural Resources Committee in June.\n\n\u201cWhat happened at Wounded Knee is a stain on our nation\u2019s past that cannot be washed away,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cBut passage of this bill is a step closer to properly memorializing the lives lost and protecting the land forever.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn the dead of winter, December 29, 1890, the United States\u2019 7th Cavalry massacred our People, old men, women, and children. We stand as a united voice for our ancestors who suffered the pain of the Wounded Knee Massacre and our countless generations who continue to suffer from the historical trauma. We, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, extend our strong support for the passage of the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. We thank Dusty Johnson and the House for taking this important step,\u201d said Chairman Ryman LeBeau, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.\n\n\u201cWe are pleased the House of Representatives acted quickly to pass this important legislation. This bill will protect our sacred land at Wounded Knee. It also continues the healing process for the descendants of victims and survivors of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre,\u201d said President Frank Star Comes Out, Oglala Sioux Tribe.\n\nImage\n\nClick here or the image above to watch Johnson\u2019s floor remarks.\n\nRead full bill text here. Find the Covenant between both tribes here. Find the map here.\n\nWounded Knee Massacre Background:\n\nIn the late 1880s, a movement called the Ghost Dance swept across the nation. Indians believed that this dance would give stolen land back to the Indians, bringing about a renewal of Native society. Indians would join together, wearing shirts they believed would protect them from bullets, to dance for this renewal, all at the protest of the federal government.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-on-ai", "Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing on AI", "2023-09-21", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "Mike Rounds", "R000605", "www.rounds.senate.gov", "rounds", "https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing titled, \u201cArtificial Intelligence in Financial Services.\u201d Click HERE to listen to Rounds\u2019 opening remarks.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. continues to be the birthplace for new innovation in this field,\u201d said Rounds in his opening remarks. \u201cCongress should help shepherd the development of American AI \u2013 artificial intelligence that is embodied with key principles to promote confidence and trust \u2013 principles like privacy and transparency. We are at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence is real and it\u2019s not going away. We have the opportunity to shape it in a way that reflects the values that are important to us. AI is a tool and it\u2019s up to us whether we harness it to make improvements to our financial system or if we simply fall behind.\u201d\n\nRead Rounds\u2019 full remarks below, as prepared for delivery.\n\n+++\n\nThank you to our witnesses for being here today to discuss what I believe to be an extremely important topic.\n\nI also want to thank Ranking Member Scott for giving me the opportunity to fill his large shoes today.\n\nWe stand at the beginning of a journey of monumental change.\n\nWhile Artificial Intelligence or AI has been around in various forms for years, recent advances in the most cutting-edge models have shown us just how capable the technology has become.\n\nThe financial services industry has already been effectively utilizing AI for decades - just under a different name.\n\nWhether its algorithms, modeling, predictive analytics, or data management, the industry has been using AI and other emerging technology to utilize data and improve the customer experience.\n\nTake fraud prevention as an example.\n\nDespite the billions spent to protect institutions \u2014 and the billions paid to buy off attackers \u2014 things are only getting worse, with synthetic identity fraud costing banks nearly $50 billion last year.\n\nAs many as 95% of phony identities go undetected.\n\nTraditional methods of fraud detection rely on manual verification and human analysis, which unfortunately have failed to keep up with more sophisticated fraud schemes.\n\nBy using AI and machine learning, companies can analyze relationships between entities, identify suspicious patterns and visualize intricate connections, revolutionizing fraud detection and investigations.\n\nThis allows for a more proactive approach, where AI is used to prevent fraud before it happens as opposed to the traditional reactive approach to fraud detection.\n\nMachine learning and AI have also opened the door to accurate forecasting and prediction.\n\nWhile a number of industries are asking for regulation, the financial services industry is uniquely poised to adapt to emerging technology.\n\nIn a large number of instances, financial regulation is already technology neutral and outcome-based.\n\nIf a lender uses AI to determine creditworthiness by harnessing data to predict the probability of default, any technology needs to be compliant and fair-lending focused.\n\nThat said, transparency and explain-ability in decision making, especially where credit is involved, are important areas where Congress may play a role.\n\nLending algorithms can\u2019t exist in a black box and human control is necessary.\n\nAI is data dependent; the technology is only as useful as the quality of data that goes into its models.\n\nThe finance sector is one of the few industries that has been collecting, storing, and protecting verified data for decades, making its models some of the most useful.\n\nTherefore, it is imperative that we continue to invest in cyber infrastructure to protect these databases.\n\nIt\u2019s critical that we understand how bad actors could abuse AI technology to disrupt our financial system.\n\nHowever, we must always remember that what was illegal before AI remains illegal; and individuals abusing technology to carry out illicit activities should and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.\n\nThat brings me to the role Congress will play in the regulation of AI.\n\nMoving forward, I think it is important that we take a pro-innovation stance, which will allow the United States to keep and attract the best and brightest talent.\n\nAlthough we will have many discussions about the dangers, we must also acknowledge that halting progress can be more dangerous, especially as our global competitors, such as China, have no intention of slowing down.\n\nFinancial regulators should allow Congress to act and resist the urge to overregulate new technology as they run the risk of unintended consequences.\n\nWe are already seeing this take place in proposals like the Predictive Data Analytics rule published by the SEC.\n\nIn this attempt to control emerging technology, the proposal would cause current successful uses of the technology to suffer.\n\nThe U.S. continues to be the birthplace for new innovation in this field.\n\nCongress should help shepherd the development of American AI \u2013 artificial intelligence that is embodied with key principles to promote confidence and trust \u2013 principles like privacy and transparency.\n\nWe are at a crossroads.\n\nArtificial intelligence is real and it\u2019s not going away.\n\nWe have the opportunity to shape it in a way that reflects the values that are important to us.\n\nAI is a tool and it\u2019s up to us whether we harness it to make improvements to our financial system or if we simply fall behind.\n\nThank you, Mr. Chairman.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7D819596-B251-4B5C-A3A3-F85E56BC48FE", "Thune Calls on Democrat Leaders to Stop Obstructing FAA Reauthorization", "2023-09-20", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the urgent need to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pass his and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema\u2019s (I-Ariz.) amendment that would enhance aviation safety. Thune noted that Senate Democrat leadership has put the FAA reauthorization in jeopardy by preventing the Senate Commerce Committee from advancing this critical legislation.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, on Monday the Democrat leader came down to the floor to discuss the continuing resolution the House proposed.\n\n\u201cAnd he criticized it for, among other things, making, quote, \u2018[n]o attempt to reauthorize the FAA.\u2019\n\n\u201cMaking \u2018no attempt to reauthorize the FAA.\u2019\n\n\u201cMr. President, apparently it\u2019s slipped the Democrat leader\u2019s mind that the Senate is currently making no attempt to reauthorize the FAA either.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s right.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s been 97 days since the Democrat chair of the Commerce Committee halted consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization at the beginning of the scheduled markup because the Democrat leader objected to a bipartisan amendment Senator Sinema and I planned to offer.\n\n\u201cAn amendment to improve aviation safety by implementing a structured, rigorous training program for prospective airline pilots.\n\n\u201cMr. President, current training requirements for airline pilots require 1,500 hours of flight time, primarily in the cockpit \u2013 although military pilots and those with a bachelor\u2019s or associate\u2019s degree in aviation can receive credit for some of those hours.\n\n\u201cI recognize the value of cockpit experience and see time in real aircraft as an essential part of training airline pilots.\n\n\u201cBut those 1,500 hours alone are not always the ideal preparation for flying commercial jets or training truly well-rounded pilots.\n\n\u201cFor starters, the majority of the 1,500 hours are generally completed in small, single-engine aircraft, which have very little relevance to regional or large jetliners in terms of flight characteristics and instrumentation.\n\n\u201cLittle to none of the currently required flight hours \u2013 which aspiring airline pilots must seek out and complete on their own \u2013 are accumulated in the type of aircraft that these pilots will be flying should they get a job with an airline.\n\n\u201cIn fact, current rules would theoretically allow some of those hours to be completed in a hot air balloon \u2013 not exactly preparation for flying a 787 across the ocean.\n\n\u201cMr. President, to address these deficiencies and better prepare pilots for airline jobs, seven years ago the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee \u2013 a body of industry, labor, and safety representatives who meet regularly under the auspices of the FAA\u2019s Office of Aviation Safety \u2013 developed and recommended the implementation of an Enhanced Qualification Program that would create a structured pathway for pilots to obtain intensive training.\n\n\u201cThat is exactly the type of program that our amendment would create.\n\n\u201cFollowing the recommendations of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee, our amendment would implement a two-month Enhanced Qualification Program, designed and audited by the FAA and administered by air carriers, that would give aspiring airline pilots intensive training both in the classroom and in simulators with experienced air carrier pilots and other experts.\n\n\u201cIndividuals who successfully completed the program would be given a 250-hour credit toward their restricted airline transport pilot license \u2013 similar to the credits currently given for undergraduate work in aviation.\n\n\u201cMr. President, the Enhanced Qualification Program in our amendment would significantly improve pilot training \u2013 and passenger safety.\n\n\u201cAs I said, intensive training in the kind of air carrier environment where prospective airline pilots will be flying is something that is largely missing from current training.\n\n\u201cAnd getting the chance to work closely with seasoned pilots would help turn out highly qualified pilots who are better prepared for flying commercial jets.\n\n\u201cIn addition, our program\u2019s use of simulator training \u2013 whose proven value has resulted in its extensive use by the military \u2013 would give prospective airline pilots exposure to the cockpits of the jets they would be flying and, crucially, allow them to experience what it\u2019s like to handle challenging and dangerous situations in those cockpits.\n\n\u201cFor obvious reasons, standard flight training hours don\u2019t involve deliberately flying into perilous weather conditions or dealing with things like fires or engine failure.\n\n\u201cBut simulator training offers prospective airline pilots the chance to deal with all those situations, and more \u2013 and deal with them again and again until their response to these situations is fine-tuned.\n\n\u201cAnd you don\u2019t have to take my word for it.\n\n\u201cA bipartisan group of former FAA administrators and former presidents of the Air Line Pilots Association recently sent a letter to the chairs and vice-chairs of the relevant House and Senate committees wholeheartedly endorsing the kind of simulator training our amendment would provide.\n\n\u201cLet me just read a little bit from that letter:\n\n\u201c\u2018[F]acilitating the adoption of new technologies that enhance safety should be a bedrock principle for government and industry alike. \u2026 Since the tragic crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 almost 15 years ago, there have been significant advances in technology that are incorporated into a pilot\u2019s training upon an airline hiring them, but these technologies have not improved the 1,500-hour path to becoming an airline pilot.\n\n\u201c\u2018Modern, state-of-the-art flight simulators accurately recreate the experience of flight operations in a fully immersive experience, forcing pilots to encounter aircraft malfunctions, including rare events like rapid decompressions, emergency descents, high-speed rejected takeoffs, dual engine failures, severe icing conditions, flight control malfunctions and full stalls, all without placing any lives in danger. \u2026\n\n\u201c\u2018Simulators also present the opportunity to incorporate actual accident and incident scenarios into training. \u2026 Like training for an athletic endeavor, a high volume of repetitions of high-quality exercises improves performance and \u2018muscle memory.\u2019 Requiring the repeated practice of the prevention of and recovery from myriad real-world accident scenarios in full-motion flight simulators will make better pilots.\u2019\n\n\u201cAs I said, Mr. President, that is from a letter sent to the relevant committee chairs and vice-chairs by a bipartisan group of former FAA administrators and Air Line Pilots Association presidents.\n\n\u201cA letter that clearly demonstrates the value of the kind of program Senator Sinema\u2019s and my amendment would establish for improving pilot training and passenger safety.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I suspect if put to a vote in the Commerce Committee \u2013 or on the Senate floor \u2013 there\u2019s a good chance that our amendment would pass \u2013 which is presumably why the Democrat leader is blocking any chance for a vote.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s less clear why the leader is opposed to the substance of our legislation.\n\n\u201cDoes he really think we can\u2019t improve upon 1,500 hours of training largely undertaken in a single-engine prop plane?\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s not exactly the ideal preparation for flying a commercial jet.\n\n\u201cA program that better prepares prospective airline pilots for the planes they will actually be flying seems like a no-brainer.\n\n\u201cBut, regardless, the Democrat leader has every right to oppose our amendment.\n\n\u201cWhat is inappropriate is not his opposition, but the fact that he is using his position as majority leader to block committee debate on this amendment \u2013 which has had the practical effect of blocking the entire bill.\n\n\u201cThe Commerce Committee and the Senate as a whole are set up for debate and amendment.\n\n\u201cThey\u2019re not set up with the intention of having a single individual determine legislative outcomes.\n\n\u201cWhen I was chairman of the Commerce Committee, bipartisan debate and amendment was the order of the day \u2013 and it helped produce a lot of strong pieces of legislation, including the longest reauthorization of the FAA since 1982.\n\n\u201cAnd if the Democrat leader would loosen his hold and stop trying to engineer the legislative outcome he wants, we could get another bipartisan FAA reauthorization bill out of committee and onto the Senate floor.\n\n\u201cAs the leader correctly indicated, the FAA reauthorization is an important piece of legislation.\n\n\u201cSo, Mr. President, I encourage him to allow it to proceed through the committee and come to the floor for a vote.\n\n\u201cMr. President, I yield the floor.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C4C804C2-CD95-4A10-A22C-0DC6B26D9D9E", "Thune: There\u2019s Nothing Like Summertime in South Dakota", "2023-09-19", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SD", "John Thune", "T000250", "www.thune.senate.gov", "thune", "https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "Click here to watch the video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his dozens of visits and meetings with South Dakotans during the August state work period.\n\nThune\u2019s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):\n\n\u201cMr. President, there is nothing like summertime in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cWhile I\u2019m in Sioux Falls almost every weekend, August gives me the opportunity to spend more time at home.\n\n\u201cIt gives me a chance to travel South Dakota\u2019s wide-open spaces, meet with constituents, and have important conversations that shape a lot of what I work on here in the Senate.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a busy month, and, Mr. President, we covered a lot of ground this August.\n\n\u201cBoth figuratively and literally.\n\n\u201cTo begin with, August is fair season in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cThis year, I went to the Turner County Fair, the Brown County Fair (where I got my usual Tubby Burger), and the Sioux Empire Fair.\n\n\u201cFairs showcase a lot of the best of South Dakota, but they\u2019re an especially big deal for our agriculture community.\n\n\u201cSo, whether I\u2019m serving lunch to producers at the Sioux Empire Fair\u2019s Agriculture Appreciation Day or giving an update on the farm bill at Dakotafest, I appreciate opportunities to hear directly from farmers and ranchers.\n\n\u201cI do this every year, but it\u2019s especially important in a farm bill year like this one.\n\n\u201cMany of my farm bill priorities come directly from these discussions.\n\n\u201cThese conversations can often get into the weeds on policy, but the bottom line from farmers and ranchers this year was really quite simple:\n\n\u201cWe need to get the farm bill done.\n\n\u201cFarmers and ranchers need certainty that the programs they depend on will be there when they need them.\n\n\u201cAnd finishing the farm bill is one of the most important things on the agenda for the end of this year.\n\n\u201cMr. President, agriculture is the lifeblood of South Dakota, but there\u2019s a lot more that keeps South Dakota moving.\n\n\u201cThis August, I had the chance to meet with electric cooperatives that provide power in South Dakota communities.\n\n\u201cI joined Midco as they announced a new broadband expansion in the Black Hills that will bring faster internet to more homes.\n\n\u201cAnd I was on hand for the new I-29 exit 130 interchange ribbon-cutting in Brookings.\n\n\u201cThroughout the month, I also visited a lot of local businesses and talked with business owners from across the state.\n\n\u201cI visited Showplace Cabinetry in Harrisburg.\n\n\u201cLoad King Manufacturing in Elk Point.\n\n\u201cDimock Cheese in Dimock.\n\n\u201cDady Drug in Mobridge.\n\n\u201cAnd I met with start-up leaders in Sioux Falls.\n\n\u201cWe had some important conversations, Mr. President.\n\n\u201cAnd it was clear that business owners are facing some headwinds at the moment.\n\n\u201cBusiness leaders in Yankton discussed challenges arising from the workforce shortages in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cWith unemployment at 1.9 percent in South Dakota, there are workforce challenges in just about every sector.\n\n\u201cAt the Midwest Agricultural Export Summit, we talked about the importance of trade and how the Biden administration has put expanding market access on the backburner.\n\n\u201cAnd business owners across the state expressed frustration with high interest rates and higher costs.\n\n\u201cOf course, we learned last week that inflation has ticked back up.\n\n\u201cGas prices are on the rise as well.\n\n\u201cAnd a majority of Americans say the Biden administration has made the economy worse.\n\n\u201c\u2018Bidenomics\u2019 is making life a lot harder for South Dakota families and businesses and for families and businesses around the country.\n\n\u201cAnd if the president really wanted to help working families, he would abandon the tax and spending agenda that has been the hallmark of his administration for the last two and a half years.\n\n\u201cMr. President, as I travel around South Dakota, I know I can depend on South Dakotans to keep me informed, and South Dakota restaurants to keep me fueled.\n\n\u201cOften August becomes a bit of a \u2018Taste of South Dakota\u2019 tour.\n\n\u201cChislic from Waddy\u2019s in Hudson.\n\n\u201cA milkshake from Mr. Bob\u2019s Drive-In in Selby.\n\n\u201cCoffee at Black Hills Bagels in Rapid City.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s nothing like South Dakota hospitality and a good meal to keep you going during long days.\n\n\u201cMr. President, as much as I love summer in South Dakota, I always get particularly excited when summer turns to fall, because there are few things I enjoy more than cheering on South Dakota\u2019s athletes.\n\n\u201cMy grandkids\u2019 sports seasons have begun in earnest.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve made it to football games in Brookings and Vermillion to support the Jacks and the Yotes in a couple of big wins as their seasons get underway.\n\n\u201cAnd, of course, it\u2019s not long until pheasant season comes around next month.\n\n\u201cWinter, spring, summer, or fall, there\u2019s always something to look forward to in South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAnd I am lucky to be a son of our state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:35:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-team-accepts-constituent-service-award", "Johnson Team Accepts Constituent Service Award", "2023-09-15", "2023", "2023-09", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was honored for winning the Democracy Award for outstanding Constituent Service by the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF). Johnson\u2019s congressional office was named the award winner in August.\n\n\u201cDelivering results for South Dakotans is the most important part of my job,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThis award is confirmation that my team and I go above and beyond to serve. I hope the people of South Dakota continue to reach out \u2013 our office is here to help.\u201d\n\nDetails on the process and the history of the Democracy Awards can be found here: https://www.congressfoundation.org/projects/democracy-awards.\n\nImage", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:37:48Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 380, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "SD", "p1": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 294, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}, {"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 86, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "SD", "label": "SD", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 380, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2023-09-15,https~3A~2F~2Fdustyjohnson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fjohnson-team-accepts-constituent-service-award", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2023&_next=2023-09-15%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fdustyjohnson~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fjohnson-team-accepts-constituent-service-award&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 115.39996112696826, "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"}