press: releases: 288 rows where chamber = "House", state = "SD" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending

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288 rows where chamber = "House", state = "SD" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending

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url	title	date ▲	year	month	party	chamber	state	member_name	bioguide_id	domain	date_source	text	has_text	collected_at	updated_at
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E71FF577-B64F-4BA4-A19F-07C1C496D7ED	Weekly Column: A Resolution to Succeed	2013-12-30	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Kristi Noem ‘Tis the season for resolutions! January 1 is a new beginning, so it’s no surprise that setting New Year’s resolutions has become a holiday tradition for many. While we all know that commitment to upholding many of these resolutions often fades, Abraham Lincoln reminds us that “your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” I join many South Dakotans in being frustrated with the progress made in Washington over the last few years. But it is a new year, and I am coming to the table with a renewed resolution to succeed. Toward the end of 2013, Congress gained significant momentum on a number of issues that matter to South Dakota. That momentum has not been lost. First and foremost, Farm Bill negotiations continued through the holidays. The lead negotiators – Rep. Frank Lucas (a Republican) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (a Democrat) – have come to a consensus on an outline of the reforms they agree can be made in the Farm Bill. Right before Christmas, they were able to get estimates back to see how much these reforms would cost – or in some cases, save. Now, it is a matter of tweaking the bill to make sure all the numbers add up, but we are on track to finish a comprehensive five-year farm bill during the first part of 2014. We also began to make progress on new sex trafficking legislation. Sadly, this is an issue South Dakota has seen more of in recent years. Local law enforcement officers have done a good job of identifying and bringing into custody those who are selling the victims of human trafficking. Many of the convicts are brought to justice under federal law, as there are harsher penalties – namely, life in prison – for sex trafficking at that level. To ensure local law enforcement officers have all the tools they need and that there are no gaps in federal law, I’ve been driving the End Sex Trafficking Act in Washington. This legislation addresses sex trafficking from the demand side by strengthening the federal law when it comes to those who solicit,…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=9c3f1633-3315-4701-8b3b-4863fc292fc8	New Opportunities, New Priorities in a New Year	2013-12-27	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune As we reflect on the highs and lows of 2013, we begin to chart course for the start of a new year. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." While the partisan divides of Washington remain a barrier to stimulating the lagging economy and reining in federal spending, more can be done in the new year to solve short-term problems and achieve long-term goals that will keep America secure and financially stable. South Dakota ranchers and farmers are in urgent need of a new five-year Farm Bill. An unfinished Farm Bill creates uncertainty for agriculture producers, ag-related businesses, consumers, rural economies, and the stewardship of our land and water. Numerous western South Dakota ranchers were hard-hit by the early October snowstorm, many losing high percentages of their breeding herds as well as the current year’s calf crop. The passage of a five-year Farm Bill, including the livestock disaster programs, will provide critically important economic assistance to these producers. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Senate Agriculture Committee and members of the conference committee to ensure the passage of a defensible five-year Farm Bill. Congress needs to create incentives for good jobs through a pro-growth tax structure. Comprehensive tax reform can make American businesses more competitive in the global economy and can benefit families who are dealing with a growing and increasingly complex tax code. Tax reform can also help to address our ever-expanding budget deficit by unleashing economic activity that will ultimately raise federal tax receipts, even at lower tax rates. I will continue my work in the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee to fight for a tax structure that will create wealth and improve take-home pay for the people of our state and nation. The new year holds important opportunities for our men and women stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Air Force record of decision is expected to reach …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1F93E2D1-15AD-4177-9AC3-572E8111B409	Farm Forum: Noem says farm bill nearly done	2013-12-20	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	After a long and frustrating wait, Congress will pass a bipartisan farm bill that covers a full five years, Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., told reporters on Dec. 12. “The basic framework has been agreed to. There are some details to work out,” Noem said. “Knowing it’s coming provides us with certainty.” Noem repeated the conventional wisdom that a farm bill won’t be passed by the House and Senate and signed by the president until January, but she is confident this drawn-out chapter in farm bill history will close in a positive way. “This has been the poster child for a messy process,” Noem said. “I am looking forward to making sure that vote happens. ... We know a five-year bill is coming. We are going to have a farm bill that works for South Dakota.” Noem said lawmakers have sent their policy agreements to the Congressional Budget Office for “scoring,” in which analysts calculate how much programs will cost and how much cuts will reduce spending. “What we’re waiting for at this point is to get the actual numbers,” Noem said, “so when everybody is placing their final vote on the floor, they really know the details.” The House has adjourned and will not return to work until 2014. Noem called the delay into the new year “unfortunate” but praised the agreed-upon farm bill for having the most significant reforms of any farm bill “in decades.” “This eliminates controversial farm programs like direct payments that have been so highly criticized,” she said, also noting provisions to tighten up food stamp eligibility requirements. She said the bill will include retroactive livestock disaster programs, using language that she introduced as a standalone bill, and said ranchers who lost cattle in the October blizzard will get some payments. Noem said she won’t know exactly what affected ranchers will be eligible for until after the CBO sends back its analysis. Noem said she hopes there can be a one-month extension of the previous farm bill, which expired Oct. 1 after an earlier one-year extension. She is worried that m…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F70CD0DE-AEC6-4674-BA2B-FF144B538140	Argus Leader: $633B defense bill protects South Dakota interests	2013-12-20	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Lawmakers say a comprehensive, nearly $633 billion defense bill that cleared the Senate on Thursday will protect South Dakota priorities, including the long-term future of Ellsworth Air Force Base. The Senate approved the defense policy bill late Thursday, a week after the House passed the same measure. It now goes to President Barack Obama. The bill deals with several policy issues that South Dakota’s congressional members have worked on, including covering the costs of combat pay for members of the military, funding for equipment and efforts to stop the epidemic of military sexual assaults. All of South Dakota’s delegation — Sens. John Thune, a Republican, and Tim Johnson, a Democrat, as well as GOP Rep. Kristi Noem — supported the sweeping legislation. Thune said the bill will have a broad impact on South Dakota because it has a large military and retired military population. “I’ve always described South Dakota as punching above its weight for military service,” Thune said. “For a small state, we have a pretty big impact on military readiness.” The most important element of the bill for South Dakota, he said, was including language that expresses Congress’ support for building long-range bomber aircraft in the future. He said that is critical because it’s a part of Ellsworth’s core mission. “There are so many different weapons systems and priorities that people have when it comes to a defense bill,” Thune said. “The capability for a long-range strike is something we think will be critical with the threats that are over the horizon.” The bill doesn’t authorize funding for new bombers, but Thune said an expression of congressional support will send an important message. Johnson has said he supports the bill for much the same reasons. Johnson said the long-range bomber program is crucial for South Dakota and the country’s strategic defense. For Noem, the defense bill contains a personal legislative victory: She worked on language included in the final bill that addresses military sexual assaults, one of…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F9509D4-3EF3-4D6C-936D-2B2AF45F0EBC	Weekly Column: Home for Christmas	2013-12-20	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Kristi Noem Christmas 1943 carried with it a lot of optimism. Unemployment numbers were falling fast due to World War II-related employment, meaning the Great Depression was all but over. Manufacturers had successfully transitioned from making things like automobiles to producing essential military materials, further growing the U.S.’s influence over the manufacturing industry. The year had also been seen as a turning point in the war, largely due to the success of U.S. military operations in Europe. Nonetheless, the optimism that accompanied the year was singed with the harsh realities of wartime America. Canned goods, meat, cheeses, butter and cooking oils were rationed due to shortages of certain materials. And millions of American service members were deployed to serve in the grisly war. It is no surprise that Bing Crosby’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” also debuted in 1943 and became an instant Christmas classic. It characterized what many families in America were going through. There was an undeniable optimism that the war would soon be over, but those emotions were mixed with the reality that soldiers serving abroad would be home for Christmas “only in their dreams,” as Bing Crosby sings. Today, we are again fighting to defend our nation and the values we represent. Just last week, I participated in an activation ceremony for members of the South Dakota Army National Guard, who will first head to Fort Hood, Texas, for training and then to Afghanistan. For some of them, it is their first deployment. Others have already served tours in Iraq. Regardless of their service record, when our country needed their expertise in Afghanistan, they answered the call. Now, it is our collective responsibility to come together as a community around their families – not only during the holidays, but throughout the deployment. We must be there to cheer their kids on when they win a basketball game or nail that solo at a school concert - just as we are when they need a shoulder to lean on. And we mu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=e7013328-81df-4ff1-88cf-6911f39aa623	Prioritizing Development of the Next Generation Bomber	2013-12-20	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force Base’s 28th Bomb Wing is home to two of the three combat squadrons operating the B-1B strategic bomber. Of the three aircraft that currently comprise our bomber fleet, the B-1B has the highest payload, the fastest maximum speed, and operates at the lowest cost per flying hour. As potential adversaries continue to modernize their anti-aircraft systems, our ability to penetrate those systems must also modernize. The next generation bomber will ensure our ability to operate effectively in anti-access and area-denial environments. As the Air Force continues to modernize, the Long-Range Strike Bomber remains a must-have capability for future combat operations and an important part of a 21st century strategy to protect our interests worldwide, both as a deterrent and as a military asset. Beyond greater national security concerns, the next generation bomber program is potentially important for South Dakota. As the current home to an important military workhorse, the B-1B, Ellsworth would be a natural fit for a future home to the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber. On Thursday, December 19, 2013, the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which is the primary vehicle for authorizing defense spending for Fiscal Year 2014. Included in the compromise version of the bill was my amendment that puts Congress on record in support of the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber. The amendment also highlights the importance of upgrading our current bomber fleet, including the B-1B Bomber based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in order to maintain combat effectiveness in the face of continued advancements in the anti-access capabilities of foreign powers. My amendment emphasizes our commitment to the ongoing development of the Long-Range Strike Bomber, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure the necessary backing for the completion of this program. Our Armed Forces must have the next-generation capabilitie…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3C45095B-F760-4724-9E60-DD4A14C2203B	Aberdeen News: Noem shares stories of Christmas, more at Aberdeen school	2013-12-19	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., shared the meaning of Christmas with third-graders at O.M. Tiffany Elementary School on Wednesday afternoon. In town for meetings requested by area leaders and constituents, Noem visited with the elementary schoolers to read some Christmas stories and answer questions about her job as a representative in the U.S. House. Students’ eyes lit up as O.M. Tiffany Principal Jared Ahlberg introduced Noem. “She has a very important job,” Ahlberg told students. “She knows President Barack Obama.” Christmas is special to her family, Noem told students. There was work to be done every day growing up on a farm, so Christmas was a day the children would all have off. One day, the kids decided it would be nice to give their dad the day off, Noem said. Doing chores someone might have to do every day would be a good gift to give, she told the school children before reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christ” by South Dakota author Tom Roberts. The book, a take on “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” features the story of Jesus. Noem gifted the book to the third-graders. Though her eldest child is in college, the Noem family always comes together to read the book and other stories during Christmastime. It’s important to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it’s also a time to celebrate how special we are to one another, Noem said. “That’s the best thing about Christmas,” she said. “It’s a good time of the year to be kind to someone.” She also shared the story of how Teddy Roosevelt III snuck a Christmas tree into a closet in the White House in 1902, when his father, President Theodore Roosevelt declared there would be no tree. Third-grader Michael Aalseth said it was “cool” that Noem took the time to read stories. Children asked Noem about everything — from questions about the Lincoln Memorial to whether she would consider running for president. The latter is unlikely, she said. “My favorite thing in the world to be is a mom, and my favorite…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221084756/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=F0365AE8-8556-47C1-A321-192056B720A5	Rep. Noem to Visit Bethany Meadows Senior Living Center	2013-12-19	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will visit Bethany Meadows Senior Living Center in Brandon, SD, on Friday, December 20. If you plan to cover this event, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov. WHAT: Rep. Noem to visit Bethany Meadows Senior Living Center WHEN: Friday, December 20 - 10:00AM-11:00AM (CT) WHERE: Bethany Meadows Senior Living Center (3008 E. Aspen Blvd, Brandon, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be visiting with the residents and staff of the Bethany Meadows Senior Living Center.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9bdb4051-1fbe-4d02-ba82-55ed44c9c074	Thune Amendment in Support of Next Generation Bomber Included in Defense Bill	2013-12-19	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the primary vehicle for authorizing defense spending for Fiscal Year 2014. Included in the compromise version of the bill was Thune’s amendment (S.Amdt. 2093) that put Congress on record in support for the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber. “The next generation bomber is an important part of a 21st century strategy to protect our interests worldwide, both as a deterrent and as a military asset,” said Thune. “My amendment not only put Congress on record in support of the next generation bomber, but it also highlights the importance of upgrading our current bomber fleet, including the B-1B Bomber based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in order to maintain combat effectiveness in the face of continued advancements in the anti-access capabilities of foreign powers.” Thune’s amendment did not receive a vote during consideration of the Senate’s version of the NDAA due to the failure of the Democrat majority to allow an open amendment process. However, Thune’s amendment was included in the compromise version of the NDAA, which passed the House on December 12, 2013. The bill will now be sent to the president for his signature.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085010/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=00B22940-D632-46EE-962C-4E087BA40518	Rep. Noem to Visit Aberdeen Elementary School	2013-12-18	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will visit the 3rd grade classroom of O.M. Tiffany Elementary School at 1:20PM (CT) on Wednesday, December 18. If you plan to cover the visit, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov. WHAT: Rep. Kristi Noem Visits 3rd Grade Classroom WHEN: Wednesday, December 18 – 1:20PM (CT) WHERE: O.M. Tiffany Elementary School (819 8th Ave. NE, Aberdeen, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be visiting the school’s 3rd grade classroom to discuss her role in Congress as well as take a moment to read to the students.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=D9AAA319-E159-434A-8ABE-49EE2F7FAF69	Christian Broadcasting Network: Noem: Ministering My 'Biggest Job' in Washington	2013-12-17	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	She has been called the "Sarah Palin of the Prairie." But South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem is blazing her own trail in Washington. She's making her mark not just within the Republican Party but in the kingdom of God, too. And she's had to overcome many challenges along the way. Taking the Lead For Noem, home is on the range, or more specifically, on her South Dakota farm, which is a world away from her duties on Capitol Hill. She feels total peace here and is just an ordinary mom. "I am 100 percent convinced God created me to be a mom," Noem told CBN News at her home in Castlewood, S.D. "Every other job that I have or duty that I have is just extra things that He's put on my plate." Those extra things have kept her busy since her election to Congress in 2010. She's clearly a GOP up-and-comer. She made big news from the beginning when she was chosen to be part of the GOP leadership team, a rare honor for an incoming freshman. While part of Noem's role is to communicate the party's message to all Americans, her main leadership responsibility is to represent the priorities of the large incoming Tea Party freshman class, which surprised Washington with major wins in 2010. "It wasn't my job to sit at that table and only tell them what Kristi thought," Noem said. "It was my job to sit there and let them know what every other member of my class thought, all 87 of them. And I was pretty vocal at that as well." As one of the few Republican females in Congress, she also takes the lead against the so-called GOP war on women storyline. "We've got to be willing to be brave enough to get out there on the airwaves and push back on it," she said. "I think a lot of times politicians or people who serve in public office are scared about saying something wrong. And, so, that causes us to hold back when a real controversy gets stirred up." Pushing through Crisis Noem knows a thing or two about pushing back and taking charge. Life as a simple farm girl meant hard work, attending rodeos, and singing at church. Whe sh…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=D923A56F-D40B-421F-970F-73A2C9D07B57	Argus Leader: Optimism on farm bill grows	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Lawmakers working on a new farm bill said significant progress is being made and they are confident Congress will finish the much-delayed legislation by the end of January. Those involved with the negotiations said the farm bill, which covers everything from food aid and conservation programs to farm subsidies and food stamps, is expected to be completed early next month. The legislation would then face votes in the House and the Senate later in January. There are even signs that a deal could be near on food stamps, the biggest challenge for the 41 members of the farm bill House-Senate conference committee. "We've got a basic framework" on the farm bill, said Rep. Kristi Noem, a member of the farm bill panel. "We've definitely made progress, and I anticipate that we'll be able to dot our i's and cross our t's and get it put into law by the end of January." The House passed a one-month extension to the farm bill Thursday. If a new bill or extension is not passed, the law reverts to a 1949 version that would lead to an increase in subsidy prices next year, starting with dairy payments. Wheat and other commodities would be affected soon after. One obstacle to an extension is that Democratic leaders in the Senate, led by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., previously have opposed the idea. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, said he was confident that an extra month would be enough time for lawmakers to reach an agreement. "We're closer every day. I do think we're going to get this deal done," said King, alsoone of the 41 conferees. The House is scheduled to leave for the year today with the Senate expected to adjourn Dec. 20, but conferees on both sides are expected to continue working on a farm bill next week. In an interview, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said officials at the USDA are in daily communication with farm bill negotiators, providing information and making sure that what is being discussed is workable. Vilsack said the department is keeping a close watch on the farm bill talks, and as long as there are …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7A32BAAB-C549-4C20-95F9-107C063D63FF	Weekly Column: Time to Bring the Farm Bill Home	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	It’s hard to meet a South Dakotan who isn’t in some way tied to agriculture. That’s not incredibly surprising when you consider that the industry contributes $21 billion to our state economy each year. That contribution is important. An economist for the state Bureau of Finance and Management recently argued that agriculture helped South Dakota weather the economic recession better than almost any state in the nation. So, when Congress starts talking about a farm bill that will set the legislative landscape for our number one industry as well as address food policy, forestry policy and much, much more, we know we’re talking about a bill that will impact every South Dakotan’s life. Over the last few weeks, Congress has made significant progress on the Farm Bill and we are on track to pass a full, five-year bill in the early part of next year. We have come to a preliminary agreement on the framework of that bill and the negotiators know what reforms they’d like to make. Now, it is a matter of making sure all the numbers add up. To do that, the draft framework was sent to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, which has provided estimates on how much farm bill provisions will cost as well as the savings produced by the included reforms. With these numbers in hand, the lead negotiators can now make adjustments to ensure all the numbers work out so that we can finally finalize the bill. It will take a few weeks for legal counsel and budget experts to review the legislation and make sure it is ready to become law, but we’re on track to finalize a full, five-year farm bill in the early part of 2014. Like many reading this column today, I am frustrated with the speed of the process, but we’re making progress and many of the provisions that are important to South Dakota are remaining intact. For instance, the proposed framework ensures supplemental crop insurance programs are market oriented. In other words, the proposal is written so that government policies don’t sway producers’ planting decisions.…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8595DB07-CA4A-4170-88CC-F1641846B3F4	House Passes Noem's Sexual Assault Legislation As Part of NDAA	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Included in the National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House today was legislation authored by Rep. Kristi Noem that works to address the sexual assault crisis in our military. “The women and men who voluntarily serve in our Armed Forces understand that they may be called to serve in dangerous places, but they should never face the threat of harm from their fellow service members,” said Rep. Noem. “The sexual assault provisions included in the National Defense Authorization Act are not the silver bullet, but they do move us a few steps closer to winning the war against sexual assault in the military.” The legislation Rep. Noem authored helps to improve investigation procedures when dealing with sex-related offenses. It also requires the Pentagon to develop specific qualifications for individuals in sexual assault prevention related positions. It also requires that the military review their sexual assault prevention training and education programs and identify elements that should be used across the services. These reforms were originally introduced by Rep. Noem in H.R. 2227. The Senate is expected to pass the National Defense Authorization Act next week, sending the bill to the President’s desk.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085031/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=5EC990D7-D7F7-463B-9870-F6D1D5A58E2C	Rep. Noem in Harrisburg, Sioux Falls	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will be making stops in Harrisburg and Sioux Falls this weekend. If you plan to cover one of this weekend’s events, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov. Saturday, December 14, 2013: WHAT: South Dakota National Guard 1742nd Transportation Company Activation CeremonyWHEN: 10:00AM-11:00AM (CT)WHERE: Harrisburg High School (1300 Willow Street, Harrisburg, SD)ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will speak at this event to honor those who will be deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. WHAT: Rep. Noem to Volunteer for Salvation Army Bell RingingWHEN: 11:30AM-12:30AM (CT)WHERE: HyVee (3000 S. Minnesota Ave., Sioux Falls, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will join members of the First Baptist Church Bell Choir and volunteer to ring bells for the Salvation Army outside the HyVee in Sioux Falls.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=6fcee751-dcad-424d-b69b-548ad2bf374c	‘Tis the Season of Giving	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune Like many South Dakotans, our family always enjoys looking back at many of our Thune Family Christmas cards from years past. While our daughters like to poke fun at the hairstyles and outfits of days gone by, the best part of looking through the annual Christmas cards is the opportunity to reflect on the many fond memories we have shared as a family and the many gifts we have been given. As we share in the love and friendship of our friends and families throughout the holidays, we also remember the giving spirit of the season. Christmas is the time when the generosity in the hearts of South Dakotans is most on display. South Dakotans know that in difficult times we can depend on our friends and neighbors to support one another during the Christmas season. Not all South Dakotans have the means to make financial donations to those in need, but many South Dakotans will choose to donate their time and talents, offering a helpful hand to a neighbor in need, organizing food drives, and providing a warm meal and gifts to less-fortunate children. It would be impossible to enjoy the gifts of the season without the generous service of those South Dakotans who will be spending Christmas very far away from friends and family because of their commitment to defending our nation in the Armed Forces. I know there are very few in South Dakota who do not know someone who will be spending Christmas in harm's way, and I ask that all South Dakotans keep these brave young men and women in their prayers. As I gather with my wife Kimberley and our family this Christmas, I would like to wish all South Dakotans a Merry Christmas and thank you for the opportunity to work for you. It is an honor and a blessing for which I am truly grateful. May God continue to bless our nation and South Dakota.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=173479c7-d569-4a9b-8367-dfb4b06341a2	Delegation Calls on Shinseki to Return Hot Springs VA to Full Operation	2013-12-13	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), and Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Eric Shinseki calling for him to return Hot Springs’ Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) to full operation following the lack of leadership and breach of good faith by the VA over the past two years. The delegation’s letter outlines their concerns with the VA’s proposal which was introduced without providing any cost-benefit analysis to support the changes it was seeking to make. The letter also questions the VA’s decision to move the Compensated Work Therapy program that was approved for BHHCS but was instead relocated to Walla Walla, Washington. The delegation writes: “We are growing impatient with the lack of attention the VA has given to this matter. After two years of discussion and the tireless dedication of the Save the VA Committee and other stakeholders, the VA should certainly have made more progress by this point. However, given the remaining discrepancies concerning the data used by the VA to formulate its proposal and the lack of consideration afforded to alternatives, we again request that the VA make efforts to return the Hot Springs campus to its former levels of operations and staff before conducting a five-year review to gather new data.” The text of the letter is below: __ December 13, 2013 The Honorable Eric Shinseki Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary Shinseki: We write to again request a response to our outstanding concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) proposal to reconfigure the Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). We were grateful for the opportunity to meet with you on January 28, 2013, and for representatives from our offices to meet with your staff and members of the Save the VA Committee (SVA) on May 6, 2013. However, we are extremely disappointed that several outstanding discrepanci…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7AE4057C-027B-4433-80B1-D5A47F5622D6	Rep. Noem Supports Two-Year Budget Agreement	2013-12-12	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem today supported a two-year budget agreement that makes a series of modest reforms to both mandatory and discretionary spending and reduces the likelihood of another government shutdown next year. “This agreement is not perfect by any means, but it takes a small step in the right direction and starts us on a path to more productive budgetary discussions,” said Rep. Noem. “The budget agreement came together through a bipartisan process that kept all our principles intact. It does not raise taxes or increase the deficit, but it does protect critical defense programs and makes small but permanent reforms to mandatory spending. While it doesn’t solve all our budgetary problems, the bipartisan agreement stops Congress from legislating from one crisis to the next and brings us closer to addressing our nation’s fiscal crisis.” The bipartisan budget agreement reduces the deficit by $23 billion without raising taxes. Additionally, the agreement stays well below the Budget Control Act’s spending caps for FY2014 and FY2015.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=66777dca-e634-43ce-a8bc-4d6cc71ff5ad	Thune Statement on Doc Fix Bill Markup	2013-12-12	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued a statement following the Senate Finance Committee’s markup of the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) repeal and replace bill, the SGR and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act: “I’m pleased to have amendments in the Chairman’s mark and approved by the committee that are important to improving the underlying bill for rural health care providers and beneficiaries, but I remain concerned about how rural providers will fare under this new reimbursement model and about the lack of identified offsets for this bill. Health care spending already amounts to over 25 percent of our federal budget, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that the next step in this process is finding a way to pay for this legislation.” The SGR and Medicare Beneficiary Access Improvement Act passed by voice vote out of the Senate Finance Committee. Thune offered a number of amendments during today’s Senate Finance Committee’s markup, including two that were included in the Chairman’s mark: 1) An amendment to protect access to rural therapy services: Thune’s amendment would clarify that general supervision of outpatient therapeutic services by a physician or non-physician practitioner at critical access hospitals is sufficient for payment of therapeutic hospital outpatient services. This amendment is a modified version of the Protecting Access to Rural Therapy Services (PARTS) Act that Thune introduced in June of 2013. 2) An amendment to prevent barriers to telehealth technology through the Alternative Payment Models (APMs): Thune’s amendment would ensure that the current restrictions in the Medicare program that prohibit greater utilization of telehealth are lifted for physicians who agree to participate in a Medicare reimbursement plan that places greater emphasis on care quality and coordination. This amendment would ensure that providers who move into an APM are free to use telehealth technology to enhance patient outcomes and improve q…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=36250685-9368-4467-B1DE-5D1EF518F03E	Hot Springs Star: House passes H.R. 3521	2013-12-11	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By a vote of 326-1, the The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday afternoon, to approve H.R. 3521, the joint resolution known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act. The resolution authorized spending of nearly $240 million for 27 different leases in the United State and Puerto Rico, but did not include an early $10 million request submitted for a facility in Rapid City. The passage of the resolution will preserve the Hot Springs VA for Fiscal Year 2014, according to a press release from S.D. Representative Kristi Noem's office. “The Hot Springs VA Hospital has long provided critical care to South Dakota veterans,” said Rep. Noem. “Today is a small but well-deserved victory in our ongoing effort to preserve the Hot Springs VA and ensure it is able to continue to deliver the best possible healthcare to South Dakota veterans. This facility serves a critical role in the Hot Springs community and proudly serves the women and men who have fought and sacrificed for our country.” There were 28 projects requested by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and the Rapid City project is the lone project not included in the resolution. The vote comes on the second anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs announcing that the agency intended to reconfigure the Black Hills Health Care System. Passage of the resolution will ensure that the Hot Springs VA will remain open until the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki makes an official decision. The joint resolution will now go to the Senate for approval.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B1E30A0A-8D35-46C9-A091-7ED4861D4ADD	House to Vote on Bill Preserving Hot Springs VA for FY2014	2013-12-10	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	The House will vote today on the Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act (H.R. 3521), which will preserve the Hot Springs VA for FY 2014. Votes are expected after 4:00 PM (ET) today. “The Hot Springs VA Hospital has long provided critical care to South Dakota veterans,” said Rep. Noem. “Today is a small but well-deserved victory in our ongoing effort to preserve the Hot Springs VA and ensure it is able to continue to deliver the best possible healthcare to South Dakota veterans. This facility serves a critical role in the Hot Springs community and proudly serves the women and men who have fought and sacrificed for our country.” The vote comes on the second anniversary of the Department of Veterans Affairs announcing that the agency intended to reconfigure the Black Hills Health Care System. If passed, H.R. 3521 would authorize 27 of the 28 major lease projects that were requested by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The only requested project that will not be given permission to move forward is a lease for a new VA facility in Rapid City, ensuring the Hot Springs VA will remain open until the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki makes an official decision. Ensuring quality health care for veterans at the Hot Springs VA has been an ongoing battle for Congresswoman Noem. In addition to pushing for its preservation through bills like H.R. 3521, Congresswoman Noem has met with Secretary Shinseki, sent letters regarding data discrepancies, and is working to host Secretary Shinseki for a tour of the Hot Springs VA.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7877896f-82ad-433c-98d3-542b8d0e293a	Thune, Wyden Introduce Bill to Promote Strong Rules to Protect the Digital Economy and Global, Open Internet	2013-12-10	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs and Global Competitiveness, today introduced legislation to protect the Internet from restrictive measures that obstruct the free flow of data in the global economy. The Digital Trade Act of 2013 would establish negotiating principles to address several key digital trade matters in future bilateral and multilateral agreements and in multistakeholder settings. Those principles include: preventing or eliminating restrictions on cross-border data flows, prohibiting localization requirements for data and computing infrastructure, ensuring that provisions affecting platform Internet sites are consistent with U.S. law, and recommitting the United States to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance. The bill requires the president to prioritize digital trade and ensure it benefits from robust and enforceable rules. “Digital trade is a driver of the U.S. economy and critical to global innovation and economic growth,” said Thune. “That growth is threatened by rising digital protectionism by several of our trading partners. It is imperative that the U.S. fight for strong rules to ensure that American businesses have the freedom to compete and innovate all around the world. Our common-sense legislation would establish important negotiating principles for international agreements affecting Internet-enabled commerce. I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting this bill to ensure the digital economy continues to flourish.” "America’s trade negotiating objectives must reflect the fact that the Internet represents the shipping lane for 21st Century goods and services,” Wyden said. “Trade in digital goods and services is growing and driving economic growth and job creation all around the country. U.S. digital exports are beatin…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=71F0B9C6-2436-41C5-AE34-6D7B14A4F143	Rapid City Journal: SD delegation seeks to head off Corps water plan	2013-12-07	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	South Dakota's congressional delegation is pressing House and Senate negotiators to keep a provision in a massive water projects bill that would prevent the Army Corps of Engineers from charging some state residents for use of water. The House and Senate have both passed large water projects bills this year. The two bills are now the subject of House-Senate negotiations to merge them. The Senate's version includes a provision pushed by South Dakota's delegation that would prevent the Corps from restricting access to water in the Missouri River and stop the Corps from charging people who use water in Missouri River reservoirs in South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana, as it has proposed. Sen. John Thune led the effort to get the provision in the Senate bill and called the Corps' proposal a power grab. He said he is pressing negotiators on the committee dealing with the water projects bill to keep the provision in the final bill. "We argue they don't have the authority to do that," Thune said. "We're doing everything we can to keep it in the conference bill." Rep. Kristi Noem, who is also pressing House and Senate negotiators to keep the provision in a compromise bill, said the Corps' proposal would punish residents who worked with the Corps in good faith when it flooded land along the Missouri River in the past and built new flood protections. "We're hoping this Senate language stays in, otherwise residents in some areas could start essentially being taxed for their own water," Noem said. The water provision was included in the Senate version of a larger water projects bill. Negotiations over how to blend House and Senate versions of the bill are ongoing, though lawmakers say they are optimistic an agreement can be reached by the end of the year or early 2014. The House passed its version of the water projects bill in October, with a rough cost of $8 billion according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The Senate passed its version, at about $12 billion, according to the CBO, in May. Other e…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CAC486DB-E682-4403-9632-A40C677D2328	Weekly Column: Happy Birthday to the National Guard	2013-12-06	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Before we became the United States of America, before we proclaimed that We the People have certain inalienable rights, before we had the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, and Coast Guard, the National Guard was there fighting for freedom and security. In the colonial world, colonists needed to be self sufficient. They just didn’t have the money to hire professional fighters, as was customary in Europe at that time. So, on December 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony established a militia made up of citizen soldiers. Today, we know that militia as the National Guard. The National Guard has grown into a worldwide military force. It is a cornerstone in many of our communities and it enables our country to meet the challenges of an uncertain world, just as it did during colonial times. When the Missouri River flooded, South Dakota’s National Guard was there to patrol the levees and put up sandbags that protected homes and businesses. When an ice storm hit Sioux Falls and a blizzard buried West River, the National Guard was there to help dig out and clean up. And in the years since the twin towers fell, the South Dakota National Guard has defended our homeland and our commitment to universal freedom. That is a debt we can never repay. This week, many of us will be wrapping up our Christmas decorating – and some may already be starting to wrap a few gifts too. While it’s easy to get caught in the busyness of the holiday season, we can’t forget that some South Dakota National Guard families will have a little quieter Christmas this year. Their gifts have already been shipped so they can make the 7,000 mile trip to Kandahar, Afghanistan, and beyond by Christmas morning. I can’t even imagine. Many of those deployed today joined the South Dakota National Guard after 9/11, knowing there was a good chance they’d have to spend at least one Christmas in a desert dust storm instead of a snow storm. That kind of courage, patriotism and selflessness should be admired. And as our world evolves, so does the Natio…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=57cf4a34-fc9f-4f31-9839-bb6b6f618b92	Simplifying Taxes for Our Mobile Workforce	2013-12-06	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune Our increasingly mobile workforce has created opportunities for businesses to grow and expand throughout the nation. Employees can begin their day on one side of the country, travel several states away and still make it back home in time for dinner. Temporary work assignments for people whose jobs require them to travel and work in multiple states have become increasingly common. When individuals work across state lines for any period during the year, they may be required to file income taxes in their home state and in the states in which they earned income. Currently, there is no uniform standard for levying state income taxes on out-of-state workers. The result is that workers and businesses face a confusing system of 41 different state income tax reporting requirements varying based on the length of stay, amount of income earned, or both. Simplifying the current system will ease reporting burdens for employees and employers. While tax credits are issued in the home state to prevent double taxation, the burden of complying with 41 unique thresholds for income tax reporting complicates filings for businesses and individual employees. Residents of states without an income tax, such as South Dakota, are unable to recover income tax payments to other states. Employees and employers should not be burdened with complex tax reporting requirements because jobs in the modern economy involve work in multiple states. That is why last month I introduced legislation along with Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act, which would establish a clear 30-day threshold test for state income tax purposes. Only after an individual is present and working for more than 30 days out of the year in a state could that state require the worker to file, and the business to withhold, state income taxes. This legislation will greatly simplify state income tax filings, is fairer to those residents in states without an income tax, and should help to en…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=6820DE52-BF95-46FB-A100-5B90B1118ED2	Noem bill would cement some school lunch changes back	2013-12-05	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Politico Pro Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) will today introduce a bill to loosen the standards set by the massive overhaul of the school lunch program, potentially refueling criticism against the legislation that passed three years ago. Noem’s bill, Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act, would eliminate calorie caps on meat and grain, giving schools some flexibility in what they can serve, especially for those in states such as South Dakota, Noem’s home state, where it’s expensive to get a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round and meet the overall calorie requirements. Although Noem’s bill deals with a specific section of the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, it could renew the negative attention the legislation has received since it was passed. Already this week, “Fox and Friends” featured a video titled “We are hungry” that went viral last year in a segment in which Noem discussed her bill. Prior to Noem unveiling her bill, criticism against the new standards had largely died down since the release of data from the Department of Agriculture that showed that 80 percent of schools were complying with the new standards. But in a phone interview with POLITICO, Noem maintained that although schools are complying, they are struggling to meet the added costs. She said she is putting forward the legislation after hearing about hungry students and financially strapped school districts from school nutritionists and her constituents. “Ever since the new regulations were implemented, I’ve been hearing about how difficult it is to deal with not only the added costs, but also with making sure kids are full,” said Noem, who sits on the House Agriculture Committee. This is also not the first time the meat and calorie caps set by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act have been called into question. The Department of Agriculture responded to criticism from lawmakers and schools last year by tweaking the standards to eliminate meat and grain caps, as Noem’s bill proposes, at least temporarily. The USDA explained, …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A85F3C17-56E1-4A47-86B0-7920719012E4	Noem Introduces New School Nutrition Bill	2013-12-05	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kristi Noem was joined by her colleagues today in introducing a new school nutrition bill that reduces federal mandates on school lunch standards, which have been a point of contention since their implementation at the beginning of the 2012 school year. “Parents, students and school administrators alike have reached out to me with serious concerns about the new school lunch standards,” said Rep. Noem. “This bill would give those who see our kids every day the flexibility they require to make sure students are getting the food necessary to be successful. Making sure our kids are healthy is one of my top priorities, but I also have a responsibility to make sure they don’t go hungry either.” The Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act has been endorsed by the National School Boards Association, the School Superintendents Association (AASA) and the Council of the Great City Schools. The legislation, which has not yet been assigned a bill number, would: Make the USDA’s temporary easing of the meat and grain requirements permanent, allowing schools more flexibility in serving meats and grains while still staying within calorie maximums Give administrators flexibility on some of the rules that have increased costs for school districts	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2a7eb842-edaf-4999-bfa9-a5e93fe179b5	Thune Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela	2013-12-05	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today made the following comment on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela was a man of courage, honor, and conviction, and the world is a better place because of him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to work toward greater freedom and justice throughout the world. Kimberley’s and my prayers are with the Mandela family and the people of South Africa as they mourn the loss of this great man and leader.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221094543/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/videos?ContentRecord_id=82EA7C58-6676-4522-98E9-D13134A48706	Kristi Talks School Lunch Reform on Fox and Friends	2013-12-03	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Congresswoman Kristi Noem discussed a new school nutrition bill that reduces federal mandates on school lunch standards, which have been a point of contention since their implementation at the beginning of the 2012 school year. To learn more, visit http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/2013/11/noem-unveils-new-school-nutrition-bill	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e0782ef2-92c3-4f31-967d-149c49ac4640	President Offers More Talk, No Action to Protect Americans From ObamaCare Pain	2013-12-03	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following comment regarding President Obama’s latest ObamaCare sales pitch: “The harsh reality facing many this holiday season is cancelled policies, spiking premiums, skyrocketing deductibles, and loss of access to their doctors. But instead of offering relief to millions of Americans suffering under his health care law, the president is offering another taxpayer-funded marketing campaign to try to convince them ObamaCare isn’t as bad as it actually is. The American people don’t need more White House speeches—they just need a break from this broken law.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9F9B14BF-3C56-4484-BA35-CA95D84C47A6	Noem Weekly Column: Time to Serve Up Better School Lunch Standards	2013-12-02	2013	2013-12	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Kristi Noem As all parents know, no two kids are exactly alike. I have three kids. Kassidy takes after her father. She is a natural-born athlete. Kennedy on the other hand is more like me. She plays sports too, but she’s a little scrappier than her sister. And Booker – well, he has more energy than the rest of the family combined. And that says a lot. Even though all my kids live pretty active lifestyles, they each have varying nutrition needs. Still, current school lunch standards put all our kids into a nationwide one-size-fits-all mold and it isn’t working. The new rules took effect at the beginning of the 2012 school year. In addition to stricter calorie regulations, schools are limited as to what can be included in the meals they serve. For example, schools can only serve about 2 oz. of meat per day. That’s equivalent to a chicken breast that is a little smaller than a deck of cards. Similar limits were put on grains and new restrictions were added regarding fruits, vegetables and milk. Parents, students and school administrators alike have reached out to me with serious concerns about the new regulations. In some cases, kids need more to be successful at basketball practice or other afterschool activities. I’ve also heard from school administrators who know that school lunches are the only meal some of their students get every day and they want the flexibility to give them a little extra. On the other side, some kids are leaving school so hungry that they go home and binge. One student from Chester said: “I probably have two bowls, three bowls of cereal when I go home.” That’s not healthy either. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture relaxed some of the meat and grain restrictions after so many parents, school administrators and policymakers raised concerns. But their actions only last through the end of this school year. I want to make these changes permanent. This December, I am introducing a new school lunch nutrition bill to loosen the regulations that dictate…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=fdbdd0f3-bc4d-4aa1-a9db-ca575c645b7c	White House Must Stop Protecting Political Allies from ObamaCare	2013-11-29	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune Labor unions were among the biggest supporters of ObamaCare when the bill was being debated in 2010. After endorsing the bill and working fervently to pass the legislation, unions heralded the passage of the president’s signature law as monumental. Despite their support for the bill, the unions are now beginning to find out the ugly reality of what the law means for their members’ health care plans and they want out. Top union leaders have been quoted as saying that the law will “shatter” health benefits and cause “nightmare scenarios.” Terence O’Sullivan, president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America said, “If the Affordable Care Act is not fixed… then I believe it needs to be repealed.” In September of 2013, media reports indicated that the White House was considering appeasing growing union concerns regarding ObamaCare by granting unions’ request for special ObamaCare premium tax subsidies for union members with health plans known as Taft-Hartley plans. This carve-out would have allowed union members to receive taxpayer-subsidized premium tax credits on top of generous plans that already receive the employer tax exclusion, forcing taxpayers to double-subsidize union members’ health plans. In order to prevent the White House from moving forward with this proposal, I introduced legislation to prevent the White House from making a special backroom deal for unions. On October 30, 2013 and again on November 25, 2013, the Obama administration published regulations that seek to exempt these same Taft-Hartley plans from paying ObamaCare’s reinsurance tax. The reinsurance tax, which is scheduled to begin in 2014, was designed to provide funds to health care plans in the ObamaCare exchanges to help absorb the cost of care for people with pre-existing conditions. The tax is scheduled to raise a total of $25 billion by 2016. If unions are granted this special carve out by the president, the burden will be shifted to all other Americans in self-insured plans, req…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=AE3B6CC2-FFFF-4108-885E-1C9467220A3F	Madison Daily Leader: Noem visits Chester students at mealtime	2013-11-27	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Chuck Clement The students at Chester Area School had a special visitor in their cafeteria on Monday while they were eating a special pre-Thanksgiving meal of turkey and sweet potatoes. U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem dropped in during the noon meal to talk to the boys and girls. During her visit, Noem talked to the students about many things -- how the basketball teams looked for this season, her work in Washington, D.C., and her family. The South Dakota congresswoman also spoke about a proposal that she has sponsored to reform the most recent changes in the nation's school lunch program. Noem, a Republican House member, announced Monday that she would submit the Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act to Congress next week. Two years ago, the Obama administration had supported changes in school lunches that encouraged more vegetables and fruits on the menus, calorie limits on grains and meat, and total per meal calorie counts. Since then, school officials have argued that the new meal standards from the federal government are too inflexible, leading to difficult meal price increases, complaints about meal sizes, and inconvenient restraints on what cafeterias can serve. "A lot of our schools are having a hard time adjusting to (the new standards)," Noem said, speaking to a Chester High School government class after the lunch period. Noem's legislation would make permanent the U.S. Agriculture Department's temporary easing of meat and grain rules and offer some flexibility to school administrators concerning requirements that have increased meal costs. In a press release, Noem said, "...forcing schools into a one-size-fits-all school lunch program doesn't work for our schools or our students." Noem also argued that the current meal standards "place an unnecessary burden on school administrators" in small and poorer school districts and reservations and "send many of our kids home feeling hungry." Speaking to the government students, Noem said that some complaints about the new meal rules ce…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=CA218216-9E96-4688-A8FF-25FB34DC4680	KSFY: Rep. Kristi Noem to introduce school lunch guidelines bill	2013-11-26	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Do your kids complain about running on empty after not getting enough to eat during school lunch? Do they then come home from school and binge eat? Representative Kristi Noem heard some South Dakota kids have been grumbling about their empty stomachs and plans to introduce a bill to stop the rumbling . KSFY News spoke with Noem and a group of students at Chester Area School, Monday. Since new federal school lunch regulations took effect, many high school and middle school students told us Monday, they're not getting enough to eat. And while the new rules may have been designed to fight obesity and promote proper nutrition, some students say there are a few side effects. Eighth grader Cole Pry doesn't think much of the smaller portions and changes in the school lunch program. "I go home and I eat a lot. I probably have two bowls, three bowls of cereal when I go home, personally," Pry said. Many students say most days, their plates are anything but full. Sophomore Evan Baumberger said "some lunches are ok but there are some that feel like you could add more to them. For instance, I'm an athlete, and after school we usually have practices and usually I get hungry at the end of the day because lunch doesn't always fill me up." "Every day I still consider bringing a school lunch but I'm sort of lazy. I don't want to go and make it and everything. So I do consider it though to get more in my meal , otherwise it's a very light calorie and you're super hungry. And by the end of the day, I'm starving," Pry said. It's not every day kids get to eat a turkey platter like this. Some days, lunch just gets dumped. "It depends what kind of day it is, if you have practice after school you'd have to eat it but if you don't then, you just throw it away. I guess and don't think much about it," Baumberger said. So congresswoman Kristi Noem wants those who serve our kids everyday to decide how our kids eat lunch. "I just want to make those guidelines instead of regulations. If we can let our local administrators determine …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=c9bdb93d-703e-45e8-8d50-933f3e9eba2a	Thune to Farm Bill Conferees: Long-Term Extension is Not an Option	2013-11-26	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Farm Bill conferees strongly urging them to reach an agreement on the controversial Farm Bill provisions rather than consider another long-term extension of the expired 2008 Farm Bill. Thune said in his letter, “An unfinished Farm Bill will continue the highly uncertain future for agriculture producers, ag-related businesses, consumers, rural economies, and the stewardship of our land and water brought about by last year’s extension.” In his letter, Thune recommended that conferees drop the most controversial Commodity Title provision which authorizes payments based on planted acres and fixed commodity prices. According to Thune, conferees must first reach agreement on basic core program provisions that are not only effective for the agriculture producers, but also are defensible to taxpayers and our global trading partners. “No one gains by another long-term Farm Bill extension,” said Thune. “Commodity crop producers are facing rapidly dropping prices, livestock producers are waiting on disaster assistance, and conservation programs need to be locked in to help provide land stewardship tools to protect our soil and water.” The 2008 Farm Bill Conference Report was filed 151 days after the Senate passed its version of the Farm Bill. During that time, the 2002 Farm Bill was extended for six short-term intervals in 2007 and 2008 ranging from three months to one week. “Based upon the timeframe established by the 2008 Farm Bill, there is still time for conferees to reach agreement and have a Farm Bill in place for 2014 crops,” said Thune. “I’m hopeful we can enact a new Farm Bill that brings our agriculture policies into the 21st century.” Although, the Senate-passed Farm Bill includes controversial Commodity Title provisions, the bill also contains several provisions championed by Thune, including livestock disaster programs, first authored by Thune and Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) in the 2008 Farm Bill, and his sodsaver provision.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=B8B352FE-5AA7-44DD-8784-F320EEEDF8F9	Capital Journal: Noem discusses farm bill, partisan politics with Riggs government class	2013-11-25	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By David Rookhuyzen U.S. Rep. Krisiti Noem spent an hour with government students at T.F. Riggs High School on Friday, mainly touching on her experience in Washington and the major things she hopes to accomplish before the end of the year. A good portion was spent discussing the work to pass a new farm bill, with Noem highlighting the need to help West River ranchers recover from the livestock losses they suffered during a blizzard last month. Another purpose of a farm bill is to ensure that the country is able to feed itself and does not have to rely on other parts of the world, such as South America, to meet basic nutritional needs, Noem said. “I think when we allow another country to feed us, they control us,” she said. When asked about partisan strife and the recent government shut down, Noem said many of her peers are doing what they think will be best received back in their districts. Because of gerrymandering and regional political climates, many districts strongly support politicians who fail to compromise. That’s why she tries to get at least one co-sponsor of the opposite party on her bills, she said. “If I can’t find one Democrat to think what I’m doing is a good idea, I probably shouldn’t do it,” Noem said. She also suggested that another way to ensure that Congress is more productive is to improve the bill-passing process.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=425FE2AC-378F-43EC-85C3-A2E60AA3E0CC	Noem Unveils New School Nutrition Bill	2013-11-25	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Kristi Noem today unveiled a new school nutrition bill that reduces federal mandates on school lunch standards, which have been a point of contention since their implementation at the beginning of the 2012 school year. The announcement was made while Rep. Noem ate lunch with high school students in Chester, SD. “As a mother of three, I know every kid has a different activity level and different nutrition needs, so forcing schools into a one-size-fits-all school lunch program doesn’t work for our schools or our students,” said Rep. Noem. “Current school lunch standards place an unnecessary burden on school administrators, especially in some of our smaller school districts, our poorest counties and our reservations, and send many of our kids home feeling hungry. My Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act gives flexibility to schools to help ensure our kids get the nutrition they need to be healthy and successful throughout the day.” The Reducing Federal Mandates on School Lunch Act will be introduced during the first week of December 2013. The legislation, which is endorsed by the National School Boards Association, would: Make the USDA’s temporary easing of the meat and grain requirements permanent, allowing schools more flexibility in serving meats and grains while still staying within calorie maximums Give administrators flexibility on some of the rules that have increased costs for school districts	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085042/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=35E79108-2A19-4200-9B64-7D2450E449CE	Rep. Noem to Host Huron Roundtable Tuesday	2013-11-25	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will host a roundtable discussion with community leaders in Huron on Tuesday, November 26, at the Crossroads Convention Center. If you would like to cover the event, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-2801. - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 - WHAT: Rep. Noem to Host Huron Roundtable WHEN: 3:30PM-4:30PM (CT) LOCATION: Crossroads Convention Center (100 4th Street SW, Huron), Dakota Ballroom B ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will hold a roundtable discussion to address key legislative issues that impact businesses and families in Huron and the surrounding area. A brief media availability will be held immediately following the event.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=421ee9ff-ee0a-4b06-a668-0d6c9ad311c3	Thune Blasts Administration’s Proposed Rule to Exempt Unions From ObamaCare Reinsurance Tax	2013-11-25	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, tonight criticized the Obama administration’s decision to publish (see page 70) a proposed rule that would exempt union health care plans, known as Taft-Hartley plans, from the ObamaCare reinsurance tax, which would likely force other self-insured plans, including those of employers, charities, and faith-based organizations, to pay more to meet the amount of revenue required by law. “By publishing this proposed rule, the Obama administration moves closer to ensuring that its political allies will receive special treatment under the law,” said Thune. “Despite endorsing ObamaCare and working fervently to get it passed, unions are now experiencing the ugly reality of this law, and they want out. This exemption is crony capitalism at its worst. I will continue to push for passage of my Union Tax Fairness Act, which would ensure that unions are not treated as if they are above the law.” The ObamaCare reinsurance tax is scheduled to begin in 2014 and requires all self-insured plans to pay a tax for each person covered under a health plan. The tax was designed to provide funds to health care plans in the ObamaCare exchanges to help absorb the cost of care for people with pre-existing conditions. On November 19, 2013, Thune introduced the Union Tax Fairness Act (S.1724) to explicitly prevent the White House from exempting unions from the reinsurance tax. His legislation currently has 12 co-sponsors.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4F99CDA3-5E28-4E9E-BCD4-AB1F7A802471	Weekly Column: Freedom to Be Thankful	2013-11-22	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Kristi Noem By July, Halloween candy fills the shelves at Target, Wal-Mart and our local grocery stores. And before our kids can say “Trick or Treat,” you can find Christmas decorations everywhere with almost no mention of turkeys or cornucopias – unless we’re talking about taking advantage of the early bird holiday sales that is. It shouldn’t be that way. We should have the freedom to be thankful. No, the world hasn’t necessarily dealt us a perfect hand this year. Sioux Falls was hit by an ice storm that left tens of thousands without power for several days. In October, west river was hit with an unprecedented blizzard that impacted the livelihoods of hundreds more. But the power did came back on and we have friends and neighbors rallying around those impacted by Winter Storm Atlas, donating money and offering a shoulder to lean on. Yes, the nation’s economy has failed to recover. The country’s unemployment rate seems to rise unrelentlessly. But like the portrait Norman Rockwell painted during the Great Depression, many of us will still gather together this Thanksgiving with others. For at least a moment, we will focus on being thankful for our blessings. And of course, partisanship sometimes seems to have stalled progress in our federal government. But our country still recognizes the freedom of speech. We can vote and when a new voice comes to power, we are confident that violent riots won’t erupt on the streets. We can vocally disagree and then come together at the same dinner table on Thanksgiving to break bread with “the other side.” Still, not all our sons and daughters will be home this Thanksgiving. They will be serving their country in Afghanistan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and elsewhere. But the bombs and missiles that fall across the Middle East are far removed from our homes, schools, and places of worship. We must be thankful that we have a freedom from that kind of fear because of their service and the sacrifices made by all our veterans. And when all e…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221085108/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=C2961D36-0FA0-4B3E-BAA3-2CBBD9BE4389	Rep. Noem to Unveil New School Nutrition Bill	2013-11-22	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will unveil a new school nutrition bill at Chester High School on Monday, November 25. If you would like to cover Rep. Noem’s visit to Chester, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-2801. - MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 - WHAT: Rep. Noem to Hold Media Availability WHEN: 12:00-12:15PM (CT) LOCATION: Chester High School (102 2nd Avenue, Chester, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will unveil a new school nutrition bill and have lunch with Chester High School students. WHAT: Rep. Noem to Speak to Chester High School Government Class WHEN: 12:45-1:15PM (CT) LOCATION: Chester High School (102 2nd Avenue, Chester, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be speaking to Chester High School’s government class about civic engagement and what she’s working on as a Member of Congress.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=2ac6e623-8293-4c26-b2ad-c8f74c05f354	Local Businesses Deserve Our Support	2013-11-22	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Throughout the year, communities across South Dakota rely on the generosity of their local businesses. Whether asked to sponsor the local softball team, contribute to the community fireworks show, or support the homecoming parade, we expect local businesses to rise to the occasion and support developments, projects, and student organizations. While these businesses are typically among the first to step up and meet community needs, the conscious decision to shop local is what keeps their doors open and their businesses stimulating our local economies. The lagging economy and rising health care costs have made the economic climate particularly difficult for many small businesses. This uncertainty has led to revenue and job loss, and many small businesses wonder how they will weather the economic storm. The hope for any small business during the holiday season is that members of their community will first choose to shop local for their holiday gifts. The loyalty and patronage of customers to small businesses across the state injects money into local establishments, helping them to lower prices and provide a greater array of products and services. In Washington, I believe we must do more to provide certainty and support for our small businesses, which are the primary source of job creation in our country. Small businesses in South Dakota and across the country continue to struggle under the weight of ObamaCare mandates. According to a Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index survey earlier this year, nearly four in 10 small business owners are holding back hiring because of costs associated with implementing ObamaCare. Instead of putting up more roadblocks preventing small businesses from expanding and creating jobs, we should be working to provide certainty by repealing ObamaCare and starting over with common-sense reforms that actually reduce health care costs for businesses and families alike. While Congress has much work to do when it comes to providing regulatory relief for small businesses and creating an ec…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140228001848/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=44C14CC4-11C2-4DFF-95DB-7D6793B367A6	Rep. Noem to Attend Pierre Events	2013-11-21	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will attend events in Pierre on Friday, November 22. If you would like to cover either event, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov or call 202-225-2801. - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - WHAT: Rep. Noem to Speak to T.F. Riggs High School Government Class WHEN: 1:15PM (CT) LOCATION: T.F. Riggs High School (1010 E. Broadway Ave., Pierre, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be speaking to the class about civic engagement and what she’s working on as a Member of Congress. WHAT: Rep. Noem to Speak at 96th Annual Farm Bureau Meeting WHEN: 3:15PM (CT) LOCATION: Best Western Ramkota Hotel (920 W. Sioux Ave., Pierre, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be speaking to the Farm Bureau about the latest efforts to finalize the 2013 Farm Bill and other agriculture-related issues.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=09852a0c-3694-4762-86ad-df41060605c8	Baldwin and Thune Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Efficiency in Healthcare Delivery, Reduce Costs	2013-11-21	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today introduced bipartisan legislation that increases the transparency of healthcare costs in Medicare - helping doctors, health systems, private insurers, and research institutions provide more efficient, higher quality healthcare and better patient outcomes. “Medicare is the single largest payer of healthcare services in the country, spending over $600 billion each year. But we have very little access to what we are paying for,” said Baldwin. “The Quality Data, Quality Healthcare Act provides access to that data and puts it into the hands of those who can use it, increasing efficiency in the delivery of healthcare and helping us get better bang for our healthcare buck.” “Providing access to data that can be used to evaluate healthcare services is a critical component of increasing transparency and reducing healthcare costs,” said Thune. “Our bill would ultimately provide data to evaluate the areas of healthcare that are working and those that are not, thereby lowering costs and increasing efficiency. I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting this common-sense measure to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing costs.” As the largest payer of healthcare in the United States, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sits on a wealth of information that can help inform healthcare providers in making better decisions that will improve patient care and reduce costs. Economists have argued that expanding access to Medicare cost and utilization data will increase efficiency in healthcare delivery, reduce costs, and improve the quality of care. Congress and the administration have taken initial steps to make Medicare data more widely available. One of the more promising efforts is the Qualified Entity (QE) program, which permits organizations to access and analyze Medicare data for select purposes. The QE program has the potential to empower our nation’s healthcare decision-makers to make better choices. …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a8a00238-447f-47f6-925d-0663a914abf0	Thune Statement on Senate Democrats’ Use of Nuclear Option	2013-11-21	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement on the Senate Democrats’ use of the nuclear option to change the Senate rules for confirming executive and judicial nominees: “Senate Democrats are desperate to talk about anything other than the disastrous train wreck of ObamaCare, and are willing to break the rules of the Senate to do so. With millions of Americans facing dropped coverage, sticker shock from premium hikes, and the loss of access to their doctor, it’s not surprising that Democrats would want to change the subject away from all of their broken ObamaCare promises. Unfortunately for Americans, they don’t have the luxury of simply changing the subject.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=6DE12EA3-C751-4A25-A26D-8AAD3F40C84C	AP: South Dakota code talkers get Congressional Gold Medals	2013-11-20	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	American Indians who sent coded messages to shield U.S. military communications from the enemy during World Wars I and II are being honored today at the nation's capital.Several South Dakota and North Dakota tribes are among 33 tribes to be recognized as part of the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in Washington, D.C., for the Native American code talkers. Code talkers used their native language to send communications that enemies could not decode. Toni Red Cloud, who lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, said her late father, Melvin, and late uncle, William, were code talkers. She's still learning details of their service to the country because they never talked about it in front of her or her sisters. "It's an honor," she said earlier this month of her father and uncle being honored posthumously. "The whole family was patriotic. He (her father) kept us respectful of the flag and the country that he served. That was just the way he raised us." At least three other deceased Oglala Lakota code talkers from the reservation also will be recognized. "It's a big honor, especially for the Lakota," Tribal President Bryan Brewer said. "The Navajo, they're real famous for their code talkers, but our story has always been kind of quiet. This is a once-in-a-lifetime deal for the families." The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest honors bestowed by Congress. "Drawing from their ancient heritage, the code talkers helped transform modern history through a system that was as effective as it was ingenious," U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem said. "It is long overdue that we recognize the power and relief these code talkers brought our county and Allied forces." Other South Dakota tribes being recognized are the Rosebud Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Crow Creek Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux and Yankton Sioux. The Standing Rock Sioux and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, in South Dakota and North Dakota, also are being honored.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=39c2f774-11ec-48e9-b7bb-6b88f85fc623	Thune Introduces Amendment in Support of Next Generation Long-Range Strike Bomber	2013-11-19	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced an amendment (S.Amdt. 2093) to the National Defense Authorization Act that would reiterate Congress’ commitment to the development of the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber. “As potential adversaries continue to modernize their anti-aircraft systems, our ability to penetrate those systems must also modernize,” said Thune. “The next generation bomber will ensure our ability to operate effectively in anti-access and area-denial environments. As the Air Force continues to modernize, the Long-Range Strike Bomber remains a must-have capability for future combat operations. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this important amendment to ensure our military continues to prioritize, and develop the next generation bomber.” South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force base’s 28th Bomb Wing is home to two of the three combat squadrons operating the B-1B strategic bomber. Of the three aircraft that currently make up our bomber fleet, the B-1B has the highest payload, the fastest maximum speed, and operates at the lowest cost per flying hour. As the Air Force seeks to develop the next generation Long-Range Strike Bomber, the B-1B remains the workhorse of our bomber fleet, defending our nation at home while retaining our ability to strike against threats abroad.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=b784814b-2bfe-4741-b412-010cdc852093	GOP Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Special Union Exemption From ObamaCare Reinsurance Tax	2013-11-19	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following media reports that the Obama administration is once again trying to find a way to exempt unions from ObamaCare’s numerous taxes and mandates, U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), and eight of their Republican colleagues today introduced the Union Tax Fairness Act (S. 1724), a bill to prevent union health care plans, known as Taft-Hartley plans, from being exempted from the ObamaCare reinsurance tax. “Unions should not be granted a special exemption from ObamaCare’s reinsurance tax just because the president fears further union backlash on his signature law,” said Thune. “These unions agreed to pay this tax when they endorsed ObamaCare, but now that they are finding out what the law means for them and their plans, they want out. Rather than granting special backroom deals to political allies, the administration should support fairness for all by permanently delaying the law for every American.” Alexander said, “The Obama Administration should not reward its labor union friends and allies who helped pass the health care law by giving them a carveout from the law’s worst provisions. This hefty reinsurance fee is one of the many job-killing taxes that helped pay for the passage of the law—the administration should be embarrassed that it would consider exempting their union cronies without providing similar relief to our nation’s employers and faith-based and charitable organizations.” “The Obama Administration can't just circumvent Congress whenever it wants to curry favor with its political allies,” said Hatch. “Since the overwhelming majority of self-administered health insurance plans are run by unions, let's call this what it is: a political payback by the Administration to its union friends for backing this disastrous law. But the fact is, the White House doesn’t have the authority to change the law on its own and, as this bill makes clear, any attempt at a Big Labor carveout from ObamaCare must be approved by Congre…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=FE0DD1CF-2517-4AB5-A8A3-A639B23214AE	AP: SD livestock industry counting on farm bill	2013-11-16	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Congress last enacted a farm bill in 2008, but it expired in September 2012 and was later extended through September of this year. As a result, key provisions protecting livestock producers were not in place when a devastating blizzard pounded South Dakota in early October. The unusual, early-in-the season storm dropped up to 4 feet of snow in parts of the state, catching ranchers flatfooted. Images of dead, trapped cattle in the snow brought home the storm's devastating impact. State officials have estimated a loss of as many as 15,000 to 30,000 cattle in the Oct. 4-5 storm. Had a farm bill been in place, those ranchers would have access to help from the federal government through a livestock disaster program. But with none on the books, one of South Dakota's largest industries has had limited help as it tries to recover. "The way (the livestock) died was simply not insurable," said Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D. "That's why these types of programs are so important." Noem is at the center of farm bill negotiations as an appointed member of the committee trying to reconcile differences between two different versions of the bill. One was passed by the GOP-controlled House, the other by the Democratic-led Senate. The livestock disaster program isn't particularly controversial: Both the House and Senate versions contain provisions for livestock producers. But there are serious differences between the bills on other issues, particularly funding for food stamps. Until those issues are resolved, there is no relief for ranchers. Noem said the wrenching images that emerged from South Dakota have had one positive effect — they've focused many lawmakers on the task of crafting a compromise. "I think it helped give us a sense of urgency for why a farm bill is so important," she said. "I've been pushing for this for two years, but that blizzard hitting South Dakota showed the rest of the members what can happen and what a tragic situation you have when we have no permanent programs in place." Other members of South Dakota'…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=B789B845-DE78-4225-A808-AB3BA4BB6CD3	AP: Noem says her focus remains repealing 'Obamacare'	2013-11-15	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem voted with the majority in passing the Keep Your Health Plan Act but says her long-term goal is repealing "Obamacare." The 261-157 roll call Friday in the House would let insurance companies sell individual coverage to everyone, even if it falls short of standards in the health overhaul. The South Dakota Republican says the act will help temporarily, but her main focus is the American Health Care Reform Act. She says it would repeal the president's health care law and replace it with legislation to increase completion, reform medical malpractice laws and change the tax code so health insurance costs are tax deductible. President Barack Obama announced Thursday that insurance companies would be given the option to keep offering consumers insurance policies that would otherwise be canceled.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4a254780-d98b-4dda-a71e-100155bb3714	Weekly Column: The Affordable Care Act's Unaffordability	2013-11-15	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Since the new healthcare exchanges opened on October 1, my office has received dozens of calls and letters from South Dakota families who are seeing their premiums skyrocket. Some of the South Dakotans calling into our office have explained that even when their plans were grandfathered in, their premiums were not. One family had to triple their deductable from $2,500 to $7,500 in order to get premiums down to where they were before Obamacare. That’s just not acceptable and in many cases it’s not affordable either. We learned earlier this month that just 27,000 Americans signed up for coverage on Healthcare.gov between October 1 and November 1. Just 58 of those individuals were South Dakotans. Much of the blame for low enrollment numbers has been placed on website glitches, but as the President has said on many occasions, the Affordable Care Act is more than a website and I agree. Even in states that ran their own exchanges and had a working sign-up website, enrollment was low. Just over 75,000 enrollees entered the program in these states, falling well below expectations. The poor enrollment is more than a communications problem for the administration. It is also a fundamental problem for the program. The healthcare exchanges were designed with an understanding that large amounts of young, healthy people needed to sign up in order to balance out the costs of older and less healthy individuals. Low enrollment figures mean these young people aren’t signing up, which could cause premiums to increase even more. We need to protect as many people as we can with reforms to the Affordable Care Act, but temporary fixes, such as allowing individuals to stay on their current plans for one more year, won’t fix the healthcare law’s underlying problems. The only way to do that is to replace the Affordable Care Act with a consumer-driven approach. I co-sponsored one such alternative, the American Health Care Reform Act. This legislation would increase competition by allowing Americans to purchase health insu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=73606f83-4075-413f-9463-b6e05475ed72	Noem Supports Keep Your Health Plan Act	2013-11-15	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Kristi Noem today commented on her support of the Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support this afternoon. “I am proud to join so many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to provide temporary relief for those who have lost coverage because of the Affordable Care Act's egregious government regulations,” said Rep. Noem. “I remain focused, however, on providing permanent relief for Americans. I have sponsored legislation to fully repeal Obamacare and replace it with a consumer-driven approach that targets the largest drivers of healthcare costs.” Congresswoman Kristi Noem signed on as a co-sponsor of the American Health Care Reform Act of 2013 in late October. Introduced by Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), the American Health Care Reform Act would: Fully repeal President Obama's health care law, eliminating billions in taxes and thousands of pages of unworkable regulations and mandates that are driving up health care costs. Spur competition to lower health care costs by allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines and enabling small businesses to pool together and get the same buying power as large corporations. Reform medical malpractice laws in a commonsense way that limits trial lawyer fees and non-economic damages while maintaining strong protections for patients. Provide tax reform that allows families and individuals to deduct health care costs, just like companies, leveling the playing field and providing all Americans with a standard deduction for health insurance. Expand access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), increasing the amount of pre-tax dollars individuals can deposit into portable savings accounts to be used for health care expenses. Safeguard individuals with pre-existing conditions from being discriminated against purchasing health insurance by bolstering state-based high risk pools and extending HIPAA guaranteed availab…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=687708db-6f2e-4b1b-9747-beec9a87b37b	Counting Blessings and Giving Thanks	2013-11-15	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune When I was young, I remember my mother offering some great words of wisdom when I would complain about things that didn’t go my way or vent my frustration about what didn’t seem fair. She would listen patiently and say, “Remember to count your blessings.” It was her way of reminding me that despite the ups and downs of daily life, I had far more to be thankful for than I have ever had to complain about. I try to think of her advice when I become cynical or frustrated by the gridlock and partisanship of Washington. I try to think of her advice when I watch friends struggle to make ends meet as the economy continues to lag, family budgets continue to shrink, and health insurance rates continue to increase. Yet, in spite of the serious challenges our country faces, we remain uniquely blessed to live in America and have much for which to be thankful. Our state and nation have a rich history of pausing each year to give thanks for all that we have been given. We are thankful to live in a country where we can freely worship our Creator and speak our minds without fear. We are thankful to live in a state where family, friends, and neighbors help one another during the good times and the bad. We are thankful for the brave men and women who proudly serve our country defending the freedoms we hold dear. Thanksgiving is not only a time to give thanks, but it is also a time to express our gratitude through acts of goodwill and charity. Consider volunteering in your community. Help wash the dishes after dinner. Throw a football with your siblings and laugh about the trouble you made as kids. Ask a veteran to share stories of a Thanksgiving spent overseas while in the military and remember the families of the men and women stationed abroad who won’t be sharing this Thanksgiving with those they love. As I take this time to count my many blessings, I remain thankful for my wonderful family, for the men and women who continue to defend our freedoms around the globe, and for the opportu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=e87c7091-2707-4891-a969-85648add1278	GOP Senators to Administration: No Union Carveouts from Obamacare	2013-11-14	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), John Thune (R-S.D.) and 18 of their Republican colleagues today urged the Obama administration against moving forward with a proposed regulation that would exempt unions from an Obamacare fee that applies equally to employers, charities, and faith-based organizations. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a regulation on October 30, 2013, stating that the agency intends to propose further rulemaking which would aim to exempt certain Taft-Hartley union health plans from the reinsurance fee mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). In a letter to Sylvia Burwell, director of the Office of Management and Budget, the senators write: “The [reinsurance] fee is undeniably expensive for unions, employers, charities and faith-based organizations whose health plans are not available in the new health insurance exchanges and will not see any of those dollars returned to them. For the year 2014, the fee is $63 per covered life—a multi-million dollar levy for larger organizations.” They continue: “The regulation makes no justification as to why union members should be exempted from this fee while other similarly situated organizations (and, ultimately, their beneficiaries) must continue to pay it. “It has been widely reported that labor unions recently sought an exemption from the reinsurance fee through Congress but were rightly rebuffed. To think that the Obama Administration would consider such an action that benefits one group over another can only be characterized as cronyism at its worst. “Self-insured health insurance plans—whether or not they also self-administer—are all facing the same dilemma of being forced to subsidize insurance companies participating in the new exchange. The regulatory process is meant to implement the law as written, not as the Administration wishes it were. If the law will unfairly hurt certain groups, it should be repealed or amended through Congress.…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f36e1ab1-dabf-417c-80bc-289a36137d8f	Thune Shares South Dakota Family’s ObamaCare Story on Senate Floor	2013-11-14	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Following media reports about the dropped coverage and higher premiums of Americans across the country, Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) led 33 of his Republican colleagues on the Senate floor today to draw attention to the stories of everyday Americans who are feeling the real world impacts of the president’s broken promise that the public can keep the plans they had and liked. Thune called attention to a story from a family in South Dakota who recently received a cancellation notice in the mail for their current health plan. The family said, “We’ve had the same kind of health insurance for years. It worked for us, we are happy with it. When our current plan expires in 2014 it will no longer be available. We were told that our new policy will most likely cost over 100 percent more than what we pay now. We will not be able to afford it.” Click here to watch the Senator’s floor speech.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=849d1986-cd79-492a-94f9-aed7ebb64c8c	Thune Comment on ObamaCare Enrollment Numbers	2013-11-13	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today made the following comment regarding the Obama administration’s acknowledgment that only 106,185 Americans were able to sign up for ObamaCare in the first month of the enrollment period: “As millions of Americans continue to lose the health care they have and like, today we learned that an embarrassingly small number of Americans have signed up for ObamaCare. In South Dakota, only 58 were able to successfully sign up—a miniscule number compared to the thousands who are losing their current care. The president and Senate Democrats need to uphold their promise that Americans can keep the care they have and like.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=FF23B65B-AD42-44FE-9A69-0486E4F7AEF6	KELOLAND: World War Two Pilot Shines On Veterans Day	2013-11-11	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Leland Steva Veterans from all around the area congregated at Lincoln High School Monday morning to pay tribute to the men and women that have served this country, but one man stole the show. Veterans Day holds a special meaning for many different people. A ceremony at Lincoln High School included plenty of music and patriotism. But the highlight of the event was the keynote speaker, World War Two pilot Claude Hone. The 93 year old reminisced about his times overseas; the good times and bad. "I remember all the veterans, all the fellows I fought with a lot of my comrades. I remember, well, it brings tears to my eyes sometimes because they all died or passed on, but a lot of them were killed right in front of my eyes," Hone said. Hone's speech impressed nearly everyone in the audience. "Hearing Claude Hone, a wonderful World War Two veteran, who had a great story, not only a history lesson but also I think made it really entertaining for the crowd," Senator John Thune said. "Claude's speech was just him reiterating his stories that I'll always remember, and I think that's the best way to record our history and recognize everything people do for us," Representative Kristi Noem said. While he kind of finished his speech to a standing ovation, the longtime Sioux Falls native still had more to say. "Of course, I ran out of time; I wanted to finish my speech," Hone said. Hone hopes his speech will help educate the younger generation to realize that Veterans Day is more than just a day off from school.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=211f835c-f988-4356-be0e-a2be8f2fe437	Weekly Column: It is the Soldier Who Earned Our Liberty	2013-11-08	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Noem From America’s founding, it was the Declaration of Independence that proclaimed our freedom, but the soldier who won it. It is the Constitution that outlines our rights, but the soldier who secures them. Congress has the sole responsibility for declaring war, but we must never forget that it’s the soldier who is put in harm’s way by these decisions. The greatness of this country rests in those who have fought to preserve everything that we hold dear. Many of those that have engaged in this fight call South Dakota their home. To those individuals, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for putting your country first. While the debt we owe to these women and men can never be repaid, we all have a responsibility to make sure these heroes get the respect and appreciation they have earned. This week, we celebrate Veterans Day – a day set aside to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, their love of country, and their willingness to serve and sacrifice on our behalf. In honor of this day, we must ask ourselves: What is it that we can do for those who gave up so much for us? What can we do for them, not just on Veterans Day, but on every day of the year? First, we must never forget the courage that has been shown over and over again by veterans throughout our country’s history. In World War II, brave soldiers went head to head with one of the greatest evils our world has ever known. They defended our homeland, our way of life, and the promise of freedom for millions around the globe. In the Cold War, soldiers entered Korea and Vietnam in defense of democracy. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans are again called to defend our homeland and defeat terrorism so our children and grandchildren can grow up in a safer world. We must also honor our veterans with our actions as well as our words. Across South Dakota, groups like the VFW and American Legion work hard to serve our veterans. I challenge every reader to support the organizations that support our veterans. Finally,…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=91477d32-8ad8-4930-b072-1e13bdc5e1a6	Creating Loving Families through Adoption	2013-11-08	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune Nothing is more central to the fabric of American society than the family. It is the glue that binds our communities and raises healthy children into successful adults. While each family looks a little different, the bonds of love, support, trust, and kindness are easy to spot in families throughout South Dakota. Some of these families aren’t biological, but were created by ordinary people welcoming children into their hearts and homes through the process of foster care or adoption. November is National Adoption Month, and November 23rd will mark National Adoption Day. During this month, we recognize those who have welcomed adopted children into their homes, while also remembering the more than half a million children in foster care in the country. Sadly, more than 200,000 young adults have “aged out” of the foster care system over the past decade without ever experiencing a permanent, loving family. Again this year, I am a cosponsor of a resolution in the Senate to recognize November 23rd as National Adoption Day, and November as National Adoption Month. National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness for over 400,000 children in foster care, 115,000 of which are waiting to be adopted. In August, I nominated Ryan and Rhonda Kelly and their family of Rapid City for the 2013 Angels in Adoption Award. This award is presented annually by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, of which I am a member. Ryan and Rhonda’s commitment to meet the unique physical and emotional needs of their four biological children and six adopted daughters from China is truly remarkable. Their desire to provide a loving, stable home to their adopted daughters inspires others to open their homes to children in need of a nurturing environment. Every child deserves a place to call home and a loving family to support them. Through adoption, children get loving and supportive families and families are blessed with new lives to nurture. I invite all South Dakotans to join m…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=42455e2b-f6a3-42a3-9e1a-14c4196e1134	Senate Passes Thune Resolution Recognizing Service of Vietnam Veterans	2013-11-08	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Last night, the Senate passed by unanimous consent Senator John Thune’s (R-S.D.) bipartisan resolution (S.Res. 280) recognizing the sacrifice that U.S. combat troops made during the Vietnam War and pressing for renewed support for the veterans of that conflict. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973. Thune’s resolution was cosponsored by Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.). “As Americans gather to celebrate Veterans Day and reflect on the service of those who have bravely answered the call to defend our freedoms, I am pleased the Senate passed this bipartisan resolution to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s Vietnam veterans,” said Thune. “Forty years after withdrawing our combat troops from that theater, the cost of the war remains staggering. Vietnam veterans continue to deal with the wounds of that war on a daily basis. I am pleased that my colleagues have joined together to reaffirm our dedication to these brave men and women, as we owe all of our veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude and hold the solemn duty of providing for their care.” South Dakota has a proud history of answering the call to serve, and Thune is especially mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many in the Vietnam War, including 193 South Dakotans, which is why he is a cosponsor of S. 409, a bill to designate March 29th as Vietnam Veterans Day. Preceding Veterans Day this Monday, Thune took to the Senate floor Thursday night to recognize the selfless service and sacrifice of America’s veterans, including the service of so many South Dakota men and women. Thune urged Congress to rededicate its efforts to caring for our service members and continue to combat mental health issues among veterans. Video of Thune’s floor speech can be viewed here and downloaded for use here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=7ED3DCF1-7CDA-4459-B167-E27947DED0AF	KOTA: Chief Tidwell visits SD; more work to be done with pine beetles	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	The pine beetle projects in the hills have been successful, but there's more to be done. That was a main message at Thursday's pine beetle meeting at Black Hills National Forest Supervisor's Office in Custer. Congresswoman Kristi Noem (R-SD) brought U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell into South Dakota to examine the beetle devastation. Afterwards Noem and Tidwell met with local business owners and industry leaders to discuss the damage and what's to be done to move forward. Noem says one program – The Mountain Pine Beetle Response – is one of a kind. "This program is going to allow for the treatment of 200,480 acres at a time. It's going to let us identify and deal with high risk acres of the Black Hills and to really do what we can to contain the infestation that we have," said Noem. Tidell says the work that's been done so far to the pine beetles has been effective. "Because of the work that's getting done, it's making a difference. It's not only making these forests more resilient, it's making these forests safer. It's safer for our firefighters, it's safer for our communities," said Tidwell. One problem the U.S. Forest Service is facing when it comes to fighting the beetle infestation is a $2 million dollar cut in funding for 2014.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=82064665-4C47-4B65-B2E2-0E1F454C297C	KOTA: National Trust for Historic Preservation report slams VA	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Alexandra Montgomery The National Trust for Historic Preservation released a report Thursday criticizing the Department of Veterans' Affairs. It says the VA often ignores federal law and wastes taxpayer money by putting up new buildings. Representatives laid out their case on the steps of the Battle Mountain Sanitarium in Hot Springs Thursday morning. The gist of the 90 page document tells the VA that it needs to take a closer look at its facilities, and that closing places like the 105 year old Battle Mountain Sanitarium is unnecessary and a waste of federal dollars. The VA wants to build a new facility 60 miles north in Rapid City. In addition, the report says in order to close the sanitarium, key stakeholders, veterans, Native American tribes, and other community groups needed to be notified. According to the report, this notification did not happen before the VA announced closure plans. Representatives from the National Trust for Historic Preservation say they hope that this revelation not only highlight mistakes made by the Veterans' Administration at this institution, but on a national scale. "Hopefully this will bring Battle Mountain Sanitarium to a national scale and show that it's not just going to impact Hot Springs and the community here, but it's impacting people across the country who seek medical attention from the VA," said Jenny Buddenbord, senior field officer for the National Trust Historic Preservation. Don Ackerman, a retired veteran, spoke on behalf of veterans. "We want our VA where we can come in, and in one day take care of our medical needs and services. Seven trips to a local clinic or hospital to get the same amount of services does not make it more convenient for us," Ackerman said to claps from the crowd. The VA says it must balance its mission of providing modern facilities for veterans with its responsibility to preserve historic places. In a written statement, Representative Kristi Noem says that the report's empirical evidence will help to encourage the Vete…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=16667419-91dc-4024-b372-bcbba5096922	Delegation to Celebrate Contributions of Code Talkers in Gold Medal Ceremony	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), and Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), today announced that Native American code talkers from eight of South Dakota’s tribes will be recognized for their dedicated and valorous service during World War I and World War II at a gold medal ceremony to be held at the U.S. Capitol on November 20, 2013. The Congressional Gold Medal award is among the highest honors of appreciation and recognition bestowed on an individual, institution, or event by Congress. In total, 33 tribes from around the country will be recognized, and over 200 silver medals will be presented to families of code talkers. Thune and Johnson were cosponsors of the Senate version of The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 (H.R. 4544), which was signed into law in October of 2008 and directed the issuance of medals to honor the contributions of Native American code talkers during World War I and World War II. "While long overdue, this honor is very well deserved," said Thune. "Code talkers provided secure communications that the Axis powers were never able to decode, ultimately helping save lives and enabling Allied victory. These brave men, their families, and tribes are to be honored for their service and their story remains an inspiration to all Americans. I look forward to welcoming tribal leaders and the families of these heroic men to Washington to celebrate the valiant efforts of their ancestors." "Code talkers from South Dakota and tribes throughout the country played a unique and vital role for the U.S. military in World War I and World War II," Johnson said. "By using native languages, code talkers were able to communicate in a way that the enemy could not decode, thereby saving service members’ lives. I am pleased the code talkers are finally receiving this justly deserved recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal." "Drawing from their ancient heritage, the Code Talkers helped transform modern history through a system that was as effective as it was ingenious," said Rep. Noem. "It…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4b24c50a-1fd0-4d50-95d1-d9ea3f968631	Noem Discusses New Report by National Trust for Historic Preservation	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Kristi Noem today reacted to a new report by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that addresses the preservation of historic buildings, like the Battle Mountain Sanitarium in Hot Springs, S.D., by the Department of Veterans Affairs. "The Battle Mountain Sanitarium has long provided critical care to South Dakota veterans and continues to serve a critical role in the Hot Springs community," said Rep. Noem in a written statement that was read at the report’s unveiling on Thursday. "I fear that the Veterans Administration, however, has systematically neglected the historic properties in its care to the detriment of the veterans they serve," added Rep. Noem. "I am hopeful that the empirical evidence displayed in this report will help to encourage the Veterans Administration to fully utilize national landmarks, including the Battle Mountain Sanitarium, in order to deliver the best possible healthcare to our nation’s veterans."	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=abc22c5a-0f56-44d0-a6e3-d652881ea33e	Noem Shows U.S. Forest Service Chief Pine Beetle Damage	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Kristi Noem today brought U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to South Dakota to examine the pine beetle damage in the Black Hills. Along with local Forest Service representatives and industry stakeholders, Congresswoman Noem and Chief Tidwell took a ground and aerial tour of the impacted areas and then held a meeting with more than two dozen local business and industry leaders to discuss the pine beetle epidemic’s impact. "We have made progress on mitigating pine beetle damage, but South Dakota still has dead and dying trees left from these insect infestations that turn our forests into tinderbox. That is unacceptable when people’s lives are at risk,"said Rep. Noem. "Fortunately, we are gaining momentum behind this issue on the policy side. I am very appreciative of the Forest Service and Chief Tidwell’s willingness to partner with South Dakota and support new ways to address this problem. Today’s meeting was productive in giving all involved a better lay of the land." Congresswoman Noem has made combating pine beetle damage a priority in Washington. The second-term Congresswoman has hosted a House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in the Black Hills, authored language allowing for even more tools for the Forest Service to expedite treatments of insect and disease outbreaks that was included in the House Farm Bill, and collaborated with Chief Tidwell and the U.S. Forest Service to launch the Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project. The Response Project is the first effort of its kind and may be used as a model across the West to more effectively manage forests. "Because of the support of Congresswoman Noem, the Forest Service has been able to do more of the work we need to do to better maintain forest health in the Black Hills," said Chief Tidwell. "The Mountain Pine Beetle Response Project in particular has been a landmark effort that we hope to use as a model nationwide. We understand more must be done and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Congresswoman Noem, o…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f371b11f-3f5e-448d-bfbe-927e5ac04d8e	Delegation to Celebrate Contributions of Code Talkers in Gold Medal Ceremony	2013-11-07	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), and Representative Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), today announced that Native American code talkers from eight of South Dakota’s tribes will be recognized for their dedicated and valorous service during World War I and World War II at a gold medal ceremony to be held at the U.S. Capitol on November 20, 2013. The Congressional Gold Medal award is among the highest honors of appreciation and recognition bestowed on an individual, institution, or event by Congress. In total, 33 tribes from around the country will be recognized, and over 200 silver medals will be presented to families of code talkers. Thune and Johnson were cosponsors of the Senate version of The Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008 (H.R. 4544), which was signed into law in October of 2008 and directed the issuance of medals to honor the contributions of Native American code talkers during World War I and World War II. "While long overdue, this honor is very well deserved,” said Thune. “Code talkers provided secure communications that the Axis powers were never able to decode, ultimately helping save lives and enabling Allied victory. These brave men, their families, and tribes are to be honored for their service and their story remains an inspiration to all Americans. I look forward to welcoming tribal leaders and the families of these heroic men to Washington to celebrate the valiant efforts of their ancestors.” “Code talkers from South Dakota and tribes throughout the country played a unique and vital role for the U.S. military in World War I and World War II,” Johnson said. “By using native languages, code talkers were able to communicate in a way that the enemy could not decode, thereby saving service members’ lives. I am pleased the code talkers are finally receiving this justly deserved recognition, the Congressional Gold Medal.” “Drawing from their ancient heritage, the Code Talkers helped transform modern history through a system that was as effective as it was …	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ee925341-c30f-4668-a162-3c916256be93	Noem Supports New Alternative to Obamacare	2013-11-06	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Congresswoman Kristi Noem today announced her support for comprehensive healthcare legislation that offers a consumer-driven alternative to President Obama’s healthcare law. The legislation, referred to as the American Health Care Reform Act of 2013 (H.R. 3121), offers a number of reforms aimed at fixing the fundamental challenges faced in our healthcare system. "The new healthcare law has long been regarded as unworkable, but the healthcare exchange rollout over the last few weeks has shown just how unworkable this law really is," said Rep. Noem. "Despite the promises made to Americans, people are losing both their preferred health insurance coverage and their doctors, while premiums skyrocket. It is not enough, however, to just repeal Obamacare. Now is the time to cure our healthcare system. The American Health Care Reform Act offers a practical, consumer-driven alternative to the President’s healthcare law and addresses the fundamental problems that plague our healthcare system, rather than just masking the symptoms." Congresswoman Kristi Noem signed on as a co-sponsor of the legislation in late October. Introduced by Rep. Phil Roe (R-Tenn.), the American Health Care Reform Act of 2013 would: Fully repeal President Obama's health care law, eliminating billions in taxes and thousands of pages of unworkable regulations and mandates that are driving up health care costs. Spur competition to lower health care costs by allowing Americans to purchase health insurance across state lines and enabling small businesses to pool together and get the same buying power as large corporations. Reform medical malpractice laws in a commonsense way that limits trial lawyer fees and non-economic damages while maintaining strong protections for patients. Provide tax reform that allows families and individuals to deduct health care costs, just like companies, leveling the playing field and providing all Americans with a standard deduction for health insurance. Expand access to Health Savings…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205022941/http://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ID=07a758c8-7edc-48b3-bdf6-400d1ff2fedd	Thune at Finance to Sebelius: You've Been Misleading the American People	2013-11-06	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	web.archive.org	legacy	Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today questioned Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, about the disastrous rollout of healthcare.gov and the administration's broken promises to the American people that they could keep the health care they have and like, period.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140228001851/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=3D285B7B-59D8-4849-8734-B5D491A59C91	Noem Brings U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell to South Dakota	2013-11-06	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem will meet with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell on Thursday, November 7 to discuss the pine beetle crisis in the Black Hills. A press conference will be held immediately following the meeting. If you plan to cover the meeting or attend the press conference, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov. Thursday, November 7, 2013: WHAT: Meeting with U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, Rep. Noem and local stakeholders WHEN: 1:00-2:30 PM WHERE: Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office (1019 N. 5th St, Custer, SD), Room 104 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will meet with Chief Tidwell and local stakeholders regarding the pine beetle crisis in the Black Hills. Press are invited to cover the meeting. RSVP: Please RSVP to Brittany Gross (brittany.gross@mail.house.gov) WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: 2:45-3:15 PM WHERE: Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office (1019 N. 5th St, Custer, SD), Room 104 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem, Chief Tidwell, Tom Troxel (Black Hills Forest Resources Association) and Dan Beuhler (Neiman Timber Company) will speak at a press conference immediately following the meeting. They will discuss their aerial tour and site visit of pine beetle damage that occurred earlier that day as well as provide feedback on the meeting. RSVP: Please RSVP to Brittany Gross (brittany.gross@mail.house.gov)	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8a948ed1-e225-491b-9f9e-7afa91b45085	Thune to Sebelius: “You’ve Been Misleading the American People”	2013-11-06	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Member of the Senate Finance Committee, today questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius about the disastrous rollout of healthcare.gov and the administration’s broken promise to the American people that they could keep the health care they have and like, period. “You’ve been misleading the American people and the president has, over and over and over again,” said Thune about the president’s promise that if you like the health care plan you have, you can keep it. “It wasn’t like there were asterisks or footnotes. … this is a dishonest mistake.” Video of Thune’s statement and questions at today’s committee hearing can be viewed here and downloaded for use here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=2859e940-60f0-459c-ae2c-d020766a44e9	KELOLAND: Noem Brings Issue Of Sex Trafficking To Washington	2013-11-05	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Leland Steva The issue of human sex trafficking isn't just a concern locally, it has reached Capitol Hill. U.S. Representative Kristi Noem played a major role in bringing the issue of human sex trafficking to Congress. She sponsored a bill called 'The End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013.' "I expect this bill to move through and be signed into law because everyone recognizes that this crime is horrendous. You want to do all you can to protect our children," U.S. Representative Kristi Noem said. The goal of the bill is to target both the people providing the prostitutes and those soliciting the sex acts. The Republican Representative says there needs to be more discussion about this crime. "Look at the number of children that are sex trafficked in South Dakota and across the world. It is shocking. You know when you look at 4.5 million potential victims worldwide, but up to 300,000 of them in the United States could be children. I don't think the normal, everyday person thinks about that very often," Noem said. The website backpage.com is the most talked about website for sex trafficking in Washington, but Noem believes there are many other websites people should be aware of. "I think any website that markets goods to people could be abused. We're tying to bring some clarity to internet laws that would allow us to try and protect those sites better," Noem said. No matter the outlet, Representative Noem says she will continue to fight to protect children. Noem says the best way to prevent sex trafficking is more communication and public awareness. Read the story here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140222052122/http://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ID=c97cf160-4856-408a-8366-81c40ebc3235	Thune Questions Forestry Witness Panel at Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing	2013-11-05	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	web.archive.org	legacy	Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources, today questioned the witness panel about pine beetle infestation management at a hearing today titled, "Shortchanging Our Forests: How Tight Budgets and Management Decisions Can Increase the Risk of Wildfire."	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=49df754a-fd25-44ab-b7cd-cda6b013c461	Thune, McCaskill Call on U.S. Negotiators to Hold Line on Aircraft Emission Taxes	2013-11-05	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) sent a letter urging the U.S. delegation to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to protect U.S. passengers and airlines from the harmful effects of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) as EU leaders consider how to apply the ETS going forward. ICAO’s 38th General Assembly recently rejected unilateral approaches to addressing aviation emissions, and the U.S. law authored by Thune and McCaskill directs the Secretary of Transportation to hold U.S. operators harmless from the EU ETS. Last Congress, Thune and McCaskill led an effort to provide the U.S. Secretary of Transportation with the authority to ensure that U.S. air carriers are not penalized or harmed by the EU’s controversial and unilateral emissions scheme. The bipartisan legislation, the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Prohibition Act, was signed into law in November of 2012 and requires that the U.S. government must “hold operators of civil aircraft of the United States harmless from the emissions trading scheme.” The legislation also directed the Secretary of Transportation and other government officials to use “their authority to conduct international negotiations to pursue a worldwide approach to address aircraft emissions” that would be based on consensus rather than the Europeans’ ill-conceived unilateral approach. In response to the legislation that was signed into law last year and strong opposition from other foreign governments, the EU postponed collecting taxes on international flights into and out of Europe for one year to allow for negotiations at ICAO’s 38th General Assembly that was held in Montreal, September 24th through October 4th. Under the terms of the one-year postponement that expires early next year, the EU has been considering ways to impose certain portions of their controversial ETS tax scheme on foreign air carriers…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9ff12717-1052-41ea-a0ec-9f7feb7ced97	Brown and Thune Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Simplify Income Tax Collection for Individuals Working in Multiple States	2013-11-05	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and John Thune (R-S.D.) led a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act, legislation that would simplify and standardize state income tax collection for employees who travel outside of their home state for temporary work assignments. The bill would also help employers who must file withholdings and reporting requirements. Currently, individuals and employers face up to 41 different state income tax reporting requirements that vary based on length of stay, income earned, or both. “This common-sense legislation will help simplify and standardize tax filing for employees and employers that conduct business in multiple states,” Brown said. “This is a great example of government working to reduce burdensome and confusing barriers to help ease the cost of doing business for employers and their workers.” “Employees and employers shouldn’t be burdened with complex tax reporting requirements because jobs in the modern economy involve work in multiple states,” said Thune. “Our legislation would establish a clear 30-day threshold test for state income tax purposes, preventing individuals from having to sort through the complicated tax reporting burdens from the multiple states where they travel for work. This legislation will greatly simplify state income tax filings, is fairer to those residents in states without an income tax, and should help to encourage tax compliance.” The Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act is supported by over 250 organizations and business groups. “Retailers welcome the introduction of this bill,” National Retail Federation Vice President and Tax Counsel Rachelle Bernstein said. “The current morass of state laws dealing with state income tax burdens for workers on business travel outside their home states creates confusion and undue compliance burdens for both employees and employers. This burden can be particularly onerous for the retail industry. Bu…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=f9f5998a-a060-4f92-9eaf-4c620338ed69	Thune Questions Forestry Witness Panel about Pine Beetles at Agriculture Subcommittee Hearing	2013-11-05	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry and Natural Resources, today questioned the witness panel about pine beetle infestation management at a hearing today titled, “Shortchanging Our Forests: How Tight Budgets and Management Decisions Can Increase the Risk of Wildfire.” Key witnesses at today’s hearing included Jim Hubbard, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry of the U.S. Forest Service and Tom Troxel from Rapid City, South Dakota, Executive Director, Intermountain Forest Association. Also responding to Thune’s questions were panelists Dr. Chris Topik, The Nature Conservancy, and Ms. Sallie Clark, National Association of Counties. Thune discussed funding priorities and environmental law challenges faced by the U.S. Forest Service and how these issues are hampering pine beetle suppression efforts in the Black Hills. Video of Thune’s statement and questions at today’s subcommittee hearing can be viewed here and downloaded for use here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=b86b96bf-b1a9-4c9b-94d5-6afc68978dd9	KELOLAND: Latest On The Potential Farm Bill	2013-11-02	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Leland Steva The U.S. House and Senate started negotiations this week to begin crafting a compromise farm bill. U.S. Representative Kristi Noem talked today about the progress of the bill that could affect the entire country if it's not passed. U.S. Representative Kristi Noem is on the farm bill conference committee, the first South Dakotan since 1996. She vows to bring a new farm bill to the Rushmore State, and states the negative effects if the bill isn't passed. "At the end of this year if we don't get a farm bill done we can see milk in the grocery store go to eight dollars a gallon. We can see a reversion back to 1940's law that would be very detrimental to making sure that every family here in KELOLAND has the chance to really take care of their family and doesn't take more money out of their pocket to do it," Noem said. The multi-billion dollar potential legislation also looks to aid the ranchers out west that lost their livestock to the blizzard. "I authored the livestock disaster programs that would cover that situation. And see a lot of people just don't understand that most of those cattle and livestock that died from instances that aren't covered by insurance. So really those producers have no coverage for their losses. Unless we get a farm bill signed into law it's simply not going to be there," Noem said. Many farmers and producers say they're frustrated for the delayed bill. Noem points to one issue holding up the passing of the bill. "We've had a lot of discussion over the nutrition title. That's been the point of contention probably for the last six to eight months, but I think we've made a lot of progress," Noem said. Still, the deadline for a mutually agreeable farm bill is scheduled for the end of the year. Noem is also looking to establish a permanent office of tribal relations within the USDA to help tribes a better understanding on how to access programs on the farm bill. While there still is some sticking points, she is confident that the bill will be passed before the end…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=59427755-2484-48ed-a997-133c56d105cf	The Daily Republic: Noem: "Now is time" for farm bill	2013-11-01	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	This was the first meeting of the Farm Bill Conference Committee of which Rep. Noem is a member. "Now is the time to finish the farm bill," Noem said in a written statement. "Despite the differences discussed in today’s meeting, it was clear the conferees agree that we must strive for a farm bill that will provide certainty from the field to the fork and the pasture to the plate." "From a strong crop insurance program to an effective livestock disaster program, South Dakota farmers and ranchers need a reliable safety net to ensure consumers continue to have access to a safe and affordable food supply." Noem is the first House member from South Dakota to be appointed as a member of the farm bill conference since 1996. The conference committee will work to merge the farm bills passed by the House and the Senate into one piece of legislation. The conference committee’s negotiated final product, called a conference report, will then need final approval by the full House and Senate before being sent to the president for his signature. Noem advocated the following four provisions in the House version of the farm bill, all of which were included in some form in the version passed by the House. • Livestock Disaster Protection Act: Would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Livestock Forage Program, and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program for the life of the farm bill as well as provide retroactive coverage, since the programs expired in 2011. • Protect our Prairies Act: Would encourage conservation of native sod and grassland. • National Forest Emergency Response Act: Would streamline processes to get boots on the ground faster for pine beetle mitigation efforts. • USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help improve communication between USDA and tribal nations. Read the story here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=db210bc2-ac0b-4699-a9c8-c7a3a8f8d785	Weekly Column: Certainty from the Field to the Fork	2013-11-01	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Noem It started with 17 hours of rain. Then, the temperatures dropped and the 70-mile-an-hour winds set in, creating blizzard conditions for three days. Hundreds of South Dakota families dug out of the snow to find that tens of thousands of cattle had walked off of cliffs, drowned in rivers, or been smothered by the snow. South Dakota ranchers had no safety net. They are now struggling to stay in business and some may never recover. That is why we must have livestock disaster programs that mitigate some of the losses. This week, I met with House and Senate leaders to begin drafting the final version of the farm bill as part of the 2013 Farm Bill Conference Committee. I am thrilled to give South Dakota a seat at the negotiating table. This is the first time a member of the House of Representatives from South Dakota has done so in nearly 20 years. The Conference Committee is set up to negotiate the differences between the House’s version of the farm bill and the Senate’s. Both chambers passed legislation this summer, but they had a number of differences that must be worked out before a final bill is sent to the president for his signature. As a member of this Conference Committee, I am focused on providing some certainty for South Dakota producers. One of the provisions I will be pushing for is the livestock disaster program that I authored, which was included in the House’s version of the farm bill. This will not only guarantee that disaster relief will be available for the entirety of the next farm bill, but it will also work retroactively to help mitigate some of the damages resulting from last month’s blizzard. Coming from a farming family, I also know how important a strong crop insurance program is to ensuring some level of certainty and I have made it clear to the Conference Committee that this must be the cornerstone of the farm bill. Including important sodsaver provisions that protect our native grasslands and ensuring farm policy works for our Native American community are als…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20140221091941/http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/events?ContentRecord_id=B16C056E-7AAC-4609-B3A2-D0360A3380E4	Weekend Schedule for Rep. Kristi Noem	2013-11-01	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	web.archive.org	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem will be making stops in Sioux Falls and Watertown this weekend. If you plan to cover one of this weekend’s events, please contact Brittany Gross at brittany.gross@mail.house.gov. Saturday, November 2, 2013: WHAT: Hometown Heroes Salute WHEN: 3:00-4:00PM (CT) WHERE: Joe Foss Field (1201 W. Algonquin St, Sioux Falls, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will speak at this event, helping to recognize the airmen who have been deployed since 9/11. Sunday, November 3, 2013: WHAT: Codington County 4-H Recognition Ceremony WHEN: 2:00-3:00PM (CT) WHERE: Codington County Extension Complex (1910 West Kemp Avenue, Watertown, SD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Rep. Noem will be in attendance to help recognize and honor 4-H members and volunteers for their achievements and success.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=82959ce6-9bce-4b70-afb8-79090ae22d82	Generations of American Heroes	2013-11-01	2013	2013-11	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune Among my favorite opportunities as U.S. Senator, is the privilege to welcome honor flights from South Dakota to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials on the national mall. I know first-hand the sacrifice made by our nation’s veterans because my own father, Harold, is a decorated Navy pilot who served during World War II. Like my dad, many of these veterans have had limited opportunities to visit these important monuments—making the trip to D.C. an important and emotional experience. When I escort the veterans around the memorials, I am always humbled by their quiet reverence for their comrades lost in battle and reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of our countrymen. Last month, in spite of an ongoing budget battle in Washington that closed the national war memorials, our country watched as WWII veterans from around the nation pushed past the barricades at the memorials to pay tribute to a piece of their own history. Despite attempts by the administration to make the shutdown as painful as possible by closing the memorials, these war heroes were determined to visit the monuments built in their honor. Though America faces tight budgetary constraints, our country has a responsibility to show our gratitude and honor the veterans who served our nation with distinction. Our veterans should never be marginalized by the political discourse of the day. As our country celebrates Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women from every war, in every branch of the military, who served this country with pride and dignity protecting our democracy at home and abroad. We owe these brave heroes a tremendous debt. The South Dakotans who have courageously answered the call to serve and defend our freedoms are heroes to all Americans, but they have more importantly played an instrumental role in shaping who we are as South Dakotans. Their selflessness is reflected in the values that have come to define our great state. As we spend time with family an…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3e2d72df-393c-4565-9230-7ff75bb87d0e	Noem Attends Initial 2013 Farm Bill Conference Committee Meeting	2013-10-31	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem met with House and Senate conference committee members today to begin writing a final draft of the 2013 Farm Bill. This was the first meeting of the Farm Bill Conference Committee of which Rep. Noem is a member. "Now is the time to finish the farm bill," said Rep. Noem. "Despite the differences discussed in today’s meeting, it was clear the conferees agree that we must strive for a Farm Bill that will provide certainty from the field to the fork and the pasture to the plate. From a strong crop insurance program to an effective livestock disaster program, South Dakota farmers and ranchers need a reliable safety net to ensure consumers continue to have access to a safe and affordable food supply. I am optimistic that we will be able to work out our differences and sign a Farm Bill into law that works for South Dakota producers and American consumers." Noem is the first House member from South Dakota to be appointed as a member of the Farm Bill conference since 1996. The conference committee will work to merge the Farm Bills passed by the House and the Senate into one piece of legislation. The conference committee’s negotiated final product, called a conference report, will then need final approval by the full House and Senate before being sent to the president for his signature. Rep. Noem championed four main provisions in the House version of the Farm Bill, all of which were included in some form in the final version passed by the House. Rep. Noem discussed the importance of each of these programs during today’s 2013 Farm Bill Conference Committee meeting. They include: Livestock Disaster Protection Act: Would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for the life of the Farm Bill as well as provide retroactive coverage, since the programs expired in 2011. Protect our Prairies Act: Would encourage conservation of native sod and grassland, save taxpayer dollars and protect the habitat of w…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://web.archive.org/web/20131205012735/http://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/videos?ID=137b0f49-f974-4cc5-8fc6-87a96147ceb7	Thune Calls on Congress to Pass Bipartisan INFORM Act	2013-10-31	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	web.archive.org	legacy	Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, held a press conference to call on Congress to stop kicking the can down the road and pass his bipartisan INFORM Act, which would help better project the true size of our debt and its impact on future generations.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=e7b35b51-695f-44ec-808d-eef85ef58263	Washington Post: Rep. Noem, Sen. Stabenow work to bridge differences over spending on food stamps and farmers	2013-10-30	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Joann Weiner The farm bill conference committee faces some steep hurdles as it tries to reconcile the sharp differences among those who would like to increase support for farmers and ranchers and those who would like to prevent sharp cuts to the federal nutrition assistance program known as food stamps. On one side, some 47.6 million low-income people will see their food stamp benefits cut starting Friday as the temporary additional spending provided in 2009’s stimulus bill expires. On the other side, farmers rely on the federal government to provide subsidized crop insurance, price support, and disaster relief. None of this is available without a farm bill. That’s one reason why following the re-opening of the federal government on Oct. 18, President Obama said that getting a new farm bill was one of his three priorities. The farm bill provides support to both groups. Food stamps have been part of the farm bill since the early 1970s. The 41-member committee holds its first public meeting today when it will begin the process ofreconciling the differences between the House and Senate versions of the farm bill. Rep. Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.) chairs the committee. The current farm bill expired at the end of September with the two chambers unable to agree on several issues, most importantly on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is better known as food stamps. The House bill cuts $40 billion from the program over 10 years, while the Senate cuts about $3.9 billion. Total spending in the farm bill reaches almost $100 billion a year, with food stamps accounting for 80 percent of that spending. The most influential woman in the process may be Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) who chairs the Senate Agricultural Committee. In June, the Senate passed a $955 billion 10-year measure that cuts farm spending by $18 billion. Stabenow is also on the budget conference committee and may be in a position trade revenue picked up in the farm bill for additional spending in the budget deal. On the Republican si…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=83c04e39-3992-407b-97ce-a30fcb6c25f3	Western Senators Urge USDA to Partner with Timber Industry to Reduce Wildfire Risks, Strengthen Forest Health	2013-10-29	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan and bicameral group of western lawmakers pressed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to partner with the timber industry to reduce wildfire risks in fire-prone areas, create jobs and improve community safety throughout the Rocky Mountain West. U.S. Senators Mark Udall (D-Colo.) and Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) led the letter, which was signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.). "The National Forest management program in this region falls far short of meeting the need for hazardous fuels reduction and forest restoration. ... There has never been a better time to foster industry partnerships that will reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, restore forest health, and create sustainable rural jobs," the letter reads. "That is why we ask for your renewed commitment to increasing the pace and scale of forest restoration in the Rocky Mountain Region - particularly in the wildland-urban interface and in backcountry areas supporting critical infrastructure and water supplies. Specifically, we ask you to consider increasing the investment in restoration and timber management, and continuing to pursue operational efficiencies." Congressmen Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Scott Tipton (R-Colo.) also signed the letter. The bipartisan coalition sent a similar letter last year pressing Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to partner with the private sector to treat "more acres in our states - particularly in the wildland-urban interface, and backcountry areas with critical infrastructure." According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the Rocky Mountain region, which includes Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and most of South Dakota and Wyoming, experienced 2,482 fires so far this year. These wildfires scorched 230,526 acres. Click HERE to read the senators' letter.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=0925365b-266c-48be-afd7-b634b839a9d7	KOTA: Noem visits producers before meeting with the Farm Bill Conference Committee	2013-10-28	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Alexa Block Congresswoman Kristi Noem met with KOTA Territory cattle producers in New Underwood Monday night. This comes just before she begins meeting with the Farm Bill Conference Committee. Producers came out to the New Underwood Community Center for a hot meal and some words of support from Congresswomen Kristi Noem. Josh Geigle, a fourth generation rancher and farmer says the livestock loss is going to affect everyone. And he appreciates Noem's visit. "It was good to see her, it's good to know that she thinks it's extremely important to help farmers and ranchers recover from a major disaster like this" he says. Noem says as a member of the Farm Bill Conference Committee she is focused on disaster relief. She says "my number one priority is going to be the livestock disaster programs which I authored the in house version and which I do think the Senate has in pre talks has already said that they do like and they do like those level of funding that are included." Noem is confident the Farm Bill will be passed by the end of this year, but she says she wants it done sooner. And the first Farm Bill Conference Committee will take place this Wednesday in Washington. Read the story here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=c9fb7e56-cf19-4988-80aa-9bb0b6fd7831	KELOLAND: Rep. Noem Prepares For Farm Bill Committee	2013-10-25	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Jared Ransom As the first farm bill conference committee meeting approaches, Republican Representative Kristi Noem gathers thoughts and concerns from those directly affected by the bill. "Will we actually see a farm bill signed into law? And will it work for South Dakota? So that's been my priority from the beginning. Hopefully we'll get one signed into law real soon that'll make sure we have a strong crop insurance program and livestock disaster programs as well," Representative Kristi Noem said. Her priorities going into next Wednesday's meeting line up with the concerns of producers near Aurora. "The thought of whether we're going to get one or not. I had two farmers come up to me and say they haven't got a check yet. They're just very curious about whether we're even going to have a farm bill," Brookings farmer Doc Peterson said. South Dakota has not had someone on the farm bill conference committee since 1996, and Noem says the personal stories from home could help get a bill passed. "They don't realize the kind of risks that agriculture takes and the volatility that the weather creates. The number one goal here is to make sure we have a strong economy in South Dakota, but also there's a responsibility to provide food for this country," Noem said. Noem suggests that if a bill is not passed by the end of the year, the United States may revert back to 1940s law when it comes to farm policy, but she is still confident that the House and Senate can come together for a final bill. "We're really going to have to work to tell our story to get that done, but it's imperative that we get this bill done by the end of the year," Noem said. Read the story here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=c4ac1546-cbb1-46f7-a3bb-3f8fa38dc29a	House-Passed Water Development Bill Includes Noem’s Flood Communication Provision	2013-10-25	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation that requires the Army Corps of Engineers to establish procedures to better communicate with the public when there is a high risk of flooding on bodies of water it manages, including the Missouri River. The provision, taken from legislation authored by Rep. Kristi Noem, was included in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act. "The flooding of 2011 along the Missouri River is a painful memory for many in South Dakota, and some are still dealing with its aftermath. What I heard from many of those affected and displaced during the flooding was if they had been given better notification on potential flood risk they could have more adequately protected their homes and businesses," said Rep. Noem. "The bill approved today by the House includes a provision that directs the Corps of Engineers to be prepared to communicate with the public more effectively in the future if, God forbid, South Dakotans ever experience flooding on that scale again." Noem added, "I would also like to thank House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster for recognizing the need to improve communications from the Corps about flood risk and for including my provision in this bill. He visited South Dakota during the height of the flooding in 2011 to see the devastation first hand." Chairman Shuster traveled to Pierre in August 2011 at Rep. Noem’s invitation. He participated in a public roundtable alongside then-Chairman John Mica and toured local communities, homes and businesses that had been damaged by the flood.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=e1f5c561-1b04-4e47-bd4e-4b5a0f5d4fb9	Noem Weekly Column: Tough Enough to Wear Pink	2013-10-25	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Rep. Noem October is the month of pink ribbons. We see them on posters, bumper stickers and even on the cleats of professional football players. We see them on flags, windshields and on pins worn by brave survivors and family members fighting together. It seems like we all know someone battling breast cancer, and if we’re lucky, we all know survivors as well. They may be wearing pink tutus and boas, but they walk for awareness, they fight for research and they join together during the month of October to tell the world they can do it, and they will. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women, and research shows that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The good news is there have been advances in research, technology and early detection over the years that have helped decrease the number of breast cancer related deaths. The month of October is dedicated to research, awareness and prevention and there are always community events or walks to show your support. In May my staff participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Washington and we became the third highest fundraising team on Capitol Hill. I was incredibly proud of our team and even more proud of all of the men and women that threw on some pink and showed up to support the thousands of women around the nation that fight to be around for all of life’s little milestones. We can all play a role in helping beat breast cancer by increasing awareness amongst the important women in all of our lives. Personally, I am blessed to have an amazing mother, mother-in-law and countless other female role models that have helped me through the years. They might have been teaching me to tie my shoes, sew on a button or helping me make my first Thanksgiving dinner, but I knew they were always there to guide my family and hold us together. The power and love the females in my life have shown me will forever shape my future. Everyone needs to take a moment and recognize the women in t…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=bebfca1c-73dd-4b58-b4c8-ac27295dccce	Website “Glitches” Demonstrate Why ObamaCare Isn’t Ready for Primetime	2013-10-25	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune This month, hundreds of thousands of families throughout the country began receiving notices that their current health insurance coverage would be canceled. Despite the president’s repeated promise during the 2009 debate on health care, “If you like the plan you have, you can keep it,” families throughout the nation are being forced to abandon their current coverage. This has required many of them, scrambling under the weight of a looming individual mandate deadline, to look to the national health care exchanges for help. Unfortunately, the tool that many had hoped would be a resource to aid them in their health insurance search has proven to be an epic failure. The October 1st launch of the national health care exchange website, healthcare.gov, was heralded by the administration as a critical component of ObamaCare that would increase access to coverage and expand the number of available options through a user-friendly online website. Instead, the highly-anticipated launch was riddled with errors, long wait times, and so-called “glitches.” Despite the ongoing problems with the website, the administration continues to claim that many of these “glitches” are due to the overwhelming traffic on the website. Yet they have refused to say how many Americans have actually enrolled in the exchanges since the beginning of October. In fact, in North Dakota, the administration requested that the state’s largest health insurer refrain from publicizing the low number of people that have signed up for health insurance through the online exchange. The administration’s blatant attempt to conceal the number of online applicants illustrates how poorly both the website and the law were designed. Even the administration’s attempts to “fix” the website have resulted in misinformation and confusion. CBS News reported that one of the most recent “fixes” to healthcare.gov gives the wrong pricing information for those who want to browse the prices before signing up. Everyone 49 and younger gets…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=90f3f3df-ba82-4861-a4d6-cf719bb1d208	KOTA: Noem announces first Farm Bill Conference Committee meeting	2013-10-23	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem Wednesday announced that the first official public meeting for the 2013 Farm Bill conference committee will be held next week on Wednesday, October 30. "It is time to finish the work on this Farm Bill," said Noem. "I'm eager to sit down with my colleagues next week to begin these important negotiations. The certainty a new Farm Bill would provide our producers is important to South Dakota's economy, and the livestock disaster programs that would be renewed in this bill would bring much needed relief to West River ranchers who were hit hard by the recent storm. There are some significant differences between the two bills that we need to iron out, but I'm heading into this process optimistic and ready to work hard to complete this process." Noem, who lives on a ranch in rural Hamlin County, is the first House member from South Dakota to be appointed a member of the Farm Bill conference since 1996. Rep. Noem championed four main provisions in the House version of the Farm Bill, all of which were included in some form in the final version passed by the House. They include: Livestock Disaster Protection Act: Would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for the life of the Farm Bill as well as provide retroactive coverage, since the programs expired in 2011. Protect our Prairies Act: Would encourage conservation of native sod and grassland, save taxpayer dollars and protect the habitat of wildlife critical to South Dakota's hunting industry. National Forest Emergency Response Act: Would streamline processes to get boots on the ground faster for pine beetle mitigation efforts. USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve communication between USDA and Tribal nations. This provision would not cost taxpayers any additional dollars and instead requires USDA to use existing r…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=43cc5948-8a71-4748-bfb2-b6213d981b36	Noem Announces First Farm Bill Conference Committee Meeting Next Week	2013-10-23	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem today announced that the first official public meeting for the 2013 Farm Bill conference committee will be held next week on Wednesday, October 30. "It is time to finish the work on this Farm Bill," said Noem. “I’m eager to sit down with my colleagues next week to begin these important negotiations. The certainty a new Farm Bill would provide our producers is important to South Dakota’s economy, and the livestock disaster programs that would be renewed in this bill would bring much needed relief to West River ranchers who were hit hard by the recent storm. There are some significant differences between the two bills that we need to iron out, but I’m heading into this process optimistic and ready to work hard to complete this process.” Noem, who lives on a ranch in rural Hamlin County, is the first House member from South Dakota to be appointed a member of the Farm Bill conference since 1996. Rep. Noem championed four main provisions in the House version of the Farm Bill, all of which were included in some form in the final version passed by the House. They include: Livestock Disaster Protection Act: Would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) for the life of the Farm Bill as well as provide retroactive coverage, since the programs expired in 2011. Protect our Prairies Act: Would encourage conservation of native sod and grassland, save taxpayer dollars and protect the habitat of wildlife critical to South Dakota’s hunting industry. National Forest Emergency Response Act: Would streamline processes to get boots on the ground faster for pine beetle mitigation efforts. USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve communication between USDA and Tribal nations. This provision would not cost taxpayers any additional dollars and instead requires USDA to…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0316e828-2f34-4519-965f-c6e4002a9ffc	Thune, Toomey Call on SEC to Follow the Law in Implementing JOBS Act	2013-10-22	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Senate sponsors of a major provision included in the bipartisan Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, today sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Mary Jo White to express concern over the SEC’s implementation of the JOBS Act, which was signed into law in April of 2012. In their letter, the senators write: “The additional measures that the SEC has proposed go beyond Congress’s clear mandate in Section 201, and would impose unnecessary and burdensome requirements that will have adverse effects on small businesses and investors, and undo the progress made under Section 201.” The full letter is included below. -- October 22, 2013 The Honorable Mary Jo White Chairman U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, Northeast Washington, D.C. 20549 Dear Chairman White: As strong supporters of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, we were pleased to see the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) act earlier this year to begin implementation of this important law. With unemployment remaining at chronically high levels, implementation of the JOBS Act, an important step in pushing our economy forward and putting Americans back to work, is long overdue. The SEC’s adoption of a final rule, in the manner mandated by Congress, to lift the ban on general solicitation for private securities offerings will work to facilitate capital formation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. As you know, this long-overdue change will remove an existing barrier to economic growth by encouraging investment in the private market from qualified investors. Unfortunately, we are very concerned that the SEC’s additional proposals under consideration, as they relate to changes to Regulation D, Form D, and Rule 156 under the Securities Act, would substantially undermine the intent of Congress. The SEC’s final rule follows Congress’s clear directive to the SEC regarding how to amend Rule 506.…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=382b95ae-acd1-466a-9dc1-162eb9152566	Rose Garden Speech Should Address More Than Just Technical Glitches	2013-10-21	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement in advance of the president’s speech later this morning on ObamaCare’s technical problems: “In addition to addressing ObamaCare’s embarrassing technical ‘glitches,’ the president has a responsibility to be honest with the American people about the substantive, real-life consequences of his signature law. We now know that hundreds of thousands of Americans are receiving insurance cancellation notices, despite the president’s promise that you can keep the health care plan you have and like. If and when the technical glitches get fixed, Americans will unfortunately still face the bleak reality of this train wreck—problems no IT specialist can fix.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=d29279f6-5203-4815-8dc7-80f0241e04b3	Argus Leader: Help for ranchers in blizzard limited, USDA chief says	2013-10-18	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	By Christopher Doering U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Thursday the administration can provide only limited help to livestock owners devastated by the early October snowstorm in western South Dakota, instead placing the onus on Congress to pass a new farm bill before ranchers will see any meaningful assistance. To help producers, Vilsack said the USDA is reopening offices operated by its Farm Service Agency that were shuttered after Republicans and Democrats were unable to come to an agreement to fund the government, leading to a two-week shutdown that ended late Wednesday night. Michael Scuse, undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, will be in South Dakota on Monday to visit FSA offices and meet with producers to let them know they can submit documents showing their losses from the storm. But ranchers will not receive any compensation until a new farm bill is in place. The USDA was given the authority to operate livestock disaster assistance programs in the 2008 farm bill, but the authority expired Sept. 30, 2011. "In terms of being able to provide significant financial assistance, we really have to have Congress get its job done by getting a farm bill passed and making sure that in that farm bill is a livestock disaster assistance program” to help ranchersaffectedby the weather the past two years, Vilsack said in an interview. “To the producers who have suffered through this difficult time, our hearts go out to them. I wish we had the programs in place." Vilsack said for now there is little the White House can do to help ranchers without a farm law. The department plans to work closely with state health officials to make sure dead animals are disposed of properly. Officials also plan to provide information about low-interest disaster assistance loans that might be available to livestock owners. The early October blizzard pounded the western part of South Dakota, including the Black Hills, with as much as 4 feet of snow. The storm knocked out power for many residents and le…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b9a35d30-714a-4a5d-aee6-93e23690ba9b	Noem Weekly Column: A Better Way to Restore Our Fiscal Future	2013-10-18	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	On October 16, Congress approved – and President Obama signed into law – legislation to end the partial government shutdown and increase our nation’s borrowing limit, known as the “debt ceiling.” I voted against this bill and would like to take this opportunity to explain why. Make no mistake, getting the government funded again and stopping any talk of potential default on our debt was a good thing. I didn’t favor shutting down the government and am glad it is reopened. For me, this vote was not simply about whether to reopen the government; rather, it was about what kind of government we should have. Do we want a government that lives within its means? Or do we want a government that spends much more than it takes in, leaving a crushing amount of debt for future generations? I voted “no” because I believe our spending problems are unsustainable and because the bill that was ultimately signed into law missed a real opportunity to fix the problems that have led us to a $17 trillion national debt. One of the most pressing challenges facing our nation is our growing debt. Concern over our fiscal future is one of the reasons I oppose President Obama’s trillion-dollar health care law, commonly referred to as Obamacare. In fact, concerns about Obamacare – including the unfair way it has been implemented – helped lead to the standoff that partially shut down the government on October 1. To be clear, the government shutdown was not the outcome I hoped for, though I do stand by my desire to see South Dakotans get the same treatment under Obamacare that the president has offered to corporations and large businesses. During the period the government was partially shut down, I remained hopeful that both parties would come together and negotiate on the issue of providing fairness under Obamacare. In the absence of those negotiations, the House began passing numerous bills to reopen basic, noncontroversial parts of the federal government. Those bills were unfortunately never considered in the Senate. On October 10…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/op-eds?ID=ec696e61-a45f-4bbe-8e93-ab7063e19347	Pheasant Hunting: A South Dakota Tradition	2013-10-18	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	Senator John Thune There is nothing like a crisp fall day in South Dakota for enjoying one of our great state traditions, pheasant hunting. Families throughout South Dakota dust off their hunting gear, organize weekend hunts, and invite out-of-town family and friends into their homes for a taste of this long-standing sporting tradition. While pheasant hunting may be the reason for these annual fall gatherings, for many of us the time spent with family, friends, and neighbors is the true highlight of the fall hunts. South Dakota has become famous for its hospitality and quality pheasant hunting. Dubbed the “Pheasant Capitol of the World,” we have grown accustomed during these fall and winter months to seeing planes coming and going from our airports filled with passengers loading and unloading their gun cases, coolers, and blaze orange gear. Despite pheasant numbers being down for the 2013 season, the South Dakota Department of Tourism estimates that pheasant hunting will generate approximately $223 million in revenues for the state. Whether it is the licenses, gas, and gear that they buy, or the nights spent in lodges and motels throughout the state, clearly hunting in South Dakota is big business. But for those of us who grew up pheasant hunting in South Dakota, we often do not think about the business it generates. Instead, we think about the treasured memories of quality time we have spent with families and friends, the lessons we learned about responsible hunting practices and gun safety, and the unforgettable feeling of bagging that first pheasant. All of these experiences have made pheasant hunting a sport passed down from generation to generation in our state, and one which I hope can continue for future generations. As we gather at our favorite pheasant hunting locations, take the newest family hunter out for the first day in the fields, and gather at night over a warm meal to tell stories of the “shot of the day,” we continue these treasured South Dakota traditions and instill a…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=b749b823-38aa-42e2-86d8-7715eba57c3f	Noem Statement on Debt Vote	2013-10-17	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem tonight issued the following statement on the debt vote in the House: "This agreement will reopen the government and stop any talk of a default, which are both good things. However, I could not support this bill because it didn’t do anything to address our continued deficit spending, which has resulted in a $17 trillion debt."	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=a0e5df46-d45b-45ac-9ca8-3568286c6edd	Thune Votes to Prevent Default, Open the Government	2013-10-16	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	John Thune	T000250	www.thune.senate.gov	legacy	WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after voting yes on the amended H.R.2775, a bill to end the partial government shutdown and prevent default: “We fought hard to protect as many Americans as possible from ObamaCare, and that fight doesn't end today, but we're now 16 days into a shutdown and risking a possible default, and Congress needs to end this impasse. This isn’t a perfect proposal, it’s far from it, but it will ensure that we don’t blow past the default date that’s been set by the Treasury, and it will force Congress to have a broad debate about Washington's dangerous levels of spending and debt, which are hamstringing the economy and mortgaging our children's futures. This debate should be an opportunity to focus on fiscal policies that will actually grow the economy and strengthen the middle class.”	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=16dce693-305a-4799-b616-74ff25349084	Rapid City Journal: Mayors tell Noem they are concerned for ranchers	2013-10-15	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Northern Hills mayors told Rep. Kristi Noem that one of the most pressing needs they have is removal of debris from creek beds that flow through federal lands near their communities. Noem visited with the mayors of Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Newell and Hermosa during a visit to the Black Hills Sunday. Following a meeting with Meade County ranchers, she asked the mayors about how they survived the storm. "We tore up some equipment and our snow removal budget is toast, but we survived," said Chuck Turbiville. Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen and Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie both stressed to Noem that they were extremely worried about clogged drainage areas when 3 inches of rain fell following the record 3 feet of snow. "The potential for flooding is there. The stream beds are a disaster in the canyons," he said. "And none of us have the resources to clean up the river beds on BLM and Forest Service." Noem said she has attempted to call agencies such as the Forest Service and Department of Agriculture during the government shut down, but says she can't get her calls returned. "It's kind of shocking to me that we can't even get a call back," Noem said during the meeting at the Sturgis City Hall. Sturgis mayor Mark Carstensen said Sturgis City employees were tired after work 12- to 14-hour days for a week straight following the storm. Carstensen told Noem the things they could use most from the National Guard or other federal agency is trucks with grappling hooks to pick up debris and dump trucks to haul debris away. Belle Fourche mayor Gary Hendrickson said his community was looking at $350,000 to $400,000 in additional expenses from the storm. He, too, said the community could use help from the National Guard and asked Noem about expediting FEMA funds. His big concern was for ranchers who have suffered incredibly from the storm. "We're all gonna feel that trickle down effect," he said. Turbiville said in Deadwood they hired snow removal contractors to help haul away nearly five fee…	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3c582c0e-041e-4e31-8f2a-fd7217456fff	Rapid City Journal: Noem meets with Meade County ranchers	2013-10-14	2013	2013-10	Republican	House	SD	Kristi Noem	N000184	noem.house.gov	legacy	Rep. Kristi Noem told ranchers Sunday in Meade County that she would impress upon her fellow members of Congress the urgency to reopen the federal government so that ranchers can begin the process of filing claims for cattle losses. "These ranchers made it through the drought last year that was so devastating only to have a loss like this. It’s going to be extremely challenging, but we will try to get this farm bill done as soon as possible," the Republican congresswoman said. Noem also asked ranchers if the current $100,000 cap on individual catastrophic losses in the farm bill would be enough to cover what they lost in the blizzard on Oct. 4. Rancher Ed Poss lost about 300 head of cattle. His ranch manager Nick Uherka said Poss’s loss alone would exceed that amount. Read the story here.	1	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z	2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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Press releases

288 rows where chamber = "House", state = "SD" and year = 2013 sorted by date descending

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