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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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268 rows where party = "Republican", state = "SD" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending

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year 1

  • 2024 · 268 ✖

state 1

  • SD · 268 ✖

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  • Republican · 268 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2848A50E-E47C-4AE3-9EBF-68122D83A7BC Congressional Leadership Announces President Carter to Lie in State 2024-12-30 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — As the nation mourns the passing of President Jimmy Carter, Senate Majority Leader-elect Thune, Speaker Johnson, Senate Democratic Leader Schumer, and House Democratic Leader Jeffries sent a letter to President Carter’s son James Carter III and the Carter Center announcing their intent for the 39th President to lie in state in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. President Carter’s remains will lie in state from the afternoon of January 7 to the morning of January 9. The Capitol will be open to the public during designated times for those who wish to pay their respects to President Carter. Read the letter below: Dear Mr. Carter, On behalf of the United States Congress and the American people, we write to express our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter. In recognition of President Carter’s long and distinguished service to the nation, it is our intention to ask the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to permit his remains lie in state in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. With your approval, we will move forward with these arrangements so that the American people have the opportunity to pay their respects to President Carter before he is laid to rest. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B3234CC-0FAD-40F1-AE8B-31211DE29401 Thune Statement on Passing of Former President Jimmy Carter 2024-12-29 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper “Today we mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and man of faith, former President Jimmy Carter.” SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter: “Today we mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and man of faith, former President Jimmy Carter,” said Thune. “President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country – as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. Kimberley and I are praying for the Carter family, and we are comforted by the fact that Jimmy and Rosalynn are together again.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/merry-christmas Merry Christmas! 2024-12-24 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! In an ever-changing, fast-paced world, it’s easy to get swept up in current events during the holiday season. But on Christmas Eve, I hope everyone takes time to remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a reminder of the promise made by our loving God. And while we should keep these in mind year-round, it’s a particularly good time of year to keep in mind the teachings of Jesus: love one another, be grateful for all of the good things in our lives and give back to others. This Christmas, I’m feeling thankful for several things: first and foremost, my family. As most of you know, I’m the proud father to four grown children and grandpa to 11 grandchildren. This year, I’m looking forward to showing our Christmas traditions to my newest grandson Maddox, who was born to my son John and his wife Ashlee in July. One of these traditions is hosting over 100 family members for homemade chicken noodle soup on Christmas Eve (after attending Christmas Eve Mass, of course!). I’m also grateful for our men and women in uniform, particularly those serving overseas and away from their families during the holiday season. They have sacrificed time with their families so that we are able to enjoy a peaceful holiday at home with our families. I encourage you to take a moment and say a prayer for these servicemembers, or simply to say thank you. Finally, I am grateful for the opportunity to work for you in the United States Senate. It is an honor to show up to work every day to represent the interests of South Dakota and our people. Thank you for all you do to make our state the greatest place in the world to call home. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2025-2026-school-year Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2025-2026 School Year 2024-12-23 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Rounds nominated Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen as his principal nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy, Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre as his principal nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Hollie Wise of Spearfish as his principal nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy. “It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. All of South Dakota is behind them every step of the way as they continue their education, serve their country and go into their careers with the U.S. military.” Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen– Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis) Brody is the son of Robert and Stacey Weinmeister of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Brody is currently a senior at Aberdeen Roncalli High School, where he serves as captain of the varsity football team, plays varsity basketball and participates in student council. Brody helped establish the 7th Grade Mentor Program and the 5th Grade Lunch Program at Roncalli. Through the 5th Grade Lunch Program, high school students attend lunch with 5th graders at the elementary school to help younger students build relationships with upperclassmen and feel less nervous about moving up to the high school building when they enter sixth grade. Brody is a National Honor Society member and currently holds a 3.9 GPA. “I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, discipline, and leadership that the United States Naval Academy instills in its midshipmen,” said Weinmeister. “This nomination represents not only an incredible opportunity but also a responsibility to serve with honor and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-committee-memberships-for-119th-congress Rounds Announces Committee Memberships for 119th Congress 2024-12-20 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced his membership on five committees for the 119th Congress: Appropriations Armed Services Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Intelligence Indian Affairs “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on five key committees on behalf of the people of South Dakota and for the national security of our nation,” said Rounds. “These committees will be particularly important as we work to confirm President-elect Trump’s nominees and begin implementing his agenda in January. “This Congress, I am beginning a new role on the Senate Committee on Appropriations. As we saw earlier, the debate over government spending is a mess. It has been almost 30 years since Congress passed all of its required appropriations measures on time. I look forward to working with my colleagues on Appropriations to promote returning to regular order for our budgeting process and return to commonsense fiscal conservatism under a Republican trifecta in the 119th Congress. “Real, collaborative work to defend our country is done in the Senate Armed Services Committee. We have worked to strengthen our military, improve our nation’s cybersecurity capabilities and provide much-needed modernization of the nuclear triad, which has deterred our nation’s adversaries for over 60 years. Ellsworth Air Force Base, the future home of the B-21 Raider, will have an important role in defending the United States and will have a significant economic impact on the Black Hills area for generations to come. “I will once again serve as a member on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. South Dakotans deserve easy access to credit, housing that is affordable and traditional financial services. Our state is home to financial institutions of all sizes and charters that significantly add to our economic base. I look forward to promoting commonsense public policy that encourages economic growth, capital formation and consumer protection while also providing much-needed oversight to heavy-… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=35D445C9-906D-4766-B50E-75E53D511A31 Thune Announces Senate Republican Committee Assignments for the 119th Congress 2024-12-20 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced the Senate Republican Conference committee assignments for the 119th Congress. The assignments have been ratified by the Senate Republican Conference and are expected to be ratified by the full Senate early next Congress. Agriculture John Boozman, Arkansas Mitch McConnell, Kentucky John Hoeven, North Dakota Joni Ernst, Iowa Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi Roger Marshall, Kansas Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Jim Justice, West Virginia Chuck Grassley, Iowa John Thune, South Dakota Deb Fischer, Nebraska Jerry Moran, Kansas Appropriations Susan Collins, Maine Mitch McConnell, Kentucky Lisa Murkowski, Alaska Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Jerry Moran, Kansas John Hoeven, North Dakota John Boozman, Arkansas Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia John Kennedy, Louisiana Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mississippi Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Katie Britt, Alabama Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma Deb Fischer, Nebraska Mike Rounds, South Dakota Armed Services Roger Wicker, Mississippi Deb Fischer, Nebraska Tom Cotton, Arkansas Mike Rounds, South Dakota Joni Ernst, Iowa Dan Sullivan, Alaska Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Rick Scott, Florida Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Markwayne Mullin, Oklahoma Ted Budd, North Carolina Eric Schmitt, Missouri Jim Banks, Indiana Tim Sheehy, Montana Banking Tim Scott, South Carolina Mike Crapo, Idaho Mike Rounds, South Dakota Thom Tillis, North Carolina John Kennedy, Louisiana Bill Hagerty, Tennessee Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Katie Britt, Alabama Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Jim Banks, Indiana Kevin Cramer, North Dakota Bernie Moreno, Ohio Dave McCormick, Pennsylvania Commerce Ted Cruz, Texas John Thune, South Dakota Roger Wicker, Mississippi Deb Fischer, Nebraska Jerry Moran, Kansas Dan Sullivan, Alaska Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Todd Young, Indiana Ted Budd, North Carolina Eric Schmitt, Missouri John Curtis, Utah Bernie Moreno, Ohio Tim Sheehy, Montana Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Cynthia Lummis, Wy… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-legislation-to-improve-homeownership-opportunities-for-native-american-veterans-headed-to-presidents-desk Rounds’ Legislation to Improve Homeownership Opportunities for Native American Veterans Headed to President’s Desk 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (SCIA), today announced that his legislation to help Native American veterans achieve homeownership is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Improvement Act passed the Senate on December 12, 2024, and the House on December 16, 2024. The NADL Improvement Act will reform the NADL program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and make it more accessible to Native American veterans living on trust land. “Homeownership is part of the American dream and a key to building wealth,” said Rounds. “The mortgage lending process is particularly difficult on tribal trust land. My legislation seeks to improve the NADL program by offering enhanced outreach and other assistance as needed to Native American veterans who are looking to qualify for mortgage financing. I am pleased this bill is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law, making the dream of homeownership a reality for more of our veterans.” Specifically, the NADL Improvement Act will: Allow Native American veterans to use the NADL program to refinance other existing mortgages on the same property. Expand the VA’s existing NADL program outreach to include collaborating with local service providers that are familiar with the mortgage lending process on trust land, which would offer homebuyer education and housing counseling to assist Native American veterans who are looking to qualify for mortgage financing. Create a relending program to allow Native Community Development Financial Institutions to obtain loans through the NADL program and relend those funds to qualified Native American veterans. BACKGROUND: In June 2020, Rounds joined SVAC Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in requesting a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the NADL program. The report was published in April 2022. The GAO found that in Fiscal Years 2012 thro… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=452C9C97-5D6D-47CD-AC8E-F02EE7746403 Thune Honors Leader Mitch McConnell 2024-12-19 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to honor Sen. Mitch McConnell for his record-breaking tenure as Republican leader and thank him for his faithful service to the country. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, Republican Leader Mitch McConnell. “Over the course of a political career that began with a hard-fought race for student council president in his junior year of high school – a race, I might add, that he won with what would become his signature blend of hard work, intelligence, and determination – Mitch has built a legacy that will long, long outlast his time here in the United States Senate. “Mr. President, the day he became the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, Leader McConnell delivered a speech discussing past Senate party leaders and their characteristics – from the mastery of relationships demonstrated by Lyndon Johnson to the, quote, ‘tackle football’ of Joseph Taylor Robinson. “And it got me thinking about some of the things that have characterized Mitch’s tenure. “And there are three of them that stand out to me in particular. “First, there’s Mitch’s peerless knowledge of Senate procedure. “I suspect few who have served in this body have developed the kind of knowledge that Mitch possesses of the most arcane details – and they are arcane – of Senate rules. “But Mitch recognized early on that knowledge of Senate procedure could play a big part in success as a senator. And he was right. “And so with his signature determination, he set out to acquire it. “And became an undisputed master. “Second, Mr. President, to that wealth of knowledge he has added a fierce commitment to the Senate as an institution – a commitment I hope to emulate when I take the reins as majority leader next year. “There are a lot of people out there these days who would like to see the Senate turn into a copy of the House of Represent… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-south-dakota-victories-in-fy25-ndaa Rounds Secures South Dakota Victories in FY25 NDAA 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Rounds authored 40 provisions in this year’s NDAA. “This year marks the 64th consecutive National Defense Authorization Act that will be signed into law,” said Rounds. “Each year, my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and I put politics aside to craft this piece of legislation that is critical for our national defense. The provisions are designed to support our men and women in uniform by doing everything we can to make certain they never enter a fair fight and always have the upper hand over our adversaries. “This year’s NDAA includes several critical provisions for our men and women in uniform, including a 4.5% pay raise for troops and an additional 10% raise for E-1 through E-4 enlisted troops. It also authorizes $282 million in projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base to support the bed down of the B-21 bomber, as well as $2.6 billion for procurement of B-21s. There are several provisions in the NDAA that fight back against ‘woke’ Department of Defense policies, helping return our military to a focus on warfighting and lethality instead of diversity, equity and inclusion policies that distract from the DoD’s true mission of defending our nation. “I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” This is the tenth NDAA that Rounds has helped craft as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In last year’s bill, Rounds authored 33 provisions, which were ultimately adopted and signed into law. This included the creation of a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans organization. In 2023, Rounds was named one of the most effective Senators on defense issues. ROUNDS-LED MAJOR NATIONAL DEFENSE VICTORIES: Requires a comprehensive r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0DA03A63-0EA5-4F91-B9AF-889525DDBC14 Thune Supports Annual Defense Bill, Ellsworth Air Force Base Priorities 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today applauded the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Thune highlighted the bill’s full funding of the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, critical Ellsworth military construction funding, much-needed modernization directives, and other Thune-led provisions. Thune also spoke about Senate Republicans’ commitment to prioritizing national security at a recent press conference. “The men and women of Ellsworth Air Force Base carry out a critical mission in service to America’s national defense, and South Dakotans have cause to celebrate with this year’s National Defense Authorization Act,” said Thune. “The B-21 mission will be supported by the authorization of key infrastructure and facilities, and service members everywhere will receive sizable salary increases, particularly junior enlisted members. “However, years of Washington Democrats neglecting national defense will not be remedied by one piece of legislation. We have too many planes that can’t fly, ships that can’t go out to sea, and a Pentagon culture that has clouded sight of its primary mission. The incoming Senate Republican majority will work closely with the Trump-Vance administration to make smart national security investments to keep our homeland safe, and we will do so early next year.” NDAA priorities for South Dakota include: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E4A36108-0DD1-4E8F-9AF3-F2E6C5518FB8 Thune Honors Longtime Chief of Staff Ryan Nelson 2024-12-18 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored his longtime chief of staff, Ryan Nelson, and thanked him for 28 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Senate and the people of South Dakota. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I come to the floor today to pay tribute to my longtime chief of staff, Ryan Nelson, who has decided to step down in the new year. “And it’s difficult to know where to start to pay tribute to a man who has been indispensable to everything I have ever done in Congress. “So perhaps I should start at the beginning, back in 1996 during the Republican primary for South Dakota’s lone House seat. “I was a green candidate running on a shoestring budget. “And one morning a campaign volunteer showed up at my door and announced that he was my driver. “His name was Ryan Nelson. “That day we headed to an event in Arlington, South Dakota. “And unbeknownst to me, my new driver proceeded to lock his keys in the car. “Now, this might have caused some campaign volunteers to panic. “But not Ryan. “He made his way over to a filling station, found someone who could get into the car, and retrieved the keys – all without my knowing that anything had ever happened. “Well, that resourcefulness turned out to be a pretty good indicator of what was to come. “Not the locking the keys in the car part, but the seeing a problem and solving it before I had even had a chance to become aware of it. “Well, Ryan kept driving me around the state, and we ended up winning the primary. “And Ryan came to a crossroads – both metaphorical and literal. “You see, Ryan was originally just filling time on the campaign. “He was scheduled to leave for the Kansas City police academy the day after the primary. “And he was driving out of his hometown of Gettysburg, South Dakota, when he came to that literal crossroads. “He’d have to go one way for the police academy, and the other way to stay with the campaign. “He chose to stay with the campaign. “And among the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-legislation-stop-fentanyl-trafficking-china Johnson Introduces Legislation to Stop Fentanyl Trafficking from China 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and the Select Committee on China’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group introduced legislation to combat the deadly fentanyl crisis and hold China accountable for its role in fueling the epidemic. The Working Group has drafted these bills in response to their research on the devastating impact of fentanyl on American communities. “China has been flooding our nation with fentanyl for years, profiting on the destruction and poisoning of American lives,” said Johnson. “Getting tough on China includes cracking down on their money-making fentanyl scheme, which is devastating American families. These bills will curb the flow of fentanyl and make our streets safer.” In 2022, fentanyl was responsible for nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths for adults ages 18-45 – a staggering and preventable loss of life. Johnson was appointed to the Fentanyl Policy Working Group in June 2024. Legislation: Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 This bill establishes a Joint Task Force to counter synthetic narcotics, primarily focusing on opioids like fentanyl. The task force will bring together representatives from relevant federal agencies to conduct joint operations, disrupt trafficking networks, and enforce sanctions. It will focus on international and domestic coordination, including addressing the role of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the opioid crisis. The task force aims to streamline interagency collaboration, enhance legal enforcement, and report regularly to Congress. Read text here. The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act This bill targets what the bipartisan fentanyl report described as the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity. The legislation establishes new sanctions authorities against actors involved in fentanyl trafficking and expands existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or r… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-the-gathering-well-of-sioux-falls-for-angels-in-adoption-award Rounds Nominates The Gathering Well of Sioux Falls for Angels in Adoption Award 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated The Gathering Well for the 2024 Angels in Adoption award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI). “It is an honor to nominate The Gathering Well for this year’s Angels in Adoption award,” said Rounds. “This nonprofit organization has helped connect foster and adopted children with families in the Sioux Falls area. The Gathering Well not only cares for families’ immediate needs but also provides children and parents with tools to navigate the changes that come with fostering and adoptions. They are doing the important pro-life work that has a proven ability to change lives.” “When a family is able to learn, practice and implement trauma-informed care, they are beginning generational change. These courageous families are cycle-breakers. If we desire for our state to care well for the children God has given us, it is our duty to empower families to be as healthy and resourced as possible,” said Cara DeHaan, Executive Director of The Gathering Well. “A foster or adoption placement isn't the end of the journey. It is the beginning." The Gathering Well is an adoption and foster care support community that supports, educates and inspires adoptive and foster families with relevant connection opportunities and resources. As a nonprofit, they offer community and tools to adoptive and fostering families. They host free monthly gatherings with adoptive and foster families in the area where they offer meals and training. The Gathering Well also offers more in-depth trainings on caregiver health, trauma-informed parenting and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®). You can learn more by going to their website at https://gathering-well.org/ or by watching a joint video with Rounds and The Gathering Well. They also partner with the University of South Dakota (USD) to provide hands-on training for Occupational Therapy (OT) graduate students at their monthly gatherings. “The Gathering Well is such a great organization to wo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1DEE36CD-A0FA-4B78-9321-60D0F143269D Thune: Get Ready to Work 2024-12-17 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about next year’s Senate agenda and reiterated his commitment to quickly confirming President Trump’s nominees and providing him with the necessary resources to secure the border. Thune noted that the Senate Republican majority is committed to extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, advancing appropriations bills through regular order, and passing a comprehensive farm bill. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, my office recently released the 2025 Senate calendar. “As everyone now knows, our schedule next year will be aggressive. “Friday votes will be the norm, and we’re not going to be having much in the way of recess in the first 100 days. “That’s because we have a lot of work to do. “And we’re not going to get it done on the kind of abbreviated schedule that we’ve had in 2024. “One of our first priorities, of course, will be confirming President Trump’s nominees. “The American people handed President Trump and Vice President-elect Vance a decisive mandate in November. “And we are going to honor that mandate by making sure that President Trump has the people he needs in place as soon as possible – starting with the heads of the Cabinet departments. “Democrats can certainly make the schedule a little less painful if they accord the president some of the deference Republicans accorded to Cabinet nominees under President Obama. “But one way or another, we are going to get the job done. “And if that means some nights and weekends, so be it. “Our other early priority – and another reason why the schedule will be particularly aggressive in the first 100 days – is passing a reconciliation package with a once-in-a-generation investment in border security and immigration enforcement. “The border and enforcement crisis under President Biden has left a gaping hole in our national security and undermined respect for the rule of law. “And that ends in January. “Enforcing the law and protect… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-end-woke-policies-strengthen-military-get-tough-china Johnson Votes to End Woke Policies, Strengthen Military, Get Tough on China 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed the annual defense package, which included two provisions led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). The bill provides a substantial pay raise to troops, ends politically woke policies, strengthens America’s military, and gets tough on China. Johnson voted to pass the bill. “Politically ‘woke’ culture has infiltrated our military, but this bill puts an end to some of those policies like paying for gender transition treatments for youth,” said Johnson. “I’m glad my provisions to hold China accountable, support our B-21 bombers, and strengthen the Second Amendment were included. Passing the annual defense package is critical to strengthening our military and giving the Department of Defense the resources they need to project a strong military abroad—and stay focused on lethality. Our servicemembers deserve the investment this bill provides.” The defense package restores the focus of our military on lethality by banning the Department of Defense from providing gender transition treatments for minors and promoting Critical Race Theory in the military and in classrooms. The bill also prohibits the DoD from instituting a Military Green New Deal, which would force servicemembers and employees to use electric vehicles for official travel and would give preference to weapons with lower climate impacts. The bill includes Johnson’s provision to hold China accountable for their unfair shipping practices. The Shanghai Shipping Exchange has been using anti-competitive market practices to benefit China’s economy, instead of employing fairness in the global shipping market. It also includes a provision championed by Johnson to modernize Proof of Delivery (POD) notifications for certain firearm transfers. Over the past year, the U.S. Postal Service has caused delays confirming the necessary POD for these transfers. Johnson worked on a provision to allow electronic notifications as an alternative, and quicker, confirmation process for law enforcement officers who chose that me… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-urges-ag-secretary-to-avoid-reopening-us-mexico-cattle-trade-due-to-detected-disease Rounds Urges Ag Secretary to Avoid Reopening U.S.-Mexico Cattle Trade Due to Detected Disease 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to thoroughly investigate the threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) prior to reopening the U.S.-Mexico feeder cattle trade. On November 24, 2024, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) decided to halt imports of livestock from Mexico after a detection of NWS in Chiapas, Mexico. This temporary action was taken to prevent further spread to U.S. markets. While NWS was believed to be eradicated from the United States in 1966, a single detection of the parasite within our borders could have significant consequences for U.S. cattle markets. “To address current threats, I urge the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to proceed with real caution and to refrain from prematurely reopening the U.S.-Mexico feeder cattle trade,” Rounds wrote. “Prior to reopening this trade, USDA must thoroughly assess and address the concerns of the entire cattle industry. Additionally, animal health officials must effectively investigate the source of this spread.” Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear Secretary Vilsack, American ranchers produce the highest quality beef in the world. The high demand for American beef has allowed producers to consistently supply a safe product to consumers across the globe. Yet as you know, foreign disease threats to the beef supply are always prevalent. In the past month, a threat has emerged in the form of the New World Screwworm (NWS). As you know, NWS has been a persistent issue in the western hemisphere for decades. While the United States worked to eradicate NWS in 1966, the parasite has remained present in certain parts of Central and South America. In partnership with Mexico, U.S. officials have been able to largely contain the parasite. Despite these efforts, NWS detections have occurred periodically. The parasite presents not only a serious threat to animal safety, but it also has the potenti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A5457CB4-F931-4ADA-9335-C89B44D11D6E Thune: Long-Awaited NDAA Will Strengthen Ellsworth Air Force Base 2024-12-12 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that would bolster American national security by making much-needed investments in the military. Thune noted that this year’s NDAA includes critical resources for South Dakota’s Ellsworth Air Force Base and fully funds the B-21 mission at Ellsworth. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Madam President, yesterday the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025. “I’m glad that the Senate will finally take up the bill next week, and it should be on its way to the president’s desk soon. “But there’s no excuse for the delay. “The Senate Armed Services Committee passed its version of the bill six months ago. Six months ago. “But Leader Schumer never bothered to bring the Senate bill to the floor. “And I can tell you right now that this will not be the case next year with the new Republican majority. “Next year, the NDAA will not be placed on the backburner. “It will be a priority. “Madam President, the NDAA – National Defense Authorization Act – is one of the most important bills that we consider each year. “And that’s even more true in a time of increasing instability on the world stage. “American service members have come under attack from Iran-backed groups in the Middle East. “China is taking increasingly brazen actions in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. “Russia continues to wage unprovoked war on Ukraine. “Israel is defending itself against terrorists. “And there’s a disturbing trend of collaboration among our adversaries to sow chaos in every corner of the world. “Madam President, the United States military stands guard against these threats and countless others. “And it’s critical that it has the resources and capabilities it needs to deter threats against America, and – if necessary – to respond. “But our readiness is not where it needs to be. “Adversaries like China are outpacing us in defense … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-create-formal-mediation-process-for-us-forest-service-boundary-disputes Rounds Introduces Legislation to Create Formal Mediation Process for U.S. Forest Service Boundary Disputes 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced the Fence Line Fairness Act, legislation that would create a formal mediation process for land boundary disputes between landowners and the United States Forest Service (USFS). About 2.6 million acres in South Dakota are federally owned, 76 percent of which are managed by USFS. Congress has authorized land agencies to offer leases to local producers to use the land in a way that supports economic activity while also preserving natural resources, such as grazing or mining. Many producers who obtain these leases also have private land that borders USFS land, which is typically where boundary disputes arise. The Fence Line Fairness Act would create a committee made up of appointed producers, tasked with mediating disputes and providing recommendations to both the agency and involved producers. The committee would be made up of producers from the state, two of which are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and three of which are appointed by the state’s Department of Agriculture or Natural Resources. “Landowners deserve a proper notice and review process involving land disputes with the federal government,” said Rounds. “My legislation would create a committee made up of local farmers and ranchers appointed by both the federal and state Departments of Agriculture. This gives local landowners a fighting chance at settling a dispute before it escalates.” This legislation is supported by South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, R-CALF USA, Public Lands Council and United States Cattlemen’s Association. “Introducing mediation that includes local producers and entities who know the land and know the parties and their operation will resolve issues that come forward regarding minor fence line disputes with the U.S. Forest Service,” said Carl Sanders, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s Federal Lands Policy Committee Chair. “As a producer who works closely with the Fores… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=82A56DDB-01FC-4AAB-8D25-2E718626171E Thune Discusses President Trump’s Nominees on Fox News 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Harris Faulkner on Fox News to discuss President Trump’s well-qualified nominees. On Pete Hegseth: “A lot of these nominees, including Pete Hegseth, have been making the rounds on the Capitol, starting with the committees of jurisdiction that will have responsibility for the confirmation process and ensure that their nominations make it eventually to the floor. And I think the nominees are doing a really nice job. “Pete Hegseth in his conversations, I think, with members has been very compelling in terms of what he believes is necessary to put the real, you know, focus on the warfighter when it comes to the Defense Department’s priorities. As you heard Susan Collins talk about, procurement reform, that’s something that’s important to a lot of our members. “And you know, he’s got the background. He’s a combat veteran, he’s obviously somebody who understands what it takes to fight battles on the ground, and I think that’s a perspective that is very impressive to a lot of the members that he’s had the opportunity to meet with so far and to be questioned by.” On President Trump’s nominees broadly: “I think the important thing here is President Trump needs his team in place to be able to implement his agenda. These are the people that he selected. “I give wide latitude and wide deference to the president when he makes these selections. We have a job to do, advice and consent, and we will do it and make sure that there’s a process that’s fair to all these nominees.” On the director of the FBI: “The president has nominated someone for that position who is already making the rounds and having his meetings on Capitol Hill with the senators who are going to be really relevant to his nomination process, and I think doing a nice job, again, of explaining his vision for the future of the FBI. “These are a lot of agencies, as you know, Harris, that are desperately in need of reform, of modernization, of some house cleaning. An… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BBCD9EB2-564B-4110-97DA-2BB053E7BDB3 Thune: With Republican Majorities, Pro-Growth Policies Are Finally In Sight 2024-12-11 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s disastrous economic policies that led to a historic inflation crisis. Thune noted that Senate Republicans are ready to work with President Trump to advance pro-growth policies that drive economic opportunity and strength. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, yesterday President Biden delivered a speech on the economy – a last attempt to rescue his dismal economic record. “Incredibly, during the course of the speech he repeated a phrase that he’s often used – about growing the economy from the bottom up and the middle out. “I’m not sure how that phrase continues to get past White House fact checkers. “Because if there’s one thing that President Biden has failed to do, it’s build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out. “Thanks to President Biden’s signature economic legacy – an inflation crisis of historic proportions – today a typical family has to pay an additional $13,375 per year to maintain the same standard of living it enjoyed when the president took office. “$13,375 per year. “More than $1,000 per month. “And who do you think that affects the most? “Not billionaire Democrat donors or Hollywood stars. “No, it affects the bottom and the middle the most: the people who don’t have a spare $13,000 lying around and who’ve had to cut back on extras – or in many cases on essentials – to survive in the Biden economy. “CBS News exit polling in November found that two-thirds of voters described the economy as bad, and 45 percent said their financial situation is worse than it was four years ago. “And, Mr. President, it’s no wonder. “President Biden likes to talk about giving families breathing room. “But his economy took away breathing room for a whole lot of Americans. “Working Americans paying 22 percent more for groceries and 31 percent more for gas and 28 percent more for electricity and 23 percent more in rent than they were when President Bi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=248D2628-D68F-4986-B885-1994933B995A Thune: Senate Republicans Plan Aggressive Schedule to Confirm Trump Nominees, Enact Agenda 2024-12-10 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference about the aggressive schedule Senate Republicans have planned for 2025 in order to confirm President Trump’s nominees and move his agenda through Congress. Thune noted that next year’s schedule stands in contrast to how Democrats have managed the Senate this year, where important work has piled up untouched for months. Thune’s remarks: “As most of you know, last week we held an issues conference with Republican senators where we talked about the path forward, we talked about confirming President Trump's nominees so that they can hit the ground running and begin to implement his agenda, and we talked about our legislative agenda for next year as well. “And the one thing I can tell you coming out of that conference is Republicans are united around making sure that President Trump's nominees are put in place and ready to roll up their sleeves and go to work, and that we also are prepared to take care of the people's business in this country and move forward with an agenda that will help get the country back on track when it comes to the economy, when it comes to energy, when it comes to national security, when it comes to the border. “You will expect us to be moving forcefully and aggressively forward with an agenda that addresses those important concerns, concerns on which the American people voted in this last election. And I will tell you, we've got a schedule, which I think you've seen. “It's a pretty aggressive schedule in terms of the number of days we're going to be here, but it stands in stark contrast to the way that Senator Schumer and the Democrats have run the Senate for the last couple of years. “If you look at where we are today, there is so much unfinished business. “We have the National Defense Authorization bill we haven't considered yet; it's been available since June. The Senate Armed Services Committee reported it out in June, ready for floor considera… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D3E9D82A-E462-4478-99F4-9EEBCFA6EC3C Thune: Republicans Will End Biden’s Dangerous Open-Border Policies 2024-12-10 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the national security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border created by the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless policies. Thune noted that congressional Republicans are prepared to equip President Trump with the necessary resources to secure the border and bring the crisis to an end. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, 10 million. “Between official U.S. Customs and Border Protection encounters and known gotaways, there have been roughly 10 million migrant encounters at our southern border during the Biden-Harris administration. “Now, to put that number in perspective, that’s roughly 10 times the population of my home state of South Dakota. “10 million is more – is larger, I should say – than the population of Colorado. “It’s larger than the population of Tennessee. “It’s larger than the population of Maryland. “Of Massachusetts. “Of Indiana. “And I could keep going. “10 million is larger than the population of the vast majority of U.S. states. “Mr. President, needless to say a crisis of this size has had consequences. “Shelters have been overwhelmed. “Border cities have been overwhelmed. “Blue cities far from the border have been overwhelmed. “Border Patrol agents are exhausted, as their chief noted in an interview last week. “And I haven’t even mentioned the national security implications. “There is no question that the chaos at our southern border represents a serious security risk for our country. “And you don’t have to take my word for it. “The Department of Homeland Security’s 2025 threat assessment notes, and I quote, ‘Over the next year, we expect some individuals with terrorism ties and some criminal actors will continue their efforts to exploit migration flows and the complex border security environment to enter the United States.’ “That, Mr. President, is from the Biden Department of Homeland Security’s 2025 threat assessment. “The June arres… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-educate-students-dangers-communism Johnson Votes to Educate Students on the Dangers of Communism 2024-12-06 2024 2024-12 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Crucial Communism Teaching Act to educate high school students on the dangers of communism. “An increasing number of American youth are favoring communism and dictatorship,” said Johnson. “Communism, dictatorship, and totalitarianism are completely contrarian to America’s founding principles, values, and freedoms. These oppressive types of government are how our adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea operate. We must educate our students on the dangerous and deadly impacts of these societies to ensure our kids and grandkids can live in a free and prosperous America.” “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. The only way they can inherit the freedom we have known is if we fight for it, protect it, defend it and then hand it to them with the well thought lessons of how they in their lifetime must do the same. And if you and I don't do this, then you and I may well spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free.” – Ronald Reagan (1961). Legislation: The Crucial Communism Teaching Act would make educational materials available through the independent Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to help educate high school students about the dangers of communism and totalitarianism and how those systems are contrary to the founding principles of freedom and democracy in the United States. Background: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9B7F5715-1A2B-4950-AFEA-5A7DFB1D38D3 Thune Announces Key Senate Institutional Positions 2024-12-05 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced that Jennifer Hemingway will serve as Senate Sergeant at Arms and Jackie Barber will serve as Secretary of the Senate in the 119th Congress. “Jennifer and Jackie are two immensely qualified professionals who will be crucial to the Senate functioning day in and day out,” said Thune. “These are often thankless jobs, so allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of the American people for their willingness to serve the Senate and the nation.” As the chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms is charged with maintaining security in the Capitol and all Senate buildings, as well as protection of the members themselves. More information on the Senate Sergeant at Arms office is available here. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EA9E781F-BE9B-4B15-9DDE-A6E03F29B1B0 Thune Honors Retiring Senators Braun and Romney 2024-12-05 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Mitt Romney (R-Utah) on the Senate floor for their years of service in the Senate. Thune congratulated both of them on their success in delivering for their states and extended his best wishes in their next endeavors. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, one of the drawbacks of the end of a Congress is the need to say goodbye to departing colleagues. “We’re losing two Republicans this year – Senators Mitt Romney and Mike Braun. “Mitt gave his farewell remarks yesterday, and they were characteristic of the man I’ve come to know. “Humble. Faith-filled. Patriotic. “Mitt’s what would I call a character guy. “He’s guided by a moral compass, and he’s not afraid to live by it. “And in a world where being religious isn’t always highly regarded, he’s unapologetic about his faith. “Mitt is also a big family guy. “Like me, he married up, and he and his wife Ann have shared the good times and the tough times for well, now, over 50 years of marriage. “Hard to believe to look at him! “But they say children keep you young, and Mitt has five sons and an incredible 25 grandchildren. “A beautiful legacy all on its own. “Mr. President, Mitt’s professional legacy needs no recounting. “He is well-known as a successful businessman. “A successful Republican governor of a deep blue state. “And most recently, as a successful senator. “He may be leaving us after just one term, but that term was filled with an outsized amount of work. “And he has more than earned his retirement. “Mr. President, in addition to Mitt, Mike Braun is leaving us at the end of this Congress – in his case to go and serve as the governor of Indiana. “Mike is another guy who has had an outsized impact here in the Senate in a short amount of time. “In fact, he was named the most effective first-term Republican senator in the 117th Congress. “And no surprise. “It was clear from the beginning that Mike came… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-lead-influential-conservative-caucus Johnson to Lead Influential Conservative Caucus 2024-12-04 2024 2024-12 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was re-elected as Chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus (“Main Street”). In recent years, Main Street has been at the forefront of delivering key conservative wins, including cutting $2 trillion in spending over four years, reforming welfare, and unlocking American energy. “Now is a special time in American history,” said Johnson. “We must secure the border, cut spending, and roll back unnecessary regulations. The Republican Main Street Caucus will work with President Trump and the Senate to deliver on this strong, conservative agenda. I’m proud to lead this group during this exciting time.” Main Street is comprised of more than 80 conservative House members from across the country dedicated to delivering commonsense, conservative solutions. Johnson has led the group since 2022. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:13:55Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=102EC92E-0BC9-4326-89B8-B6A1D2B39C49 Thune Discusses Agenda for 119th Congress on Fox News 2024-12-04 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News to discuss the importance of quickly confirming President Trump’s nominees and moving his policy priorities through Congress. On confirming President Trump’s nominees: “I don’t prejudge any of these candidates. Obviously, there are questions they all have to answer. Each of them has backgrounds. They have experience. That’s all part of this process, is examining that, determining their qualifications for office, and as that process gets underway, these nominees have an opportunity to make their case in front of senators who are ultimately going to cast that vote. “So I don’t think at this point – I think it’s premature, honestly, to make any conclusions about whether or not any of these candidates have any issues or problems that could be consequential. I think the important thing is we give them a fair process, they get the opportunity to make their case about why they are fit and qualified to do these important jobs. “And obviously the president should have a lot of deference and leeway when it comes to making these appointments, because these are the people that he wants to implement his agenda. So we’re going to ensure here that they get a fair process, and I think that should apply and be true for all of the nominees that he’s put up.” On a two-track reconciliation process to implement President Trump’s agenda: “Those are conversations that we’ve been having with our colleagues here in the Senate, obviously, also with the House and with the president and his team, because in order for us to be successful here, we have to be unified coming out of the gate. “That is something that we have put before our conference, united, you know, Republican senators, as a possibility for how we deal with getting the president’s agenda done. “The key is getting the things that he campaigned on – the border, energy dominance, national security, rebuilding our military, extending the Trump tax cuts… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E0E0084C-3AC8-44FA-B6C3-8BB6942AF754 Thune: President Trump and Senate Republicans Will Restore American Strength 2024-12-04 2024 2024-12 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s disastrous foreign policy record and the incoming Trump administration’s determination to reverse course. Thune warned our adversaries and reassured our allies that four years of weakness on the world stage is coming to an end. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, the past four years have been marked by increasing instability on the world stage. “Over the course of the Biden administration, we’ve seen an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “China flexing its power in the Indo-Pacific – and beyond – and increasingly threatening the Philippines and Taiwan. “Iran continuing to foment terror in the Middle East. “The worst terror attack in Israel’s history. “And the list goes on. “And while the Biden administration cannot be held solely responsible for all of these events, the lack of clear American leadership under President Biden has undoubtedly contributed to the unrest that we’ve seen internationally. “The president often seems incapable of staking out a firm policy position. “Again and again, he seems to want to have things both ways, whether he’s ordering attacks on Iran-backed terrorists while simultaneously declaring his unwillingness to escalate or drawing red lines for Israel while proclaiming U.S. support. “Or take the war in Ukraine, where President Biden has advocated for the U.S. providing defense assistance while simultaneously slow-walking approval for critical combat resources – which has unquestionably contributed to the present situation. “I don’t know whether the president is trying to keep all his interest groups happy or is simply afraid to fully commit, but his indecisiveness telegraphs weakness to our enemies and allies alike. “Just as his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan did. “Or his policy toward Iran. “The Biden administration began relations with Iran on a note of appeasement, with an attempt to reinstate the Obama adm… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:07:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-congratulates-governor-noem-selection-serve-homeland-security Johnson Congratulates Governor Noem on Selection to Serve as Homeland Security Secretary 2024-11-12 2024 2024-11 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement: “My friend Kristi Noem is a fantastic choice for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. She knows how important it is to protect our country and has demonstrated strong work ethic as South Dakota’s governor. I’m confident Kristi will secure the southern border and keep America safe.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-congratulates-president-trump Johnson Congratulates President Trump 2024-11-06 2024 2024-11 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement: “Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his return to the White House. I’m excited for an opportunity to secure the border, grow our economy, and improve the lives of South Dakotans. It’s time to leave behind the burdensome policies of the Biden Administration. I look forward to partnering with Trump and Congress to get America back on track. Let’s get to work.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T22:07:06Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=82661F45-82EC-466C-8BC3-DD8E6E12017C Thune Statement on Republicans Reclaiming Senate Majority 2024-11-06 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement: “The Biden-Harris administration has forced the American people to endure four years of high prices, open borders, and chaos on the world stage. Tonight, with Republicans reclaiming majority control of the U.S. Senate, we can begin to turn the page on this expensive and reckless chapter of American history. As we wait for additional results, I am optimistic that President Trump will be successful, our majority will grow stronger, and we can continue our work together to create a safer and more secure country for every American.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=82D41853-A22B-46F9-A645-05F2EA228B46 Thune Congratulates President Trump and Senator Vance 2024-11-06 2024 2024-11 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement: “Congratulations to President Trump and Senator Vance on their hard-fought victory. The American people have chosen to turn the page on the Biden-Harris administration’s failed policies of high prices and open borders and instead chart a new course for our country. The incoming Senate Republican majority will work hand-in-hand with the Trump-Vance administration to lower costs for families, secure our southern border, and renew America’s energy dominance. The work begins now.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T19:02:12Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-king-seek-maximum-h-2b-work-visas-to-support-small-businesses-in-2025 Rounds, King Seek Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2025 2024-10-30 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine), alongside a bipartisan group of their colleagues, have written to the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. H-2B visas fill needs for American small businesses when there are not enough able and willing American workers to fill the temporary, seasonal positions. As required by law, employers must first make a concerted effort to hire American workers to fill open positions. When the local workforce is insufficient, H-2Bs are seen as a necessary tool to support local economies. Employers often spend more money to hire temporary H-2B workers, who are paid a prevailing wage as required by the U.S. Department of Labor. “We write on behalf of seasonal businesses in our states—including employers of housekeepers in tourist destinations, landscapers with defined seasons, seafood processors with short harvesting windows, and fairs and carnivals—who are struggling to hire a sufficient number of temporary, seasonal laborers to support their operations,” wrote the Senators. “In light of these labor shortages, we strongly urge the Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to utilize the authority provided by Congress in the FY2025 Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act to release the maximum allowable number of additional H-2B visas for Fiscal Year 2025, as you did for Fiscal Year 2024.” The letter was also signed by Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Teas.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), George Helmy (D-N.J.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-seeking-spring-2025-internship-applications Rounds Seeking Spring 2025 Internship Applications 2024-10-23 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2025 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit. “Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring internship.” Intern duties include researching bills, tracking legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, handling constituent correspondence and providing support in all areas of the office to Rounds and his staff. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible. Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is November 15, 2024. For more information, please call Rebecca Herman at (605) 336-0486. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/thank-your-local-paper Thank Your Local Paper 2024-10-18 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper I still look forward to getting my local news through a trusted news source, including my local newspaper, whether it’s a real piece of paper or electronically delivered. Running a newspaper today looks a lot different than it did when I was a kid. Digital photos have replaced the dark room and electronic media now plays a major role in how many of us receive our news. And as artificial intelligence capabilities continue to advance, newspapers are looking at the impact that could have on them, as well. What hasn’t changed, however, is the importance of the reporter, the editor and the entire newspaper team. We still rely on reporters to be objective. We rely on editors to have integrity in determining which stories go on the front page, and which stories go on the editorial page. And we rely on the entire newspaper team to make sure we get our news in a timely fashion. While newspapers in South Dakota strive to meet these criteria, the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t always help with the cause. Since 2021, while delivery rates for periodicals have increased cumulatively by 40%, nationwide on-time delivery has either declined or remained stagnant. Since the Postal Service’s on-time delivery performances have not improved, it leaves local journalists to pick up the slack by handling their own delivery in order to make certain their readers receive their papers on time. That’s why I have introduced a bipartisan bill, called the Deliver for Democracy Act, which would address these persistent postal delays and surging rate increases that are negatively impacting local news outlets across the country. This legislation would require the USPS to improve its delivery of newspapers before it is allowed to raise its rate. Local journalists work hard every day to deliver news on a timely basis. The U.S. Postal Service should have to do the same. Earlier this year, I was honored to receive the "Support Journalism Champion Award" from the NewsMedia Alliance, which represents more than 2,200 news outlets, including newspaper… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hagerty-colleagues-call-out-doj-for-refusing-to-provide-answers-on-prosecutions-of-illegal-aliens-registering-to-vote Rounds, Hagerty, Colleagues Call Out DOJ for Refusing to Provide Answers on Prosecutions of Illegal Aliens Registering to Vote 2024-10-11 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined his colleague Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) in calling out U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections or prosecute those who evidently have done so. “We are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections,” the members wrote. “As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting. Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department’s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.” “Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans’ trust and confidence in election results,” the members continued. Rounds and Hagerty were joined on this letter by Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), along with 40 members of the House of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-spring-2025-internship-applications Johnson’s Office Now Accepting Spring 2025 Internship Applications 2024-10-10 2024 2024-10 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is seeking internship applications for the spring in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices. Duties include researching legislation, writing memos, attending committee hearings and briefings, answering constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Member of Congress. Interns will be given the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and communications skills while working closely alongside staff. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of how the legislative branch of government operates while helping to serve South Dakota constituents. “A Congressional office is a fast-paced, dynamic environment filled with rewarding work,” said Johnson. “Motivated interns get a hands-on experience with projects that give them a behind-the-scenes look at Congress, both in D.C. and in South Dakota.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:57:20Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=56E0D302-0A79-43D3-A60E-A41C20184A6D Thune Statement on Passing of Former Senator Tim Johnson 2024-10-09 2024 2024-10 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the passing of former Sen. Tim Johnson. “Kimberley and I join all South Dakotans in mourning the loss of former Senator Tim Johnson,” said Thune. “Known for his tenacity and work ethic, Tim was a steadfast leader who dedicated his life to serving the people of South Dakota with integrity and compassion. He fought tirelessly for rural America and leaves a legacy that will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are praying for Barbara and their entire family and know that Tim’s remarkable life will continue to inspire future generations.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:55:29Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-smith-craig-introduce-bill-codify-year-round-e15 Johnson, Smith, Craig Introduce Bill to Codify Year-Round E15 2024-09-27 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Biofuels Caucus Co-Chairs Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Angie Craig (D-MN), along with U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This legislation would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. “Securing year-round availability of E15 would provide certainty to the fuel sector, improve the production and supply of American-made fuel, and help drive down the prices at the pump,” said Johnson. “I am proud to help lead this effort and will continue working to get year-round E15 signed into law.” “At a time when agricultural producers are struggling, uncertainty in the energy market is looming, and consumers are paying more at the pumps, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to boost energy production on the table,” said Smith. “Since I first introduced similar legislation, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15. Flexibility and greater consumer choice strengthens the U.S. fuel market, and Nebraska's farmers have the capacity to meet demand. I thank Rep. Craig, Sen. Fischer, and my House colleagues for their cooperation to unlock this sustainable fuel source and provide relief for hard-working Americans at the fuel pump.” “Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.” “We thank our renewable fuel supporters in the House for introducing this bipartisan legislation and continuing to fight for fair market access for E15 and our nation’s farmers and ethanol producers. With just a few months left in this Con… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-thune-rounds-introduce-legislation-advance-western-dakota-water Johnson, Thune, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Advance Western Dakota Water Project 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently introduced bicameral versions of legislation that would authorize afeasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System. “Water is essential,” said Johnson. “Ensuring our Western South Dakota communities receive sufficient and clean water is necessary for healthy, growing communities. I am grateful for Senator Thune and Rounds’ partnership on this issue and look forward to continuing to advance the Western Dakota Rural Water System project.” “The Western Dakota Regional Water System is a promising proposal to address the rapidly growing water needs of the Black Hills region,” said Thune. “This legislation would advance the project by authorizing a Bureau of Reclamation study in order to determine the feasibility of the project, and I’m proud to join Rep. Johnson and Sen. Rounds in this critical effort.” “Access to clean water in rural areas is critical for South Dakotans,” said Rounds. “Authorizing a feasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System gets us one step closer to delivering more water West River. I’m pleased to be joining Sen. Thune and Rep. Johnson in this effort.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-heinrich-introduce-legislation-to-leverage-artificial-intelligence-for-pandemic-preparedness-and-response Rounds, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Leverage Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic Preparedness and Response 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), co-chairs of the Senate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Caucus, today introduced legislation to leverage AI for national pandemic preparedness and response through a program called MedShield. The legislation would implement a recommendation of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. MedShield would be the United States’ “shield” to proactively protect the nation against future pandemics and avoid the preparedness issues that plagued the nation at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. To that end, MedShield would foster collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as with global allies and partners. The program would leverage AI to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of U.S. pandemic prevention and response across five key areas: Pathogen detection and surveillance Vaccine development Therapeutic development Modeling for pathogen tracking and vaccine distribution Rapid manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutics. “Given the millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic costs resulting from COVID-19, we need to make strategic investments in pandemic prevention and preparedness. I believe AI should play a key role in those efforts” said Rounds. “The MedShield program would utilize AI to help the U.S. identify pathogens that pose pandemic threats and work quickly to develop necessary protections. I’m pleased to be introducing this legislation with Senator Heinrich, my co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, to leverage AI to save lives.” “AI holds amazing potential to supercharge major scientific and medical advances – including our ability to anticipate and address the next public health crisis,” said Heinrich, Founder and Co-Chair of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus. “By leveraging AI, our Medshield Act gives us a significant advantage in preparing for the emergence of new biological threats to prevent the next pandemic.” "I strongly support and applaud Senators Rounds’ and Heinri… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4DBA30C3-1053-41B8-8AF0-BC10E43DE516 Thune, Johnson, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Advance Western Dakota Water Project 2024-09-26 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, recently introduced bicameral versions of legislation that would authorize a feasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System. “The Western Dakota Regional Water System is a promising proposal to address the rapidly growing water needs of the Black Hills region,” said Thune. “This legislation would advance the project by authorizing a Bureau of Reclamation study in order to determine the feasibility of the project, and I’m proud to join Rep. Johnson and Sen. Rounds in this critical effort.” “Water is essential,” said Johnson. “Ensuring our Western South Dakota communities receive sufficient and clean water is necessary for healthy, growing communities. I am grateful for Senator Thune and Rounds’ partnership on this issue and look forward to continuing to advance the Western Dakota Rural Water System project.” “Access to clean water in rural areas is critical for South Dakotans,” said Rounds. “Authorizing a feasibility study for the Western Dakota Regional Water System gets us one step closer to delivering more water West River. I’m pleased to be joining Sen. Thune and Rep. Johnson in this effort.” “We applaud Senator Thune and Representative Johnson’s introduction of a bill to authorize a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study for Western South Dakota Regional Water,” said Cheryl Chapman, executive director of WDRWS. “This authorization is the next crucial step to deliver abundant, quality water to all corners of western South Dakota.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DD24F9A3-9939-432F-9E44-C22ED11E5861 Thune: Families Falling Behind in Biden-Harris Economy 2024-09-25 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the burden Americans are facing as a result of the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless spending. Thune noted that American families have to spend over $13,000 more per year to maintain the same standard of living they had when President Biden and Vice President Harris took office. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, when the history of the Biden-Harris administration is written, I suspect it will be defined by the historic inflation crisis that has characterized almost all four years of this presidency. “It started almost right away. “Eager to begin implementing their big-spending visions, Democrats seized on COVID as an excuse for a massive, partisan, $1.9 trillion spending spree – the so-called American Rescue Plan Act. “Democrats were warned that their bill ran the risk of, quote, ‘set[ting] off inflationary pressures of a kind we have not seen in a generation.’ “But they proceeded anyway. “Vice President Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the Senate to ensure that this massive government boondoggle would become law. “And within weeks of its passage, inflation began climbing. “And kept climbing. “And climbed some more. “By 2022, inflation had reached its highest level in 40 years. “40 years. “And Americans felt the consequences. “As the price of everything from gas to groceries shot up, Americans dipped into their savings to make ends meet, or put essential items on their credit cards. “They took on second jobs. “They visited food banks. “They put off home repairs or family vacations. “They skipped necessary medical care. “And even as the rate of inflation has finally – finally – slowed, Americans continue to suffer as prices remain elevated. “Today Americans are paying 21 percent more for groceries than they were when President Biden and Vice President Harris took office. “They’re paying 37 percent more for energy. “45 percent more for gasolin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-urges-biden-grant-disaster-declaration-cheyenne-river-sioux-tribe Delegation Urges Biden to Grant Disaster Declaration for Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to issue a major disaster declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe following extreme weather, particularly strong winds, that occurred July 13, 2024 through July 14, 2024. “While the final cost of the disaster is not yet determined, costs associated with the disaster exceed the Tribe's ability to pay and meets the threshold for federal assistance,” wrote the delegation. “We support the Tribe's request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the impacted Tribal areas.” Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear President Biden: We write in strong support of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's major disaster declaration request for the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. This disaster declaration request would assist in recovery efforts from severe weather that occurred July 13, 2024, through July 14, 2024. Beginning the evening of July 13, Tribal areas experienced severe weather resulting from a derecho that brought wind gusts of up to 108 mph as well as heavy rainfalls. These extreme weather conditions caused extensive damage to utility and road infrastructure including to culverts. Dozens of homeowners and businesses sustained damage, including multiple buildings determined to be a complete loss. Critical infrastructure also suffered significant damage including public safety facilities as well as the partial loss of public safety telecommunications systems. While the final cost of the disaster is not yet determined, costs associated with the disaster exceed the Tribe's ability to pay and meets the threshold for federal assistance. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-urges-biden-to-grant-disaster-declaration-for-cheyenne-river-sioux-tribe Delegation Urges Biden to Grant Disaster Declaration for Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to issue a major disaster declaration for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe following extreme weather, particularly strong winds, that occurred July 13, 2024 through July 14, 2024. “While the final cost of the disaster is not yet determined, costs associated with the disaster exceed the Tribe's ability to pay and meets the threshold for federal assistance,” wrote the delegation. “We support the Tribe's request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the impacted Tribal areas.” Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear President Biden: We write in strong support of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's major disaster declaration request for the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. This disaster declaration request would assist in recovery efforts from severe weather that occurred July 13, 2024, through July 14, 2024. Beginning the evening of July 13, Tribal areas experienced severe weather resulting from a derecho that brought wind gusts of up to 108 mph as well as heavy rainfalls. These extreme weather conditions caused extensive damage to utility and road infrastructure including to culverts. Dozens of homeowners and businesses sustained damage, including multiple buildings determined to be a complete loss. Critical infrastructure also suffered significant damage including public safety facilities as well as the partial loss of public safety telecommunications systems. While the final cost of the disaster is not yet determined, costs associated with the disaster exceed the Tribe's ability to pay and meets the threshold for federal assistance. We support the Tribe's request and urge you to approve a major disaster declaration as soon as possible so that the necessary federal resources are available to assist the impacted Tribal areas. Thank you for you… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=82C2EFB9-AC93-40B6-913E-96F6C62D8AEF Thune: Harris’s Tenure as “Broadband Czar” Nothing Short of a Disaster 2024-09-24 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Vice President Harris for mishandling $42 billion in taxpayer dollars for broadband expansion that was intended to connect Americans in rural areas to the internet. Thune noted that the administration continues to put Democrats’ radical agenda ahead of the needs of the American people. Last week, Thune led his Republican colleagues in writing a letter to Vice President Harris demanding accountability for her gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, as a senator from a rural state – and a former chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee – expanding broadband access to rural areas has long been a priority of mine. “I’ve done a lot of work on this issue – which is precisely why I was so concerned when the infrastructure bill proposed $42 billion for rural broadband to be funneled through the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, or NTIA. “I was doubtful whether NTIA was capable of administering $42 billion, given its previous struggles to administer a fraction of that amount of money. “And unfortunately those concerns have turned out to be well-founded. “The Biden-Harris administration’s signature broadband initiative – and Vice President Harris’s tenure as broadband czar – has been nothing short of a disaster. “It’s been nearly three years since the $42-billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment – or what we call the BEAD – program was established at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to provide broadband access to unserved communities. “Three years. “And in all of that time, Mr. President, the program has not connected a single household to the internet. “Let me say that again. “It’s been nearly three years – and to be precise, 1,044 days – since the BEAD program was established – and in all of that time – over 1,000 days – the program has not connected a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B9B4C52-266D-486C-A68E-18AD91FFF7C4 Thune on Fox News: Adversaries Prey on Biden-Harris Administration’s Weaknesses 2024-09-23 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News to discuss China targeting American agriculture, the Biden-Harris administration’s projected weakness on the world stage, and the need to support Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East. On how agriculture is faring under the Biden-Harris administration: “I think it's a big concern, Martha. And the reason farmers and ranchers are so supportive of President Trump and his policies is because under the Biden-Harris administration, what they've seen with inflation is a huge rise in input costs, declining commodity prices, and a record trade deficit. “We never had trade deficits in agriculture. We always had trade surpluses. Last year is the first year ever we had a trade deficit. This year it's going to be over $30 billion and they're saying the year after that, [a] $42 billion trade deficit for agriculture in this country. “And so when you look at the increase in fertilizer cost, increase in diesel costs and land and equipment, and then the fact that commodity prices are going down, and then you see, like you said, what's happening with Chinese interest in this country in farmland and attempts to acquire farmland close to military bases – these are just, these policies of this administration have been an absolute failure when it comes to farmers and ranchers. “Agriculture needs a new direction for this country, and the policies that President Trump brings when it comes to energy, when it comes to taxes, when it comes to regulations, when it comes to trade, is going to make American farmers and ranchers competitive again, and that's why we've got to have a change in November.” On how foreign adversaries view the Biden-Harris administration: “And I think that's the problem, Martha, is [foreign adversaries] don't respect and revere Joe Biden or Kamala Harris, and so they prey on that weakness, and they take advantage of that weakness. And that's why countries like China, with a president … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-thune-seek-nominations-us-service-academies-0 Johnson, Thune Seek Nominations to U.S. Service Academies 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced that they are accepting applications to the U.S. service academies for the class entering in the summer of 2025. “Service academies provide an excellent educational opportunity for a select number of young men and women each year,” said Thune and Johnson. “Our state has always punched above its weight when it comes to military service, so we’re looking forward to meeting the next generation of military leaders and helping them embark on the next chapter in their young careers.” Students interested in attending a service academy must first obtain a nomination, most commonly from a member of Congress. Thune and Johnson will make nominations to the Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E78F2882-D58D-44F1-9F54-D8EC6288F027 Thune, Johnson Seek Nominations to U.S. Service Academies 2024-09-20 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today announced that they are accepting applications to the U.S. service academies for the class entering in the summer of 2025. “Service academies provide an excellent educational opportunity for a select number of young men and women each year,” said Thune and Johnson. “Our state has always punched above its weight when it comes to military service, so we’re looking forward to meeting the next generation of military leaders and helping them embark on the next chapter in their young careers.” Students interested in attending a service academy must first obtain a nomination, most commonly from a member of Congress. Thune and Johnson will make nominations to the Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The deadline for submitting an application to both offices is November 1, 2024. Interested applicants should contact Thune’s office at (605) 334-9596, and Johnson’s office at (605) 275-2868. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-slams-biden-harris-administrations-botched-rollout-of-fafsa Rounds Slams Biden-Harris Administration’s Botched Rollout of FAFSA 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led a resolution slamming the Biden-Harris Administration’s botched rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 school year. The resolution condemns the problematic rollout, calls for the Department of Education (ED) to identify and fix any issues for this year and asks leaders to testify before congressional committees regarding the rollout. FAFSA historically has opened applications on October 1 of the year prior to the start of the academic school year. For the academic year of 2024-2025, the applications opened 3 months later in December. ED subsequently did not start sending FAFSA data to universities until March. Because of this delay, many students did not receive their financial aid awards until after May 1, 2024, the date that many institutions require students to commit to attending for the fall semester. For the academic year of 2025-2026, ED has already announced that the applications will again be delayed until December of this year. “Students and parents must be able to make an informed decision about where they’re attending college before the decision deadline,” said Rounds. “A big piece of this decision is considering how much college will cost them and knowing how much aid they’ll get to help. It’s unacceptable that the Department of Education’s botched FAFSA rollout has hurt America’s students and institutions of higher education. My colleagues and I strongly condemn this massive failure and call on the Department of Education to take necessary steps to fix the FAFSA for this next school year.” Rounds was joined on this resolution by Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Joe Manchin (I-W… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EB35F2E3-E4C4-4EE3-B6AC-943165E474F6 Thune: Schumer’s Show-Vote Summer Quickly Turning into Show-Vote Fall 2024-09-19 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the latest installment of Majority Leader Schumer’s season of political show votes that is consuming valuable floor time that could be otherwise used to consider important legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act and annual appropriations bills. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, it was another installment of Show-Vote Summer in the Senate this week. “Really, the Senate is starting to feel like an arm of the DNC. “I say show votes, Mr. President, because of course this week’s vote – and the other show votes we’ve taken this summer – had nothing at all to do with legislating. “These were not attempts to pass bills. “These were future campaign talking points and television commercials. “Had the Democrat leader really wanted to pass legislation, I can think of a number of bills he would have brought up. “But he isn’t actually interested in getting anything done. “He’s interested in – he hopes – getting votes in November. “Now, Mr. President, with rare exceptions, the Senate has spent essentially the entire summer confirming Biden nominees and conducting show votes. “And that’s not because there hasn’t been important legislation for us to take up. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. “The Senate has crucial legislation it should have been considering. “The National Defense Authorization Act, for one thing – one of the most important pieces of legislation we consider each year. “Defense appropriations. “Veterans appropriations. “All appropriations. “The end of the fiscal year is almost upon us – we have 11 days left – and yet we haven’t taken up a single appropriations bill on the Senate floor. “And that’s not because the Appropriations Committee hasn’t been doing its work. “Again, quite the opposite. “By the beginning of August, the Senate Appropriations Committee had passed 11 out of the 12 yearly appropriations bills – several of them unanimously. “Ju… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-honors-gohn-family-angels-adoption-award Johnson Honors Gohn Family with the “Angels in Adoption” Award 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated Steve and Kris Gohn of Huron for being selected as South Dakota’s 2024 Angels in Adoption honorees. “Adoption is an incredibly meaningful way to complete a family, but the Gohn family didn’t stop there,” said Johnson. “Their mentorship and assistance to other families looking to adopt has fostered another generation of adoption in South Dakota.” Steve and Kris have four grown children, all of whom are adopted. They have held tremendous relationships with their children’s birth families, navigating the borders of birth and adoptive family in an impressive manner. The Gohns have mentored other couples who have chosen adoption. At All About U Adoption in Sioux Falls, Kris works with mothers and families who are choosing adoption. Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Each family’s tireless dedication to child welfare stands out in their community but earns them recognition as an extraordinary family deserving of this award. Image 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=748D19EB-74AF-4753-B6B2-AC885CB8E297 Thune: Biden and Harris Own Four Record-Breaking Years of Illegal Immigration 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden-Harris administration’s record-breaking legacy of open-border chaos. Thune noted that the effects of rampant illegal immigration go beyond border cities that are already struggling with this crisis – it brings terror threats, deadly drugs, and unaccompanied children to communities around the country. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, August border numbers came out on Monday, bringing the total number of encounters at our southern border thus far for fiscal year 2024 to more than 2 million. “2,033,260 to be precise. “The third-highest fiscal year total ever recorded – with another month still to go. “The highest total ever recorded was in fiscal year 2023. “The second-highest total ever recorded was in fiscal year 2022. “And the fourth-highest total ever recorded was in fiscal year 2021. “In other words, Mr. President, President Biden and Vice President Harris have presided over four years of record-breaking illegal immigration at our southern border. “The problem started right away. “On the day he took office, President Biden began dismantling the border security policies of his predecessor. “And illegal immigration began surging in response. “And for three-plus years, President Biden and Vice President Harris essentially just stood around and watched. “They watched as record-breaking numbers of individuals surged across the southern border. “They watched as the Border Patrol and border cities struggled under the massive influx. “They watched as encounters of individuals on the terrorist watchlist shot up. “Vice President Harris was supposed to be President Biden’s border czar. “I’d be hard-pressed to name anything she did to stop the influx. “If she did take any action, it was certainly ineffective, based on the steady increases in border encounters. “Mr. President, I don’t have to tell anyone what the problems are with the kind of unchecked… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=74EA15AB-89FE-4073-9D50-44D90AD7910F “Broadband Czar” Harris Must Be Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives 2024-09-18 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today led his colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives. In 2021, President Biden specifically tasked the vice president to lead the administration’s effort to expand broadband services to rural, unserved communities. Under Vice President Harris’s tenure as the “broadband czar,” the Biden-Harris administration’s $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has yet to connect a single person to the internet. “Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment,” wrote the senators. “By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Full letter below: Dear Vice President Harris: We are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration’s “broadband czar” and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as “broadband czar” has mirrored your performance as “border czar,” marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas. As you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Ac… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-encourages-high-school-seniors-to-submit-applications-for-nomination-to-service-academies Rounds Encourages High School Seniors to Submit Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies 2024-09-17 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from high school seniors who are looking to attend a U.S. service academy after graduation. “Each year, I am honored to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our service academies.” Applications for the 2025-2026 freshman class (Class of 2029) are due by October 1, 2024. Nominations are available for the following institutions: the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and United States Merchant Marine Academy. Those interested in learning about the academy application process can reach out to Rounds’ Rapid City office at (605) 343-5035 or Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CF5A602A-570D-4F66-989D-481B15B1E8B3 Thune: Senate Democrats Must Prioritize National Security Over Political Show Votes 2024-09-17 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act. Thune noted that Majority Leader Schumer has spent the last several months holding show votes on bills that are designed to score political points, not become law, and has prioritized them over our nation’s defense and security. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, before I begin, I just want to say how grateful I am that President Trump is safe after what appears to be a second attempt on his life in the space of two months. “The trend this election cycle has taken toward violence is disturbing to say the least. “And I hope this weekend’s events will prompt reflection on our political discourse and the importance of not letting our disagreements lead to the dehumanization of our opponents. “I am grateful for all the law enforcement personnel who responded and helped prevent another tragedy. “And I look forward to seeing a thorough investigation. “Mr. President, perhaps the most important thing we do here in Congress is to provide for our nation’s defense. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if we don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation. “Everything else we do in government – and our very existence as a nation – depends on getting our security right. “And national security, Mr. President, is not a one-and-done kind of situation. “We can’t rely on a one-time military buildup or the reputation we’ve earned as a superpower to keep our nation safe. “Tactics change. Technology changes. Weapons change. “And reputations, Mr. President, even strong ones, eventually change if they’re not backed up with substance. “Maintaining a robust national defense has to be a permanent focus, year-in and year-out. “There is no time in which we can afford to put national security on the back burner or underfund our nation’s military. “Which brings me to where we are today. “Mr. Pres… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-submits-inquiry-on-federal-overregulation-of-ag-producers-and-landowners-in-rural-states Rounds Submits Inquiry on Federal Overregulation of Ag Producers and Landowners in Rural States 2024-09-16 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of the Chevron doctrine’s impact on agriculture producers and landowners in rural states. Rounds sent a letter to GAO Comptroller General Gene Dodaro asking for an analysis of key judicial opinions that utilized the Chevron doctrine, specifically relating to the Departments of Agriculture, Energy and Interior, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency. “The Chevron decision has governed the relationship between agencies and courts for the last 40 years,” wrote Rounds. “The longstanding deference applied under Chevron has broadened the scope of administrative authority. As industries such as agriculture, mining and energy production are increasingly subject to a growing number of agency rules, the private industry has resorted to settling regulatory disputes in court. The expansion of the administrative state has precipitated this trend. To understand the true impact of the recent overturn of Chevron, it is necessary to comprehend the past application of agency deference.” In June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion that overturned the Chevron doctrine which previously had required courts to uphold a federal agency’s interpretation of certain statutes. Rounds has been pushing for federal regulatory reform since being sworn into the Senate in 2015. In August 2024, Rounds reintroduced the RESTORE Resolution of 2024, which would establish a Joint Select Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of rules enacted by federal agencies. Read the full text of the letter HERE or below. +++ Dear Comptroller General Dodaro, We write to ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a retrospective analysis of the deference applied under Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. Specifically, we are attempting to learn more about which cases invoked the Chevron framework and how the deference principle impacted final decisions. As you know, the Chevron decisio… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-legislation-protects-us-infrastructure-china Johnson Legislation Protects U.S. Infrastructure from China 2024-09-12 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to prohibit use of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-affiliated LiDAR technology to be used by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that captures detailed three-dimensional maps of surrounding environments with millimeter-level accuracy. “America should not rely on this technology from our adversaries,” said Johnson. “China’s access to highly detailed maps of our country’s infrastructure, from ports to highways to railroads, is a big threat to our national security. We must keep our sensitive data out of the hands of those who seek to undermine our nation.” “LiDAR is a foundational technology of the future, critical to the development of everything from automobiles to our roads and bridges,” said Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI). “By prohibiting the Department of Transportation from using CCP-affiliated LiDAR technology, Congress will get ahead of yet another supply chain dependency on the CCP and reduce the Party’s leverage over our industries and our country. I am thankful for Rep. Johnson’s leadership on this critical issue.” “The U.S. cannot rely on Communist China for emerging critical technologies such as LiDAR. Unsecure LiDAR produced by our greatest strategic adversary jeopardizes our national security and undermines the competitiveness of American companies. I am proud to join Congressman Dusty Johnson and Chairman John Moolenaar in introducing legislation to root out Communist Chinese-manufactured LiDAR from the United States,” said Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.). Johnson introduced this bill alongside Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI), Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). Legislation: The Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act would prohibit the DOT from utilizing LiDAR technology from foreign adversaries, effecti… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CCC7B04E-329F-494D-AE39-4024CAC9F92B Thune: Another Spectacular South Dakota Summer 2024-09-12 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his summer in South Dakota, including the many meetings and celebrations that he attended in all corners of the state. Thune noted that every opportunity to spend time at home is valuable because South Dakotans’ priorities are his priorities, and he carries all of them with him to Washington, D.C. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, like many of our colleagues, I spend a lot of summer days on the road in my state. “The longer summer recesses give me the opportunity to travel the state far and wide. “And with so much going on in South Dakota during this season, it’s a great time for me to see familiar faces and meet new folks as well. “Mr. President, I spend a lot of these summer days listening because what I hear from South Dakotans informs a lot of the work I do here in the United States Senate. “In Howard, I heard from health care professionals about some of the important programs that help them provide health care in rural areas. “Homebuilders in the Sioux Falls area told me about the headwinds they face from the Biden-Harris administration’s overregulation, which has made building new homes more difficult and expensive. “And at Dakotafest in Mitchell, agriculture producers expressed their frustration that Congress has still not passed an updated farm bill, a frustration that I share. “I've been pushing hard for Congress to take up a bill, and will continue to do everything I can to advance this legislation. “Another extension is no substitute for the certainty an updated bill would give farmers and ranchers as they make plans for the future, and getting it done should be a priority. “Mr. President, traveling around South Dakota also gives me the chance to meet the people who keep our communities going. “I dropped in to hear from local officials in Leola and Eureka. “I got to learn about some of the things happening at Black Hills State University, and I to… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-protects-ag-land-china Johnson Protects Ag Land from China 2024-09-11 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act to strengthen the review process for purchases of U.S. farmland by the Chinese Communist Party. China's growing investment in U.S. agricultural land has raised concerns about the security of our food supply. Johnson is a leader on this bill and has been vocal in his opposition to these purchases. “Food security is national security, but China – one of our biggest adversaries – has significant access to our food supply,” said Johnson. “I’ve been committed to tackling this issue for years, working to block these purchases and protect our supply chain from those who pose a threat.” The Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act would: Add the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for certain covered transactions, including agricultural land, agriculture biotechnology, and the agriculture industry - transportation, storage, and processing. Ensure USDA has a seat at the table to properly report and review transactions from the People’s Republic of China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=17293B1D-7FD3-40EE-8A3D-6D5B6195CFF3 Thune: Harris Can Reverse Her Positions, But Not Her Record 2024-09-11 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to contrast Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent policy flip-flops with the Biden-Harris administration’s record of high prices, open borders, and weakness on the global stage. Thune noted that the American people need look no further than the last four years to see what Democrat governance would look like for the next four. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, before I begin, I want to just take a moment to acknowledge what today is – 23 years since terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. “And 23 years since a heroic group of Americans prevented even greater tragedy by bringing down a fourth hijacked plane before it could crash into another target. “As on every September 11 since that black day, we remember the heroes who rose up – at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in that bare field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. “And we mourn all those who were lost. “My prayers as always are with the families of all those who still grieve their fallen loved ones – and with all those whose calling is to respond to danger, and stand between us and terror. ******** “Mr. President, there’s been a dizzying amount of change in the Democrat Party over the past couple of months. “First, obviously, there was the replacement of President Biden with Kamala Harris on the ticket. “Democrat voters who had gone to the polls in the primaries and cast a vote for President Biden were informed that in fact the delegates they had chosen would be supporting Vice President Harris instead. “That was a big change, Mr. President. “But not the only one. “There’s also the new Democrat nominee’s attempt to reinvent herself. “It’s been five short years since Kamala Harris was running for president in the Democrat primary as a leftist. “She endorsed, among other things, a ban on fracking, taxpayer-funded gender reassignment surgeries for detained immigrants, decri… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CBC30014-B537-4A38-8C41-B34799F371A0 Thune: “My Way or the Highway” for Senate Democrats 2024-09-10 2024 2024-09 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about Senate Democrats’ reckless plan to end the legislative filibuster, a short-sighted political tactic to advance their far-left agenda and silence the minority party. Thune noted that Democrats have a record of changing the rules whenever they interfere with the party’s progressive agenda. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, it’s no secret that Democrats increasingly subscribe to the philosophy that if you don’t like the way the game is going, you change the rules. “We’ve seen it in striking fashion with the Supreme Court. “Democrats respond to pretty much every Supreme Court decision they don’t like these days with claims not just that the court’s decision was wrong, but that the court itself is illegitimate. “And as the president made clear with the release of his de facto court-packing plan this summer, if Democrats are elected we can confidently expect them to lose no time in remaking the court to their liking to ensure they get the policy outcomes they want. “But of course the Supreme Court is not the only institution Democrats have a problem with. “Democrats are also frustrated that they haven’t gotten a blank check for their far-left priorities in the Senate. “And so if Democrats win in November, they intend to change the rules of the Senate – specifically, the filibuster rule – to ensure that they can steamroll through their plans to remake the government and the country. “The Democrat leader made that very explicit last month at the Democrat National Convention, when he said that his party would change the rules to pass Democrats’ so-called voting rights legislation – more accurately described as a federal takeover of elections designed to give Democrats a permanent electoral advantage. “He also indicated that his conference would move to change the rules to pass abortion legislation – perhaps Democrats’ bill to codify abortion up until the moment of birth… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:46:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-requests-briefing-chinese-drones Johnson Requests Briefing on Chinese Drones 2024-09-09 2024 2024-09 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and twelve members of Congress asked the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to brief members of Congress on the risk Chinese-manufactured drones pose to America’s food supply and what the agencies are doing to protect American agriculture. Johnson has been outspoken in Congress and as a member of the Select Committee on China to secure our food supply from foreign adversaries and has advocated for more oversight of foreign purchases of U.S. farmland. Shenzhen DJI Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. (DJI) is a Chinese Military Company, linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), that makes thousands of drones, many of which are used in the United States. These drones operate on Chinese military software, firmware, and hardware, posing a significant risk to American agriculture and safety. “The risk of these DJI agricultural spray drones being manipulated to carry out an attack in the United States cannot be ignored,” the members wrote. “Relying on our greatest strategic adversary for technology critical to the success of our agricultural production endangers the resiliency of our food supply.” DJI’s advanced surveillance drones use LiDAR sensors and multispectral cameras which DJI states can collect and interpret crop data that is “impossible for the human eye to see.” The CCP’s access to this data and software gives them an unprecedented ability to control our agriculture supply chain. The letter was sent by Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Ben Cline (R-VA), Neal Dunn (R- FL), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Michael Guest (R-MS), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), and Robert Wittman (R-VA). 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:43:57Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-artificial-intelligence-policy-package Rounds Introduces Artificial Intelligence Policy Package 2024-08-27 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), co-chair of the Senate AI Caucus, has introduced a package of bipartisan artificial intelligence (AI) legislation that will increase AI literacy, enable the use of AI to enhance the efficiency of US Shipyards, spur innovation in financial services and improve healthcare outcomes. The package consists of five bills: The GUIDE AI Act: Establishes a centralized data exchange center for biomedical data through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR). The Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act: Establishes regulatory sandboxes at financial regulatory agencies for regulated entities to test AI projects, allowing them to responsibly experiment with cutting-edge technologies in the financial services space. The Consumers LEARN AI Act: Develops a national literacy strategy, providing specific AI use case guidance and conducting a national media campaign to help consumers make informed decisions about how they use and interact with AI. The Increasing AI Transparency in Financial Services Act: Requires reports on AI regulation in the financial services industry. Legislation to require the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program on using AI-enabled software to optimize operations of depots, shipyards and other manufacturing facilities run by the Department of Defense. This bill has been included in the base text of the Senate FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. “Following the AI Insight Forums held in late 2023, we have been looking at ways to promote the safe, responsible use of artificial intelligence in the lives of the American people,” said Rounds. “I fully believe each of these bills helps the United States make strides toward unleashing AI innovation and resulting opportunities, from national defense to health care research to financial services. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to study AI and implement meanin… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-presses-interior-secretary-to-update-funding-formula-for-tribal-law-enforcement Rounds Presses Interior Secretary to Update Funding Formula for Tribal Law Enforcement 2024-08-22 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of the Interior Deb Haaland urging her to modernize the funding formula for tribal law enforcement. Despite circumstances such as rising crime and inflation, funding for Great Plains tribal law enforcement agencies has stayed stagnant since 1999, when law enforcement was removed from the Tribal Priority Allocation. Since then, any increases in budget have been required to be added on top of their 1999 budget. Consequently, tribal law enforcement funding levels from 25 years ago are a determining factor in current public safety budgets. “In the last several years, tribal leaders on the Great Plains have reported a significant increase in violent and drug-related crime,” wrote Rounds. “With some reservations experiencing violent crime rates five times higher than the national average, it has become apparent tribal law enforcement agencies are lacking necessary resources. Concurrently, these same agencies are also reliant on the BIA’s outdated law enforcement funding methodology. Many tribal leaders believe the current method for disbursing law enforcement funding puts Great Plains tribes at a disadvantage.” “If the Department of Interior is unable to modernize the BIA law enforcement funding formula, tribal leaders will have difficulty addressing public safety threats,” continued Rounds. “It is my hope our federal partners will take this issue seriously and consult with tribes. Specifically, this could involve developing a distribution formula that is able to deliver appropriated funding to areas with the greatest need.” Since June 2023, Rounds has been working in consultation with tribes in South Dakota to push for additional funding and resources for law enforcement on reservations: In August 2024, Rounds hosted a roundtable with all 9 tribes in South Dakota and United States Attorney General Merrick Garland to discuss what the Department of Justice can do to remedy rising crime. In May 2024, Rounds requested funding… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/south-dakota-and-national-ag-organizations-support-rounds-legislation-to-reform-livestock-program South Dakota and National Ag Organizations Support Rounds’ Legislation to Reform Livestock Program 2024-08-21 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper MITCHELL – Several agriculture stakeholders in South Dakota and across the nation are showing support for legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) which offers producers fairer market prices for livestock disaster assistance programs. The LIP Payment Improvement Act, which was introduced in March, would require the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to make quarterly updates to Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rates that reflect livestock market prices. The LIP provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for abnormal livestock deaths caused by an eligible loss condition, such as severe weather, disease or animal attack. Currently, the FSA is required to update LIP payment rates annually. While the agency occasionally provides periodic price updates, the LIP Improvement Program would make these updates more frequently to reflect an ever-changing market. The LIP Payment Improvement Act has been included in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s version of the Farm Bill, which has been passed out of committee. The provision has also been included in both the majority and minority frameworks for the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill, which is awaiting markup. “South Dakota farmers and ranchers work hard to produce quality livestock,” said Rounds. “Unfortunately, extenuating circumstances such as severe weather or disease can deplete their herds and as such, hurt their operations. These producers deserve to be paid a fair and updated market price for their livestock when tragedy strikes.” The LIP Payment Improvement Act is supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the South Dakota Farmers Union, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Farm Bureau. “The South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, the oldest cattle organization in the United States, supports Senator Rounds efforts in maintaining updated and concise reports for our Livestock Indemnity Program with t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-re-introduces-sober-act-expand-successful-247-sobriety-program Johnson Re-introduces SOBER Act to Expand Successful 24/7 Sobriety Program 2024-08-20 2024 2024-08 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) re-introduced the Supporting Opportunities to Build Everyday Responsibility (SOBER) Act, legislation aimed at combating repeat alcohol-related criminal offenses and bolstering the 24/7 sobriety program across the country. 24/7 sobriety was pioneered in South Dakota in 2005. An evaluation found a 12 percent reduction in DUI arrests in jurisdictions that adopted the program. The same evaluation found the program was associated with a 9 percent reduction in domestic violence arrests, and even a 4.2 percent reduction in all-cause mortality. Similar successes were seen through other state-run programs, like North Dakota where DUI arrests decreased by 9 percent in counties that implemented the program. “The SOBER Act is commonsense legislation. It encourages sobriety and safe driving, preventing accidents and saving lives, one person at a time,” said Johnson. “South Dakota has been leading 24/7 sobriety programs for nearly twenty years with positive results. My bill allows this success to be available for every state.” “The SOBER Act is our best chance to meaningfully reduce alcohol-related crime, which costs the U.S. more than $80 billion a year,” says Greg Newburn, Niskanen’s Director of Criminal Justice. “We are grateful to Representative Johnson for his leadership in tackling a problem that negatively impacts millions of Americans.” “We have long been advocates for 24/7 sobriety programs being a useful tool in ensuring public safety,” said Nelson Brunn, Executive Director of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA). “When used in tandem with ignition interlock devices, 24/7 sobriety programs implemented with effective screening are a valuable and cost-effective way to combat crimes attributable to alcohol abuse. The NDAA supports the SOBER Act, which would expand access and funding to sustain and/or improve existing 24/7 sobriety programs, in addition to encouraging state and local governments to create new 24/7 sobriety programs wit… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-ernst-fetterman-and-colleagues-urge-usda-to-modernize-process-for-disclosing-foreign-owned-land Rounds, Ernst, Fetterman and Colleagues Urge USDA to Modernize Process for Disclosing Foreign-Owned Land 2024-08-16 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) this week sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the agency to streamline its process for electronic submission and retention of Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA) disclosures. In the letter, the senators note alleged inaccuracies in information publicly posted by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the problems that arise when this information is inaccurate. Currently, these disclosures are completed by hand on physical paper. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 mandated the establishment of a streamlined process for electronic submission and retention of AFIDA disclosures, including an internet database. “The current practice of manual data entry, including the re-typing of paper-filed reports into FSA systems, can lead to the publication of problematic and inaccurate information,” wrote the senators. “We’re told there have been instances where energy developers have been incorrectly identified as having ownership interests from sanctioned nations, when in reality the investment originates from U.S. allies. If true, such errors not only create confusion but also undermine the credibility of the data published by the FSA.” Rounds, Ernst and Fetterman were joined on the letter by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), James Risch (R-Idaho) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). Read the full letter here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-restore-to-address-regulatory-reform Rounds Introduces RESTORE to Address Regulatory Reform 2024-08-12 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently introduced a bipartisan resolution to permanently address federal overregulation in America. The Regulation Sensibility Through Oversight Restoration (RESTORE) Resolution of 2024 would establish a Joint Select Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of rules enacted by federal agencies and analyze the feasibility and options for creating a rules review process in Congress. The committee would also hold hearings on the effects of these rules and recommend ways to reduce the regulatory burden on the American people. “The Founding Fathers never intended for unelected bureaucrats in D.C. to make rules and regulations, enforceable as law, that circumvent the will of Congress. In the wake of Chevron being overturned by the Supreme Court, the time is now to address federal overregulation,” said Rounds. “In an effort to rein in the federal government, this bipartisan bill would provide a rules review of the most burdensome rules like Waters of the United States (WOTUS). The review process would hear these cases and would have the ability to sunset or repeal.” In June, The Supreme Court overturned Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council which had allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous statue. Now, the Supreme Court has ruled that courts should rely on their own interpretation of ambiguous laws, not federal agencies. For more than 40 years while Chevron was in effect, it was cited by federal courts more than 18,000 times. Every year, there are between 3,000 – 4,500 final rules issued by more than 50 federal agencies. This bill would give a comprehensive review of rules already issued by federal agencies as well as any new rules being proposed that cost $50 million or more. Background: The RESTORE Resolution would create a Joint Select Committee consisting of members of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The committee would: Analyze the feasibility of a permanent joint rules review committee to: Review all rules causing an annual imp… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cortez-masto-introduce-legislation-to-extend-reporting-deadline-for-emergency-tribal-care Rounds, Cortez Masto Introduce Legislation to Extend Reporting Deadline for Emergency Tribal Care 2024-08-05 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced legislation to extend the reporting deadline for Indian Health Service (IHS) patients who seek emergency care outside of IHS facilities. The IHS Emergency Claims Parity Act would extend the emergency notification requirements of IHS’s Purchased and Referred Care (PRC) program from within 72 hours to 15 days. “When IHS patients are in an emergency situation, the last thing they should be worried about is whether IHS is going to cover the cost of care at an outside facility,” said Rounds. “In an emergency, patients need to be able to seek care at the closest facility that can adequately address their needs. Asking them to report this care within 72 hours after a medical emergency is unrealistic and has contributed to significant medical debt in tribal communities. Currently, IHS offers one of the shortest windows to submit emergency claims out of any government-run health care system. This legislation would fix that.” “Tribal families deserve access to lifesaving emergency care without additional barriers like strict reporting deadlines,” said Cortez Masto. “Our bipartisan legislation gives Tribal patients more time to report emergency care, whether they received health care services at an IHS facility or not.” “I support the IHSECPA legislation to extend the timeline for emergency reporting due to the many factors and obstacles our people face trying to navigate the current healthcare system and especially the patient rights that must be better explained to all patients who need guidance on making such critical decisions regarding their health care and benefit,” said Clyde Estes, Chairman of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. “Unexpected emergency medical situations can happen at any time. When tribal patients are required to access outside emergency care, they deserve a fair reporting timeline. I would like to thank Senator Rounds for taking up this effort,” said Christian Skunk, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe Councilman. “The l… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-bipartisan-bicameral-effort-for-ai-innovation-in-financial-services Rounds Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort for AI Innovation in Financial Services 2024-08-05 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives French Hill (R-Ark.) and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to promote artificial intelligence (AI) innovation in the financial services industry. The Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act would establish regulatory sandboxes at financial regulatory agencies for regulated entities to test AI projects, allowing them to experiment with cutting-edge technologies in a safe way. “The financial services industry has been using AI for decades, but as major advancements in the technology emerge, companies must be able to innovate,” said Rounds. “The Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act is designed to foster innovation and economic growth by providing a controlled environment where new financial products and services that use AI can be tested. By creating these sandboxes, we aim to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and maintaining consumer protection, ultimately strengthening our financial system and keeping our country at the forefront of global financial technology. I want to thank my bipartisan, bicameral partners for coming together on this legislation." “To unlock AI’s full potential and ensure it is deployed responsibly, we need regulatory guardrails that are informed by real-life use cases,” said Heinrich. “The Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act will enable the private sector and government agencies to work together — encouraging innovation that protects consumers in the financial services sector.” “AI is a rapidly advancing tool that we need to fully understand because it is going to impact every aspect of our lives,” said Hill. “The Unleashing AI Innovation Financial Services Act would ensure our federal agencies allow for the companies they regulate to experiment with AI in regulatory sandboxes. This is a pivotal step to allow both government and the private sector to collaborate and learn together, as the U.S. must lea… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-daines-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-prohibit-dhs-from-releasing-migrants-with-terrorism-ties-into-the-us Rounds, Daines, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prohibit DHS from Releasing Migrants with Terrorism Ties into the U.S. 2024-08-02 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and seven of their Senate colleagues recently introduced legislation that would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from releasing migrants who are designated as Known and Suspected Terrorists or Special Interest Aliens into the U.S. The Safeguarding Americans from Extremist Risk (SAFER) at the Border Act would also give states legal standing in federal court to sue DHS if their failure to adhere to this rule causes harm to the state or their citizens. “Our wide-open southern border is not only a humanitarian crisis, but a national security crisis as well,” said Rounds. “There is absolutely no reason that an illegal migrant with ties to terrorism should be allowed into our country. I am pleased to cosponsor this legislation with Senator Daines to strengthen our border and protect Americans from those who wish to do us harm.” “Joe Biden and Senate Democrats’ refusal to secure the southern border has resulted in the loss of American lives, and as long as migrants with criminal records and potential terrorist ties are being let into the country, our national security is at risk,” said Daines. This bill will help protect our nation against the very real and serious consequences of Joe Biden’s open southern border.” Rounds and Daines were joined by Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Cruz (Texas), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Click HERE for full bill text. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-offer-affordable-student-loan-option Rounds Introduces Legislation to Offer Affordable Student Loan Option 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to offer a new affordable student loan option that would leverage private financial institutions to cover the cost of college. By guaranteeing loans made through eligible lenders and making sure no interest accrues while students are in school, the Affordable Future Loan Program Act provides students a sustainable and affordable solution. The Affordable Future Loan Program would exist alongside the current system and would provide another option for financing or for students who need to fill the gap between federal aid and the cost to attend most public institutions. The program is inspired by the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) that was created by the Higher Education Act of 1965 but repealed in 2010. Since 2010, all federal loans have been issued by the Department of Education (ED). “Students in South Dakota and across the nation need a more affordable way to take out loans and pay for higher education,” said Rounds. “The Affordable Future Loan Program would allow students to use private financial institutions to take out federal loans. By utilizing the efficiencies of the private sector and providing enough financing to cover the actual cost of going to school, this program will ultimately save money for hardworking students and their families. While it doesn’t change any existing programs, this bill would provide a low-interest choice for financing education and take Washington bureaucrats out of the process.” “With guaranteed loans that do not accrue interest while students are in school, the act provides a lifeline to students who struggle to bridge the gap between federal aid and the rising costs of higher education. Senator Rounds’ innovative approach will make higher education attainable for all Americans, preserving the dream of college for future generations,” said Jeff Olson, President-CEO, Dakota Credit Union Association. “The Affordable Future Loan Program Act, championed by Senator Mike Rounds, offers a crucial so… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:36:13Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0C0D2345-4C02-4AEA-83D3-BF27457AB1E5 Thune: Two Years Since Democrats’ “Inflation Reduction Act” Deception 2024-08-01 2024 2024-08 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the two-year anniversary of the deceptively named Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden-Harris administration’s signature climate legislation. Thune noted that the law, made possible by Vice President Harris’ tie-breaking vote, has added to the deficit and done nothing to mitigate inflation. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, in a couple of weeks we will mark the second anniversary of one of President Biden’s signature measures – the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. “I’m sure the White House will be celebrating. “But Americans shouldn’t be. “Because Democrats did the country no favors with this legislation. “In fact, the bill reads like a roster of bad Democrat policies. “It’s hard to know where to even begin. “Perhaps with the bill’s misleading – really, outright deceptive – title. “Democrats called the bill the Inflation Reduction Act – yet even before the bill had been signed into law, the nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model was noting that the bill’s impact on inflation was, quote, ‘statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “In other words, the Inflation Reduction Act … would do nothing to reduce inflation. “And President Biden confirmed this fact a year later when he noted, and I quote, ‘Well, we’ve put ourselves in a position where we passed the most comprehensive environmental piece of — it’s called the “Inflation Reduction Act.” … It has nothing to do with inflation.’ “Let me just repeat that, Mr. President. “‘[I]t’s called the “Inflation Reduction Act.” … It has nothing to do with inflation.’ “President Biden’s own words. “Why Democrats chose to name it that, when it had nothing to do with reducing inflation, is a good question. “Perhaps it was to try to convince the American people – falsely – that Democrats were doing something to stem the historic inflation crisis they’d created. “Or perhaps it was to disguise the substance of what Democrat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:41:32Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C61E8530-DA2A-4291-90D7-F6D209E3041A Thune Applauds Passage of Bipartisan AI Bill in Senate Commerce Committee 2024-07-31 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today applauded the Senate Commerce Committee’s passage of his bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act. The legislation establishes a framework to bolster innovation while bringing greater transparency, accountability, and security to the development and operation of the highest-impact applications of AI. “As this technology continues to evolve, we should identify some basic rules of the road that protect consumers, foster an environment in which innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive, and limit government intervention,” said Thune. “This legislation would bolster the United States’ leadership in AI, strengthen innovation, and establish common-sense safety and security guardrails for the highest-risk AI applications. I hope Leader Schumer will prioritize AI transparency legislation and bring this important bill to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.” Find additional information on the AI Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act here: Content Provenance and Emergence Detection Standards: To provide clearer distinctions between human and AI-generated content, the bill would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to carry out research to facilitate the development of standards for providing both authenticity and provenance information for online content, similar to the efforts of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity. The bill would also direct NIST to support standardization of methods for detecting and understanding emergent properties in AI systems in order to mitigate issues stemming from unanticipated behavior. AI Definitions: The bill would provide new definitions for “generative,” “high-impact,” and “critical-impact” AI systems. A clear distinction would also be made between “developer” and “deployer” of the AI system for purposes of requirements outlined below. Generative AI … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C805872B-3EBE-444B-91CA-E0CE00993790 Thune: Biden-Harris Economic Policies Leave Working Families in the Dust 2024-07-31 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the harsh realities families are facing due to the Biden-Harris administration’s tax-and-spend agenda. Thune noted that working families are paying more for everything from groceries to gas, while also dealing with soaring interest rates, mounting debt, and shrinking savings due to this administration’s misguided economic policies. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, America has always been a place where if you work hard, you can get ahead. “But it’s a lot more challenging in the Biden economy. “Inflation has dealt working families a series of setbacks that have made it harder to get ahead. “And it’s in large part due to this administration’s reckless spending. “Mr. President, three and a half years ago Vice President Harris cast her first tie-breaking votes in the Senate to advance $1.9 trillion in spending under the guise of pandemic relief. “She and our Democrat colleagues had been warned that that level of spending risked setting off inflation unlike any we had seen in a generation. “But they passed it anyway. “And inflation began to take off almost immediately. “Three years later, prices have gone up by more than 20 percent. “Groceries are up 21 percent. “The cost of car repairs is up 31 percent. “Energy costs have gone up 40 percent. “Nearly every aspect of daily life is more expensive in the Biden-Harris economy, and Americans are struggling to make ends meet. “More than one-third of Americans are worried about paying their bills. “They’re pulling back on their spending and putting more on their credit cards. “Some people are even taking on extra work just to get by. “But sometimes, it’s still not enough. “As one new mom in Missouri put it: ‘It's just hard. I work full time. My husband works full time. I feel like at this point, we're moving more towards survival mode, rather than thriving.’ “Another mom in Virginia says of her sons and their wiv… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-urges-biden-grant-disaster-declaration-following-june-storms-and Delegation Urges Biden to Grant Disaster Declaration Following June Storms and Flooding 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently urged President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota following the severe storms and flooding from June 16 through July 8, 2024. “In light of these considerations, we respectfully request that you expeditiously review Gov. Noem’s request and declare a major disaster for relevant areas of our state,” the delegation wrote. “Along with our fellow South Dakotans, we appreciate your consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.” Full letter below: Dear President Biden: We write in support of Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R-S.D.) request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred June 16 through July 8, 2024. As Gov. Noem’s request indicates, the catastrophic flooding began on June 16, 2024, resulting from a succession of heavy rainstorms that filled the creeks and rivers that coincide in the southeast corner of the state. The excess water flooded the Niobrara River, the Missouri River, and the Big Sioux River, causing an emergency evacuation of the affected areas before sink holes emerged, houses washed away, and the BNSF Railway railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River. The flooding caused significant damage to public infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and has disrupted the lives of the nearly six thousand residents that live in the North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes areas. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the Big Sioux River crested at 44.98 feet, surpassing the previous 2014 record by 7.28 feet. Analysis from the National Weather Service shows the rain event that created this year’s flooding was a 1,000-year event. Eleven river gauges were at record-high levels. This disaster has impacted 25 counties and five tribal nations and cause… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-urges-biden-to-grant-disaster-declaration-following-june-storms-and-flooding Delegation Urges Biden to Grant Disaster Declaration Following June Storms and Flooding 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) recently urged President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota following the severe storms and flooding from June 16 through July 8, 2024. Their letter, which was sent Friday, immediately followed Gov. Noem’s major disaster declaration. “In light of these considerations, we respectfully request that you expeditiously review Gov. Noem’s request and declare a major disaster for relevant areas of our state,” the delegation wrote. “Along with our fellow South Dakotans, we appreciate your consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.” Full letter below: Dear President Biden: We write in support of Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R-S.D.) request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred June 16 through July 8, 2024. As Gov. Noem’s request indicates, the catastrophic flooding began on June 16, 2024, resulting from a succession of heavy rainstorms that filled the creeks and rivers that coincide in the southeast corner of the state. The excess water flooded the Niobrara River, the Missouri River, and the Big Sioux River, causing an emergency evacuation of the affected areas before sink holes emerged, houses washed away, and the BNSF Railway railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River. The flooding caused significant damage to public infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and has disrupted the lives of the nearly six thousand residents that live in the North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes areas. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the Big Sioux River crested at 44.98 feet, surpassing the previous 2014 record by 7.28 feet. Analysis from the National Weather Service shows the rain event that created this year’s flooding was a 1,000-year event. Eleven river gauges were at record-high level… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=556AE410-CD59-4A00-BD56-5D417D8C23A8 Delegation Urges Biden to Grant Disaster Declaration Following June Storms and Flooding 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) recently urged President Biden to issue a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota following the severe storms and flooding from June 16 through July 8, 2024. Their letter, which was sent Friday, immediately followed Gov. Noem’s major disaster declaration. “In light of these considerations, we respectfully request that you expeditiously review Gov. Noem’s request and declare a major disaster for relevant areas of our state,” the delegation wrote. “Along with our fellow South Dakotans, we appreciate your consideration of this request and stand ready to assist in any way possible.” Full letter below: Dear President Biden: We write in support of Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R-S.D.) request for a major disaster declaration for the state of South Dakota as a result of severe storms and flooding that occurred June 16 through July 8, 2024. As Gov. Noem’s request indicates, the catastrophic flooding began on June 16, 2024, resulting from a succession of heavy rainstorms that filled the creeks and rivers that coincide in the southeast corner of the state. The excess water flooded the Niobrara River, the Missouri River, and the Big Sioux River, causing an emergency evacuation of the affected areas before sink holes emerged, houses washed away, and the BNSF Railway railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River. The flooding caused significant damage to public infrastructure, homes, and businesses, and has disrupted the lives of the nearly six thousand residents that live in the North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes areas. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the Big Sioux River crested at 44.98 feet, surpassing the previous 2014 record by 7.28 feet. Analysis from the National Weather Service shows the rain event that created this year’s flooding was a 1,000-year event. Eleven river gauges were at record-high level… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=72FF38AA-63F5-42A1-8122-7862E0911C3B Thune Applauds Senate Passage of His Big Tech Transparency Bill 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today applauded the passage of his bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which was included in a larger bill to address kids’ safety on the internet, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Thune’s bill would make it easier for internet platform users to understand the potential manipulation that exists with secret algorithms and require large-scale platforms to allow those users to consume information outside of that potential manipulation zone or “filter bubble.” It would essentially mandate that large Big Tech platforms, including Meta, provide an algorithm-free option for users to consume information in an unmanipulated form. “Consumers deserve more transparency when it comes to how social media and other internet platforms use algorithms to amplify or suppress content on their services,” said Thune. “This bill helps consumers better understand how algorithms are used to select content in their ‘feed’ and gives users more control over what information they are digesting. I applaud the Senate’s strong bipartisan passage of my bill, and I hope the House of Representatives considers it in short order.” The Filter Bubble Transparency Act would require large-scale internet platforms to disclose algorithm use to consumers and allow users to view content that has not been curated as a result of a secret algorithm. The bill would also make it unlawful for any person to operate a covered internet platform that uses a secret algorithm unless the platform complies with the two above requirements. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the legislation’s requirements, and it would be authorized to seek civil penalties for knowing violations. Thune first introduced the legislation in 2019 and reintroduced it during the 117th Congress. In July 2023, the Commerce Committee unanimously approved his legislation. In June 2019, Thune led a hearing entitled, “Optimizing for Engagement: Understa… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C2E9A8B8-71BC-4009-929D-3716ACD7F847 Thune: Democrats’ Supreme Court “Reforms” Amount to Changing the Rules in the Middle of the Game 2024-07-30 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Democrats’ relentless attempts to politicize and undermine the legitimacy of the U.S. Supreme Court. Thune noted that the administration’s most recent ploy would set an incredibly dangerous precedent and undermine the Supreme Court’s independence. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday evening, in the tradition of another Democrat president and his infamous court-packing scheme way back in 1937, President Biden announced a proposal to interfere with the Constitution’s separation of powers and permanently politicize the Supreme Court. “He dressed it up with appeals to permanent American values. “But what it all boiled down to, Mr. President, was this: “Democrats don’t like some of the Supreme Court’s recent decisions. “And so they’ve decided to change the rules of the game. “That’s it. “Mr. President, I’ve disagreed with more than one Supreme Court decision in my time. “I’ve disagreed with Supreme Court justices nominated by presidents of my own party. “But I have never thought that my not agreeing with a Supreme Court decision meant that the court itself was illegitimate – or that my party should attempt to change the law to make over the Supreme Court in our image. “Not so for Democrats. “The Supreme Court releases a handful of decisions Democrats don’t like, and they decide that the court is illegitimate – and that it’s time to remake the court to their liking. “More than one Democrat has already introduced legislation in Congress to do so. “And now, with the president’s announcement yesterday, it’s become clear that those plans have accelerated – and that if Democrats take the White House and Congress in November, we can expect them to lose no time in destroying the court as we know it. “And while the president’s proposals are troubling enough – a measure to circumvent the Constitution’s lifetime appointments for justices and replace the Supreme Court’s own code of con… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DD6BEC92-D352-4AE2-8D81-711C320AD84A Thune, Luján, Barrasso Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expedite Broadband Permits to Unserved, Rural Communities 2024-07-29 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), ranking member and chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today introduced the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve federal agencies’ review and processing of broadband permits and allow service to be more quickly deployed to unserved communities. The legislation cuts unnecessary red tape, increases transparency into the federal permitting process, and requires all federal agencies to implement controls to ensure broadband applications are being processed within the required 270-day deadline. “To ensure rural communities across South Dakota have access to reliable broadband, it is critical that federal agencies are processing broadband permits in a timely fashion and that they are being held accountable for any delays,” said Thune. “For years I have fought for rural areas to have access to reliable broadband services, and I’m proud to introduce this legislation that would help accelerate the deployment of these services throughout our communities.” “More must be done to address the barriers that have long kept rural communities on the wrong side of the digital divide. For years, I have pushed the federal government to streamline and expedite permitting processes to improve rural broadband connectivity. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senators Thune and Barrasso to help build out broadband infrastructure in New Mexico and across the country,” said Luján. “I remain hopeful that we can work in a bipartisan way to deliver high-speed, affordable broadband to every American.” “Nearly half of Wyoming is federal land. We must ensure efficient and timely internet access for communities in these areas,” said Barrasso. “Many broadband providers have faced issues with the federal permitting process for applications on federal land. This results in higher costs for internet providers and delays in closing the d… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-ossoff-introduce-legislation-to-advance-federal-cyber-workforce-development Rounds, Ossoff Introduce Legislation to Advance Federal Cyber Workforce Development 2024-07-26 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, and Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) have introduced legislation that would help advance the development of the federal government’s cyber workforce. Specifically, the Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2024 would require the National Cyber Director to develop a plan to establish an institute within the federal government to serve as a centralized resource and training center for federal cyber workforce development. This program would make it easier for federal government employers to prepare newly hired, early-career personnel for federal cyber positions. It would also support new skills for federal workers moving jobs mid-career. The program would leverage the private sector, specifically academia, to develop and deliver cyber training. “Cybersecurity is involved in every aspect of the federal government and continues to rapidly evolve,” said Rounds. “We can’t simply keep up with this evolution, we must be ahead of the curve. Being proactive in training our federal cyber workforce will help the United States bolster cybersecurity across all agencies of the federal government." “Strong cybersecurity is a necessity to protect families and businesses from threats and bad actors,” said Ossoff. “That’s why Senator Rounds and I are introducing this new bipartisan bill to help ensure we have the workforce we need to protect families and businesses from cyber threats, with Georgia positioned to lead the way.” Click HERE for full bill text. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9F74C1EC-6A35-4B5A-A7CF-7B7710F10072 Thune, Warner Introduce Legislation to Address Student Debt Crisis 2024-07-26 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) recently introduced the Employer Participation in Repayment Act. This bipartisan legislation would help Americans tackle their student loan debt by making permanent Thune’s previously enacted provision that allows employers to contribute up to $5,250 tax-free to their employees’ student loans. This bill would help provide relief to employees living with student loan debt and act as a free-market alternative to unfair and fiscally irresponsible student loan forgiveness proposals. “Incentivizing employers to help repay their employees’ student loans was a common-sense step Congress took to address the high levels of student debt that borrowers face,” said Thune. “The Thune-Warner bill would permanently equip employers with this unique tool to help attract and retain talented employees while protecting American taxpayers from costly burdens. This is a win-win for graduates and their employers, and I hope it will once again garner strong, bipartisan support.” “Too many young Americans are struggling under the weight of student debt, preventing them from establishing savings, buying homes, and building wealth,” said Warner. “My Employer Participation in Repayment Act took an important step to help folks pay down their debt while also giving employers a powerful tool to recruit and retain the best talent, but it’s set to expire soon. I’m proud to be pushing to make this benefit permanent so we can grow our economy and support the middle class by supporting recent graduates and employers alike.” Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.). In 2020, Thune and Warner’s legislation was first included as part of the CARES Act, which received overwhelming, bipartisan support. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-peters-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-streamline-tribal-government-requests-for-fire-management-assistance-grants Rounds, Peters Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Tribal Government Requests for Fire Management Assistance Grants 2024-07-25 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation that requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to accept requests from tribal governments to receive a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Declaration. Currently, FEMA can accept Emergency and Major Disaster Declaration requests from Tribal governments, but the agency is not authorized to accept FMAG requests directly from tribes. As a result, tribes can only receive FMAG assistance as sub-recipients of state-approved declarations. This limitation impedes tribes’ capacity to access federal resources for wildfire management and undermines tribal independence by forcing them to work through state governments, rather than having the option to interact directly with federal authorities for this specific type of assistance. “Tribes in South Dakota and across the nation shouldn’t have to go through unnecessary extra steps to receive assistance for wildfire management,” said Rounds. “I am pleased to co-lead this legislation with Senator Peters, which would allow tribes to directly request Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations from FEMA. This maintains tribal sovereignty, instead of making tribes a sub-recipient of a state emergency declaration.” “Tribal governments have the right to interact directly with the federal government as sovereign nations, especially in times of crisis,” said Peters. “My bipartisan bill closes a crucial gap in our disaster response system, authorizing FEMA to give Tribal governments the option of direct access to federal resources, and ultimately improving our ability to respond to the increasing threat of wildfires.” “The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) thanks Senators Gary Peters and Mike Rounds for introducing the Fire Management Assistance Grants for Tribal Governments Act. This critical legislation recognizes the need to bring tribal governments to full parity with state… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B161D177-78D1-49F2-98CD-0C245564ED8B Thune: The Senate Must Do More to Protect Our Nation 2024-07-25 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the lawless, pro-Hamas violence and vandalism that took place yesterday in Washington, D.C. He urged Majority Leader Schumer to schedule a vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, noting that more could be done to ensure the United States meets its security obligations at home and abroad. Thune also encouraged passage of the Kids Online Safety Act, which includes his Filter Bubble Transparency Act, legislation that would give users more awareness around social media algorithms. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, before I begin, I want to take a moment to address the events that transpired yesterday just a few short blocks from where we’re standing. “The summer months are busy tourist months here in our nation’s capital, and for some, the view from Union Station is the very first sight they have of Washington, D.C. “Those who emerged from Union Station yesterday afternoon, however, were confronted not with the beauty of the historic station but with a scene of lawlessness. “Violent protesters tore down American flags that fly in front of Union Station, lit at least one of them on fire, and raised Palestinian flags in their place. “Others defiled the monuments in front of the station with messages including, and I quote, ‘Hamas is comin’’ and ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ “Imagine being a Jewish person walking to work past those slogans. “Mr. President, we have a proud tradition of public protest in the United States. “But there is a difference between exercising free speech rights and the vandalism and violence we saw yesterday. “In addition to what we saw in front of Union Station and elsewhere, an anti-Israel protester or protesters released hundreds of maggots and mealworms into the hotel where the prime minister – and a lot of other people – were staying. “This is not part of the proud tradition of American political discourse. “This is pure thugger… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-secures-tribal-wins-interior-funding-bill Johnson Secures Tribal Wins in Interior Funding Bill 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) secured several wins for tribal communities in the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations package. “There is a public safety crisis on our Indian reservations,” said Johnson. “We also have major needs in tribal healthcare and education. Our efforts have secured major funding increases for these areas, including a 34% increase in tribal public safety funding.” Johnsonnoted that with our nation $35 trillion in debt, these new investments needed to be made in a fiscally responsible manner. “We managed to secure these substantive increases while decreasing overall spending because we implemented significant cuts elsewhere. This is a big win for Indian country and for fiscal responsibility.” The total cost of the bill is $72 million below the FY24 enacted level. It rescinds $55 million authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and reduces funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 20% from the FY24 enacted level. Johnson has led initiatives to increase funding for tribal law enforcement on reservations, reform the Indian Health Service, and improve education opportunities in tribal communities. The FY25 Interior appropriations package includes several of Johnson’s priorities: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-testifies-his-ihs-priorities Johnson Testifies on his IHS Priorities 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to discuss key provisions of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) bill to improve quality and delivery of patient care within the Indian Health Service (IHS). “In South Dakota, the average age of death is 78 years old, for Native American enrolled members, it’s 58 years. That’s a remarkable 20-year gap,” said Johnson. “One of the reasons for that is the poor quality of health care in Indian country. That’s something we have trust and treaty obligations to address.” Image View Johnson’s remarks here or by clicking the image above. The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2024 seeks to improve the delivery of care for Native Americans relying on IHS by promoting the recruitment and retention of staff, best practices on information-sharing, cultural awareness, and accountability. Specifically, the hearing discussed these sections of the bill: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-blumenthal-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-research-and-treatment-development-for-brain-cancers Rounds, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Research and Treatment Development for Brain Cancers 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen research and treatment development for brain tumors and to improve the accessibility of brain tumor health care. “For me, the fight against cancer is personal. When my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago, we were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments for many cancers,” said Rounds. “I firmly believe we are years, not decades, away from seeing cures to many of the most deadly cancers. The BRAIN Act will allow us to continue capitalizing on the progress we have made so far by implementing programs and funding that will advance research and treatments for brain tumors. I am glad to be joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues on this legislation.” “Malignant brain tumors remain a vicious and persistent enemy for many Americans—impacting more than one million people in the United States today,” said Blumenthal. “With incidence and survival rates remaining stagnant for decades, our bipartisan, bicameral BRAIN Act is needed to advance research and treatment for these highly deadly cancers and defeat brain tumors once and for all.” Rounds and Blumenthal are joined on this legislation by their colleagues U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). The House version of the BRAIN Act is led by U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-Penn.), who is joined by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and John Joyce (R-Penn.). “A brain tumor diagnosis is devastating news for too many American families, and the federal government needs to step up to help find a cure and better diagnostics and treatment. The BRAIN Act is about saving lives, changing lives, and improving health outcomes. It would help fast-track scientific discovery and breakthroughs by improving access to clinical trials for patients and advancing innovative new treatments. It… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1559DF6B-541E-42DF-B0DE-1A7135AF1903 Thune Calls for National Unity, Stresses Urgent Need for Reforms at Secret Service 2024-07-24 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper “[I]f there’s one thing we can take from the events of July 13 – other than the immediate practical need of addressing security failures – it is a renewed determination to live our lives in such a way that we too, at the time of our testing, would be among those whose response was to help and protect their fellow man.” Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and the need for Americans to embrace the values that unite us. Thune noted that it was appropriate for the Secret Service director to resign, but that serious reforms and accountability are still necessary to ensure the agency fulfills its mission going forward. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the attempted assassination of President Trump 11 days ago at a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania shook the nation. “And I am very thankful that he was not seriously harmed. “And I am grateful also for the law enforcement personnel who rushed in to cover the president when the shooting started. “But as every American knows by now, the events of July 13 should never have happened. “There was not just one but a number of apparent security breakdowns, notably a failure to secure the roof before the rally. “And while we are grateful for the fact that President Trump was not killed, these security failures resulted in the death of one innocent American, and serious injury to two others. “And it is appropriate that the Secret Service director resigned yesterday in the wake of this tragedy. “But there is more work to be done. “Multiple investigations are currently being conducted, several of them here in Congress, to identify everything that went wrong that Saturday and explore ways to ensure that it never happens again. “And among other things, we obviously need to take a hard look at what needs to be done at the Secret Service. “I have no doubt that there are many dedicated agents serving there, inc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hagerty-colleagues-demand-answers-on-dojs-lack-of-prosecutions-of-non-citizens-registering-to-vote Rounds, Hagerty, Colleagues Demand Answers on DOJ’s Lack of Prosecutions of Non-Citizens Registering to Vote 2024-07-18 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently joined his colleagues Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Representative Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) in demanding answers from U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) efforts to enforce the laws that protect the integrity of U.S. elections. “As you are likely aware, the United States has experienced a record number of border encounters since President Biden took office—nearly 10 million—many of whom have been released into, or evaded apprehension while entering, the U.S.,” wrote the members. “We’re writing to inquire regarding the efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce the law that prohibits non-citizens from voting in our elections.” “Plainly, there are opportunities for and instances of non-citizen voter registration, and so the critical question is whether the laws against doing so are being enforced by your Department,” continued the members. “There appear to have been few prosecutions by your Department under these laws, and there is no indication that you have been pursuing cases in places like Georgia and Ohio where aliens have been caught registering or voting.” Rounds, Hagerty and Biggs were joined on this letter by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and JD Vance (R-Ohio), along with 41 members of the House of Representatives. The members are requesting information on the number of non-citizens attempting to vote who have been charged, tried or convicted, as well as additional information on the DOJ’s protocols regarding non-citizens attempting to vote. Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear Attorney General… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-manchin-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-to-military-officers-impacted-by-holds-passes-with-committee-version-of-fy25-ndaa Rounds, Manchin Legislation to Provide Back Pay to Military Officers Impacted by Holds Passes With Committee Version of FY25 NDAA 2024-07-16 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) recently passed legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) to provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. The Military Personnel Confirmation and Restoration Act was included as part of the committee version of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was reported out of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The NDAA was officially filed on Monday, July 8. This provision would also make an adjustment to the affected service members’ time in grade and other administrative fixes. “I am pleased that the Military Personnel Confirmation and Restoration Act is included in our Armed Services committee version of the FY25 Senate NDAA,” said Rounds. “These nominations for our military members were initially held up due to policy differences. Though their promotions and nominations are no longer stalled, many military officers spent much of 2023 waiting on positions they had earned through exemplary service to our country, often in combat zones, over the last two decades. This legislation would make certain they and their families receive the benefits they missed out on for several months.” “I’m proud our bipartisan Military Personnel Confirmation and Restoration Act has been included in the FY25 Senate NDAA,” said Manchin. “This important legislation will provide well-earned retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation’s senior military officers after many promotions were blocked for months. These men and women are true American heroes and we have a responsibility in Congress to make them whole. I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure the passage of our bill to compensate our troops and strengthen America’s national security.” Rounds and Manchin initially introduced the Military Personnel Confirmation and Restoration Act as a standalone bill in December 2023. This legislation passed the Senate unanimously later that same mo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=652DE060-45DB-487C-96C9-BE06C2A5ABD8 Thune: Biden’s Border Crisis Makes Americans Less Safe 2024-07-11 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the serious risks that President Biden’s open-border policies pose to the safety of the American people, both today and into the future. Thune noted that 10 million illegal immigrants have crossed the border during the Biden administration, including suspected terrorists and criminals. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last month’s arrest of eight men from Tajikistan with suspected ties to ISIS further underscored what we have known for a long time – that President Biden’s three-year-plus border crisis is a threat to our national security. “All eight of these individuals had made their way into our country across our overrun southern border. “And they are hardly the only dangerous individuals to have made their way into our country on President Biden’s watch. “An illegal immigrant who had successfully evaded the Border Patrol to enter the United States has been arrested for the murder of a mother in Maryland. “An illegal immigrant released into the country on parole has been charged with the murder of a nursing student in Georgia. “Two illegal immigrants are charged with the killing of a 12-year-old girl in Texas. “And unfortunately, Mr. President, I could go on. “In another alarming case, 50 out of 400 illegal immigrants who entered the United States through an ISIS-linked smuggling network are still unaccounted for. “Mr. President, it is of course impossible to predict – or stop – every crime. “But the chaos at the southern border that President Biden has allowed to rage for three-plus years has unquestionably created an environment that facilitates the entry of dangerous individuals into our country. “Since President Biden took office, approximately 10 million individuals – that we know of – have made their way illegally into our country. “10 million. “That’s larger than the population of the vast majority of U.S. states. “We have had three successive y… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CDBCE609-E6B6-4458-9C29-F5FE169A44F2 Thune, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Interstate Firearm Sales 2024-07-11 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently joined his colleagues in introducing the Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act (FICRA), legislation that would address burdensome federal regulations on the sale or delivery of firearms between different states. “Enabling licensed firearm dealers to sell across state lines strengthens law-abiding gun owners’ Second Amendment rights and helps promote a marketplace on which many livelihoods depend,” said Thune. “Lawful South Dakota gun owners, including members of our armed forces, should have unimpeded access to exercise their lawful right to keep and bear arms.” The legislation was led by U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and, in addition to Thune, was cosponsored by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). Thune has led several efforts to protect the freedoms of law-abiding gun owners and prevent the federal government from infringing on those rights. Last year, Thune introduced the Merchant Category Code Neutrality Act, legislation that would block the Internal Revenue Service from conducting taxpayer audits that unfairly target lawful firearm sales. Thune also introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness Act to prevent the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools’ hunting and archery programs. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-election-integrity Johnson Votes for Election Integrity 2024-07-10 2024 2024-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to secure the integrity of American elections by passing the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to prevent noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The SAVE Act would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. “Voting is a sacred honor reserved for American citizens,” said Johnson. “Millions of illegal immigrants have crossed our border since Joe Biden took office—if they cast votes, our election system would be severely compromised. We must protect this right and protect election security. Allowing noncitizens to vote threatens both of those objectives.” Nearly 25 million noncitizens reside in the United States, and nearly ten million illegal immigrants have crossed our borders since January 2021. Many states are committed to providing driver’s licenses to these individuals. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act will: 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-rounds-grills-fed-chair-powell-on-inflation-basel-iii-endgame-in-banking-committee-hearing ICYMI: Rounds Grills Fed Chair Powell on Inflation, Basel III Endgame in Banking Committee Hearing 2024-07-10 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) questioned Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell this week in a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee. The hearing was Powell’s semiannual appearance in front of the Committee to address monetary policy in the United States. Rounds asked Powell about revisions to the Basel III Endgame proposal, as well as how the bad policies of the Biden administration have fueled inflation. According the Joint Economic Committee, the average South Dakota family is paying over $1,000 more per month in living expenses for needs such as shelter, food and energy compared to when President Biden took office. “Since President Biden took office, gasoline prices have risen over 54%, energy prices have risen 41%, fuel oil prices have risen 37%. Now, I can go on and on, but you understand what I'm saying is that energy has increased substantially,” said Rounds. “I think one of the reasons for this has been additional demand as we've come out of a pandemic. But the other part of this has been whether or not investors really want to go back in and invest in traditional energy resources after the President made this specific determination to cancel the Keystone XL Pipeline on the day that he stepped into office. When he did that, he sent one heck of a message to investors about traditional energy, and investing in traditional energy, in the United States. And the fact that a multibillion dollar contract could be cancelled with a stroke of a pen.” Watch the full exchange HERE. Read the full transcript below. +++ Rounds: Mr. Chairman, first of all, thanks for coming in again and visiting with us. I just want to focus on two specific items. And I'm going to start with the Basel III Endgame discussion. Senator Scott did an excellent job of kind of laying out the concerns that many of us have had with it. I would like to go back into just one particular issue, which I think a lot of folks out there that follow this, and I know it's technical in nature. But let me just ask a specific ques… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-joins-colleagues-in-honoring-late-oklahoma-senator-jim-inhofe-on-senate-floor Rounds Joins Colleagues in Honoring Late Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe on Senate Floor 2024-07-10 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD Mike Rounds R000605 www.rounds.senate.gov rounds https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined several of his Senate colleagues in delivering a series of floor speeches honoring the late Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.). Inhofe passed away earlier this week after a stroke. Rounds and Inhofe served alongside one another in the Senate for eight years before Inhofe’s retirement in January 2023, with both serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “Jim Inhofe was a true ambassador for his state, his country and most importantly, Jesus,” said Rounds. “Whether he was in another country or attending our weekly Senate prayer breakfasts, he loved sharing his faith with others.” “He was one of my best friends in the United States Senate,” continued Rounds. “Jim often said that real friendship did exist in the Senate, even if the news wouldn't necessarily show it. To Jim, it didn't matter if someone was a Republican, a Democrat or an Independent, he put political parties aside to get things done and trusted and respected the colleagues he worked with. Many of us in this chamber are lucky to have worked with Jim and to have called him a friend.” View the full speech HERE. Read the full transcript of the speech below. +++ I think many of us come down here to the floor with prepared remarks because we want to be precise in what we say, but after listening to my friend from Nebraska and her remarks, I have to admit that some of the memories that she has of Jim Inhofe are very similar to the memories that I have of Jim. And before I go into fully prepared remarks, I just wanted to share with you that I don't know that anybody else has the record that Jim has of the number of snowballs that have been tossed on the floor of the Senate. Jim is one of those guys who could get away with coming in with a snowball and then looking at a young page and saying, “Be ready to catch this when I throw it at you.” And then in the middle of talking about climate change and the fact that he disagreed with a lot of the new ideas, he would pick up a snowball, show it to everybody … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6BCAE6BB-8158-4857-B1EA-3A4C48986360 Thune Honors Former Senator Jim Inhofe 2024-07-10 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today paid tribute on the Senate floor to former Sen. Jim Inhofe and honored his life of service to the people of Oklahoma. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, I want to join with Senator Reed and so many of my colleagues today as we express our great sorrow in learning about the death of Senator Jim Inhofe. “Jim was an icon here in the Senate. “He was a personal inspiration to me. “When I first got here, he was the chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate and worked with me. “My first legislative accomplishments came as a result of him and his staff working with me to help me establish myself as a new senator and to do the work that the people of South Dakota sent me here to do. “And he made that possible because of just the way that he led the committee, his understanding of what it takes to get things accomplished here in the United States Senate. “And I'm grateful for his legislative prowess, for his leadership as the chairman of not only that committee, but later the Senate Armed Services Committee, and grateful for his tireless work ethic. “I learned a lot-- my first trip, actually, as a senator abroad was to Iraq and I went with Senator Inhofe. “And I can tell you from traveling with him, and I know that anybody who's traveled with Senator Inhofe knew that he had boundless energy and an ability to work people half his age under the table. “He was a truly, remarkably durable and passionate advocate for this country, a man of deep convictions, and as was pointed out by Senator Reed, somebody who had a connection with the rank-and-file military because of his military background. “And every place that we went, we would meet with soldiers who respected him for that, the connection that he had, and also for the leadership that he provided for our country when it came to important national security matters. “I also had the opportunity in Oklahoma to visit, to travel the state a li… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bill-reforms-indian-health-service Johnson Bill Reforms Indian Health Service 2024-07-09 2024 2024-07 Republican House SD Dusty Johnson J000301 dustyjohnson.house.gov dustyjohnson https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases scraper Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) reintroduced the Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2024 to improve quality and delivery of patient care. Due to a lack of oversight, financial integrity, staffing needs, and employee shortcomings at the Indian Health Service (IHS), tribal patients have been receiving substandard care for far too long. “Tribal communities deserve access to efficient, safe, and high-quality care through the IHS,” said Johnson. “This bill would bring necessary changes to improve the quality of service and care for tribal members." Background: The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2024 seeks to improve the delivery of care for Native Americans relying on IHS by promoting the recruitment and retention of staff, best practices on information-sharing, cultural awareness, and accountability. Specifically, the bill: Incentivizes recruitment and retention of staff by establishing a competitive pay system and expanding eligibility for IHS loan repayment program. Strengthens information-sharing practices between IHS and state medical boards on provider professional conduct violations. Establishes a tribal consultation policy with IHS. Directs IHS to establish standards for timeliness of care. Protects whistleblowers from retaliation. Promotes fiscal accountability and requires reports on spending at all levels of IHS. Requires HHS Inspector General to report on patient harm/deaths and deferrals/denials of care in Service units. U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-W.Y.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) are leading similar legislation in the Senate. 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-07T21:24:45Z
https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=40A96503-6BC3-4E8E-BAF9-73D927F82AD4 Thune Condemns Democrats’ Crusade to Delegitimize the Supreme Court 2024-07-09 2024 2024-07 Republican Senate SD John Thune T000250 www.thune.senate.gov thune https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases scraper Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about Democrats’ latest attempt to undermine the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and noted that these ongoing attacks weaken our institutions. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the Supreme Court recently concluded its term, and as predicted, Democrats met the decisions they didn’t like with howls of outrage. “‘We will fight to rein in the outrageous abuses of this brazen Court,’ one Democrat offered temperately. “‘We must expand the Court now,’ another cried, before it, quote, ‘destroy[s] our democracy and our planet.’ “Yet another announced that she would be filing impeachment articles against a Supreme Court justice or justices – presumably for the high crime of ruling in a way that she didn’t like. “Mr. President, for years now – since at least the last administration – Democrats have been engaged in a concerted campaign to paint the Supreme Court as illegitimate and extreme. “We’ve heard about ‘stolen seats’ and ‘MAGA justices’ and other melodramatic statements meant to persuade the American people that the Supreme Court has somehow been hijacked. “But what it all boils down to, Mr. President, is this: “Democrats think that the only legitimate Supreme Court is a Supreme Court that rules in line with Democrats’ policy preferences. “That’s it, Mr. President. “That’s what it all boils down to. “Democrats can dress things up any way they like, with a host of invented reasons for why this court is illegitimate. “But the truth of the matter is, Democrats’ real problem with this court is that a number of the justices have had the temerity to periodically deliver rulings that Democrats disagree with. “If this court were universally delivering the outcomes that Democrats want, they would have no problem with the court or its Republican nominees. “Mr. President, I could spend time debunking Democrats’ wild claims. “I could point out just how often this court delivers… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-06T18:32:29Z

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