Press releases
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572 rows where state = "SD" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/wrapping-up-2018 | Wrapping up 2018 | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | As we wrap up the year, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to take steps to make Washington work a little better for all of us who live in South Dakota. We used the Congressional Review Act to roll back a total of 16 heavy-handed, Obama-era regulations that were hindering small businesses, farms, ranches and banks from reaching their full potential. The Trump administration has taken actions to stop or dismantle approximately 2000 federal regulations, which has saved Americans at least $50 billion in regulatory costs, or an average of $150 per person in the United States. We recently marked the one-year anniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law. Since then, America’s economy continues to grow. It grew at 3.5 percent in the third quarter, putting the economy on track for its fastest annual growth in 13 years. Meanwhile, unemployment is at its lowest level in nearly 50 years. Just since this time last year, more than 2.2 million jobs have been created and hourly wages are up over three percent from last year. Federal revenue is rising due to increased economic activity. A strong economy is good for all Americans. This year, the president signed into law the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which included seven of my provisions to undo unnecessary regulations and make sure families and businesses have access to credit from local banks and credit unions when they need it. A five-year farm bill was signed into law this month, which will provide certainty and stability for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. With more than 31,500 farms across the state, South Dakota ranks in the top 10 for ag production, providing a $21 billion dollar impact on our economy annually. Passing a five-year farm bill was necessary to give South Dakota producers the certainty they need to help weather times of low commodity prices, such as the one we are experiencing now. Measures included in the farm bill can help them keep their operations viable during tough times. We will continue u… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=DDBE7872-9298-4547-9EEA-31BFAC659B98 | A Record of Accomplishment: Chairing the Senate Commerce Committee | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune It's been a humbling and highly rewarding experience to have spent the last four years leading the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While I truly wish I could continue doing so, next year I'll be serving as the chief vote counter in the Senate and taking on additional responsibilities, which means I'll have to turn the Commerce Committee gavel over to the next chairman. I won't be going far, though. I'll still serve on the committee, and with my new role, I'll be in a prime position to continue advocating for our goals and building on what we've already achieved. The Commerce Committee is unique for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the broad jurisdiction it has over agencies in the federal government and issues that affect Americans' day-to-day lives. The committee covers planes, trains, and automobiles essentially every mode of transportation in the United States. It has jurisdiction over technology, the internet, mobile broadband, the space program, the U.S. Coast Guard, and oceans. Those topics just scratch the surface, which is why I've always found the Commerce Committee so interesting and relevant. Every single day I've served as chairman, I've tried to approach the job with a core mission of creating a forward-looking agenda. I wanted to pursue policies that helped prepare our economy and workers for the jobs and opportunities of the future. I wanted to use my position on the committee to serve South Dakotans and the rest of the American people to the best of my ability and in the most effective way I possibly could. After four years, we have a strong record of accomplishment, and I'm comfortably passing the torch knowing we left it all on the field. Over the years, the committee has taken several meaningful steps to help protect travelers and consumers by doing common-sense things like reauthorizing and modernizing nearly every transportation program in the country. As a result, these efforts will make our highways safer, our r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/free-to-celebrate-the-holidays-thanks-to-the-men-and-women-in-uniform | Free to Celebrate the Holidays Thanks to the Men and Women in Uniform | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This holiday season, Jean and I wish all South Dakotans a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. It’s a good time of the year to spend with family and friends, participating in traditions and making memories that will last a lifetime. Some of our family’s favorite traditions are from Christmas, which we are now passing down to our grandkids. We look forward to introducing our traditions to our youngest grandchild, Maverick Michael Rounds, who was born earlier this year. Nearly every year, our family gathers at our home after the Christmas Eve church service to have homemade chicken noodle soup and open gifts. Some years, we’ll have more than 80 people over! My dad, Grandpa Don, always used to read the story of Christmas to the young kids, reminding us of the greatest Christmas gift of all—the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child. Grandpa Don passed away in February, so this is our first Christmas without him. We miss him every day and we’re so thankful for the decades of Christmas memories we got to share with him. Many families across our state and throughout the country will be spending the holiday season without their loved ones who are stationed all over the globe serving in our armed forces. Without their service and sacrifice, we would not be able to celebrate the holidays freely and safely here at home. We thank everyone who wears the uniform of the United States and we pray for their safe return. We also thank their family and friends who support them while they are protecting our country. I recently attended two deployment ceremonies for South Dakota National Guard units. One of the units is deploying stateside and the other is deploying to Europe. Some of these men and women will be separated from their loved ones during Christmas and others are departing shortly after the holidays. I appreciated the chance to wish them well and thank them for their service before they left. I encourage all South Dakotans to say “thank you” to a military member or military family member during the holiday season. I al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-criminal-justice-reform-legislation-fails-to-address-basic-public-safety-concerns | Rounds: Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Fails to Address Basic Public Safety Concerns | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding his opposition to the First Step Act, legislation that would reform the federal prison system and modify several federal sentencing provisions – which may allow certain violent and drug criminals to be eligible for early release: “I support the intent of criminal justice reform, particularly for nonviolent offenders, but the First Step Act fails to adequately protect South Dakota families from violent criminals who should remain behind bars. We can’t be soft on crime when we’re facing a serious drug epidemic across our state and nation. Without the support of our attorney general and local law enforcement officials – who will be the ones dealing with dangerous criminals released early from the federal prison system – I could not in good conscience vote in favor of legislation that poses a threat to public safety.” “Allowing violent criminals to walk free may reduce federal expense, but it certainly doesn’t make society safer. Reducing recidivism rates for non-violent offenders is a worthy pursuit. However, this legislation does not restrict early release to non-violent only, but unfortunately did not exclude many violent offenders, putting the public at risk.” South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley: “I recognize the need for prison reform, and I support providing additional tools and flexibility to help certain nonviolent offenders to re-enter our communities as safe and productive citizens. While several versions of the legislation provided these important tools and flexibility which I embrace, I share in the concerns about additional safeguards needed in the final legislation to protect victims and our communities from certain violent criminals and sex offenders and remain hopeful that continued work will strengthen these important protections.” Types of crimes that will now be eligible for early release: bank robbery by force or violence 18 U.S.C. § 2113(c) certain drug-related robbery, even if a person is kille… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DE2EA7DC-37F8-4B0A-81D4-9545AA82A84A | Senate Unanimously Approves Thune Bill to Reauthorize Critical Drought Information Program | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously approved his legislation (S. 2200) to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), which provides vital drought information to farmers, ranchers, and other industries affected by severe weather conditions. This legislation would encourage important partnerships with the private sector, integrate seasonal and subseasonal drought and water forecasts, improve the use of citizen-science, and support ongoing soil moisture monitoring to better aid farmers. The bill now heads to the House, which is expected to consider it before the end of the year, and, if approved, it would go to the president for his signature. I introduced this bill a little over a year ago as South Dakota farmers and ranchers were recovering from a significantly dry year, which resulted in drought conditions that affected large areas of the state, said Thune. It was a good reminder that Congress must do everything it can to update and modernize drought tools like NIDIS, which our farmers and ranchers depend on to stay up-to-date and fully informed on drought conditions in their area. I'm glad my Senate colleagues also recognized the importance of passing this legislation and that the president will hopefully sign this bill into law before the end of the year. NIDIS was established by Congress in 2006 with an interagency mandate to coordinate and integrate drought research and create a national drought early warning system. The early warning system utilizes new and existing partner networks to optimize the expertise of a wide range of federal, tribal, state, local, and academic partners in order to make climate and drought science readily available, easily understandable, and usable for decision makers. It would also improve the capacity of stakeholders to better monitor, forecast, plan for, and cope with the impacts of a drought. The NIDIS progr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/spearfish-high-school-student-offered-appointment-to-us-air-force-academy | Spearfish High School Student Offered Appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced Spearfish High School student Sierra Hillard has received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, which she intends to accept. Sierra is the daughter of Sue Hillard of Whitewood, SD, and the granddaughter of former South Dakota Lt. Governor Carole Hillard. Sierra was nominated to the Air Force Academy by Rounds. “We congratulate Sierra on this incredible accomplishment,” said Rounds. “Receiving an offer of acceptance to our nation’s service academies is not easy. Sierra has worked very hard in school--she is graduating from Spearfish High School in January 2019 and will graduate from Black Hills State University with an Associate Degree in Applied Health Sciences this month. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity track team, and is involved in volunteer work in her community. We wish her all the best at the Air Force Academy.” “I am thankful for the opportunity to represent South Dakota at the United States Air Force Academy,” said Hillard. “The nomination and appointment are truly a reflection of my outstanding teachers and mentors. After attending summer programs at each academy, I was quite impressed with the scientific research options for Air Force cadets. I hope other students will recognize this amazing opportunity and challenge themselves to ‘aim high.’” Each year, Rounds is able to nominate a select group of eligible students from South Dakota to attend our nation’s four service academies: The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. More information about the nomination process and eligibility requirements can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD0F3077-DE25-4D1E-B5F9-EF2B4A38FB86 | Thune: Protecting Our Border is Protecting Our Nation | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the importance of border security and expressed his frustration with Senate and House Democrats for their opposition to funding a border wall, considering Sen. Schumer and former Sens. Biden, Clinton, and Obama all voted to authorize a border fence in 2006. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, before I begin, I'd like to say a couple of words about Senator Alexander. I was sad to hear that he will be leaving the Senate in two years. While I'm sure he will enjoy having more time to relax at home in his beloved Tennessee, his gain is our loss. Over the course of his 16-year career in the Senate, he has been a leader and a model for many of us, including me. As a former secretary of education, he has, unsurprisingly, been a leader on education issues, and he has also been a tremendous leader on health care. He combines an impressive knowledge of the issues with an ability to bring together members of both parties to get things done. He and I share the unusual distinction of having both been congressional staffers before becoming members of Congress. We've also both served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. And Lamar was definitely a tough act to follow. I will miss his presence in the Senate, but I'm glad we still have two more years to work together to improve the lives of the American people. Mr. President, I also need to mention Senator Kyl, who just announced that he's retiring from the Senate for the second time. Senator Kyl initially retired at the end of the 112th Congress after a distinguished Senate career, but he stepped up to fill in after we lost Senator McCain earlier this year. He's rightly renowned in this body for his statesmanship and his deep knowledge, and it's been a pleasure having him back in the Senate, even for a brief time. Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's time to finish up our work. Most importantly, of course, we need to fund the government… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bronze-star-medal-posthumously-awarded-to-yankton-world-war-ii-veteran- | Bronze Star Medal Posthumously Awarded to Yankton World War II Veteran | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | YANKTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today presented the Bronze Star Medal to Yankton resident Mrs. Lucille Mjoen on behalf of her late husband, World War II veteran Private First Class Gilbert Mjoen. The Bronze Star was awarded to Mjoen for meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on Dec. 19, 1944, in Holland, where he was wounded while serving with the 104th Infantry Division. He previously received the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. “It’s my honor to present the Bronze Star to Mrs. Mjoen on behalf of her husband, Gilbert,” said Rounds. “Like so many members of the Greatest Generation, Gilbert was called to serve our nation during World War II. He joined the Army in 1943 and fought in Holland, Belgium and Germany. We are forever grateful to Gilbert for the sacrifices he made to preserve freedom here in the United States and around the world. I wish that Gilbert could be here to accept the award today, surrounded by his family and friends.” Mjoen was born on January 30, 1925, in Volin, SD. In 1943, after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army’s 104th Infantry Division. He was a first gunner on the light machine gun squad and the 50-caliber machine gun. He fought in the European Theatre of Operations, specifically in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Rounds’ office seeks to assist veterans and their families if a military award has been lost or is overdue. Please contact any of Rounds’ South Dakota offices for assistance. Contact information can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/five-year-farm-bill-will-provide-certainty-stability-to-south-dakota-ag-community | Five-Year Farm Bill Will Provide Certainty, Stability to South Dakota Ag Community | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | After months of negotiations, Congress recently passed a five-year farm bill with strong bipartisan support. This vital piece of legislation will provide certainty for farmers and ranchers across the country, and especially in South Dakota where our state’s economy depends on agriculture. With more than 31,500 farms across the state, South Dakota ranks in the top 10 for ag production, providing a $21 billion dollar impact on our economy annually. With net farm income down 50 percent in the past five years and producers on the tip of the spear with the ongoing trade disputes, the farm bill will provide our ag community with much-needed stability as they plan for the future. A five-year farm bill is necessary to give South Dakota producers the certainty they need to help weather times of low commodity prices, such as the one we are experiencing now. Measures included in the farm bill can help them keep their operations viable. During farm bill negotiations, I outlined my priorities to the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee to make certain the top concerns of South Dakota producers were heard. I was pleased most of these priorities were addressed as part of the final farm bill package, including a measure to increase the cap for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres from 24 million acres to 27 million acres, with 2 million acres reserved for grasslands. The farm bill also strengthens the federal crop insurance program, increases the total Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guaranteed and Direct Loan Program authorization to $12 billion and establishes an Animal Disease and Preparedness Program. This includes a vaccination bank to combat economic, food and national security concerns. Additionally, it allows for re-enrollment for producers utilizing commodity programs under Title I, specifically Price-Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC). It also includes Sen. John Thune’s provision to update and improve accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor and better use collected data to determine emergency… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=9275856A-B433-459F-B6EA-CF88967C6DAB | When You Defend Agriculture, You Defend South Dakota | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune In a 1982 radio address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan had a simple yet poignant message for U.S. farmers. He said, I've always thought that when we Americans get up in the morning, when we see bacon, eggs, toast, and milk on our breakfast table, we should give thanks that our farmers are survivors. You are the real miracle workers of the modern world keepers of an incredible system based on faith, freedom, hard work, productivity, and profit. Reagan's edict to the American people was as true then as it is today: farming and ranching is no easy business. In fact, if you ask most farmers and ranchers today, they'd tell you it's less of a business and more of a way of life. They'd tell you that you're born with it in your blood the willingness to climb out of bed before the sun breaks in the east and, without a complaint or dragging feet, work until Mother Nature turns out the lights in the west. Farmers and ranchers care about what they do and how they do it nearly as much as they care about their family, friends, and the Lord above who knows there's a uniqueness about them a toughness that, despite the hardest times, will never break their faith. These are the people I'm proud to represent in Washington, and they're why I left it all on the field when it came to writing and passing the 2018 farm bill. I work on a lot of meaningful issues with my colleagues in Washington, but when it comes to defending South Dakota's top industry, I take a backseat to no one. I've never underestimated or taken for granted what it means to fight for our state's agriculture community, and I never will. I introduced my first farm bill proposal in early 2017 and spent more than a year drafting proposal after proposal to help lay the groundwork for the bipartisan farm bill Congress just overwhelmingly approved. Without their help, I can honestly say it would look much different than it does today. And because of their help, it will help provide more of the economic certainty and secu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4413D9D3-119C-467C-894E-B7270B548BA0 | Thune: Delivering on Our Goal to Make Life Better for the American People | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the long list of Senate Republican accomplishments over the last two years, all of which were aimed at making life better for American families. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's been a good two years. Our goal two years ago was simple: Make life better for American families. And that's what we've done. We knew that a huge part of making life better for American families was expanding opportunity and putting more money in their pockets. And so we passed a historic reform of our outdated tax code that slashed tax rates for families and removed barriers to economic growth. And it's already producing results. Since we passed tax reform a year ago this December, we've seen unemployment drop to its lowest rate in almost 50 years. We've seen job openings reach a record high: For the past seven months, there have been more job openings than there are Americans looking for work. We've seen company after company dispense raises or bonuses or boost benefits for employees. We've seen the best wage growth since the Great Recession. And more. Most importantly, the economic benefits of tax reform are reaching the people who need them the most. During the Obama administration, what economic prosperity there was tended to be concentrated in large metropolitan areas. But under Republican government, growth and prosperity are reaching small cities and rural families and communities. Thanks to tax reform, a lot of families are finding it easier to pay their bills and put a little bit away for the future. But of course tax reform is far from the only thing we did in this Congress to improve the lives of the American people. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. We enacted legislation to improve career and technical education programs. We passed legislation to make it easier for Main Street banks and credit unions to lend money to small businessme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8526815-286D-4A7E-9079-C25CA83025F4 | Thune: Delivering on Our Goal to Make Life Better for the American People | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the long list of Senate Republican accomplishments over the last two years, all of which were aimed at making life better for American families. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's been a good two years. Our goal two years ago was simple: Make life better for American families. And that's what we've done. We knew that a huge part of making life better for American families was expanding opportunity and putting more money in their pockets. And so we passed a historic reform of our outdated tax code that slashed tax rates for families and removed barriers to economic growth. And it's already producing results. Since we passed tax reform a year ago this December, we've seen unemployment drop to its lowest rate in almost 50 years. We've seen job openings reach a record high: For the past seven months, there have been more job openings than there are Americans looking for work. We've seen company after company dispense raises or bonuses or boost benefits for employees. We've seen the best wage growth since the Great Recession. And more. Most importantly, the economic benefits of tax reform are reaching the people who need them the most. During the Obama administration, what economic prosperity there was tended to be concentrated in large metropolitan areas. But under Republican government, growth and prosperity are reaching small cities and rural families and communities. Thanks to tax reform, a lot of families are finding it easier to pay their bills and put a little bit away for the future. But of course tax reform is far from the only thing we did in this Congress to improve the lives of the American people. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. We enacted legislation to improve career and technical education programs. We passed legislation to make it easier for Main Street banks and credit unions to lend money to small businessme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/audio-files?ContentRecord_id=0FC49771-1F21-47CB-B9E3-148D5E81A992 | Thune News Conference | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33E03443-3191-4638-BCB1-DB40F33E799F | Thune, Scott Applaud Presidents Decision to Direct Federal Agencies to Boost Opportunity Zones in Distressed Communities | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), both members of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Donald Trumpfor issuing an executive order directing federal agencies to coordinate available resources through a new White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to maximize the benefits for economically distressed areas, including the new Opportunity Zone communities, and provide regulatory relief where appropriate. Thune and Scott, in a letter to the president earlier this year, encouraged the administration to do whatever it could to help boost Opportunity Zones around the country. Opportunity Zones, which were created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and championed by Scott, are distressed communities that have been identified by governors and approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Once designated, these new Opportunity Zones are able to attract qualifying private investment to unlock unrealized potential and strengthen local communities throughout the United States. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains a number of benefits for the American people, including lower rates, a simpler tax code, and additional provisions that allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money, said Thune. The creation of Opportunity Zones, which thanks to Sen. Scott's hard work and determination, is yet another way taxpayers and the communities in which they live can be better served. I'm thankful the administration took this important step that will help ensure this program works as effectively and efficiently as possible. I am very excited the White House has taken this important step to provide more support to some of our nation's most distressed communities, said Scott. The Opportunity Zone initiative will help rebuild and strengthen neighborhoods in every state, be it through direct job creation, supporting local entrepreneurs with increased capital, helping provide quality affordable housing, increasing rural broadband capabilities, or any other… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C0698E69-0023-4FC1-8257-E346A403D1CF | Thune Applauds FCC Action on Rural Broadband Deployment | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) adoption of an order addressing funding for broadband deployment in rural areas. Through oversight of the FCC, the committee has remained committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring America's rural communities have advanced telecommunications capability.With its action today, the FCC has fulfilled its promise to the committee and to America's rural communities to do its part to overcome the difficulty of deploying broadband to rural areas by ordering more funding for broadband deployment in South Dakota and across the country. Broadband is vital to America's rural communities, said Thune. Today the FCC, under the leadership of Chairman Pai, has taken an extremely important step to enable the continued deployment of broadband so critical to communities in my home state and rural communities across the country. By ensuring predictable and sufficient support, the commission has fulfilled an important obligation to ensure universal service and meet its obligations under the law. Over the past several years, the committee has conducted hearings with testimony from rural broadband providers, farmers, tribal representatives, and others on the critical role broadband plays in the lives and economies of rural America and the challenges involved in deploying broadband in rural areas. At a hearing in August, Thune discussed the importance for rural broadband deployment with the FCC. In October, Thune, together with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), sent a letter urging the FCC to fully fund the Universal Service Fund's High Cost program's budget. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-revised-wotus-rule-a-win-for-landowners-ag-community-and-states-rights | Rounds: Revised WOTUS Rule a Win for Landowners, Ag Community & States’ Rights | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today joined Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and other stakeholders in announcing a revised ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule. “The revised WOTUS rule gives farmers, ranchers and landowners the certainty they need to know when the Clean Water Act applies to them and when it does not,” said Rounds. “In providing this clarity from the onset, it removes Washington bureaucrats from making ambiguous decisions on land which they aren’t familiar with, as landowners are. Additionally, the rule works with landowners to strengthen water safety – rather than saddle them with unnecessary burdens with little to no benefit to the environment and our water supply. It also respects states’ rights, recognizing that state and tribal governments have a right to regulate and manage their land and water resources themselves.” “As it was previously written, the WOTUS rule would have been one of the largest federal land grabs in U.S. history. It would have required farmers, ranchers and landowners to spend countless hours filling out burdensome paperwork to get permits from the federal government just to conduct normal agricultural activities or spray for weeds along our county roads. I thank the administration for recognizing the damage the previous administration’s WOTUS rule would have on agricultural operations and job creators. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this commonsense proposal forward.” A 60-day public comment period now begins for anyone to weigh in on the proposal. Those who may be affected by the WOTUS rule can offer their thoughts on EPA’s website HERE. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-confirmation-of-jon-kobes-to-be-circuit-court-judge- | Rounds Statement on Confirmation of Jon Kobes to be Circuit Court Judge | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the confirmation of his counsel, Jonathan Kobes of Sioux Falls, to be a Circuit Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Kobes will replace Judge Roger Wollman, who is taking senior status at the end of the year. “Jon will be an excellent judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit,” said Rounds. “He has spent his career demonstrating his commitment to justice, the fair application of the law and the betterment of the community by providing pro-bono legal services to those in need. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to protect the Constitution and the rule of law, and I look forward to watching him excel as a federal judge.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-five-year-farm-bill- | Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Five-Year Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement on the Senate passage of the farm bill conference report, which includes a number of priorities he requested earlier this year. It passed with strong bipartisan support, 87-13. “The farm bill is a vital piece of legislation for farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, where our economy depends on agriculture,” said Rounds. “At a time when farm income is down 50 percent and our producers are at the tip of the spear with the ongoing trade disputes, passage of a five-year farm bill is a critical step toward providing our ag community with much needed certainty and stability. The farm bill includes tools that can help farmers and ranchers keep their operations viable even during tough times. I thank Senate and House Ag Committee leaders and members for their work on this important bill, and urge the president to sign it into law as soon as it passes the House.” The farm bill includes a number of priorities Rounds has pushed for in farm bill negotiations: Strengthens safety net programs such as crop insurance; Allows for re-enrollment for producers utilizing commodity programs under Title I, specifically Price-Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC); Increases the cap for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres from 24 million acres to 27 million acres, with 2 million acres reserved for grasslands; Establishes an Animal Disease and Preparedness Program, which includes a vaccination bank to combat economic, food and national security concerns; Increases the total Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guaranteed Loan Program’s individual cap on Ownership and Operating Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million. Rounds called for an increase to these individual loan caps in the FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act that he introduced; Establishes a Rural Health Liaison position to work in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services to improve rural health care delivery. This measure is based on legislation Rounds sponso… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E7AF0A2B-250C-4431-B0ED-4D253B31037A | House and Senate to Vote on Bipartisan Farm Bill Compromise | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement on the bipartisan farm bill compromise that was negotiated between leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees. The House and Senate are expected to consider the compromise legislation in the lame duck session of Congress. Once approved by both chambers, the bill would head to the president for his signature. This farm bill is literally two years in the making, said Thune. I introduced my first farm bill proposal in early 2017 and spent more than a year drafting proposal after proposal, using ideas and suggestions from South Dakota's farmers and ranchers, to help lay the groundwork for the product Congress will soon consider. While there were significant policy differences between the House and Senate bills, it's good to see negotiators, who I've been in communication with throughout this process, were able to reach an agreement. Getting a pro-agriculture, pro-farmer farm bill to the president has been the goal all along, and I'm glad we're one step closer to delivering on it. Thune, who to date has introduced roughly 40 farm bill-related initiatives to reform and strengthen the farm bill, started introducing individual marker bills in March 2017, and they covered nearly every title of the overall farm bill. The Senate passed its version of the farm bill in June, which included one dozen Thune-authored provisions. Highlights of Thune-Authored-and-Supported Provisions Included in the Bipartisan Compromise Bill: Provisions of Thune's Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP), which was included in S. 499 that he introduced in March 2017. SHIPP is a new voluntary income protection program that would provide participant farmers with a short-term acreage conserving use program, which unlike the traditional Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), requires a commitment of only three to five years.SHIPP is authorized and funded as a pilot program at 50,000… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F1DDB15F-E065-4A33-939D-6BF0D4573040 | Senate Approves Bipartisan Farm Bill, Includes Nearly 20 Thune-Authored Provisions | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelming approved the bipartisan farm bill compromise by a vote of 87-13. The bill includes nearly 20 Thune-authored-and-supported provisions, and it must be approved by the House before it heads to the president who is expected to sign it into law. Aside from good weather, certainty can be a farmer's best friend, said Thune. That's why I'm glad that the House and Senate are coming together to put the agriculture community ahead of politics and act on this important legislation. This pro-agriculture farm bill will help give South Dakota farmers and ranchers greater economic certainty, which will allow them to focus on what's most important in their line of work: growing crops and raising livestock. I say it as often as I can, but South Dakota's farmers and ranchers are the best of the best. To them, agriculture is less of a job and more of a way of life. They're proud of what they do to help feed not only people in the state and around the country, but in every corner of the world, as well. I'm thankful to live in a state that honors and appreciates everything farmers and ranchers do from the field all the way to the halls of Congress. Without their input, suggestions, and encouragement, I can say with certainty that the 2018 farm bill would look much different than it does today. Highlights of Thune-Authored-and-Supported Provisions Included in the Bipartisan Compromise Bill: Provisions of Thune's Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP), which was included in S. 499 that he introduced in March 2017. SHIPP is a new voluntary income protection program that would provide participant farmers with a short-term acreage conserving use program, which unlike the traditional Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), requires a commitment of only three to five years.SHIPP is authorized and funded as a pilot program at 50,000 acres in the six Prairie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2019-2020-school-year | Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2019-2020 School Year | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated 25 South Dakota students to the nation’s service academies for the 2019-2020 school year. “The U.S. service academies only accept the best and the brightest,” said Rounds. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to nominate 25 highly-qualified students to the academies this year. Each student I nominated went through a thorough application process and has proved that he or she possesses the necessary qualities to succeed at our service academies. I commend this year’s group of students for their desire to serve our nation and I wish them all the best.” Each year, members of Congress are allowed to nominate students from their state to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting enrollees. More information about the academy application process can be found here. Principal Nominations Brysen Reeser of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Military Academy Kyras Fort of Box Elder to the U.S. Naval Academy (Fort also received a competitive nomination to the U.S. Military Academy from Rounds) Aiden Diedrich of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Air Force Academy Competitive Nominations Bryn Ellwein of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Military Academy (Ellwein has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Military Academy) Isaac Olson of Mobridge to the U.S. Military Academy Taylor O’Brien of Leesburg, VA, (South Dakota resident) to the U.S. Military Academy Justin Weaver of Dakota Dunes to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy Mitchell Kistner of North Sioux City to the U.S. Military Academy Dominick Oedekoven of Sturgis to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy Marita Schmitz of Rapid City to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy (Schmitz has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Naval Academy) Henry Jensen of Dakota Dunes to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marines Academy Frank Hines of Huron to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=EF5D970D-1353-4087-86A8-328971146DD8 | Remembering 41 | 2018-12-07 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune Like so many other young conservatives in the 1980s, I really came of age politically during the Reagan Revolution. I was deeply inspired by President Reagan's commitment to democracy and freedom and his compassionate, yet principled approach to governing, a model I've tried to embody throughout my service to the people of South Dakota. President Reagan was a tremendous public figure, but he had help along the way and often leaned on George H.W. Bush, his trusted vice president who served alongside him for all eight years of his presidency. Reagan trusted him for the same reasons the American people trusted him when they later elected him to serve as our 41st president: He was smart, kind, a true public servant, and dedicated to making America a better place than when he found it. By the time George H.W. Bush (or just 41 as he's known today) ascended to the presidency, he'd already spent a lifetime in public service. Barely an adult, he enlisted in the Navy and quickly became one of the youngest naval aviators ever to take to the sky. James Baker, Bush's long-time friend, White House chief of staff, and secretary of state, described him poignantly as a charter member of the Greatest Generation. War hero was only one chapter in Bush's long and tenured career in public service. He would later serve as a member of Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, diplomat in China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president of the United States all jobs that most public servants would consider a pinnacle career achievement on their own, let alone collectively. His resume for president was as good as it gets, a characterization he'd likely contend, as humble as he was in life. And while he'd been assigned many titles throughout his nine-plus decades on earth, I think it's safe to say that above all others, he was proudest to be called husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On his marriage to Barbara, the longest marriage of any presidential coup… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fully-fund-border-wall | Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Border Wall | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D) joined Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to introduce the WALL Act, legislation that would fully fund the border wall along the southern border. This legislation is also the first bill that will fund the wall by identifying specific funding sources. “The primary responsibility of the federal government is the defense of our nation, which includes strong border security,” said Rounds. “The WALL Act will provide full funding for construction of a physical barrier along our southern border to protect against illegal immigration and stop those who wish to do us harm, such as terrorists, gang members and drug dealers, from entering the United States from the south. It pays for the wall by closing existing loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to receive federal benefits and increasing fines for illegal border crossings and visa overstays. By funding the wall through increased fines, we prevent any risk of dipping into Department of Defense (DoD) funding, which is already stretched thin. I thank Chairman Inhofe for his leadership on this effort and I look forward to advancing this proposal in the Senate.” This legislation will fully fund the President’s $25 billion border wall while providing specific ways to pay for it: Require a work-authorized Social Security Number (SSN) to claim refundable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit: Currently only the child needs a SSN, not the parent benefiting from the refundable child tax credit. The WALL Act would require the parent to have a valid work-eligible social security number. Before 2003, the Social Security Agency did not distinguish between work-eligible and non-work eligible SSNs. Therefore, there are individuals benefiting from the EITC they are not authorized to receive because they are non-work eligible. Require welfare applicants (food stamps, TANF, HUD, etc.) to verify citizenship: Currently someone only needs to “declare” citizenship and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-rounds-thune-support-tea-and-us-highway-83-receive-critical-infrastructure-grants | With Rounds, Thune Support, Tea and U.S. Highway 83 Receive Critical Infrastructure Grants | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) decision to award the City of Tea’s County Highway 106 project and South Dakota Department of Transportation’s U.S. Highway 83 project $8.7 million and $20 million, respectively, in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today’s announcement follows multiple requests from the senators to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for these projects’ funding. “I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the need to invest in these important infrastructure projects,” said Rounds. “The Highway 106 and Highway 83 projects will not only benefit the surrounding communities, they will allow for increased transport of goods and commodities across the region – a surefire boon to the regional economy.” The City of Tea plans to move forward with the reconstruction of a portion of Highway 106, located in the southwest Sioux Falls metropolitan area. Since the route from Interstate 29 to 469th Avenue is the community’s primary and commercial and residential transportation thoroughfare, County Highway 106 experiences substantial vehicle traffic each day, creating unsafe driving conditions. The proposed project in Tea would rebuild the rural, two-lane highway into a four-lane divided highway with limited access. The reconstruction would not only provide important safety upgrades but would also provide a reliable and effective transportation route. U.S. 83 is a north-south highway cutting across South Dakota and America’s heartland. Once the only paved route stretching from Canada to Mexico, this thoroughfare continues to be an integral part of our National Highway System. Navigating through six states and critical to our nation’s agriculture and energy sectors, access and connectivity enhancements to U.S. Highway 83 are essential to ensuring an efficient transportation network. South Dakota Department of Transportation plans to move forward with grading, f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/remembering-a-great-american | Remembering a Great American | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Across the country, Americans are mourning the loss of President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who passed away on Nov. 30, 2018, at age 94. President Bush was an extraordinary man who exemplified everyday American values: faith, family and country. He married Barbara Pierce after World War II and together they had six children: George, Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. He and Barbara were married for 73 years when she passed away in April of this year. President Bush was a warrior, diplomat, peacemaker, leader and public servant. He served in many different capacities during his more than 40 years in public service. He was a young naval aviator who fought in World War II, a two-term congressman from Texas, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, United States envoy to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and vice president under President Reagan before he was elected president. He valued public service and has said, “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” He shared that sense of duty with others through his Points of Light Foundation which promotes volunteerism and giving back to our communities. As a World War II veteran, President Bush was a member of the Greatest Generation. He was a man of integrity who governed during times of both war and peace. The decisions he made have had a lasting global impact. When the Soviet Union was collapsing, we were worried about the threat of war and what they would do with their nuclear weapons. President Bush decided to meet with Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to find a solution where peace could prevail. That is a testament to President Bush’s leadership, demeanor and diplomatic skills. Leaders can and should learn from other leaders, and President Bush’s leadership has inspired countless men and women to give back to their communities in a leadership capacity. I remember attending a speech that then-Vice President Bush gave in Pierre at T.F. Ri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58ED107D-DF2F-4C2C-9FCB-708429D6AAD0 | With Thune, Rounds Support, Tea and U.S. Highway 83 Receive Critical Infrastructure Grants | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) decision to award the City of Tea's County Highway 106 project and South Dakota Department of Transportation's U.S. Highway 83 project $8.7 million and $20 million, respectively, in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today's announcement follows multiple requests from the senators to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for these projects' funding. With the Department of Transportation's decision to award BUILD grants to the City of Tea and for U.S. Highway 83, which stretches across central South Dakota, our state will receive a significant investment to strengthen and modernize our infrastructure, said Thune. While these are localized projects, this puts the entire state and region in a better, stronger position, and I want to thank Secretary Chao for recognizing these opportunities in South Dakota and for her continued focus on rural America. I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the need to invest in these important infrastructure projects, said Rounds. The Highway 106 and Highway 83 projects will not only benefit the surrounding communities, they will allow for increased transport of goods and commodities across the region a surefire boon to the regional economy. The City of Tea plans to move forward with the reconstruction of a portion of Highway 106, located in the southwest Sioux Falls metropolitan area. Since the route from Interstate 29 to 469th Avenue is the community's primary and commercial and residential transportation thoroughfare, County Highway 106 experiences substantial vehicle traffic each day, creating unsafe driving conditions. The proposed project in Tea would rebuild the rural, two-lane highway into a four-lane divided highway with limited access. The reconstruction would not only provide important sa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A7ED0B05-ECD7-485A-8B2F-E0EB0CB02B80 | Thune Pays Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-06 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today paid tribute to former President George H.W. Bush on the Senate floor. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, on Friday, George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st president of the United States, went to his eternal reward. His death marks the passing of an era. George H.W. Bush was the last president to have served in World War II. He enlisted on his 18th birthday, postponing college to serve his country, and went on to become the youngest pilot in the Navy. During his three years of service, he flew 58 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Throughout his life, he exemplified the characteristics of the Greatest Generation. Service. Love of country. Humility. Honor. His achievements in public office were significant. As vice president he helped Ronald Reagan turn the economy around and combat the Evil Empire. And as president, he presided over the dissolution of the Soviet Union and helped bring order and stability to the world stage in its aftermath. But through it all he stayed humble and down-to-earth. I saw an article this week with anecdotes from Secret Service agents who had protected President Bush. And what stood out to me the most was the fact that he used to stay in Washington over Christmas so that his Secret Service agents could spend the day with their families. That was the kind of man he was. We throw around the term public service in government. But for George Bush, that term meant something. Public service' was a real thing for him. Being a congressman, being CIA director, being an ambassador, being president these weren't chances to aggrandize himself or burnish his resume. These were chances to serve. To give something back to the country he loved and had fought to protect. President Bush was a statesman, a man of principle who understood that you could speak the truth without demonizing your opponents. He and President Clinton may have been political adver… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-passing-of-president-george-h-w-bush | Rounds Statement on Passing of President George H. W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE—Earlier today, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the passing of President George H. W. Bush: “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of President George H.W. Bush. From his time as a young naval aviator who fought in World War II to serving as the 41st President of the United States during the post-Cold War era, President Bush dedicated his life to our country. He will be forever remembered for his strong faith, his love of family and his love of country. Jean and I are keeping the entire Bush family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=939546D3-EDAE-4E2C-984D-525D0B93CC33 | Thune Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush | 2018-12-01 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S.Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former President George H.W. Bush: With the passing of President George H.W. Bush, America has lost one of its finest. As a naval aviator in World War II, President Bush exemplified America's Greatest Generation. A man of fierce determination, self-sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country, President Bush will be remembered as a patriot and a gentleman. He will be sorely missed, and my prayers are with his family and those who loved him. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-epas-2019-renewable-volume-obligations- | Rounds Statement on EPA’s 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which includes the 2020 RVO for biomass-based diesel. The EPA announced a total of 19.92 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended in 2019, 15 billion gallons of which will be primarily made up of corn ethanol. Biomass-based diesel volumes for 2020 are set at 2.43 billion gallons, an increase of 330 million gallons over the standard for 2019. “South Dakota is a leader in corn ethanol production, and the RFS has provided the certainty necessary for the corn industry to become a vital component of our nation’s fuel supply. The explosion of corn ethanol production has directly helped our farmers, bolstered American energy independence and created thousands of jobs. I am pleased to see the EPA meet their statutory deadline with this rulemaking, and that they are allowing for 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol in 2019.” “However, I am disappointed that the EPA did not incorporate the impact of small refinery waivers into their decision. The EPA granting these waivers has lowered the amount of corn ethanol blended into the nation’s fuel supply in recent years. The EPA should be using their legal authority to not only restore these lost gallons, but anticipate their impact moving forward. These waivers have the potential to reduce domestic corn ethanol demand by billions of gallons, hurting South Dakota farmers and our state’s largest industry.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/tax-reform-continues-to-benefit-american-families-and-businesses-one-year-later | Tax Reform Continues to Benefit American Families and Businesses One Year Later | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law almost one year ago, more than 2 million jobs have been created, unemployment is at the lowest level since 1969, incomes continue to rise and our economy is strong. It has led to more jobs, bigger paychecks and a fairer tax system, especially for lower-and-middle-income Americans. The law lowered the tax rates in every income bracket, allowing all South Dakota families to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. It also doubled the child tax credit to $2,000, doubled the standard deduction and repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate which imposed an unfair tax on families making less than $50,000 per year. Additionally, the tax law created the first national paid family leave program, which offers flexibility for parents to take care of their kids or care for an elderly parent. It is also a win for farmers, as it doubled the exemption rate of the death tax to $10.98 million a person and stopped a massive tax hike for farmer co-ops. With farm income down 50 percent in the past five years and trade uncertainty adversely affecting the ag economy, these tax changes have provided a sliver of relief and certainty. Over the past year, we’ve seen the law’s role in improving the economy and making a positive impact in the lives of American families. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently reported the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose at 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018. American families are seeing higher paychecks and feel more comfortable spending in the current economic environment. Consumer spending, which according to the Commerce Department accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, is up .6 percent last month. With unemployment at a historic low, we now have more job openings than job hunters in the United States. This gives potential employees leverage when looking for a job that fits their needs. However, we must also continue to advance workforce development policies so businesses can fill open jobs with skilled workers. Wh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=957DF346-DE1E-4A13-B58B-5712728121D5 | Making Life Better for the American People | 2018-11-30 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune I believe the 115th Congress, which began less than two years ago, just days before President Trump took office, will be defined as one of the most productive Congresses in recent history. It's been marked by accomplishment after accomplishment, all of which have helped fulfill my goal of making life better for South Dakotans and the rest of the American people. While there's certainly plenty of good news to share from our work over the last two years, things looked much different before Republicans took control of the House, Senate, and White House in 2017. Having that perspective helps underscore just how much this Republican-led Washington delivered in terms of real results for people across the country. When President Obama left office, the economy had spent nearly a decade in neutral. Economic stagnation had not only set in, it became the new normal, leaving some people believing the days of strong economic growth were a thing of the past. At the same time, wages were stagnant, and American families were feeling the pinch. My Republican colleagues and I refused to accept that the United States the strongest country the world has ever known couldn't do better. We knew there were ways we could help create an environment in which the economy could thrive once again, and we took action. We passed the largest reform of our nation's tax code in a generation. As a result, we enacted across-the-board, top-to-bottom tax relief, affecting nearly every single American taxpayer. And when I say tax relief, I mean larger paychecks and more money in the family budget. Our rewrite of the tax code nearly doubled the standard deduction (the amount of money taxpayers can remove from their taxable income when they file their taxes, which means Uncle Sam takes less of their hard-earned money). For example, with the new tax law, a married couple that earns $24,000 per year and files jointly would pay zero dollars in federal tax. The child tax credit, another tax benefit enjoyed by man… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-commemorate-end-of-wwii | Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, praised the Senate passage of the 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act yesterday. This legislation establishes a commemorative program to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust. “The world owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who led us to victory in World War II,” said Rounds. “Deserving of the title The Greatest Generation - given to them by South Dakota’s own Tom Brokaw - these men and women prepared to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom and save the world. I am pleased to see our effort move forward to recognize the World War II generation, whose service, courage and resolve forever changed the course of history.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-urge-president-to-reopen-us-soybean-exports-to-china | Rounds, Thune Urge President to Reopen U.S. Soybean Exports to China | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today, ahead of President Trump’s trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the G20 Summit, urged the president to prioritize the restoring of U.S. soybean market access in China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade and other issues. “We appreciate your efforts to address China’s unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China’s retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy,” the senators wrote. “As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority.” South Dakota is expected to produce 275 million bushels of soybeans this year, and two-thirds of that production is typically exported to China. This year, however, U.S. soybean exports to China have nearly ground to a halt. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: As senators representing a state with significant soybean production, we write to request that you actively pursue reopening U.S. soybean exports to China during your upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping. U.S. soybean producers have spent decades establishing and expanding market access in China. In 2017, China was the top market for U.S. soybean exports, with approximately 30 percent of the soybeans harvested in the United States exported to China. As you know, U.S. soybean exports to China nearly ceased after China imposed retaliatory tariffs on our soybeans in July. China then began utilizing U.S. global competitors to supply its protein needs. If the United States continues to lose this critical market, there is a diminishing chance it will be fully regained, which will result in long-term reduced soybean prices for U.S. producers. We appreciate your efforts to address China’s unfair t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C732B541-95AB-4E9A-84F2-27F300882454 | Thune, Rounds Urge President to Reopen U.S. Soybean Exports to China | 2018-11-29 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today, ahead of President Trump's trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the G20 Summit, urged the president to prioritize the restoring of U.S. soybean market access in China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade and other issues. We appreciate your efforts to address China's unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China's retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy, the senators wrote. As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority. South Dakota is expected to produce 275 million bushels of soybeans this year, and two-thirds of that production is typically exported to China. This year, however, U.S. soybean exports to China have nearly ground to a halt. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: As senators representing a state with significant soybean production, we write to request that you actively pursue reopening U.S. soybean exports to China during your upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping. U.S. soybean producers have spent decades establishing and expanding market access in China. In 2017, China was the top market for U.S. soybean exports, with approximately 30 percent of the soybeans harvested in the United States exported to China. As you know, U.S. soybean exports to China nearly ceased after China imposed retaliatory tariffs on our soybeans in July. China then began utilizing U.S. global competitors to supply its protein needs. If the United States continues to lose this critical market, there is a diminishing chance it will be fully regained, which will result in long-term reduced soybean prices for U.S. producers. We appreciate your efforts to address China's unf… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F647AB0D-EF3A-417E-9ECD-BD2FEC27045C | Thune Touts Strong Economy, Senate Republican Accomplishments | 2018-11-27 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the long list of legislative accomplishments over the last two years. From tax reform to improving veteran care to addressing the opioid crisis, Senate Republicans have worked to make life better for the American people. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close. And we've accomplished a lot over the past two years. Our goal for this Congress was simple: Make life better for the American people. And a big part of that was getting the economy going again. After years of economic stagnation under the Obama administration, American families were feeling the pinch. Growth was sluggish. Wages were stagnant. And opportunities were often few and far between. For too many families, getting ahead had been replaced by getting by. We were determined to change that. And so we took action. We passed a historic reform of our tax code that put more money in American families' pockets and made it easier for businesses to grow and create jobs and opportunities for American workers. And now we're seeing the results. Robust economic growth. The lowest unemployment level in almost 50 years. A record number of job openings. Growing wages. Near-record confidence among small businesses. And the list goes on. In human terms, Mr. President, that means more opportunities for American workers looking to grow and advance. It means more options for Americans searching for a job. It means bigger paychecks and better benefits for workers, and less worry for families. I'm proud that tax reform is making life better for American families, and grateful to Senator Hatch and our colleagues on the Finance Committee for the incredible work they did to get this historic reform through Congress. Tax reform was our biggest economic achievement this Congress, but that's not the only thing we've done to help American workers. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. And we enacted legis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/here-to-serve | Here to Serve | 2018-11-21 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | As a senator, much of my time is spent in committee meetings, voting on legislation and meeting with constituents. However, a major part of the job is to assist people with navigating the complex federal bureaucracy. In fact, “casework,” as it’s called, is a primary focus of our South Dakota offices. South Dakotans having trouble getting answers from a federal agency are welcome to contact my offices in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City or Aberdeen for assistance. Staff members in our South Dakota offices are specially trained to act as liaisons between constituents and federal government agencies. Our goal is to clear up some of the red tape so the federal government can work to fix the issue you are having trouble with. The majority of our casework is related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is followed closely by immigration casework. However, we also work on many other issues, so if you are having a problem with any other federal agency, please contact us. We have had a number of success stories, which is always our goal. A veteran from Hot Springs contacted us recently seeking assistance to receive his retroactive pay from the VA and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for his disability payments from 2005 to 2008. The VA refused to pay their portion until DFAS payed theirs. DFAS claimed they didn’t owe anything to the veteran and refused to perform an audit from 2005 to 2008 because, according to their records, the claim was already completed. We worked to prove the audit occurred before changes to his disability took effect, therefore it did not show a change in his disability rating. The VA then corrected the veterans’ account, and the veteran ultimately received his retroactive payment. Because working around the federal bureaucracy can be frustrating and complicated, I encourage you to reach out to us for assistance if you are having problems. You may have also heard about the case involving a World War II veteran, Sylvan Vigness of Flandreau, who was wounded during a kam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=91897916-252C-408D-8F2E-0F48E4FF7FD3 | Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan, the delegation wrote. For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Robert Wilkie Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary Wilkie: Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA's mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans. As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA's planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan to close the VA hospit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-invites-veteran-affairs-secretary-to-hot-springs-va-facility-in-south-dakota- | Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational. “As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA’s mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA’s realignment plan,” the delegation wrote. “For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD.” Full text of the letter: Dear Secretary Wilkie: Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America’s veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA’s mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans. As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA’s planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan to close the VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD, replace it with a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), and move the domiciliary from Hot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=0276575D-3E55-4759-91C4-88FCCFB6ADB3 | South Dakota Supports Its Local Small Businesses | 2018-11-20 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune Since 99 percent of South Dakota businesses are classified as small businesses, it's fair to say we treat every day like it's Small Business Saturday, the annual shopping event that occurs shortly after Thanksgiving Day. It's a great way to shine a light on these homegrown establishments that are often pillars in our local communities. It doesn't matter where you grew up or where you live now, there are always a handful of restaurants, coffee shops, or retailers that become household names in your city or town. Maybe it's a pizza shop where friends meet after school or on the weekends, or it could be a popular store on Main Street where you always buy a birthday gift for your wife or husband. For me, when I was growing up, one of those places was the Star Family Restaurant in Murdo. If you grew up in Murdo or still live there today, the restaurant's sign is as recognizable as the big McDonald's M. It was at the Star Family Restaurant where we ended up on many Mother's Days my dad would treat my mom and the rest of the family to dinner after church. It's the same restaurant where I spent seven summers working to save money and pay for college. I started as a busboy, showed up at 5:45 in the morning, and made one dollar an hour. I worked my way to the back of the restaurant and washed dishes and even spent time in front of the grill. It was a great place to learn critical life skills like working together as a team, which is important no matter where you are in life. For every story like mine, there are hundreds or even thousands more across the country, which is why celebrating and honoring the contributions small businesses and their owners make to local communities is so important. There are more than 85,000 small businesses in South Dakota a number that climbs each year. These small businesses employ roughly 210,000 people, which is nearly 60 percent of the state's total workforce. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, that level of employment puts Sou… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=760964BA-EEEC-4976-8E6F-19CF68517455 | Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota | 2018-11-19 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan, the delegation wrote. For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Robert Wilkie Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary Wilkie: Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA's mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans. As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA's planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5B140C87-2F30-459C-998E-BEBE9F144F11 | Forever Thankful | 2018-11-16 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune There's a lot of truth to the old saying that the days are long, but the years are short. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the last holiday season and time spent with family and friends. For me, as we approach this Thanksgiving and, yes, Christmas is right around the corner it's a good reminder that the list of things I'm thankful for gets longer each and every year, which is a blessing to be sure. I've said it before, but I've always considered myself to be a lottery winner in that I was born in the greatest country on earth and that I've been able to raise my family in the land of the free and home of the brave. Family is everything to me, and the one Kimberley and I have built over the years has continued to grow. Dad will always be a title I'm proud of, but the joy of being a grandparent is hard to fully explain unless you are one yourself. If you are, you know exactly what I mean. Speaking of grandparents, my dad Harold, who is now a great grandfather (several times over), will turn 99 years old this year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to spend time with him and create new memories. My dad has seen a lot over the years, including during his days as a fighter pilot in World War II. A veteran himself, he still shows his support for fellow freedom fighters whenever he can, which is something I've always admired about him. It would be hard to be thankful for anything we enjoy in this country if it wasn't for the selfless sacrifice that our military men and women make on a daily basis, particularly around the holiday season. It's impossible for those of us who've never served to fully understand what this kind of sacrifice truly means, because as most of us are sitting around the dinner table during the holidays, many members of the military are defending freedom on the opposite side of the globe. Because of their sacrifice, I'm thankful to live in a place where, among many other things, I can freely express my faith in God, the guiding lig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6524DA99-F8FD-404A-91A0-F94EA0748477 | Thune Selects Dakota State University President Griffiths to Serve on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence | 2018-11-16 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the selection of Dakota State University President Dr. Jos-Marie Griffiths to serve as a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which was included in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The independent commission was established to review advances in artificial intelligence, related machine learning developments, and associated technologies. I'm honored to select Dr. Griffiths to serve on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, said Thune. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I've had the privilege of working with Dr. Griffiths and have invited her to testify in front of our committee on several occasions. She is passionate about expanding educational and research opportunities in computer science and cybersecurity and developing a tech-enabled workforce. I'm certain she will be a strong asset to the commission. Griffiths, who has testified multiple times in front of the Commerce Committee, has served as the president of Dakota State University, a leader in science and technology, since 2015. Griffiths has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, focusing her academic research on the use of information technology in higher education, the contribution of technology and informatics, and health informatics. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AA732AA1-77B6-4447-A3F9-5152B9C9F145 | Bipartisan TRACED Act Cracks Down on Illegal Robocall Scams | 2018-11-16 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the committee and author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, today announced the introduction of S. 3655, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Amidst ever increasing numbers of robocall scams, the TRACED Act gives regulators more time to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption,and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. I've heard from countless South Dakotans who are tired of the abusive robocalls and scams that are constantly interrupting their daily lives, said Thune. The TRACED Act targets robocall scams and other intentional violations of telemarketing laws so that when authorities do catch violators, they can be held accountable. Existing civil penalty rules were designed to impose penalties on lawful telemarketers who make mistakes. This enforcement regime is totally inadequate for scam artists, and we need do more to separate enforcement of carelessness and other mistakes from more sinister actors. Summary of the TRACED Act: Broadens the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions. Extends the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to three years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has told the committee that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against willful violators. Brings together the Department of Justice, FCC, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Homel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thankful-for-the-opportunity-to-work-for-south-dakota-in-the-senate | Thankful for the Opportunity to Work for South Dakota in the Senate | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This Thanksgiving, I would like to share with all South Dakotans my gratitude for the opportunity to work for you in the United States Senate. It is a privilege that I will never take for granted. I continue to work every day to make decisions that will improve the lives of everyone in South Dakota. Jean and I send our warmest wishes to you this holiday season. Thanksgiving is a good time to look back on the year and thank the Lord for the blessings that we have received. This year, we welcomed our 10th grandchild, Maverick Michael Rounds, born to my son John and his wife Ashlee. Our kids and grandkids are our greatest gifts and we’re so thankful for the time we get to spend with them. I truly believe the pilgrims intended the first Thanksgiving to be a celebration of the harvest, and most importantly to thank the good Lord for the blessings he gave them in the new world. It is compelling they shared this first Thanksgiving with the Native Americans who had welcomed them. None of us would be able to enjoy the freedom to celebrate this holiday if not for the service of our military members. We are incredibly thankful to them for the sacrifices they make to protect our way of life in the United States. We are also thankful to their families and friends who support them. Parents, spouses and children of military men and women make great sacrifices too. We pray for those who may not be able to spend the holiday season with their loved ones. We also pray for our first responders who put their lives in danger to protect their neighbors and communities. We are thankful for our farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to put food on the tables of families all across the country. South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers are some of the hardest working people I know. With trade instability and farm income down, I continue calling for the administration to quickly finalize trade deals that benefit our producers. I also continue calling for a strong farm bill that will provide more stability for the ag industry. This year fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/audio-files?ContentRecord_id=7B444332-232F-4C79-B14C-782F4540F303 | Thune News Conference | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | 0 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | |||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D8210420-A769-4B84-933F-2BE18EDCC1BF | Thune: We Can Work Together to Get Things Done for the American People | 2018-11-15 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the importance of working together with his colleagues from both the Senate and the House of Representatives and from both sides of the aisle to achieve real results for the American people. Excerpt from Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, as I said earlier, the Coast Guard reauthorization we just passed is a reminder that we can work together and get things done for the American people. And it's a timely reminder given the election. Last week, the American people elected a Democrat majority to the House of Representatives and reelected a Republican majority to the Senate. If we're going to get things done in the new Congress, we're going to need to work together. Here in the Senate, we've spent the past two years working on an agenda to expand opportunities for working families and put more money in Americans' pockets. We've also worked hard to ensure that those who keep our nation safe have all the tools and resources they need. We're going to continue that agenda in the upcoming lame-duck session and in the new Congress. I really hope that Democrats will join us. We can work together to grow our economy, lift up working families, and protect our nation. But it is going to require Democrats to make a choice. Democrats have spent most of the past two years attempting to relitigate the 2016 election. Losing elections is a fact of life in a democracy, but Democrats just haven't seemed to be able to let this one go. And over the past two years, they've focused most of their energy on knee-jerk opposition to anything Republicans or the president propose even when they've agreed with us. They've routinely delayed confirmation of the president's nominees and not just the ones they didn't like, but even ones they ended up supporting. They refused to work with Republicans on an overhaul of our nation's burdensome, outdated tax code even though Democrats had supported many of the measures that ended up in the f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-opening-statement-at-cybersecurity-subcommittee-hearing | Rounds Opening Statement at Cybersecurity Subcommittee Hearing | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today delivered opening remarks at a hearing on the private sector perspective on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) cybersecurity acquisition and practices. “The Department’s cybersecurity acquisition is slow, decentralized and often overly reliant on the National Security Agency’s product evaluation and indigenous production,” said Rounds in his opening remarks. “And, because of this, the department’s capabilities often pale in comparison to the best available in the private sector. While we have confidence that the department will bolster its cybersecurity in due time, we believe that this improvement could come as a result of improved cooperation with private sector cybersecurity companies and reconfiguration of the department’s cybersecurity capabilities to better match the state-of-the-art offerings in the private sector.” Rounds’ remarks, as prepared for delivery: The Cybersecurity Subcommittee meets this afternoon to receive testimony on the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity acquisition and practices from the private sector. Our witnesses are: Mr. Dmitri Alperovitch, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, CrowdStrike Inc.; Major General John Davis, U.S. Army (Retired), Federal Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks; Mr. Francis Landolf, Principal, Core Consulting, LLC; and Mr. Ronald Nielson, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Parsons Corporation. Every single day, adversaries attack the Department of Defense through cyberspace, attempting to gain critical information about our ongoing operations, weapon systems and servicemembers. These attacks are only as successful as the department’s cybersecurity capabilities and practices allow them to be. And to its credit, the department possesses many extremely effective operators, program suites and mitigation tools to protect its networks and computing infrastructure. However, the department’s cybersecurity and cybersecurit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BBC88205-4BC4-48CA-A57B-95D95E07B045 | Thune Statement on Being Elected Senate Republican Whip | 2018-11-14 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) was today elected by his Senate Republican colleagues to serve as the caucus's whip for the 116th Congress, which begins in January 2019. The majority whip is the second most senior position in Senate Republican leadership and is tasked with working hand-in-hand with all Senate Republicans to ensure critical legislation passes or nominations are confirmed. Thune ran unopposed for the position and will move up from his current position as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC), which oversees message coordination for the caucus. I'm grateful each and every day for the honor and privilege to represent South Dakotans in the U.S. Senate, said Thune. Serving the hardworking people of South Dakota has been, and will always be, my top priority. I'm grateful to my Senate colleagues for once again trusting me with a seat at the leadership table, providing me with the opportunity and platform to give issues that are important to South Dakota the national attention they deserve and continue to build on the pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda we've implemented over the last two years. With Thune's election as Senate Republican whip, a position held by only 18 people since 1915, he's now the highest ranking Republican senator in South Dakota history. U.S. Sen. Chan Gurney (R-S.D.) is the only other Republican senator from South Dakota to have served in his party's leadership. Gurney served as conference secretary, a position that has since been eliminated, from 1945 to 1946. In addition to serving in leadership as chairman of SRC, a position he's held since 2011, Thune previously served as chief deputy whip, SRC vice chairman, and chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Thune currently serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and the Finance Committee, and he serves as chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/election-wrap-up-and-look-ahead | Election Wrap up and Look Ahead | 2018-11-09 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | As Americans, we recently participated in one of our country’s most sacred traditions: voting for our state, local and federal elected officials. Closely coinciding with Veterans Day, we also recognize that it is because of our men and women in uniform that we are able to participate in our election process. Like so many elections past, the 2018 election was filled with seemingly endless advertisements, unexpected twists, some upsets and many long hours on the campaign trail for the candidates and their teams. In South Dakota, voter turnout was nearly 10 percentage points higher this year than our last midterm election. We made history by electing our first female governor, Kristi Noem. South Dakotans also overwhelmingly voted in Dusty Johnson to be our next Congressman. Congratulations to them and to all the candidates who won their races this year. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with both Kristi and Dusty over the years, and I look forward to continue working with them to advance South Dakota priorities and improve the quality of life for hardworking families. It takes courage to run for elected office. To all candidates who put their names on the ballot, no matter what the outcome, we thank you. To those who volunteered for campaigns, worked on campaigns or supported candidates throughout the process, we thank you. And to all who voted to make their voice heard, we especially thank you. Our election process is only as good as the men and women who participate in it. Campaigns often highlight divisions between candidates and parties, for obvious reasons. With the election now behind us, it is time to put our differences aside and work together on the most pressing issues before our country. All sides of the political spectrum can agree that we want to work toward policies that make us safer, stronger and more prosperous for the future. In the immediate future, Congress must still complete its work on the farm bill, which provides our farmers and ranchers with much-needed stability and certainty. W… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B677CFEA-17E8-4A8D-A1DB-2C6F99083EE5 | Fueling South Dakotas Economy | 2018-11-09 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune I was humbled and honored to have joined the president, vice president, and secretary of agriculture in the Oval Office when the president announced to me and several of my agriculture-state Senate colleagues that he was directing his administration to move forward with the year-round sale of 15-percent ethanol-blended fuel (E15), something the president had pledged to do when he ran for office and a result for which I've advocated for more than a decade now. There are a lot of things worth fighting for, and, like this one, I've found that many of the biggest, most consequential fights of my legislative career have revolved around South Dakota's agriculture industry. They've always been worth it. Agriculture makes our state tick. It gives life to the hardworking families and businesses who support it, and it helps people around the world who are nourished by the products that come from our own backyard. Our ranchers help raise a large percentage of the beef and pork that eventually make it to family dinner tables around the country, and our farmers grow crops, like corn and soybeans, which are critical components of our nation's food supply. And as the largest industry in South Dakota, agriculture is an essential part of our state's economy, employing tens of thousands of people and infusing billions of dollars into the state each and every year. There's no doubt our crops play an important role in helping feed the country (and world, for that matter), which is obvious to most South Dakotans, but many people, particularly those who live outside of the Midwest and Great Plains, don't often realize that our crops also help fuel the country, too. Lisa Richardson, executive director of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, summarized the importance of corn and ethanol to our state well: In South Dakota, our entire economy is based upon agriculture. The largest piece of that is corn. To put this in perspective, in South Dakota, we raise about 800 million bushels of corn.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77938AB6-9C57-4847-952C-186125C0260F | Noem: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic | 2018-11-02 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Drug abuse is now the leading cause of death for people under 50. Meth is a tremendous challenge in South Dakota, but opioid addiction is spreading to an ever-increasing number of families each year. Nationwide, more than 46 Americans lose their lives because of an opioid addiction every day. It's an epidemic, and South Dakota is no exception. Opioids have stolen the lives of hundreds of South Dakotans in recent years. No family, no community is immune to addiction. With opioids, addiction can start with a simple prescription for pain medication to deal with a headache. But that same medicine intended for healing can be the drug that leads to a life-altering addiction. More than 40 percent of all opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. While some measures have been taken to better monitor prescription drugs, opioid prescriptions in South Dakota have reached all-time highs. To address the epidemic, training efforts have launched at places like Avera and Sanford to make sure doctors understand when and how to prescribe opioids. On the federal level, I've worked with President Trump on a bipartisan bill to combat the opioid epidemic by confronting the trafficking of deadly opiates, prioritizing addiction prevention, better supporting those in treatment, and taking a data-driven approach for targeting resources for millions of Medicare recipients who lack access to mental health resources. There's still much to be done in our fight against opioid addiction, but this is a good start. Additionally, I'm continuing to work on the federal level to make sure we're doing all we can to keep illegal drugs out of South Dakota. I strongly support legislation, for instance, that cracks down on Mexican drug traffickers and those who help facilitate their illicit activities at the border; this includes my continued vote to fully fund President Trump's border security agenda. I believe doing this is a step toward cut off drugs at their source. We have to end this epidemic. If you or someone you care about is ab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/south-dakota-honors-its-veterans | South Dakota Honors Its Veterans | 2018-11-02 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | As South Dakotans, we are fortunate to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world. The people who live here are what make South Dakota so great. They work hard, give back to their communities and care about their family and friends. South Dakotans also have a long history of honoring our military members and veterans, whose sacrifice and bravery allows us to go about our lives freely and safely each and every day. Nearly every town in the state does something special to thank those who serve, whether it is a parade on Independence Day, a public ceremony for our military members when they deploy and when they return home or a memorial to commemorate those we lost. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served our country. On Veterans Day, and every day, South Dakota honors them. Veterans Day takes place in the United States every year on November 11, the day the armistice was signed that ended World War I. The holiday was originally called Armistice Day, but was changed to Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, in which more than four million Americans served. Veterans Day is a special time to honor our veterans. Making life better for veterans is important to many people in South Dakota. In the Senate, I serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where we work on legislation to make sure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fulfilling its duties to our nation’s veterans. My office also works directly with South Dakota vets and their families to cut through the bureaucracy to get them the care and benefits they are owed. If you or a veteran you know is having any trouble with the VA, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We also participate in a program to honor Vietnam-era veterans with a ceremony and a commemorative lapel pin. For more information on casework or the lapel pin program, please visit my website, www.rounds.senate.gov. During the eight years that I worked as gov… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:10:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A56607BF-5B3B-4203-9E6B-C3CA34336363 | Thune: Republican Policies Are Getting Americans Back to Work | 2018-11-02 | 2018 | 2018-11 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics' announcement that the economy added 250,000 jobs and wages are rising at the highest rate since 2009. Once again, the jobs report out today shows the economy is continuing to grow under Republican-led policies and reforms. By reforming the tax code and creating a regulatory environment that fosters job growth and empowers American entrepreneurship, we are helping Americans get back to work. Wages are rising at the highest rate since the Great Recession, and unemployment remains at a 49-year low. Today, Americans are better equipped to find good jobs, provide for their families, and save for the future. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-proposed-rule-to-facilitate-liquidity-in-options-markets | Rounds Statement on Proposed Rule to Facilitate Liquidity in Options Markets | 2018-10-31 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement on a proposed rule by the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that would implement the standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk: “I’m pleased to see that our regulators are taking action to implement the standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk, or SA-CCR. This move will accomplish the main goals of S. 3283, The Options Market Stability Act, which I introduced with Senator Duckworth earlier this year. The rule will make the U.S. financial system safer and more competitive throughout the globe. I look forward to working with our regulators to complete this rule expediently in order to strengthen the resiliency of the American financial system." The rule will help facilitate liquidity in options markets by moving toward a newer, internationally accepted risk-sensitive accounting standard. Earlier this year, Sens. Rounds and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Options Markets Stability Act to accomplish the same goal. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=8E17DC69-F73C-4D23-8A8D-60B0A8565675 | Promises Made and Promises Kept | 2018-10-31 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune Two years ago, when Republicans took control of the White House and Congress, we promised the American people that growing the economy was going to be our top priority, and we wasted no time getting to work. We knew the American people were all too familiar with an economy that was completely stuck in neutral. It wasn't working to its potential, and there were too many politicians in Washington who seemed content with the status quo. Workers and businesses were facing too many obstacles. Families were seeing tighter budgets and flattening paychecks. Aside from the legislative complacency that got us there, much of the economic stagnation was the result of overly burdensome federal regulations and a tax code that was working against American taxpayers.So, it was time for a new approach. We set our sights on cutting government red tape the kinds of heavy-handed regulations that can affect people throughout the country, including South Dakota, but are dreamed up by inside-the-Beltway Washington bureaucrats. We used a congressional oversight tool (a record number of times, I might add) to roll back more than one dozen Obama-era regulations that were holding people and businesses back from potential growth and opportunity. Those rollbacks, plus complementary actions by the Trump administration, which has been a true partner in this effort, have saved the American people at least $50 billion in regulatory costs in the last year and a half alone. That's real relief that will help businesses free up time and money that can be used more efficiently and effectively to grow their operations and hire more workers. Reforming our nation's outdated tax code was another step toward getting the economy growing again. Our once-in-a-generation effort to modernize the tax code resulted in lower rates across the board. It doubled the child tax credit and nearly doubled the standard deduction. Americans have already seen some of this relief in their paychecks, and many of them will see more … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=14409E74-A853-4788-B157-F778C7EDB04F | Noem Statement on Passing of Justice Zinter | 2018-10-30 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the passing of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven Zinter: South Dakota has lost a tremendous public servant in the passing of state Supreme Court Justice Steven Zinter. He thoroughly understood and consistently upheld the rule of law, showing both compassion and justice through the judicial process. Bryon and I mourn the loss of a man who heeded the command 'to act justly and love mercy.' We pray his family finds comfort in these difficult days." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2876EF50-CC12-46EB-B1E3-EC317536B70B | Noem: Grounded in Ag | 2018-10-30 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem South Dakota is grounded in agriculture. Our families are rooted in it; our economy relies on it; and I wouldn't have it any other way. But agriculture has had some tough years. We've been hit by floods, droughts, and trade disputes, pushing many operations to the breaking point. I've fought to make sure producers have a safety net during times like this. Pushing the 2014 Farm Bill across the line was a significant victory. But as the trade situation grew more rocky, I pressed the administration on the need for another safety net. As an initial step, they offered producers short-term support, but my message back to the administration was that we need trade, not aid. We need to be building new markets - in foreign countries, but also here in the U.S. Ethanol can be a big piece of that. For years, fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol (E-15) could only be sold for 9 months out of the year. After significant pressure from myself and others, President Trump announced this fall that he'd take steps to allow for year-round sales of E-15, potentially bringing about 2 billion bushels of corn into the market. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was a driving force behind the change, and this month, we were fortunate to welcome him to South Dakota, celebrating the victory at one of the world's largest biofuel producers, South Dakota-based POET. After touring POET, we traveled to a farm near Lennox for a roundtable discussion with producers across the state. We heard a lot about trade. Many there explained they understood the need to level the playing field for America, but as Secretary Perdue rightly said: "You can't pay the bills with patriotism." While there's a lot of work to do on the trade front, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement was a very encouraging step forward. People are coming to the table. They're negotiating with the administration. And American interests are advancing with each deal struck. Before leaving, Secretary Perdue and I stopped by Brandon Valley Intermediate … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/delivering-results | Delivering Results | 2018-10-26 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | When you sent me to the Senate, I promised to do all I could to get Washington working again. For too long, the red tape and excessive bureaucracy of the federal government hindered the ability of South Dakotans to succeed. Overregulation made it difficult for farmers, ranchers, small business owners and local financial institutions to do their jobs. Families were paying so much money in taxes that they weren’t able to reinvest back into the economy. We still have work to do, particularly when it comes to improving our ag economy, but the Republican-led Senate has been able to deliver significant results to the American people. We reformed the tax code for the first time in 31 years. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Trump, more than 1.8 million jobs have been created, unemployment is at the lowest level since 1969, incomes are rising and our economy is soaring. The economy grew at 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, the fastest pace in nearly four years. We’ve also rolled back a record number of excessive, Obama-era regulations. Over the past 19 months, Republicans have saved Americans at least $50 billion and 16 million hours of regulatory paperwork. This means Americans have more time and money to spend however they want. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, we passed major legislation to roll back the Dodd-Frank Act. It included a number of provisions that I offered to limit the burdensome regulations on community banks and credit unions in South Dakota, so they can do what they do best: serve their customers and support businesses in their communities. This has helped our economy flourish. The Senate has confirmed a record number of judges who will interpret the law as written, not based on their personal political leanings. So far, we have confirmed 29 circuit court judges, 53 district court judges and two Supreme Court justices. The Senate Judiciary Committee is hard at work to send even more judges to the full Senate floor before the end of the year. These … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=99684A00-85E0-4BE2-B4FE-8384169FBEB7 | Republican Reforms Have Revitalized Our Economy | 2018-10-26 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Commerce's announcement that the economy grew at 3.5 percent in the third quarter. Republicans came to Washington, D.C., to revitalize our economy, and we continue to deliver on our promises, said Thune. Today's news is more evidence that Republican-led reforms to create policies and a regulatory environment that foster growth are working. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed last year, more than 1.8 million jobs have been created, and our economy is thriving. Unemployment remains at its lowest level since 1969, and there are now nearly 1 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Today's revitalized economy is just what job creators need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9CD96EE8-6390-4700-9DA1-7163687A7683 | South Dakotas Century-Long Pheasant Hunting Tradition Continues | 2018-10-23 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today released a video highlighting South Dakota's 100th annual pheasant hunting season and discussed the tradition's importance to South Dakota's economy and the critical need for effective conservation practices. This is the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting in South Dakota, said Thune. It's hard to believe, it's like a holiday in our state. It contributes annually about $300 million to our economy. We'll have over 100,000 out-of-state hunters here in South Dakota. It's a tradition that brings families together that brings friends together through generations. One of the things that contributes to successful pheasant hunting and to wildlife habitat generally is good conservation practices, Thune continued. The use of our lands in a way that not only produces the food and fiber that are so important for us to eat and to feed the world, but also that preserves those beautiful areas that support wildlife for the next generation. Click here to read more about why pheasant hunting is so important to South Dakota and Thune and his family. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/what-theyre-saying-about-rounds-bill-to-require-a-comprehensive-assessment-of-ihs- | What They're Saying About Rounds' Bill to Require a Comprehensive Assessment of IHS | 2018-10-22 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Last month, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed S.465 with broad, bipartisan support. S. 465 would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract an assessment of the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) health care delivery systems and financial management processes only at direct-care facilities. It now awaits consideration by the full Senate floor. Here is what stakeholders have been saying: Harold C. Frazier, Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe: “I endorse S. 465 - Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act of 2017. This bill has been long overdue as the Indian Health Service (IHS) has been reluctant in giving information to the Tribes. When tribes are not given information, it hampers those tribe’s ability to plan with the IHS and provide effective medical care for our members and be an effective partner in preventative medicine. I fully support this bill and would like to personally thank Senator Mike Rounds for his work on S. 465 that would establish an independent outside audit of the Indian Health Service.” Lester Thompson, Chairman, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe: “It is about time Congress took action to consider legislation, such as Senate Bill 465, that will facilitate a much needed audit of the Indian Health Services (IHS) incompetent health care delivery and financial management systems that plagues the numerous tribes in our region. IHS failures range from lack of access to health care for dialysis treatment to serious staffing concerns that have been inadequately addressed and outright ignored, resulting in a direct and harmful impact on our tribe. To address all issues of concern, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is hopeful that Senate Bill 465 will be amended to include in the scope of the IHS audit the current lack of access to critically needed dialysis centers that has had a detrimental effect on our tribal members suffering from Diabetes related kidney failure. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe urges the immediate passage of Senate Bill 465.” Tony R… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D9DA7A89-25CA-4A26-BCF2-C63594D86AD2 | Noem: Celebrating A Century of Tradition | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem A century has passed since South Dakota's first pheasant opener, but the shots fired that day have resonated throughout the last 100 years of South Dakota history, impacting our culture, traditions, and economy. Over the years, Opening Day has become an unofficial holiday for many families, including ours. But beyond a family tradition, it was our family business for many years, as we opened and operated a hunting lodge in northeastern South Dakota. There are dozens of small businesses like that across the state, and they come alive this time of year, as people from across the world flock to our state to take advantage of our unmatched hunting opportunities. All in all, hunting drives nearly $700 million worth of economic activity in the state, supporting more than 18,000 full- and part-time jobs, so it's critical we work to maintain a healthy hunting economy. This year, surveys show a 47 percent increase in pheasant populations, welcome news for our centennial season. But habitat remains a challenge. That's why I fought to have my Protect Our Prairies language included in the 2014 Farm Bill. This legislation encourages conservation of native sod and grassland in our area. Because it's proven successful, I'm now working to expand the program nationwide. Additionally, I continue to work to strengthen the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Earlier this year, the House passed legislation to increase CRP acreage to 29 million acres, a priority for many South Dakota sportsmen. I'm hopeful we can move that language across the finish line in the weeks to come, once again helping to create long-term sustainability for our bird populations. I'm proud to live in a state that celebrates our hunting traditions. All the best to you and your family this pheasant season. I hope it is safe and abundant. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/100-years-of-pheasant-hunting-in-south-dakota | 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Pheasant hunting season is a time of year that many South Dakotans look forward to for months. I’ve been looking forward to it since the end of last year’s season! It’s a time to pass down traditions and join friends and family in the fields. We’re especially looking forward to this season, as it marks the 100th year of pheasant hunting in South Dakota. In 1918, our state established its first pheasant hunting season. The first official hunting season was actually held in 1919 in Spink County. Spink County is home to the “Pheasant Capital of the World” in Redfield, where the Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant was released into the wild. As many of you know, the pheasant hunting is still excellent in Spink County, just as it is in so many other areas of the state. This year’s pheasant brood survey shows a 47 percent increase over last year, so no matter which area in the state you hunt, you should be able to find birds. Hunting is more than just a hobby for South Dakotans, it’s also a big source of income for businesses in communities across the state. Every year, people from all over the country visit our state to hunt in the best pheasant habitat. They stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants and enjoy all of the other great things South Dakota has to offer. We look forward to welcoming them and helping to enhance their hunting experience. I’m looking forward to spending opening weekend hunting with our family and friends near Presho. We have our opening weekend traditions, but this year will be a little different with the loss of my dad, “Grandpa Don” earlier this year. He hung up his old Model 12 shotgun a few years back, but he always bought lunch for the group at Hutch’s Café after our hunt and enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories from the day. He will be missed this year. We’ll also miss my hunting dog, Baby, who passed away recently. She came from a long lineage of hunting dogs and loved the thrill of chasing birds. Like many of you, the land we hunt on is surrounded by Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=E025F7D8-046E-4299-9F16-B00AD2CB18A8 | My Commitment to Ellsworth | 2018-10-19 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | By Sen. John Thune Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) are national assets, and I was glad to have been at the base to see the latest large force exercise firsthand and thank our men and women in uniform for what they continue to do for the state and nation. It's a good reminder that my 13-year fight for Ellsworth has been worth it, and, for me at least, it's one that will never end. Ellsworth is a fixture in the Black Hills, and it has been for quite some time. The base's history is well-known to South Dakotans who've lived and worked in the surrounding area, and its importance to our state and nation continues to grow stronger by the day. Ellsworth is the second largest employer in South Dakota and is a massive contributor to the state's economy. It's currently home to the 28th Bomb Wing's two B-1B Lancer combat squadrons and the MQ-9 Reaper 89th Attack Squadron, and it serves as the gateway to the expanded PRTC, the largest training airspace in the continental United States. And, as the Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD) seek to modernize our military to win fights in contested airspace around the globe, the base is well-positioned for future growth, including being home to part of the nation's future B-21 fleet. While there's no question Ellsworth has cemented its place in West River and our broader national security strategy, the base we currently know and love almost never materialized. It has required a worthwhile fight of its own, and I remain determined to protect this national asset. Without Ellsworth, the nation would be without one of its most strategic military installations, and our national security would be worse for it. I recognize the tremendous value the base and its airmen provide, which is why I've always made them a priority.In May 2005, when I was a newly elected senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ellsworth found itself on the DoD's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. My top priority… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=BFAC9B41-262B-46E0-AF19-69819591FFEA | Noem efforts to allow year-round sales of E15 fuel pay off | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Ripon Advance News U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) this week commended an announcement by the president that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will start lifting restrictions on year-round sales of E15 fuel, which the congresswoman says would benefit farmers in South Dakota and elsewhere around the country. To stabilize the ag economy, we need to expand market access, and ethanol is a huge market that, because of federal regulations, we've been unable to fully tap into, Rep. Noem said following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive that the EPA will start a rulemaking process to allow for the year-round use of 15 percent ethanol blends. I am grateful that he has followed through on this promise to the American people, said Rep. Noem. Known as E15, the fuel is a higher-octane fuel composed of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. E15 received EPA approval in 2012 for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-sized SUVs, and all flex-fuel vehicles, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, which says E15 is available at retail fueling stations in 28 states. Rep. Noem has repeatedly pushed to expand that decision and end what she has called unnecessary limitations on E15 to help farmers and the agricultural economy, while reducing consumer spending and the nation's reliance on foreign oil. President Trump and I have had many conversations about the expansion of E15, said Rep. Noem. He knows where I stand, and that I wouldn't give up on this issue until we made it right for farmers in South Dakota and for consumers who are demanding more affordable, homegrown fuels. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) also applauded the president for recognizing the importance of ethanol sales for farmers in the Midwest. Ethanol sales help drive demand for corn in Illinois and the announcement will broaden opportunities for our farmers looking to sell more E15, said Rep. LaHood. Not only will the expansion of E15 sales benefit our farmers in central and west-central Illinois, but this w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=76B36C19-BC4F-4946-9982-0D09304B3713 | Noem: Expanding Ethanol Opportunities | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $25.6 billion to the economy, so when ag booms, South Dakota booms. Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too. In recent years, farm incomes have collapsed, in part because of natural disasters and in part because prices have been suppressed by foreign buyers. This administration set out to rebalance our trade relationships. For example, the European Union announced its willingness to join the U.S. in new trade talks, and Canada and Mexico have come to the negotiating table and helped us produce a better, fairer deal for American agriculture. China took a different path, retaliating harshly against our farmers and ranchers. This retaliation greatly concerns me, and I've talked with farmers and ranchers across South Dakota about its impact. Recent news reports, however, suggest China's finances have taken a hit from trade disputes, causing the Chinese government to implement extraordinary measures to shore up its economy. Nonetheless, their retaliation has hit American producers. In response, the U.S. Agriculture Department offered up a $12 billion aid package. But farmers don't want aid; we want market access. As Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau explained: The best way out of the current poor ag economy is to find new markets and expand existing ones. This October, President Trump took a major step forward in opening up an existing market that's not been fully tapped into. More specifically, his administration took an action that previous administrations were unwilling to take, approving year-round E15, a move that will help consume another 2 billion bushels of corn, while potentially saving consumers up to 10 cents per gallon at the pump. Under the president's direction, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin the rule-making process, allowing for 15 percent ethanol blends to be used throughout the year, which is cur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/supreme-court-fight-highlights-need-for-more-civility- | Supreme Court Fight Highlights Need for More Civility | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | The Senate recently had the opportunity to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court—the second Supreme Court Justice we’ve confirmed since President Trump was elected. He was sworn in shortly after his confirmation vote. This is a positive move for all who believe the role of the judiciary is to interpret the law rather than legislate from the bench. I believe Justice Kavanaugh will call balls and strikes in a fair, unbiased manner. The United States Supreme Court is the nation’s highest court for all cases arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. Therefore, confirming fair-minded judges who will interpret the Constitution and laws as written is one of the most important duties of the Senate. The decisions made by the Supreme Court have lasting effects on the direction of our country. After President Trump nominated then-Judge Kavanaugh in July, all senators had the opportunity to meet with him and review the 300-plus decisions he wrote during his 12 years as a circuit court judge, as well as the tens of thousands of additional pages of background material. He testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 32 hours and answered nearly 1,300 written questions afterward. I met with then-Judge Kavanaugh this summer so I could gain additional insight into his judicial philosophy. During our meeting, we spoke about issues important to South Dakotans including the role of limited government, states’ rights, privacy and cybersecurity. Despite this extensive ‘advice and consent’ period and the compilation of six (ultimately seven) FBI background investigations, sexual assault allegations surfaced in the final hours before the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on his nomination. In response, on Sept. 27, 2018, then-Judge Kavanaugh and his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, testified under oath before the committee. I supported this additional hearing so both sides could be heard. After watching the hearing, I believe that something terrible undoubtedly happen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=E81FD809-0B8D-46BB-B456-453517177C3B | 100 Years in the Making | 2018-10-12 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | By Sen. John Thune It would be a serious understatement to say pheasant hunting is one of the most highly anticipated outdoor traditions in South Dakota, and its roots go back an entire century. During the state's first established pheasant season in 1919, which took place in Spink County, lasted just one day, and was actually set the year prior, President Woodrow Wilson was in the White House and Henry Ford's Model T was racing off of the assembly line. For some additional perspective, when pheasant hunters first entered the fields in northeastern South Dakota, the state wasn't even 30 years old. While a lot has changed in the 100 years since this annual tradition began, many elements have stood the test of time. We might have fancier shotguns, better gear, and easier ways of getting around, but the tradition itself and the camaraderie that surrounds pheasant hunting are as strong today as they were in 1919. That's why I know I'm not alone in considering the third Saturday in October as an unofficial state holiday. Like so many other hunters, I have it circled on my calendar each and every year. I'm always eager to trade in my suit and tie for blaze orange and boots, and I'd take South Dakota's fields, sloughs, and shelterbelts over Washington's concrete jungle any day of the week. Whether we leave the field with a bag limit or head home empty-handed, it's the experience that matters the most. Creating memories and passing this tradition on to the next generation is what I most look forward to, which is why I'm extremely fortunate to be able to spend hunts with my family, including my dad, who, coincidentally, was born in 1919, the year of the first pheasant hunt. It's not only South Dakotans who enjoy pursuing our state's roosters. Hunters from around the world gather in South Dakota for opening weekend, and with them comes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Hunters buy licenses, stay in hotels and motels, purchase gear, and eat in restaurants and diners across the state. Man… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-commemorate-end-of-wwii | Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act. This legislation would establish a commemorative program to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust. “The world owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who led us to victory in World War II, ”said Rounds. “Deserving of the title The Greatest Generation - given to them by South Dakota’s own Tom Brokaw - these men and women prepared to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom and save the world. It is an honor to join my colleagues in this effort to recognize the World War II generation, whose service, courage and resolve forever changed the course of history.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislative-package-to-promote-economic-growth | Rounds Introduces Legislative Package to Promote Economic Growth | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today introduced six bills to reduce the regulatory burden for investors and small businesses seeking to raise capital so they can create jobs and grow our economy. “These bills seek to lessen financial regulatory burdens, making it easier for consumers to invest and for job creators to thrive,” said Rounds. “They maintain protections for consumers and have already received strong, bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, as the majority were part of the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act, which passed nearly unanimously earlier this year. Over the past two years, we’ve made significant strides in enacting pro-growth policies and growing our economy. This legislation will help keep the momentum going.” “These important provisions – which were key components of the “JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018” which passed the House with near unanimous support – will help sustain 3 percent economic growth and ensure we are able to compete globally with countries like China,” said House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling. “I commend Senator Rounds for introducing them in the Senate so that we can continue to make a difference for economic growth for all Americans.” Pro-Growth Legislation Introduced Today by Rounds: Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act provides relief to non-bank financial institutions by removing bank-centric stress testing requirements and instead allows more appropriate regulators – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) – to conduct stress tests on these companies. Modernizing Disclosures for Investors Act requires the SEC to conduct a study (due in 180 days) aimed at simplifying the quarterly financial reporting system for small, emerging growth companies. Improving Investment Research for Small and Emerging Issuers Act directs the SEC to study issues that inhibit the dissemina… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=412A9288-91DC-40CE-8988-A74AACF82036 | Thune, Wyden Reintroduce Bill to Protect Innovative Digital Goods and Services from Multiple and Discriminatory Taxes | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced legislation to prevent discriminatory and duplicative taxes on digital goods and services, including online downloads of music, literature, movies, mobile apps, and cloud computing services. The potential for multiple and discriminatory taxes levied on these types of goods and services could threaten the growth and innovation of this important sector of the economy. A companion version of this legislation is expected to be introduced in the House of Representatives as early as tomorrow. While today's digital marketplace is evolving as rapidly as the day-to-day consumers who rely on it for digital products like music, books, movies, streaming services, or other popular apps, federal law lags far behind, said Thune. As a result, some consumers can be taxed multiple times on a single digitally delivered product or service by different tax jurisdictions.In some cases, these digital goods and services also can be subject to higher rates than would apply if the consumer bought them in a brick and mortar store. Our bipartisan legislation simply prevents this duplicative and discriminatory taxation, which will help ensure today's digital economy isn't held back unnecessarily and can continue to offer opportunities to entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Preventing unfair taxes on music, books and other important goods and services benefits consumers and innovators alike, said Ranking Member Wyden. This bipartisan legislation solves a 21st century tax riddle by establishing a comprehensive set of rules for states to follow. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill as Senator Thune and I push for its swift passage. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act (S. 3581) provides some rules of the road for taxing digital goods and services and establishes a framework across multiple tax jurisdictions. The bill prohibits state and … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=736DDFDD-D9B1-4B58-AE37-F996F229783E | Thune: Growing the Economy Has Been Republicans Top Priority | 2018-10-11 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the growing economy, which has been helped by Republicans' pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. By removing burdensome regulations and reforming the tax code, the economy has continued to grow 4.2 percent growth last quarter alone and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1969. Thune also praised Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley's (R-Iowa) leadership during the Senate's confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and recognized the outstanding work Nikki Haley has done as the United States' ambassador to the United Nations. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, two years ago, when Republicans took control of the White House as well as Congress, we promised the American people that growing the economy was going to be our number-one priority. And we got right to work. Under the Obama administration, American workers and businesses faced a lot of obstacles, including burdensome regulations and an outdated tax code that acted as a drag on economic growth. And so we immediately focused on removing burdensome regulations. And then we focused on developing a historic, comprehensive reform of our tax code, which was signed into law last December. Now, the tax code isn't necessarily the first thing people think of when they think of economic growth. But the tax code has a huge effect on our economy. It helps determine how much money individuals and families have to spend and save. It helps determine whether or not a small business can expand and hire. A small business owner facing a huge tax bill is highly unlikely to be able to expand her business or hire a new employee. And the tax code helps determine whether large businesses hire, grow, and invest in the United States. A large business is going to find it pretty hard to create jobs or improve benefits for employees if it's struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses paying much less in taxes. And a large business is unlik… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-water-infrastructure-bill | Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Water Infrastructure Bill | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued a statement on the Senate’s passage of America’s Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will benefit communities across South Dakota. “Water is one of our most precious natural resources,” said Rounds. “South Dakotans rely on water infrastructure for energy, irrigation, agriculture, recreation, flood control, and clean drinking water. The legislation we passed today builds on the Senate’s commitment to investing in the future of our country. This bill will modernize and strengthen America’s water infrastructure so these systems will be around for generations to come. I look forward to President Trump signing it into law soon.” Rounds’ priorities included in America’s Water Infrastructure Act: Directs the Secretary of the Army to expedite completion of snowpack and moisture monitoring programs authorized under the 2014 Water Resources Development Act. Directs the Secretary of the Army to quickly review applications for certain easements necessary to access federal land for installation of water withdrawal intakes in the Upper Missouri Mainstem Reservoirs. Restricts the Army Corps of Engineers from issuing a water storage fee with respect to any water storage in the Upper Missouri Mainstem Reservoirs until 2026. It also extends the current prohibition on surplus water fees until 2026. Includes a provision for inflation adjustment of cost-sharing provisions for territories and Indian tribes. Allows authorized projects under the Tribal Partnership Program, such as the Lower Brule Shoreline Erosion Project, to be split into separable elements so work can begin as soon as possible. America’s Water Infrastructure Act is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, the National Rural Water Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties and more. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=244EC01D-4EFF-403E-AB25-E119E60199A8 | Thune Leads Second Hearing Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today convened a hearing entitled, Consumer Data Privacy: Examining Lessons From the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act, which followed the committee's recent examination of this topic with top technology companies and service providers. Today's hearing explored new data privacy laws in Europe and California and provided committee members with the opportunity to hear from privacy advocates about the types of consumer protections to consider in future legislation. Thune's opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): Good morning. Today we are holding our second hearing on needed safeguards for consumer data privacy. As we consider potential federal legislation on privacy, it is essential that we hear from stakeholders and experts with varying perspectives to inform our work. Two weeks ago, we heard from major technology companies and internet service providers about how they are seeking to address consumer privacy and their efforts to comply with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, and the new California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA. While the experience of such companies is important to consider, I want to be clear that the next federal privacy law will not be written by industry. Any federal privacy law should incorporate views from affected industry stakeholders and consumer advocates in an effort to promote privacy without stifling innovation. With that in mind, today's hearing will focus on the perspectives of privacy advocates and other experts. We will also continue to solicit input from additional stakeholders in the days ahead. GDPR and CCPA have undoubtedly spurred our conversation about a national privacy framework, and they give us useful examples as we contemplate federal legislation. Of course, Congressional action on privacy is not entirely new. Over the last several dec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9AE39704-314C-433F-A373-5E4D37D00D5F | Thune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation | 2018-10-10 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today applauded the Senate's passage of the bipartisan America's Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill that will authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects for port, waterway, flood protection, and other water infrastructure improvements; reauthorize the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the first time in two decades; and improve several energy-related projects, among many other provisions. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 99-1, now heads to the president to be signed into law. For years, the Republican-led Senate has been delivering positive results for the American people, and today's passage of this bipartisan infrastructure legislation is one more accomplishment we can add to the list, said Thune. This bill, which will benefit all 50 states, including South Dakota, will make important investments in infrastructure, help keep America's communities safe and healthy, cut burdensome government red tape, and contribute to additional economic growth. Highlights: Maintains the prohibition on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to charge for surplus water on the Missouri River.During consideration of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Thune worked to secure a 10-year prohibition on the Corps' controversial surplus water proposal.This legislation extends that prohibition for an additional two years and expands it to include water storage fees; Expedites the review of certain easement requests on the Upper Missouri Mainstem reservoirs. As a result of the Corps' proposal to charge for surplus water taken from Missouri River reservoirs, the Corps has failed to process certain easement requests.This legislation will ensure that the Corps responds to these easement requests in a timely manner; and Expands eligible Tribal Partnership Program projects from $10 million to $12.5 million and allows separable project components to be completed under the program.In an effort to hel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1CAD42C-500B-4936-BA3F-4BC83947FBB3 | With Relentless Pressure from Noem, Trump Approves Year-Round E15 | 2018-10-09 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | After months of relentless pressure from Rep. Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump today took the first step toward lifting restrictions on year-round E15. More specifically, under the president's direction, the EPA will begin the rule-making process that would allow for 15 percent ethanol blends to be used throughout the year. To stabilize the ag economy, we need to expand market access, and ethanol is a huge market that, because of federal regulations, we've been unable to fully tap into," said Noem. "President Trump and I have had many conversations about the expansion of E15. He knows where I stand, and that I wouldn't give up on this issue until we made it right for farmers in South Dakota and for consumers who are demanding more affordable, homegrown fuels. I am grateful that he has followed through on this promise to the American people." "We are thrilled that the President is moving forward with his promise to deliver year round sales of E15, and we appreciate the key role Congresswoman Noem played in getting us to this point, particularly as a Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and as a strong supporter of renewable fuels, said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. This announcement is great news for farmers, biofuel workers, retailers and consumers everywhere who want to enjoy cleaner, more affordable options at the fuel pump. We commend Rep. Noem for her leadership in Congress and helping the Administration understand the importance of increasing market access for agricultural products, said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. The best way out of the current poor ag economy is to find new markets and expand existing ones. I would like to thank President Trump, on behalf of our 2,000 employees and our 30,000 producers, for fulfilling his promise to the Midwest and our industry. I'd also like to thank Rep. Noem and our other biofuel champions in Washington for their strong support throughout this process, said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET. This is a historic directive not only … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-supports-year-round-e-15-sales | Rounds Supports Year-Round E-15 Sales | 2018-10-09 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the administration’s decision to allow year-round sales of gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol, or E-15. In previous years, sales of E-15 were banned annually between June 1 and September 15, which includes the country’s busiest driving months. “Allowing year-round sales of E-15 will not only increase markets for South Dakota producers, it will increase consumer choice at the pump and keep fuel costs low,” said Rounds. “South Dakota is a leading state in corn ethanol production. As the market for ethanol increases, the market for corn will grow, resulting in more jobs and increased revenue for South Dakota’s corn farmers. At a time when farmers are already struggling due to a decrease in farm income and trade uncertainty, providing year-round sales of E-15 is an opportunity to give our farmers a much-needed boost.” Rounds, a strong supporter of corn ethanol, has repeatedly called for year-round sales of E-15. At an August 2018 meeting with Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Rounds said “corn ethanol production has created thousands of jobs for South Dakotans and has increased American energy independence—two major goals of this administration.” He is a cosponsor of the Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act, which would extend the Reid vapor pressure waiver and lift the summertime ban on E-15 gasoline. Earlier this year, he joined Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 16 other senators in a letter to the EPA requesting year-round E-15 sales. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AF4E3DD5-10C9-494B-AE18-36D1214B8AD8 | Thune Joins President Trump for Announcement on Approval of Year-Round E15 Fuel Sales | 2018-10-09 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined President Trump at the White House for today's announcement that the administration will initiate a rulemaking process to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol-blended fuel) in the United States, a win for consumer choice and energy security that Thune has sought for 11 years, including significant and ongoing engagement with the current administration. After spending more than a decade advocating for higher blends of ethanol, I want to thank President Trump for upholding his commitment to America's farmers, said Thune. Using homegrown resources like ethanol to keep America's economy moving forward is a common-sense, true win-win solution. As I have discussed personally with the president and members of his administration on multiple occasions, today's announcement will be welcome news to farmers throughout the Midwest and Great Plains. Since year-round E15 sales would naturally help lower fuel prices, this also means consumers across the country will have more affordable choices at the pump, in addition to reinforcing American energy dominance. Thune first called for a waiver process to permit higher blends of ethanol in 2007. Most recently, in April 2018, Thune joined 17 of his Senate colleagues in writing to then-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to highlight the benefits of E15, and they encouraged him to address the Reid Vapor Pressure issue that was preventing year-round E15 sales. He also wrote Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler in August 2018 to reiterate his support for biofuels. Additionally, Thune has actively sought transparency with, and ultimately a resolution to, the EPA's unprecedented use of small refiner exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which have kept billions of gallons of ethanol from being blended and have distorted markets. Year-round E15 sales will lower RFS compliance costs for all parties and inject s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-confirmation-of-brett-kavanaugh-to-be-an-associate-justice-of-the-supreme-court | Rounds Statement on Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court | 2018-10-06 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court: “Despite a prolonged ‘advice and consent’ process in which our Democrat colleagues went to extreme, unprecedented measures to try and stop his nomination, today the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is immensely qualified to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. During the last 12 years on the D.C. Circuit Court, he has demonstrated a thorough understanding that a judge’s responsibility is to interpret and apply the law and Constitution as written, not based on a judge’s personal views or political motivations. He clearly recognizes the limited authority of each of the three branches of government. South Dakotans – and all Americans – stand to benefit from his judicial approach as he takes his seat on the nation’s highest court.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D07A078-BBDC-427B-852C-1F057FC1660E | Thune Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court | 2018-10-06 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is a brilliant jurist who has spent 25 years of his life in public service.He has impeccable legal credentials and has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our Constitution and the rule of law. Republicans came to Congress to ensure that the judges we confirm are dedicated to a faithful interpretation of the law. I have no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will continue to demonstrate that commitment. With the confirmation of Justice Gorsuch last year and Judge Kavanaugh this year, Republicans have delivered on our promises. Judge Kavanaugh will be an asset to our nation's highest court, and I wish him the very best as he takes up this new position." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1B180677-F3F5-43DB-89BF-335DB71F4808 | Noem: Celebrating Tribal Heritage | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | By Rep. Kristi Noem I have had the honor of receiving a Star Quilt from tribes in South Dakota on a few occasions. Star Quilts are often used in Native American culture as a symbolic way to honor and protect a person on their journey through life. It's incredibly meaningful and a big encouragement as we work together to tackle some of the challenges in the journey ahead. Each October, we celebrate Native Americans' Day an opportunity to honor South Dakota's nine Native American tribes, as well as their heritage, culture, and traditions. If you haven't been to a tribal celebration, I encourage you to find an opportunity this fall. That said, there are tremendous challenges in Indian Country today from economic and workforce development to healthcare. Despite a workforce shortage in good-paying, high-skill jobs on reservations, fewer than one in 10 Native American students will attend college. SDSU is pursuing one program to help change that, however. It's called the Wokini Initiative and is designed to help more tribal students earn their degree. We're working now to get more resources into the program, offering hope, enrichment, and upward mobility for many students. Alongside workforce development, we need economic development. For too long, inconsistencies in tax law have created confusion and discouraged investment in Indian Country. Understanding this, I introduced legislation to better reflect the unique needs of tribal communities. More specifically, the bill puts tribal governments on equal footing with states, ensuring they are fully eligible under the tax code to receive certain tax benefits and enter into public-private partnerships. It also expands economic development tools to make investing more affordable in these high-need areas. At the same time, we must address the tribal healthcare crisis. Today, many tribal members receive life-threatening care from a broken Indian Health Service (IHS). In recent years, watchdog reports have documented appalling cases of negligence and poorly delivered… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/15th-annual-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month | 15th Annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | This October is the 15th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative started by the Department of Homeland Security to highlight the importance of protecting our personal information online. As always, the goal is to make sure all Americans have the tools and knowledge they need to make safe and secure decisions on the internet and to improve our national cybersecurity efforts. Attempts to obtain sensitive information online and execute successful cyberattacks are increasing in frequency as the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Hackers are using ever-evolving technologies to access our sensitive personal information, making it even more important to take precautions to improve our security measures. South Dakotans can take a number of steps to protect themselves online. This includes setting strong, complex passwords for online accounts and not using the same password for everything. Multifactor authentication creates extra layers of security for your accounts and can be a good way to prevent others from accessing your information. You should also delete emails that seem suspicious, avoid clicking on links if you aren’t sure of their authenticity and be sure to put a lock on your mobile devices at all times. Be cautious when logging onto unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as at an airport, coffee shop or other public place. It is also discouraged to enter your credit card information, conduct online banking or engage in other sensitive tasks when on public Wi-Fi or when using a public computer. These are just a few ways you can protect yourself online. For more cybersecurity tips, visit www.dhs.gov/ncsam. While we, as individuals, can take important steps to keep our personal information from leaking, the federal government must also consider the damage hackers can do if they are able to access secure military information, civilian infrastructure systems, electronic voting systems or any sensitive national security information. In the Senate, I chair the Subcommittee on Cybe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2F63E5DF-9C18-4520-99BC-0C8A03FAC966 | Thunes Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking college students to serve as spring interns in his office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Interns in Thune's state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while students in the Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol building tours, and attend Senate votes and hearings. Both in-state and Washington, D.C., internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills. The opportunity to intern in a Senate office is one of the best ways to learn how our federal government works, said Thune. Interns in my office will experience the inner workings of a Senate office firsthand, while improving their legislative knowledge and communication skills. I encourage all college students to consider applying for this rewarding experience. Thune is chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and the Senate Committee on Finance. College students who are interested in interning in Thune's Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices should fill out an online application form with their resume and cover letter by October 31, 2018, at https://bit.ly/2zU7D4h, or they can locate the application by searching intern program on www.thune.senate.gov. Mailed-in applications will no longer be accepted. For more information, please call 202-224-2321. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3F19E1DE-17A9-4FB3-8BAE-26192952DEBA | President Signs Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Bill into Law | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on attending a signing ceremony of H.R. 302, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which President Donald Trump signed into law today. With President Trump's signature, the FAA Reauthorization Act will begin modernizing airport infrastructure, improving service for the flying public, enhancing transportation safety and security, and boosting aviation industry innovation, said Thune. Because of this bill, our economy and passengers will benefit as airport construction projects will move forward, aviation manufacturing gets a boost, and passengers will gain new legal protections during the experience of air travel. This five-year bill is the longest FAA reauthorization since 1982. For more information about the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=75BDD41E-4674-4A34-8832-AAF25BEA4C33 | Thune: Our Economy Keeps Getting Better | 2018-10-05 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics announcement that the unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level since 1969 (3.7 percent) and the economy added 134,000 jobs in September. Our economy keeps getting better. As a result of the positive reforms the Republican-led Congress implemented to grow our economy, more Americans are getting back to work. Unemployment is at its lowest rate since 1969. More than 1.8 million jobs have been created since the passage of historic tax reform. Wages are increasing, consumer sentiment is at a 17-year high, and investments from overseas are returning to the U.S. Republicans promised to improve the lives of Americans through economic growth, and today's job report is more proof that we are delivering on those promises. Our pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda is working. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=29522A56-D826-4292-B1DF-4984516F4F7E | Happy Native Americans' Day | 2018-10-04 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Sen. John Thune It's been 28 years since South Dakota started recognizing the second Monday in October as Native Americans' Day. In 1990, Governor George Mickelson led the state in a Year of Reconciliation with South Dakota's tribal communities a fabric of our state's rich culture and history. To non-South Dakotans, it might seems like a small or trivial change, but by leaving Columbus Day in the past, the state turned an important page and looked entirely toward the future. South Dakota has been home to some of history's greatest Native American warriors, including Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse. Today, we're lucky to have a new generation of tribal leaders who continue to fight day in and day for the communities in which they live. Whether I'm in Washington or back home in South Dakota, I often cross paths with folks who share both the successes and challenges they experience within their tribal communities. Their input is critical and helps me pursue policies in Congress that help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs that have a direct effect on their lives. Thanks to their feedback, I've been working for years to reform and modernize the broken Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS is tasked with providing health care to tribal members in South Dakota and around the country care they depend on, but for far too long has been substandard, an understatement to say the least. Don't get me wrong, there are many talented and dedicated employees who work at IHS facilities in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains, but the organization as a whole is so wrought with systemic problems that it hardly deserves the title in which it has been given. The agency can and must do better, and I will continue fighting for change. I value hearing from members of South Dakota's Native American tribes and learning about what's important to them, but I also think it's good for my colleagues in the Senate to hear their perspective, too. I recently invited Mona Thompson… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=080F9F2C-F1EC-44BF-BA90-9EF3E5C91027 | Delegation Urges FCC to Restore Predictability to Universal Service Funds High Cost Program Budget | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to immediately act to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget, ensuring South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services that are comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America, the delegation wrote. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels. It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: As the congressional delegation from the State of South Dakota, we write to express our strong support for immediate action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget. Fully funding this program will help ensure rural South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. While the Federal government has made rural broadband a national priority, the long-term insufficiency and uncertainty of the USF High Cost budget needlessly undermines investment in and planning for deployment in rural areas. Therefore, we were happy to hear you commit at the August 16, 2018, FCC oversight hearing to taking action by the end of this year. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rura… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-comprehensive-opioids-bill-headed-to-presidents-desk | Rounds: Comprehensive Opioids Bill Headed to President’s Desk | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to pass H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan proposal that includes measures from both House and Senate members to combat the opioid epidemic. This legislation now heads to the president to be signed into law. “Opioid addiction is a devastating epidemic that has spread to all corners of our society. Nobody is immune from opioid addiction, and many of us may know someone who is struggling right now. The bill we passed today will help put a stop to the heartbreaking issue of opioid abuse in our country. It can help save lives and keep our communities safe and secure. I am glad that members of the Senate and House from both parties could come together to pass this important legislation that will make a difference in the lives of South Dakotans.” The legislation passed today: Includes the STOP Act which would help stop the shipment of deadly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, Allows the Federal Drug Administration to require prescription painkillers be packaged in small supplies in blister packs to prevent abuse, Prioritizes research of non-addictive painkillers to replace traditional prescription opioids, Extends support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders from 15 to 30 days, Allows more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapse, Improves state prescription drug monitoring programs, Provides support for comprehensive opioid recovery centers, Includes help for babies born in opioid withdrawal and for mothers with opioid abuse disorders. Congress has made significant strides to address the opioid epidemic, including passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act and the 21st Century Cures Act. Congress has appropriated a total of $8.5 billion this year for programs to fight the opioid crisis. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-opening-statement-at-epw-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-epas-use-of-sound-and-transparent-science | Rounds Opening Statement at EPW Subcommittee Hearing on the EPA’s Use of Sound and Transparent Science | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight, today delivered his opening statement at a hearing entitled “Oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Implementation of Sound and Transparent Science in Regulation.” “The EPA has a long history of creating burdensome, unnecessary regulations without giving the public an opportunity to fully vet the reasoning behind their decisions,” said Rounds. “Sound, reliable science is vital to helping us make important policy decisions that impact not just the health of American families but their livelihoods. We should welcome vigorous debate on the science the EPA relies upon. Doing so will result in regulations that have the greatest benefit to human health and the environment while doing the least harm to the economy. It will also result in regulations that can withstand legal challenges, providing industry with a level of certainty that allows them to make long-term investment decisions.” Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: The Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight is meeting today to conduct a hearing entitled “Oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Implementation of Sound and Transparent Science in Regulation.” Today, we will hear testimony from experts and members of the scientific community in order to explore opportunities for greater transparency and the use of the best available science at the EPA. Regulations created by the EPA help to protect the American people from tainted water, dirty air and chemical exposure. The essential work completed by the EPA should always have as its basis protecting human health and the environment. However, in the past, I have been concerned that the broad discretion and lack of transparency at the EPA has led the agency to seek out the science that supports a predetermined policy outcome, rather than relying upon the bes… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-five-year-faa-reauthorization-act | Rounds Statement on Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Act | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes federal aviation programs for five years. This legislation now heads to the president to be signed into law. “Making sure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the tools in place to modernize and improve U.S. aviation will benefit all air travelers,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the five-year FAA reauthorization bill passed by the Senate includes provisions I cosponsored to improve protections for volunteer pilots, recruit more airline maintenance workers and protect sports medical professionals traveling across state lines with their teams. It also includes reauthorization of the Essential Air Service Program, which is so important to a number of our rural communities in South Dakota. I thank Sen. Thune for his work on this important legislation and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.” The FAA Reauthorization Act includes the following provisions cosponsored by Rounds: The Volunteer Pilot Protection Act, which states that volunteer pilots who fly for nonprofits are not liable for harm caused by their actions or omissions if they were in compliance with FAA requirements at the time, The Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program bill, which creates a grant program to recruit aviation maintenance workers, And the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, which clarifies medical liability rules for state-licensed medical professionals to cover the medical services they provide while traveling with athletic teams in another state. The FAA Reauthorization Act strengthens aviation training and improves cybersecurity. It also improves services for passengers by establishing minimum standards for airplane seat sizes. Language is also included to prohibit airlines from bumping passengers from a full flight after they have already boarded. The FAA Reauthorization Act does not include language to privatize Air Traffic Co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=02286F09-C92A-4285-ADC5-70F74B5A0408 | Thune-Led Federal Aviation Administration Bill Includes Multiple Wins for South Dakota | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), today praised the bipartisan passage of the five-year FAA reauthorization bill. This Thune-led legislation, the longest reauthorization since the 1980s, would reauthorize federal aviation programs to modernize airport infrastructure, improve service for the flying public, enhance safety, and boost aviation industry innovation. The bill was approved by a vote of 93-6 and now heads to the president for his signature. In creating new protections and enhancements for the flying public, this bill creates five years of stable policy direction for the aviation community, said Thune. Travelers, utilizing small and large airports, will benefit from investments in infrastructure, more efficient security screening, and the prompt return of fees for services they don't receive. Innovators also get a needed boost from provisions enhancing the competitiveness of our aircraft manufacturers and the continued integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace. Specifically for South Dakota, the FAA reauthorization: Includes the Essential Air Service program and the Airport Improvement Program, which ensures air service to small communities and adequate infrastructure funding for all airports. Directs the FAA to schedule the administrator's review of airport construction projects for cold-weather states as early as possible, given the shorter construction seasons in states like South Dakota. Provides common-sense improvements to airport construction standards to make projects more affordable and get them started and completed faster. Provides the first-ever reauthorization of TSA, including increasing funding for the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program, which allows airports like Sioux Falls and Rapid City to staff police at security checkpoints. Makes TSA more passenger-friendly by requiring it to post security checkpo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B1AC86B-D1BA-49B4-8135-B3322C2B79FE | Thune Statement on Passage of Critical Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan package of Senate and House proposals, including Thune-authored proposals, to combat the opioid crisis. The bill will now head to the president for his signature. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act combats the opioid crisis on multiple fronts, increasing treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts, said Thune. This was truly a bipartisan, bicameral effort, and this is one step toward ending this devastating epidemic. My provision included in the bill will equip rural communities with necessary tools to help those who are battling substance- use disorder. I look forward to seeing the president sign this bill into law so we can continue to help those who need it the most. Click here for more information on Thune's opioid-related proposals that were included in the bill and here for an op-ed Thune penned shortly after the Senate passed its version of this legislation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=131A638F-F6D0-46E4-AE1F-DA2374412F68 | Delegation Urges FCC to Restore Predictability to Universal Service Funds High Cost Program Budget | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to immediately act to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget, ensuring South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services that are comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America, the delegation wrote. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels.It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: As the congressional delegation from the State of South Dakota, we write to express our strong support for immediate action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget. Fully funding this program will help ensure rural South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. While the Federal government has made rural broadband a national priority, the long-term insufficiency and uncertainty of the USF High Cost budget needlessly undermines investment in and planning for deployment in rural areas. Therefore, we were happy to hear you commit at the August 16, 2018, FCC oversight hearing to taking action by the end of this year. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FD3D0EA1-A882-426C-992E-1A89B3948665 | Thune, Klobuchar Bill to Provide Licensure Clarity for Sports Medicine Professionals Heads to the President | 2018-10-03 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today issued the following statements after the Senate repassed a modified version of their bipartisan Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to eliminate the ambiguity that currently exists with licensure and malpractice insurance for covered sports medicine professionals traveling across state lines with an athletic team. Absent clarification, when these health care providers treat an injured player in another state, they are potentially putting themselves at professional and financial risk. Sports medicine professionals provide an important service to athletes, on the road and at home, said Thune. I'm glad they will soon have the clarity they need to perform their job as efficiently and effectively as possible. On the road or at home, sports medicine professionals should be able to treat athletes without putting themselves at legal risk, said Klobuchar. When this bill becomes law, doctors and other health care providers will be able to treat their athletes regardless of where their teams happen to be playing. The legislation will allow covered sports medicine professionals to engage in the treatment of injured athletes across state lines, as long as they have an agreement in place with the team or athlete being treated and are performing services within the scope of practice of their state of licensure. The Senate passed the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act in September. It later became the vehicle for a larger legislative package in the House of Representatives, requiring an additional Senate vote. The bill now heads to the president for his signature. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=66E95E09-43E4-45FE-A89D-5E926B466506 | Noem Statement on US-Mexico-Canada Agreement | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced an agreement has been reached on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: For the last year, I have been pressing President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer to finalize an agreement that works better for South Dakota agriculture and finalize it quickly. We have met on several occasions to discuss the dire situation producers are in as a result of poorly negotiated trade deals and the changes needed. I am pleased the pressure we put on this administration has resulted in a preliminary deal. I will be reviewing the details of this agreement closely, but I'm optimistic we are headed toward an agreement that treats South Dakota agricultural goods more fairly, expands market access, and sets unprecedented standards for science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures. I will continue weighing in with the Trump administration as this process advances, but I'm hopeful we're on the cusp of a better deal for American manufacturing and agriculture. Rep. Noem sits on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, which has primary jurisdiction over trade issues in the U.S. House. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FC4BFE01-9C5D-4F97-B244-6CE7D8266101 | Following Noems Urging, VA Announces Grant Approval for East River Veteran Cemetery | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Following a push from Rep. Kristi Noem, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today approved a grant request to fund construction for an East River Veterans Cemetery. South Dakota could begin seeing these funds as early as next year. South Dakota has a proud legacy of military service and patriotism, saidNoem. This grant from the VA will help expedite the process of establishing a peaceful resting place to remember and honor those who have served. In June, Rep. Noem, Sen. Thune, and Sen. Rounds wrote aletterto VA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Randy C. Reeves expressing support for the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs' application to establish a new veteran cemetery in Sioux Falls. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-south-dakota-veterans-cemetery-one-step-closer-to-becoming-reality | Rounds: South Dakota Veterans Cemetery One Step Closer to Becoming Reality | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Published: 10.01.2018 Rounds: South Dakota Veterans Cemetery One Step Closer to Becoming Reality WASHINGTON–U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has signed off on the South Dakota state cemetery grant application. During a phone call with VA Undersecretary Randy Reeves last week, Reeves told Rounds that this puts the South Dakota state cemetery application on the priority list for grant funding. A grant could be awarded as early as next year. “The announcement that the VA has signed off on a South Dakota state cemetery grant application is great news for our veterans and their families,” said Rounds. “As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, this project has been a priority of mine, and I am happy to see it move forward. Once completed, this cemetery will not only serve as a final resting place for those who fought for our country, but it will be a place for all Americans to honor those who served. I thank the South Dakota Veterans Council, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and our local VSO chapters for their hard work on this important project.” South Dakota Veterans Cemetery: Background: Efforts have been ongoing for years to construct a veterans cemetery in the Eastern part of South Dakota. The estimated total cost is $6 million, with the federal government paying for most of the cost. The state would pay approximately $600,000. There are more than 40,000 veterans in Eastern South Dakota, with the only open national cemetery for veterans being in Sturgis. Though military veterans can be buried anywhere they want, to get full benefits from the government their grave must be in a state or national cemetery. This year, Governor Dennis Daugaard signed legislation to allow the state to apply to the National Cemetery Administration to construct a state veterans cemetery on land donated by the city of Sioux Falls. It would also set up an endowment fund to help pay th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:08:35Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1555F105-BA87-4348-9428-4A21651D50F1 | Thune Statement on U.S. Trade Agreement With Mexico and Canada | 2018-10-01 | 2018 | 2018-10 | Republican | House | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | legacy | Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the trilateral agreement with Mexico and Canada in the renegotiation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The deal must be approved by Congress before it can take effect. Throughout this process, I've always believed a trilateral agreement would best serve American businesses, particularly South Dakota's farmers and ranchers who depend on exporting a significant share of their products to Canada and Mexico, said Thune. While I'm still reviewing the details of the agreement, an improved NAFTA would be good for businesses, consumers, and the economy, and I hope we can continue pursuing pro-America trade deals with other countries around the world. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7DA32C76-288E-43AA-AECC-49790B60E459 | Noem-Sponsored Tax Reform 2.0 Passes House | 2018-09-28 | 2018 | 2018-09 | Republican | House | SD | Kristi Noem | N000184 | noem.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Kristi Noem today led the U.S. House of Representatives in passing Tax Reform 2.0. The legislative package makes permanent the tax relief families and small businesses received through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The landmark package also includes provisions to simplify retirement savings, allow parents to start education savings accounts for their unborn children, and promote innovation for small startup businesses. The historic tax cuts we passed last year have been life-changing for the people of South Dakota. I hear it everywhere I travel in the state, said Noem. The tax cuts help our small businesses stay in businesses and put money in families' pockets. Tax Reform 2.0 goes another step forward.Through this bill, we incentivize innovation and give hardworking Americans more opportunities to save. WATCH: Noem Speaks in Support of Tax Reform 2.0 on House Floor Last year, Noem served as one of the only farmers or ranchers on the final tax cuts negotiating team, making her a critical advocate for South Dakota's number one industry. The legislation gave producers access to enhanced expensing tools, immediate deductibility, and like-kind exchanges. Additionally, Noem championed the Child Tax Credit, which doubled to $2,000/child under the tax cuts package, and saved the Child Care Credit from repeal. Highlights of Tax Reform 2.0 Makes the following provisions from 2017's historic tax cut permanent: Lower tax rates Doubling of the Child Tax Credit from $1,000/child to $2,000/child Doubling of exemption levels for the Death Tax Creates a new Universal Savings Account to offer a fully flexible savings tool for families Expands 529 Education Savings Accounts so families can use the money to pay for apprenticeship fees, homeschooling, or student debt Offers New Baby Savings by allowing families to access their own retirement accounts penalty-free for expenses when welcoming a new child through birth or adoption Allows small businesses to join together to create a 401(k) plan more affordab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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