Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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368 rows where state = "SD" and year = 2022 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3FB17931-E9AB-424E-B3BD-B588C30CF4A9 | Thune Statement on Biden Administration’s Over-Reaching WOTUS Rule | 2022-12-30 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | “I strongly oppose this thinly veiled land grab, I urge the administration to abandon this retread of a misguided rule, and if it does not, I will push for the Senate to overturn this over-reaching regulation.” SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published its new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule: “Like President Obama before him, President Biden is trying to greatly expand the reach of the federal government into the lives of farmers and ranchers,” said Thune. “Opening up nearly every body of water to federal jurisdiction would be a nightmare for property owners and producers in South Dakota and across the country. I strongly oppose this thinly veiled land grab, I urge the administration to abandon this retread of a misguided rule, and if it does not, I will push for the Senate to overturn this over-reaching regulation.” Background: In September 2022, Thune helped introduce the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency Act, comprehensive federal regulatory permitting and project review reform legislation that would codify sensible regulations like the Navigable Waters Protection Rule instead of the Biden administration’s over-reaching WOTUS proposal. In April 2022, Thune joined an amicus brief in support of the petitioners in the pending case Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is directly related to how much authority the federal government has over states and private citizens to regulate “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA). In February 2022, Thune led the entire Senate Republican Conference in urging the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to suspend the pending rulemaking to redefine the scope of waters protected under the CWA, specifically WOTUS, until the U.S. Supreme Court completes its consideration of Sackett v. EPA, as the case is expected to have major implications on CWA scope and enforcement. Oral arguments for the case were … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-respect-act-signed-into-law | Rounds’ RESPECT Act Signed into Law | 2022-12-27 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ (R-S.D.) bipartisan legislation to repeal discriminatory federal laws targeting Native Americans was signed into law by the president today. The Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act will repeal 11 outdated federal laws, including laws that stripped Native American children from their families for the purpose of placing them in “Indian reform schools,” such as the now-infamous Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Rounds first introduced the RESPECT Act in 2016, and has led this legislation in each Congress since. A full list of laws the RESPECT Act will repeal is available HERE. The RESPECT Act is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association (GPTCA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). “I have worked on this common sense, bipartisan legislation since coming to the United States Senate, so I am pleased that it has been signed into law,” said Rounds. “It’s long overdue to remove these immoral, discriminatory federal laws from our books. Throughout history, Native Americans have been subjected to unfair treatment from our federal government, including the forced removal of their children from their homes. Clearly, there is no place in our legal code for such measures, and it is appalling these laws are still in our federal code. While we cannot rewrite the past, we need to acknowledge it and continue to strive for a more perfect Union.” “First, I’d like to commend and thank Senator Rounds for his sincere intent in sponsoring this legislation,” said J. Garret Renville, Chairman-elect of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. “The RESPECT Act is a first step in an attempt to better consult and coordinate with Tribal Nations. Historically and symbolically; it is my hope, that it represents a path to improving the long standing inequities in the relationship and dealings between sovereign people, their nations and the United States Government.” “I want to thank Senator Rounds for spearheading this legi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-applauds-tiktok-ban-government-devices | Johnson Applauds TikTok Ban on Government Devices | 2022-12-23 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the final passage of the No TikTok on Government Devices Actled byU.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO). This bill bans the download and use of TikTok on federal government devices. In September, Johnson has introduced a similar bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to block TikTok on federal government devices and on military bases and installations. Johnson’s Block the Tok Act would also prohibit China from accessing Americans’ user data from within China. “TikTok is one of China’s Trojan horses,” said Johnson. “This app poses a national security threat and has safety implications for everyday Americans. I’m encouraged to see progress at both the federal and state level to prohibit TikTok on government devices, but there is still work to be done. I’m going to continue the effort to prohibit China’s access to Americans’ user data in the new Congress.” 19 states have banned the use and download of TikTok on state government devices. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C29ED2A9-8105-4CFB-87E1-054232A79931 | Thune: Effective Use of Federal Broadband Funds Will Help Bridge the Digital Divide | 2022-12-21 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed his nationwide broadband oversight effort that will hold agencies accountable and ensure that previously authorized broadband funding is being used in the most efficient way possible to protect taxpayer dollars. Thune noted that in the last two years, Congress has allocated nearly $80 billion in funding for broadband-related services, which is split among 133 programs at 15 different agencies. As part of Thune’s effort, he recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Inspector General Peggy Gustafson for her failure to fulfill congressionally mandated oversight of previously authorized broadband funding. Thune also sent a letter to a diverse group of stakeholders, including broadband associations, public interest groups, and free-market think tanks to seek their input on the current broadband regulatory structure. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, as a resident of a rural state, expanding rural broadband access has long been a priority of mine. “And I’m not the only one. “Over the years Congress has dedicated significant resources to closing the digital divide. “And that has been especially true over the past three years. “Congress has appropriated a lot of money for broadband lately. “A whopping $79 billion to be precise dedicated solely to broadband-related projects. “$79 billion, on top of the billions of dollars the Federal Communications Commission disburses annually under its Universal Service Fund. “That is an unprecedented amount of money. “In fact, with that much money we ought to be able to deliver gold- and diamond-laced broadband to every household in the United States. “But, Mr. President, appropriating money is not enough. “We could throw trillions of dollars at the rural broadband problem and still not close the digital divide. “Because all the money in the world is useless if it’s not being spent the right way. “As I said, we have enough money now that … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2EA7BE8D-32FA-4AAB-BBAF-B8EB26BC3382 | Thune: South Dakotans Deserve Permanent Tax Relief | 2022-12-20 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the upcoming five-year anniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law, which helped create an economic environment that encouraged growth and set the American people up for new opportunities, higher wages, and a more secure future. Thune noted that allowing key elements in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire would raise taxes in the midst of record-high inflation, and he encouraged his Democratic colleagues to work with Republicans to permanently extend various expiring provisions. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I want to begin by congratulating the South Dakota State football team on an incredible win on Saturday in Brookings. “Thanks to their great performance in Saturday’s game – which included five scores in their first five possessions – the Jacks are headed to the FCS National Championship for the second time in three seasons. “Saturday’s win is the latest in a banner season for the Jacks, who have gone 13 and 1 and led the conference to become the number-one seed in the FCS tournament. “Of course, Saturday’s game would not have been possible without the men and women who worked to clear the roads around Brookings and the volunteers and staff who cleared the field and the seats after a major snowstorm last week. “I’m grateful for their hard work, which allowed thousands of Jacks fans like me to be there to cheer on our team. “And I’m looking forward to rooting for the Jacks next month when they take on North Dakota State in the championship in Frisco, Texas – where, hopefully, it will be a little warmer than nine degrees. “Mr. President, December 22 will mark the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “It’s been five years since Republicans reformed the tax code to allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. “Five years since we modernized the tax code to encourage businesses to invest in America and create good-paying jo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8089F697-12CB-42D5-8F59-96834023F2F1 | Thune: NDAA is Crucial for Ellsworth Air Force Base, B-21 Bomber Mission | 2022-12-20 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke about the importance of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for supporting the men and women at Ellsworth Air Force Base and the future B-21 bomber mission. Thune also recognized the recent mobilization of the 109th Support Group of the South Dakota National Guard and thanked the guardsmen and their families for their service and sacrifice. Thune’s remarks below: “The 109th Support Group of the South Dakota National Guard just mobilized a few days ago to head to Iraq and Kuwait as part of the counter-ISIS mission. And unfortunately, we weren't able to have the activation deployment ceremony because the weather wouldn't permit it in South Dakota this last weekend, but we just want to wish the members of the South Dakota National Guard in this unit the very best and thank them for their service and their sacrifice and for that of their families. “And also, to just say, I've always said that if you don't get national security right, the rest is conversation, which is why it was so important for us to get the National Defense Authorization bill across the finish line last week. There are so many provisions in there that are impactful when you live in a dangerous world. And if anything, the events of the last year have taught us we live in a very dangerous world. “The B-21 bomber was just unveiled. That is a new bomber, a sixth-generation bomber, that puts us, as a country, in the lead when it comes to long-range strike capability. There are only three countries in the world who have strategic bombers, and those are China, Russia, and the United States. “Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota is going to be the first home to the B-21 bomber. We're obviously very excited about that for the members, the airmen out there, for the community, for the base. No one could be more deserving of this very important mission. “And of course, the defense authorization bill provided a lot of the funding, not only for the continue… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-victories-for-south-dakota-in-annual-defense-bill | Rounds Secures Victories for South Dakota in Annual Defense Bill | 2022-12-16 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023: “This year’s NDAA secures major wins for South Dakota. It authorizes construction funding for Ellsworth Air Force Base and supports economic and research opportunities for multiple organizations across South Dakota. “Our members on the Armed Services committee have worked hard all year to craft this piece of legislation. This crucial bill is a prime example of Congress putting politics aside to provide for our strategic national security interests and to achieve results for our service members and their families. I am pleased this bipartisan legislation is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” Rounds authored 47 unique pieces of legislation that were included in the NDAA. As the ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, Rounds championed many provisions to enhance our offensive and defensive cyber capabilities. Additionally, Rounds supported an authorization for over $335 million in military construction funding for projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Supporting Quotes: “Senator Rounds understands the importance of being proactive in regard to cybersecurity,” said José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. “Because of Senator Rounds’ ardent support of our programs, students, and forward-thinking endeavors, our distinctive graduates are poised to help protect the nation through a strong cyber presence. I commend and thank Senator Rounds for his ongoing commitment to getting priorities in the NDAA that will benefit DSU, South Dakota, and our country for years to come.” “Just as when he was Governor and he led the efforts to create the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority, Senator Rounds continues to support Ellsworth Air Force Base with his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee,” said Scott Landguth, Executive Director … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3DA9B776-5981-4389-80AC-2E6EC30EBE46 | Thune Honors Retiring Senators Shelby and Toomey | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored retiring U.S. Sens. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) on the Senate floor. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday afternoon Richard Shelby delivered his farewell here in the United States Senate. “If it is difficult to think of the Senate without some of our retiring members, it’s nearly impossible to think of it without Richard Shelby. “Like Jim Inhofe, he’s a Senate institution. “He’s proudly served the state of Alabama for six terms in the Senate. “That’s 36 years of tireless work to make life better for the people of Alabama and for the American people as a whole. “He is currently the longest-serving senator in Alabama’s history, as well as the longest-serving member in history of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. “Mr. President, throughout his Senate career, Richard has always kept his eye on getting things done for the people of Alabama, whether that’s supporting Alabama military installations or the work NASA does in his state. “He’s a longtime NASA advocate, and, as chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Defense at the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has worked to ensure robust funding for our national security priorities. “He’s also been a champion of funding to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom. “And he’s been a supporter of scientific research at various government agencies, as well as in partnership with research universities. “Mr. President, Richard is also notable for being one of the tallest U.S. senators. “That’s significant to me because as a tall guy myself, I don’t often run into people I can look up to. “But I look up to Richard. “Literally – and figuratively. “Richard’s record of service and his dedication to the people of his state are an inspiration to me and to many others as we carry out our work in the Senate. “And I will miss his presence and his example – as well as his sense of humo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5CDDBABA-7EFE-4502-8203-A107701960D1 | Thune Secures Key South Dakota Priorities in Water Resources Bill | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, which included key Thune-led provisions that will bolster South Dakota’s water rights and combat invasive species. “This legislation provides greater certainty to South Dakota and its neighboring states when it comes to water rights, and it also provides additional resources for mitigation of invasive species like zebra mussels,” said Thune. “This is an important bill for the Great Plains, and I’m glad I could play a part in advocating for South Dakota’s interests.” Key provisions included: Improves State Oversight with Respect to Water Rights: The bill establishes a new Western Water Cooperative Committee with two slots for South Dakota membership, which will advise the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and Congress on policies to maintain the primacy of state water rights. Extends the Prohibition on Surplus Water Fees: This bill permanently extends the prohibition, which means the Corps will be prohibited from charging fees indefinitely. Extends Invasive Species Management Pilot Program Authority: WRDA 2020 included a pilot program to assist states in the Upper Missouri River Basin with the development and implementation of plans to mitigate aquatic invasive species, namely zebra mussels. The bill extends the pilot program authority through 2028 to provide states more time to utilize funding. Background on efforts to protect state water rights: Since 2010, the Corps has restricted access to the Missouri River reservoirs and has proposed charging an unprecedented fee for so-called “surplus water” taken from major reservoirs in the upper basin. When the Corps built the dams along the river after Congress passed the 1944 Flood Control Act, prime state and tribal lands were flooded. As part of the agreement, state residents were guaranteed access to water from the Missouri River for various purposes. Although some of those intended purposes, such as irrigat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9D6CE2D8-C74B-4F3B-BE8D-D218C13EE2A6 | Thune Supports Annual Defense Bill, Ellsworth Air Force Base Priorities | 2022-12-15 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today applauded the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023. The bill contains numerous priorities that benefit South Dakota and the future B-21 bomber mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, including nearly $336 million for new facility construction and the revival of a program to help school districts accommodate significant increases in students as a result of additional military families moving to the area to prepare for mission growth. “Providing for our nation’s defense is one of the most serious and consequential responsibilities for members of Congress,” said Thune. “I am committed to ensuring that Ellsworth Air Force Base and its surrounding communities have everything they need for the B-21 bomber mission so Ellsworth can continue to serve as one of our nation’s essential military assets for decades to come.” The NDAA includes a modified version of Thune’s Dynamic Airspace Pilot Program Act of 2022, legislation that requires the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a pilot program to support the development of “dynamic airspace” to improve how airspace boundaries are managed to accommodate modern military training requirements like longer engagement distances. NDAA priorities for South Dakota include: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-ohalleran-rounds-respect-heads-presidents-desk | Johnson, O’Halleran, Rounds RESPECT Heads to President’s Desk | 2022-12-14 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act passed the U.S. House by 349-80. This bill repeals discriminatory federal laws targeting Native Americans and was led by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ), and Tom Cole (R-OK) in the U.S. House and sponsored by Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in the U.S. Senate. “Repealing these laws is a step in the right direction to right the wrongs against Native Americans,” said Johnson. “There is no reason these archaic and discriminatory laws remain on the books. Senator Rounds’ leadership on this bill was key to getting it passed in the Senate, and I am proud to help usher the RESPECT Act across the finish line in the House.” Background: The RESPECT Act repeals eleven federal laws, found here, that discriminate against Native Americans. One of which is the “Indian Reform Schools” that forcibly removed Native American children from their family and placed them in boarding schools. The RESPECT Act is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association (GPTCA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/respect-act-passes-house-heading-to-presidents-desk- | Rounds’ RESPECT Act Passes House; Heading to President’s Desk | 2022-12-14 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ (R-S.D.) legislation to repeal discriminatory federal laws targeting Native Americans passed the House of Representatives today. It now heads to the president’s desk for signature. The Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act would repeal 11 outdated federal laws, including laws that stripped Native American children from their families for the purpose of placing them in “Indian reform schools,” such as the now-infamous Carlisle Indian Industrial School. A full list of laws the RESPECT Act will repeal is available HERE. “While we cannot rewrite the past, we need to acknowledge it and continue to strive for a more perfect Union,” said Rounds. “It’s long overdue to remove these immoral, discriminatory federal laws from our books. Throughout history, Native Americans have been subjected to unfair treatment from our federal government, including the forced removal of their children from their homes. Clearly, there is no place in our legal code for such measures, and it is appalling these laws are still in our federal code. I am pleased this bipartisan, commonsense legislation is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) are cosponsors of this legislation. Companion legislation was introduced in the House on May 12, 2021, by Representatives Tom O’Halleran (D-Ariz.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Tom Cole (R-Okla.). The RESPECT Act is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association (GPTCA) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=562DB4EA-93CC-4A00-9335-26937443F649 | Thune Letter Fights to Protect Independent Contractors | 2022-12-14 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently led his colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) urging it to rescind its proposed rule that would change the criteria used to determine whether an individual is classified as an employee or an independent contractor. The proposed rule’s new criteria would create uncertainty for employers and workers and reduce circumstances where an individual could be classified as an independent contractor, which would pose serious consequences for the economy and America’s workforce. “The independent contractor proposed rule would have immediate and long-term disruptive effects on millions of workers and thousands of businesses at a time when the economy is facing high inflation rates,” the senators wrote. “A study by Upwork estimates that 59 million Americans performed freelance work in 2021 and contributed $1.3 trillion to the U.S. economy. Small and large businesses in hospitality, healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, construction, finance, law, housing, entertainment, and more utilize independent contractors to meet their needs. This allows businesses to have a dynamic workforce while giving workers the autonomy and flexibility they prefer. It is clear the proposed rule’s attempt to restrict this flexibility for businesses and workers will be disruptive. “We urge DOL not to move forward with its proposed rule for determining independent contractor classification due to this negative impact on workers and businesses, the test’s lack of clarity, and the devastating consequences for the U.S. economy,” the senators continued. “The proposed rule will jeopardize millions of individuals’ independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Instead, DOL should maintain the 2021 rule, which was designed for the modern economy and brought clarity to workers and businesses.” Last year, Thune led a similar letter to DOL Secretary Martin Walsh urging him to protect individuals’ ability to work as independent contrac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8E01FC1B-AE4F-4163-B660-8B9AE7EF509F | Thune Honors Retiring Senator Richard Burr | 2022-12-14 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) on the Senate floor. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, it’s hard to believe that my friend Richard Burr is leaving Congress. “He’s someone I’ve known since my days in the House of Representatives, and we’ve been friends from the beginning. “And it’s difficult to imagine serving in the Senate here without him. “Our wives are very close friends as well, and we’ve had many wonderful times with the Burrs. “I’ve enjoyed hosting Richard in South Dakota on a number of occasions. “Richard is an outdoors guy like I am, and he fits right in in South Dakota – well, except for the fact that he’s the only guy not wearing socks. “One of our favorite pastimes in South Dakota is pheasant hunting, and I’ve had Richard out to South Dakota during pheasant season on more than one occasion. “He’s a great shot. “And – as I discovered when Kimberley and I visited Richard and Brooke in North Carolina – he’s also a great handyman. “Apparently he thinks his guests should be as well, since he put me right to work on a new door he was installing. “But I was well-paid for my trouble with the meal Richard cooked for us. “One of the privileges of visiting Richard is getting to enjoy his cooking. “He is an outstanding cook – he can really make anything. “I’m not saying he should open a restaurant in his retirement, but if he did, I would certainly be the first in line at the opening. “Richard has certainly left his mark on Washington. “His car – a 1974 Volkswagen ‘Thing,’ often parked outside the Russell building with the top down, no matter the season, and adorned with his colleagues’ campaign stickers – was a fixture of Capitol Hill. “And Richard – who as well as being a handyman is a capable mechanic – could often be found working under the Thing’s hood to keep it running. “A true labor of love. “But, Mr. President, in this chamber, of course, what Richard is rea… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=37082283-23A9-4BE1-A401-36ED97AE5CAD | Thune Discusses His Broadband Oversight Effort, Presses Agencies to Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape for Broadband Infrastructure | 2022-12-13 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today helped lead a subcommittee hearing entitled, “Ensuring Solutions to Meet America’s Broadband Needs.” During the hearing, Thune discussed his nationwide broadband oversight effort that will hold agencies accountable and ensure that previously authorized broadband funding is being used in the most efficient way possible to protect taxpayer dollars. Thune also highlighted his bipartisan Rural Internet Improvement Act, legislation that would streamline and bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development broadband programs and ensure that their funding is being targeted to rural areas that need it the most. As part of Thune’s broadband oversight effort, today he sent letters to the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Transportation (DOT), and USDA regarding each of the agencies’ implementation of Thune’s MOBILE NOW Act that was signed into law in 2018, which, among other things, helped cut through the bureaucratic red tape associated with building broadband networks. Full letter to DOD here. Full letter to DOI here. Full letter to DOT here. Full letter to USDA here. Thune recently sent a letter to U.S. Department of Commerce Inspector General Peggy Gustafson for her failure to fulfill congressionally mandated oversight of previously authorized broadband funding. Thune also sent a letter to a diverse group of stakeholders, including broadband associations, public interest groups, and free-market think tanks to seek their input on the current broadband regulatory structure. Thune’s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you, Chairman Lujan for holding today’s hearing. “I’d like to begin by saying it’s a been a pleasure to lead this subcommittee with you these past couple of years, and I look forward to continue working with you on a number of important issues before this subcommittee next… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9861D29B-0C37-4C70-AC53-289995D5EC49 | Thune: Ending the Security and Humanitarian Crisis at the Southern Border Must Be a Bipartisan Priority | 2022-12-13 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that the Biden administration has escalated this crisis by failing to implement meaningful policies to deter illegal immigration. Thune also discussed November’s Consumer Price Index report, which shows inflation has increased 13.8 percent since President Biden took office. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last Tuesday President Biden was asked why he wasn’t taking the opportunity to visit the border while traveling to Arizona. “His reply? “‘Because there’s a more important thing going on.’ “‘… a more important thing going on.’ “Mr. President, no offense to new investment, but if President Biden thinks that visiting a plant to celebrate new investment is MORE important than the security and humanitarian crisis raging on our southern border, then his priorities are seriously out of order. “But, of course, we already knew that. “This is hardly the first time the president has made it clear that he thinks of the crisis at our southern border as just an annoying distraction from what he’d rather be doing as president. “In fact, he’s shown a remarkable ability throughout his presidency to ignore or minimize crises that he isn’t interested in dealing with. “‘… there’s a more important thing going on.’ “Mr. President, I venture to suggest that for overwhelmed border communities struggling with an apparently never-ending influx of illegal immigration, there isn’t anything more important going on. “And the president’s trivializing of our border crisis is a serious betrayal of the responsibility he owes to these Americans – and to all Americans. “The situation at our southern border is out of control – and has been that way for most of the president’s administration. “Over this past weekend alone, Customs and Border Protection encountered more than 16,000 individuals attempting to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D1D03FDA-7AC9-4DB9-AE3E-4F77C3057D85 | Thune, Klobuchar, Hoeven, Baldwin Urge Federal Maritime Commission to Carefully Implement Key Ocean Shipping Reform Act Rule | 2022-12-09 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) today urged Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Daniel Maffei to provide additional clarity on the definition of “unreasonable” as it relates to refusal by ocean carriers to provide vessel space accommodations. “In order to ensure the law is faithfully implemented in a manner consistent with congressional intent, the definition of ‘unreasonable’ must adequately take into account both transportation and commercial-related factors when evaluating the behavior of an ocean carrier,” the senators wrote. “We agree with the Commission’s view that ‘commercial convenience alone is not a reasonable basis’ for refusal by an ocean carrier to deal or negotiate. However, we have questions about the breadth of the ‘transportation factors’ under the proposed rule. In particular, an ocean carrier might point to the ‘existence’ of ‘scheduling considerations’ as a basis for refusing to negotiate with a would-be exporter. We urge you to consider whether additional clarifying language about the magnitude of the ‘transportation factors’ might provide useful guidance to industry and align with the goal of promoting an efficient, competitive, accessible, and affordable global shipping market, consistent with congressional intent.” In June, Thune’s Ocean Shipping Reform Act was signed into law. The bill strengthens the authority of the FMC by providing it with new tools to help level the playing field for American exporters and counteract anticompetitive behavior. The bill would also help FMC more efficiently resolve disputes between ocean carriers and shippers, while also taking actions at the U.S. Department of Transportation to alleviate strain across the supply chain. Full letter below: The Honorable Daniel B. Maffei Chairman Federal Maritime Commission 800 North Capitol Street, NW Washington, DC 20573 Dear Chairman Maffei: We write regarding the Federal Maritime Commission’s recent notice of propos… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-dakota-prioritized-annual-defense-bill | South Dakota Prioritized in Annual Defense Bill | 2022-12-08 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which bolsters B-21 priorities and repeals the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military servicemembers. “Republicans fought for our nation’s military, and ultimately, we secured the repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and a pay increase for servicemembers,”said Johnson. “The annual defense bill also includes oversight of funding to combat Russia’s attack on Ukraine and funding for the B-21. For sixty-two years, Congress has passed the annual defense bill, this year will be no different.” In July, Johnson urged U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Austin to reconsider the Department’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate and issue uniform guidance that considers natural immunity. Johnson is also a cosponsor of H.R. 3860, which prohibits forced COVID-19 vaccination or adverse action for refusal for members of the Armed Forces. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 (H.R. 7776): | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2E401B1B-7E87-4A3F-A95A-0A8B91DDA7CB | Thune, Wicker Call Out U.S. Commerce Department IG for Neglecting Mandated Broadband Oversight Duties | 2022-12-08 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, today sent a letter calling out U.S. Department of Commerce Inspector General (IG) Peggy Gustafson for failing to fulfill mandated congressional oversight of previously authorized broadband funding. As a result of IG Gustafson’s dereliction of duty, taxpayer dollars intended for broadband services are subject to waste, fraud, and abuse. “Contrary to the requirements of the law, you have failed to fulfill your duties required by Congress,” the senators wrote. “This is deeply concerning for two reasons: [First,] [the National Telecommunications and Information Administration] has a long and well-documented history of misusing federal dollars when attempting to expand broadband access; and [second] your office has had a significant and ongoing problematic history. Further, Congress has recently heard testimony of funds being used to overbuild existing broadband networks which makes it even more alarming your office would disregard its oversight responsibilities.” Earlier this week, Thune launched a nationwide broadband oversight effort that will review numerous broadband programs spanning several federal agencies. The primary goal of Thune’s effort is to hold these agencies accountable and ensure that previously authorized broadband funding is being used in the most efficient way possible to protect taxpayer dollars. Thune recently sent a letter to a diverse group of stakeholders, including broadband associations, public interest groups, and free market think tanks to seek their input on the current broadband regulatory structure. Full letter below: The Honorable Peggy E. Gustafson Inspector General U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20230 Dear Inspector General Gustafson: As you know, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), housed under the De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4825FDA0-5E26-4D3E-BBA3-40A5673E8F23 | Thune Honors Retiring Senator Rob Portman | 2022-12-08 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored retiring U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) on the Senate floor. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, in just a few weeks my friend Rob Portman will be leaving the Senate. “Rob is someone I’ve gotten to break bread with a lot of times during our years together in the Senate, and we have become really good friends. “And I will miss having him here. “Rob has spent a lot of years in public service. “Twelve years in the House of Representatives. “U.S. trade representative. “Director of the Office of Management and Budget. “And, finally, twelve years in the Senate. “I’ve served with him on the Senate Finance Committee for nearly 10 years, and his going is a huge loss. “He played an indispensable role in the historic tax reform legislation we passed in 2017, particularly with the transition to a modernized international tax system. “Our outdated international tax rules had left America’s global businesses at a competitive disadvantage in the global economy. “And one of our priorities when it came time to pass tax reform was ensuring that American businesses could compete on a level playing field with their foreign counterparts. “Between his time in Congress and as director of OMB and U.S. trade representative, Rob has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to American economic competitiveness and the international tax system. “And he quickly became the lead on that aspect of tax reform. “Our final legislation brought the U.S. international tax system into the 21st century by replacing our outdated “worldwide” system with a modernized territorial tax system, so that American businesses are not operating at a disadvantage next to their foreign competitors. “And we saw an almost immediate positive effect for American businesses – which, of course, means that we saw positive results for American workers. “And that is really in large part thanks to Rob. “It’s an important legacy – and it joins Ro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D99F4F91-82A5-42EE-8FD4-852158E5CDBF | Thune: Biden Administration’s Radical ESG Policies Have Real-World Impacts | 2022-12-07 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today expressed his concerns regarding President Biden’s far-reaching environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. Thune noted that the administration has failed to examine the impact ESG policies will have on the price of food and energy, and he warns that these overreaching regulations could result in serious consequences for essential industries within our economy. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, when it comes to the actions of a party or a presidential administration, legislation sometimes grabs the lion’s share of the attention. “But it’s equally important to pay attention to what a presidential administration does with its regulatory power. “And the Biden administration has been characterized by a lot of deeply troubling regulations. “The so-called Inflation Reduction Act may be Democrats’ most prominent Green New Deal effort, but the Biden administration’s radical environmental agenda doesn’t stop there. “The president has also been using regulations to push through Democrats’ Green New Deal fantasies. “And these ill-considered, overreaching regulations could have very serious consequences. “Later today, I will send a letter to the president about his attempts to use financial and securities regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Reserve to push through environmental, social, and governance – or ESG – regulations that seek to choke off investment to essential industries like oil and natural gas and American farms and ranches. “Notable among these is the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposed climate-disclosure rule, which would require publicly traded companies to disclose information not only about their own greenhouse gas emissions but also about those of their suppliers and even their customers. “It would also require companies to determine the effects of climate-related risks on each line item of their consolidated financial statements. “T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F051DE95-12EC-4E43-A7B5-EDB44E6D7720 | Thune Urges President Biden to Be Honest About Real-World Costs of Climate Agenda | 2022-12-07 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today led his colleagues in calling out President Biden and his administration for forcing their radical environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies onto the American economy in pursuit of their unrealistic environmental agenda. The letter highlights various actions by financial regulators that threaten to choke off certain industries’ access to capital, which could increase the price of food and energy for businesses and families in the midst of record-high inflation. “All of these actions have real-world impacts that your administration would be well served to evaluate,” the senators wrote. “For instance, establishing rules, strategic plans, and principles to coerce financial institutions and other firms to limit their lending and exposure to certain businesses drives up prices on consumers. Choking off access to capital for companies in the energy sector in an attempt to decimate the fossil fuels industry drives up the cost of fuel and electricity at a time of record costs, further stoking inflation. Discouraging lending to farming and ranching communities in an attempt to reduce natural livestock emissions strains supply chains and increases the cost of food. Therefore, it would be prudent for your administration to actually take the time to evaluate the costs its actions are directly and indirectly imposing on American businesses and families, as well as conduct the necessary analysis as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. As our nation continues to grapple with record-high inflation, administrative actions that increase prices should be the last thing on your agenda.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). In July, Thune led his colleagues in introducing the Food and Energy Sec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-mayorkas-end-devastating-drug-trafficking | Johnson to Mayorkas: End Devastating Drug Trafficking | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) urged President Biden and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas to take all necessary actions to secure the southern border following a traffic stop on the Lake Traverse Reservation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 12.4 pounds of fentanyl pills and 3.6 pounds of fentanyl powder, enough to kill every South Dakotan four times. “While fentanyl busts of this magnitude sadly may be more common in some urban areas, this is rare for a South Dakota community – this is likely the largest drug bust in South Dakota’s history,” said Johnson. “I ask your administration to immediately take all legal and necessary actions at your disposal to secure the southern border, rectify the dangerous policies this administration has put in motion over the past year, and put an end to this devastating drug trafficking that is wreaking havoc on American families.” In October, Johnson met with Pennington County Sheriff-elect Brian Mueller to discuss crime in the area. Mueller relayed that the influx of drugs in the county are primarily coming from sources south of the United States and have caused an increase in violent crime. According to Mueller, the number one thing Congress can do to combat crime is secure the southern border. Click here to read the full letter. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-fischer-and-colleagues-introduce-bill-giving-tribal-colleges-and-universities-a-stronger-voice-in-education-funding | Rounds, Fischer and Colleagues Introduce Bill Giving Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) introduced the National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act. This legislation would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them. “Leaders of Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) know the needs of their organizations, faculty and students better than anyone else,” said Rounds. “This commonsense bill will enable TCUs to have a voice for how to meet those needs, and it will improve the effectiveness of federal resources. The inclusion of TCU partners will help support the work of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education. I will continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this bipartisan legislation, which will have a positive impact on the growth of TCUs for years to come.” “Tribal Colleges and Universities deserve a seat at the table,” said Fischer. “This legislation will ensure the Depts. of Education and Interior hear directly from TCU leaders about their specific needs and how federal resources can address them. I appreciate the strong, bipartisan support our bill has already received, and I’ll continue to work with my Senate colleagues to get this done.” Under the Department of Education, the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) advises the Secretaries of Education and Interior on programs serving tribes and their members. NACIE releases an annual report; however, the Department of Education does not have a process for considering NACIE’s report when developing its budget request. Furthermore, Department of Education tribal consultation sessions often do not allow the opportunity for TCU leaders to provide direct input. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act would address these challenges by requiring at least one of NACIE’s members to be the president of a TCU. Additionally, it would require the Secretaries of Education and Interior to consider NACIE’s annual report when prep… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CA3397AE-E1B2-42EB-9999-DAB0D463BDE3 | Thune: ESG Policies are Contributing to Higher Food, Energy Prices | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on the White House to examine the impact that its radical ESG policies will have on the price of food and energy before imposing these new rules and costs on American families. Thune’s remarks below: “In South Dakota, the Public Utilities Commission is basically telling people that ‘expect heating costs to go up this year.’ And nationally, the National Energy Information Administration is saying that heating your home this year is going to increase 28 percent, and that's on top of double-digit increases last year. “And I think you can attribute all of this to the lack of a coherent energy policy by the Biden administration. And so the question is, what can we do to bring energy costs down? “And I think one is adopt an all-of-the-above energy strategy, that is American energy independence. When I say all the above, I'm talking about oil, and gas, and biofuels, and nuclear, and wind, and solar, and all of the above. Unleash American energy production in this country, and quit turning outside the United States for our energy needs. “Secondly, is to end the hostility that this administration has toward oil and gas production in this country. They have adopted this agenda called the ESG agenda, environmental, social and governance agenda, which is designed to limit or prevent production or investment in production in certain areas of our economy. Namely, oil and gas, and we would also argue in farm country, agriculture, farms, and ranches. “And what I'm going to do later this week is I'm going to be asking the administration, before they implement any of these policies, to look at the impact that these ESG policies are going to have on the cost of food and energy in this country. I think the American people deserve to know how much these policies coming out of this administration are impacting the cost of everything that they buy on a daily basis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D7B4C37C-5084-4E00-B430-7CE7533056D1 | Thune Launches Nationwide Broadband Oversight Effort | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today announced that he will be launching a nationwide oversight effort that will review numerous broadband programs spanning several federal agencies. The primary goal of Thune’s effort is to hold these agencies accountable and ensure that previously authorized broadband funding is being used in the most efficient way possible to protect taxpayer dollars. In a letter sent today, Thune seeks input on the current broadband regulatory structure from a diverse group of stakeholders, including broadband associations, public interest groups, and free market think tanks. “I’m committed to expanding access to broadband services and strengthening connectivity in rural areas in South Dakota and around the nation,” said Thune. “In order to ensure rural communities have access to these services, it is critical for federal agencies to efficiently spend funds on the areas that need it the most. Every federal dollar that has been spent should go toward the stated purpose of expanding connectivity to truly unserved areas. Congressional oversight has been noticeably absent in these areas, and there is serious concern that the federal government would repeat previous mistakes where agencies’ gross mismanagement of broadband funds fell on the backs of taxpayers across the country. It is time for Congress to exercise its oversight responsibilities and hold the government accountable to hardworking taxpayers.” Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has allocated nearly $80 billion in federal broadband investments. Additionally, the so-called American Rescue Plan allocated $350 billion for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments that can be used for broadband infrastructure. Due to this unprecedented amount of funding for broadband-related services, Thune believes stringent oversight of how these dollars are being spent is necessary to avoid agencies misusing billions of taxpayer dollars. Fu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E92CA048-8D1B-49B5-AC0F-E347ED5E264B | Thune Honors Retiring Senators Blunt and Inhofe | 2022-12-06 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored retiring U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) on the Senate floor. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we’ll be losing several members to retirement at the end of this year, including my friend Roy Blunt. “Roy and I have served together for the majority of my time in the Senate. “And I also served with him for several years in the House of Representatives. “We started in the House at the same time, and we became friends right away. “Our wives have become friends as well, and it has been a joy over the years to host Roy and Abby in South Dakota, along with their son Charlie, and to visit them in Missouri. “On a personal level, I’m going to miss Roy a lot. “And the Senate as an institution is going to miss Roy as well. “Roy is someone who aspires to be involved in doing the hard things, and throughout his congressional career, he’s put himself forward for positions where he can make a difference. “He became chief deputy whip just two years after becoming a member of the House, and he was elected majority whip just four years later – winning the position earlier in his career than any member of Congress in eight decades. “It’s been a similar story in the Senate, where Roy was elected vice chairman of the Republican Conference in his first year. “In 2019, he became chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, which plays an important role in providing members and staff with the resources they need on the issues. “And he’s done that while also serving as the top Republican on the Senate Rules Committee. “Mr. President, Roy has always been committed to doing the big things. “But he’s also very solutions-oriented, and very clear-eyed and practical about what’s achievable in a place where it’s hard to get things done. “He has a saying – “Never announce publicly what you won’t vote for.” “And what he means by that is that you shouldn’t back yourself into a position where … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-attends-b-21-raider-unveiling-ceremony | Johnson Attends B-21 Raider Unveiling Ceremony | 2022-12-05 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) attended the B-21 Raider Unveiling ceremony in Palmdale, California. The ceremony was hosted by the United States Air Force and Northrup Grumman and revealed the next generation of stealth bomber technology. “The unveiling of the B-21 was a proud moment for our country, our defense community, and South Dakota,” said Johnson. “It won’t be long until Ellsworth Air Force Base is the ‘Home of the Raider’ – it took a lot of hard work from the delegation to get to this point, and I’m confident it will be an asset to the West River community and our military. I’m grateful I got to witness this moment.” Image | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2023-2024-school-year | Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2023-2024 School Year | 2022-12-05 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Rounds nominated Kasey Broers of Pierre as his top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Ethan Fergel of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Dustin Hermansen of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. “It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of Kasey, Ethan and Dustin for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.” "I am extremely fortunate and thankful to be selected for Senator Rounds’ USNA principal nomination,” said Kasey Broers. “It is an honor and a dream come true. I would like to thank Senator Rounds and his committee for my selection as well as my family and friends for their continual support. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve my country as an officer in our great military." “I have always wanted to devote myself to self improvement,” said Ethan Fergel. “West Point will help me to foster that within me to reach new heights as a leader while serving my country in the Army. I am elated to have the opportunity to serve the United States at West Point.” “I am beyond thankful to receive a principal nomination from Senator Rounds to the United States Air Force Academy,” said Dustin Hermansen. “This is a great honor for not only me and my family, but also the entire Aberdeen community. Ever since I served as a Senate Page in Washington D.C. this past summer, attending a service academy has been my primary goal. I am thankful for the teachers and coaches of the Aberdeen Public School District who have helped me get to this stage in my life, and I look… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-issues-statement-on-former-presidents-call-to-terminate-the-united-states-constitution- | Rounds Issues Statement on Former President’s Call to Terminate the United States Constitution | 2022-12-05 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the former president called for the termination of the United States Constitution: “Americans have a deep appreciation for the Constitution and our Founding Fathers who risked their lives to establish it. “As elected officials, we take an oath to support and defend the Constitution. We should never dishonor that oath. No one is above the Constitution. “As I’ve said before, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud that would alter the results of the 2020 election. “Anyone who desires to lead our country must commit to protecting the Constitution. They should not threaten to terminate it. “In South Dakota, Mount Rushmore serves as an enduring reminder of that commitment and the stability our Constitution has provided for over 200 years. “Despite their imperfections, our Founding Fathers crafted a Constitution that has stood the test of time and sets America apart from the rest of the world. We continue to strive for a more perfect union. “I believe Americans want leaders, like those on Mount Rushmore, who will defend the Constitution and unite us in our belief that America is truly a shining city upon a hill.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F62010AC-E3AF-4457-8F34-0A9BA12935BE | Thune Statement on Proposed RFS Blending Targets | 2022-12-02 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) proposed “set” rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The “set” rule establishes future-year blending requirements for low-carbon biofuels, with EPA proposing modest growth over the next three years. “The EPA dropped the ball on its opportunity to set the RFS on a new trajectory that would leverage American biofuels amid record-high energy costs,” said Thune. “The limited increases in proposed volumes inadequately respond to the fact that the biofuels industry is poised to add significant production capacity and new fuel technology in the coming years. The administration had clear justification to set robust blending volumes to ensure this growth is truly additive to the RFS. I am concerned that the proposed volumes may either scare off new investment or displace conventional biofuels that have helped reduce prices and emissions in our fuel supply while also providing a key market for farmers. I look forward to a robust discussion about this proposal to ensure that the final volumes correspond with the ongoing growth in the biofuels sector. It’s also long past time for the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling to accurately reflect the environmental contributions of biofuels, which EPA should include in its final rule.” On December 1, 2022, the EPA released a proposed rule to establish required blending volumes for 2023, 2024, and 2025 under the RFS. The RFS provided statutory blending requirements through 2022, making this the first time EPA had the authority to set future volume targets. In its proposed rule, EPA acknowledged that it is overdue to update its modeling to determine the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels. In October, Thune led his colleagues in pressing the EPA to establish robust renewable volumes and provide regulatory certainty in the “set” rule for the RFS. An ardent supporter of higher ethanol blends like E15 fuel, Thune led the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-bill-protect-tribal-members-second-amendment-rights | Johnson Introduces Bill to Protect Tribal Members Second Amendment Rights | 2022-12-01 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Tribal Firearm Access Actto clarify that tribal governments are eligible entities to issue identification documents for the purposes of obtaining a firearm. “Under current law, foreign passports are acceptable identification documents for individuals to purchase firearms, but tribal IDs are not, Congress should right this wrong.” said Johnson. “A tribal ID is just as valid as a driver’s license – tribal members deserve equal access to their Second Amendment rights – the Tribal Firearm Access Act ensures that.” “The fundamental right to keep and bear arms is dependent on the ability to lawfully acquire firearms. The Tribal Firearms Access Act would ensure Native Americans can use identification issued by federally recognized tribal governments to transfer a firearm under federal law. On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we thank Rep. Dusty Johnson for defending the rights of law-abiding Native American gun owners and offering this important legislation,” said Jason Ouimet, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “The NAIV, Inc. supports what Rep. Johnson’s bill would do and that is to put Indian tribal governments on an equal footing with other governments when it comes to issuing identification papers for purposes of firearms transactions,” said Don Loudner, enrolled member of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and National Commander of the National American Indian Veterans, Inc. “NSSF supports this no-nonsense measure that will ensure fair and accurate background checks for the purchase of a firearm at the point-of-sale,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, National Shooting Sports Foundation. “The Firearm Industry Trade Association consistently advocates for improvements to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to confirm that only those who can be trusted to possess a firearm are able to purchase one from a firearm retailer. Our members rely on that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7A36D265-7FF0-42B9-87F0-3F9DD0D9FC4A | Thune: The Future is Bright for Ellsworth Air Force Base and the B-21 Bomber | 2022-12-01 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke about the importance of Ellsworth Air Force Base, its airmen, and the surrounding community ahead of the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman’s unveiling of the new B-21 bomber, a sixth-generation aircraft that will revolutionize the Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, tomorrow Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force will unveil the new B-21 bomber – a sixth-generation aircraft that will revolutionize the Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities. “I’ve had the special opportunity to see the first tails under development at Palmdale, and I am excited that this incredible feat of U.S. engineering will finally be unveiled to the American public – and to our adversaries. “It’s an exciting day for the Air Force. “And it’s an especially exciting day for Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, which was chosen to be the first home – Main Operating Base 1 – of the B-21 Raider. “Mr. President, we’ve come a long way at Ellsworth since I first came to the Senate. “Shortly after I took office, Ellsworth was recommended for closure by the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission. “And so one of my first priorities as a U.S. senator became getting Ellsworth taken off the closure list. “Statistically speaking, our odds of pulling through were not high. “But thanks to an all-hands effort by the congressional delegation and state and community leaders, we won the day. “We were removed from the BRAC list that August. “And then we got right to work on building up the base so that we would never again find ourselves in the same position. “In 2007 the Air Force Financial Services Center opened at Ellsworth. “2011 saw the arrival of the 89th Attack Squadron, and its command and control stations for MQ-9 Reapers. “And in 2015 a nearly decade-long effort paid off with the quadrupling of the training air space for the base. “The Powder Ri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:41:06Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2A109D53-8399-4068-B64B-7CEA26E4E69C | Thune Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Allow Year-Round E15 Sales | 2022-11-30 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in introducing the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022. The legislation would allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent, like E15. “The year-round sale of E15 is a common-sense way to leverage American agriculture and provide drivers with a clean and affordable fuel option,” said Thune. “I have long supported measures like this one that would give fuel retailers the certainty they need to offer E15 without seasonal interruption, which also benefits the biofuel industry – an essential market for South Dakota farmers.” The bill was led by U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and was also co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AFA2CFC5-C73A-4DE4-89C8-C350FCC54EBF | Thune: We Must Hold the IRS Accountable and Protect Taxpayer Dollars | 2022-11-30 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, today discussed how the Democrats’ attempt to supersize the IRS without holding the agency accountable to American taxpayers is dangerous and irresponsible. Thune also spoke about a series of bills he has introduced that would protect taxpayers and improve the IRS through increased transparency, oversight, and accountability. Thune previously introduced a bill that would protect taxpayers who are earning less than $400,000 from increased audits, as well as a separate bill, the Increase Reliable Services Now Act, that would prevent the IRS from hiring new enforcement employees until customer service has reached a more acceptable standard. Most recently, Thune introduced the IRS Funding Accountability Act, legislation that would give Congress a direct say in how the unprecedented $80 billion in new funding for the IRS could be spent. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, ask any group of Americans how they feel about the IRS, and you’re unlikely to come up with a lot of positive reviews. “And with good reason. “Repeated mishandling of taxpayer data – not to mention almost nonexistent customer service – is unlikely to gain any agency many fans. “And at this point, the IRS has a disturbing record of mishandling taxpayer information. “In the past two years alone, the IRS has inadvertently posted confidential information from 120,000 taxpayers on its website, destroyed 30 million unprocessed tax documents, and had troves of private taxpayer information end up in the hands of the left-leaning news site ProPublica. “And the agency’s customer service record might be even worse. “During fiscal year 2021, the agency answered just 11 percent of the 282 million calls it received. “11 percent. “That means that 250 million taxpayer calls went unanswered. “250 million. “And 2022 was no better. “During the 2022 filing seas… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=6BF51757-8FC2-4345-8C9F-7051904538F4 | Thune, Luján, Klobuchar, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Rural Broadband | 2022-11-29 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), ranking member and chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today introduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation would streamline and bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development broadband programs and ensure that their funding is being targeted to rural areas that need it the most. “Expanding access to broadband services and connectivity in rural areas across South Dakota has long been a priority for me,” said Thune. “Access to these broadband services is typically determined by where you live, which often leaves rural communities in the dust. Our bipartisan legislation would help bridge the digital divide by improving USDA’s ReConnect Program to ensure its funding goes to truly unserved areas.” “High-speed, reliable broadband is critical for New Mexico families and businesses, but the digital divide leaves far too many rural and Tribal communities behind. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to make USDA programs more efficient and ensure that unserved communities receive the investments they need,” said Luján. “I will continue working to improve broadband access for all New Mexicans – especially in rural and Tribal communities.” “The ReConnect program is critical for rural communities across the country, helping families connect to critical opportunities online while enabling farms and businesses to access new technologies,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will make key improvements to this popular program, allowing for a more convenient application process and more efficient deployment. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I’ll keep fighting to ensure all Americans can access the high-speed internet they need.” “I’ve long supported efforts to expand broadband access to unserved communit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-national-american-indian-veterans-charter-bill-unanimously-passes-out-of-senate | Rounds’ National American Indian Veterans Charter Bill Unanimously Passes Out of Senate | 2022-11-21 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ (R-S.D.) legislation to create a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) unanimously passed the Senate. Rounds took to the Senate floor to force this action. Rounds was joined by Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) in introducing this bipartisan legislation. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating for tribal veterans. Originally started in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. The NAIV formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in 2004. “We are one step closer to giving our Native American veterans the recognition they truly deserve and have earned,” said Rounds. “There are many congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, but none that solely represent the interests and needs of Native American veterans. Our bill would change that by recognizing the mission and authority of the NAIV with a congressional charter. NAIV works closely with Tribal Veterans Services Officers to make certain Native American veterans receive proper benefits and resources. Congress regularly looks to NAIV for input when addressing issues facing Native American veterans. This charter will help give NAIV a larger platform to continue advocating for and serving the more than 140,000 Native American veterans living in the United States.” “In New Mexico and across the country, Native Americans have made a profound impact on our country by proudly serving in our Armed Forces,” said Luján. “That’s why I’m proud the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation that will create a Congressional Charter for the National American Indian Veterans organization. This organization is an important resource that supports Native veterans and ensures they have access to the benefit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-lummis-stanton-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-highway-permitting | Johnson, Lummis, Stanton Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Highway Permitting Reform Legislation | 2022-11-18 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Greg Stanton (D-AZ), along with Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Interactive Federal Review Act. The legislation would direct the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to select a minimum of ten federal highway projects to demonstrate the use of interactive, digital, cloud-based platforms in carrying out the environmental analysis and community engagement processes required in FHWA projects. “Environmental reviews are stuck in the 90s and continue to delay critical infrastructure projects for years at a time,” said Johnson. “The Interactive Federal Review Act brings NEPA reviews into the 21st century by prioritizing updated technologies and processes between agencies. This commonsense legislation ensures infrastructure projects stay on-time and on-task while also protecting the environment.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A3CF32F3-51E4-4BB0-9150-7CD00D29114D | Thune: A Debt We Can Never Fully Repay | 2022-11-17 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or on the picture above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the tremendous sacrifices that veterans and military families make, and he noted that our country owes them, and the generations that came before them, its eternal gratitude. Thune also expressed his profound gratitude to the citizen-soldiers of the South Dakota National Guard, the airmen at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and South Dakota veterans. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, on Sunday I had the privilege of attending a welcome home ceremony for the 235th Military Police Company of the South Dakota National Guard after their 10-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay. “It was a fitting activity for Veterans Day weekend. “These ceremonies are always joyful occasions, Mr. President. “Seeing couples and families reunited and celebrating together after a long absence. “Welcoming soldiers back to the familiarity of home. “But in the midst of the joy and celebration, these ceremonies are also a powerful reminder of all that our service members and their families give up to serve our country. “The joy of reunification points to the months of loneliness in which spouses and loved ones have had to live without their husband or wife, mom or dad, son or daughter. “It highlights the long months in which moms and dads have had to shoulder all the burdens of child-rearing alone. “The soccer games and football games, the doctor visits, the emergency car repair, the visit from the plumber – all the daily challenges and responsibilities that couples usually share fall solely on the shoulders of the spouse holding down the fort at home. “And on top of the responsibility is the anxiety – the constant worry about the loved one halfway around the world, and maybe in danger. “These moments of joyful reunion also point to all that our military men and women sacrifice while stationed far from their families and loved ones. “The months of separation from spouses and children, with Zoo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=16BEA4B0-AC0E-4C9F-B144-3B321C2E3A85 | Thune, Grassley Lead Republican Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Hold the IRS More Accountable | 2022-11-16 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a current member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, today led their Republican colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee in introducing the IRS Funding Accountability Act. The legislation responds to the Democrats’ use of the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA) that will infuse the IRS with $80 billion of new funding without any oversight measures to prevent waste, protect taxpayer rights, or measure improvements of service. The IRS Funding Accountability Act would give Congress a direct say in how this new funding could be spent, hold the IRS more accountable, and provide more transparency for the American people. “The Democrats’ attempt to supersize the IRS without holding the agency accountable to Congress and American taxpayers is dangerous and irresponsible,” said Thune. “This legislation would provide much-needed oversight of the unprecedented $80 billion in new funding to the agency, more than half of which Democrats have directed toward enforcement-related measures, including audits. If our bill becomes law, the Biden administration’s IRS would have to answer to the American people, not Washington bureaucrats.” “Government, especially when it comes to the treatment of taxpayers, needs to be accountable and transparent to the American people,” said Grassley. “When Democrats’ partisan spending bill gave the IRS an extra 80 billion dollars, their legislation included no oversight mechanisms whatsoever. Our bill will ensure that the IRS is answerable to the American people in how it uses this money, and will force it to forfeit funds every day it’s not in compliance.” “The $80 billion in IRS funding included in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act came with almost no guardrails for an agency that has fallen chronically short on core elements of their mission in recent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=18D645CB-C76A-4A3B-A733-DA6785C92A8A | Thune Statement on Reelection as Republican Whip | 2022-11-16 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after he was unanimously reelected by the Senate Republican Conference to serve a third term as whip for the 118th Congress: “I am humbled and honored that my colleagues in the Senate Republican Conference have once again elected me to serve as whip,” said Thune. “I congratulate the newest members of our leadership team, Senators Capito and Daines, and I look forward to working with our entire conference as we unite in our fight to advance Republican principles and deliver commonsense solutions for families, farmers, and businesses across the country, especially those throughout South Dakota. Let’s get to work.” In addition to serving as the Republican whip, a position he’s held since 2019, Thune has previously served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC), SRC vice chairman, and chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Thune currently serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Committee on Finance; and the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3268BB2B-F406-40C5-974F-A479B8BA4751 | Thune: Let’s Get to Work | 2022-11-15 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today expressed his profound gratitude to the people of South Dakota for once again trusting him to represent them in Washington. Thune discussed how growing up in rural South Dakota helped shape his political philosophy, work ethic, and values. His top priority remains doing everything he can to help better the lives of families across the state and country. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, I want to begin my remarks today by expressing my profound gratitude to the people of South Dakota for once again trusting me to serve as their senator. “I am deeply grateful to live in South Dakota and to represent the Mount Rushmore State. “There are a lot of things that make our state special, like its incredible natural beauty, a legacy of military service, or the fact that our state is a great place to raise a family. “But what really makes our state tick, what really makes it special, is our people. “And it is the honor of my life to represent South Dakotans in the U.S. Senate. “Growing up in Murdo, South Dakota – population: 456 – I learned the character of South Dakotans. “The work ethic. “The love of country and commitment to freedom – coupled with a belief in personal responsibility. “And the sense of responsibility to the broader community. “Life in rural South Dakota can be tough, but growing up we knew that we were not on our own. “In Murdo, we knew that if a roof collapsed under the weight of snow, or a windstorm came through and wiped out a barn, or we lost a friend or family member, the whole community would rally around to help. “The values I learned growing up in South Dakota helped shape my political philosophy and are values I strive to reflect every day here in the Senate. “And as I continue my work here in Washington, my top priority will always be doing everything I can to make life better for South Dakota families. “Mr. President, our country is facing some big challenges.… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-garamendi-fmc-get-osra-right-or-risk-further-abuse-foreign-flagged | Johnson & Garamendi to FMC: Get OSRA Right or Risk Further Abuse by Foreign-Flagged Ocean Carriers | 2022-11-04 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House leaders of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (Public Law 117-14), Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and John Garamendi (D-CA-03), urged the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to uphold congressional intent as implementation of the law continues. The Congressmen’s bipartisan letter was cosigned by Representatives David G. Valado (R-CA-21), Jim Costa (D-CA-16), Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Mike Thompson (D-CA-05), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20), cosponsors of the 2022 law. Johnson and Garamendi oppose the FMC’s recent broad definition of “unreasonable” applied to vessel space accommodation, nor do they believe it will protect American shippers and exporters from unfair business practices of foreign ocean carriers. In January 2021, three in four containers offloaded at American ports returned to Asia empty, causing record losses for American exporters and manufacturers. “The FMC’s currently definition of “unreasonable” refusal is so feckless it has us wondering: What was the point of passing OSRA in the first place? We all witnessed the havoc foreign-flagged ocean carriers wreaked on our ports in 2021, price gouging shippers and leaving American exporters high and dry. If this definition stands, they could easily do it again,” said Johnson and Garamendi. “This proposed definition is not in line with congressional intent – it needs to be remedied for the sake of our farmers, exporters, and manufacturers who already faced extreme losses at the hands of foreign carriers.” “The ten largest ocean carriers and three global alliances reportedly control more than 80 percent of the global market,” wrote the Members of Congress. “As American exporters and other businesses navigate this anticompetitive marketplace, they must have an ally in our nation’s only ocean carrier regulator: the Federal Maritime Commission.” The Ocean Shipping Reform Act was signed into law on June 16, 2022, and prohibits ocean carriers from discriminating against American exporters and unreasonably refusing car… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:24:37Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=559E668F-7FC0-43A9-B28B-75643EB82EC4 | Thune, Grassley Will Introduce Legislation to Hold the IRS More Accountable | 2022-11-01 | 2022 | 2022-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and a current member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, today announced that they intend to introduce legislation that responds to the Democrats’ use of the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA) to infuse $80 billion of new funding into the IRS’s budget. The legislation, which is still being finalized, will be introduced when the Senate returns to session later this month. It would give Congress a direct say in how this new funding could be spent, hold the IRS more accountable, and provide more transparency for the American people. “The Democrats’ attempt to supersize the IRS without holding the agency accountable to Congress and American taxpayers is dangerous and irresponsible,” said Thune. “This legislation would provide much-needed oversight of the unprecedented $80 billion in new funding to the agency, more than half of which Democrats have directed toward enforcement-related measures, including audits. If our bill becomes law, the Biden administration’s IRS would have to answer to the American people, not Washington bureaucrats.” “Government, especially when it comes to the treatment of taxpayers, needs to accountable and transparent to the American people,” said Grassley. “When Democrats’ partisan spending bill gave the IRS an extra 80 billion dollars, their legislation included no oversight mechanisms whatsoever. Our bill will ensure that the IRS is answerable to the American people in how it uses this money, and will force it to forfeit funds every day it’s not in compliance.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:38:01Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-seeking-spring-2023-internship-applications | Rounds Seeking Spring 2023 Internship Applications | 2022-10-28 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring 2023 semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Pierre and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all the universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit. “Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring internship.” Intern duties include researching bills, tracking legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, handling constituent phone calls and other correspondence and providing support in all areas of the office to Senator Rounds and his staff. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible. Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. For more information, please call Rebecca Herman at (605) 336-0486. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=842208BD-D5E6-4E66-A9CF-38F4A53F831D | Thune, Durbin Lead Bipartisan Request for Historic RFS “Set” Rulemaking | 2022-10-19 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish renewable volume obligations that are additive for all fuel types in the upcoming “set” rule under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The senators also highlighted additional actions EPA should take in order to maximize the use and benefit of biofuels, including updating lifecycle analysis for biofuel emissions and approving additional fuel registrations and pathways under the RFS. “Through this rulemaking, EPA has a historic opportunity to not only reinforce its efforts to restore integrity to the RFS, but chart a new course for biofuels that will help meet America’s diverse energy demands while further decarbonizing numerous sectors of our economy,” the senators wrote. “In order to guard against sidelining decades of investment and the diverse workforce that supports biofuels, we request that EPA set the conventional target above 15 billion gallons, set advanced biofuel volumes that account for increased production capacity of fuels like sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, and ensure that renewable identification numbers (RINs) for emerging technologies and e-RINs are additive to existing volumes.” “With the forthcoming ‘set’ rule, EPA has a golden opportunity to stimulate further growth in low-carbon fuel use and build on the successes of the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “We appreciate the efforts of Senator Thune, Senator Durbin, and other stalwart renewable fuel supporters to ensure EPA issues a ‘set’ rule that furthers the environmental and economic objectives of the original RFS program.” “A stronger RFS means more savings at the pump for working families, lower carbon emissions, and greater U.S. energy security,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “We’re grateful to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:28Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=051AB0D2-F078-4BD0-80F8-205A7A776278 | Thune’s Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications | 2022-10-07 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) 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 interns in the Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process 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. “Interns who are selected will receive a firsthand look at the legislative process and the day-to-day life in a congressional office,” said Thune. “In Washington, interns will have the opportunity to attend Senate votes and hearings and participate in other activities that are unique to Capitol Hill. Students who are interested in interning in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, or Rapid City will find an equally rewarding experience with assisting staff on important constituent service requests and state outreach activities, which are critical to my work for the people of South Dakota. I encourage all college students who are interested in these opportunities to apply today.” Thune serves as the Senate Republican Whip, the number two position in Senate leadership, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. 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 with their resume and cover letter by November 4, 2022, at https://sen.gov/43JL or they can locate the application at www.thune.senate.gov under the services tab. For more information, please call 202-224-2321. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:28Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FE286C45-2D76-433C-A735-9F65C0B6CEF4 | Thune on Fox and Friends: Biden Administration’s Lack of Coherent Energy Strategy Jeopardizes our Energy Security and National Security | 2022-10-06 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the interview. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Fox and Friends to discuss the Biden administration’s lack of a coherent energy strategy and how the president has been willing to sacrifice our national security, economic security, and energy security for political gain. On the Biden administration’s hostility to American-made energy: “We were at a point where we were literally energy independent; we were actually exporting energy. We’ve now, again, become dependent upon OPEC and other countries because of this administration’s resistance and outright assault on American energy production. “This is the price that America pays when we aren’t willing to make the investment and have policies that support the encouragement of American energy production.” On our country’s national security being weakened by a lack of a coherent energy strategy: “I think [Democrats], Brian, they will sacrifice our economic security, our energy security, our national security to get a political win in November. I think they’re that desperate, and that’s what I think you’re seeing in full display right now. “In fact, pulling down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the lowest point since 1984, a reserve that’s there for emergencies, and using it for a political purpose is outrageous.” … “By not having an energy policy, not committing to an all-the-above American energy plan, we have now a dependence upon foreign sources, including dictators like Venezuela and in places in the Middle East. “This is insanity, and I hope the American people rise up and say enough, already. Because [Democrats are] putting not only our energy security at risk, [but] our national security at risk.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:28Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0A65FBF2-1CE5-489F-B3B5-01283320E0C8 | Thune, Luján Introduce Bill to Improve Livestock Disaster Assistance | 2022-10-05 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, recently introduced the Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would improve the effectiveness and timeliness of multiple U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that assist farmers and ranchers in the aftermath of adverse weather events. The legislation would also provide USDA with direction to help improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), which triggers certain disaster programs. “South Dakota farmers and ranchers are all too familiar with working through extreme weather conditions, especially drought,” said Thune. “These common-sense updates to disaster programs would help provide greater and expedited assistance to farmers and ranchers when they need it the most. Our proposal would also make the Drought Monitor a more effective tool and help ensure USDA programs are using accurate and consistent data in administering programs that are designed to help the agriculture community.” “Drought, wildfires, and extreme weather in New Mexico have impacted farmers and ranchers for generations – hurting their ability to raise livestock, grow crops, and make ends meet. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to better meet the needs of our farmers and ranchers who power our communities,” said Luján. “This legislation will make USDA programs more responsive for New Mexico producers in need of disaster relief.” Thune plans to continue introducing agriculture-related proposals like this one in advance of the current farm bill’s expiration in September 2023. Thune, who has helped write four farm bills during his time in Congress, believes these common-sense changes would greatly improve the effectiveness of the farm bill safety net for livestock producers. The legislation would make the following reforms: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:34:28Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-urges-biden-prioritize-military-readiness-over-social-activism | Johnson Urges Biden to Prioritize Military Readiness Over Social Activism | 2022-10-04 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter urging President Biden to prioritize true military readiness following reports of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) inclusive language training, instructing cadets to refer to “Mom and Dad” as “Parents/Caregivers/Guardians” and “Boyfriend/Girlfriend” as “Partner.” Following this instruction, a member of Johnson’s Service Academy Nomination board and a USAFA alumnus resigned from the board because of the politically charged programming. “Of course, we need to treat all people with respect, but your implementation of a politicized gender inclusivity agenda is moving our military in the wrong direction,” said Johnson. “The United States has the finest military men and women in the world – their education and training should not be focused on social activism. I encourage you as Commander in Chief to rectify this issue and revoke this line of teaching at our military institutions.” As a Member of Congress, Johnson is responsible for nominating applicants to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. Read the full letter here or below: October 4, 2022 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr. President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden: I write to express my concern with recent reports that cadets at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) have been instructed that diversity and inclusion training is an aspect of their military readiness. Teaching cadets that vernacular like “mom,” “dad,” “boyfriend,” and “girlfriend” are offensive is a tremendous distraction from the true goal of our service academies: develop skilled and dedicated warfighters to protect America and American values from our enemies. Not surprisingly, in recent days I’ve heard concerns from academy… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-questions-gao-foreign-investment-us-farmland | Johnson Questions GAO on Foreign Investment in U.S. Farmland | 2022-10-03 | 2022 | 2022-10 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and 129 colleagues questioned Comptroller General Gene Dodaro of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) on foreign investment in U.S. farmland and its impact on national security, trade, and food security. “Seeing foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land increase over the past decade is concerning, especially ownership by our adversaries like China,” said Johnson. “Allowing increased ownership could pose a threat to our food security and national security. Congress is sounding the alarm, and it’s time we understand how to best protect America’s food and national security.” Since 2010, foreign ownership and investment in U.S. agricultural land has nearly doubled. In the wake of rising input costs for farmers, supply chain delays, geopolitical pressure, and high food prices, it is critical to understand the impact foreign ownership and investment can have on food security, national security, and the economy. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:20:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-bill-to-protect-businesses-from-sec-overreach | Rounds Introduces Bill to Protect Businesses from SEC Overreach | 2022-09-30 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to safeguard public companies from bureaucratic overreach. The Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act would only allow the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to impose future disclosure requirements if the information is important for investors making decisions. “American businesses should not be used as a gateway to advance climate change policy,” said Rounds. “The heavy-hand of government is hampering the growth of our businesses and economy. This legislation would seek to prevent the SEC from requiring reporting of unnecessary information and instead focus on protecting investors, maintaining fair and efficient markets and facilitating capital formation.” In March of 2022, the SEC issued a rule that would require any public company to disclose both its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, including reporting by downstream suppliers like farmers and ranchers, even if that information isn’t relevant to investors. This rule would potentially limit access to capital, discourage new companies from going public and result in onerous reporting requirements that will be borne by farmers and small businesses. The Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act would amend both the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by inserting statutory language directly into both acts to require the SEC to determine that “there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor of the issuer would consider the information…to be important with respect to an investment decision regarding the issuer,” when imposing a new disclosure obligation. Rounds was joined in introducing this legislation by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Click HERE for full bill text. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-ohalleran-introduce-tribal-policing-bill | Johnson, O’Halleran Introduce Tribal Policing Bill | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01) introduced the Tribal Capital for Operations Promoting Safety (COPS) Actto improve tribal law enforcement agencies and operations through additional training, compensation, and equipment procurement. “Indian Country does not have the resources needed to combat crime – currently, there is one officer to every 1,333 persons on the Pine Ridge Reservation,” said Johnson. “Our tribal communities struggle with slow emergency response times – as long as thirty minutes – as well as officer retainment. The Tribal COPS Act will provide these law enforcement agencies with resources to improve the safety and security of their communities.” “For too long, tribal police departments across Indian Country have dealt with staffing shortages and a lack of appropriate resources to address public safety concerns,” said Representative Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ-01). “In Arizona’s First District, the Navajo Nation alone is larger than the state of West Virginia and has only a few hundred officers. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Tribal COPS Act with Representative Johnson, my colleague across the aisle, to increase funding for tribal police departments to recruit, hire, and train skilled officers.” The Tribal Capital for Operations Promoting Safety (COPS) Act would: Establish a grant program to increase capabilities of tribal law enforcement agencies The grant formula will take the following into account: Size of tribal lands Population of tribal lands Average response time of the law enforcement agency to an emergency call Grants may be used to: Compensate officers, including retention bonuses Provide training Provide housing stipends to officers principally residing within tribal lands Procure equipment Procure, operate, maintain facilities for use by officers | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-gilt-edge-mine-conveyance-act-passes-house | Johnson’s Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act Passes the House | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson’s (R-S.D.) legislation to transfer to the State of South Dakota a portion of the Gilt Edge Mine superfund site owned by the U.S. Forest Service. The bill passed the House 296-127. “For years this site has been owned and managed by a patchwork quilt of state and federal governments. My bill will make it easier for the State and EPA to remediate the site by getting the Forest Service out of the middle,” said Johnson. “This land is no longer a forest or natural habitat, nor can it be used for recreation. Allowing South Dakota to purchase and own this land is an important step in finishing the cleanup.” You can watch Johnson’s floor remarks here. The Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act authorizes the state of South Dakota to purchase approximately 266 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Lawrence County. The land transfer authorized by this legislation allows the state to conduct a clean-up effort within the boundary of the Gilt Edge Mine superfund site once the Environmental Protection Agency completes its clean-up actions. The abandoned gold mine contaminates water with heavy metals and acidity, and the clean-up efforts thus far have treated the contaminated water, covering the area with plastic to prevent water from leaching into the area, and recovering it with grass. To move forward, the state must first have primary authority to continue the clean-up. Currently, the federal government owns the land, and states cannot manage or control federal property. The Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act is supported by Lawrence County, Governor Noem, City of Lead, and City of Deadwood. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-introduce-bill-to-reduce-unnecessary-regulatory-costs-for-nonbank-financial-institutions- | Rounds, Tester Introduce Bill to Reduce Unnecessary Regulatory Costs for Nonbank Financial Institutions | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced legislation to lower costs for investors. The Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act would eliminate ineffective costs for nonbank financial institutions that have not been designated as systemically important by removing Dodd Frank's bank-centric, mandatory stress test requirement. "Asset managers have a completely different business model than a traditional bank,” said Rounds. “Therefore, applying bank-centric stress tests is misguided, and the high compliance costs that accompany them will ultimately be borne by investors. I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to reduce unnecessary regulatory costs in our capital markets.” Specifically, this legislation amends the stress test requirements under section 165(i) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 111-203) to provide relief for nonbanks from bank-centric stress tests. To the extent stress tests may be useful in certain contexts, this legislation allows the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, their primary regulators, to conduct periodic stress tests for nonbank financial companies. Click HERE for full bill text. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=93CB647E-33B9-44C1-847C-A89D93558B4B | Thune: Democrats’ Far-Left Fantasies are the Wrong Prescription for America’s Economic Pain | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ devotion to their big-government, big-spending agenda has harmed America’s economic security, energy security, and national security. Thune noted that over the past two years, President Biden and Democrats in Congress have prioritized far-left fantasies instead of addressing the economic reality that is crippling families and businesses across the country. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday I came down to the floor to talk about where we are after nearly two years of Democrat control of Congress and the White House. “We are, as I noted, in the midst of an inflation crisis with no end in sight. “Our economy is weakening. “Our energy security has diminished. “Violent crime has increased. “And we’re dealing with record waves of illegal immigration and a serious security situation at our southern border. “That’s where we are, Mr. President. “But how did we end up here? “The answer lies with Democrats’ priorities. “Mr. President, the Democrat Party has moved sharply leftwards over the past few years. “Democrats, of course, have always been on the left side of the political spectrum. “But over the past few years, what was once far-left ideology has become the Democrat mainstream. “And Democrats swept into office determined to enact a far-left, big-government agenda. “It didn’t matter to them that their majorities in the House and Senate were extremely narrow – or that President Biden had been elected largely because he was considered to be a moderate. “Democrats had a grip on power, however tenuous, and they were determined to use it to enact their most cherished far-left fantasies. “They started off with their $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act, filled with unnecessary spending and payoffs to Democrat interest groups. “They were warned that their legislation ran the risk of overheating the economy and setting off inflation. “But they ignored the w… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9C736066-9FB3-44D5-B74F-53D730CF917D | Thune, Johnson Call on Biden to Rescind Unworkable Government Mandate That Would Harm South Dakota Businesses | 2022-09-29 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today led their colleagues in demanding that the Biden administration rescind a proposed rule that would mandate project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal construction projects of $35 million or greater. The rule would not only harm local businesses and ultimately undermine taxpayer investment in public work projects, but it would also be unworkable due to the limited number of union-connected workers. “The stated goal of [the executive order] is to 'promote economy and efficiency in federal procurement, but it would undoubtedly have the opposite effect,” the members wrote. “A recent Associated General Contractors survey found 73 percent of federal contractors would not bid on a federal construction contract that includes a government-mandated PLA. Eighty-eight percent of respondents stated E.O. 14063 would raise costs, while 0 percent of respondents stated it would lower costs. The proposed rule would make it more difficult to find the local workers and local businesses needed to keep projects on schedule, especially during this historic shortage of skilled construction workers.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), and Mariannette Miller Meeks (R-Iowa). In March, Thune joined his colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden opposing the executive order. Full letter below: The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr. President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden: We write to express our concern with the recent proposed rule entitled “Federal Acquisition Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects.” On February 4, 2022, you published E.O. 14063 on Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects, which mandates project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal construction contrac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-bill-to-reform-nrcs-and-protect-property-owners-from-government-overreach | Rounds Introduces Bill to Reform NRCS and Protect Property Owners from Government Overreach | 2022-09-28 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation that would reform the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The NRCS Wetland Compliance and Appeals Reform Act would safeguard farmers, ranchers and landowners from bureaucratic overreach by the NRCS and empower them to continue to protect their land as they see fit. “South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers and landowners know their land better than anyone else,” said Rounds. “They are conservationists by nature and want their land to be productive for future generations. They don’t need the heavy-hand of government interfering with their ability to manage the land they live and work on. “For years, we have worked with South Dakotans who are facing arbitrary, punitive penalties by the NRCS. In South Dakota, we know that the NRCS has made unfounded wetland determinations and levied large and unfair monetary fines where the landowner has little or no recourse. The reforms I have introduced modify some of the NRCS’ compliance rules in a manner that works for landowners, gives farmers and ranchers more control over their land and removes unnecessary, often unfair, barriers and penalties. “The NRCS was created to work with farmers and ranchers to help them improve, protect and conserve their land and natural resources. Over time, it has veered far from that core mission, morphing into an overreaching, overbearing agency that makes heavy-handed decisions about South Dakota producers’ land using questionable methods and rationale. Landowners in South Dakota, and across the country, increasingly battle the NRCS on wetland determinations. Farmers and ranchers already have to battle the wind, rain, snow and sun; they shouldn’t have to battle their government, too.” Once considered wasteland, wetlands were often drained so farmers could plant crops. Growing concern over the loss and appreciation of the value of wetlands in the ecological system led Congress to take action to protect wetlands … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-lead-bipartisan-push-to-protect-and-expand-national-and-tribal-veterans-cemeteries | Rounds, Tester Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect and Expand National and Tribal Veterans’ Cemeteries | 2022-09-28 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) in honoring veterans nationwide. “It is crucial our veterans are honored with a dignified resting place,” said Rounds. “This legislation would provide the tools necessary to operate and maintain national and tribal veterans’ cemeteries. It is a small way for us to show gratitude to our veterans and their families, and it will make certain that generations to come will have a peaceful place to visit their loved ones.” “Ensuring all veterans have a final resting place that honors their service and sacrifice is an important part of preserving their legacy,” said Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill that will deliver national and tribal cemeteries the tools they need, for years to come.” Among its many provisions, the National Cemeteries Preservation and Protection Act of 2022 would: Require VA to pay plot allowances for Native American veterans buried at tribal veterans’ cemeteries prior to March 15, 2022; Allow the VA Secretary to designate sections of the national veterans’ cemeteries as green burial sections; Allow the Department of the Interior to transfer land to VA to expand or establish new national veterans’ cemeteries; and Ban the burial of additional criminals in national veterans’ cemeteries. Click HERE for full bill text. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0CD7AA85-5966-4A81-BD00-485BFD2546FD | Thune: Democrat Policies Make Our Country Less Secure | 2022-09-28 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ government-knows-best, out-of-touch policies have helped create 40-year high inflation and numerous other crises that are hurting the American people. Thune noted that our country’s national security, economic security, and energy security have significantly declined under Democrat governance. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we’re coming up on two years of Democrat governance here in Washington – two years in which Democrats have controlled Congress and the White House. “And the result of their two years in power is not encouraging. “Economic insecurity is rampant. “Our energy security situation has worsened. “And on the national security front, we’re facing a raging crisis at our southern border – plus a disturbing increase in violent crime around the country. “Mr. President, if there has been one defining feature of Democrat governance over the past 20 months, it’s inflation. “When President Biden took office, inflation was at 1.4 percent – well within the target inflation rate of 2 percent. “But then Democrats decided to pass a massive, $1.9 trillion spending spree – the so-called American Rescue Plan Act. “The legislation flooded the economy with unnecessary government money. “And the economy overheated as a result. “Inflation quickly began climbing. “And then climbing some more. “And then some more after that. “We’ve now spent six straight months with inflation above 8 percent. “Six straight months. “The last time inflation was this bad, E.T. was about to hit theaters, and we still had more than a year to wait for Return of the Jedi. “(For those that weren’t around then, that was 40 years ago, in 1982.) “Mr. President, inflation, of course, has meant tremendous economic pain for the American people. “Huge grocery store bills. “Big utility bills. “High prices at the pump. “Americans are dipping into their savings to make ends meet. “They’re cut… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=19BFBFFD-D2EA-4B44-8337-244D02605345 | Thune, Cardin Introduce Bill to Prohibit Name, Image, and Likeness Tax Write-Offs for College Sports | 2022-09-28 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, today introduced the Athlete Opportunity and Taxpayer Integrity Act. This bipartisan legislation would prohibit individuals and organizations from using the charitable tax deduction for specific contributions that compensate college or incoming college athletes for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). “College athletes have the ability to benefit from opportunities related to their own name, image, and likeness, but outside organizations and collectives should not be able to write contributions off their taxes that are used to compensate athletes,” said Thune. “This common-sense legislation would prohibit these entities from inappropriately using NIL agreements to reduce their own tax obligations. These basic taxpayer guardrails would protect athletes, strengthen NIL, and uphold the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” “In this new NIL era, we want to ensure that the opportunities available for student athletes to benefit from their own name, image and likeness are protected,” said Cardin. “We also have an obligation to protect taxpayer funds, which means that charitable deductions should be reserved for charitable activities. Purposefully blurring the line between private expenses and charitable contributions dilutes both these efforts.” Since the recent adoption of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s NIL rules, certain organizations have established models that facilitate payment to current and incoming college athletes while claiming 501(c)(3) charitable status, which make those specific contributions tax deductible. Such activity is inconsistent with the intended purpose of the charitable tax deduction, and it forces taxpayers to subsidize the potential recruitment of – or payment to – college athletes based on their NIL status. The Athlete Opportunity an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E013D04E-CB11-4D29-9651-DA1DC2CA78B1 | Thune Introduces Bill to Stop Automakers From Double-Dipping in Electric Vehicle Subsidies | 2022-09-23 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently introduced the Ending Duplicative Subsidies for Electric Vehicles Act, legislation that would prohibit the automobile industry from double-dipping on federal subsidies, specifically electric vehicle (EV) tax credits, grants, and loans for EV manufacturing. The bill would require stakeholders to choose between receiving manufacturing loans or grants to lower the cost of EV production or having the vehicles they manufacture remain eligible for the new EV credits under the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” (IRA). “American automakers have been on the receiving end of historic amounts of taxpayer money, yet we see them raising vehicle prices right when they’re preparing to receive even more government support,” said Thune. “My common-sense bill would make automakers choose between grants and loans that subsidize their manufacturing operations or having the vehicles they make remain eligible for the expanded electric vehicle tax credit. Automakers shouldn’t be able to double-dip at taxpayers’ expense.” “It’s proven that government subsidies drive up inflation and do more harm than good to the industries they are supposed to benefit,” said Brent Gardner, chief government affairs officer at Americans for Prosperity. “The 'Inflation Reduction Act' doubles down on the subsidy boondoggle that has been plaguing Congress for years with handouts to EV companies at the expense of American taxpayers. There’s no reason someone making $50,000 a year should be subsidizing their neighbor’s $50,000 car. At the very least Congress should correct this absurd double-dipping provision, but an even better idea would be to end these subsidies altogether and quit playing favorites for political gain." The bill was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). The IRA extends the consumer tax credit of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles, and it also provides $40 billion in loan authority for the Department of Energy Loan Programs… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-secures-fairness-tribal-law-enforcement | Johnson Secures Fairness for Tribal Law Enforcement | 2022-09-22 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. — Today, legislation co-led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), to bolster funding for tribal and rural law enforcement, passed out of the U.S. House 360-64. The Invest to Protect Act (H.R. 6448) provides grants to small, rural, and tribal departments to improve the recruitment and retention of local law enforcement and provides mental health training to officers. Johnson was instrumental in ensuring tribal law enforcements were eligible in the bill. “Tribal communities will be safer because of the Invest to Protect Act,”said Representative and former SheriffJohn Rutherford (R-FL-04). “Thank you to Congressman Johnson for his leadership ensuring that small tribal law enforcement agencies have equal access to this critically important funding.” “For years, the far-left has called to defund the police – today the House sent a clear message: that’s not happening,” said Johnson. “Our nation has chronically underinvested in mental health resources, and our cities, and specifically our tribal reservations, have seen a dramatic increase in violent crime. The Invest to Protect Act provides critical resources for training focused on de-escalation, substance abuse, and mental health care, targeting smaller departments that need support the most. Our bill also provides resources to increase recruitment to ensure local and tribal communities police departments are appropriately staffed.” The Invest to Protect Act: Creates a grant program at the Department of Justice focused on improving the recruitment and retention of local law enforcement and providing training and access to mental health resources. Grants may be used to fund “eligible activities” including de-escalation training, law enforcement officer signing and retention bonuses, training for handling situations involving domestic violence and responding to calls for service involving persons with substance use disorders, and improved access to mental health care services for law enforcement officers. To be eligible, law enforcement a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-thune-rounds-introduce-bill-reform-indian-health-service-increase | Johnson, Thune, Rounds Introduce Bill to Reform Indian Health Service, Increase Accountability and Transparency | 2022-09-22 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2022. A lack of oversight, financial integrity, unmet staffing needs, and employee accountability at the Indian Health Service (IHS) has led to the delivery of substandard health care for patients, families, and communities. This bicameral legislation would increase transparency and accountability at the IHS to ensure Native Americans have access to reliable, quality health care. “Our tribal communities deserve access to efficient, safe, and high-quality care through the IHS,” said Johnson. “The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act modernizes the IHS credentialing system and allows IHS to more quickly remove employees who have a history of misconduct. I am proud to advocate and support South Dakota’s tribes along with my Senate colleagues to ensure that shortcomings of the IHS are addressed and remedied.” “Our bill would make several critical improvements to the delivery of care at IHS facilities in South Dakota and around the country, and it would hold IHS accountable to Congress and, more importantly, the tribal members they serve,” said Thune. “I look forward to continuing to work with members of the South Dakota tribes and my colleagues in Congress to do everything we can to fix the severely broken IHS system once and for all.” “For far too long, the Indian Health Service has failed to provide adequate and reliable health care to tribal members,” said Rounds. “This legislation would work to reform IHS to increase accountability and transparency at the agency. Real change needs to happen so IHS can deliver the care the federal government has a trust and treaty obligation to provide to tribal members.” The bill was led by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.). A section-by-section summary of the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=58C4C5B7-3282-495B-97CE-1038692BDAF4 | Thune: Democrats’ Hostility to All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy Fuels High Prices | 2022-09-22 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” will further erode America’s energy security and do nothing to help alleviate the economic pain from which many Americans are already suffering as a result of high energy prices. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, high energy prices – like high grocery prices – have become a distinguishing feature of the Biden economy. “Electricity prices increased 15.8 percent in August – the largest year-over-year increase since 1981. “1981. “I wasn’t even married the last time we saw an electricity increase like this. “Now I have grandchildren. “Utility gas service was up 33 percent from a year ago in August. “33 percent. “And the price of home heating oil – which many households in places like New Hampshire rely on to keep their homes warm in the winter – has soared. “All told, the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association estimates that home heating costs for the winter heating season will average $1,202 – a 17.2 percent increase from last season. “And I haven’t even mentioned gas prices. “Gas prices may have decreased from their $5.00 high this summer – partly as a result of President Biden’s problematic decision to draw down our nation’s emergency petroleum reserves to their lowest point since 1985 with no plan to refill them – but customers are still paying $1.30 more per gallon than they were when President Biden took office. “And the average price for a gallon of gas has increased this week, ending a streak of diminishing – although still high – gas prices. “Mr. President, if there’s one thing we should be doing about high energy prices, it’s increasing our domestic energy supply – including our supply of conventional energy, namely oil and natural gas. “I’m a longtime supporter of alternative energy, and I come from a state that derives a substantial portion of its electricity generation from wind. “In fact, in 2021, over 50 percent… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A0ABC484-5C44-44E5-AB3D-CBEAD2468909 | Thune, Rounds, Johnson Introduce Bill to Reform Indian Health Service, Increase Accountability and Transparency | 2022-09-22 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2022. A lack of oversight, financial integrity, unmet staffing needs, and employee accountability at the Indian Health Service (IHS) has led to the delivery of substandard health care for patients, families, and communities. This bicameral legislation would increase transparency and accountability at the IHS to ensure Native Americans have access to reliable, quality health care. “Our bill would make several critical improvements to the delivery of care at IHS facilities in South Dakota and around the country, and it would hold IHS accountable to Congress and, more importantly, the tribal members they serve,” said Thune. “I look forward to continuing to work with members of the South Dakota tribes and my colleagues in Congress to do everything we can to fix the severely broken IHS system once and for all.” “For far too long, the Indian Health Service has failed to provide adequate and reliable health care to tribal members,” said Rounds. “This legislation would work to reform IHS to increase accountability and transparency at the agency. Real change needs to happen so IHS can deliver the care the federal government has a trust and treaty obligation to provide to tribal members.” “Our tribal communities deserve access to efficient, safe, and high-quality care through the IHS,” said Johnson. “The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act modernizes the IHS credentialing system and allows IHS to more quickly remove employees who have a history of misconduct. I am proud to advocate and support South Dakota’s tribes along with my Senate colleagues to ensure that shortcomings of the IHS are addressed and remedied.” The bill was led by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-b-21-raider-bomber-to-be-publicly-unveiled-in-december | Rounds: B-21 Raider Bomber to be Publicly Unveiled in December | 2022-09-21 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Published: 09.21.2022 Rounds: B-21 Raider Bomber to be Publicly Unveiled in December WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued a statement on the timeline of the B-21 Raider bomber. “The B-21 Raider bomber will play a crucial role in the defense of our nation and have a major impact on the Rapid City area for the next 50 years,” said Rounds. “I was pleased to see the progress on the B-21 when I visited the production facility in July. Soon the public will see this stealth bomber. I am looking forward to the public unveiling during the first week of December in Palmdale, California.” Background: As governor, Rounds successfully advocated for the removal of Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) from the Department of Defense’s proposed closure list during a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in 2005. Following that effort, he led a legislative effort to establish the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority (SDEDA). Now a permanent fixture, the SDEDA’s mission is to protect, strengthen and promote the base. In March 2019, the Air Force announced Ellsworth AFB was the preferred location for the first home of the B-21 Raider bomber. In December 2019, Rounds, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, secured full funding for the B-21 bomber program with the signing of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020. In January 2021, Rounds’ provision to address the Air Force’s bomber shortfall, which directly supports B-21 bomber program and Ellsworth AFB, became law as part of the NDAA for FY 2021. In June 2021, Rounds announced that Ellsworth AFB would officially be the Air Force’s first base to receive the new B-21. In December 2021, Rounds secured key B-21 funding in the NDAA for FY 2022. In anticipation of the B-21 arrival, funding included construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) and continued B-21 development. In July 2022, Rounds visited the B-21 production facility in Palmdale, California an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-the-hughes-family-of-sioux-falls-for-angels-in-adoption-award- | Rounds Nominates the Hughes Family of Sioux Falls for Angels in Adoption Award | 2022-09-21 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated John and Beth Hughes for the 2022 Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI). John and Beth Hughes have a passion for helping women who choose adoption. Their adoption practice, Heart2Heart Adoptions, which is a part of Hughes Law Office in Sioux Falls, began more than thirty years ago when John was asked by friends to help with the interstate adoption of twin girls. John said that he had never done an adoption before and was promptly told, “Well, then you better learn.” While John provides the legal expertise and counsel, Beth has a remarkable ability to ask the tough questions of expectant mothers and hopeful adopting parents in the most loving of ways. Their greatest reward is having a birth mother they helped in the past come back and tell them that adoption was one of the hardest, but best, decisions in her life. They cherish watching the children grow through the years and love receiving Christmas photos and graduation announcements. In their 31 years of adoption practice, they have assisted with over 500 adoptions in 45 states. John has been admitted to practice in the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Court for more than 20 years, and he has had successful adoption experiences with all nine Sioux tribes. John and Beth are blessed with highly-skilled and caring staff who support their adoption work at every step: Jeryl, Mary, Angi and Mel. John and Beth have three grown sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. “I am honored to nominate John and Beth for this year’s Angels in Adoption Award,” said Rounds. “John and Beth have brought numerous families together and have touched the lives of so many. Over 500 adoptions in 45 states is a remarkable accomplishment, and their dedication continues to have a positive impact on our state.” Rounds is a member of the CCAI. Each year, members of Congress are invited to nominate an outstanding family or organization from their state to rece… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4150AEA2-6656-46CC-95B2-318F80BB6BAC | Thune: South Dakotans Shouldn’t Foot the Bill for Democrats’ Radical Agenda | 2022-09-21 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” imposes new taxes on businesses in order to pay for Democrats’ radical climate agenda. Thune noted that this new tax burden will largely fall on workers and consumers in the form of fewer jobs and opportunities, lower wages, and higher prices. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, on Sunday the president appeared on ‘60 Minutes,’ where he was asked what he was going to do to help alleviate inflation in light of August’s continued grim inflation news and the resulting stock market nosedive. “The president’s response? “‘Well, first of all, let’s put this in perspective. Inflation rate month to month was just – just an inch, hardly at all.’ “‘Let’s put this in perspective.’ “Mr. President, that might be something to say if the inflation rate had ticked up from, say, 2 percent – the target inflation rate – to 2.1 percent. “But I’m pretty sure that’s not the appropriate thing to say when you’re talking about the sixth straight month of inflation above 8 percent. “And the ninth straight month of inflation at or above 7 percent. “And the 11th straight month of inflation above 6 percent. “And even more concerning than August’s consumer price index rising 8.3 percent from the same month a year ago was the increase in core inflation – a measure of inflation minus the volatile categories of food and energy. “This measure increased to 6.3 percent in August, up from 5.9 percent in both June and July, suggesting that inflation is sinking its roots even deeper into various sectors of our economy. “Or in the words of a CNBC headline from last week, ‘Inflation isn’t just about fuel costs anymore, as price increases broaden across the economy.’ “But of course you don’t have to take my word for it about the mess we’re in. “Here’s what one of President Obama’s top economic advisers had to say last week after August’s inflation numbers came out: “‘Today’s CPI… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-spanberger-introduce-bipartisan-bill-requiring-members-congress | Johnson, Spanberger Introduce Bipartisan Bill Requiring Members of Congress to Electronically File Public Financial Disclosures | 2022-09-20 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) introduced bipartisan legislation that would require Members of Congress to file their public financial disclosures electronically. Currently, U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators have the option of completing their public financial disclosures—including annual required reporting and periodic transaction reports— either by hand or electronically. However, recent reporting has shed light on how the current disclosure system leads to nearly or completely illegible paperwork filing of Members of Congress’s financial disclosures. The Spanberger-Johnson legislation—the Easy to Read Electronic and Accessible Disclosures (READ) Act—would modernize this system, increase transparency, and allow the American people to more easily hold their elected officials accountable. Specifically, this legislation would amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require the electronic filing of all public financial disclosure forms. “This bill is commonsense,” said Johnson. “Requiring these disclosures to be made electronically will not only modernize Congress but increase transparency and accountability of Members to the American people. Congress has a public trust problem, and we should do all we can to ensure our constituents have faith in their elected officials. I am glad to work with Congresswoman Spanberger on yet another effort to ensure Members are held to the highest ethical standard during their time in office.” “Poor penmanship shouldn’t be the enemy of transparency. As discussions about potential conflicts of interest in the halls of Congress continue, we need to take commonsense steps to make it easier for the general public to sort through the disclosures of their Representatives and Senators,” said Spanberger. “Our Easy to READ Act does just that: itwould allow the American people to search, sort, and download data for every Member of Congress—not just those who chose to use a computer to submit these documents. By… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AF529859-1F98-40D6-84FA-546C4C37431F | Thune: Biden’s Open-Border Policies Fuel Record-Breaking Surge of Illegal Crossings | 2022-09-20 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or on the picture above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Biden administration’s disastrous open-border policies have enabled out-of-control illegal immigration and created an unprecedented humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that there were more than 2 million individuals apprehended attempting to illegally cross the southern border in the last fiscal year alone, the highest number ever recorded. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, last Friday, President Biden said the following during a speech: ‘And we have a process in place to manage migrants at the border. We’re working to make sure it’s safe and orderly and humane.’ “‘Safe and orderly and humane.’ “I have to ask, has the president visited the border lately? “Oh, that’s right, he hasn’t. “In fact, other than a drive-by of the border when he was a candidate for vice-president – and by drive-by, I mean his motorcade literally drove by – the president has never visited the border. “Never. “Although I have to say, even reading the news should be enough to make it clear to the president that the situation at the border is neither safe, nor orderly, nor humane. “Mr. President, in case the president isn’t clear about what’s happening at the border, let me just read from one news story from last week – this one from NBC News. “‘A new surge of migrants … is overwhelming the Border Patrol and shelters in El Paso, Texas, where nearly 1,000 have been released near bus stations over the past week in hope that they will find their own way to their next destinations in the U.S.’ “Here’s the title of another, grim news article from last week: ‘Texas border town requests refrigerators to store migrant bodies after drownings overwhelm mortuaries.’ “‘Texas border town requests refrigerators to store migrant bodies after drownings overwhelm mortuaries.’ “And yet another news outlet reported: ‘El Paso County Sheriff sounds alarm over Border… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-south-dakotas-angels-adoption-honorees | Johnson Announces South Dakota’s “Angels in Adoption” Honorees | 2022-09-19 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) congratulated John and Sarah Enos of Deadwood for being named the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s South Dakota 2022 Angels in Adoption honorees. “Congratulations to the Enos family for being named Angels in Adoption,” said Johnson. “The Enos family is a perfect example of how fostering and adopting is a blessing to both children and families.” In 2020, then a family of three, the Enos family fostered and quickly adopted three young children in 2020. Soon after beginning the adoption process, the Enos family had two more children—quickly growing into a family of eight. Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) selects individuals, families or organizations across the nation who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes. Each family’s tireless dedication to child welfare stands out in their community but has earns them recognition as an extraordinary family deserving of this award. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-encourages-high-school-seniors-to-submit-applications-for-nomination-to-us-service-academies- | Rounds Encourages High School Seniors to Submit Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies | 2022-09-16 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from high school seniors who are looking to attend a U.S. service academy after graduation. “Each year, I am honored to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our service academies.” Applications for the 2023-2024 freshman class (Class of 2027) are due by October 1, 2022. Nominations are available for the following institutions: the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and United States Merchant Marine Academy. Those interested in learning about the academy application process can reach out to Senator Rounds’ Sioux Falls office at (605) 336-0486 or Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Senator Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-teens-act-increase-youth-workforce-participation | Johnson Introduces TEENS Act to Increase Youth Workforce Participation | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act, which loosens federal work hour limitations on 14- and 15-year-olds. Currently, teenagers are not permitted to work past 7p.m. during months when school is in session and are limited to 18 hours of work per week. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of American teens had summer jobs in the 1980s and 90s. In recent years, that number is closer to 30%. “If a high school student can play in a football game until 9p.m., or play video games late into the evening, they should also be allowed to hold a job if they wish to,” said Johnson. “The TEENS Act provides a reasonable accommodation for hardworking young Americans. As our nation faces an unprecedented labor shortage, flexibility is needed more than ever.” Currently, 14- and 15-year-olds are limited to working 18 hours per week – less than two and a half traditional 8-hour shifts – and may not work past 7p.m. during the school year. The TEENS Act would permit 14- and 15-year-olds to work between the hours of 7a.m. and 9p.m. year-round and increases the number of workable hours during a school week to 24. “As the father of a teenager, I’ve seen firsthand how work experiences build confidence, develop new skills, instill responsibility, and create a sense of pride in a job well done,” said Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. “Many mom-and-pop entrepreneurs across South Dakota started their own businesses because of jobs they held as teenagers, and we appreciate Rep. Johnson’s efforts to create even more great opportunities for young people.” “The National Fireworks Association, an organization comprised of over 1000 members, believes that hard work, and the results from it, are what Americans believe in and what makes this country great,” said the Board of theNational Fireworks Association.“Congressman Johnson’s TEENS Act is something that is grounded in the values we b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-opposes-president-bidens-abortion-executive-order | Johnson Opposes President Biden’s Abortion Executive Order | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) cosponsored legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA) to prevent funding for President Biden’s Executive Order 14076 entitled “Protecting Access to Reproductive Healthcare Services.” “President Biden’s Executive Order to identify ways to expand access to abortion is an inappropriate use of his authority,” said Johnson. “Expanding access to abortion fails to recognize the valuable life in the womb. Life begins at conception, and even the tiniest of humans deserve the right to life guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-bill-to-remove-burdensome-regulations-on-american-trucking-industry- | Rounds Introduces Bill to Remove Burdensome Regulations on American Trucking Industry | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced legislation that would remove burdensome government regulations, which are impacting the agricultural industry, school districts and trucking companies in South Dakota. In 2012, then-President Obama signed into law legislation that set in motion a new rule that created a requirement for Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). The final rulemaking went into effect earlier this year. All new drivers who wish to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) must now complete ELDT, adding a burdensome requirement at a time when the American Trucking Association estimates a nationwide trucker shortage of 80,000 drivers. Additionally, this requirement is costly and time consuming. ELDT training classes range from $450 to $8,500, depending on the trainer, and can take anywhere from three days to 20 days to complete. Rounds’ legislation, the Trucking Regulations Unduly Constricting Known Service-providers (TRUCKS) Act, would allow states to issue a new “Small Business Restricted CDL” so ELDT requirements would not affect small businesses with nine CDLs or less. This would make certain any driver obtaining a CDL without completing the ELDT process could not switch to a larger company and bring a “Small Business Restricted CDL” with them. Further, it would protect small businesses from these constricting regulations so they can fill their positions in a timely manner and remain competitive in the industry. Additionally, the TRUCKS Act would allow states to exempt employees of agriculture-related industries, school districts and local units of governments (including county, municipal and tribal), from ELDT requirements to obtain their CDL. “At a time when our nation is in a recession and faced with worker shortages and supply chain issues, American businesses should not have to battle the heavy hand of government,” said Rounds. “We should be working on policies to help our producers and consumers, not hurt them. This legislation eases the burden on small trucki… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tuberville-and-colleagues-call-on-leader-schumer-to-safeguard-national-security-by-voting-on-ndaa | Rounds, Tuberville and Colleagues Call on Leader Schumer to Safeguard National Security by Voting on NDAA | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and 22 of their Senate colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanding the Senate vote on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) before the end of September. The U.S. House of Representatives approved its version of the legislation in July with broad bipartisan support. The letter calls on Leader Schumer to schedule a vote on the NDAA in time for an open Senate amendment process to take place. Among other priorities, the legislation funds military technology, strengthens capabilities and delivers a 4.6 percent pay raise to America’s service members. “At the founding of our nation, then-General George Washington penned, “When the civil and military powers cooperate, and afford mutual aid to each other there can be little doubt of things going well. Two centuries later, that still rings true. Yet should this body fail in its top Constitutional responsibility of providing for a common defense, our armed services will be left directionless, lack stable funding, and be devoid of civilian Congressional oversight,” the senators wrote. “Members of the House passed their NDAA on July 14th, by a vote of 329 – 101,” the senators continued. “For the bill to go to conference and make it to President Biden’s desk, our colleagues must have the opportunity to debate the Senate version with an open amendment process. As such, we the undersigned respectfully request that you call the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 to the Senate floor before the conclusion of the September work period.” The letter was signed by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marsh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=32B46162-114F-4635-9535-EF73B864A095 | Thune: The Last Thing Hardworking Families Want is the IRS Knocking on Their Door | 2022-09-15 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how Democrats intend to pay for their so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” by increasing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits and placing new burdens on taxpayers. Thune noted that the Democrats’ bill would provide for the hiring of as many as 87,000 new IRS employees, which would more than double the current size of the agency and make it larger than the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Coast Guard combined. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, August inflation numbers came out this week, and they weren’t good. “Inflation was even higher than expected. “And it was very clear that soaring prices are likely to continue for quite a while. “But as usual, that doesn’t seem to concern Democrats one bit. “The president was asked Tuesday if he was concerned about August’s even-worse-than-expected inflation report. “His answer? “‘No, I’m not.’ “It was just one more tone-deaf moment for the president and Democrats. “On Tuesday the president and Democrats gathered at the White House to congratulate themselves for having passed their so-called Inflation Reduction Act – a bill that will do nothing to reduce inflation. “That’s not just my opinion, Mr. President. “That was the conclusion of the nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model. “And of the Democrat chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, who referred to the bill as the “so-called Inflation Reduction Act” on the Senate floor while admitting it would do nothing to solve our inflation crisis. “But that didn’t stop Democrats from celebrating yesterday. “For most of us, of course, it’s difficult to understand what there was to celebrate. “Leaving aside the issue of 40-year high inflation, we already know that the bill will also fall short in another respect – on deficit reduction. “Democrats’ claims that the bill would provide meaningful deficit reduction were always somewhat dubious, but even granting Democrats’ rosiest assum… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-ossoff-introduce-bill-to-reform-veteran-records-backlog | Rounds, Ossoff Introduce Bill to Reform Veteran Records Backlog | 2022-09-14 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) introduced the Access for Veterans to Records Act. This legislation would work to eliminate the backlog of veteran records requests at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). “Our men and women in uniform have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom,” said Rounds. “The current backlog is unacceptable and impedes veterans’ ability to access the services they have earned. This bill would work to reform the National Personnel Records Center so our veterans can acquire their records in a timely manner. I am pleased my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are coming together to introduce this commonsense legislation.” “Too many Georgia veterans are having to wait too long to access their service records. It can impact their access to health care and veterans’ benefits,” said Ossoff. “That’s why I’m leading this bipartisan bill to address the backlog.” As of July 2022, NPRC still had a backlog of 499,000 records requests from veterans. The Access for Veterans to Records Act would direct NARA to submit a plan to Congress for eliminating the current backlog. Within the plan, NARA would be required to include timeframes for reducing the backlog, as well as steps to improve customer service and upgrade technology infrastructure to prevent future backlogs. Rounds and Ossoff were joined by Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, which passed in July by a vote of 406-21. Click HERE for full bill text. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=95680F58-A4E3-4212-903D-A92553AC08FA | Thune, Ernst Introduce Bill to Prohibit Government Monitoring of Livestock Emissions, Block Radical Climate Policies | 2022-09-14 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today introduced a bill that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from monitoring methane emissions from livestock. Specifically, this legislation would prohibit the EPA from using any of the new methane monitoring funding provided in the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree to surveil livestock methane emissions in South Dakota, Iowa, or anywhere else in the country. “Farmers and ranchers – the people who work tirelessly to help feed America and the world – should not be subject to government surveillance as part of a broader effort to implement radical climate policies that would threaten their ability to operate,” said Thune. “This common-sense legislation would protect South Dakota livestock producers and their operations from government snooping.” “Democrats are seeking to weaponize the EPA against our farmers by spying on their operations. I’m not going to let that happen on my watch!” said Ernst. “With this effort, I’m fighting to protect Iowa’s livestock producers from the Left’s radical climate agenda and costly government overreach that will only fuel higher food costs and more reckless spending in Washington.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CC4645BC-8DDE-41E9-B0A6-9C6720123817 | Thune: Soaring Inflation, Record-High Costs Hurting South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers | 2022-09-14 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or on the picture above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the ongoing inflation crisis that the American people continue to face and noted the tone-deaf messaging coming from the White House and congressional Democrats. Thune also highlighted the toll inflation is taking on the agriculture industry in South Dakota, and he noted that under the Biden administration, farm production expenses are projected to reach record highs. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday afternoon, Democrats and the president gathered at the White House to celebrate their so-called Inflation Reduction Act … a bill that will do exactly nothing to reduce inflation. “And you don’t have to take my word for that. “The nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model said this about the bill’s impact on inflation: ‘The impact on inflation is statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “‘Statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “Or you could take the word of the Democrat chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, who admitted on the Senate floor that the so-called Inflation Reduction Act would not reduce inflation. “That’s right. “Mr. President, to describe yesterday’s celebration at the White House as tone-deaf is putting it mildly. “Democrats had a big party to celebrate a bill that may fulfill some of their big-government fantasies but will do nothing to fix the inflation crisis facing our country. “Meanwhile, Americans were dealing with the release of August’s inflation numbers – which were even higher than expected and made it very clear that soaring prices will continue for the foreseeable future. “One of President Obama’s top economic advisers noted yesterday, and I quote, ‘Today’s CPI report confirms that the US has a serious inflation problem. Core inflation is higher this month than for the quarter, higher this quarter than last quarter, higher this half of the year than the previous one, and higher last year than the previous one.’ “Yet De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-receives-rating-national-shooting-sports-foundation | Johnson Receives A+ Rating from National Shooting Sports Foundation | 2022-09-13 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) received an A+ rating by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) for his work in Congress supporting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans. “I am honored to receive an A+ rating by the NSSF,” said Johnson. “I am and will remain a strong proponent of the Second Amendment in Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=04EEF343-3843-4829-B490-266D3AA0EF7F | Thune Introduces Bill to Protect Middle-Income Taxpayers, Small Businesses from Supersized IRS | 2022-09-13 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, this week joined all of his Senate Finance Committee Republican colleagues in introducing a bill led by Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) that would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from using any of the $80 billion of new funding to the agency for audits on American workers or small business owners who earn less than $400,000 per year. “While the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree gave the IRS an unprecedented amount of taxpayer dollars to increase audits on working Americans, it did nothing to assure middle-income workers and small business owners that the agency won’t be targeting them,” said Thune. “If Democrats are serious about protecting middle-income Americans from a supersized IRS, then it’s time to pass this critical legislation that would provide real protections to those workers who support the backbone of our economy.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=09363B21-962B-4CED-9FC1-6CB8BA4F99CA | Thune, Collins Introduce Bill to Hold the IRS Accountable, Protect Taxpayers | 2022-09-13 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today introduced the Increase Reliable Services Now Act, legislation that would prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from hiring new enforcement employees until basic taxpayer service targets – including improved phone services and more efficient tax return processing – are reached. The bill would also prohibit the IRS from using enforcement appropriations in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to audit taxpayers with annual incomes of less than $400,000 at a greater rate than at the date of the IRA’s enactment. “The IRS continually fails to deliver basic customer service to taxpayers. Rather than improving those services, Democrats have prioritized doubling the size of the agency in order to raise revenue to help pay for their reckless and partisan tax-and-spending spree,” said Thune. “More tax collectors will not bring relief to Americans who are waiting on their tax refunds, nor will it help them more easily get ahold of an IRS representative. Our bill proposes actionable steps to prioritize and improve basic customer service at the IRS, from which all taxpayers can immediately benefit.” “Americans deserve a government that is responsive, yet the IRS has consistently failed to provide taxpayers with the service they should expect. Incredibly, four out of five phone calls from taxpayers seeking assistance go unanswered, and tax refunds have been unacceptably delayed,” said Collins. “Our legislation would fix the IRS’ misplaced priorities by requiring the agency to focus on improving customer service and reducing backlogs.” This week, Thune also introduced a bill that would prevent the IRS from using any of the $80 billion of new funding to the agency for audits on American workers and small business owners who earn less than $400,000 per year. The Increase Reliable Services Now Act would prohibit the IRS from hiring new “examinations and collections” (enfo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7F7E4EE4-3740-4B78-B241-10CB5D4FA35E | Thune: Biden Economy Does Not Work for Working Families | 2022-09-13 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spending spree has created an economy that is making life harder for working families. Thune noted that our country continues to be in a period of historically high inflation – largely because of Democrats’ big-government, big-spending agenda – in which families are continuing to struggle with high grocery bills, high energy bills, and high rent prices. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, this morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August inflation numbers. “And as every American who has been to a grocery store lately knows, August was yet another month of high inflation. “Consumer prices rose 8.3 percent last month from a year earlier, holding near a four-decade high. “And Americans are feeling the strain. “Mr. President, even one unexpectedly expensive month can be challenging for many families. “But at least it’s usually possible to recover from a single tough month. “How are American families going to recover from the months upon months upon months of high inflation that have marked the Biden economy? “Mr. President, as I said, American families are suffering. “Grocery bills are out of control. “Between August 2021 and August 2022, grocery bills rose at their highest rate since 1979. “1979. “Even back-to-school supplies like pencils and glue are more expensive. “The National Retail Federation reported in July that households were on track to spend an average of $864 on back-to-school shopping – a 24 percent increase from 2019. “Utility bills have soared. “Things have gotten so bad that approximately one out of every six households – one out of every six households – is behind on its utility bills. “Unfortunately, considering the increases in the price of natural gas and electricity since President Biden took office, it’s not surprising. “Forty percent of households – 40 percent – report having difficulty paying for their nor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E5B52B03-C315-4EC4-A7E7-7808506992A7 | Thune, Burr: Biden Administration’s Overreaching Child Mask Mandate Must End | 2022-09-13 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, today sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting that the department rescind its one-size-fits-all federal mask mandate on Head Start programs. Children six months to five years of age are currently eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but a HHS interim final rule (IFR) still requires all staff and volunteers in Head Start educational facilities to be vaccinated and requires all staff, volunteers, and children two years of age and older to wear masks – even when they are outside on the playground. “This IFR continues to be an overly rigid, inflexible rule that complicates individual Head Start programs’ ability to operate and attract staff and volunteers – though there is a preliminary injunction against the IFR in multiple states – and we request that you immediately rescind it,” the senators wrote. “The nation must continue to transition toward treating COVID-19 as an endemic condition and return to a sense of normalcy, and it is past time for Washington bureaucrats to allow Head Start programs to do the same.” In May, the Senate passed Thune’s bipartisan resolution to repeal the Biden administration’s mask mandate for toddlers in the Head Start program. In February, Thune introduced a resolution to nullify HHS’s IFR, and in December 2021, he introduced separate legislation to do the same. In January, he led his colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Becerra requesting that the administration rescind the IFR. The Head Start program is a federal program that provides qualifying, low-income children with early education services. Program facilities are located throughout the nation and, up until the issuance of this IFR, individual locations had been able to set and enforce their own COVID-19 protocols. Although this rule has been halted by federal courts in several states, including Sout… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-spring-2023-internship-applications | Johnson’s Office Now Accepting Spring 2023 Internship Applications | 2022-09-12 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is seeking internship applicants for Spring 2023 in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices. The spring program will run from January through May. Duties include researching legislation, writing memos, attending briefings and community meetings, assisting the communications team, answering constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Member of Congress. Interns are given the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and communications skills while working closely alongside staff. They also gain an in-depth understanding of how the legislative branch of government operates while helping to serve South Dakota constituents. “Our congressional office only has sixteen full-time staff to serve the entire state,” said Johnson. “Interns are an integral part of our team’s success. As a part of the team, congressional interns will gain firsthand experience of the legislative process and innerworkings of Congress.” Interested applicants should complete the online internship application and submit a resume online no later than November 1, 2022. More information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online at dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/internships. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F221554F-C249-4770-AF0E-788F3EF63CFC | Thune Supports Comprehensive Permitting Reform Legislation | 2022-09-12 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined 34 of his colleagues in introducing the Simplify Timelines and Assure Regulatory Transparency Act, comprehensive federal regulatory permitting and project review reform legislation. “Meaningful and enduring permitting reforms that cut bureaucratic and legal delays would help America restore our energy and economic security,” said Thune. “Codifying sensible regulations like the Navigable Waters Protection Rule instead of the Biden administration’s over-reaching WOTUS proposal, while eliminating regulatory hurdles and limiting opportunities for frivolous lawsuits, would get government out of the way. It would also ensure that we can meet our energy needs and grow our economy while preserving our environment for future generations. A serious attempt at permitting reform should meet this standard.” The bill was led by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and was co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7614F239-7BBC-441C-8316-D7CEDBFDC393 | Thune Statement on the 21st Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks | 2022-09-09 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement ahead of the 21st anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: “That bright September morning 21 years ago will be forever seared into our national memory,” said Thune. “The terrorists who attacked the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 tried to destroy our American way of life, but their cowardly actions were met by the patriotism, courage, and resolve of the American people. The United States will never forget the nearly 3,000 men and women who were tragically killed and the heroic first responders and service members who stepped up in service to our country. We mourn their loss, pray for their families, and remain grateful for the men and women who continue to stand watch against such evil.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9614C1A0-E2E3-42A6-B6A9-71C70DC9B1BC | Thune: Democrats’ Big-Government, Big-Spending Agenda Does Nothing to Ease Economic Pain | 2022-09-08 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or on the picture above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” will do nothing to reduce inflation and how it will instead double down on wasteful government spending and increase the tax burden on American businesses and middle-income families. Thune noted that Democrats should start focusing on pro-growth economic policies that would actually help working families who have experienced a de facto pay cut due to record-high inflation and President Biden’s failed policies. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, a month ago yesterday, Senate Democrats shoved another partisan spending bill through the Senate – this one the inaccurately named Inflation Reduction Act. “I say inaccurately named because the so-called Inflation Reduction Act … will do nothing to reduce inflation. “That’s right. “The so-called Inflation Reduction Act … will not actually reduce inflation. “And you don’t have to take my word for it. “The nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model said this about the bill’s impact on inflation: ‘The impact on inflation is statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “‘Statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “Democrats also claim that the bill will lead to deficit reduction. “But that’s not really true either. “In the first place, Democrats arrive at their deficit reduction assumptions using some extremely fuzzy math. “A substantial part of their deficit reduction claims depends on not extending a program that they’ve already called for extending … and on supposedly eliminating a rule that at this point was never going to be implemented anyway. “But even using their rosiest assumptions, the deficit reduction they would have achieved with the Inflation Reduction Act was wiped out completely eight days after the bill was signed by the president’s costly, reckless student loan giveaway. “Mr. President, Democrats have clearly been seeing the polling on Americans’ opinio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=807AD73F-EF97-4E0C-B693-7D607436A5EA | Thune, South Dakota Farm Bureau President Testify in Favor of Thune-Led Livestock Regulatory Protection Act | 2022-09-07 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today spoke at the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ hearing on his Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which the committee is considering. Thune also welcomed Scott VanderWal, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation and vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, who testified about the importance of Thune’s bill. In April 2021, Thune introduced the bipartisan Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, legislation that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing permits related to livestock emissions. Specifically, the bill would amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the EPA from issuing permits for any carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you Chairman Carper and Ranking Member Capito for holding today’s legislative hearing to consider the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act. “I also want to thank South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation President and American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal for being here and for his testimony on this important legislation. “I have long been concerned with efforts to impose onerous regulations and costly permit fees on animal emissions and the negative effect this would have on U.S. agricultural producers’ ability to continue providing a safe and abundant food supply for our nation and the world. “Regulating animal emissions could ultimately lead to higher food costs for consumers who are already facing increased food prices. “Contrary to the story being pushed by opponents of the beef industry, beef production is directly responsible for only a tiny fraction of U.S. emissions. “Cattle actually play an important role in managing pasturelands that sequester vast amounts of carbon. “… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FB954D30-7A6F-4FAE-898E-6B7AEDCA1824 | Thune: South Dakota Taxpayers are Footing the Bill for Biden’s Unprecedented Student Loan Bailout | 2022-09-07 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here or on the picture above to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed President Biden’s unprecedented decision to transfer the cost of student loan debt from those who chose to incur the debt to those taxpayers who didn’t. He noted that it’s inherently unfair, encourages students to take on even more debt, and does nothing to address the skyrocketing cost of college education. Thune also noted that instead of focusing on policies that would help lower inflation for American families, Democrats instead chose to pursue their reckless tax-and-spending spree in order to appease their far-left base. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, eight days. “Eight days. “That’s how long it took President Biden to completely erase any of the supposed deficit reduction included in Democrats’ so-called Inflation Reduction Act. “On August 24, eight days after signing the Inflation Reduction Act into law, President Biden announced that with a stroke of his pen, he would be forgiving $10,000 in student loan debt ($20,000 for Pell Grant recipients) and taking other costly measures on student loans. “The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget – where Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen served before joining the Biden administration – estimates that, altogether, the president’s student loan changes will cost anywhere from $440 billion to $600 billion over the next decade. “The Penn Wharton Budget Model suggests that it could be even worse than that, with the total cost over 10 years exceeding $1 trillion. “Mr. President, even using the most optimistic assumptions, the Inflation Reduction Act would only ever have reduced the deficit by around $300 billion. “President Biden’s student loan plan will wipe out every dime of that reduction, and then add hundreds of billions to the debt on top of that. “So much for Democrats’ commitment to reducing the deficit. “Mr. President, I’ve already noted that the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:29:59Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-legislation-block-tok | Johnson Introduces Legislation to “Block the Tok” | 2022-09-06 | 2022 | 2022-09 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Block the Tok Act, a bill that would prohibit TikTok from accessing U.S. citizens’ user data from within China and block the installation of TikTok on government devices. Earlier this year, reports indicated the Chinese parent company of TikTok was freely accessing sensitive user data such as passwords, keystrokes, browser history, and voice and facial recognition. “According to TikTok’s own employees, ‘everything is seen in China,’” said Johnson. “It might seem trivial to go after an app known for viral dance videos, but TikTok is a national security concern. TikTok has more than one billion users, and China is using Americans’ information to advance its communist agenda. It’s no secret China’s goal is to replace the U.S. as the world’s superpower – Americans shouldn’t help China advance its agenda. Block the Tok keeps China’s hands off your personal information.” TikTok has circumvented privacy safeguards since 2020 and has paid nearly $100 million in fines for improper data collection, including that of children under the age of 13. Currently, several government agencies recommend employees do not download TikTok on government devices. The Block the Tok Act would put safeguards in place to ensure better user privacy, pursue transparency, and protect our national security. The bill would: | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:08:33Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-strengthen-school-security | Rounds Introduces Legislation to Strengthen School Security | 2022-08-25 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings (SAVES) Act. This legislation would redirect federal funds to establish a grant program to enhance school safety at the state and local levels. “The first responsibility of any school is to provide for the safety of all students,” said Rounds. “When it comes to our kids, it should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. South Dakota has schools of many sizes and needs. Decisions about education are best made at the state and local levels. This bill would allow states and local schools to determine how to improve school safety in a manner that best fits their needs.” The SAVES Act would create a new Department of Justice grant program to improve school security. This program would reallocate $500 million in funding over five years to states to create grants for local K-12 schools and school systems. Unlike other federal programs for school security, this grant program will allow states and local schools, rather than federal agencies, to determine how to utilize this money to strengthen school safety. The grant program would not cost any additional taxpayer money. It would instead transfer funding appropriated in last year’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities. The redirecting of funds would allow schools to access metal detectors and school security officers rather than providing solar panels at schools. You can read the full bill text HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-opposed-bidens-cancelation-student-debt | Johnson Opposed to Biden’s Cancelation of Student Debt | 2022-08-24 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following the Biden Administration’s announcement to cancel $10,000 of student loan debt for individuals making $125,000 a year or families earning up to $250,000. This action is estimated to cost U.S. taxpayers up to $300 billion. “This decision is a slap in the face to the millions of Americans who did the right thing and paid off the student debt they willingly took on,” said Johnson. “Where is their $10,000 free pass? The administration’s willingness to spend, spend, spend is baffling – President Biden is making inflation worse with every stroke of his pen. “Congress should focus on long-term solutions to the high cost of education. This is nothing more than a political giveaway as Democrats look down the barrel of a Republican majority come November.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0A4A98A1-EEC0-4E16-A267-1186E3023A5B | Thune Statement on President Biden’s Costly Student Loan Decision | 2022-08-24 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding President Biden’s expected executive action to extend the suspension of repayments on qualifying federal student loans and forgive between $10,000 to $20,000 per borrower. “The president’s plan to forgive student loans is incredibly unfair to those taxpayers who never incurred student debt because they didn’t attend college in the first place or because they either worked their way through school or their family pinched pennies and planned for higher education, and it will do nothing to address the problems that actually created this debt crisis,” said Thune. “Regrettably, Democrats have made clear that they do not have a serious plan to lower the cost of higher education and instead support putting taxpayers and working families on the hook for billions of dollars of student loans in a blatant political payoff.” Some estimates suggest that forgiving $10,000 in student loans for certain borrowers would cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars. In addition, the current student loan repayment freeze has already cost American taxpayers more than $100 billion. In April, Thune introduced the Stop Reckless Student Loan Actions Act, which would end President Biden’s untargeted, budget-busting suspension of repayments on qualifying federal student loans. The bill would still allow the president to temporarily suspend repayment for low- and middle-income borrowers in future national emergencies and would prohibit the president from cancelling outstanding federal student loan obligations due to a national emergency. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:26:22Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A228319-90C3-4B5E-8FB5-A495481BFE9E | Thune on Fox News: Biden Transfers Student Debt From Graduates to Taxpayers | 2022-08-24 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News to discuss President Biden’s executive action to extend the suspension of repayments on qualifying federal student loans and forgive up to $20,000 per borrower. Earlier today, Thune called out Democrats for not having a serious plan to lower the cost of higher education and for putting taxpayers and working families on the hook for billions of dollars of student loans in a blatant political payoff. On President Biden’s costly student loan decision: “[President Biden] keeps coming up with new ways to increase inflation in our economy. [Student loan forgiveness] will certainly do that. It’ll increase the cost of college education because tuition costs are going to go up. And I think it will add to inflation because it’s pumping more money out into the economy at a time when we have record 40-year-high inflation. “Here’s the problem with this, you’ve got 87 percent of the people in this country [who] don’t have student debt, so [the Biden administration is] going to subsidize the 13 percent who do, and the 87 percent who don’t have student loan debt are going to pay for it in the form of maybe higher taxes down the road […] and higher inflation.” … “Democrats are trying to change the subject. They're trying not to talk about inflation and the broken border and energy costs and crime in our streets. They're trying to shift it to something that they think is more favorable ground for them. And the way they do that, in most cases, is they buy it. Democrats spend money, they raise taxes, they grow and expand government. That is what they do. And in this case, at least $300 billion dollars – I mean, think about that – just like that the Democrats dropped $300 billion in hopes again that it has some positive political benefit. “In the long run this hurts the economy, contributes to inflation, and more importantly, as has already been pointed out by your reporters, this sends a really wrong message to people in this country. This i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:26:22Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-introduces-mount-rushmore-protection-act-amid-calls-retire-mount | Johnson Introduces Mount Rushmore Protection Act Amid Calls to “Retire” Mount Rushmore | 2022-08-22 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – On Friday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Mount Rushmore Protection Actin response to former NBA player Jalen Rose’s call to “retire” Mount Rushmore, claiming it is “offensive.” The Mount Rushmore Protection Act prohibits the use of federal funds to alter, change, destroy, or remove the likeness, the name of, or any of the faces on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. “The four presidents on Mount Rushmore championed the cause of freedom,” said Johnson. “Our nation has an imperfect past, but the calls to cancel Mount Rushmore will not move our nation forward. My legislation ensures the protection and beauty of Mount Rushmore for generations to come.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislation-to-blacklist-china-from-buying-american-farm-land-and-agriculture-businesses | Rounds Introduces Legislation to Blacklist China from Buying American Farm Land and Agriculture Businesses | 2022-08-17 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation that would blacklist China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from investing in, purchasing or otherwise acquiring land or businesses involved in agriculture. “Protecting American farmland is critical to maintaining our national security,” said Rounds. “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I was alarmed when a Chinese company recently purchased farmland near an Air Force base in North Dakota. This acquisition could threaten our national security by allowing the Chinese Communist Party to closely monitor the operations and communications at a very important military facility. “In my travels around South Dakota, I’ve heard from many farmers and ranchers who are concerned about foreign adversaries owning American farmland. It’s time to put a stop to this and take action. This legislation makes certain American interests are protected by blacklisting foreign adversaries from purchasing land or businesses involved in agriculture.” On July 1, 2022, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) introduced the House version of the PASS Act. Rounds’ legislation retains key provisions of the House version and adds additional language related to foreign investments, agricultural land acquisition and reporting by the Secretary of Agriculture. The new provisions are outlined below: Blacklists China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing or investing in agriculture land and companies. Requires reporting from the Secretary of Agriculture on the risk to the American agriculture sector of foreign takeovers and/or investments in agriculture companies or land used for agricultural purposes. Allows the President, after reporting to Congress on why doing so is vital to the national security interests of the United States, to waive the requirement prohibiting a transaction on a case-by-case basis. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
| https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-partisan-reconciliation-bill | Johnson Statement on Partisan Reconciliation Bill | 2022-08-12 | 2022 | 2022-08 | Republican | House | SD | Dusty Johnson | J000301 | dustyjohnson.house.gov | dustyjohnson | https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the U.S. House passed the Democrats’ $739 billion Inflation Reduction Act on a party-line vote: “This week’s 8.5% inflation report is a resounding alarm the Left continues to ignore,” said Johnson. “Americans are facing record-high inflation – more spending is not the answer. In the last two years alone, I’ve opposed nearly $10 trillion in government spending. This bill further risks increasing prices of goods across the board. “Congress should turn its focus to solutions that will solve the supply chain crisis, increase domestic energy production, and get workforce participation back to pre-pandemic levels. The majority of South Dakotans are feeling the pressure of inflation every time they have to take out their wallet. The alarm bells have been going off for a long time – it’s time to listen.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T02:59:24Z |
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