url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DCDFC60D-8AAE-483A-BBB5-20F3981B6976,"Weekly Column: Small State, Big Impact",2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem The swearing-in ceremony on January 3 marks the official start of the 115th Congress, but our work to prepare for these next two years has been ongoing for months. Last summer, House Republicans introduced a once-in-a-generation blueprint for the reforms we feel are necessary to move this country forward.  In late December after most of Congress had gone home for the holidays, I – along with just 23 other members of the House Ways and Means Committee – came back to Washington to hammer out two critical sections of this blueprint: tax reform and healthcare reform. On tax reform, we worked on a framework for a simpler, flatter and fairer tax code. Coming from a state that has zero income tax, I wanted to share a real-world example of the economic benefits of a lower tax rate.  As a busy mom, I wanted to speak to the importance of a simpler tax return – one that may even be simple enough to fit on a postcard. As an experienced small business owner, farmer and rancher, I wanted the tax code to incentivize growth in the American economy.  And as a taxpayer, I wanted the loopholes to be closed and the IRS to be held accountable.  Our work continues, but I’m glad we were able to communicate this vision from the onset. On healthcare reform, we plan to take immediate steps to repeal Obamacare.  While we’re still navigating the best legislative path from that point, we are committed to protecting the healthcare needs of all Americans. At our meeting in December, we worked through a number of ideas for creating a system that no longer relies on mandates, but instead ensures affordable access so families can choose what works best for them.  This plan would deliver unprecedented freedom, empowering Americans to purchase the healthcare plan of their choice, manage how they spend their healthcare dollars, and access their electronic health records.  Moreover, it would include tools that drive down the actual cost for delivering healthcare, an expense that is higher per person in the U.S. than almost any nation in the world. The only way health insurance is going to be affordable is if the delivery of healthcare becomes less expensive too. With so much at stake, it was important to get a seat at the table for South Dakota during these debates.  After all, there are challenges that come with having just one representative in the House.  Places like Texas, for instance, have dozens of congressmen who can represent the state’s interests on any given issue.  A state like South Dakota, however, occupies just one of 435 seats, so making our perspective known requires a deliberate effort.  Getting in on these types of conversations is one of the reasons I fought for a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee last Congress. Our state might be small, but we’ve already had a major impact on what’s expected to be an aggressive 2017 agenda.  What’s more, those contributions have helped establish the tone for the 115th Congress and set the legislative branch up to hit the ground running on Day 1.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-urges-attorney-general-pruitt-to-restore-order-at-epa,Rounds Urges Attorney General Pruitt to Restore Order at EPA,2016-12-26,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.26.16 Rounds Urges Attorney General Pruitt to Restore Order at EPA PIERREU.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today wrote to Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, President-elect Trump's intended nominee to be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, urging him to correct many of the current administration's damaging protocols at the EPA. Rounds is a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight, which has oversight of the EPA. In the 114th Congress, both the EPW Committee and Rounds' subcommittee have uncovered troubling practices by the EPA, including failing to take state and local concerns into consideration when making decisions, skewing facts to support its agenda and circumventing Congress to impose burdensome, costly regulations on the American people. I am hopeful the incoming administration will takes steps to improve the federal regulatory process to make certain federal regulations are promulgated in a transparent and open manner, underpinned by the best scientific evidence available, and with adequate public participation, wrote Rounds. I am concerned that [the] flaws in the current administration's EPA regulatory process have led to overly-burdensome EPA regulations that are based on incorrect assumptions and do not adequately realize the impacts these regulations have on state and local governments, and American businesses and taxpayers. Full text of the letter is below: Dear Attorney General Pruitt I would like to extend my congratulations to you on your nomination to serve as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I commend you for the work you have done as Oklahoma Attorney General to reinforce states' rights and reign in an overly-expansive EPA, and I am encouraged that your background working in state government will allow us to show renewed focus on the importance of state and local government experience and input in the EPA regulatory process. I look forward to working with you and supporting you throughout the confirmation process. I am hopeful the incoming administration will takes steps to improve the federal regulatory process to make certain federal regulations are promulgated in a transparent and open manner, underpinned by the best scientific evidence available, and with adequate public participation. In the 114th Congress, I served as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight. One of my main goals as chairman has been to conduct a thorough and systematic review of the regulatory process focusing on the impacts of EPA regulations on citizens and businesses, as well as solutions to these problems. To that end, I would like to share with you some of the lessons we have learned on the subcommittee throughout our oversight of the current administration in the 114th Congress. I would be interested in your thoughts on these issues and am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss them with you in person. Under the current administration, the EPA's process for considering scientific information is flawed and unbalanced. There is a lack of balanced expertise, geographic diversity, and state, local and tribal representation on EPA advisory panels such as the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the Science Advisory Board (SAB). There has also been a lack of member turnover, meaningful public participation and transparency on these advisory panels. The EPA's regulatory approach is inefficient and disregards small businesses. The EPA has exploited ambiguities in the Regulatory Flexibility Act to impose overly burdensome regulations on American small businesses with little regard to the real-world consequences of the regulations. For the past eight years, the EPA has not upheld the principle of cooperative federalism and regularly violates the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by imposing costly unfunded mandates on state, local and tribal governments without adequately taking into consideration the impact these regulations have on smaller governmental entities. Further, the EPA circumvents consultation requirements and does not adequately consider public comments that aim to explain how EPA regulations will impact state and local governments and American taxpayers. The EPA does not conduct a robust economic analysis of the impact of regulations, particularly the effects of regulation on employment; nor does the agency take into consideration the cumulative impacts of multiple layers of regulations that are imposed on states, American citizens and businesses. I am concerned that these flaws in the current administration's EPA regulatory process have led to overly-burdensome EPA regulations that are based on incorrect assumptions and do not adequately realize the impacts these regulations have on state and local governments, and American businesses and taxpayers. As we enter the 115th Congress and welcome a new administration, it is my hope that regulatory reform will be a cornerstone of the legislative agenda moving forward. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to discussing these issues with you. Sincerely, ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=45648E00-2D25-4C28-81D5-A2E46ACA8187,Weekly Column: A New Season,2016-12-23,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem One of my favorite times of the year farming was the day we started to put the seed in the ground, because on that day, the seed had every opportunity to produce a high-yielding harvest. The next few months would require hard work to help that seed mature – and we’d need to pray that factors outside our control would cooperate as well – but that was all yet to come; planting was a day of hope and opportunity. Each new year, we find that same sense of optimism about what’s to come, and perhaps nowhere is that truer for 2017 than in Washington, D.C., where the new year will bring a new Congress, a new administration, and a new hope for the future.  The repeal of Obamacare will likely be one of the first seeds planted in 2017.  For years, our efforts have been shut down by Senate Democrats or vetoed by the president, but we now have a path to repeal.  At the same time, we have been working openly and collaboratively to assemble a replacement for Obamacare that fundamentally decreases the cost of healthcare, increases access and affordability, protects coverage for those with pre-existing conditions and our young people, and gives you the peace of mind that your most intimate financial and health decisions can be made by you with the consult of your doctor. While the next Farm Bill isn’t expected to be finalized until 2018, the hearing process is expected to begin in 2017. We have already begun writing some of the new policies that ought to be included, but we’ll continue collecting feedback and ideas throughout the next year. Comprehensive tax reform is another 2017 priority for both Congress and the president-elect. In 2015, I became the first South Dakotan in history to earn a seat on the House Ways and Means Committee, which is the committee that specializes in tax-related reforms.  We’ve been focused on writing a new tax code that is simpler, fairer, and more accountable than the one that exists today.  President-elect Trump and Congress also have fixing the regulatory environment at the top of our New Year’s resolution lists.  Some of these regulations can be repealed by the administration acting alone.  Others will require congressional action.  Either way, it’s a must-do beginning this January. We will also continue our efforts to reform the Indian Health Service, expand the Black Hills National Cemetery, keep the D.C. Booth Fish Hatchery open, increase support for the Lewis & Clark rural water project, maintain services at the Hot Springs VA Hospital, and ensure anti-human trafficking efforts have the support they need.  Supporting the administration on national security and border security issues will also be a priority. There is plenty of work to be done to make sure these seeds of opportunity produce a harvest in 2017, but I am encouraged by the outlook. This New Year, I hope you too can find the hope and optimism that defines this season.  On behalf of my entire family, I wish you the best in 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=973FEFA8-4501-4FC5-A51F-7B960389263A,Members of Tri-State Delegation Asks VA for Answers About Reduction of Hot Springs Services Despite Superior Rating,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) today wrote U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to ask about the VA’s preferred alternative to drastically cut services at the Hot Springs VA facility despite it being rated by the VA as one of only 14 “five star” facilities across the country. “As you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA’s top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure,” wrote the delegation. “Now more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves.” Full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary McDonald:  We write to you regarding the recent press publication of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) internal quality “star ranking” metrics for its medical facilities. It is with great pride that we note the Hot Springs campus of the Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) is one of only 14 “five-star” facilities out of a total of 146 medical centers. As you are aware, the Hot Springs campus takes great pride in the care and services it provides to veterans, a mission that it has admirably accomplished since the U.S. Civil War. It is therefore no surprise for us to learn that Hot Springs is one of the VA’s top performing facilities. This revelation makes the VA’s proposed BHHCS realignment and corresponding reduction in services at Hot Springs all the more concerning. Since the start of the realignment process over five years ago, we have expressed concern about the VA using this process to accomplish a pre-determined outcome, as opposed to conducting an honest and fair assessment to determine the best way to serve veterans in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The VA’s release of a preferred alternative that drastically cuts veterans services at Hot Springs at the same time that we learn it is one of the VA’s premier medical facilities casts significant doubt upon the integrity of the entire realignment process. We therefore ask that you provide our offices with specifics as to the role that these previously unreleased quality metrics play in the VA’s realignment decisions. As you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA’s top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure. Now more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves. As you consider the final outcome for the Hot Springs campus and the BHHCS, we hope that you keep these considerations in mind. We look forward to working with you to serve our nation’s veterans and we thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/member-of-tri-state-delegation-asks-va-for-answers-about-reduction-of-hot-springs-services-despite-superior-rating,Members of Tri-State Delegation Asks VA for Answers About Reduction of Hot Springs Services Despite Superior Rating,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.16 Members of Tri-State Delegation Asks VA for Answers About Reduction of Hot Springs Services Despite Superior Rating PIERRE U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) today wrote U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to ask about the VA's preferred alternative to drastically cut services at the Hot Springs VA facility despite it being rated by the VA as one of only 14 five star facilities across the country. As you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA's top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure, wrote the delegation. Now more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves. Full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary McDonald: We write to you regarding the recent press publication of the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) internal quality star ranking metrics for its medical facilities. It is with great pride that we note the Hot Springs campus of the Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) is one of only 14 five-star facilities out of a total of 146 medical centers. As you are aware, the Hot Springs campus takes great pride in the care and services it provides to veterans, a mission that it has admirably accomplished since the U.S. Civil War. It is therefore no surprise for us to learn that Hot Springs is one of the VA's top performing facilities. This revelation makes the VA's proposed BHHCS realignment and corresponding reduction in services at Hot Springs all the more concerning. Since the start of the realignment process over five years ago, we have expressed concern about the VA using this process to accomplish a pre-determined outcome, as opposed to conducting an honest and fair assessment to determine the best way to serve veterans in the Black Hills and surrounding areas. The VA's release of a preferred alternative that drastically cuts veterans services at Hot Springs at the same time that we learn it is one of the VA's premier medical facilities casts significant doubt upon the integrity of the entire realignment process. We therefore ask that you provide our offices with specifics as to the role that these previously unreleased quality metrics play in the VA's realignment decisions. As you continue to overhaul the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) through the MyVA plan, we believe that it is essential to use VA's top performing facilities as models for others to follow as opposed to targeting them for closure. Now more than ever, the VA needs to leverage its top medical centers for best practices and lessons learned to replicate their performance throughout VHA. This is critical as the VA continues to rebuild trust with veterans following the high profile scandals of recent years. As one of only 14 rated five-star facilities, we feel that significantly reducing services at Hot Springs would be a grave mistake and a disservice to the veterans it serves. As you consider the final outcome for the Hot Springs campus and the BHHCS, we hope that you keep these considerations in mind. We look forward to working with you to serve our nation's veterans and we thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter. Sincerely, Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-us-service-academy-nominations,Rounds Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.16 Rounds Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominations WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced his nominees to attend the nation's service academies for the fall 2017 semester. It is an honor to nominate these young South Dakota students to become the next generation of military leaders, said Rounds. The United States service academies are looking for the best and brightest to join their ranks, and I was fortunate to receive nomination applications from an outstanding group of students. I'm confident they possess the leadership qualities and academic excellence to succeed at our nation's service academies. I wish them all the best. Each year, members of Congress are allowed to nominate students from their state to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting enrollees. Senator Rounds announced he has nominated the following South Dakotans: Spencer DeLange of Sioux Falls, SD, to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy Colin Entinger of Brandon, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Brooke Fraasch of Milbank, SD, to U.S. Naval Academy Mariah Grant of Rosholt, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Blake Hayden of Canton, SD, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy Samantha Herman of Madison, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Amber Hulse of Hot Springs, SD, to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy Lauren Hunstad of Parker, SD, to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Tessa Kimbler of Aberdeen, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Stanley Larson of Sioux Falls, SD, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy Zachariah Markel of Watertown, SD, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy Spencer Mohr of Mitchell, SD, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy Jonah Nelson of Sioux Falls, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point Noah Scott of Gary, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Fallen Sorbel of Martin, SD, to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Jack Talcott of Brandon, SD, to U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Military Academy at West Point Eli VanHorn of Plankinton, SD, to U.S. Air Force Academy Justice West of Piedmont, SD, to U.S. Naval Academy Additionally, Rounds has nominated the following students who are dependents of South Dakota residents: Durant Crow of West Point, NY, to U.S. Military Academy at West Point Tacoma Mendelsohn of Hampton, VA, to U.S. Air Force Academy More information about the nomination process and eligibility requirements can be found here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=C94E2B80-6854-420C-9CC3-7749D45A2899,Thankful for a Happy and Healthy 2016,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune For many South Dakotans, the presidential election probably dominated conversations with friends and family for much of the year. It’s no surprise, considering how historic the election was from beginning to end. And while that certainly makes 2016 a year for the history books, I’m sure there are many other reasons why South Dakotans will remember the last 12 months and be thankful for the opportunities that came their way. So before we flip the calendar from 2016 to 2017, I wanted to share just a handful of reasons why this year has been so special for me.   After my faith, my family means more to me than anything else in the world. Kimberley, my far better half, has been my rock for more than 30 years and continues to push me to be a better person both personally and professionally. Our daughters Brittany and Larissa never cease to amaze me, and I’m so proud of the lives they continue to build with their respective husbands Luke and Scott. This year was a year of firsts for our family as Larissa and Scott welcomed their first child, Henley Joy Hargens, who also happened to be our first grandchild. I joke with Kimberley that it was easier for her than me to add “grand” to our titles of mother and father, but all joking aside, there is no way to fully describe in words the immense joy of seeing your baby girl holding a baby girl of her own. Next year will bring another first for our family as Brittany and Luke welcome their first child, too. After becoming a grandfather, it’s hard not to think about my dad who is now a great grandfather to 20 amazing kids. While my dad will turn 97 years old this year, he’s a perfect example of age merely being a number. He and I spent a morning on the golf course earlier this summer, and although he’s more than 40 years my senior, he can still golf a better round than me. My dad still joins us every October for the pheasant opener, too. Roosters or not, he’s usually one of the happiest people in camp. I’m also thankful for the people of South Dakota. It’s a humbling experience to be elected to the Senate and bring your voice to the halls of the U.S. Capitol. My staff, who work throughout South Dakota and in Washington, D.C., are easily the hardest-working group in the Senate. Like me, whether it is spring, summer, fall, or now during the holiday season, they are always ready to work hard for you. 2016 has been busy, but it has also been a fun, healthy, and happy year. Here’s to an even better 2017.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7B65CE02-0927-4CFA-A3C8-8758813EE24B,Thune Statement on Establishment of Small Community Air Service Working Group,2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it had made appointments to the Small Community Air Service Working Group that originated in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, of which Thune was the lead Senate sponsor. The provision was ultimately enacted in July. Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill and South Dakota Department of Transportation Program Manager for the Office of Air, Rail, and Transit Jack Dokken were appointed to the working group, which means South Dakota will have a strong voice on these important issues. “I want to thank Secretary Foxx and his team for making these appointments so the group’s work can get underway and congratulate them particularly for tapping Mayor Laurie Gill as one of their appointees,” said Thune. “Mayor Gill has been a strong leader and vocal advocate for rural air service, and I’m confident she and Jack will work hard in these new roles to help draw attention to the unique needs faced by rural communities throughout South Dakota.”   The Small Community Air Service Working Group will coordinate with local, state, and federal officials to help develop potential solutions to challenges faced by rural airports and the communities they serve, including reliability of air service and pilot training. In September, Thune wrote to DOT Secretary Foxx and encouraged him to quickly assemble the working group because “rural communities around the country that have lost, or are being faced with losing, commercial service cannot afford to wait.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=CFA7AAC8-F863-4531-8C4A-D184AAE56172,Weekly Column: A Look Back at the 114th Congress,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Being South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives has been the honor of a lifetime. With the current administration in place, progress on big issues – like tax reform and the repeal and replacement of Obamacare – has been slow, but I’m confident change will come soon.  Still, many things have been accomplished. In fact, during the 114th Congress, we were able to come together on the more than 240 bills that were signed into law. For example, we passed legislation, including provisions I authored, that allocated more resources for survivors of human trafficking, offered more tools to go after traffickers, and created a framework for law enforcement to better intervene and prevent human trafficking. Changes were made to correct No Child Left Behind, most notably empowering states and localities to make more decisions about our children’s education and making sure the federal government can’t force states into adopting Common Core.  Legislation to help address the country’s mental healthcare crisis was also signed into law.  It included important provisions for tribal communities, an addition that occurred after I brought the bill’s author to South Dakota to see the challenges we faced.  The legislation also included new resources to help expand mental health access for rural communities. The first long-term infrastructure bill in a decade was also signed into law, offering much-needed certainty for states and localities.  Additionally, the legislation cut red tape and gave states more flexibility to organize infrastructure programs in a way that best suits their local needs. In addition to the new laws, we made headway in critical policy areas.  The Indian Health Service, for example, has been poorly managed for years.  In consultation with tribal communities and healthcare providers throughout South Dakota, I wrote and introduced legislation that would make comprehensive structural changes to how IHS operates, addressing both the medical and administrative challenges.  This legislation pushed a critical conversation, one that will continue in earnest in 2017, into the national spotlight. I also helped introduce changes to the wetland determination process, which has frustrated many South Dakota farmers and ranchers in recent years. With the policy now written, we’re already working to make sure it is included in the next Farm Bill. Moreover, we put forward ideas to hold the IRS accountable to taxpayers.  We’ve advanced legislation to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery and put pressure on the EPA to strengthen the Renewable Fuel Standard and reverse their controversial Waters of the U.S. rule.  We’ve gotten legislation signed into law to put restrictions on the Forest Service in an effort to prevent something like the devastating Pautre Fire in the future.  We’ve helped draft a blueprint for tax reform that will serve as an outline for upcoming negotiations.  We’ve protected DC Booth, helped prioritize the Lewis & Clark Water System, demanded answers from the VA about plans for the Hot Springs Hospital, and introduced reforms to incentivize work and fight poverty. And on an individual level, we’ve personally helped more than 400 South Dakotans as they’ve fought through federal bureaucracies to receive care from the VA, a passport from the State Department, or their Social Security benefits, among many other things. There’s so much more to do, but I’m optimistic that the work we’ve done in recent years has set us up for success when the new administration takes office in January.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=FFE34928-A280-42F8-A589-2A21E22E991E,"Merry Christmas, From My Family to Yours",2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune The holiday season seems to arrive sooner and sooner each year. With it comes the joy and happiness of being able to spend time with our loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and rejoice in God’s gift to mankind – that’s what this time of year is all about, after all. I’m grateful to be able to spend the holidays in South Dakota, healthy and happy, which is the greatest gift I could receive. And I always look forward to this time of year when I’m able to create new memories with friends and family as we celebrate the traditions of Christmases past. It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without a trip down memory lane. Whether it’s sledding down Jackson Ave. in Murdo as a kid, spending all of those Christmas Eve nights at my grandmother’s house, or watching Brittany and Larissa perform in church and school Christmas programs, the memories still make me smile. When you think about it, memories like these, which are unique to every family, really help define the holiday season. Looking back, I’m so thankful for everything with which our family has been blessed. This time of year, I can’t help but think of all the moms and dads and sisters and brothers who will be spending the holiday season away from the comfort of their own homes. It would be an understatement to say the brave men and women in the military make innumerable sacrifices in their career, and spending the holidays halfway around the world is no exception. Their service is the most selfless gift anyone could give, and their sacrifice is not lost on the American people. I was fortunate to have been able to participate in the recent welcome home ceremony for the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. It’s always good when our troops return home safe and sound, but for them and their families, I don’t think there’s any better time of year than now. I say it every chance I can get, but it’s the hard-working people of South Dakota who make our state the best place to live, work, and raise a family. On behalf of my family – including the newest addition, my granddaughter Henley Joy – I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. I hope it’s as memorable as it is merry and bright.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0FE72C8A-F5C5-425E-8EB4-FFC5A675ABE7,Thunes 2015-2016 Senate Accomplishments,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  Below are several legislative accomplishments that U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) led, authored, or co-authored during the 114th Congress (2015-2016). During the 115th Congress, which begins on January 3, 2017, Thune and his Senate Republican colleagues will continue fighting to make America’s economy stronger, the government more efficient and accountable, and our nation and world safer and more secure. For more information and additional legislative accomplishments, visit www.thune.senate.gov. “My role as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee puts me in a strong position to address the needs of rural states like South Dakota and deliver positive results for American consumers, producers, and shippers,” said Thune. “It has been a busy two years. We have a lot to show for it, but there’s more work ahead in 2017.” 114th Congress Highlights: Strengthened Airport Security Thune’s airport security legislation, which was signed into law in July 2016, takes important steps toward protecting the traveling public and tightening the vetting process for airport workers who have access to secure areas. Thune’s bill was the largest airport security bill in over a decade.    Made it Easier for Air Travelers, Families to Book Seats and Recover Fees  The Thune-led Commerce Committee played an integral role in getting Thune’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016 to the president’s desk in July. The bill provides stability for the aviation system by authorizing FAA programs and funding aviation infrastructure investment through fiscal year 2017. The bill also ensures families are able book seats next to one another on flights and baggage fees are refunded when bags are lost or significantly delayed.    Improved Investments in Infrastructure and Cut Red Tape for Agriculture Producers  Thune helped author and negotiate the first long-term highway bill in over a decade. The bill, which was signed into law in December 2015, ended the need for short-term patches that fueled uncertainty in the industry and extended for five years provisions that will increase funding for South Dakota roads and bridges by millions of dollars. As chairman of the Commerce Committee, Thune authored a major title of this bill, including provisions to cut red tape for agriculture producers and fund a new freight rail investment program and South Dakota’s 24/7 sobriety program.     Addressed Rail Backlog and Ensured South Dakota Shippers Are Treated Fairly  In response to the 2013 and 2014 rail backlog, Thune authored legislation to improve the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB’s) current dispute resolution process, ensure it has the authority to proactively resolve problems before they escalate into larger disputes, and improve the agency’s structure and decision making process by expanding the board’s membership from three to five. Thune’s bill, which was signed into law in December 2015, reformed the STB for the first time in 20 years.   Fought for Completion of the Powder River Training Complex Expansion An effort nearly nine years in the making, Thune was able to help secure expanded military training airspace over South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. The expanded airspace will help increase Ellsworth Air Force Base’s mission capability and training opportunities for service members, ensuring it maintains its role in keeping America safe well into the future.   Improved Delivery of Rural Health Care  Multiple Thune-authored provisions, which were included in the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act and signed into law in December 2016, will protect South Dakota seniors’ access to durable medical equipment, allow health professionals to volunteer their services at community health centers, and prevent Washington bureaucrats from interfering with therapeutic services in rural areas. Thune’s Rural Health Care Connectivity Act, which was signed into law in June 2016, helps increase access to telehealth technologies for patients in rural nursing homes by allowing access to support from the Universal Service Fund’s Rural Health Care Program.   Secured Multiple Tax and Trade Provisions for South Dakota Businesses and Families  Thune’s provisions, which were signed into law as part of the bipartisan trade enforcement bill in February 2016, will cut taxes on Internet service in South Dakota, help small businesses engage in global commerce, and ensure fair treatment of U.S. honey producers.   Helped Prevent Future Carelessly Started Prescribed Burns  Thune’s Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016, which will be signed into law this year, will require collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme.    Blocked IRS From Levying Victory Tax on Medal-Winning Olympic Athletes  Thune’s bipartisan and bicameral United States Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act, which became law in October 2016, exempts Team USA athletes with an adjusted gross income of $1 million or less from being taxed by the Internal Revenue Service on medals or prize money received from the U.S. Olympic Committee.   Protected Consumers Who Write Honest Online Reviews  Thune’s Consumer Review Freedom Act would outlaw the use of “gag clauses” in non-negotiable form contracts, which protects online consumers who wish to post honest reviews of businesses or products. The House version of Thune’s pro-consumer bill will be signed into law this year.   Helped Address Tribal Youth Suicide Epidemic in Indian Country  Thune’s provisions, which became law in December 2015, require greater coordination among federal agencies to report on their efforts to address youth suicide, and they expand the use of Project School Emergency Response to Violence funds to include preventative efforts against youth suicide and other school violence.    Highlighted Tourism Opportunities in Native American Communities  Thune’s bipartisan Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, which became law in September 2016, will enhance and integrate native tourism, empower native communities, and expand unique cultural tourism opportunities in South Dakota and across the United States.   During the 114th Congress, Thune served on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (of which he is chairman); and the Finance Committee. Thune also served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the number three position in Senate Republican leadership, and was re-elected to that position for the 115th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F2779A8E-39F2-4BA5-A42F-D08563F45D54,State's congressional delegation aims to enact GOP wish list,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Associated Press South Dakota’s all-Republican congressional delegation will head to Washington next year eager to repeal the Affordable Care Act, overhaul taxes and cast aside reams of government regulations. After clashing with Democratic President Barack Obama for years while solidifying their own control of South Dakota’s congressional seats in 2014, the state’s three Republican lawmakers are eyeing 2017 as a year of rapid reversal. “This is a big opportunity. We know we have to deliver, and we fully intend to deliver,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, who was elected in 2014. “We’re not going to make excuses. We’re going to get the job done.” The 115th Congress that begins in January will bring a period of one-party rule that only Sen. John Thune has known. Him, Rounds and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem are looking to encourage economic growth, job gains and higher wages with President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. But South Dakota Democrats were unimpressed with a legislative itinerary that until now has only been an unattainable wish list. “It’s an agenda that leaves no doubt who South Dakota’s members of Congress really serve: elite special interests in Washington, not the working families of South Dakota,” Democratic Party executive director Suzanne Jones Pranger said in a statement. Republicans’ first major move next year will be a measure to roll back President Barack Obama’s health overhaul, said Thune, the third-ranking Senate Republican. A recent study says nearly 30 million people have coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Also on the docket, Thune said, will be confirming a ninth justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. Obama nominated U.S. Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland after Justice Antonin Scalia died in March, but Republicans have put off holding a confirmation hearing; Trump will get to nominate someone when he takes office. Another top priority for South Dakota’s senior senator is overhauling the tax code, a move that could also allow for a package of infrastructure investment, which Trump emphasized throughout his campaign. “I think it’s realistic that some sort of infrastructure proposal hitches a ride on tax reform, but the particulars of it will be a lot of heavy lifting to try and get there,” he said. Thune plans to push for the package to encompass digital infrastructure as part of a technology-focused agenda that also includes encouraging the rollout of 5G wireless service, which he said would affect health care, education and business. He is set to continue leading the chamber’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over more than 100 posts that need confirmation, such as the secretaries of Transportation and Commerce and the chair of the Federal Communications Commission. As for Rounds, he believes lawmakers will likely take apart the Dodd-Frank Act, passed in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Dismantling the legislation would help community banks in South Dakota, he said. Rounds said he’d also pursue bills to give Congress more authority over major executive branch regulations and to repeal outdated statutes related to Native Americans, such as provisions that allow for children to be taken from home and forced into boarding schools. Among Noem’s priorities are working on the 2018 farm bill and pursuing legislation to overhaul the Indian Health Service. Plus, Republicans plan to focus on removing environmental and air quality regulations that cause detrimental economic effects, Noem recently told KELO-AM. Noem also said she’s looking forward to an overhaul of tax policy, which is one of the reasons she ran for Congress in 2010. “For the last six years, we’ve been talking about all the problems that we’ve got and the people and families that are struggling, and nothing’s changed,” she said. “So that’s what we see as a new hope — to really make their lives better again.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=32753DA4-4D77-4016-A898-96A902A36668,Rep. Noem Shows Off Holiday Home Decor To Combat Teen Suicide,2016-12-11,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KELOLAND Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is hoping showing off her holiday home decor will combat suicide on the Pine Ridge Reservation. It’s the first time Watertown native Traci Althoff has ever stepped a foot in a well-known congresswoman's house. “It’s decorated very pretty. I love it! I could live here!"" Althoff said. Noem is hosting her ""Christmas in the Country Tour of Homes"" event. The Lone U.S. Representative opened up her ranch-style house to anyone who paid for a $10 ticket. ""I'm excited, we should have a lot of people coming through today and it's all for a very good cause,"" Noem said. A cause that's near and dear to her heart.  All the proceeds will go to the Sweetgrass Initiative on Pine Ridge, a program that aims to combat teen suicide on the reservation. ""Well you know I'm a mom and when you see teenagers here in South Dakota suffering with the kind of situations that a lot of these teens at Pine Ridge have been going through, you want to help, you want to do all that you can,"" Noem said. She's hoping the extra funds will help the program keep a hot line in place, keep high school counselors on staff, and prevent tragic situations from happening. Althoff is glad to be supporting the cause. ""Anytime you can do something positive for kids and for anybody it makes you feel good... so this will bring some highlight to that and make people aware that there are kids out there really need desperate help that they just aren't getting,"" Althoff said. Noem's house wasn't the only one on the tour. People also had the chance to view her sister and her mother's home farther down the road.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8B801E64-42B9-4979-A0DC-121B0A46A4AB,SD delegation battles to keep Hot Springs VA open,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"In a joint press release issued Tuesday by the offices of U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, the three legislators spoke of their recent meeting with McDonald and his decision to visit the Hot Springs VA Campus when Congress was in session. The three legislators recently decried McDonald's decision to delay his visit, as it prevented them from joining him on the tour. While the delegation criticized the decision to postpone the tour of the Hot Springs facility until Nov. 30, each expressed appreciation for McDonald taking the time to listen to their concerns. ""While I would have preferred to join Secretary McDonald on his trip to Hot Springs, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him today to hear about his visit and seek assurances that a decision on the future of Hot Springs has not been predetermined,"" Rounds said. Rounds has advocated for other changes within the VA this year, having pushed for the passage of the Veterans First Act. The act is meant to boost accountability and care within the VA by ensuring a veteran would not pay more for private care than they are when seen at a VA facility and requiring the Veterans Health Administration to produce an annual report to Congress detailing the cost of the health care services it provides. And Rounds, who represents a state he's said serves as home to more than 72,000 veterans, hoped quality VA services persist in South Dakota. ""The VA must continue to focus on what is best for South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community,"" Rounds said. Thune spoke kindly of McDonald's willingness to meet with the state's delegation, but said his recommendation on the Hot Springs VA has not changed. ""I still believe our veterans would be best served if the Hot Springs VA remained open and operational, especially the facility's PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) care, which is credited with saving countless veterans' lives,"" Thune said. ""It's my hope that after today's meeting and Secretary McDonald's visit to South Dakota last week that he'll make the right decisions for our veterans."" Noem also commented on the meeting and the potential closure of the facility which she said sits in the ""Veterans Town"" of Hot Springs, saying the state's veterans deserve nothing less than VA accountability. ""With so much at stake, it is essential the VA Secretary approach this decision with accurate information, nonbiased perspective and the shared goal of delivering the best quality health care to our nation's veterans,"" Noem said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ED621B00-01BE-4D3B-B6E7-30DD346A3AFC,Weekly Column: South Dakota Energy,2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem People get the “Dakotas” confused all the time. I can’t tell you how many times people in DC have asked me about the impact of the oil boom in our state, having little idea that the Bakken oil field largely rests north of South Dakota’s border. Even without the oil reserves, however, our state plays a role in filling the nation’s gas tanks, contributing the resources needed to produce renewable fuels, like ethanol and biodiesel. As many reading this know, I have spent most of my life growing corn and soybeans.  These crops are staples of the American food supply, but these commodities are becoming a part of our domestic fuel supply too. With advances in technology, we are growing more on fewer acres and are using that efficiency to diversify the market. This year, about 26 percent of the soybean oil consumed in the U.S. will be used for biodiesel production and around 5 billion bushels of corn will be used for ethanol.  Turning corn and soybeans into fuel not only opens the door for better prices and greater market stability, but also offers broader benefits for our national economy and security. The biodiesel industry alone supports nearly 50,000 U.S. jobs and ethanol supports tens of thousands more.  These are plant workers, researchers and engineers.  They’re truckers and salespeople.  They’re members of our community who turn around and support local economies, spending money at area businesses and supporting schools and infrastructure with their tax dollars.  It’s a fuel that invests – and then reinvests again – in America. On the flip side, around one-third of petroleum used in America is derived from foreign sources.  This means the United States spends more than $300 billion each year on imported crude oil.  Many times, the oil is coming from volatile areas of the world and countries that are wary of America’s continued prosperity.  Every step we take toward energy independence is a step we take toward security. That’s why we need to invest in both fossil fuels and renewable fuels. While biofuel production has grown quite a bit in recent years, it still makes up only a small portion of the overall market.  Since our nation’s founding, America has invested in new technologies like this, offering help until they’re strong enough to stand on their own.  Today, as part of an all-of-the-above American energy strategy, we must do the same for biofuels.  One of the ways in which we encourage biofuel growth is through the Renewable Fuel Standard – or RFS. The RFS sets annual goals for the amount of ethanol and biodiesel that must be incorporated into America’s fuel supply.  The EPA has often fallen short of what Congress proposed, particularly when it comes to ethanol requirements.  Last month, however, for the first time in a number of years, the EPA brought the RFS in line with congressional goals.  Since the RFS is re-examined each year, we must continue to hold the EPA accountable, ensuring the agency makes American-grown energy a priority for the future. Various forms of energy also have different provisions in the tax code.  For biodiesel, we offer a $1-per-gallon tax credit, which can result in cheaper fuel at the pump.  Legislation I’ve proposed would give more certainty regarding the tax credit’s availability while also adjusting how the support is distributed.  The change would ensure the incentive is encouraging American biodiesel production, not the importation of foreign biodiesel – a move consistent with our goal of achieving American energy independence.  My number one responsibility is to keep the American people safe.  Protecting economic opportunities comes in at a close second.  By supporting homegrown fuels, we accomplish both while also distinguishing South Dakota as an energy-rich state.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-klobuchar-lead-bipartisan-effort-urging-the-va-to-comply-with-2010-law-that-protects-veterans-from-exorbitant-er-bills,"Rounds, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Effort Urging the VA to Comply with 2010 Law that Protects Veterans from Exorbitant ER Bills",2016-12-09,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.16 Rounds, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Effort Urging the VA to Comply with 2010 Law that Protects Veterans from Exorbitant ER Bills WASHINGTON Led by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), 22 senators, including six from the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, wrote to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to urge him to comply with the Emergency Care Fairness Act (ECFA). The ECFA was enacted in 2010 and directed the VA to cover veterans with private health insurance when that insurance doesn't cover the full amount of non-VA emergency care. Yet since 2010, the VA has not complied with the law, denying hundreds of thousands of veterans' reimbursement claims for emergency care. Earlier this year, a federal court ordered the VA to write regulations that comply with the ECFA. In addition to urging the VA to comply with the law, the senators also requested that the agency fix its mistake and re-open all previously-denied claims. Congress's clear intent in passing the ECFA was to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished to veterans in non-department facilities, wrote the senators. Specifically, congressional intent was to require the VA to act as a secondary payer for emergency treatment costs not covered by the veteran's third-party insurance. It is evident that the VA has ignored congressional intent. Most troubling is the fact that those who are most affected by the VA's non-compliance with the ECFA are our elderly veterans, many of whom are living on fixed incomes and have limited resources to pay medical bills. In addition to Rounds and Klobuchar, the letter was signed by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). The letter is supported by The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Full text of the letter is below: Dear Secretary McDonald: We write today to express our support for the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2009 (ECFA). Six years after enactment of the ECFA, our nation's veterans continue to bear the burden of emergency treatment costs not covered by veterans' third-party insurance. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) continued denial of these claims is deeply troubling. Congress's clear intent in passing the ECFA was to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished to veterans in non-department facilities. Specifically, congressional intent was to require the VA to act as a secondary payer for emergency treatment costs not covered by the veteran's third-party insurance. It is evident that the VA has ignored congressional intent. Most troubling is the fact that those who are most affected by the VA's non-compliance with the ECFA are our elderly veterans, many of whom are living on fixed incomes and have limited resources to pay medical bills. Often, these veterans find themselves dealing with collection agencies as a result of emergency care received in the community. This potentially increases stress for these veterans, causes them to lose faith in the VA and keeps them from seeking future medical attention out of fear of acquiring additional medical bills for which they would be financially responsible. As you are aware, on April 8, 2016, in the case of Staab v. Secretary McDonald, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims agreed with the appellant's contention that the VA's application of 38 U.S.C. 1725 frustrates the intent of Congress to reimburse veterans who are not wholly covered by a health-plan contract or other third-party recourse. In its decision, the court ruled that Congress clearly intended that the VA be responsible for the cost of the emergency treatment which exceeds the amount payable or paid by the third-party insurer. The court further found the VA's regulations regarding the ECFA to be invalid and wholly inconsistent with the statute. As a result, the court ruled that 38 C.F.R. 17.1002(f) is held invalid and directed it to be set aside. Based upon this ruling, we strongly urge you to bring the VA into compliance with P.L. 111-137 and to amend any policy, regulation or other barrier that results in denial of veterans' claims for reimbursement for non-department emergency care. We further urge you to re-open all previous claims of veterans that were denied because of the VA's non-compliance with congressional intent and the law. Thank you for your attention to our concerns regarding this important issue. We look forward to working closely with you to fully serve the veterans of our great nation. Sincerely, ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-ndaa,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of NDAA Includes a number of provisions offered by Rounds WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today issued a statement following the Senate passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes a number of provisions offered by Rounds, including language from his Cyber Act of War Act and his legislation requiring training for Department of Defense (DoD) officials to expedite the hiring of cyber security professionals. It also includes his legislation to require DoD to more carefully monitor prescriptions dispensed at military treatment facilities for the treatment of PTSD. The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation we pass each year, as it shows our troops and their families that they have the full support of Congress, said Rounds. As I've said before, the number one responsibility of the federal government is keeping Americans safe. The NDAA we passed today will make sure our military remains capable of adequately defending our country in the next year, and for years to come. I am pleased that a number of provisions I offered were included in it as well. The NDAA includes language from Rounds' Cyber Act of War Act that would require the president to submit a report to Congress defining when an act in cyber space requires a military response. It also includes his legislation to improve DoD prescription drug monitoring for PTSD and require training of DoD personnel who hire civilian cyber security professionals. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-air-force-caucus-members-discuss-priorities-with-senior-members-of-air-force-,Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.08.16 Senate Air Force Caucus Members Discuss Priorities with Senior Members of Air Force WASHINGTON Members of the Senate Air Force Caucus met with U.S. Air Force leaders at the caucus' biannual breakfast in Washington to discuss upcoming priorities and challenges of the Air Force. Chief of Staff of the Air Force General David Goldfein; Vice Chief General Steven Wilson and Chief Master Sergeant ofthe Air Force James Cody were among the senior Air Force leaders at the breakfast. The session afforded Members the opportunity to talk about a wide range of topics, from modernization and manning issues to the future of cyber operationsandbudgetary challenges. I thank Air Force leaders for taking time out of their day to discuss steps we can take to make sure our Air Force has every tool it needs to be successful, said Senator Mike Rounds. From critical missions being conducted at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota to important aerospace research being done to assure U.S. air superiority, the Air Force plays an important role in our long-term defense strategy. As a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee and the Senate Air Force Caucus, I remain committed to fully supporting our Air Force. U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), John Hoeven (R-ND) and Jon Tester (D-MT) are leaders of the Senate Air Force Caucus. The bipartisan group includes 49 members and oversees issues impacting the U.S. Air Force. The caucus sponsors specialized briefings, base visits and outreach opportunities with Air Force stakeholders throughout the year. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=92B15C1E-B719-407E-B591-100721483295,"Thune Statement on Passage of NDAA Conference Report, Critical Fix to Impact Aid Program",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report, legislation that will provide our military with the largest pay increase since 2010 and make reforms to defense acquisition, military health care, military justice, and security cooperation.   “Providing our troops with the resources they need to keep our nation safe is one of Congress’ most important responsibilities,” said Thune. “After extensive bipartisan work in the House and Senate, we are sending the president a bill that provides troops with the pay raise they deserve and includes reforms to make our military more efficient and effective. I urge the president to put our troops first and sign this bill without delay.”   The NDAA conference report also includes a provision that will fix statutory language that negatively affects the Impact Aid program in states across the country, including South Dakota. “Not only does this bill provide essential funding for our troops, but it also includes a critical fix to the Impact Aid program that will help protect dozens of schools throughout South Dakota and the students they serve,” continued Thune. “South Dakota relies on Impact Aid, so I’m glad this issue will soon be resolved and that our schools will no longer face what would have been drastic cuts in funding.” Thune worked closely with Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to secure this critical Impact Aid provision in the NDAA. This legislation now heads to the president for signature into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-issues-statement-on-senate-passage-of-21st-century-cures-act,Rounds Issues Statement on Senate Passage of 21st Century Cures Act,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Rounds Issues Statement on Senate Passage of 21st Century Cures Act Includes provisions co-sponsored by Rounds WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued a statement following the Senate's passage of the 21st Century Cures Act, a comprehensive bill to advance the development of medical treatments and find cures to a number of diseases that affect millions of Americans each year. It includes provisions co-sponsored by Rounds, including the Mental Health and Safe Communities Act. Sadly, most Americans have felt the impact of devastating diseases like cancer or Alzheimer's, said Rounds. The 21st Century Cures Act gives renewed hope to millions by providing dedicated funding to medical research, with the hopes of finding cures to diseases that affect so many. I look forward to seeing it signed into law by the president. The 21st Century Cures Act provides $1 billion in state grants over a two year period to fight against opioid abuse and other costly diseases. It also strengthens and improves mental health programs for the first time in over a decade, encourages innovation to boost competition in the prescription drug marketplace to make sure drugs are affordable for Americans, and supports Vice President Joe Biden's moonshot to find cures for cancer. It includes surges of dedicated funding for cancer, Alzheimer's and other disease research. The House of Representatives passed the 21st Century Cures Act last week by a vote of 392-26, and the president has indicated he will sign it into law. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-looks-back-on-time-as-epw-subcommittee-chairman-in-senate-floor-speech,Rounds Looks Back on Time as EPW Subcommittee Chairman in Senate Floor Speech,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Rounds Looks Back on Time as EPW Subcommittee Chairman in Senate Floor Speech WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his experience chairing the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight during the 114th Congress. The subcommittee is tasked with providing oversight on the agencies under The EPW Committee's jurisdiction, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies that have implemented excessive, overreaching regulations under this administration. Throughout this Congress, the goal of our Subcommittee has been to unify and lead an effort to advance meaningful regulatory reform in Congress, said Rounds on the Senate floor. We must make certain the regulatory process reflects transparency and sound science and is based on a realistic economic foundation and meaningful public participation that considers the multitude of facets of the U.S. economy. With an ally in the White House next year who has committed to reducing burdensome regulations, I plan to continue this effort throughout the next Congress and beyond. The success of the U.S. economy and the creation of American jobs depends on Congress making a concerted effort to take back their authority and reign in the rulemaking process. Full text of Rounds' speech, as prepared for delivery: Madam/Mr. President, I rise today to speak on the need for regulatory reform and also on the work we have done on the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight, of which I have had the great privilege to Chair in the 114th Congress. I would be remiss if I did not also recognize our Ranking Member from Massachusetts, Senator Markey, for his contribution to our oversight efforts. One of my main goals as Chairman has been to conduct a thorough and systematic review of the regulatory process focusing on the impacts of these regulations on citizens and businesses, and most importantly solutions to these problems. We have sought to make certain, federal regulations are promulgated in a transparent, open process with adequate public participation. Our subcommittee has held hearings conducting oversight on various aspects of the rulemaking process. This includes the adequacy of the science the agencies rely on when promulgating regulations, the increasing number of unfunded mandates agencies impose on state and local governments, the impact of lawsuits on the rulemaking process, and the impacts these regulations have on small businesses, state and local governments and landowners. Since I began working in the Senate nearly two years ago, it has become increasingly clear that economic growth, American innovation and job creation are being smothered by heavy-handed federal regulations imposed by Washington bureaucrats who think they know what is best for American families, states, local governments and businesses. According to the American Action Forum, since 2009, this administration has finalized 2,973 regulations at a cost of $862.7 billion dollars as of December 7. Of these, 179 regulations have come from the Environmental Protection Agency, costing American taxpayers $342.5 billion dollars. Since writing this speech one week ago, ten more regulations had been finalized, with five of those coming from the EPA. EPA regulations alone make up nearly half of the cost of all the regulations finalized in the past seven years. As Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight, it has become clear to me that the EPA is one of the most egregious government agencies in imposing burdensome federal regulations on citizens, states and businesses. We have found a failure to review the most current and important science that the agency supposedly bases its regulations on. We have found that the sue and settle process utilized by special interest groups leads to a rushed and reckless rulemaking process that does not follow the proper regulatory process or allow for adequate public participation from those these rules will impact the most. Further, the EPA regularly fails to take into account how their regulations will impact states and shows little regard to how the states will use their limited resources to comply with these regulations, thereby issuing rules that impose federal unfunded mandates on states, local and tribal governments. From 2009 to 2014, the EPA issued a total of 19 rules that contained costly unfunded mandates on state governments. The Office of Management and Budget's 2015 report to Congress estimated federal regulations and unfunded mandates cost states, cities and the general public between $57 and $85 billion dollars every single year. State and local governments are then required to enforce these misguided regulations that have been promulgated by Washington bureaucrats who lack any understanding of the real-world consequences of their regulations or the unique characteristics of the various states. Alarmingly, we have also found that the EPA regularly fails to conduct a thorough and accurate economic analysis which should provide an accurate representation of the costs their regulations will impose on taxpayers and businesses. This leads to grossly inaccurate economic analysis of regulations that affect huge swaths of the U.S. economy and thousands of U.S. businesses and American jobs. A 2014 report from the Government Accountability Office found that on multiple occasions and with major, costly regulations the EPA did not provide the public with an explanation of the economic information behind its decision making, despite its obligations to do so. The U.S. Supreme Court recently issued the Michigan v. EPA decision, finding the EPA unreasonably failed to consider costs when deciding to regulate mercury emissions from power plants. This impacts the ability of our businesses to conduct business on a daily basis, to compete in a competitive global marketplace and to employ Americans in steady, well-paying jobs. Notably, small businesses make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer firms. And federal agencies are required, by law, to examine the impact their regulations will have on small businesses. Throughout our oversight process, we found that the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy submitted comments to the EPA expressing concerns over a number of recent rulemakings such as the Waters of the U.S. Rule and EPA's greenhouse gas regulations. However, the EPA moved forward with these regulations with little to no regard for their impact on U.S. small businesses the backbone of the U.S. economy. As a result, rather than creating jobs and focusing on growing their business, U.S. small businesses are forced to use limited resources to comply with a myriad of costly and burdensome regulations. This year alone, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals imposed a nation-wide injunction on the WOTUS rule, and the Supreme Court imposed a nationwide stay on the Clean Power Plan. While I applaud these decisions, we should not be forced to rely on the courts to prevent such regulations from taking effect. I am also deeply troubled by reports that the EPA and Army Corps are illegally continuing to implement the WOTUS rule despite the court's nationwide stay. During our Subcommittee field hearing in Rapid City earlier this year, we heard from several witnesses about the difficulty and confusion landowners are facing with regard to WOTUS. I am concerned that if this continues, it may get to the point where the property that is subject to the burdensome regulations loses its value. Make no mistake, I understand that rules and regulations have a place in society. We all want clean air, clean water and safe chemicals, but there is a better way to achieve this without imposing burdensome regulations. These flaws in the EPA's rulemaking process have prevented agencies from making well-informed decisions. Even more troubling, the public, state and local governments and American businesses are prevented from understanding the need, basis for and the real impact of regulations. This regulatory quagmire did not happen overnight. It comes from decades of increased federal bureaucracy, out-of-control spending and federal agencies not being held accountable for their actions. Similarly, we will not come to a solution overnight. It will take a serious bipartisan effort to move the ball forward to address this problem. Throughout this Congress, the goal of our Subcommittee has been to unify and lead an effort to advance meaningful regulatory reform in Congress. We must make certain the regulatory process reflects transparency and sound science and is based on a realistic economic foundation and meaningful public participation that considers the multitude of facets of the U.S. economy. With an ally in the White House next year who has committed to reducing burdensome regulations, I plan to continue this effort throughout the next Congress and beyond. The success of the U.S. economy and the creation of American jobs depends on Congress making a concerted effort to take back their authority and reign in the rulemaking process. Thank you, Madam/Mr. President, I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-meeting-with-dr-ben-carson,Rounds Statement on Meeting with Dr. Ben Carson,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.16 Rounds Statement on Meeting with Dr. Ben Carson WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement following his meeting with Dr. Ben Carson, who President-elect Trump recently announced he will nominate to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): I thank Dr. Carson for taking the time to meet with me this morning to discuss his ideas for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. During our visit, we discussed ways to streamline HUD and make it more effective, as well as housing priorities in South Dakota, particularly in our tribal communities. I thank Dr. Carson for his willingness to take on this important role in government and look forward to his confirmation hearing. Rounds is a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, which has jurisdiction over HUD and will hold Carson's confirmation hearing. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pledged to consider all of President-elect Trump's nominations in a thorough and timely manner in order to assure a smooth transition between administrations. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C8995367-5B44-44C6-B693-6104A0E64AF4,Thune Applauds Passage of 21st Century Cures,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the Senate passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which will bring lifesaving drugs and devices to market more quickly, as well as boost cancer and Alzheimer’s disease research, provide grants to states to fight opioid abuse, and much more. Thune authored multiple provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act, which will soon head to the president for his signature. “Today the Senate delivered a victory for the American people with passage of the 21st Century Cures Act,” said Thune. “This bipartisan legislation will dramatically advance medical research and innovation, opening up new possibilities for cures and improvements to patients’ lives. I applaud passage of this bill and ask the president to sign it into law as soon as he receives it.” The 21st Century Cures Act contains several Thune-authored provisions, including: The Continuing Access to Hospitals (CAH) Act of 2016 (H.R. 5613), which would extend through calendar year 2016 a prohibition preventing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services from enforcing direct supervision policy for outpatient therapeutic services, a harmful regulation that would jeopardize access to therapy services in rural areas. Sen. Thune introduced S. 3129, the Senate companion to H.R. 5613. Thune has championed efforts that have prevented enforcement of this regulation since CMS announced it in 2008. A provision based on the Patient Access to Durable Medical Equipment Act (S. 2736), which provides relief to durable medical equipment (DME) providers in non-competitively bid areas like South Dakota until January 1, 2017. An extension of the current phase-in of reimbursement changes is necessary to ensure that Medicare beneficiary access for products such as oxygen tanks and c-pap machines are not adversely impacted following Medicare’s changes to reimbursement in areas like South Dakota. Another provision similar to one contained in S. 2736 that addresses the underlying issues with DME reimbursement in states like South Dakota. Consideration of these rural factors are essential to ensure that seniors living in rural areas do not lose access to these products. A provision similar to the Rural ACO Provider Equity Act of 2015 (S. 2261), which allows Medicare services furnished by community health centers and rural health clinics to count toward beneficiary assignment within an accountable care organization, which will allow these facilities to more easily participate in a new model of care that is focused on providing coordinated, high-quality care. A provision based on the Family Health Care Accessibility Act of 2015 (S. 2151), legislation that removes barriers that currently prevent health care professionals from volunteering their services at cost-effective, high-quality primary and preventative health care facilities, known as community health centers. This Thune-led provision will amend the Public Health Service Act to provide Federal Tort Claims Act medical malpractice coverage to health care professionals who volunteer at CHCs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=616648C5-C5C8-424F-90DC-B05DF5E292F0,Delegation Meets With VA Secretary in DC Following Hot Springs Visit,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and John Thune (R-S.D.), and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald following his Nov. 30, 2016, visit to the Hot Springs, South Dakota VA campus. During the meeting, the delegation encouraged Secretary McDonald to carefully consider input he received from veterans, staff and other community stakeholders before making any final decision on the future of the campus. The delegation also reiterated to Secretary McDonald that any reconfiguration of the Black Hills Health Care System should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. “Making sure veterans in the Hot Springs area have access to quality health care remains my top priority,” said Rounds. “While I would have preferred to join Secretary McDonald on his trip to Hot Springs, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him today to hear about his visit and seek assurances that a decision on the future of Hot Springs has not been predetermined. The VA must continue to focus on what is best for South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community.” “I was encouraged by Secretary McDonald’s willingness to listen to the delegation’s perspective about how we view the future of the Hot Springs VA and by his commitment to continue engaging with the community it serves,” said Thune. “My recommendation to the secretary hasn’t changed. I still believe our veterans would be best served if the Hot Springs VA remained open and operational, especially the facility’s PTSD care, which is credited with saving countless veterans’ lives. It’s my hope that after today’s meeting and Secretary McDonald’s visit to South Dakota last week that he’ll make the right decision for our veterans.”  “There is something very special about the ‘Veterans Town,’ both for the veterans it serves but also for the community of Hot Springs itself,” said Noem.  “With so much at stake, it is essential the VA Secretary approach this decision with accurate information, a nonbiased perspective, and the shared goal of delivering the best quality healthcare to our nation’s veterans.  These are items we’ve insisted upon from the beginning and areas in which we will continue to hold the VA accountable going forward.  Our veterans deserve nothing less.” Last week, Secretary McDonald toured part of the Hot Springs VA campus and held a town-hall meeting in Hot Springs to hear from veterans, VA staff and local residents. The delegation recently sent a letter expressing their disappointment and concern over Secretary McDonald’s decision to visit Hot Springs while Congress was in session, thus preventing their participation in the visit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-meets-with-va-secretary-in-dc-following-hot-springs-visit,Delegation Meets With VA Secretary in DC Following Hot Springs Visit,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.06.16 Delegation Meets With VA Secretary in DC Following Hot Springs Visit WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, and John Thune (R-S.D.), and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald following his Nov. 30, 2016, visit to the Hot Springs, South Dakota VA campus. During the meeting, the delegation encouraged Secretary McDonald to carefully consider input he received from veterans, staff and other community stakeholders before making any final decision on the future of the campus. The delegation also reiterated to Secretary McDonald that any reconfiguration of the Black Hills Health Care System should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. Making sure veterans in the Hot Springs area have access to quality health care remains my top priority, said Rounds. While I would have preferred to join Secretary McDonald on his trip to Hot Springs, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him today to hear about his visit and seek assurances that a decision on the future of Hot Springs has not been predetermined. The VA must continue to focus on what is best for South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community. I was encouraged by Secretary McDonald's willingness to listen to the delegation's perspective about how we view the future of the Hot Springs VA and by his commitment to continue engaging with the community it serves, said Thune. My recommendation to the secretary hasn't changed. I still believe our veterans would be best served if the Hot Springs VA remained open and operational, especially the facility's PTSD care, which is credited with saving countless veterans' lives. It's my hope that after today's meeting and Secretary McDonald's visit to South Dakota last week that he'll make the right decision for our veterans. There is something very special about the Veterans Town,' both for the veterans it serves but also for the community of Hot Springs itself, said Noem. With so much at stake, it is essential the VA Secretary approach this decision with accurate information, a nonbiased perspective, and the shared goal of delivering the best quality healthcare to our nation's veterans. These are items we've insisted upon from the beginning and areas in which we will continue to hold the VA accountable going forward. Our veterans deserve nothing less. Last week, Secretary McDonald toured part of the Hot Springs VA campus and held a town-hall meeting in Hot Springs to hear from veterans, VA staff and local residents. The delegation recently sent a letter expressing their disappointment and concern over Secretary McDonald's decision to visit Hot Springs while Congress was in session, thus preventing their participation in the visit. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2F48ECB4-14E9-40AF-80DB-2B22DEA274ED,Top Priorities for Next Congress: Repealing Obamacare and Confirming a Supreme Court Nominee,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the remaining items the 114th Congress will tackle this year, including the National Defense Authorization Act, which is important legislation that would provide our troops with the resources they need to keep Americans safe. Thune also discussed two important issues that Republicans plan to take on at the beginning of the 115th Congress: repealing Obamacare and confirming a Supreme Court nominee. Thune’s remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mr. President, the business of the 114th Congress is drawing to a close as we wrap up a few final bills. “One of the most important bills we’ll be passing this week is the National Defense Authorization Act. “In fact, this is one of the most important bills we pass each year. “The National Defense Authorization Act is one of the two bills that ensure that our military men and women have the tools and resources they need to defend our country. “It’s the bill that authorizes funding for the body armor our troops wear and the weapons they carry into battle. “The bill that authorizes funding for the advanced technology our military needs to be successful on today’s battlefield. “And the bill that authorizes troop pay increases, which help us retain an all-volunteer force. “Making sure our troops have what they need to defend our country is pretty much our most important responsibility as members of Congress. “First, of course, because the security of our country depends on it. “And second, because we owe our men and women in uniform nothing less. “This year’s NDAA authorizes the largest troop pay increase in six years. “It modernizes the military health care system to improve quality of care for our troops and their families. “It reduces Pentagon bureaucracy to focus resources on our nation’s warfighters. “And it supports our allies amid growing threats. “It also addresses the dangerous underfunding of the military that has occurred under President Obama. “It stops troop reductions for the Army and Marine Corps, and authorizes additional funds to address readiness shortfalls. “Members of our military should not have to be salvaging spare parts from retired aircraft to keep their planes in the air. “Over the next few years, the Republican majorities in Congress will work with President-elect Trump to rebuild our nation’s military and ensure that we have the strongest fighting force in the world. “This bill is an important start. “Mr. President, as we finish up the work of the 114th Congress, we’re also looking forward to the start of the 115th.  “Republicans will move quickly to take up a number of important measures. “Two big issues that we’ll tackle right at the beginning are repealing Obamacare and confirming a Supreme Court nominee. “I don’t need to tell anyone that Obamacare is a failure. “A Gallup poll released last week found that 80 percent of Americans want major changes to Obamacare or want the law repealed and replaced. “That’s not a surprise. “The president promised lower premiums and affordable care. “But Obamacare has meant exactly the opposite. “Premium costs have soared, and soared again. “Deductibles have increased. “And health care choices have been sharply reduced. “One constituent contacted me to say, and I quote: “‘My Obamacare premium went up from $1,080 per month to $1,775.  “‘A 64 percent increase. “‘$21,300 a year for health insurance.’ “Another constituent wrote to say, and I quote: “‘My Obamacare premium doubles next year.’ “Doubles, Mr. President. “I don’t know too many Americans who can afford to have their health insurance premiums double. “Still another constituent wrote to tell me, and I quote: “‘Today I received a new premium notice … for my Obamacare insurance. “‘My policy rate for myself, my wife, and my teenage son has increased by 357 percent.’ “357 percent. “Mr. President, Obamacare is on the brink of collapse. “We know what millions of Americans already know: that the status quo is unsustainable. “It’s time to repeal this law and replace it with something that works. “And that’s precisely what we’re going to do. “We’re going to get started on a repeal as soon as the 115th Congress convenes. “And we’re going to work step-by-step to replace Obamacare with real health care reform. “Mr. President, another thing we’re going to get started on right away in January is confirming the president’s nominees, including his nominee for the Supreme Court.  “My Democrat colleagues have spent a lot of time talking about the importance of confirming a ninth justice to the Supreme Court. “I trust that they’ll bring that same eagerness with them in January. “I look forward to working with them during the confirmation process. “Mr. President, after Justice Scalia’s death, I came down to the floor to honor him. “Like others who spoke at the time, I mentioned his keen mind. “His gift for language. “And most of all, his absolute commitment to the law. “For Justice Scalia, the Constitution truly was the supreme law of the land. “And he didn’t let anything interfere with that. “His politics, his personal opinions, his feelings about a case … none of those things were allowed to play a role in his decisions. “That, Mr. President, is the key right there. “We all know that Justice Scalia had personal opinions. “But when it came down to deciding cases, he ignored them. “He looked at the law and the Constitution – which is the supreme law – and he judged accordingly. “Mr. President, it’s wonderful to have strong opinions. “It’s wonderful to have sympathy for causes or organizations. “It’s wonderful to have plans for fixing society’s problems. “But none of those things have any business influencing your ruling when you sit on the Supreme Court. “There are only two things that should influence a Supreme Court justice’s ruling: the law, and the Constitution. “The minute something else comes into play – whether it’s a justice’s personal feelings or her political philosophy – you’ve done away with the rule of law, and replaced it with the rule of personal opinion. “And Mr. President, we’ve gone through a lot in this country to ensure that we’ll be governed by the law, and not by someone’s personal opinion. “Justice Scalia will be a hard justice to replace. “But I’m confident President-elect Trump will nominate a justice with a similar respect for the rule of law. “And I look forward to working with my colleagues to get a qualified nominee confirmed.  “Mr. President, repealing Obamacare and confirming a Supreme Court nominee are two important things we’re going to do next year, but they’re just the beginning. “Republicans are going to spend the 115th Congress fighting for the American people’s priorities – from growing our economy to securing our borders and protecting our nation. “We have a chance to do big things for the American people in 2017, and we can’t wait to get started.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=83E2A395-14AC-44A5-AB7A-DFA311471F52,Delegation Meets With VA Secretary in D.C. Following Hot Springs Visit,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and John Thune (R-S.D.), and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today met with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald following his Nov. 30, 2016, visit to the Hot Springs, South Dakota VA campus. During the meeting, the delegation encouraged Secretary McDonald to carefully consider input he received from veterans, staff, and other community stakeholders before making any final decision on the future of the campus. The delegation also reiterated to Secretary McDonald that any reconfiguration of the Black Hills Health Care System should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. “Making sure veterans in the Hot Springs area have access to quality health care remains my top priority,” said Rounds. “While I would have preferred to join Secretary McDonald on his trip to Hot Springs, I am glad to have had the opportunity to meet with him today to hear about his visit and seek assurances that a decision on the future of Hot Springs has not been predetermined. The VA must continue to focus on what is best for South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community.”  “I was encouraged by Secretary McDonald’s willingness to listen to the delegation’s perspective about how we view the future of the Hot Springs VA and by his commitment to continue engaging with the community it serves,” said Thune. “My recommendation to the secretary hasn’t changed. I still believe our veterans would be best served if the Hot Springs VA remained open and operational, especially the facility’s PTSD care, which is credited with saving countless veterans’ lives. It’s my hope that after today’s meeting and Secretary McDonald’s visit to South Dakota last week that he’ll make the right decision for our veterans.”  “There is something very special about the ‘Veterans Town,’ both for the veterans it serves but also for the community of Hot Springs itself,” said Noem.  “With so much at stake, it is essential the VA Secretary approach this decision with accurate information, a nonbiased perspective, and the shared goal of delivering the best quality healthcare to our nation’s veterans.  These are items we’ve insisted upon from the beginning and areas in which we will continue to hold the VA accountable going forward.  Our veterans deserve nothing less.” Last week, Secretary McDonald toured part of the Hot Springs VA campus and held a town-hall meeting in Hot Springs to hear from veterans, VA staff and local residents. The delegation recently sent a letter expressing their disappointment and concern over Secretary McDonald’s decision to visit Hot Springs while Congress was in session, thus preventing their participation in the visit.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=966216FF-88B8-4F37-AD8D-50D49E104A2A,Noem Votes to Send Thune Legislation Addressing Prescribed Burn Concerns to President,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today helped the House pass S.3395, the Prescribed Burn Approval Act, sending it to President Obama for his signature.  First introduced by Sen. John Thune and subsequently passed by the Senate, S.3395 would prohibit the U.S. Forest Service from authorizing prescribed burns in an area labeled as an extreme fire danger, except under certain circumstances with local coordination.  The legislation is in response to the April 2015 Pautre Fire, which scorched more than 10,000 acres in western South Dakota. “The extremely careless mishandling of the Pautre fire resulted in more than 10,000 acres of privately and publicly held land being unintentionally consumed by wildfire.  Families were devastated.  Multiple firefighting units and personnel were put in harm’s way.  This burn should not have occurred that day without the collaboration and additional precautions such a burn requires,” said Noem.  “The Prescribed Burn Approval Act is a step in the right direction, helping ensure necessary precautions are taken while also adding additional transparency and accountability measures for the Forest Service to adhere to. I thank Senator Thune for his work on the bill and encourage President Obama to promptly sign this legislation.” WATCH: Noem Encourages House to Pass S.3395Link to YouTube",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-join-colleagues-to-request-president-obama-stop-issuing-new-regulations,"Rounds, Thune Join Colleagues to Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.05.16 Rounds, Thune Join Colleagues to Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) joined 21 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter, led by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), to President Obama requesting the administration stop issuing non-emergency rules and regulations in the final weeks of his term. Thune and Rounds stressed to the president that the American people made it clear on November 8 that they expect regulatory relief. Whether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy, the senators wrote. But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people. In addition to Rounds, Thune and Gardner, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Full text of the letter can be found below. President Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write to request your Administration cease issuing new, non-emergency rules and regulations given the recent election results of November 8. In a clear and direct repudiation of consistent regulatory overreach by federal agencies, the American people have, for the first time since 2007, handed control of both the executive and legislative branches of government to the same majority. It is our job now to determine the right balance between regulation and free market principles and make sure that our federal government no longer stands between Americans and financial success. Whether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy. But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people. Today, we have the opportunity to return to commonsense principles of regulation and curb unnecessary government interference in the private sector. In doing so, we will grow the economy, create jobs, and, above all, help the people who have been overlooked the past eight years. To this end, we respectfully request you honor the will of the American people and refrain from working on or issuing any new, non-emergency regulations while carrying out your remaining term in office. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1A1E61CC-DD1F-41C1-A4D4-18E7EE47032C,"Thune, Rounds Join Colleagues to Request President Obama Stop Issuing New Regulations",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined 21 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter, led by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), to President Obama requesting the administration stop issuing non-emergency rules and regulations in the final weeks of his term. Thune and Rounds stressed to the president that the American people made it clear on November 8 that they expect regulatory relief. “Whether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy,” the senators wrote. “But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people.” In addition to Thune, Rounds, and Gardner, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Barrasso, M.D. (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Full text of the letter can be found below. President Barack Obama The White House  1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500       Dear Mr. President: We write to request your Administration cease issuing new, non-emergency rules and regulations given the recent election results of November 8. In a clear and direct repudiation of consistent regulatory overreach by federal agencies, the American people have, for the first time since 2007, handed control of both the executive and legislative branches of government to the same majority. It is our job now to determine the right balance between regulation and free market principles and make sure that our federal government no longer stands between Americans and financial success. Whether it is the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule unfairly burdening our farmers and ranchers, the anti-coal rules eliminating thousands of jobs and driving up household energy costs, or the Dodd-Frank rules denying our small businesses access to capital, federal agencies continue to produce reams of new regulations that hurt our job creators and cripple our economy. But this flawed approach to governance has been rejected by the people.  Today, we have the opportunity to return to commonsense principles of regulation and curb unnecessary government interference in the private sector. In doing so, we will grow the economy, create jobs, and, above all, help the people who have been overlooked the past eight years. To this end, we respectfully request you honor the will of the American people and refrain from working on or issuing any new, non-emergency regulations while carrying out your remaining term in office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=41023F05-8025-4228-BF72-4906D659F86B,"Thune, Heitkamp Bill to Prevent Carelessly Started Prescribed Burns on Forest Service Land Heads to Presidents Desk",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) issued the following statements after the House passed Thune and Heitkamp’s Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016 (S. 3395), bipartisan legislation that would require collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme.  “Prescribed burns are a proven management tool that I support,” said Thune. “That said, before a prescribed burn is initiated, effective collaboration between Forest Service personnel and local officials is essential. South Dakota is all too familiar with what can happen when carelessly started prescribed burns, like the Pautre Fire, for example, blaze out of control. They can damage private property and require multiple local firefighting units, at a significant cost to taxpayers. I’m glad this common-sense bill is headed to the president, and I want to thank my colleagues in the House, including South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem and House leadership, for recognizing the need to get this bill to the finish line.” “The Forest Service needs to listen when ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn – and this bill will help guarantee that happens,” said Heitkamp. “The Pautre wildfire was completely preventable, making it obvious that the Forest Service hasn’t done enough to listen to local communities in North Dakota and beyond. Our bipartisan bill will help prevent what happened in 2013 from happening again, which will help protect our ranchers, their property, and valuable grasslands.” Thune and Heitkamp introduced this legislation in response to the Pautre fire, a prescribed burn that was intended to cover just over 100 acres in northwestern South Dakota, but quickly turned into a 16,000 acre out-of-control fire that burned for several days and destroyed millions of dollars in private property. The collaboration requirements in S. 3395 pertain only to the U.S. Forest Service. The bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate on November 17, now heads to the president for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9252794D-1FAA-4A0A-BA2B-22F6FD394723,Weekly Column: A Different Future for Healthcare,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"It’s no wonder why more than half of Americans oppose Obamacare.  Week after week, I talk with South Dakotans who are seeing their health insurance premiums increase by hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars per year.  Despite the cost hikes, many are also finding that the 2017 options have larger deductibles, which often translates into higher out-of-pocket expenses too.  Like I said, it’s no wonder. Today, we are in the middle of the fourth annual open enrollment period for Obamacare.  Absent a major life event, this is the only time you have to obtain or change health insurance without facing a tax penalty.  For many South Dakotans returning to healthcare.gov this year, the numbers are pretty shocking.  While the nation as a whole has seen a nearly 25 percent increase in the cost of health insurance premiums for 2017, a 27-year-old nonsmoker purchasing a middle tier plan in South Dakota will face a 39 percent price increase.  That kind of cost surge has the potential to fundamentally alter a person’s annual budget. Additionally, some will find fewer options.  For 2017 coverage, around one in five Americans will have only one insurer to choose from, a significant change from last year when just 2 percent of Americans were in the same boat.  Insurers simply can’t afford to be involved in the individual marketplace. Earlier this year, we learned one insurer operating in South Dakota lost nearly $100 million over the last two years on individual Obamacare plans in Iowa and South Dakota alone.  As a result, they made the decision to no longer offer these plans in 2017 – a decision that impacted nearly 8,000 South Dakotans. Many have felt the pain of Obamacare and calls for the law’s repeal have only grown.  While around a dozen minor Obamacare repeals and reforms have been signed into law, this legislation is ultimately beyond repair. It was widely understood that President Obama would not sign legislation repealing his healthcare law.  Still, we put the option on his desk; he chose to veto it. At the start of next year, however, I’m very hopeful Obamacare’s repeal will finally become a reality, as it now sits not only at the top of Congress’ agenda, but at the top of the incoming administration’s agenda. Alongside Obamacare repeal efforts, we’ve been working on conservative legislation to replace the healthcare law with a patient-centered approach.  More specifically, our plan would allow individuals to purchase insurance across state lines.  The policy would help ensure you’d have more coverage options while also introducing greater competition into the marketplace to drive down prices. Another idea would allow small businesses and individuals to band together through new pooling opportunities.  That increases your purchasing power and would give groups more leverage to negotiate with insurers for lower prices. Other components of our proposal would increase support for wellness programs, protect patients with pre-existing conditions, and allow young people to stay on their parents’ plan until they turn 26. Every American deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare, but experience shows that’s not what Obamacare offers.  We need to give people more choices, not more mandates, and we need to make sure you have the freedom and flexibility to find a plan that’s going to work with your family’s budget and needs.  That’s our vision, and step one in accomplishing it: Repeal Obamacare.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=0B8E7059-1A23-4B1B-8965-5481BBE0CFC3,Fighting for What Matters,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune If you tuned in to C-SPAN today, you’d find a much different Senate than the one that existed just a few short years ago. In 2013 and 2014, under Democrat leadership, the Senate repeatedly chose politics and partisanship over bipartisanship and efficiency. The legislative process, including the important work done in our committees, nearly ground to a halt. Only backroom, cherry-picked bills chosen by Democrat leaders made it to the floor. The Senate wasn’t passing the important pieces of legislation that it should have been, and senators were often backed into take-it-or-leave-it scenarios created by politically orchestrated cliffs and countdown clocks. Republicans told the American people that if we were given the opportunity to lead in the Senate, we would do things differently. We would focus on the issues that mattered to the people. We would help give them the voice they deserved. After Republicans regained the majority in January 2015, we quickly got to work. Republicans and Democrats were able to participate in the legislative process and offer proposals they thought would make bills better for the people they served. Ideas were debated and considered in committee, and bills that were sent to the floor were better for it. We passed a balanced budget, appropriations bills, and the first major energy bill in more than a decade. The Commerce Committee, which I chair, worked hard to get a Federal Aviation Administration bill with major airport security provisions through the Senate and onto the president’s desk. And the committee delivered the same result on the first long-term transportation bill since 2005. I’ve always believed that hard work delivers positive results, and there’s no better proof than what we’ve accomplished in the last two years in the Senate. We’re just getting started, though, and I’m glad Republicans will have the chance to continue working toward our goal of creating greater economic and national security for the American people. That starts with rolling back some of the Obama administration’s most onerous regulations, particularly the Waters of the United States rule. We’ll work toward repealing and replacing Obamacare, which has been a huge drag on family budgets in South Dakota and across the country. And we’ll continue to protect our nation’s borders and address the threats posed by terrorist groups like ISIS. Republicans plan to start the 115th Congress in January the same way we’re ending the 114th this month – with a lot of hard work and determination. We’re going to have a long list of items to tackle, including confirming a Supreme Court nominee who will judge based on the law and the Constitution. January will be here in no time, and I’m looking forward to hitting the ground running and advancing our pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-America agenda in 2017 and beyond.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B268F218-0282-40FA-BFD1-51359C319871,ICYMI: Washington Posts Capital Weather Gang on Senate Passage of major bill to improve weather forecasting,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Post: Senate passes major bill to improve weather forecasting By Jason Samenow, Capital Weather Gang December 2 at 11:30 AM Sweeping bipartisan legislation to support weather research and predictions has passed the Senate. If approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the president, it will become the first major piece of weather legislation adopted since the early 1990s. The bill, Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2016, H.R. 1561, was approved unanimously in the Senate late Thursday. The bill’s stated purpose is “to improve the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration’s weather research” through investments in observations, computing and modeling, as well as to expand commercial opportunities for providing weather data. It is specifically aimed to support advances in: Forecasting dangerous storms, including tornadoes and hurricanes. Long-range forecasts for time periods between two weeks and two years Forecast communication Tsunami warnings “From long-term forecasting that can prevent costly agricultural losses to more actionable information about severe weather, this legislation will help save lives and reduce avoidable property loss,” said Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), who championed the bill. The legislation also reforms NOAA’s weather satellite programs, requiring the agency to consider ways to reduce costs and stay on schedule after years of cost overruns and delays. It further calls on NOAA to enter into a pilot program contract to evaluate the private sector’s capabilities in providing space-based weather data. The legislation combines provisions of four separate weather-related bills sponsored by Thune, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Tex.). It also includes an amendment from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) supporting tsunami forecasting. “The bill strengthens the science to forecast severe heat and cold, storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, droughts, floods and hurricanes so that our warnings are more timely and accurate,” Schatz said. “The bill also improves how the government communicates these threats to the public so that families and businesses can stay safe and be prepared so that they can recover quicker. We cannot stop a tsunami or a hurricane, but better forecasts and better warnings will save lives and livelihoods.” More information Senate approves bicameral weather forecasting reforms Senate passes Rubio’s legislation to improve hurricane forecasting Capital Weather Gang’s series on the importance of weather legislation: How Congress could help weather forecasters reach more people and save lives Satellites are the backbone of weather forecasts. Congress must vote to support them. Senate weather bill that supports forecast improvement can benefit all Americans If Congress invests in seasonal weather forecast research, everyone wins   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BABC9B26-7439-4010-A6B8-A826984BBC17,Senate Approves Bicameral Weather Forecasting Reforms,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Senate last night approved H.R. 1561, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2016, by unanimous consent with a Senate amendment. The bill, as amended, which Thune and other leaders of the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Science Committee negotiated, adds other weather forecasting and research reform provisions from three bills (S. 1331, S. 1573, and H.R. 34), including reforms championed by Thune, to the House’s weather reform legislation. “These reforms will help ensure that Americans benefit from advancements in weather forecasting and make federal forecasters better stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Thune. “From long-term forecasting that can prevent costly agricultural losses to more actionable information about severe weather, this legislation will help save lives and reduce avoidable property loss.” Highlights of H.R. 1561 as approved by the U.S. Senate: Seasonal forecasting – Directs the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its component agency the National Weather Service (NWS) to create usable, reliable, and timely subseasonal and seasonal forecasts, and determine the impact of these forecasts on a variety of other weather conditions. Through an authorization of $26.5 million out of funds appropriated to NWS through fiscal year 2018, the legislation anticipates significant improvements in usable and reliable forecasts for time periods of 2 weeks to 2 years. This improvement in forecasting would, for example, allow farmers to make more informed decisions about when and what to plant.  Forecast communication – Requires the NWS to designate at least one employee in each of the established 122 weather forecast offices as the warning coordination meteorologist. Even when forecasters accurately predict dangerous weather events, preventable deaths, injuries, and property loss occur due to shortcomings in communications about what is happening and what at-risk populations should do. Warning coordination meteorologists will focus on the regional area covered by the weather forecast office and work with local officials, media, and other channels to maximize the usefulness and effectiveness of emergency communications. Tornado and hurricane forecasting – Focuses on forecasting improvements and new research into extreme weather events. Establishes a tornado warning improvement and extension program for federal cooperation with private sector and academic partners to focus on developing and extending accurate tornado forecasts and warnings beyond one hour. It also creates a similar collaboration program for improving hurricane forecasting and communication of storm surges. Tsunami warning – Authorizes NOAA to put tsunami sensors onto commercial and federal telecommunications cables as a cost-effective improvement to the tsunami detection network and study and research efforts of tsunamis. Also authorizes grant funding to survey for “paleotsunamis”— evidence of devastating waves in prehistoric times, or periods before records were kept.  By understanding past threats, communities can prepare better for future disasters.  Satellite governance – Reforms NOAA’s satellite procurement efforts by requiring consideration of existing systems and the overall cost of integrating new ones. The reform comes after the agency experienced costly difficulties in integrating new equipment with current ground and space systems. The bill further requires NOAA to enter into a pilot program contract to assess the private sector’s capabilities in providing weather data.  Contracting disclosures – Addresses concerns about agency employees abusing the contracting process to enrich themselves with lucrative post-retirement contracts. The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to annually disclose information about full-time equivalent contractors and those who formerly worked at the agency as federal employees. The legislation, which the House must also approve before it is sent to the White House for signature, does not propose closure of any NWS facilities. Click here for a copy of H.R. 1561, as amended by the Thune substitute and also an amendment from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) added to the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=74089866-47FA-4497-A23C-8D5A23D9AE7E,Thune: U.S. Must Keep Pressure on Worlds Leading Sponsor of Terror,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after the Republican-led Senate voted to reauthorize sanctions against Iran through 2026. “Iran’s attempts to test the United States and destabilize the Middle East must not go unchecked,” said Thune. “The Obama administration’s flawed nuclear deal with Iran has failed to curtail Iran’s illicit behavior. By reauthorizing these sanctions, the United States can maintain pressure on the world’s largest sponsor of terror and make it clear that the Iranian regime’s attempts to harm the United States and our allies will not be tolerated.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=59F73121-47AB-4C1B-BF36-47DDD996A998,"VA secretary tours Hot Springs VA, hears concerns about closing",2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"NewsCenter1 Closing the VA Hospital in Hot Springs has been a passionate topic in our community, and the future of the hospital is still unclear. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald toured the facility on Nov. 30. He also held a town hall meeting, saying he was there to listen.  ""It's clear from my discussions today that the topic on everyone's mind is what will ultimately happen to the Hot Springs facility.""  Veterans, VA employees, veteran service leaders, and citizens of the community all complained of misinformation on whether or not the facility is closing. McDonald wanted to personally tour the facility before making a decision. ""Until you actually go to a place and you actually walk the halls, or see the painted eagle that used to be a fountain, or stand in the spiral staircase, or stand in the entryway looking up at the multiple layers and thinking about the history of our country, the veterans who have served and how this facility has served them, or listened to the comments that you hear in the town hall meetings, words on paper are different from feeling all of that.""  President-Elect Donald Trump is considering former Gov. Sarah Palin for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs position. With that being the case, McDonald is working with a timeline to come to a conclusion before Jan. 20, and he believes he can meet that deadline.  ""I did get some new data today. It's important that we've been in this rather purgatory situation here for sometime, and I don't think it's helpful to veterans, and I don't think it's helpful to employees. "" In his closing statements, McDonald said he hasn't made a decision yet, but when he does, he assured the community that he will not compromise veteran care.  McDonald toured the facility without the presence of the South Dakota congressional delegation. U.S. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem wrote to McDonald, expressing their disappointment that he scheduled the tour while Congress was still in session. The lawmakers declared that by McDonald not meeting with them, he showed that he is not committed to having a fair discussion with the veteran community or addressing VA discrepancies. After the visit, Thune told NewsCenter1 that he's gald the secretary got to see the quality of care veterans receive at Hot Springs, and veteran feedback was important for McDonald to hear. Thune is hopeful the VA will make the ""right decision"" to keep Hot Springs open. Noem sounded off a more cautious note, saying she's troubled by the VA's decision to wait until the final days of the Obama Administration to visit the Hot Springs facility. She says she will not be discouraged from holding the agency accountable for its choices and their impact on South Dakota veterans. Noem says it's one of her top priorities to ensure veterans' voices are heard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-urges-va-to-comply-with-2010-law-that-protects-veterans-from-exorbitant-er-bills,Rounds Urges VA to Comply with 2010 Law that Protects Veterans from Exorbitant ER Bills,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.16 Rounds Urges VA to Comply with 2010 Law that Protects Veterans from Exorbitant ER Bills Video Available WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to urge the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to comply with the Veterans' Emergency Care Fairness Act. This law, enacted in February 2010, is intended to make certain that veterans with private health insurance are covered by the VA if their outside insurance does not cover the full amount of non-VA emergency care. Despite its unanimous support and clear congressional intent, the VA has continued its previous policy of denying veterans' eligible emergency room claims for the past six years. Recently, a Minnesota veteran sued the VA after it failed to cover the cost of his emergency treatment as the 2010 law legally requires the agency to do. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims ruled unanimously in April that the VA has been in violation of the Emergency Care Fairness Act since its passage. Unfortunately, the VA has appealed the decision to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. It is a fact that those most affected by the VA's non-compliance with the Emergency Care Fairness Act are our elderly veterans, many of whom are living on fixed incomes and have limited resources to pay medical bills, said Rounds during his speech. Often, these veterans find themselves dealing with collection agencies as a result of emergency care received in the community. In an era where we know that more than 20 veterans commit suicide every day, with 65 percent of those veterans aged 50 years or older, this is unacceptable. Today I call on the VA to drop their appeal of the Court's ruling and begin writing new regulations that comply with the law as Congress intended to properly reimburse our veterans for their emergency room care. I fully understand that there is a cost associated with this course of action. Taking care of our veterans and complying with the law is not a cost issue, however. It is a moral and, in this case, it is also a legal issue. Complying with the intent of the Emergency Care Fairness Act is simply the right thing to do. Should the VA agree, I stand ready to support them in their efforts to take care of our veterans and to get them medical care they need, both from the VA and in the private sector. Link to Youtube Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf8_FTohdMw&feature=youtu.be ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ECB37D48-E0D1-4662-95E4-6C7E53DB579E,Thune Statement on STB Action to Increase Transparency in Rail Industry,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Surface Transportation Board (STB) published its final rule on performance data and metrics reporting requirements for Class I railroads throughout the United States. The final STB rule makes permanent the interim weekly reporting requirements that have been in place since October 2014. The STB took action after a nationwide freight rail disruption in 2013 and 2014 severely impacted the ability of shippers to get their goods to markets around the country and world.  “Today’s decision by the STB is a win for farmers, fertilizer suppliers, and other rail shippers in South Dakota and around the United States,” said Thune. “These common-sense performance reporting requirements will bring greater transparency to the industry, which will in turn help everyone in the supply chain – from the producer all the way to the consumer. Greater transparency will also help identify future rail disruptions and mitigate any potential impact to the industry or the economy.”    In December 2015, Thune wrote to STB Chairman Daniel Elliott, STB Vice Chairman Ann Begeman, and STB Member Debra Miller to express his strong support for making these reporting requirements permanent. In August 2016, Elliott, Begeman, and Miller participated in a Thune-led Commerce Committee field hearing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to examine freight rail reform implementation. Thune authored a major rail reform package that was approved last year by the Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the nation’s freight rail industry, as well as the full Senate. Thune’s bill, the STB Reauthorization Act of 2015, was the first legislative reform of the agency since its creation and was signed into law in December 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5BF5BE14-D9FC-4B90-9F50-D703518ABDED,Thune: A Lot of Work Yet to Do,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the long list of accomplishments during the 114th Congress under Republican leadership. The Republican majority worked hard to pass a balanced budget, a major energy bill, a multi-year transportation bill, a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, and an education reform bill, among many others. Thune also discussed the work that’s ahead for the 115th Congress: repealing and replacing Obamacare, immigration and tax reform, addressing the national debt, and finding solutions to various other issues impacting the American people. Thune’s remarks as prepared for delivery: “Mr. President, two years ago, the American people entrusted Republicans with the Senate majority. “At that time, things were in a bad way here in the Senate.  “Under Democrat control, the legislative process had almost ground to a halt. “Important bills weren’t getting passed. “And those that did get passed were frequently drafted behind closed doors, with Republicans and many rank-and-file Democrats shut out of the process. “Which, of course, means that the American people’s voices were frequently shut out. “When Republicans took control, we knew that getting the Senate working again had to be our first priority. “And that’s what we did. “We opened up debate, so senators from both parties could make their voices heard. “We started drafting legislation in committee again, so that bills were the result of discussion and compromise instead of being dictated by Democrat Party leaders. “And we got the Senate passing real, substantial legislation again. “A balanced budget. “Appropriations bills. “The first major energy bill since the Bush administration. “The first significant education reform since 2002. “I’m particularly proud of two bills that the committee I chair – the Commerce Committee – worked on: a Federal Aviation Administration bill with major airport security provisions, and the first long-term transportation bill since 2005. “The terrorist attacks in Brussels and Istanbul that occurred this year broadcast airport security challenges – particularly the soft target offered by large crowds in unsecured airport areas. “Those were problems that we’d been working on at the Commerce Committee for months before the attacks, and in July we passed an FAA bill that addresses them, and more. “The bill we passed requires the TSA to look at ways to improve security checkpoints to make the passenger screening process more efficient and effective. “And it significantly increases the security presence in unsecured areas of airports. “It also improves vetting of airport employees to address the insider terrorist threat – the risk that an airport employee would give a terrorist access to secure areas. “The Senate passed this bill in July, and the president signed it into law a couple days later. “I’m proud of this law, which is the kind of substantial legislation we should be passing for the American people. “I’m also proud of the transportation bill we passed, part of which came out of my committee. “When Congress fails to provide certainty about the way transportation funding will be allocated, states and local governments are left without the certainty they need to authorize projects or make long-term plans. “Important investments in infrastructure that support the economy are shelved. “And jobs that depend on transportation are put in jeopardy. “The transportation bill we passed changes all that. “It reauthorizes transportation programs for the long term and provides five years of guaranteed funding. “That means states and local governments will have the certainty they need to invest in big transportation projects and the jobs they create. “And that in turn means a stronger economy and a more reliable, safe, and effective transportation system. “Mr. President, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish over the past two years. “But there’s a lot left to be done. “Some of the most important measures we passed in the 114th Congress went nowhere thanks to opposition from Democrats and the White House: “An Obamacare repeal. “Legislation to overturn some of the Obama administration’s most burdensome regulations. “Legislation to address the dangerous problem of so-called sanctuary cities, which refuse to work with federal immigration officials to deport illegal immigrants convicted of crimes. “I’m hopeful that with a Republican president, we’ll be able to address these issues, and many more, in the 115th Congress. “Republicans have big plans for the 115th. “If there’s one thing that this election made clear, it’s that the Obama economy is not working for American families. “And Republicans are committed to fixing that. “Growing our economy is going to be our number-one priority next Congress. “There are a number of things we can do to get our economy healthy again. “We can reform our tax code, to reduce the burden on American families and businesses. “Right now, our nation has the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world. “More and more, American companies are focusing their business operations overseas because the tax situation is so much better abroad. “And that means that American jobs are going overseas with them. “We have lost our competitive edge in an increasingly global economy. “Instead of pushing corporations out of the country, we should bring our nation’s corporate tax rate in line with those of other countries to keep more jobs here in the United States.  “Another big thing we can do is repeal some of the burdensome government regulations that are weighing down businesses. “While some government regulations are necessary, every administration has to remember that regulations have consequences. “The more resources individuals and businesses spend complying with unnecessary government regulations, the less they have to focus on the growth and innovation that drive our economy and create new opportunities for workers. “The overregulation of the last eight years has left businesses with few resources to dedicate to growing and creating jobs. “Another thing we need to do is address our national debt, which has nearly doubled over the past eight years. “All that debt is a drag on the economy. “It slows growth and reduces economic opportunity. “It’s time to get our government back on a budget. “Another way we can help lift the burden on American families is by repealing and replacing Obamacare. “I don’t need to tell anyone that the president’s health care law is broken. “The promise of lower premiums and affordable health care has given way to the reality of giant premium increases and massive deductibles. “A Gallup poll released yesterday found that 80 percent of Americans want major changes to Obamacare or want the law repealed and replaced.  “It’s time to give the American people health care reform that actually works. “Another priority for the 115th Congress will be national security. “Americans are rightfully worried about the threat posed by terrorist groups like ISIS, which has spread violence and devastation not only in the Middle East but across Europe and beyond.  “Republicans are committed to defeating ISIS abroad and keeping Americans safe here at home. “We’re also committed to keeping Americans safe by securing our borders. “We must have secure borders and policies that encourage legal immigration while discouraging illegal immigration.  “Then there are the other priorities we need to address: “Confirming a Supreme Court nominee who will judge based on the law and the Constitution. “Protecting religious liberty. “And more. “Mr. President, Republicans are aware of the trust the American people have placed in us. “And we are committed to earning it. “We’re going to spend the 115th Congress fighting for Americans’ priorities. “We have a real chance to get things done in the next Congress, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the challenges facing our nation.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F0BE40A6-2C32-4CCF-9592-B9CBDAB70328,Senate Sends Thunes Bipartisan Legislation That Protects Consumer Reviews to President,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will outlaw the use of “gag clauses” in non-negotiable form contracts. Some businesses have attracted national scrutiny for using gag clauses to punish or silence honest criticism of products and services. Thune was the lead sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, and the final version now heads to the president for his signature. “By ending gag clauses, this legislation supports consumer rights and the integrity of critical feedback about products and services sold online,” said Thune. “I appreciate the bipartisan efforts of my Senate and House colleagues to get this legislation over the finish line.”The Commerce Committee held a hearing on gag clauses on November 4, 2015, featuring testimony from Ms. Jen Palmer, a plaintiff in Palmer v. KlearGear, where a company demanded the removal of a negative online review or payment of $3,500 in fines because the online merchant’s terms of service included a non-disparagement clause. When the review was not taken down, the company reported the unpaid $3,500 to a credit reporting agency as an outstanding debt, which negatively impacted the Palmers’ credit. Thune and U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced S. 2044, the Consumer Review Freedom Act, in September 2015, and the Senate passed the measure unanimously last year. The Senate today approved the companion House version, H.R. 5111, introduced by U.S. Reps. Lance Leonard (R-N.J.) and Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.) earlier this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=590814D3-49D5-49F5-AF0B-1649A3A273FF,Delegation Disappointed by Secretary McDonald's Decision to Decline Hot Springs VA Tour and Meeting,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) wrote to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to express their disappointment and concern over McDonald’s decision to decline a December 2, 2016, tour and meeting at the Hot Springs VA. McDonald will instead travel to the facility on November 30, 2016, a day on which the VA knows Congress will be session, thus preventing Thune, Rounds, and Noem from joining him on that day. By declining the December 2 meeting, McDonald is not fulfilling his commitment to tour the facility with the delegation prior to making his decision on whether or not to shutter the Hot Springs VA. “Given the magnitude of the changes the VA’s proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama’s administration,” the delegation wrote. “The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action. Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law.” On November 10, 2016, the VA issued its final environmental impact statement on the Black Hills Health Care system, the last formal procedural step prior to McDonald having to make a final decision on the facility’s future. Full text of the letter is below, and a PDF of the letter that was sent to McDonald can be found here.  The Honorable Robert McDonald Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary McDonald: We write to express our extreme disappointment and concern that you are not fulfilling your commitment to join the South Dakota delegation in touring the Hot Springs hospital campus prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed consolidation of the Black Hills Health Care System. In our discussions with you dating back to before your confirmation as the eighth Secretary of Veterans Affairs, we have made clear our expectation that our veterans be given fair and open consideration in this matter. However, in the nearly five years since the VA first made public its desire to consolidate the Black Hills Health Care System, the process has not been sufficiently transparent or responsive to criticisms from veteran stakeholders. Failure to hold a constructive discussion about the Hot Springs campus with the South Dakota congressional delegation and veteran stakeholders, to include addressing the continued discrepancies in the VA’s analysis, prior to issuing a final decision will all but confirm that a reduction in services at the Hot Springs VA has been a pre-determined outcome throughout this process. We are confident that the long-sought visit to the historic Hot Springs VA campus will be most productive if it includes meaningful engagement with the veteran community and the presence of the South Dakota delegation.   Given the magnitude of the changes the VA’s proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama’s administration. The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action. Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. Thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C2651E76-5E18-4F59-840D-D1515BC5DE1C,Weekly Column: Lead Now,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem My grandma gave me one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received, which I’d venture to guess is typical for almost everyone.  When I was about to become a new mom, she told me, “As a parent, you’re going to have to say no to a lot of things. Say yes as often as you can.”  So, when my kids wanted to race to the end of the driveway, we did.  When they wanted to play in the mud, we did.  When they wanted to play basketball outside a little past their bedtimes, we laced up our shoes and hit the pavement.  We said yes as often as we could, and 22-plus years later, my grandma’s advice has become a deep-rooted philosophy, not just for parenting, but for leadership. This November, I held my third annual Lead Now Youth Conference.  Among the lessons shared with the 220 attendees was the idea that young people ought to say yes as leadership opportunities come their way.  It’s easy to discount yourself as “too young for the job” or “too inexperienced,” but I encouraged them to try anyway.  Say yes and see where it goes. Liz Ferro, founder of the non-profit Girls with Sole, shared a similar message, explaining that despite her tough upbringing she pushed past obstacles, said yes to opportunities, and set her sights on something bigger.  The result? Liz has completed over 60 marathons (at least one in every state), finished five Ironman Triathlons, and started an organization aimed at instilling strength, self-confidence, and pride in young women across the country. As author Steven J. Stowell wrote, however, “Great leaders find ways to connect with their people and help them fulfill their potential.”  Maybe no one in the business understands this more than SDSU head football coach John Stiegelmeier, who has built strong teams for 20 seasons running.  Coach Stig shared his understanding of teamwork and what’s needed to produce a winning team – whether on the field or in the classroom. Representatives from Google and The New Colossus, a Sioux Falls-based group dedicated to preventing human trafficking, were also on hand to give students tangible ways to lead among their peer groups today.  After all, it’s not your position in life that matters most.  It’s the choices you make to do what matters that creates true change and happiness.  Our final presenter, motivational speaker V.J. Smith, focused in on this lesson.  He told the story of a Walmart employee in Brookings named Marty.  Marty might not have sat on the top of the corporate ladder, but he was a leader in his own right.  Through gratitude, compassion, and positive thinking, Marty inspired those around him and eventually the world.  It’s an example all of us would benefit from following. I get excited looking around South Dakota and seeing the boundless potential housed within our young people.  As adults, we have a responsibility to empower our kids to step up and be leaders right where they are.  After all, those who are seizing opportunities in the classroom today will be more comfortable with their ability to seize opportunities for South Dakota tomorrow.  That’s something to which we should all say yes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-disappointed-by-secretary-mcdonalds-decision-to-decline-hot-springs-va-tour-and-meeting,Delegation Disappointed by Secretary McDonalds Decision to Decline Hot Springs VA Tour and Meeting,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.23.16 Delegation Disappointed by Secretary McDonald's Decision to Decline Hot Springs VA Tour and Meeting WASHINGTONU.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, and John Thune (R-S.D.), and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) wrote to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to express their disappointment and concern over McDonald's decision to decline a December 2, 2016, tour and meeting at the Hot Springs VA. McDonald will instead travel to the facility on November 30, 2016, a day on which the VA knows Congress will be session, thus preventing Thune, Rounds, and Noem from joining him on that day. By declining the December 2 meeting, McDonald is not fulfilling his commitment to tour the facility with the delegation prior to making his decision on whether or not to shutter the Hot Springs VA. Given the magnitude of the changes the VA's proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama's administration,the delegation wrote. The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action.Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. On November 10, 2016, the VAissuedits final environmental impact statement on the Black Hills Health Care system, the last formal procedural step prior to McDonald having to make a final decision on the facility's future. Full text of the letter is below, and a PDF of the letter that was sent to McDonald can be foundhere. The Honorable Robert McDonald Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary McDonald: We write to express our extreme disappointment and concern that you are not fulfilling your commitment to join the South Dakota delegation in touring the Hot Springs hospital campus prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed consolidation of the Black Hills Health Care System. In our discussions with you dating back to before your confirmation as the eighth Secretary of Veterans Affairs, we have made clear our expectation that our veterans be given fair and open consideration in this matter.However, in the nearly five years since the VA first made public its desire to consolidate the Black Hills Health Care System, the process has not been sufficiently transparent or responsive to criticisms from veteran stakeholders.Failure to hold a constructive discussion about the Hot Springs campus with the South Dakota congressional delegation and veteran stakeholders, to include addressing the continued discrepancies in the VA's analysis, prior to issuing a final decision will all but confirm that a reduction in services at the Hot Springs VA has been a pre-determined outcome throughout this process.We are confident that the long-sought visit to the historic Hot Springs VA campus will be most productive if it includes meaningful engagement with the veteran community and the presence of the South Dakota delegation. Given the magnitude of the changes the VA's proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama's administration.The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action.Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. Thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter. Sincerely, ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=2623F5F0-B5B2-4334-BEA3-C2B86F7EFE05,Shopping Small Can Have a Big Impact,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune Nearly everyone in America is familiar with Black Friday. It’s the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, and with it often comes an early morning, long lines, and, depending on what you’re looking for, some pretty good deals. Black Friday is nearly synonymous with the big-box retailers that are able to stock their shelves and warehouses and offer the large and well-publicized deals we’re used to seeing on commercials between our favorite TV shows. Not only are shoppers happy with Black Friday deals, but the sales are a boon to the economy, and they help sustain a seasonal workforce who depends on the paycheck.   While Black Friday has cemented its place in American shopping history, it’s the Saturday after Thanksgiving that’s quickly gaining its own notoriety. “Small Business Saturday,” as it’s become known, is a nationwide movement that encourages shoppers who brave the long and sometimes fiercely competitive lines on Black Friday to add Main Street’s small businesses to their holiday shopping routine as well. You don’t have to look far in South Dakota to find a small business since there are more than 80,000 of them across the state. You likely know someone who works at a small business, or perhaps you work at one yourself. Small businesses represent 96 percent of all businesses in South Dakota, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, and they employ nearly 60 percent of our workforce. It would be an understatement to say small businesses are the backbone of South Dakota’s economy.   South Dakota is full of success stories, and if you’ve ever visited downtown Sioux Falls, I’m sure you’re familiar with one: Chef Chris Hanmer’s CH Patisserie. Chris, who is one of America’s top pastry chefs, opened his shop in 2013, and it’s quickly grown into a must-stop location in Sioux Falls. I’d challenge you to eat only one of his famous macarons – one is never enough. Chris and other small business owners like him not only have successful brick and mortar stores, but they’re also using the power of the Internet to connect with shoppers in other parts of the state and country and grow their business along the way.   Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to get out and support the local small businesses that are often the first ones to give back and support the communities in which they serve. For many entrepreneurs, to build a successful small business is to build a part of their community. We should celebrate their contributions on this Small Business Saturday and continue to support them every month of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5AF9D4F8-752E-4A41-B4D3-5CDF1F904100,Delegation Disappointed by Secretary McDonalds Decision to Decline Hot Springs VA Tour and Meeting,2016-11-23,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) wrote to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald to express their disappointment and concern over McDonald’s decision to decline a December 2, 2016, tour and meeting at the Hot Springs VA. McDonald will instead travel to the facility on November 30, 2016, a day on which the VA knows Congress will be session, thus preventing Thune, Rounds, and Noem from joining him on that day. By declining the December 2 meeting, McDonald is not fulfilling his commitment to tour the facility with the delegation prior to making his decision on whether or not to shutter the Hot Springs VA. “Given the magnitude of the changes the VA’s proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama’s administration,” the delegation wrote. “The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action. Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law.” On November 10, 2016, the VA issued its final environmental impact statement on the Black Hills Health Care system, the last formal procedural step prior to McDonald having to make a final decision on the facility’s future. Full text of the letter is below, and a PDF of the letter that was sent to McDonald can be found here. The Honorable Robert McDonald Secretary of Veterans Affairs Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20420 Dear Secretary McDonald: We write to express our extreme disappointment and concern that you are not fulfilling your commitment to join the South Dakota delegation in touring the Hot Springs hospital campus prior to making a final decision regarding the proposed consolidation of the Black Hills Health Care System. In our discussions with you dating back to before your confirmation as the eighth Secretary of Veterans Affairs, we have made clear our expectation that our veterans be given fair and open consideration in this matter. However, in the nearly five years since the VA first made public its desire to consolidate the Black Hills Health Care System, the process has not been sufficiently transparent or responsive to criticisms from veteran stakeholders. Failure to hold a constructive discussion about the Hot Springs campus with the South Dakota congressional delegation and veteran stakeholders, to include addressing the continued discrepancies in the VA’s analysis, prior to issuing a final decision will all but confirm that a reduction in services at the Hot Springs VA has been a pre-determined outcome throughout this process. We are confident that the long-sought visit to the historic Hot Springs VA campus will be most productive if it includes meaningful engagement with the veteran community and the presence of the South Dakota delegation.   Given the magnitude of the changes the VA’s proposed consolidation would have on veteran care, we request that you not hastily issue a final decision in the waning days of President Obama’s administration. The uncertainty and distrust this process has sown in the veteran community can only be remedied by thoughtful and studied action. Furthermore, we also maintain that any reconfiguration sought by the VA should be made within the construct of a national realignment strategy for the Veterans Health Administration, as prescribed by law. Thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent and important matter. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thanksgiving-message-to-south-dakotans,Rounds' Thanksgiving Message to South Dakotans,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.22.16 Rounds' Thanksgiving Message to South Dakotans U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today released the following video to wish all South Dakotans a happy Thanksgiving holiday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRs4cZ7StLM ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=54F38F7A-CBA9-4692-9088-15CCBD6B4CED,Weekly Column: Active Gratitude,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem On Veterans Day this year, I attended the activation ceremony for the 153rd Engineer Battalion of the South Dakota National Guard, as more than 150 soldiers from Huron and Parkston prepared to deploy to Kuwait for the next year.  The work they will be doing is critical, but it’s still sobering to think of the empty chair that will be at the Thanksgiving table this year and the slightly more solemn Christmas to come soon after.  The simple act of saying “thank you for you and your family’s service” hardly seems to capture the depth of gratitude a person feels. I have always believed, and have always tried to teach my kids, that gratitude is more than a series of words.  Gratitude is active; something you show; something you share with others.  I know I’m not alone in this belief.  It’s a value most South Dakotans share. Just this month, a new federal report found that South Dakota ranks fourth in the nation for volunteering – one way we can perhaps measure gratitude in action.  While around 25 percent of Americans volunteer, more than 1 in 3 South Dakotans do – and that number is actually on the rise even as volunteering becomes less popular nationwide.  All in all, South Dakotans offered 23.26 million hours of service in 2015.  Of course, there are countless informal ways to practice active gratitude as well.  Sit down and play cards with someone who might be having a tough time this holiday season.  Drop dinner off at the home of a military family in your community.  Be a little more patient with your children or a little more helpful to your parents.  They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, which is just about the same length as the holiday season.  I encourage you to use this Thanksgiving as the start of a 21-day challenge to make active gratitude an even bigger part of your life.  Just imagine how much could change if we all committed ourselves to showing our appreciation a little bit more. On behalf of my entire family, I wish you a safe – and filling – Thanksgiving.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=23B72D0C-3FC5-4E77-8734-9AE195E9CECA,Celebrating the Generosity of Our Native People,2016-11-18,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune When Thanksgiving approaches each year, I’m reminded of the kindness and generosity Native Americans extended to the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock nearly 400 years ago. With the help of Native Americans, Pilgrims learned how to cultivate corn, where to hunt and fish, how to extract sap from maple trees, and many other skills that helped these early settlers survive and prosper.   While each tribe has its own unique set of customs, traditions, and language, it seems like the common thread among tribes is an enormous sense of generosity. In South Dakota, the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people have taught us that family should be at the center of life, relationships are more precious than any material gain, and standing up for what we believe in is an important quality in life.   While South Dakota is one of the few states that celebrates Native American Day rather than Columbus Day, I don’t think one day is enough to honor their contributions to our state and nation. That’s why I’m a proud cosponsor of a recently passed congressional resolution recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month. November is designated each year as the month to reflect on Native American sacrifices, contributions, history, and shaping of America. And as South Dakotans know, we have plenty of that to celebrate across the state. As South Dakotans, we have the unique opportunity to witness and learn firsthand about the authentic and rich cultures of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota ways. Attending a powwow or visiting a tribal community are great examples. Some of the earliest tribal traditions of song and dance are displayed throughout the state, and memorials like the Crazy Horse monument will forever remind us of the legacy of the courageous Lakota warrior. Just recently, Dignity, a breathtaking statue of a Native American woman with a starquilt draped over her shoulders, was unveiled, and according to the sculptor, it’s a tribute to “the pride and strength and durability of the native cultures.” And the Lakota Nation Invitational — where sports fans have gathered to see some of our best Native youth display their incredible athletic talent for more than 40 years — is a favorite event of mine. I hope all South Dakotans take time this November to reflect on the numerous contributions Native Americans have made to the rich heritage of our state. We have a lot to celebrate, so be sure to get out there and take advantage of these opportunities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=265C022E-D3FE-4682-8633-D6D454FABFD7,"Thune, Young Applaud Senate Passage of Bill to Improve Veterans Crisis Line",2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. David Young (R-Iowa) applauded the Senate’s passage of the No Veterans Crisis Line Call Should Go Unanswered Act, legislation first introduced in the House of Representatives earlier this year. The bill seeks to address shortcomings in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) that were identified by the VA Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent and now heads to the president for his signature. “The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical lifeline for the military men and women who return home from combat, oftentimes having to cope with the invisible wounds of war,” said Thune. “When our heroes need someone to reach out to, the least we can do is ensure there’s someone available to answer their call. I want to thank Rep. Young for his leadership on this issue, and I look forward to the president signing our bill without delay.” “Our veterans make tremendous sacrifices in defense of our freedoms and liberties, and when a veteran is in crisis, they deserve our full support, no exceptions,” said Young. “Problems with the Veterans Crisis Line are simply unacceptable, and this legislation seeks to fix this critical mental health tool, to support our returning heroes. I appreciate the unanimous support this legislation has received from my colleagues in both the House and the Senate, and I hope upon reaching the president’s desk, this bill will be quickly signed into law.” The Young-Thune bill would improve the VCL by developing a documented process that would improve its responsiveness and performance. The bill would also require the VA to develop a plan that would ensure every phone call, text message, email, or other form of communication received by the VCL and its backup centers is answered by a live person. In July 2007, the VA’s Suicide Prevention Program started the VCL as a telephone suicide crisis hotline for veterans, families of veterans, and military personnel. The VA’s goal is to answer 90 percent of VCL calls within 30 seconds. However, a recent GAO report found that during a five-month review in fiscal year 2015, some calls weren’t routed to VCL backup call centers until after 60 seconds. A secret GAO review also found the VCL’s text messaging services left more than 25 percent of text messages without a response.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3CDD02D-BA90-41F9-9C79-503CC229D3CB,Thune Statement on Re-Election to Senate Republican Leadership,2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after being re-elected chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. As Conference chairman, which is the third-ranking Republican leadership post in the Senate, Thune is responsible for creating and implementing the communications strategy for the Republican Conference.   “I’m honored my colleagues re-elected me to serve as chair of the Senate Republican Conference,” said Thune. “The Republican-led Congress will work with President-elect Trump and our colleagues across the aisle to continue the work we began two years ago to improve Americans’ economic security and protect our nation. We have a lot of work to do, and we look forward to bringing our country together to address the big challenges we face.” U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) were elected Republican leader, Republican whip, Republican Policy Committee chairman, Republican Conference vice chairman, and National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman, respectively.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F9FFCDDF-C34F-4973-BCB0-E2156F186C3F,SD delegation hopes to kick WOTUS to the curb,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"The rule has long drawn the ire of South Dakota's Republican congressional delegation, who all spoke out against the rule during an August forum at Dakotafest in Mitchell. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the rule is meant to define and protect tributaries from health hazards, but some see WOTUS as federal overreach. ""The WOTUS rule could become one of the largest federal land grabs in U.S. history,"" said Noem in the statement. ""We are actively working on the legislative front to strike down WOTUS, pushing forward in the face of vetoes and continued opposition from President Obama."" In the brief, Noem and 79 other members of Congress claim the WOTUS rule expands federal jurisdiction over land and water. Despite these claims, the EPA has argued the rule does not have the effect on farmers and ranchers some legislators would have their constituents believe. The EPA says the rule would not give federal agencies greater power over water on farms and ranches, would not bring all ditches on farms under federal jurisdiction and does not apply to wet area on fields. But Noem argued Tuesday the rule must be withdrawn. ""Still, we are exploring all options and with this brief, we make our views very clear to the courts: This rule goes too far and by no means follows congressional intent,"" Noem said. Tuesday's announcement from Noem was the first news release issued by her office since she publicized her campaign to replace term-limited Gov. Dennis Daugaard.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=14A0336A-6FDE-48DC-B52F-775C3FDCB9D4,"Noem, Schakowsky Lead House in Passing the Women, Peace and Security Act",2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today led the House in passing H.R.5332, the Women, Peace, and Security Act.  This bipartisan legislation would require the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to increase and strengthen women’s participation in peace negotiations and conflict prevention globally as well as ensure accountability to Congress. “We live in an extremely volatile and dangerous world where peace negotiations are ongoing in multiple regions,” said Noem.  “Women have proven to be influential forces in producing lasting peace within a community, yet are often underrepresented when it comes to conflict prevention and resolution.  With this legislation in place, we can be assured that women will have a meaningful seat at the table.  I’m hopeful these reforms, as well as the long-term thinking and accountability this legislation requires, will help produce more sustainable outcomes during future conflict resolution and peace negotiation processes.” “When women are involved in the peace process, negotiations are more likely to end in a lasting agreement. That's the simple and powerful idea behind this legislation,” said Schakowsky. “Across time and around the world, women have been uniquely and disproportionately affected by armed conflict. This legislation will ensure that women now have a meaningful role in peace building, conflict resolution, and conflict prevention. The United States plays a crucial role in promoting peace all over the world. By making women’s participation in the peace process a national priority, we will improve national and global security."" Research shows that peace agreements are 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years when women are involved.  The Women, Peace and Security Act would – for the first time – establish women’s participation as a permanent element of U.S. foreign policy under Congressional oversight. Reps. Noem and Schakowsky introduced H.R.5332 in May 2016 alongside cosponsors House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY).  Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=5E36F827-AC9A-4C42-B4E9-CACD41E5E47E,Noem Joins Congressional Colleagues to File Amicus Brief in WOTUS Case,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem joined an effort of more than 80 Members of Congress, including Senators Rounds and Thune, in filing an amicus brief with the Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals regarding the controversial Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.  The Appellate Court is currently adjudicating the rule’s constitutionality and has put a temporary suspension on the rule until further determinations can be made.  In the brief, the congressional members argue that the EPA’s rule expands federal jurisdiction over land and water beyond the restraints set by the Supreme Court in SWANCC v U.S. Army Corps, that Congress has the sole right to make law, and that the agencies involved have failed in their responsibility to “faithfully” execute the laws set by Congress. To view a copy of the brief, click here. “The WOTUS rule could become one of the largest federal land grabs in U.S. history,” said Noem.  “We are actively working on the legislative front to strike down WOTUS, pushing forward in the face of vetoes and continued opposition from President Obama.  Still, we are exploring all options and with this brief, we make our views very clear to the Courts: This rule goes too far and by no means follows congressional intent.  The WOTUS rule must be withdrawn.” This is not the first time Noem has weighed into the WOTUS debate.  In January 2016, Rep. Noem joined the House in passing legislation to block the WOTUS rule.  The legislation was also passed by the Senate, but vetoed by the President. Additionally, in May 2014, Rep. Noem joined 231 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle on a letter urging the EPA and the Secretary of the Army to withdraw the proposed rule.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-office-offers-limited-number-of-inauguration-tickets-to-south-dakotans,Rounds' Office Offers Limited Number of Inauguration Tickets to South Dakotans,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.15.16 Rounds' Office Offers Limited Number of Inauguration Tickets to South Dakotans Free tickets available to South Dakota residents on first-come, first-served basis U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that his office will offer tickets to the 58th Presidential Inauguration to South Dakota residents on a first-come, first-served basis. On Friday, January 20, 2017, President-elect Donald J. Trump will be sworn in as president on the West Front Lawn of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Each Congressional office receives a limited number of inauguration tickets to distribute to constituents free of charge. South Dakotans interested in attending inauguration can request a ticket by visiting www.rounds.senate.gov/inauguration-ticket-request. The deadline to submit ticket requests is Friday, December 16, 2016. South Dakotans selected to receive tickets will be contacted by Rounds' office with detailed pick-up information. Please note that due to the limited number of tickets available, ticket requests will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that all ticket requests will be fulfilled. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=790B9D48-4393-4CB0-82FA-344568CD4F18,A Deployment Ceremony On Veterans Day,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KDLT In Huron Friday, more than 150 service men and women with the 153rd Engineer Battalion and their families came together for a deployment ceremony. LTC Trent Bruce said it was significant to hold the event on Veterans Day. ""Veterans Day is an important day for anyone that wears the uniform and for those that are going to be deploying, it does add something to that for their families,” said LTC Bruce. For CPT Joshua Lien, this will be his third deployment. The father of six boys said he believes his experience helps leaving home. ""I think it helps my family, they've done this before. They know how, kind of, all of this works,” said CPT Lien. His wife, Crystal, however, said it never gets easier. ""My boys and I are trying not think about it. We try not to talk about it, we try not to think about it just so we can get through it without doing the ugly cry,” said Lien, with a laugh. For families who don't know the feeling of a loved one’s deployment, Lien said it's a lot of mixed emotions. ""You're immensely proud, you're scared, you're lonely, you miss them, you're overwhelmed. But you're super proud so it's really hard to balance I'm so proud of them, I want to fall into a puddle of tears,” said Lien. PFC Nicholas Shields, 19, is going on his first deployment. He said he’s going into his first mission with a few goals in mind. ""Getting along with my new teammates and staying cool,” said PFC Shields. He said his family supports him “100 percent” and even offered some advice. ""They just say keep the sand out of your pants,” said PFC Shields. For Senator John Thune, he said they appreciated all service men and women, no matter how many deployments they’ve been on. ""Doing this on veterans day where we have the opportunity to connect the past with the present and this generation of soldiers who are going to answer the call to duty, I think, is especially fitting,” said Sen. Thune. Representative Kristi Noem said the sacrifices these service men and women and their families go through is invaluable. ""These families are leaving us and leaving their homes to go overseas and keep us safe so that we can all go to bed at night and know that we are going to be protected and safe,” said Rep. Noem. On what is a tough day for families, CPT Lien said the message of the day is felt by these troops. ""I think having a ceremony on Veterans Day means a lot to us,” said CPT Lien. The 153rd Engineer Battalion leaves for an eleven month deployment to Kuwait after the holidays. Some of their mission will include building roads and remodeling barracks on U.S. bases.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-critical-of-final-eis-for-hot-springs-va,Delegation Critical of Final EIS for Hot Springs VA,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.16 Delegation Critical of Final EIS for Hot Springs VA WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, and John Thune (R-S.D.), and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today issued the following statements regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) final environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Black Hills Health Care System and the veterans facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Any decision on whether or not to close the Hot Springs facility based on the results of the VA's EIS will be determined by VA Secretary Robert McDonald. I do have concerns about the final EIS released by the VA this morning,said Rounds.While we continue to conduct a thorough review of the EIS, we will also continue working closely with all stakeholders and the VA to make certain any final decision is in the best interest of South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community. My primary concern, as it has been since the VA released its initial proposal, remains what is best for serving the needs of South Dakota veterans, said Thune. It is disappointing that the VA has continued to pursue a pre-determined outcome despite significant opposition from our veterans, who have sought the care they have selflessly earned in Hot Springs for over 100 years. Secretary McDonald has given his word to visit the campus before a final decision is made, and I remain committed to supporting an outcome that best serves all of our veterans. We have a responsibility, not only to serve our veterans, but to listen to them, said Noem. South Dakota's veterans have made clear how important it is to them that services at the Hot Springs VA Hospital continue. Still, this administration has incrementally depleted the services offered and pushed forward a seemingly pre-determined plan to close the facility altogether.Now is not the time to close the doors and tell our veterans to find help elsewhere.This is a special place, which is why I'm once again renewing my call to Secretary McDonald to visit Hot Springs before any final decisions are made. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-offers-commemorative-lapel-pins-to-vietnam-era-veterans-,Rounds Offers Commemorative Lapel Pins to Vietnam-Era Veterans,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.10.16 Rounds Offers Commemorative Lapel Pins to Vietnam-Era Veterans PIERREU.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, announced today that his office is participating in a program to give Vietnam-era veterans a commemorative lapel pin to honor and thank them for their service to our country. The Department of Defense conducts a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War by naming Commemorative Partners, such as Rounds, to distribute lapel pins to Vietnam veterans. South Dakota is home to nearly 22,000 Vietnam-era veterans who selflessly and bravely served our country, said Rounds. It is a privilege for me to be able to honor their service and sacrifice by distributing pins to veterans of the Vietnam War. Each pin we distribute represents the thanks of a grateful nation to all who served. Living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, are eligible to receive a lapel pin, and they will be distributed through Veterans Day 2025. Rounds or his staff will present pins to veterans at events scheduled based on requests. Veterans or their families can request a pin by visiting www.rounds.senate.gov/vietnam-veteran-lapel-pinor by calling one of Rounds' state offices to be sent a request form. For questions about this program, please contact Rebecca Herman at (605) 224-1450. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AF18C475-24CA-48B9-ACE1-BB26457B5EA0,Delegation Critical of Final EIS for Hot Springs VA,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today issued the following statements regarding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) final environmental impact statement (EIS) on the Black Hills Health Care System and the veterans facility in Hot Springs, South Dakota. Any decision on whether or not to close the Hot Springs facility based on the results of the VA’s EIS will be determined by VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “My primary concern, as it has been since the VA released its initial proposal, remains what is best for serving the needs of South Dakota veterans,” said Thune. “It is disappointing that the VA has continued to pursue a pre-determined outcome despite significant opposition from our veterans, who have sought the care they have selflessly earned in Hot Springs for over 100 years. Secretary McDonald has given his word to visit the campus before a final decision is made, and I remain committed to supporting an outcome that best serves all of our veterans.” “I do have concerns about the final EIS released by the VA this morning,” said Rounds. “While we continue to conduct a thorough review of the EIS, we will also continue working closely with all stakeholders and the VA to make certain any final decision is in the best interest of South Dakota veterans and the Hot Springs community.” “We have a responsibility, not only to serve our veterans, but to listen to them,” said Noem. “South Dakota’s veterans have made clear how important it is to them that services at the Hot Springs VA Hospital continue. Still, this administration has incrementally depleted the services offered and pushed forward a seemingly pre-determined plan to close the facility altogether. Now is not the time to close the doors and tell our veterans to find help elsewhere. This is a special place, which is why I’m once again renewing my call to Secretary McDonald to visit Hot Springs before any final decisions are made.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=6C41EA10-C505-4146-A147-37024713A2B3,Saluting Those Who Have Served,2016-11-09,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune On Veterans Day in 1988, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. After the president delivered his remarks, he left a handwritten note at the memorial’s edge addressed to “our young friends.” The note read, in part, “You fought for your country and for its safety and for the freedom of others with strength and courage. We love you for it. We honor you.” President Reagan’s words captured the moment, as they often did, but his message transcends time.   America had seen conflict before the Vietnam War, and as we all know, it’s seen conflict since then, too. My dad served in the Navy during World War II on the USS Intrepid. As a young Navy pilot, he flew important missions that helped protect U.S. service members and advance the cause of freedom in the Pacific theater. I’ve long believed that while “The Greatest Generation” is an honor every one of those brave men and women deserve, my dad included, it almost seems insufficient when you begin to fully understand the sacrifice they’ve made. South Dakota is home to more than 70,000 veterans, and I appreciate hearing from them as I travel across the state because the issues they face are real, and they’re often unique to those who’ve served. I take their concerns seriously, as does my staff, of which several have also served their country in uniform. And as an elected official, I consider it a top priority to ensure the men and women returning home from war receive all of the benefits and care they deserve.    It’s no secret that the scars of war are not only physical, but they’re emotional, too. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 20 veterans take their own lives each day due, in part, to the invisible wounds with which they cope after returning home from combat. That’s more than 7,000 soldiers whose lives are lost each year to suicide – more deaths than the United States suffered during the entirety of our battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. We have to reverse this trend and work harder to fulfill our commitment to our veterans. In the Senate, I’ve introduced legislation that would improve the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, which can be a critical lifeline for veterans who want and need to speak directly with someone who understands what they’re going through. Part of fulfilling our commitment to veterans means fixing this system so when they call, someone is there to answer. As Americans, we’re blessed with innumerable opportunities throughout the year to celebrate with friends, family, and our communities. Veterans Day is a special time on which we all can reflect, because without the sacrifice of America’s veterans – the bravest and most noble among us – the United States wouldn’t look the same. Happy Veterans Day, America, and thank you to all who’ve served.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9DACCCC0-AF43-4DC8-8B58-42AC660669B4,Thune Statement on 2016 Elections,2016-11-09,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SIOUX FALLS, S.D. —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement on the 2016 elections: “Congratulations to President-elect Trump for his election to serve as president of this great country. The American people have cast their votes and elected Republicans to the majority in the Senate for another two years. The Republican-led Senate is committed to continuing the work we began two years ago to make government more effective and accountable. We will continue to advance policies that promote job growth and opportunities for all, and protect our nation's security. We look forward to working with President-elect Trump and our colleagues in Congress to address the critical issues facing our country.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E6599AA-BC27-4B75-92F4-3E83CD1B344C,Weekly Column: Honoring Veterans and the Caregivers Supporting Them,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem A woman reached out to our office recently.  Her husband, a veteran now, was a medic in the Iraq War. While he’s returned home, she told us “it really is like he never came back.” He, like as many as one in five Iraq War veterans, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. For thousands, the battle does not end when the deployment does.  There are scars – both seen and unseen – that remain.  For this South Dakota family, PTSD has shown itself through fits of rage and occasionally a disconnect between the veteran and his children.  While the family knew he needed mental health support, it was admittedly difficult to recognize the slow-striking signs of PTSD right away. Eventually, the family found Coaching into Care, a resource provided by the Veterans Administration (VA).  Through this program, they were connected with others who could understand the burdens of war and the difficult-to-discuss challenge of being a caregiver. Additionally, veterans and their caregivers can be introduced to licensed therapists and social workers who could provide professional help. Offering this support to both veterans and caregivers in this way is critical. Over five million people serve as caregivers for veteran family members, and in doing so, they answer their own call to service.  It’s a tough job, but there is support out there.  In addition to the Coaching into Care program, the VA has set up a special Caregiver Support Line, which can be reached by calling 1-855-260-3274.  There is also help offered through the VA Family Caregiver Program. The woman we spoke to explained that her husband’s treatment has helped him a great deal, and she continues to advocate for more mental health research for military personnel.  But she emphasized that more than anything, she wants other veterans to recognize the signs of mental illness and know it is absolutely not a weakness or a fault.  With her goals in mind, I wanted to share a few of those signs today.  The VA identifies four types of symptoms. First, a veteran may relive a traumatic event or series of events.  This may show itself through nightmares, flashbacks, or after experiencing a sight, sound or smell that triggers them to feel the same fear or horror as when the event first occurred. Second, an individual may avoid situations that remind them of the event, such as crowded areas or driving.  Keeping busy or ducking help might also keep them from having to think or talk about the event. Third, you may see a change in the way a person thinks about themselves or others.  Perhaps they avoid relationships or start seeing the world as completely dangerous. Finally, a veteran may seem to be on the lookout for danger.  This symptom may show up in the form of difficulty sleeping or concentrating, anger and irritability, or an unusual jitteriness.  If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, I encourage you to seek help. If you don’t know where to turn, the VA has set up a crisis line.  To access it, call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255. Our freedom comes at a cost.  This month, as we observe both Veterans Day and Caregiver Appreciation Month, I encourage you to reach out to the families who have answered the call of duty.  They deserve our respect, support, and gratitude. To all of those who have fought and for the caregivers who support them today, I know I can never truly understand the depth of the experiences you have endured, but I pray for you always.  May God bless and protect you. Additional Note: If you or a family member would like support from Coaching into Care, as this family recieved, the agency can be reached toll free at 1-888-823-7458.  Their hours are Monday - Friday 7am to 7pm (CT).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=D1CF38CC-F088-4E74-8E9F-E3A50E61AE70,Theres Always More Work to Do,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune Growing up in a small town has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on who you ask. But if you ask me, my siblings, or my dad who still lives in the house we all grew up in, there’s nothing but upside. Growing up in small-town South Dakota helped shape who I am, and it laid the foundation for the opportunities I’ve had in my life. Sure, Murdo didn’t have shopping malls, amusement parks, or movie theaters, but that was part of what made it such a great place to grow up. It would be an understatement to say we lived small, but we always dreamed big. And if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Thanks to my mom and dad, my siblings and I learned to love reading, music, sports, and the great outdoors – we still do today. Attending a small school in a small town meant I had no trouble being in band and choir or making the basketball, track, or football teams. I was often able to participate in more than one club or sport at a time, which was a luxury the “big city kids” didn’t always have. Today, my three-point shot is still better than my singing voice, but I guess some things never change. The Midwest values I grew up with in South Dakota helped take me to Washington, D.C., because I did more than just believe in what my parents taught us, I lived by the principles they instilled in us – like hard work, loyalty and dedication to family, and giving back to the community in which you live. Being your senator is more than a job title for me. That’s why I take great pride in not only being the senator from South Dakota, but more importantly, the senator for South Dakota and the people who call it home. We’ve accomplished a lot of big things for South Dakota in the Senate over the last two years. As chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I led the way on critical rail reforms that will help address major backlogs like the one that squeezed South Dakota’s economy in 2013 and 2014. I played an integral role in getting the first long-term highway bill in nearly a decade to the president’s desk, which will help agriculture producers, shippers, and consumers. And as chairman, I wrote a comprehensive transportation security bill that will help protect air travelers in South Dakota and around the country. I could list more, but the only thing more important than what we’ve been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time is the significant work that lies ahead of us. As many South Dakotans can attest to, work never ends on the farm or on the ranch. It never ends in Washington either. The nation’s economy is weak, and it’s not growing fast or strong enough. The Obama administration’s takeover of the nation’s health care system is failing, and the tax code is complicated and outdated. There’s always more work to do, and I’m up for the challenge. As your senator, I will always fight hard in Washington because I’m inspired by how you continue to fight here in South Dakota for the values in which we all believe and share. You’re what makes South Dakota the greatest place to live, work, and raise a family. There’s no way around it.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=56FACCE8-05A5-4300-BFBA-246E1D26CAF5,Rep. Noem meets with ranch families affected by Cottonwood Fire,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"NewsCenter1 It's been almost three weeks since the Cottonwood Fire scorched more than 60 square miles of prairie east of Wall. The fire killed nearly three hundred head of cattle. In the aftermath, Governor Dennis Dauggard issued an emergency disaster declaration to help those affected in Jackson county. Thursday, South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem met with ranch families affected by the blaze. ""You know, I think one thing people don't realize is how this effects producers mentally. I spent my life raising cattle too, and you love your cattle. You take care of them, you take pride in your herd. And they watched them burn up and die. And some of them got injured to the point where they had to destroy them later,” said Rep. Kristi Noem (R). Falling beef prices have compounded the loss of livestock for ranch families. Saturday November 5, there's a benefit barbecue at the Philip Fire Hall. All funds raised through good-will donations will go to the Cottonwood Fire Rancher's Relief Fund.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=DA2339EE-0D2B-46A2-9C38-8ACD92DF6102,Rep. Noem offers support and advice for those affected by Cottonwood Fire,2016-11-03,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KEVN - Black Hills Fox The Cottonwood fire ravaged thousands of acres, and while the recovery has started, there is still a lot of work to do. Representative Kristi Noem sat down wth a number of individuals who lost cattle, pasture, hay, and fencing from the blaze. She heard some of the issues they are facing and also gave them advice on how do deal with the government while the recovery process continues. Rep. Kristi Noem says, ""I'm here today to meet with the families that were affected by the Cottonwood Fire that happened a little while ago, and really visit with them to see what kind of help they need. I know they're already aware of federal programs that can be helpful. Other groups such as the Stockgrowers, the Cattlemen have been very helpful in getting them assistance, but I want them to know that if they run into any problems, or have issues with any federal agencies that our office is here to help as well, and mainly to let them know that we're thinking about them, we're supporting them, and that we're a resource that they can call on."" Noem, who grew up on a farm says the fire not only resulted in a large monetary loss, but it left emotional holes, especially for those who lost cattle.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=8CEA10EF-BDB4-49D2-8CB9-5A736D3C6B0E,Noem pleased with Hot Springs veteran home,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"NewsCenter1 The Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veteran Home welcomed U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem on Nov 1. Noem had yet to see the facility since the new building was finished.  Noem actively checks how facilities in South Dakota function, and overall, Noem was pleased with how the Veteran Home serves residents.  ""When I was in the state legislature, we talked about having a facility like this, so to see it completed is wonderful. This is an amazing gift to South Dakota and to this community but also to our veterans. So I'm hopeful that it will be filled up soon and utilized, and this really is a big family. So it's a wonderful place for our veterans to come and spend their last few years together."" The Veterans Home can house up to 100 veterans. The facility is complete with a pharmacy, barber shop, and church. Noem ended her day by stopping by Wind Cave National Park to help the bison be recognized as the national mammal.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=F86B3060-71D7-4C38-838B-89E18FABF097,Wind Cave National Park hosts national mammal dedication Wind Cave National Park hosts national mammal dedication,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KOTA News The National Bison Legacy Act proclaims the North American Bison the National Mammal, but it was honored today at Wind Cave National Park. The ceremony celebrated the origin of Wind Cave National Park bison, and restoring bison to the western landscape. Washington representatives joined the InterTribal Buffalo Council and the National Buffalo Association to commemorate the dedication. U.S. Representative Kristi Noem shared her stories of raising buffalo as a young child, while Jim Stone of the InterTribal Buffalo Council shared the buffalo's connection to the Native American culture. Hot Springs high school provided a band for the event, and friends of the bison joined in fellowship over cake to conclude the day.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=47C09FA3-1DCD-400B-839C-5AE66696CEA0,South Dakota leaders react to new Clinton review,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KELO Radio One of the U.S. Senate's top Republicans, South Dakota's John Thune says he looks forward to learning more about the newly uncovered emails that caused the FBI to reopen the Hillary Clinton investigation. ""Hillary Clinton has an adversarial relationship with the truth, and I am glad the FBI is finally taking the appropriate steps to ensure justice is served. ” says Thune.  South Dakota U.S. Representative Kristi Noem (R) says that with significant questions remaining, further investigation is not only warranted, but required to restore public trust. The South Dakota Democratic Party reacts to this new October surprise, with just weeks to go before election day, by saying that FBI Director Comey is only acting out of an ""abundance of thoroughness and caution.""   Party Executive Director Suzanne Jones-Pranger says there is no evidence at this time to suggest that these new emails will change the FBI's original conclusion that cleared Clinton of any wrongdoing. South Dakota Republican Party Executive Director Ryan Budmayr says the new email review is just more confirmation that Hillary's policies are bad, but her judgements are worse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DD62156F-077C-485A-BE4F-C67798690EED,Weekly Column: In a Pinch,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem People are feeling pinched right now, caught between rising household costs and stagnant – or in some cases, falling – wages. In recent days, we’ve learned that healthcare premiums under Obamacare are once again set to rise – this time, by a staggering 25 percent nationwide, a number that is expected to be even higher in South Dakota. And it’s not just healthcare costs.  The Obama administration’s motor-vehicle rules are expected to push the price of a new car up by nearly $3,000 over the next decade.  The cost of common household products – including fluorescent lamps, microwaves, air conditioners, and dishwashers – are also set to rise by around $1,600 per household as a result of onerous regulations.  Meanwhile, regulatory-related expenses are now responsible for almost 25 percent of a new home’s final cost.  And if you’re looking for a break on the utility costs, the administration’s latest environmental push promises to skyrocket energy bills. At the same time, our economy remains at a standstill.  According to a recent Bureau of Economic Analysis report, America’s real GDP grew an average of just 1 percent during the first two quarters of 2016.  That has a real impact on families.  By some estimates, the prolonged economic stagnation has cost the median American family a total of $69,000 in lost income over the last eight years. People need relief on both sides of the equation.  To help reduce a family’s weekly expenses, regulatory reform should be one of the first federal policy changes. One proposal I’ve backed, the REINS Act, would introduce more accountability into the regulatory system, requiring that any major regulation is reviewed and approved by Congress before it takes effect.  This is just a start.  Repealing big-government mandates, including Obamacare, and replacing them with consumer-driven approaches would also help cut your monthly bills. Just tackling expenses, however, won’t be enough.  Families need their incomes to rise as well.  Through a tax plan House Republicans proposed earlier this year, the economy could grow 9.1 percent over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation which also found that Americans of every income group would pay less in taxes under the plan.  This growth, fueled by a simpler and fairer tax code, would help raise Americans’ wages and create an environment where 1.7 million jobs could be created. Additionally, investing in job-ready training for young people and opening new markets around the world for products grown or made in America could also help increase employment and incomes, while securing our borders can help protect opportunity at home. It almost doesn’t matter where I am or who I’m talking to, people feel like they’re constantly being hit from all sides.  Virtually everything seems to cost more, but few people are making more.  We know how this can be resolved: the unnecessary mandates and regulations must be lifted while we create opportunities in the economy for incomes to rise. If we can do that, we can relieve the pinch all too many families feel today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=743F5072-4E24-4683-9991-FBB30885D600,Something This Broken Cannot Be Repaired,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune When I’m home in South Dakota, I spend a lot of my time traveling the state to hear from farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and moms and dads about the issues important to them. It’s the best way to cut through the noise and hear directly from the people who are impacted by the decisions made in Washington, D.C. I frequently hear about the mountains of federal regulations that are stifling growth for businesses and private landowners and how the government’s out-of-control spending is saddling the next generation of Americans with unsustainable debt. And almost without fail, I hear about the federal government’s takeover of the nation’s health care system and the financial strain it’s creating. Obamacare is broken, plain and simple. I understand how difficult it is for Democrats to concede that point since they consider it one of their top accomplishments, but pretending that it isn’t broken will only cause more pain for the American people in the future. Objectively speaking, it just didn’t work. Democrats said it would lower costs, but premiums and deductibles are skyrocketing. Democrats promised that all Americans could keep their existing health care plans and doctors, but that wasn’t true either. Obamacare had lofty goals, but Democrats overpromised and underdelivered, and the American people have been left holding the bag.   Democrats are quick to point out that millions more Americans are insured today than before Obamacare was signed into law – the result, in part, of a law that forced law-abiding Americans to purchase a product, whether they wanted it or not. Democrats conveniently forget to mention the nearly 30 million Americans who remain uninsured and the millions who lost the doctors and coverage they enjoyed before Obamacare became the law of the land. Today, some Democrats are slowly starting to admit Obamacare’s failures, primarily because the facts can no longer be ignored. In a brief moment of candor, former President Bill Clinton recently called Obamacare the “craziest thing in the world.” Many South Dakotans would agree. And the Obama administration recently conceded that Obamacare premiums would rise by an average of 25 percent in 39 states across the country next year. Here in South Dakota, premiums will rise by 37 percent, according to a study by Congress’ Joint Economic Committee. That’s the eighth highest premium increase in the United States. South Dakotans can’t afford such an extreme hike in costs.  The version of Obamacare that Democrats dreamt about seven years ago is just that, a dream that’s unrecognizable to the American people today. Obamacare is the perfect case study in what happens when one political party ignores the other and implements a big-government takeover of a large portion of the U.S. economy. It didn’t work, and something this broken cannot simply be repaired. The sooner my Democrat colleagues admit it, the sooner the two parties and a new president can get to work on policies that actually fulfill the needs of the American people by lowering costs and increasing access to care.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=077C4374-2E4B-4131-A7C5-7754BE39445F,Noem visits Dakota Valley,2016-10-27,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Southern Union County Leader-Courier U.S. Representative Kristi Noem took time out of her busy schedule to tour the new Dakota Valley High School on Thursday, Oct. 13. She was greeted by Student Council members Anna Rasmussen and Karl Schenk. High School Principal Erik Sommervold, along with the two students, gave Noem a tour of the school before the school assembly.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=5120CA30-CE48-4137-88D6-3ECE9855D84B,Kristi Noem Claims that Lower Taxes is the Answer,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KSOO One of the goals yet to be accomplished by South Dakota’s lone member of the US House of Representatives is tax reform and she wants to go back and continue the fight. Congresswoman Kristi Noem has been a member of the Ways and Means Committee since 2015 and supports a plan to lower corporate tax rates so American businesses can be competitive in that arena. “The Ways and Means (Committee) has put forward as a reform package to lower that rate down to 20 percent. It gets us competitive again. Every other developed country in the world has done tax reform in the last 20 years except the United States. (Our corporate tax rate) is the highest in the developed world and that’s why we see companies leaving and going overseas.” Noem also says other areas of the tax code are in need of a fresh start. “The small business rate would be at 25 percent. We consolidate the seven individual tax rates down to three. (When) we get rid of a lot of these loopholes and deductions essentially the majority of Americans could pay their taxes with a post card if we were to put this in place.” By enacting a tax reform package as described, Noem believes the American economy would see a rate of growth around 9.1 percent. The Republican won the seat back in 2010 and wants to serve a fourth term in the US House of Representatives. In this election she is challenged by Democrat Paula Hawks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F5000670-B3E8-4EB9-B7CF-55153F57E9C6,Weekly Column: Human Trafficking in Our Backyard,2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"It’s hard for me to really grasp how something like this happens in South Dakota.  The website promised to connect “sugar daddies” with “sugar babies,” which is repulsive in its own right. But that’s the website where, according to recent press reports, an area doctor appears to have met a young girl and arranged for her to travel from Georgia to Sioux Falls for sex.  He was brought up on trafficking charges earlier this month.  It’s another stark reminder that human trafficking isn’t just happening worlds away. It’s happening in our backyards. Over the last few years, we’ve taken great care in writing comprehensive legislation to strengthen the law when it comes to cracking down on the purchase and sale of our children, while also increasing the support offered to survivors.  I was honored to be part of that process, uniting congressional women around this issue through the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, which I co-chair, and authoring provisions that help give survivors a safe place to go and offer anti-trafficking groups more tools to go after traffickers in a collaborative, evidence-based manner. We also took on websites that knowingly engage in human trafficking like Backpage.com – whose offices were raided and CEO arrested for trafficking recently – and included additional protections to those within the foster care system, as these young people often face a greater risk of becoming trafficked. The provisions we championed were thorough, thoughtful and bipartisan, and I was extremely humbled to see them signed into law earlier this year. But more must be done. Over 87 percent of trafficking survivors come into hospitals having experienced violent and unusual trauma, yet fewer than 3 percent of healthcare workers have been trained on identifying and treating trafficking victims.  That’s why Congress has put forward the SOAR to Health and Wellness Act, which would provide additional support in this area.  I’ve also co-sponsored legislation, which would provide similar training to flight attendants, something that could make a difference for girls like the young woman recently flown from Georgia to Sioux Falls. Additionally, each of us can play a role in building greater awareness.  You may have seen signs posted recently warning out-of-state hunters that South Dakota is serious about human trafficking.  That kind of awareness around any large event is critical, but so is the work that is happening because of community-based groups throughout the state. The more people we have looking for signs of trafficking, the more opportunities we will have to combat this criminal industry. The Polaris Project, a nationwide anti-trafficking organization, highlights a few things we should be on the lookout for: Has someone you know indicated they aren’t free to come or go as they wish? Are they overly fearful, anxious or depressed? Do they lack proper healthcare or show signs of physical or sexual abuse?  If you have concerns that you or someone you care about is at risk of being trafficked, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately at 888-373-7888. Human trafficking can – and does – happen, even in South Dakota. I know it’s a difficult topic to discuss with your kids, friends or neighbors, but I encourage you to do so anyway.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=BFF5D3EB-D971-4B00-B4BF-5B8B196516C3,A Monumental Milestone,2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune Few monuments or landmarks in the United States are more iconic or offer greater patriotic symbolism than does Mount Rushmore. Beginning in 1927, Gutzon Borglum helped transform a seemingly innocuous rock face in the Black Hills into the stoic and easily recognizable faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, which millions of visitors travel each year to see. Over 14 years of hot summers and cold winters, and with the help of 400 workers using chisels, jackhammers, and dynamite, Mount Rushmore was completed 75 years ago on October 31, 1941. More than 2.1 million people from around the world visited Mount Rushmore in 2014. And over the last 75 years, U.S. presidents, celebrities, families on spring or summer vacation – people from all backgrounds and all corners of the globe – have flocked to the Black Hills to see firsthand the six-story granite faces of some of America’s greatest leaders. That diversity is emblematic of just how important Mount Rushmore is to South Dakota and to the rest of the United States. The monument is symbolic for obvious reasons, but also because of the time period over which it was carved. Using both public and some privately raised funds during the Great Depression, the monument was completed by hard-working Americans who scaled hundreds of steps every day to clock in, put in a hard and dangerous day’s work, and clock out. While some workers put their lives on the line every day – dangling from the mountain’s edge – not a single person lost their life over the 14-year project. I have a lot of memories at Mount Rushmore. I can remember traveling through the Black Hills and to Mount Rushmore as a kid. There’s nothing quite like taking that curve on Highway 244 at which point the stone faces start coming into view. Once I became a parent, Kimberley and I took that same drive with our girls and have returned time and again for lighting ceremonies, firework shows, and other events. I still return when I get the chance, because visiting Mount Rushmore never gets old. Earlier this month, I stopped by with Bill Nelson, Florida’s senior senator and my Democrat counterpart on the Senate Commerce Committee, during a recent trip through the Black Hills. And thanks to the decades-long public-private partnership with the Mount Rushmore Society, the monument has been and will continue to be a top destination in the United States. Borglum did more than create a national treasure for the American people. He created a lasting tourist attraction that continues to be a boon for the local economy. Thanks in large part to state and national parks and memorials like Mount Rushmore, of which South Dakota is home to dozens, tourism is one of the state’s top industries. Tourism supports more than 50,000 jobs in the state, generates billions of dollars in economic activity, and accounted for $270 million in state and local tax revenue in 2015 alone. South Dakotans are proud of their state parks and the national park system, now in its 100th year, and they go above and beyond to provide a world-class experience for anyone who passes through.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=EF225868-A9D2-4C78-B755-2FB983DF50A7,Thune Requests Immediate Assistance for Producers Affected by Cottonwood Fire,2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today wrote to Tom Vilsack, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), encouraging him to provide immediate disaster assistance to ranchers who have been affected by the Cottonwood Fire. The fire has burned more than 31,000 acres between Wall and Kadoka, a portion of the same area impacted by winter storm Atlas, which claimed more than 44,000 head of cattle just three years ago. Thune’s letter also requests additional assistance to ensure ranchers in the affected area have access to hay that’s been donated as a result of the Conservation Reserve Program’s mid-contract management. “Once again, the producers in this area urgently need timely assistance from USDA due to the devastating feed and livestock losses caused by the Cottonwood Fire, and I strongly urge you to take whatever action necessary to provide assistance to these producers through FSA disaster assistance programs, including the Livestock Forage Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Conservation Program, and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program,” wrote Thune. Thune authored the Livestock Forage Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program, all of which were included in the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills. Thune played an integral role in ensuring the Farm Service Agency (FSA) was able to authorize the donation of hay removed from CRP acres due to mid-contract management by inserting key language in the 2014 Farm Bill conference report. Full text of the letter can be found below: The Honorable Tom Vilsack Secretary of Agriculture 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250 Dear Secretary Vilsack: I write today concerning a devastating wildfire that has burned more than 31,000 acres in Western South Dakota and to date is not fully contained. The fire started Sunday, October 16, in an area near Interstate 90 between Wall and Kadoka, which was under a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning for low humidity, high winds, and high temperature. Due to high, gusty winds of more than 50 miles per hour, the fire spread quickly across thousands of acres and destroyed hay, fences, winter pastures, livestock, and outbuildings that were in its path. The Cottonwood Fire is in the heart of the area that was devastated just three years ago by winter storm Atlas, which killed more than 44,000 head of livestock in Western South Dakota. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) was exceptionally responsive in implementing the livestock disaster programs following winter storm Atlas, and I appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) making livestock disaster program delivery a top priority after passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. Once again, the producers in this area urgently need timely assistance from USDA due to the devastating feed and livestock losses caused by the Cottonwood Fire, and I strongly urge you to take whatever action necessary to provide assistance to these producers through FSA disaster assistance programs, including the Livestock Forage Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Conservation Program, and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program. In addition, I urge continued coordination between FSA and the South Dakota State Department of Agriculture to ensure ranchers in the Cottonwood Fire area are provided the opportunity to obtain any remaining hay donated as a result of Conservation Reserve Program mid-contract management. Thank you for your timely consideration of this request. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=416BE056-43CF-40F9-AEB5-4F6209318C81,South Dakota Representative Says Work's Begun On The New Farm Bill,2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"WNAX Preparation for the next farm bill is already beginning with some U.S. House members. South Dakota Representative Kristi Noem who serves on the Ways and Means Committee says it’s important to educate fellow House members who don’t understand agriculture and yet have a great impact on what comes out of the legislation. She says discussion has already started on what changes need to be made in the farm legislation including improvements in the ARC and PLC safety net programs. Noem says a tax deduction that’s important for farmers was preserved because she was able to weigh in with fellow Ways and Means Committee members who didn’t understand it until she explained it to them. Noem says what the Ways and Means Committee does has a great impact on the Farm Bill and other House legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9E9AE823-13D3-4066-A283-5CCFBCAFFB5E,Weekly Column: Beating Breast Cancer,2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Jami’s family had a history with cancer, but it wasn’t until late 2014 that her own battle with breast cancer began.  She was a busy mom, working full-time at a non-profit in South Dakota and raising her 11 year-old daughter.  Now, a battle with breast cancer was being added to her plate, but she pushed through, undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by a year of chemotherapy treatments.  Despite the hardships, a friend of hers wrote: “I know there were times where the side effects of chemo were affecting her – the numbness and tingling in her fingers and legs, rashes covering her neck and torso – but she never lost that bright smile of hers.”  Like her mom, sister, and aunt before her, Jami fought – and won.  Earlier this year, Jami was honored as the Susan G. Komen 2016 Survivor of the Year in South Dakota.  October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to celebrate those, like Jami, who have fought this disease; to remember those no longer with us, like my grandmother-in-law Betty, who also was diagnosed; and to encourage those who are in the middle of the battle.  It’s also a time to learn more about the disease, the opportunities to detect it early, and the actions we can take today to reduce our risk altogether.  Nationwide, one in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime.  In South Dakota, the number of diagnosis has risen steadily since 2010, putting our state at the top of the list when it comes to breast cancer incidents per capita.  It’s unclear what has caused the rise.  While not everything is in our  control, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk or detect the cancer early.  For Jami, she knew her family’s history and acted on it.  It was during a routine annual breast exam when the mass was detected.   Annual exams like this can help make early detection possible.  This means treatment can start earlier, possibly even before the cancer has spread.  Additionally, according to the American Cancer Society, excessive drinking, being overweight or obese (particularly after menopause), and a lack of physical activity can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.  If you ever notice a lump, hard knot, or thickening inside the breast or underarm area, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. While we have made tremendous strides when it comes to detecting and treating breast cancer, 680 South Dakotans are expected to learn they have breast cancer this year alone. It’s one of the reasons I join my fellow female members of Congress each year in a softball game against the press to benefit the Young Survival Coalition.  It’s a good opportunity to show support for our daughters, sisters, mothers and friends and build resources to help the many South Dakotans whose lives have been changed by breast cancer. This month, please join me in building awareness about breast cancer.  Use Jami’s story as motivation to put together an early detection plan (one great resource is www.earlydetectionplan.org).  Urge your friends and family to do the same.  Learn more about breast cancer and how it could be impacting your mom, your neighbor, or you.  Find out how you can be a support system for those impacted. Get involved in one of the many breast cancer awareness activities throughout South Dakota this month.  Together, we can beat this.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=401575FE-5997-42A4-B038-A01686FB19E5,Representative Kristi Noem visits Dakota Valley,2016-10-13,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KMEG South Dakota's Congresswoman made a stop at Dakota Valley high school this morning. Kristi Noem spoke to more than 500 students and teachers about her role in Washington and her position on policies ranging from taxes to college affordability. She says she enjoys speaking to students. Some of them are getting ready to vote for the first time next month. ""I think it's the first opportunity to cast a vote for someone and they take it seriously. For them, I reminder the first time I voted, it was very important to me. I didn't want to vote how parents have always voted. I wanted to know the candidates, know what they believed, then cast an informed vote. I find that when most people, when they are voting for the first time, they really do take it seriously, so it's a great chance for me to visit with them and talk about differences,"" said Representative Noem. After her visit to North Sioux City, Rep. Noem held another event in Centerville.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=15726A59-9C79-4D80-BD43-09539C7F82A9,A South Dakotans Field of Dreams,2016-10-13,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune When South Dakotans picture opening day of pheasant season, they see unharvested corn and milo fields, sloughs, shelterbelts, and food plots lined with hunters – often friends and family, conspicuous in their bright orange clothing. Although shooting a limit of pheasants isn’t the mark of a successful hunt, the allure of the “Pheasant Capital of the World” is why hunters from across the United States gather in South Dakota every third Saturday in October to participate in this world-class event and renew or create family memories and traditions. As you walk through the amply covered fields during your fall hunt, it’s important to think about what the surrounding landscape looks like in winter after the crops are harvested, snow covers the ground, and temperatures dive below zero. It’s also important to think about the spring nesting season when quality habitat is crucial for pheasants to hide their nests and offer protection to their young chicks. Most people probably assume that’s what the widely known and well-respected Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is for, and they would be right. Since its authorization in the 1985 farm bill, CRP has evolved into the cornerstone of federal conservation programs and has helped create a field of dreams for South Dakota pheasant hunters. CRP acreage in South Dakota peaked in 2007 at more than 1.5 million acres, and as a result of the nesting habitat and winter cover most CRP acres provide, pheasant numbers increased dramatically. Since then, CRP acreage has dropped, and unfortunately it’s only going to get worse. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports show that over the next six years, nearly 580,000 additional acres will expire from CRP in South Dakota – that’s a 60 percent loss of our current CRP-enrolled acres. The opportunity for South Dakota landowners to enroll more land in the most recent general CRP sign-up was significantly hamstrung when the USDA announced it had accepted just 107 of the more than 40,000 acres that South Dakota landowners had offered. In response, I wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and later had an opportunity to question him during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing about the department’s disappointing decision and inappropriate CRP management practices. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will continue to work with USDA officials and focus my efforts on making changes to CRP policy next year when we begin debate on the next farm bill to ensure adequate and equitable CRP enrollment and common-sense management of CRP in the future. Keeping adequate acres enrolled in South Dakota will benefit everyone because it will help maintain our state’s nearly quarter-million-dollar pheasant hunting industry, which directly benefits our small towns and rural areas. Farmers will continue to protect and preserve soil health, and our state’s pheasant hunting legacy will continue for generations to come",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=43CA33A0-A2C3-4142-9E33-6A4DCA0671B3,Letter: Noem gives powerful voice to ag issues,2016-10-07,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Todd Wilkinson, Brenda Forman, Keith Alverson, Scott VanderWal and Jerry Schmitz (Argus Leader) As farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses we strongly disagree with recent criticisms of Rep. Kristi Noem’s transition to the influential House Ways and Means Committee. This was a strategic move –made with the understanding that having a voice during tax, trade and health care debates would be essential to ensuring fair deals for agriculture and all South Dakotans. For this reason, we each offered our encouragement and support to Noem when the opportunity to join Ways and Means arose in early 2015. While Farm Bill safety nets are critical to operations, most ag producers acknowledge that tax and trade policies are also important to our ongoing success. Likewise, regulations and health care policies greatly impact ag producers and Noem’s position on Ways and Means provides us with a reliable voice to address these issues. Since Noem’s appointment to the Ways and Means Committee nearly two years ago, she has helped champion a permanent extension of Section 179 expensing limitations and a five-year extension of bonus depreciation. Both provisions help free up cash flow for producers who want to put their money to better use. As Ways and Means assembled a detailed outline of what comprehensive tax reform could look like, Noem was instrumental in including a full repeal of the estate tax, which will ease the tax burden for family farms. With Noem on Ways and Means, South Dakota farmers and ranchers have a strong advocate when it comes to leveling the playing field to sell our commodities and livestock globally. Less than 5 percent of the world’s population lives within America’s borders. Therefore, it’s imperative for us to be able to compete in a worldwide market through sound trade policies that seek to lower tariffs, some of which can top 700 percent. There is no doubt that if you’re a farmer or rancher, you care about the Farm Bill, but the conversation must not stop there. We need to fix what’s wrong with our tax code, level the playing field so products can be sold more easily overseas, eliminate harmful regulations, and make it easier to pass our operations to our children. The agriculture industry’s interests are not isolated to a sole committee in Congress, and our representation shouldn’t be either. In her role as the first South Dakotan in history to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Kristi Noem is giving agriculture a powerful and effective voice in Congress. Todd Wilkinson, president, S.D. Cattlemen’s Association DeSmet Brenda Forman, executive director, S.D. Association of Cooperatives Pierre Keith Alverson, president, S.D. Corn Growers Association Chester Scott VanderWal, president, S.D. Farm Bureau Federation Volga Jerry Schmitz, president, S.D. Soybean Association Vermillion",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1B9A47C0-56DC-4195-BEBE-4D3753627796,Weekly Column: Honoring Native American Day,2016-10-07,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"I have had the honor of receiving a Star Quilt from tribes in South Dakota on a few occasions. Each time one has been presented, I'm humbled by the gesture and yet reminded of all there is to do in Indian Country. To me, one of the greatest things we have to offer is more opportunity. That's one of the reasons I helped champion the NATIVE Act, which was signed into law this September and aims to create more tourism opportunities in tribal areas. The tribes we worked with on this legislation are hopeful these new provisions will help boost struggling economies. As part of the 2014 Farm Bill, we were also able to create a permanent Office of Tribal Relations within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I'm hopeful this will help ensure tribal communities always have a seat at the table when it comes to identifying ag-related opportunities in Indian Country. To make sure the help offered to tribal families creates as much opportunity as possible, I also helped advance the Tribal General Welfare Exclusion Act, which became law in 2014. This legislation ensures those who receive support, like school supplies, from tribal governments are treated the same as those receiving similar state and federal benefits. In many cases, this would exempt struggling families from paying extra taxes on these much-needed benefits. But more must be done. Work continues on legislation I've long supported to protect tribal sovereignty by keeping an onerous federal regulatory agency from imposing its authority on tribal businesses. As is true in all communities, the last thing needed when trying to improve economic opportunities is a federal bureaucracy meddling with local efforts. This proposal would hold at least one agency back.   We also continue our work to address the tribal healthcare crisis. The level of care being delivered to these communities is equivalent to that of a third-world country. It's not enough to say it needs to change, because our success or failure is a matter of life or death. That's why I've written and introduced extensive legislation to address this crisis. We're now in the process of collecting input from the medical and tribal communities to be sure this legislation has its intended effect. I'm hopeful we'll see further action before the end of the year. Additionally, with suicide impacting so many Native American families in recent years, we’ve been able to reinstate the Sweetgrass Initiative (a suicide prevention program on Pine Ridge) and pressure the Indian Health Service to reprogram $1.8 million in funding for suicide prevention.  New resources for Indian Country were also included in a House-passed mental health bill after I brought the legislation’s author West River to see the challenges we face.  But this legislation still needs the Senate’s approval and the president’s signature. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creating new opportunities in Indian Country. Every October in South Dakota, we celebrate Native American Day. I like to use the day to consider the journey that's laid before us. The challenges ahead are undeniable, but I’m confident even the most daunting hurdles will be overcome.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=1FC79483-8421-430A-B1D7-3C3A0B980405,Noem: Civility in politics not dead,2016-10-06,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"KELO Radio Despite what we're hearing in the 2016 Presidential election, civility in politics is not dead. That's according to Republican U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem. Representing one of only 36 rural districts out of 435, Noem says she has to depend on civility and bipartisanship to get things done. She also said she's like to see more issues and less personalities in the Presidential debates.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=A7A716E2-DF1F-47A7-9CF3-B4AF9324E228,Celebrating Time-Honored Traditions and Cultures,2016-10-06,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune South Dakotans celebrate Native American Day every second Monday in October as a way to recognize and pay tribute to the unique and traditional cultures of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations. It is an honor to live in a state that is home to some of the greatest warriors of all time: Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse, just to name a few. People from around the world are familiar with these great warriors and travel thousands of miles to visit their homelands. This is why I’m glad my bill, the NATIVE Act, was recently signed into law. This common-sense bill creates an opportunity for tribes to drive their own tourism efforts and share their culture, traditions, and history.   While South Dakota is home to many of the great Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota chiefs and other Native American leaders, it’s also home to the one of the greatest leaders on the track: Olympian Billy Mills. Mills, who is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and life was not easy for him. Growing up, Mills faced adversities and was orphaned by age 12. Motivated by the wisdom and teachings of his Lakota people, he became one of the greatest long distance runners of all time. During the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Mills made his name and his heritage known to the world when he became the first South Dakotan to win an Olympic gold medal. To date, he’s the only American to ever win gold in the 10,000 meter run. I’m amazed every time I see the clip of Mills sprinting into that final stretch, speeding past one runner after another to capture the medal. It’s one of those iconic athletic moments you never forget. Like Mills, Chief Sitting Bull, and Chief Crazy Horse, countless Native Americans have been making contributions to South Dakota’s history and identity for centuries. Whether it’s the food we eat or the names of cities and towns we drive through, the Native American footprint continues to leave a positive and long-lasting impression throughout the state.  So, as South Dakotans prepare to celebrate this year, I want to recognize all of our tribal citizens who have made and will continue to make a difference in communities across the state. To the staff at tribal schools who encourage students to rise above and fight adversity, to the tribal leaders who advocate on behalf of their people, and to the first responders and medical professionals who work tirelessly to provide safety to their communities, thank you. You are all warriors to the people you serve and for the way of life that you protect. I’m humbled and blessed to live in a state where we benefit from the culture, traditions, achievements, and contributions of Native American people every day of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=902A1B57-F496-4F5C-BF79-099F3332B56C,Rep. Kristi Noem: My father's tragic death and Hillary Clinton's tax plan,2016-10-02,2016,2016-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem (Fox News) You don’t forget moments like this – the ones that come so unexpectedly, shoving a pit into your stomach.  I was 21-years-old and nearing the due date for my husband Bryon and my first baby. That’s when the phone call came: “Kristi, your dad is stuck in a grain bin.”  I knew instantly what it meant. By the time I got to the farm, neighbors and friends had taken payloaders and ripped down the grain bin trying to find my dad.  When they finally did, our neighbors started doing CPR until the EMTs took over.  I followed the ambulance to the hospital with my family and the doctors fought to save him for hours.  Nothing worked.  That night, we lost my dad – this man who had seemed invincible to me. Not too long after the accident, while we were still trying to pick up the pieces, our family received a letter from the IRS.  Because of this tragedy, one that undermined our sense of security, the death tax was now about to undermine our financial security. I could see that we had land that my dad started buying in high school and land my grandpa had bought decades before that.  We had cattle and the machinery needed to farm the land and care for the cattle.  But we didn’t have enough money in the bank to pay what the IRS was asking. I couldn’t imagine losing the farm my family had built. After all, it was my dad’s dream to pass it on to us kids. That’s why he got up at the crack of dawn almost every morning. He wanted to give us the opportunity to farm together, if we wanted to. We needed the machinery to continue the operation and I could hear my dad’s voice telling me that selling land wasn’t an option either.  After all, I can’t tell you how many times he said: “Don’t ever sell land.  God isn’t making any more.” To keep our family’s American Dream going, we were fortunate enough to get a loan, albeit one so large that it impacted nearly every decision we made for a decade. I have never understood why the federal government thought it was appropriate to go after families with this double tax – especially in a time of crisis.  My family had already paid taxes on the equipment, the land, and any other assets.  Now, we had to pay taxes on it again because my dad had died.  It’s not right. This month, Hillary Clinton proposed a dramatic 65 percent increase to the death tax, pushing it to the highest point since 1981. She justifies this as a tax on the 1 percent, but all too often it is small businesses and family farms that are put into jeopardy for a few days’ worth of government spending.  Earlier this fall, the House Ways and Means Committee offered a blueprint for tax reform designed to grow families’ paychecks, the workforce, and the American economy.  In doing so, we worked to shrink the tax burden for every family and streamline the tax code to make it more simple and fair.  This includes eliminating damaging add-on taxes – most notably, the death tax. No family should have to go through what ours did.  Clinton’s proposal is a tax on the American Dream during a time of tragedy.  Hardworking Americans deserve better. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) was first elected to serve as South Dakota’s lone Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010. She was re-elected to a third term in the House in 2014. She currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee. Kristi is also a wife, mother, experienced rancher, farmer and small business owner.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11D1A454-F5F1-49AA-AB4A-81A79A8E2D70,Weekly Column: Where the Farm Bill Stands,2016-09-30,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem It’s hard to believe fall is already here, although take just one step out the door and the temperature will remove all doubts.  For most of my life, this time of year meant hours in the combine.  I loved it and it’s one of the things I miss most these days. While the wheat harvest is wrapped up, soybeans and sunflowers are just getting started – and corn will be right behind.  While some areas are seeing good yields, others were hit by drought or hail damage.  Even high yields will not be enough to offset the low prices we are seeing in the markets. These lower commodity prices have weakened farm income, worsened credit conditions, and pushed down the value of cropland by between 3 and 5 percent from a year ago, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s August report.  It’s no secret that farming has always been an unpredictable way of life. But farmers are resilient and optimistic.  You have to be. After all, it might be the only industry where most people take out massive loans at the beginning of a year – only to bury that money in the ground in the form of seed, fertilizer, and herbicide.  We pray it produces a good yield and that someone will actually pay us a fair price for what we’ve grown.  That level of unpredictability is why the Farm Bill is so important. I had the opportunity to be a member of the final negotiating team during the 2014 Farm Bill debate.  With only 29 members of the House and Senate having backgrounds in farming or ranching, it was a challenge to pass.  Nonetheless, we were able to finalize legislation that maintained strong risk-management programs for crop producers, strengthened livestock disaster programs, protected our native grasslands, and invested in ag-related research.  Two years later, we’re still focused on making sure the Farm Bill is implemented correctly and fairly.  We’re also looking forward, getting input on how to improve the legislation during the next go-around.  One of the things we’re looking at is how to improve the commodity safety net.  We know there have been concerns over the current commodity programs.  As a result, we’re again collecting feedback from farmers about the kind of system that would be most helpful to get through tough times. We are also working to re-evaluate some of the processes in place for producers. For example, the wetland determinations process has resulted in a tremendous backlog.  I am working with the top Democrat on the Agriculture Committee, Collin Peterson, and North Dakota Representative Kevin Cramer on legislation to address this backlog and enact permanent reforms that make the determination process more efficient, accountable, and transparent. Finally, we’re looking to strengthen the conservation programs needed to protect vulnerable habitats as well as prime hunting and fishing grounds.  This includes CRP.  Only 101 acres were accepted in South Dakota during the last general sign up, which is much lower than in previous years. I am looking for feedback from producers about how we can make that program more targeted and successful. The next few years could be tough for many in agriculture – even with strong yields. That’s why it’s critical we have farm programs that provide a safety net, not just for the producer, but for the food supply on which our families rely.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B4274AC-3882-4F94-8880-D6CCEE355178,Thune-Schumer Bill to Eliminate Team USA Victory Tax Set to Become Law,2016-09-29,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued the following statements after the Senate passed the USA Olympians and Paralympians Act (H.R. 5946), companion legislation to the Senate bill they introduced earlier this year that will exempt Team USA athletes with an adjusted gross income of $1 million or less from being taxed by the Internal Revenue Service on medals or prize money received from the U.S. Olympic Committee on account of the Olympic or Paralympic Games. This would apply to medals and prizes won at the Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. This bill will now be sent to the president for his signature. Their Senate bill originally passed the Senate in July.  “I can’t think of anything more unpatriotic than the federal government profiting off of the success of Olympic athletes,” said Thune. “Now that this tax on Olympic success will finally be a thing of the past, the medal-winning athletes who’ve returned home from the Rio games can continue to focus on what’s most important – sharing their victory and celebrating with friends, families, and communities across the United States.” “I am happy to announce that our Olympic and Paralympic athletes who competed in Rio will receive tax relief on their prize money and medals,” said ‎Schumer. “Many countries subsidize their athletes to represent their country; the least we can do is make sure our athletes don’t get hit with a tax bill for winning a medal. After making sacrifices to train and volunteer to represent their country on the world’s stage, it’s just not right for the U.S. to welcome these athletes home with a tax bill on their medals and prize money.” The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, of which Thune serves as chairman, oversees the U.S. Olympic Committee and other sports organizations. Thune and Schumer are both members of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax and revenue measures. The USA Olympians and Paralympians Act, which was first introduced in the 113th Congress, is cosponsored by Sens. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jerry Moran (R- Kan.), and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BB25A698-AC67-4815-AB9E-77EC814EE32E,"Thune, Hatch Lead Colleagues in Encouraging Administration to Abandon Proposed Estate Tax Regulations",2016-09-29,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  Led by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, 41 Senate Republicans today wrote to Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew encouraging the Treasury Department to abandon proposed regulations that would significantly increase the estate tax burden on family farms and businesses. The proposed regulations, if finalized, would contradict long-standing legal precedent and greatly discourage families from continuing to operate and grow their farms and businesses for eventual transfer to future generations.  “Treasury should pursue policies that encourage the creation and growth of family businesses and not propose regulatory changes that make it more difficult and costly for families to transfer ownership to future generations,” the senators wrote. “We thus request that Treasury withdraw the proposed regulations and ask that any regulations that Treasury may issue in the future more directly target perceived abuses in the valuation of transferred interests in family businesses.” In addition to Thune and Hatch, the letter was signed by U.S. Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Shelly Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), David Vitter (R-La.), and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). Full text of the letter can be found below.   The Honorable Jacob Lew United States Treasury Secretary U.S. Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20220 Dear Secretary Lew: We write to express our serious concerns over proposed regulations (REG-163113-02) published on August 4, 2016, under Internal Revenue Code section 2704 (“proposed regulations”) that, if finalized in their current form, will significantly increase the estate tax burden on family businesses. The proposed regulations eliminate or greatly reduce the discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability for family farms and businesses and will thus discourage families from continuing to operate and build their businesses. We ask that the proposed regulations not be finalized in their current form as they directly contradict long-standing legal precedent, create new uncertainty for taxpayers, and put family-owned businesses at a disadvantage relative to other types of businesses. In an October 3, 2014, letter, a number of us communicated to the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service our strong opposition to any regulatory effort that would artificially inflate the valuation of estates and eliminate the benefits of estate tax relief legislation that was enacted on a bipartisan basis by the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. By raising taxes on family farms and businesses, the proposed regulations represent a step back from the recently enacted permanent estate tax relief. Treasury should pursue policies that encourage the creation and growth of family businesses and not propose regulatory changes that make it more difficult and costly for families to transfer ownership to future generations. We thus request that Treasury withdraw the proposed regulations and ask that any regulations that Treasury may issue in the future more directly target perceived abuses in the valuation of transferred interests in family businesses. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=414F3273-5DB9-4203-815A-85029ED1B1BE,A New and Exciting Chapter in Life,2016-09-28,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune There are many things in life over which you have no control. Kimberley and I just experienced one of them. On September 21 at 8:24 p.m., we became grandparents for the very first time. That’s when Henley Joy Hargens made her debut. All we had to do was show up. Actually, it’s not quite that easy. You do have to raise kids of your own. That, in and of itself, can present its own set of challenges. Still, becoming a grandparent doesn’t involve a lot of effort. Of course, you do have the heavy responsibility of adding to the conversation about whose ears and eyes or hair that little one has. As if that can be determined after one hour on the planet. Or other important matters, like whether your new granddaughter will someday be able to run the quarter mile in under 60 seconds, or sing like Auntie Brittany. Mostly though, you sit back and soak it in. You look at that little girl who you held when she was born now holding a baby girl of her own. At that moment, you are overcome with the emotion you felt nearly 27 years ago when your baby girl entered the world. It’s the kind of thing that can turn the most stoic of Scandinavians into blubber. I’m feeling it again as I write this. You think about how busy life got. How the days and weeks turned into months and years. How sometimes those years all seem like one big blur. And then there’s that moment where you look into your granddaughter’s eyes and you see the past meet the future. For a brief instant, it’s as if time stands still. Everything is crystal clear. You’ve prayed hard for your daughter, that she’ll find a good husband. Then you pray for your daughter and son-in-law. Now, you’re compelled to pray for that 5 pound 12 ounce mound of life that has just been welcomed into the world, and you realize that while grandparenting has an important role, it’s a secondary role. The real work falls to your daughter and son-in-law. Scott and Larissa are probably as prepared as you can be for parenthood. By that, I mean they have the essentials – car seat, crib, stroller, etc. They know how to change a diaper. They’re committed to the task. That said, there’s no way to truly prepare for parenthood. A friend of mine describes it as being thrown into boot camp. You can’t eat when you want to, or shower when you want to, and someone is always screaming at you. That may be bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point. Your life, or at least your time, is no longer your own. Being a parent is the ultimate lesson in self-sacrifice. The beauty of that is it reinforces an important principle – that it’s not about you. You realize that your purpose in life is now wrapped up in that child’s well-being. There will be some hard days ahead for Scott and Larissa. The journey they’ve embarked on is filled with highs and lows. There will be celebrations, disappointments, worry, stress, joy, anxiety and pride. But they are in for the ride of their lives. When we left her hospital bed, I squeezed Larissa’s hand, kissed her on the forehead, and told her we loved her. It felt at that moment like I was passing a baton. It’s time now for them to run the race. As for grandma Kimberley and me, you will see us coaching and cheering from the sidelines. That’s what grandparents do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-financial-stability-to-muni-bonds-,"Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Financial Stability to Muni Bonds",2016-09-27,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,,,legacy,"09.27.16 Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Financial Stability to Muni Bonds Allows high quality municipal debt to be classified at a level equivalent to debt issued by corporations WASHINGTONU.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), members of the Senate Banking Committee, led a bipartisan group of senators in introducing legislation to allow high-quality municipal debt to be classified at a level equivalent to debt issued by corporations. Debt sold by state and local governments is currently excluded from consideration under a rule requiring banks to hold enough highly liquid assets to fund their operations for 30 days. This exclusion may create a disincentive for banks to hold their positions in the municipal-debt market, potentially making it harder for state and local governments to issue bonds to fund infrastructure projects. Making sure South Dakota and our municipalities have access to capital at the best possible rates is vital for communities to finance important infrastructure projects, said Rounds. Our legislation would allow banks to count qualifying municipal debt as High Quality Liquid Assets, helping to maintain demand for the debt which would prevent borrowing rates for municipalities from dramatically increasing. Under proposed rules issued by federal banking regulators, debt sold by states and localities isn't eligible to count as High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA), which means they won't qualify as assets necessary for banks to retain under new funding requirements issued following the financial crisis. These requirements ensure that banks maintain a liquidity coverage ratio that includes holding a certain amount of HQLA, but prohibits munis from being considered as HQLA. The rules effectively cabin off an entire category of high-quality and highly liquid debt from being considered as HQLA, limiting the incentive for financial institutions to hold these assets and potentially adversely affecting the issuance of such debt by states and municipalities. The Federal Reserve recently weighed in on the issue, making limited changes to their previously issued rule. However, the two other regulators involvedthe Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corphave made no changes to allow the institutions they regulate to count municipal bonds toward their liquidity buffers. The Rounds-Warner-Schumer bill would categorize certain types of municipal debt as Level 2B, on par with certain corporate debt, and would receive a 50% equivalent to the liquidity ratio requirement. This action would bring municipal bond debt on par with corporate debt, and help stabilize the municipal securities market. In addition to Sens. Rounds, Warner and Schumer, the legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), David Vitter (R-La.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.). ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=B63763C2-E7A7-4C2D-8C51-25292CDDFE9A,President Obama signs NATIVE Act,2016-09-26,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Native Times President Barack Obama signed S. 1579, the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act Friday.  The Act requires the Departments of Commerce, the Interior, and other Federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Sherry L. Rupert, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) Board President, said “this is an incredibly important day for Indian Country tourism, the beginning of an important collaboration between the federal, tribal and nonprofit sectors to strengthen and grow cultural heritage tourism in the U.S.  We thank the President for signing the bill, and Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai’i) and John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) for shepherding the legislation through Congress.”Tourism in the United States and in Indian Country is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors of U.S. economic development and job creation.  International tourism to Indian Country grew 181% from 2007 to 2015, resulting in $8.6 billion in direct spending, according to U.S. Department of Commerce figures.“This law will empower native communities to tell their own stories and build their own economic opportunities, said Senator Brian Schatz. “Visitors are increasingly seeking out a more authentic and historically rich travel experience, and there is nothing more authentic and unique than the cultural tourism experience our native communities provide.”“This is a good, common-sense bill that will have a real impact in tribal communities throughout the country, including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations in South Dakota,” said Senator John ThuneThe NATIVE Act will require federal agencies with tourism assets and responsibilities to include tribes and native organizations in national tourism efforts and strategic planning. It will also provide American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities with access to resources and technical assistance needed to build sustainable recreational and cultural travel and tourism infrastructure and capacity in order to spur economic development and create good jobs.Joining the originators of the bill, Senator Schatz, and Senator Thune, the bipartisan co-sponsors of the NATIVE Act in the Senate were Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).  The bill passed the Senate in June. Joining Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla) in House co-sponsorship were Dina Titus (D-NV), Don Young (R-Alaska), Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Betty McCullum (D-Minn.), Mark Amodei (R-Nev), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Jared Huffman (D-Cal.).  The bill passed the House last week. “The NATIVE Act is a strong piece of legislation that will drive economic growth not only in Native lands and cultural attractions, but also for communities in every corner of the country,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. “We are pleased to see our government prioritize a measure to expand travel and tourism promotion and attract more international visitors, whose trips often have a tremendous positive ripple effect on the surrounding local economy.”Supporters of the legislation included U.S. Travel Association, American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association, Southeast Tourism Society, Western States Tourism Policy Council, National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, and the Native Enterprise Initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.Support also came from tribes and tribal coalitions around the U.S, including the Intertribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes. Bill Anoutubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, said he wished to thank the legislative sponsors, especially Congressman Markwayne Mullin, for the opportunity to work more closely with federal agencies on tourism.  “The NATIVE Act will help Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation continue to strengthen its robust tourism efforts, and for many other tribes across Indian Country, it will create essential relationships with our federal partners and links to audiences across the U.S. and the globe.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=942A2302-A3D2-42A7-9A51-A1B1AF61F385,Weekly Column: Don't Wait,2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Mary Ellen Dirksen grew up in what most people would consider a pretty typical Midwest family.  Her close-knit family of four looked picture perfect from the outside – and for the most part, it looked just as perfect from the inside.  But a little more than a decade ago, Mary Ellen’s big brother – a handsome, intelligent guy who loved basketball and hot fudge sundaes – died by suicide. South Dakota has one of the nation’s highest suicide rates, and in recent years, the state has seen the number of attempted suicides increase considerably.  As one of the state’s leading causes of death, most families or communities, to one extent or another, have felt the blow of suicide.  Despite knowing how far reaching suicide is, we too often lean heavily on narrow stereotypes to determine the type of people most likely to be impacted by mental illnesses.  But mental illness and suicidal thoughts can afflict anyone, which is one of the reasons I sponsored legislation designating September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  In her book, “The Swing Set,” which describes the grief and healing she experienced after her brother’s death, Mary Ellen explains: “I had known [my brother] wasn’t dressing well, that he looked unshaven, that he was irritable and that this was causing turmoil in our family.  I had known he wasn’t leaving the house, that he didn’t take interest in life like he used to, and that his worldview had become pessimistic.  But I had never really known anyone who suffered from depression, actual depression, especially not someone handsome and capable like my brother.” The National Alliance on Mental Illness adds to the list of characteristics Mary Ellen saw in her brother, pointing to increased alcohol and drug use; talking, writing, or thinking about death; and impulsive or reckless behavior as other warning signs. While anyone can be impacted, I also recognize that in recent years some communities have been affected more than others.  I’ll never forget sitting across the table last fall as a young tribal member told me they had lost all hope.  Suicide had taken their sibling as well as more than one of their friends – all before their high school graduation.  This individual too had thought about it.  Within weeks of that meeting, we had new provisions in a mental health bill that’s now passed the House directing more resources into tribal suicide prevention programs.  It’s an epidemic that needs to end. The same is true within veteran communities.  Nearly two dozen Americans lose their life to suicide daily.  More resources have been dedicated in this area as well and we continue to invest in learning more about the relationship between military service, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, and suicide.  But none of it is being done fast enough. “I wish I had known how difficult it is to live with depression and that a person can’t simply ‘snap out of it,’” wrote Mary Ellen, who now helps other families struggling with depression and grief in Sioux Falls and beyond.  While we can’t walk someone else’s journey, we can help each other navigate through – and that’s all a person can ask. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the warning signs, please use this as your motivation to get help.  If it is an emergency, dial 911 immediately.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) – is also open around the clock for help.  Don’t wait to call.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=4B450987-24CD-464A-BF3C-50753CE67E44,No Room for Error in National Security Strategy,2016-09-23,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune The recent bombing and attempted bombings in New York and New Jersey, as well as the shopping mall attack that occurred less than 200 miles from South Dakota’s eastern border, have reminded us once again that the United States isn’t immune to the risk posed by radical Islamic terrorism. Sadly, we’ve seen these types of attacks before, both in San Bernardino and Orlando. We must remain vigilant and do everything we can to ensure potential risks are identified and eliminated, because when it comes to our national security strategy, there is no room for error. ISIS has already claimed responsibility for the attack in St. Cloud, a city typically more threatened by an early winter than a knife-wielding ISIS fighter. And we know the man responsible for planting explosive devices in New York and New Jersey neighborhoods was inspired by the radical teachings of Al Qaeda and ISIS leaders. Law enforcement and intelligence communities acted swiftly after these attacks, and I’m hopeful we’ll soon know more about them, the men who carried them out, and in doing so, be able to piece together their motives and any additional ties to terrorist groups like ISIS. ISIS, once described as the “JV team” by President Obama, has quickly grown into a global network. There’s no question the rise of ISIS can be traced, in part, to the president’s decision to prematurely withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq. Our departure from the region left a hole in Iraq’s security, which created an opportunity for ISIS to expand its reign of terror. Despite the carnage that’s repeatedly filled our TV screens – carnage that cannot be denied – the president and his administration continue to downplay the threat posed by ISIS. This is a gross miscalculation. In Congress, we’re working to keep American families safe from the threat of terrorism. Senate Republicans will continue to push for the resources our military needs to defeat ISIS and other threats abroad. We will continue pursuing policies that strengthen our borders so we know who is coming in and out of our country – a key component to our national security. And we will continue supporting policies that give our intelligence and security agencies the tools they need to keep the American people safe.  As the leader of the Commerce Committee, which oversees our nation’s transportation system, I’ve looked for ways to improve security on our nation’s roads and railways, and in our skies, too. I fought hard to include numerous airport security provisions in the aviation bill I helped get through Congress earlier this year. Also, I recently introduced a bill that would strengthen security on our nation’s highways and railways by closing the gap in the Transportation Security Administration’s approach to surface transportation security.    Terrorists don’t target one political party or another. They don’t care if you’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent. Their only goal is to disrupt our peace of mind and cut to the core of our freedom. So when it comes to national security, leaders in Washington must rise above politics and work together to defeat ISIS and fund the men and women who defend our freedom around the globe. It’s our duty, and it’s what the American people deserve.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=AA0B6EEE-1056-4F63-A0F8-B5B1D4476B4B,Sen. Rounds continues push for IHS audit as two reform bills clear initial hurdles,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Two Indian Health Service reform bills made progress Wednesday, but U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds is considering one way to improve upon one of those bills. ""While we're not there yet, we're making progress,"" Rounds said in a media conference call Thursday. ""That's one of the reasons why I suggested I'd still like to look seriously at amending the bill which just passed out of committee. I'm seriously considering trying to amend that to put in that a requirement for a full, outside independent audit."" Rounds said the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the IHS, has agreed to audits within some areas of the agency. Those areas include an audit of the purchased and referred care system, the agency's organizational structure and a review of medical records to determine if any patients were harmed in Great Plains IHS facilities. Rounds said these audits would be a step in the right direction, but he'd still prefer to see an agency-wide audit similar to the review of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs finalized in 2013. ""I think it's a good first step, we're making progress, but it's not everything that I want to see in this thing,"" Rounds said. The audit requirement could be added to the IHS Accountability Act of 2016, which was approved by the Indian Affairs Committee on Wednesday. The bill, which was sponsored by U.S. Sens. John Thune, R-South Dakota, and John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, would expand discipline authority over ""problem employees"" within the IHS, require tribal consultation prior to the hiring of area directors and hospital CEOs, streamline the volunteer credential process and mandate the HHS secretary provide timely spending reports to Congress. On Wednesday, Thune said changing the culture within a federal agency is never easy, but he said that shouldn't keep Congress from attempting to reform the struggling agency. ""In crafting this legislation, we've been deliberate in our effort to work with a wide range of stakeholders and take into consideration their feedback and concerns,"" Thune said. ""I've said all along that we wouldn't be able to achieve meaningful reform without this important consultation, and I believe that today more than ever."" By passing through the Indian Affairs Committee, the bill will move to the Senate floor, where Rounds looks forward to debates and amendments to improve upon the bill. In the other chamber of the Legislature, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-South Dakota, saw the IHS reform provision she introduced receive approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. Under the provision approved Wednesday, the IHS could offer tax-free student loan repayment as an incentive to attract quality employees. ""The kind of care being delivered by the IHS puts lives in jeopardy,"" Noem said on Wednesday. ""One of the many hurdles we face is the recruitment of competent medical staff. The HEALTTH Act provision approved today offers a new, more competitive, incentive to help recruit the kind of workforce needed to improve the quality of care. "" The provision is part of Noem's Helping Ensure Accountability, Leadership, and Trust in Tribal Healthcare (HEALTTH) Act, which allows tribal communities a seat at the table during the contract negotiation process, requires IHS to negotiate ""Medicare-like"" rates for services it funds from private providers and requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the financial stability of IHS hospitals facing sanctions from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HEALTTH Act will next seek approval from both the House Natural Resources and Energy & Commerce committees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64466680-8C1C-4565-B585-EE49FBFFB43B,Thunes Surface Transportation Security Bill Addresses TSA Vulnerabilities,2016-09-22,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the introduction of S. 3379, the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act. The legislation addresses deficiencies in the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) efforts to protect rail, transit, highway, and maritime passenger and freight transportation identified through congressional oversight and a recent report by the Department of Homeland Security inspector general.“TSA has broad responsibilities for transportation security, but oversight and independent audits have raised considerable concern about its approach to protecting rail, transit, maritime, and highway travelers,” said Thune. “This bipartisan legislation addresses gaps in TSA’s approach to assessing security risks and will help the agency better fulfill its role as a hub of analysis, planning, and information.” The legislation is intended to address concerns, underscored by recent attacks on transit stations in Western Europe and New Jersey, that TSA is not adequately positioned to identify security risks across different modes of transportation, serve as a source of intelligence, or as a training and best practices resource for federal, state, local and private transportation security. TSA has previously said in testimony to Congress that it uses only three percent of its budget on surface transportation security. U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), ranking member of the Commerce Committee, Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) are cosponsors of S. 3379.Highlights of S. 3379:Enhances Risk-Based Security Planning Requires the TSA administrator to conduct a risk analysis and implement a risk-based security model for surface transportation facilities. Mandates risk-based budgeting for surface transportation security focusing resources on current threats with annual reviews of program effectiveness. Canine Explosive Detection Teams for Surface Transportation Authorizes as many as 70 additional canine teams to work in surface transportation security as soon as possible. Requires a review of the number, location, and utilization of canine teams in surface transportation security to ensure effective use. Following this review and the implementation of recommendations, TSA may then raise the total number of canine teams to 200 above the number currently in place. Increases Transparency Mirroring the advisory committee for aviation established by the Aviation Security Stakeholder Participation Act of 2014, establishes a Surface Transportation Advisory Committee to provide stakeholders and the public with the opportunity to coordinate with the agency and comment on policy and pending regulations.  Requires that TSA budget submissions clearly indicate which resources will be used for surface transportation security and which will be dedicated to aviation. Directs TSA to regularly update Congress on the status of long overdue surface transportation rulemakings. Reforms Port Security and TWIC Requires TSA to address gaps and improve the screening of maritime workers. Mandates a comprehensive third party assessment of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program and a corrective action plan to address deficiencies. Enhances Passenger Rail Security Authorizes the use of computerized vetting systems for passenger rail at the request of Amtrak police and the Amtrak Board of Directors. Allows grant funding to be used to enhance passenger manifest data so that rail passengers can be identified in case of emergency. Click here for the full text of S. 3379, the Surface Transportation and Maritime Security Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=06BD961B-A371-4124-9451-D208D13A61B7,Noem's IHS Reform Bill Receives Ways and Means Committee Approval,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"With recruitment of quality medical staff being one of the top challenges within Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities in South Dakota, the House Ways and Means Committee today unanimously approved provisions introduced by Rep. Noem to offer tax-free student loan repayment for IHS medical staff.  The provisions are part of Noem’s HEALTTH Act, which aims to fundamentally reform the IHS.  Because of the comprehensive nature of Noem’s HEALTTH Act, the legislation must next receive approval from the House Natural Resources and Energy & Commerce committees. “The kind of care being delivered by the IHS puts lives in jeopardy,” said Noem.  “One of the many hurdles we face is the recruitment of competent medical staff. The HEALTTH Act provision approved today offers a new, more competitive, incentive to help recruit the kind of workforce needed to improve the quality of care.  I thank Chairman Brady and the committee for making this step forward.” “A healthcare system is only as good as the staff that supports it,” said Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady.  “I appreciate Rep. Noem’s effort to recruit more clinicians to deliver care in tribal communities, and thank her for bringing a targeted solution to the Ways and Means Committee that will help enhance efficiency, staff recruitment resources, and accountability for the communities IHS serves.” Currently, IHS medical staff may participate in a student loan repayment program; however, participants must pay taxes on the repayment amounts, reducing the program’s benefit.  Under the provision approved by Ways and Means today, the student loan repayments would be offered tax free, increasing the value of this incentive.  If enacted, IHS would be on a level playing field with programs like the National Health Service Corps, which provides care to underserved areas and already receives student loan repayment tax free. In addition to the provisions reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee today, Noem’s HEALTTH Act: + Gives tribes a seat at the table to encourage better, longer-term contracts by allowing for a partnership among IHS, tribal communities and healthcare stakeholders to collaborate throughout the contract negotiating process, rather than leaving those decisions solely to IHS. + Addresses the current recruitment problem – for both medical staff and hospital leadership – by putting provisions in place to: Allow for faster hiring. Make the existing student loan repayment program tax free, as an added incentive for high-quality employees. Provide incentives to attract competent and well-trained hospital administrators as well as medical staff. + Reforms the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) Program by, among other things: Requiring IHS to develop a new formula for allocating PRC dollars.  Under Noem’s bill, IHS would be required to develop a formula based on need, population size, and health status to ensure those areas that have the greatest need receive a greater portion of the funding. Requiring IHS to negotiate Medicare-like rates for services it pays for with private providers.  IHS currently pays a premium for PRC services.  Noem’s proposal would bring payments in line with what Medicare pays to stretch every dollar further. Requiring IHS to address the backlog of PRC payments to private providers.  Private hospitals in the Great Plains Area have long expressed concern because IHS has failed to pay their bills.  Noem would require IHS to put a strategy in place to get these hospitals paid what they are due. + Restores accountability through strategies, such as: Require IHS to be accountable for providing timely care. Require the Government Accountability Office to report on the financial stability of IHS hospitals that are threatened with sanction from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The legislation has been endorsed by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the National Indian Health Board, Avera, Rapid City Regional Health, Sanford Health, the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations, the South Dakota State Medical Association, the South Dakota Dental Association and others.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2CD72250-A30A-4A92-8272-727DC3A5567F,Thune: We Need A Common-Sense Approach to CRP,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during a Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing on the state of the agriculture economy. Thune discussed the lack of common-sense guidance and policy for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which is critical to South Dakota agriculture as an economic alternative to farming marginal and fragile lands. Additionally, CRP provides most of the brood-rearing habitat for South Dakota’s pheasant population, which brings in more than $250 million to the state’s economy.  Thune also noted that South Dakota landowners offered more than 40,000 acres in the most recent general CRP sign-up, of which only 101 acres were accepted. Additional continuous CRP acres are needed in South Dakota for State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement and duck nesting habitat practices.  Excerpt from Thune’s remarks:  “Mr. Secretary, as you know, over the past couple of years, and a couple of farm bills, we’ve had an ongoing conversation about conservation programs, in particular, the CRP program, which I continue to believe is the cornerstone of all USDA-administered conservation reserve programs. One of the concerns that I hear from constituents in South Dakota about CRP is that there is a lack of common-sense when it comes to guidance and policy coming out of Washington.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7415ECDC-CF6A-4C49-BC9E-B192B82ACCA9,Thune Amendment to Aid Community Banks Clears Finance Committee,2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded the Finance Committee’s approval of his provision that would make it easier for community banks to become S corporations by allowing S corporation bank shares to be held in individual retirement accounts (IRAs). In 2004, legislation was enacted making it easier for existing community banks to utilize the option of converting to an S corporation. Thune’s amendment, which was included in the bipartisan Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2016 markup, would provide additional community banks the option to convert to an S corporation and would grant S corporation bank shareholders the ability to use IRA funds to purchase additional shares.     “S corporations are one of the most popular forms of businesses in the United States and play an important role in South Dakota’s economy,” said Thune. “Similarly, community banks – many of which are organized as S corporations – provide an invaluable source of financing to small businesses throughout South Dakota and our nation. While the federal tax code is large and complicated, I’m always glad when we can find common-sense, bipartisan reforms like this one that would streamline the process, and in this case, help banks continue to serve their communities.”  The Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota (ICBSD) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) have expressed their support for the Thune amendment: “Access to capital is particularly important as community banks are facing regulator demands for higher capital levels under the Basel III Capital Accords and other regulations,” said Greg McCurry, president and CEO of ICBSD. “Community banks have limited means of raising capital. This amendment would allow funds held in IRAs to be used to help meet the challenges of the current capital regulatory environment. The ultimate beneficiary of these changes will be the South Dakota customers and the 35 different communities served by S corporation community banks.”  “ICBA strongly supported this amendment as a stand-alone bill, the S Corporation Modernization Act of 2016 (S. 3181), and is very pleased that it was included today in the chairman’s mark,” said Camden Fine, president and CEO of ICBA. S corporations were created in 1958, must be domestically owned, and are limited to 100 shareholders. This type of business has grown in popularity, particularly among small businesses, because of its simplicity and flexibility. S corporations are the most common form of business structure in America, with more than 4 million in existence today. Despite their popularity, relatively few reforms have been made to S corporations since their creation.   In July, Thune and U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) introduced the S Corporation Modernization Act of 2016 (S. 3181), legislation that would make several pro-growth reforms to help S corporations operate more easily, which would improve their ability to raise capital. The amendment adopted during today’s markup is a key provision of S. 3181.     This is the first time since 2009 that the S Corporation Modernization Act, of which Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) is also a cosponsor, has been introduced in the Senate. U.S. Reps. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.) have introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DD862094-F58E-47CC-A18E-39B56B29E159,"Thunes IHS Reform Bill Approved By Committee, Heads to Full Senate",2016-09-21,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  Today the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved the Indian Health Service (IHS) Accountability Act of 2016, introduced earlier this year by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee. Thune’s bill, which is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Steve Daines (R-Mont.), represents one of the most comprehensive IHS reform bills introduced in the Senate this Congress, and if enacted, would bring some much-needed change and accountability to the federal agency responsible for providing quality health care to tribal citizens in South Dakota and around the United States. “Creating a culture change at a federal government agency is never an easy task, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from the hard work that’s required to ensure tribal citizens receive the quality care to which they’re entitled,” said Thune. “In crafting this legislation, we’ve been deliberate in our effort to work with a wide range of stakeholders and take into consideration their feedback and concerns. I’ve said all along that we wouldn’t be able to achieve meaningful reform without this important consultation, and I believe that today more than ever.” “I thank Chairman Barrasso and Sen. Thune for their work to improve the quality of care at IHS,” said Rounds. “Any time we can make improvements to Native Americans’ access to health care, it’s a good thing, and the Indian Health Service Accountability Act is a step in the right direction as we seek ways to fix the broken IHS system. I’m pleased to see this important bill pass out of committee so we can continue to debate and amend it on the full Senate floor.” The IHS Accountability Act of 2016 would improve transparency and accountability at the IHS by: Expanding removal and discipline authorities for problem employees at the agency; Providing the HHS secretary with direct hiring and other authorities to avoid long delays in the traditional hiring process; Requiring tribal consultation prior to hiring area directors, hospital CEOs, and other key leadership positions; Commissioning Government Accountability Office reports on staffing and professional housing needs; Streamlining the volunteer credential process and providing federal liability insurance to those providers who volunteer their time at an IHS service unit; Mandating that the HHS secretary provide timely IHS spending reports to Congress; and Requiring IHS to engage in a negotiated rulemaking to develop a rule regarding tribal consultation policy for IHS. The IHS Accountability Act also addresses staff recruitment and retention shortfalls at IHS by: Addressing gaps in IHS personnel by giving the HHS secretary flexibility to create competitive pay scales and provide temporary housing assistance for medical professionals; Improving patient-provider relationships and continuity of care by providing incentives to employees; and Giving the HHS secretary the ability to reward employees for good performance and finding innovative ways to improve patient care, promote patient safety, and eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse.   In June, at Thune’s request, the Indian Affairs Committee held an oversight and legislative field hearing in Rapid City, South Dakota, on the IHS Accountability Act. Prior to the field hearing, committee staff led a town hall meeting to hear firsthand from stakeholders about the IHS and receive feedback on the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7BE04825-BEF8-4CBD-B149-3BED25F96120,Thunes Office Now Accepting Spring Internship Applications,2016-09-20,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON —  U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking intelligent, hard-working college students to serve as spring interns in his Senate offices located in Aberdeen, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Washington, D.C.  Interns in Thune’s state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while students in the Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol building tours, and attend Senate votes, hearings, and press conferences. Both in-state and Washington, D.C., internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, sharpen their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills. “Interning in a Senate office is a great opportunity to get a firsthand look of how the federal government works,” said Thune. “Interns will gain valuable experience working in a Senate office, including learning about both state and national issues and helping serve the needs of South Dakotans. All college students should consider applying for this unique and rewarding opportunity.”  Thune is chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; chairman of the Senate Republican Conference; and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.  College students who are interested in interning in Senator Thune’s Washington, D.C., office should submit a resume and cover letter by Friday, October 21, 2016, to: Senator John Thune Attn: Angela Merkle 511 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510  By fax to: 202-228-5429 Or by email to: angela_merkle@thune.senate.gov  College students who are interested in interning in Senator Thune’s Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices should submit a resume and cover letter by Friday, October 21, 2016, to: Senator John Thune Attn: Robin Long 5015 South Bur Oak Sioux Falls, SD 57108  Or by email to: robin_long@thune.senate.gov  For more information, please call 202-224-2321.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64FFC39A-AD74-4CDB-B47F-8E6786C5D00C,Noem Accepting Applications for Spring Interns,2016-09-19,2016,2016-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem is accepting applications for spring internships in her Washington, DC; Sioux Falls; Rapid City; and Watertown offices. Student interns will work with staff on various constituent service and communications projects, as well as assist with legislative research. Both South Dakota and Washington, DC internships provide students with first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and the countless other functions of a congressional office. College students who are interested in interning in any of Representative Noem’s offices should submit a cover letter and resume to Christiana.Frazee@mail.house.gov by Tuesday, November 1. For more information, contact Christiana Frazee at 202-225-2801.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z