url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=DDBE7872-9298-4547-9EEA-31BFAC659B98,A Record of Accomplishment: Chairing the Senate Commerce Committee,2018-12-21,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune It's been a humbling and highly rewarding experience to have spent the last four years leading the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. While I truly wish I could continue doing so, next year I'll be serving as the chief vote counter in the Senate and taking on additional responsibilities, which means I'll have to turn the Commerce Committee gavel over to the next chairman. I won't be going far, though. I'll still serve on the committee, and with my new role, I'll be in a prime position to continue advocating for our goals and building on what we've already achieved. The Commerce Committee is unique for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is the broad jurisdiction it has over agencies in the federal government and issues that affect Americans' day-to-day lives. The committee covers planes, trains, and automobiles essentially every mode of transportation in the United States. It has jurisdiction over technology, the internet, mobile broadband, the space program, the U.S. Coast Guard, and oceans. Those topics just scratch the surface, which is why I've always found the Commerce Committee so interesting and relevant. Every single day I've served as chairman, I've tried to approach the job with a core mission of creating a forward-looking agenda. I wanted to pursue policies that helped prepare our economy and workers for the jobs and opportunities of the future. I wanted to use my position on the committee to serve South Dakotans and the rest of the American people to the best of my ability and in the most effective way I possibly could. After four years, we have a strong record of accomplishment, and I'm comfortably passing the torch knowing we left it all on the field. Over the years, the committee has taken several meaningful steps to help protect travelers and consumers by doing common-sense things like reauthorizing and modernizing nearly every transportation program in the country. As a result, these efforts will make our highways safer, our railroads more efficient, and our airways more passenger-friendly. We've fought to hold technology companies, like Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Equifax, accountable to their users. And, an issue on which nearly everyone can agree, we've targeted bad actors who've used illegal and abusive robocalls to take advantage of our friends, families, and neighbors. On mobile broadband development, an issue I'm extremely passionate about, I've worked tirelessly to help lay the groundwork to eventually bring the world's fastest internet to South Dakota. I've spent years partnering with federal, state, and local officials to identify and overcome hurdles that are standing in the way of delivering the next generation of mobile broadband technology. I strongly believe winning the race to 5G is something we can should be able to achieve. Doing so would put South Dakota and the rest of the United States in a far more competitive position as we tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future. Throughout my tenure as chairman, I've always tried to use the committee to highlight the amazing people and communities across South Dakota and the issues that are important to them. I've hosted and participated in field hearings, roundtables, and other events in nearly every corner of the state. I've invited fellow South Dakotans, like Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, Dakota State University President Jos-Marie Griffiths, and Lake Area Technical Institute President Michael Cartney, among others, to testify at hearings in South Dakota and in Washington, D.C. Their insight has been invaluable. I'm proud of everything the Commerce Committee has achieved over the last four years. We've taken on difficult and consequential issues and have always tried to pursue policies where both parties could find common ground. While I won't be sitting in the chairman's seat next year, my commitment to using the Commerce Committee and all of the committees on which I serve, for that matter to fight for South Dakota and its issues will remain the same.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DE2EA7DC-37F8-4B0A-81D4-9545AA82A84A,Senate Unanimously Approves Thune Bill to Reauthorize Critical Drought Information Program,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Senate unanimously approved his legislation (S. 2200) to reauthorize the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), which provides vital drought information to farmers, ranchers, and other industries affected by severe weather conditions. This legislation would encourage important partnerships with the private sector, integrate seasonal and subseasonal drought and water forecasts, improve the use of citizen-science, and support ongoing soil moisture monitoring to better aid farmers. The bill now heads to the House, which is expected to consider it before the end of the year, and, if approved, it would go to the president for his signature. I introduced this bill a little over a year ago as South Dakota farmers and ranchers were recovering from a significantly dry year, which resulted in drought conditions that affected large areas of the state, said Thune. It was a good reminder that Congress must do everything it can to update and modernize drought tools like NIDIS, which our farmers and ranchers depend on to stay up-to-date and fully informed on drought conditions in their area. I'm glad my Senate colleagues also recognized the importance of passing this legislation and that the president will hopefully sign this bill into law before the end of the year. NIDIS was established by Congress in 2006 with an interagency mandate to coordinate and integrate drought research and create a national drought early warning system. The early warning system utilizes new and existing partner networks to optimize the expertise of a wide range of federal, tribal, state, local, and academic partners in order to make climate and drought science readily available, easily understandable, and usable for decision makers. It would also improve the capacity of stakeholders to better monitor, forecast, plan for, and cope with the impacts of a drought. The NIDIS program is a function of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, of which the Commerce Committee has jurisdiction. Earlier this month, Congress approved provisions of another Thune bill (S. 2936) that would provide tools and direction to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor and require the coordination of USDA agencies that use precipitation data to determine livestock grazing loss assistance and stocking rates. These provisions, as part of the larger farm bill, will be signed into law on Thursday, December 20.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BD0F3077-DE25-4D1E-B5F9-EF2B4A38FB86,Thune: Protecting Our Border is Protecting Our Nation,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the importance of border security and expressed his frustration with Senate and House Democrats for their opposition to funding a border wall, considering Sen. Schumer and former Sens. Biden, Clinton, and Obama all voted to authorize a border fence in 2006. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, before I begin, I'd like to say a couple of words about Senator Alexander. I was sad to hear that he will be leaving the Senate in two years. While I'm sure he will enjoy having more time to relax at home in his beloved Tennessee, his gain is our loss. Over the course of his 16-year career in the Senate, he has been a leader and a model for many of us, including me. As a former secretary of education, he has, unsurprisingly, been a leader on education issues, and he has also been a tremendous leader on health care. He combines an impressive knowledge of the issues with an ability to bring together members of both parties to get things done. He and I share the unusual distinction of having both been congressional staffers before becoming members of Congress. We've also both served as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. And Lamar was definitely a tough act to follow. I will miss his presence in the Senate, but I'm glad we still have two more years to work together to improve the lives of the American people. Mr. President, I also need to mention Senator Kyl, who just announced that he's retiring from the Senate for the second time. Senator Kyl initially retired at the end of the 112th Congress after a distinguished Senate career, but he stepped up to fill in after we lost Senator McCain earlier this year. He's rightly renowned in this body for his statesmanship and his deep knowledge, and it's been a pleasure having him back in the Senate, even for a brief time. Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's time to finish up our work. Most importantly, of course, we need to fund the government. While this year's Senate was the most efficient in two decades in terms of passing appropriations bills, we still have a significant amount of funding left to pass this week. And a critical part of this funding is border security. As all of us know, protecting our border is protecting our nation. When we can't control the flow of goods and people across our borders, dangerous individuals and products enter our nation without our knowledge. The fact is, our borders are not sufficiently secure, and as we've recently seen with the migrant caravans, they're a target for illegal entry. Over the past year, illegal border crossing apprehensions have shot up by more than 30 percent. A porous border leaves us susceptible to illegal entry by gang members, human traffickers, drug dealers, and weapons traffickers. Federal agents have seen a substantial increase in seizures of deadly drugs, including a 115 percent increase in the amount of fentanyl seized between ports of entry. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous opioids out there and a major contributor to the opioid crisis raging in this country. In 2017, opioids were involved in the deaths of almost 50,000 Americans. Roughly half or more of those deaths involved fentanyl. If this is what's being caught at legal points of entry, we know more is coming over the unsecured border. Then there's human trafficking. Every year, between 14,500 and 17,500 individuals are trafficked into the United States predominantly women and children. Then they are sold into domestic slavery, or, most frequently, forced into pornography or prostitution. And of course, there's the ever-present and very real danger that members of terrorist groups will exploit loopholes in our border security to enter our country and endanger our citizens. Mr. President, I don't need to explain this to Democrat members. They know all of this. And they've supported measures to protect our borders. In 2006, the Democrat leader and the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee voted for legislation to authorize a border fence. They were joined in their vote by then Senators Biden, Clinton, and Obama. In 2013, every Senate Democrat supported legislation requiring the completion of a 700-mile fence along our southern border. This legislation would have provided $46 billion for border security and $8 billion specifically for the wall. Nothing has changed, Mr. President. Border security is still a national security imperative, and it still needs to be funded. So I hope Democrats' support for border security won't change either. In 2013, Nancy Pelosi said that a shutdown was, quote, an unthinkable tactic to use in the political debate. I have to agree that it's unthinkable that Democrats would jeopardize government operations and services to block funding to secure our border. The American people are certainly not interested in a government shutdown. They made that clear back in January when Democrats shut down the government over illegal immigration. And I know Democrats and Republicans in Congress are not interested in shutting down the government for Christmas. So I hope an appropriations bill will pass this week. It's time to get the government funded. Mr. President, while I'm on the issue of national security, I'd like to take a few minutes to discuss the recent report from the National Defense Strategy Commission. The report is sobering, and it should give our work to restore military readiness a new level of intensity. I'd like to just highlight a few excerpts: The security and wellbeing of the United States are at greater risk than at any time in decades.' The U.S. military could suffer unacceptably high casualties and loss of major capital assets in its next conflict ' It might struggle to win, or perhaps lose, a war against China or Russia ' The United States is particularly at risk of being overwhelmed should its military be forced to fight on two or more fronts simultaneously ' Additionally, it would be unwise and irresponsible not to expect adversaries to attempt debilitating kinetic, cyber, or other types of attacks against Americans at home while they seek to defeat our military abroad ...' U.S. military superiority is no longer assured and the implications for American interests and American security are severe.' Mr. President, the threats to our national security are many, and they are growing in complexity by the day. But it's not our strength that tempts our adversaries; it's our weakness. The best way to ensure our security and that of our allies is to project strength. And the best way to project strength is to make sound investments in our men and women in uniform and the right investments in sustainment and modernization. I hope this report will be a wake-up call, and that Democrats will come to the table to continue the work of rebuilding our military in the 116th Congress. We need to continue the momentum led by President Trump in restoring our military readiness so that bad actors will rethink their actions. And if I could remind my colleagues, Mr. President, providing the Pentagon funding certainty allows it to leverage its greatest asset: the men and women of our military. Investing in our national defense is an investment in the men and women who are currently standing watch around the world this holiday season, forgoing the comforts of home so that we can celebrate with our friends and family. This last weekend I had the honor of attending an activation ceremony for the Bravo Battery of the 1-147 Field Artillery of the South Dakota National Guard. They are deploying in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and demonstrating America's commitment to security in Europe at a time of heightened tensions. We thank them for their service, and wish them a safe deployment. May we think of Bravo Battery and extend our thanks to all the men and women in uniform defending our freedoms this time of year--and may we return in the 116th Congress with a renewed commitment to supporting their mission and needs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=9275856A-B433-459F-B6EA-CF88967C6DAB,"When You Defend Agriculture, You Defend South Dakota",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune In a 1982 radio address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan had a simple yet poignant message for U.S. farmers. He said, I've always thought that when we Americans get up in the morning, when we see bacon, eggs, toast, and milk on our breakfast table, we should give thanks that our farmers are survivors. You are the real miracle workers of the modern world keepers of an incredible system based on faith, freedom, hard work, productivity, and profit. Reagan's edict to the American people was as true then as it is today: farming and ranching is no easy business. In fact, if you ask most farmers and ranchers today, they'd tell you it's less of a business and more of a way of life. They'd tell you that you're born with it in your blood the willingness to climb out of bed before the sun breaks in the east and, without a complaint or dragging feet, work until Mother Nature turns out the lights in the west. Farmers and ranchers care about what they do and how they do it nearly as much as they care about their family, friends, and the Lord above who knows there's a uniqueness about them a toughness that, despite the hardest times, will never break their faith. These are the people I'm proud to represent in Washington, and they're why I left it all on the field when it came to writing and passing the 2018 farm bill. I work on a lot of meaningful issues with my colleagues in Washington, but when it comes to defending South Dakota's top industry, I take a backseat to no one. I've never underestimated or taken for granted what it means to fight for our state's agriculture community, and I never will. I introduced my first farm bill proposal in early 2017 and spent more than a year drafting proposal after proposal to help lay the groundwork for the bipartisan farm bill Congress just overwhelmingly approved. Without their help, I can honestly say it would look much different than it does today. And because of their help, it will help provide more of the economic certainty and security they want and need. The provision I'm proudest to have had included in the bill is the establishment of the Soil Health and Income Protection Program. SHIPP, as it's known, is a three-to-five-year enrollment alternative to the popular Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which, while a popular program, locks up enrolled land for a decade or more. This is the first time in the 30-plus year history of CRP that farmers will have the opportunity to enroll in a short-term conserving use program like this one that has these kinds of flexible options. I wish there was enough time or room on this page to describe all of the big things in the farm bill that will benefit South Dakota, but suffice it to say, the bill contains nearly 20 provisions that have our state's fingerprints on them a direct result of the feedback and suggestions I received from farmers and ranchers throughout the state over the last few years. I can't think of a better or more succinct way of explaining the government's role in agriculture than how President Reagan described it, saying it should act as friend, partner, and promoter of American farmers and their products. He said, I want with all my heart to see your burdens lifted, to see farmers who have given so much to America receive the rewards they deserve. It's true, and I believe the 2018 farm bill mirrors that timeless perspective.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4413D9D3-119C-467C-894E-B7270B548BA0,Thune: Delivering on Our Goal to Make Life Better for the American People,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the long list of Senate Republican accomplishments over the last two years, all of which were aimed at making life better for American families. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's been a good two years. Our goal two years ago was simple: Make life better for American families. And that's what we've done. We knew that a huge part of making life better for American families was expanding opportunity and putting more money in their pockets. And so we passed a historic reform of our outdated tax code that slashed tax rates for families and removed barriers to economic growth. And it's already producing results. Since we passed tax reform a year ago this December, we've seen unemployment drop to its lowest rate in almost 50 years. We've seen job openings reach a record high: For the past seven months, there have been more job openings than there are Americans looking for work. We've seen company after company dispense raises or bonuses or boost benefits for employees. We've seen the best wage growth since the Great Recession. And more. Most importantly, the economic benefits of tax reform are reaching the people who need them the most. During the Obama administration, what economic prosperity there was tended to be concentrated in large metropolitan areas. But under Republican government, growth and prosperity are reaching small cities and rural families and communities. Thanks to tax reform, a lot of families are finding it easier to pay their bills and put a little bit away for the future. But of course tax reform is far from the only thing we did in this Congress to improve the lives of the American people. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. We enacted legislation to improve career and technical education programs. We passed legislation to make it easier for Main Street banks and credit unions to lend money to small businessmen and farmers and ranchers. We passed the largest pay increase in nearly a decade for our men and women in uniform. And we delivered real reforms for our veterans through the VA Mission Act. This legislation streamlined the VA's community care programs to help ensure veterans receive efficient, timely, quality care. Once fully implemented, it will also expand caregiver assistance to disabled pre- 9/11 veterans, an overdue benefit for generations of our heroes. We also modernized the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals system to develop a quicker, more responsive system for veterans. On the national security front, we've reinvested in our nation's military to ensure that our troops are equipped not only for today's missions, but to meet the threats of the future. A recent report from the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission outlined how dangerously our military superiority has eroded, to the point where it would be difficult for us to win a war against two major powers. This alarming reduction in our military's readiness is why Republicans have made rebuilding our military such a priority this Congress. There is no better way to ensure peace for our country than to make sure that the United States military is the strongest, best-equipped fighting force in the world. On the health care front this Congress, we passed the Support for Patients and Communities Act to addressthe nationwide opioid epidemic. This bipartisan legislation reflected ideas and input from no fewer than 72 of our members here in the Senate to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. We also repealed Obamacare's individual mandate tax, which forced patients to buy insurance that they didn't want and couldn't afford. And we eliminated Obamacare's Independent Payment Advisory Board, which would have empowered a board of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats to make substantial changes to Medicare. We also passed legislation to give terminally ill patients access to experimental care. And in February, we passed the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. Then, of course, there are the many excellent judges we've confirmed to the federal bench judges who can be relied on to uphold the law and the Constitution and give anyone who comes before their bench a fair shake. Mr. President, as usual, more than one of our accomplishments this Congress would not have been possible without the leadership of Senator Hatch. He spearheaded the historic tax reform bill that is putting more money in the pockets of the American people, and he is also responsible for the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. In his forty-plus years of public service, he has been a powerful voice for the people of Utah and for all Americans. He's fought for economic growth and job creation. For trade policies that benefit American companies and American workers. For judges who will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. For fiscal responsibility and intellectual property rights. He has long been a leader on the issue of religious liberty. Together with the late Senator Ted Kennedy, he authored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect Americans' First Amendment right to live in accordance with their religious beliefs. A stalwart conservative, he has nevertheless known how to reach across the aisle to get things done for the American people. No legislator alive today has had as many pieces of legislation he or she has sponsored signed into law. Mr. President, it's difficult to imagine a Senate without Orrin Hatch. I've been privileged to serve with Senator Hatch throughout my time in the Senate, including on the Senate Finance Committee, which he chairs. It's hard to imagine him not being here. But the impact he has had on the Senate will not soon be forgotten. He leaves a record of legislative achievement and an example of character and leadership of fierce conviction paired with a consummate gentlemanliness. There are few people to whom the term statesman can be more fittingly applied. I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. I know he will enjoy having more time to spend with his wife Elaine, his children, and his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as some extra time to follow the Utah Jazz.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F8526815-286D-4A7E-9079-C25CA83025F4,Thune: Delivering on Our Goal to Make Life Better for the American People,2018-12-13,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the long list of Senate Republican accomplishments over the last two years, all of which were aimed at making life better for American families. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close, and it's been a good two years. Our goal two years ago was simple: Make life better for American families. And that's what we've done. We knew that a huge part of making life better for American families was expanding opportunity and putting more money in their pockets. And so we passed a historic reform of our outdated tax code that slashed tax rates for families and removed barriers to economic growth. And it's already producing results. Since we passed tax reform a year ago this December, we've seen unemployment drop to its lowest rate in almost 50 years. We've seen job openings reach a record high: For the past seven months, there have been more job openings than there are Americans looking for work. We've seen company after company dispense raises or bonuses or boost benefits for employees. We've seen the best wage growth since the Great Recession. And more. Most importantly, the economic benefits of tax reform are reaching the people who need them the most. During the Obama administration, what economic prosperity there was tended to be concentrated in large metropolitan areas. But under Republican government, growth and prosperity are reaching small cities and rural families and communities. Thanks to tax reform, a lot of families are finding it easier to pay their bills and put a little bit away for the future. But of course tax reform is far from the only thing we did in this Congress to improve the lives of the American people. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. We enacted legislation to improve career and technical education programs. We passed legislation to make it easier for Main Street banks and credit unions to lend money to small businessmen and farmers and ranchers. We passed the largest pay increase in nearly a decade for our men and women in uniform. And we delivered real reforms for our veterans through the VA Mission Act. This legislation streamlined the VA's community care programs to help ensure veterans receive efficient, timely, quality care. Once fully implemented, it will also expand caregiver assistance to disabled pre- 9/11 veterans, an overdue benefit for generations of our heroes. We also modernized the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals system to develop a quicker, more responsive system for veterans. On the national security front, we've reinvested in our nation's military to ensure that our troops are equipped not only for today's missions, but to meet the threats of the future. A recent report from the bipartisan National Defense Strategy Commission outlined how dangerously our military superiority has eroded, to the point where it would be difficult for us to win a war against two major powers. This alarming reduction in our military's readiness is why Republicans have made rebuilding our military such a priority this Congress. There is no better way to ensure peace for our country than to make sure that the United States military is the strongest, best-equipped fighting force in the world. On the health care front this Congress, we passed the Support for Patients and Communities Act to addressthe nationwide opioid epidemic. This bipartisan legislation reflected ideas and input from no fewer than 72 of our members here in the Senate to support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts. We also repealed Obamacare's individual mandate tax, which forced patients to buy insurance that they didn't want and couldn't afford. And we eliminated Obamacare's Independent Payment Advisory Board, which would have empowered a board of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats to make substantial changes to Medicare. We also passed legislation to give terminally ill patients access to experimental care. And in February, we passed the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. Then, of course, there are the many excellent judges we've confirmed to the federal bench judges who can be relied on to uphold the law and the Constitution and give anyone who comes before their bench a fair shake. Mr. President, as usual, more than one of our accomplishments this Congress would not have been possible without the leadership of Senator Hatch. He spearheaded the historic tax reform bill that is putting more money in the pockets of the American people, and he is also responsible for the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. In his forty-plus years of public service, he has been a powerful voice for the people of Utah and for all Americans. He's fought for economic growth and job creation. For trade policies that benefit American companies and American workers. For judges who will uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. For fiscal responsibility and intellectual property rights. He has long been a leader on the issue of religious liberty. Together with the late Senator Ted Kennedy, he authored the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to protect Americans' First Amendment right to live in accordance with their religious beliefs. A stalwart conservative, he has nevertheless known how to reach across the aisle to get things done for the American people. No legislator alive today has had as many pieces of legislation he or she has sponsored signed into law. Mr. President, it's difficult to imagine a Senate without Orrin Hatch. I've been privileged to serve with Senator Hatch throughout my time in the Senate, including on the Senate Finance Committee, which he chairs. It's hard to imagine him not being here. But the impact he has had on the Senate will not soon be forgotten. He leaves a record of legislative achievement and an example of character and leadership of fierce conviction paired with a consummate gentlemanliness. There are few people to whom the term statesman can be more fittingly applied. I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement. I know he will enjoy having more time to spend with his wife Elaine, his children, and his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as some extra time to follow the Utah Jazz.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/audio-files?ContentRecord_id=0FC49771-1F21-47CB-B9E3-148D5E81A992,Thune News Conference,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33E03443-3191-4638-BCB1-DB40F33E799F,"Thune, Scott Applaud Presidents Decision to Direct Federal Agencies to Boost Opportunity Zones in Distressed Communities",2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), both members of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today applauded President Donald Trumpfor issuing an executive order directing federal agencies to coordinate available resources through a new White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to maximize the benefits for economically distressed areas, including the new Opportunity Zone communities, and provide regulatory relief where appropriate. Thune and Scott, in a letter to the president earlier this year, encouraged the administration to do whatever it could to help boost Opportunity Zones around the country. Opportunity Zones, which were created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and championed by Scott, are distressed communities that have been identified by governors and approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Once designated, these new Opportunity Zones are able to attract qualifying private investment to unlock unrealized potential and strengthen local communities throughout the United States. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains a number of benefits for the American people, including lower rates, a simpler tax code, and additional provisions that allow them to keep more of their hard-earned money, said Thune. The creation of Opportunity Zones, which thanks to Sen. Scott's hard work and determination, is yet another way taxpayers and the communities in which they live can be better served. I'm thankful the administration took this important step that will help ensure this program works as effectively and efficiently as possible. I am very excited the White House has taken this important step to provide more support to some of our nation's most distressed communities, said Scott. The Opportunity Zone initiative will help rebuild and strengthen neighborhoods in every state, be it through direct job creation, supporting local entrepreneurs with increased capital, helping provide quality affordable housing, increasing rural broadband capabilities, or any other number of ideas. I want to thank Senator Thune for joining me in asking the White House to take this important step. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a taxpayer is now able to temporarily defer his or her tax liability on capital gains that are generated from the sale of an asset, provided the proceeds are reinvested in a qualified opportunity fund. It also allows for the permanent exclusion of capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment in the qualified opportunity fund held by the taxpayer for at least 10 years. The designation of an Opportunity Zone which is based on census tracts, of which there are several in South Dakota and South Carolina, remains in effect for 10 years. The newly signed executive order creates a new White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council that will be tasked with ensuring the president's goal of strengthening Opportunity Zones is appropriately executed. The council, which will be led by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, will be comprised of senior administration officials from agencies throughout the federal government. According to the White House, The Council will engage with all levels of government on ways to better use taxpayer dollars to revitalize low-income communities improve revitalization efforts by streamlining, coordinating, and targeting existing Federal programs to economically distressed areas, including Opportunity Zones consider legislative proposals and undertake regulatory reform to remove barriers to revitalization efforts [and] present the President with a number of reports identifying and recommending ways to encourage investment in economically distressed communities. Full text of the request, which was sent on April 26, 2018, can be found below. President Donald Trump The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 Dear Mr. President: As you know, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act included an important piece of legislation, the Investing in Opportunity Act, which authorizes an anti-poverty and economic development tool, Opportunity Zones. Opportunity Zones are a new way for states and local communities to encourage private sector investment in distressed communities. Under this program, states proposed specific census tracts for Opportunity Zone designation. These tracts are then evaluated and designated by the Treasury Department. Once designated, these communities will be able to attract private investment to unlock their unrealized potential through established Opportunity Funds. This week, the Treasury Department began the process of designating Opportunity Zones across the country. As the Treasury works to set this program in motion, we write today to encourage you to issue an executive order directing other federal agencies to optimize existing resources for these designated Opportunity Zones. Additionally, federal agencies should be directed, to the extent practicable, to cut unnecessary regulatory red-tape that may stall investment or the deployment of other resources. By directing assistance that is already available to these areas and cutting government red-tape, Opportunity Zone communities can get the support they need to encourage economic investment, create jobs, and ultimately grow their communities. Workers, communities, and the economy are all beginning to see the benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Leveraging existing federal resources through an Executive Order in order to maximize enormous potential of Opportunity Zones for states and communities is a commonsense step that will only serve to help further your bold economic agenda. Sincerely.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C0698E69-0023-4FC1-8257-E346A403D1CF,Thune Applauds FCC Action on Rural Broadband Deployment,2018-12-12,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) adoption of an order addressing funding for broadband deployment in rural areas. Through oversight of the FCC, the committee has remained committed to closing the digital divide and ensuring America's rural communities have advanced telecommunications capability.With its action today, the FCC has fulfilled its promise to the committee and to America's rural communities to do its part to overcome the difficulty of deploying broadband to rural areas by ordering more funding for broadband deployment in South Dakota and across the country. Broadband is vital to America's rural communities, said Thune. Today the FCC, under the leadership of Chairman Pai, has taken an extremely important step to enable the continued deployment of broadband so critical to communities in my home state and rural communities across the country. By ensuring predictable and sufficient support, the commission has fulfilled an important obligation to ensure universal service and meet its obligations under the law. Over the past several years, the committee has conducted hearings with testimony from rural broadband providers, farmers, tribal representatives, and others on the critical role broadband plays in the lives and economies of rural America and the challenges involved in deploying broadband in rural areas. At a hearing in August, Thune discussed the importance for rural broadband deployment with the FCC. In October, Thune, together with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), sent a letter urging the FCC to fully fund the Universal Service Fund's High Cost program's budget.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E7AF0A2B-250C-4431-B0ED-4D253B31037A,House and Senate to Vote on Bipartisan Farm Bill Compromise,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement on the bipartisan farm bill compromise that was negotiated between leaders of the House and Senate agriculture committees. The House and Senate are expected to consider the compromise legislation in the lame duck session of Congress. Once approved by both chambers, the bill would head to the president for his signature. This farm bill is literally two years in the making, said Thune. I introduced my first farm bill proposal in early 2017 and spent more than a year drafting proposal after proposal, using ideas and suggestions from South Dakota's farmers and ranchers, to help lay the groundwork for the product Congress will soon consider. While there were significant policy differences between the House and Senate bills, it's good to see negotiators, who I've been in communication with throughout this process, were able to reach an agreement. Getting a pro-agriculture, pro-farmer farm bill to the president has been the goal all along, and I'm glad we're one step closer to delivering on it. Thune, who to date has introduced roughly 40 farm bill-related initiatives to reform and strengthen the farm bill, started introducing individual marker bills in March 2017, and they covered nearly every title of the overall farm bill. The Senate passed its version of the farm bill in June, which included one dozen Thune-authored provisions. Highlights of Thune-Authored-and-Supported Provisions Included in the Bipartisan Compromise Bill: Provisions of Thune's Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP), which was included in S. 499 that he introduced in March 2017. SHIPP is a new voluntary income protection program that would provide participant farmers with a short-term acreage conserving use program, which unlike the traditional Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), requires a commitment of only three to five years.SHIPP is authorized and funded as a pilot program at 50,000 acres in the six Prairie Pothole Region states: South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 1259), which would require that Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)-County payments be calculated using the physical location of each farm's tract of land instead of the current policy, which uses a farm's administrative county to determine payments. Provisions of an amendment introduced by Thune and included in the Senate farm bill that would allow producers who are currently enrolled in ARC or PLC to change enrollment in 2021, which is not permitted under current law. This provision was expanded in the final farm bill to also include 2022 and 2023. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 909) to increase the CRP acreage cap. Thune proposed increasing it from 24 million to 30 million acres, and the final farm bill increased it to 27 million acres. Additional provisions of S. 909 that would target CRP acreage enrollment based on a state's historical CRP acreage enrollment and allow greater flexibility and expanded haying and grazing options on land enrolled in CRP. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 1913) that would close additional loopholes in sodsaver provisions to further disincentivize producers for converting native sod to cropland in exchange for increased crop insurance indemnities. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 2936) that would provide tools and direction to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor and require the coordination of USDA agencies that use precipitation data to determine livestock grazing loss assistance and stocking rates. Click here for a full list of the nearly 20 Thune-authored-and-supported provisions in the 2018 farm bill and here for text of the compromise legislation. Thune has served on the Agriculture Committee in both the House and Senate and is currently the only member of the South Dakota congressional delegation to serve on the committee. Thune has written three farm bills during his time in Congress, and the 2018 farm bill is his fourth. Agriculture is South Dakota's top industry, with more than 43 million acres of agricultural land throughout the state. To learn more about Thune's 2018 farm bill effort, please visit the farm bill section on www.thune.senate.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F1DDB15F-E065-4A33-939D-6BF0D4573040,"Senate Approves Bipartisan Farm Bill, Includes Nearly 20 Thune-Authored Provisions",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelming approved the bipartisan farm bill compromise by a vote of 87-13. The bill includes nearly 20 Thune-authored-and-supported provisions, and it must be approved by the House before it heads to the president who is expected to sign it into law. Aside from good weather, certainty can be a farmer's best friend, said Thune. That's why I'm glad that the House and Senate are coming together to put the agriculture community ahead of politics and act on this important legislation. This pro-agriculture farm bill will help give South Dakota farmers and ranchers greater economic certainty, which will allow them to focus on what's most important in their line of work: growing crops and raising livestock. I say it as often as I can, but South Dakota's farmers and ranchers are the best of the best. To them, agriculture is less of a job and more of a way of life. They're proud of what they do to help feed not only people in the state and around the country, but in every corner of the world, as well. I'm thankful to live in a state that honors and appreciates everything farmers and ranchers do from the field all the way to the halls of Congress. Without their input, suggestions, and encouragement, I can say with certainty that the 2018 farm bill would look much different than it does today. Highlights of Thune-Authored-and-Supported Provisions Included in the Bipartisan Compromise Bill: Provisions of Thune's Soil Health and Income Protection Program (SHIPP), which was included in S. 499 that he introduced in March 2017. SHIPP is a new voluntary income protection program that would provide participant farmers with a short-term acreage conserving use program, which unlike the traditional Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), requires a commitment of only three to five years.SHIPP is authorized and funded as a pilot program at 50,000 acres in the six Prairie Pothole Region states: South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 1259), which would require that Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)-County payments be calculated using the physical location of each farm's tract of land instead of the current policy, which uses a farm's administrative county to determine payments. Provisions of an amendment introduced by Thune and included in the Senate farm bill that would allow producers who are currently enrolled in ARC or PLC to change enrollment in 2021, which is not permitted under current law. This provision was expanded in the final farm bill to also include 2022 and 2023. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 909) to increase the CRP acreage cap. Thune proposed increasing it from 24 million to 30 million acres, and the final farm bill increased it to 27 million acres. Additional provisions of S. 909 that would target CRP acreage enrollment based on a state's historical CRP acreage enrollment and allow greater flexibility and expanded haying and grazing options on land enrolled in CRP. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 1913) that would close additional loopholes in sodsaver provisions to further disincentivize producers for converting native sod to cropland in exchange for increased crop insurance indemnities. Provisions of Thune's bill (S. 2936) that would provide tools and direction to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor and require the coordination of USDA agencies that use precipitation data to determine livestock grazing loss assistance and stocking rates. Click here for a full list of the nearly 20 Thune-authored-and-supported provisions in the 2018 farm bill and here for text of the compromise legislation. Thune has served on the Agriculture Committee in both the House and Senate and is currently the only member of the South Dakota congressional delegation to serve on the committee. Thune has written three farm bills during his time in Congress, and the 2018 farm bill is his fourth. Agriculture is South Dakota's top industry, with more than 43 million acres of agricultural land throughout the state. To learn more about Thune's 2018 farm bill effort, please visit the farm bill section on www.thune.senate.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=EF5D970D-1353-4087-86A8-328971146DD8,Remembering 41,2018-12-07,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune Like so many other young conservatives in the 1980s, I really came of age politically during the Reagan Revolution. I was deeply inspired by President Reagan's commitment to democracy and freedom and his compassionate, yet principled approach to governing, a model I've tried to embody throughout my service to the people of South Dakota. President Reagan was a tremendous public figure, but he had help along the way and often leaned on George H.W. Bush, his trusted vice president who served alongside him for all eight years of his presidency. Reagan trusted him for the same reasons the American people trusted him when they later elected him to serve as our 41st president: He was smart, kind, a true public servant, and dedicated to making America a better place than when he found it. By the time George H.W. Bush (or just 41 as he's known today) ascended to the presidency, he'd already spent a lifetime in public service. Barely an adult, he enlisted in the Navy and quickly became one of the youngest naval aviators ever to take to the sky. James Baker, Bush's long-time friend, White House chief of staff, and secretary of state, described him poignantly as a charter member of the Greatest Generation. War hero was only one chapter in Bush's long and tenured career in public service. He would later serve as a member of Congress, ambassador to the United Nations, diplomat in China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and vice president of the United States all jobs that most public servants would consider a pinnacle career achievement on their own, let alone collectively. His resume for president was as good as it gets, a characterization he'd likely contend, as humble as he was in life. And while he'd been assigned many titles throughout his nine-plus decades on earth, I think it's safe to say that above all others, he was proudest to be called husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. On his marriage to Barbara, the longest marriage of any presidential couple in our nation's history, Bush once wrote, I have climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even that cannot hold a candle to being Barbara's husband. I was humbled and honored to attend President Bush's funeral in Washington, D.C. As I listened to everyone who spoke at the memorial service, it was almost as if they were puzzle pieces perfectly selected to illustrate each corner of Bush's life, giving all of us a full picture of what this man meant to the United States. They talked about his place in history and his role as a world leader and described him as a friend, family man, and son of God. In an almost poetic way, presidential historian Jon Meacham said of Bush that he was America's last great soldier-statesman, a 20th-century founding father. Meacham was able to read his full eulogy to the president before his passing, and the president responded in a way and with a sense of humility that only he could: That's a lot about me, Jon. As if to say his own eulogy should focus more on the people he served rather than the man who so selflessly served them humble to the very end. When President George W. Bush spoke at the funeral, it was an emotional message from a son to his father, not one president simply eulogizing another. The 43rd president said of the 41st, He taught us what it means to be a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was firm in his principles and supportive as we began to seek our own ways. He encouraged and comforted but never steered. We tested his patience. I know I did. But he always responded with the great gift of unconditional love. Unconditional love. What a profound and timeless lesson on what truly matters in life. Rest in peace, Mr. President.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=58ED107D-DF2F-4C2C-9FCB-708429D6AAD0,"With Thune, Rounds Support, Tea and U.S. Highway 83 Receive Critical Infrastructure Grants",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) decision to award the City of Tea's County Highway 106 project and South Dakota Department of Transportation's U.S. Highway 83 project $8.7 million and $20 million, respectively, in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today's announcement follows multiple requests from the senators to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for these projects' funding. With the Department of Transportation's decision to award BUILD grants to the City of Tea and for U.S. Highway 83, which stretches across central South Dakota, our state will receive a significant investment to strengthen and modernize our infrastructure, said Thune. While these are localized projects, this puts the entire state and region in a better, stronger position, and I want to thank Secretary Chao for recognizing these opportunities in South Dakota and for her continued focus on rural America. I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the need to invest in these important infrastructure projects, said Rounds. The Highway 106 and Highway 83 projects will not only benefit the surrounding communities, they will allow for increased transport of goods and commodities across the region a surefire boon to the regional economy. The City of Tea plans to move forward with the reconstruction of a portion of Highway 106, located in the southwest Sioux Falls metropolitan area. Since the route from Interstate 29 to 469th Avenue is the community's primary and commercial and residential transportation thoroughfare, County Highway 106 experiences substantial vehicle traffic each day, creating unsafe driving conditions. The proposed project in Tea would rebuild the rural, two-lane highway into a four-lane divided highway with limited access. The reconstruction would not only provide important safety upgrades but would also provide a reliable and effective transportation route. U.S. 83 is a north-south highway cutting across South Dakota and America's heartland. Once the only paved route stretching from Canada to Mexico, this thoroughfare continues to be an integral part of our National Highway System. Navigating through six states and critical to our nation's agriculture and energy sectors, access and connectivity enhancements to U.S. Highway 83 are essential to ensuring an efficient transportation network. South Dakota Department of Transportation plans to move forward with grading, freight climbing lanes, resurfacing, drainage, shoulder work, and other features along 23 miles of U.S. Highway 83. This project is an important component of a longer corridor augmentation along the highway between South Dakota and Nebraska.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A7ED0B05-ECD7-485A-8B2F-E0EB0CB02B80,Thune Pays Tribute to Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today paid tribute to former President George H.W. Bush on the Senate floor. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, on Friday, George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st president of the United States, went to his eternal reward. His death marks the passing of an era. George H.W. Bush was the last president to have served in World War II. He enlisted on his 18th birthday, postponing college to serve his country, and went on to become the youngest pilot in the Navy. During his three years of service, he flew 58 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Throughout his life, he exemplified the characteristics of the Greatest Generation. Service. Love of country. Humility. Honor. His achievements in public office were significant. As vice president he helped Ronald Reagan turn the economy around and combat the Evil Empire. And as president, he presided over the dissolution of the Soviet Union and helped bring order and stability to the world stage in its aftermath. But through it all he stayed humble and down-to-earth. I saw an article this week with anecdotes from Secret Service agents who had protected President Bush. And what stood out to me the most was the fact that he used to stay in Washington over Christmas so that his Secret Service agents could spend the day with their families. That was the kind of man he was. We throw around the term public service in government. But for George Bush, that term meant something. Public service' was a real thing for him. Being a congressman, being CIA director, being an ambassador, being president these weren't chances to aggrandize himself or burnish his resume. These were chances to serve. To give something back to the country he loved and had fought to protect. President Bush was a statesman, a man of principle who understood that you could speak the truth without demonizing your opponents. He and President Clinton may have been political adversaries, but that didn't stop him from teaming up with President Clinton to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami. He was also, as every American knows, a devoted family man, a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and his wife Barbara, who died earlier this year, were married for 73 years the longest marriage of any presidential couple in our nation's history. The love and affection and friendship between them were palpable. Mr. President, by now I think most Americans have seen the moving image from cartoonist Marshall Ramsey paying tribute to President Bush. In the cartoon, President Bush is depicted as having flown his WWII plane, a TBM Avenger, to heaven. There he joins hands with his beloved daughter Robin and his beloved wife, who says, We waited for you. I am sure that their reunion was a joyful one. Mr. President, I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=939546D3-EDAE-4E2C-984D-525D0B93CC33,Thune Statement on Passing of Former President George H.W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S.Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement regarding the passing of former President George H.W. Bush: With the passing of President George H.W. Bush, America has lost one of its finest. As a naval aviator in World War II, President Bush exemplified America's Greatest Generation. A man of fierce determination, self-sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country, President Bush will be remembered as a patriot and a gentleman. He will be sorely missed, and my prayers are with his family and those who loved him.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=957DF346-DE1E-4A13-B58B-5712728121D5,Making Life Better for the American People,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune I believe the 115th Congress, which began less than two years ago, just days before President Trump took office, will be defined as one of the most productive Congresses in recent history. It's been marked by accomplishment after accomplishment, all of which have helped fulfill my goal of making life better for South Dakotans and the rest of the American people. While there's certainly plenty of good news to share from our work over the last two years, things looked much different before Republicans took control of the House, Senate, and White House in 2017. Having that perspective helps underscore just how much this Republican-led Washington delivered in terms of real results for people across the country. When President Obama left office, the economy had spent nearly a decade in neutral. Economic stagnation had not only set in, it became the new normal, leaving some people believing the days of strong economic growth were a thing of the past. At the same time, wages were stagnant, and American families were feeling the pinch. My Republican colleagues and I refused to accept that the United States the strongest country the world has ever known couldn't do better. We knew there were ways we could help create an environment in which the economy could thrive once again, and we took action. We passed the largest reform of our nation's tax code in a generation. As a result, we enacted across-the-board, top-to-bottom tax relief, affecting nearly every single American taxpayer. And when I say tax relief, I mean larger paychecks and more money in the family budget. Our rewrite of the tax code nearly doubled the standard deduction (the amount of money taxpayers can remove from their taxable income when they file their taxes, which means Uncle Sam takes less of their hard-earned money). For example, with the new tax law, a married couple that earns $24,000 per year and files jointly would pay zero dollars in federal tax. The child tax credit, another tax benefit enjoyed by many middle-income American families, doubled under the new law. Since it's in the form of a credit, which is now $2,000 per dependent child, it directly reduces what a taxpayer owes the government when they file their taxes. Depending on what you owe, if you owe anything at all, it could actually result in a tax refund, which is always a good thing. Reforming the nation's tax code, plus taking additional steps to help strengthen the economy, has resulted in robust economic growth, the lowest unemployment rate in a half-century, a record number of job openings, and growing wages. The economy is back, and it's only getting stronger. Fixing the economy was critical, but we didn't stop there. We passed legislation that streamlined the VA's community care programs to help ensure veterans receive efficient, timely, and quality care. We passed the Support for Patients and Communities Act to addressthe nationwide opioid epidemic. We repealed Obamacare's individual mandate tax. We passed the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. And we confirmed more than 80 federal judges, including two Supreme Court justices. While Washington will look a little different in January when Democrats take control of the House of Representatives, there are plenty of examples where divided governments have achieved big things: 1986 Reagan tax reform, 1996 welfare reform, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, 2012 legislation to help working families by making the Bush tax cuts permanent, and a major reform of the VA in 2014, to name a few. When they're in the majority, House Democrats will have an important question to ask themselves: Will they look to the future and work with Republicans so we can add more accomplishments to the list I just mentioned, or will they endlessly stare at the 2016 election in the rearview mirror? In order to continue making life better for the American people, I sincerely hope it's the former.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=C732B541-95AB-4E9A-84F2-27F300882454,"Thune, Rounds Urge President to Reopen U.S. Soybean Exports to China",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today, ahead of President Trump's trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the G20 Summit, urged the president to prioritize the restoring of U.S. soybean market access in China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade and other issues. We appreciate your efforts to address China's unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China's retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy, the senators wrote. As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority. South Dakota is expected to produce 275 million bushels of soybeans this year, and two-thirds of that production is typically exported to China. This year, however, U.S. soybean exports to China have nearly ground to a halt. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Donald J. Trump President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Trump: As senators representing a state with significant soybean production, we write to request that you actively pursue reopening U.S. soybean exports to China during your upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping. U.S. soybean producers have spent decades establishing and expanding market access in China. In 2017, China was the top market for U.S. soybean exports, with approximately 30 percent of the soybeans harvested in the United States exported to China. As you know, U.S. soybean exports to China nearly ceased after China imposed retaliatory tariffs on our soybeans in July. China then began utilizing U.S. global competitors to supply its protein needs. If the United States continues to lose this critical market, there is a diminishing chance it will be fully regained, which will result in long-term reduced soybean prices for U.S. producers. We appreciate your efforts to address China's unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China's retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy. As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority. Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to continuing to work with you to expand market access for U.S. agricultural exports. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F647AB0D-EF3A-417E-9ECD-BD2FEC27045C,"Thune Touts Strong Economy, Senate Republican Accomplishments",2018-11-27,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the long list of legislative accomplishments over the last two years. From tax reform to improving veteran care to addressing the opioid crisis, Senate Republicans have worked to make life better for the American people. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, the 115th Congress is drawing to a close. And we've accomplished a lot over the past two years. Our goal for this Congress was simple: Make life better for the American people. And a big part of that was getting the economy going again. After years of economic stagnation under the Obama administration, American families were feeling the pinch. Growth was sluggish. Wages were stagnant. And opportunities were often few and far between. For too many families, getting ahead had been replaced by getting by. We were determined to change that. And so we took action. We passed a historic reform of our tax code that put more money in American families' pockets and made it easier for businesses to grow and create jobs and opportunities for American workers. And now we're seeing the results. Robust economic growth. The lowest unemployment level in almost 50 years. A record number of job openings. Growing wages. Near-record confidence among small businesses. And the list goes on. In human terms, Mr. President, that means more opportunities for American workers looking to grow and advance. It means more options for Americans searching for a job. It means bigger paychecks and better benefits for workers, and less worry for families. I'm proud that tax reform is making life better for American families, and grateful to Senator Hatch and our colleagues on the Finance Committee for the incredible work they did to get this historic reform through Congress. Tax reform was our biggest economic achievement this Congress, but that's not the only thing we've done to help American workers. Along with the White House, we lifted burdensome regulations. And we enacted legislation led by Senator Enzi and Senator Alexander to prepare students for the workforce by improving career and technical education programs. We also enacted Senator Crapo's legislation to give Main Street lenders relief from burdensome Dodd-Frank regulations. On the national security front, under the leadership of the late Senator McCain and Senator Inhofe, we've reinvested in our nation's military to ensure that our troops are equipped not only for today's missions, but to meet the threats of the future. We passed the largest pay increase for our troops in nearly a decade. And we delivered real reforms for our veterans through the VA Mission Act. This legislation, helmed by Senator Isakson, streamlined the VA's community care programs to help ensure veterans receive efficient, timely, quality care. Once fully implemented, it will also expand caregiver assistance to disabled pre- 9/11 veterans, an overdue benefit for generations of our heroes. We also modernized the Veterans Benefits Administration appeals system to develop a quicker, more responsive system for veterans. On the health care front this Congress, we passed the Support for Patients and Communities Act to addressthe nationwide opioid epidemic. This was a product that contained policies championed by multiple committees and multiple senators, and I'm grateful for all the work my colleagues did to advance this important initiative. We also repealed Obamacare's individual mandate tax, which forced patients to buy insurance that they didn't want and couldn't afford. We passed legislation led by Senator Johnson to give terminally ill patients access to experimental care. And under the leadership of Senator Hatch, we passed the longest extension of the State Children's Health Insurance Program in the program's history. Another major achievement this year has been the tremendous number of good judges we've been able to confirm to the federal bench. Senator Grassley has done an incredible job of moving these judges through the process and presiding over the confirmations of two Supreme Court justices. The federal bench will be stronger for many years because of his work. Mr. President, Senate Republicans have accomplished a lot in the 115th Congress. And we're excited to get to work in the 116th. Our agenda will stay the same growing our economy and expanding opportunities for American workers, and protecting our nation. Now, there are those who wonder how much Congress will be able to accomplish in the next two years. After all, we're facing a divided government. We have a Republican president, and the American people voted for a Republican majority in the Senate. But they also voted in a Democrat majority in the House. But Mr. President, divided government doesn't have to spell the doom of productivity. Over the last 30-plus years, some of our greatest legislative achievements have been the product of divided government. The 1986 Reagan tax reform. 1996 welfare reform. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997. National security legislation in 2002. The 2012 legislation to help working families by making the Bush tax cuts permanent. A major reform of the VA in 2014. All important bills, all the product of divided government So, Mr. President, I know that it's possible for the Republican Senate and the Democrat House to achieve big things in the 116th Congress. And Senate Republicans are ready to work with our Democrat colleagues. Now it's up to Democrats to decide whether they want to work with us. Democrats have spent a lot of time over the past two years trying to relitigate the last presidential election. But if they want to get anything done in the 116th Congress, they're going to need to move past 2016. Tying up the House with partisan investigations of the president or running a presidential campaign from the Senate floor is not a good use of anyone's time. We need to spend our time focused on the American people's priorities -- like helping working families and increasing opportunities for American workers. That's what Senate Republicans will be focused on in the next Congress. And I hope our Democrat colleagues will join us. If they're willing to work with us, I know that together we can achieve big things for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=91897916-252C-408D-8F2E-0F48E4FF7FD3,Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota,2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan, the delegation wrote. For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Robert Wilkie Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary Wilkie: Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA's mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans. As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA's planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan to close the VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD, replace it with a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), and move the domiciliary from Hot Springs to Rapid City as part of the planned CBOC expansion. From the beginning, we have raised concerns with the VA about the impact the closure would have on access to care for our region's rural and tribal veterans. We sought explanations for the questionable data used to support the proposal, as the VA could not produce a cost-benefit analysis until six months later. Area veterans also believe that past VA leadership has mismanaged the facility into a state of decline, supporting a predetermined decision to close the medical center. You are now the fourth VA Secretary to oversee this matter, which underscores how long South Dakota veterans and the town of Hot Springs, the Veterans Town, have endured great uncertainty about the future of their VA and access to care. Over the past seven years, we have led efforts to secure credible data and foster an honest conversation about the important and life-saving services provided in Hot Springs. Moreover, we do not believe that the VA should consider any realignment of services in an ad hoc manner, which is why we have supported appropriations language to prohibit the VA from proceeding with any reconfiguration of services in VISN 23 until it completes a national realignment strategy. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan.[1] For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. We hope we will soon be able to discuss this and other matters concerning South Dakota veterans. Thank you for your consideration to meet in Washington, DC, and also visit South Dakota. We look forward to working with you to continue improving veterans health care in our state and throughout the country. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=0276575D-3E55-4759-91C4-88FCCFB6ADB3,South Dakota Supports Its Local Small Businesses,2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune Since 99 percent of South Dakota businesses are classified as small businesses, it's fair to say we treat every day like it's Small Business Saturday, the annual shopping event that occurs shortly after Thanksgiving Day. It's a great way to shine a light on these homegrown establishments that are often pillars in our local communities. It doesn't matter where you grew up or where you live now, there are always a handful of restaurants, coffee shops, or retailers that become household names in your city or town. Maybe it's a pizza shop where friends meet after school or on the weekends, or it could be a popular store on Main Street where you always buy a birthday gift for your wife or husband. For me, when I was growing up, one of those places was the Star Family Restaurant in Murdo. If you grew up in Murdo or still live there today, the restaurant's sign is as recognizable as the big McDonald's M. It was at the Star Family Restaurant where we ended up on many Mother's Days my dad would treat my mom and the rest of the family to dinner after church. It's the same restaurant where I spent seven summers working to save money and pay for college. I started as a busboy, showed up at 5:45 in the morning, and made one dollar an hour. I worked my way to the back of the restaurant and washed dishes and even spent time in front of the grill. It was a great place to learn critical life skills like working together as a team, which is important no matter where you are in life. For every story like mine, there are hundreds or even thousands more across the country, which is why celebrating and honoring the contributions small businesses and their owners make to local communities is so important. There are more than 85,000 small businesses in South Dakota a number that climbs each year. These small businesses employ roughly 210,000 people, which is nearly 60 percent of the state's total workforce. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, that level of employment puts South Dakota in the top four states nationwide for the percent of its employment that comes from small businesses. There's a wide range of industries that serve as the foundation of the state's strong small business presence, including construction, retail, food services, entertainment, recreation, and more. Bottom line, if you're looking for anything from a good place to eat to a store where you can whittle down your Christmas shopping list, there's a place in South Dakota that can meet your needs. I hope you spend this year's Small Business Saturday and every day until next year's event by shopping small, as they say, in your community. It can make a big difference to everyone who depends on this local support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=760964BA-EEEC-4976-8E6F-19CF68517455,Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota,2018-11-19,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan, the delegation wrote. For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse.We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Robert Wilkie Secretary U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 810 Vermont Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20420 Dear Secretary Wilkie: Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America's veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA's mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans. As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA's planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan to close the VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD, replace it with a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), and move the domiciliary from Hot Springs to Rapid City as part of the planned CBOC expansion. From the beginning, we have raised concerns with the VA about the impact the closure would have on access to care for our region's rural and tribal veterans. We sought explanations for the questionable data used to support the proposal, as the VA could not produce a cost-benefit analysis until six months later. Area veterans also believe that past VA leadership has mismanaged the facility into a state of decline, supporting a predetermined decision to close the medical center. You are now the fourth VA Secretary to oversee this matter, which underscores how long South Dakota veterans and the town of Hot Springs, the Veterans Town, have endured great uncertainty about the future of their VA and access to care. Over the past seven years, we have led efforts to secure credible data and foster an honest conversation about the important and life-saving services provided in Hot Springs. Moreover, we do not believe that the VA should consider any realignment of services in an ad hoc manner, which is why we have supported appropriations language to prohibit the VA from proceeding with any reconfiguration of services in VISN 23 until it completes a national realignment strategy. As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA's mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA's realignment plan.[1] For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD. We hope we will soon be able to discuss this and other matters concerning South Dakota veterans. Thank you for your consideration to meet in Washington, DC, and also visit South Dakota. We look forward to working with you to continue improving veterans health care in our state and throughout the country. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=5B140C87-2F30-459C-998E-BEBE9F144F11,Forever Thankful,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune There's a lot of truth to the old saying that the days are long, but the years are short. It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the last holiday season and time spent with family and friends. For me, as we approach this Thanksgiving and, yes, Christmas is right around the corner it's a good reminder that the list of things I'm thankful for gets longer each and every year, which is a blessing to be sure. I've said it before, but I've always considered myself to be a lottery winner in that I was born in the greatest country on earth and that I've been able to raise my family in the land of the free and home of the brave. Family is everything to me, and the one Kimberley and I have built over the years has continued to grow. Dad will always be a title I'm proud of, but the joy of being a grandparent is hard to fully explain unless you are one yourself. If you are, you know exactly what I mean. Speaking of grandparents, my dad Harold, who is now a great grandfather (several times over), will turn 99 years old this year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to spend time with him and create new memories. My dad has seen a lot over the years, including during his days as a fighter pilot in World War II. A veteran himself, he still shows his support for fellow freedom fighters whenever he can, which is something I've always admired about him. It would be hard to be thankful for anything we enjoy in this country if it wasn't for the selfless sacrifice that our military men and women make on a daily basis, particularly around the holiday season. It's impossible for those of us who've never served to fully understand what this kind of sacrifice truly means, because as most of us are sitting around the dinner table during the holidays, many members of the military are defending freedom on the opposite side of the globe. Because of their sacrifice, I'm thankful to live in a place where, among many other things, I can freely express my faith in God, the guiding light that keeps me focused in life. I lean on the Lord's wisdom and guidance in my personal and professional life, and His strength helps me every single day. Faith, freedom, and family: The constants in my life for which I'm eternally grateful. I'd be remiss if I didn't also thank the people of South Dakota for having put their faith in me to serve them in the U.S. Senate. South Dakotans are my top advisors the people who I count on to provide me with honest and straightforward advice that helps me be the best senator I can be for them and the state. I'm also grateful to my colleagues in the Senate. They, too, offered me their faith by electing me to serve as majority whip for the next Congress, which begins in January. This new role will put me in a stronger position to give South Dakota's issues the national attention they deserve, because when I have a seat at the leadership table, South Dakota has a seat at the leadership table. As I mentioned, there's a lot we can be thankful for this year and in the years to come. There's no time like the present to reflect on it, so from my family to yours, I hope the blessings of the holiday season are upon you and your family now and in the weeks and months ahead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6524DA99-F8FD-404A-91A0-F94EA0748477,Thune Selects Dakota State University President Griffiths to Serve on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the selection of Dakota State University President Dr. Jos-Marie Griffiths to serve as a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, which was included in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. The independent commission was established to review advances in artificial intelligence, related machine learning developments, and associated technologies. I'm honored to select Dr. Griffiths to serve on the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, said Thune. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I've had the privilege of working with Dr. Griffiths and have invited her to testify in front of our committee on several occasions. She is passionate about expanding educational and research opportunities in computer science and cybersecurity and developing a tech-enabled workforce. I'm certain she will be a strong asset to the commission. Griffiths, who has testified multiple times in front of the Commerce Committee, has served as the president of Dakota State University, a leader in science and technology, since 2015. Griffiths has worked in higher education for more than 30 years, focusing her academic research on the use of information technology in higher education, the contribution of technology and informatics, and health informatics.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AA732AA1-77B6-4447-A3F9-5152B9C9F145,Bipartisan TRACED Act Cracks Down on Illegal Robocall Scams,2018-11-16,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the committee and author of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, today announced the introduction of S. 3655, the Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. Amidst ever increasing numbers of robocall scams, the TRACED Act gives regulators more time to find scammers, increases civil forfeiture penalties for those caught, promotes call authentication and blocking adoption,and brings relevant federal agencies and state attorneys general together to address impediments to criminal prosecution of robocallers who intentionally flout laws. I've heard from countless South Dakotans who are tired of the abusive robocalls and scams that are constantly interrupting their daily lives, said Thune. The TRACED Act targets robocall scams and other intentional violations of telemarketing laws so that when authorities do catch violators, they can be held accountable. Existing civil penalty rules were designed to impose penalties on lawful telemarketers who make mistakes. This enforcement regime is totally inadequate for scam artists, and we need do more to separate enforcement of carelessness and other mistakes from more sinister actors. Summary of the TRACED Act: Broadens the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to levy civil penalties of up to $10,000 per call who intentionally flout telemarketing restrictions. Extends the window for the FCC to catch and take civil enforcement action against intentional violations to three years after a robocall is placed. Under current law, the FCC has only one year to do so, and the FCC has told the committee that even a one-year longer statute of limitations for enforcement would improve enforcement against willful violators. Brings together the Department of Justice, FCC, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and other relevant federal agencies as well as state attorneys general and other non-federal entities to identify and report to Congress on improving deterrence and criminal prosecution at the federal and state level of robocall scams. Requires providers of voice services to adopt call authentication technologies, enabling a telephone carrier to verify that incoming calls are legitimate before they reach consumers' phones. Directs the FCC to initiate a rulemaking to help protect subscribers from receiving unwanted calls or texts from callers using unauthenticated numbers. In April, the Commerce Committee heard testimony under subpoena from Adrian Abramovich, the president of a now defunct company called Marketing Strategy Leaders. Abramovich, who has since been assessed a $120 million fine by the FCC for making nearly 100 million robocalls between 2015 and 2016, described a telemarketing operation as rather easy to put together and nimble, thus making enforcement difficult. His identification by the FCC and assessment of civil penalties raised questions for the committee about the lack of criminal prosecution for offenders caught intentionally and repeatedly violating telemarketing laws. As one report estimated, the number of spam calls will grow from 29 percent of all phone calls this year to 45 percent of all calls next year. The TRACED Act would give the FCC more flexibility to enforce rules in the short term, while setting in motion consultations to increase prosecutions of violations, which often require international cooperation. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chairman of the committee's Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet is also a cosponsor. Click here for a copy of S. 3655, the TRACED Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/audio-files?ContentRecord_id=7B444332-232F-4C79-B14C-782F4540F303,Thune News Conference,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,,0,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D8210420-A769-4B84-933F-2BE18EDCC1BF,Thune: We Can Work Together to Get Things Done for the American People,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the importance of working together with his colleagues from both the Senate and the House of Representatives and from both sides of the aisle to achieve real results for the American people. Excerpt from Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, as I said earlier, the Coast Guard reauthorization we just passed is a reminder that we can work together and get things done for the American people. And it's a timely reminder given the election. Last week, the American people elected a Democrat majority to the House of Representatives and reelected a Republican majority to the Senate. If we're going to get things done in the new Congress, we're going to need to work together. Here in the Senate, we've spent the past two years working on an agenda to expand opportunities for working families and put more money in Americans' pockets. We've also worked hard to ensure that those who keep our nation safe have all the tools and resources they need. We're going to continue that agenda in the upcoming lame-duck session and in the new Congress. I really hope that Democrats will join us. We can work together to grow our economy, lift up working families, and protect our nation. But it is going to require Democrats to make a choice. Democrats have spent most of the past two years attempting to relitigate the 2016 election. Losing elections is a fact of life in a democracy, but Democrats just haven't seemed to be able to let this one go. And over the past two years, they've focused most of their energy on knee-jerk opposition to anything Republicans or the president propose even when they've agreed with us. They've routinely delayed confirmation of the president's nominees and not just the ones they didn't like, but even ones they ended up supporting. They refused to work with Republicans on an overhaul of our nation's burdensome, outdated tax code even though Democrats had supported many of the measures that ended up in the final bill. Mr. President, obviously there are going to be times when the right thing to do as a member of Congress is to oppose. We have a responsibility to say no when we think a bill or a nominee would profoundly damage the country. But that's not what Democrats have done. Too many of them have made opposition not a tool to be deployed when needed but their standard operating procedure. And too many Democrats have fostered a new and virulent partisanship, which treats their political opponents and anyone who disagrees with them as not just mistaken, but evil. And so I say again, Democrats have a choice. They can continue down the path of partisanship and opposition, fostering further division and incivility and poisoning our political discourse. Or they can decide to start afresh and work with Republicans. I hope they'll choose the latter. I look forward to working with my Democrat colleagues in the new Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BBC88205-4BC4-48CA-A57B-95D95E07B045,Thune Statement on Being Elected Senate Republican Whip,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.) was today elected by his Senate Republican colleagues to serve as the caucus's whip for the 116th Congress, which begins in January 2019. The majority whip is the second most senior position in Senate Republican leadership and is tasked with working hand-in-hand with all Senate Republicans to ensure critical legislation passes or nominations are confirmed. Thune ran unopposed for the position and will move up from his current position as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (SRC), which oversees message coordination for the caucus. I'm grateful each and every day for the honor and privilege to represent South Dakotans in the U.S. Senate, said Thune. Serving the hardworking people of South Dakota has been, and will always be, my top priority. I'm grateful to my Senate colleagues for once again trusting me with a seat at the leadership table, providing me with the opportunity and platform to give issues that are important to South Dakota the national attention they deserve and continue to build on the pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda we've implemented over the last two years. With Thune's election as Senate Republican whip, a position held by only 18 people since 1915, he's now the highest ranking Republican senator in South Dakota history. U.S. Sen. Chan Gurney (R-S.D.) is the only other Republican senator from South Dakota to have served in his party's leadership. Gurney served as conference secretary, a position that has since been eliminated, from 1945 to 1946. In addition to serving in leadership as chairman of SRC, a position he's held since 2011, Thune previously served as chief deputy whip, SRC vice chairman, and chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Thune currently serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and the Finance Committee, and he serves as chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B677CFEA-17E8-4A8D-A1DB-2C6F99083EE5,Fueling South Dakotas Economy,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune I was humbled and honored to have joined the president, vice president, and secretary of agriculture in the Oval Office when the president announced to me and several of my agriculture-state Senate colleagues that he was directing his administration to move forward with the year-round sale of 15-percent ethanol-blended fuel (E15), something the president had pledged to do when he ran for office and a result for which I've advocated for more than a decade now. There are a lot of things worth fighting for, and, like this one, I've found that many of the biggest, most consequential fights of my legislative career have revolved around South Dakota's agriculture industry. They've always been worth it. Agriculture makes our state tick. It gives life to the hardworking families and businesses who support it, and it helps people around the world who are nourished by the products that come from our own backyard. Our ranchers help raise a large percentage of the beef and pork that eventually make it to family dinner tables around the country, and our farmers grow crops, like corn and soybeans, which are critical components of our nation's food supply. And as the largest industry in South Dakota, agriculture is an essential part of our state's economy, employing tens of thousands of people and infusing billions of dollars into the state each and every year. There's no doubt our crops play an important role in helping feed the country (and world, for that matter), which is obvious to most South Dakotans, but many people, particularly those who live outside of the Midwest and Great Plains, don't often realize that our crops also help fuel the country, too. Lisa Richardson, executive director of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association, summarized the importance of corn and ethanol to our state well: In South Dakota, our entire economy is based upon agriculture. The largest piece of that is corn. To put this in perspective, in South Dakota, we raise about 800 million bushels of corn. We're going to use 400 million [bushels] for ethanol production in this state over half of our crop. In fact, as a result of the president's decision, an additional 2 billion bushels of corn nationwide will be converted into biofuels. This is good news for farmers, jobs and the economy, and consumers who will see reduced rates at the pump. This is a true win-win solution. According to Dean Frederickson, general manager of POET, It keeps high-tech jobs here in South Dakota. It keeps people from having to move away to use [the] education and experience that they have. When I was just a freshman senator, I saw the value of year-round E15 fuel and the potential boost it could provide to consumers and South Dakota agriculture, which is why in 2007, I first called for a regulatory waiver process that would have permitted higher blends of ethanol in the United States. While we hit several roadblocks along the way, the fight continued, and with President Trump's commitment to U.S. farmers that he'd finally pursue this policy, I knew we had a partner in the White House who would help deliver. Before the president even took the oath of office, I met with the person he intended to nominate to head the Environmental Protection Agency to stress the importance of agriculture and expanding E15. Since then, we've continued to keep pressure on the administration, and the results speak for themselves. I've already heard from South Dakota farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry about what this means to them. They're excited by the announcement and are glad the president stuck to his word. I am, too.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=77938AB6-9C57-4847-952C-186125C0260F,Noem: Addressing the Opioid Epidemic,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Drug abuse is now the leading cause of death for people under 50. Meth is a tremendous challenge in South Dakota, but opioid addiction is spreading to an ever-increasing number of families each year. Nationwide, more than 46 Americans lose their lives because of an opioid addiction every day. It's an epidemic, and South Dakota is no exception. Opioids have stolen the lives of hundreds of South Dakotans in recent years. No family, no community is immune to addiction. With opioids, addiction can start with a simple prescription for pain medication to deal with a headache. But that same medicine intended for healing can be the drug that leads to a life-altering addiction. More than 40 percent of all opioid overdose deaths involved a prescription opioid. While some measures have been taken to better monitor prescription drugs, opioid prescriptions in South Dakota have reached all-time highs. To address the epidemic, training efforts have launched at places like Avera and Sanford to make sure doctors understand when and how to prescribe opioids. On the federal level, I've worked with President Trump on a bipartisan bill to combat the opioid epidemic by confronting the trafficking of deadly opiates, prioritizing addiction prevention, better supporting those in treatment, and taking a data-driven approach for targeting resources for millions of Medicare recipients who lack access to mental health resources. There's still much to be done in our fight against opioid addiction, but this is a good start. Additionally, I'm continuing to work on the federal level to make sure we're doing all we can to keep illegal drugs out of South Dakota. I strongly support legislation, for instance, that cracks down on Mexican drug traffickers and those who help facilitate their illicit activities at the border; this includes my continued vote to fully fund President Trump's border security agenda. I believe doing this is a step toward cut off drugs at their source. We have to end this epidemic. If you or someone you care about is abusing substances or medications, please talk to your doctor or contact a treatment center immediately. If you don't know where to turn, call the free and confidential National Treatment Referral Routing Service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A56607BF-5B3B-4203-9E6B-C3CA34336363,Thune: Republican Policies Are Getting Americans Back to Work,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics' announcement that the economy added 250,000 jobs and wages are rising at the highest rate since 2009. Once again, the jobs report out today shows the economy is continuing to grow under Republican-led policies and reforms. By reforming the tax code and creating a regulatory environment that fosters job growth and empowers American entrepreneurship, we are helping Americans get back to work. Wages are rising at the highest rate since the Great Recession, and unemployment remains at a 49-year low. Today, Americans are better equipped to find good jobs, provide for their families, and save for the future.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=8E17DC69-F73C-4D23-8A8D-60B0A8565675,Promises Made and Promises Kept,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune Two years ago, when Republicans took control of the White House and Congress, we promised the American people that growing the economy was going to be our top priority, and we wasted no time getting to work. We knew the American people were all too familiar with an economy that was completely stuck in neutral. It wasn't working to its potential, and there were too many politicians in Washington who seemed content with the status quo. Workers and businesses were facing too many obstacles. Families were seeing tighter budgets and flattening paychecks. Aside from the legislative complacency that got us there, much of the economic stagnation was the result of overly burdensome federal regulations and a tax code that was working against American taxpayers.So, it was time for a new approach. We set our sights on cutting government red tape the kinds of heavy-handed regulations that can affect people throughout the country, including South Dakota, but are dreamed up by inside-the-Beltway Washington bureaucrats. We used a congressional oversight tool (a record number of times, I might add) to roll back more than one dozen Obama-era regulations that were holding people and businesses back from potential growth and opportunity. Those rollbacks, plus complementary actions by the Trump administration, which has been a true partner in this effort, have saved the American people at least $50 billion in regulatory costs in the last year and a half alone. That's real relief that will help businesses free up time and money that can be used more efficiently and effectively to grow their operations and hire more workers. Reforming our nation's outdated tax code was another step toward getting the economy growing again. Our once-in-a-generation effort to modernize the tax code resulted in lower rates across the board. It doubled the child tax credit and nearly doubled the standard deduction. Americans have already seen some of this relief in their paychecks, and many of them will see more of it when they file their tax returns early next year. We also lowered the corporate tax rate so it is now more in line with our global competitors and expanded business owners' ability to recover costs from investments they make in their operations more quickly, which, again, frees up cash that can be reinvested in a business and its employees. Today, the American people are seeing the results of the promises we made and, more importantly, the promises we kept. According to recent estimates, the economy grew by 3.5 in the third quarter of 2018 alone. Not only does that far exceed the anemic economic growth the United States had grown accustomed to under the previous administration, but it's also right in line with historic trends and puts us on pace for a strong yearly growth rate. In the months after tax reform became law, nearly 2 million jobs have been created, wages and incomes are on the rise, and the unemployment rate is at a historic low, which means more Americans are earning a paycheck (and in many cases, a bigger one). In fact, the unemployment rate is so low that you'd have to go back to 1969, the year Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, to find similar figures. For businesses, investments and optimism are on the rise and so is consumer confidence. A growing economy is good for businesses, workers, and consumers, which is why it was so important to congressional Republicans to implement the pro-jobs, pro-growth agenda we'd promised to pursue. There's no limit to what the economy can do when the heavy hand of government is lifted and when it's empowered with the tools it needs to grow and expand. Hopefully this is just the beginning.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=14409E74-A853-4788-B157-F778C7EDB04F,Noem Statement on Passing of Justice Zinter,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the passing of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven Zinter: South Dakota has lost a tremendous public servant in the passing of state Supreme Court Justice Steven Zinter. He thoroughly understood and consistently upheld the rule of law, showing both compassion and justice through the judicial process. Bryon and I mourn the loss of a man who heeded the command 'to act justly and love mercy.' We pray his family finds comfort in these difficult days.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2876EF50-CC12-46EB-B1E3-EC317536B70B,Noem: Grounded in Ag,2018-10-30,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem South Dakota is grounded in agriculture. Our families are rooted in it; our economy relies on it; and I wouldn't have it any other way. But agriculture has had some tough years. We've been hit by floods, droughts, and trade disputes, pushing many operations to the breaking point. I've fought to make sure producers have a safety net during times like this. Pushing the 2014 Farm Bill across the line was a significant victory. But as the trade situation grew more rocky, I pressed the administration on the need for another safety net. As an initial step, they offered producers short-term support, but my message back to the administration was that we need trade, not aid. We need to be building new markets - in foreign countries, but also here in the U.S. Ethanol can be a big piece of that. For years, fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol (E-15) could only be sold for 9 months out of the year. After significant pressure from myself and others, President Trump announced this fall that he'd take steps to allow for year-round sales of E-15, potentially bringing about 2 billion bushels of corn into the market. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was a driving force behind the change, and this month, we were fortunate to welcome him to South Dakota, celebrating the victory at one of the world's largest biofuel producers, South Dakota-based POET. After touring POET, we traveled to a farm near Lennox for a roundtable discussion with producers across the state. We heard a lot about trade. Many there explained they understood the need to level the playing field for America, but as Secretary Perdue rightly said: ""You can't pay the bills with patriotism."" While there's a lot of work to do on the trade front, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement was a very encouraging step forward. People are coming to the table. They're negotiating with the administration. And American interests are advancing with each deal struck. Before leaving, Secretary Perdue and I stopped by Brandon Valley Intermediate School for an assembly and to help serve students lunch. As many know, there has been robust discussion around school meals for years now. Under Obama-era regulations, schools' hands were tied. They could hardly serve meat. Cheese and milk was difficult to put on the tray, because of its salt content. And many schools were facing financial straits because of it. I've been working to ditch the one-size-fits-all model for meal requirements. As one of his first acts as Secretary, Sonny went ahead and loosened the regulations, giving schools much-needed flexibility. I want to make his rules permanent through law and have legislation to do that. Overall, it was a tremendous visit, where Secretary Perdue was able to get a good glimpse of what grounds us as South Dakotans. That's important because I've always believed what you see with your eyes, you carry in your heart. I have no doubt Secretary Perdue now carries a bit of South Dakota with him.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=99684A00-85E0-4BE2-B4FE-8384169FBEB7,Republican Reforms Have Revitalized Our Economy,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Commerce's announcement that the economy grew at 3.5 percent in the third quarter. Republicans came to Washington, D.C., to revitalize our economy, and we continue to deliver on our promises, said Thune. Today's news is more evidence that Republican-led reforms to create policies and a regulatory environment that foster growth are working. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed last year, more than 1.8 million jobs have been created, and our economy is thriving. Unemployment remains at its lowest level since 1969, and there are now nearly 1 million more job openings than unemployed workers. Today's revitalized economy is just what job creators need to grow their businesses, create jobs, and increase wages for hardworking Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9CD96EE8-6390-4700-9DA1-7163687A7683,South Dakotas Century-Long Pheasant Hunting Tradition Continues,2018-10-23,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"SIOUX FALLS, S.D. U.S. Sen.John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today released a video highlighting South Dakota's 100th annual pheasant hunting season and discussed the tradition's importance to South Dakota's economy and the critical need for effective conservation practices. This is the 100th anniversary of pheasant hunting in South Dakota, said Thune. It's hard to believe, it's like a holiday in our state. It contributes annually about $300 million to our economy. We'll have over 100,000 out-of-state hunters here in South Dakota. It's a tradition that brings families together that brings friends together through generations. One of the things that contributes to successful pheasant hunting and to wildlife habitat generally is good conservation practices, Thune continued. The use of our lands in a way that not only produces the food and fiber that are so important for us to eat and to feed the world, but also that preserves those beautiful areas that support wildlife for the next generation. Click here to read more about why pheasant hunting is so important to South Dakota and Thune and his family.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D9DA7A89-25CA-4A26-BCF2-C63594D86AD2,Noem: Celebrating A Century of Tradition,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem A century has passed since South Dakota's first pheasant opener, but the shots fired that day have resonated throughout the last 100 years of South Dakota history, impacting our culture, traditions, and economy. Over the years, Opening Day has become an unofficial holiday for many families, including ours. But beyond a family tradition, it was our family business for many years, as we opened and operated a hunting lodge in northeastern South Dakota. There are dozens of small businesses like that across the state, and they come alive this time of year, as people from across the world flock to our state to take advantage of our unmatched hunting opportunities. All in all, hunting drives nearly $700 million worth of economic activity in the state, supporting more than 18,000 full- and part-time jobs, so it's critical we work to maintain a healthy hunting economy. This year, surveys show a 47 percent increase in pheasant populations, welcome news for our centennial season. But habitat remains a challenge. That's why I fought to have my Protect Our Prairies language included in the 2014 Farm Bill. This legislation encourages conservation of native sod and grassland in our area. Because it's proven successful, I'm now working to expand the program nationwide. Additionally, I continue to work to strengthen the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Earlier this year, the House passed legislation to increase CRP acreage to 29 million acres, a priority for many South Dakota sportsmen. I'm hopeful we can move that language across the finish line in the weeks to come, once again helping to create long-term sustainability for our bird populations. I'm proud to live in a state that celebrates our hunting traditions. All the best to you and your family this pheasant season. I hope it is safe and abundant.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=E025F7D8-046E-4299-9F16-B00AD2CB18A8,My Commitment to Ellsworth,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune Ellsworth Air Force Base and the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC) are national assets, and I was glad to have been at the base to see the latest large force exercise firsthand and thank our men and women in uniform for what they continue to do for the state and nation. It's a good reminder that my 13-year fight for Ellsworth has been worth it, and, for me at least, it's one that will never end. Ellsworth is a fixture in the Black Hills, and it has been for quite some time. The base's history is well-known to South Dakotans who've lived and worked in the surrounding area, and its importance to our state and nation continues to grow stronger by the day. Ellsworth is the second largest employer in South Dakota and is a massive contributor to the state's economy. It's currently home to the 28th Bomb Wing's two B-1B Lancer combat squadrons and the MQ-9 Reaper 89th Attack Squadron, and it serves as the gateway to the expanded PRTC, the largest training airspace in the continental United States. And, as the Air Force and Department of Defense (DoD) seek to modernize our military to win fights in contested airspace around the globe, the base is well-positioned for future growth, including being home to part of the nation's future B-21 fleet. While there's no question Ellsworth has cemented its place in West River and our broader national security strategy, the base we currently know and love almost never materialized. It has required a worthwhile fight of its own, and I remain determined to protect this national asset. Without Ellsworth, the nation would be without one of its most strategic military installations, and our national security would be worse for it. I recognize the tremendous value the base and its airmen provide, which is why I've always made them a priority.In May 2005, when I was a newly elected senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ellsworth found itself on the DoD's Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) list. My top priority at the time was to ensure Ellsworth's name was removed from that list as soon as possible. I wasn't going to have the base close on my watch, so less than one year into my Senate service, I was standing face-to-face with the commission responsible for Ellsworth's future. I argued my case for why it would be a mistake to shut it down, and I argued with all I had. On August 26, 2005, Ellsworth was removed from the closure list. Failure would have meant permanently shuttering the base's doors and runways. But even in this victory, I've remained committed to the base and its airmen and have sought to secure subsequent milestones to ensure Ellsworth's future in West River continues. In the years since our BRAC fight, I spent nearly a decade pushing for the expansion of the PRTC, and in 2015, as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees our nation's aviation system, including the Federal Aviation Administration, I was able to help secure the expansion. Recently, again through my work as chairman of the Commerce Committee, I was able to help Ellsworth and the PRTC expand upward via altitude waivers, permitting training missions to fly up to 52,000 feet an attitude nearly twice as high as they had previously been allowed to fly. As a result of the PRTC's expansion, both in square miles and altitude, Ellsworth can continue to host aircraft and airmen from around the country for critical large force exercises that will help them properly simulate extended detection ranges and capabilities to counter modern threats, keeping them at the forefront of the world's military prowess. I believe these optimized training conditions will prove instrumental in preparing our fifth generation aircraft, including the B-21, for future fights in contested airspace. Again, I'm fortunate to have been able to visit the base in person and get a front-row seat to this latest training mission. Ellsworth's airmen are the best of the best, and this latest exercise proved it once again.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=BFAC9B41-262B-46E0-AF19-69819591FFEA,Noem efforts to allow year-round sales of E15 fuel pay off,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Ripon Advance News U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) this week commended an announcement by the president that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will start lifting restrictions on year-round sales of E15 fuel, which the congresswoman says would benefit farmers in South Dakota and elsewhere around the country. To stabilize the ag economy, we need to expand market access, and ethanol is a huge market that, because of federal regulations, we've been unable to fully tap into, Rep. Noem said following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive that the EPA will start a rulemaking process to allow for the year-round use of 15 percent ethanol blends. I am grateful that he has followed through on this promise to the American people, said Rep. Noem. Known as E15, the fuel is a higher-octane fuel composed of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. E15 received EPA approval in 2012 for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-sized SUVs, and all flex-fuel vehicles, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, which says E15 is available at retail fueling stations in 28 states. Rep. Noem has repeatedly pushed to expand that decision and end what she has called unnecessary limitations on E15 to help farmers and the agricultural economy, while reducing consumer spending and the nation's reliance on foreign oil. President Trump and I have had many conversations about the expansion of E15, said Rep. Noem. He knows where I stand, and that I wouldn't give up on this issue until we made it right for farmers in South Dakota and for consumers who are demanding more affordable, homegrown fuels. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) also applauded the president for recognizing the importance of ethanol sales for farmers in the Midwest. Ethanol sales help drive demand for corn in Illinois and the announcement will broaden opportunities for our farmers looking to sell more E15, said Rep. LaHood. Not only will the expansion of E15 sales benefit our farmers in central and west-central Illinois, but this will provide fuel retailers and consumers with more cost-efficient choices that reduce gas emissions into our environment. Several stakeholders also are thrilled about the president's Tuesday announcement. We appreciate the key role Congresswoman Noem played in getting us to this point, particularly as a chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and as a strong supporter of renewable fuels, said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. This announcement is great news for farmers, biofuel workers, retailers and consumers everywhere who want to enjoy cleaner, more affordable options at the fuel pump. Scott VanderWal, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, also praised Rep. Noem for her leadership in Congress, particularly for her efforts to help the administration understand the importance of increasing market access for agricultural products, he said. The best way out of the current poor ag economy is to find new markets and expand existing ones. Also thanking Rep. Noem for being a biofuels champion in Washington, D.C., was Jeff Broin, chief executive officer of POET LLC, a leading producer of biofuels and coproducts based in Sioux Falls, S.D. This is a historic directive not only for our farmers, but for the nation as a whole, Broin said. The move to E15 will provide consumers with the choice to fill up with low-cost, high-performance fuel year-round, while improving air quality in our country's largest cities. Lisa Richardson, executive director of South Dakota Corn, called the president's announcement on Oct. 9 an exciting day for corn producers. I would like to thank Representative Noem for her continuous advocacy with President Trump on behalf of South Dakota producers, she said. We welcome this announcement and the opportunity to supply more of our nation's fuel supply.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=76B36C19-BC4F-4946-9982-0D09304B3713,Noem: Expanding Ethanol Opportunities,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Agriculture is South Dakota's number one industry by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $25.6 billion to the economy, so when ag booms, South Dakota booms. Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too. In recent years, farm incomes have collapsed, in part because of natural disasters and in part because prices have been suppressed by foreign buyers. This administration set out to rebalance our trade relationships. For example, the European Union announced its willingness to join the U.S. in new trade talks, and Canada and Mexico have come to the negotiating table and helped us produce a better, fairer deal for American agriculture. China took a different path, retaliating harshly against our farmers and ranchers. This retaliation greatly concerns me, and I've talked with farmers and ranchers across South Dakota about its impact. Recent news reports, however, suggest China's finances have taken a hit from trade disputes, causing the Chinese government to implement extraordinary measures to shore up its economy. Nonetheless, their retaliation has hit American producers. In response, the U.S. Agriculture Department offered up a $12 billion aid package. But farmers don't want aid; we want market access. As Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau explained: The best way out of the current poor ag economy is to find new markets and expand existing ones. This October, President Trump took a major step forward in opening up an existing market that's not been fully tapped into. More specifically, his administration took an action that previous administrations were unwilling to take, approving year-round E15, a move that will help consume another 2 billion bushels of corn, while potentially saving consumers up to 10 cents per gallon at the pump. Under the president's direction, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin the rule-making process, allowing for 15 percent ethanol blends to be used throughout the year, which is currently prohibited unnecessarily. Jeff Broin, the CEO of POET, a Sioux Falls-based ethanol producer, called the move ""a historic directive - not only for producers, but for the nation as a whole."" I agree. Over the last year, I've been putting tremendous pressure on the administration to make this move. President Trump and I have had many conversations about year-round E15. He knows where I stand, and that I wouldn't give up on this issue until we made it right for farmers in South Dakota as well as consumers who are demanding more affordable, homegrown fuels. That work is now beginning to pay off. We're getting results and earning ""an opportunity to supply more of our nation's fuel supply,"" as Lisa Richardson, Executive Director of South Dakota Corn explained. Simply put, South Dakota can revolutionize the way we fuel both our vehicles and our economy we just need the opportunity to do so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=E81FD809-0B8D-46BB-B456-453517177C3B,100 Years in the Making,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune It would be a serious understatement to say pheasant hunting is one of the most highly anticipated outdoor traditions in South Dakota, and its roots go back an entire century. During the state's first established pheasant season in 1919, which took place in Spink County, lasted just one day, and was actually set the year prior, President Woodrow Wilson was in the White House and Henry Ford's Model T was racing off of the assembly line. For some additional perspective, when pheasant hunters first entered the fields in northeastern South Dakota, the state wasn't even 30 years old. While a lot has changed in the 100 years since this annual tradition began, many elements have stood the test of time. We might have fancier shotguns, better gear, and easier ways of getting around, but the tradition itself and the camaraderie that surrounds pheasant hunting are as strong today as they were in 1919. That's why I know I'm not alone in considering the third Saturday in October as an unofficial state holiday. Like so many other hunters, I have it circled on my calendar each and every year. I'm always eager to trade in my suit and tie for blaze orange and boots, and I'd take South Dakota's fields, sloughs, and shelterbelts over Washington's concrete jungle any day of the week. Whether we leave the field with a bag limit or head home empty-handed, it's the experience that matters the most. Creating memories and passing this tradition on to the next generation is what I most look forward to, which is why I'm extremely fortunate to be able to spend hunts with my family, including my dad, who, coincidentally, was born in 1919, the year of the first pheasant hunt. It's not only South Dakotans who enjoy pursuing our state's roosters. Hunters from around the world gather in South Dakota for opening weekend, and with them comes hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. Hunters buy licenses, stay in hotels and motels, purchase gear, and eat in restaurants and diners across the state. Many locally owned businesses depend on this annual investment in communities large and small. The pheasants might be in South Dakota, but believe it or not, there are policies we can pursue in Washington that can help the population grow and thrive. The popular Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), an 80s-era conservation program, is widely credited for creating a good environment where pheasants can nest and raise their brood. It's critical for pheasants to have a safe and viable nesting area, and I strongly support CRP for helping to accomplish that goal. After a few roller coaster years marked by steep population declines and growth, it's more important than ever to strengthen CRP by raising the cap so additional acres can be enrolled. I've proposed increasing the cap by as much as 25 percent and have also authored SHIPP, a new short-term conserving use program that would serve as an alternative to CRP. It was included in the Senate farm bill, and I'm fighting to have it included in the final bill, too. In the meantime, I hope everyone who's gearing up for this year's opener has a safe and successful hunt. To those folks who cherish the sport, memories, and excitement as much as I do, I'd encourage you to share the experience with younger generations. It's the only way we'll keep this tradition alive for the next 100 years and retain our title as the pheasant capital of the world. Good luck to all!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=412A9288-91DC-40CE-8988-A74AACF82036,"Thune, Wyden Reintroduce Bill to Protect Innovative Digital Goods and Services from Multiple and Discriminatory Taxes",2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced legislation to prevent discriminatory and duplicative taxes on digital goods and services, including online downloads of music, literature, movies, mobile apps, and cloud computing services. The potential for multiple and discriminatory taxes levied on these types of goods and services could threaten the growth and innovation of this important sector of the economy. A companion version of this legislation is expected to be introduced in the House of Representatives as early as tomorrow. While today's digital marketplace is evolving as rapidly as the day-to-day consumers who rely on it for digital products like music, books, movies, streaming services, or other popular apps, federal law lags far behind, said Thune. As a result, some consumers can be taxed multiple times on a single digitally delivered product or service by different tax jurisdictions.In some cases, these digital goods and services also can be subject to higher rates than would apply if the consumer bought them in a brick and mortar store. Our bipartisan legislation simply prevents this duplicative and discriminatory taxation, which will help ensure today's digital economy isn't held back unnecessarily and can continue to offer opportunities to entrepreneurs and consumers alike. Preventing unfair taxes on music, books and other important goods and services benefits consumers and innovators alike, said Ranking Member Wyden. This bipartisan legislation solves a 21st century tax riddle by establishing a comprehensive set of rules for states to follow. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill as Senator Thune and I push for its swift passage. The Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act (S. 3581) provides some rules of the road for taxing digital goods and services and establishes a framework across multiple tax jurisdictions. The bill prohibits state and local governments from applying taxes to those products that do not apply to similar tangible goods, as has been the law since Congress made the Internet Tax Freedom Act permanent law in 2016. For example, a state or local tax jurisdiction cannot simply apply a tax on an electronic newspaper subscription if it does not apply the same tax to a physical newspaper. As digital goods and services move from one tax jurisdiction to another across the internet, the legislation also prevents state and local tax jurisdictions from imposing multiple taxes on consumers. Instead, the bill requires that when legitimate taxes are imposed on a digital product, a tax jurisdiction can only impose them on the final customer or end user. Without this provision, the retailer in one state can be taxed on a product or service, as can the consumer in another state. If that consumer is traveling in a third state, all three states could conceivably claim the right to tax the downloaded product or service. These stacked taxes create an unlevel marketplace and can raise the final prices on digitally enabled commerce. For more information on the Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=736DDFDD-D9B1-4B58-AE37-F996F229783E,Thune: Growing the Economy Has Been Republicans Top Priority,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) this week discussed the growing economy, which has been helped by Republicans' pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. By removing burdensome regulations and reforming the tax code, the economy has continued to grow 4.2 percent growth last quarter alone and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1969. Thune also praised Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley's (R-Iowa) leadership during the Senate's confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and recognized the outstanding work Nikki Haley has done as the United States' ambassador to the United Nations. Thune's speech (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, two years ago, when Republicans took control of the White House as well as Congress, we promised the American people that growing the economy was going to be our number-one priority. And we got right to work. Under the Obama administration, American workers and businesses faced a lot of obstacles, including burdensome regulations and an outdated tax code that acted as a drag on economic growth. And so we immediately focused on removing burdensome regulations. And then we focused on developing a historic, comprehensive reform of our tax code, which was signed into law last December. Now, the tax code isn't necessarily the first thing people think of when they think of economic growth. But the tax code has a huge effect on our economy. It helps determine how much money individuals and families have to spend and save. It helps determine whether or not a small business can expand and hire. A small business owner facing a huge tax bill is highly unlikely to be able to expand her business or hire a new employee. And the tax code helps determine whether large businesses hire, grow, and invest in the United States. A large business is going to find it pretty hard to create jobs or improve benefits for employees if it's struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses paying much less in taxes. And a large business is unlikely to keep jobs and investment in the United States if the tax code makes it vastly more expensive to hire American workers. Prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act last December, our tax code was not helping our economy or American families. It was doing the opposite. And so we took action. We cut tax rates for American families, doubled the child tax credit, and nearly doubled the standard deduction. We lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small and medium-sized businesses, farms, and ranches. We lowered our nation's massive corporate tax rate, which up until January 1 was the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world. We expanded business owners' ability to recover the cost of investments they make in their businesses, which frees up cash that they can reinvest in their operations and their workers. And we brought the U.S. international tax system into the 21st century so that American businesses are not operating at a competitive disadvantage next to their foreign counterparts. And now we're seeing the results. Our economy is thriving. The economy grew at a robust 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018. The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1969. Since 1969, Mr. President. In other words, it's been almost 50 years since the last time unemployment was this low. More than 1.8 million jobs have been created since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. Wages are growing at the best rate in years, and incomes are up 4.2 percent. Businesses are bringing money back to the United States. And business investment is up from an average of 1.8 percent before the 2016 election to an average of 10 percent so far this year. Small business optimism is at historic levels. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high. And the list goes on. Mr. President, that's a lot of stats, but they basically all boil down to one thing: Life is getting better for American families. Incomes are growing. Families have access to more jobs and opportunities, and better benefits. And that means that fewer families have to live paycheck to paycheck. That an unexpected car repair or doctor's bill is less devastating. That it's easier to afford that family vacation or the fees for piano lessons. And that more families have money to save for the kids' college or their retirement. This was the goal, Mr. President. Getting the economy thriving again so that American families could thrive. And I'm proud that we're succeeding. I'm proud that our policies are making life better for American families. And we're not stopping here. We're going to keep working to secure the gains we've made for the long term and make sure that every American has access to a future of security and opportunity. Mr. President, I want to take a brief moment to express my gratitude to Judiciary Committee Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley for his leadership over the past months as we worked to confirm Judge now Justice Kavanaugh. Every Supreme Court confirmation process is a somewhat arduous affair, but Chairman Grassley had to contend with more than an increased workload. He had to contend with Democrat colleagues who did everything they could to delay and disrupt the process and tank Justice Kavanaugh's confirmation. But no matter what tactics Democrats resorted to, from interrupting the confirmation hearing to withholding crucial information, Chairman Grassley stayed above the fray. He carried on with what needed to be done, whether that was compiling information from Justice Kavanaugh's time in the White House or interviewing witnesses. He made sure the entire confirmation process was thorough and fair. And he ensured that Dr. Ford and Justice Kavanaugh were treated with dignity and respect. I'm grateful that we had him at the helm of the Judiciary Committee during this process. And I'm grateful that once again, he helped put an outstandingly qualified justice on the Supreme Court. Mr. President, I also wanted to take a minute to recognize the outstanding work Nikki Haley has done as the United States' ambassador to the U.N. Ambassador Haley has been a terrific ambassador and a real leader on the president's foreign policy team. She has been a clear, unequivocal voice for the principles our country values. And she has been a tough and outspoken critic of the tyrannical regimes that threaten our country and the free world. I'm sure the president will choose an excellent replacement, but Nikki Haley is going to be a tough act to follow. I wish her all the best as she begins her next chapter. She will be missed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=244EC01D-4EFF-403E-AB25-E119E60199A8,Thune Leads Second Hearing Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today convened a hearing entitled, Consumer Data Privacy: Examining Lessons From the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act, which followed the committee's recent examination of this topic with top technology companies and service providers. Today's hearing explored new data privacy laws in Europe and California and provided committee members with the opportunity to hear from privacy advocates about the types of consumer protections to consider in future legislation. Thune's opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): Good morning. Today we are holding our second hearing on needed safeguards for consumer data privacy. As we consider potential federal legislation on privacy, it is essential that we hear from stakeholders and experts with varying perspectives to inform our work. Two weeks ago, we heard from major technology companies and internet service providers about how they are seeking to address consumer privacy and their efforts to comply with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, and the new California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA. While the experience of such companies is important to consider, I want to be clear that the next federal privacy law will not be written by industry. Any federal privacy law should incorporate views from affected industry stakeholders and consumer advocates in an effort to promote privacy without stifling innovation. With that in mind, today's hearing will focus on the perspectives of privacy advocates and other experts. We will also continue to solicit input from additional stakeholders in the days ahead. GDPR and CCPA have undoubtedly spurred our conversation about a national privacy framework, and they give us useful examples as we contemplate federal legislation. Of course, Congressional action on privacy is not entirely new. Over the last several decades, Congress has enacted legislation to protect children, healthcare, and financial information. Privacy debates have been ongoing in multiple sectors. Even the recently-enacted FAA Reauthorization includes provisions on privacy specifically regarding the use of unmanned aircraft systems for commercial purposes. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Commerce, have also performed long-standing roles regarding privacy and have been increasingly active recently in this area. At the same time, I am well aware Congress has tried, and failed, over the last few decades to enact comprehensive privacy legislation. To be successful this time, we all must endeavor to keep open minds about the contours of a bipartisan bill. In the wake of Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal and other similar incidents, including a vulnerability in Google-plus accounts reported just this past week, it is increasingly clear that industry self-regulation in this area is not sufficient. A national standard for privacy rules of the road is needed to protect consumers. At the same time, we need to get this right. Passing onerous requirements that do not materially advance privacy would be a step backward. While it may be too early to determine the impact that GDPR and CCPA will have in the U.S., the most notable difference most consumers can see directly has been the increase in GDPR-inspired pop-up notices and cookie consent banners on their devices. As we continue to work toward possible legislation, I encourage my colleagues to challenge what industry told us at our first hearing, but also to examine both the benefits as well as the potential unintended consequences of the new rules put forth by the European Union and the state of California. Thank you to the witnesses for appearing here today. With that, I'll turn to Senator Nelson for his opening remarks",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9AE39704-314C-433F-A373-5E4D37D00D5F,Thune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), today applauded the Senate's passage of the bipartisan America's Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive water resources infrastructure bill that will authorize U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects for port, waterway, flood protection, and other water infrastructure improvements; reauthorize the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the first time in two decades; and improve several energy-related projects, among many other provisions. The bill, which was approved by a vote of 99-1, now heads to the president to be signed into law. For years, the Republican-led Senate has been delivering positive results for the American people, and today's passage of this bipartisan infrastructure legislation is one more accomplishment we can add to the list, said Thune. This bill, which will benefit all 50 states, including South Dakota, will make important investments in infrastructure, help keep America's communities safe and healthy, cut burdensome government red tape, and contribute to additional economic growth. Highlights: Maintains the prohibition on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposal to charge for surplus water on the Missouri River.During consideration of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014, Thune worked to secure a 10-year prohibition on the Corps' controversial surplus water proposal.This legislation extends that prohibition for an additional two years and expands it to include water storage fees; Expedites the review of certain easement requests on the Upper Missouri Mainstem reservoirs. As a result of the Corps' proposal to charge for surplus water taken from Missouri River reservoirs, the Corps has failed to process certain easement requests.This legislation will ensure that the Corps responds to these easement requests in a timely manner; and Expands eligible Tribal Partnership Program projects from $10 million to $12.5 million and allows separable project components to be completed under the program.In an effort to help address significant shoreline erosion that is affecting the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, in 2014, Thune secured language directing the Corps to review shoreline erosion projects in the Upper Missouri River Basin. This legislation provides additional flexibility for this and other projects to move forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E1CAD42C-500B-4936-BA3F-4BC83947FBB3,"With Relentless Pressure from Noem, Trump Approves Year-Round E15",2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"After months of relentless pressure from Rep. Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump today took the first step toward lifting restrictions on year-round E15. More specifically, under the president's direction, the EPA will begin the rule-making process that would allow for 15 percent ethanol blends to be used throughout the year. To stabilize the ag economy, we need to expand market access, and ethanol is a huge market that, because of federal regulations, we've been unable to fully tap into,"" said Noem. ""President Trump and I have had many conversations about the expansion of E15. He knows where I stand, and that I wouldn't give up on this issue until we made it right for farmers in South Dakota and for consumers who are demanding more affordable, homegrown fuels. I am grateful that he has followed through on this promise to the American people."" ""We are thrilled that the President is moving forward with his promise to deliver year round sales of E15, and we appreciate the key role Congresswoman Noem played in getting us to this point, particularly as a Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus and as a strong supporter of renewable fuels, said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. This announcement is great news for farmers, biofuel workers, retailers and consumers everywhere who want to enjoy cleaner, more affordable options at the fuel pump. We commend Rep. Noem for her leadership in Congress and helping the Administration understand the importance of increasing market access for agricultural products, said Scott VanderWal, President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau. The best way out of the current poor ag economy is to find new markets and expand existing ones. I would like to thank President Trump, on behalf of our 2,000 employees and our 30,000 producers, for fulfilling his promise to the Midwest and our industry. I'd also like to thank Rep. Noem and our other biofuel champions in Washington for their strong support throughout this process, said Jeff Broin, CEO of POET. This is a historic directive not only for our farmers, but for the nation as a whole. The move to E15 will provide consumers with the choice to fill up with low-cost, high-performance fuel year-round, while improving air quality in our country's largest cities. Today is an exciting day for corn producers. Allowing year-round E15 is a move South Dakota Corn has been pushing for years. I would like to thank Representative Noem for her continuous advocacy with President Trump on behalf of South Dakota producers, said Lisa Richardson, Executive Director of South Dakota Corn. We welcome this announcement and the opportunity to supply more of our nation's fuel supply. A co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, Noem has been a leading ethanol advocate, putting immense pressure on the Trump administration to lift E15 restrictions and allow year-round usage. She has met on numerous occasions with President Trump and top administration officials on the topic andled more than 20 House membersin urging the EPA to approve expanded ethanol opportunities. Furthermore, Noem has consistently pushed to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which the Obama administration repeatedly fell short of meeting and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt failed to make the adjustments needed in the new administration.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AF4E3DD5-10C9-494B-AE18-36D1214B8AD8,Thune Joins President Trump for Announcement on Approval of Year-Round E15 Fuel Sales,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined President Trump at the White House for today's announcement that the administration will initiate a rulemaking process to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel (15 percent ethanol-blended fuel) in the United States, a win for consumer choice and energy security that Thune has sought for 11 years, including significant and ongoing engagement with the current administration. After spending more than a decade advocating for higher blends of ethanol, I want to thank President Trump for upholding his commitment to America's farmers, said Thune. Using homegrown resources like ethanol to keep America's economy moving forward is a common-sense, true win-win solution. As I have discussed personally with the president and members of his administration on multiple occasions, today's announcement will be welcome news to farmers throughout the Midwest and Great Plains. Since year-round E15 sales would naturally help lower fuel prices, this also means consumers across the country will have more affordable choices at the pump, in addition to reinforcing American energy dominance. Thune first called for a waiver process to permit higher blends of ethanol in 2007. Most recently, in April 2018, Thune joined 17 of his Senate colleagues in writing to then-Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to highlight the benefits of E15, and they encouraged him to address the Reid Vapor Pressure issue that was preventing year-round E15 sales. He also wrote Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler in August 2018 to reiterate his support for biofuels. Additionally, Thune has actively sought transparency with, and ultimately a resolution to, the EPA's unprecedented use of small refiner exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which have kept billions of gallons of ethanol from being blended and have distorted markets. Year-round E15 sales will lower RFS compliance costs for all parties and inject stability and certainty into the ethanol market. Click here for a recent timeline of Thune's activity and commitment to the approval of year-round E15 fuel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3D07A078-BBDC-427B-852C-1F057FC1660E,Thune Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Senate confirmation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is a brilliant jurist who has spent 25 years of his life in public service.He has impeccable legal credentials and has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our Constitution and the rule of law. Republicans came to Congress to ensure that the judges we confirm are dedicated to a faithful interpretation of the law. I have no doubt that Judge Kavanaugh will continue to demonstrate that commitment. With the confirmation of Justice Gorsuch last year and Judge Kavanaugh this year, Republicans have delivered on our promises. Judge Kavanaugh will be an asset to our nation's highest court, and I wish him the very best as he takes up this new position.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1B180677-F3F5-43DB-89BF-335DB71F4808,Noem: Celebrating Tribal Heritage,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem I have had the honor of receiving a Star Quilt from tribes in South Dakota on a few occasions. Star Quilts are often used in Native American culture as a symbolic way to honor and protect a person on their journey through life. It's incredibly meaningful and a big encouragement as we work together to tackle some of the challenges in the journey ahead. Each October, we celebrate Native Americans' Day an opportunity to honor South Dakota's nine Native American tribes, as well as their heritage, culture, and traditions. If you haven't been to a tribal celebration, I encourage you to find an opportunity this fall. That said, there are tremendous challenges in Indian Country today from economic and workforce development to healthcare. Despite a workforce shortage in good-paying, high-skill jobs on reservations, fewer than one in 10 Native American students will attend college. SDSU is pursuing one program to help change that, however. It's called the Wokini Initiative and is designed to help more tribal students earn their degree. We're working now to get more resources into the program, offering hope, enrichment, and upward mobility for many students. Alongside workforce development, we need economic development. For too long, inconsistencies in tax law have created confusion and discouraged investment in Indian Country. Understanding this, I introduced legislation to better reflect the unique needs of tribal communities. More specifically, the bill puts tribal governments on equal footing with states, ensuring they are fully eligible under the tax code to receive certain tax benefits and enter into public-private partnerships. It also expands economic development tools to make investing more affordable in these high-need areas. At the same time, we must address the tribal healthcare crisis. Today, many tribal members receive life-threatening care from a broken Indian Health Service (IHS). In recent years, watchdog reports have documented appalling cases of negligence and poorly delivered care. Babies were born on bathroom floors with no doctor present. Facilities were forced to wash surgical equipment by hand due to broken sterilization machines. Medical personnel were coming to work with certifications that had lapsed. An IHS pediatrician was tried for sexually abusing children. No one should have to live in these third-world medical conditions especially not folks in South Dakota. I've been working with tribal leaders to improve the IHS for years, and this summer, I introduced the most recent version of my comprehensive IHS reform bill. Through the legislation, we offer more tools to recruit and retain quality medical and administrative personnel. We would also cut red tape and increase transparency. I'm hopeful we'll be able to continue to drive this legislation forward in the weeks ahead. It's critical we recognize and honor the tremendous contributions tribal communities have made throughout our shared history. That's why I worked to recognize the Tatanka as our country's national mammal and honor the Lakota Code Talkers with a Congressional Gold Medal. I'm proud of the rich Native American heritage that's woven into South Dakota and grateful that we, as a state, set aside a day each October to recognize that legacy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2F63E5DF-9C18-4520-99BC-0C8A03FAC966,Thunes Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking college students to serve as spring interns in his office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Interns in Thune's state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities, while students in the Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process, give Capitol building tours, and attend Senate votes and hearings. Both in-state and Washington, D.C., internships will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and learn a multitude of valuable office skills. The opportunity to intern in a Senate office is one of the best ways to learn how our federal government works, said Thune. Interns in my office will experience the inner workings of a Senate office firsthand, while improving their legislative knowledge and communication skills. I encourage all college students to consider applying for this rewarding experience. Thune is chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and the Senate Committee on Finance. College students who are interested in interning in Thune's Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices should fill out an online application form with their resume and cover letter by October 31, 2018, at https://bit.ly/2zU7D4h, or they can locate the application by searching intern program on www.thune.senate.gov. Mailed-in applications will no longer be accepted. For more information, please call 202-224-2321.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3F19E1DE-17A9-4FB3-8BAE-26192952DEBA,President Signs Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Bill into Law,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on attending a signing ceremony of H.R. 302, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which President Donald Trump signed into law today. With President Trump's signature, the FAA Reauthorization Act will begin modernizing airport infrastructure, improving service for the flying public, enhancing transportation safety and security, and boosting aviation industry innovation, said Thune. Because of this bill, our economy and passengers will benefit as airport construction projects will move forward, aviation manufacturing gets a boost, and passengers will gain new legal protections during the experience of air travel. This five-year bill is the longest FAA reauthorization since 1982. For more information about the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=75BDD41E-4674-4A34-8832-AAF25BEA4C33,Thune: Our Economy Keeps Getting Better,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics announcement that the unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level since 1969 (3.7 percent) and the economy added 134,000 jobs in September. Our economy keeps getting better. As a result of the positive reforms the Republican-led Congress implemented to grow our economy, more Americans are getting back to work. Unemployment is at its lowest rate since 1969. More than 1.8 million jobs have been created since the passage of historic tax reform. Wages are increasing, consumer sentiment is at a 17-year high, and investments from overseas are returning to the U.S. Republicans promised to improve the lives of Americans through economic growth, and today's job report is more proof that we are delivering on those promises. Our pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda is working.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=29522A56-D826-4292-B1DF-4984516F4F7E,Happy Native Americans' Day,2018-10-04,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune It's been 28 years since South Dakota started recognizing the second Monday in October as Native Americans' Day. In 1990, Governor George Mickelson led the state in a Year of Reconciliation with South Dakota's tribal communities a fabric of our state's rich culture and history. To non-South Dakotans, it might seems like a small or trivial change, but by leaving Columbus Day in the past, the state turned an important page and looked entirely toward the future. South Dakota has been home to some of history's greatest Native American warriors, including Chief Sitting Bull and Chief Crazy Horse. Today, we're lucky to have a new generation of tribal leaders who continue to fight day in and day for the communities in which they live. Whether I'm in Washington or back home in South Dakota, I often cross paths with folks who share both the successes and challenges they experience within their tribal communities. Their input is critical and helps me pursue policies in Congress that help increase the efficiency and effectiveness of federal programs that have a direct effect on their lives. Thanks to their feedback, I've been working for years to reform and modernize the broken Indian Health Service (IHS). IHS is tasked with providing health care to tribal members in South Dakota and around the country care they depend on, but for far too long has been substandard, an understatement to say the least. Don't get me wrong, there are many talented and dedicated employees who work at IHS facilities in South Dakota and throughout the Great Plains, but the organization as a whole is so wrought with systemic problems that it hardly deserves the title in which it has been given. The agency can and must do better, and I will continue fighting for change. I value hearing from members of South Dakota's Native American tribes and learning about what's important to them, but I also think it's good for my colleagues in the Senate to hear their perspective, too. I recently invited Mona Thompson, the general manager for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority, to testify in front of the Senate Commerce Committee, which I chair. Her feedback on the progress of broadband deployment in rural parts of South Dakota was honest and helpful, and I'm glad she was willing to make the trip to Washington to share her observations. I know I'm not alone in considering myself extremely grateful to live in a state that honors its Native American history and traditions. Whether it's language, food, or events, the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people have left and are continuing to leave an important mark on South Dakota. I appreciate all they've done for our state and look forward to continuing my partnership with them in the months and years ahead. Happy Native Americans' Day!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=080F9F2C-F1EC-44BF-BA90-9EF3E5C91027,Delegation Urges FCC to Restore Predictability to Universal Service Funds High Cost Program Budget,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to immediately act to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget, ensuring South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services that are comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America, the delegation wrote. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels. It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: As the congressional delegation from the State of South Dakota, we write to express our strong support for immediate action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget. Fully funding this program will help ensure rural South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. While the Federal government has made rural broadband a national priority, the long-term insufficiency and uncertainty of the USF High Cost budget needlessly undermines investment in and planning for deployment in rural areas. Therefore, we were happy to hear you commit at the August 16, 2018, FCC oversight hearing to taking action by the end of this year. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels. It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. The current budget limits are hindering rural broadband deployment and harming consumers. In South Dakota, the limit is estimated to cut support that carriers would otherwise have received for broadband deployment by more than $11 million over a twelve-month period. These reductions in support will require providers to postpone or even cancel broadband investment, reducing the availability of rural broadband. These cuts also threaten to increase the cost of broadband service to consumers in rural areas and put at risk the ability of providers to repay loans for investments already made, undermining the viability and sustainability of broadband in rural areas. More than 75 percent of South Dakota's land mass is served by rural carriers, and it is crucial that these consumers are not left behind. The responses to the FCC's USF High Cost Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking confirm the need to provide and indicate broad support for long-term, sufficient, and predictable funding to rural carriers, ensuring that rural consumers have access to affordable broadband. Consistent with prior letters expressing concerns about High Cost budget shortfalls, we urge the Commission to establish a sufficient and predictable budget that will help eliminate the rural divide while also providing certainty to carriers planning deployment and maintenance of rural broadband. Thank you for acknowledging the need to eliminate the digital divide by assuring affordable broadband for rural American consumers. We look forward to continuing to work with you in achieving a positive resolution on this important issue for rural America. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=02286F09-C92A-4285-ADC5-70F74B5A0408,Thune-Led Federal Aviation Administration Bill Includes Multiple Wins for South Dakota,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), today praised the bipartisan passage of the five-year FAA reauthorization bill. This Thune-led legislation, the longest reauthorization since the 1980s, would reauthorize federal aviation programs to modernize airport infrastructure, improve service for the flying public, enhance safety, and boost aviation industry innovation. The bill was approved by a vote of 93-6 and now heads to the president for his signature. In creating new protections and enhancements for the flying public, this bill creates five years of stable policy direction for the aviation community, said Thune. Travelers, utilizing small and large airports, will benefit from investments in infrastructure, more efficient security screening, and the prompt return of fees for services they don't receive. Innovators also get a needed boost from provisions enhancing the competitiveness of our aircraft manufacturers and the continued integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace. Specifically for South Dakota, the FAA reauthorization: Includes the Essential Air Service program and the Airport Improvement Program, which ensures air service to small communities and adequate infrastructure funding for all airports. Directs the FAA to schedule the administrator's review of airport construction projects for cold-weather states as early as possible, given the shorter construction seasons in states like South Dakota. Provides common-sense improvements to airport construction standards to make projects more affordable and get them started and completed faster. Provides the first-ever reauthorization of TSA, including increasing funding for the Law Enforcement Officer Reimbursement Program, which allows airports like Sioux Falls and Rapid City to staff police at security checkpoints. Makes TSA more passenger-friendly by requiring it to post security checkpoint wait times online and expanding PreCheck program enrollment opportunities by requiring start-to-finish online or mobile enrollment options. For an expanded list of how this FAA bill will affect South Dakota, click here. To watch Thune speak on the Senate floor about the bill, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0B1AC86B-D1BA-49B4-8135-B3322C2B79FE,Thune Statement on Passage of Critical Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the Senate passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan package of Senate and House proposals, including Thune-authored proposals, to combat the opioid crisis. The bill will now head to the president for his signature. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act combats the opioid crisis on multiple fronts, increasing treatment, recovery, and prevention efforts, said Thune. This was truly a bipartisan, bicameral effort, and this is one step toward ending this devastating epidemic. My provision included in the bill will equip rural communities with necessary tools to help those who are battling substance- use disorder. I look forward to seeing the president sign this bill into law so we can continue to help those who need it the most. Click here for more information on Thune's opioid-related proposals that were included in the bill and here for an op-ed Thune penned shortly after the Senate passed its version of this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=131A638F-F6D0-46E4-AE1F-DA2374412F68,Delegation Urges FCC to Restore Predictability to Universal Service Funds High Cost Program Budget,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today urged Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai to immediately act to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget, ensuring South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services that are comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America, the delegation wrote. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels.It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. Full text of the letter below: The Honorable Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street Southwest Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Pai: As the congressional delegation from the State of South Dakota, we write to express our strong support for immediate action by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to restore sufficiency and predictability to the Universal Service Fund's (USF) High Cost program's budget. Fully funding this program will help ensure rural South Dakotans have access to high-quality broadband and voice services comparable in quality and price to those available in urban areas. While the Federal government has made rural broadband a national priority, the long-term insufficiency and uncertainty of the USF High Cost budget needlessly undermines investment in and planning for deployment in rural areas. Therefore, we were happy to hear you commit at the August 16, 2018, FCC oversight hearing to taking action by the end of this year. The USF High Cost program is critical for millions of rural Americans and foundational for the success of reaching universal service goals in rural America. Yet the High Cost program budget has remained static at 2011 levels. It is essential that the High Cost program evolve and keep pace with technological advancements. It is also critical that after the High Cost budget is updated, it keep pace with inflation going forward. The current budget limits are hindering rural broadband deployment and harming consumers. In South Dakota, the limit is estimated to cut support that carriers would otherwise have received for broadband deployment by more than $11 million over a twelve-month period. These reductions in support will require providers to postpone or even cancel broadband investment, reducing the availability of rural broadband. These cuts also threaten to increase the cost of broadband service to consumers in rural areas and put at risk the ability of providers to repay loans for investments already made, undermining the viability and sustainability of broadband in rural areas. More than 75 percent of South Dakota's land mass is served by rural carriers, and it is crucial that these consumers are not left behind. The responses to the FCC's USF High Cost Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking confirm the need to provide and indicate broad support for long-term, sufficient, and predictable funding to rural carriers, ensuring that rural consumers have access to affordable broadband. Consistent with prior letters expressing concerns about High Cost budget shortfalls, we urge the Commission to establish a sufficient and predictable budget that will help eliminate the rural divide while also providing certainty to carriers planning deployment and maintenance of rural broadband. Thank you for acknowledging the need to eliminate the digital divide by assuring affordable broadband for rural American consumers. We look forward to continuing to work with you in achieving a positive resolution on this important issue for rural America. Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FD3D0EA1-A882-426C-992E-1A89B3948665,"Thune, Klobuchar Bill to Provide Licensure Clarity for Sports Medicine Professionals Heads to the President",2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today issued the following statements after the Senate repassed a modified version of their bipartisan Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to eliminate the ambiguity that currently exists with licensure and malpractice insurance for covered sports medicine professionals traveling across state lines with an athletic team. Absent clarification, when these health care providers treat an injured player in another state, they are potentially putting themselves at professional and financial risk. Sports medicine professionals provide an important service to athletes, on the road and at home, said Thune. I'm glad they will soon have the clarity they need to perform their job as efficiently and effectively as possible. On the road or at home, sports medicine professionals should be able to treat athletes without putting themselves at legal risk, said Klobuchar. When this bill becomes law, doctors and other health care providers will be able to treat their athletes regardless of where their teams happen to be playing. The legislation will allow covered sports medicine professionals to engage in the treatment of injured athletes across state lines, as long as they have an agreement in place with the team or athlete being treated and are performing services within the scope of practice of their state of licensure. The Senate passed the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act in September. It later became the vehicle for a larger legislative package in the House of Representatives, requiring an additional Senate vote. The bill now heads to the president for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=66E95E09-43E4-45FE-A89D-5E926B466506,Noem Statement on US-Mexico-Canada Agreement,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after the United States, Mexico, and Canada announced an agreement has been reached on the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement: For the last year, I have been pressing President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer to finalize an agreement that works better for South Dakota agriculture and finalize it quickly. We have met on several occasions to discuss the dire situation producers are in as a result of poorly negotiated trade deals and the changes needed. I am pleased the pressure we put on this administration has resulted in a preliminary deal. I will be reviewing the details of this agreement closely, but I'm optimistic we are headed toward an agreement that treats South Dakota agricultural goods more fairly, expands market access, and sets unprecedented standards for science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures. I will continue weighing in with the Trump administration as this process advances, but I'm hopeful we're on the cusp of a better deal for American manufacturing and agriculture. Rep. Noem sits on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, which has primary jurisdiction over trade issues in the U.S. House.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FC4BFE01-9C5D-4F97-B244-6CE7D8266101,"Following Noems Urging, VA Announces Grant Approval for East River Veteran Cemetery",2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following a push from Rep. Kristi Noem, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today approved a grant request to fund construction for an East River Veterans Cemetery. South Dakota could begin seeing these funds as early as next year. South Dakota has a proud legacy of military service and patriotism, saidNoem. This grant from the VA will help expedite the process of establishing a peaceful resting place to remember and honor those who have served. In June, Rep. Noem, Sen. Thune, and Sen. Rounds wrote aletterto VA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Randy C. Reeves expressing support for the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs' application to establish a new veteran cemetery in Sioux Falls.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1555F105-BA87-4348-9428-4A21651D50F1,Thune Statement on U.S. Trade Agreement With Mexico and Canada,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the trilateral agreement with Mexico and Canada in the renegotiation of North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The deal must be approved by Congress before it can take effect. Throughout this process, I've always believed a trilateral agreement would best serve American businesses, particularly South Dakota's farmers and ranchers who depend on exporting a significant share of their products to Canada and Mexico, said Thune. While I'm still reviewing the details of the agreement, an improved NAFTA would be good for businesses, consumers, and the economy, and I hope we can continue pursuing pro-America trade deals with other countries around the world.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7DA32C76-288E-43AA-AECC-49790B60E459,Noem-Sponsored Tax Reform 2.0 Passes House,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today led the U.S. House of Representatives in passing Tax Reform 2.0. The legislative package makes permanent the tax relief families and small businesses received through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The landmark package also includes provisions to simplify retirement savings, allow parents to start education savings accounts for their unborn children, and promote innovation for small startup businesses. The historic tax cuts we passed last year have been life-changing for the people of South Dakota. I hear it everywhere I travel in the state, said Noem. The tax cuts help our small businesses stay in businesses and put money in families' pockets. Tax Reform 2.0 goes another step forward.Through this bill, we incentivize innovation and give hardworking Americans more opportunities to save. WATCH: Noem Speaks in Support of Tax Reform 2.0 on House Floor Last year, Noem served as one of the only farmers or ranchers on the final tax cuts negotiating team, making her a critical advocate for South Dakota's number one industry. The legislation gave producers access to enhanced expensing tools, immediate deductibility, and like-kind exchanges. Additionally, Noem championed the Child Tax Credit, which doubled to $2,000/child under the tax cuts package, and saved the Child Care Credit from repeal. Highlights of Tax Reform 2.0 Makes the following provisions from 2017's historic tax cut permanent: Lower tax rates Doubling of the Child Tax Credit from $1,000/child to $2,000/child Doubling of exemption levels for the Death Tax Creates a new Universal Savings Account to offer a fully flexible savings tool for families Expands 529 Education Savings Accounts so families can use the money to pay for apprenticeship fees, homeschooling, or student debt Offers New Baby Savings by allowing families to access their own retirement accounts penalty-free for expenses when welcoming a new child through birth or adoption Allows small businesses to join together to create a 401(k) plan more affordably Allows new businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ED983B52-43F8-4F60-8003-094484138114,Noem: Making an Impact for Students,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem I've always believed decisions are best made at the local level, particularly when it involves the education our kids are receiving. That was a big driver behind the work we did in the Student Success Act, which was designed to reduce the federal footprint and empower both parents and local school districts. That work is ongoing, however, as federal policies continue to impede on local decision-making. One issue where we continue to work is the Impact Aid Program, which reimburses local schools for revenue losses that occur when nontaxable federal land is in their districts. More specifically, schools rely on local property taxes to pay the bills. Tax is not collected, however, on federal lands, such as military installations, Indian Trust land, and national grasslands. As a result, a school bordering Ellsworth Air Force Base must overcome tremendous budgetary challenges as no taxes are paid on the property in much of their district. That's where the Impact Aid Program comes in. As Hilary Goldmann, who heads an association dedicated to maintaining Impact Aid, explains: The program pays for teacher salaries, school counselors, technology, student transportation and other education programming In South Dakota, about 30 school districts are eligible for the program. These school districts are often located in rural areas with few taxpayers and where administrators double as bus drivers, teachers, and coaches. Simply put, Impact Aid helps ensure we maintain a level playing field for all South Dakota school districts. Going to school near the Air Force Base or one of South Dakota's nine Indian Reservations shouldn't limit classroom resources. Earlier this fall, I was honored to be recognized by more than 50 South Dakota teachers who are part of the country's leading Impact Aid group for my work to strengthen this critical support system. More specifically, they discussed my work on bipartisan legislation to increase the program's efficiency and provide greater flexibility to the school districts that receive it. They also discussed the provisions I introduced to improve Impact Aid in the latest reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Jamie Hermann, who is president of Impact Schools of South Dakota, noted: Every time Impact Aid school districts needed assistance, Rep. Noem was there to help successfully lead the charge. From the first meeting with her, she recognized the federal government's financial obligation to school districts that have a decreased tax base due to the federal government ownership of the land. Those are humbling words to hear, but I'm grateful for the award and will continue to fight so classrooms have the resources our kids need to succeed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=FC1E40DA-FF35-48EA-9C78-E244F8B5D60B,South Dakota Can Be the Leader in 5G,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune I've had the privilege of serving as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee for nearly four years now. Over the years, my committee, which has broad jurisdiction over things like our nation's transportation system, consumer protection, and technology, has held hearings on a variety of topics. We've covered everything from planes, trains, and automobiles to Twitter and Facebook to the ecosystem's dependence on sharks. We've heard and seen it all. Earlier this year, I convened a hearing in Washington to explore America's leadership in the race toward 5G mobile broadband technology. To put 5G technology into perspective, think about your first data-enabled mobile phone and, while we considered it fast at the time, how long it took to load mobile apps or webpages. Flash forward to today, and there's no doubt mobile broadband technology has improved. With a few quick clicks, you can get a ride in an Uber, order movie tickets, or pay for your parking meter without even having to leave a restaurant. Believe it or not, as fast as our devices are today, 5G mobile broadband technology will help deliver speeds that are 100 times faster than what today's technology can deliver. While there are obvious and important benefits to faster speeds, there are equally as important, but perhaps less obvious, benefits to the United States getting to 5G before our global competitors. It means more opportunities, more jobs, and more economic development. According to some estimates, 5G could contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to the U.S. economy. American innovators and entrepreneurs have for generations been pioneers. Americans invented and flew the first airplane. We put the first man on the moon. There's no reason why we can't be first in the 5G revolution, too. As chairman of the Commerce Committee, I want to help the United States win this race, and I want South Dakota to be at the forefront. It's with that in mind that I'll be taking the Commerce Committee on the road. On October 5, I'll be picking up where we left off in Washington and will convene a field hearing in Sioux Falls to examine the hurdles that are making it more difficult for states and communities to continuemoving the ball down the field on this important issue. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who shares my goal of bringing the world's fastest internet to South Dakota, will join me, as willFederal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, Dakota State University President Jos-Marie Griffiths, and representatives from Verizon and Midcontinent Communications. The technology already exists to make 5G a reality. It's up to local, state, and federal leaders to work together on getting the necessary infrastructure in place, while also freeing up additional spectrum, the airwaves on which the frequencies that support mobile broadband travel. Together we can make it work, and I'm confident we will.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6F89E2E2-BA42-4FA1-AD68-EB16D6678F50,Thune Speaks at White House 5G Summit,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today spoke at the White House 5G Summit on the importance of winning the race to lead the world in 5G. Click hereto watch Thune's full speech. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): The race has begun. The race to lead the world in 5G, with gigabit speeds, low latency, and connection to a tremendous number of devices, is upon us. It is a race we must win, but by many accounts we are already behind China and other nations in key areas. Here's what's at stake. 5G is expected to contribute $275 billion in new American investment, $500 billion in economic growth, and three million new jobs. Make no mistake, we have the technology. The technology created by American industries, including those represented here today, is the best around and leads the world in next generation mobile communications. But that technology is only part of the equation. We must also ensure that wireless providers have the infrastructure on which their systems depend, and they must be able to deploy those networks in a reasonable and timely manner. On a bipartisan basis, Senator Schatz and I have introduced the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act, reflecting hard work with stakeholders from across the country to eliminate needless barriers to deploying 5G and to bring the benefits of 5G to American consumers. The STREAMLINE Act will help America reap the benefits of 5G leadership while respecting the important role State and local governments play in deployment decisions. I am very pleased that the FCC has just taken an important step to modernize its regulations consistent with the goals of the STREAMLINE Act. The final piece of the puzzle is spectrum. Spectrum is the lifeblood of wireless communications and presents a particular challenge for 5G. The bipartisan, bicameral communications bill my colleagues and I passed earlier this year and the President signed into law is a good start. As part of that package, my MOBILE NOW Act requires that 255 megahertz of spectrum be identified for fixed and mobile wireless broadband use by 2022. But if America's wireless carriers do not have enough of the right kinds of spectrum available, Americans simply won't have the speed and connections we need. This is particularly important for those of us in rural America, where the business case for deployment is very different than in America's big cities. While we've made important progress in securing low- and high-band spectrum, the United States is falling behind when it comes to mid-band spectrum. This is particularly troubling because mid-band spectrum is crucial to the initial deployment of 5G. Only 150 megahertz of mid-band spectrum has been specifically identified for likely 5G use, and that is on a shared basis under a creative, and novel licensing scheme. This puts us far behind both China and South Korea in 5G spectrum and represents a serious threat to American leadership of next-generation technology. And we must also be mindful of the critical role unlicensed spectrum plays in the development of 5G and throughout the communications landscape. Wi-Fi operating on unlicensed spectrum is responsible for a tremendous and growing amount of the data transmitted in our homes and offices, and will play an increasing role in the future. Identifying spectrum resources not just for the next few years, but for the next 10 years and beyond is essential if we are to retain American leadership. I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in the House and Senate as we continue our efforts to get keep government out of the way so that America can continue its leadership in next generation technology.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=98A129D1-67B8-4A0B-BBCD-44593FC70C70,PHOTO: Noem Receives Impact Aid Award,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem was honored this week by more than 50 South Dakota school administrators for her ""outstanding contributions to the Impact Aid Program."" Noem was awarded the Friend of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools Award for her years-long effort to protect the program, whichprovides payments from the federal government to local school districts to make up for local taxes lost on account of a federal presence within their school districts, such as military bases and federal land like Indian Reservations or federal grasslands.More than 30 South Dakota school districts are Impact Aid districts. Impact Aid helps ensure we maintain a level playing field for all South Dakota school districts,"" said Noem. ""Going to school near Ellsworth Air Force Base or one of South Dakota's nine Indian Reservations shouldn't limit classroom resources. I'm grateful for this generous award and will continue to fight so classrooms have the resources our kids need to succeed."" Every time Impact Aid school districts needed assistance, Rep. Noem was there to help successfully lead the charge, said Jamie Hermann, President of Impact Schools of South Dakota. From the first meeting with her, she recognized the federal government's financial obligation to school districts that have a decreased tax base due to the federal government ownership of the land. Noem chairs the bipartisan House Impact Aid Caucus and is a long-time supporter of the program. In March, Noem successfully led more than 100 Members of Congress in urging the Appropriations Committee to preserve Impact Aid funding for fiscal year 2019. They wrote: Often, these school districts are located in rural areas with few taxpayers and where administrators double as bus drivers, teachers, and coaches. These dollars provide a foundational education program for all students; many schools would close their doors without the support of Impact Aid.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=ABC4FBBE-2790-4C27-81EE-6975109F8934,Thune Leads Hearing Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today led a hearing entitled, Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy. The hearing examined privacy policies of top technology and communications firms, reviewed the current state of consumer data privacy, and offered committee members the opportunity to discuss possible approaches to safeguarding privacy more effectively. During the hearing, Thune questioned a panel of executives from technology and communications firms on legislative actions that can be taken to strengthen data privacy without discouraging innovation. Thune's opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): A decade from now, we may look back and view this past year as a watershed with respect to the issue of consumer data privacy. A year ago this month, news of the massive Equifax data breach made headlines. Shortly thereafter, we brought the company's then-current and former CEOs before the committee for a public accounting. Then, in April, the Commerce and Judiciary Committees held a joint hearing with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg after revelations that political intelligence firm Cambridge Analytica had acquired access to the personal data of millions of unwitting Facebook users. In May, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation known as G-D-P-R took effect, with many privacy-related mandates and severe penalties for violators. In June, the Consumer Protection Subcommittee held a hearing entitled Cambridge Analytica and Other Facebook Partners: Examining Data Privacy Risks, where Aleksandr Kogan, the Cambridge University academic at the center of the Cambridge Analytica controversy, testified. On June 28th, the California Consumer Privacy Act was signed into law. Like GDPR, the new California lawwhich will take effect on January 1, 2020contains many privacy mandates and severe penalties for violators. These developments have all combined to put the issue of consumer data privacy squarely on Congress's doorstep. The question is no longer whether we need a federal law to protect consumers' privacy. The question is what shape that law should take. To examine the impact of all of these developments, we are pleased to be joined today by representatives of some of the leading technology companies and internet service providers in America. There is often a temptation to lump industry leaders like these together, as if they were all the same. But, as we'll hear today, they actually have very different approaches to the collection, use, and protection of consumer data. I expect the witnesses to offer candid testimony about how their companies seek to address privacy concerns about their products and services, and how new privacy requirements impact them. I want to hear how they are complyingor planning to complywith GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act, the advantages and disadvantages of both laws from their perspectives, and the steps they believe the federal government should take to help protect consumer privacy. I hasten to add that this will not be the only hearing on consumer data privacy we will hold. Some have expressed angst that we have an industry-only panel today. Let me reassure anyone who thinks we're going to be rushing through legislation without the benefit of alternative views that things don't work that way here. Early next month, we intend to convene a second hearing that will include privacy advocates as well as other key stakeholders. Alastair MacTaggert, the California privacy activist, and Andrea Jelenik, the head of GDPR enforcement for the European Union, have already agreed to testify. It's also important to remember that, while we have not enacted a comprehensive national data privacy law, concern about privacy is not a new issue for Congress. Over the past 20 years, Congress has enacted laws on privacy affecting particular segments of the population and sectors of the nation's economy, such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, the Health Insurance Portability Act, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. But now we have arrived at a moment where, I believe, there is a strong desire by both Republicans and Democrats, and by both industry and public interest groups, to work in good faith to reach a consensus on a national consumer data privacy law that will help consumers, promote innovation, reward organizations with little to hide, and force shady practitioners to clean up their act. While this hearing grows out of recent concerns about consumer privacy, it is not intended to be a gotcha hearing. Instead, it represents the beginning of an effort to inform our development of a federal privacy law that enjoys strong bipartisan support. Politics is always about timing, and I believe now is the time to begin action on this important issue. I look forward to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the coming months. With that, I'll recognize the Ranking Member for any comments he may have.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=F00A44BE-B297-4153-863E-B92C0EE910D2,Protect and Innovate Online Privacy,2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The time has come for Congress to work on putting consumer data privacy protections into law. For years, the wizards of the tech world have amazed all of us and helped fuel our economy with innovative products and services. No one wants that to end. At the same time, mounting controversies have undermined public trust in the ability and willingness of leading technology companies to regulate themselves and enforce real privacy safeguards for the collection and use of our digital data. The question is no longer whether we need a national law to protect consumers' privacy. The question is what shape that law should take. The European Union and California have already acted. We need to examine whether they've gotten consumer privacy right and criticisms that their solutions pose an unintended challenge to innovation and competition. For example, it's fair to ask whether these new regulations would be too costly and cumbersome for innovative startups. In seeking the right balance, Congress should focus on consumer choice. Effective rules must ensure transparency by addressing the ineffectiveness of current click-through privacy policies. They must also reset the unfair reality that consumers' information may be collected, rented, or sold to outsiders but often can't even be reviewed by consumers themselves. Before his testimony to Congress earlier this year about the scandal involving the wholesale vacuuming of information by third-parties, Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg and I discussed the concept of meaningful consumer consent. Such consent tends to happen when an internet consumer receives clear, immediately relevant information about an imminent decision. It does not occur when a consumer, needing something quickly, agrees to an unread privacy policy spanning dozens of pages in a manner of seconds with no further action required. For those few who take time to sift through a lengthy privacy policy, whether on a smartphone app or website, it typically describes the rights and limits companies assign themselves to collect, use, transmit, and sell information about users. Good luck finding straightforward details about what actually happens with your data. The real world details typically aren't made readily available. Many Americans have taken time to review their credit reports, detailing the information affecting access to financial services and which businesses have looked at their information. By contrast, how many Americans know the data points collected from their time online? Ironically, this lack of transparency bucks the trend in industry innovation. Most smartphones today don't come with the thick instruction manuals of a decade ago. Instead, these user-friendly pocket computers are designed to be intuitive, teaching you as you operate them and offering online resources for complex operational questions as they become relevant. Technology companies, if sufficiently motivated by federal government engagement, should make privacy as simple as setting up a smartphone. A world in which your smartphone quickly tells you which apps or organizations have access to your location information, your web browser informs you who is watching your page with you, and a data company website tells you which entities have paid for access to your information no longer stretches the imagination. The ability to promptly end an arrangement outside a user's comfort-zone should not be technically difficult either. This week, representatives of four large technology companies and two internet service providers will testify before the Senate Commerce Committee at our first privacy hearing about their current practices, ideas, concerns, and how they can complement efforts by Congress to improve consumer data privacy. These well-known firms have diverse approaches to consumer data privacy, ranging from companies that do not monetize the consumer data they collect, to those whose business models rest principally on the ability to collect and monetize such data in exchange for providing free or reduced-cost services. The technology industry is not the first to collect sensitive information on consumers. Financial service providers, educational institutions, and health care providers all collect and maintain sensitive, regulated records. These models are informing current legislative efforts and underscore that a core function of digital privacy should be to ensure that consumers have the opportunity to enter arrangements based on informed decisions with entities they trust and fair warning about those who may engage in more questionable privacy practices. While controversies involving privacy, allegations of political bias, anti-competitive practices, and other matters have created significant public concern, digital privacy legislation is notand should not beretaliatory. Fair and appropriate digital data protections benefit consumers and responsible businesses. As we heard at the Facebook hearing, informed consumers may actually prefer tailored online advertising and the accompanying free services like e-mail over irrelevant and annoying pop-up ads or pay walls. A successful consumer data privacy law will help consumers and reward organizations with little to hide, promote innovation, and force shady practitioners to clean up their act or fold up shop.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=472EA72A-734A-48A9-9E51-40BC0DF4916B,Thune Welcomes Honor Flight Veterans to D.C.,2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today welcomed dozens of World War II, Vietnam, and Korean War Veterans from South Dakota to Washington, D.C., who were there to visit war memorials honoring their service and sacrifice to the nation. The Midwest Honor Flight program coordinated today's visit to Washington. Thune greeted a similar honor flight in May at the World War II Memorial. One of the great honors and privileges that I have is to recognize and thank our veterans, those people who have served our country and defended our freedom with great honor and distinction, said Thune. I had that opportunity this morning we had an honor flight that arrived here in Washington, D.C., that provides these veterans an opportunity to see memorials and monuments that are erected in their honor, sometimes for the very first time. Click here for b-roll footage of today's event, and here for Thune's full interview.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A4B137F9-D7C3-46BD-B14D-5BD8BE611DBB,Thune: Deeply Disappointed in Democrats for Treatment of Kavanaugh,2018-09-25,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed Senate Democrats' hyper-partisan attempts to delay and derail Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court. Thune also discussed the thriving economy, the result of Republicans' pro-growth, pro-jobs policies. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, America has always been a place of economic promise. Millions of people have come to this country in search of a better life for themselves and an even better life for their children. But in recent years, this dream had started to dim. Under the Obama administration, our economy stagnated. And too many American families struggled. Worse, some economists were predicting that weak economic growth would be the new normal. Well, Mr. President, Republicans disagreed. We didn't think that the United States was doomed to a future of weak growth and diminished opportunity. We knew that American workers and American businesses were as driven, creative, and innovative as ever. But we also knew that they were facing a lot of obstacles, including burdensome regulations and an outdated tax code that acted as a drag on economic growth. And so instead of giving up on the economy, we decided that we were going to get the economy going again by removing obstacles to economic growth and job creation. And over the past 21 months, that's exactly what we've done. We've removed burdensome regulations. And last December, we passed a historic, comprehensive reform of our tax code. Now, the tax code isn't necessarily the first thing people think of when they think of economic growth. But in actual fact, the tax code has a huge effect on our economy. A small business owner facing a huge tax bill is highly unlikely to be able to expand her business or hire a new employee. In fact, if her tax burden is heavy enough, she may not even be able to keep her business open. Similarly, a large business is going to find it pretty hard to create jobs or improve benefits for employees if it's struggling to stay competitive against foreign businesses paying much less in taxes. Prior to the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, our tax code was not helping our economy. It was doing the opposite. And so we took action. We lowered tax rates across the board for owners of small and medium-sized businesses, farms, and ranches. We lowered our nation's massive corporate tax rate, which up until January 1 was the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world. We expanded business owners' ability to recover the cost of investments they make in their businesses, which frees up cash that they can reinvest in their operations and their workers. And we brought the U.S. international tax system into the 21st century so that American businesses are not operating at a disadvantage next to their foreign competitors. And now we're seeing the results. Our economy is thriving. The economy grew at a vigorous 4.2 percent pace in the second quarter of 2018. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law less than a year ago, 1.7 million jobs have been created. U.S. job openings have hit a record high of 6.94 million. In fact, the number of job openings has exceeded the number of unemployed for five straight months. Wages are rising at the fastest rate since 2009. Middle-class income hit its highest level ever last year, and the poverty rate dropped to its lowest level since 2006. And small business optimism shattered its previous record to reach a new high in August. I could go on. So what does all this mean, Mr. President? It means that if you need a job, there are more jobs available and jobs with good benefits. It means that there are more opportunities for workers to advance and build rewarding, secure careers. It means that fewer families are having to live paycheck to paycheck. And that more families have money available to plan for the future like their kids' college or their retirement. And it means that small business owners can think about expanding their businesses and hiring new workers instead of wondering how they're going to make ends meet. Mr. President, when the American people elected us to the majority almost two years ago, we had one priority: making life better for American families. I'm very proud that we're succeeding. But we're certainly not stopping here. We are going to continue working to expand opportunity for Americans even further. And we're going to continue to build on the work we've done on other priorities, from equipping our military and supporting our veterans to fighting the opioid crisis. Before I close, I want to take a moment to express my profound disappointment with my Democrat colleagues. Mr. President, it came as no surprise that Democrats were determined to oppose Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. It's become abundantly clear this Congress that Democrats consider being nominated by a Republican president to disqualify a person from serving on the Supreme Court. It doesn't matter how mainstream you are, how widely respected, how fair and impartial if you're nominated by a Republican president, you're out. So as I said, it came as no surprise that Democrats were determined to fight Judge Kavanaugh's nomination. The ink on the nomination was scarcely dry before the Democrat leader had announced that he was going to, quote, fight this nomination with everything I've got. But Mr. President, while I expected Democrats to fight Judge Kavanaugh's nomination, I expected them to do so honorably. I expected them to make their objections known, grill Judge Kavanaugh in the hearing, and then cast their votes against the judge. But that's not what happened. As it became clear that Judge Kavanaugh was headed toward a vote and confirmation, it was leaked that the ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee had a letter containing an unsubstantiated allegation against Judge Kavanaugh regarding an alleged incident when he was in high school. The ranking member had received this letter at the end of July but chose to sit on it for a month and a half without disclosing its existence to Republicans. Now, if the ranking member thought this allegation was credible, she had an absolute responsibility to bring it up immediately so that it could be addressed. Holding it until a politically opportune moment was a betrayal of her obligation as a leader on the committee. If, on the other hand, she thought the allegation to be false which is the only possible justification for her decision to sit on the allegation for six weeks then the subsequent decision by Democrats to exploit the allegation in an attempt to derail Judge Kavanaugh's confirmation is frankly despicable. Either way, it is clear that from the beginning Democrats operated without a shred of real concern for either the individual who made the allegation against Judge Kavanaugh or for the integrity of the confirmation process. And now, after a fishing expedition by Democrats, the New Yorker has reported an accusation from Judge Kavanaugh's freshman year in college made by a woman who has admitted that her memory of the event is hazy and that she can't be sure that Judge Kavanaugh is the individual she has in mind. The New York Times not what anyone would call a conservative newspaper declined to publish the allegation because it could not find anyone to corroborate the story despite contacting, quote, several dozen people. But Democrats have seized on this hazy, unsubstantiated story a story so shaky that the New York Times refused to even print it to call for further delays in the confirmation process. That's not concern for the truth. That's politics, pure and simple. Mr. President, attacking someone's character is a serious thing. If you're going to impugn someone's character you need to have actual evidence to back it up not a story that even the accuser herself has called into question. Is this what Democrats want subsequent Supreme Court confirmations to look like? A hyper-partisan process in which character attacks don't have to be backed up with actual evidence? In which innuendo can substitute for information? And where a presumption of guilt is the order of the day, no matter how shaky or unsubstantiated the allegations? Mr. President, I'll say it again, I am deeply disappointed in my Democrat colleagues. And I look forward to hearing from Judge Kavanaugh later this week.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=E6CEB2B2-018A-44DA-B491-E44A85804F17,"Noem, House colleagues seek EPA approval of year-round sale of E15 fuel",2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Ripon Advance News To help support home-state farmers across America, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) spearheaded a bipartisan group of 23 U.S. House members in seeking approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for year-round sales of E15 fuel. E15, a higher octane fuel composed of 5 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, received EPA approval in 2012 for use in model year 2001 and newer cars, light-duty trucks, medium-sized SUVs, and all flex-fuel vehicles, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, which says E15 is available at retail fueling stations in 28 states. Rep. Noem and her House colleagues sent a Sept. 13 letter to EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler strongly encouraging the Trump administration to reduce federal regulations on ethanol rather than implementing policies that they said only work against American farmers and slow down growth of the biofuels market. Our ag economy has really suffered in recent years, Rep. Noem said on Sept. 18. By ending unnecessary limitations on E15, we have a big opportunity to help farmers and our ag economy save consumers money, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Joining the congresswoman in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Tom Emmer (R-MN), and Collin Peterson (D-MN). Reps. Noem and Peterson lead the bipartisan Biofuels Caucus. Specifically, the lawmakers who referred to themselves as representatives of our country's strongest farming communities encouraged the EPA to consider reducing regulations, like those that prohibit the year-round sale of E15. This regulatory change would increase consumption of biofuels while also lowering RIN prices, which eases implementation of the RFS and provide consumers with another choice at the pump, they wrote, referring to a Renewable Identification Number (RIN), which the U.S. Energy Department says are attached to the physical gallon of renewable fuel as it is transferred to a fuel blender. After blending, RINs are separated from the blended gallon and are used by blenders, refiners or importers as proof that they have sold renewable fuels to meet their mandated volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS), the department says. Additionally, Rep. Noem and her colleagues addressed the EPA's 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) proposal under the RFS. The EPA's July 10 proposed rule states that biodiesel production can reach 2.8 billion gallons in 2019 and the congressmen asked that the final rule incorporate this conclusion, as well. The RFS promotes economic development and energy security for American farmers and families, they wrote Wheeler. The proposed rule for the 2019 RVO demonstrates a strong commitment to ethanol production and future growth for cellulosic and advanced biofuels. And while the increase to 2.43 billion gallons in biomass-based biodiesel for 2020 is a positive step, they wrote, these commitments and the integrity of the RFS are undermined if the EPA continues to abuse the hardship waiver authority for small refineries. The members said the EPA approved 48 retroactive RFS waivers for refineries for 2016 and 2017 obligations that ended up depleting some two billion gallons in the marketplace. They urged the agency to put an end to these secret waivers until a newly established process makes public the name of the refinery, the gallons waived, and other information. Additionally, accounting for any 2019 waived gallons in the final rule would help ensure biofuel production is not harmed by retroactive refinery exemptions, according to the letter. Rep. Noem, a leading ethanol advocate in Congress, supports upholding the RFS, according to her staff, and has put immense pressure on the Trump administration to lift E15 restrictions and allow its use year-round.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=81A822C3-D652-4128-BBF4-55659DF8994F,"SD School Board Member Joins USDA Roundtable Following Noem, Thune Recommendation",2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following a recommendation from Rep. Kristi Noem and Sen. John Thune, Mitchell School Board member Neil Putnam met with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue this week to discuss opportunities for local school boards to collaborate on school meal improvements. Representative Noem and Senator Thune understand just how crucial school meals are for both the physical and academic wellbeing of our kids, said Putnam. It was an honor to represent South Dakota before Secretary Perdue this week and advocate for legislation that eliminates unnecessary mandates and regulations and gives local school boards the chance to preserve more resources for the classroom. We all want successful students, and by improving school meals, we're paving the way for a happier and healthier future for our kids. I firmly believe those closest to our kids make the best decisions for our kids, so it's good to see USDA engaging on-the-ground leaders like Neil Putnam, said Noem. Neil is a passionate advocate on the issue of school nutrition, and I'm confident his testimony will have an incredible impact on our country's school nutrition program and, as a result, the academic and extracurricular performance of our kids. Local leaders know theircommunities better than anyone else, so I'm glad Neil Putnam's voice was heard and South Dakota had a seat at the tableat USDA with Secretary Perdue, said Thune. The Mitchell community should be proud of Mr. Putnam's effort to ensure the school lunch programs are effective for students and their communities. Noem and Thune have helped lead congressional efforts to grant greater flexibility on school meal programs. Earlier this Congress, Noem introduced legislation that transforms all of the USDA's school lunch, breakfast and a la carte requirements into voluntary nutritional guidelines, giving states and local schools much-needed breathing room. Thune, meanwhile, backed a bill to improve child nutrition standards while increasing flexibility for South Dakota schools. According to USDA estimates, school food requirements cost local school districts and states $1.22 billion in FY2015. Meanwhile, a 2015 GAO report showed a continued decline in school meal program participation since the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act took effect in 2010. More specifically, National School Lunch Program participation declined by 1.4 million children or 4.5 percent between the 2010-11 school year and the 2013-14 school year. The non-partisan agency also reported that new federal nutrition requirements contributed to the decrease. Prior to the 2010-11 school year, participation in the program had been increasing steadily for many years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=940C3125-D495-470A-A0CE-2D8F0C1D9AF6,Noem: Celebrate Women in Business,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem With a little over 80 percent of us in the workforce, South Dakota has the country's highest rate of working moms. I'm proud to have been part of this group, as a farmer and rancher, the owner of a hunting lodge, and a manager at my mom's restaurant. I won't say it's always been easy, but I never did it alone. My family and I were always surrounded by friends, loved ones, and a community that had our back. It's one of the wonderful things about South Dakota. There's a day every September that's set aside to celebrate women in business, and in South Dakota, there's a lot to celebrate. Today, more than 23,000 South Dakota women own and operate small businesses. What's interesting is that while we top the nation when it comes to working moms, our state has the lowest percentage of women-owned businesses, so we have room to grow. Like any business, women-owned businesses benefited greatly from the tax cuts package we passed last December. In it, we included a first-ever 20-percent, small-business tax deduction to help lift the financial burden of job creation. At the same time, we gave working families a break on childcare costs. In South Dakota, at an average of nearly $500 per month, infant care tends to cost nearly 70 percent of what it costs to rent a home. To put it another way, a year of infant care costs just $2,000 less, on average, than a year of college. That puts many working families between a rock and a hard place financially. They can't afford to live on a single income, but the cost of childcare if both parents work is unaffordable. As such, I fought to protect the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This allows families to claim up to $6,000 of child care expenses and deduct a portion of that from their federal income tax bill each year. We're now working to build on those victories, finding more ways to help businesses get their start and grow. This September, my committee approved another round of tax cuts. Among other provisions, the legislation allows new start-up businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs. I'm hopeful that will help more people ride the tidal wave of growth we've seen in recent months. I'm also working on a repeal of regressive taxes, like Obamacare's 10 percent tanning bed tax. Today, 70 percent of tanning salons are women-owned, and many are suffering as a result of the Obamacare tax. Studies show roughly 10,000 tanning salons have closed nationwide as a result of the 10 percent levy, resulting in 80,000 people losing their job. The tax needs to be repealed. All of that said, women-owned businesses are on the rise. According to one recent study, women are starting 1,821 new U.S. businesses every day a big increase from an average of 952 for the five years prior. That's good news for all of us. But let me close with a little advice my grandma gave me that's served me well not only in business, but as a mom and as a member of the House. She told me to just say yes when opportunities arise. I would advise the same. Say yes and try a new hobby. Say yes and learn a new skill. Say yes and start a new business venture. You don't have to commit to it for the rest of your life, but give it a try. You'll never know where that opportunity will lead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=AD0A0AE1-6040-4397-BF02-E31439D45FAE,Fighting the Opioid Crisis Head On,2018-09-21,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune The opioid crisis that's plagued many areas of the country has reached epidemic levels, and it's on the rise. Last year alone, more than 72,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses. Of those, nearly 50,000 were related to opioids a highly addictive drug that can be fatal when misused, whether in the form of a prescription drug or illicit substance. No state is immune to this battle, including South Dakota. And while it might not have affected our state the same way it has others, I can say with certainty that one opioid-related death is one too many. Sadly, we've lost hundreds of fellow South Dakotans to this epidemic over the last decade, and nationwide, the problem is only getting worse. Today more people are dying from opioid overdoses than in motor vehicle accidents. It's now the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Taking on this crisis requires a strong and coordinated response from local communities all the way to the federal government, which has an important role to play in this battle. In a place where politics too often rules the day, I'm glad this fight has garnered the strong bipartisan support it deserves in Washington, D.C. It's too important not to. In 2016, Congress passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act, which devoted substantial resources to states to empower them to tackle this problem in communities around the country. In March and September of this year, we passed appropriations bills that included more than $8 billion to address the opioid crisis. All told, funding to combat this crisis has increased by nearly 1,300 percent over last four years. Most recently, Congress passed the Opioid Crisis Response Act, which is the result of more than 70 proposals from senators across the ideological spectrum, myself included. Five Senate committees, including the Senate Commerce Committee, which I chair, contributed to this effort that will help reduce use and supply, encourage recovery, and drive innovation and long-term solutions. The bill includes my Expanding Telehealth Response to Ensure Addiction Treatment Act, which will take meaningful steps toward expanding access to telehealth technology for Medicare patients being treated for substance use disorder. Telehealth is critical for rural states like South Dakota, which is why I'm glad this particular provision was included in the broader legislation. It also includes my Fighting Opioid Abuse in Transportation Act, which would close a safety gap in railroad drug and alcohol testing regulations and require certain federal agencies to include fentanyl, an opioid drug, in the drug-testing panel. Angela Kennecke, a journalist who is familiar to many South Dakotans, lost her daughter to the opioid crisis. Angela has bravely shared her family's experience, saying, in part, I think it's best if I just tell my story and let everyone out there know what happened to my daughter. Because I really believe it could happen to anyone's daughter. It can happen in anyone's family. She's right. It can happen to anyone's family. That's why Congress has taken this issue head on. When I say one opioid-related death is one too many, it's people like Angela's daughter, Emily, who I'm talking about. We can curb this epidemic, and with the tools that are being deployed nationwide, I'm confident we will.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FA640D28-28A8-4D33-8316-D70C93B6389F,Noem Congratulates 2018 Angels in Adoption,2018-09-20,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today announced that Danny and Amanda Oaks of Rapid City, South Dakota, have been honored as 2018 Angels in Adoption. After having two children biologically, Danny and Amanda Oaks locally adopted a baby girl. A few years later, their adopted daughter's birth mother asked them to adopt her newborn baby girl. They agreed and became a family of six. It's very special to recognize such an incredible family through Angels in Adoption, said Noem. From the first time I heard the Oaks' story, it was clear their journey would help inspire others wanting to make a difference through local adoption. It is an honor to nominate them. Congratulations, Danny and Amanda, on this well-deserved recognition. We feel honored to receive this nomination, said Danny and Amanda Oaks. It is God who orchestrates families and places us all where He would have us. It's been our joy to see the Lord use adoption to turn us into a family of 6. May anyone who sees our name or picture recognize the loving choice made by the girls' birth mom, the hours of work put in by social workers and counselors to ensure peace in the choice, as well as the financial support poured out by those around us. It is our joy to cherish all of our children and point them to Jesus, the Maker of families, the Redeemer of heartaches and loss. A strong supporter of adoption, Noem successfully advocated to preserve the Adoption Tax Credit during tax reform discussions and has cosponsored the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, which would make the current tax credit fully refundable to help more families afford to adopt. Additionally, Noem is a cosponsor of the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act, which bans government discrimination of faith-based adoption agencies. The Oaks family, along with more than 100 other recipients from across the country, have been recognized by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's (CCAI) as Angels in Adoption. Over the last 18 years, CCAI has honored more than 1,800 Angels' from across the country who have made a lasting impact on the lives of children.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=598C684D-AE61-4152-83AD-BFE9BF38B0F5,"Noem, Peterson Lead Bipartisan Push for Year-Round E15",2018-09-18,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Collin Peterson (D-MN) today led more than 20 House members in urging the EPA to approve year-round E15. The bipartisan letter to Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler strongly encourages the Administration to reduce federal regulations on ethanol instead of implementing policies that only work against farmers and slow the biofuels market down. Our ag economy has really suffered in recent years, said Noem. By ending unnecessary limitations on E15, we have a big opportunity to help farmers and our ag economy, save consumers money, and reduce our reliance on foreign oil. Noem has been a leading ethanol advocate in Congress, consistently pushing to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard. The Obama administration repeatedly fell short of meeting the law's targets, and former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt failed to make the adjustments needed in the new administration. While her work on that continues, Noem has put immense pressure on the Trump administration to lift E15 restrictions and allow its use year-round. She has met on numerous occasions with President Trump and top administration officials to advocate in support of year-round E15. Reps. Noem and Peterson lead the bipartisan Biofuels Caucus. LETTER TEXT: Dear Acting Administrator Wheeler, As representatives of our country's strongest farming communities, we are writing to share our comments regarding the 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) proposal under the Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS). The RFS promotes economic development and energy security for American farmers and families. The proposed rule for the 2019 RVO demonstrates a strong commitment to ethanol production and future growth for cellulosic and advanced biofuels. Although the increase to 2.43 billion gallons in biomass-based biodiesel for 2020 is a positive step, the Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged in its proposed rule (83 Fed. Reg. 132 July 10, 2018) that biodiesel production can reach 2.8 billion gallons in 2019 and we ask that the final rule incorporate this conclusion. But these commitments and the integrity of the RFS are undermined if the EPA continues to abuse the hardship waiver authority for small refineries. The EPA approved 48 retroactive RFS waivers for refineries for 2016 and 2017 obligations, effectively eliminating 2.25 billion gallons in the marketplace. The 2019 RVO targets and the success of the RFS will continue to be undermined if the EPA does not account for further waivers.We urge the EPA to put an end to these secret waivers until a process is established to make the name of the refinery, the gallons waived, and other relevant information publicly available.Additionally, accounting for any 2019 waived gallons in the final rule would help ensure biofuel production is not harmed by retroactive refinery exemptions. Instead of advancing policies that would hurt farmers and prevent market growth of ethanol, we encourage you to also consider reducing regulations, like those that prohibit the year-round sale of E15. This regulatory change would increase consumption of biofuels while also lowering RIN prices, which eases implementation of the RFS and provide consumers with another choice at the pump. We look forward to working with you to help protect the RFS and urge you to address these issues so this important program continues to drive economic growth and investment in our rural communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=94C88DA1-4F18-45C3-AD15-4E7D25DBED57,Thune Discusses Critical Opioid Legislation and Strong State of the Economy,2018-09-18,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed the bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act, legislation that passed the Senate yesterday, which included multiple Thune-authored provisions. Thune also discussed the current state of the economy: 4.2 percent economic growth, 200,000 new jobs created in August alone, and middle-class income hit an all-time high last year, among many other positive developments. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, in 2017, more than 72,000 Americans died from drug overdoses. 49,000 of those deaths were related to opioids. Opioid overdoses have surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Whole communities have been devastated by the opioid epidemic. The situation is rightly described as a crisis. Mr. President, here in Congress we are focused on doing everything we can to support the fight against substance use disorder. In 2016, we passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which authorized a variety of grants to states to boost their efforts to reduce opioid deaths and help individuals overcome opioid addiction. That same year, we also passed the 21st Century Cures Act, which provided $1 billion in state grants over two years to combat the opioid epidemic. In March of this year, Congress passed an appropriations bill that provided $4.7 billion to address the opioid crisis. And today we voted on an appropriations bill that will provide another $3.8 billion to fight this epidemic. Overall, federal funding to address the opioid crisis has increased by nearly 1,300 percent over the past four years. And then there's the bill we passed last night. The Opioid Crisis Response Act, which passed the Senate yesterday evening, is the product of months of work by five Senate committees. It contains more than 70 proposals from senators of both parties and represents the serious efforts Congress has made to address opioid addiction on a number of fronts. This legislation will support critical treatment and recovery efforts. It will help babies born in opioid withdrawal. It will help support family-focused residential treatment programs. And more. Just as importantly, it will also take steps to address what I see as the supply side of the opioid epidemic. It will help stop the movement of illegal drugs across our borders through the mail. It will promote research into, and fast-track approval of, new, non-addictive pain management alternatives. And it will help stop the practice of doctor shopping by improving state prescription-drug-monitoring programs. The bill also provides grants for law enforcement agencies to help protect law enforcement officers from accidental exposure to deadly drugs in the course of their duties. I'm proud that this legislation includes my Expanding Telehealth Response to Ensure Addiction Treatment Act, which will help expand access to substance use disorder treatment for Medicare recipients using telehealth technology. The Opioid Crisis Response Act also includes my legislation to close a safety gap in railroad drug and alcohol testing regulations and require the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Transportation to include fentanyl in the drug-testing panel. Mr. President, opioid addiction destroys lives. Not just the lives of the addicted, but the lives of their children. Their parents. Their siblings. Their spouses. Their relatives and friends. The Opioid Crisis Response Act and the funding we passed today will help move us forward in the fight against this deadly epidemic. And we will continue to make combating opioid addiction a top priority here in Congress. Mr. President, before I close, I just want to mention the good economic news that continues to pour in. The economy created more than 200,000 jobs in August beating expectations and the unemployment rate was yet again below 4 percent. Economic growth in the second quarter was even stronger than we thought: a robust 4.2 percent. Average hourly earnings for workers are rising at the fastest rate since 2009. Middle-class income hit its highest level ever last year. U.S. job openings have hit a record high of 6.94 million. In fact, the number of job openings has exceeded the number of unemployed for the past five months. That has never happened before in the history of tracking these two statistics. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high. Small business optimism shattered its previous record to reach a record high in August. The poverty rate has dropped to its lowest level since 2006. The percentage of Americans listing economic issues as the most important problem facing the United States dropped to a record low. And the list continues. Since President Trump took office, Republicans have focused on fixing the things that were holding our economy back. We've removed burdensome regulations. And we passed a historic, comprehensive reform of our tax code to put more money in Americans' pockets and remove barriers to job creation and economic growth. And now we're seeing the results. Strong economic growth. Thriving small businesses. More money in families' paychecks. New jobs and better benefits. And more opportunities for American workers. Mr. President, America is back in business.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AC43520B-2ADB-4625-B071-FA4CCE8584A1,Noem: Tax Reform 2.0: Better Stability. Better Future.,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Last year, we overhauled the tax code for the first time since Ronald Reagan was president. With the passage of these historic tax cuts, the average South Dakota family of four will see their after-tax income rise by $2,400. We doubled the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child. We eliminated the marriage penalty. Pro-growth reforms are producing higher wages and lowering utility bills. As a result, the job market is booming, middle-class income is at an all-time high, unemployment is the lowest it's been in 49 years, and wages are steadily growing. These tax cuts changed the trajectory of our economy, but we're not stopping there. In early September, my committee approved new tax relief legislation we're calling Tax Reform 2.0 a three-pronged package of bills that will lock in the tax cuts for families and small businesses, make it easier for families to save more for retirement, and promote innovation for startup businesses. How? First, Tax Reform 2.0 makes permanent tax cuts for middle-class families, small businesses, and family farmers and ranchers. In the first round of tax reform, we made sure the first $24,000 a couple makes is tax free. We also doubled Death Tax exemption levels and offered a 20 percent small business tax exemption (which applies to many family businesses in South Dakota). This new wave of tax reform makes certain these provisions are permanent, providing much-needed stability and certainty for families and small businesses, giving them more freedom to spend their money as they choose. That's important because this is a significant savings for families. Consider a couple with two children. Both parents teach and make the average salary for a South Dakota educator. Their savings? $2,600 or nearly 1,000 gallons of milk. The savings is due in large part to the doubling of both the Standard Deduction and Child Tax Credit. Next, the new tax relief legislation helps families save for retirement by helping local businesses provide retirement plans to their workers. At the same time, we're taking steps to expand education savings accounts by giving families flexibility to use the funds to pay for apprenticeships or cover the cost of homeschooling. I'm hopeful this will allow families to plan for the future while providing financial stability for today. Maybe think about it in this context: Jon and Jennifer have been putting money into a 529 Education Savings Account for years. Now, their daughter, Julia, is in middle school, and they've decided to homeschool her. Because of Tax Reform 2.0, they'd be able to use those 529 savings to cover the cost of curriculum penalty free. Finally, this legislation will promote entrepreneurship by allowing start-up businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs. I'm hoping this will help more South Dakotans ride the tidal wave of growth we've seen in recent months. While no tax plan will be perfect in everyone's eyes, I'm optimistic about the impact this package could have on South Dakotans. Our tax code should support people, not punish them. By creating sustainability, incentivizing innovation, and expanding savings opportunities, we can take another step toward forming a growth-oriented tax code for the next generation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E6433489-2CEE-481D-86E9-D7BBE34CC077,Multiple Thune-Authored Provisions Included in Crucial Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today issued the following statement after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, which contains proposals from five Senate committees, including Thune-authored bills that were previously adopted by the Commerce Committee or Finance Committee. The Senate bill must now be reconciled with House-passed legislation before it can be sent to the president for his signature. The opioid crisis is a nationwide epidemic that needs to be fought on all fronts, which means Congress has a critical role to play in providing important tools to communities that are facing this issue head-on, said Thune. I'm proud of the collective effort that senators from both sides of the aisle have dedicated to finding common ground to expand both treatment and prevention activities. Today this bill is one step closer to the president's desk, and we are one step closer to providing much-needed assistance to those who need it the most. I hope my colleagues in the House will consider this important piece of legislation without delay. Thune-Authored Provisions: The Expanding Telehealth Response to Ensure Addiction Treatment (e-TREAT) Act (S. 2901), bipartisan legislation that would increase access to substance use disorder treatment through telehealth technology under Medicare. Thune has long advocated for the use of telehealth as a means to increase access to health care services in rural communities, like those throughout South Dakota (approved by the Finance Committee). The Fighting Opioid Abuse in Transportation Act (S. 2848), which would close a safety gap in railroad drug and alcohol testing regulations by expanding testing requirements to both rail mechanical employees and yardmasters. It also addresses a major on-going drug abuse issue by requiring that the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Transportation include fentanyl in the drug-testing panel, subject to findings on available testing (approved by the Commerce Committee). Thune-Supported Provision, Approved by Thune-Led Commerce Committee: The Opioid Addiction Recovery Fraud Prevention Act of 2018 (S. 2842), which is sponsored by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), would clarify and reaffirm the power of the Federal Trade Commission to bring enforcement actions against opioid treatment scams, including deceptive treatment claims and bogus products. It would also protect individuals with opioid use disorder and their families from harmful and misleading addiction treatment programs or products. For additional information, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=6701C2F3-5417-4996-AD16-9B360004CFA9,An Economy Thats Only Getting Stronger,2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune After nearly a decade of economic stagnation, the economy has been regaining its footing and is getting stronger by the day welcome news for South Dakotans and Americans around the country. While there's no doubt the economy is heading in the right direction, I always believe it can be even stronger, particularly in certain areas that are critically important to South Dakota. That's why I'm going to keep pursuing the kind of pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda that's already helped move the country toward greater prosperity and freedom. Our agenda is pretty straightforward: reduce burdensome government red tape that's unnecessarily getting in the way of South Dakotans' lives and businesses; pass legislation that spends tax dollars more efficiently, which, in turn, allows hardworking taxpayers to keep more of what they earn; and partner with, and keep pressure on, the administration so they make positive decisions that will benefit our state. The Republican-led Congress has already slashed numerous Obama-era regulations that were hamstringing growth. We passed first-in-a-generation reforms to the U.S. tax code that lowered rates across the board, nearly doubled the standard deduction, and doubled the child tax credit. And I'm personally keeping the administration's feet to the fire while it negotiates new trade deals, because our agriculture industry the lifeblood of our state depends on it. I'm also continuing to pressure the administration to approve the year-round sale of E15 fuel, which would both lower costs at the pump and increase U.S. energy dominance a win-win for South Dakota. In many cases, the results of this agenda have been historic. Last year, middle-class income in the United States grew to an all-time high. For the last five months, job openings have exceeded the number of people who are looking for jobs, the first time that's happened in the history of these numbers being tracked. In July, the number of job openings hit an all-time high, and Americans filing for unemployment bottomed out to its lowest level since 1969. This underscores the importance of supporting our rebounding economy by pursuing federal and state efforts to grow and train a modernized workforce. On the business side, small business optimism has reached historic levels the highest ever, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. Business investments, which allow companies to expand and help them hire more workers, have increased by more than eight percentage points since before the 2016 election. The economy has responded by growing at a strong rate. In the second quarter of 2018, it grew by 4.2 percent, which exceeded many expectations. Since the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law at the end of last year, nearly 1.7 million jobs have been created nationwide, and 4 million have been created since the Republican-led Congress and the president joined forces in 2017. We've worked hard in Congress to put points on the board for South Dakota and the rest of America. We're in good shape, but I'm going to continue playing like we're two points down with 60 seconds to the buzzer. We owe it to the American people to leave it all on the court, and that's what I plan to do.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33FFF24D-A792-4FB9-B472-F15F91E6B657,Committee Approves Noem-Sponsored Tax Reform 2.0,2018-09-13,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today helped advance Tax Reform 2.0 through the House Ways and Means Committee, setting the stage for the full House to consider the bill in the weeks ahead. The Noem-backed legislation is a three-pronged approach to make permanent the tax relief families and small businesses received through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Furthermore, it includes provisions to simplify retirement savings and promote innovation for startup operations. Since President Trump signed our historic tax cuts last year, we've seen our economy roar back, producing more job opportunities and larger paychecks for South Dakotans, said Noem. Tax Reform 2.0 would make sure the benefits families are enjoying today are benefits they'll be able to enjoy long into the future. In addition to that, we've added new options for folks at all stages of life from starting a business to starting a family to starting retirement. I look forward to continuing this debate in the full House and am incredibly optimistic about what this plan can do for the hardworking people of South Dakota. Last year, Noem served as one of the only farmers or ranchers on the final tax reform negotiating team, making her a critical advocate for South Dakota's number one industry. The legislation gave producers access to enhanced expensing tools, immediate deductibility, and like-kind exchanges, all of which are being made permanent in Tax Reform 2.0. Highlights of Tax Reform 2.0 Makes the following provisions from 2017's historic tax cut permanent: Lower tax rate Doubling of the Child Tax Credit from $1,000/child to $2,000/child Doubling of exemption levels for the Death Tax First-ever Paid Family Leave Tax Credit Creates a new Universal Savings Account to offer a fully flexible savings tool for families Expands 529 Education Savings Accounts, so families can use the money to pay for apprenticeship fees, homeschooling, or student debt Offers New Baby Savings by allowing families to access their own retirement accounts penalty-free for expenses when welcoming a new child through birth or adoption Allows small businesses to join together to create a 401(k) plan more affordably Allows new businesses to write off more of their initial start-up costs",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=42C534AD-0DBC-4292-939C-2ED46994408A,"Casey, Thune Urge CMS to Test Model to Make Opioid Treatments More Affordable for Seniors",2018-09-12,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator John Thune (R-SD), led a bipartisan group of senators in a letter urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (MA VBID) model to help enhance access to evidence-based opioid treatments among older Americans and people with disabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, in 2017, one in three people with Medicare Part D received an opioid prescription. Almost 460,000 older adults and people with disabilities received opioids in high amounts,' putting an estimated 71,000 people with Medicare at risk for opioid misuse or overdose. The opioid epidemic is not bound by age, wrote the Senators in the letter to CMS Administrator Seema Verma. As you endeavor to use every tool available to ensure that not one more life is lost to opioids, we urge you to draw on value-based insurance design concepts that promote access to high-value, evidence-based health care. In 2017, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation launched the MA VBID model to improve access to health care services and prescription drugs among Medicare enrollees living with chronic conditions. The MA VBID model allows participating Medicare health plans to lower copayments and other cost-sharing and offer supplemental benefits for people with chronic conditions. Congress recently opted to expand these practices, taking the MA VBID model nationwide, through the bipartisan CHRONIC Care Act. In addition to Casey and Thune, the following senators have signed on to the letter: Sens. Tom Carper, Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn and Debbie Stabenow. Read the letter to CMS here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=2CA0DADD-781B-4B52-BBFB-248618ACB3AC,Noem: Breaking Barriers Surrounding Mental Health,2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem In South Dakota today, about 30,000 adults and 9,000 kids live with serious mental health conditions. With nearly every family and every community affected, it's overloaded the system. As a result, too many are falling through the cracks, landing in a jail cell, homeless shelter, or worse. The reasons for this are numerous. Some people may lack the financial resources for treatment. Others may be able to afford help, but there are no spaces available. Still others may fear what their friends or family may think, so they never seek assistance. We need to break these barriers down. While not everything can be solved on the federal level, we've worked over the last few years to aggressively address this issue in the U.S. House. In 2016, for instance, we passed legislation I cosponsored to help make sure families can be meaningful partners in caring for those with serious mental illnesses. That same legislation made advances in tele-psychiatry to better reach rural communities and offered more tools for suicide prevention, especially in tribal communities. Other provisions were included to fix the shortage of crisis mental health beds, improve the transition from one level of care to another, and even offer alternatives to institutionalization for those with serious mental illnesses. More recently, the House passed a bill I introduced that aims to dig into the mental health resources available to those on Medicare. Today, millions of seniors lack adequate access to mental health services. By taking a data-driven approach, I'm hopeful we can quickly and accurately target resources to do the most good with the fewest amount of taxpayer dollars. At the same time, we've been working to increase access to mental healthcare for veterans. In 2016, we got the Clay Hunt SAV Act signed into law, which I'm hopeful will help as nearly two dozen American veterans lose their life to suicide daily. We have also dedicated more resources to exploring how factors like military service, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injuries can put one at higher risk for suicide. Still, there is much that must be done in this area. While this is not true in every circumstance, the consequences of not addressing mental health concerns could be a matter of life and death. This month is Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota. We have one of the nation's highest suicide rates, so please be aware of the people in your life. If someone you know is struggling with their mental health, act now. If it's an emergency, dial 911 immediately. If not, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is open around the clock for help. Don't wait to call. Together we can work to overcome this.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=FAEEC010-E303-40F3-879C-1E67EC776171,Confirm Kavanaugh,2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune After the president nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court several months ago, based on what I had read about him as a judge on one of the nation's most prominent circuit courts, I said he seemed like the kind of judge who interprets the law and the Constitution as they are written. From what I had seen, he didn't seem interested in legislating from the bench, understanding that the proper role of a judge is to just call balls and strikes. After hearing from Judge Kavanaugh at his lengthy and in-depth confirmation hearing, I'm convinced of those impressions now more than ever. Something else became abundantly clear during Judge Kavanaugh's hearing. It helped clarify for the American people that my Democrat colleagues, who engaged in a coordinated and purely political attempt to delay the hearing to appease the far-left of their base, were more interested in scoring political points than considering Judge Kavanaugh on the merits of his nomination, which are indisputable. In fact, Judge Kavanaugh's resume is nearly impeccable. He graduated from Yale Law School, lectures at Harvard Law School, clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, was given the highest possible rating by the American Bar Association (unanimously), and has spent the last 12 years ruling on cases at the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, a court from which several other Supreme Court justices, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Clarence Thomas, and Chief Justice John Roberts, have also served. If someone were tasked with drawing up the background and qualifications of what a good Supreme Court justice would look like, Judge Kavanaugh's record would be a good example at which he or she could look. Since my Democrat colleagues are finding it difficult to land any punches with respect to Judge Kavanaugh's qualifications, they've shifted their focus to the amount of written material that's available to be examined. Aside from the fact that Judge Kavanaugh has written more than 300 opinions at the circuit court level, all of which are publicly available, nearly half of a million additional pages of documents from his time serving in the executive branch have also been made available to the Senate. Not only is that a record number of pages for any Supreme Court nominee, but it's more pages than the committee received for the last five Supreme Court justices (including both of President Obama's nominees) combined. For Democrats, 12 years of publicly decided cases and hundreds of thousands of pages of documents from his previous service aren't enough, though. They say they want more. I would take their concerns more seriously if nearly half of them hadn't announced their opposition to his nomination before the first day of the confirmation hearing even began. Some of my colleagues announced they would vote against him before they even knew he was the nominee! To summarize, Judge Kavanaugh is more than qualified to serve on the Supreme Court, he has hundreds of cases and a record number of pages of documents from which he himself can be judged, and he faced hours upon hours of questioning from Republicans and Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, despite my colleagues' best attempts to unnecessarily delay the hearing. I'm hopeful his nomination will come to the Senate floor without delay, and when it does, I look forward to casting my vote to replace judge with justice in front of Brett Kavanaugh's name.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=33F53EC0-2036-4080-9B26-7100CB7E612F,"Thune, Klobuchar Bill to Provide Licensure Clarity for Sports Medicine Professionals Passes Senate",2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today applauded the Senate's passage of a modified version of their bipartisan Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, legislation to eliminate the ambiguity that currently exists with licensure and malpractice insurance for covered sports medicine professionals traveling across state lines with an athletic team. Absent clarification, when these health care providers treat an injured player in another state, they are potentially putting themselves at professional and financial risk. With fall knocking on the door, so too is the kick off for a variety of high school, college, and professional sports seasons, said Thune. It's critical to protect the sports medicine professionals serving on the sidelines during training season, at practice, and especially during home and away games. I'm glad our bipartisan legislation, which would help achieve that goal, is nearing the finish line. On the road or at home, sports medicine professionals should be able to treat athletes without putting themselves at legal risk. said Klobuchar. Passing this common-sense legislation brings us one step closer to ensuring that sports doctors can give athletes the care they need regardless of where their teams happen to be playing. The legislation would allow covered sports medicine professionals to engage in the treatment of injured athletes across state lines, as long as they have an agreement in place with the team or athlete being treated and are performing services within the scope of practice of their state of licensure. The bill must pass the U.S. House of Representatives before it heads to the president's desk to be signed into law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E54EA678-D6D8-491A-A057-6170CEF556D7,"Thune: Republican Pro-Growth, Pro-Jobs Agenda is Delivering Results",2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics' announcement that the economy added 201,000 jobs and unemployment rate remains at a low 3.9 percent. Republicans came to Congress to make reforms that would grow the economy and get more Americans on the pathway to success. Our pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda is delivering those results. The nation's unemployment rate remains near an 18-year low, and annual wage growth is the highest since 2009. Optimism among small businesses is historically high. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high. The steady growth of our economy is good news for hardworking Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7F500E45-1239-4422-AD8B-1E0AD803E53E,Thune Selects Family for 2018 Angels in Adoption Award,2018-09-05,2018,2018-09,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today announced his selection of Jay and Sheri Buchholz of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their family for the 2018 Angels in Adoption Award that is presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, of which Thune is a member. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of men and women across the country who have chosen to adopt or foster children in need and those who inspire others to do so. Jay and Sheri have given the gift of family to their adopted and foster children, said Thune. The Buchholz family is an inspiration to others, not only through their advocacy in adoption, but also in their volunteer work for the community. I am honored to nominate them for this award. Shortly after Jay and Sheri were married, they decided they wanted to start a family. After struggling with infertility, they felt God was calling them to pursue adoption. Six months into the adoption process, they were chosen by birthparents that were expecting a little girl. They had time to develop a relationship with the couple, and Sheri was able to be in the delivery room when Zoe entered the world. They have since adopted their daughter, Keely, and son, Asher, both when they were infants. Asher was born in California and was diagnosed at birth with Down Syndrome and a major heart defect that later required open heart surgery. All three adoptions remain open, which means each birth family receives email updates, visits, and yearly photo books. In March 2018, Jay and Sheri became licensed foster parents for the South Dakota Department of Social Services. Four days after becoming licensed, they were placed with a two-year-old boy and his 13-month-old brother, who are still currently in their care. Jay and Sheri are involved with their church, Oak Hills Baptist in Sioux Falls. Both serve on the Diaconate and in children's ministry, and Jay serves as a sound board technician. Jay works as a key account executive at Sioux Valley Energy, and Sheri works part time as a RN for Avera. She also sits on the board at Bethany Christian Services and is active in adoption and Down Syndrome advocacy at the local level. The family enjoys spending time together gardening, camping, and biking. We are deeply honored to be nominated by Sen. Thune, said Jay and Sheri Buchholz. Our children have been such a blessing and inspiration. We have felt God's leading and faithfulness through our entire adoption and foster care journey. Open adoption has allowed our children to know and own their story. It has also allowed us to not only impact their lives but the lives of their birth families, and they have become extended family. We hope to encourage and inspire others to open their hearts and homes to children through adoption and foster care. The Buchholz family will be invited to join Angels in Adoption nominees from around the country at an awards banquet sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington, D.C., later this month.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=7B27A686-2FC0-44D1-BA6C-DCA71814DB8B,"Collins, Noem, Poliquin win in ITC over imported newsprint",2018-08-31,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Ripon Advance News The legislative efforts of U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Reps. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) to end federal tariffs placed on imported Canadian newsprint helped convince the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) to terminate the taxes. Since the tariffs were put in place this January on imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada, newsprint costs increased for many local printers, book publishers and newspapers around the country, for some more than 30 percent, according to the lawmakers. On Aug. 29, the ITC unanimously voted that the U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened by the Canadian paper imports, which the U.S. Department of Commerce previously had determined were subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value. The ITC then said no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of this product from Canada. Local newspapers document the heartbeat of small town South Dakota, but unnecessary newsprint tariffs have threatened their survival, Rep. Noem said. Getting these tariffs nullified was an important and hard-fought victory for more than 125 local newspapers in South Dakota, whose reporting strengthens our sense of community and connection. Sen. Collins said she was delighted that the ITC heard the concerns of industries and federal lawmakers, which for months complained that the import taxes were severely harming publishers and printers, which employ hundreds of thousands of Americans. The tariffs also threatened to negatively impact the U.S. paper industry by permanently shrinking its customer base, Sen. Collins said. Her Maine colleague in the U.S. House, Rep. Poliquin, called the ITC ruling a huge win for Maine workers and Maine jobs. This ruling corrects a misguided policy that had enabled a single producer in Washington State to take advantage of manufacturers across the country, including our mills in Maine, said Poliquin, referring to the initial determination by the Commerce Department that was based on claims made by a single American manufacturer, the North Pacific Paper Co. I'm pleased the ITC has helped to level the playing field for Maine workers, added Rep. Poliquin, whose staff said in a statement that 100 percent of the newsprint used by Maine newspapers comes from Canada, and newsprint costs in the state rose by 22.5 percent following institution of the import tariffs. All three lawmakers this year applied legislative pressure on the ITC to kill the tariffs on imported Canadian newsprint. In addition to sending letters to the ITC chairman and testifying before the commission, for example, Sen. Collins and Rep. Noem also introduced identical versions of the Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade (PRINT) Act of 2018, S. 2835/H.R. 6031. The bipartisan measure would temporarily suspend the tariffs so the Commerce Department could investigate their impact on local newspapers. The U.S. Senate version garnered 33 cosponsors while 38 members cosponsored the House bill. The strong, bipartisan support for reversing the ITC's preliminary determination was reflected by the fact that the PRINT Act I introduced in May to suspend these tariffs was cosponsored by one-third of the Senate, Sen. Collins pointed out this week. The unanimous decision will help save jobs and ensure local newspapers remain strong, vibrant voices in their communities.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=DC9E4919-7F1D-4142-851E-3AED4E5B15AC,Newspapers win major victory,2018-08-31,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Black Hills Pioneer American newspapers scored a tremendous victory Wednesday morning when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected tariffs imposed by the U.S. Commerce Department on imported Canadian newsprint. Last year, a petition filed by North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), a paper mill located in Longview, Wash., which is owned by a New York hedge fund, spurred the Commerce Department to impose the tariffs. NORPAC and alleged that Canadian newsprint competitors took advantage of government subsidies to sell their product at unfairly low prices. Earlier this month, the Commerce Department lowered the tariffs, and Wednesday, following an extensive investigation, the ITC unanimously ruled that the U.S. paper industry was not harmed or threatened by the Canadian imports. No other American paper mill supported the NORPAC petition. Theunanimous rejection of these tariffs by the ITC is clearly a case of common sense prevailing, said Letti Lister, publisher of the Black Hills Pioneer. We didn't just sit back and take this. We fought hard to educate the public and our political representatives about how these unwarranted tariffs were going to threaten the very existence of rural newspapers, and threaten thousands of jobs in the paper and printing industries. South Dakota's Congressional delegation understood the danger of the tariffs to the newspaper industry and supported the call to end them. Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds both co-sponsored S. 2835, the Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade (PRINT) Act of 2018, and Rep. Kristi Noem introduced H.R. 6031 Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade Act of 2018 or PRINT Act. Since the tariffs were rolled out in January, hometown newspapers, including many in South Dakota, have seen a nearly 30 percent increase in newsprint costs, Noem said. Local newspapers document the heartbeat of small town South Dakota, but unnecessary newsprint tariffs have threatened their survival, Noem said. Getting these tariffs nullified was an important and hard-fought victory for more than 125 local newspapers in South Dakota, whose reporting strengthens our sense of community and connection. This is great news and a big win for newspapers across South Dakota and the rest of the country. I was glad to join Sen. Rounds and Rep. Noem in directly requesting the ITC make this decision, Thune said. We support the ITC's decision to block tariffs on newsprint imported from Canada, which many of South Dakota's local newspapers rely on to print their publications, said Rounds. These tariffs would have dramatically increased the cost of printing newspapers, having a significant impact on our rural newspapers in particular. I thank the South Dakota Newspaper Association (SDNA) and the many daily and weekly papers in South Dakota for their advocacy on this issue. Our local newspapers play an important role in keeping the citizens of our communities connected with one another. Lister said that she would prefer to purchase newsprint from an American company; however, it is not a geographical option as there are no paper mills in the region. Newsprint is the second largest cost for newspapers, behind staff. The newsprint tariffs added approximately $6,000 per load of paper which equates to $90,000 a year, at the Black Hills Pioneer alone. ""Today is a great day for American journalism. The ITC's decision will help to preserve the vitality of local newspapers and prevent additional job losses in the printing and publishing sectors, said David Chavern, president and CEO of News Media Alliance. The end of these unwarranted tariffs means local newspapers can focus once again on playing a vital role in our democracy by keeping citizens informed and connected to the daily life of their communities. According to Stop Tariffs on Printers & Publishers (STOPP), a coalition of printers, publishers, retailers, paper suppliers, and distributors, the tariffs threatened 600,000 American jobs. The coalition gathered the signatures of more than 11,000 people opposing the tariffs, and about 150 members of Congress expressed opposition to the tariffs with letters to key Administration officials, testimony delivered before the ITC, or co-sponsorship of legislation in the House and Senate. I just want to thank everyone that has spoken out on our behalf.Our staff, subscribers, advertisers,fellow publishers,David Bordewykat SDNA,and fellow journalists in radio and TV helped us spread the word, Lister said. In addition, our Congressional delegation of Sen. Rounds, Sen. Thune, and Rep. Noem actively advocated on our behalf and helped guide us through this process. On anational level, so many people actively battled this through STOPP and other organizations. This was a solid team effort through and through. In the end this benefits our readers and every citizen that believes in the value of a robust free press, presented in the format of choice PRINT, she added.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A96669D1-E9B5-40FC-8B4A-1D8DDA5E87AF,Noem: Finding a Level Playing Field,2018-08-31,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Around 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside our borders. If we can't reach foreign consumers on a level playing field, our growth is limited. For years, China has exploited its massive purchasing power, often at the expense of American farmers, ranchers and manufacturers. When the Trump administration set out to rebalance this trading relationship, China retaliated. I recently invited Scott VanderWal, a Volga-area farmer and president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau, to testify at a congressional hearing on trade. He explained, The problem is [China] knows just where to punch us back in a dispute: by targeting our agriculture products. Through no fault of our own, and unintentionally, [the agriculture] industry ends up being used for leverage. The undue burden agriculture is bearing is something I've worked to impress upon the administration. After numerous conversations with President Trump and administration officials, I was pleased to see the USDA announce a $12 billion aid package this summer that gives South Dakota producers an added safety net. The proposal takes a three-pronged approach: Give producers a boost, expand a USDA food-buying program to increase demand, and develop new global market opportunities. I'm hopeful this package will offer some breathing room for farmers and ranchers. But talk to almost any producer, and they'll tell you they want trade, not aid. While China dominates the global market for commodities, Canada and Mexico are some of America's most important trading partners. For more than two decades, NAFTA has set the rules of trade on the North American continent, but when President Trump took office, he launched a renegotiation process to modernize the deal. This August, the U.S. renegotiation team reached a preliminary agreement with Mexico, which imports around 39 percent of American ag products. According to the White House, the pact includes a continuation of zero tariffs on agricultural products, new standards for ag biotechnology, improved transparency, and more. It's a promising development that I'm hopeful will help drive Canada to the table and once again offer producers greater certainty in trade. Of course, agriculture isn't the only industry that's confronted trade challenges in recent months. This January, in response to a claim that Canada was unfairly dumping paper into U.S. markets, the Commerce Department applied heavy tariffs while the agency investigated the claims. South Dakota's local newspapers rely on this imported paper because U.S. paper mills are already running at full capacity and can't provide all the paper needed to keep prices low. The tariffs increased newsprint costs by nearly 30 percent. All but one U.S.-based paper mill opposed the tariffs, and small-town South Dakota newspapers told me the costs were too much to bear, so I pushed back. I introduced the PRINT Act, which would have temporarily suspended the tariffs in order to give the Commerce Department time to investigate the impact. I also joined Sens. Thune and Rounds in a letter to David Johanson, Chairman of the International Trade Commission (ITC), urging him to reject the tariffs. In late August, the ITC agreed to our request and nullified the tariffs, delivering an important victory for hometown newspapers, for the small-town businesses who advertise in those papers, and for consumers in South Dakota. As we look at ongoing trade negotiations, it's important that we continue to strive for a level playing field. Americans produce some of the world's best products, and those goods ought to be sold in a marketplace that is fair, open, and competitive.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=7C3D3961-5880-4487-A531-52470E99AB55,Remembering the Maverick,2018-08-31,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"By Sen. John Thune Until John McCain's passing, I had the distinct honor of serving alongside him for the entirety of my Senate career. And while John loved the Senate and a good, fiery debate (I know firsthand, having been on the receiving end of a few of them myself), he loved nothing more than his friends, family, and the country for which he fought and served for the better part of his life. There aren't enough words to truly describe John and what he meant to everyone who knew him even those who didn't, but who, having known John's story, always felt like they did. He was smart, thoughtful, witty, courageous, and he was always humble enough to admit when he was wrong or had made a mistake. He was true to himself, and he embodied the American spirit. Highlighting that embodiment, in his farewell letter to the nation, John wrote, We believe always in the promise and greatness of America because nothing is inevitable here. Americans never quit, we never surrender, we never hide from history. We make history. If there was ever a motto for John's life and love of country, those three sentences were it. To John's family, he was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. To the nation, he was a soldier, a public servant, and a true patriot. To his colleagues in Congress, myself included, he was a dear friend. At the end of the day, to know John was to know America. Shortly after I got to the Senate, I read his book, Faith of My Fathers. It didn't take long before I realized that some of the dates and places he described started to sound familiar. After some research, we discovered that it was Admiral John McCain Sen. McCain's grandfather who awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross to my father Harold. To say it's a small world would be an understatement. John knew service and sacrifice better than most, which is what bonded him to service members young and old. I shared with him the story about his grandfather and my dad, and it created a special friendship between us. He'd always tell me, John, we've got to call your dad, which is exactly what we eventually did. A phone call I'll never forget. I traveled to Arizona to attend John's funeral service and pay my respects to a man who was larger than life. I found it altogether fitting that as John's casket left the church, Frank Sinatra's My Way, seemingly a ballad of John's life, played in the background: I've lived a life that's full. I've traveled each and every highway. But more, much more than this, I did it my way. When discussing how he would like to be remembered, John humbly said, I want, when I leave, that the ceremony is at the Naval Academy, and we just have a couple of people that stand up and say, This guy, he served his country.' I can think of few finer epitaphs than that to honor a man like John McCain.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=41E6BF3F-2ADE-455C-B2DA-8545ECF43718,"Newsprint Tariffs Roll Back, SD Newspapers Cheer",2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By SDPB South Dakota newspapers are taking a sigh of relief as the US International Trade Commission rolled back proposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint. A paper company in Washington state accused Canadian government of dumping raw material newsprint under price. That resulted in a price increase for print papers and magazines, which started late last year. Jon Hunter is publisher of the Madison Daily Leader. He says sometime soon the industry hopes to see the tariffs taken off, resulting in lower newsprint prices. It's great news, frankly, Hunter says. You can expand it not only to companies that operate newspapers, but really the first amendment and a free press. High prices for all those kind of things would have discouraged and maybe even closed some papers, so it's good for America. Earlier this year, South Dakota's congressional delegation wrote a letter to the International Trade Commission opposing the tariffs. Both Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, as well as Congresswoman Kristi Noem signed onto bills that would have suspended the tariffs. Those two applauded the reversal of newsprint tariffs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=D160BF24-3B38-4A74-BBDE-8A2D45034116,US scraps tariffs on Canadian paper in win for newspaper publishers,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. International Trade Commission said in a statement that its decision ends the yearlong government investigation into allegations that Canada was dumping uncoated groundwood paper into the U.S. and offering its producers unfair subsidies. The paper is commonly used to print newspapers. ""No antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued on imports of this product from Canada,"" the commission said in the statement. The ruling comes after the commission last year agreed that American producers were possibly ""materially injured"" by Canadian imports. The Commerce Department subsequently slapped preliminary duties on the product. The department early this month lowered the rate of its duties, slashing them to zero for two Canadian exporters and trimming them to 16.9 percent from 22.2 percent for a third. Many U.S. newspapers had complained the tariffs were an added burden amid years of declining revenue, and applauded Wednesday's decision. ""Today is a great day for American journalism,"" David Chavern, president of the News Media Alliance, which represents news organizations, said in an emailed statement. The ruling ""will help to preserve the vitality of local newspapers and prevent additional job losses."" National Newspaper Association President Susan Rowell, publisher of the Lancaster (S.C.) News, also was pleased by the decision. We are immensely gratified today by the International Trade Commission's vote not to impose permanent tariffs upon the North American newsprint supply. The paper markets serving community newspapers can soon begin to move back to market pricing without the heavy hand of government imposing taxes upon the primary suppliers of newsprint. Rowell said the association is particularly grateful to Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine, and Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and all of their co-sponsors for introducing the PRINT Act of 2018. North Pacific Paper Co.'s media-relations contact didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The Washington state-based company had initially asked the government to conduct the investigation. In a related development on Wednesday, the U.S. appealed a panel report from the World Trade Organization that ruled American duties against Canadian glossy paper imports violated international trade rules. If the WTO appellate body upholds the decision on appeal, it could force the U.S. to revise or eliminate its duties on the paper imports.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=11A400E3-6C7A-457D-A68A-36C923E3325F,ITC Reverses Newsprint Tariff After Noem Fight,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Following a legislative push from Rep. Kristi Noem, the International Trade Commission (ITC) today delivered a victory to rural newspapers, nullifying tariffs on the Canadian newsprint that many local papers rely on. Since the tariffs were rolled out in January, hometown newspapers, including many in South Dakota, have seen a nearly 30 percent increase in newsprint costs. Local newspapers document the heartbeat of small town South Dakota, but unnecessary newsprint tariffs have threatened their survival, Noem said. Getting these tariffs nullified was an important and hard-fought victory for more than 125 local newspapers in South Dakota, whose reporting strengthens our sense of community and connection. Earlier this summer, Noem applied legislative pressure by introducing the PRINT Act, which would have temporarily suspended the tariffs to give the Commerce Department time to investigate the impact on hometown newspapers. Noem followed up with a letter to ITC Chairman David Johanson, which she wrote with Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds.The delegation's letter urged Chairman Johanson to reject the tariffs on Canadian newsprint, saying: Should newsprint prices continue to increase, rural newspapers will be forced to charge advertisers more and/or pass the increased costs onto their readers. Potential closures not only would cost precious jobs in South Dakota's rural communities, but also would leave our constituents without access to a principal source of information. In short, our local communities and industry have become the victim of the trade remedies that are intended to protect them.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=20B59F3B-D174-4428-B370-7FED811136CC,Thune Statement on ITC Decision to Block Tariffs on Newsprint,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,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 after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) overturned proposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint, which were causing significant harm to local newspapers throughout South Dakota. Thune, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) urged the ITC to oppose the tariffs in a letter earlier this year. This is great news and a big win for newspapers across South Dakota and the rest of the country, said Thune. Newspapers, particularly those in rural areas like those across South Dakota, would have continued to suffer under these tariffs, which have already led to significant increases in production costs. Daily and weekly newspapers are the heartbeat of our local communities, which is why I'm glad the ITC followed our recommendation and protected them from the collateral damage these tariffs were causing. Thune is a cosponsor of S. 2835, the Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade (PRINT) Act of 2018, legislation that would have prevented these tariffs from being imposed on imported uncoated groundwood paper from Canada, the primary source of newsprint.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=509F2770-48F2-44DA-A114-0BD35EE48937,Thune Pays Tribute to Sen. John McCain,2018-08-28,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today paid tribute to his late colleague, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), on the Senate floor. Thune's remarks (as prepared for delivery): Mr. President, in the wake of Senator John McCain's death, I was particularly moved by the announcement that, in accordance with his wishes, he will be buried in the cemetery at the U.S. Naval Academy. It is a fitting resting place for someone who belonged in a special way to the United States Navy. And it is characteristic of him that in death he wished to rest with his comrades in arms. Mr. President, it was during his service in the Navy that Lieutenant Commander John McCain's plane was shot down over North Vietnam. He ejected, breaking several bones in the process, and was taken into captivity. During World War II, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, describing the actions of the Marines in the battle of Iwo Jima, noted that Uncommon valor was a common virtue.' The same can be said about the American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines in the prison camps of North Vietnam. John McCain joined their number in October of 1967. During the years of his confinement, he was regularly beaten and tortured. He survived thanks in part to the friendship of his fellow prisoners of war. In 1968, his captors offered the malnourished and ill McCain the chance to be returned home early, ahead of prisoners who were next in line. John McCain said no. He spent another almost five years in captivity, before being released on March 14, 1973. It scarcely needs to be said that he remained a thorn in his captors' side the entire time. Mr. President, living in perhaps the most privileged country in the world, it's hard for most of us to imagine going without the internet for a few months, let alone something more fundamental like electricity or indoor plumbing. The courage and character and sheer determination required to undergo regular torture, malnourishment, and deplorable living conditions is almost impossible to fathom. And yet hundreds of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, John McCain among them, endured these torments and persevered. And amazingly, it was in the prison camps of North Vietnam that John McCain discovered the fierce love of country that would animate the rest of his life. Years later, he noted, I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it for its decency, for its faith in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again; I wasn't my own man anymore; I was my country's.' John McCain was his country's man, Mr. President. Throughout a congressional career that spanned 35 years, he served her faithfully. He inspired those who served with him, on both sides of the aisle. And he always called on all of us to live up to all that is best and greatest about the United States of America. He was a fierce crusader for the causes close to his heart, from supporting our nation's veterans, to equipping our military with the tools it needs, to advancing liberty around the world. And he was also a wonderful colleague and friend. Shortly after I got to the Senate I read his book, Faith of My Fathers. And as I'm reading, I start to think that some of the dates and places sound pretty familiar. So I did a little research, and ended up discovering that the Distinguished Flying Cross my father Harold Thune received had been awarded to him by none other than Admiral John McCain our John McCain's grandfather. I shared this with John, and every time I'd see him he'd say, We've got to call your dad. And that's exactly what we did one day. And I cherish that special connection with a family that has meant so much to our country and to freedom. Mr. President, it was an honor to serve with John McCain. I will miss his sense of humor and the passion he brought to every battle. I admired him greatly. He reminded me and all of us every day that life is not about advancing ourselves but about serving a greater cause. And that, paradoxically, it is in service that we find freedom. In his farewell message to his countrymen, John said, To be connected to America's causes liberty, equal justice, respect for the dignity of all people brings happiness more sublime than life's fleeting pleasures. Our identities and sense of worth are not circumscribed but enlarged by serving good causes bigger than ourselves.' Mr. President, already the new class of midshipmen has overrun the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In the days and years and decades to come, midshipmen will walk past John McCain's grave and the graves of other Marines and sailors who have served our country. The graves will fade into the background of everyday life, but they will still whisper always of the courage and sacrifice of those who have gone before. And later, at the time of their testing, some of those midshipmen may remember the graves of those heroes and resolve to be like them. To be like John McCain. Mr. President, when discussing how he would like to be remembered, John McCain said, I want, when I leave, that the ceremony is at the Naval Academy, and we just have a couple of people that stand up and say, This guy, he served his country.' This guy, he served his country.' Mr. President, I think he can be assured that there will be more than a few people saying that on Sunday. There can be few finer epitaphs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=DBFD7CC9-68A3-413C-B99B-F3387BF9BFEE,Noem Statement on U.S.-Mexico Trade Negotiations,2018-08-27,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Kristi Noem today released the following statement following President Donald Trump's announcement of a preliminary agreement with Mexico on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations: South Dakota producers grow the world's best corn, soybeans, livestock, and small grains, and they deserve to be able to trade those goods in a fair, open, and competitive marketplace. President Trump's announcement today is encouraging. I'm hopeful it is a first step in driving Canada to the table and once again offering South Dakota producers greater certainty in trade. Noem is a member of the Ways & Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over trade issues in the U.S. House of Representatives. According to the White House, the U.S.-Mexico pact includes: Continuation of zero tariffs on agricultural products; New standards for agricultural biotechnology; Improved transparency and non-discriminatory treatments for agricultural product standards; Enhanced rules for science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures; and New disciplines on geographical indications and common names for cheeses, among other things.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9D55044C-9632-401D-B987-C0DC13BE8658,Thune Statement on Passing of Sen. John McCain,2018-08-25,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement regarding the passing of his friend and colleague, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.): Sen. McCain leaves behind a legacy as big as his personality, said Thune. As a son, midshipman, Navy captain, war hero, congressman, father, senator, and maverick, he's filled his many roles with integrity and has always been driven by dedication to his country. John served the nation he loved until the very end, and he will be missed. Kimberley and I are praying for Cindy and the McCain family as they cope with the loss of their beloved husband and father.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7081CD74-C678-45BE-89E0-8BA66190D4E8,Noem: Unpacking Education Reform,2018-08-24,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Rep. Kristi Noem Boy, did the summer fly by! We fell a little behind on school shopping this year, but after searching the entire eastern side of South Dakota for college-ruled notebooks (it seemed like that anyway), we got everything wrapped up just in time. Maybe part of the delay was that it seems like just yesterday we were helping pick out the kids' first backpacks. Now, Kassidy is graduated, Kennedy is starting her final semester at SDSU, and Booker is a junior in high school. I'm not sure where the years went. Even during the time my kids have been in school, a lot has changed in education. Through it all, I've believed that those closest to our kids make the best decisions for our kids. So, when I got to the House, I pushed to secure greater local control on everything from school lunch to funding decisions. States, school districts, and parents should always have a bigger say over what happens in schools than the federal government. For instance, last Congress, I helped get the Every Student Succeeds Act signed into law. At its core, the legislation stopped federal micromanagement. It gave states greater flexibility to spend money in a way that benefited their students most, empowered parents to hold schools accountable, and modernized the Impact Aid program, which many South Dakota schools rely on. Maybe most notably, the new law ensured the federal government can't pressure states into adopting rigid academic standards, like Common Core. I believe in the same philosophy of local control when it comes to tech schools, colleges, and universities too. Last year, I helped the House pass the Strengthening Career and Technical Education Act, which among other things would give states and local community leaders more flexibility in using federal education dollars. This way, states can innovate new learning experiences, better encourage apprenticeships and internships, and develop programs around the local economy's needs. I was thrilled to see President Trump sign this into law at the end of July. Of course, for some, a technical school or college education is out of reach. SDSU, however, is working to do something about that. This August, I met with the school's president, Barry Dunn, about the Wokini Initative. The effort offers programming and support to Native American students and opens more opportunities for tribal students to get a college degree. Because I'm hopeful this program will offer hope, enrichment, and upward mobility for many students, I introduced an amendment to the House Farm Bill that helps direct resources to this program. Whether it's the reforms we've made to K-12 education or the support we're working to secure for the Wokini Initiative, each effort is designed to help get kids excited about their futures. With that being said, let me leave you with this back-to-school encouragement for our students (and teachers too!): Find things you can be passionate about and act on them. Be bold. See the good in people. Focus each day on leaving this world a little better than you found it. Have a wonderful school year!",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.thune.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=B615777D-FAA1-4F52-BBFA-B771C4188BD4,The Republican Economic Agenda Is Working,2018-08-24,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,John Thune,T000250,www.thune.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sen. John Thune In 2016, when I asked South Dakotans for the opportunity to serve another term as their U.S. senator, I told them I wanted to pursue a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda that put them and the rest of the American people first. At the time, the economy had been stuck in neutral for nearly a decade, and the previous administration seemed unwilling to get it back in gear. Fortunately, though, things have changed. For the last 19 months, the Republican-led Congress has been working with the president and his administration to help turn the economy around. We've passed and the president has signed bill after bill, which has given businesses and taxpayers additional tools and opportunities to succeed and helped relieve the burden of unnecessary government red tape. As a result, the economy is now on a much stronger, more successful path. Don't take my word for it, though. The numbers speak for themselves. From April through June of this year, the economy grew by more than 4 percent, which exceeded many expectations. What does 4 percent growth actually mean, though? Well, it means the Republican economic agenda is working. For perspective, some economists had written-off numbers like that, predicting a new normal of 1-2 percent annual growth the kind of growth we saw during the entirety of the Obama administration. Republicans in Congress were unwilling to accept the status quo because we knew America could do better. So far in 2018, growth is already above 3 percent, and the unemployment rate is at the lowest level in nearly two decades. According to the July jobs report, the number of Americans filing for unemployment stood at its lowest level since the year Neil Armstrong landed on the moon (that's 1969 for those too young to remember). Wages, benefits, and disposable income are all on the rise. Small business optimism is at a record high, and consumer confidence is at a nearly 18-year high. Since the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law late last year, more than 1.5 million American jobs have been created, South Dakota families have been able to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks, and businesses large and small now have a simpler tax code that does a better job of working for them rather than against them. Before tax reform, the cards were stacked against larger American businesses because they were competing in a global market from a country with the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world. How could anyone have effectively competed when your own country's tax code put you at a significant disadvantage? Fortunately, that's no longer the case. Interestingly, faced with all of this positive economic news, the loud criticism from my Democrat colleagues has largely gone silent. It's worth remembering that not only did they vote in lockstep against providing this tax relief to taxpayers, but Nancy Pelosi also once said tax reform would be like Armageddon. If low unemployment, strong economic growth, and more opportunities for American workers is Armageddon, how would she describe the previous administration's economic policies? I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish and look forward to building off of this success to ensure we're doing everything we can to help American businesses and taxpayers succeed. They've waited long enough.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9E07D950-1744-4E41-9431-3CB45117419C,Noems efforts spur DOT to take comments on trucker service hours,2018-08-23,2018,2018-08,Republican,House,SD,Kristi Noem,N000184,noem.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Ripon Advance News The Obama Administration's hours-of-service regulations for truckers is getting another look by the U.S. Department of Transportation, an action that U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) said could end the harm current federal rules have on smaller trucking businesses in her home state and across the nation. I'm thrilled to see the Department of Transportation offer up an alternative, said Rep. Noem, referencing the Aug. 21 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is currently seeking comments by Sept. 20 on four aspects of the hours-of-service (HOS) rules that could change: the short-haul HOS limit; the HOS exception for adverse driving conditions; the 30-minute rest break provision; and the split-sleeper berth rule. No one wants to compromise when it comes to safety, but hours-of-service regulations place unnecessary strain on South Dakota trucking operations, Rep. Noem said. I'm hopeful they will listen to the feedback of South Dakota truckers and make the right decision that provides added flexibility for those responsible for moving our food supply. The specific FMCSA considerations include expanding the current 100-air-mile short-haul exemption from 12 hours on-duty to 14 hours on-duty, which is consistent with rules for long-haul drivers, according to a statement from the congresswoman's office. The agency also will consider extending the 14-hour on-duty limitation by up to two hours when a driver encounters adverse driving conditions; revising the mandatory 30-minute break for drivers after eight hours of continuous driving; and reinstating the option to split the required 10-hour off-duty rest break for drivers operating trucks with sleeper compartments, according to the statement. Vendors of electronic logging devices (ELDs) are encouraged by the agency to submit comments addressing the potential implementation issues should changes to the HOS rules be made, according to a DOT notice published on Aug. 23 in theFederal Register. Rep. Noem is a co-sponsor of the ELD Extension Act of 2017, H.R. 3282, which would delay for an additional two years the effective date of regulations implementing the requirement that a commercial motor vehicle involved in interstate commerce and operated by a driver subject to federal HOS and record of duty status regulations be equipped with an ELD to improve vehicle operator compliance with HOS regulations, according to the congressional record summary. H.R. 3282, introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), has 73 other GOP cosponsors and one Democrat cosponsor. The bill currently is under consideration by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. Earlier this year, Rep. Noem and several House colleagues requested exemptions for small businesses with exemplary safety records in a Feb. 1 letter she sent to Cathy Gautreaux, deputy administrator of the FMCSA. FMCSA has already granted several requests for exemption from the ELD mandate, Noem wrote. Clearly, the agency is capable and willing to provide relief for industries who have demonstrated that exemptions will not decrease safety. She noted that lawmakers want the FMCSA to grant an application for relief from the estimated $2-billion mandate submitted by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. The members wrote that the association's request is unquestionably consistent with already-approved exemptions, and is also wholly consistent with the Trump Administration's goal of providing relief from costly and burdensome federal regulations to American small businesses. Among those joining Rep. Noem in signing the letter were U.S. Reps. John Moolenar (R-MI), Sean Duffy (R-WI), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), David Valadao (R-CA), and Mike Kelly (R-PA). On Aug. 24, the FMCSA will hold a listening session at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas. The event will be webcast and will allow anyone from the public to comment on the items listed in the agency's advance proposed rulemaking (Docket Number FMCSA-2018-0248). This is no home run, Rep. Noem said about the FMCSA deciding to take comments, but it's a step in the right direction.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z