Rounds Urges Agriculture Secretary to Prepare for HPAI Outbreaks in Cattle

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins urging her to develop an emergency plan to vaccinate cattle against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The letter was co-signed by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

Since the most recent outbreak of HPAI beginning in February 2022, HPAI has impacted 116 commercial bird flocks and 26 backyard flocks in South Dakota, amounting to 6.7 million birds. In March 2024, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service detected HPAI infections in dairy cattle herds located on the Texas panhandle; since then, over 1,000 detections have occurred in 17 states, including South Dakota. Although cattle are able to recover from HPAI, producers want to be prepared for additional spread that may occur.

“While we fully recognize the sensitivities and potential implications of a vaccination strategy in cattle, we strongly urge USDA to be prepared for all potential options in the fight against HPAI,” wrote the senators. “This would include stockpiling vaccine doses for HPAI just as USDA does for other potential diseases of concern.”

Rounds has been a leader in the push for an HPAI vaccine. In January 2024, Rounds sent a letter to then-USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and then-U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai asking them to begin discussions with trade partners on HPAI vaccines. In March 2025, Rounds introduced legislation to require the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA Secretary to negotiate with trade partners on a strategy for HPAI poultry vaccine.

Read the full text of the letter HERE or below.

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Dear Secretary Rollins,

Thank you for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) continued efforts to address H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in cattle and other livestock. We recognize that the first focus is on identifying and preventing these threats before they become endemic in our livestock production systems. Protecting the safety and security of our animal agriculture industry is critical to food safety for consumers and the economic security of our livestock producers.

With over 1,000 confirmed dairy cattle infections in at least 17 states, it is apparent that additional steps are necessary to eliminate this virus from circulating in our livestock herd. In addition to all the positive actions and funding provided by USDA to enhance biosecurity, we believe the next phase of USDA’s response must be to promptly review and approve HPAI vaccines for cattle.

We believe USDA must aggressively prepare for an emergency cattle vaccination strategy. While USDA’s decision to begin accepting applications for a vaccine trial is a step in the right direction, it is necessary for the agency to prepare for widespread outbreaks. Therefore, it is our view that USDA should expeditiously review vaccines and work to procure the necessary doses effective against H5N1. This will be a precautionary step in the ongoing, multi-pronged approach to address this animal disease outbreak.

While we fully recognize the sensitivities and potential implications of a vaccination strategy in cattle, we strongly urge USDA to be prepared for all potential options in the fight against HPAI. This would include stockpiling vaccine doses for HPAI just as USDA does for other potential diseases of concern. Again, we appreciate all the ongoing work of USDA to address HPAI as quickly as possible and look forward to working closely with you on this critically important challenge.

We look forward to working with you on this issue.

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Thune Commemorates Memorial Day

“[O]n Memorial Day we remember that our freedom has come at a cost. And we recognize that it is on us to live up to the ideals for which generations of Americans have been willing to give their lives.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: 

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Mark Wixon as BIT Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Mark Wixon will serve as the new Bureau of Information and Technology (BIT) Commissioner, effective immediately. You can find a picture of Mark Wixon here.

“South Dakota relies on leaders like Mark Wixon to maintain a statewide legacy of strength, safety, and freedom,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He is deeply committed to public service and has been a valuable asset to our state through his previous work with BIT. I trust that Mark will bring meaningful, strategic insight to the table as we serve the people of South Dakota.”

Mark Wixon has over 30 years of IT experience and currently serves as the Director of Agency Application Support with BIT. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. Throughout his career, Wixon has served in various leadership roles at Black Hills Energy, including Sr. Manager IT Security Governance and Risk Management, Director of IT Governance, and Director of Business Applications.

South Dakota was honored as an Innovation Champion by the Consumer Technology Association earlier this year.

Wixon has a reputation for building strong alliances with business leaders by effectively translating complex IT and cybersecurity concepts into business objective-driven technology decisions. He has served in various volunteer roles at Black Hills Federal Credit Union and is currently the Chairman of the Board.

“I am grateful to Governor Rhoden for this opportunity to serve the people of South Dakota,” continued Mark Wixon. “My career in IT has been driven by the philosophy that innovative technology solutions can drive positive outcomes and enhance business performance. I look forward to continuing this mission and achieving great results for the agencies which serve this great State.”

Mark Wixon and his wife, Deb, have two adult children. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time in the great outdoors.

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Thune Condemns Tragic Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum in D.C.

“My prayers today are with the families of the deceased, with event attendees, with the employees of the Israeli Embassy, and with all the members of the Jewish community suffering in the wake of this attack.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden to Host TikTok Press Conference with Reid Rasner

PIERRE, S.D. – Tomorrow, Governor Larry Rhoden will host a press conference with Wyoming billionaire Reid Rasner regarding the potential of South Dakota as a destination for an American-owned TikTok.

“We believe in safeguarding digital freedom. Reid Rasner and his team are visiting the state, and I can’t wait to show them the opportunities we have to offer,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are building a strong coalition to accomplish this vision alongside Rasner Media and key stakeholders.”

The press conference will be held in the MadLabs Briefing Room at Dakota State University, 820 Washington Ave N, Madison, SD 57042, beginning at 10:00 am CT/9:00 am MT.

South Dakota was first announced as a potential landing spot for an American-owned TikTok in April of this year. South Dakota’s emerging cybersecurity capabilities, especially the strength of Dakota State University, are key factors in the state’s favor.

“South Dakota was a key catalyst in the movement to protect Americans from being spied on by the Chinese Communist Party, so it would be just poetic for South Dakota to be the landing spot for a new and improved TikTok,” continued Governor Rhoden.

Following the press conference, Governor Rhoden and Reid Rasner will highlight South Dakota’s cybersecurity capabilities by touring several sites in the Sioux Falls region, including the SDN Communications Data Center.

WHAT: Governor Larry Rhoden to Host TikTok Press Conference
WHEN: Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 am CT/9:00 am MT
WHERE: MadLabs Briefing Room, Dakota State University, 820 Washington Ave N, Madison, SD 57042
LIVESTREAM: facebook.com/GovLarryRhoden

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Here’s a facebook post from the anti-pipeline/handcount election goofs that made me laugh out loud this morning.

Why can’t we have nice things like more data-economy jobs in rural communities? Because it may be facilitating the work of the devil!:

“The proper moniker is Demonic Intelligence. I’ve said for decades that the final antichrist system will need to have artificial omniscience (all knowing) to work, as in coerce everyone. There have been many reports of demonic activity manifesting through such as Alexa.”

And it continues..

Satanic data centers, and Saudi-controlled brain chips?  This is all from a single post in the Protect S. Dakota Private Property Rights facebook group.

Remember when if you said stuff like this in public, people would look at you funny and move away? (… kids, let’s get away from Mrs. Johnson, she’s not right in the head since she took a bump falling off the porch…).  Unfortunately, now we’re stuck with facebook, where everyone’s paranoid freak-flag is flying, and they all seem to feed on each other.

And we wonder why normal people just avoid politics and government anymore. Because this is the kind of nuttiness they have no interest in dealing with.

Johnson: House Reconciliation Package, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” Begins to Turn D.C.’s Spending in the Right Direction

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the conservative reconciliation package, the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” that will prevent the largest tax hike in American history. The bill delivers $1.6 trillion in savings, which is the largest spending reduction in a generation, secures our borders, and implements commonsense policies to right-size federal programs.

“This bill is a strong conservative work product, and one that is long overdue,” said Johnson. “It delivers a historic spending reduction and roots out abuse of federal programs. These changes are a meaningful attempt to turn our fiscal house in the right direction.”

The three most important parts of the package:

• Secures our borders.
  • It will complete 701 miles of primary walls, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, replace 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers, and strengthen border surveillance technology.
  • It funds “Remain in Mexico” enforcement and at least one million annual removals of illegal aliens, ensuring immigrants come to the U.S. the right way.
  • Hires thousands of Border Patrol and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel to carry out the mission.
• Avoids a historic tax hike for most Americans and businesses.
  • Without extending current tax rates, the average taxpayer in South Dakota would see a 25% tax hike if the Trump Tax Cuts expire.
  • Without extending current tax rates, a family of four making $71,810, the median income in South Dakota, would see a $1,431 tax increase if the Trump Tax Cuts expire. This is worth about seven weeks of groceries to a typical family of four in the region.
  • Without extending current tax rates, 101,690 South Dakota families would see their household’s Child Tax Credit cut in half.
  • Without extending current tax rates, 94% of South Dakota taxpayers would see their guaranteed deduction slashed in half.
  • Without extending current tax rates, the National Association of Manufacturers expects South Dakota would lose 17,000 jobs, $1.5 billion lost wages, and $3.1 billion lost economic output.
• Implements commonsense policies to right-size federal programs and decrease spending.
  • It saves $1.6 trillion over 10 years, the largest spending reduction in a generation.
  • It removes 1.4 million illegal immigrants from Medicaid, protecting the program for the neediest Americans.
  • It removes SNAP eligibility for illegal immigrants, ensuring Americans who need assistance the most receive it.
  • It enforces work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents who receive SNAP or Medicaid benefits, helping to lift them out of poverty. These work requirements will not affect pregnant women, seniors, those with disabilities, or those with young children at home.

Linked here is an X thread of 32 conservative wins included in the bill.

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Oh wow.  If you thought the populist crew taking over the SDGOP was going to be bad at running a political party, you were right.  But, I don’t think anyone understood how bad they were going to be, until we had a chance to see some of the results of their labors.

The May FEC reports are in for the period of April 1 through April 30, 2025. And they’re bad.

First, the SDGOP’s report where they let everyone know they raised $549.79. And spent $1467.01 on a line item for “on-line advertising” through Google Apps.

May 2025 SDGOP FEC Report by Pat Powers on Scribd

Wow. They got a single $520 donation. ONE donation. And spent $1467.01.  It’s good that their financial activity is nearly dormant, since they can’t raise anything.

How does that compare to the party’s main competitor, the South Dakota Democrat Party?

May2025FEC_SDDP by Pat Powers on Scribd

South Dakota Democrats raised $30,754, 97. Let that sink in – the SDGOP raised $549.67 between one $520 donation and interest, while Democrats raised $30,754, 97.  Ugh.. Something like 56x the amount the SDGOP raised – not that far from 60x more.

That is not good for the home team.

While the SDGOP spent $1467.01, Democrats $31,273.26 on salaries, dues, credit card donation fees, business equipment, liability insurance, software, e-mail software, facility rental, etc.   Dems were left with $63,451.18 cash on hand compared to the SDGOP’s $39,844.87.. but the difference is that Democrats have a reasonable expectation that they will have money coming in next month, so they’re more comfortable paying employees, etc.

The SDGOP? based on this month’s FEC report, I don’t know if they have any idea where their next meal is coming from.

This might be a first.

An e-mail chain went out to Republican Central Committee members where “Chairman’s Assistant Tanna Brummett,” (a.k.a. the hired help) as a SDGOP employee seems to have used the party’s e-mail to actively engage in attacking an elected executive board member in messaging sent out to both the executive board and the entire central committee.

From: office@sdgop.com <office@sdgop.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 08:50
To: ‘Jim Eschenbaum’; ‘State Central Committee’ ; ‘Executive Board’; ‘State Officers’ 
Cc: ‘Finance Director’
Subject: RE: Proposed bylaws amendment, draft #2

Hi Jim,

I’m reaching out to clarify whether we’re discussing Advisory Board Members or At-Large Board Members, as those are two entirely different roles with distinct responsibilities and authority.

If we’re referring to At-Large Members, the bylaws—as written and consistently upheld for over 25 years—identify appointed At-Large Members as part of the Executive Board, meaning they are voting members. They are not automatically part of the Central Committee unless they also serve as precinct members, in which case their voting rights extend to that level. The County Central Committee remains the governing body.

It’s important to be clear that At-Large Members, though appointed, are in no way representative of a so-called “dictatorship.” Suggesting otherwise mischaracterizes their role and contribution.

Asking individuals to commit their time, resources, and efforts without affording them any input or vote on the responsibilities they are expected to shoulder is both short-sighted and counterproductive.

Additionally, I’d urge caution when relying on hypothetical scenarios—such as the idea of a county chair “stacking” the board to sway votes. In the county from which this bylaw originated, during the most recent two-year term, there were only two or three votes with even a single dissenting voice. One of those, as I recall, was regarding whether board members could consume alcohol at an event.

It’s also worth noting that this bylaw proposal was introduced by someone who, during the same term it was created, failed to attend meetings for over 15 months. As a result, it was often the At-Large Members who stepped up and supported the active board in carrying out its work.

Further concerns arise from the fact that the original bylaw proposal was submitted without attribution. It was later revealed that Representative Tom Pischke was the author—although it has since been associated with John Wiik’s name. Email correspondence on the matter indicates that Representative Pischke collaborated with then-State Chairman Wiik to shield his authorship, and it has now come to light that the original draft was authored by former Senator Wheeler.

Given this lack of transparency, I’m struggling to understand why Representative Pischke—who has historically positioned himself in opposition to the establishment—would work in a way that directly undermines the continued success of county GOP efforts.

In my opinion, the lack of openness surrounding the origin and intent of this proposal alone should call into question the necessity of the proposed bylaw amendment itself.

Best regards,
Tanna B

Granted, they’re attacking Executive Board member and State Senator “Sticky” Tom Pischke, so it’s always going to be funny, but this certainly makes it seem like no one is really in charge at the state’s Republican Party.

In both of my stints where I was an employee of the SDGOP (in 1988 and 1990), way back in the olden days when we didn’t have e-mail, I would imagine if I’d sent something like this out to the entire Central Committee, I would have been fired immediately and sent packing for such an egregious violation of the chain of command.

Even more kooky is that the criticism is being leveled because Pischke is being accused of committing a sin by working on a bylaw change with Party leadership, as if the SDGOP’s leadership and County GOP groups are somehow working in opposition to the other.

But, that’s what you get when the inmates run the asylum. The hired help gets to attack their employer.

Attorney General Jackley Announces DCI To Obtain Authorization to Help ICE with Immigration, Criminal Efforts in SD

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that he has authorized the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to obtain 287(g) program authority to help federal authorities enforce federal immigration laws in South Dakota with an emphasis on violent criminals and drug dealers.

“Fentanyl and other illegal drugs brought into this country by cartels and illegal immigrants continue to be a major problem in South Dakota,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Our federal authorities cannot do it alone. That is why I authorized DCI to become involved in helping ICE with these efforts.”

Attorney General Jackley made the announcement Wednesday during a visit to the southern border in Arizona. He was joined by other Attorneys General, many who made a similar announcement for their states.

The 287(g) program, authorized by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to perform specific immigration enforcement duties under ICE supervision. These agreements grant local officers the authority to identify, process, and detain individuals for immigration violations they encounter during their regular law enforcement activities. 

“The Attorneys General are the chief law-enforcement officers of our States and need to be involved in this discussion,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Our streets are plagued with methamphetamine and fentanyl that have been poured into our country by the cartels through the southern border.”

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