Congresswoman Kristi Noem endorses Marco Rubio

Congresswoman Kristi Noem endorsed Presidential Candidate Marco Rubio today. In a statement released by the Rubio Campaign, Kristi Noted:

kristi noem headshot May 21 2014“Marco Rubio represents the kind of next-generation conservative leader that puts our party in the best position to win back the White House next year. Marco stands out from his competitors in his ability to articulate a conservative vision for what kind of country we can become in this new American century. As the son of a bartender and a maid, he possesses a personal understanding of the challenges facing hardworking taxpayers in South Dakota and across the country, and he has conservative solutions to help address today’s most pressing problems. I’m proud to endorse Marco Rubio for President and I look forward to helping him win.” – Kristi Noem

Congresswoman Noem follows Mike Rounds in supporting Mike Huckabee, and several state legislators in supporting Jeb Bush.

Prime Rib and a renowned Economist! Dinner and Discussion with Stephen Moore on Nov 16th.

AFP_SD-logo

One of the best free market economists in the country is going to be appearing at a dinner hosted by the Americans For Prosperity Foundation in Sioux Falls on Monday, November 16th.

mooresteveStephen Moore is the distinguished visiting fellow for the Project for Economic Growth at the Heritage Foundation.  He is also a contributing editor of the National Review, a Fox News contributor, the founder of the Club for Growth and the Free Enterprise Fund, a former member of the Wall Street Journal editorial review board, and the author of numerous books.

So, head over & register for the AFP Foundation event on November 16. You can click here for details and the registration link.

So far, it’s reported that they have more than 75 people registered. And why wouldn’t they? For $10 you get prime rib and a chance to hear one of the best free market economists in the country.

What else do you need in life?

Rounds Encourages South Dakotans to Send Feedback on TPP

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateRounds Encourages South Dakotans
to Send Feedback on TPP

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today posted the full text of the just-released Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement on his website. South Dakotans interested in learning more about the proposed trade agreement are encouraged to review it and send their comments to Sen. Rounds.

“International trade plays an important role in American commerce,” said Rounds. “From higher wages for U.S. workers to supporting small businesses and agriculture, trade has a proven record of keeping our economy healthy and vibrant. However, we must make certain these agreements are fair and do not put hard-working South Dakota producers at a competitive disadvantage. The bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation passed earlier this year was an important first step in establishing clear guidelines for reviewing the TPP deal by enforcing transparency, maintaining Congress’ important role in the approval process and giving South Dakotans a voice in the final product. I look forward to reviewing the TPP agreement in the coming months and hearing from South Dakotans before it comes for a vote in the Senate.”

On November 5, 2015, the full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement was made public. This text will be available for public comment for several months before Congress considers it for a vote.

The full text of the TPP agreement is available here.

South Dakotans can share their thoughts and concerns regarding specific sections of the agreement with Sen. Rounds by calling his Washington, D.C., or South Dakota offices, or by emailing him here.

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Senate Passes Resolution Recognizing November as “National Native American Heritage Month”

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateSenate Passes Resolution Recognizing November as
“National Native American Heritage Month”

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today applauded the Senate’s passage of a resolution he sponsored recognizing November as “National Native American Heritage Month.” The resolution was adopted by unanimous consent.

“In South Dakota, Native Americans have a rich and vibrant history that is deeply woven into the fabric of our society,” said Rounds. “We honor their heritage in many ways in our state, from attending a wacipi or powwow and showcasing their ornate tribal art in our museums to celebrating Native Americans’ Day instead of Columbus Day. Recognizing November as National Native American Heritage Month, we are able to highlight the many contributions of Native Americans to the history of our state and nation.”

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South Dakotans for Fair Lending Committee turns in petitions with 60,287 signatures

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Lisa Furlong on behalf of South Dakotan’s for Fair Lending turned in what a source tells me was an incredible 60,287 signatures to place their ballot measure to limit the loan rate for short term loans to 18% in front of South Dakotans.  Slightly more than the number turned in for the Marsy’s law petition this week, it may set a new record for the number of signatures obtained.

It also stacks up against the Hildebrand petition as gathering an incredible 3 times the number.

And hold on to your hats…. There’s more to come on this story!

Senate Democrats Block Defense Funding Bill Again

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateSenate Democrats Block Defense Funding Bill Again

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Senate Democrats’ filibuster of the Department of Defense (DoD) appropriations bill for the third time this year, following the budget deal of last week:

“Refusing to debate the 12 appropriation bills which provide the necessary funds to keep the government running, simply to create a crisis, is not acceptable,” said Rounds. “Yet again, Senate Democrats blocked an important appropriations bill from being openly debated and amended on the Senate floor, despite receiving overwhelming bipartisan support when it was reported out of committee earlier this year. It will also comply with the funding levels agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which many Senate Democrats supported and the President signed less than a week ago. But most importantly, this defense appropriations bill will provide our military members and their families with the certainty and stability that they deserve. The United States continues to face new and evolving threats, both at home and abroad. Providing our troops with the tools and support they need to complete their missions is critical.”

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Thune Statement on Bill to Overturn Far-Reaching WOTUS Rule

thuneheadernew John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressThune Statement on Bill to Overturn
Far-Reaching WOTUS Rule

“This rule … extends the reach of the federal
government to the ponds, ditches, and streams in
Americans’ backyards.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement after a majority of Senate Democrats blocked the Federal Water Quality Protection Act (S. 1140), legislation which would overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule:

“The Obama EPA’s WOTUS rule – of the largest federal land grabs in history – is yet another example of this administration’s fondness for regulatory overreach. This rule threatens more fines and increased costs for farmers, ranchers, and landowners in every corner of my state and extends the reach of the federal government to the ponds, ditches, and streams in Americans’ backyards. Unfortunately, a majority of Senate Democrats blocked an opportunity to stop this rule, but my colleagues and I will continue to fight to overturn this massive overstep.”

Thune is a co-sponsor of the Federal Water Quality Protection Act. This bipartisan bill would direct the EPA to scrap its current proposal and ensure future proposals do not include ponds, ditches, agriculture water, storm water, and certain other areas not typically regulated under the federal Clean Water Act.

The WOTUS rule has proved problematic across the country. Already, 31 states have filed lawsuits against the WOTUS rule. An October decision by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals extended to all 50 states an earlier injunction from a federal district court that blocked implementation in 13 states, including South Dakota.

Thune urged his colleagues to support the Federal Water Quality Protection Act earlier today on the Senate floor. Click here to watch Thune’s remarks.

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Should it be called a Godless – Abortion – Gunless Democrat meeting…. GAG for short?

Apparently, it’s a slow news day in Aberdeen. A very slow news day.

The local newspaper which claims they’re not biased against Republicans today has a front page story on how Democrats are frontpageholding a meeting to try to gin up some interest in the once proud, but faltering Democrat party by hauling out some of the core liberal leadership.

They’re having a meeting, so that’s front page worthy?:

“We’re hoping that from this event people will see what the citizens of the community have on their minds,” Jennifer Slaight-Hansen, a member of the Aberdeen City Council and chairwoman of the Brown County Democratic Party, said. “Are we on the right track? Do we know the pulse of the people?”

The panelists are hosted by the Brown County Democratic Party. Although one panelist is a current state senator, none of the panelists are currently seeking office.

Panelists include:

  • Cory Heidelberger, political blogger.
  • Billie Sutton, state senator from Burke.
  • Ann Tornberg, chairwoman of the South Dakota Democratic Party.
  • Kathy Tyler, former legislator.
  • Susan Wismer, former South Dakota gubernatorial candidate.

Read it here.

Interesting they left the party ED back in Sioux Falls for this Dog & Pony show.  Apparently, they want to insulate her from the bomb throwing. Looking at the composition of the group, it’s not looking like most of them are mainstream democrats. Or mainstream South Dakotans for that matter. As opposed to being comprised of the most liberal views  of the SDDP. (Billie Sutton might want to consider the company he keeps if he wants to run for higher office).

A “front porch forum” hardly sounds descriptive. Instead, maybe riffing off of some of their viewpoints, they could call it the “Godless Abortion Gunless Democrat” meeting or “GAG’s” for short.  While Democrat’s grinder monkey Cory proselytizes his atheism, Kathy Tyler can explain why she believes Jesus was in favor of abortion, and Ann Tornberg can explain her party’s position on Gun Control.

Why, I’m sure they’ll be able to GAG people in Brown county from miles away once they hear what the SDDP’s liberal core has to say!

I’m not sure there’s a takeaway from this, other than for Republicans  – make sure you ask for front page coverage next time you have a meeting.

Rounds, Ernst Call for Strengthened Support of Kurdish Peshmerga Forces in Iraq

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateRounds, Ernst Call for Strengthened Support of
Kurdish Peshmerga Forces in Iraq

WASHINGTON— Following a recent Congressional delegation trip to the Middle East, U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter raising serious concerns voiced by foreign leaders in the region. The senators echoed concerns that the coalition effort to defeat ISIL is not achieving the desired outcome – including U.S. support for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and their Peshmerga Forces. They also called on Secretary Carter in their letter to strengthen support to the KRG. The letter comes on the heels of the Obama Administration’s recent decision to deploy U.S. personnel to Kurdish territory in Syria.

“Unfortunately, the picture provided to us in theater is starkly different from that which is provided to the American people, and to us as elected officials in the Senate and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee,” the senators wrote. “Specifically, it does not appear that coalition efforts are having the Administration’s desired ‘degrade and destroy’ effects against ISIL.”

The senators continued, “While visiting Iraq, our meeting with foreign officials painted a grim picture of the U.S. and coalition effort against ISIL. In particular, our time on the ground did not alleviate our long-standing concerns about inadequate U.S. support to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and their Peshmerga forces.”

“In conclusion, we ask the Department to strengthen its support to the KRG based on the troubling operational situation in large portions of Iraq, the dedication of the Kurdish Peshmerga in their fight against ISIL, and KRG support provided to the over 1.6 million displaced persons within their territory.”

Full text of the letter:

November 2, 2015

The Honorable Ashton Carter
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301

Dear Secretary Carter:

We write to you today to raise concern regarding our coalition effort to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and support to our Iraqi Kurdish partners.

We recently returned from meeting with U.S. servicemembers and foreign leaders throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the picture provided to us in theater is starkly different from that which is provided to the American people, and to us as elected officials in the Senate and members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Specifically, it does not appear that coalition efforts are having the Administration’s desired “degrade and destroy” effects against ISIL.

While visiting Iraq, our meeting with foreign officials painted a grim picture of the U.S. and coalition effort against ISIL. In particular, our time on the ground did not alleviate our long-standing concerns about inadequate U.S. support to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and their Peshmerga forces.

While meeting with our KRG allies in Erbil, we were again informed the military support promised to them from Baghdad is far from being provided, and the level of support, such as adequate stocks of small arms ammunition, is not enough to effectively defend their territory against ISIL. Furthermore, the coalition’s piecemeal supply of various Russian and NATO weapons and ammunition makes resupply extremely difficult for Peshmerga forces—as it would for U.S. forces if faced with a similar logistical situation. The KRG also informed us that they require heavier weapons, more equipment in general, and protective gear—as already provided to ISF units for a number of years—to more effectively defend their territory. As this is something we specifically worked to achieve via the NDAA, we have heightened concerns for the needs of our allies on the front lines against ISIL.

In conclusion, we ask the Department to strengthen its support to the KRG based on the troubling operational situation in large portions of Iraq, the dedication of the Kurdish Peshmerga in their fight against ISIL, and KRG support provided to the over 1.6 million displaced persons within their territory. Specifically we ask your views on what additional measures the United States can take to support our Kurdish allies.

Sincerely,

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