Category: Uncategorized

This week South Dakota District 4 State Representative Dylan Jordan was front and center as the new prime sponsor of School Voucher measure, House Bill 1009 backed by the Young Americans for Liberty/American Action Fund and their lobbyist Anthony Mirzayants.

And in a case of “you shake my hand, I’ll shake yours,” in a mailing that’s blasting far and wide across South Dakota Representative Jordan and Lobbyist Miryzants are snuggling up again in a mailing to raise money for his “friend Anthony Miryzants” on the back of pipeline fight rhetoric:

Mirzayants_LandGrab by Pat Powers on Scribd

What the game seems to be is to get letter recipients all lathered up to separate them from their money, and to send the organization a check..

The letter blares “Stop the Socialist Land Grab in South Dakota!” Of course, only on the envelope do they touch on the fact that this money is intended to go out of state to Colorado (for the benefit of a Texas based group).

In other words, the intent is to get people all ginned up on an issue to get them to send a check over a South Dakota issue that I suspect is going to have a lot of overhead costs that don’t make it anywhere near the Rushmore State.

Thune: Weekend Work Ahead in the Senate

“I will continue to ensure that the Senate works as quickly as possible to get all of President Trump’s nominees in place.”

Click here to watch the video.

 

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

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): 

“Mr. President, over the next couple of days the Senate will consider two more of the president’s nominees – Kristi Noem to be secretary of homeland security, and Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense. 

“A former House member and current governor of the great state of South Dakota, Kristi brings both experience and commitment to her new role. 

“Mr. President, one of the biggest challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security right now is securing our nation’s border. 

“Four years of record-breaking illegal immigration at our southern border has left our country vulnerable to a whole host of security concerns, from terrorist entries to cross-border criminal activity like drug trafficking. 

“Fixing this crisis – and restoring respect for the rule of law – is one of President Trump and Republicans’ top priorities. 

“And it’s going to require a decisive and committed leader at the Department of Homeland Security. 

“I believe Kristi has everything it takes to undertake this task. 

“Mr. President, we’re also considering the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense. 

“A veteran of the Army National Guard who served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr. Hegseth will bring a warrior’s perspective to the role of defense secretary and will provide much-needed fresh air at the Pentagon. 

“Gone will be the days of woke distractions. 

“The Pentagon’s focus will be on warfighting. 

“Mr. Hegseth will concentrate on restoring American strength and repairing the deficiencies in our readiness. 

“As our first president said more than 200 years ago, and I quote, ‘To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.’ 

“And in a world that has grown increasingly unstable over the past few years, our priority has to be ensuring that the United States military is prepared to meet and defeat any threat. 

“I will continue to ensure that the Senate works as quickly as possible to get President Trump’s team in place.”

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It appears that Governor Kristi Noem is on track for her Senate Confirmation vote to become the next Secretary for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security coming after the Hegseth Vote:

The Senate is poised for a rare late-night Friday vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, as Republican leaders are making good on their promise to grind through President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees in the face of Democratic objections.

Hegseth, who lost two Republican votes during a Thursday cloture vote, will likely be confirmed during a 9 p.m. vote series. Senate Majority Leader John Thune will then move to a cloture vote on Kristi Noem’s nomination to lead DHS. If no time is yielded back, Noem’s confirmation vote would occur on Sunday morning.

Read the entire story here.

Kristi’s vote seems all but assured, as her nomination has been non-controversial and generally well received.

By this time next week, we may be talking about Governor Rhoden’s swearing in, as well as what’s happening with his choice for Lt. Governor.

From Facebook:

Johnson Continues to Chair Panel Overseeing Rural Broadband, Crypto

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has been named Chair of the Congressional subcommittee overseeing rural broadband development efforts. Prior to joining the U.S. House, Johnson was the co-owner of a South Dakota engineering and consulting firm specializing in rural broadband.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us in the Ag Committee,” said Johnson. “We must pass a long overdue Farm Bill and establish regulations for the crypto industry. I’m looking forward to serving as a subcommittee Chairman again to improve lives in rural America and improve our economy.”

Johnson’s panel, the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, focuses on numerous policy areas, including:

1. Crypto Regulation – Commodity markets, including those for digital assets, are regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is overseen by Johnson’s subcommittee. Recent failures with the digital asset space have prompted calls to address possible deficiencies in the regulation of cryptocurrency markets.
2. Farm Bill Drafting – The subcommittee has primary responsibility for drafting two sections of the 2025 Farm Bill—Title VI (Rural Development) and Title IX (Energy)—and will assist with drafting numerous other Farm Bill provisions.
3. Commodity Markets – The CFTC and the subcommittee oversee numerous features of commodities markets, including exchanges, swaps, futures, and derivatives. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over the impacts of inflation, global conflict, and trade distortions on global commodity markets.
4. Rural Infrastructure – The subcommittee oversees USDA Rural Development and its investments in rural energy, rural businesses, rural housing, and rural connectivity. These programs have dramatically improved infrastructure in rural America.

“I’m thrilled to welcome both returning and new subcommittee leadership for the 119th Congress, who will lead with strength, expertise, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of rural America,” said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA). “Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that American farmers, ranchers, and rural communities thrive during this pivotal moment. We must defend our food security, strengthen our nation’s agricultural economy, and most importantly pass a comprehensive farm bill that we will send to President Trump’s desk.”

Johnson was also named to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.

On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Johnson was named to the Subcommittees on Aviation; Highways and Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

Read the Agriculture Committee’s full announcement and find other Subcommittee Chairs here.

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From Fox News comes Senate Majority Leader John Thune on the Senate’s efforts to enact the Trump Agenda:

Another …”interesting” legislative measure has come falling out of the hopper, this time from Rep. Garcia of Watertown, where she creates a crime of hazing and attaches a penalty to it.  But it’s almost like she’s trying to cover up for someone, as she conveniently inserts into law what hazing isn’t. And she wants to codify that if hazing occurs as part of high school or college sports, they get a pass:

“hazing” means any activity by which a person recklessly endangers the health or safety of, or causes a risk of extreme psychological distress or bodily injury to, another person for purposes of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with, any organization operating in connection with a school, college, or university. The term “hazing” does not include reasonable and customary interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic practices, competitions, or events, or any authorized law enforcement or military training.”

Wait..  So let me understand this. Garcia wants to declare it hazing if while at a chess club event they put salt in the milk of the new guy, but it’s not hazing if it’s an interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic event and someone is sodomized with a broom?

Well, which one tends to make the news in South Dakota?

How about this one from September in Codington County, an area just to the east of the district Garcia represents..

In a news release today Sheriff Brad Howell says the investigation is still active and ongoing. As we shared last night in an exclusive interview, at least three 7th-grade boys say they were beaten on a bus traveling to and from their football practice.

The middle school boys and their parents have come forward to talk about bullying endured on a school bus. It got so bad the boys say they were forced to quit a sport they loved

Read that here.

More on this incident..

On Monday, September 16th, we learned of incidents involving students riding one of our minibuses. This information focused on bullying/hazing actions by Henry School students. Henry administrators immediately began an investigation into the incident and reported it to law enforcement. We determined that there were multiple students in violation of district policy and our code of conduct for activity participants. Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. We regret that this incident happened and want you to know that we make our students’ safety and well-being of the utmost importance. In addition, the students must learn that inappropriate actions have consequences.

– Todd Obele, Henry School District Superintendent

Dakota News Now received screenshots of one parent’s plea on social media, stating her son had been abused by his football teammates in the locker room and while on the bus.

Read that here.

Or this even more egregious incident from 2023..

After six high school baseball players were charged with rape in South Dakota, the state prosecutor is disputing the defense’s main argument, saying that its “hazing ritual” claims only serve to make this a much larger issue potentially.

The charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of two teenage boys in June, and all six defendants have entered “not guilty” pleas. The defendants argue that what occurred during a summer tournament was part of a “team hazing ritual” and not sexual assault.

“I also think it’s very important for people to understand that I do not think that this was an isolated incident within the Mitchell Legion baseball team. I do believe that this was a culture of repeated behavior that had been going on for possibly years,” Pennington County State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel said.

Read that here.

State Senator Michael Rohl had attempted a bill (Senate Bill 72) back in 2022 which passed the State Senate 19-16, but was killed in the House.  The main difference was that Rohl’s bill did not give a specific carve out if it happened as part of sports, unlike Garcia’s bill, which is trying to codify an attitude of “boys will be boys” as they try to rape younger teammates and beat them in relation to their participation in sports.

Many of these measures across the country are in response to real or imagined college greek organization hazing or initiation rituals. And if it happens, yes, there should be consequences.  But as evidenced by very current South Dakota specific news stories from 2023 and 2024, what should be of even more heightened concern is that hazing absolutely still happens in high school sports with a smirk, as they are beating and sexually abusing others.

Should a measure like this be put into law? Absolutely. Should they give a special carve out for high school and college sports and give them a pass for mayhem? Absolutely not.

Johnson Votes to Protect Life 

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to protect every baby that survives a failed abortion attempt.

“There should be no doubt that a child born after a failed abortion attempt is a living person,” said Johnson. “This bill will ensure babies who survive an attempt to end their life will receive the care they need. Every child deserves a chance at life.”

Johnson recently earned an A+ rating on the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Scorecard, which takes into account his votes and actions in the 118th Congress.

Background on the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act:

• Requires that health care practitioners who are present at the live birth exercise skill, care, and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child—the same degree of care that would be offered to any other child born prematurely of the same gestational age. After those efforts, the health care workers must transport and admit the child to a hospital.
• Requires health care practitioners and hospital employees to report violations to law enforcement authorities, reducing the number of born-alive abortions that go unreported.
• Penalizes the intentional killing of a born-alive child through fines or up to 5 years imprisonment.
• Gives the mother of the abortion survivor a civil cause of action against the abortionist and protection from prosecution, recognizing that women are the second victims of abortion and promoting the dignity of motherhood. 

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Summit Carbon Solutions Takes Steps to Protect Pipeline Permit Process 

Ames, Iowa [January 23, 2024] – Summit Carbon Solutions has filed a legal action to ensure a fair and transparent process for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) review of its pipeline permit. The company is asking the court to prevent Commissioner Kristie Fiegen from participating in the decision. While Summit is confident in its ability to secure the necessary approvals, her involvement risks opening the door to appeals that could delay the project for months or even years, creating unnecessary uncertainty for farmers, ethanol producers, and local communities relying on the project’s success.

Commissioner Fiegen recused herself from Summit’s previous case because the pipeline crosses land owned by her sister-in-law and her sister-in-law’s husband, who received compensation for easement rights. The McCook County land remains part of the route, creating an unavoidable conflict of interest. This conflict could make the permit vulnerable to immediate legal appeals, regardless of the outcome.

“We’ve worked hard to meet the permitting requirements in every state along our route, earning unanimous approvals in Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota,” said Summit Carbon Solutions General Counsel, Jess Vilsack. “We’re committed to keeping the process in South Dakota clear of any issues that could create uncertainty for farmers, ethanol producers, and local communities depending on this project’s success.”

Summit Carbon Solutions is confident in its application and remains committed to working with state officials, landowners, and stakeholders to move the project forward.

 

About Summit Carbon Solutions: 

Summit Carbon Solutions is driving the future of agriculture by expanding economic opportunities for ethanol producers, strengthening the marketplace for Midwest-based farmers, and creating jobs. In developing the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world, the company seeks to connect industrial facilities via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwest United States. For more information, visit www.SummitCarbonSolutions.com.

 

Thune: Sean Duffy Should Be Swiftly Confirmed

“There is no reason to delay this uncontroversial and qualified nominee.”

Click here to watch the video.

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

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): 

“I’ll be filing cloture on former Congressman Sean Duffy’s nomination to be secretary of transportation here shortly. 

“Yesterday, the Commerce Committee favorably reported Congressman Duffy’s nomination in a 28-0 vote – in other words, unanimously. 

“And I hope we will be able to move this nominee quickly as we did with Secretary Rubio, who was also unanimously reported out of committee. 

“Congressman Duffy is highly qualified for this position. 

“He served five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

“As the co-chair of the Great Lakes Task Force, he played a role in advancing a number of transportation and infrastructure projects. 

“And at his hearing last week, he demonstrated his knowledge of the issues that will be his responsibility in this role. 

“Our colleague, Senator Baldwin, said that he is, and I quote, ‘the right person for this job.’ 

“There is no reason to delay this uncontroversial and qualified nominee. 

“If Democrats want to spend their nights and weekends taking votes on uncontroversial nominees, we can do it that way. 

“But one way or the other, these nominees will be confirmed.”

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