Category: Uncategorized

Thune: The Senate Must Do More to Protect Our Nation

 “We have a lot more work we should be doing, starting with action on one of the most important pieces of legislation we consider each year, the National Defense Authorization Act.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor to condemn the lawless, pro-Hamas violence and vandalism that took place yesterday in Washington, D.C. He urged Majority Leader Schumer to schedule a vote on the National Defense Authorization Act, noting that more could be done to ensure the United States meets its security obligations at home and abroad. Thune also encouraged passage of the Kids Online Safety Act, which includes his Filter Bubble Transparency Act, legislation that would give users more awareness around social media algorithms.

Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery):

“Mr. President, before I begin, I want to take a moment to address the events that transpired yesterday just a few short blocks from where we’re standing.  

“The summer months are busy tourist months here in our nation’s capital, and for some, the view from Union Station is the very first sight they have of Washington, D.C.

“Those who emerged from Union Station yesterday afternoon, however, were confronted not with the beauty of the historic station but with a scene of lawlessness.

“Violent protesters tore down American flags that fly in front of Union Station, lit at least one of them on fire, and raised Palestinian flags in their place.

“Others defiled the monuments in front of the station with messages including, and I quote, ‘Hamas is comin’’ and ‘Globalize the Intifada.’

“Imagine being a Jewish person walking to work past those slogans.

“Mr. President, we have a proud tradition of public protest in the United States.

“But there is a difference between exercising free speech rights and the vandalism and violence we saw yesterday.

“In addition to what we saw in front of Union Station and elsewhere, an anti-Israel protester or protesters released hundreds of maggots and mealworms into the hotel where the prime minister – and a lot of other people – were staying.

“This is not part of the proud tradition of American political discourse.

“This is pure thuggery.

“And I am frankly appalled by how little we have heard in response from Democrats. 

“The president addressed the nation last night – could he not have added a few words on this disturbing display?

“What about the vice president? 

“Every single public official – and every single American – should be united in condemning this violence and vandalism, as well as rhetoric that elevates terrorism and foments antisemitism.

“We are better than this.

“And it’s time we started acting like it.

“Mr. President, I’m pleased to say that during a summer in which Democrats have focused on show votes, we’re actually going to vote this week on a substantial piece of legislation, the Kids Online Safety Act.

“Senator Blackburn has done a tremendous amount of work to deliver a bill that will take real steps to mitigate the harm social media can do to children, and I’m grateful for her leadership on this issue.

“The package before us also includes legislation from Senator Cassidy to update the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, and I applaud him for his work.

“I’m pleased also that my bipartisan Filter Bubble Transparency Act, which I introduced with Senator Blackburn and others, has been included in the final legislation.

“The Filter Bubble Transparency Act requires social media companies and other internet platforms to notify users that the content they are seeing has been selected for them by hidden algorithms, which create a unique universe of information for each user – a phenomenon that’s often referred to as the ‘filter bubble.’

“Platforms would also be required to give users the choice to switch to a version of the platform that is filter-bubble-free.

“And I am hopeful that along with the rest of the Kids Online Safety Act, this will provide a meaningful way to address some of the more problematic aspects of the internet.

“Mr. President, as I said, it’s good to be voting on something substantial here in the Senate.

“We’ve done essentially nothing for two months other than vote on guaranteed-to-fail legislation that Democrats hope will somehow win them votes in November.

“But voting on the Kids Online Safety Act is not enough.

“We have a lot more work we should be doing, starting with action on one of the most important pieces of legislation we consider each year, the National Defense Authorization Act.

“The Israeli prime minister’s speech to Congress yesterday – a speech that a number of my Democrat colleagues and Vice President Harris chose to boycott – was a timely reminder of the dangerous world we face:

“Iran-backed terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis fomenting terror and instability in the Middle East.

“An emboldened Russia engaged in a ground war against Ukraine, on the doorstep of NATO allies.

“An increasingly aggressive China and an increasingly endangered Taiwan.

“And the unfortunate truth, Mr. President, is that we are not as prepared as we should be to confront these threats.

“We have service branches struggling with recruitment.

“We have ships that can’t sail and planes that can’t fly because of maintenance issues.

“And we have shortages of munitions.

“Our colleague Senator Wicker, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, recently put forward a blueprint for rebuilding our military.

“He points out that our defense budget as a share of the economy has fallen to near historic lows, hardly in line with the threats we face today.

“And he proposes increasing the defense budget over the next few years alongside important reforms to put our military in a position of strength not just now but well into the future.

“It’s a call we need to heed.

“Last fall, the Strategic Posture Commission offered a disturbing assessment, and I quote: ‘Today the United States is on the cusp of having not one, but two nuclear peer adversaries, each with ambitions to change the international status quo, by force, if necessary: a situation which the United States did not anticipate and for which it is not prepared.’

“‘… a situation which the United States did not anticipate and for which it is not prepared.’

“That is a pretty disturbing analysis, Mr. President.

“And it underlines the absolute imperative of addressing our military readiness TODAY.

“Which brings me to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act.

“I’m grateful that our colleagues on the Armed Services Committee have put forward a bill that – while it does not authorize all the investment our military needs – does take steps to address the challenges we’re facing.   

“This year’s NDAA authorizes full funding for the European and Pacific deterrence initiatives and takes steps to strengthen our partnerships to counter Russia and China.

“It takes important steps to modernize our military and authorize financing for the technologies and weapons of tomorrow.  

“And it authorizes the purchase of new ships, combat vehicles, and aircraft to update our aging fleets.

“I’m particularly pleased to report that this bill includes full funding for the next steps of the B-21 mission, including necessary support facilities.

“The Air Force calls the B-21 Raider – its new long-range strategic bomber – the future backbone of its bomber force.

“And I am incredibly proud that this mission will be hosted at South Dakota’s own Ellsworth Air Force Base. 

“And one of my top priorities here in Congress is ensuring that the Air Force – and Ellsworth in particular – has everything it needs for this critical advancement in our nation’s readiness.

“Mr. President, the Senate Armed Services Committee passed this year’s National Defense Authorization Act on June 13. 

“And well over a month later the Democrat leader still hasn’t found time for this critical legislation – nor is there any indication of when he will.

“It says a lot about Democrats’ priorities.

“But I hope that the Democrat leader will take a moment to consider that while he puts our defense on the back burner, our enemies are not delaying their ambitions or their aggressive activities.

“And I hope he will bring this legislation to the floor in the very near future. 

“Mr. President, I yield the floor.”

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Attorney General Jackley Praises District Court Stopping Proposed Rule Allowing Men into Women’s Locker Rooms

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley praises a U.S. District Court’s preliminary injunction that stops a new U.S. Department of Education Title IX rule. The rule was scheduled to take effect on August 1, but has now been stopped in South Dakota and the five other 8^th Circuit states who joined the lawsuit.

The law would require schools and universities to allow men into women and girls’ locker rooms, restrooms, and shower facilities. Teachers, administrators, and students also would be required to use an individual’s preferred pronouns.

“This decision protects female athletes and the original intent of Title IX,” said Attorney General Jackley. “We are protecting all athletes from potential harm by keeping the opposite sex of out of each other’s athletic facilities. The Department of Education should focus on the important mission of educating our youth, and Congress should step in and address these issues when DOE  becomes confused.”

Other 8^th Circuit Court states in the suit were Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and an Arkansas high school athlete. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.

The original lawsuit can be read here.

The court order siding with the Attorneys General can be read here.

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Interested in advertising? Have a ballot measure, cause, candidate or campaign related business?

With three months to go until the election, SDWC has advertising opportunities for reaching South Dakota’s opinion leaders, based on a first-come, first-serve basis for available positions.  As of today, I have several of our higher profile ad positions open, including the #1, #2 and #3 spots. (#2 and #3 are spoken for), along with down page advertising.  Monthly spots are available, and I do provide discounts for longer ad commitments.  Information on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here.

Please take a moment to visit our current advertisers such as South Dakota’s chief executive Governor Kristi Noem, our friend South Dakota Senator John Thune,  Congressman Dusty Johnson, and Republican United States Senator Mike Rounds. Our friends at South Dakota Ag Alliance are also here to fight for landowner rights and common sense ag development.  And also check out Libertarian candidate for PUC Gideon Oakes’ website.

Of course, at Dakota Campaign Store, down on the right, you’ll find me already busy in 2024 with yard signs, postcards, and all the things a professional campaign needs to make an impression.

Thank you to our advertisers for your support, and please reach out if you’d like to join them!

Do you know that when you click on the link to the Secretary of State’s website for a “General Election Candidate List,” to monitor who is running, you can’t just trust that information?  Because they have it spread across two lists, one buried deep in their website.

For example, on the main list, you can go and see who has withdrawn from running for office, for example:

Well, at least some of them.  Because several who withdrew are not on this list. They’re on the other list, from the primary.

I think it’s just as important to know who has declared that they’re NOT running anymore as it is who is running.   Isn’t it pretty easy to maintain a list? Or so you would think.

Save this post, so you have the links to know who isn’t running. Both of them.

Hearing word that State Democrats are swapping out another candidate.

While not filed yet, I’m hearing that Steve McCleerey Dana Pulfrey is dropping out, and Mark Sumption, an electric board member, farmer and farmer union member/advocate will be stepping in.  (Sorry, SOS can’t get their primary/general lists straight)

With the race being a 6-way contest of people who had not run before in that district, it makes it anyone’s race if they get out and work.

Stay tuned.

Managed to find a South Dakota political button I definitely didn’t have, and didn’t know existed. And I managed to get it on eBay, where I think it’s been been for sale for a while.  The pin is for Eben W. Martin for Congress, as noted on wikipedia:

In 1900, Martin was elected as a Republican to Seat B, one of South Dakota’s two at-large seats in the United States House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1902 and 1904, and served from March 4, 1901, to March 3, 1907. He ran unsuccessfully for the United States Senate in 1906.

After the death of William H. Parker, Martin won a special election to fill the Seat B vacancy in the U.S. House, and was re-elected to three more terms, serving from November 3, 1908, to March 3, 1915. As a result of the 1910 United States census, South Dakota was apportioned three House members and created three districts. In Martin’s 1912 reelection he ran successfully for South Dakota’s 3rd congressional district seat.

Read the entire entry here.

So, somewhere between 1900-1914 vintage, and I would guess somewhere in the later years of that time span.  Well worth the $15 I spent on it.

I also found another great item I might have to have, but I’ll see if they come down in price as the political item hobby isn’t meant to break the bank.

(Breaking the bank is what I collect comic books for.)

South Dakota Democrats just swapped out Dennis Menke, their District 18 Senate Candidate, with a new candidate, the Yankton School Board President Sarah Carda:

Carda said in a statement Monday, “I’m excited to step into the State Senate race and would be honored to represent District 18 in Pierre. I will be a strong, sensible voice focused on the issues and concerns of District 18.”

Former legislators Bernie Hunhoff and Ryan Cwach will take leading roles in Carda’s campaign with Bernie Hunhoff serving as the campaign committee chair, while Ryan Cwach will serve as the campaign treasurer.

Read the entire story here.

And I’m sure that’s just the start..

Johnson Secures Tribal Wins in Interior Funding Bill

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) secured several wins for tribal communities in the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations package.

“There is a public safety crisis on our Indian reservations,” said Johnson. “We also have major needs in tribal healthcare and education. Our efforts have secured major funding increases for these areas, including a 34% increase in tribal public safety funding.”

Johnson noted that with our nation $35 trillion in debt, these new investments needed to be made in a fiscally responsible manner. “We managed to secure these substantive increases while decreasing overall spending because we implemented significant cuts elsewhere. This is a big win for Indian country and for fiscal responsibility.”

The total cost of the bill is $72 million below the FY24 enacted level. It rescinds $55 million authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act and reduces funding for the Environmental Protection Agency by 20% from the FY24 enacted level.

Johnson has led initiatives to increase funding for tribal law enforcement on reservations, reform the Indian Health Service, and improve education opportunities in tribal communities.

The FY25 Interior appropriations package includes several of Johnson’s priorities:

• Provides $2.81 billion for the Bureau of Indian Affairs – a 14.5% increase from the FY24 enacted level – which includes:
  • $746 million for Public Safety and Justice programs – a 34% increase from the FY24 enacted level.
  • $414 million for Criminal Investigations and Police Service – almost a 195% increase from the FY24 enacted level.
  • $55 million for Tribal Courts – more than a 545% increase from the FY24 enacted level.
• Provides $1.47 billion for the Bureau of Indian Education – a 7.5% increase from the FY24 enacted level.
• Provides $8.56 billion for the Indian Health Service – a 23% increase from the FY24 enacted level – along with $5.98 billion in advance appropriations for FY26.

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Defendant in DSS Theft Case to Make Initial Court Appearance Thursday in Pierre

PIERRE. S.D. – The initial court appearance for Lonna Carroll, the former state Department of Social Services employee who has been indicted for stealing an estimated $1.8 million in state and federal funds, is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. CST Thursday in the Hughes County Courthouse in Pierre. 

Carroll is charged with two felony counts of Aggravated Grand Theft. She has been extradited from Iowa where she was arrested. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

Rounds, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Research and Treatment Development for Brain Cancers

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Bolstering Research and Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen research and treatment development for brain tumors and to improve the accessibility of brain tumor health care.

“For me, the fight against cancer is personal. When my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago, we were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments for many cancers,” said Rounds. “I firmly believe we are years, not decades, away from seeing cures to many of the most deadly cancers. The BRAIN Act will allow us to continue capitalizing on the progress we have made so far by implementing programs and funding that will advance research and treatments for brain tumors. I am glad to be joining a bipartisan group of my colleagues on this legislation.”

“Malignant brain tumors remain a vicious and persistent enemy for many Americans—impacting more than one million people in the United States today,” said Blumenthal. “With incidence and survival rates remaining stagnant for decades, our bipartisan, bicameral BRAIN Act is needed to advance research and treatment for these highly deadly cancers and defeat brain tumors once and for all.”

Rounds and Blumenthal are joined on this legislation by their colleagues U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). The House version of the BRAIN Act is led by U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-Penn.), who is joined by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) and John Joyce (R-Penn.).

“A brain tumor diagnosis is devastating news for too many American families, and the federal government needs to step up to help find a cure and better diagnostics and treatment. The BRAIN Act is about saving lives, changing lives, and improving health outcomes. It would help fast-track scientific discovery and breakthroughs by improving access to clinical trials for patients and advancing innovative new treatments. It would also make it easier for researchers to access biospecimens for new research on brain tumors and fund more clinical trials for the most aggressive, hard-to-treat brain tumors,” said Reed. “This bipartisan bill would also establish new programs and research for brain tumor survivors to improve quality of life and ensure appropriate follow up care over the long term.”

“After losing my wife, Bobbi, to glioblastoma, I know firsthand how tragic a brain tumor diagnosis can be for patients and their families. Raising awareness and supporting efforts to find a cure is a personal priority for me,” said Barrasso. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral legislation to advance treatments and support research to find a cure for these deadly diagnoses.”

“I am proud to be the House lead of the BRAIN Act, which will enable our medical community to research groundbreaking treatments and innovative systems of care for the millions of Americans affected by brain tumors,” said Wild. “American families — including my own — have been impacted by this terrible disease for far too long. I’ll never stop fighting for a cure, for the American children, adults, and seniors currently living with brain tumors, and to honor my mother, who I lost to brain cancer in 2014.”

“Sanford Health is grateful for Senator Rounds’ leadership on the BRAIN Act,” said Dr. David Pearce, President of Sanford Research. “This legislation offers a fantastic opportunity to expand upon our brain tumor and cancer research. From our pediatric research to clinical trials to our Biobank, Sanford Research is excited to see the positive impacts the BRAIN Act will have on this important work.”

“To treat more difficult cancers, such as brain cancer, we will need advances in research and innovation,” said Katie VanBeek, Administrative Lead of Avera’s Oncology Service Line. “AveraCancer Institute has a strong history of offering clinical trials, including Phase 1 trials. Due to our experience in this area, we’ve expanded access of cancer clinical trials to rural and regional cancer centers so that people have access to more treatment options, no matter where they live. We are optimistic about this bill that will continue to drive positive change for our patients.”

Specifically, the BRAIN Act:

• Increases transparency of federally-funded biobank collections so that researchers are aware of others who possess samples that might be shared to enable important research.
• Sufficiently resources the National Cancer Institute’s Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network, so that it can realize its promise of vetting treatments and completing innovative early-phase clinical trials.
• Enables team science to advance immunotherapy research (CAR-T) engineered to attack brain cancer cells.
• Directs the Centers for Disease Control to conduct a public education campaign around the importance of clinical trials and biomarker testing in cancer treatment.
• Augments and expands funding to develop innovative systems of care models for brain tumor survivors.
• Directs FDA to issue guidance to ensure brain tumor and other rare and recalcitrant cancer patient access to clinical trials evaluating treatments for other diseases.

Today, more than one million people in the United States are living with a primary brain tumor. Another 94,000 more will likely be diagnosed in 2024, in addition to hundreds of thousands of Americans diagnosed with metastatic brain cancer. Despite major improvements made in the treatment of other cancers in recent years, incidence and survival rates for malignant brain tumors have remained stagnant for 45 years, with a five-year relative survival rate of only 35.7%.

Click HERE for full bill text.

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