Category: Washington DC News

Rounds to Deliver Maiden Speech on Senate Floor Today

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Rounds to Deliver Maiden Speech on Senate Floor Today
Tune into C-SPAN2 or watch live on Rounds’ YouTube Page

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is scheduled to deliver his maiden speech on the senate floor today, June 2, 2015, at approximately 5:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. CT/3:00 p.m. MT. During his speech, Rounds will discuss his bipartisan RESTORE Resolution, which seeks to permanently end over-regulation in America.

 

 

What: Senator Rounds’ Maiden Speech on the Senate Floor
When: Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. CT/3:00 p.m. MT
Location: Senate Floor of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

How to watch:
Online: Livestream on Rounds’ YouTube page HERE.
On TV: Live on C-SPAN2

*A transcript and video of Rounds’ remarks will be available following his speech.

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Noem’s Anti-Trafficking Provisions Become Law

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Noem’s Anti-Trafficking Provisions Become Law

kristi noem headshot May 21 2014Washington, D.C. – Representative Kristi Noem today commended President Barack Obama on his signing of sweeping anti-trafficking legislation, including provisions authored by Noem that aim to help prevent trafficking and allocate additional resources to assist victims in recovery.

“We have a fundamental responsibility to protect the thousands of at-risk youth in America from ever seeing the horrors of trafficking,” said Noem.  “And when preventions efforts fail, we have no choice but to help lift survivors to safety, through recovery and toward a better life.  It is my hope the newly enacted Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act offers advocates access to meaningful resources, equips law enforcement with the tools they need to go after those who buy and sell our kids, and gives survivors some element of hope.”

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S.178) represents one of the largest anti-trafficking measures passed through Congress in a decade.  After broad bipartisan support in the House and Senate, President Obama signed the legislation on May 29.

Rep. Noem’s language that was included in S.178 was first introduced as the Human Trafficking, Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Act in 2014.  The language passed the U.S. House of Representatives in both 2014 and 2015 and the U.S. Senate in 2015. The Congresswoman’s legislation takes a three-pronged approach in combatting human trafficking:

  • Improves existing Department of Justice grants, ensuring the grants support shelters for survivors.  Currently, there are only about 200 beds available in the United States for underage victims.
  • Launches a review by the Interagency Task-Force to Monitor and Combat Traffickingthat will look into federal and state trafficking prevention activities.  The review will be done in consultation with nongovernmental organizations and will work to identify and develop best practices to prevent trafficking.
  • Requires an inventory of existing federal anti-trafficking efforts by the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to make sure all federal agencies and programs work together and that federal resources are being targeted where needed.

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Delegation Supports Gov. Daugaard’s Request for Disaster Declaration

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Delegation Supports Gov. Daugaard’s Request for Disaster Declaration

Governor’s Request Comes in Response to May 10 Storm

WASHINGTON, D.C.– 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 President Obama to declare a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for South Dakota counties affected by the May 10, 2015, storm and EF-2 tornado, during which nine people were injured and 57 homes were damaged – including 27 that were completely destroyed.

“We respectfully request that you declare a major disaster for the relevant areas of our state and that you instruct federal agencies to expedite the delivery of all forms of federal disaster assistance for which the state is eligible based upon that declaration,” the delegation wrote. “We would be pleased to offer any assistance that you may require in fulfilling this request.”

Full text of the letter can be found below:

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

 

Dear President Obama:

As members of the South Dakota Congressional delegation, we write to express our full support of Governor Dennis Daugaard’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance for the South Dakota counties of Douglas and Charles Mix. This declaration would greatly assist in recovery efforts from a severe storm and tornado event that occurred on May 10, 2015.

As the Governor’s request described, on May 10, 2015, an EF-2 tornado with a width of 400 yards and peak winds of 130 mph touched down in southeast South Dakota. The tornado’s primary point of impact was the City of Delmont, which suffered significant damage leaving 9 people injured and damaging 57 homes, of which 27 were considered completely destroyed. The local fire department was destroyed, and for two days the entire city was without power and water. Forty-one percent of the City of Delmont’s residential structures were damaged, the majority of which have major damage or are completely destroyed.

The Delmont community has a small population of 234 residents. Following this incident, 89 percent of the population was voluntarily evacuated due to hazardous power lines, leaking propane tanks, and other debris. Affected residents are still unable to return to their homes and are living in campers, renting temporary housing and staying in hotels. The nearest city capable of providing housing resources is 40 miles away, forcing displaced residents to move for long periods of time, significantly increasing commute times for work and school. These factors may eventually force citizens to relocate if the situation cannot be remedied.

The local Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was opened immediately following this tornado, along with the state EOC. The Governor has taken the appropriate action under state law, directing the execution of a State Emergency Operation Plan. Affected counties have also issued disaster declarations. The South Dakota Office of Emergency Management has coordinated resources to aid local government response, the details of which are outlined in the Governor’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance.

We respectfully request that you declare a major disaster for the relevant areas of our state and that you instruct federal agencies to expedite the delivery of all forms of federal disaster assistance for which the state is eligible based upon that declaration. We would be pleased to offer any assistance that you may require in fulfilling this request.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this important matter. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us if we can provide you with additional information.

Sincerely,

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Rounds Announces New Washington Office Location

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Rounds Announces New Washington Office Location

MikeRounds official SenateWASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that his Washington, D.C., office has moved to the Hart Senate Office Building. Effective, today, June 1, 2015, his new office location will be 502 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C., 20510.

The office phone and fax numbers will remain unchanged at (202) 224-5842 (phone), (844) 875-5268 (toll free phone) and (202) 224-7482 (fax). The office hours will continue to be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST. Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. when the Senate is in session, Rounds will continue to hold the South Dakota Sunrise Coffee for visiting groups and individuals. More information on this event can be found by calling his Washington office.

In addition to his Washington office, Rounds has four district offices in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen. All office locations and contact information can be found at www.rounds.senate.gov.

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US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: Telemedicine Helps Bring Patients to Doctors

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thuneheadernew Telemedicine Helps Bring Patients to Doctors
By Senator John Thune

John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressAn increasing number of South Dakotans are seeking the use of telemedicine, which makes it easier for physicians to see patients that may not be able to travel as easily or frequently to where their physician practices. It can be particularly useful when patients are seeking medical care from a specialty provider located outside of the state. Despite its advantages, without a way to more efficiently license physicians across state lines, telemedicine advancement is hindered.

In March 2013, I led a bipartisan letter to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), an organization of state boards of medicine responsible for regulating medicine in each state, encouraging them to begin development of a comprehensive system that would allow states to retain control of medical licensure and ensure the safety of patients who choose to use telemedicine.

During its past legislative session, the South Dakota state legislature was one of the first states that opted to join a compact that would speed up the process of licensing physicians who wish to practice in multiple states. Just recently, a sufficient number of states opted into the compact, making it an effective way to more easily license physicians in multiple states.

Expediting the process by which physicians can be licensed and practicing telemedicine in multiple states in a safe and accountable manner is important, and I am pleased that several of my Senate colleagues have joined me in encouraging FSMB to address this barrier to effective telemedicine. I am particularly pleased that this compact is now in force and can be used to continue to advance the adoption of telemedicine.

I am committed to continuing telemedicine’s advancement in a way that both preserves states’ ability to regulate medicine within their borders and protect their patients. Allowing states to share information, while allowing each state to retain jurisdiction over physicians who choose to practice in the state, is in the best interest of both physicians and patients.

This compact keeps patients safe by preserving state-based licensure and is a win for doctors and patients.

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US Senator Mike Rounds’ Weekly Column: Regulation without Representation

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Regulation without Representation
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds
May 29, 2015

MikeRounds official SenateThe burden placed on Americans to pay for federal regulations in 2014 far exceeded the cost we paid in income taxes. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Americans paid $1.88 trillion in regulatory compliance and $1.4 trillion in individual federal income taxes. These numbers should concern every one of us. Not only are regulatory costs taking money out of the pockets of South Dakota families, they are stunting economic growth and crushing the can-do American spirit that founded our nation, settled the West, won two world wars and put a man on the moon.

Even more alarming, the rules and regulations are being made by unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats at the highest level of government, often behind closed doors. The individuals creating many rules that impact us are not elected and have no direct contact with those who are impacted.

Our founders established three coequal branches of government with checks and balances for each. Recognizing the need for order in our society, they granted congress – whose members are elected by the people – the power to create laws. They never could have imagined today’s rulemaking process, in which unelected people in Washington have the final say in the bulk of rules under which we must live our daily lives. The regulators have essentially become a fourth branch of government and de-facto legislative body.  The current system squeezes out the voice of the people in the democratic process. It’s regulation without representation, and it’s wrong.

It’s time to restore the people’s role in the rulemaking process. I recently introduced a resolution in the Senate to create a Joint Select Committee on Regulatory Reform whose purpose is to review regulations currently on the books and propose a new rules review plan, one that includes elected representatives. The Regulation Sensibility Through Oversight Restoration (RESTORE) Resolution takes steps to permanently address overregulation and restore congress’ role in making certain the laws are being carried out as intended.

RESTORE directs the Joint Select Committee to conduct a systematic review of rules currently on the books. It would hold meaningful hearings on the effects of current rules and look for ways to reduce, eliminate or sunset unnecessary and outdated ones. To address regulations moving forward, RESTORE would direct the committee to review and recommend one of several options giving congress a role in reviewing rules before they are enacted. This is already happening in the state legislatures of 41 states, including South Dakota.

Not every rule is bad. Good rules weed out bad actors and keep us safe. But the role of the executive branch is to implement and enforce the laws as congress intended. Unfortunately, the lack of oversight has led to bureaucrats exceeding their authority and overstepping the role of the executive branch. The result is that the rules they implement are hindering our freedoms and stifling the American spirit.

The goal of RESTORE is to restructure the rulemaking process, returning it to the American people so they once again have a say in the rules and regulations that affect them the most. Last year, unelected bureaucrats  implemented 16 rules for every one bill that was signed into law. It is time to end regulation without representation and restore our faith in the people to make the best decisions for their families and businesses.

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Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Protecting Our Backyards

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Protecting Our Backyards
By Rep. Kristi Noem
May 29, 2015

kristi noem headshot May 21 2014America’s protection of property rights has always set us apart from others around the globe, but it’s an American value that is under attack today.  On May 27, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that could represent one of the largest federal land grabs in United States history.  In the swoop of a regulatory pen, the EPA expanded the federal government’s control to include small and seasonal bodies of water.  That means ditches, prairie potholes, and even streams that run through your yard after a heavy rain could be subject to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act.

Without a doubt, we should all be able to turn on the faucet or go fishing and know the water is safe.  For years, the Clean Water Act has helped accomplish that, but this latest move by the EPA goes too far.

Under the new EPA rule, farmers and ranchers – especially those in the Prairie Pothole region – may have to get additional permits from the federal government in order to control bugs or weeds in their fields.  Homeowners may be required to get permission from the federal government in order to put a fence up in their backyard.  Landowners may need approval from the federal government if they want to build a house or even plant a tree.

The costs of permit applications and compliance may be significant to begin with, but any failure to comply with the complex web of federal rules and regulations could result in a fine as high as $37,500 per violation per day.  What family can afford that?

Since this rule was initially proposed, thousands of people have reached out to the federal government to say they don’t want the EPA as a guest in their backyard.  To push back, the EPA, which is supposed to be an objective arbiter, launched a campaign on social media and elsewhere to gin up support for the government expansion.  Their campaign failed and the public continued to criticize the rule.  But the EPA ignored these facts, insisting this erosion of private property rights move forward anyways.

The May 27 announcement was the EPA’s final ruling, but that does not mean it’s the end of the road.  In early May, I joined the U.S. House of Representatives in passing H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015.  If enacted, this bipartisan legislation would stop the EPA from moving forward and send them and their partners in the Army Corps of Engineers back to the drawing board.  Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate, so I’m hopeful they will act quickly to pass the bill.

Once again, the administration is overstepping its legal bounds with this regulation.  The Clean Water Act was never intended to be so personally invasive – a reality the Supreme Court has reaffirmed on two separate occasions.  It’s time the federal government begin respecting the property rights of hardworking Americans and ditch this rule.

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Final WOTUS Rule Represents One of the Largest Federal Land Grabs in History, Says Noem

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Final WOTUS Rule Represents One of the Largest Federal Land Grabs in History, Says Noem

kristi noem headshot May 21 2014Washington, D.C. – Representative Kristi Noem today expressed deep disappointment with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) ruling.  The ruling could greatly expand the federal government’s control over small and seasonal bodies of water throughout South Dakota and the country.  Click here to view a map of how extensive the control could be in South Dakota.

“Today’s announcement represents one of the largest federal land grabs in United States history,” said Noem.  “Small ditches that flow through our backyards, prairie potholes, and streams that only run during heavy rains could now be subject to Clean Water Act regulations, meaning everyday tasks like spraying your lawn for mosquitos or your crops for disease could potentially require new federal permits.  And if the landowner falls out of compliance, penalties could cost more than $30,000 per day.  Despite significant public outcry, the administration is trying to jam this massive expansion of federal power through, further eroding private property rights.  They must reverse course.”

Earlier this month, Rep. Noem helped the U.S. House of Representatives pass the bipartisan H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015, which would send the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers back to the drawing board on the WOTUS rule.

“This isn’t the end of the road,” continued Noem.  “The House has already passed bipartisan legislation that would ditch this rule and send the EPA back to the drawing board.  I strongly urge the Senate to move quickly and pass similar legislation as well.”

Noem has also called on the EPA to define regulated navigable waters on a map after an alarming graphic was released that has raised questions about how extensive the EPA’s regulatory authority could become.  Read more and view the graphic here.

Additionally, in May 2014, Rep. Noem joined 231 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle on a letter urging the EPA and the Secretary of the Army to withdraw the proposed rule.

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Thune Denounces EPA Power Grab Over Private Land

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Thune Denounces EPA Power Grab Over Private Land   

“The Obama administration is forgoing the consent of Congress and the courts in a never-ending effort to extend its power and stifle economic growth in the process …”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today criticized a sweeping regulation from the Obama administration, saying the Environmental Protection Agency’s final “waters of the United States” rule is yet another power grab by an administration that has established a pattern of acting unilaterally:

“Yet again, the Obama administration is forgoing the consent of Congress and the courts in a never-ending effort to extend its power and stifle economic growth in the process. The administration appears to have no regard for the fact that this expansion will hurt hard-working Americans and South Dakotans – men and women who cannot afford the additional permit application expenses, compliance costs, and threats of significant fines.

“States like South Dakota have a strong interest in protecting and preserving their water resources, which are the lifeblood of our agricultural, hunting, and tourism sectors, yet I am especially concerned that the restrictions regarding prairie potholes will mean greater regulatory restrictions in eastern South Dakota, the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region.  Not only is this rule another example of the Obama administration’s federal overreach, but we’ve also seen alarming evidence that suggests the EPA influenced the public comment period using questionable practices. The Obama administration has hit our nation and South Dakota with yet another devastating blow, but I will continue to work with my colleagues to do whatever is possible to block these heavy-handed EPA regulations,” said Thune.

The final rule includes broad new definitions of the scope of “waters of the United States” that fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act of 1972. The final rule could apply to countless small wetlands, creeks, stock ponds, and ditches that are typically regulated at the state level, which would have significant economic impacts for property owners hit with new federal permits, compliance costs, and threats of significant fines.

Thune is a co-sponsor of legislation to block the EPA’s power grab. Previously, Thune joined several of his Republican House and Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding his opposition to the EPA’s efforts to expand its regulatory authority under the Clean Water Act. That letter can be read here.

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Rounds Statement on WOTUS Final Rule

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Rounds Statement on WOTUS Final Rule

MikeRounds official SenateWASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, made the following statement on the administration’s Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) final rule, which was announced today. Last month, Rounds joined his colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to curb the effects of WOTUS.

“The WOTUS rule is a broad expansion of federal jurisdiction that infringes on private landowners’ rights throughout South Dakota,” said Rounds. “It goes far beyond what congress intended to be a traditional waterway under which EPA has regulatory oversight. Farmers and ranchers are rightly concerned about the compliance costs this misguided rule could have on their operations.”

“This underscores the need for a formal process to rein in overzealous regulators to make sure the rules are following congressional intent.  It is yet another example of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats overstepping their boundaries and stretching the law – leaving the American people to suffer with the consequences. My RESTORE resolution, which I introduced last week, would lead to a permanent solution to this regulation without representation.”

More information about RESTORE is available here.

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