Category: Washington DC News

Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Setting the Priorities

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Setting the Priorities
By Rep. Kristi Noem
March 27, 2015

kristi noem headshot May 21 2014One of my favorite authors, John Maxwell, wrote: “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”  On March 25, the House passed a reform-minded and conservative budget that will serve as an outline of where your tax dollars should be going – and to be clear, I believe more of those dollars should stay in your pockets.

The budget we passed was put together under one assumption:  The money being used to formulate this budget is not the federal government’s; it’s yours.  Therefore, we ought to spend every dime budgeted responsibly and respectfully – as if it was our own – free of waste, fraud, and abuse.

With that in mind, the House budget would eliminate $5.5 trillion in spending over the next 10 years, allowing us to balance the budget within the next decade.  Those are big cuts, but we have a big budget that has grown increasingly out of control and stands in the way of a healthy economy.  We need to create economic opportunity, achieve genuine accountability and make the bold choices that are necessary to get more control over this budget.

Unlike the President’s budget proposal, which calls for a $3.5 trillion tax hike without ever balancing, the House’s budget is balanced without raising taxes.  Rather than increasing your taxes, it begins to lay the groundwork for a fairer and simpler tax code that could lower your annual tax bill, enabling you to keep more of your hard-earned dollars at home instead of in Washington’s pockets.

While spending has been cut, we’ve continued to make investments in areas that the federal government has a legitimate responsibility to do so.  For instance, we increase defense spending above the President’s levels, ensuring our men and women in uniform have every piece of equipment and knowledge necessary to successfully take on threats from the Middle East and elsewhere.

Conversely, in areas where control rightfully belongs in the hands of states or local communities, we introduce new limits on the federal government and even repeal programs that the federal government has no business managing, including the President’s health care law.

These are our priorities and this budget will serve as an outline for the House to follow as we fund the federal government for FY2016.  It’s an important mark to make.

Both the Senate and the President have put out their own budget proposals.  While the President’s budgets have always included higher spending and additional taxes or fees, the House has leveraged its conservative budgets time and again to get spending cuts for hardworking taxpayers.  Since I’ve been elected, we’ve been able to eliminate $165 billion in spending, which are the most significant reductions in modern history.  We’ve also enacted the largest deficit control bills since 1981 – with no new tax increases.  It’s progress, but we’ve got a long way to go to achieve a government that is effective, efficient and accountable.

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Senate Approves Thune Budget Amendment Opposing Long-Eared Bat Endangered Species Listing

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Senate Approves Thune Budget Amendment Opposing Long-Eared Bat Endangered Species Listing

“This amendment puts the Senate on record opposing the FWS’s proposal to list the long-eared bat.”

John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressWASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) praised the Senate’s bipartisan approval of his amendment to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget resolution putting the Senate on record opposing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) proposal to list the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“This amendment puts the Senate on record opposing the FWS’s proposal to list the long-eared bat,” said Thune. “The forest management restrictions imposed due to the ESA listing would not only be devastating to forest health and combating the pine beetle epidemic, but would also jeopardize the more than 1,500 timber industry jobs and $119 million in revenue to local Black Hills economies. I will continue working to halt this misguided endangered species listing, and continue partnering with my colleagues in the Senate to prevent overreach by the FWS.”

In 2011, the FWS reached a secret sue-and-settle agreement with two radical environmental groups to require listing determinations on more than 250 species across the United States, including the northern long-eared bat. These bats are dying at alarming rates in parts of the country due to the spread of white-nose syndrome. While this syndrome has been found in 22 states across the country, it has not been found in South Dakota. Despite the lack of evidence suggesting white nose syndrome is a problem in our state, the FWS has proposed limiting forest management in the Black Hills to preserve the long-eared bats’ habitat.

On October 14, 2014, Thune sent a letter to the FWS with Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) encouraging the agency to withdraw its proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat as endangered and to refocus its attention on combating white-nose syndrome. Thune followed-up on his concerns with a January 14 letter to the FWS that he sent along with 12 of his Senate colleagues calling on the FWS to revise the misguided and harmful forest management restrictions accompanying the endangered species listing released in 2014, and instead issue a regulation to allow normal forest management practices and minimize economic impact on states. On March 4, Thune introduced legislation to prevent the FWS from listing the northern long-eared bat under the ESA.

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GOP Passes Balanced Budget, Holds Federal Government Accountable to the American People

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GOP Passes Balanced Budget, Holds Federal Government Accountable to the American People

“This balanced budget resolution is a framework for the more efficient, effective, and accountable federal government that the American people deserve.”  

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the Senate’s passage of a balanced budget resolution:

“This balanced budget resolution is a framework for the more efficient, effective, and accountable federal government that the American people deserve. Not only does this budget balance, but it does so responsibly without raising a single dime in taxes on hardworking Americans, and it provides the Senate with a significant opportunity to finally repeal and replace ObamaCare.

“By passing a balanced budget that preserves Social Security, supports stronger economic growth, and enhances U.S. energy security, we can show the American people that we’re serious about getting Washington working again for them.”

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Thune Ushers Through Final Approval of Critical Airspace Expansion

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Thune Ushers Through Final Approval of Critical Airspace Expansion

Final FAA approval of PRTC increases national security while saving taxpayers money

Following nearly nine years of collaboration between U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and the Air Force to expand the military training airspace over South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, known as the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC), Thune today praised the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) announcement that it signed off on the Air Force’s proposed expansion of PRTC. This announcement marks the final step in the expansion process, making way for use of the expanded range by year’s end.

Click here to download video of Thune’s statement on the final FAA approval of PRTC.

“This has been a very long process, but I’m proud we’re finally completing this important expansion to provide our servicemen and women with the resources they need to be successful in a combat environment—all done while saving money. Talk about a winning combination for our country and for Ellsworth Air Force Base,” said Thune. “After nearly nine years working with the Air Force on this important expansion project, we’re not only going to see savings to the tune of $23 million a year at Ellsworth, but we’re also going to offer better training opportunities to our airmen—increasing readiness across the Air Force. I’m proud of the vital role Ellsworth continues to play in protecting and preserving America’s freedom at home and abroad, and look forward to this expansion contributing to these efforts long into the future.”

“I would like to applaud Senator Thune on keeping his eye on the ball for the past nine years,” said Pat Burchill, Chairman of South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority. “The Powder River Training Complex expansion wouldn’t have been possible without the relentless efforts of Senator Thune in the face of numerous obstacles. This is great news not only for Rapid City, but certainly also for South Dakota and our national defense.”

“During the 2005 BRAC, Senator Thune played a major role in the fight to remove Ellsworth Air Force Base from the closure list, and he continues to play a large part in improving our military readiness by successfully leading the effort to expand the Powder River Training Area,” said former chairman of the Ellsworth Task Force, Bruce Rampelberg. “The FAA’s announcement of the Powder River Training Area expansion is the result of Senator Thune’s tenacity over the past nine years. This expansion will reduce training costs and provide an area that can be structured to reflect the conditions our Air Force pilots may face in different parts of the world.”

The PRTC expansion will provide Air Force pilots and personnel with expanded airspace to perform the critical training they need in conditions that more closely resemble combat missions. The expansion will also allow for large force exercises where multiple aircraft and crews can train together simulating a combat environment without live fire exercises.

The new expanded Powder River Training Complex will be divided into four quadrants spanning nearly 35,000 square miles, or four times the size of the current range. The quadrants will each be divided into low-, medium-, and high-altitude sections. With the exception of Large Force Exercises, which only comprise 10 days per year, only a few quadrants will be in use during the week, and only for a few hours each day.

The PRTC expansion not only marks the largest expansion of Special Use Airspace in America’s history, but also represents an important cost-saving initiative. The expanded airspace will save Ellsworth Air Force Base up to $23 million per year and is the first time the FAA and Air Force have worked jointly on such an effort, setting a precedent for further cost-saving cooperation down the road and addressing stakeholder concerns up front.

Ellsworth Air Force Base has a $350 million impact on South Dakota’s economy and is the state’s second largest employer.

Rounds Offers Amendment to Protect Taxpayers from Waste, Fraud and Abuse

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Rounds Offers Amendment to Protect Taxpayers
from Waste, Fraud and Abuse

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced an amendment to the budget resolution requiring Congress to include findings from Inspectors General (IG) when examining ways to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within federal agencies.

“We owe it to South Dakota taxpayers to make certain their hard-earned dollars are spent wisely in Washington,” said Rounds. “I’ve already been working with IGs in my committee work and know firsthand how valuable their reports can be in finding waste, fraud and abuse among agencies. My amendment seeks to include this valuable information when conducting important oversight work in Congress.”

The current budget resolution calls for Congressional oversight committees to examine the biennial Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) High Risk List when finding ways to seek waste, fraud and abuse within their agencies of jurisdiction. Rounds’ amendment would add Inspector General semi-annual reports and unimplemented recommendations as part of that oversight process.

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Noem Helps Move Death Tax Repeal Forward in the House

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Noem Helps Move Death Tax Repeal Forward in the House

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today helped pass a repeal of the death tax out of the House Ways and Means Committee, enabling the legislation to be voted on by the full House later this year.  Noem, whose family farm was hit by the death tax after her father passed away, has been a vocal supporter of its repeal.

“When my father died unexpectedly, our family was hit with the death tax,” said Noem.  “We made the decision to take out a loan, so we didn’t have to sell our land and potentially lose the farm.  The decision impacted nearly every financial choice we made for a decade.  No family should have to go through something like that.  I am committed to repealing this unjust – and frankly, immoral – tax that hurts small businesses and family farms most.  Today marks a step forward toward a time where hard work is respected and death is no longer a taxable event.”

Rep. Noem joined Reps. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) in introducing H.R.1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015, on February 26, 2015.  The bill fully repeals the estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes – more commonly known as the “death tax.” With approval from the House Ways and Means Committee, of which Noem is a member, the legislation will next receive consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.

Thune Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Death Tax

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Thune Reintroduces Bill to Repeal Death Tax

-Permanently abolishes punitive tax on family farms, ranches, businesses-

John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressWASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, better known as the death tax, to finally put an end to a punitive tax on family farms, ranches, and businesses upon the death of an owner. Thune’s bill, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015, is identical to legislation introduced in House of Representatives by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas). The House Committee on Ways and Means will be marking up Brady’s companion bill today in committee. Thune also introduced an amendment to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Resolution to create a deficit neutral reserve fund to eliminate the federal estate tax, or death tax. The Senate is expected to vote on Thune’s amendment later this week.

“Death should not be a taxable event,” said Thune. “For too long the federal government has forced grieving families to pay a tax on their loved one’s life savings that has been built from income already taxed when originally earned. Currently more than 70 percent of family businesses do not survive to the second generation, and 90 percent of family businesses do not survive to the third generation. According to a study by former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin, repealing the death tax would create 1.5 million additional small business jobs and would shave almost a percentage point off the unemployment rate. This tax punishes farmers and entrepreneurs for a lifetime of hard work. I will continue to work in Congress to see a permanent end to this unfair tax.”

“I am proud to join Senator Thune in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act, which will finally abolish this unfair, anti-family tax, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. “The death tax unduly burdens American families by taxing assets that are handed down from generation to generation, like family farms or small family businesses. It is the federal government’s final insult to tax your family when you have already paid taxes on your property throughout your life. The thought of having to visit the IRS and the undertaker on the same day is an absolute outrage. This is wrong and it’s why I have consistently supported legislation to eliminate this burdensome tax.”

“The death tax unfairly targets hardworking American families, small business owners, and farmers that have already been taxed all their lives,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch. “Fortunately, there is bipartisan support to put an end to this burdensome tax once and for all. It’s time this tax be repealed so that families can pass down what they’ve worked so hard to build over a lifetime to their children.”

Thune’s bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Builders and Contractors, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, 60 Plus Association, Americans for Tax Reform, Club for Growth, National Black Chamber of Commerce, International Franchise Association, National Taxpayers Union, American Conservative Union, Family Business Coalition, and many others.

Thune’s bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), Dan Coats (R-Ind.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), and David Vitter (R-La.).

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Press Release: Rounds Cosponsors Bill to Repeal Death Tax

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Rounds Cosponsors Bill to Repeal Death Tax

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today joined U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and 25 colleagues in introducing legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, which will bring tax relief to farmers, ranchers and small business owners.

“Currently, 70 percent of family businesses do not survive to the second generation, in part because of this additional tax which may force the sale of a family business upon the death of one of the owners,” said Rounds.

A similar bill was introduced in the House of Representatives with more than 100 cosponsors.

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Noem Introduces Legislation to Prevent FWS from Listing Long-Eared Bat as an Endangered Species

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Noem Introduces Legislation to Prevent FWS from
Listing Long-Eared Bat as an Endangered Species

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today introduced legislation to prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) from listing the long-eared bat as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.  Senator Thune introduced the language in the Senate earlier this year.

“It’s widely understood that the long-eared bat’s depopulation is not due to habitat changes, but white-nose syndrome,” said Rep. Noem.  “Focusing on habitat, as the Fish and Wildlife Service proposal and corresponding guidance does, pulls critical and limited resources from the real threats facing the long-eared bat, while also endangering more than 1,500 jobs in the Black Hills area.  Any effort to preserve the species must focus on the disease, not on fulfilling an unproven environmental agenda that could jeopardize South Dakota jobs and turn parts of the Black Hills into a tinder box.”

Listing the long-eared bat as endangered and pursuing regulatory restrictions on forest management could effectively end active management in the Black Hills National Forest, which will cause declining forest health, increase the likelihood of large-scale wildfires, and severely impact the timber industry in the Black Hills. On October 14, 2014, Rep. Noem and Sen. Thune sent a letter to the FWS encouraging the agency to withdraw its proposed listing of the northern long-eared bat as endangered and to refocus its attention on combating white-nose syndrome.

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Rounds, Freshmen Senators Hold Press Conference to Address Obamacare’s Five-Year Anniversary

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Rounds, Freshmen Senators Hold Press Conference to Address Obamacare’s Five-Year Anniversary

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined fellow freshmen members of the Senate in a press conference today to address the future of health care on the five-year anniversary of Obamacare.

“We’re not going to stop until we fix a lot of the problems that we find within the health care industry,” said Rounds at the conference. “What we can do to start is pass a budget resolution that provides tools for us in which to impact the implementation of health care. And it provides us something else: twelve opportunities in twelve separate appropriation bills in which we can impact how money at the federal level is being spent.”

A budget resolution for fiscal year 2016 is currently being considered on the Senate floor. The budget resolution will provide the procedural tools – via budget reconciliation– to repeal Obamacare. It is expected to pass later this week, which then allows the Senate to begin the appropriations process. Rounds was joined today by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.).

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