Category: Washington DC News

Congresswoman Noem’s Weekly Column: 190 Bills Passed, But More Work Remains

@SoDakCampaigns

noem press header kristi noem headshot May 21 2014190 Bills Passed, But More Work Remains
By Rep. Kristi Noem

If you read the headlines, it’s difficult not to get frustrated with what’s happening in our country. Almost every day it seems we open the newspaper or turn on the news or scroll through Facebook to read about a new crisis, more gridlock, or greater dysfunction. It makes you wonder what is going on in this country? That’s how I feel sometimes, anyways.

The good news is, however, we aren’t standing idly by. Step by step, we’re getting things done.

At this point, we’re just over halfway through the year.  Already, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed 190 bills, far more than the historical average of 125 bills by this point.

The legislative process these bills have undergone has been more open too.  Every perspective has had the opportunity to be debated.  In fact, the House of Representatives has considered more than 600 amendments, which is double the historical average.  The result has been a Congress that is more effective, with 29 bills being enacted into law this year – once again, well above the historical average of 21.

Of course, it’s not all about the numbers.  The bills that have become law have been meaningful as well.  The Clay Hunt Act aims to prevent veteran suicides, which happen at a rate of about 22 per day, by giving veterans better access to mental health resources. The USA Freedom Act strictly limits the NSA’s bulk data collection.  The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which I helped author, represents one of the most expansive anti-human trafficking laws this decade.  The Medicare Access and Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act shifts the focus toward the quality of care, not the quantity.  And new trade legislation puts strict oversight and accountability restrictions on the administration’s trade negotiations.

Additionally, the House has held dozens of oversight hearings, focusing on everything from the IRS’s targeting of conservative groups to the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi to executive overreach.  Together with the Senate, we also passed the first bicameral 10-year balanced budget plan since 2001.

Despite several accomplishments, there are still major issues that must be overcome. In the coming weeks, the House will take up legislation that stops the President’s proposed nuclear deal with Iran.  While I’m cautiously optimistic we have enough votes to get the legislation through both sides of Congress, we continue to work toward achieving a veto-proof majority that can override the President.

Funding for road and bridge repairs expires in October as well, but we have been working on a real, multi-year fix that may include reforms to at least a portion of the tax code.

Other tax reforms – known as tax extenders – are also on the agenda for the last half of the year. The House has already passed a number of these so-called extenders, including a permanent fix to Section 179 – a section of the tax code that is important to many South Dakota ag producers.

While the House has also pushed forward legislation addressing sanctuary cities, the President’s health care law, and immigration, I am doubtful we can find enough common ground with the administration to make responsible changes.  Nonetheless, we’ll keep pushing our ideas forward.

I am continuously striving for a more efficient, effective, and accountable government.  As part of that, I believe it’s my responsibility to show you what has been accomplished, while admitting to the challenges that lay ahead.  There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re making progress – one step at a time.

###

Rounds, King Introduce Bill to Give Small Businesses, Community Banks and Credit Unions a Say in CFPB Decision Making

@SoDakCampaigns

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateRounds, King Introduce Bill to Give Small Businesses, Community Banks and Credit Unions a Say in CFPB Decision Making

PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, and U.S. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), introduced legislation to make certain small businesses, community banks and credit unions will always have a strong voice in the rulemaking process at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). S. 1963, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Board Enhancement Act, would create a new small business advisory panel within the CFPB and make permanent community bank and credit union panels within the Bureau. It would also require each committee to adequately represent members from rural and underserved areas.

“As the CFPB continues to make decisions that affect every American, it is critical for rural areas, community banks, small businesses and credit unions to have a voice,” said Rounds. “This is particularly important in rural states like South Dakota. Our bill makes certain that voice will be heard.”

“Small businesses, community banks and credit unions are invaluable forces in America’s economy, and they deserve a seat at the table as the CFPB makes important and far-reaching financial decisions,” said Senator King. “Rural communities in Maine, South Dakota, and all across the nation rely on these institutions to create jobs and grow the local economy. I’m proud to stand with Senator Rounds, my fellow former governor, on behalf of rural America.”

The CFPB is an independent agency created by Dodd-Frank responsible for consumer protection of the financial sector. It currently has four advisory groups that help it set policy, though only one – the Consumer Advisory Board – is required by Dodd-Frank. This bill codifies two existing advisory boards, the Community Bank Advisory Council and the Credit Union Advisory Council, and creates an additional advisory committee for small businesses. In addition, the bill would require each committee to adequately represent members from rural or underserved areas. The bill is supported by the Independent Community Bankers of America, the American Land Title Association, and the Credit Union National Association, among other groups. Similar legislation, H.R. 1195, passed the House of Representatives in April of 2015.

###

EPA’s Backdoor National Energy Tax a Burden for South Dakota Consumers

@SoDakCampaigns

thuneheadernew John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressEPA’s Backdoor National Energy Tax a Burden for South Dakota Consumers

Electricity Bills Could Skyrocket as a Result of EPA Regulation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) announcement that it has approved the Clean Power Plan, which could increase electricity bills for Americans across the country:

“The Obama EPA strikes again,” said Thune. “If there is one thing for which the EPA can be counted on, it is the repeated issuance of rules and regulations that stifle growth and make life harder and more costly for American families and entrepreneurs. This backdoor national energy tax will hurt jobs, cause costs to skyrocket, and threaten grid reliability. While all South Dakotans are likely to feel the pain of this burdensome new regulation, low-income families and seniors living on fixed incomes will be hit the hardest. I will continue to fight for South Dakotans and do all I can to see that this rule is reversed.”

The EPA’s final rule will require a 32 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, targeting America’s affordable and reliable coal generation. For South Dakota to meet its state reduction target, the recently overhauled Big Stone Plant would likely have to shut down for at least part of the year. The plant, which is nearing completion of a $384 million environmental upgrade to meet the EPA’s Regional Haze and Utility MACT regulations, will soon be among the cleanest in the country. Yet, under the Clean Power Plan, this investment would be stranded and its sunk costs passed on to ratepayers.

In January, Thune urged EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy to withdraw the proposed regulations on existing power plants.

###

US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: Multi-Year Highway Bill an Investment in Our Roads and Bridges

@SoDakCampaigns

thuneheadernew John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressMulti-Year Highway Bill an Investment in Our Roads and Bridges
By Senator John Thune

With one million bikers expected to take to the highways for the 75th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, and as tourist season remains well underway, there is no better time to stress the need for safe, reliable roads and bridges in South Dakota and across America.

Our transportation infrastructure keeps our economy and our nation moving. That is why I am pleased the U.S. Senate recently passed a multi-year highway bill by a vote of 65-34 that would fund federal highway and infrastructure projects for three years. The Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act provides certainty to states across the country, does not increase the gas tax, and would be the longest highway funding measure in over a decade.

For too long, transportation funding has been subjected to one short-term extension after another – 34 short-term extensions since 2009 – that leaves those responsible for our nation’s transportation system without the certainty and predictability they need to maintain and improve the safety of our roads, bridges, and highways.

If Congress fails to provide state and local governments with this necessary certainty, they are hamstrung when it comes to authorizing certain projects or making long-term plans for transportation infrastructure. Such a scenario could mean that essential construction projects get deferred, necessary repairs might not get made, and jobs that depend on transportation are put in jeopardy.

The DRIVE Act answers the call for the type of long-term certainty state and local governments need. This legislation signals an important commitment to safe, quality highways and bridges in South Dakota that will help support our economy and ensure important industries such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing continue to thrive.

South Dakota agriculture producers and businesses rely on our interstate highway system to distribute their goods to stores across the United States and around the world. All of us depend on our nation’s roads and bridges to get from place to place every day – especially in a state like South Dakota where the distance between towns is often measured in hours.

This multi-year highway bill is another major legislative achievement for the Republican-led Senate and the result of months of hard work by multiple Senate committees, including the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which I chair. Republicans and Democrats alike had their voices heard during this process, and the final product is stronger because of it. It is critical the House and Senate finish a long-term highway bill in the coming months.

As this year’s rally approaches, I hope your travels throughout the state are safe. Motorcycles will be everywhere over the next few weeks, so remember to look twice and save a life.

###

US Senator Mike Rounds’ Weekly Column: No Deal is Better Than a Bad Deal

@SoDakCampaigns

RoundsPressHeader

 No Deal is Better Than a Bad Deal
By Senator Mike Rounds
July 31, 2015

MikeRounds official SenateSeveral weeks ago, President Obama submitted part of the nuclear agreement with Iran to Congress for review. The U.S. negotiators, including Secretary of State John Kerry, have not even seen the details of the side agreements reached between the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran. I have been closely examining the proposal and asking important questions regarding specific details. Unfortunately, the more I learn about the President’s agreement, the more concerned I am about the risks it poses to our long-term national security.

Earlier this year, President Obama claimed that no deal with Iran regarding their nuclear program would be better than a bad deal, and I couldn’t agree more. Yet from what we know so far, it appears to be a very bad deal that not only fails to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, it emboldens them through tens of billions of dollars in sanctions relief, a phased out lifting of United Nations arms and missile embargoes and allows them to test more advanced centrifuges after 10 years.

I recently had an opportunity to question administration officials about the deal during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. During that hearing, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter confirmed to me that under this deal, he could not rule out Iran acquiring an intercontinental ballistic missile in ten years. This means that Iran would have the capability of producing a weapon that could reach U.S. soil in a decade. These troubling comments come after General Paul Selva, the President’s nominee to be Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told me during a separate hearing that Iran remains the leading state sponsor of terrorism, and sanctions relief agreed to in the nuclear deal could be used by Iran to continue sponsoring terrorism.

I’m concerned that this deal puts too much trust in Iran – a country that has violated more than 20 international agreements in the past, continues to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism and currently has imprisoned four U.S. citizens.

Congress is currently reviewing the deal and will likely vote on a resolution of disapproval in mid-September. I’ve said all along that any deal with Iran must prevent Iran from ever obtaining a nuclear weapon, and it appears the President’s proposed deal fails to accomplish that goal. In essence, this agreement not only releases tens of billions of dollars in resources to Iran for use in terror activities, it also authorizes the relaxation of the arms embargo and the limitations on Iran’s ability to get an intercontinental ballistic missile while legally allowing them access to advance nuclear capabilities at the end of a ten year period. That is the end result, even if they do not cheat in the meantime.

A nuclear Iran will increase the level of unrest in an already-unstable Middle East, threaten many of our allies and put U.S. lives at risk. The president was correct when he said that “no deal is better than a bad deal” with Iran. It’s time for him to realize what is in front of him.

###

Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s Weekly Column: Reining in Regulators

@SoDakCampaigns

knoem kristi noem headshot May 21 2014Reining in Regulators
By Rep. Kristi Noem
July 31, 2015

$1.88 trillion – that’s how much federal regulations cost hardworking Americans overall in 2014 alone. $14,976 – that’s how much, on average, those regulations cost each of us individually.  500 – that’s approximately how many new regulations costing more than $100 million annually have gone into effect since President Obama took office.  No matter how you add the numbers up, it is too much.  This administration and the federal bureaucracy it controls must be reined in.  Period.

On July 29, the House of Representatives passed legislation that aims to provide more congressional oversight over the federal regulatory process.  More specifically, the REINS Act, which is legislation I cosponsored, would require Congress to approve any regulation that costs the economy more than $100 million annually.  That may seem like a high bar, but approximately 80 regulations would have tripped that threshold last year alone.

A number of these regulations are derived by the EPA.  For instance, last June, the EPA released new greenhouse gas emission standards that apply to new as well as existing power plants.  According to an October 2014 study by NERA Economic Consulting, the EPA’s proposal could cost consumers and businesses as much as $41 billion per year.  Additionally, the Heritage Foundation estimates that by 2030, the costs could rise to a total income loss of more than $7,000 per person.

We all want to preserve our environment for future generations, but in a state like South Dakota, the costs associated with a regulation like this could prove devastating.  Families in South Dakota that earn less than $50,000 per year already spend one-fifth of their after-tax income on energy costs, which is double the national average.  Many can’t afford to pay even more.

Of course, the EPA’s upcharges don’t end there.  I’ve heard from many South Dakotans about their concerns with a new “Waters of the U.S.” definition that the EPA released.  It grossly expands the agency’s reach, giving them regulatory authority over many streams, ditches, sloughs, and even areas that are only wet seasonally.  The expanded authority would empower them to fine property owners tens of thousands of dollars per violation – per day.

The EPA is eager to utilize this authority too.  Last year – before the expansion was finalized – the agency threatened to go after a Wyoming farmer for digging a stock dam on his own property.  He explains they threatened a $75,000-a-day fine.  After heavy pressure from Wyoming’s congressional delegation, the EPA backed down.  Even so, no farmer, rancher, or citizen should have to endure those unnecessary headaches at the hand of an overzealous federal agency.  I share concerns that this story won’t be the last.

Federal regulators shouldn’t be able to operate in a bubble.  It’s time they are forced to think twice before finalizing ill-considered, needlessly costly and simply unnecessary regulations.  That is what the REINS Act intends to do.  I’m hopeful we can see this necessary legislation move forward in the Senate and make its way to the President’s desk.  You deserve greater accountability.

###

Rounds Actively Working to Defund Planned Parenthood

@SoDakCampaigns

RoundsPressHeader MikeRounds official SenateRounds Actively Working to Defund Planned Parenthood
Signs onto Legislation to Completely Defund Organization

PIERRE—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after another video surfaced of Planned Parenthood executives discussing the sale of unborn babies’ body parts. He has cosponsored several bills to defund the organization. The Senate will vote on legislation to defund Planned Parenthood on Monday.

“Four videos have now surfaced of Planned Parenthood officials talking casually and cold-heartedly about the sale of body parts of unborn children. The behavior displayed by agency officials in the videos is disgusting and morally reprehensible,” said Rounds. “Planned Parenthood should never have been receiving taxpayer dollars. I will work to stop federal funds from going to this organization immediately.”

Legislation Rounds Has Cosponsored To Defund Planned Parenthood:

  • S. 1861 would eliminate nearly $500 million of taxpayer funding each year to Planned Parenthood.
  • S. 1877 would require a special prosecutor to be appointed by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals for the purpose of investigating Planned Parenthood’s alleged violation of federal law, including changing or delaying abortion procedures for the sole purpose of harvesting fetal tissue and selling fetal tissue for profit. The legislation would also rescind federal funding to Planned Parenthood as a means to pay for this special investigation and would also authorize the investigation of any other organization that funds or conducts abortions.
  • S. 1881 would defund Planned Parenthood while preserving federal funding for women’s health services, including relevant diagnostic laboratory and radiology services, well-child care, prenatal and postpartum care, immunization, cervical and breast cancer screenings and referrals. Funds no longer available to Planned Parenthood will continue to be offered to other eligible entities to provide such women’s health care services.

In addition, Rounds joined 49 of his colleagues in a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell to draw attention to the legal, ethical and policy issues raised by the footage and urge her to cooperate with ongoing and future investigations into these questions.

Planned Parenthood receives roughly $1.4 million tax payer dollars every day, according to their 2013-2014 annual report. The Senate is scheduled to vote on S. 1881 on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. ET.

###

Noem Named Hero of Main Street

@SoDakCampaigns

noem press header kristi noem headshot May 21 2014Noem Named Hero of Main Street

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem was today honored as a “Hero of Main Street” – an annual designation offered by the South Dakota Retailers Association in conjunction with the National Retail Federation.

“My family had a Main Street business, so I understand the struggles these businesses face as they create jobs within our communities,” said Noem.  “I want to fuel an Opportunity Economy for these hardworking individuals and families.  That will only come through smarter policies that unlock the potential of the American workforce by leveling the playing field so small businesses can compete in their communities and across the globe.  We have a long way to go to accomplish this, but I’m committed to moving us further in that direction every day.”

Created in 2013, the “Hero of Main Street “ award annually recognizes Members of Congress for their support for Main Street priorities.  Noem has been a recipient in 2013 and 2014 as well.

“South Dakota’s retailers and small businesses are working hard every day to create jobs, provide stellar customer service, and giving back to our state’s economy as well as their communities,” said Shawn Lyons, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association.  “We are very appreciative of the support from our Congressional Delegation to ensure that our retailers can thrive and survive in these challenging regulatory times.”

The South Dakota Retailers Association was founded in 1897.  With more than 3,700 members, the organization ranks as one of the largest state retail associations nationwide.  To search for a member in your community, please click here.

0715_HeroOfMainStreet

Pictured (Left to Right): Gary Cammack (Union Center), Shawn Lyons (Rapid City), Rep. Kristi Noem, Elmer Karl (Gregory), and Dan Tribby (Rapid City)

###

Thune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan DRIVE Act

@SoDakCampaigns

thuneheadernew

John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressThune Statement on Passage of Bipartisan DRIVE Act

“Passing a bipartisan, multi-year highway bill will provide South Dakota with much-needed, long-term certainty to make important investments in infrastructure projects, leading to job creation and sustained economic growth in communities across the state.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the Senate’s bipartisan passage of the multi-year Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act, which contains several Thune-led provisions that were included as part of the Commerce Committee-approved titles of the bill:

“Passing a bipartisan, multi-year highway bill will provide South Dakota with much-needed, long-term certainty to make important investments in infrastructure projects, leading to job creation and sustained economic growth in communities across the state,” said Thune. “I am proud that several key Commerce Committee-approved reforms to enhance safety, provide regulatory relief, streamline grant programs, and improve the accountability and efficiency of oversight efforts were included in this bill. Specifically, these reforms will help cut unnecessary red tape and provide relief to our agriculture transporters and custom harvesters in South Dakota.

“There is still more to be done, and I look forward to working with the House of Representatives as it completes its work in the months ahead.”

On July 15, the Commerce Committee, under Thune’s leadership, passed the Comprehensive Transportation and Consumer Protection Act, which was combined with legislation from other Senate committees that have jurisdiction over transportation issues to form this year’s highway bill. In addition to the regulatory relief for agriculture transporters and custom harvesters, the DRIVE Act creates new grant eligibility for states like South Dakota that provide 24/7 sobriety programs.

###

South Dakota’s Senator Mike Rounds part of RESTORE resolution

@SoDakCampaigns

Senator Rounds was cited as part of the RESTORE resolution in a colleague’s recent press release that I thought I’d tag for your information. The resolution requires that the House & Senate would annually review all federal rules with an impact of $50 million of more to the economy.

——

Rep. Bishop Introduces RESTORE Resolution

WASHINGTON – Congressman Mike Bishop (MI-08) has introduced the bipartisan Regulation Sensibility Through Oversight Restoration (RESTORE) Resolution, H. Con. Res. 67, with Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) to create greater congressional oversight of federal rules and the process for which agencies create them. Working with Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, the resolution would bring together a Joint Committee to study federal regulations, make recommendations to reduce their burden on hardworking Americans, and analyze the feasibility and options for creating a review process in Congress.

“Unelected bureaucrats create thousands of onerous rules every year without any checks over their impact on families and businesses,” said Rep. Bishop. “RESTORE takes congressional oversight a step further by giving the people’s representatives a place in the review process – so we can cut through the red tape that is holding our nation back. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate on restoring the good government our Founding Fathers intended.”

“Overly burdensome regulations are wreaking havoc on our rural communities, farmers and ranchers, and small business owners. Establishing a new review process that allows for more input from those who will actually be impacted by new rules and regulations will help ensure that laws are implemented the way Congress intended,” said Rep. Peterson.

MikeRounds official Senate“Since its introduction in May, my RESTORE Resolution has gained momentum,” said Sen. Rounds. “In addition to receiving bipartisan, bicameral support in Congress, RESTORE has the support of dozens of local and national organizations. It is a common sense approach to addressing the federal government’s overreach and it will restore the people’s role in eliminating unnecessary and burdensome regulations. RESTORE offers a permanent solution to overregulation in America and reestablishes Congress’ role in the rule making process. I thank Reps. Bishop and Peterson for taking the lead on this important piece of legislation in the House and look forward to working with them.”

BACKGROUND

The RESTORE Resolution would create a Joint Select Committee consisting of members of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The committee would:

  • Analyze the feasibility of a permanent joint rules review committee to
    • Review all rules causing an annual impact on the economy of $50 million or more before the rule is enacted; and
    • Delay the imposition of rules for review to the Permanent Joint Rules Review Committee.
  • Analyze the feasibility of requiring each federal agency to submit each proposed rule over $50 million to the appropriate committees of Congress for review before the rule is enacted.
  • Conduct a systematic review of rules enacted by federal agencies;
  • Hold hearings on the effects of current rules and look for ways to reduce the regulatory overreach;
  • Submit to Congress recommendations for a process to sunset overly burdensome and unnecessary rules, as well as a process for federal agencies to submit rules to Congress for review before they are enacted;
  • Submit to Congress recommendations for ways to reduce the financial burden these regulations place on American families;
  • Recommend whether Congress should overturn rules by enacting a joint resolution of disapproval; and
  • Submit a list of rules that should be repealed.

Additional statistics:

 

###