Democrats’ Shutdown Holds America Back
By Sen. John Thune

 At midnight on September 30, the federal government shut down. This shutdown was entirely avoidable, but Democrats chose to hold government funding hostage, and they rejected attempts by Republicans to pass a clean funding extension that would have kept the government open. And the American people are the ones left to suffer the consequences of Democrats’ hostage-taking.

Republicans are united around a clean, nonpartisan funding extension that keeps the government open for seven weeks so we can continue work on the regular appropriations process. A clean, nonpartisan extension has already passed the House, and President Trump is ready to sign it. All that stands in the way is Senate Democrats, who have rejected multiple attempts to pass this simple and straightforward bill.

Senate Democrats shut down the government because we would not give in to their demands for $1.5 trillion in partisan spending. They have demanded more money than the entire defense budget just to keep the government open for four short weeks. It’s not a credible proposal, it’s a far-left wish list. For Democrats, this isn’t about finding a way to fund the government; it’s about finding a way to show their far-left base that they’re fighting against President Trump.

Democrats may earn some praise from the far left, but I doubt the American people have many kind words. Federal employees – including members of the military, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers – are working without pay. A number of federal programs and services are interrupted or at risk. A government shutdown has serious consequences for the American people. But none of that seems to matter to Democrats.

This shutdown mess holds up important work Congress should be doing for the American people. We have important, bipartisan appropriations bills waiting to be considered. The annual defense authorization bill is also on hold. Democrats have not only halted or jeopardized government services; they’re standing in the way of key legislation.

Democrats have spent this entire year with one object in mind: opposing President Trump. But their temper tantrum over last year’s election results has to stop. The American people elected President Trump, they gave him a mandate to enact his agenda, and these antics only hold our country back. Republicans are ready to continue our work; the question is whether Democrats will work with us.

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A Symbol of Freedom
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
October 3, 2025

Recently, I got to visit one of the greatest symbols of freedom in the world: Mount Rushmore. I’ve been there many times, but I will never cease to be amazed by the power and splendor of that monument. We were there for a naturalization ceremony, which made that symbol of freedom even more powerful.

72 individuals raised their right hands and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. In doing so, they became citizens of our great nation. It was a powerful sight, and I’m glad my friend Secretary Kristi Noem could be there with us.

Every American has a responsibility to defend our Constitution and the freedoms that it enshrines. That’s true whether you became a citizen yesterday or your family came on the Mayflower.

Take my great-great-great grandfather, who fought in the Revolutionary War and served as aide to General Lafayette. His four brothers all perished in that war. They died fighting for American freedom. Because of their sacrifice, my great-great-great grandfather got to see the dawn of our great nation. And his descendants got to share in America’s freedoms.

It wasn’t always easy. Sometimes it required them to fight – like when my grandfather fought in World War I, or when my father fought in World War II. But that’s what we signed up for as Americans. It’s what our Founding Fathers signed up for 249 years ago. And it’s what those 72 new American citizens signed up for when they swore their oath.

How fitting to hold this celebration at Mount Rushmore, where nine months from now, we will celebrate America’s 250^th birthday! I can’t wait to see those fireworks go off again, and all the more for what we’ll be celebrating: a nation founded on freedom.

I’ve often said that South Dakota is the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom. That became truer than ever when my predecessor, Governor Noem, bucked the trend and stood for freedom when no other leader would during COVID. I was by her side at that time. And now that I’m serving as Governor, I am following that example. It’s one that we should all follow: protect freedom and the American Constitution, even when it’s difficult – especially when it’s difficult.

As those 72 brave new Americans complete their journey, I trust that they will take on the same responsibility to defend American freedom. It’s a duty that each of us share, whether we serve in uniform or not.

I did swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution when I joined the National Guard. I’ve sworn it many times since as I held elected leadership positions, including as Governor. This responsibility is mine – and it’s all of ours. And we must do our best to fulfill it.

Guard your freedoms jealously, and I promise to do the same for every South Dakotan.

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I’m not sure what space Marshall Selburg hopes to occupy in the race for Sioux Falls Mayor, but apparently he’s running too as we find out in a message that was sent out a short time ago

Please join us on Wednesday, October 15th at the Alliance as we kick off our Mayoral campaign at 4:00!  

Your support means so much, hope to see you there! 🇺🇸  

Marshall for Mayor ‘26

I’m not sure what the difference is between he or Jamie Smith or Joe Batcheller, but they all seem rather cookie cutter.

I don’t think Smith being a Realtor at Hegg versus Selburg being a realtor over at Keller Williams is going to move voters one way or another. And you never know, there might be another white male middle-aged real estate agent who jumps into the race, further splitting that block of voters.

Stay tuned.

The Shutdown
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
October 3, 2025

The American people expect the federal government to work for them. They expect federal programs and services to be there when they need them, and they expect Congress to make their tax dollars work for American citizens. Unfortunately, the government is not open, and it is not working as it should.

On Wednesday at midnight, the government shut down after Senate Democrats decided to hold the federal government and American people hostage over partisan policy demands. Their laundry list of demands totals $1.5 trillion – an absurd amount of money to ask for during a government shutdown. Their wish list includes health care subsidies for illegal immigrants and people making $110,000 a year. The Democrats’ decision to shut the government down is withholding the pay of hundreds of thousands of government employees across the country.

Meanwhile, the Republican proposal is simple: extend the current budget for seven weeks so the House and Senate can finish passing annual funding bills. I voted to keep the government open so taxpaying South Dakotans receive the services they’re paying for.

Shutdowns are stupid and no one benefits from them. To stop the repetitive political theater and consequences of shutdowns, I introduced the Eliminate Shutdowns Act to make sure shutdowns never happen again. Additionally, I believe Congress shouldn’t get paid when American workers like our men and women in uniform do without. I made sure I won’t receive a paycheck during this shutdown – it’s just not fair.

I’m working every day to open the government, and my team and I will be available to serve South Dakotans who need help.

If you’re wondering how the shutdown might impact you, I’ve included some updates on common government services below.

Agencies with minimal changes in services

• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will continue to operate as normal. The processing of new benefits may be delayed.
• The United States Postal Service will not be interrupted.
• All VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, and Vet Centers will be open. VA benefits, including compensation, pension education, and housing benefits will continue to be processed.

Where services may be impacted

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue to be paid. A prolonged shutdown may impact these benefits.
• Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may stop during the shutdown.
• National Parks may be closed to visitors during the lapse in funding. I recommend checking the park’s status ahead of any planned visit.
• Air traffic controllers and TSA will operate without pay and some delays are possible.
• Passport applications are currently taking 4-6 weeks to process for routine applications. Further delays are possible as the shutdown continues.
• The Farm Service Agency will continue to service farm loans during this time. It will provide emergency loans, but this service may be slower than usual. Local offices will be closed but an on-call farm loan officer will be available for emergencies should the shutdown be prolonged.

I will continue to work throughout this government shutdown. Please reach out to my office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Just had this sent my way, where a candidate, Bill Meirose, has announced for the seat currently held by California Carley:

Meirose, who is an ordained minister, notes in his video that he doesn’t think that California Carley’s bill mandating the ten commandments in schools is the place of the school district. So, there’s a positive alternative right off the bat.

Thune: Schumer Shutdown Day One

“We will continue to work together with our House counterparts, with the president of the United States, to get this government open again on behalf of the American people.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a bicameral press conference with congressional Republican leadership:

Johnson Issues Statement on Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement as the government shut down.

“I’ve said it thousands of times – shutdowns are stupid. The House has done its work to avoid a shutdown, and I voted to keep the government open. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats voted to shut the government down, putting the American worker’s paychecks at risk. Instead, Democrats want $1.5 trillion of new, unnecessary spending to continue COVID-era health care subsidies for illegal immigrants and rich Americans.

I will not receive a paycheck during a shutdown, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop working to find a solution. I’ve even introduced the Eliminate Shutdowns Act to prevent shutdowns from ever happening again. Shutdowns are costly and do not serve the American people.”

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Toby Doeden is on Facebook tonight declaring his need to be a cancel queen to remove anyone from higher education he disagrees with.

MEET PROFESSOR TIMOTHY SCHORN.

Last week, I announced that under my administration, South Dakota DOGE would begin the process of auditing our higher education institutions that are receiving state funds. I refuse to allow government dollars to be spent on the indoctrination and radicalization of our young people.

and..

Why are the wonderful and amazing taxpayers of South Dakota having their hard earned money taken from them and given to someone who so openly hates them and the values they hold dear? It is wrong!

Freedom of Speech is a wonderful thing. I am a constitutional conservative and freedom absolutist. I will not, however, stand by and watch our tax dollars be spent paying exorbitant salaries to people who hate our country, insight violence on our leaders, and promote radicalized ideas to our impressionable young people.

and..

Under my leadership, people like Professor Scorn will have no place in the classroom!
-Toby

Read Toby’s latest screed here.

Regarding Toby’s attack on Dr. Schorn; I know the professor says many things I disagree with. But demanding that he be purged from employment is dangerous territory, as Representative Jon Hansen recently found out in the case of the art professor being returned to employment after a hearing in Federal Court.  You’d think that ‘Dumpster Fire‘ Doeden might have read the news last week before making his declaration?  And we have the part where Toby declares himself a “freedom absolutist?”   That’s a new one. What exactly has Toby Doeden done for the cause of freedom?

Of course, in Doeden’s rant, he goes out on a limb and declares Schorn as among “people who hate our country, insight (sic) violence on our leaders, and promote radicalized ideas to our impressionable young people.”    Aside from his inability to distinguish ‘insight’ from ‘incite’ and other grammatical crimes,  I’m guessing that the ‘freedom absolutist‘ also missed that the professor he claims hates our country is a military veteran:

Dr. Timothy Schorn urged young people attending Vermillion’s Veterans Day service to use the veterans living in the community as an example of the right way to build their characters and help others.

1SG Dr. Timothy Schorn, U.S. Army, retired, is a political science professor at the University of South Dakota.

“I identified with, especially, the veterans of my mom and dad’s generation and those who had come before. They were the people who led the community in service, the village, the township board, the school, the library board, the community club, the parish councils,” he said. “It was these men and women who kept the town and so for those of you who are students, remember this, and look to the veterans who are sitting here in front of you.

“Remember what you can learn from them, as I learned from the veterans when I was growing up,” Schorn said.

and..

“To all of the veterans, to the fellow veterans in front of me, for your service in the military, for your continued service to our community, for your inspiration, for your guidance, for role modeling,” he said, “not just for the students, but for your fellow community members, I say, thank you.”

Read that entire story here.

‘Freedom absolutist’ Toby Doeden wants to fire a military veteran from his job because he doesn’t like what he says on Facebook?  As I said, I know the professor holds views that I don’t agree with. But, especially considering his service to our country, I think he’s earned the right to his opinion.

Otherwise, do we really want to venture on to that slippery slope and start actively purging universities?

Because it appears that Toby Doeden thinks so.

Gov. Rhoden and America First Governors Urge Congress to Put American People First

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and the Governors Council of the America First Policy Institute wrote Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, and Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, urging them to prioritize the American people over Washington politics by passing a clean, short-term funding extension immediately. You can find the letter here.

“When Washington gridlocks, America suffers. Our troops, first responders, and firefighters should never have their paychecks put at risk. Seniors and veterans should never wonder if their benefits will be disrupted. Families should never face uncertainty about food assistance because Congress refuses to do its job,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “These consequences are real, immediate, and entirely avoidable.”

The America First Governors recognize that putting the American people first is of utmost importance. Without a clean short-term funding extension, which would extend the current funding deadline of September 30^th, a government shutdown is inevitable. This extension previously passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and awaits Senate approval.

“The American people deserve leaders who put America First over politics,” continued Governor Larry Rhoden and his colleagues. “We urge the Senate to do the right thing and take immediate action to keep the government open by passing a clean funding extension. It protects our service members and veterans, ensures continuity for essential programs, and prevents unnecessary disruption to our state’s economies and communities.”

Governor Rhoden was joined in signing the letter by former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Indiana Governor Mike Braun, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Idaho Governor Brad Little, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Nebraska Governor James Pillen, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker.

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Thune: The Senate Is on Schumer Shutdown Watch

“Democrats are so committed to shutting down the government, they’re rejecting a clean – clean, clean – nonpartisan, short-term funding extension – the very same kind of extension that, as I mentioned, they supported 13 times during the Biden administration.”

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

Click here to watch the video.