US Senator John Thune’s Weekly Column: Airspace Expansion Approval Essential to Maintaining Military Readiness

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Airspace Expansion Approval Essential to Maintaining Military Readiness
By Senator John Thune

John_Thune,_official_portrait,_111th_CongressOver the past 15 years, the United States has enjoyed air dominance in every combat operation in which we have engaged. This level of air superiority allows our troops on the ground to operate with a level of confidence that would otherwise be impossible.

Today, in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, whether fighting against ISIS, al Qaeda, or Taliban elements, the skill and experience of those in the air is essential to the survival and success of those on the ground. In modern combat scenarios, munitions dropped from above are often guided by line-of-site laser targeting from a sniper pod mounted on the underside of the aircraft. The ability of pilot and crew members to operate together over mountainous terrain while maintaining eyes on the target is essential for these weapons to be used in a high intensity, combat environment. What is also incredible is that after one aircraft has dropped a munition, they can hand off control of this munition to another aircraft, which will then guide it to its target. This type of seamless integration can only be achieved by extensive training, incorporating multiple aircraft operating over landscape that simulates the combat environment.

Until recently, the ability of B-1 crews based at Ellsworth Air Force Base to train together over landscape that simulates our operations in the Middle East has been limited. However, this week I was pleased to announce that the Federal Aviation Administration signed off on the Air Force’s Record of Decision on the expansion of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC), finalizing nine years of work by the Air Force to expand PRTC airspace over South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.

The expanded PRTC will be divided into four quadrants, with each quadrant providing essential elements needed for the success of the overall training range. Specifically, PR-1 over Montana offers pilots and crews the ability to train over terrain that simulates the topographical characteristics pilots and crews will encounter in combat. This expansion will allow for multiple B-1s from Ellsworth to train together at home and permit large force exercises for up to 10 days per year, bringing together aircraft from all across the country to train in South Dakota and adjoining states with no live fire ever used during the training missions.

Prior to this expansion, only 46 percent of B-1 training missions out of Ellsworth could take place in the Powder River Training Complex. Now that the FAA has approved the expansion, 85 percent of training flights can take place locally. For South Dakota, the ability of our B-1s to train closer to home will potentially save Ellsworth $23 million per year, and will provide the Air Force with one of its best training resources.

By allowing our aircrews to maintain the highest level of readiness, the Air Force’s expansion of the PRTC will ensure that our air crews continue to have the tools, resources, and experiences needed to continue to be the best in the world. 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.

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US Senator Mike Rounds Weekly Column: Spending Responsibly

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Spending Responsibly
By Senator Mike Rounds
March 27, 2015

MikeRounds official SenateThe mindset in Washington for far too long has been “spend now, pay later,” leaving our children and grandchildren to pick up the tab. This has led to a national debt of more than $18 trillion that threatens future economic growth. When Republicans took over the Senate this year, we promised to put an end to this kind of reckless spending. The budget we passed in the Senate offers a robust plan to not only rein in spending, but also grow the economy, repeal Obamacare and protect Americans from new tax burdens.

Balancing our budget is not new to South Dakotans. Our state leaders balance the budget every single year, which helps keep South Dakota’s economy strong and unemployment low. In addition, balancing the budget helps keep government accountable to taxpayers and makes sure their money is being spent wisely. The Senate budget resolution we passed would help accomplish all of these things. It would balance the budget over the course of ten years – without any additional taxes. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which provides nonpartisan legislative analysis, estimates that by 2025 the spending reductions in the resolution alone will grow the economy 1.5 percent per person, providing them an additional $1,200 dollars in income annually.

In addition to controlling spending, our budget offers the best path to repeal Obamacare, increases defense spending and encourages domestic energy production so we can become energy independent. It reforms welfare and Medicaid programs by providing states with the resources and flexibility necessary to care for their residents’ needs while protecting our most vulnerable citizens. This is a stark contrast to the policies promulgated by the President and Senate Democrats, and one we believe will get us on the right economic path.

I was pleased to offer a number of amendments to the budget resolution that were included in the final package. One of my amendments would open up mortgage options in rural areas to make it easier for families to purchase a home. Another amendment I offered seeks to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within federal agencies. Overall, 53 amendments were voted on during debate, and dozens more adopted in the final budget resolution that was passed, giving all Senators a chance to offer their ideas.

Now that the budget resolution has passed, the Senate can begin to tackle chronic overspending and waste in government. We now have twelve opportunities in twelve separate appropriation bills in which we can impact how money at the federal level is being spent. When I was elected to the Senate, I promised South Dakotans that I would come to Washington to get things done. I intend to make good on that promise. Passing the budget resolution will give us the tools to start the real work of appropriating taxpayer’s hard earned  dollars in a meaningful and responsible way.

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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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Governor Daugaard’s Weekly Column: Expecting Another Busy Year For South Dakota’s Parks

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Expecting Another Busy Year For South Dakota’s Parks
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

DaugaardSpring has sprung and summer is around the corner. Now is a good time to plan a summer trip to one of our state parks. If not a week-long vacation, consider at least a weekend or weeknight stay.

State parks are great vacation spots for out-of-state tourists, but they are also great destinations for South Dakotans to spend some quality time with family and friends. We’re fortunate to live in a state where beautiful outdoor opportunities are never too far away. We have an abundance of choices, too. We’re home to 56 state parks and recreation areas including Angostura, Good Earth, North Point, Okobojo and Custer State Park. Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating – you can do all those things right here in South Dakota.

Last year, more people camped in South Dakota’s state parks than ever before. Our parks hosted over 290,000 nights of camping for in- and out-of-state guests – up 3.8 percent from 2013. State park staff members expect this year to be just as busy.

Linda and I are already planning a trip to Custer State Park. We are reserving our spots early because a number of Linda’s siblings and cousins will be joining us for a big family reunion.

Custer State Park takes reservations one year in advance. For other state parks, however, reservations open 90 days in advance. That means early summer dates are already available.  And, starting the first week of April, you’ll be able to make reservations for the Fourth of July weekend, which is the most popular camping weekend of the year.

Start planning your summer now so you don’t miss out. Make reservations for your favorite campground as soon as possible. To reserve your spot, visit campsd.com or call 1-800-710-2267.

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At Brookings Co Lincoln Day Dinner

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I’m sitting at my nearly empty table, tapping this out as people snake through the food line at the 2015 Brookings County Lincoln Day Dinner.

Congresswoman Kristi Noem is the keynote speaker tonight, a speech I’m looking forward to hearing. Other constitutional officers are here such as Steve Barnett, Chris Nelson, and Marty Jackley.

Very interestingly, State Rep Mark Mickelson is here visiting the city of his youth. I’m not sure of we should chalk that up to nostalgia, or to the fact that the two other main contenders for Governor in 2018 are here as well.

Jason Ravnsborg is here too, which coincides with the rumor of his interest in 2018 contest for Attorney General.

Legislators? State Senator Larry Tidemann and State Representative Scott Munsterman are here locally, and Reps Leslie Heinemann, John Wiik, & Fred Deutsch all made it to town.

The candidates for Mayor, Keith Corbett & Mayor Tim Reed are here, as are other city and county officials.

It’s a nice crowd, especially for an off year. I’ll update on any interesting things that come up tonight.

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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The Complete List of Jeb Bush legislators. (Or I need to watch my e-mail more closely.)

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Ugh. Too much on my plate, and too much spam in my e-mail box. I am only realizing a day later that I was sent the list of legislators who joined the South Dakota group for Jeb Bush. So, better late than never….

South Dakota State Legislators Join Draft Jeb Bush Group

Senate Majority Leader Joins Group Urging Jeb Bush to Seek Presidency

Sioux Falls, SD— March 26, 2015 — Today Steve Westra (R-SD) announced the addition of eight South Dakota state legislators to the South Dakotans for Jeb Bush volunteer group, including Senate Majority Leader Tim Rave (R-SD). The South Dakotans for Jeb Bush group was founded by Steve Westra, assistant South Dakota House majority leader, and has gathered hundreds of names of South Dakotans that are urging Jeb Bush to run for the presidency of the United States. The group was the first in the nation formed to urge Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, to run for the office of the President.

“We have shown that this draft Jeb Bush movement has broad state wide appeal,” said Westra. “We have respected state leaders from West River ranch country, the James River valley area, Sioux Falls, and all over East River.”

“Jeb Bush represents the best of South Dakota conservatism, and that is why this draft movement is attracting the support of many Republicans. We have farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, educators, and students that are united in their support of Jeb Bush,” said Westra. “Jeb Bush represents the majority of South Dakotan’s views on a limited government, a strong national defense, and protection of our Second Amendment rights.”

South Dakotans for Jeb Bush has set up a Facebook site at www.facebook.com/sdforjeb with over 500 names accumulated to date. The group will be sending Jeb Bush the names of South Dakotans that were early supporters of his campaign.

The complete list of legislators that have joined South Dakotans for Jeb Bush include:

1. Senator Tim Rave (R-SD), Senate Majority Leader, District 25, Baltic, SD
2. Representative Justin R. Cronin (R-SD), District 23, Gettysburg, SD
3. Senator Phyllis Heineman (R-SD), District 13, Sioux Falls, SD
4. Representative Alex Jensen (R-SD), District 12, Sioux Falls, SD
5. Representative Larry Zikmund (R-SD), District 14, Sioux Falls, SD
6. Representative Fred W. Romkema (R-SD), District 31, Spearfish, SD
7. Representative Dick Werner (R-SD), District 22, Huron, SD
8. Representative Burt E. Tulson (R-SD), District 2, Lake Norden, SD

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Press Release: Attorney General Jackley and other Attorneys General Call Upon EPA to Withdraw Proposed Greenhouse Rule

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Attorney General Jackley and other Attorneys General Call Upon
EPA to Withdraw Proposed Greenhouse Rule

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley and 18 other State Attorneys General today asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the Proposed Rule for the Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Emissions from New Stationary Sources, this rule provides new source performance standards for greenhouse gas emissions for new fossil-fuel fired generating units.
“Protecting the environment through reasonable regulation and enforcement is important to South Dakota. The process and unprecedented action taken by the EPA to expand its authority is unnecessarily affecting economic development and our agricultural industry in South Dakota. In the end these attempts at regulation will only work to stifle economic development, and increase energy prices upon the consumer,” said Jackley.

In 2014, several states submitted extensive comments on the Proposed Rule, explaining the Proposed Rule was unlawful. In addition, they also noted the EPA’s failure to comply with notice and comment requirements. Now over a year later, these comments and related concerns have not been addressed as the EPA moves forward with the implementation of the Proposed Rule.

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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