“Broadband Czar” Harris Must Be Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Federal Initiatives

“It appears that your performance as ‘broadband czar’ has mirrored your performance as ‘border czar,’ marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today led his colleagues in sending a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris regarding her egregious mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives. In 2021, President Biden specifically tasked the vice president to lead the administration’s effort to expand broadband services to rural, unserved communities. Under Vice President Harris’s tenure as the “broadband czar,” the Biden-Harris administration’s $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has yet to connect a single person to the internet.

“Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment,” wrote the senators. “By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.”

The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Full letter below:

Dear Vice President Harris:

We are writing to express serious concerns regarding your role as the Biden-Harris administration’s “broadband czar” and the mismanagement of federal broadband initiatives under your leadership. It appears that your performance as “broadband czar” has mirrored your performance as “border czar,” marked by poor management and a lack of effectiveness despite significant federal broadband investments and your promises to deliver broadband to rural areas.

As you are aware, Congress, through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provided the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with $42.45 billion for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. These funds are intended to provide broadband access to unserved communities, particularly those in rural areas.

In 2021, you were specifically tasked by President Biden to lead the administration’s efforts to expand broadband services to unserved Americans. And at the time, you stated, “we can bring broadband to rural America today.” Despite your assurances over three years ago, rural and unserved communities continue to wait for the connectivity they were promised. Under your leadership, not a single person has been connected to the internet using the $42.45 billion allocated for the BEAD program. Indeed, Politico recently reported on “the messy, delayed rollout of” this program.

Instead of focusing on delivering broadband services to unserved areas, your administration has used the BEAD program to add partisan, extralegal requirements that were never envisioned by Congress and have obstructed broadband deployment. By imposing burdensome climate change mandates on infrastructure projects, prioritizing government-owned networks over private investment, mandating the use of unionized labor in states, and seeking to regulate broadband rates, your administration has caused unnecessary delays leaving millions of Americans unconnected.

The administration’s lack of focus on truly connecting the unconnected has failed the American people and represents a gross misuse of limited taxpayer dollars. The American public deserves better.

Sincerely,

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Back in late July/Early August, I was noting that the Secretary of State Monae Johnson, after a very rocky term to date had initially indicated that she was not going to run. But in the run up of the State Fair she switched gears and came out with an updated campaign website, and launched her re-election campaign at the state fair, using the theme of “experience.”

I suppose bad experiences are still experiences, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder and the voting public at large.

Also in that same article, I noted that CIA conspiracist Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson sees herself in the role of Secretary of State, which is logical, considering the base that propelled Johnson into office has now abandoned her, and adopted Anderson as their figurehead. Despite Minnehaha County Commissioner Joe Kippley referring to her as “a walking lawsuit.”

But now I’m hearing strong talk about a door #3, with Aberdeen area native, and Deputy State Treasurer Jason Williams making plans to pursue the office at the next State Republican Convention. Williams had been casually viewed as moving up in the State Treasurer’s office in the next election, but insiders are telling me that Williams is actively planning to run for Secretary of State at the next GOP gathering.

Jason has often served as a confidant to those in higher office, having served as Rounds for Senate Statewide Coalitions Director in 2013, Coalitions Director for Governor Kristi Noem in 2010, and also assisted Steve Barnett for State Auditor as his campaign coordinator that same year.

As Brown County GOP Chair, behind the scenes Williams has often has a hand in working people into (and out of) constitutional offices in Republican circles. He was a supporter of Jason Gant’s in helping him get elected to Secretary of State. And was one of the players who was supporting Shantel Krebs to push Gant out. After his time in the SOS office as Public Information Officer for Krebs, in January of 2018 he made a beeline for the exit as he was also doing double duty on her congressional campaign in his spare time. I was told he was burnt out from the demanding campaign responsibilities being foisted on him. But not so much that he didn’t assist in helping Barnett replace her.

Williams eventually landed back in State Government with Josh Haeder in his highest ranking role to date as Deputy State Treasurer. Williams currently serves as chair of the Hughes County Republicans, and sits as a board member of South Dakota Right to Life.

Getting into the SOS contest, Williams would be viewed as a far more ‘establishment’ option over Leah Anderson to replace Monae Johnson. Anderson’s support would draw almost exclusively from the election conspiracists.. but admittedly, there were a lot of them at the 2022 convention.  And there’s always the question of how many votes Monae might pull with the loss of her base in the race. Would we even get to a round two of voting?

The office of Secretary of State has been a revolving door as of late, where in the last decade we’ve chewed through 4 Secretaries of State; with some passing on another run, and some unable to capture a second term (counting the current SOS in that number.)

Does the office need changes to restore longevity? Probably not. But if a person is interested in running for higher office, I would advise that they should not consider Secretary of State as a stepping stone. Only two have managed to accomplish it.  Clarence Coyne (SOS 1922-1927) managed a stint as Lt. Governor.  Only Gladys Pyle (SOS 1927-1931) actually parlayed her time in the office into the US Senate. And that was after the GOP nomination for Governor was stolen from her at convention.

Speaking of conventions, the 2026 Republican State Convention is scheduled to take place in June 2026 in Rapid City where we’ll get to put all of this wargaming and theory into practice. And the playing board might be yet to be determined.

There’s a great article in Bloomberg that came out in the last week about the great job that Congressman Dusty Johnson does for South Dakota in Washington. And it mentions the quiet part, where Dusty might be coming home in the near future to run to be South Dakota’s next Governor:

Johnson’s impact on the House largely happens behind closed doors. He says that’s the way he likes it.

“One of the things that has allowed me to be really effective behind the scenes is that I don’t have any particular ambition,” Johnson said in an interview. “I’m not in competition with anybody for anything. I don’t view my work here as a zero sum game. I want to get things done.”

Despite Johnson’s proclaimed lack of ambition, his fellow Republicans see him as a rising star in the GOP, possibly a future governor. That will depend on how well he can continue to sell his brand of fiscal conservatism in a party some see moving away from traditional policy and toward personality-driven loyalty to ex-President Donald Trump.

and..

Johnson was involved in crafting the continuing resolutions that kept the government open while demanding concessions from Democrats. He led the charge on ocean shipping changes as part of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, and helped legislation to force TikTok to divest from its China-owned parent.

As chairman of the Agriculture Committee’s commodity markets panel, Johnson has also been a key player in bills that haven’t become law, but would have a much better shot if Republicans take full control of Washington next year, like the trillion-dollar farm bill and a cryptocurrency regulation framework that some Democrats say is too industry-friendly.

“He’s whip smart, understands agriculture, understands rural America, and he’s a consensus builder,” said House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.). “He brings people to the table.”

and..

It helps that he’s a fundraising powerhouse. Excluding McCarthy, who’s no longer in the House but has an active campaign committee, Johnson’s campaign had the sixth-most cash on hand — $4.6 million — in the House Republican Conference as of June 30. Of those top six, Johnson and Rep. Darin LaHood (Ill.) are the only ones who don’t chair a committee or hold a top leadership position.

Johnson is viewed as a possible contender for governor in 2026, when current Gov. Kristi Noem’s (R) term ends.

Go read the entire story here, about South Dakota’s next Governor.

Word is that in the last few weeks there was a gathering of Team Dusty advisers and confidants at a hunting lodge, where the group talked about *things.*

And I would assume part of that discussion involved where he’s going to go from here.   Dusty has always had the go-to team for statewide campaign efforts, with other candidates coming to him for ground troops. And Team Dusty has consistently aiding friendly down ticket races. They know how to run a good race, and they may be preparing to activate for “the big one.”

When November 5th passes and we’re done counting ballots, day one of campaign 2026 will begin.

And I suspect Dusty Johnson will be a part of it.

The South Dakota Republican Party filed the September Federal Elections Commission report today. And while it is the beneficiary of some presidential donations rolling through the party, it is still headed on a downward trend for cash on hand at the end of the month.

SDGOP September 2024 FEC by Pat Powers on Scribd

$305,578.89 in donations came into the Republican Party via donors such as Dana White and T. Sanford (guessing the middle name wasn’t listed in the report), while $316,876.77 in expenses went out.

The state’s majority party ended with over $11,000 less in the federal account than it started the month with.

Which might get to be a serious situation at the end of the year after the election.

Apparently, Milwaukee was the place to be for a wild convention. And why am I not surprised that this involved Taffy Howard trying to stick her face in a photo?

From Dakota Scout:

According to sources, Rhoden did not want GOP delegate Taffy Howard in the video. Howard, a former state House member who unsuccessfully challenged Rep. Dusty Johnson in the 2022 primary, is running for state Senate.

“I was informed that Reggie Rhoden created a disturbance during the RNC Convention at the Fiserv Forum Center,” the issuing officer wrote, according to the citation obtained by The Dakota Scout. “Lauschke stated the phone hit a person in the Maryland delegation… (and) caused a disturbance in the crowd.”

The incident, Lauschke told investigators, was reported to officers on scene — but only after the convention did he gain traction in getting charges filed. He reported that the incident left him with an injured wrist, which he did not seek medical attention for.

Read the entire story here.

Oops. Maybe next time* he should just stand in front of her.

(*Assuming this actually happened.)

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Urge NCAA to Fix NIL Settlement

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and four of her fellow governors urged NCAA President Charlie Baker to restructure its settlement with student athletes on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) sponsorships to fix the undue burden on smaller athletic programs in more rural states.

“Unfortunately, the proposed settlement is unfair for the colleges and universities in our states,” wrote Governor Noem and her colleagues. “In trying to rectify the issue of NIL payments, the NCAA must keep all student athletes across the country top of mind, not just those at athletic programs with the deepest pockets and greatest influence. We urge the NCAA to restructure the settlement to take the concerns of our colleges and universities, who make up a majority of your member conferences.”

You can find the full letter here.

Earlier this month, a federal judge placed the settlement on hold and urged revisions. Last Tuesday, South Dakota filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an injunction of this settlement so that the interests of smaller conferences are duly considered when restructuring another proposed settlement.

The letter points out that NIL sponsorships are more popular among Power Five athletic conferences, but the proposed settlement will hit colleges and universities outside of the Power Five with nearly $1 billion in financial obligation.

“The settlement means our programs stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. This may not seem like much to larger athletic programs, but to the student-athletes in our states, it is a significant hit to their programs,” continued Governor Noem and her colleagues.

Governor Noem was joined in signing the letter by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Idaho Governor Brad Little, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

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Thune: Senate Democrats Must Prioritize National Security Over Political Show Votes

 “We are two weeks away from the end of the fiscal year, and we haven’t touched the National Defense Authorization Act since it was passed by the committee – much less touched the defense appropriations bills.”

Click here or on the picture above to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of passing the National Defense Authorization Act. Thune noted that Majority Leader Schumer has spent the last several months holding show votes on bills that are designed to score political points, not become law, and has prioritized them over our nation’s defense and security.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Indictment On First Computer-Generated Child Pornography Charges 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that an Aberdeen man has been indicted on seven counts of computer-generated child pornography which are part of a new South Dakota law that took effect this past July 1.

“This case demonstrates why the Legislature needed to, and did, act to protect children,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Computer-generated child pornography, including those images and videos created using artificial intelligence, has become an increasing concern nationwide and in South Dakota.”

William Webster Bragg, 56, was indicted Sept. 11 by a Brown County Grand Jury on one count of Distributing Child Pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, in the South Dakota State Penitentiary, He also was charged with six counts of Possessing Child Pornography where each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years and a mandatory minimum sentence of one year, in the South Dakota State Penitentiary. The crimes occurred on or about Aug. 13, 2024.

The new statute, proposed by Attorney General Jackley, makes possession, distribution, and manufacturing of computer-generated child pornography, including those images and videos created using artificial intelligence, a crime. That includes “deepfake” images or videos of an actual child that have been manipulated to make it look like the child was engaged in prohibited sexual acts. The provision was part of Senate Bill 79 which was approved by the 2024 Legislature and signed by the Governor.

Bragg’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2024. He has been released on a $30,000 cash bond. The defendant is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

The case investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the state Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit, FBI, and Brown County Sheriff’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office is the prosecutor.

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Be sure to check out and click on our newest advertiser on the site, South Dakota Ethanol as they take the top left spot to explain how the CO2 Pipeline Project is a $3.2 Billion Opportunity for South Dakota. 

With a few more than 45 days until election day, SDWC has advertising opportunities for reaching South Dakota’s opinion leaders, based on a first-come, first-serve basis for available positions. Down page advertising spots are still available, and there are discounts for longer ad commitments.  Information on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here.

Post-election, a number of spots will be opening up in the run up to what will be a legislative session that will be an upheaval of government with lots of new faces. It will also mark the beginning of the big one – the 2026 campaign season.

Please take a moment to visit our advertisers such as South Dakota’s chief executive Governor Kristi Noem, our friend South Dakota Senator John Thune,  Congressman Dusty Johnson, and Republican United States Senator Mike Rounds. Our friends at South Dakota Ag Alliance are also here to fight for landowner rights and common sense ag development, as Summit Carbon Solutions will keep our farmers and ethanol producers competitive on a world stage.

We have the people at IM29 promoting their measure, we  have the opponents to IM28 making sure South Dakotans know IM28 is a trap.. And we have SD Open Primaries asking voters via Amendment H.

At Dakota Campaign Store, down on the right, you’ll find me already busy in 2024 with yard signs, postcards, and all the things a professional campaign needs to make an impression.

Thank you to our advertisers for your support, and please reach out if you’d like to join them!

(Since we’re going to start voting absentee by the end of the week, I wanted to pass on how we’re looking at the ballot measures, and to encourage your participation and your vote. And to provide input on viewpoints and information that you might consider as you think for yourself, and evaluate what you intend to do as you walk into the voting booth. – pp)

Initiated Measure 29: Legalization passed in 2020, and industry has matured with strong legislative oversight. There’s no reason to stop going.

Title: An Initiated Measure Legalizing the Recreational Use, Possession, and Distribution of Marijuana.

Attorney General Explanation: This initiated measure allows individuals 21 years of age or older to possess, grow, ingest, and distribute marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia. Individuals may possess up to two ounces of marijuana in a form other than marijuana concentrate or other marijuana products. Individuals may possess up to six marijuana plants with no more than twelve plants per household. The measure also places limits on the possession of other forms of marijuana and marijuana products.

Under the measure, the possession, ingestion, and distribution of marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia remains illegal for individuals under the age of 21. Driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

The measure restricts where individuals may possess or consume marijuana, such as schools or where tobacco is prohibited.

The measure allows employers to restrict an employee’s use of marijuana. Property owners may also regulate the use of marijuana on their property.

The measure does not affect State laws dealing with hemp. It also does not change laws concerning the State’s medical marijuana program.

The measure legalizes marijuana-derived substances considered felony controlled substances under State law. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.

Judicial or legislative clarification of this measure may be necessary.

Fiscal Note: The state and municipalities would collect minimal additional sales tax revenue, as the measure would not decriminalize the sale of cannabis but would decriminalize the sale of cannabis accessories. Counties could see incarceration expenses reduced by $581,556 every year.

Vote “Yes” to adopt the initiated measure.
Vote “No” to leave South Dakota law as it is.

In 2020, Voters passed an amendment to the state constitution, winning by 54% that would have legalized recreational marijuana use. But, that vote at the ballot box found itself stymied by the single subject rule in court, overturning the will of the voters in 2021.  There are those in South Dakota who continue to fight it, but popular opinion is not on their side.

In June, the Associated Press in June laid out the measure and part of the national landscape:

Twenty-four states have legalized recreational marijuana. Ohio voters did so most recently, in November 2023. Florida voters will also vote on the issue this fall. And other efforts are ongoing in other states, including North Dakota.

The South Dakota measure would legalize recreational marijuana for people 21 and older. The proposal has possession limits of 2 ounces of marijuana in a form other than concentrated cannabis or cannabis products. The measure also allows cultivation of plants, with restrictions. Measure backers plan to work with the Legislature to implement business licensing, tax and other regulations, if successful.

Read that here.

Popular nationally. Popular in South Dakota. And then there’s a more recent development:

President Trump himself, the flag-bearer for the Republican Party, has directly come out and said “We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults, to safe, tested product” and that he will support “states rights to pass marijuana laws, like in Florida, that work so well for their citizens.“

In other words, if you support and follow former President Trump, that’s how he’s voting. And that might bring a lot of people in South Dakota with him.  Are you a Democrat? President Biden has also made overtures in that direction, but has not gone as far as President Trump.

As I mentioned, the industry has matured. We’ve transitioned from the days of people seeking any and every crazy regulation to open up it’s use, and moved over to a somewhat controlled medical marijuana industry. Which, while it has not been without it’s own bumps in the road, they have not caused the world to end in it’s implementation. Any problems have been addressed. We’ve moved past the time of people wanting it legalized period with no barriers, to a time when it’s legal within a framework and tightly controlled and regulated like alcohol.

Honestly, I think we hear less about that industry than people having problems with alcohol.

It has sprouted into a small but growing industry on the medical side.  It has been very tightly controlled and monitored, and the earth has not stopped revolving.  They have given no reason why they should not be given the opportunity to expand the industry. Given the chance, they have been reasonable and trustworthy.

What about the opposition? Well, the organized moral opposition group has shown themselves to be somewhat slimy, as they diverted money from the ballot initiative side to engage in primary election races when they refiled as a PAC for a period of time, and used money – including that donated by nuns  – to put into races where they worked against candidates who had supported them.

People we might have given a side-eye to in years proving themselves trustworthy. And those who claim to be morally righteous turning out to be less than so. (Sounds like a movie plot).  It makes it much easier to give grace and consideration to those we might not have given it to in the past.  Despite fighting it in the past, I think they and the state have done a good job to date, and we can give ourselves permission to trust.

The industry has had a good start, and regulation has worked.  Unless you are a strict prohibitionist, it is ok to vote for Initiated Measure 29, because it is going to pass in 2024 with popular support, including that of President Trump.