Thune, Tester, Rounds, Booker Reintroduce Bipartisan Beef Labeling Act  

Senators’ bipartisan legislation would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling for beef

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the American Beef Labeling Act, legislation that would reinstate mandatory country of origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef. This legislation would require the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in consultation with the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to develop a World Trade Organization-compliant means of reinstating MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment. USTR would have six months to develop a reinstatement plan followed by a six-month window to implement it. If USTR fails to reinstate MCOOL for beef within one year of enactment, it would automatically be reinstated for beef only.

“Transparency in labeling would benefit both producers and consumers,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, the current beef labeling system in this country allows imported beef that is neither born nor raised in the United States, but simply finished here, to be labeled as a product of the USA. This process is unfair to cattle producers and misleading for consumers. When you see a ‘product of the USA’ label on the grocery store shelf, it should mean just that.

“South Dakota cattle producers work tirelessly to produce some of the highest quality beef in the world,” continued Thune. “To ensure the viability of cattle ranching in this country, the system in which producers operate must be fair and transparent. As a long-time supporter of MCOOL, I am proud to lead this legislation, and I will continue fighting to get it signed into law.”

“If you go to the store to buy a cut of beef you shouldn’t have to guess where that meat was born, raised, slaughtered, and processed,”said Tester. “For years, the big packers have been misleading consumers with deceptive labeling that undercuts the Montana ranchers who produce the best beef in the world. Reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling will add transparency to the marketplace, giving Montana producers a fair shake for their premium beef. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get it done.”

“It’s time to restore MCOOL for beef once and for all,” said Rounds. “Consumers deserve to know where their beef is coming from. America produces some of the best beef in the world. Right now, beef imported from overseas does not undergo the same health and safety standards as the quality beef grown in the United States. This is wrong, and consumers and cattle producers deserve better. The four major packers have unfairly influenced this market for far too long, and we need a national campaign to see this across the finish line. This bipartisan legislation is an important step in restoring market integrity for both cattle producers and consumers. For those of us who support MCOOL for beef, this is just the start. The nine major cattle-producing states won’t get this done alone, which is why it is key that consumers help drive and carry this policy debate.”

“This bipartisan legislation will help Americans know exactly where their beef is coming from,” said Booker. “More transparency will enable consumers to support local family farmers and ranchers, and I look forward to working with Senator Thune and Senator Tester to get this bill quickly enacted into law.”

U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are cosponsors of the American Beef Labeling Act. The bipartisan legislation is supported by the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, R-CALF USA, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, and the National Farmers Union.

Last year, Thune and Tester penned an op-ed in Agri-Pulse highlighting their commitment to building bipartisan support for MCOOL ahead of the next farm bill.

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Legislative Committee Unanimously Passes Attorney General Bills

PIERRE.S.D.  – Two additional South Dakota Attorney General bills were passed unanimously Tuesday morning by the state Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 48 would enhance the penalty for attempted first degree murder of a law enforcement officer. Senate Bill 50 would revise the crime of witness tampering and provide prosecutors with a clearer authority to charge someone who corruptly influences witnesses.

“These bills are about the protection of law enforcement officers and witnesses,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “We need to protect our law enforcement officers who place themselves in harm’s way to protect us. We also need to make sure witnesses are allowed to present facts and information to judges and juries without being subject to any improper influence.”

Both bills now move to the Senate floor where they will be heard by the full Senate.

Out of the five bills presented by the Attorney General Jackley this session, only Senate Bill 49 has not yet had its initial committee hearing. That bill would prohibit the improper storage and disposal of records containing personal or protected information and provide a penalty.

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You know how sometimes the legislature takes a little problem, and goes too far in addressing it?

Representative Chris Karr has apparently done just that with brand new House Bill 1116, which purports to “prohibit the use of state resources in hosting lewd or lascivious content” in response to the SDSU Drag show that invited children to a decidedy adult event.  As related in the bill..

Section 1. That chapter 13-1 be amended with a NEW SECTION:

The Board of Regents, the Board of Technical Education, or any institution under their control; a state agency or any institution under the control of a state agency; or a public school district may not authorize or expend public moneys or use any state-owned facility or property to develop, implement, facilitate, host, promote, or fund any lewd or lascivious content.

For the purpose of this section, the term, lewd or lascivious content, means any program, event, or literature presenting obscene live conduct, as defined by subdivision 22-24-27(10), or obscene material, as defined by subdivision 22-24-27(11), that depicts, describes, or simulates, as applicable:

(1) Any specific sexual activity, as defined in § 11-12-1;

(2) Any specific anatomical areas, as defined in § 11-12-1;

(3) Nude or seminude adults, as defined in § 11-12-1;

(4) Adults who remove clothing for the entertainment of one or more individuals; or

(5) Any physical human body activity, whether performed alone or with other persons, including singing, speaking, dancing, acting, simulation, or pantomiming, where a performer exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s biological sex through the use of clothing, makeup, or other physical markers, for the predominant purpose of appealing to a prurient interest.

Read the whole(some?) bill here.

Most of the first section is not disagreeable for the most part, although I’m not sure how you can have “literature presenting obscene live conduct.”

No one wants taxpayers to pay for strip shows on campus.  But then we get to the weird part, subpoint (5):

(5) Any physical human body activity, whether performed alone or with other persons, including singing, speaking, dancing, acting, simulation, or pantomiming, where a performer exhibits a gender identity that is different from the performer’s biological sex through the use of clothing, makeup, or other physical markers, for the predominant purpose of appealing to a prurient interest.

I’d love for them to explain how they are going to interpret and enforce this one.

“Any physical human body activity, whether performed alone or with other persons, including singing, speaking, dancing, acting, simulation, or pantomiming..”  So, if one of the University Drama departments puts on a production of Victor/Victoria, which is very much a musical about a woman who pretends to be a man.. pretending to be in drag.. they’re going to be bumping up against the law?

Yes, yes, I know. There is another element. They aren’t going to ban it just for the sake of musical theatre. They are only banning the expenditure of public funds if it is for the predominant purpose of appealing to a prurient interest.   Which begs the question, what is a prurient interest?   According to federal courts, a court case footnote defined prurient interest as “having a tendency to excite lustful thoughts.” Roth v. U.S., 354 U.S. 476 (1957).

Well, how are they going to know ahead of time if the dude in the dress on stage is going to excite lustful thoughts in a member of the audience? Will there be a designated university lust-checker, or will they bid that out on state contract, so they know ahead of time if the activity will be fundable if a man dons a dress, or a woman wears trousers on a campus stage?  This legislation is silly at best, and that’s the problem. Whenever you put things like this in place, it’s just more government at it’s worst.

Do we need bans on singing or pantomiming as the opposite sex placed into statute? No. Because runaway puritanism is no different than runaway wokism. Both only promise more government and nobody is asking for it.

When the Board of Regents recently moved forward a motion to “draft a policy about minors’ attendance of campus events,” that actually was a reasonable and proportionate step in addressing the situation before another campus group tries to have something as offensive as a “kid-friendly” drag show.  The need for some legislators to come in and try to propose a law is not government acting as minimally as possible to solve a problem. Which is what is needed as opposed to a soapbox.

The BOR should have the opportunity to resolve the issue. Only if it keeps happening should legislation be discussed.  But not until then.

Johnson, Costa Lead Bill to Improve Supply Chain

 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA) introduced a sweeping overhaul of the interstate trucking supply chain system. The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act increases safety and shipping capacity for truckers; provides recruitment and retention incentives for drivers; and includes flexibility during times of emergencies or black swan events.

“Americans experienced a slew of freight disruptions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Johnson. “Last year we addressed ocean shipping reform, and it’s clear that updates are needed for other parts of the supply chain. The SHIP IT Act will bridge gaps, keep costs down for consumers, and make it easier for shippers to move products across the U.S.”

“Disruptions in our trucking supply chain continue to drive up costs and create uncertainty for American consumers and producers,” said Costa. “We need to recruit, train, and retain truck drivers to keep our supply chain moving, while also updating best practices to improve trucking to fit our modern economy. That is why we introduced this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the workforce and make it easier to move products across the country.”

“The Shippers Coalition applauds the introduction of the Safer Highway and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking “SHIP IT Act.” This bill is vital to strengthening our supply chain by increasing shipping capacity, lessening burdens on truck drivers, modernizing the CDL process, and allowing additional flexibilities during times of emergency. The 80+ members of the Shippers Coalition appreciate Congressman Johnson’s steadfast leadership on these issues and look forward to working with him to help this critical legislation become law,” said Sean Joyce, Executive Director, Shippers Coalition.

“Hendrickson is a vital tier 1 supplier to the truck and trailer manufacturers worldwide, supplying suspensions systems, axles, brakes, springs, slider box systems, and bumpers. Hendrickson is proud to have one of its key manufacturing facilities located in the great state of South Dakota. The Mitchell, S.D. location, established in 1987, manufacturers trailer air ride componentry and other important suspension parts. Hendrickson wholly supports legislative efforts that aim to improve the trucking industry. A perfect example is the “SHIP IT Act,” sponsored by Congressman Johnson. Anytime we can make the recruitment of qualified truck drivers easier and with greater retention, that is a positive step for the supply chain. Additionally, addressing the efficiency of moving goods on our roadways aligns well with America’s need to become more environmentally conscience, while keeping safety at the forefront. We are grateful to have Congressmen, like Representative Johnson, lead these significant and important issues,” said Matt Joy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hendrickson.

“The SHIP IT Act is commonsense trucking reform legislation that will help dairy companies overcome many of the current supply chain challenges facing our industry. The legislation would bring the U.S. supply chain into the 21st century to meet the needs of shippers, reduce regulatory burdens that cost shippers millions of dollars a year, create good paying jobs, and support the ambitious sustainability goals of dairy businesses. IDFA is grateful to Reps. Dusty Johnson and Jim Costa for their leadership on this issue, and we urge swift passage of the SHIP IT Act in both chambers of Congress,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.

“Milk is a perishable commodity that needs to move quickly along the supply chain from the farm to the consumer. The damages wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain snarls that followed have shown how important it is to find safe, efficient means of transporting goods across the country. We commend Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Jim Costa (D-CA) for their bipartisan Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act. This measure includes important provisions that will improve transportation efficiency and sustainability within the U.S. dairy industry,” said Jim Mulhern, National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO.

Background:

• America is experiencing an 80,000-truck driver shortage, which has a negative ripple effect for every part of the supply chain.
• The median age of the truck driver in the industry is between 51- and 52-years old.
• There is one parking space available for every 11 semitrucks on the road—yet there is a need for even more trucks to deliver freight.

The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act:

• Modernizes the authority for certain vehicle waivers during emergencies, allowing waivers in response to disease and supply chain emergencies
• Allows truck drivers to apply for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants
• Incentivizes new truck drivers to enter the workforce through targeted and temporary tax credits
• Streamlines the CDL process, making it easier for states and third parties to administer CDL tests
• Expands access to truck parking and rest facilities for commercial drivers

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Gov. Noem Announces Stronger Families Scholarship Program

 PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Kristi Noem and legislators announced SB 100 to establish the Stronger Families Scholarship. This bill appropriates $15 million to improve educational outcomes and stability for children in foster care.

“Foster children go through such difficult, traumatic, and disruptive events that often interrupt their ability to achieve a high-quality education,” sad Governor Noem. “The new Stronger Families Scholarship will equip these children with access to consistent resources and relationships that are critical to healthy academic development.”

The Stronger Families Scholarship will give children in foster care the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The prime sponsor of this legislation is Senator Al Novstrup (R-03).

“Children in foster care face disparate educational outcomes compared to their peers,” said Senator Novstrup. “These scholarships will allow these children to access key services and resources that wouldn’t be available to them otherwise.”

This three-year pilot program will provide up to $4,000 to eligible youth in foster care to reimburse families for the costs of tutoring or teaching services, curriculum, online learning programs, private school tuition, standardized achievement tests, certain transportation expenses, and technology used for educational purposes.

These additional resources help create positive relationships with adults who can provide support to a child and serve as a protector against the negative outcomes we see too often among foster children.

Governor Noem discussed this proposal during her State of the State Address. You can find the video of that portion of the speech here.

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Gov. Noem and AG Jackley Remind Pharmacists of Illegality of Chemical Abortions

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Gov. Kristi Noem and Attorney General Marty Jackley wrote to South Dakota pharmacists to remind them of state law regarding the illegality of abortions except those necessary to save the life of the mother. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently declared that the federal government will permit chemical abortion drugs to be dispensed at all retail pharmacies. You can find the letter here.

“Chemical abortions remain illegal in South Dakota. Under South Dakota law, pharmacies, including chain drug stores, are prohibited from procuring and dispensing abortion-inducing drugs with the intent to induce an abortion, and are subject to felony prosecution under South Dakota law, despite the recent FDA ruling. Their resources should be focused on helping mothers and their babies, both before birth and after,” wrote Governor Noem and Attorney General Jackley.

Following the United States Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision in June 2022, states were once again allowed to make their own choices over abortion policy. South Dakota had a trigger law on the books, passed in 2005, that made abortion illegal except to save the life of a pregnant mother.

At that time, Governor Noem announced a new website, Life.SD.gov. The mission of the site is “Helping mothers and their babies before birth and after.”

Governor Noem and Attorney General Jackley echoed this sentiment: “All abortions, whether surgically or chemically induced, terminate the life of a living human being. South Dakota will continue to enforce all laws including those that respect and protect the lives of the unborn. We trust pharmacists doing business in this state will take the same approach to respecting life.”

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This is what people are spending their time complaining about. The footwear for an animated piece of candy in a commercial.

A message from M&M'S. pic.twitter.com/EMucEBTd9o

— M&M'S (@mmschocolate) January 23, 2023

Draft-dodger. member of Oath-Keeper insurrection group.  It looks like State Representative Phil Jensen is adding another superlative, as he adds anti-vaxxer to his repertoire and proposes a constitutional measure to give those actively infected with typhus and polio a constitutional right to hang out in crowded classrooms, and otherwise refuse treatment and confinement:

I’m pretty sure they called the Dark Ages that for a reason, with the active spread of bubonic plague.  Which it seems that Representative Jensen is ok with seeking a return to.

It also answers the question of whether Representative Carl Perry will sign on to any bill placed under his nose, or if he actually reads the content of the pieces of paper with squiggly lines on them.

Because Perry also signed onto sponsor this measure to give someone actively infected with ebola the right to snuggle up next to him in church, since this person would have the right to refuse treatment, and can’t be denied going into public accommodations under the proposed amendment.

Seriously. Who comes up with these crackpot proposals?

Johnson Named to Select Committee on China

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was named to the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, more commonly referred to as the “Select Committee on China.”

“We need to address the threats posed by China to our food security and national security,”said Johnson. “I’ve been a leader limiting China’s control over our technology, specifically TikTok, and prohibiting the CCP’s purchase of American farmland and ag businesses. This Committee will play a critical role in mitigating the CCP’s influence in the U.S. and establishing policies to increase our national security. I’m grateful to Speaker McCarthy and Chairman Gallagher for appointing me to the Select Committee – I am ready to get to work.”

The Select Committee will work on restoring supply chains and ending critical economic dependencies on China; strengthening our military; ending the CCP’s access to Americans’ personal data and intellectual property; and contrasting the CCP’s techno-totalitarian state with the values of the Free World.

Johnson has been actively opposed to China’s influence and control over our farmland, food,supply chains, and Americans’ personal and private data, as well as their authoritarian regime actions opposing personal freedoms.

Learn more about the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party here.

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The Mitchell Daily Republic has a story today about the takeover of the Pennington County GOP by a faction of the party not exactly known for it’s tolerance of those with differing opinions:

In the race for party chair, Amy Wagner, who spent stints on the Family Heritage Alliance advisory council and as the state coordinator for the National Day of Prayer, beat Lauri Davis, the previous vice chair of the county, by a delegate tally of 44-33.

and..

According to Wagner, every victorious candidate during Saturday’s election in Rapid City mentioned “adherence to the platform” as part of their pitch to the delegates in the room.

and..

Moving forward, Wagner said her goal will be to harness the political energy among conservatives in the region toward electoral success. She says that starts with communication, team-building and education.

Read that here.

You notice the last sentence where the new chair notes she wants to “harness the political energy among conservatives.”  Not Republicans, but those she believes to be “conservative,” according to her dogma.

It’s going to be a long election cycle.