Drought Assistance is on the Way
By Sen. John Thune

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, and I know I’m not alone. Not only do we get to spend quality time with family and friends, but we get to celebrate everything that’s great about America. For most folks, the holiday usually means backyard barbeques, parades, fireworks, and a break from the usual nine-to-five grind. Unless you’re a farmer or rancher, that is. Every day is a workday. Livestock need tending, and the fields won’t work themselves.

Even during the best of times, farming and ranching is a tough business. And during the worst of times, things can get really, really tough. Extreme weather often plays a role, which is exactly what’s happening in South Dakota today with the drought that’s damaging crops and pastures in more than 90 percent of the state. The hard-working folks who make agriculture the state’s top industry are always up for a challenge, but they need a little help from time to time so they can sustain their operations. Now is one of those times.

I’ve been working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to identify ways that we can get some much-needed assistance to livestock producers faster and break down unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that make farming and ranching more difficult, particularly now during the drought.

A great example is USDA’s recent dueling announcements about Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage. On one hand, USDA was telling producers to destroy useable hay on some CRP-enrolled acres. On the other hand, it was telling producers to use hay on other CRP-enrolled acres to graze livestock. These completely contradictory announcements made no sense and led to disbelief from producers that USDA would actually require destruction of useable hay during a drought.

Shortly after the announcement about hay destruction, I shared a bit of South Dakota commonsense with Secretary Perdue: You should never destroy hay when it could be used to feed cattle and help livestock owners who are struggling, especially during a severe drought. I strongly encouraged the secretary to reverse this order so the hay could be used to help folks who need it. I also encouraged him to authorize emergency haying and grazing on CRP-enrolled land in all counties that have a border within 150 miles of a county that’s been approved for emergency haying or grazing of CRP. The secretary quickly approved both of my requests, which proves that a little commonsense goes a long way.

The result of the secretary’s decision means no one will be forced to destroy useable hay that’s removed from CRP-enrolled land. It also means every single county in South Dakota will be immediately opened to grazing on CRP-enrolled land subject to mid-contract management and will be opened to emergency haying on August 1. All of South Dakota and North Dakota, two-thirds of Montana, half of Wyoming and Nebraska, and portions of Iowa and Minnesota are now available for emergency grazing on certain CRP land. That’s a big win for South Dakota farmers and ranchers and the livestock on which their livelihoods depend.

I will continue to work with USDA – and hold the agency’s feet to the fire when necessary – to ensure it’s doing all it can to assist South Dakota’s producers during these difficult times. In the meantime, I encourage those with CRP acres they want to use for haying or grazing to contact their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible to begin the approval process for this assistance.

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This 4th of July, Let’s Focus on our Commonalities
By U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.)

In South Dakota, the Fourth of July is a time to spend with friends and family, whether that be boating, camping, attending parades or grilling out and lighting fireworks. It is a holiday filled with joy and tradition that allows us to celebrate the liberties and freedoms unmatched by any other country in the world. It is also a reminder that we continue to be the greatest, strongest, most resilient country that has ever existed and can overcome any challenge we may face.

Unfortunately, it can often be too easy to lose sight of these principles amidst cable news stories of partisan gridlock and party infighting. During trying times, it is important to remember that what unites us as Americans will always be far greater than what divides us.

Having been working in Washington for two-and-a-half years, I can tell you that everyone I have met has good intentions. We all share the same goal of leaving our country better for future generations, we just sometimes disagree on how to get there. And that’s ok. Having healthy, robust debates among elected leaders is a cornerstone of our democracy. As long as we remain respectful and understand that we all want what’s best for our nation, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.

One area in which we continue to see common ground is in our support for our veterans and the men and women in uniform. Just before the Senate recessed for the Fourth of July holiday, I’m pleased that the Armed Services Committee, on which I serve, once again came together in a bipartisan fashion to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The NDAA is the annual bill that supports our military operations and personnel within the Department of Defense. It is one of the most important bills we pass each year in Congress, and it is one of the rare instances in which members truly check their party ID at the door to put the defense of our nation, our troops and their families before all else. In fact, the NDAA has been signed into law for more than 50 years in a row, despite changing parties at the White House and amidst an ever-changing political climate in Washington. I’m honored to do my part in continuing that effort and to stand with our men and women in uniform.

We are fortunate to live in the freest country in the world, a country that protects our individual right to express ourselves through free speech. The recent shooting involving Members of Congress, Capitol Police and Capitol Hill staff in Alexandria, Virginia, is a tragic reminder for all of us that while there is still evil in the world, we cannot and will not tolerate violent extremism.

Former President Bill Clinton said in his first inaugural address that “there is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.” I wholeheartedly agree. This year, as we celebrate Independence Day, let us all strive to put aside our differences and celebrate the commonalities we share as Americans.

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Farm Policy is about Food
By Rep. Kristi Noem

Trying to explain the agriculture industry in D.C. is always interesting, but it’s important more people – especially those who can vote on farm policy – understand where their food comes from.  They should know the kind of capital farmers bury in the ground each spring in the form of seed and fertilizer with the hope of getting the crop and prices needed to keep their operation going. Lawmakers ought to understand the risk that comes with running a ranch – and the devastating blow a drought can deal to a family who’s been in the business for generations.

It’s been a tough year.  Good portions of our commodities – corn, soybeans, wheat and oats – have been rated as poor or very poor already. The drought has devastated pastures, creating a feed shortage that’s forced some ranchers to begin selling off yearlings and cow-calf pairs.

The safety nets provided through the Farm Bill are built for years like this. During the 2014 Farm Bill debates, for instance, I fought hard to preserve the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and make it permanent. The program has now been triggered for several South Dakota counties that have been categorized in extreme drought and I’ve urged the USDA to act quickly to provide these ranchers relief.

Additionally, after a personal request to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, I was grateful to see the USDA open South Dakota CRP acres for grazing in some areas. The agency has also allowed CRP contract holders to donate the hay harvested for mid-contract management purposes to livestock producers in drought-stricken areas. I’m hopeful these changes will give ranchers a few more options.

While fighting for immediate relief in the face of drought, I’m also focused on producing long-term gains for South Dakota’s ranchers.

Around 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside U.S. borders, so gaining access to outside markets is critical.

Most recently, the Trump administration announced the end of a 13-year ban on U.S. beef imports to China. Today, the Chinese beef import market totals around $2.5 billion and I’m hopeful American-grown beef will gain a significant share of that market.

Additionally, in my role as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I’ve put pressure on the U.S. Trade Representative to strengthen agriculture provisions during the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation. Since the agreement first took effect in the mid-1990s, South Dakota’s exports to Canada and Mexico have increased 969 percent; I’d like to see that growth continue.

It’s getting increasingly difficult to find lawmakers who understand what life is like for those involved with agriculture. In fact, this Congress, just 26 of the 535 members of Congress claim farming or ranching as an occupation. What’s more, a survey conducted for the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy recently received nationwide attention after finding that nearly one in 10 adults believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows. You can’t make this stuff up!

It sounds silly, but if people can’t understand how chocolate milk is produced, imagine how difficult it will be to explain the need for a Livestock Forage Program or an ag-friendly NAFTA. We need to take the time to educate folks about where their food comes from. Farm policy is food policy. And if Americans are going to continue to have the world’s safest and most reliable food supply, we need to make sure the farmers and ranchers growing that food have the safety nets and strong markets needed to survive from one generation to the next.

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South Dakota’s Presidential Independence Day
A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:

It was an eventful Fourth of July week 90 years ago when President Calvin Coolidge spent the holiday in the Black Hills. He and First Lady Grace Coolidge came to the State Game Lodge at Custer State Park that summer to escape the noise and congestion of Washington, D.C. Arriving in mid-June, they planned to stay for three weeks but enjoyed South Dakota so much they extended their stay to three months.

There were two birthdays being celebrated that July Fourth: the nation’s and President Coolidge’s. Coolidge turned 55. In his recently released book, “Calvin Coolidge in the Black Hills,” Seth Tupper describes the events of that day.

A crowd gathered outside the Game Lodge and a Montana cowboy band played some western tunes. When the Coolidges emerged from the lodge, a local Boy Scout troop gave the president a gift: a mare with a white star on her forehead. To go with the horse, the Boy Scouts also gave the President a saddle, bridle, boots, a red western shirt and a purple neckerchief. Coolidge also received a gift from the cowboy band: a pair of white chaps with “Cal” sewn on them.

After the gathered crowd had enjoyed a picnic lunch and cakes prepared by White House staff and volunteers, Coolidge put on his new western gear and modeled it for the crowd.

The next day, on July 5, 1927, the Coolidges traveled to the northern hills to watch the Belle Fourche Roundup. It was literally their first rodeo and Cal donned a ten-gallon hat which had been presented to him by the event’s organizers. The President probably didn’t know what to think at first. But after the “wild cow milking” event – where a group of cowboys competed to be the first to fill a jar with milk from beef cattle – it was clear he was having a good time.

The following week, one of Coolidge’s aides, Edward T. Clark observed, “He is actually enjoying himself in these strange clothes and with a new kind of people. It seems to me that for the first time in his life he is actually playing.”

There are many unique ways to celebrate Independence Day here in South Dakota. However you are spending this Fourth of July – whether by attending the Belle Fourche rodeo, the Lennox parade or the Fort Pierre fireworks display, I hope you take some time to enjoy yourself. Like our thirtieth president did, get out and play. Our Independence Day is truly a cause for celebration.

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From the Associated Press/US News & World Report, apparently Secretary of State & Republican Congressional candidate Shantel Krebs is joining Democrat Secretaries of State to refuse sharing information with a national voter fraud probe which is seeking to determine whether allegations of widespread voter fraud are in fact true:

The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity on Wednesday gave secretaries of state about two weeks to provide about a dozen points of data. That request includes names, party affiliations, addresses and voting histories of all voters. It also includes birthdates, the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers and any information about felony convictions and military status.

Krebs spokesman Jason Williams said in an email to The Associated Press that she “will not share voter information with the commission.”

Several Democratic secretaries of state had already said they would refuse to share the data. Trump has alleged, without evidence, that millions voted illegally in the 2016 elections. Democrats and voting rights groups have called the commission a sham.

Read it all here.

As opposed to Krebs’ current blanket refusal, a couple of other Republicans concerned about certain aspects of the request have indicated they are willing to comply on a modified basis:

The White House bristled Friday at states refusing to cooperate with the commission.

“I think that that is mostly political stunt,” Huckabee Sanders said when asked about the pushback. “This is a commission that’s asking for publicly available data and the fact that these governors wouldn’t be willing to turn that over – this is something that has been part of the commission’s discussion, which has bipartisan support and none of the members raised any concern whatsoever.”

Other states have said that they do plan to hand over information, albeit less than the broad sweep outlined in the letters. Wisconsin’s elections commission administrator said that the state would give the public information for the standard $12,500 fee, but was not allowed to release other details such as dates of birth. Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, a Republican, said his state would be handing over most of the requested information – noting that it is publicly available – though he said they would not provide portions of Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers because those are not.

Read that here.

What are your thoughts about the South Dakota Secretary of State refusing the Commission’s request, or the probe itself?

Thune Applauds Commerce Committee Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

“In preparing for the future of aviation, our committee has acted to continue advancing unmanned aircraft systems and other aviation innovations while offering airline passengers new protections following recent incidents.” 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Commerce Committee approved the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization Act of 2017. As the Working Group on Improving Air Service to Small Communities recently recommended, the bill includes a Thune-led provision, which enhances safety and offers aspiring aviators more training opportunities. This provision is one solution to address the availability of safe and thoroughly trained pilots that are particularly important to air service at smaller airports in rural areas. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

“This passenger-friendly aviation reform legislation improves safety and incorporates over 50 amendments offered by both committee Democrats and Republicans,” said Thune. “In particular, this bill will strengthen safety and service for those who depend on smaller airports in rural areas. In preparing for the future of aviation, our committee has acted to continue advancing unmanned aircraft systems and other aviation innovations while offering airline passengers new protections following recent incidents.”

HIGHLIGHTS OF S. 1405:

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017 reauthorizes the agency and related programs through the end of fiscal year 2021.

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT & STUDY – Increases authorized funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which pays for infrastructure like runways, by $400 million to an annual level of $3.75 billion (well within the projected trust fund surplus), and streamlines the application process for Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). Requires a study and recommendations on upgrading and restoring the nation’s airport infrastructure.

PROTECTING RURAL SERVICE – Maintains access to our nation’s aviation system for millions of Americans in rural areas by reauthorizing the Essential Air Service Program and the Small Community Air Service Development Program through 2021.

GENERAL AVIATION (GA) SAFETY & PROTECTIONS – Offers GA airports more flexibility to facilitate infrastructure investment, applies the same medical certificate requirements to air balloon operators as other licensed pilots, and expands the rights of pilots in FAA enforcement proceedings.

CONTRACT TOWER PROGRAM UPDATES – Protects and enhances safety for airline service in rural communities that rely on or seek entrance into the contract tower program. The contract tower program helps rural airports which might not otherwise have locally based air traffic controllers directing aircraft.

AIRLINE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS & AVIATION ACCESS – Includes new requirements on the bulk transfer of lithium batteries, improves communicable disease preparedness, and supports contract air traffic control towers, which largely serve rural communities.

CONSUMER PROTECTION & AIR TRAVEL ENHANCEMENTS – Includes new consumer protections for the flying public, updates Department of Transportation (DOT) rules following high-profile airline incidents, and takes steps to help passengers needing assistance during air travel.

DRONE SAFETY & INNOVATION – Addresses safety and privacy issues, criminalizes reckless drone behavior around manned aircraft and runways, authorizes FAA drone registration authority, and boosts enforcement while creating new opportunities for testing and promoting innovative uses.

AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION REFORMS – Improves international competitiveness of U.S. aerospace manufacturing by improving the FAA’s processes for certifying aircraft designs and modifications, as well as ensuring the benefits of such certification processes for manufacturers competing in global markets.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL & NEXTGEN – Acts on recommendations of independent government watchdogs for improving the FAA’s transition to 21st century air traffic control technologies known collectively as “NextGen” and requires the FAA to assess how each NextGen program contributes to a more safe and efficient air traffic control system and its current implementation status.

Click here for information and summaries of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017 as originally introduced.

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After filing a one month extension back in May, Congressional Candidate and Secretary of State Shantel Krebs filed her US House Race Financial Disclosure Statement for the contest:

Krebs US House Financial Disclosure by Pat Powers on Scribd

Comparing it to Congressional Candidate Dusty Johnson’s disclosure, Krebs’ finances seem a bit… slimmer for someone who has touted their business acumen in the past.  In the disclosure, on the income side, she notes her state salary, her husband’s work, and some modest retirement investments. On the liability side, she has a $15-50k line of credit for a business, and a $15-50K Home equity loan.

What’s coming up next in the Congressional contest? Candidate financials end today for the quarter, and we should see reports in the next few weeks.  And we should see candidates active on the campaign trail this weekend through the 4th of July Holiday. (I’m sure I’lll have pictures!)

Stay tuned!