Weekly Column

This week, South Dakota’s agriculture communities got to show off. I hosted the Republican leader on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman “GT” Thompson from Pennsylvania, and introduce him to the wonderful people of South Dakota.

At the end of summer, many eighteen-year-olds head off to continue their education. Some go to vocational schools, community college, or four-year universities. But a unique set of individuals head to a different “college” in June.

By Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson

June 9, 1972, started out as a typical rainy summer day in the Black Hills. While the rain was heavy that Friday evening, there was no cause for alarm as residents went about their normal routines. Fifty years later, we look back and remember the devastation that would soon follow.

On Monday, I was honored to provide some remarks at the Sioux Falls Memorial Day commemoration. Memorial Day rightfully honors those who have died in service to their country, acknowledging their tremendous sacrifice.

Our nation’s Armed Forces know the weight of sacrifice. Each servicemember sacrificed something to protect our freedoms and fight for America’s values.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced the border numbers for April this week. Last month, there were 234,088 illegal crossings at our southern border. This is the worst month on record.

Our moms and babies are facing a huge—and dangerous—problem. The nationwide baby formula supply out-of-stock level is 43%—but in South Dakota, our out-of-stock levels are over 50%. Store shelves are empty.