Thune: Another Spectacular South Dakota Summer

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his summer in South Dakota, including the many meetings and celebrations that he attended in all corners of the state. Thune noted that every opportunity to spend time at home is valuable because South Dakotans' priorities are his priorities, and he carries all of them with him to Washington, D.C.

Thune's remarks below (as prepared for delivery):

"Mr. President, like many of our colleagues, I spend a lot of summer days on the road in my state.

"The longer summer recesses give me the opportunity to travel the state far and wide.

"And with so much going on in South Dakota during this season, it's a great time for me to see familiar faces and meet new folks as well.

"Mr. President, I spend a lot of these summer days listening because what I hear from South Dakotans informs a lot of the work I do here in the United States Senate.

"In Howard, I heard from health care professionals about some of the important programs that help them provide health care in rural areas.

"Homebuilders in the Sioux Falls area told me about the headwinds they face from the Biden-Harris administration's overregulation, which has made building new homes more difficult and expensive.

"And at Dakotafest in Mitchell, agriculture producers expressed their frustration that Congress has still not passed an updated farm bill, a frustration that I share.

"I've been pushing hard for Congress to take up a bill, and will continue to do everything I can to advance this legislation.

"Another extension is no substitute for the certainty an updated bill would give farmers and ranchers as they make plans for the future, and getting it done should be a priority.

"Mr. President, traveling around South Dakota also gives me the chance to meet the people who keep our communities going.

"I dropped in to hear from local officials in Leola and Eureka.

"I got to learn about some of the things happening at Black Hills State University, and I toured South Dakota State's nursing simulation center in Brookings.

"I visited the Liberty Center in Box Elder and saw the great work the Black Hills community does to make the area a welcoming place for service members stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and for their families.

"And Mr. President, whether it's kuchen in Eureka, a quick bite at Ricky's Restaurant in Roscoe, or of course the Tubby Burger at the Brown County Fair, I know I can always find some good food to keep me fueled wherever I'm traveling in South Dakota.

"And what would the summer be without a few celebrations?

"I was out in Rapid City for the annual Military Appreciation Barbecue.

"I joined the Fort Pierre Fourth of July Parade.

"And I was back in my hometown of Murdo celebrating the 70th anniversary of the legendary Pioneer Auto Show and honoring the life of longtime museum owner Dave Geisler who passed away earlier this year.

"Mr. President, this summer was also notable for the successes of South Dakota's athletes.

"It was great to see two South Dakotans competing in the Olympics and Paralympics this year.

"Sioux Falls native Taryn Kloth competed in beach volleyball.

"And Miles Krajewski, a Yankton native and freshman at the University of South Dakota, made history as the first American to medal in badminton at the Paralympics, bringing home the silver medal in mixed doubles.

"The Sioux Falls Little League All-Star Team made it to the Little League World Series this summer.

"By all accounts they played well in Williamsport.

"They should be proud of their success, and I'm glad to hear they were able to befriend fellow players from across the country and world along the way.

"And it was great to be in Brookings this past weekend for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits' home opener, as they look to defend their back-to-back national titles this season.

"Mr. President, summer is a wonderful time in South Dakota.

"And it's a privilege to be able to spend part of it exploring our state.

"The sunshine on the open prairie, the smell of the Ponderosa pine, and the good people I meet along the way remind me how lucky I am to be a South Dakotan and what an honor it is to represent this special place in the U.S. Senate.

"Mr. President, I yield the floor."

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