Kristi Noem, Congresswoman for South Dakota

Noem Weekly Column: Standing Up for South Dakota Agriculture

By Rep. Kristi Noem — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:00:00 EST

When I was young, my dad put us kids to work on the family farm. We were often out of bed before dawn, heaving bales, caring for cattle and working in the field. We also learned how to drive tractors, fix machinery and put in long days. Although we didn’t realize it at the time, we were learning about a profession that’s not only important to our family, but a profession that provides food for families, our country and the world.

South Dakota’s agriculture industry helps provide the backbone and foundation for the values that make our state great. Our producers work hard to care for our state’s number one industry and they also teach their kids how to care for the land and livestock so that, someday, future generations can take over the family operation.

This week, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm Bill with bipartisan support. South Dakota producers deserve the long-term certainty that comes with the passage of a five-year Farm Bill and that’s why I worked to make sure policies important to our state were included in the bill.

The House Agriculture Committee’s new Farm Bill will save nearly $40 billion through the elimination of direct payments, consolidation of conservation programs and the implementation of the first reforms to the food stamp program since 1996. It’s important to examine the food stamp program and close loopholes in order to crack down on waste, fraud and abuse so we can keep the integrity of the program intact and ensure assistance goes to those who need it most. I believe we need to hold the federal government accountable to the taxpayers, and this bill is a step in the right direction.

My position on the House Agriculture Committee gave me the opportunity to help mold this bill and make sure policies important to South Dakota were included. I worked to include livestock disaster assistance, forestry provisions to help fight the pine beetle in the Black Hills, conservation and sodsaver protections, and the establishment of a permanent Tribal Relations office in the Department of Agriculture. I was also able to speak up on behalf of the farmers and ranchers who were affected by the Pautre Fire in northwestern South Dakota and make sure we included language to direct the Forest Service to assist landowners through the claims process.

I’m hopeful that we will be able to get the Farm Bill to the House floor quickly and work out the differences between the House and Senate bills before the end of the summer. Agriculture is such an important part of our national security. The moment we stop growing our own food is the moment we let another country control us. I will continue to fight to get a Farm Bill passed that is good for South Dakota and our nation.

Noem Announces Launch of "Ag Talk with Kristi"

Thu, 16 May 2013 01:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem announced today that she will host an “Ag Talk with Kristi” conference call with South Dakota farmers, ranchers and agriculture stakeholders on Thursday, May 23rd. Rep. Noem will provide an update on recent Farm Bill developments and will also answer questions. All South Dakotans are welcome to call in to simply listen or to ask a question or provide feedback.

“I hope you can join me before heading out into the field or before chores for a casual conversation about ag policy in Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Noem. “I know it’s early, but it’ll be a great opportunity for all of us to get on the phone and talk about our state’s most important industry.”

Noem plans to host “Ag Talk with Kristi” calls periodically to keep South Dakotans appraised and to continue receiving feedback as the Farm Bill process continues.

Call-in information and additional details are listed below:

WHAT: Ag Talk with Kristi

WHEN: Thursday, May 23, 2013 / 6:00 a.m. CDT / 5:00 a.m. MDT

CALL-IN: 877-229-8493 (Toll-Free)

PIN: 17590

House Agriculture Committee Passes Farm Bill

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:30:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Late last night, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (Farm Bill) by a bipartisan vote of 36-10. Rep. Noem voted for the legislation, which saves almost $40 billion and makes farm and nutrition programs more accountable to American taxpayers.

“South Dakota agriculture producers deserve the long-term certainty that comes with the passage of a five-year Farm Bill,” said Rep. Noem. “I continue to believe it is essential that we grow our own food supply in this country. Consumers deserve a safe, reliable and affordable food supply and policies included in the Farm Bill help make this happen.”

Noem continued: “I fought for policies that are most important to South Dakota, such as livestock disaster programs, forestry provisions to help fight the pine beetle, conservation and a permanent office of tribal relations within the Department of Agriculture. I am proud they were included in this bill and will keep fighting on behalf of South Dakota as the Farm Bill moves forward.”

Rep. Noem championed four main provisions in the House version of the Farm Bill, all of which were included in some form in the final version approved by the Committee. They include:

• Livestock Disaster Protection Act: Would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill for the life of the Farm Bill, as well as retroactive coverage for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

• Protect Our Prairies Act: Would encourage good land stewardship practices and preserve habitats for pheasants, ducks and other wildlife on native sod and on grasslands that haven’t been farmed in the past, while estimated to save taxpayers nearly $200 million over 10 years.

• National Forest Emergency Response Act: Would streamline processes to get boots on the ground faster for pine beetle mitigation efforts. Calls for the federal government to grant categorical exclusions up to 10,000 acres.

• USDA Office of Tribal Relations: Would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help improve communication between USDA and Tribal nations. This provision would not cost taxpayers any additional dollars and instead requires USDA to use existing resources to establish the office.

Rep. Noem also spoke up on behalf of farmers and ranchers who were affected by the Pautre Fire in northwestern South Dakota. Noem will work with Chairman Lucas to have language added to the Farm Bill report that will assist these landowners. The language will direct the Forest Service to provide a map detailing the ownership of fences that were lost and to open up any available Federal lands for grazing and to assist landowners through the claims process.

•WATCH: Noem Speaks in Favor of Supporting Pautre Fire Farmers and Ranchers

The House and Senate have now both passed Farm Bills out of committee. Following passage in each respective chamber, a conference committee will be assembled to work out differences between the two versions.

Noem Calls on President Obama to Fire Acting IRS Commissioner

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem released the following statement today calling for President Obama to fire Acting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Steven Miller. This follows the release of last night’s report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) on the targeting of conservative groups by the IRS.

"The power to tax is one of the strongest powers the government has, and it should never be taken lightly or become a political tool," said Rep. Noem. "The President should take responsibility for his administration and fire the IRS Commissioner. I have cosponsored legislation that will make it a crime to conduct the kind of politically-motivated discrimination we have recently seen from the IRS."

Rep. Noem recently cosponsored legislation which would make it a crime for an IRS employee to discriminate against an individual or group on the basis of their protected rights. The Taxpayer Nondiscrimination & Protection Act of 2013 would increase the maximum penalty to a $5,000 fine, five years in prison or both.

Noem Weekly Column: Supporting Working Families

Rep. Kristi Noem — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:25:00 EST

Families across South Dakota, including mine, spend evenings planning out who’s doing what chores, who’s taking who to school, to practice, or to church youth group the following day. There’s a lot of coordination that goes into organizing and managing a family schedule and this only increases when parents have to juggle work commitments on top of family responsibilities. I believe working families should have additional flexibility in order to spend quality time with their children, spouses, or elderly parents.

This is why I am a proud cosponsor of the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, which will allow private-sector workers to either continue to receive overtime pay or receive paid time off, or “comp time,” for overtime hours worked. Government employees are already able to use this flexibility, and I believe this option should also be available to private sector employees.

Washington policies have a reputation of getting in the way of empowering families, businesses and individuals. I believe we can, and we should, do better. In 1975, only 37 percent of American families had both parents working. By 2011, the number of households with two working parents had risen to 59 percent, while over 8.5 million workers manage finances and juggle schedules as single parents. In fact, from 2000 to 2011, South Dakota ranked first in the nation for the percentage of working moms. It’s time for labor laws to change to meet the needs of families.

One of the most important parts of this legislation is that it is completely voluntary. Any employees who want to receive cash wages for overtime hours would continue to do so. In fact, workers could change their mind and cash out any accrued comp time whenever they choose.

We know this works for public-sector employees, so why not give hardworking families the opportunity to decide for themselves what is best for their family? Perhaps you’ve been in a situation when you desired an extra afternoon off to clean out the garage, take a child to a doctor’s appointment, or to even spend time visiting your aging parents. Sometimes time is more valuable than money, and this bill gives working moms and dads an opportunity to have more time to take care of the kids and manage hectic family schedules.

I know first-hand how difficult it is to not be there for a concert, basketball game or to patch up a scraped knee. As I’ve met with South Dakotans throughout my time in office, many working moms and dads have expressed to me they wish life were just a little bit easier. That’s the goal of this legislation – to make life a little bit easier by allowing non-salaried employees some additional flexibility to spend time at home.

If you or someone you know would appreciate the option to decide between cash wages or paid time off, I hope you’ll reach out to my office to share your story. To contact my office and share how this flexibility would benefit you, I encourage you to call any one of my state offices or my office in Washington, D.C.

Noem Supports Working Families Flexibility Act

Wed, 08 May 2013 06:30:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013, which will allow non-salaried private-sector workers to receive paid time off, or “comp time,” for overtime hours worked. Rep. Noem cosponsored this legislation to provide working families additional flexibility to choose between paid time off and overtime pay.

"We know this flexibility works for public-sector employees, so why not give moms and dads the opportunity to decide for themselves what is best for their families?" said Rep. Noem. "This common-sense bill will allow hourly workers the opportunity to decide for themselves if time is more valuable than cash for those extra hours put in at the office. As a working mom, I understand how challenging it can be to balance work and family life. This legislation would provide families more flexibility to make their lives a little less hectic."

The Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013 (H.R. 1406) will:

Allow employers to offer employees a choice between cash wages and comp time for overtime hours worked. Employees who want to receive cash wages would continue to do so.

Protect employees by requiring the employer and the employee to complete a written agreement to use comp time, entered into knowingly and voluntarily by the employee.

Retain all existing employee protections in current law, including the 40 hour work week and how overtime compensation is accrued. The bill adds additional safeguards for workers to ensure the choice and use of comp time are truly voluntary.

Allow employees to accrue up to 160 hours of comp time each year. An employer would be required to pay cash wages for any unused time at the end of the year. Workers are free to ‘cash out’ their accrued comp time whenever they choose to do so.

Rep. Noem continues to be an advocate for working families in Congress. In 2012, Rep. Noem was one of thirty recipients of the 2012 Best of Congress Award, which celebrated Noem’s leadership in improving the quality of life for working families. Applicants were judged on their voting record, sponsorship of legislation, constituent casework, and other activities that demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of working families. Applicants were also asked to submit employment policies and practices within their own offices that support working parents and flexible workplace options.

Rep. Noem Introduces Legislation to Create a Permanent Tribal Relations Office at USDA

Wed, 08 May 2013 02:00:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today introduced legislation that would permanently establish an Office of Tribal Relations within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This legislation would not cost taxpayers any additional dollars and instead requires USDA to use existing resources to establish the office.

Such a permanent entity within USDA will help improve communication between USDA and Tribal nations, as well as ensure South Dakota’s Native Americans have access to USDA’s programs. The Tribal Relations office would be within the Office of the Secretary, ensuring that the head of the USDA would be advised on policies related to Indian tribes.

“This legislation underscores the importance of the nation-to-nation relationship we have with our tribes,” said Rep. Noem. “By establishing this permanent office at USDA, we can ensure that Native Americans have one point of contact for the opportunities available to them through the Department of Agriculture. This office would also be responsible for increasing communication between USDA and tribes across this country. I am optimistic that we’ll get this common sense legislation included in the Farm Bill.”

Rep. Noem previously introduced this legislation last year as an amendment to the House Agriculture Committee passed version of the Farm Bill. The amendment was adopted and included in the Committee’s Farm Bill legislation.

Letters to Kristi: From Sophia

Rep. Noem responds to an email from 4th grader Sophia — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:30:00 EST

Rep. Noem responds to an email she received from Sophia asking her to talk about her job as a Representative and her background in South Dakota. Sophia is putting together a book about South Dakota as part of her 4th grade project.

Rep. Noem Announces White River Student Winner of Congressional Art Competition

Hill City, Winner Students Tie for Second Place — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today announced Karlee Ludvik of White River as the winner of the 2013 Congressional Art Competition. Ludvik’s water color, colored pencil and pen drawing, “In With the Spring” will hang in the U.S. Capitol complex along with the winning artwork from other Congressional Districts for the next year. Ludvik is a senior at White River High School where her art teacher is John LeBoeuf.

“Seeing the amazing talent of our state’s young people is truly inspiring and I am thrilled we are able to showcase South Dakota talent here in the U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Noem. “I want to congratulate Karlee, Brittany and Taylor for their incredible work. I’m proud and honored to have these creative pieces displayed in the Capitol hallway and in my office for all to see.”

Winner High School senior Brittany Simkins and Hill City High School freshman Taylor Vaughn tied for second-place honors in this year’s contest. Both students’ artwork will hang in Rep. Noem’s congressional office in Washington for one year. Simkins submitted a pencil drawing, “Curiosity,” with the help of her art teacher, Karyl Clay. Vaughn’s work is a black and white photograph, “Badlands,” and her art teacher is Lori Jones.

The Congressional Art Competition is organized by Rep. Noem’s office in partnership with the South Dakota Arts Council and South Dakotans for the Arts/South Dakota Alliance for Arts Education. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize talent in their home districts.

In addition to getting their artwork displayed in Washington, D.C., the students will receive cash awards from South Dakotans for the Arts. For first place, Ludvik receives $200, and Simkins and Vaughn will each receive $50 for second place.

Rapid City Journal: U.S. House approves Noem's bill transferring historic Black Hills cemeteries

Kevin Woster — Tue, 07 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem was confident going into Monday's vote in the House of Representative on her bill to transfer control of nine historic cemeteries in the Black Hills to their local communities.

Last year it passed the House 400-1. On Monday, the opposition doubled, but it still passed 390-2. It has not yet passed in the Senate.

Noem said it was an easy bill for lawmakers to support because it was "common-sense legislation" that turned back control and ownership to associations and communities that had been caring for the cemeteries for many years.

"This bill not only honors the folks that have been preserving these cemeteries for generations, but will actually help reduce liability and potential costs to the U.S. Forest Service," she said. "I look forward to this legislation moving through the Senate and becoming law.”

Last year, the Senate never managed to approve its version of Noem's legislation before its session ended. So Noem, R-S.D., began a do-over this session, introducing the bill again with similar legislation to follow by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and John Thune, R-S.D.

"This is is something those local communities have been asking for since they came to see me as soon as I was in Congress," Noem said.

Historic cemeteries included in the legislation are Englewood, Galena, Hayward, Mountain Meadows, Roubaix, Nemo, Rockerville, Silver City and Cold Springs.

The cemeteries have long been managed by local associations or communities but have been owned by the U.S. Forest Service since the early 1900s. The cemeteries are operated by the caretaker groups under a special-use permit with the Forest Service, which issues the permits and inspects the properties.

There were also questions in the cases where additional plots were sold, which is technically selling government property. The transfer would settle that issue.

The legislation also allows for the transfer of up to two acres of adjacent Forest Service land to the communities or associations to provide additional space if needed.

The cemeteries will be going back where they belong in true ownership if the legislation wins Senate approval as expected, Noem said. "These cemeteries have a lot of unique significance to those communities," she said.

House Overwhelmingly Passes Rep. Noem's Black Hills Cemetery Act

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:30:00 EST

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Black Hills Cemetery Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Kristi Noem in January. With a strong bipartisan vote of 390-2, the House voted to transfer the ownership of nine Black Hills cemeteries from the federal government to the caretaking communities that have managed them for generations.

“These cemeteries hold great significance to surrounding South Dakota communities, many of which originated in the old mining towns of the 1800s. I’m thrilled that we can transfer the care to these communities,” said Rep. Noem. “This bill not only honors the folks that have been preserving these cemeteries for generations, but will actually help reduce liability and potential costs to the U.S. Forest Service. I look forward to this legislation moving through the Senate and becoming law.”

The bill impacts nine cemeteries in the Black Hills: Englewood Cemetery, Galena Cemetery, Hayward Cemetery, Mountain Meadows Cemetery, Roubaix Cemetery, Nemo Cemetery, Rockerville Cemetery, Silver City Cemetery, and Cold Springs Cemetery.

Specifically, the Black Hills Cemetery Act (H.R. 291) would transfer ownership of these cemeteries and up to two acres of adjacent land to the caretaking communities that have managed them for generations under special-use permits issued by the U.S. Forest Service. It also requires that the conveyed land continue to be used for the same purposes.

Rep. Noem first introduced the Black Hills Cemetery Act during the 112th Congress on February 1, 2012 at the request of community members near these cemeteries. It passed the House of Representatives on May 15, 2012 by a vote of 400-1, but was ultimately not considered by the Senate.

The House Natural Resources Committee passed this legislation on March 20, 2013 after Rep. Noem re-introduced it in January. Senators John Thune and Tim Johnson introduced companion legislation on March 5, 2013. S. 447 was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Today, Rep. Noem spoke on the House floor in favor of the Black Hills Cemetery Act. To view her remarks, click here.

WNAX: South Dakota Congresswoman Concerned About Possible Farm Bill Provision

WNAX — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem says farm bill markup will begin next week and she’s concerned about efforts to include an animal welfare provision.

Speaking at the Jackrabbit Family Farms open house near Mt. Vernon on Friday she says animal activists are pushing for mandated care standards and if successful it would be devastating to livestock producers.

Noem says the ag committees will start writing the farm bill next week and this time the legislation will come up for a House vote.

She’s also concerned about the push for large SNAP cuts which could hurt the chances of passing the farm bill. Noem is hopeful they’ll look at common sense reform instead.

The Daily Republic: 5,000-sow operation set to open soon near Mount Vernon

Ross Dolan — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

Congresswoman Kristi Noem, R-S.D., told farm families gathered Friday at a new swine facility south of Mount Vernon that such production units are a shot in the arm for family farming in South Dakota.

Such production facilities, Noem told her audience, will keep families on the state’s farms and will continue providing for the nation’s food supply.

“For me food has always been a national security issue,” Noem said. “There is a reason we have a farm bill and a reason we have farm policy, and that’s because we decide that it’s important in America that we grow our own food.

“The instant that another country supplies us with our food is the day that they control us.”

Hundreds toured the Jackrabbit Family Farm swine production unit, where 5,000 sows will produce up to 3,000 piglets a week when the facility becomes fully operational.

Currently empty, the facility will be populated with animals in about two weeks.

The swine operation is owned by farmer investors and will be managed by the Pipestone System, of Pipestone, Minn.

Prior to speaking, Noem briefly toured the facility with Pipestone CEO Luke Minion. Earlier Friday, she had visited Wagner’s Community Based Outpatient Clinic.

Noem, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, lamented that the House has been unable to pass an updated farm bill, but she said she and others will be headed back to Washington in a week and a half for another attempt. She said very few in Washington understand agriculture or its importance, but they understand high prices and food shortages.

“That’s when they sit up and take notice,” she said. Noem said the Humane Society of the United States is challenging the use of antibiotics and is pushing for federally mandated sizes for sow gestation stalls.

“We’ve got to push back,” she said. Producers, she said, know best how to care for their animals and provide for their health.

Noem said she was aware Jackrabbit Family Farm had faced opposition. When the facility was seeking permits from Davison County, there was stiff opposition from people who live near the site.

“I did hear that,” she said. “But any time you have a new operation come in that’s sizeable, you’ll get that kind of evaluation by the local community, and that’s great. What this will do over the years is to bring some reinvestment into this county.”

Pipestone Chairman of the Board Gordon Spronk said the Jackrabbit operation is the latest and most technically advanced of the production facilities his company has produced over a 25-year period.

The 5,000 sows in the facility will produce about 125,000 pigs a year, he said, which will be sold to and raised by area farmers.

“Everybody is hungry and they like pork,” Spronk said. “It’s a global marketplace and the demand for pork continues to go up, and operations like this are meeting that demand.”

Pipestone System statistics posted at the open house estimated the operation will pay $250,000 in excise taxes; pay about $44,965 in real estate taxes; have a $700,000 annual payroll; pay about $1.7 million a year for feed; produce $200,000 worth of manure; and will have an annual operating budget of $4.625 million.

Minion presented Noem with a peace pipe as a memento of her visit. American Indians have traditionally mined pipe materials in the Pipestone area.

Asked if she will take the pipe to Washington, she said, “We’ll see what we can do. We can sure use some peace.”

Noem Weekly Column: Celebrating Moms

By Rep. Kristi Noem — Fri, 03 May 2013 05:00:00 EST

I know for many South Dakota families, May is one of the busier months of the year. From graduation planning to outdoor sports, there are an endless number of to-do items that need to be completed. And often times, it’s Mom who’s in charge of keeping everything organized and making sure kids turn in their final assignments of the school year. Even amongst the season’s busy schedules, I hope you’ll take the time this Mother’s Day to thank mothers for all they do.

Being a parent is an incredible responsibility. It feels like yesterday when my three kids were young and still needed Mom to tie their shoes or zip up their coats. Although Kassidy, Kennedy and Booker no longer need my help with those tasks, I’d like to think they still need me from time to time!

I’m blessed to have two amazing mothers in my life – my mom, Corinne and my mother-in-law, Sharon. While I’m in D.C. representing the people of South Dakota, it’s such a relief to know that these role models are around to help my husband Bryon out with an occasional meal or to sit in the stands and cheer on my kids at ball games. Grandma Sharon is often spotted running lunches up to school and back for the entire Noem-Arnold clan, while Grandma Corinne often keeps Booker company when his sisters aren’t around.

As a working mom and as South Dakota’s lone representative in the House, I continue to support policies that aim to build a better America for every South Dakotan, such as the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013. This bill would provide private sector employees who are paid hourly the choice to decide between receiving extra paid time off or cash for any overtime hours worked. I’ve met with many South Dakotans who wish they had just a little bit more time to go to kids’ soccer games or to chaperone school field trips. I understand how valuable family time is, so this bill would give families more flexibility and the option to make their lives a little less hectic.

There’s still work to be done in Washington to ensure that we leave our children and grandchildren with the promise of a better tomorrow, but I am confident that with your help, we will get the job done.

I hope you all find the time to thank mothers in South Dakota for all they do – and to thank any other women who have had a positive influence in your life. I would also encourage you to send me a picture of your Mother’s Day celebration. You can email me through my website at noem.house.gov or send me a picture using Twitter (@RepKristiNoem). Happy Mother’s Day!

Sioux Falls: 605-275-2868 / Watertown: 605-878-2868 / Aberdeen: 605-262-2862 / Rapid City: 605-791-4673 / Washington, D.C.: 202-225-2801 / Toll-Free: 1-855-225-2801

Rep. Noem in Wagner, Mount Vernon Friday, May 3

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST

Rep. Kristi Noem will be in Wagner and Mount Vernon on Friday, May 3rd. She will visit Wagner’s Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and will also give brief remarks at the Jackrabbit Family Farm Open House.

WHAT: Wagner CBOC Visit

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 2013 / 11:40 a.m. CDT

WHERE: Wagner CBOC Facility / 400 West Highway 46/50 / Wagner, SD 57380

WHAT: Jackrabbit Family Farm Open House

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 2013 / 2:00 p.m. CDT

WHERE: Jackrabbit Family Farm / 39592 264th Street / Mount Vernon, SD 57363

Rep. Noem Statement on Partially Restored B-1 Training Flight Hours

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:30:00 EST

Rep. Kristi Noem released the following statement in response to the Air Force’s announcement that it plans to begin flying B-1 bomber training missions at Ellsworth Air Force Base on a limited basis starting today:

“This decision is absolutely vital and in the best interests of our country’s national security,” said Rep. Noem. “I believe we have a responsibility and a duty to ensure that our men and women are fully prepared and equipped for their military missions. These B-1 bombers, and the airmen who operate them, are the workhorses of our nation’s airpower. It is crucial that our military’s readiness is not jeopardized due to recent budget cuts, which is why I voted for and supported multiple efforts to replace the sequester with targeted and responsible spending reductions that did not disproportionately affect our nation’s armed forces. There’s no doubt difficult decisions need to be made, but the men and women of our nation’s military deserve better.”

Rep. Noem previously questioned the Air Force during a recent House Armed Services Committee hearing about the impact this decision may have on military readiness. Noem is also a cosponsor of H.R. 593, the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act of 2013, which would prevent a further round of cuts in Fiscal Year 2013 from hitting our nation’s military by requiring a reduction in the federal workforce through attrition and a pay freeze for members of Congress.

Rep. Noem in Sisseton Tuesday, April 30

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST

Rep. Kristi Noem will be in Sisseton on Tuesday, April 30th. She will visit with high school government students.

WHAT: Sisseton High School Visit

WHEN: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 / 11:00 a.m. CDT

WHERE: Sisseton High School / 516 8th Avenue West / Sisseton, SD 57262

The Daily Republic: SD Farm Bureau supports Noem's Livestock Disaster Protection Act

SD Farm Bureau News Release — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:45:00 EST

The South Dakota Farm Bureau has issued its support for the Livestock Disaster Protection Act introduced recently by U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D.

The Livestock Disaster Protection Act would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) authorized in the 2008 farm bill for five years, as well as retroactive coverage for fiscal years 2012 and 2013.

Scott VanderWal, president of the South Dakota Farm Bureau and a family farmer from Volga, said, “Livestock producers, like all of agriculture, face unique risks every day as they work to raise safe, healthy, affordable food. Farmers and ranchers can do everything right, and yet factors like weather can bring devastation to the animals in their care or to the crops or forage needed to feed them. Livestock producers deserve to have a dependable safety net in place to help face these production risks, and the Livestock Disaster Protection Act does just that. We urge the leaders in Congress to make sure this important protection is included in the new Farm Bill.”

“The risk our farmers, ranchers and all livestock owners in South Dakota take is undeniable,” said Noem.

“The extreme weather we see across America — from drought to flood to freezes to the extreme heat — demonstrates the importance of providing a strong safety net. My bill gives some long-term certainty to our livestock owners so they’ll keep on taking the risk to contribute to our state and nation’s robust agriculture industry.”

Rep. Noem meets with Anna Hafele

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:30:00 EST

Anna Hafele was chosen out of 800 students to present her work to the Council of Undergraduate Research in DC.

Rep. Noem Speaks on House Floor on Importance of the Second Amendment

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:00:00 EST

Rep. Noem speaks on House Floor to explain the importance of the second amendment to the state of South Dakota.