A New Opportunity to Work Together
By Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
November 13, 2008

Once again, our nation has gone through a spirited and hard-fought election season. The results of the recent campaign mark historic milestones in the story of our country, including record voter turnout and the election of an African-American to serve as President of the United States. We should all be proud to live in such a vibrant democracy where candidates can put their ideas forward, policies can be debated freely, and after all the votes are counted, we experience a peaceful transition of power.

However, with the excitement of this election behind us, the work now begins for President-elect Obama, his administration and the new Congress in meeting the challenges facing our country. To be sure, these challenges are unlike any other in recent history and will require a spirit of cooperation and bipartisanship that is worthy of the issues we face.

South Dakotans expect and deserve more from their government than the same old political battles. A tremendous amount of passion was poured into the political process, and we must seize on that energy to change the way Washington does business. That is why when the new Congress reconvenes, I will continue to build on the bipartisan working relationships I’ve established with my colleagues to do what’s best for South Dakota and for our country.

Additionally, as a member of the moderate Blue Dog Coalition, I remain committed to enacting fiscally-responsible policies in the 111th Congress. This commitment includes making sure that the federal government pays as it goes, just like families in South Dakota, in order that we don’t worsen an already staggering national debt. Undoubtedly, there will be many worthy, but often competing priorities on the table. In evaluating these priorities, it is important that we make the tough choices necessary to get our country’s fiscal house in order and focus on those programs and services that really matter. Our children and grandchildren don’t deserve to inherit our debt and it is our responsibility to get government spending back on track.

Also in the 111th Congress, I look forward to continuing to represent South Dakota’s interests on the committees on which I am proud to serve. As chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, I’m proud of the important progress we’ve made in ensuring that men and women who have served our country in uniform receive the benefits to which they are entitled. But there is more to be done, and I will continue to focus on transition assistance as well the challenges in implementing the historic Montgomery GI Bill we passed last year.

On the Natural Resources Committee, one of my top priorities is the nine sovereign tribes in South Dakota I have the honor of representing. One aspect of improving life on the reservations includes passing comprehensive legislation to improve law enforcement in Indian Country. Native American families, just like every other family in America, deserve to live in safe communities. The federal government must work harder to meet its obligations to our tribes in that regard. Additionally, remote tribal communities often lack access to quality healthcare and it is critical that we pass the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.

Finally, the Agriculture Committee will play an important role in making sure that Congressional intent is upheld in administering programs contained in the new Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is the single most important piece of legislation to South Dakota’s producers and rural communities, and while the drafting and ultimate passage of the Farm Bill was a long process, the committee will continue to play a critical role in conducting oversight of its implementation in the upcoming Congress.

As with any new beginning, we are faced with both opportunities and challenges. I look forward to meeting with more South Dakotans and continuing our work together on behalf of the future of our state in the 111th Congress.