January 29, 2009: The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. and resume consideration of H.R. 2, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act. There will be roll call votes throughout the day as the Senate continues to work through amendments to the Children’s Health bill.
Press Release
of
Senator Johnson
Johnson Celebrates Dedication of Mni Wiconi Water Service
Contact: Julianne Fisher - 202-224-1638
Washington, DC—U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) joined local officials and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Robert Johnson for the dedication ceremony of the Mni Wiconi Project. “I remember Frank Means traveling to Washington, D.C. with his jugs of ‘brown water’ tucked under his arm, and bringing forward the just cause of past and future generations to secure a clean supply of drinking water. Twenty years later we are now realizing that promise. I am proud to have been a part of this effort and promise to keep up the fight until it is finished. Clean, reliable drinking water is crucial to helping these communities remain healthy and growing,” Johnson said. As a member of the Senate Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnson has been a strong advocate for the project securing more than $37 million for construction and maintenance this year and targeting an additional $37 million in federal funding in the Senate version of the funding bill for the project in 2009. The event recognizes the completion of the core Mni Wiconi water transmission pipeline from the Fort Pierre water treatment plant to the community of Wanblee on the Pine Ridge Reservation. This is an important point in the project’s construction where treated Missouri River water is transmitted through the main pipeline. Congress initially authorized the project in 1988. Subsequent amendments in 1994, 2002 and 2006 added additional project sponsors increased the project authorization ceiling and also extended the project completion date. Through it all, the Oglala Sioux Tribe has participated as a leading member, with several Tribal members devoting decades of service to shepherding the project through some rocky and trying circumstances. This event was part of Johnson’s district work period tour of South Dakota which will include visits to 19 different cities. Since returning to the state, Johnson has participated in meetings and events in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Madison, Harrisburg, Rapid City, McLaughlin and Mitchell. ### For more information on Senator Tim Johnson visit his website at http://johnson.senate.gov
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