U.S. Senator Tim Johnson

Throughout my career in the Congress, I have been a strong proponent of better funding for military pay, health care, education, and housing.  My oldest son is in the Army National Guard and has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and most recently, Iraq.  The stress on morale caused by poor quality-of-life issues not only affects the preparedness of our military units, but discourages some of our most able personnel from re-enlisting and makes recruitment more difficult.  I will continue working to ensure the U.S. military remains the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the world.

Defense Appropriations Subcommittee

I am proud to be a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and serve as Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee.  These two positions allow me to weigh in on national defense programs and support South Dakota priorities.  

Ellsworth Air Force Base

Without question, Ellsworth is a world-class military installation that is not threatened by urban encroachment or congested air space.  As Chairman of the Military Construction Appropriations Subcommittee, I have worked hard to secure funding to upgrade the facilities at the base.  These investments have included funding for new buildings and military housing that will make the base a contender for additional missions in the future.  I will continue to work with the base commanders to provide them with the funding and resources they need to keep Ellsworth strong, mission-ready, and viable into the future.

The Long-Range Bomber is a crucial program for us in South Dakota.  Having a platform to succeed the B-1 when it comes to the end of its service life is absolutely critical to the nation’s strategic defense, but also, I believe, to the long-term sustainability of Ellsworth.  That is why I have joined with my Senate colleagues in urging President Obama to fund and support this important aircraft. Until this platform is ready, we must continue to maintain a strong B-1 fleet. 

South Dakota National Guard

There is no doubt that our National Guard and Reserve forces play a critical role in the defense of our nation.  We have relied heavily on National Guard and Reserve units in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks and in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As our reliance on guardsmen and reservists increases, we need to do more to make sure they have the resources they need to complete their missions.

We must improve our nation’s commitment to the men and women who serve in the military, especially those in the National Guard and Reserves whose lives are being so impacted by the increased mission tempo caused by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  I fully appreciate what a poor quality of life can do to the morale of military families.  I am committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure that the National Guard and our reserve units receive the funding and support necessary to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Honoring a Hero

Master Sgt. Woodrow Wilson Keeble is a hero that has served our nation honorably and made South Dakota and all of America proud. Learn more about him and Tim's work to secure him the Medal of Honor.