U.S. Senator Tim Johnson

South Dakotans have a long, proud history of military service. This continues today with the thousands of residents who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout my career in 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. As the war in Afghanistan draws down, I will continue working to ensure the U.S. military remains the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the world. 

Appropriations Subcommittees

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.  

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.

Foreign Assistance

While foreign aid comprises less than one percent of the federal budget, it still has a significant impact on foreign policy and military concerns. A robust international budget will help the U.S. remain engaged in world affairs and ensure we are capable of responding to humanitarian crises wherever they may occur.

I believe that U.S. foreign aid to developing countries has been a cost-effective and important investment. This assistance has helped increase life expectancy and reduce child mortality rates. International aid and development can also be in our national security interest by helping to create stable, prosperous societies. If countries have jobs, health care, and education infrastructures in place, residents are less likely to resort to extreme, violent measures.

It is critically important that Congress maintain strict regulations and appropriate oversight to guarantee foreign aid offered by the U.S. is spent wisely and is provided to those most in need.