Rep. Noem defends vote against Sandy Aid

Chairman’s Note: South Dakotans understand better than most the comfort of good weather and the destructive power of bad weather. We also make no excuses when it comes to helping a neighbor after disaster strikes. Congresswoman Noem relied on the generosity of American taxpayers when floods decimated South Dakota communities in 2011 and droughts hurt South Dakota farmers in 2012. Earlier this week, however, she forgot America’s generosity when she voted against disaster relief for victims of superstorm Sandy. She forgot her South Dakota values yesterday when she voted to leave disaster victims behind without any support. As a South Dakotan, I’m deeply ashamed by Congresswoman Noem’s actions, and I can only hope America will still come to our support the next time disaster strikes here at home.