Career and Accomplishments

Tim's interest in public policy stems back to his childhood days and dinner table discussions with his family about ways to make a difference in the community. But, it was during his first few years in private law practice that he made a firm commitment to play an active role in the legislative process that was shaping the community in which he, his family, and other South Dakotans lived.

Just three years after starting his own law practice, Tim was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives in 1978 and then reelected in 1980.

After serving in the state House for four years, Tim ran for the state Senate and was elected in 1982 and 1984. During his years in the South Dakota Legislature, he earned a reputation as a hardworking, effective author of sound fiscal and social policy. His achievements did not go unnoticed. In 1979 the Vermillion Jaycees presented him with the "Outstanding Citizen Award." In 1983 he was the first recipient of the "Billie Sutton Award for Legislative Achievement" presented by the South Dakota Democratic Party.

After eight years in the state legislature, Tim decided to take his commitment to creating positive change for South Dakotans to Washington. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 with nearly 60 percent of the vote. During his first term in Congress, he was responsible for passing more legislation than any of the other 50 first-term members. And, he received national awards by the National Farmers Union, Disabled American Veterans, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Within the House Democratic leadership organization, Tim served as Regional Deputy Whip from 1991-1994. Tim served as South Dakota's congressman for five terms before being elected to the Senate in 1996 and re-elected to a second term in 2002.

Since his re-election in 2002 Tim has continued his hard work in the Senate. He worked with the entire South Dakota delegation, locked arm in arm to keep Ellsworth Air Force base open. He has used his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee to secure millions of dollars in funding for crucial South Dakota projects. From funding agricultural research at SDSU to nearly doubling the funding for the Lewis and Clark water project in 2007, time and again Tim has used his influence to deliver resources for South Dakota.

Tim serves on several important committees, including the powerful Appropriations Committee, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and the Indian Affairs Committee.