South Dakota Republican Representative Kristi Noem says there was about 12 hours of debate and admits, although it's not perfect, the proposal did receive bi-partisan support. Noem says there were amendments that would benefit South Dakotans dealing with crop disasters and the fight against the pine beetle.

Noem says, "This amendment will extend the number of acres that can be classified as an emergency area for pine beetle response from 1,000 acres to 10,000. I'm very happy to report it passed with bi-partisan support."

The committee passed its version by a 35-to-11 vote.

Justin Pazera