Weekly Column
BIG Update
This week, I held a roundtable with producers to talk about issues facing South Dakota agriculture. We covered topics including the upcoming House committee activity on the Farm Bill, my efforts to secure year-round E-15, trade deals impacting South Dakota agriculture, and overall price concerns.
Decisions made in Washington shouldn’t be guess work. It was great to connect with these producers who are in the fields every day to hear their concerns and ideas.
BIG Idea
Housing supply in the United States has not kept up with demand. There’s currently a 5.5 million housing unit shortage in America. Rising construction costs, unnecessary regulations, regulatory delays, and outdated zoning have exacerbated this housing shortage and have made homes unaffordable for many families.
BIG Update
Free, fair, and accountable elections are vital to the survival of our democracy. Without common sense guardrails, our election system is severely compromised. I’ve been supportive of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act to protect our elections. It requires individuals to provide proof of citizenship when they register to vote in federal elections. It also requires states to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls.
The Black Hills Stock Show kicks off this weekend in Rapid City, and there’s no event that captures the spirit of South Dakota quite like it. Each year, the Stock Show brings people together for world-class rodeos, concerts, vendors, and fellowship. It’s a true celebration of our ag heritage and the hardworking folks who make our state great. I’ll be at the Stock Show this weekend and next, and look forward to visiting with folks from across South Dakota and the region.
BIG Update
Homeownership is the bedrock of the American Dream but has become out of reach for many individuals and families. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is only creating more obstacles to reach that goal for those living on South Dakota’s reservations.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is not meeting the needs of South Dakotans. I hear almost every day about a lost package, delayed mail resulting in late fees, medication delays, and the questionable routing of mail. USPS delivery times continue to get worse, and it’s having a real impact on individuals and businesses. The data shows USPS service performance data has trended downward in every measurable category for every type of postage for the last four years.
BIG Update
My bill to protect the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre was signed into law. I’m thankful for the work of tribal leaders from the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to preserve this land for generations to come and for the leadership of Senators Rounds and Thune who helped get this bill across the finish line.
BIG Update
Ocean shipping is the backbone of international trade, allowing American products to be sold in other countries while giving American businesses and consumers access to goods we don’t make. Even in America’s heartland, ocean shipping is an integral part of our economy.
BIG News
My bill to preserve the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre is heading to President Trump’s desk after receiving unanimous support in both the House and Senate.
BIG Update
Unnecessary federal regulations drive up costs for consumers. I’ve been working to undo burdensome red tape and make life more affordable for American families. It’s estimated that American households pay an average of $16,016 per year in hidden regulatory costs. Those federal rules affect many aspects of day-to-day life including auto emissions, energy efficiency standards on appliances, building code, health and food requirements, and more.