Economy

While many are planning their new year’s resolutions, getting ready to go back to school, and soaking up the last days of the holidays, Congress is gearing up for a shift in majority.

Fifty-four tons. That’s how much each American requires of goods shipped by freight each year.

This week as we approached the end of yet another extension to avert a strike by rail workers, the threat of canceled shipments was staring our nation in the face.

I am grateful and honored to serve as South Dakota’s only voice in the U.S. House of Representatives for another two years. Since coming to the U.S. House in 2019, Republicans have been the minority party. Despite that, I’ve stayed focused on effectiveness and led more than a dozen bills across the finish line. I plan to bring that same attitude to the 118^th Congress—working hard and getting things done for South Dakotans.

It’s easy to focus on what isn’t getting done in Washington—don’t get me wrong, there is a lot to do—but I was recently reminded of a big win from earlier this year. Once a bill crosses that finish line and is signed into law or implemented, sometimes we forget to highlight the impact it’s had on our economy and businesses.

We all have businesses we love and reasons why we love them—it may be good food, quality service, or great people. There are so many great places across our state, and I wanted to hear about them. Recently, I asked South Dakotans what their favorite local business is and why. Over 200 businesses were recommended from 76 cities.