Building a Better America
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 Rising construction costs, unnecessary regulations, regulatory delays, and outdated zoning have exacerbated this housing shortage and have made homes unaffordable for many families.
This week, I voted to pass the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act to expand the supply of single- and multi-family homes, apartments, and manufactured housing. This bill will help make the American Dream a reality by removing unnecessary regulatory barriers, improving financing options for rural and community banks, and modernizing programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
I also had the privilege of meeting with South Dakotans at Habitat for Humanity to discuss improving affordable housing.
BIG Update
From coast to coast, Americans are cheering on Team USA as our athletes compete in the Winter Olympics in Milan. Athletes train for a lifetime for the Olympics – fairness matters.
I’ve led and supported several pieces of legislation to protect women’s sports, from grade school and high school athletics to collegiate and Olympic levels. I also cosponsor the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which passed the House in January 2025. This bill prohibits school athletics from allowing biological men from competing in programs that are specifically for women or girls.
Allowing biological men to compete against women at any level undermines safety and steals podiums from female athletes. Regardless of the level of competition, female athletes deserve a level playing field.
BIG News
Americans want secure elections. In fact, 84% of Americans across the political spectrum support policies like showing photo identification to vote. This week, the House passed the Safeguard America Voter Eligibility (SAVE) American Act, with my support. This bill ensures only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections and requires a photo ID to cast a ballot. States will also be required to remove noncitizen and ineligible registrants from their voter rolls.
The SAVE America Act mirrors what is already in practice in South Dakota. Government-issued ID, including REAL ID, passport, and tribal ID are all valid forms of photo identification. If a voter forgets their photo ID or paperwork on election day, they may cast a provisional ballot.