Weekly Column

Small businesses are the heart of our communities, providing employment and driving innovation at the national, state, and local levels. In South Dakota, 88,000 small businesses make up 99% of businesses in the state, employing nearly 210,000 people, more than 58% of our workforce. These businesses make large and small impacts in our communities and beyond.

A couple weeks ago, this opinion piece was published on CNN. It’s directed at my bill, the America Works Act. In the piece, the writers make broad, misleading claims about welfare work requirements legislation.

The share of mandatory federal spending has more than doubled in less than sixty years. In 1965, defense and discretionary spending totaled 66% of our spending—now they make up just over 25%. As spending continues to grow, mandatory program expenditures are increasing, taking up 71% of the budget. We’re also facing a historic debt crisis, record inflation, and high interest rates.

Summer is coming quickly. Many are planning their summer trips and vacations, and Washington, D.C. is a popular destination for families in South Dakota. Visiting Washington, D.C. can be a life-long memory for many. The list of things to do seems endless: visiting the U.S. Capitol or the White House, standing in awe at the Lincoln Memorial, watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, seeing the city from the top of the Washington Monument, or visiting dozens of museums throughout the city.

Applications for my U.S. Service Academy nomination consideration opened this week for the Class of 2028.

Service Academies are undergraduate institutions that educate and train the next officers in our Armed Forces. Academies are different than a traditional college experience. They focus on leadership, both the physical and mental aspects of military training, and preparing students for a career as an officer.

March 29^th is a day for Americans to remember and commemorate the service and sacrifices made by nearly three million servicemembers who served in Vietnam.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the disestablishment of the United States Military Assistance Command in Vietnam, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.

The Wall Meats processing facility has been operating over capacity for years. It is a 2,400 square foot processor and has the capacity to process 11 head of cattle per week. However, they have been processing 15-20 head per week—nearly double what they are suited for. Wall Meats started operating 24/7 to keep up with this demand and applied strategies to get their products in more local stores, schools, and even Meals on Wheels.

I was that kid on food stamps—I know firsthand how government assistance can both help and hurt. Education, training, and work provide dignity and economic opportunity. Too many Americans are on the sidelines while we are facing a record labor shortage.