Weekly Column

This week, the Speaker of the House interrupted the August Work Period in our districts and states, calling all Representatives to vote on the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act”. The $745 billion bill does little to actually reduce inflation – it may just make things even worse. July’s 8.5% inflation report shows a slight cooling of inflationary pressure. Passing this bill could reverse the little bit of progress we have made.

The 360,000 acres of American land owned by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is just the start. The CCP is purchasing more and more farmland and has a plan to drastically increase their ownership in the next few years. It’s become a growing concern of mine, and I’m working to put an end to it.

The month of August usually reminds people of the first day of school. But for the House of Representatives, August kicks off the traditional District Work Period or “August Recess”. Historically, August Recess was implemented because there was no air conditioning in the Senate Chamber and members and staff couldn’t handle the swampy heat of Washington. Members don’t have the month “off,” but we get to spend the majority of August in our states and districts. A majority of House and Senate Members come home every weekend after voting in Washington, D.C.

July 12. That is the day Feeding South Dakota – a hunger relief organization – hit its budget for the month of July. With more than half the month to go, there are needs to be met – families and children that need the food they provide. Feeding South Dakota has seen fewer donations likely caused by the lack of surplus in kitchen pantries and in wallets because of inflation.

June’s inflation report showed a 9.1% increase from a year ago. At this point, most of us are seeing the higher prices for almost everything we purchase. These prices are making it harder for individuals and families to make ends meet, and have created dilemmas for construction projects, police departments, and school districts.

Guest Column: Meet the Interns

By Interns Haley, Jack, Margaret, & Quinn

This week, South Dakota’s agriculture communities got to show off. I hosted the Republican leader on the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman “GT” Thompson from Pennsylvania, and introduce him to the wonderful people of South Dakota. We closed off June Dairy Month with a celebration at Valley Queen and at the Holstein Association USA’s National Convention.

At the end of summer, many eighteen-year-olds head off to continue their education. Some go to vocational schools, community college, or four-year universities. But a unique set of individuals head to a different “college” in June.

After receiving nominations from my office, six men and women accepted their appointments to attend the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy, and United States Naval Academy.