Weekly Column

Earlier this week, the White House held a roundtable to discuss the meat and poultry supply chain. Farmers, ranchers, and independent processors from across the country shared their experience and expertise with this Administration. I hope their firsthand account isn't used to score political points – the White House has the opportunity to take what they heard and implement a real fix.

As my third year in Congress comes to a close, I have been reflecting on all that has happened in the short span of a year. I started off the year being sworn in for my second term as South Dakota's lone representative and was appointed to two committees—the Agriculture Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. These two committees are critical for the progress of South Dakota and played a vital role for our country as we have dealt with the impacts of a global pandemic, issues with the supply chain, and inflation.

Guest Columnby David Forsythe, Wounded Warrior Fellow with Rep. Dusty Johnson's Office

Last week, the National Defense Authorization (NDAA) for fiscal year 2022 passed the House with a 363-70 vote. This week it passed the Senate. The annual NDAA includes strong policies for our military and wins for South Dakota's Ellsworth Air Force Base and the future of the B-21 bomber mission.

There's a classic narrative that nothing gets accomplished in Washington. I'll admit there's a lot of disfunction in government, but this week that wasn't the case.

I'm sure most of you have noticed the rising costs of just about everything—gas, groceries, restaurants, coffee, home appliances, electricity, etc. Prices have risen steadily since January and we are all feeling the effects of inflation on our wallets and bank accounts. Gallup reported that 45% of Americans have experienced financial hardship triggered by these increased prices.

This Thanksgiving, like so many South Dakotans, I'm looking forward to spending time with my wife and three boys at home. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not only because of the roasted turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, but because it brings people together in a spirit of thankfulness and allows me to reflect on what I am truly grateful for.

November is National Adoption Month which is why on behalf of the state of South Dakota, I would like to congratulate Sarah and Terry Reyelts for being selected as 2021 Angels in Adoption honorees.