Weekly Column
Crime is on the rise across America.
Since the beginning of 2021, cities have faced surging levels of violence. The most staggering statistics have emerged in Portland, where homicides and shootings have jumped by a disturbing 533% and 126% respectively, compared to 2020.
Rates are not likely to slow either, as summer is known to be the most violent time of year.
Identifying bills to cosponsor, writing memos on proposed legislation, answering constituent calls, and compiling news stories – this is a day in the life of an intern in my Congressional office.
Earlier this month marked the 32nd anniversary of Tiananmen Square, a tragic day in which the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) forced the silence of thousands of pro-democracy activists and killed hundreds.
Unfortunately, no Chinese citizen will find mention of that day in their history books. That's because the CCP continues its suppression of democratic values.
This week, President Biden met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva, Switzerland. Stakes were high leading into the summit as U.S.-Russian relations have reached a low point.
On Monday, I sat down with the South Dakota Corn & South Dakota Soybean Associations in Valley Springs. For over an hour, I heard directly from producers on concerns they have, the challenges of the last four years, as well as the emerging opportunities. From workforce to trade to farm programs, there was a common goal amongst both groups: greater predictability.
June is National Dairy Month, and in South Dakota we have a lot to celebrate.
Over the last three years, milk production has grown 35% in South Dakota. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, total cheese production in South Dakota increased 16% in a year when many states were not as fortunate.
As COVID-19 cases are on the decline and more countries open up for summer travel, Americans are starting to pack their bags and get on the road.
According to TSA, nearly two million people went through airport security on May 23rd – that's the highest number of air travelers TSA has seen since the start of the pandemic in 2020.
On the last Monday of every May, our nation pays special tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
More than 36% of all Americans are fully vaccinated. Our nation is on track to get back to "normal."
Each year congressional offices across the country interview potential candidates for our nation's military and service academies.
It's one of the best parts of my job. South Dakota is home to some of the best and brightest students, many of them hoping they'll go on to serve our country at one of our nation's esteemed military institutions.