Weekly Column

Over the last two months, Speaker Pelosi has passed one large bill after another. From the federalization of state elections to immigration reform, we've just about seen it all.

I'm eager to move past the first 100 days of the session and hopeful we can move on to legislation that has a chance of passing in the Senate. So what's the next big thing Congress will tackle?

Over the last two months there has been a growing crisis at the southern border.

Following decisions to end the Migrant Protection Protocols or the "remain-in-Mexico" policy and the reestablishment of catch-and-release policies, there has been a surge in illegal crossings at the border.

Temps are rising and the sun isn't setting at 4:30 in the afternoon – that can only mean one thing – Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here.

The "spring forward" has its pros and cons – the cons, we lose an hour of sleep and our kids' schedules are in disarray for a few days – but for me, the extra daylight in the evening is well worth it. It's the "fall back" I dislike, so much of the afternoon daylight is lost.

"We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward."

Those were the words spoken by President Biden the day he was sworn into office.

One of the best parts of my job is the unique opportunity I have to meet with outstanding young people from across the state. I am inspired by their energy and dedication to make a positive impact in their communities and across the country.

It's easy to look at today's political climate and feel discouraged, but as I am reminded every time I meet with young people, the future of this country is in good hands.

I am proud to be a South Dakotan. As a father with three sons in public school, I'm grateful they have an opportunity each day to go to class in-person. Too many school children across this country aren't being given that opportunity, and it's a shame.

Study after study has shown that children being forced to learn remotely are falling behind students attending school in-person. The impact of those decisions will be felt for years to come.

By now, many of us understand that President Biden's Executive Order to halt the Keystone XL Pipeline is going to have disastrous effects on our nation's economy, energy security, and thousands of American jobs. By terminating the Pipeline, we are even risking our international standing and relationship with our Canadian neighbors who have also invested billions of dollars and years of design and permitting to accomplish a first-of-its-kind, innovative oil pipeline – the safest way we have to transfer oil and natural gas resources.

As we all know by now, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted just about every part of life – federal government agencies are no exception. One of the most frustrating realities of this pandemic was the impact it had on IRS operations.

In the spring of 2020, the IRS was processing not only 2019 tax returns but the first round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) a.k.a. stimulus checks. However, in response to the pandemic and efforts to lessen the spread of the virus, much of the IRS workforce was required to work remotely, resulting in a lengthy pause in the IRS mail processing.