Weekly Column
In Congress, hardly anything is perfect. But just because it's not perfect, doesn't mean there's not progress.
This past week we made progress for South Dakota.
The first comes following the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) decision to walk back plans to change the city status of Rapid City.
In January, OMB began toying with the idea to increase the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) qualification from 50,000 to 100,000 people. This set off the alarm bells in smaller cities across the country, including ours.
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.
We all know 2020 was an unprecedented year given the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests that swept the nation last summer, but there are several factors contributing to rising crime rates in our nation.
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.
With only 15 full-time staffers among our four offices, it requires a full team effort to optimally serve over 880,000 constituents across South Dakota and our interns play an integral part in making that happen.
As much as the internship program helps our offices run efficiently, it also provides our interns with a valuable educational experience.
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 past week, China forced Apple Daily, Hong Kong's pro-democracy newspaper to shut down, citing violation of its year-old national security law.
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.
From Moscow's crackdown on political opposition, to their military buildup along the Ukrainian border, and their recent agreement to supply Iran with advanced satellite systems, it is quite clear that Russia is not our friend.
Following the talks, President Biden said in a press conference that he told Putin his agenda "is not against Russia" but "for the American people."
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.
Before you hit the road – or the tarmac – don't forget a few of the essentials: money, your ID, sunscreen, and if you're going abroad, your up-to-date passport.
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.
Our celebration of Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War, when fellow Americans began honoring the countless soldiers who lost their lives in battle. Memorial Day is often filled with picnics and parades, but its important to take a moment to truly reflect on the solemnity of the day.
More than 36% of all Americans are fully vaccinated. Our nation is on track to get back to "normal."
But if we really want to get back to normal, that means getting back to work. If you walk down Main Street in most towns across America, you'll spot "Help Wanted" signs in most windows. There are more than eight million job openings in our country right now, but nearly ten million Americans aren't working.