Weekly Column
More than 20,000 of our National Guard troops lined the streets of Washington this week to help safely usher in the peaceful transition of power. It was a striking image to see firsthand.
After the violence in the Capitol, these men and women dropped everything to come protect the streets of America's capital city.
In December, Members of Congress were given early access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and I asked for South Dakota to decide whether I should take the vaccine early to instill public confidence or wait my turn. Nearly 9,000 South Dakotans participated in the poll.
Our U.S. Constitution was tested this week.
As you most of South Dakota now knows, on January 6th, I voted to uphold the 2020 election results that were certified, recounted, and audited from various states across the nation.
Like many South Dakotans, I am frustrated with how certain states handle their elections, and in the weeks following the 2020 election, I supported the president's right to his day in court. Legal challenges were filed in dozens of state and federal courts, but failed to overturn any votes. Despite claims, the evidence was not there.
When I am traveling across South Dakota I get dozens of questions a day, from the budget deficit to healthcare to national defense to agriculture policy. Over the last two years I've regularly used this space to address many of the issues most often asked about.
There is a common question asked by South Dakotans I haven't written about in a while, though: "How is your family doing?"
The Christmas season is a time of joy, thankfulness, and blessings. Families will gather together, give gifts, and drink libations. This year will look a little different though, and I was reminded as we sacrifice and keep our gatherings smaller this year, there are millions of Americans who have made that sacrifice willingly for generations – our servicemen and women.
Dear Santa,
2020 was a hard year for all of us, and as I'm sure you know, the world continues to battle a global pandemic. It's not been all bad though, and what can only be called a Christmas Miracle, our healthcare workers are beginning to receive a lifesaving vaccine. Americans have buckled down, and we've done our best to make the Nice List – I hope you'll keep my Christmas list in mind as you're making the rounds this year.
All I want for Christmas is…
Congress gets a bad rap for never getting anything done. It's not completely undeserved, but every single day bills pass out of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.
This week was no exception. My legislation to honor former Congressman and Rosebud Sioux tribal member Ben Reifel passed the U.S. Senate and is headed to the president's desk to be signed into law.
One week. That's how much time remains before Congress heads home for Christmas.
While hundreds of thousands of Americans – schools, families, and small businesses – continue to struggle from COVID-19, both House and the Senate leadership have struggled to come together on another relief proposal. For months, members of the Problem Solvers Caucus have been finding common ground on proposals, and this week we unveiled another relief framework which has gained even more support than our first attempt in September.
Like most South Dakotans, I want to keep our schools open and our economy strong. If we don't get COVID-19 under control, that's going to be increasingly difficult.
November is memorable for many things – including Election Day and the start of the holiday season – but it also marks the start of National Adoption Month.
In South Dakota, the average age of a child waiting to be adopted is nine years old. My youngest is eight – it's heartbreaking knowing there are so many children my son's age in need of a loving home.