Weekly Column

I grew up in a large working-class family in central South Dakota. My parents worked hard, every single day. So did I, and so did my brother and my sisters.

Even with that hard work, there were times when we needed help from government to get by. I am who I am today because of the experiences of both welfare and hard work. Government assistance can help meet people's basic needs— we all know that. But on its own, welfare alone means surviving just barely, on the edges.

I've believed for a long time that technical and skilled labor education are the backbone of a strong national workforce. It's one thing to hear about successful programs at the state and local level, but it's a totally different experience to witness them firsthand and see the impact programs have on local communities.

As a self-described policy guy, I've spent a lot of time researching topics like agriculture and telecommunications. It's no secret that when elected I was laser focused on gaining a spot on the Agriculture Committee for South Dakotans. Now as a member of two very different committees, I've appreciated how many topics Members of Congress have the opportunity to study and debate. I enjoy immersing myself in the intricacies of ag policy, but my time as a freshman member of the House Education and Labor Committee has allowed me to explore plenty of new avenues.

Trade is about more than exchanging goods and services. Trade can lift families and industries out of an economic slump and offer opportunities for growth. The absence of trade can result in uncertainty and struggle.

After seven consecutive weeks of session in Washington, DC, I was grateful to spend a full week working back in beautiful South Dakota. My first in-state work week was full of "firsts."

I came to Congress to solve real issues for South Dakotans. This office has awarded me the opportunity to meet and engage with constituents that perhaps I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to know. Every meeting that comes through my door is important, but I am particularly impressed by the intentionality of South Dakota's tribal members.

I may not be a farmer, but I know what it's like to work hard. If you are a farmer during weeks like this one, where Antarctica looks balmy, there is no option to simply take the day off. Farmers endure. Agriculture endures.

As Congress buckles down over the next three weeks to deal with the government shutdown and improve border security, I also want to keep our eye on this important fact:

This should never happen again.