Weekly Column
BIG Update
After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it was reported that a Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) employee who was tasked with leading recovery efforts in Florida directed FEMA workers to avoid homes with Trump campaign signs. This is wholly un-American and contradicts FEMA’s mission to respond to disasters. The instruction to avoid homes with Trump signs was in a best practices email to FEMA workers in the area. The employee was fired a couple weeks after the statement, yet she claims her actions were not out of line.
BIG Update
Our nation’s veterans served to protect our freedoms – like our freedom to vote, to own a firearm, and to express our religion and speech. We are all a part of the greatest country in the history of the world, which has remained that way because of those who were willing to fight for and defend freedom. Our military is the best in the world because of the strength of our servicemen and women. This Veterans Day, be sure to thank a current or former servicemember for their sacrifice to keep America great.
BIG Update
South Dakota's support for our men and women in blue was on full display this week when I joined more than 2,000 law enforcement officers and supporters at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner. In a highly divisive and sometimes violent time, these officers run into dangerous situations to save lives. I’m grateful for all they do to keep our communities safe.
BIG News
It’s pheasant season in South Dakota! I’ve been able to break out the orange vest (my favorite color) and enjoy the crisp fall air and golden prairie. It’s one of my favorite traditions each year, spending time with family and friends in the hopes of a successful hunt.
When I applied to intern in Congressman Dusty Johnson’s office in the summer of 2024, I never anticipated receiving the offer to work in D.C. As a bison rancher from rural northwest South Dakota, I’m quite the D.C. outsider, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
BIG Update
I hosted my third Level Up Youth Conference this week. More than 250 Aberdeen area high school students joined for conversations on civility in politics, teamwork games and challenges, a keynote from Mitch Reed on sharing kindness, and more.
BIG Update
For years, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has said that sanctuary cities create a public safety threat and are one of the biggest impediments to ICE’s public safety efforts. A sanctuary city’s refusal to cooperate with ICE puts local law enforcement officers in danger.