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Weekly Column

February 21, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

I had a great week visiting seniors young and old—high school seniors and senior citizens—across South Dakota this week. I can tell they’re all paying attention to the news because they had great questions about the border, TikTok, and Trump’s first few weeks in office, especially about tariffs and government efficiency. 

I always love getting out in the state to talk to real people like you. It keeps me focused on the most important part of my job – serving South Dakota.

Issues:Transportation & InfrastructureEducationEnergyVeterans

February 13, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

School conditions are dire in Indian country. For years, they haven’t received the funding they need, and now, unfortunately, schools are riddled with leaky roofs, broken heaters, mold, and more. Congress and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) must do better to uphold our trust and treaty obligations to tribes.

Issues:Tribal AffairsTransportation & InfrastructureEducation

February 7, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

The Biden Administration’s open border policies allowed fentanyl to flow across the border for four years. The outcome is tragic. Fentanyl poisoning is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. This illicit drug has ended thousands of lives, causing heartbreak and distress in families and communities nationwide.

Issues:Border SecurityEducation

January 31, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

Earlier this week, President Trump signed into law the Laken Riley Act which makes it easier to deport illegal immigrants with a criminal record. This was the first bill Trump signed into law during his second term which had broad support from Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate.

Issues:Tribal AffairsBorder SecurityTransportation & InfrastructureEducation

January 24, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

Every year, thousands of babies are born alive after a failed attempted abortion, however, they don’t all receive care they need to survive. It’s truly tragic. This week, I voted to pass the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act to require health care practitioners who are present preserve the life and health of the child born. Every child deserves a chance at life.

Issues:Pro-LifeTribal Affairs

January 16, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

Over the weekend, I joined President Trump for dinner to discuss legislative plans for the next year. In just a few days, I’ll be attending his inauguration to watch him take the oath of office. I’m ready to have a president in the White House who will secure the border, project strength abroad, and unleash American energy.

Issues:Transportation & InfrastructureCongressEnergy

January 10, 2025
Weekly Column

BIG Update

On Monday, January 6, I attended the Joint Session to count electoral votes of the 2024 election, confirming that President Donald Trump won the election. With less than two weeks until the inauguration, I’m looking forward to having a president in the White House who will help secure the border, cut spending, get tough on China, and make government more efficient.

BIG Idea

Issues:ChinaBorder SecurityTransportation & InfrastructureCongress

January 3, 2025
Weekly Column

Over the past four years, Americans have been burdened by the results of the Biden Administration’s policies, like an open border, high inflation, mandates that are increasingly difficult to meet for energy production, vehicle emissions, health care, firearms, and more. 

Issues:Border SecurityEconomyCongress