Weekly Column
BIG News
Earlier this week, the House put forward a continuing resolution (CR) spending bill that contained too many unrelated provisions. Many members of Congress, including myself, indicated our opposition to that bill.
BIG Update
A federal court recently ruled that Congress does have the authority to force a sale of TikTok from its current owner, ByteDance. A bill that was signed into law this year would do exactly that, or else TikTok would no longer be allowed to operate in America. TikTok is Chinese malware that is installed on more than 100 million American devices, giving China access to users’ passwords, internet history, voice, fingerprint, and facial data, and more.
BIG Update
This week, I was elected to continue to serve as Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus, which I have led since 2022. The group has worked to pass conservative solutions to cut $2 trillion in spending, reform welfare, and unlock domestic energy production.
I’m excited to lead this group during this special time in history. Main Street will work with President Trump and the Senate to secure the border, cut spending, and roll back unnecessary regulations.
BIG Update
Happy Thanksgiving, South Dakota! I love this season – a time to slow down, spend time with my family, and think about all the things I am thankful for, like faith, family, and our freedoms.
I’m looking forward to working with a Republican Senate and White House to protect these values. Faith, family, and freedom are pillars of our nation, and we need to keep them at the center to remain a strong country.
BIG Update
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director testified in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week to address concerns about the Agency’s response to disasters. It was recently reported that employees were directed to skip homes that displayed Trump signs or flags.
I joined Fox Business to discuss the hearing. You can watch my conversation by clicking here or the image below.
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.