Weekly Columns
“Fighting Escalates in Eastern Ukraine, Signaling the End to Another Cease-Fire.”
“Russia seems to be preparing to invade Ukraine but it's not clear whether Putin will go through with it.”
At the start of the 117th Congress when control of the Senate and White House changed, I had concerns regarding legislation coming down the pipeline. I saw politically-motivated changes to the Supreme Court coming from a mile away – that’s why the first bill I introduced this year was to safeguard the Supreme Court by capping the number of justices at nine.
South Dakota is lucky to call home to seven of our nation’s National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas. As we celebrate National Parks Week in the month of April, I can’t help but reminisce on the beauty of places like the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and the Missouri River.
“I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use the natural resources of our land; but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob, by wasteful use, the generations that come after us.” -Teddy Roosevelt
Over the last two months, Speaker Pelosi has passed one large bill after another. From the federalization of state elections to immigration reform, we’ve just about seen it all.
I’m eager to move past the first 100 days of the session and hopeful we can move on to legislation that has a chance of passing in the Senate. So what’s the next big thing Congress will tackle?
Over the last two months there has been a growing crisis at the southern border.
Following decisions to end the Migrant Protection Protocols or the “remain-in-Mexico” policy and the reestablishment of catch-and-release policies, there has been a surge in illegal crossings at the border.
Temps are rising and the sun isn’t setting at 4:30 in the afternoon – that can only mean one thing – Daylight Saving Time (DST) is here.
“We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace, only bitterness and fury. No progress, only exhausting outrage. No nation, only a state of chaos. This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward.”
Those were the words spoken by President Biden the day he was sworn into office.
One of the best parts of my job is the unique opportunity I have to meet with outstanding young people from across the state. I am inspired by their energy and dedication to make a positive impact in their communities and across the country.
I am proud to be a South Dakotan. As a father with three sons in public school, I’m grateful they have an opportunity each day to go to class in-person. Too many school children across this country aren’t being given that opportunity, and it’s a shame.