For Many South Dakota Families, Every Day is Veterans Day

For South Dakota families that have a loved one who is either currently serving in the military, has already hung up his or her uniform, or whose beloved sevicemember is no longer with us, every day is Veterans Day. These family members are proud of their mom or dad, son... Continue Reading

For Self-Driving Vehicle Technology, the Future is Now

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, I’m fortunate to be involved in a wide range of issues that affect nearly every American in one way or another. My committee has jurisdiction over matters relating to weather forecasting, science, technology, interstate commerce, highway safety, and our... Continue Reading

My Top Priority for Tax Reform: Middle-Income South Dakotans

The American people have had a rough time over the past few years. Fifty percent of Americans consider themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck, while almost a third of voters say they are just $400 dollars away from a financial crisis. That’s not acceptable. Fortunately, there are things we... Continue Reading

Why the GOP-Trump Tax Plan Works

The American people have had a rough time over the past few years. Fifty percent of Americans consider themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck, while almost a third of voters say they are just $400 dollars away from a financial crisis. That’s not acceptable. Fortunately, there are things we... Continue Reading

In Washington, There’s a Tax for Every Occasion

Death should not be a taxable event. Surprisingly, though, the idea that it would be such an occasion has become a political issue that can pit family-run farms and ranches against Washington’s political elite who think certain Americans, including some farm and ranch owners, should be taxed two or three... Continue Reading

South Dakota’s Unofficial October Holiday

For many South Dakotans, myself included, the third Saturday in October is always circled on the calendar. While most fall weekends are primetime for college football and Major League Baseball playoffs, those are all overshadowed, at least for me, by walking through a food plot, slough, or corn field and... Continue Reading

Celebrating South Dakota’s Native American Traditions

On the second Monday in October, South Dakotans uniquely celebrate Native American Day to recognize and honor the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people who have shaped our state’s identity. On a day known to most people around the country as “Columbus Day,” South Dakotans use this day to honor the... Continue Reading

Tax Reform for Middle-Class South Dakotans

The U.S. tax code is too large, too complicated, and too outdated. Reforming and modernizing it so more middle-income South Dakotans can keep more of what they earn doesn’t have to be complicated, and it’s something on which both Republicans and Democrats should be able to agree. This is a... Continue Reading

Getting Our Troops the Resources They Need to Succeed

For more than 50 years, Congress has passed and the president has signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an important bill that helps fulfill our commitment to America’s men and women in uniform. It’s almost always a bipartisan exercise that demonstrates to the American people that issues related to... Continue Reading

Service Academies Offer Students a Unique Opportunity to Serve

President Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” For nearly 250 years, America has been blessed because from each... Continue Reading

My Principles for Pro-Growth Tax Reform

My biggest priority for the remainder of the year will be sending the president a comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform package that helps middle-class South Dakotans who are struggling to make ends meet. According to a recent study, 50 percent of American voters consider themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck,... Continue Reading

Here to Serve You

An issue I frequently discuss with folks while I’m traveling the state is the wide range of services I can offer to South Dakotans through any of my Senate offices. It doesn’t matter if you contact my office in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, Aberdeen or Washington, D.C., my staff... Continue Reading