The 58th presidential inauguration, like others before it, was filled with the familiar traditions and pageantry that comes with the peaceful transition of power from one administration to the next. It’s an awesome event to witness in person, and it’s unlike anything else in the world. I’ve attended several inaugurations... Continue Reading
The Republican-led Congress heard the American people loud and clear on Obamacare. The law is broken beyond repair, and Americans are looking for a better, more patient-centered approach. According to a recent poll, eighty percent of Americans want to see the law substantially changed or repealed and replaced entirely. In... Continue Reading
This month not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also the start of a new Congress. With new beginnings come new opportunities, and the 115th Congress is already off to a great start. On day one, I reintroduced legislation that would help advance rural broadband services in... Continue Reading
For many South Dakotans, the presidential election probably dominated conversations with friends and family for much of the year. It’s no surprise, considering how historic the election was from beginning to end. And while that certainly makes 2016 a year for the history books, I’m sure there are many other... Continue Reading
The holiday season seems to arrive sooner and sooner each year. With it comes the joy and happiness of being able to spend time with our loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the year, and rejoice in God’s gift to mankind – that’s what this time of year is... Continue Reading
I’ve worked hard over the last two years delivering on my promise to help get the Senate working more efficiently and effectively for the people of South Dakota. Because when hard-working taxpayers ask themselves if Washington is listening – if Washington is paying attention to their struggles – I want... Continue Reading
If you tuned in to C-SPAN today, you’d find a much different Senate than the one that existed just a few short years ago. In 2013 and 2014, under Democrat leadership, the Senate repeatedly chose politics and partisanship over bipartisanship and efficiency. The legislative process, including the important work done... Continue Reading
Washington Post: Senate passes major bill to improve weather forecasting By Jason Samenow, Capital Weather Gang December 2 at 11:30 AM Sweeping bipartisan legislation to support weather research and predictions has passed the Senate. If approved by the House of Representatives and signed by the president, it will become the... Continue Reading
Nearly everyone in America is familiar with Black Friday. It’s the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, and with it often comes an early morning, long lines, and, depending on what you’re looking for, some pretty good deals. Black Friday is nearly synonymous with the big-box retailers that are... Continue Reading
When Thanksgiving approaches each year, I’m reminded of the kindness and generosity Native Americans extended to the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock nearly 400 years ago. With the help of Native Americans, Pilgrims learned how to cultivate corn, where to hunt and fish, how to extract sap from maple trees, and... Continue Reading
On Veterans Day in 1988, President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. After the president delivered his remarks, he left a handwritten note at the memorial’s edge addressed to “our young friends.” The note read, in part, “You fought for your... Continue Reading
Growing up in a small town has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on who you ask. But if you ask me, my siblings, or my dad who still lives in the house we all grew up in, there’s nothing but upside. Growing up in small-town South Dakota helped shape who... Continue Reading
