A South Dakota Summer

I spent the busy August work period crisscrossing South Dakota, meeting with South Dakotans and taking in the sights and sounds of everything that our great state has to offer in the summertime. I attended fairs from Butte-Lawrence County to Brown County to Turner County and this year’s state fair... Continue Reading

Getting Washington Working Again For the American People

When Republicans campaigned for the Senate majority in 2014, we made a simple, yet important pledge to the American people: If you elect Republicans to the majority, we will get the Senate, which has been dysfunctional for years, working again. That was not a half-hearted campaign slogan; it was a... Continue Reading

Take Me Out to the Fair

It is that special time of year again when families of all ages from every corner of the state can enjoy the sights and sounds of our state and county fairs. From Turner County to Brown County to the state fair in Huron and everywhere in between, there are multiple... Continue Reading

The Obama EPA Strikes Again

If there is one thing for which the Obama Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can be counted on, it is the repeated issuance of rules and regulations that stifle growth and make life harder and more costly for American families and businesses. The agency, stocked with a seemingly endless amount of... Continue Reading

Multi-Year Highway Bill an Investment in Our Roads and Bridges

With one million bikers expected to take to the highways for the 75th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally, and as tourist season remains well underway, there is no better time to stress the need for safe, reliable roads and bridges in South Dakota and across America. Our transportation infrastructure keeps our... Continue Reading

Why the Iran Nuclear Agreement Is a Bad Deal for America

There has been a lot of recent coverage in the news about the Iran nuclear agreement. For many South Dakotans, this agreement may seem far away. However, the danger this agreement addresses – that of a nuclear-armed Iran – is not only a threat to our allies, including Israel, but also... Continue Reading

Shining a Light on Youth Suicide Crisis

Nearly eight years after No Child Left Behind expired, I am glad Congress has finally passed legislation to reauthorize federal K-12 educational programs. The Every Child Achieves Act would reduce federal interference in education and restore control of education to the people who know their students best – parents, teachers,... Continue Reading

Transportation Reforms Strengthen, Provide Certainty to Farmers, Ranchers, and Businesses

With all the Senate has accomplished this year, it is hard to believe that we are just six months into the Republican majority. The Senate has passed nearly 50 bipartisan bills since January, and we are on pace to pass many more. We have made bipartisanship a cornerstone of the... Continue Reading

Celebrating the Red, White, and Blue

 Fourth of July is right around the corner, and as South Dakotans fire up their backyard barbecues or embark on family vacations to celebrate this summer, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the true importance of Independence Day. Nearly 240 years ago, our Founding Fathers took a... Continue Reading

Accelerate Customer Service at the IRS

The IRS stumbled its way through tax season, still struggling to try to restore its reputation after its political targeting scandal gravely undermined confidence in the federal tax-collecting agency’s ability to fairly administer tax laws. With the 2015 tax-filing season fading in the rearview mirror, now is the time to... Continue Reading

Reining in the Obama EPA

I strongly believe in the outdoor heritage that makes South Dakota such an amazing place to live, work, and raise a family. Whether it’s earning a living off of the land, like so many of our hard-working farmers and ranchers, or enjoying a weekend pheasant hunt with friends and family,... Continue Reading

Telemedicine Helps Bring Patients to Doctors

An increasing number of South Dakotans are seeking the use of telemedicine, which makes it easier for physicians to see patients that may not be able to travel as easily or frequently to where their physician practices. It can be particularly useful when patients are seeking medical care from a... Continue Reading