Columns

The Senate is back in session, which means we are traveling back to Washington for votes, committee hearings and meetings with constituents who visit the Capitol to advocate for...

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the investiture of Judge Jonathan Kobes, a newly-appointed U.S. Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit....

In the Senate, I have the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight,...

We are very fortunate to call South Dakota home. We live in a beautiful, diverse state with an interesting history. We welcome visitors from all over the U.S. and the world, but...

While I spend much of my time working on legislation, attending committee hearings and voting on the Senate floor, a lesser known but equally as important role of my job is helping...

Raising a family has been the greatest privilege of my life. Jean and I have been blessed with four children and ten grandchildren who all live near our home in Fort Pierre....

The Senate recently passed the Bipartisan Budget Agreement that was negotiated by President Trump and Congressional Leadership. I supported this legislation because it prioritizes...

When President Trump was elected, he promised to fight for American workers by putting into place strong, fair trade deals. He has worked hard to deliver on that promise. Like many...

The crisis at our southern border shows no signs of slowing down, as the number of individuals attempting to cross our border illegally continues at a rapid pace. In May of this...

During my time working as your governor and now U.S. senator, I’ve had the privilege of establishing friendships with tribal members from all nine reservations in South...

It is because of the sacrifices made by the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States that we remain the greatest country in the world. It’s important that our...

 On July 4, Americans celebrate our country’s independence. Like many families in South Dakota, Independence Day is a special holiday that our family looks forward to...

In my weekly columns to South Dakotans, I frequently write about important policy discussions happening in Washington or highlight the issues that South Dakotans have been talking...

Many families, businesses, tribes and communities in South Dakota have experienced serious destruction of property and infrastructure following a series of late-winter storms....

A strong education system is vital to giving our young people the tools they need to grow and create a prosperous future for themselves. I believe students are best served when...

When you sent me to Washington 4 1/2 years ago, I pledged to work on your behalf to get government out of the way and stop interfering with your everyday lives. I’ve always...

Memorial Day is an opportunity for all of us to honor the brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We are forever grateful to them for defending...

South Dakota’s manufacturers and ag producers have been at the tip of the spear in our trade negotiations with China. At a time when farmers and ranchers are facing the worst...

Since I’ve been in the Senate, I have been focused on reversing the negative impacts Obamacare has had on South Dakota families. I was working as governor when Obamacare was...

  South Dakota’s small businesses play a critical role in strengthening our communities. They provide good-paying jobs, pay local property taxes and reinvest into the...