Visited Sioux Falls Christian High School today to speak with AP Government students. Appreciated their thoughtful questions about public service, including making South Dakota better for the next generation. The future is bright! Thank you to Mr. Hilbrands for the invitation.

Photos of granddaughter Elaina on her first hunt with me in Pre-K and today’s hunt. Hard to believe she’ll graduate high school this year!

Another successful pheasant opener. Ready for a great season!

Today’s the day! Pheasant season is here, and South Dakotans across the state are taking to the field with family and friends. Wishing everyone a safe and successful hunt!

Today, my Sioux Falls office received a suspicious piece of mail. My team members followed proper protocols advised by U.S. Capitol Police and contacted the Sioux Falls Police Department, who responded immediately to investigate and evacuate the office.   I am grateful for the U.S. Capitol Police, who intercepted other letters and sent out a warning allowing my team to recognize this letter before opening it, and to the Sioux Falls Police Department. I am also grateful for all of my team members, who work tirelessly on behalf of South Dakotans despite the risks involved. Our Sioux Falls office will be closed for the remainder of the day as SFPD continues to investigate and will reopen for normal hours on Monday morning.   This situation is deeply concerning and follows a trend of intimidating tactics that impact our team members. This has no place in our nation. America is better than this.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Deputy Katherine Frank. My prayers are with her family, friends and fellow officers as they grieve this loss. We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who protect and serve our communities.

Today, on Native Americans’ Day we honor the rich history, culture and traditions of Native American communities and recognize their lasting impact on South Dakota and our nation. #NativeAmericansDay

Please join me in praying for the officer in critical condition, her loved ones and the entire Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office following this tragic incident. Today and every day, we support our law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

Following my letter last week, I’m pleased to see that the President is taking steps to lower fuel prices, including a review of certain taxes on diesel. This is an opportunity to offer real relief to South Dakotans who continue to pay higher prices at the pump, particularly farmers and ranchers who are in the middle of harvest. We’ll continue to work on addressing the high cost of living impacting our state.

Glad to sit down last week with Coleen Globke Brasch, my 2027 Angels in Adoption honoree and founder and executive director of All About U Adoptions, headquartered in Sioux Falls. Coleen is an inspiring example of someone who leads with compassion and cares deeply for everyone involved in the adoption process. It was a pleasure to visit with her, hear more about her story and learn about the meaningful work she is doing through All About U Adoptions.

Spoke with Mark from Renner and Anna from Sioux Falls, who are members of the Senior Care Pharmacy Coalition, about the importance of keeping pharmacies at long-term care facilities open and available for South Dakotans.

Great to visit with Austin from Dakota State University, representing the Computing Research Association, to talk about issues relating to his field of study.

Good to see Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, Superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools. Appreciated our conversation on the importance of funding public education in South Dakota and placing control at the local level.

It was a privilege to sit down with South Dakotan Kate Utley, whose husband lost his life while serving our nation in 2012, and other Gold Star families. Appreciated this group taking the time to share stories of their loved ones who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of America. We are grateful for their service.

Good to visit with South Dakota folks representing Impact Aid schools in our state. These funds are crucial for the success of schools located near large sections of federally-owned land, and I’ll continue to advocate for fully funding this program in the Senate.

Met with a few South Dakota folks with Growth Energy to talk about the need for year-round access to E15. We all appreciated the Senate Ag Committee advancing a Farm Bill that included a provision to allow for year-round access to E15.

Had a good conversation with Lisa from Keystone and Linda from Leola with Concerned Women for America. Enjoyed discussing issues important to South Dakotans.

Today I voted in favor of the Ratepayer Protection Act to protect families and small businesses from paying higher electric bills due to data center construction in their communities. The key to this bill is preserving state local control. Data centers should only be built if their companies pay their own way and provide the power they consume. Very pleased that South Dakota is leading the way with similar legislation already in place at the state level.

Good to see Adam Bode, CEO of DemKota Ranch Beef in Aberdeen, in DC recently. Appreciated hearing about their efforts to distribute locally sourced, high-quality American beef.

Recently sat down with South Dakotans representing the turkey industry to discuss animal health, ag labor and trade priorities.