Sioux Empire Today

I recently visited various communities in South Dakota, engaging with both high school seniors and senior citizens. These interactions revealed that many are closely following current events, particularly issues concerning the border, TikTok, and President Trump's initial weeks in office. Discussions also touched on topics like tariffs and government efficiency.

Engaging directly with residents helps me focus on my primary responsibility—serving South Dakota.

During my visit to River Cities Public Transit, I learned about their operations and challenges. The organization is experiencing a workforce shortage, notably in recruiting drivers with Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL). Despite a nationwide shortage of 80,000 truck drivers, recent regulations from the Biden Administration have made obtaining a CDL more difficult. Veterans and senior citizens depend on services like River City Transit for essential appointments.

I am actively involved in legislation aimed at simplifying the process for CDL applicants to obtain their licenses. Additionally, this legislation seeks to improve transportation access for rural veterans. It is vital to ensure these individuals receive the quality care they deserve by maintaining accessible transportation options.

The United States possesses significant energy resources; however, there has been a notable difference in how these resources have been managed under different administrations. The Biden Administration left many U.S. energy sources untapped while relying on foreign countries for energy needs. This dependency could threaten national security and economic stability. In contrast, during his first term, President Trump increased America's energy security by making the country a net exporter of energy for the first time in nearly seven decades.

To continue enhancing American energy independence, President Trump established the National Energy Dominance Council chaired by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. This council aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and encourage innovation within the energy sector to lower consumer prices and secure America's energy future.