Sioux Empire Today

The House of Representatives has approved the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, introducing measures to enhance election security by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. The Act also mandates that states remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls. According to the legislation, only U.S. citizens should participate in U.S. elections.

In addition to election security, the House has taken steps to manage federal spending by passing a budget resolution. This move is considered crucial in the reconciliation process, particularly for extending the Trump tax cuts, harnessing American energy resources, and maintaining border security.

Engagement with agricultural stakeholders continues as South Dakota officials, led by a representative, met with local pork producers to address concerns regarding California's Proposition 12, which imposes certain livestock housing regulations. The representative emphasized the need for consistency and clarity in the industry, noting that Proposition 12 has escalated consumer costs and could potentially marginalize smaller farms. Efforts are being made on the Agriculture Committee to challenge Proposition 12 and support pork producers, as well as to reduce pork prices nationally.

On the international trade front, President Trump has announced a 90-day pause on several reciprocal tariffs, following inquiries from over 70 countries to negotiate reductions. The representative underscored the effectiveness of tariffs as negotiating tools but expressed a preference against broadly high tariffs over extended periods. Tariffs can be beneficial when targeted at strategic industries.

China, however, has chosen not to engage in negotiations and instead has implemented retaliatory tariffs, increasing them further on imported American goods to 145%. The representative criticized China's actions, citing various breaches of trade and security norms, including evasions of U.S. shipping laws, labor abuses, and security threats.

The President has urged China to negotiate for a trade policy that safeguards American interests. The representative called for President Trump and China's President Xi to reach a mutual agreement that China must respect, to protect both American producers and consumers.