Sioux Empire Today

The House Agriculture Committee has advanced a significant portion of the reconciliation package, referred to as the "one big, beautiful bill," which is part of House Republicans' legislative agenda. The committee's proposal identifies over $290 billion in savings while also investing in American agriculture and rural communities.

Key elements of the package include strengthening work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents who receive SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. The initiative is part of the America Works Act. The aim is to ensure that those capable of working do so, while focusing aid on individuals who need it most.

Additionally, the bill addresses challenges faced by farmers due to inflation and aims to improve trade programs and protect livestock from foreign animal diseases. Despite these measures, further efforts are needed to address all issues affecting farm country.

Plans are underway to reintroduce the TEENS Act, which proposes more flexible work schedules for 14- and 15-year-olds. Current regulations restrict these teenagers from working past 7 p.m. on school nights; however, the new bill would extend this limit to 9 p.m., allowing up to 24 hours of work per week if agreed upon by the teenager and their family.

In observance of National Police Week, attention is drawn to law enforcement officers' service and sacrifice. Two South Dakota officers who died in the line of duty were honored with their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.