I’ve always believed that this time of year should be about faith and coming together with family. Yet it seems that the election cycle has started earlier than ever, and we are already bombarded with an avalanche of negative ads and heated rhetoric. It’s my hope that both sides can dial back the heated words and commit to solving the immense problems we face as we head into the New Year.

Like many of you, I’m disappointed and frustrated by the tone coming out of Washington these days. Sometimes it seems that even the simplest legislative issues fall victim to party politics. But South Dakotans expect more, and the challenges we face require it.

The simple fact is that the Republican Party finds itself in the majority in House of Representatives, while the Democrats control the Senate. A my-way-or-the-highway approach is a recipe for gridlock, and means that no measure will be able to make it to the President’s desk.

Make no mistake, there will always be disagreements. But that doesn’t mean Washington should be disagreeable. I’ve always said that neither party has a monopoly on good ideas, and that remains true today. Since my earliest time representing our state in Washington, I’ve always pushed a good idea no matter which side of the aisle it came from. I hope more leaders in Washington take this approach, and put what’s best for the country ahead of party affiliation.

It’s no secret that it has been a tough year for many people across the country. Although South Dakota has not been hit as hard as other states, the national employment rate remains unacceptably high. If there is a single issue that unites people of both parties, it should be providing economic security for hardworking families. We need less infighting and more of a willingness to tackle the issues.

I know that next year is an election year, but elected officials simply cannot afford to take a year off from legislating just to score political points. We can’t wait to address the issues we face - the livelihood of hardworking families hangs in the balance. 

When Congress reconvenes next year, I will continue to bring some South Dakota common sense to Washington. In the meantime, just as families take a moment to pause and reflect with their loved ones, I’m looking forward to doing the same. Once Congress finishes up its work, politics will take a back seat to football and spending Christmas with members of my family.

From the entire Johnson Family to yours, we are wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.

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