It's summertime in South Dakota, which means many of us will be paying a visit to Mount Rushmore, getting out on the Missouri River or Pactola Reservoir, or heading into the field. Wherever you're going this summer, sunscreen should probably be in your bag.

Though recent reports highlight the fundamental inefficiencies and mismanagement within the agency, the VA has failed to protect America's veterans for far too long. This is a serious problem, and it demands a serious solution.

In all our nation's wars, more than 1.3 million men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. It is these honored dead whom we recognize on Memorial Day.

We have a responsibility to protect and care for those who selflessly dedicate their lives to the service of our country. This is why I said yes when Speaker John Boehner asked me to join the Select Committee on the Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi.

The numbers are staggering – 344,000 claims are backlogged at the Veterans Administration, with the average veteran waiting 160 days just to gain access to health benefits. As of this writing, seven hospitals were found to have hidden lists of veterans waiting for treatment and in one Arizona facility alone, as many as 40 veterans reportedly died because they couldn't get the care our government promised them.

It's almost that time of year again when we pack the car, buckle the kids in, and head out of town for a summer vacation. We're pretty fortunate in South Dakota.

Contributions by women to expand and safeguard freedom and opportunity are numerous. It is time to celebrate those contributions of American women.

For too many Americans, the issue of human trafficking is far removed from their daily lives–something that only happens in foreign countries or Hollywood movies. Tragically, this issue is far closer to home than many of us realize.

Last week, I hosted my annual jobs fair in Topeka. The jobs fair was a way to connect Kansans looking for work with businesses that are hiring.

The remarkable thing about both our mothers is that no matter the situation, they did everything they could, they sacrificed, they put themselves aside so we could have more opportunities and greater joy.

Each of us has had a teacher who inspired us, molded our character, or challenged our thinking. For me, it was my first grade teacher, Mrs. Tetzlaff. From the first day of class, I could tell she cared more about what we took away from the lesson than making sure we got a perfect score on a test. She taught me to love school early – something I benefited from throughout my education.

America's economy is still struggling after the worst recovery since the Great Depression. Families that are barely getting by, and small businesses that are drowning under seas of red tape, are left wondering why radical policies coming from this administration are acting like a straitjacket holding back their potential.