Floor Statements

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I rise today to express my concerns with the U.S. Postal Service operations in South Dakota, my home State. Over the past year or so, my team has heard from thousands of South Dakotans expressing their frustrations and, frankly, anger about poor mail delivery in our State.

We have heard from veterans who are not getting their medication on time; we have heard from individuals who are having to pay late fees because their bills arrive the day they are due; and we have heard from people who simply aren't getting their mail delivered, even though they can see on the Postal Service app that they should be receiving it that day.

My team wanted to test it for ourselves. We wanted to see how long it would take to send a piece of first-class mail from our office in Rapid City, SD, to Pierre, SD, the capital of our State, which is about 172 miles driving distance away.

That would be from Rapid City to Pierre.

Instead of taking a direct route, this letter went from Rapid City west to Denver, and then to Des Moines, IA, across Nebraska and then from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND, and then back to Pierre.

Let me do the math for you. This letter traveled over 1,800 miles across four different States just to end up back at South Dakota.

As soon as we caught wind of just how bad the mail service had gotten in South Dakota, I tried to have an open discussion with the Postal Service leaders. When it became clear to me that they weren't interested in fixing it, I requested an investigation from the Office of the Inspector General of the Postal Service which happens to answer to Congress, not to the Postal Service.

The OIG accepted our request and began to investigate the issues with mail service in South Dakota. As a part of their investigations, they were on the ground in South Dakota earlier this year. For evidence of just how deep the problem in the Postal Service runs, the OIG reiterated to my team and to me that they had to do this investigation clandestinely. If Postal Service leaders caught wind of where OIG representatives were going to be on which days, they could try to manipulate the results.

Turns out, they were correct. As soon as it was announced that the OIG team would be heading to South Dakota, my team heard from local post office employees that they were being asked to hide piles of mail.

As I mentioned, we have also heard countless stories about lifesaving prescriptions not arriving for our veterans who get many of their refills through the mail. In fact, that is the desired route for many of our veterans to get their prescriptions.

According to the Black Hills VA, the USPS has lost so many important medications, that the VA has had to repeatedly notify the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Service inspector general. In some parts of the country, the VA tells veterans they should order prescription refills at least 20 days before their supply runs out to account for these delays.

By comparison, it only took half that time to put a man on the Moon. I have even heard from the Secretary of the VA Doug Collins who, because of the nationwide postal delays, he directed his staff to look into policies on how the VA can better work with independent community pharmacies to give veterans the prescriptions they need to live a healthy life.

It should not come down to this.

Five years ago, the Postal Service told Congress that it needed billions of dollars in financial relief to become sustainable. Based on that promise, Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Act. They promised that the so-called Delivering for America plan would cut costs, improve service, and return the Postal Service to profitability.

Instead, today Americans face unprecedented costs when they want to mail a letter with delivery times worse than the Pony Express, all while the Postal Service continues to burn through billions of dollars as if money grows on trees.

The U.S. Postal Service decided that in order to be cost effective, they should deprioritize rural America. For many years, mail was picked up from post offices and routed to processing

facilities at least twice a day, regardless of where you lived or how rural you may be.

But under the Postal Service's Regional Transportation Optimization initiative, mail from post offices located more than 50 miles from a processing facility are only sent to processing facilities once in a single morning dispatch, and in many cases, this adds up to a full-day delay before a letter starts its journey to the processing facility.

Now, that is bad enough, but it also means that despite a letter being in the post office's legal possession, it is not postmarked until at least the next day. For many, this can be the difference between a tax return being on time or an absentee ballot being counted, simply because of where you live.

And despite these cost-saving measures, now the U.S. Postal Service is asking for billions more, all while senior executives receive large bonuses and lavish benefits like wellness reimbursement incentives, financial planning, retirement counseling services, TSA PreCheck-- reimbursement for it--and membership in up to two airline lounge clubs per year.

The post office also created a deferred compensation program. Yes, a deferred compensation program to pay its highest paid officers above compensation limits that have been imposed by Congress.

That needs to end.

And that is the reason that I am introducing the USPS Executive Benefit and Bonus Removal Act. Incompetent bureaucrats should not get bonuses when the mail does not run on time. If the Postal Service were serious about cutting costs, they should have cut costs inside its own ivory tower before passing costs on to the American people who are still receiving terrible service.

In addition, I have announced that I am placing holds on every nominee for the Postal Service board of directors until their leaders take steps to fix mail service in South Dakota. I suspect other Senators from rural States may do the same.

To lift these holds, I want the Postal Service to commit to making these three fixes in South Dakota at a minimum: No. 1, immediately suspend their Regional Transportation Optimization in South Dakota on a permanent basis; No. 2, start delivering intrastate mail--meaning, mail inside of South Dakota--within 1 to 2 days using our existing facilities that they have already been scaling back; and No. 3, they need to commit fully to implementing all findings of the OIG investigation when it becomes available.

Now, I have spoken with some of my Senate colleagues who are seeing the same issues in rural parts of their States. I look forward to working together to find a different model for the Postal Service that actually works for the American people, again, despite the blinders that our Postal Service leadership seem to have on.

It is way past time that we put the ``service'' back into the Postal Service.

Mr. President, I rise today to express my concerns with the U.S. Postal Service operations in South Dakota, my home State. Over the past year or so, my team has heard from thousands of South Dakotans expressing their frustrations and, frankly, anger about poor mail delivery in our State.

We have heard from veterans who are not getting their medication on time; we have heard from individuals who are having to pay late fees because their bills arrive the day they are due; and we have heard from people who simply aren't getting their mail delivered, even though they can see on the Postal Service app that they should be receiving it that day.

My team wanted to test it for ourselves. We wanted to see how long it would take to send a piece of first-class mail from our office in Rapid City, SD, to Pierre, SD, the capital of our State, which is about 172 miles driving distance away.

That would be from Rapid City to Pierre.

Instead of taking a direct route, this letter went from Rapid City west to Denver, and then to Des Moines, IA, across Nebraska and then from Des Moines, IA, to Fargo, ND, and then back to Pierre.

Let me do the math for you. This letter traveled over 1,800 miles across four different States just to end up back at South Dakota.

As soon as we caught wind of just how bad the mail service had gotten in South Dakota, I tried to have an open discussion with the Postal Service leaders. When it became clear to me that they weren't interested in fixing it, I requested an investigation from the Office of the Inspector General of the Postal Service which happens to answer to Congress, not to the Postal Service.

The OIG accepted our request and began to investigate the issues with mail service in South Dakota. As a part of their investigations, they were on the ground in South Dakota earlier this year. For evidence of just how deep the problem in the Postal Service runs, the OIG reiterated to my team and to me that they had to do this investigation clandestinely. If Postal Service leaders caught wind of where OIG representatives were going to be on which days, they could try to manipulate the results.

Turns out, they were correct. As soon as it was announced that the OIG team would be heading to South Dakota, my team heard from local post office employees that they were being asked to hide piles of mail.

As I mentioned, we have also heard countless stories about lifesaving prescriptions not arriving for our veterans who get many of their refills through the mail. In fact, that is the desired route for many of our veterans to get their prescriptions.

According to the Black Hills VA, the USPS has lost so many important medications, that the VA has had to repeatedly notify the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Service inspector general. In some parts of the country, the VA tells veterans they should order prescription refills at least 20 days before their supply runs out to account for these delays.

By comparison, it only took half that time to put a man on the Moon. I have even heard from the Secretary of the VA Doug Collins who, because of the nationwide postal delays, he directed his staff to look into policies on how the VA can better work with independent community pharmacies to give veterans the prescriptions they need to live a healthy life.

It should not come down to this.

Five years ago, the Postal Service told Congress that it needed billions of dollars in financial relief to become sustainable. Based on that promise, Congress passed the Postal Service Reform Act. They promised that the so-called Delivering for America plan would cut costs, improve service, and return the Postal Service to profitability.

Instead, today Americans face unprecedented costs when they want to mail a letter with delivery times worse than the Pony Express, all while the Postal Service continues to burn through billions of dollars as if money grows on trees.

The U.S. Postal Service decided that in order to be cost effective, they should deprioritize rural America. For many years, mail was picked up from post offices and routed to processing

facilities at least twice a day, regardless of where you lived or how rural you may be.

But under the Postal Service's Regional Transportation Optimization initiative, mail from post offices located more than 50 miles from a processing facility are only sent to processing facilities once in a single morning dispatch, and in many cases, this adds up to a full-day delay before a letter starts its journey to the processing facility.

Now, that is bad enough, but it also means that despite a letter being in the post office's legal possession, it is not postmarked until at least the next day. For many, this can be the difference between a tax return being on time or an absentee ballot being counted, simply because of where you live.

And despite these cost-saving measures, now the U.S. Postal Service is asking for billions more, all while senior executives receive large bonuses and lavish benefits like wellness reimbursement incentives, financial planning, retirement counseling services, TSA PreCheck-- reimbursement for it--and membership in up to two airline lounge clubs per year.

The post office also created a deferred compensation program. Yes, a deferred compensation program to pay its highest paid officers above compensation limits that have been imposed by Congress.

That needs to end.

And that is the reason that I am introducing the USPS Executive Benefit and Bonus Removal Act. Incompetent bureaucrats should not get bonuses when the mail does not run on time. If the Postal Service were serious about cutting costs, they should have cut costs inside its own ivory tower before passing costs on to the American people who are still receiving terrible service.

In addition, I have announced that I am placing holds on every nominee for the Postal Service board of directors until their leaders take steps to fix mail service in South Dakota. I suspect other Senators from rural States may do the same.

To lift these holds, I want the Postal Service to commit to making these three fixes in South Dakota at a minimum: No. 1, immediately suspend their Regional Transportation Optimization in South Dakota on a permanent basis; No. 2, start delivering intrastate mail--meaning, mail inside of South Dakota--within 1 to 2 days using our existing facilities that they have already been scaling back; and No. 3, they need to commit fully to implementing all findings of the OIG investigation when it becomes available.

Now, I have spoken with some of my Senate colleagues who are seeing the same issues in rural parts of their States. I look forward to working together to find a different model for the Postal Service that actually works for the American people, again, despite the blinders that our Postal Service leadership seem to have on.

It is way past time that we put the ``service'' back into the Postal Service.

Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and service of Frank Tedeschi, who passed away on July 9, 2026.

Frank served as a dedicated soldier, extraordinary public servant, and a true patriot. His contributions to our Nation's national defense were tremendously significant. While the American public may never know of his accomplishments, our country is safer and stronger because of his commitment, integrity, and tireless work.

Frank's journey of service began in uniform. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an enlisted soldier and an officer. He was a veteran of the war in Afghanistan, and his outstanding leadership and dedication resulted in his selection for battalion command, an honor reserved for a minority of Army officers who have demonstrated exceptional ability, character, and leadership.

Unfortunately, Frank's Army career was cut short due to medical reasons. But for Frank, leaving military service did not mean leaving the fight. He brought the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to public service when he joined my Senate staff.

Frank began his time on my team as a fellow. He quickly distinguished himself and went on to serve as my defense policy adviser and later as my legislative director. In every role, Frank demonstrated an uncommon commitment to getting things right. We called him bulldog. He cared deeply about national security, the Department of Defense, and most importantly, the people of South Dakota.

Frank was one of a kind. He was a proud New Yorker, and he carried that personality with him every day. He was direct, blunt, and never one to waste words. He would tell you exactly what he thought--and usually, he was right. But behind that sometimes gruff exterior was a man with a tremendous heart, a great sense of humor, and a deep concern for others.

As legislative director, Frank held himself and those around him to the highest standards. He believed public service was a profound responsibility, not merely a job. He rolled up his sleeves, did the hard work, and expected the same commitment from everyone around him. At every opportunity, Frank chose the right path, even when it was the harder path. His integrity was unwavering.

Frank's dedication to our Nation's security was remarkable. After leaving my office, he continued his service as the congressional and interagency adviser to the 12th and 13th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he continued advocating for our military and helping to make sure Congress had the information needed to make sound decisions. He was the major driving force behind a generational change in the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, which sets military requirements for the future force. Another example of Frank's myriad impacts as a member of my

staff was his work helping defend the Department of Defense's exclusive use of a critical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This effort was vital to making sure our military retained the capabilities necessary to protect our Nation. It was exactly the type of complex national security challenge where Frank's expertise, persistence, and commitment made a difference.

Frank Tedeschi embodied the very best qualities of a soldier and a public servant. He was loyal, courageous, hard working, and committed to something greater than himself. His loss is deeply felt by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and all those fortunate enough to have served alongside him.

To Frank's family, I extend my deepest condolences and my gratitude for sharing him with our Nation. Frank gave so much of himself in service to others. The United States is better because of his life. My team and I are all better because we had the privilege of knowing him.

May God bless Frank Tedeschi, his family, and the United States of America.

Mr. President, today I recognize Cade Edwards, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work he has done on behalf of my office and the State of South Dakota. Mr. Edwards is a graduate of O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, SD. He is currently attending the University of Iowa, where he studies political science and economics. Mr. Edwards is a dedicated and diligent individual who has been devoted to getting the most out of his internship experience. He has been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Edwards for all of the work he has done and wish him continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Bailey Feistner, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work she has done on behalf of my office and the State of South Dakota. Ms. Feistner is a graduate of Woonsocket High School in Woonsocket, SD. She recently graduated from the University of South Dakota, where she studied legal studies and political science. Ms. Feistner is a dedicated and diligent individual who has been devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. She has been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Feistner for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Baylie Somsen, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work she has done on behalf of my office and the State of South Dakota. Ms. Somsen is a graduate of Webster High School in Webster, SD. She is currently attending South Dakota State University, where she studies business economics. Ms. Somsen is a dedicated and diligent individual who has been devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. She has been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Somsen for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Olivia Wendland, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work she has done on behalf of my office and the State of South Dakota. Ms. Wendland is a graduate of Milbank High School in Milbank, SD. She is currently attending Clemson University, where she studies economics. Ms. Wendland is a dedicated and diligent individual who has been devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. She has been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Wendland for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, today I recognize Dr. Jose-Marie Griffiths, outgoing President of Dakota State University in Madison, SD, for all of the hard work she has done for the State of South Dakota. Her work over the past 11 years as president has helped make DSU a national leader in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and research. Dr. Griffiths' commitment to her students, her faculty, and to the State of South Dakota are unmatched. Under her leadership, DSU expanded academic programs, particularly in technology and cyber- related fields. Her collaboration with government, military, and industry put DSU in a position to secure significant investments to further promote programming at DSU. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. Griffiths for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success as she begins her next chapter.

Mr. President, today I recognize Abbey Allen, an intern in my Washington, DC, office, for all the hard work she has done on behalf of my office and the State of South Dakota. Ms. Allen is a graduate of Madison High School in Madison, SD. She is currently attending Augustana University, where she studies government/ international affairs and international studies. Ms. Allen is a dedicated and diligent individual who has been devoted to getting the most out of her internship experience. She has been a true asset to my office. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Allen for all of the work she has done and wish her continued success in the years to come.

Mr. President, I rise today in support of the SAVE America Act, legislation that I have cosponsored to make certain that only U.S. citizens are voting in our elections.

This legislation would require proof of citizenship in our elections, and it would require that this citizenship be

identified when registering to vote and by presenting a valid photo ID when casting your vote at the ballot box.

As of last fall, 36 States were requiring voters to present IDs in order to vote. This includes my home State of South Dakota, where you can present your driver's license, passport, or Tribal ID. All we ask to cast your vote is that you can prove you are an American citizen and that you are who you say you are. That shouldn't be controversial. In fact, it should just be common sense.

Our neighboring State of Minnesota says that most voters will not have to show identification at all. In fact, if you want to vote, you can simply ask someone else who is registered in your precinct to vouch for your identity. One person can vouch for up to eight people. This loose requirement does not appropriately address voter integrity.

We require identification for many parts of everyday life in America. You need your photo ID to open a bank account, to rent a car, to start a job, or to board a plane. In New York City, you need two forms of ID just to shovel snow. Requiring identification to vote should be the standard.

The American people understand that. In a recent poll, over 80 percent of Americans favor requiring all voters to show government- issued photo IDs to vote; that includes 95 percent of Republicans, 85 percent of Independents, and, yes, even 71 percent of Democrats. Let me say that again: 71 percent of Democrats support voter ID laws. Our Democrat colleagues are on the wrong side of their own constituents.

This legislation implements a reasonable policy with broad support from all sides of the political spectrum. I simply do not understand why our colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to hold up this legislation.

Voting in elections is a constitutional right, but it is also a privilege. We live in the greatest country in the world, partially because of our free and fair elections to choose our leaders. We compromise these values when we allow noncitizens to vote in our elections.

The right to vote in our country belongs to the American people, not foreign nationals. American elections should be for the American citizen only. American leaders should be decided by Americans.

I urge my colleagues to support the SAVE America Act to uphold the law and protect voter integrity.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4138, which is at the desk.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions, which are at the desk: S. Res. 649 and S. Res. 650.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it

stand adjourned until 12 noon on Thursday, March 19; that following the prayer and pledge, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the morning hour be deemed expired, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, morning business be closed, and following leader remarks, the Senate resume the House Message with respect to S. 1383.

Mr. President, if there is no further business to come before the Senate, I ask that it stand adjourned under the previous order, following the remarks of Senators Klobuchar and Murphy.

I yield the floor.