Press releases
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294 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "SD" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending
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| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/the-christmas-spirit | The Christmas Spirit | 2023-12-24 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! As we celebrate Christmas with our loved ones, we remember the true reason for the season: the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the promise of a loving God who offered to us His only son. On Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the idea of the Christmas Spirit. Many may think of the Christmas Spirit as baking cookies or decorating the Christmas tree. While this is true, the Christmas Spirit also manifests in how we treat one another. The true Christmas Spirit reflects the teachings of Jesus: love one another, share our gratitude for all of the good things in our lives and give back to those less fortunate. Showing kindness is the Christmas Spirit. Counting our blessings is the Christmas Spirit. Giving back in our communities is the Christmas Spirit. Thanking others is the Christmas Spirit. Helping our neighbors – strangers, too – is the Christmas Spirit. One of the blessings I’m giving thanks for this Christmas is the service of our brave men and women in uniform overseas. Our service members and their families sacrifice time together on Christmas so the rest of us can celebrate with our families in peace. We owe them a debt we can never truly repay. I’m looking forward to spending this evening the same as I do every Christmas Eve: hosting dinner at my home in Fort Pierre with around 100 of my family members, including my kids and grandkids. I hope that you are able to celebrate your traditions this Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. Wishing you and your families a blessed Christmas and a joyful holiday season. It is an honor to work for you in the United States Senate. Thank you for all you to do make South Dakota the greatest place in the world to call home. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-mchenry-lead-77-colleagues-in-requesting-delay-for-unclear-reporting-requirements-for-small-businesses | Rounds, McHenry Lead 77 Colleagues in Requesting Delay for Unclear Reporting Requirements for Small Businesses | 2023-12-20 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) partnered with Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) to lead 77 of their colleagues in sending a bicameral letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki asking the department to delay implementation of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements for small businesses. The reporting requirements put into place by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) are set to begin January 1, 2024. The letter requests that FinCEN delay the January 1, 2024, effective date for requirements by a minimum of one year which will give FinCEN adequate time to finalize all outstanding rulemakings. The additional time will enable regulators to finish the necessary regulatory framework and give both FinCEN and the 33.2 million small business owners across the country additional time to prepare for this new reporting regime. “On behalf of the millions of small businesses in our states, we write to you today with significant concerns regarding the implementation of the beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA),” wrote the members. “The CTA requires most corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities created in or registered to do business in the United States to regularly report information about their beneficial owners—the persons who ultimately own or control the company, to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) beginning on January 1, 2024.” “Unfortunately, FinCEN is woefully behind in educating small business owners and stakeholders of their new obligations under the CTA that begin in just a few short weeks,” the members continued. “In fact, a National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey found that 90 percent of respondents were entirely unfamiliar wit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2024-2025-school-year | Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2024-2025 School Year | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated students for appointments to the nation’s service academies. Rounds nominated Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre as his top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Maya Lee of Dell Rapids as his top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. In addition, Rounds nominated Nicholas Hanson, who received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. “It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of Ryan, Nicholas G., Maya and Nicholas H. for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.” Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen– Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis) Ryan Fiechtner is the son of Brad and Pam Fiechtner of Aberdeen, South Dakota. A senior at Aberdeen Central High School, Ryan is a member of the marching band and symphonic band. Ryan volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 3.87 GPA. "I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds' principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy,” said Fiechtner. “It has been my dream to serve since my freshman year of high school. I'd like to thank my teachers, friends and family for their overwhelming support along the way. This opportunity has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the United States armed forces where I seek to become a representative for myself, my family and my country." Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre – Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point) Nicholas is the son of Bob and Cara Gray of… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A9EF41E1-E65C-4176-BC41-53B9D78F5C52 | Thune on Fox News: Biden’s Border Crisis Was a Policy Choice | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News to discuss the need for strong border security provisions in a national security supplemental bill. Thune noted that a supplemental package will not be considered before the end of the year because the White House waited until last week to engage with Republican negotiators, despite Republicans introducing their border proposal during the first week of November. On the White House refusing to engage on border security until last week: “These are policies that [President Biden] changed when he came to office, completely abandoned everything that was working throughout the course of the previous administration. “But to your point, the reason we don’t have a deal right now is because the Democrats didn’t come to the table until literally last week. I told you this, we had a proposal out there, first week in November. We have been waiting for seven weeks for the Democrats to engage.” On the border crisis being a national security threat: “You’ve got to stem the flow. Right now, everything, every policy this administration has, they’re pull factors. They’re pulling people into this country. It’s like we’re putting a big welcome sign out there, and all the signals are, ‘Come, come, come.’ “And right now, it is overwhelming the southern border, and it’s overwhelming our cities in the interior of the country, too. Every state now has become a border state. “But if you just look at the composition of the people coming across the border, in the month of October, 1,569 people had criminal convictions, 93 had warrants out for their arrest, 50 were gang members, and 12 were on the terrorist watchlist. And last year, on the terrorist watchlist, 169 people came into this country across our southern border. “This is a national security crisis, and it needs to be treated that way by this administration.” On the timing of the Senate processing a national security supplemental package: “We are going to get so… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F8ACF987-8B0F-4645-AFD9-DA1E4CB86E56 | Thune to Senate Democrats: No Border Security, No Deal | 2023-12-19 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about Democrats’ unwillingness to prioritize border security in a national security package. Thune noted that it is essential for the United States to support its allies, but addressing the national security crisis on the southern border must be the priority. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, President Zelenskyy visited Washington, D.C., last week to ask for the United States’ continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia. “And as someone who strongly believes it is in our national security interest to aid Ukraine as well as our allies Israel and Taiwan, I am disappointed that we have not already passed the aid Ukraine needs. “But let’s be very clear, Mr. President. “The reason the Senate has not already passed a national security supplemental is because Democrats have so far chosen to prioritize an open border over aid for our allies. “Democrats have known for months that border security was going to be part of the national security supplemental – after all, the president himself requested border funding in his supplemental request. “And Republicans have had a border security proposal on the table since the beginning of November. “But Democrats wasted weeks refusing to engage in substantive negotiations, even though they were well aware that border security was going to be a requirement for getting this supplemental through both houses of Congress. “And now the supplemental will be pushed to January because Democrats have run out the clock to the point where getting a substantive border security deal passed before Christmas is impossible. “Mr. President, last week President Biden said that failing to pass the national security supplemental before the holidays would be a Christmas gift to Putin. “Well, Mr. President, I’d like to point out once again that the only reason we haven’t passed the national security supplemental already is because of De… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-and-johnson-urge-interior-secretary-to-address-public-safety-crisis-on-reservations | Rounds, Thune and Johnson Urge Interior Secretary to Address Public Safety Crisis on Reservations | 2023-12-18 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland urging the Department of Interior to immediately address the public safety crisis and lack of law enforcement resources on reservations in South Dakota. This action follows a June 2023 letter requesting additional support for tribal law enforcement agencies. Specifically, the delegation asked Secretary Haaland to coordinate with the Department of Justice and other relevant federal partners to provide additional resources to tribal law enforcement agencies and consult with individual tribal leaders to find immediate solutions. “We write to you to follow up on our June 12, 2023, letter and to again report to you that the shortage of law enforcement personnel in South Dakota tribal communities continues to present a significant threat to public safety,” wrote the delegation. “Since the writing of our last letter, tribal law enforcement leaders have reported an increase in violent and drug-related crime. It is critical the Department of the Interior consider the severity of the current situation.” “The current situation presents a serious threat not only to tribal police officers, but also to all law-abiding citizens in reservation communities,” the delegation continued. “In the last several months, at least three tribal governments in the state of South Dakota have declared a state of emergency in response to public safety threats. The current situation is causing other tribal leaders in the state to consider doing the same. In response to the police shortage, some residents of tribal communities have even resorted to establishing citizen patrols to look out for crime.” Read the full text of the letter HERE or below. +++ Dear Secretary Haaland: We write to you to follow up on our June 12, 2023, letter and to again report to you that the shortage of law enforcement personnel in South Dakota tribal communities continues to present a significant … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/national-american-indian-veterans-congressional-charter-passes-with-fy24-ndaa | National American Indian Veterans Congressional Charter Passes with FY24 NDAA | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced that the congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV) organization has passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. Congress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. The NAIV serves the needs and interests of Native American veterans in collaboration with its national leadership and 14 regional offices. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, no Native American veterans’ organization had received one. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of tribal veterans. Originally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. The NAIV formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in 2004. Rounds and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) first introduced this legislation, which grants a congressional charter for the NAIV, in the 116th Congress and again in the 117th Congress, where it unanimously passed the Senate. “Native Americans serve in our nation’s military at five times the national average, and this charter gives them the recognition they truly deserve and have earned,” said Rounds. “The NAIV works closely with Tribal Veterans Service Officers to make certain Native American veterans receive proper benefits and resources. Congress regularly looks to the NAIV for input when addressing issues facing N… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-rounds-manchin-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold | Senate Unanimously Passes Rounds, Manchin Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation offered by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) that would provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would also make an adjustment to the affected service members’ time in grade and other administrative fixes. The bipartisan legislation has 52 cosponsors and now heads to the House of Representatives, where companion legislation was introduced by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.). “I am pleased the Senate unanimously passed our bipartisan, commonsense bill to provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice,” said Rounds. “When our men and women in uniform serve our country, they don’t know whether the people they are serving with are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. I disagree with the Department of Defense’s policy of paying the travel expenses for service members and their dependents seeking abortions. I also support a member of the Senate’s right to hold any nomination; however, our men and women in uniform should not be caught in the middle of partisan politics. I urge the House to move quickly on this legislation to do the right thing for our service members.” “I’m proud the Senate has unanimously passed our bipartisan legislation to provide retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation’s senior military officers after the delay of their promotions,” said Manchin. “These men and women are true American heroes and the least we can do in Congress is restore the benefits they have earned and deserve. I encourage my colleagues in the House to pass this important legislation as quickly as possible to compensate our troops and reprioritize national security.” The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tommy Tubervill… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4EC3DDD6-6718-4C80-A031-C1782ED691D9 | Thune, Cruz, McMorris Rodgers, Latta Raise Serious Concerns About the FCC’s Management of the ACP | 2023-12-15 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Bob Latta (R-Ohio), chair of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, today sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expressing concerns with its management of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). “The Biden administration’s reckless spending spree has left America’s current fiscal situation in a state of crisis, with gross debt at nearly $34 trillion,” wrote the members. “It is incumbent on lawmakers to protect taxpayers and make funding decisions based on clear evidence. Unfortunately, your testimony pushes ‘facts’ about the ACP that are deeply misleading and have the potential to exacerbate the fiscal crisis without producing meaningful benefits to the American consumer.” Earlier this year, Thune and Cruz highlighted the FCC’s mismanagement of the ACP. In a previous letter, Thune, Cruz, McMorris Rodgers, and Latta requested the FCC’s Office Inspector General (OIG) to conduct a comprehensive review of the ACP after it was revealed that the vast majority of ACP subscribers had high-speed broadband prior to the subsidy. In response, the FCC OIG shared many of the concerns raised by the lawmakers. Full letter below: The Honorable Jessica Rosenworcel Chairwoman Federal Communications Commission 45 L Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20554 Dear Chairwoman Rosenworcel, We write asking you to clarify your recent congressional testimony regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). At a hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on November 30, 2023, you asserted – without evidence and contrary to the FCC’s own data – that “25 million households” would be “unplug[ged]…from the internet” if Congress does not provide new fund… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-south-dakota-victories-in-ndaa | Rounds Secures South Dakota Victories in NDAA | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the top Republican member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, released the following statement on the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Rounds authored 33 provisions in this year’s NDAA. “The NDAA is a critical piece of legislation that provides for our national security and supports our service members and their families,” said Rounds. “Our members on the Senate Armed Services Committee have worked hard all year to craft this piece of legislation. The NDAA is a prime example of Congress putting politics aside to provide for our strategic national security interests and achieve results for our men and women in uniform. “I’m particularly excited that this year’s NDAA includes legislation I’ve led for years that would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans. Additionally, the bill contains over $274 million in funding for construction projects in South Dakota. Most of this funding will support preparations for the bed down of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Ellsworth Air Force Base. As ranking member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, I am also proud of our work to strengthen our nation’s cyber capabilities and develop advanced technology to combat threats from our near-peer adversaries, the People’s Republic of China and Russia. “I am pleased that this bipartisan legislation is heading to the president’s desk to be signed into law.” This is the ninth NDAA that Rounds has helped craft as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. In last year’s bill, Rounds authored more than 45 provisions, which were ultimately adopted and signed into law. Earlier this year, Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia’s Center for Effective Lawmaking named Rounds as the second most effective Republican on Defense issues. SUPPORTING QUOTES: “On behalf of the men and women members of the National American Indian Veterans… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-announce-move-to-overturn-biden-administration-decision-allowing-beef-imports-from-paraguay | Rounds, Tester Announce Move to Overturn Biden Administration Decision Allowing Beef Imports from Paraguay | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – As part of their continued efforts to support American producers and consumers, U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) announced that they will file a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the Biden administration’s decision to allow beef imports from Paraguay. “The Biden administration’s decision to allow beef imports from a country with a history of foot and mouth disease is a mistake that impacts South Dakota producers and consumers,” said Rounds. “Our producers work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world. Our consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I am proud to partner with Senator Tester to overturn this Biden administration rule that would allow beef imports from Paraguay.” “The Biden Administration has this one backwards – resuming beef imports from a country with a recent history of foot and mouth disease is bad news for both Montana consumers and producers,” said Tester. “Montana ranchers work hard to produce the best quality beef in the world, and it’s clear that the USDA doesn’t have the data to show that Paraguay meets the same animal health standards. I’m willing to take this fight to the Senate floor because it’s clear that bureaucrats in Washington are endangering our food supply while giving a raw deal to American ranchers and consumers.” Earlier this month, Rounds and Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to suspend beef imports from Paraguay in response to animal health concerns. The senators have called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to collect more up-to-date data before resuming beef imports from a country like Paraguay with a recent history of foot and mouth disease. Paraguay last reported cases of foot and mouth disease in 2012. The USDA’s decision to resume Paraguayan imports relies on an analysis completed in 2018, and American inspectors have not conducted a site visit to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=65DF5877-3BE0-4C70-8286-B58CE6CDFE58 | Thune: Democrats’ Refusal to Secure the Southern Border Holds up Aid for U.S. Allies | 2023-12-13 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor and called on President Biden and Senate Democrats to get serious about working with Republicans to address the growing humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that Democrats are holding up the much-needed national security package for the United States’ allies because they are unwilling to take meaningful steps to slow the flow of illegal migrants entering the country at the southern border. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “10,109. “10,109. “The number of people that were apprehended trying to come across the border illegally yesterday. “Those are the people that were caught, Mr. President. “That doesn't count the people who got away, and that Customs and Border Patrol know got away. “Then there are all the unknown gotaways. “But over 10,000 people in a single day apprehended trying to come across our southern border illegally. “Annualize that. “Again, you’re talking 3.5 to 4 million people a year. “Four million people is larger than 24 states in the United States of America. “That’s the dimension of the problem that we are talking about. “And that we’re trying to get the White House and the Democrats here in the Senate to focus on and address. “Mr. President, I don’t think it’s any surprise that Democrats aren’t interested in making the illegal immigration crisis at our southern border a priority. “After all, the president and Democrats have spent almost three years now ignoring, minimizing, or actively abetting this crisis. “But over the past few days, we’ve had a chance to see the true depth of their animosity to border security. “Because it’s become increasingly clear that Democrats are so opposed to serious border security measures that they’re willing to sacrifice aid to Ukraine and other allies, including Israel, in order to keep the border open. “That’s right. “Democrats are holding up an aid package for our allies because they are not willing to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3A650AF9-8906-4259-955B-E92158AF1D34 | Thune: National Security Starts at Home | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Charles Payne on Fox News to discuss the ongoing negotiations over a national security supplemental bill. Thune stressed that the package must have strong border security components in order to pass the Senate. On the national security threat at the southern border: “What we’ve argued all along is we've got a national security crisis at our southern border, and national security starts at home. We cannot move a national security bill that doesn't address that crisis. “And there isn't a day goes by where we're not getting more and more signals that you've got people on the terrorist watchlist who have been coming into the country, trying to get into the country, illegally, you know, through the southern border, some of them getting caught, but there are a ton of 'gotaways.' Who knows how many of those 'gotaways' are perhaps on the terrorist watchlist or have malign designs on the United States. “One way or the other, we know, at some point, there's going to be an incident here, and that incident is going to get traced back to somebody who came across our southern border. The terrorists have figured it out. The cartels obviously have figured it out. It is time for us to get serious about shutting it down.” On the overwhelming conditions at the southern border: “When you look at the numbers we saw last week, which were [10,000] to 12,000 every single day, you annualize that, that's over 4 million a year. “And remember, back under the Obama administration, then-Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said 1,000 a day would overwhelm our system. We saw, on Tuesday of last week, over 12,000 people be apprehended trying to come across the border illegally. “The magnets are there. The big green light is there. All the signals are saying, ‘Come.’ And we've got to change that, because it's now no longer just a humanitarian issue. This is a national security crisis.” On the need for the national security supplemental… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AA5E904A-FF72-4324-818F-D9722628E16F | Thune: Annual Defense Bill Provides Critical Funding for Ellsworth Air Force Base | 2023-12-12 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024, which contains numerous priorities that benefit South Dakota and the B-21 bomber mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Thune noted that in addition to the NDAA, Congress must prioritize passing a national security supplemental bill that provides support to the United States’ allies – like Israel and Ukraine – and contains meaningful measures to secure the southern border. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, this week the Senate will vote on the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA – one of the most important bills we consider each year. “We had a robust floor debate on the Senate version of this bill in July, featuring the kind of open amendment process that we should be using on a regular basis to debate important legislation. “All told, more than 900 amendments were considered and 121 amendments were adopted during floor consideration – making this the most open NDAA floor debate in years. “I wish we had been able to take up a final version of this legislation earlier. “But I am glad we are on track to finally pass it this week. “Mr. President, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if we don’t get national security right, the rest is just conversation. “The security of our nation is the precondition for everything else – for the continued enjoyment of our freedoms, for a flourishing society, for a healthy economy, for government’s ability to do anything. “And so there is no time when we can afford to let our readiness slide or take the security of our nation for granted. “But the unfortunate truth is that we have some catching up to do when it comes to military preparedness. “We have military services that are well below their recruitment targets. “We are behind on shipbuilding and ship maintenance. “There’s a persistent pilot shortage… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-manchin-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-back-pay-for-officers-impacted-by-military-promotion-hold | Rounds, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Provide Back Pay for Officers Impacted by Military Promotion Hold | 2023-12-08 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. Additionally, the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 would make an adjustment to the affected service members’ time in grade and other administrative fixes. “The men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America should not be negatively impacted by political squabbles,” said Rounds. “When our men and women in uniform serve side by side, they don’t know whether the people they are serving with are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. I disagree with the Department of Defense’s policy of paying the travel expenses for service members and their dependents seeking abortions. I also support a member of the Senate’s right to hold any nomination; however, our men and women in uniform should not be caught in the middle of partisan politics. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Manchin to do the right thing and provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice.” “I’m proud to join Senator Rounds in introducing this bipartisan legislation to provide retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation’s senior military officers after the delay of their promotions,” said Manchin. “These men and women are true American heroes and the least we can do in Congress is restore the benefits they have earned and deserve. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation that compensates our troops and reprioritizes national security.” The Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Click HERE for full bill text. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=93EEE016-FDC0-45BA-8129-EFEA100C2E33 | Thune: National Security Debate Incomplete Without Addressing Southern Border | 2023-12-07 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called out Senate Democrats for turning a blind eye to the national security crisis at the southern border. Thune urged his Democrat colleagues to stop rejecting much-needed policy changes to help slow the flow of illegal immigrants entering the country and provide law enforcement with additional tools and resources to effectively do their jobs. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, if Democrats were unsure about Republicans’ seriousness about including meaningful border security provisions in the national security supplemental, yesterday’s vote made it crystal clear. “Every single Senate Republican rejected Democrats’ collective attempt to bury their heads in the sand and pretend that what’s happening at our southern border isn’t a threat to our security. “Border security is national security, which is why any national security supplemental that moves through this chamber must tackle this crisis head-on. “Mr. President, on Tuesday FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and told members, quote, ‘… I’ve never seen a time where all the threats or so many of the threats are all elevated all at exactly the same time.’ “Senator Graham then asked Director Wray to comment on the threat environment using the blinking red lights analogy often used about warnings before the September 11 attacks. “And Director Wray responded, quote, ‘I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.’ “‘I see blinking lights everywhere I turn.’ “Mr. President, it is against the background of this threat environment that Republicans are asking Democrats to finally, finally help secure our border. “We have endured three record-breaking years of illegal immigration at our southern border under President Biden. “And the situation is only getting worse. “Tuesday saw a staggering 12,000 migrant encounters at the southern border. “12,000. “In just one day. “That’s eight people per minute. “And th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-lead-legislation-to-block-paraguayan-beef-imports-in-response-to-animal-health-concerns | Rounds, Tester Lead Legislation to Block Paraguayan Beef Imports in Response to Animal Health Concerns | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) introduced bipartisan legislation to suspend beef imports from Paraguay. The senators’ bill would also require the establishment of a working group to evaluate the threat to food safety and animal health posed by Paraguayan beef. This comes after the Biden administration recently lifted a long-standing ban on Paraguayan beef imports. “South Dakota ranch families work tirelessly to produce the safest, highest quality and most affordable beef in the world,” said Rounds. “Paraguay has historically struggled to contain outbreaks of foot and mouth disease. Unfortunately, the Biden administration has prioritized diplomatic initiatives in the region over the interests of the American cattle industry. This poses a significant threat to not only our producers, but our consumers as well. Consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that has met the rigorous standards required in the United States. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation that prioritizes the well-being of American producers and consumers.” “I drove more than 50 miles one-way from my farm this past weekend to butcher a cow because Montana ranchers produce the best beef in the world and work tirelessly to ensure their livestock are safe,” said Tester. “Paraguay has failed to meet the standard put forward by Montana ranchers. That’s why I’m leading bipartisan legislation to stand up to the Biden Administration and block beef imports from Paraguay until we have good, reliable data to show they can meet these same high standards as American ranchers.” This legislation is supported by R-CALF USA, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA). “We applaud Senator Rounds and Senator Tester for introducing this bill to protect both American livestock and American citizens,” said Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF USA. “By requiring a timely and thorough evaluation of potential risks to disease introduction and food safety ass… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CA2B809B-B1BF-46C2-AEBE-A8AA66CDF15F | Thune to Senate Democrats: National Security Begins at Home | 2023-12-06 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the dire need to address the humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border. Senate Republicans have made it clear that any national security supplemental must meaningfully address the out-of-control illegal immigration at the southern border through additional law enforcement and asylum and parole reforms. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, later today the Senate will take a vote on whether or not to move to consideration of the national security supplemental. “And make no mistake, this vote will fail. “Not because Republicans oppose supporting our national security interests overseas, but because Democrats are refusing to take seriously the national security crisis here at home. “Mr. President, from the beginning Republicans have made it clear that any national security supplemental would have to address one of the biggest threats to our national security – the out-of-control illegal immigration at our southern border. “This is not an extraneous issue, as the Democrat leader suggested last week. “Border security is national security. “And anyone who thinks that our nation can be secure while we have hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants pouring over our southern border each month needs to think again. “During the month of October alone, 240,988 individuals were encountered at our southern border – the highest October number ever recorded. “But on top of that, the month of October saw an average of 1,000 gotaways per day – individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend. “That’s 30,000 unidentified individuals entering our country in just one month. “30,000. “And there’s no telling how many unknown gotaways there were during that same period. “And there is no question that some of these gotaways were dangerous individuals who should not be entering our country. “During fiscal year 2023, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlis… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B5C25490-87D4-4460-BBBA-ACEC3FEC67B1 | Thune: “Bidenomics” Costs Families an Additional $11,400 | 2023-12-05 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the harsh realities families are facing due to “Bidenomics.” Thune noted that hardworking Americans are grappling with high prices, soaring interest rates, mounting debt, and shrinking savings as a result of the president’s misguided economic agenda. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, $11,434. “That’s how much more a typical family has to spend today to maintain the same standard of living they had at the beginning of the Biden administration. “$11,434. “That is a lot of money. “And needless to say, it’s money that a lot of Americans don’t have. “Mr. President, nearly three years of high inflation has taken its toll. “Americans are exhausted from constant price hikes. “And they are struggling to keep pace with the huge increase in their cost of living. “One recent news story noted, and I quote, ‘Since early 2020, prices have risen about as much as they had in the full 10 years preceding the health emergency.’ “Let me just repeat that, Mr. President. “‘Since early 2020, prices have risen about as much as they had in the full 10 years preceding the health emergency.’ “In other words, Mr. President, we’ve had 10 years of price increases packed into the last four years. “And the lion’s share of those increases has occurred during the Biden administration. “Since President Biden took office, the price of groceries has risen by almost 21 percent. “Gas prices have risen by 54.8 percent. “Electric bills are up almost 25 percent. “Car repairs and maintenance are up 26.5 percent. “Rent is up 18 percent. “And the list goes on. “And unfortunately at this point it’s clear that today’s high prices are here to stay. “Mr. President, inflation didn’t come out of nowhere. “Inflation is the result of too many dollars chasing too few goods and services. “And that’s exactly the situation the Biden administration and Democrats helped create in 2021. “The president’s fi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:56:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-legislation-to-address-federal-government-overreach-on-south-dakota-farmers-ranchers-and-landowners | Rounds Leads Legislation to Address Federal Government Overreach on South Dakota Farmers, Ranchers and Landowners | 2023-12-01 | 2023 | 2023-12 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to address federal overreach and provide regulatory certainty to South Dakota farmers, ranchers and landowners. The Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 would protect the definition of prior converted cropland (PCC) in the Biden administration’s most recent Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. The Farmers Freedom Act of 2023 is cosponsored by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). “For far too long, South Dakota producers have been subject to a number of complex and burdensome WOTUS rule changes,” said Rounds. “While past administrations have issued problematic WOTUS rules, the previous Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) worked to protect owners of prior converted cropland from undue regulation while providing producers with needed flexibility. This legislation seeks to restore this definition of PCC and prevent further overreach on South Dakota farmers and ranchers, who know their land better than any D.C. bureaucrats.” “The Biden administration continues to burden American agriculture with onerous rules,” said Ricketts. “Producers need relief, not regulation. I’m pleased to support this effort to bring certainty to landowners and prevent more big government overreach.” “Since coming to Congress, I have worked to protect our farmers from the reckless overreach of the Biden Administration and its misaligned use of WOTUS,” said Marshall. “While I’m disappointed to see this Administration defy the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the issue, we cannot give up our fight to protect our landowners from more red tape and burdensome regulations. We must provide certainty to close loopholes that can and will be abused by the EPA in its attempt to regulate every pond, stream and puddle.” “Farmers supported President Trump’s definition of WOTUS because it gave them clear protections for prior … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B3D8BA0F-E554-4FFF-87D5-721FC8A6D024 | Thune Highlights South Dakota’s Time-Honored Pheasant Hunting Tradition | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about South Dakota’s time-honored pheasant hunting tradition and discussed the important role it has on the state’s economy and its dependence on effective conservation practices. Thune also spoke about the worsening security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border, and he called on the White House and Senate Democrats to prioritize a border security package that includes meaningful asylum and parole reforms. Thune’s remarks below (as delivered): “Mr. President, before I begin the subject I want to address today, I just want to make an observation about this discussion we're having on our southern border. “And I would reiterate what I’ve been saying now for some time, and that is that it's no longer just a humanitarian crisis. “It is every bit of that, but it is a national security crisis. “We see the numbers on a daily basis, a number of people who are apprehended at the southern border trying to come into the country illegally. “The last three days, the last three days, that's over 9,000 per day, over 9,000 per day, and that doesn't include the gotaways or the unknowns. “That's the people who are apprehended coming across the border illegally. “And we now know, in the month of September, for example, that there were a significant number of people – 18, actually – apprehended coming across the southern border who were on the terrorist watch list. “People coming from all over the world have figured out, if you want a portal, if you want to get into the United States, just come to the southern border and we'll wave you in – which is essentially what's happening today. “The question I would ask, Mr. President, is in what universe does that make any sense? “I said this yesterday: We are a nation of immigrants. “We've been a very welcoming country. “We have ways of bringing people into this country legally. “We do that on an annual basis. “But we are a nation of laws, first and foremost. “… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B64FBD6A-12AF-4D28-A036-72C9832D8EDF | Thune Statement on Passing of Harriet Pressler | 2023-11-30 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement on the passing of Harriet Pressler, wife of former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler (R-S.D.): “Kimberley and I join South Dakotans today in mourning the loss of Harriet Pressler,” said Thune. “Harriet was a faith-filled woman who radiated grace and kindness to everyone she met as she and her husband Larry proudly served the state of South Dakota for many years. Kimberley worked for Senator Pressler and came to know Harriet as a tireless fighter for our state, and she has so many friends in South Dakota that are saddened to hear this news. We are praying for the Pressler family and know that Harriet’s legacy will continue to live on through those she leaves behind.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A4CA99B5-47F9-4057-8AFE-FDEE0BB6CAF2 | Thune: Border Security Must Be a Top Priority | 2023-11-29 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the imminent need to address the growing security and humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Thune noted that any national security supplemental appropriations legislation must include a border security package – including asylum and parole reforms – in order to reverse some of President Biden’s failed policies that have fueled the crisis at the southern border. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, once again, the Biden administration has set another record when it comes to the border – and not the good kind. “During the month of October, 240,988 individuals were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border. “That is the highest October number ever recorded. “And those are just the individuals who were actually apprehended. “The month of October saw an average of 1,000 gotaways per day – individuals the Border Patrol saw but was unable to apprehend. “That’s 30,000 unidentified individuals entering our country in just one month. “And there’s no telling how many unknown gotaways there were during that same period. “Mr. President, the situation at our southern border is out of control. “The closing of the fiscal year in September marked the third successive record-breaking year of illegal immigration at our southern border under the Biden administration. “And as the October numbers demonstrate, the end of this crisis is nowhere in sight. “The problems here are too many to count. “The men and women of the Border Patrol are under incredible strain – and have been for pretty much the entirety of the Biden administration. “Border cities are struggling to deal with the ceaseless influx of migrants – and major cities in other areas of the country are now discovering what border cities have been going through. “The situation is encouraging migrants to undertake the dangerous journey to our southern border – with sometimes tragic results. “And, Mr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BA4FB0B1-4269-4C9B-923C-263A44217D94 | Thune: Bipartisan AI Bill Promotes Transparency and Encourages Innovation | 2023-11-28 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023, his bipartisan bill that would bolster the United States’ leadership and innovation in AI, improve transparency for consumers, and create common-sense safety and security guardrails for the highest-risk AI applications. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, artificial intelligence – or AI – has been with us for quite some time now. “And whether it’s the chatbot providing help on Amazon, or personalized recommendations on Netflix, or the algorithms curating your social media feeds, these days most of us interact with artificial intelligence on a daily basis. “But as the release of ChatGPT to the public last year demonstrated, artificial intelligence is about to take a giant step forward. “The AI applications I’ve mentioned, like chatbots and personalized recommendations, are examples of so-called narrow AI – AI trained to perform specific tasks. “But ChatGPT is an example of the next generation of AI – artificial intelligence systems set up to imitate the human brain and produce original content based on the assimilation of vast sets of data. “Mr. President, this next generation of AI – so-called foundation models, which underpin systems like ChatGPT – offers tremendous possibilities. “Advances in medicine. In farming. In manufacturing. “The automation of routine tasks. “New ways to manage infrastructure. “Better and more resilient supply chains. “Advances in national defense. “The list goes on. “But as with any sophisticated technology, this next generation of AI presents risks as well. “And those risks are heightened by the enormous capabilities of AI and the potential for this technology to pervade every corner of our society. “And our goal needs to be encouraging the promise of AI while putting safeguards in place to minimize potential dangers. “The light-touch approach the United States has taken to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-unanimously-passes-rounds-fischer-legislation-to-give-tribal-colleges-and-universities-a-stronger-voice-in-education-funding | Senate Unanimously Passes Rounds, Fischer Legislation to Give Tribal Colleges and Universities a Stronger Voice in Education Funding | 2023-11-21 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation offered by U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) that would give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them. The National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) Improvement Act now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am pleased that the NACIE Improvement Act has passed the Senate,” said Rounds. “Leaders of Tribal Colleges and Universities know the needs of their organizations, faculty and students better than anyone else. This legislation will amplify their voice on how to best meet those needs and improve the effectiveness of federal resources.” “Tribal Colleges and Universities should not be left out of the conversation when it comes to federal education resources,” said Fischer. “I am glad to see this strong, bipartisan legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support. It’s long past time to ensure that the Departments of Education and Interior hear directly from TCU leaders about their challenges and funding needs.” “Tribal Advisory Councils are an integral part of the federal trust responsibility, ensuring that the voices of our Tribal Nations have a formal role in advising the federal government,” said Tesia Zientek, President of the National Indian Education Association. “The National Advisory Council on Indian Education Improvement Act is an important step that will serve to uplift the Nation-to-Nation relationship, securing the future of our Native children. It is time NACIE’s role in the Departments of Education and Interior is empowered and solidified. NIEA applauds the Senate passage of the NACIE Act and now looks towards the House to continue moving this important legislation forward.” “We are pleased that the NACIE bill has passed the Senate,” said John Phillips, Interim President & CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. “It is important to include a seat at the table for our Tribal Colleges and Universities. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-legislation-to-rename-post-office-in-honor-of-fallen-army-first-lieutenant-thomas-martin | Rounds Leads Legislation to Rename Post Office in Honor of Fallen Army First Lieutenant Thomas Martin | 2023-11-20 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | HURON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to designate the Huron Post Office as the “First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office Building.” Originally from Huron, 1LT Martin was a 5th generation Beadle County Martin whose great-great-grandfather homesteaded northeast of Huron in the 1880s. He died in action while serving his country in Iraq. “1LT Martin represents the best of our country,” said Rounds. “He gave his life to defend the freedoms we enjoy in America. The First Lieutenant Thomas Michael Martin Post Office will stand as an important reminder of him, and others who made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the American people. Though we will never be able to repay the debt we owe 1LT Martin, this renaming is one way to honor and remember his life of sacrifice and service.” 1LT Martin was born in Huron and later moved to Texas and Arkansas due to his parents’ active duty service that moved the family out of South Dakota. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1998 and would go on to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. 1LT Martin died during combat operations on October 14, 2007 while serving his country in Iraq. “Our family is so honored to have a prominent building named in memory of our son, in the city I grew up in, and where two of our four children were born,” said Ed Martin, 1LT Martin’s dad. “Our family is confident that Tom’s legacy will live on for years, as those who pass by the Huron Post Office will give cause to pause and research who he was, what he stood for, and why our beautiful historic Huron Post Office is named in memory of our Tom.” “To be able to show respect by naming a public, federal building after 1LT Thomas Michael Martin for his brave service to our country, where he made the greatest sacrifice, is a wonderful, humbling gesture,” said Laurie Shelton, President & CEO of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau. BACKGROUND (Courtesy of the 1LT Tom Martin Memorial Foundation): 1LT Martin was born October 10, 1980, in Huron, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-legislation-to-preserve-tribal-property-rights-at-wounded-knee-massacre-site-unanimously-passes-committee | Rounds, Thune Legislation to Preserve Tribal Property Rights at Wounded Knee Massacre Site Unanimously Passes Committee | 2023-11-17 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, delivered remarks ahead of the committee considering his legislation, the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act. The bill, introduced by Rounds and Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), unanimously passed out of committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). Click HERE to listen to Rounds’ remarks. “To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds remain a symbolic site, with tribal members regularly visiting the area to honor the deceased…This legislation, which places the 40 acres into restricted fee status, will help preserve the site for future tribal generations,” said Rounds. “Moving forward, it is my hope we can come together to acknowledge the history of the Wounded Knee Massacre and work to mend our history through reconciliation and mutual respect,” Rounds continued. “This is an important step in honoring the deceased and protecting the ground for future tribal generations.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Thank you, Chairman and Vice Chairman for holding this Business Meeting today. I would like to provide some brief remarks on the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, S. 2088. As you can recall, this legislation would place 40 acres of tribally-purchased land at the Wounded Knee Massacre site into restricted fee status to be held by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. With the Wounded Knee Massacre taking place on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the majority of the deceased tribal members being from the Minneconjou band, both the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes hold a deep connection to this event and the site where it occurred. As you all know, the Wounded Knee Massacre not only represents a low point in U.S.-Lakota relations, but it also serves as one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history. To date, the Wounded Knee Massacre grounds rem… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cantwell-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-usda-tribal-programs | Rounds, Cantwell Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve USDA Tribal Programs | 2023-11-16 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), members of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen tribal economic development programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Rural Economic-Development Assistance and Consultation to Help (REACH) Our Tribes Act would improve USDA’s tribal consultation, data reporting and interagency collaboration for economic development. “Native American communities are an integral part of South Dakota,” said Rounds. “It is crucial those communities have the resources necessary to thrive for future generations. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to improve tribal access to federal economic development programs.” “Tribal communities in the State of Washington are economic engines that generate jobs and prosperity,” said Cantwell. “To keep these engines running strong, Tribes need to invest in water systems, energy production, broadband infrastructure, and economic development. The REACH Act will make it easier for Tribes – especially those in rural areas -- to access programs that can help secure these investments, so that Tribal communities can see their businesses and job opportunities grow.” In addition to Rounds and Cantwell, this legislation was introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) Specifically, the REACH Our Tribes Act would: Require USDA to establish a formal budgetary consultation process for the annual budget process and for Farm Bills. Require USDA to analyze, estimate and publicly report obligations made to tribal entities. Require USDA to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to streamline application requirements for economic development programs, which would reduce the administrative burden for both applicants and federal agencies. Require the U.S. Department of Commerce, in coordination with USDA and other agencies, to establish a public comprehe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-budd-demand-that-dod-rescind-abortion-travel-policy | Rounds, Budd Demand that DOD Rescind Abortion Travel Policy | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and 26 Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denouncing the Department of Defense’s policy of paying the travel expenses of those service members and dependents seeking abortions. “You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy.” wrote the senators. “Rather than respect the Supreme Court’s decision, you decided to engage the Department, and our men and women in uniform, in a policy debate properly reserved for the legislature.” The senators’ letter concludes by calling on Secretary Austin to, “Do the right thing. Rescind the Policy now.” In addition to Rounds and Budd, the letter was signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Secretary Austin: You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy. On June 28, 2022, four days after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, you issued a memorandum to senior leaders in the Department of Defense (“Department”) stating that the Department is authorized to pay for government funded, official travel for active duty personnel to receive abortions outside of the st… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-colleagues-in-urging-biden-to-tackle-fentanyl-crisis-during-meeting-with-xi | Rounds Leads Colleagues in Urging Biden to Tackle Fentanyl Crisis During Meeting with Xi | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) led his colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to President Joe Biden ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In their letter, the senators focus on the devastating impact of fentanyl in the United States and the PRC’s role in the fentanyl supply chain. The letter calls on President Biden to urge President Xi to do more to stop the flow of precursor chemicals that are sent from the PRC to Mexico. These chemicals are used to manufacture deadly drugs, which are then trafficked across our southern border. From 2020 to 2021, the number of primarily fentanyl-related deaths in the United States increased by 24.1 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It is evident that the PRC plays a significant role in the production of fentanyl making its way into our country; contributing to the alarming rates of addiction and fatal overdoses across the United States,” wrote the senators. The senators’ letter continued, “Beyond supplying the chemicals to produce the deadly drug, businesses in the PRC are also assisting Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) in laundering the money that comes from selling the illicit drugs in the United States.” “It is our understanding it is not only a priority of the United States to minimize the PRC’s involvement in the fentanyl supply chain, as even Mexico has urged President Xi to stop the flow of fentanyl,” the senators wrote. “If Mexican TCOs have a large portion of their supply chain effectively cut off by the PRC, it is likely we will see a drastic drop in illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and killing vulnerable Americans.” Rounds was joined by Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Angus King (I-Maine), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in sending the letter. Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear President Biden, The devastati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8F4DFEB3-8FDE-423D-B0E2-C1E152BAA157 | Thune: “Bidenomics” is a Nightmare for South Dakota Families | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the incredible burden South Dakotans are facing as a result of “Bidenomics.” Thune noted that Americans are having to deal with record-high prices and sky-high interest rates on credit cards, mortgages, and car loans due to President Biden’s big-government, big-spending agenda. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday morning the monthly inflation report came out. “And once again, inflation was well above the Fed’s target rate of 2 percent. “Overall, prices have risen by 17.6 percent since President Biden took office. “17.6 percent. “And price hikes in certain categories are even worse. “Groceries are up 20.9 percent over that same period. “Gasoline prices are up 54.8 percent. “Electricity is up almost 25 percent. “Rent is up 18 percent. “Car repairs and maintenance are up 26.5 percent. “And the list goes on. “The president said the other day that Bidenomics is the American dream. “It turns out that Bidenomics is more of a nightmare. “Mr. President, President Biden likes to talk about giving American families “a little bit of breathing room.” “But that is the exact opposite of what his policies have provided. “Wealthy Democrats may not be concerned about a 20 percent increase in the cost of their groceries, or a 54 percent increase in the price of gas. “But for a lot of hardworking American families, those kind of price increases have meant the difference between having that ‘little bit of breathing room’ and having absolutely none. “The Joint Economic Committee estimates that Bidenflation is costing American families $953 per month. “$953. “Per month. “Even at half that, inflation would be a massive burden on working families. “How many families have put off needed home or car repairs, deferred a kid’s braces, or eliminated a family vacation because they are paying hundreds of dollars more a month for their basic needs? “And how many other fam… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E27EFA8B-3AD1-42B5-8248-3987D2AFA649 | Thune, Klobuchar Lead Commerce Committee Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan AI Bill to Boost Innovation and Strengthen Accountability | 2023-11-15 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), all members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation establishes a framework to bolster innovation while bringing greater transparency, accountability, and security to the development and operation of the highest-impact applications of AI. “AI is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to improve health care, agriculture, logistics and supply chains, and countless other industries,” said Thune. “As this technology continues to evolve, we should identify some basic rules of the road that protect consumers, foster an environment in which innovators and entrepreneurs can thrive, and limit government intervention. This legislation would bolster the United States’ leadership and innovation in AI while also establishing common-sense safety and security guardrails for the highest-risk AI applications.” “Artificial intelligence comes with the potential for great benefits, but also serious risks, and our laws need to keep up,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation is one important step of many necessary towards addressing potential harms. It will put in place common sense safeguards for the highest-risk applications of AI – like in our critical infrastructure – and improve transparency for policy makers and consumers.” “Artificial Intelligence technologies hold incredible potential for the future of our country, and it is important for Congress to provide guidance to industry as new applications emerge,” said Wicker. “This legislation would provide a light-touch framework to help protect Americans and ensure this promising capability is not crushed by an overly burdensome and reactive approach.” “We’re entering a new era of Artificial Intelligence,” said Hickenlooper. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-slams-burdensome-regulations-in-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-emphasizes-negative-impact-on-local-communities | Rounds Slams Burdensome Regulations in Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing, Emphasizes Negative Impact on Local Communities | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing titled, “Oversight of Financial Regulators: Protecting Main Street Not Wall Street.” Click HERE to listen to Rounds’ opening remarks. “As a direct result of these regulations and proposals, banks will now spend their time complying with more Washington bureaucratic red tape instead of investing that time or resources into their local communities,” Rounds said in his remarks. “Beyond overly burdensome compliance costs to financial institutions, we must recognize and emphasize that the costs of this rulemaking onslaught will ultimately be borne by small businesses and wage earners who are on a fixed income and rely on their local banks for loans and access to credit.” “Since the Biden administration took office, it now costs the average American family of four over $700 more per month to live in this country – it’s close to $1000 in my home state of South Dakota,” continued Rounds. Rounds closed with, “At a time when all Americans are suffering from persistently high inflation caused by ‘Bidenomics’, the last thing they need is a bunch of Washington Bureaucrats upending and rewriting a decade’s worth of banking rules which will only serve to restrict capital, harm the economy and punish American families. I think you need to go back to the drawing board.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Thank you, Chairman Brown, and thank you to our witnesses for appearing before us today. While this group comes before the committee every year, today’s hearing feels particularly timely given the number and breadth of regulations being pushed through by our financial regulators. In the last few months alone, your agencies have put forth, or finalized, regulations and guidance that represent the biggest rewrite of banking regulation since the passage of Dodd-Frank. We have seen regulations on bank capital, long-term debt, reso… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=502DAB77-ADFD-4310-9D67-E4E14579D3FD | Thune Welcomes DSU President Griffiths to Testify at Senate Agriculture Hearing on AI | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today questioned witnesses at a hearing on leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in U.S. agriculture. Thune welcomed Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, president of Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota, to testify on the potential of AI within the agriculture industry and ways South Dakota farmers and ranchers are already utilizing the technology. Thune’s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you, Chair Stabenow. “I’d like to welcome Dr. Griffiths from Dakota State University (DSU) to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry today. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Griffiths for several years. “She’s testified in front of the Senate Commerce Committee multiple times, and I appreciate her willingness to share her expertise with the Ag Committee. “Dr. Griffiths has served in presidential appointments to the National Science Board, Commission on Libraries and Information Science, and she has recently been appointed to be a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. “Because of Dr. Griffiths’ passion about expanding research and educational opportunities, Dakota State University is a leader in the nation in developing a high-quality skilled technology and cyber workforce. “And DSU has played a critical part in ensuring our farmers and ranchers are able to take part in the technological revolution. “DSU, in partnership with South Dakota State University, launched a joint doctorate program on precision ag and cyber. “This program brings an important focus to the cybersecurity threats the agriculture economy faces, and this is critically important as new technologies like artificial intelligence become more prevalent in the agriculture sector. “Dr. Griffiths, thank you for being here today, and I look forward to your testimony.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9C67F98E-0665-41F5-8BBB-C5E4B5470745 | Thune: Energy Security is National Security | 2023-11-14 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how President Biden’s misguided energy policies have put the United States on a dangerous trajectory that jeopardizes national security. Thune noted that the president should pursue an all-of-the-above energy policy that would reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign sources of energy and strengthen America’s defense against global threats. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, recent events – notably Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine and Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel – have thrown the importance of national security into sharp relief. “At its most basic level, of course, national security means having a strong military – a fighting force that can meet and defeat any threat it’s called upon to face. “But there are other key components of national security as well. “There’s border security. “There’s economic security. “And there’s energy security. “What do I mean by energy security, Mr. President? “I mean a strong and stable energy supply that does not depend on imports from hostile countries or unstable regions of the world. “You only have to look at the soaring costs and supply challenges countries like Germany have faced in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine to realize that relying on energy from other countries – particularly hostile countries – can leave a country in a deeply vulnerable position. “Mr. President, the United States had been doing a good job of maintaining our energy security. “We developed domestic resources, both renewable and conventional, which meant that we were able to minimize our reliance on other countries. “But President Biden upended that trajectory with his singular focus on Green New Deal policies. “And now we’re at an inflection point, Mr. President. “President Biden’s energy policies have put us on a dangerous trajectory – one that could easily result in significant disruptions to our domestic supply. “For starters, there’s the president’s notable hostility… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-blackburn-introduce-legislation-to-allow-fingerprinting-of-migrant-minors-to-combat-trafficking-child-recycling | Rounds, Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Allow Fingerprinting of Migrant Minors to Combat Trafficking, Child Recycling | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and 16 of their Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act. This legislation would aim to combat trafficking and child recycling by giving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14. “There is a humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border,” said Rounds. “Those wishing to do us harm are taking advantage of the Biden administration’s weak policies, some of them going so far as to use children to cross the border illegally. This is wrong. I’m pleased to cosponsor this legislation that would help border patrol agents identify these children, stop child recycling and further secure our southern border.” “Under President Biden’s open border policies, we are witnessing a devastating humanitarian crisis, and children are the primary victims,” said Blackburn. “Abusing and using a child again and again is one of the most heinous acts imaginable, and yet it happens every day along the southern border. Empowering border patrol agents to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 would give them the tools they need to identify victims of child recycling and stop this abuse in its tracks. Given that the Biden administration just carelessly lost track of 85,000 migrant children, passing this legislation could not be more critical.” In 2019, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified 600 children who were “recycled,” with one child being brought across the border as many as eight different times. Despite these statistics, current U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulation and federal law prohibit Border Patrol Agents from fingerprinting children under the age of 14. Specifically, the PRINTS Act would: Give CBP the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 in order to combat trafficking and child recycling; Require DHS to publicly report … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A5456842-DD4F-44E7-9804-49CBA7B46652 | Thune Slams Biden’s Big-Government Labor Policies | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the Biden administration is using the federal regulatory system to implement overreaching labor rules that prioritize union bosses over American workers and small businesses. Thune recently urged the U.S. Department of Labor to withdraw its new overtime rule that would result in higher prices, fewer jobs, and lower base salaries for employees. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, as I’ve said before, when it comes to the actions of government, it’s often legislation that grabs the biggest headlines. “But it’s equally important to focus on what a presidential administration is doing with its regulatory power – something I was reminded of again last week when I signed on to a letter headed by Senator Cassidy on the Biden administration’s proposed new overtime rule. “Because in the modern regulatory state, presidents have a tremendous amount of power to affect our economy and federal policy through regulation. “And today I’d like to take a couple of minutes to talk about some labor regulations coming out of the Biden administration that are likely to prove detrimental to workers, business owners, and our economy. “Let me start with the Biden administration’s proposed new overtime rule. “This proposal would impose a 55 percent increase in the exemption threshold for providing overtime pay for covered employees. “Currently, employers are required to pay covered employees making less than $35,568 per year overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week. “Under the Biden administration’s proposed new rule, employers would be required to pay overtime to covered employees making less than $55,068 – as I said, a massive 55 percent increase in the exemption threshold. “So what would be the effects of this proposed rule? “Well, it would likely result in some combination of higher prices, fewer job opportunities, and lower base pay for employees. “Because employers – and I am thinking parti… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=54F9303C-F0F1-4957-BAB3-CA5A1EE15225 | Thune Honors South Dakota Veterans | 2023-11-08 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored the dedicated men and women who serve or have served in the United States military. Thune spoke about his experiences meeting with South Dakota veterans on Honor Flights – a nonprofit organization that brings veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials created in their honor. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, engraved on a wall at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., are these words: ‘Freedom is not free.’ “‘Freedom is not free.’ “It’s a stark reminder that our freedom has come at a cost. “That it has been bought and paid for in blood. “In dark days and terrifying nights of battle. “In fear and loneliness. “In Christmases and holidays and birthdays spent far from home. “In visible wounds, and in invisible ones. “And on Veterans Day above all, we remember this. “We remember that we live in peace and freedom because men and women have answered our country’s call. “Have stepped up and said, ‘I will serve.’ “And have paid a price for that service. “Mr. President, one of my greatest honors as a U.S. senator is having the opportunity to interact with military veterans. “And in addition to meeting veterans around South Dakota, I’ve had the immense privilege of visiting with veterans who come to D.C. on Honor Flights. “For anyone not familiar with the organization, Honor Flight is a nonprofit that exists to bring military veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials created in their honor. “At its inception it focused on bringing World War II veterans to D.C., but now, with members of the Greatest Generation few and far between, Honor Flights have been filling up with veterans of Korea and Vietnam, as well as critically ill veterans from all eras. “I’ve been lucky enough to participate in three Honor Flight visits so far this year organized by Midwest Honor Flight, our local Honor Flight hub in South Dakota. “And the chance to interact with these her… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cramer-introduce-legislation-to-address-health-care-workforce-shortages-prioritize-merit-based-immigration | Rounds, Cramer Introduce Legislation to Address Health Care Workforce Shortages, Prioritize Merit-Based Immigration | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) introduced legislation to address health care workforce shortages by recapturing previously authorized Green Cards that simply went unused. The senators’ bill also establishes merit-based immigration policies. “Legal immigration is a critical part of our workforce,” said Rounds. “As the health care worker shortage continues to impact South Dakota and other rural states, we are in need of qualified, hard-working nurses and physicians to fill positions in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. I’m pleased to join Senator Cramer on this legislation that would increase our ability to provide timely, quality health care to South Dakotans.” “In rural states like North Dakota, highly skilled immigrant doctors and nurses play a critical role in our healthcare workforce, sometimes providing the only specialty care available in the area,” said Cramer. “Our open borders and per-country caps are nonsensical and chaotic. It’s long-past time our immigration policies reflected a skills-based approach, welcoming hard-working immigrants who help fill the labor and service gaps in the U.S.” The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would make a limited number of Green Cards available to qualified immigrant nurses and physicians to address critical health care workforce shortages. The bill would also allow the “recapture” of Green Cards already authorized by Congress but unused in previous years, allotting up to 25,000 immigrant visas for nurses and up to 15,000 immigrant visas for physicians. This bill does not authorize any new visas. This legislation would require employers to attest that immigrants from overseas who receive these visas will not displace an American worker. Additionally, it would necessitate eligible immigrant medical professionals to meet licensing requirements, pay filing fees and clear rigorous national security and criminal history background checks before they can receive recaptured Green Cards. The Healthcare Workforce Resilience A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CB6EB754-A676-499E-BF4C-15D1E4F1ABB7 | Thune Discusses the Importance of American Leadership on the Global Stage | 2023-11-07 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of American leadership on the global stage. Thune noted that America must maintain and use its strength and influence to contain evil actors like Iran, Russia, and China in order to advance peace and freedom around the globe. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we have had no shortage of reminders in the last couple of years that we continue to live in a dangerous world. “Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression in Ukraine, increased Chinese belligerence, and Hamas’ October 7 attack, enabled by Iran, are all powerful reminders of the fact that there will always be malign actors in this world who must be confronted. “These events are also a powerful reminder of something else – the need for American leadership on the global stage. “Nature abhors a vacuum, and if the United States and other free countries don’t lead, other countries will fill the void. “Countries like Iran. “Russia. “And China. “I don’t need to tell anyone that all three of these countries have been flexing their power in recent years and seeking to expand their footprint. “Iran, as Hamas’ recent attack so pointedly reminded us, is supporting terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East: “Hamas. “Hezbollah. “Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “The Houthis in Yemen. “Shia militias that are attacking U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. “The list goes on. “Nor is Iran confining its sphere of activities to Middle Eastern countries. “Iran has provided Russia with weapons to use in its war on Ukraine, and it is helping Russia to build its own drone manufacturing facility to dramatically increase Russia’s drone supply. “Russia, of course, is currently providing the world with a clear illustration of its imperial aspirations in its war of aggression in Ukraine. “And Putin has made it clear that his ambitions don’t end there. “He is also occupying territory in Georgia and seemingly working on a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-on-protecting-financial-well-being-of-service-members-and-veterans | Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing on Protecting Financial Well-Being of Service Members and Veterans | 2023-11-02 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing on securing financial protections for service members, veterans and their families. Click HERE to listen to Rounds’ opening remarks. “Protecting the financial well-being of our men and women in uniform is incredibly important – not only while they are serving, but also after their service ends and they transition into civilian life,” said Rounds in his opening remarks. “Improving financial literacy among our service members empowers them to take advantage of available benefits throughout the entirety of their careers, improve early financial decision-making and better identify and avoid scams and fraudulent activity,” continued Rounds. “And for our veterans, financial literacy paves a continued pathway toward success.” Rounds closed with, “I look forward to hearing from each of our witnesses today about the financial issues confronting our service members, veterans and their families, with the hope to learn from your experiences and better protect the American dream of our heroes.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Protecting the financial well-being of our men and women in uniform is incredibly important – not only while they are serving, but also after their service ends and they transition into civilian life. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I view it as our responsibility to make certain that our service members, veterans and their families are not preyed upon by bad actors. While everyone can agree that our service members and veterans deserve the highest protections for their sacrifice, financial safeguards should be more than blunt government mandates and general prohibitions – no matter how well-intended they may be. We will never be able to eliminate every bad actor from the market, we can try, and we must a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=730FBFFD-EBB3-43C6-8373-A92B9C9C124F | Thune: Biden’s Border Policies Threaten Our National Security | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s failed border policies that have jeopardized our national security. Thune highlighted the third consecutive record-breaking year of illegal border crossings under President Biden, as well as the influx of individuals on the terrorist watchlist who have attempted to enter the country at the southern border. Thune called on the administration to immediately reverse its misguided policies and focus on improving border security and enforcing the law. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we recently learned that fiscal year 2023 set a new record for the number of illegal immigrants apprehended at the southern border – the third record-breaking year of illegal immigration under the Biden administration. “First, fiscal year 2021 set an all-time record. “Then fiscal year 2022 broke that record. “And now fiscal year 2023 has broken that record. “In other words, Mr. President, we’ve had three straight years of the Biden border crisis getting worse and worse and worse. “Since the president took office, more than 6.2 million individuals have been caught attempting to illegally cross our southern border. “6.2 million. “If every one of these individuals lived in one city, it would be the second largest in the country. “Mr. President, I don’t need to tell anyone that the kind of unchecked illegal immigration we’re experiencing represents a serious security threat. “The Department of Homeland Security recently noted in its 2024 threat assessment that, quote, ‘Terrorists and criminal actors may exploit the elevated flow [of migration] and increasingly complex security environment to enter the United States.’ “And, by all indications, bad actors are in fact taking advantage of the chaos at the border to try to enter the United States. “During fiscal year 2023 alone, 169 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were caught attempting to illegally cross our souther… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=AED411EE-565A-4D6F-A478-4A98B3767A08 | Thune, Scott, Barrasso, Boozman Urge the Biden Administration to Abandon Unrealistic, Costly Energy Efficiency Standards | 2023-11-01 | 2023 | 2023-11 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.); Tim Scott (R-S.C.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; and John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; today led more than 20 of their colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to abandon their proposal that would require new single and multifamily homes that are insured or guaranteed by the agencies to be subject to unrealistic and overly burdensome energy efficiency standards. The proposal would reduce the supply of new housing, increase costs on residential contractors, and significantly impact low-income households. “Over the last few years, the Biden administration has demonstrated a reckless commitment to forcing its unrealistic environmental agenda onto various aspects of the economy via its push toward electrification, regulating household appliances, and the stifling of conventional American energy production,” wrote the senators. “So it is not at all surprising that the administration is now forcing its agenda onto families purchasing or renting a home, all while admitting that ‘lower-income households . . . may be challenged in their ability to address first costs.’ To that end, we request that you abandon this effort and conduct an honest evaluation as to how adoption of the revised international energy conservation code (IECC) and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards would increase costs and give special attention to the affect adoption would have on lower-income families.” In addition to Thune, Scott, Barrasso, and Boozman, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Jo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:49:58Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-working-group-to-host-ai-discussion-on-workforce | Rounds, Working Group to Host AI Discussion on Workforce | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | Forum to Feature DSU President José-Marie Griffiths WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, November 1, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group will host a discussion focused on AI in the workforce. The forum will feature academic and industry experts, including Dr. José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. The group will discuss the intersection of AI and the workforce and will aim to explore how AI will alter the way that Americans work. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.). “AI is leading to incredible advancements in our daily lives, including the way we work,” said Rounds. “From medicine and manufacturing to entertainment and hospitality, workers in all industries will feel the impacts of AI. I look forward to hearing from Dr. Griffiths and other top experts as we discuss the development of AI in the workforce.” In addition to Griffiths, featured speakers include: Allyson Knox, Microsoft – Senior Director of Education Policy and Programs Ameenah Salaam, Communication Workers of America – Secretary-Treasurer Anton Korinek, University of Virginia – Professor Arnab Chakraborty, Accenture – Senior Managing Director of Data and AI and Global Responsible AI Lead Austin Keyser, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – Assistant to the International President Bonnie Castillo, National Nurses United – Executive Director Chris Hyams, Indeed – Chairman and CEO Daron Acemoglu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Professor Michael Fraccaro, Mastercard – Chief People Officer Michael Strain, American Enterprise Institute – Director of Economic Policy Studies Patrick Gaspard, Center for American Progress – President and CEO Paul Schwalb, UNITE HERE – Secretary-Treasurer of DC Local 25 Rachel Lyons, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) – Legislative Director Rob Atkinson, Informatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FDBF4E2C-8045-444D-B6E1-8DCE757CCF9C | Thune: It’s Time to End Iran’s Reign of Terror | 2023-10-31 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the dangers of Iran’s influence on terrorism in the Middle East. Thune also called on President Biden to withdraw his nomination of Jack Lew to be ambassador to Israel, noting that Lew’s role in the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal is disqualifying. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7 has thrust not just Hamas but Iran into the spotlight. “Why? “Because while Hamas may have carried out this attack, Iran enabled it – and is currently enabling terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East. “There’s Hamas, which gets approximately 90 percent of its military budget from Iran and benefits from Iranian training and weapons. “Then there’s Hezbollah – the terrorist organization on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon – which is also armed and financed by Iran. “There are the Houthis in Yemen, who are backed by Iran and who in the aftermath of October 7 fired missiles and drones headed in the direction of Israel, likely at Iran’s direction. “There are the Shia militias who are attacking American soldiers in Iraq and Syria. “Palestinian Islamic Jihad. “And the list goes on. “As I said on the floor last week, through its proxies, Iran is literally getting away with murder. “One has to wonder what the Middle East would look like today if Iran hadn’t spent decades funding and arming terrorist organizations. “Nor are Iran’s malign activities confined to the Middle East. “Iran has provided Russia with drones to use in its war of aggression against Ukraine. “And now it appears that Iran is helping Russia to build a drone manufacturing facility to dramatically increase Russia’s drone supply. “Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign minister was in Iran last week and met with the Iranian president. “A Reuters article on the meeting reported, and I quote, ‘Russia and Iran are firming up bilateral relations in a ‘trusting’ atmosphere, Russia’s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-leads-letter-urging-ihs-to-improve-accessibility-to-health-care-services | Rounds Leads Letter Urging IHS to Improve Accessibility to Health Care Services | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, led the South Dakota and North Dakota congressional delegations in sending a letter to Indian Health Service (IHS) Director Roselyn Tso urging IHS to expand access to outside health care services in both states. “We write today in support of efforts to consider expanding the Purchased and Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) to all counties in South Dakota and North Dakota,” wrote the members. “It is our understanding the Indian Health Service (IHS) is considering conducting a study to examine the feasibility of this potential residency expansion. We respectfully ask IHS to conduct this study in a timely manner and move to promptly analyze the results.” The members’ letter continued, “According to census data, thousands of citizens of tribal descent are residing in counties not covered under the PRCDA. In addition to residency requirements, these tribal beneficiaries must abide by a number of other rules when attempting to access PRC, including medical priority and notification requirements. With the Great Plains Area (GPA) being a stronghold for IHS direct care, tribal members in South Dakota and North Dakota have little opportunity to access healthcare away from the agency. This may be problematic when a tribal beneficiary is unable to access IHS direct care or a service unit does not have the resources to provide care in a timely manner.” In addition to Rounds, the letter was signed by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.). Read the full letter HERE or below. +++ Dear Director Tso: We write today in support of efforts to consider expanding the Purchased and Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) to all counties in South Dakota and North Dakota. It is our understanding the Indian Health Service (IHS) is considering conducting a study to examine the feasibility of this potential residency expansion. We… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-scott-and-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-confront-chinas-influence-on-us-financial-system | Rounds, Scott and Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Confront China’s Influence on U.S. Financial System | 2023-10-30 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and the Republicans on the Banking Committee in urging the Biden administration to confront the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) expanding footprint in the U.S. financial system and global payments market. In their letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, the senators warn that rapidly expanding Chinese payment networks may undermine U.S. foreign policy, threaten Americans’ sensitive financial and consumer data privacy and violate international trade practices. In addition to calling for the Biden administration to examine the infiltration of Chinese payment networks into the U.S., the senators urge the administration to evaluate CCP’s unfair commercial practices toward U.S. companies and review potential U.S. sanctions gaps related to China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System. “The Chinese Communist Party’s (“CCP”) ongoing efforts to expand its footprint in the United States’ (“U.S.”) financial system and the global payments market…undermine U.S. foreign policy, threaten Americans’ sensitive financial and consumer data privacy, and violate international trade practices,” wrote the senators. “…Efforts by the CCP to infiltrate the U.S. financial system must be met with extreme scrutiny.” In addition to Rounds and Scott, the letter was signed by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.). Click HERE to read the full letter. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/following-push-from-rounds-and-rosen-additional-iron-dome-systems-heading-to-israel | Following Push from Rounds and Rosen, Additional Iron Dome Systems Heading to Israel | 2023-10-27 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that the Department of Defense (DOD) will transfer two Iron Dome systems to Israel. These systems are currently in possession of the United States and are not being utilized. The announcement to transfer these Iron Dome systems comes after Rounds and Rosen led a bipartisan letter urging the DOD to take this action as Israel continues to face rocket and missile attacks from Hamas and Hezbollah. “I am pleased to see that the Department of Defense is transferring these Iron Dome systems to Israel,” said Rounds. “The United States must do everything we can to help our ally as they continue to defend their nation against terrorist attacks from Hamas. This is an important step in the right direction.” “Since their terrorist attack began nearly three weeks ago, Hamas has indiscriminately fired thousands of rockets into Israel,” said Rosen. “The Iron Dome defense system is the only thing preventing Hamas’s rockets from killing countless innocent people. After the bipartisan push I led, I’m proud to announce the United States will transfer two additional Iron Dome batteries to Israel to help increase its capacity and ability to intercept Hamas’s rockets and protect Israeli families.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-scott-introduce-bill-to-strengthen-cfius-review-process-protect-american-land | Rounds, Scott Introduce Bill to Strengthen CFIUS Review Process, Protect American Land | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, joined Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) to introduce the Protect Our Bases Act. This legislation would make certain the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites. “Protecting American land is critical to maintaining our national security,” said Rounds. “Our near-peer adversaries, like China, only wish to gain advantage and opportunities to surveil our nation’s capabilities and resources. I am pleased to join Ranking Member Scott on this legislation to make our homeland more secure.” “The Chinese Communist Party can’t be allowed to compromise the security of military and government facilities on our home turf,” said Scott. “By enhancing the review of foreign real estate transactions near sites that are vital to U.S. national security, this legislation will increase accountability to help ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States can take proper action to push back on Communist China and keep our nation safe.” In addition to Rounds and Scott, this legislation was introduced by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) BACKGROUND: In 2022, Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. CFIUS determined that it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the Department of Defense had not listed the base as a sensitive site for national security purposes. Although the City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the transaction, the incident demonstrated a significant flaw in the review process of foreign land purchases. CFIUS relies on its member agencies to provide updated inform… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=88776699-6292-43C6-9825-EFAC73F4AA81 | Thune, Wyden Reintroduce Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act | 2023-10-26 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service Oversight, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced the Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act. The bipartisan legislation would improve child support enforcement for tribal child support agencies by allowing the more than 60 tribes that currently operate their own child-support programs to access the Federal Tax Refund Offset Program, which allows them to collect past-due child support from non-custodial parents. The bill would also, among other things, create parity between tribes and states by ensuring tribal child support agencies have access to the same information as states do to administer their child support programs. “Tribal child support agencies do not currently have access to certain federal programs and information that would make it easier for them to collect past-due child support from non-custodial parents,” said Thune. “By ensuring that tribes have the same access to these programs and information as states, we can help Native American families in South Dakota – and across the country – receive the child support payments that they are owed, and also put tribal and state programs on equal footing.” “Tribes in Oregon and nationwide need and deserve the same abilities as state child support agencies to ensure families can recover past-due child support payments,” said Wyden. “This common-sense, bipartisan bill takes a significant step to ensure Tribal youngsters aren’t deprived of financial support that can be used for food, housing and other essentials that add up to the healthiest and safest possible childhood.” “The National Child Support Engagement Association (NCSEA) has long-supported this legislation to provide our tribal partners with the same tax offset tools that states have as well as give all child support agencies necessary access to tax information to further support children,” said Erin Frisch, president of NCSEA. “This l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-new-leadership-in-sioux-falls-office | Rounds Announces New Leadership in Sioux Falls Office | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Keith Moore will serve as the Southeast Regional Director and State Director of Tribal Relations. Moore will be based out of Rounds’ Sioux Falls office, starting on November 6, 2023. “Keith is a committed and respected public servant who will be a great asset to our team,” said Rounds. “His years of experience, both in South Dakota and in D.C., will serve our state well. I am pleased to have Keith in this role, and I have confidence in his ability to make a meaningful impact for the good of South Dakotans.” “I’m excited to get started serving the citizens and tribal members of South Dakota,” said Moore. “Senator Rounds has worked tirelessly for all people of our great state, and I intend to do the same as we take on the multitude of issues that are in front of us.” Originally from Mission, Moore grew up in Kennebec and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. After graduating from Lyman High School, he earned a scholarship to play basketball at Northern State University, majoring in education. He later received a master’s degree in educational administration from South Dakota State University and specialist degree in educational leadership from Montana State University. Moore most recently worked as the South Dakota Director of Americans for Prosperity. He has previous experience as the Director of South Dakota Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chief Diversity Officer at the University of South Dakota and Indian Education Director at the South Dakota Department of Education. Moore also served as the SES Director of the Bureau of Indian Education in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Kristie, have five daughters and reside in Sioux Falls. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=577BAA16-9A0B-448C-800F-0D3714AD2A98 | Thune: Hamas and Its Supporters in Iran Must Be Sent a Clear, Strong Message | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the interview. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News to discuss his recent bipartisan trip to the Middle East, which included a visit to Israel. Thune highlighted the grave stakes for Israel in this conflict and stressed that a message must be sent to Iran for its role in supporting terrorism around the world. On the stakes in Israel: “This is existential for Israel. And the videos that we saw, the images that we saw, just reinforced how important it is that not only the United States, but hopefully partners in the region and beyond, band together and support Israel in its efforts to eliminate Hamas. “Israel cannot exist side-by-side with a terrorist organization whose main mission is to kill Jews and to wipe Israel off the map. It's as simple as that. “And you can understand why there is so much frustration and angst in the country right now. They see what's happening on their border. In the last 15 years, they've been attacked five times. But this time, it just – it has to be dealt with. “And I hope that the United States will do everything that it can to stand with our ally and our friend, Israel, ensure that they have everything they need to defend themselves, and to go after this vicious terrorist regime, enabled by Iran, and destroy it if that's what has to happen. And we also need to lay down some markers and some red lines with respect to Iran, and we've made that very clear as well.” On sending a message to Iran: “We obviously need to be, as Israel needs to be, strategic about this, Bret, but not responding is not an option either. “I mean, you have the – the animating force behind the evil in that region is Iran. They are, all these entities, these terrorist organizations, are Iranian proxies. And Iran needs to understand that they cannot continue to engage with and support these terrorist activities in the region, and particularly now with their attacks on American troops. That is a whole new level of escalation and the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F18A3B9D-60AF-4271-A7D0-2855F45B7989 | Thune Discusses Bipartisan Trip to Middle East | 2023-10-25 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his visit to the Middle East as part of a bipartisan congressional delegation trip to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Yesterday, Thune spoke about the need for the United States to support Israel as it works to eliminate Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and he called on the Biden administration to prioritize freeing American hostages. Thune also joined Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News and Stuart Varney on Fox Business to discuss Iran’s blatant role in fostering and supporting terrorism in the Middle East. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, early yesterday morning I returned from a whirlwind trip to the Middle East as part of a bipartisan CODEL, or congressional delegation, to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. “The trip was a direct response to Hamas’ savage attack on Israel. “The CODEL, led by my friend Senator Lindsey Graham, brought together 10 senators from both parties to show the United States’ support for Israel and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to protecting our now-threatened national interests in the region. “Our message was united: “The United States stands with Israel. “Iran is on notice, and it must stand down. “And we need to get hostages freed and Americans out of harm’s way. “We are committed to seeing Hamas defeated so that a new chapter of prosperity for Israel and its Arab neighbors can begin, of which normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia would be a keystone. “Our engagements on the ground included frank and candid discussions with heads of state, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and our U.S. embassy teams on the ground. “Our day in Tel Aviv began with meeting the families of hostages being held in Gaza, including Americans, who shared their painful stories. “As a parent and grandparent, it is heartbreaking to see and hear the grief of these family members. “Later that day, we met with Israeli defense officials for an update on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1843AC25-1E69-4A5D-90A6-02A0E1480BAC | Thune: Israel Should Not Have to Tolerate a Terrorist Organization Next Door | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference hours after returning from a bipartisan trip to the Middle East, which included a stop in Israel. Thune spoke about the need for the United States to support our allies in Israel as they work to eliminate Hamas terrorists, as well as the need for the rest of the world to confront Iran’s support of terrorism in Israel and around the globe. On the horrific terrorist attacks in Israel: “I was among those who just returned from a trip to the Middle East, including a stop in Israel. And it's been 17 days now since the October 7 attack, but I will tell you that the video and images continue to come in. “The barbaric, brutal, just absolutely brutal, attacks were nothing less than despicable. These were heinous and just unbelievable violations of humanity. “And so, as we think about how to respond, clearly, the Israelis can't abide having a terrorist organization living right on their border. Hamas has to be eliminated. And we should aid and support, in every way possible, the Israelis as they endeavor to do just that.” On Iran’s role supporting terrorism in Israel and around the world: “And of course, we have to remember that the animating force behind the evil in that region of the world is, as the leader pointed out, Iran. It is Iran that finances more than 90 percent of the weaponry, training, and everything that Hamas does. They are the force behind their other proxy on the northern border of Israel, Hezbollah, and of course, the Houthis in Yemen, the Shiite militias that are attacking our troops in Syria and Iraq. “This is an evil regime whose clear objective is to kill Jews and to wipe Israel off the map. That's the reality that is confronting the leaders in Israel right now. “And Hamas, when they committed these incredibly violent and brutal acts, also preserved it, posted it on social media, celebrated it in front of the rest of the world. This evil has to be confron… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DBAA71BB-8D22-4AC4-9F4F-6B9957C71E69 | Thune’s Office Accepting Spring Internship Applications | 2023-10-24 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) is currently seeking college students to serve as spring interns in his office in Washington, D.C., as well as in his offices in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls. Interns in Thune’s Washington, D.C., office will have the opportunity to witness the legislative process and attend Senate votes and hearings, while interns in the state offices will participate in constituent service and state outreach activities. Both Washington, D.C., and in-state internships are paid and will allow students to work closely with constituents, hone their research and writing skills, and gain valuable office experience. “Interns who are selected will receive a firsthand look at the legislative process and the day-to-day life in a congressional office,” said Thune. “In Washington, interns will have the opportunity to attend Senate votes and hearings and participate in other activities that are unique to Capitol Hill. Students who are interested in interning in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, or Rapid City will find an equally rewarding experience with assisting staff on important constituent service requests and state outreach activities, which are critical to my work for the people of South Dakota. I encourage all college students who are interested in these opportunities to apply today.” College students who are interested in interning in Thune’s Washington, D.C., Aberdeen, Rapid City, or Sioux Falls offices can apply by November 5, 2023, at https://sen.gov/Z003 or they can locate the application at www.thune.senate.gov under the “Services” tab. Thune serves as the Senate Republican whip, the number two position in Senate Republican leadership, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; and a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. For more information, please call 202-224-2321. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-presses-nominees-on-protecting-american-families-and-businesses | Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing, Presses Nominees on Protecting American Families and Businesses | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing on key nominations. Click HERE to listen to Rounds’ opening remarks. “In the upper Midwest, producers rely on access to credit from their local credit unions and other financial institutions for the financing of their farming and ranching operations,” said Rounds in his opening remarks. “They feed the world.” “We don’t need bureaucrats telling farmers, ranchers and the credit unions that support them how to run operations. Especially bureaucrats that believe chocolate milk comes from brown cows,” continued Rounds. Rounds closed with, “Americans are frustrated, deeply frustrated by the actions of regulators that are hurting their businesses, families and interfering in their daily lives. It is our role in the Senate to scrutinize and evaluate each nominee who comes before this committee. The decisions you make in your respective roles, if confirmed, will have a bearing on the quality of life of American families.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to say welcome to all of the nominees. I commend each of you for your desire to serve the American people. With six nominees today, I will try to move through each quickly. Congressman Bachus – welcome back to Capitol Hill and congratulations on being renominated for a position on the Board of the Export-Import Bank. The Export-Import Bank is a valuable tool for promoting U.S. exports, economic growth and job creation. In the face of an increasingly competitive global market, I believe American companies must be able to effectively compete on the international stage. I look forward to hearing ways you believe the EXIM Bank can continue to be effective, especially as countries like China bolster their own companies by guaranteeing export loans. Mr. Uyeda, in your capacity as a member of the Securities and Exchange Commission f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hosts-discussion-on-ai-in-cancer-research | Rounds Hosts Discussion on AI in Cancer Research | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group today hosted a panel discussion focused on the use of AI in cancer research. The panel, comprised of academic and industry experts, discussed how AI is transforming health care. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). “…Today’s discussion on AI is about something that’s a bit more personal to me: the fight against cancer,” said Rounds in his opening statement. “As many of you know, I lost my wife to cancer one year, 11 months and 17 days ago. I firmly believe that AI has the potential to change every aspect of cancer care as we know it. Continued investments in this technology will help us to not only improve the lives of people with cancer, but to one day ultimately overcome this disease.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Good morning. Thank you all for taking the time to join us here today. I’d like to first thank the panelists who took time out of their busy schedules to come speak with us today. I’d also like to thank my colleagues, Leader Schumer and Senators Young and Heinrich for working with me on this event. We’ve had a lot of discussions in the Senate this year about artificial intelligence, and how it’s leading to significant changes across our society. But today’s discussion on AI is about something that’s a bit more personal to me: the fight against cancer. As many of you know, I lost my wife to cancer one year, 11 months and 17 days ago. I firmly believe that AI has the potential to change every aspect of cancer care as we know it. Continued investments in this technology will help us to not only improve the lives of people with cancer, but to one day ultimately overcome this disease. However, when it comes to AI and health care, the impacts of AI will go far beyond fighting cancer. I look forward to having a robust discuss… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=56813046-F3F5-4F73-B40E-B4E186E23772 | Thune: Border Security is National Security | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on President Biden and congressional Democrats to join Republicans in prioritizing border security and national security. Thune noted that porous borders are an invitation to criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals, and in order to keep our country secure, the situation at the southern border must be addressed. Thune also discussed the critical need for border security today with Stuart Varney on Fox Business. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, yesterday I came down to the floor to discuss the importance of military preparedness to our national security. “The most basic requirement of national security is a strong military. “But it is not the only requirement. “Maintaining our nation’s strength – and our ability to deter threats and discourage our enemies from tangling with us – also involves things like a strong economy, energy security, and border security. “And today I want to spend a few minutes talking about border security. “Mr. President, border security is an essential part of keeping our nation secure. “Porous borders are an invitation to criminals, terrorists, and other dangerous individuals. “And let’s be very clear – there are dangerous individuals out there right now who would like to enter and harm our country. “Since the beginning of this month, four Iranians considered to be ‘special interest aliens’ – individuals who may pose a threat to the United States – have been apprehended at the border in Texas. “All told, thousands of special interest aliens, a number of them from Middle Eastern countries, have been apprehended at our southern border over the past two years. “During fiscal year 2023, 151 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended attempting to illegally cross our southern border. “151. “As a recent news story noted, and I quote, ‘That figure is more than the total of the previous six fiscal years combined.’ “That same story also… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD1FF772-C2BF-4566-B3BA-72874E2DC70A | Thune, Hassan, Blackburn Introduce the SAVE IMD Options Act | 2023-10-19 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Securing Advances and a Variety of Evidence-Based (SAVE) Institutions for Mental Disease (IMD) Options Act. The bipartisan legislation would establish a permanent state plan option in Medicaid that allows states to provide patients between the ages of 21 to 64 with substance use disorder treatment in IMD. Current law does not allow federal Medicaid funds to be used for those patients at IMD, which include hospitals, nursing facilities, or other institutions with more than 16 beds that provide care for mental health diseases, including substance use disorder. “As the opioid epidemic and substance use disorders continue to devastate families and communities across South Dakota and the country, it is critical for patients to have access to treatment services,” said Thune. “South Dakota has relied on a state plan option in Medicaid to provide these services for the past five years, and it is critical that patients do not lose access to this life-saving care.” “Medicaid recipients deserve access to short-term inpatient care at addiction treatment facilities, which can be lifesaving,” said Hassan. “As we continue to work on ways to expand mental health care and support for people struggling with opioid use, the bipartisan legislation that Senators Thune, Blackburn, and I are introducing today will help more people get the treatment that they need and deserve.” “Since 2021, Tennessee has leveraged the Institutions for Mental Diseases state option to deliver critical treatment and support to individuals suffering from substance use disorders,” said Blackburn. “Making this state option permanent and breaking down barriers to comprehensive care would be a major step in the right direction as we address substance use disorders across our nation.” “The National Association for Behavioral Healthcare (NABH) strongly supports Senator Thune’s efforts to improve access to substance use disorder services,” s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-anderson-family-of-rapid-city-for-angels-in-adoption-award | Rounds Nominates Anderson Family of Rapid City for Angels in Adoption Award | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that he has nominated Nathan and Angela Anderson for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI). Nathan and Angela Anderson have been married since 2006. Nathan is originally from the Huron area, and Angela is originally from the Rapid City area. In 2015, they were blessed with their son Boaz through a private adoption with the help of Hughes Law Office, Bethany Christian Services and Jean Cline. Boaz is now eight years old, and he is full of energy and laughter. Then, in 2021, the Andersons received a call from their pastor, Wes Roth, who was approached by biological grandparents needing to find a family to adopt their two-week-old granddaughter who was in foster care. Nathan and Angela selflessly opened their home once more and adopted their daughter Emma. Now, the Andersons are a family of four who affectionately embrace being “Team BEAN” (Boaz, Emma, Angela and Nathan). “We are humbled to have been nominated by Senator Rounds for the 2023 Angels in Adoption Award,” said Nathan and Angela Anderson. “Adoption was originally a road we didn’t know we’d travel on, but it has been such a beautiful and enriching part of our lives. While the adoption process comes with many hills and valleys, Boaz and Emma are a forever blessing. We feel incredibly grateful, and we hope our story encourages others to consider adoption.” Rounds nominated John and Beth Hughes for the 2022 Angels in Adoption Award. Their adoption practice, Heart2Heart Adoptions, which is part of Hughes Law Office, has brought hundreds of families together, including the Anderson family. Additionally, Rounds nominated Wes Roth, the Anderson’s pastor, and his wife Kimberly for the 2018 Angels in Adoption Award. “I am honored to nominate Nathan and Angela for this year’s Angels in Adoption award,” said Rounds. “Throughout years of adversity and perseverance, the Andersons relied on their Faith and trusted God’s plan for their family. Team BEAN s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-working-group-to-host-discussion-on-ai-in-cancer-research | Rounds, Working Group to Host Discussion on AI in Cancer Research | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – On Thursday, October 19, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group will host a panel discussion focused on the use of AI in cancer research. The panel will feature academia and industry experts to discuss how AI is transforming health care, from research and drug development to the delivery of patient care and treatment. In addition to Rounds, the AI working group is comprised of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). “AI is a tool that will lead to incredible advancements in every aspect of our lives,” said Rounds. “One of those aspects is health care. We were already seeing encouraging progress in the development of new treatments when my late wife Jean was courageously battling cancer a few years ago. Now, there is a real opportunity to utilize AI in ways never thought possible that will help save lives. I look forward to hearing from top experts as we discuss the life-changing possibilities of AI in cancer research.” Featured speakers include: Ned Sharpless, MD, Professor of Cancer Policy and Innovation at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine & former Director of the National Cancer Institute Michael Howell, MD, Chief Clinical Officer at Google Eliezer Van Allen, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Harvard Medical School & Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Rick Stevens, Associate Laboratory Director at the Argonne National Laboratory & Professor of Computer Science at the University of Chicago Lauren Silvis, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Tempus & former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration In May 2023, the AI working group was formed to pursue the opportunities and tackle the threats presented by AI. In order to provide additional information to members of the Senate, the working group has hosted a series of briefings. Additionally, the working group hosted a first-of-it… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=771A3D51-6B44-48E2-BB2B-8D3A007E3787 | Thune: America Must Strengthen Its National Security Posture | 2023-10-18 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of passing the final version of this year’s National Defense Authorization Act and additional supplemental funding in order to bolster national security, enhance shortfalls in military readiness, and support our allies. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, Israel and the world are still reeling from the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 that left somewhere around 1,400 Israelis – and at least 31 Americans – dead. “In scale and scope, the attack carried echoes of our own 9/11. “And, as on 9/11, life changed in an instant. “I came down to the floor yesterday to talk about these attacks and the United States’ commitment to standing with the Israeli people against terrorism. “And today I’d like to talk about another important point these attacks raise – the importance of our national defense and military readiness. “Mr. President, it has been said that ‘only the dead have seen the end of war.’ “We live in a fallen world, and as long as we live in a fallen world, there will be evil men bent on aggression. “And if we wish to continue living in peace and freedom, we must be always ready to defend against such men. “Military preparedness is an essential and constant need. “There is never a time where we can guarantee our peace and safety, and so there is never a time when we can afford to be ill-prepared to defend our peace and safety. “As citizens of the United States – an immense country with a reputation for military strength – it can be easy to become complacent and assume that we will always be able to deter or defeat attacks. “But that is a dangerous assumption. “As strong as we are, we are not invulnerable, and we are not the only great power out there. “And if we don’t make the necessary investments in our military to back up our reputation of strength, we may find our ability to deter hostile countries quickly waning. “And the fact of the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-seeking-spring-2024-internship-applications | Rounds Seeking Spring 2024 Internship Applications | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the spring semester. Positions are available in his Washington, D.C. office and his state offices in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Spring internships typically run from January to May, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit. “Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage interested college students to apply for the upcoming spring internship.” Intern duties include researching bills, tracking legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, handling constituent correspondence and providing support in all areas of the office to Rounds and his staff. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible. Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is December 1, 2023. For more information, please call Rebecca Herman at (605) 336-0486. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=0E2F0A84-E51C-4F3D-902A-36EC07438BE0 | Thune Denounces Hamas’ Terrorist Attacks on Israel | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today condemned the senseless attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists. Thune expressed his unwavering support for Israel and the need to hold Iran accountable for its continued support of Hamas and other terror organizations. Thune called on all Americans – from the halls of Congress to college campuses – to support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, there are days and events that are almost unspeakable. “And October 7, 2023, is one of them. “The slaughter of hundreds of innocent Israelis – men, women, and, unthinkably, children – at the hands of Hamas terrorists was a terrible witness to the evil of which man is capable. “The stories and images that have emerged are searing. “A bloodied infant seat. “Parents tucking their 10-month-old twins into hiding before being murdered by the attackers. “A mom and dad killed with their three young children. “As a father and a grandfather, I cannot imagine the terror those parents must have felt as they realized Hamas gunmen had moved into their villages. “It is a terrible fact of war that the innocent are often drawn into the crossfire, but to make war on the innocent – to target the innocent deliberately – is perhaps the greatest evil of which man is capable. “Mr. President, it’s nearly unimaginable to think that someone could look at Hamas’ attack and find any cause for joy or celebration. “And yet in the days following the attacks, we have seen far too many people right here at home – including at our so-called top universities – attempt to defend or even celebrate the indefensible. “And while the First Amendment protects their right to speak, I hope that we as a society can categorically reject the view that anything can justify or excuse the deliberate murder of babies and children. “Mr. President, Israel is currently working to bring a swift end to Hamas’ reign of terror, and it should have the full suppor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=2F9E4184-8105-4FD4-9E05-BC96437D4681 | Thune-Klobuchar Bill Would Recognize Environmental Benefit of Biofuels, Promote Efficient Farming | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) today reintroduced the Adopt Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Specifically, the bill would require EPA to apply the Argonne National Lab’s GREET Model to any fuel for which EPA has approved a pathway and deemed qualified for the RFS. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made. “It’s past time for the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for all biofuels, which would more accurately reflect the emissions reductions achieved by ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel,” said Thune. “This would not only underscore how homegrown biofuels can be a cleaner part of our energy security and environmental policy, driving value for South Dakota farmers, but also make biofuel exports more attractive to countries seeking to lower their transportation emissions.” “It is critical that the EPA’s greenhouse gas modeling for biofuels be updated to fully reflect the newest science and technology,” said Klobuchar. “This legislation will allow us to fully recognize how ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel can contribute to our emissions reduction goals while expanding and promoting the use of clean energy and rural jobs across the country.” The legislation was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). “Biofuels are playing a crucial role in helping our nation meet our energy and climate goals,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “As a country, we can’t afford for… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EAEECD39-3349-4C82-876B-D6E87CB84790 | Thune: Stand With Israel and Stand Up to Iran | 2023-10-17 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at the Senate Republican leadership press conference in strong support of Israel’s right to defend itself from heinous terrorist attacks. Earlier today, Thune spoke at a press conference led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) where Republican senators highlighted Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism in Israel and called for passage of legislation to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets the Biden administration attempted to provide Iran last month. On standing in solidarity with Israel: “Let me just say that all of us are heartbroken and disgusted, really, by the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israel. “There are some in this country, and you see it more on our college and university campuses, who don’t seem to see this issue with moral clarity. But it really is an example of unspeakable evil committed against innocent civilians, innocent children. “And I can say that the Republican Conference stands in solidarity with Israel and its right not only to exist, but also to defend itself and to protect its citizens from these types of attacks. “Right now, the administration’s focus should be on getting Americans home, working on trying to free up some of the hostages that’re still held in Gaza, and I hope that will be first and foremost what they work on.” On the need to secure America’s southern border for the sake of national security: “Let me just say, too, that as you think about this issue and the issue of national security, the director of the FBI warned just recently that there could be copycat attacks here in the United States. “And that really bears on one of the issues that the leader mentioned with respect to whatever package emerges from the Congress and is put forward by the White House, that we deal with the issue of our southern border. “And if you look at just in the last two years, they have a category called ‘special interest aliens,’ and in that category, there have been 659 Iranians that they have appreh… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-communications-director-to-serve-as-chief-of-staff | Rounds’ Communications Director to Serve as Chief of Staff | 2023-10-16 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Dezmond Ward will serve as Rounds’ Chief of Staff. Ward, who has worked in Rounds’ office since 2018, most recently served as the Communications Director for Rounds. “Dezmond has been a trusted member of my team for almost six years,” said Rounds. “No matter the role, Dezmond has proven to have a strong work ethic and knowledge of issues both in South Dakota and in D.C. I am excited to have him lead my team and see his impact in this new role.” “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of South Dakota in this new capacity,” said Ward. “I’m excited to lead our great team that is service-oriented and focused on getting results. I look forward to the challenges ahead as we continue to work to bring South Dakota values to a broken Washington, D.C.” Originally from Milbank, Ward is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Ward interned in Rounds’ office before joining full time as a Legislative Correspondent/Staff Assistant. He also served as a Field Representative until becoming Rounds’ Communications Director. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-rosen-lead-bipartisan-push-in-requesting-additional-iron-dome-systems-for-israel | Rounds, Rosen Lead Bipartisan Push in Requesting Additional Iron Dome Systems for Israel | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, led a bipartisan letter urging the Department of Defense to transfer two additional Iron Dome systems and other unused military assets to Israel as it continues to face rocket and missile attacks from Hamas and the threat of Hezbollah entering the conflict. These systems are currently in possession of the United States and are not being utilized. “Since October 7, Hamas, which Iran directly supplies and funds, has fired thousands of rockets into populated areas across Israel with the intention of killing as many innocent civilians as possible,” wrote the senators. “As you know, the United States Army is currently in possession of two Iron Dome batteries that have not been deployed and have no operational use inside the United States where they are currently stored.” “Immediately transferring these two Iron Dome batteries that are not in use to Israel would provide tangible, life-saving and sustained support to our ally as it faces rocket and missile salvos that threaten to overwhelm its defenses,” the senators’ letter continued. “The transfer of these two Iron Dome batteries, in addition to sending other unused military assets, would bolster Israel’s defense capabilities and immediately help Israel combat terrorist aggression.” In addition to Rounds and Rosen, the letter was signed by Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.). The full text of the letter can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=5EC99D03-7D92-4E22-B8D5-0EB66BBC57B5 | Thune Calls On Biden To Freeze $6 Billion Iran Transfer | 2023-10-11 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) joined several of his colleagues in calling on President Biden and the U.S. Department of State to immediately restrict Iran’s access to $6 billion in funds that were unfrozen by the Biden administration as part of a recent U.S.-Iran prisoner swap. “To stand by and allow Iran access to these funds as Hamas infiltrates Israel and murders, rapes, and mutilates countless Israelis is unconscionable,” wrote the senators. “Your administration claims these funds are only available for humanitarian use, but money is fungible, and there is a significant risk they could be used to further efforts by Iran or Hamas against Israel. Moreover, allowing $6 billion to flow into Iran’s economy, even if the purpose is for humanitarian aid, allows the Iranian regime to reallocate even more funds to supporting terrorism. Oversight over the use of this $6 billion is not enough, and the oversight mechanism is crippled by your reported decision to pull the longstanding Treasury attaché from Qatar. The State Department should immediately rescind the waivers that allowed Iranian funds to be converted and moved to more accessible bank accounts, as well as work with U.S. ally Qatar to immediately freeze the accounts containing these funds.” The letter was led by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and, in addition to Thune, was also signed by U.S. Sens. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Full letter below: Dear Mr. President: We write today to affirm our unwavering support for Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, and call on the U.S. Department of State to freeze the accounts in Qatar containing $6 billion in Ira… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9C834BF2-4894-425F-98CA-2625ACE19ED1 | Thune Leads Colleagues in Opposing Biden FCC’s Internet Takeover | 2023-10-05 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband; and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; today led more than 40 of their colleagues, including every member of the Senate Republican leadership team, in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to abandon her proposal to reinstate the failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. In their letter, the senators note that following the repeal of the Obama-era rules in 2017, all of the Democrats’ fearmongering claims – most notably that Americans would get the internet one word at a time – were debunked and proven to be completely false. “Re-imposing heavy-handed, public-utility regulations on the internet would threaten the progress our country has made since 2017, and it would steer our country out of the fast lane and into a world of less competition, less choice, less investment, slower speeds, and higher prices,” wrote the senators. “Further, the FCC lacks this statutory authority over broadband internet access. Any attempt by the FCC to reinstate net neutrality regulations and the onerous rules of Title II on internet service providers will not survive judicial review. The FCC has pushed net neutrality and already lost in court – more than once – and two of President Obama’s former solicitors general have warned that reclassification by the FCC cannot survive the major questions doctrine.” In addition to Thune and Cruz, the letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=79F5C644-48C1-4309-A2D3-C8E7EC47CCBA | Thune Presses FAA Nominee on Need to Strengthen Pilot Training | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today questioned Michael Whitaker, President Biden’s nominee to be administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing. Thune discussed the need to pass a strong, pro-safety FAA reauthorization, which should include his and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-Ariz.) amendment that would enhance aviation safety, improve pilot training, and increase jobs. On enhancing pilot training: “As you know, current training for airline transport pilots requires the vast majority of their flight hours to be accumulated in the cockpit. “I fully recognize the value of cockpit experience, and see time in real aircraft as an essential part of training airline pilots. “However, I am concerned that little to none of the currently required flight hours are accumulated in the type of aircraft that these pilots will be flying should they get a job with an airline. “Instead, they are typically accumulated in small, single-engine aircraft. “To address this issue, Senator Sinema and I offered an amendment to the Senate FAA reauthorization codifying the recommendations of the Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee to create a two-month Enhanced Qualification Program (EQP), completed in exchange for a 250 hour credit toward the requisite aeronautical experience. “The EQP’s use of simulator training – whose proven value has resulted in its extensive use by the military – and instruction from seasoned airline pilots would give trainees exposure to the cockpits of the jets they would actually be flying and, crucially, allow them to experience what it’s like to handle challenging and dangerous situations in those cockpits. “A bipartisan group of former FAA administrators and Airline Pilots Association presidents recently called on Congress to expand the use of simulator training, stating that, ‘Requiring the repeated practice of the prevention of and recovery from myriad real-world a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8CD5CD65-9FB1-4E8F-9214-885C54EC9D38 | Thune Calls Out Biden’s Radical Return to Obama-Era Net Neutrality Proposal | 2023-10-04 | 2023 | 2023-10 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden administration’s attempt to return to failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. Thune noted that in order to maintain a free and open internet, Democrats should reject the administration’s misguided net neutrality power grab. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the specter of heavy-handed government regulation of the internet reared its head once again last week with the Federal Communications Commission’s announcement that it will consider a so-called net neutrality proposal at its October meeting. “So what is net neutrality, Mr. President? “Well, at its most basic level, it’s simply the idea that internet service providers shouldn’t prioritize or block certain internet traffic at the expense of others. “Understood in that way, it’s a concept that enjoys broad support in both parties. “But that’s not what we’re talking about with the Biden FCC’s net neutrality proposal. “Like the Obama FCC before it, the Biden FCC wants to assert broad new government powers over the internet using rules that were designed for telephone monopolies back during the Great Depression. “‘Today, there is no expert agency ensuring that the internet is fast, open, and fair,’ FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said last week, proving once again that Democrats’ faith in Washington experts is undying – and that nothing scares a Democrat more than the thought of some aspect of society not being regulated by the federal government. “Mr. President, this is not the first time Democrats have sounded the alarm about the perils that await us if we don’t let the government regulate the internet with a heavy hand. “In fact, back in 2015 the Obama FCC actually implemented the regulatory regime the Biden FCC is considering imposing. “This opened the door to a whole host of new internet regulations, including price regulations. “And, unsurprisingly, broadband investment de… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:43:12Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1B1BE49A-78C3-440B-A8CD-17E80B1E3D73 | Thune, Johnson Seek Nominations to U.S. Service Academies | 2023-09-29 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today announced that they are accepting applications to the U.S. service academies for the class entering in the summer of 2024. “Service academies provide an excellent educational opportunity for a select number of young men and women each year,” said Thune and Johnson. “Our state has always punched above its weight when it comes to military service, so we’re looking forward to meeting the next generation of military leaders and helping them embark on the next chapter in their young careers.” Students interested in attending a service academy must first obtain a nomination, most commonly from a member of Congress. Thune and Johnson will make nominations to the Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. The deadline for submitting an application to Thune’s office is November 1, 2023, and to Johnson’s office on October 27, 2023. Interested applicants should contact Thune’s office at (605) 334-9596, and Johnson’s office at (605) 275-2868. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7AA76F8B-BFA2-4C5F-A987-AC4452E1A8D2 | Thune: Biden Must Embrace an All-of-the-Above Energy Policy | 2023-09-28 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s out-of-touch energy agenda that continues to undermine the nation’s energy security. Thune noted that it’s time for the president to take a more realistic approach to American energy and embrace an all-of-the-above energy policy that prioritizes both conventional and renewable sources. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, the Biden administration’s war on affordable and reliable energy continues. “Three weeks ago, the administration announced the cancellation of seven oil and gas leases in the small portion of ANWR – the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – that is available for energy exploration and development. “It was just the latest move by the Biden administration to stifle conventional energy production. “Mr. President, in his State of the Union address this year, the president acknowledged, and I quote, ‘“We’re going to need oil for at least another decade” … and beyond that.’ “Let me just repeat that – and again, these are President Biden’s own words: “‘“We’re going to need oil for at least another decade” … and beyond that.’ “The president is right. “While alternative energy is powering an increasing share of American energy production, we are nowhere near being able to rely exclusively on alternative energy technologies. “We are going to need conventional energy for quite a while yet. “And, Mr. President, the best way to get that conventional energy is by developing the United States’ abundant domestic resources in an environmentally responsible way. “But the president’s anti-development strategy seems designed to force us to remain at the mercy of producers like OPEC and rely on expensive imports from sometimes dangerous or unstable countries and regions. “Mr. President, there are multiple problems with relying on foreign sources of oil – not the least of which is the potential for our oil dollars to fund oppressive regimes. “But eve… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7A0E465D-5B9D-40DC-B17C-5B62D1D44386 | Thune Discusses Biden's Border Blunders | 2023-09-27 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today discussed how the crisis at the southern border is impacting communities all across the country. Thune noted that President Biden has the power and authority to end the crisis he created by simply enforcing the law and reinstating the effective immigration policies that were previously in place. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, ‘No end in sight.’ “That’s how one Border Patrol chief described the influx of migrants in the Rio Grande Valley sector of the southern border in March 2021. “‘No end in sight.’ “That was two and a half years ago, Mr. President. “And there’s still no end in sight to this crisis. “On Friday we learned that 232,972 individuals were caught trying to illegally cross our southern border in August. “232,972. “That’s the highest August number yet for the Biden administration. “And all signs suggest that we’re on track for a third record-breaking year of apprehensions at the southern border. “Roughly 11,000 individuals were apprehended attempting to cross our southern border in just 24 hours this past weekend. “11,000. “In 24 hours. “If the White House really thinks it’s, quote, ‘stopping the flow at the border,’ as the White House press secretary said last month, it should think again. “And, Mr. President, it’s important to note that the numbers I’ve mentioned only reflect individuals who were actually apprehended. “They don’t include individuals who have made their way into the country illegally without being caught. “Since the beginning of the Biden administration, there have been at least 1.5 million known gotaways – individuals the Border Patrol detected but was unable to apprehend. “Mr. President, the Biden administration’s so-called border plan is clearly not working. “And state and local governments are stretched thin. “And I’m not just talking about border towns and border states. “I’m talking about places like New York City. “Chicago. “Massachusetts. “… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=E73F9FA7-1ACE-4DBB-91EE-D943C2AC6F79 | Thune: Foreign Ownership of Farmland is a Matter of National Security | 2023-09-27 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today participated in a hearing to examine foreign ownership in U.S. agriculture. Thune discussed the importance of protecting South Dakota farmers and ranchers from foreign adversaries – like China, Russia, and Iran – that seek to purchase U.S. farmland and agriculture businesses, which threatens food security. Thune’s opening remarks (as prepared for delivery): “Thank you Chairwoman Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman for holding today’s hearing on foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture. “I also want to thank our witnesses for appearing before the committee and for your input on this important issue. “Food security is a critical component of national security, and we need to make sure foreign countries do not hold an undue influence over our food supply. “I’m pleased that this year’s Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes Senator Rounds’ amendment to prohibit China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from purchasing U.S. agricultural land and businesses, and I will continue to advocate for this provision’s inclusion in the final NDAA. “We also need to take a close look at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s role in overseeing foreign ownership of U.S. agriculture, particularly as we keep working on the next farm bill. “We must safeguard U.S. farmland and food security as a critical component of national security, and I look forward to working with members of this committee on this issue in the next farm bill.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-remarks-at-banking-hearing-on-ai | Rounds Delivers Opening Remarks at Banking Hearing on AI | 2023-09-21 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing titled, “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services.” Click HERE to listen to Rounds’ opening remarks. “The U.S. continues to be the birthplace for new innovation in this field,” said Rounds in his opening remarks. “Congress should help shepherd the development of American AI – artificial intelligence that is embodied with key principles to promote confidence and trust – principles like privacy and transparency. We are at a crossroads. Artificial intelligence is real and it’s not going away. We have the opportunity to shape it in a way that reflects the values that are important to us. AI is a tool and it’s up to us whether we harness it to make improvements to our financial system or if we simply fall behind.” Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ Thank you to our witnesses for being here today to discuss what I believe to be an extremely important topic. I also want to thank Ranking Member Scott for giving me the opportunity to fill his large shoes today. We stand at the beginning of a journey of monumental change. While Artificial Intelligence or AI has been around in various forms for years, recent advances in the most cutting-edge models have shown us just how capable the technology has become. The financial services industry has already been effectively utilizing AI for decades - just under a different name. Whether its algorithms, modeling, predictive analytics, or data management, the industry has been using AI and other emerging technology to utilize data and improve the customer experience. Take fraud prevention as an example. Despite the billions spent to protect institutions — and the billions paid to buy off attackers — things are only getting worse, with synthetic identity fraud costing banks nearly $50 billion last year. As many as 95% of phony identities go undetected. Traditional methods o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=7D819596-B251-4B5C-A3A3-F85E56BC48FE | Thune Calls on Democrat Leaders to Stop Obstructing FAA Reauthorization | 2023-09-20 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the urgent need to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and pass his and Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-Ariz.) amendment that would enhance aviation safety. Thune noted that Senate Democrat leadership has put the FAA reauthorization in jeopardy by preventing the Senate Commerce Committee from advancing this critical legislation. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, on Monday the Democrat leader came down to the floor to discuss the continuing resolution the House proposed. “And he criticized it for, among other things, making, quote, ‘[n]o attempt to reauthorize the FAA.’ “Making ‘no attempt to reauthorize the FAA.’ “Mr. President, apparently it’s slipped the Democrat leader’s mind that the Senate is currently making no attempt to reauthorize the FAA either. “That’s right. “It’s been 97 days since the Democrat chair of the Commerce Committee halted consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization at the beginning of the scheduled markup because the Democrat leader objected to a bipartisan amendment Senator Sinema and I planned to offer. “An amendment to improve aviation safety by implementing a structured, rigorous training program for prospective airline pilots. “Mr. President, current training requirements for airline pilots require 1,500 hours of flight time, primarily in the cockpit – although military pilots and those with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in aviation can receive credit for some of those hours. “I recognize the value of cockpit experience and see time in real aircraft as an essential part of training airline pilots. “But those 1,500 hours alone are not always the ideal preparation for flying commercial jets or training truly well-rounded pilots. “For starters, the majority of the 1,500 hours are generally completed in small, single-engine aircraft, which have very little relevance to regional or large jetline… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C4C804C2-CD95-4A10-A22C-0DC6B26D9D9E | Thune: There’s Nothing Like Summertime in South Dakota | 2023-09-19 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about his dozens of visits and meetings with South Dakotans during the August state work period. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, there is nothing like summertime in South Dakota. “While I’m in Sioux Falls almost every weekend, August gives me the opportunity to spend more time at home. “It gives me a chance to travel South Dakota’s wide-open spaces, meet with constituents, and have important conversations that shape a lot of what I work on here in the Senate. “It’s a busy month, and, Mr. President, we covered a lot of ground this August. “Both figuratively and literally. “To begin with, August is fair season in South Dakota. “This year, I went to the Turner County Fair, the Brown County Fair (where I got my usual Tubby Burger), and the Sioux Empire Fair. “Fairs showcase a lot of the best of South Dakota, but they’re an especially big deal for our agriculture community. “So, whether I’m serving lunch to producers at the Sioux Empire Fair’s Agriculture Appreciation Day or giving an update on the farm bill at Dakotafest, I appreciate opportunities to hear directly from farmers and ranchers. “I do this every year, but it’s especially important in a farm bill year like this one. “Many of my farm bill priorities come directly from these discussions. “These conversations can often get into the weeds on policy, but the bottom line from farmers and ranchers this year was really quite simple: “We need to get the farm bill done. “Farmers and ranchers need certainty that the programs they depend on will be there when they need them. “And finishing the farm bill is one of the most important things on the agenda for the end of this year. “Mr. President, agriculture is the lifeblood of South Dakota, but there’s a lot more that keeps South Dakota moving. “This August, I had the chance to meet with electric cooperatives that provide power in South Dakota communities. “I jo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-cortez-masto-introduce-bills-to-enhance-cyber-resources-for-rural-and-agricultural-communities | Rounds, Cortez Masto Introduce Bills to Enhance Cyber Resources for Rural and Agricultural Communities | 2023-09-15 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced two bipartisan pieces of legislation to protect rural and agricultural communities from cyberattacks targeting businesses, facilities and the U.S. food supply chain. The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act would address vulnerabilities in rural water systems by providing updated cyber defenses and technical assistance. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act would help farmers and ranchers prevent and respond to threats, including ransomware attacks. “Our communities are the foundation of what makes South Dakota a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Rounds, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. “It is crucial that people living in those communities can go about their daily lives without interruption. These two pieces of bipartisan legislation would help make certain water systems have adequate cyber protection and would provide farmers and ranchers with expanded access to cybersecurity resources. I am pleased to join Senator Cortez Masto to introduce these bills that would work to protect our communities across the state.” “As the threat of cyberattacks continues to rise, I’m working to ensure that rural Nevadans can protect their communities and businesses,” said Cortez Masto. “My bipartisan bills will provide rural water systems, farmers, and ranchers with necessary resources to fend off cyber criminals trying to hack into the technology that supports our food and water supply. I will continue fighting to support the rural Nevada businesses and families who are so essential to our state.” The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act would update and expand the Circuit Rider Program to assess the cybersecurity of small water and wastewater utilities, develop protocols to enhance cyber defenses and provide assistance to improve cyber protections. Currently, only 20 percent of water and wastewater systems across the U.S. have… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-moderates-historic-forum-with-major-tech-leaders | Rounds Moderates Historic Forum with Major Tech Leaders | 2023-09-14 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group hosted a first-of-its-kind discussion regarding how Congress should approach the opportunities and risks posed by AI. The AI Insight Forum, moderated by Rounds and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), featured top tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. Click HERE for a full list of participants. “Not long ago, most of the companies represented in this room were startups, and many of them are run by people who chose to make America home,” said Rounds in his opening statement. “The magnitude of the technological shift we find ourselves in with AI has led to many calls to undertake a new Manhattan-like project.” Rounds continued, “This endeavor will require us to adapt, and while the allure of simple solutions to complex problems are powerful, we must keep those key principles at the forefront of our decision-making. This is a country that believes in freedom, quality of life and the rule of law. We are driven to build a more secure and prosperous future for our children.” Over the past several months, the bipartisan AI working group facilitated briefings to expand the Senate’s knowledge on AI. In addition to Rounds and Schumer, the working group is comprised of Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Click HERE to download photos from the forum. Read Rounds’ full remarks below, as prepared for delivery. +++ First, I’d like to thank the panelists who took the time out of their busy schedules to come meet with us today. This truly is a special and unique gathering of the leading minds and practitioners in AI. I’d like to thank Leader Schumer and Senators Young and Heinrich for working in such a bipartisan manner to help organize the Insight Forums. Today, we stand at the beginning of a journey of monumental change. While Artificial Intelligence has been around in various forms for years, recent advances in the most cutting-edge models have shown… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3280ABF8-E741-4AEF-A944-C1C6D81E29B3 | Thune, Warner Lead Colleagues in Protecting Telehealth Services | 2023-09-13 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) today led a group of their colleagues in a letter to Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Anne Milgram expressing support for the agency’s new engagement on a potential special registration for telehealth. The senators shared serious concerns over the agency’s proposed rules on the future of prescribing controlled substances through telehealth and the impact it would have on patient care. “Although we appreciate the limited flexibilities proposed by the rule, they are insufficient to meet the health care needs of our constituents and the needs of the providers who care for them,” wrote the senators. “We support the DEA extending the full set of telehealth flexibilities through November 2023 and are encouraged by the upcoming public listening sessions on the proposed regulations. We urge the DEA to consider feedback from health care stakeholders and apply the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patients maintain access to care through telehealth, while still minimizing diversion and fraud.” The letter was also signed by U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Thune has long advocated for the use of telehealth as a means to increase access to health care services in rural communities. He previously authored the e-TREAT Act, which was signed into law in 2018 and increased access to substance use disorder treatment through telehealth technology in Medicare. Thune and Warner have led efforts to expand access to telehealth, including introducing the CONNECT for Health Act with the Senate telehealth working group that would permanently expand access to telehealth services in Medicare. Full letter below: Dear Administrator Milgram: On behalf of our constituent patients, health care providers, and pharmacists, we’re writing to share strong concerns with the notice of proposed rulemaking on the future of controlled substances prescribing over telehealth. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=84363E51-D9C7-4927-88CF-7F44AFEDF3B1 | Thune Calls Out Biden for Defunding School Hunting and Archery Programs | 2023-09-13 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden administration’s outrageous plan to block federal funds for schools’ hunting and archery programs. Thune recently introduced legislation that would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings, or related activities provided for students. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, since taking office, President Biden has not hesitated to use the power of the modern regulatory state to advance his far-left agenda – at times in contravention of the clear intent of Congress. “Take his recent decision to cancel oil and gas leases in Alaska in defiance of congressional direction. “Or his radical interpretation and implementation of the Green New Deal provisions of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act – which has left one of the bill’s Democrat authors deeply frustrated with the White House. “But today I want to talk about another instance of presidential overreach – the Biden administration’s decision to use the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to deny federal funding to school hunting and archery programs. “The provision of the bill the administration is citing as justification for its decision denied federal funding for training or arming teachers and school resource officers. “It was not intended to prevent hunting safety training or deny students the opportunity to participate in archery programs. “In fact, neither hunting nor archery is ever mentioned in the legislation. “But, characteristically, the Biden administration has decided to make use of this provision to further advance its far-left agenda. “Mr. President, for the sake of the Biden administration, which frequently seems completely out of touch with rural America, let me just talk about hunting for a minute. “Hunting is a venerable institution in rural communities. “It’s about gathering meat to fil… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-to-moderate-ai-forum-with-major-tech-leaders-including-musk-zuckerberg-and-gates | Rounds to Moderate AI Forum with Major Tech Leaders Including Musk, Zuckerberg and Gates | 2023-09-12 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, September 13, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) working group will host a high-level discussion regarding how Congress should approach the opportunities and risks posed by AI. The discussion will feature top tech leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. The all-day closed forum will be moderated by Rounds and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “Artificial Intelligence is changing the world as we know it,” said Rounds. “It is in the best interest of our country to fully harness the power of AI while mitigating risk. As lawmakers, it is important that we hear from those on the cutting edge of this technology so we can make better-informed public policy. I look forward to hearing from top experts from different industries and moderating this historic event.” FULL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI (developer of ChatGPT) Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence Jack Clark, Co-founder of Anthropic Clément Delangue, Co-founder and CEO of Hugging Face Eric Fanning, President and CEO of Aerospace Industries Association Bill Gates, Former CEO of Microsoft and Co-chair of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Tristan Harris, Co-founder and ED of Center for Humane Technology Jensen Huang, President and CEO of NVIDIA Alex Karp, Co-founder and CEO of Palantir Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM Janet Murguía, President of UnidosUS Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and Chairman of X (formerly Twitter) Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google Deborah Raji, Researcher from University of California, Berkeley Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of Motion Picture Association Eric Schmidt, Former CEO of Google and Chair of Special Competitive Studies Project Elizabeth Shuler, President of AFL-CIO Meredith Stiehm, President of Writers Guild of America West Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers Maya Wiley, President and CEO of Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Right… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DDF7398B-09B8-4FF6-81A7-8EF3B585AF9A | Thune Condemns Biden’s Newest Student Loan Giveaway | 2023-09-12 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about President Biden’s most recent student loan giveaway scheme, which would forgive student loan balances after 10 years of payments for certain borrowers, including those in high-income households. Thune noted that instead of creating a real plan to lower the costs of higher education, President Biden continues to propose budget-busting student loan bailouts that would force 87 percent of Americans who do not have student loan debt to bear the costs of the 13 percent of Americans who do. Last week, Thune joined his colleagues in introducing a resolution of disapproval to block the president’s plan. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, three weeks ago, President Biden officially launched the second part of his student loan giveaway – his dramatic overhaul of the REPAYE program, an income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans. “The president’s revamp flew under the radar a bit when it was first announced, overshadowed by his plan to ‘forgive’ up to $10,000 of student loan debt outright – $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. “But the truth is that the president’s new income-driven repayment plan – which he has dubbed the Saving on a Valuable Education plan, or the SAVE plan – is just as problematic, if not more, as the president’s scheme to forgive student debt outright. “Because the new SAVE plan will create a system in which the majority of future federal borrowers will never fully repay their student loans. “The nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates that just 24.6 percent of future borrowers will repay their loans in full. “In other words, less than a quarter of borrowers. “The Department of Education estimates that borrowers with only undergraduate debt enrolled in the SAVE program can, on average, expect to pay back just $6,121 for each $10,000 they borrow. “That amounts to the federal government taking on – on average – almost 40 percent of the co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-and-barrasso-introduce-bill-to-protect-school-hunting-and-archery-programs | Rounds, Thune and Barrasso Introduce Bill to Protect School Hunting and Archery Programs | 2023-09-08 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act, legislation that would prevent the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools’ hunting and archery programs. Specifically, the legislation would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings or related activities provided for students. “In South Dakota, we greatly value our right to bear arms,” said Rounds. “School hunting and archery programs encourage responsible gun ownership and are great educational resources to help guide individuals to use best practices when handling a firearm or bow. The Biden administration continues to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. This legislation keeps the heavy-hand of government from interfering with our way of life in South Dakota.” “The safe and responsible use of firearms for sporting purposes and personal protection are valued components of South Dakota’s heritage,” said Thune. “Hunting and archery programs in schools allow students to learn proper firearm and bow safety skills, which is why I’m proud to support this legislation that prevents the Biden administration from its attempt to stifle lawful and common-sense activities related to the Second Amendment.” “The Biden administration continues its attack on our constitutional rights and Wyoming values,” said Barrasso. “Now, President Biden’s Department of Education is blocking funding for schools with hunter education and archery programs. These important programs help students learn proper firearm instruction and archery safety. These valuable programs decrease firearm-related injuries and accidents. They also connect our students to the long-standing heritage and traditions of America and the West. Our legislation will stop any attempts to block funding for schools with h… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C84B5E6B-6CE8-40D0-9598-C868B9546935 | Thune, Rounds Introduce Bill to Protect School Hunting, Archery Programs | 2023-09-08 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act, legislation that would prevent the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools’ hunting and archery programs. Specifically, the legislation would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings, or related activities provided for students. “The safe and responsible use of firearms for sporting purposes and personal protection are valued components of South Dakota’s heritage,” said Thune. “Hunting and archery programs in schools allow students to learn proper firearm and bow safety skills, which is why I’m proud to support this legislation that prevents the Biden administration from its attempt to stifle lawful and common-sense activities related to the Second Amendment.” “In South Dakota, we greatly value our right to bear arms,” said Rounds. “School hunting and archery programs encourage responsible gun ownership and are great educational resources to help guide individuals to use best practices when handling a firearm or bow. The Biden administration continues to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. This legislation keeps the heavy-hand of government from interfering with our way of life in South Dakota.” The legislation was led by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and, in addition to Thune and Rounds, was cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ala… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=12AD8FDA-97B0-4CF2-9B04-EB0F376152F3 | Thune Discusses Importance of Returning to Regular Order in the Senate | 2023-09-07 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the importance of regular order in the Senate, particularly as it relates to the committee process. Thune noted that the Senate Appropriations Committee, for the first time in five years, has processed all 12 appropriations bills through regular order and with bipartisan support. Thune called on Leader Schumer to empower all of his committee chairs to allow for this deliberative process that promotes bipartisanship and increases productivity, transparency, and trust. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, today I want to talk about something that has been going really right here in the Senate. “And that is the use of regular order to consider the annual appropriations bills. “What do I mean by regular order? “For starters, regular order refers to allowing bills to go through the committee process – including hearings and a markup, where members of the committee have a chance to amend and improve the bill – before being referred by the committee to the Senate as a whole for additional debate and deliberation. “The regular order process is key, Mr. President. “It provides the time and space for real deliberation. “It allows for input from a broad array of members and promotes collaboration and compromise. “And it is a transparent process, one that ensures that both senators and the American people can see how the legislation in question is made, and have ample time to digest it. “Not to mention the fact that by ensuring the input of more senators, the regular order process helps ensure that a broader swath of the American people is represented in any final legislation. “Mr. President, one of Congress’ most basic responsibilities is funding the federal government. “And for all the reasons I just listed, the way we should be doing that is through regular order. “But we haven’t been doing the greatest job of that lately here in the Senate. “But this year, for the fir… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9123B3F0-DC86-4870-BB6E-011CB7D717E4 | Thune to Oppose Gomez as Commissioner of the FCC | 2023-09-07 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, today released the following statement announcing his opposition to the nomination of Anna Gomez to serve as a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): “Since restoring the light-touch government regulation of the internet, mobile and fixed broadband access has expanded, Americans enjoy faster internet speeds, and 5G services have been expanded to more rural areas,” said Thune. “Unfortunately, Ms. Gomez would like to undo that progress by reinstating heavy-handed, Obama-era regulations to the internet, which would stifle our nation’s dynamic and robust e-commerce sector and slow down the expansion of broadband to rural communities. For that reason, I oppose her nomination.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=CEFE61EE-6418-467E-832F-4296C7136877 | Thune: “Bidenomics” = Bidenflation | 2023-09-06 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | Click here to watch the video. WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the harsh realities South Dakotans are facing as a result of “Bidenomics.” Thune noted that American taxpayers are footing the bill for President Biden’s big-government, big-spending agenda that has consisted of higher taxes, record-high inflation rates, and handouts to special interest groups. Thune’s remarks below (as prepared for delivery): “Mr. President, we recently passed the first anniversary of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. “And despite the White House’s showy anniversary celebration, this legislation is not aging well. “It’s not exactly a surprise, Mr. President. “It was clear from the beginning that this bill had problems. “It was called the Inflation Reduction Act, yet even before the bill had been signed into law, the nonpartisan Penn Wharton Budget Model was noting that the bill’s impact on inflation was, quote, ‘statistically indistinguishable from zero.’ “In other words, the Inflation Reduction Act … would do nothing to reduce inflation. “Even President Biden has essentially admitted that the bill’s name was misleading. “It was also clear from the outset that the bill’s claims of deficit reduction were extremely shaky, relying on accounting gimmicks and fuzzy math. “Then of course there were the hundreds of billions of dollars in tax hikes on American businesses – rarely a strategy that produces economic growth or benefits for working Americans. “There was a massive funding infusion to the IRS, focused not on improving taxpayer services but on increasing audits to help fund Democrats’ Green New Deal agenda. “And more. “The best that could be said for the Inflation Reduction Act when it passed – which isn’t much – was that it was less damaging than the staggering multi-trillion-dollar spending spree Democrats had originally tried to implement – their so-called Build Back Better Act. “So it’s not exactly a surprise that the Inflation Reduction Act isn’t aging well, M… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-encourages-high-school-seniors-to-submit-applications-for-nomination-to-us-service-academies-2023 | Rounds Encourages High School Seniors to Submit Applications for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies | 2023-09-05 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from high school seniors who are looking to attend a U.S. service academy after graduation. “Each year, I am honored to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our service academies.” Applications for the 2024-2025 freshman class (Class of 2028) are due by October 1, 2023. Nominations are available for the following institutions: the United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and United States Merchant Marine Academy. Those interested in learning about the academy application process can reach out to Rounds’ Sioux Falls office at (605) 336-0486 or Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:37:48Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=DC0F7491-1C50-4533-BA02-6C45C8416E33 | Thune Introduces Resolution to Overturn Biden’s Latest Student Loan Bailout Scheme | 2023-09-05 | 2023 | 2023-09 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today joined several of his Senate Republican colleagues in introducing a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn President Biden’s reckless income-driven repayment (IDR) rule that would forgive student loan balances after 10 years of payments for certain borrowers, including those in high-income households. On June 30, 2023, President Biden announced the final IDR rule in response to the Supreme Court’s decision in Biden v. Nebraska, which struck down the president’s reckless and costly student loan bailout executive order. “Instead of creating a real plan to lower the costs of higher education, President Biden continues to propose budget-busting student loan bailouts that would force 87 percent of Americans who do not have student loan debt to bear the costs of the 13 percent of Americans who do,” said Thune. “It’s incredibly unfair to those who never incurred student debt because they didn’t attend college in the first place or because they either worked their way through school or their family pinched pennies and planned for higher education. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution that would overturn President Biden’s latest misguided and fiscally irresponsible student loan bailout.” The legislation was led by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and John Cornyn (R-Texas). In addition to Thune, it is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), James Risch (R-Idaho), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Earlier this year, Thune introduced legislation that would prevent taxpayers and working families from paying for the cancellation of student loans. In June, Thune urged U.S. Department of Education Secretary Mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:35:26Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/state-wide-support-for-rounds-amendment-to-ban-china-russia-north-korea-and-iran-from-buying-american-farmland-and-agricultural-businesses | State-Wide Support for Rounds’ Amendment to Ban China, Russia, North Korea and Iran from Buying American Farmland and Agricultural Businesses | 2023-08-16 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | MITCHELL – The United States Senate overwhelmingly passed the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (FY24 NDAA) by a vote of 86-11 last month. The FY24 NDAA included an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) that bans foreign adversaries from purchasing American farmland and agricultural businesses. Additionally, it would add the Secretary of Agriculture as an ex officio member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to consider agriculture needs when making determinations affecting our national security and require the president to submit a report to Congress on any waiver granted to a prohibited country. The next step in the passage of the FY24 NDAA is a conference committee that will iron out the differences between the House and the Senate versions. The amendment, Rounds 813, has received wide support throughout the state and is endorsed by the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA), South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU), South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation (SDFBF), South Dakota Dairy Producers (SDDP), South Dakota Soybean Association (SDSA), South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA), R-CALF USA and South Dakota Pork Producers Council (SDPPC). “The South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA) strongly supports a federal response on issues with national security implications,” said DaNita Murray, Executive Director for SDCGA. “We greatly appreciate Senator Rounds’ efforts on foreign ownership of agland based upon his unique perspective sitting on both the U.S. Senate Committees on Armed Services as well as Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. It is important that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s role be elevated and enhanced and Amendment 813 is a step in the right direction to utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s unique knowledge about the needs of production agriculture and rural America.” “SDFU commends Senator Rounds for his work addressing this issue,” said Doug Sombke, President of SDFU. “It is t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-manchin-introduce-bill-to-combat-illegal-activity-at-southern-border | Rounds, Manchin Introduce Bill to Combat Illegal Activity at Southern Border | 2023-08-15 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize the Department of Defense to conduct cyber operations against a range of Mexican transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), drug cartels chief among them, and require a related strategy. “There is a humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border,” said Rounds, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. “Those wishing to do us harm have taken advantage of the Biden administration’s weak policies. As a result, our country has experienced unprecedented levels of smuggling of illegal drugs, human trafficking and weapons trafficking. This legislation would take meaningful steps to do what President Biden is not: strengthening our southern border and protecting our people.” “This Administration has failed to secure our southern border against the influx of these deadly substances, including fentanyl, and in the last year, more than 109,000 Americans and 1,400 West Virginians died from drug related overdoses,” said Manchin, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to authorize the Department of Defense to develop and deploy cutting-edge cyber capabilities to prevent illegal drugs from crossing into our country. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense effort to strengthen our border security and combat the drug epidemic that continues to devastate our communities.” A drug overdose occurs in the United States every five minutes. Drug overdoses, which are largely driven by fentanyl, have been the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45 since 2019, surpassing suicide, car accidents, COVID-19 and cancer. Since President Biden took office, over 40,000 pounds of fentanyl have been seized or smuggled across the southern border. In May, Rounds and Manchi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-tester-and-moran-introduce-bill-to-increase-oversight-accountability-at-va | Rounds, Tester and Moran Introduce Bill to Increase Oversight, Accountability at VA | 2023-08-14 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, teamed up with Chairman Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) to introduce the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation would work to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ability to identify wrongdoing and hold leadership and employees accountable. The senators’ comprehensive legislation would reform VA’s oversight and accountability processes and tools to improve the Department’s ability to take action against VA leaders and employees who have engaged in misconduct. It would also require Department leaders at all levels to take more proactive oversight efforts to root out bad actors and empower rank-and-file employees to hold leadership accountable. These reforms would help prevent wrongdoing and leadership failures, which would increase patient safety and the quality of services, care and benefits at VA facilities across the country. “Our nation’s veterans have made incredible sacrifices so that we can be free,” said Rounds. “We have a responsibility to provide them with health care and other benefits after their service is complete, and it is crucial that VA employees at all levels charged with delivering that care are held to a high standard. The LEAD Act would improve the Department’s ability to hold bad actors accountable and protect whistleblowers, while increasing patient safety at VA facilities. I am pleased to join Chairman Tester and Ranking Member Moran in introducing this bipartisan legislation to make certain that the VA has the tools it needs to conduct proper oversight and retain employees who are dedicated to providing quality care and services to our veterans.” “Bad actors at VA will not be tolerated—period,” said Tester. “Our bipartisan bill will overhaul VA’s oversight tools to root out and prevent misconduct at the Department, ensuring we have the very best leaders and employees serving the men … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:30:18Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=D1B64CB6-7CC0-49F5-9364-053704474D0D | Thune Slams Biden’s Outrageous Guidance on School Hunting, Archery Programs | 2023-08-11 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today called on the Biden administration to withdraw its outrageous plan to block funding for elementary and secondary schools that have hunting and archery programs. The letter condemns the administration’s misinterpretation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its attempt to justify blocking funds for schools with certain outdoor recreation programs. “While the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect,” the senators wrote. “These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety. By including hunter education in schools, students are given the tools to be safe and responsible hunters. It is now clearer than ever that the Biden Administration will use the bill to attack the constitutional rights of Americans.” The letter was led by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and, in addition to Thune, was also signed by U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.). According to the National Archery in the Schools Program, 1.3 million students across 9,000 schools are enrolled in archery courses, and more than 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses each year. Full letter below: Dear President Biden, We write to express our deep concern about the Biden Administration’s attempt to use the gun control bill passed last year to block funding for elementary and secondary schools. In April, the U.S. Department of Education provided a guidance prohibiting Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds for hunter education and archery progra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:31:44Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=40F9D462-56DB-499D-BB7C-CA0A22FC2F43 | Thune Bill Would Make Crop Insurance More Affordable For Young Farmers and Veterans | 2023-08-04 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), a longtime member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) recently introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act. This bipartisan legislation would help beginning farmers and veterans receive more affordable crop insurance protections by extending the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development program eligibility from five years to ten years. The bill would also align the beginning farmers crop insurance programs with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) other beginning farmer programs. “Investing in future generations of farmers and ranchers is critical to growing South Dakota’s agriculture economy and supporting rural communities,” said Thune. “Crop insurance is the cornerstone of the farm safety net, and I’m proud to lead this legislation that would improve its effectiveness for beginning farmers and ranchers by providing more affordable options during their first 10 years of operation.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:31:44Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=1AB31A0C-1411-49E8-9688-FD7A9779B241 | Thune, Ricketts, Hickenlooper Introduce Bill to Address Seasonal Labor Needs | 2023-08-02 | 2023 | 2023-08 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) recently introduced the State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act, bipartisan legislation that would permit governors to petition the federal government for supplemental H-2B visas beyond the national cap of 66,000. Eligibility to seek additional H-2B visas would only be granted to states that have had an unemployment rate at or below 3.5 percent for at least nine of 12 months prior to their request. “Federal inaction shouldn’t prevent state leaders from doing everything they can to strengthen their economies,” said Thune. “Labor needs plague nearly every sector in South Dakota, which is why I’m proud to introduce this legislation that would empower states to help alleviate workforce shortages while reinforcing protections for South Dakota workers.” “Nebraska had the highest net employment rate in the country last year, yet many businesses have struggled to find qualified workers,” said Ricketts. “This bill will enable governors from states like mine to utilize more temporary workers to address this critical labor shortage and grow their economies.” “Colorado companies rely on H-2B workers. But in recent years, our businesses are facing widespread worker shortages because available visas haven't kept up with demand,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bill gives states more flexibility to advocate for the workers they need.” The SEASONAL Act would permit governors to petition the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for a specific number of supplemental H-2B visas beyond the national cap of 66,000. DHS would issue such visas, and, if the number of employer applications still exceed a governor’s request, they would then allocate the visas through a lottery system. Governors would have the ability to request that visas only be made available for certain DOL Standard Occupational Classification Groups or employers in specific Economic … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:31:44Z |
| https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=4A59C990-EC7D-4228-B15F-2685E727B2D8 | Thune, Cardin Urge IRS to Prevent Organizations From Obtaining Tax Write-Offs for NIL Contributions | 2023-07-31 | 2023 | 2023-07 | Republican | Senate | SD | John Thune | T000250 | www.thune.senate.gov | thune | https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Oversight, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight, today requested that the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury strengthen their recent general legal advice memorandum (GLAM) on the tax-exempt status of many name, image, and likeness (NIL) collectives by providing formal guidance such as a revenue ruling. This letter coincides with the senators’ bipartisan legislation, the Athlete Opportunity and Taxpayer Integrity Act, that would prohibit individuals and organizations from using the charitable tax deduction for specific contributions that compensate college or incoming college student athletes for the use of their NIL. “A fundamental requirement for tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) is that an organization must operate exclusively for a public benefit, such as a religious, charitable, scientific, or educational purpose,” wrote the senators. “The GLAM concludes that ‘many organizations that develop paid NIL opportunities for student athletes are not tax-exempt as described in section 501(c)(3) because the private benefits they provide to student athletes are not incidental both qualitatively and quantitatively to any exempt purpose furthered by that activity.’ We agree with this conclusion that many NIL collectives should not be granted tax exempt status.” Since the recent adoption of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s NIL rules, certain organizations, like NIL collectives, have established models that facilitate payment to current and incoming college student athletes, while claiming tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. In response to this development, on June 9, 2023, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel published a GLAM concluding that many tax-exempt NIL collectives’ activities are not fulfilling a tax-exempt purpose. Full letter below: Dear Commissioner Werfel and Assistant Secre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-06T18:25:20Z |
| https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-secures-naiv-inclusion-in-senate-ndaa | Rounds Secures NAIV Inclusion in Senate NDAA | 2023-07-28 | 2023 | 2023-07 | Republican | Senate | SD | Mike Rounds | R000605 | www.rounds.senate.gov | rounds | https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, secured the inclusion of his bipartisan legislation, which would create a congressional charter for the National American Indian Veterans (NAIV), in the Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Congress grants charters to recognize patriotic and national organizations that operate solely for charitable, literary, educational, scientific or civil improvement purposes. The NAIV serves the needs and interests of Native American veterans in collaboration with its national leadership and 14 regional commanders. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 140,000 Native American veterans in the United States. While congressional charters have been granted to Italian-American, Polish-American and Catholic-American veterans groups, as of today, no Native American veterans’ organization has received one. Headquartered in South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Reservation, the NAIV is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of tribal veterans. Originally established in 2004, today the NAIV serves the needs of Native American veterans in all 50 states. The NAIV formed as a result of a request by former Senators Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) during a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing in 2004. Rounds first introduced this legislation, which grants a congressional charter for the NAIV, in the 116th Congress and again in the 117th Congress, where it unanimously passed the Senate. Earlier this year, Rounds introduced this bipartisan legislation with 35 cosponsors. “Native Americans serve in our nation’s military at five times the national average, and this charter would give them the recognition they truly deserve and have earned,” said Rounds. “There are many congressionally-chartered veterans organizations, but none… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T00:18:03Z |
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