url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/wrapping-up-2018,Wrapping up 2018,2018-12-28,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As we wrap up the year, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to take steps to make Washington work a little better for all of us who live in South Dakota.

We used the Congressional Review Act to roll back a total of 16 heavy-handed, Obama-era regulations that were hindering small businesses, farms, ranches and banks from reaching their full potential. The Trump administration has taken actions to stop or dismantle approximately 2000 federal regulations, which has saved Americans at least $50 billion in regulatory costs, or an average of $150 per person in the United States.

We recently marked the one-year anniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law. Since then, America’s economy continues to grow. It grew at 3.5 percent in the third quarter, putting the economy on track for its fastest annual growth in 13 years. Meanwhile, unemployment is at its lowest level in nearly 50 years. Just since this time last year, more than 2.2 million jobs have been created and hourly wages are up over three percent from last year. Federal revenue is rising due to increased economic activity. A strong economy is good for all Americans.

This year, the president signed into law the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which included seven of my provisions to undo unnecessary regulations and make sure families and businesses have access to credit from local banks and credit unions when they need it.

A five-year farm bill was signed into law this month, which will provide certainty and stability for South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. With more than 31,500 farms across the state, South Dakota ranks in the top 10 for ag production, providing a $21 billion dollar impact on our economy annually. Passing a five-year farm bill was necessary to give South Dakota producers the certainty they need to help weather times of low commodity prices, such as the one we are experiencing now. Measures included in the farm bill can help them keep their operations viable during tough times.

We will continue urging the administration to finalize strong trade deals for South Dakota producers and manufacturers. Earlier this fall, the president agreed to a new U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement to replace NAFTA. Maintaining strong relationships with Mexico and Canada—our top two trading partners—is vitally important for the overall health of our economy. Congress will begin reviewing the USMCA in the New Year, and I look forward to receiving input about the measure from South Dakotans. We still have work to do with our trading relationship with China, but it’s a positive sign that China purchased 1.13 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this month.

One of the lasting accomplishments from the past year is the number of fair-minded, impartial judges we were able to confirm to the federal bench. 85 judges have been confirmed by the Senate since President Trump took office, including two Supreme Court justices who received lifetime appointments. These men and women have the ability to shape our judiciary for generations. They will apply the law as it was written, not based on their personal political beliefs.

I serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee and in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, we were able to secure the largest pay raise for our troops in nearly a decade. We increased military investment, but we still need to do more next year. Spending constraints from the Budget Control Act prevented the military from modernizing its weapons and equipment. If we want to continue to have the best military in the world, we must make sure our troops have the best equipment, vehicles and weapons available.

We were able to finalize a comprehensive, bipartisan opioid bill that will help put a stop to the heartbreaking issue of opioid abuse in our country. Work still remains to repair the damage caused by Obamacare. Over the past two years, we have been able to chip away at parts of Obamacare, including the elimination of the individual mandate and the removal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board. However, the program continues to crumble under its own weight. More work is needed.

Improving aging American infrastructure is another priority for 2019. We took steps to improve our nation’s water infrastructure this year by passing the America’s Water Infrastructure Act. This bill includes a number of my provisions including language that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete the snowpack and moisture monitoring program that was authorized in 2014. This system will help to make sure we don’t have another devastating Missouri River flood like in 2011.

2018 was a productive year in the Senate. We accomplished a number of major priorities, many of which were done on a bipartisan basis. I look forward to accomplishing even more in 2019.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/free-to-celebrate-the-holidays-thanks-to-the-men-and-women-in-uniform,Free to Celebrate the Holidays Thanks to the Men and Women in Uniform,2018-12-20,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"This holiday season, Jean and I wish all South Dakotans a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. It’s a good time of the year to spend with family and friends, participating in traditions and making memories that will last a lifetime. Some of our family’s favorite traditions are from Christmas, which we are now passing down to our grandkids. We look forward to introducing our traditions to our youngest grandchild, Maverick Michael Rounds, who was born earlier this year.

Nearly every year, our family gathers at our home after the Christmas Eve church service to have homemade chicken noodle soup and open gifts. Some years, we’ll have more than 80 people over! My dad, Grandpa Don, always used to read the story of Christmas to the young kids, reminding us of the greatest Christmas gift of all—the birth of Jesus, the Christ Child. Grandpa Don passed away in February, so this is our first Christmas without him. We miss him every day and we’re so thankful for the decades of Christmas memories we got to share with him.

Many families across our state and throughout the country will be spending the holiday season without their loved ones who are stationed all over the globe serving in our armed forces. Without their service and sacrifice, we would not be able to celebrate the holidays freely and safely here at home. We thank everyone who wears the uniform of the United States and we pray for their safe return. We also thank their family and friends who support them while they are protecting our country.

I recently attended two deployment ceremonies for South Dakota National Guard units. One of the units is deploying stateside and the other is deploying to Europe. Some of these men and women will be separated from their loved ones during Christmas and others are departing shortly after the holidays. I appreciated the chance to wish them well and thank them for their service before they left. I encourage all South Dakotans to say “thank you” to a military member or military family member during the holiday season.

I also recently had the honor of presenting a Bronze Star Medal to the family of the late Gilbert Mjoen of Yankton. Mr. Mjoen was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in active ground combat during World War II, where he was serving in the 104th Infantry Division. He was previously awarded the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal. He returned to South Dakota in 1945. I was talking to Gilbert’s family at the award presentation in Yankton and they told me about the message Gilbert shared about his time in the war: he wanted future generations to be proud of the United States and to answer the call to serve if our freedoms are ever in jeopardy. We are only free because of the young men and women, generation after generation, who fight to protect our way of life in the United States.

To the Mjoen family, to our military families and to all South Dakotans, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-criminal-justice-reform-legislation-fails-to-address-basic-public-safety-concerns,Rounds: Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Fails to Address Basic Public Safety Concerns,2018-12-19,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding his opposition to the First Step Act, legislation that would reform the federal prison system and modify several federal sentencing provisions – which may allow certain violent and drug criminals to be eligible for early release:

“I support the intent of criminal justice reform, particularly for nonviolent offenders, but the First Step Act fails to adequately protect South Dakota families from violent criminals who should remain behind bars. We can’t be soft on crime when we’re facing a serious drug epidemic across our state and nation. Without the support of our attorney general and local law enforcement officials – who will be the ones dealing with dangerous criminals released early from the federal prison system – I could not in good conscience vote in favor of legislation that poses a threat to public safety.”

“Allowing violent criminals to walk free may reduce federal expense, but it certainly doesn’t make society safer. Reducing recidivism rates for non-violent offenders is a worthy pursuit. However, this legislation does not restrict early release to non-violent only, but unfortunately did not exclude many violent offenders, putting the public at risk.”

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley: “I recognize the need for prison reform, and I support providing additional tools and flexibility to help certain nonviolent offenders to re-enter our communities as safe and productive citizens. While several versions of the legislation provided these important tools and flexibility which I embrace, I share in the concerns about additional safeguards needed in the final legislation to protect victims and our communities from certain violent criminals and sex offenders and remain hopeful that continued work will strengthen these important protections.”

Types of crimes that will now be eligible for early release:

bank robbery by force or violence 18 U.S.C. § 2113(c)

certain drug-related robbery, even if a person is killed 18 U.S.C. § 2118(a)

assaulting a law enforcement officer 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)

assisting federal prisoners with jailbreak 18 U.S.C. § 752

assault with a dangerous weapon 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(3)

assaulting a child or infant 18 U.S.C. § 113(a)(5)

coercing a child to engage in prostitution or any sexual activity 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b)

threatening to assault, kidnap or murder a federal judge or law enforcement officer 18 U.S.C. § 115(a)(1)(b)

hate crimes 18 U.S.C. § 249

conspiracy or attempt to engage in human trafficking 18 U.S.C. § 1594

trafficking crystal meth 18 U.S.C. § 841(b)

racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1951

blackmail 18 U.S.C. § 873

Organizations Opposed to The First Step Act:

The National Association of Police Organizations

National Sheriffs Association

FBI Agents Association

National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys

Major County Sheriffs of America

The Association of Federal Narcotics Agents

The Criminal Justice Legal Foundation

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association

The National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition and the

Major Cities Chiefs Association

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/spearfish-high-school-student-offered-appointment-to-us-air-force-academy,Spearfish High School Student Offered Appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy,2018-12-18,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced Spearfish High School student Sierra Hillard has received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, which she intends to accept. Sierra is the daughter of Sue Hillard of Whitewood, SD, and the granddaughter of former South Dakota Lt. Governor Carole Hillard. Sierra was nominated to the Air Force Academy by Rounds.

“We congratulate Sierra on this incredible accomplishment,” said Rounds. “Receiving an offer of acceptance to our nation’s service academies is not easy. Sierra has worked very hard in school--she is graduating from Spearfish High School in January 2019 and will graduate from Black Hills State University with an Associate Degree in Applied Health Sciences this month. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the varsity track team, and is involved in volunteer work in her community. We wish her all the best at the Air Force Academy.”

“I am thankful for the opportunity to represent South Dakota at the United States Air Force Academy,” said Hillard. “The nomination and appointment are truly a reflection of my outstanding teachers and mentors. After attending summer programs at each academy, I was quite impressed with the scientific research options for Air Force cadets. I hope other students will recognize this amazing opportunity and challenge themselves to ‘aim high.’”

Each year, Rounds is able to nominate a select group of eligible students from South Dakota to attend our nation’s four service academies: The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. More information about the nomination process and eligibility requirements can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bronze-star-medal-posthumously-awarded-to-yankton-world-war-ii-veteran-,Bronze Star Medal Posthumously Awarded to Yankton World War II Veteran,2018-12-15,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"YANKTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today presented the Bronze Star Medal to Yankton resident Mrs. Lucille Mjoen on behalf of her late husband, World War II veteran Private First Class Gilbert Mjoen. The Bronze Star was awarded to Mjoen for meritorious achievement in active ground combat against the enemy on Dec. 19, 1944, in Holland, where he was wounded while serving with the 104th Infantry Division. He previously received the Purple Heart and the Good Conduct Medal.

“It’s my honor to present the Bronze Star to Mrs. Mjoen on behalf of her husband, Gilbert,” said Rounds. “Like so many members of the Greatest Generation, Gilbert was called to serve our nation during World War II. He joined the Army in 1943 and fought in Holland, Belgium and Germany. We are forever grateful to Gilbert for the sacrifices he made to preserve freedom here in the United States and around the world. I wish that Gilbert could be here to accept the award today, surrounded by his family and friends.”

Mjoen was born on January 30, 1925, in Volin, SD. In 1943, after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army’s 104th Infantry Division. He was a first gunner on the light machine gun squad and the 50-caliber machine gun. He fought in the European Theatre of Operations, specifically in Holland, Belgium and Germany.

Rounds’ office seeks to assist veterans and their families if a military award has been lost or is overdue. Please contact any of Rounds’ South Dakota offices for assistance. Contact information can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/five-year-farm-bill-will-provide-certainty-stability-to-south-dakota-ag-community,"Five-Year Farm Bill Will Provide Certainty, Stability to South Dakota Ag Community",2018-12-14,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"After months of negotiations, Congress recently passed a five-year farm bill with strong bipartisan support. This vital piece of legislation will provide certainty for farmers and ranchers across the country, and especially in South Dakota where our state’s economy depends on agriculture. With more than 31,500 farms across the state, South Dakota ranks in the top 10 for ag production, providing a $21 billion dollar impact on our economy annually.

With net farm income down 50 percent in the past five years and producers on the tip of the spear with the ongoing trade disputes, the farm bill will provide our ag community with much-needed stability as they plan for the future. A five-year farm bill is necessary to give South Dakota producers the certainty they need to help weather times of low commodity prices, such as the one we are experiencing now. Measures included in the farm bill can help them keep their operations viable.

During farm bill negotiations, I outlined my priorities to the leaders of the Senate Agriculture Committee to make certain the top concerns of South Dakota producers were heard. I was pleased most of these priorities were addressed as part of the final farm bill package, including a measure to increase the cap for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres from 24 million acres to 27 million acres, with 2 million acres reserved for grasslands. The farm bill also strengthens the federal crop insurance program, increases the total Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guaranteed and Direct Loan Program authorization to $12 billion and establishes an Animal Disease and Preparedness Program. This includes a vaccination bank to combat economic, food and national security concerns. Additionally, it allows for re-enrollment for producers utilizing commodity programs under Title I, specifically Price-Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC).

It also includes Sen. John Thune’s provision to update and improve accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor and better use collected data to determine emergency grazing procedures through FSA. This is an important provision for South Dakota producers in times of extreme drought like we experienced in much of the state last year.

Farmers and ranchers in South Dakota work hard every day to feed and fuel a growing population here in the U.S. and around the world. As in all businesses, some years are better than others. During those tough times, it’s important that producers have access to tools that can help them keep going.

I thank Senate and House Agriculture Committee leaders and members for their work getting this important bill passed the finish line. It is a critical step toward providing certainty and stability for South Dakota farmers and ranchers as we continue to seek ways to improve the ag economy as a whole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-revised-wotus-rule-a-win-for-landowners-ag-community-and-states-rights,"Rounds: Revised WOTUS Rule a Win for Landowners, Ag Community & States’ Rights",2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today joined Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall and other stakeholders in announcing a revised ‘Waters of the U.S.’ rule.

“The revised WOTUS rule gives farmers, ranchers and landowners the certainty they need to know when the Clean Water Act applies to them and when it does not,” said Rounds. “In providing this clarity from the onset, it removes Washington bureaucrats from making ambiguous decisions on land which they aren’t familiar with, as landowners are. Additionally, the rule works with landowners to strengthen water safety – rather than saddle them with unnecessary burdens with little to no benefit to the environment and our water supply. It also respects states’ rights, recognizing that state and tribal governments have a right to regulate and manage their land and water resources themselves.”

“As it was previously written, the WOTUS rule would have been one of the largest federal land grabs in U.S. history. It would have required farmers, ranchers and landowners to spend countless hours filling out burdensome paperwork to get permits from the federal government just to conduct normal agricultural activities or spray for weeds along our county roads. I thank the administration for recognizing the damage the previous administration’s WOTUS rule would have on agricultural operations and job creators. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this commonsense proposal forward.”

A 60-day public comment period now begins for anyone to weigh in on the proposal. Those who may be affected by the WOTUS rule can offer their thoughts on EPA’s website HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-confirmation-of-jon-kobes-to-be-circuit-court-judge-,Rounds Statement on Confirmation of Jon Kobes to be Circuit Court Judge,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the confirmation of his counsel, Jonathan Kobes of Sioux Falls, to be a Circuit Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Kobes will replace Judge Roger Wollman, who is taking senior status at the end of the year.

“Jon will be an excellent judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit,” said Rounds. “He has spent his career demonstrating his commitment to justice, the fair application of the law and the betterment of the community by providing pro-bono legal services to those in need. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to protect the Constitution and the rule of law, and I look forward to watching him excel as a federal judge.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-five-year-farm-bill-,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Five-Year Farm Bill,2018-12-11,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement on the Senate passage of the farm bill conference report, which includes a number of priorities he requested earlier this year. It passed with strong bipartisan support, 87-13.

“The farm bill is a vital piece of legislation for farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, where our economy depends on agriculture,” said Rounds. “At a time when farm income is down 50 percent and our producers are at the tip of the spear with the ongoing trade disputes, passage of a five-year farm bill is a critical step toward providing our ag community with much needed certainty and stability. The farm bill includes tools that can help farmers and ranchers keep their operations viable even during tough times. I thank Senate and House Ag Committee leaders and members for their work on this important bill, and urge the president to sign it into law as soon as it passes the House.”

The farm bill includes a number of priorities Rounds has pushed for in farm bill negotiations:

Strengthens safety net programs such as crop insurance;

Allows for re-enrollment for producers utilizing commodity programs under Title I, specifically Price-Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC);

Increases the cap for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres from 24 million acres to 27 million acres, with 2 million acres reserved for grasslands;

Establishes an Animal Disease and Preparedness Program, which includes a vaccination bank to combat economic, food and national security concerns;

Increases the total Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guaranteed Loan Program’s individual cap on Ownership and Operating Loans from $1.399 million to $1.75 million. Rounds called for an increase to these individual loan caps in the FSA Loan Guarantee Enhancement Act that he introduced;

Establishes a Rural Health Liaison position to work in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services to improve rural health care delivery. This measure is based on legislation Rounds sponsored.

Full text of the farm bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-nominations-to-us-service-academies-for-2019-2020-school-year,Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2019-2020 School Year,2018-12-10,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated 25 South Dakota students to the nation’s service academies for the 2019-2020 school year.

“The U.S. service academies only accept the best and the brightest,” said Rounds. “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to nominate 25 highly-qualified students to the academies this year. Each student I nominated went through a thorough application process and has proved that he or she possesses the necessary qualities to succeed at our service academies. I commend this year’s group of students for their desire to serve our nation and I wish them all the best.”

Each year, members of Congress are allowed to nominate students from their state to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting enrollees. More information about the academy application process can be found here.

Principal Nominations

Brysen Reeser of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Military Academy

Kyras Fort of Box Elder to the U.S. Naval Academy (Fort also received a competitive nomination to the U.S. Military Academy from Rounds)

Aiden Diedrich of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Competitive Nominations

Bryn Ellwein of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Military Academy (Ellwein has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Military Academy)

Isaac Olson of Mobridge to the U.S. Military Academy

Taylor O’Brien of Leesburg, VA, (South Dakota resident) to the U.S. Military Academy

Justin Weaver of Dakota Dunes to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy

Mitchell Kistner of North Sioux City to the U.S. Military Academy

Dominick Oedekoven of Sturgis to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy

Marita Schmitz of Rapid City to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy (Schmitz has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Naval Academy)

Henry Jensen of Dakota Dunes to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

Frank Hines of Huron to the U.S. Naval Academy (Hines has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Naval Academy)

Claire Hussey of Pierre to the U.S. Naval Academy

Frank Veldhuizen of Rapid City to the U.S. Naval Academy

Gavin West of Piedmont to the U.S. Naval Academy

Jacob Frantzen of New Underwood to the U.S. Naval Academy

Samuel McNeil of Herreid to the U.S. Naval Academy

Jack Elliot of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Naval Academy

Sierra Hillard of Whitewood to the U.S. Air Force Academy (Hillard has received a Letter of Assurance from the U.S. Air Force Academy)

Haley Deome of Ramstein Air Base (South Dakota resident) to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Reagan Wombold of Rapid City to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Jay Dykstra of Rapid City to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Jaden Petersen of Brookings to the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

Prescott Haber of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Air Force Academy

Alexander Miller of Brandon to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

Competitive nominations are submitted to the academies, along with nominees from other states, and selected by the academy on a limited, competitive basis. Principal nominations are guaranteed admission if they meet all of the requirements of the academy to which they are nominated. Students with a Letter of Assurance from an academy are guaranteed admission as long as the nominee meets all other requirements of the academy.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-fully-fund-border-wall,"Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Border Wall",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D) joined Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to introduce the WALL Act, legislation that would fully fund the border wall along the southern border. This legislation is also the first bill that will fund the wall by identifying specific funding sources.

“The primary responsibility of the federal government is the defense of our nation, which includes strong border security,” said Rounds. “The WALL Act will provide full funding for construction of a physical barrier along our southern border to protect against illegal immigration and stop those who wish to do us harm, such as terrorists, gang members and drug dealers, from entering the United States from the south. It pays for the wall by closing existing loopholes that allow illegal immigrants to receive federal benefits and increasing fines for illegal border crossings and visa overstays. By funding the wall through increased fines, we prevent any risk of dipping into Department of Defense (DoD) funding, which is already stretched thin. I thank Chairman Inhofe for his leadership on this effort and I look forward to advancing this proposal in the Senate.”

This legislation will fully fund the President’s $25 billion border wall while providing specific ways to pay for it:

Require a work-authorized Social Security Number (SSN) to claim refundable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit:

Currently only the child needs a SSN, not the parent benefiting from the refundable child tax credit. The WALL Act would require the parent to have a valid work-eligible social security number.

Before 2003, the Social Security Agency did not distinguish between work-eligible and non-work eligible SSNs. Therefore, there are individuals benefiting from the EITC they are not authorized to receive because they are non-work eligible.

Require welfare applicants (food stamps, TANF, HUD, etc.) to verify citizenship:

Currently someone only needs to “declare” citizenship and provide a SSN to receive some of these benefits.

The WALL Act enhances citizenship verification prior to granting benefits using E-verify and require a work-authorized SSN for eligibility.

Increasing the minimum fines on illegal border crossers and establishes minimum penalty for visa overstays.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/with-rounds-thune-support-tea-and-us-highway-83-receive-critical-infrastructure-grants,"With Rounds, Thune Support, Tea and U.S. Highway 83 Receive Critical Infrastructure Grants",2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) decision to award the City of Tea’s County Highway 106 project and South Dakota Department of Transportation’s U.S. Highway 83 project $8.7 million and $20 million, respectively, in critical infrastructure funding under the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. Today’s announcement follows multiple requests from the senators to DOT Secretary Elaine Chao for these projects’ funding.

“I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the need to invest in these important infrastructure projects,” said Rounds. “The Highway 106 and Highway 83 projects will not only benefit the surrounding communities, they will allow for increased transport of goods and commodities across the region – a surefire boon to the regional economy.”

The City of Tea plans to move forward with the reconstruction of a portion of Highway 106, located in the southwest Sioux Falls metropolitan area. Since the route from Interstate 29 to 469th Avenue is the community’s primary and commercial and residential transportation thoroughfare, County Highway 106 experiences substantial vehicle traffic each day, creating unsafe driving conditions.

The proposed project in Tea would rebuild the rural, two-lane highway into a four-lane divided highway with limited access. The reconstruction would not only provide important safety upgrades but would also provide a reliable and effective transportation route.

U.S. 83 is a north-south highway cutting across South Dakota and America’s heartland. Once the only paved route stretching from Canada to Mexico, this thoroughfare continues to be an integral part of our National Highway System. Navigating through six states and critical to our nation’s agriculture and energy sectors, access and connectivity enhancements to U.S. Highway 83 are essential to ensuring an efficient transportation network.

South Dakota Department of Transportation plans to move forward with grading, freight climbing lanes, resurfacing, drainage, shoulder work, and other features along 23 miles of U.S. Highway 83. This project is an important component of a longer corridor augmentation along the highway between South Dakota and Nebraska.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/remembering-a-great-american,Remembering a Great American,2018-12-06,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Across the country, Americans are mourning the loss of President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, who passed away on Nov. 30, 2018, at age 94. President Bush was an extraordinary man who exemplified everyday American values: faith, family and country. He married Barbara Pierce after World War II and together they had six children: George, Robin, Jeb, Neil, Marvin and Dorothy. He and Barbara were married for 73 years when she passed away in April of this year.

President Bush was a warrior, diplomat, peacemaker, leader and public servant. He served in many different capacities during his more than 40 years in public service. He was a young naval aviator who fought in World War II, a two-term congressman from Texas, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, United States envoy to China, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and vice president under President Reagan before he was elected president. He valued public service and has said, “Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.” He shared that sense of duty with others through his Points of Light Foundation which promotes volunteerism and giving back to our communities.

As a World War II veteran, President Bush was a member of the Greatest Generation. He was a man of integrity who governed during times of both war and peace. The decisions he made have had a lasting global impact. When the Soviet Union was collapsing, we were worried about the threat of war and what they would do with their nuclear weapons. President Bush decided to meet with Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev to find a solution where peace could prevail. That is a testament to President Bush’s leadership, demeanor and diplomatic skills.

Leaders can and should learn from other leaders, and President Bush’s leadership has inspired countless men and women to give back to their communities in a leadership capacity. I remember attending a speech that then-Vice President Bush gave in Pierre at T.F. Riggs High School when he was running for the presidency. He took dozens of questions from the audience, answered them thoughtfully and thoroughly and treated everyone at the event with respect. Rather than trying to highlight the divisions between himself and his opponent, he spoke with optimism about the future of our country. He reminded us that as Americans we have much more in common than what divides us. That message has had a real impact on me and the way in which I seek to lead.

While George H. W. Bush served as leader of the most powerful country in the world, at his core he was no different than many South Dakotans. He was a man of deep faith who put God and family first. He believed fiercely in serving others and giving back. He was also a man who loved the outdoors, like so many of us here in South Dakota. In fact, President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush spent time in the beautiful Black Hills hiking, fishing and visiting Mount Rushmore. He loved spending time on the water, and often took friends, family and neighbors on boat rides even during the later years of his life. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife Barbara and their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids.

George H.W. Bush is one of just 45 people throughout our 242 year history elected to serve as the leader of the United States of America. He leaves behind a lasting legacy and lifelong lessons which we can all strive to achieve. Jean and I continue to keep the Bush family in our prayers as the nation joins together to honor the incredible life of our 41st president.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-passing-of-president-george-h-w-bush,Rounds Statement on Passing of President George H. W. Bush,2018-12-01,2018,2018-12,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE—Earlier today, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the passing of President George H. W. Bush:

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of President George H.W. Bush. From his time as a young naval aviator who fought in World War II to serving as the 41st President of the United States during the post-Cold War era, President Bush dedicated his life to our country. He will be forever remembered for his strong faith, his love of family and his love of country. Jean and I are keeping the entire Bush family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:11:43Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-epas-2019-renewable-volume-obligations-,Rounds Statement on EPA’s 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 2019 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVO) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which includes the 2020 RVO for biomass-based diesel. The EPA announced a total of 19.92 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be blended in 2019, 15 billion gallons of which will be primarily made up of corn ethanol. Biomass-based diesel volumes for 2020 are set at 2.43 billion gallons, an increase of 330 million gallons over the standard for 2019.

“South Dakota is a leader in corn ethanol production, and the RFS has provided the certainty necessary for the corn industry to become a vital component of our nation’s fuel supply. The explosion of corn ethanol production has directly helped our farmers, bolstered American energy independence and created thousands of jobs. I am pleased to see the EPA meet their statutory deadline with this rulemaking, and that they are allowing for 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol in 2019.”

“However, I am disappointed that the EPA did not incorporate the impact of small refinery waivers into their decision. The EPA granting these waivers has lowered the amount of corn ethanol blended into the nation’s fuel supply in recent years. The EPA should be using their legal authority to not only restore these lost gallons, but anticipate their impact moving forward. These waivers have the potential to reduce domestic corn ethanol demand by billions of gallons, hurting South Dakota farmers and our state’s largest industry.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/tax-reform-continues-to-benefit-american-families-and-businesses-one-year-later,Tax Reform Continues to Benefit American Families and Businesses One Year Later,2018-11-30,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law almost one year ago, more than 2 million jobs have been created, unemployment is at the lowest level since 1969, incomes continue to rise and our economy is strong. It has led to more jobs, bigger paychecks and a fairer tax system, especially for lower-and-middle-income Americans.

The law lowered the tax rates in every income bracket, allowing all South Dakota families to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. It also doubled the child tax credit to $2,000, doubled the standard deduction and repealed Obamacare’s individual mandate which imposed an unfair tax on families making less than $50,000 per year. Additionally, the tax law created the first national paid family leave program, which offers flexibility for parents to take care of their kids or care for an elderly parent.

It is also a win for farmers, as it doubled the exemption rate of the death tax to $10.98 million a person and stopped a massive tax hike for farmer co-ops. With farm income down 50 percent in the past five years and trade uncertainty adversely affecting the ag economy, these tax changes have provided a sliver of relief and certainty.

Over the past year, we’ve seen the law’s role in improving the economy and making a positive impact in the lives of American families. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently reported the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose at 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2018. American families are seeing higher paychecks and feel more comfortable spending in the current economic environment. Consumer spending, which according to the Commerce Department accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, is up .6 percent last month.

With unemployment at a historic low, we now have more job openings than job hunters in the United States. This gives potential employees leverage when looking for a job that fits their needs. However, we must also continue to advance workforce development policies so businesses can fill open jobs with skilled workers. When U.S. businesses thrive, they help to strengthen the entire economy.

We especially want small businesses in South Dakota to succeed. Our small businesses provide good-paying jobs, pay local property taxes and reinvest into the future of our state. They help to support the communities where we live and raise our kids. The tax law enhanced small businesses by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income and reinvest in their companies. As a result, hundreds of small businesses have announced expansion, pay raises, bonuses and other benefits to employees.

Tax reform has delivered results for families across our state and across the country. It was the first time in a generation – since Ronald Reagan was president – that we enacted sweeping new reforms to the tax code and provided tax relief to hardworking families. I’m proud of the historic changes we made to the tax code that are already helping millions of Americans, and will continue to benefit our country for years to come.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-legislation-to-commemorate-end-of-wwii,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII,2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, praised the Senate passage of the 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act yesterday. This legislation establishes a commemorative program to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust.

“The world owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who led us to victory in World War II,” said Rounds. “Deserving of the title The Greatest Generation - given to them by South Dakota’s own Tom Brokaw - these men and women prepared to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom and save the world. I am pleased to see our effort move forward to recognize the World War II generation, whose service, courage and resolve forever changed the course of history.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-urge-president-to-reopen-us-soybean-exports-to-china,"Rounds, Thune Urge President to Reopen U.S. Soybean Exports to China",2018-11-29,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) today, ahead of President Trump’s trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the G20 Summit, urged the president to prioritize the restoring of U.S. soybean market access in China when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade and other issues.

“We appreciate your efforts to address China’s unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China’s retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy,” the senators wrote. “As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority.”

South Dakota is expected to produce 275 million bushels of soybeans this year, and two-thirds of that production is typically exported to China. This year, however, U.S. soybean exports to China have nearly ground to a halt.

Full text of the letter below:

The Honorable Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Trump:

As senators representing a state with significant soybean production, we write to request that you actively pursue reopening U.S. soybean exports to China during your upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping.

U.S. soybean producers have spent decades establishing and expanding market access in China. In 2017, China was the top market for U.S. soybean exports, with approximately 30 percent of the soybeans harvested in the United States exported to China.

As you know, U.S. soybean exports to China nearly ceased after China imposed retaliatory tariffs on our soybeans in July. China then began utilizing U.S. global competitors to supply its protein needs. If the United States continues to lose this critical market, there is a diminishing chance it will be fully regained, which will result in long-term reduced soybean prices for U.S. producers.

We appreciate your efforts to address China’s unfair trade practices, but our soybean producers cannot continue to bear the brunt of China’s retaliatory tariffs, especially considering the current weak agricultural economy. As you continue working to reach a trade agreement with China, we respectfully request that you make restoring U.S. soybean market access in China a top priority.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to continuing to work with you to expand market access for U.S. agricultural exports.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/here-to-serve,Here to Serve,2018-11-21,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As a senator, much of my time is spent in committee meetings, voting on legislation and meeting with constituents. However, a major part of the job is to assist people with navigating the complex federal bureaucracy. In fact, “casework,” as it’s called, is a primary focus of our South Dakota offices.

South Dakotans having trouble getting answers from a federal agency are welcome to contact my offices in Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City or Aberdeen for assistance. Staff members in our South Dakota offices are specially trained to act as liaisons between constituents and federal government agencies. Our goal is to clear up some of the red tape so the federal government can work to fix the issue you are having trouble with.

The majority of our casework is related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This is followed closely by immigration casework. However, we also work on many other issues, so if you are having a problem with any other federal agency, please contact us.

We have had a number of success stories, which is always our goal. A veteran from Hot Springs contacted us recently seeking assistance to receive his retroactive pay from the VA and the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) for his disability payments from 2005 to 2008. The VA refused to pay their portion until DFAS payed theirs. DFAS claimed they didn’t owe anything to the veteran and refused to perform an audit from 2005 to 2008 because, according to their records, the claim was already completed. We worked to prove the audit occurred before changes to his disability took effect, therefore it did not show a change in his disability rating. The VA then corrected the veterans’ account, and the veteran ultimately received his retroactive payment. Because working around the federal bureaucracy can be frustrating and complicated, I encourage you to reach out to us for assistance if you are having problems.

You may have also heard about the case involving a World War II veteran, Sylvan Vigness of Flandreau, who was wounded during a kamikaze attack while on board the U.S.S. Hinsdale. His family contacted us seeking the Purple Heart for Mr. Vigness. We were able to intervene on his behalf by sending a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, Richard Spencer. Finally, at age 94, Mr. Vigness was awarded the Purple Heart in January of this year. The award was long overdue, but watching him receive the award and seeing all of his family and friends there to support him was one of the highlights of my job as a senator. We were pleased that his family was able to recognize his sacrifice for our country before he passed away earlier this year.

Our staff members who handle casework are available every week day. Appointments aren’t necessary—simply walk in, give us a call or send an email through our website. We also hold regular mobile office hours in towns across the state. Our team enjoys having citizens stop in to talk about an issue you may be facing. Mobile office hours are always posted in advance on my Facebook page, which can be found at www.facebook.com/SenatorMikeRounds. We also share our mobile office hours with local newspapers, so keep an eye out to see if we’re in your town soon! You can stop by to simply say hello and share your thoughts about the work we’re doing. We welcome your feedback, as it helps me to make better decisions for you in the Senate.

If you’d like to contact any of my offices for any reason at all, the contact information is on my website, www.rounds.senate.gov. My team works closely together across the state and in Washington, and we strive to provide a timely response to everyone who contacts us, particularly if it is an urgent matter in which we are able to intervene.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-invites-veteran-affairs-secretary-to-hot-springs-va-facility-in-south-dakota-,Delegation Invites Veteran Affairs Secretary to Hot Springs VA Facility in South Dakota,2018-11-20,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) have invited Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, who was confirmed in July, to visit the Hot Springs VA facility in South Dakota. The delegation has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and previous secretaries to highlight the good work being done at the facility and encourage them to keep it open and operational.

“As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA’s mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA’s realignment plan,” the delegation wrote. “For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD.”

Full text of the letter:

Dear Secretary Wilkie:

Thank you for your continued attention to the significant challenges facing America’s veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as you work to improve access to quality care, streamline the claims process, and improve VA accountability, among other issues. As Congress and the VA continue to work together to confront these challenges and carry out the VA’s mission, we would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the challenges faced by South Dakota veterans.

As you know, one issue of particular importance in our state is the VA’s planned restructuring of the VA Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS). In December 2011, the VA publically announced its plan to close the VA hospital in Hot Springs, SD, replace it with a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), and move the domiciliary from Hot Springs to Rapid City as part of the planned CBOC expansion. From the beginning, we have raised concerns with the VA about the impact the closure would have on access to care for our region’s rural and tribal veterans. We sought explanations for the questionable data used to support the proposal, as the VA could not produce a cost-benefit analysis until six months later. Area veterans also believe that past VA leadership has mismanaged the facility into a state of decline, supporting a predetermined decision to close the medical center.

You are now the fourth VA Secretary to oversee this matter, which underscores how long South Dakota veterans and the town of Hot Springs, “the Veterans Town,” have endured great uncertainty about the future of their VA and access to care. Over the past seven years, we have led efforts to secure credible data and foster an honest conversation about the important and life-saving services provided in Hot Springs. Moreover, we do not believe that the VA should consider any realignment of services in an ad hoc manner, which is why we have supported appropriations language to prohibit the VA from proceeding with any reconfiguration of services in VISN 23 until it completes a national realignment strategy.

As you continue to appreciate the scope of the VA’s mission and footprint, we hope you will consider visiting Hot Springs to see firsthand the quality, five star care provided and hear from those personally impacted by the VA’s realignment plan.[1] For example, as your predecessors have heard, the Hot Springs VA has a proven track record for serving veterans enrolled in its Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. We know that we are not alone in thinking that the outstanding program at Hot Springs could be expanded or serve as a national model for care, perhaps as a non-coastal division of the National Center for PTSD.

We hope we will soon be able to discuss this and other matters concerning South Dakota veterans. Thank you for your consideration to meet in Washington, DC, and also visit South Dakota. We look forward to working with you to continue improving veterans health care in our state and throughout the country.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/thankful-for-the-opportunity-to-work-for-south-dakota-in-the-senate,Thankful for the Opportunity to Work for South Dakota in the Senate,2018-11-15,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"This Thanksgiving, I would like to share with all South Dakotans my gratitude for the opportunity to work for you in the United States Senate. It is a privilege that I will never take for granted. I continue to work every day to make decisions that will improve the lives of everyone in South Dakota. Jean and I send our warmest wishes to you this holiday season.

Thanksgiving is a good time to look back on the year and thank the Lord for the blessings that we have received. This year, we welcomed our 10th grandchild, Maverick Michael Rounds, born to my son John and his wife Ashlee. Our kids and grandkids are our greatest gifts and we’re so thankful for the time we get to spend with them.

I truly believe the pilgrims intended the first Thanksgiving to be a celebration of the harvest, and most importantly to thank the good Lord for the blessings he gave them in the new world. It is compelling they shared this first Thanksgiving with the Native Americans who had welcomed them.

None of us would be able to enjoy the freedom to celebrate this holiday if not for the service of our military members. We are incredibly thankful to them for the sacrifices they make to protect our way of life in the United States. We are also thankful to their families and friends who support them. Parents, spouses and children of military men and women make great sacrifices too. We pray for those who may not be able to spend the holiday season with their loved ones. We also pray for our first responders who put their lives in danger to protect their neighbors and communities.

We are thankful for our farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to put food on the tables of families all across the country. South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers are some of the hardest working people I know. With trade instability and farm income down, I continue calling for the administration to quickly finalize trade deals that benefit our producers. I also continue calling for a strong farm bill that will provide more stability for the ag industry.

This year for Thanksgiving, we look forward to hosting around 40 of our family members. We’ll have two or three turkeys, depending on how many show up, but one is never enough to feed our whole crew. Of course we’ll have all the trimmings like potatoes, gravy, dressing and my two favorites—homemade cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream! We also try to fit in some time for pheasant hunting on Thanksgiving Day—one of the many traditions we look forward to each year.

One national tradition that South Dakota has a special role in this year is the president’s pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey. Each year, two live turkeys are sent to Washington, D.C., where they will be pardoned by the president. This year’s turkeys come from the Riverside Colony near Huron. After they are pardoned they will be transported to Virginia Tech to live out the rest of their days at Gobbler’s Rest.

I hope you enjoy spending time with your loved ones, partaking in your own Thanksgiving traditions this year, whatever they may be. The people of South Dakota are what make our state the best place in the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work for you in the Senate. Happy Thanksgiving!

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-opening-statement-at-cybersecurity-subcommittee-hearing,Rounds Opening Statement at Cybersecurity Subcommittee Hearing,2018-11-14,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today delivered opening remarks at a hearing on the private sector perspective on the Department of Defense’s (DoD) cybersecurity acquisition and practices.

“The Department’s cybersecurity acquisition is slow, decentralized and often overly reliant on the National Security Agency’s product evaluation and indigenous production,” said Rounds in his opening remarks. “And, because of this, the department’s capabilities often pale in comparison to the best available in the private sector. While we have confidence that the department will bolster its cybersecurity in due time, we believe that this improvement could come as a result of improved cooperation with private sector cybersecurity companies and reconfiguration of the department’s cybersecurity capabilities to better match the state-of-the-art offerings in the private sector.”

Rounds’ remarks, as prepared for delivery:

The Cybersecurity Subcommittee meets this afternoon to receive testimony on the Department of Defense’s cybersecurity acquisition and practices from the private sector.

Our witnesses are:

Mr. Dmitri Alperovitch, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, CrowdStrike Inc.;

Major General John Davis, U.S. Army (Retired), Federal Chief Security Officer, Palo Alto Networks;

Mr. Francis Landolf, Principal, Core Consulting, LLC; and

Mr. Ronald Nielson, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Parsons Corporation.

Every single day, adversaries attack the Department of Defense through cyberspace, attempting to gain critical information about our ongoing operations, weapon systems and servicemembers.

These attacks are only as successful as the department’s cybersecurity capabilities and practices allow them to be.

And to its credit, the department possesses many extremely effective operators, program suites and mitigation tools to protect its networks and computing infrastructure.

However, the department’s cybersecurity and cybersecurity operations are decentralized, which means that certain DoD components exhibit better cybersecurity than others.

In other words, the department has produced pockets of excellence within the DODIN (Department of Defense Information Network), but opportunities remain for the department to improve its cybersecurity capabilities and practices across the enterprise.

For example, the department’s centralized cybersecurity operators, the Defense Information Systems Agency, often lack visibility into networks across the department.

Further, the department’s cybersecurity operators—including CYBERCOM’s cyber protection teams and the thousands of IT/cybersecurity specialists maintaining the department’s networks—are not particularly well-integrated with each other or with the cybersecurity capabilities used across the department.

The department’s cybersecurity acquisition is slow, decentralized and often overly reliant on the National Security Agency’s product evaluation and indigenous production.

And, because of this, the department’s capabilities often pale in comparison to the best available in the private sector.

While we have confidence that the department will bolster its cybersecurity in due time, we believe that this improvement could come as a result of improved cooperation with private sector cybersecurity companies and reconfiguration of the department’s cybersecurity capabilities to better match the state-of-the-art offerings in the private sector.

We hold this hearing today to find out how the department and Congress can achieve these advances. We look forward to our witness’ commentary on questions to include:

Where are the department’s cybersecurity capabilities, architecture and operators lacking as compared to the cybersecurity leaders in the private sector?

What capabilities can the private sector provide to fill these gaps?

And how are the department’s acquisition processes and cybersecurity policies failing its cybersecurity?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/election-wrap-up-and-look-ahead,Election Wrap up and Look Ahead,2018-11-09,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As Americans, we recently participated in one of our country’s most sacred traditions: voting for our state, local and federal elected officials. Closely coinciding with Veterans Day, we also recognize that it is because of our men and women in uniform that we are able to participate in our election process. Like so many elections past, the 2018 election was filled with seemingly endless advertisements, unexpected twists, some upsets and many long hours on the campaign trail for the candidates and their teams.

In South Dakota, voter turnout was nearly 10 percentage points higher this year than our last midterm election. We made history by electing our first female governor, Kristi Noem. South Dakotans also overwhelmingly voted in Dusty Johnson to be our next Congressman. Congratulations to them and to all the candidates who won their races this year. I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with both Kristi and Dusty over the years, and I look forward to continue working with them to advance South Dakota priorities and improve the quality of life for hardworking families.

It takes courage to run for elected office. To all candidates who put their names on the ballot, no matter what the outcome, we thank you. To those who volunteered for campaigns, worked on campaigns or supported candidates throughout the process, we thank you. And to all who voted to make their voice heard, we especially thank you. Our election process is only as good as the men and women who participate in it.

Campaigns often highlight divisions between candidates and parties, for obvious reasons. With the election now behind us, it is time to put our differences aside and work together on the most pressing issues before our country. All sides of the political spectrum can agree that we want to work toward policies that make us safer, stronger and more prosperous for the future.

In the immediate future, Congress must still complete its work on the farm bill, which provides our farmers and ranchers with much-needed stability and certainty. We must also work to finalize trade deals and open new markets to sell our products. While we made significant process this year on getting our appropriation work done on time, a number of appropriations bills are operating under a Continuing Resolution until December 7, thus requiring Congressional action to prevent a partial shutdown of government services. Additionally, South Dakota families continue to be concerned about rising health care costs, largely due to failing Obamacare policies. Recent discussions about birthright citizenship and the caravan of Central Americans headed to the U.S. have highlighted the need for comprehensive immigration reform that is merit-based, prioritizes border security and reduces chain migration. And we are constantly working to make certain our military remains the strongest, most powerful force in the world. To be the most successful at addressing these issues, it will require all sides to work in good faith and with respect for opposing viewpoints. We are Americans first, and we must always remember that what unites us is far more powerful than the issues that divide us.

I look forward to welcoming our newly-elected officials in the coming months and continuing to work to make South Dakota and America even stronger and better than it is today.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/south-dakota-honors-its-veterans,South Dakota Honors Its Veterans,2018-11-02,2018,2018-11,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"As South Dakotans, we are fortunate to live in the greatest state in the greatest nation in the world. The people who live here are what make South Dakota so great. They work hard, give back to their communities and care about their family and friends. South Dakotans also have a long history of honoring our military members and veterans, whose sacrifice and bravery allows us to go about our lives freely and safely each and every day.

Nearly every town in the state does something special to thank those who serve, whether it is a parade on Independence Day, a public ceremony for our military members when they deploy and when they return home or a memorial to commemorate those we lost. Americans owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who have served our country. On Veterans Day, and every day, South Dakota honors them.

Veterans Day takes place in the United States every year on November 11, the day the armistice was signed that ended World War I. The holiday was originally called Armistice Day, but was changed to Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, in which more than four million Americans served. Veterans Day is a special time to honor our veterans.

Making life better for veterans is important to many people in South Dakota. In the Senate, I serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, where we work on legislation to make sure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is fulfilling its duties to our nation’s veterans. My office also works directly with South Dakota vets and their families to cut through the bureaucracy to get them the care and benefits they are owed. If you or a veteran you know is having any trouble with the VA, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We also participate in a program to honor Vietnam-era veterans with a ceremony and a commemorative lapel pin. For more information on casework or the lapel pin program, please visit my website, www.rounds.senate.gov.

During the eight years that I worked as governor, the U.S. was fighting the War on Terror. I’ll never forget the young men and women we sent off to fight. I will also always remember the family and friends of those we lost while attending 31 of the funerals for those who did not return. All who fought to defend our freedoms are forever recognized and honored for their service. One way we sought to honor our veterans was by organizing memorials for those who have served their country. We dedicated the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials in Pierre in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Many of the veterans who live in South Dakota served during these two wars, and the memorials that still stand in Pierre today are one of the ways we let them know how grateful we are to them and to say thank you.

On Veterans Day, we honor our living veterans as well as those who are no longer with us. We recently received word that the VA has prioritized a plan for a veterans cemetery in the eastern part of the state. There is still more work to do, but once it is completed this cemetery will serve as a final resting place for those who fought for our country and will be a place for all Americans to honor those who served. I am thankful to the South Dakota Veterans Council, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and our local Veterans Service Organization chapters for their work to advance this project.

To all South Dakota veterans, Jean and I thank you. Because of your service, our country remains the greatest in the world and our people remain free. This Veterans Day, I encourage South Dakotans to give a special thanks to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:10:16Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-proposed-rule-to-facilitate-liquidity-in-options-markets,Rounds Statement on Proposed Rule to Facilitate Liquidity in Options Markets,2018-10-31,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today issued the following statement on a proposed rule by the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that would implement the standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk:

“I’m pleased to see that our regulators are taking action to implement the standardized approach for measuring counterparty credit risk, or SA-CCR. This move will accomplish the main goals of S. 3283, The Options Market Stability Act, which I introduced with Senator Duckworth earlier this year. The rule will make the U.S. financial system safer and more competitive throughout the globe. I look forward to working with our regulators to complete this rule expediently in order to strengthen the resiliency of the American financial system.""

The rule will help facilitate liquidity in options markets by moving toward a newer, internationally accepted risk-sensitive accounting standard. Earlier this year, Sens. Rounds and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the Options Markets Stability Act to accomplish the same goal.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/delivering-results,Delivering Results,2018-10-26,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"When you sent me to the Senate, I promised to do all I could to get Washington working again. For too long, the red tape and excessive bureaucracy of the federal government hindered the ability of South Dakotans to succeed. Overregulation made it difficult for farmers, ranchers, small business owners and local financial institutions to do their jobs. Families were paying so much money in taxes that they weren’t able to reinvest back into the economy. We still have work to do, particularly when it comes to improving our ag economy, but the Republican-led Senate has been able to deliver significant results to the American people.

We reformed the tax code for the first time in 31 years. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law by President Trump, more than 1.8 million jobs have been created, unemployment is at the lowest level since 1969, incomes are rising and our economy is soaring. The economy grew at 4.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, the fastest pace in nearly four years.

We’ve also rolled back a record number of excessive, Obama-era regulations. Over the past 19 months, Republicans have saved Americans at least $50 billion and 16 million hours of regulatory paperwork. This means Americans have more time and money to spend however they want. As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, we passed major legislation to roll back the Dodd-Frank Act. It included a number of provisions that I offered to limit the burdensome regulations on community banks and credit unions in South Dakota, so they can do what they do best: serve their customers and support businesses in their communities. This has helped our economy flourish.

The Senate has confirmed a record number of judges who will interpret the law as written, not based on their personal political leanings. So far, we have confirmed 29 circuit court judges, 53 district court judges and two Supreme Court justices. The Senate Judiciary Committee is hard at work to send even more judges to the full Senate floor before the end of the year. These men and women have the opportunity to shape the direction of our country for a generation or more.

We also passed and the president signed into law the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included investments to strengthen our military long-term. It gave our troops the largest pay increase in nearly 10 years. Protecting our nation through a strong military is a fundamental role of the federal government. My priority as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee is to make sure our military remains the best in the world. To do this, our military must be properly funded, trained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Additionally, I continue working to make sure Ellsworth Air Force Base plays a vital role in our national defense now and in the future. It was recently announced that Ellsworth will be one of three bases that will be home to the new B-21 Raider bomber.

South Dakota is home to more than 72,000 veterans, many of whom have had problems dealing with the VA. My office works directly with South Dakota veterans to help cut through red tape so they can get the care and benefits they were promised. We confirmed a new secretary at the VA who has publicly committed to cleaning up the agency’s scandals and mismanagement. I sit on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and will continue monitoring the VA to make sure it supports our veterans and follows through on our country’s promises to them.

Senate Republicans have made good on our promise to get Washington working again, but we aren’t done yet. With farm income down 50 percent in the past five years, we continue working to improve the ag economy. This includes assuring year-round sales of E-15 during next summer’s driving season and finalizing trade deals so we can export our commodities like soybeans, corn, wheat, beef, pork and more. We also need to finalize the farm bill so farmers and ranchers have some stability as they work to feed and fuel the world. These are a number of the issues that I look forward to taking up in the coming months when the Senate is back in session.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/what-theyre-saying-about-rounds-bill-to-require-a-comprehensive-assessment-of-ihs-,What They're Saying About Rounds' Bill to Require a Comprehensive Assessment of IHS,2018-10-22,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Last month, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs passed S.465 with broad, bipartisan support. S. 465 would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract an assessment of the Indian Health Service’s (IHS) health care delivery systems and financial management processes only at direct-care facilities. It now awaits consideration by the full Senate floor. Here is what stakeholders have been saying:

Harold C. Frazier, Chairman, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe: “I endorse S. 465 - Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act of 2017. This bill has been long overdue as the Indian Health Service (IHS) has been reluctant in giving information to the Tribes. When tribes are not given information, it hampers those tribe’s ability to plan with the IHS and provide effective medical care for our members and be an effective partner in preventative medicine. I fully support this bill and would like to personally thank Senator Mike Rounds for his work on S. 465 that would establish an independent outside audit of the Indian Health Service.”

Lester Thompson, Chairman, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe: “It is about time Congress took action to consider legislation, such as Senate Bill 465, that will facilitate a much needed audit of the Indian Health Services (IHS) incompetent health care delivery and financial management systems that plagues the numerous tribes in our region. IHS failures range from lack of access to health care for dialysis treatment to serious staffing concerns that have been inadequately addressed and outright ignored, resulting in a direct and harmful impact on our tribe. To address all issues of concern, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is hopeful that Senate Bill 465 will be amended to include in the scope of the IHS audit the current lack of access to critically needed dialysis centers that has had a detrimental effect on our tribal members suffering from Diabetes related kidney failure. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe urges the immediate passage of Senate Bill 465.”

Tony Reider, President, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe: “The state of health care in Indian Country is troubled. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has successfully operated its own health care facility for decades, and has provided the best care it could with available resources. The Indian Health Service has created barriers for the Tribe, mostly stemming from untimely payment of annual funding through the P.L. 93-638 agreement with the Indian Health Service. The Tribe looks forward to a thorough assessment of the Indian Health Service, and believes that it is an opportunity for the Indian Health Service, the United States Congress, and the Tribe to fully understand the hurdles presented by the current regulatory framework, and to develop a plan to fix a failing system.”

Boyd Gourneau, Chairman, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe: “With all that is happening on the hill, I can't express my gratitude enough for Senator Rounds’ efforts not only to the health and wellbeing of our members, but holding the IHS accountable for providing quality healthcare and that the funds are spent in a responsible manner. Our members deserve the same quality healthcare as anyone else and the Senator is seeing to that, he has never wavered on the issue and his efforts are much appreciated. Pilamaya.”

Troy S. Weston, President, Oglala Sioux Tribe: “One of the oldest treaties between the federal government and Indian Nations makes provision for providing health care. When the federal government fails to do their part, Native peoples suffer and too many times loss of life occurs. The trust responsibility is not a discretionary choice. It is not a line item. It is a solemn agreement that has been sustained over hundreds of years. The health disparities our tribal communities face need to be addressed immediately before another generation of American Indian and Alaska Native people lose their quality of life to debilitating health problems left untreated. American Indians and Alaska Natives have a life expectancy five years less than all other races in this country. Diabetes continues to be a devastating curse among American Indian and Alaska Native people. The mortality rates from diabetes for our Native communities are more than three times the national average. This is a statistic that can be reduced. Authorization of S. 465 would address an independent outside audit of the Indian Health Service to that the most basic elements of health care: doctors and nurses, mental health professionals, addiction counselors and the medical equipment, facilities, even buildings required to provide even the most fundamental services will be copiously examined in this assessment. Today, I am calling upon the 115th Congress to continue to fulfill the federal trust responsibility by authorizing S. 465 to provide for an independent outside audit of the Indian Health Service.”

Rodney M. Bordeaux, President, Rosebud Sioux Tribe: “I received news that the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs approved S. 465, the Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act of 2017. I would like to thank and commend Chairman John Hoeven, Vice-Chairman Udall, and committee members for their efforts to address inefficiencies in the Indian Health Service (IHS). I would also like to express gratitude on behalf of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe for the tireless efforts of Senator Mike Rounds and staff in the development, introduction, and continual support for this crucial legislation. It is not a secret that the IHS is historically underfunded. A combination of increased funding and assurances that the necessary metrics are in place to assess qualitative data that will ensure funding is provided to a system that is efficient and accountable. When this bill becomes law, it will mandate an assessment of the IHS that will provide the insight necessary to determine how the limited funding that the IHS receives can be more efficiently utilized and ensure that increases in funding will be used to improve the quality of healthcare provided to tribal members to the greatest extent possible.”

Dave Flute, Chairman, Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe: “On behalf of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, I am grateful S. 465 is moving forward and encourage our congressional leaders to continue to support this legislation. Tribes like mine in the Great Plains region have experienced challenges with the Indian Health Service for years. Challenges such as funding, management and quality care are issues that my tribe and other tribes in our region have shared with our congressional leadership and I am very grateful Senator Rounds took the initiative to put forth S. 465 so that an independent outside audit can be conducted on I.H.S., and see why tribes like mine experience these challenges, but more importantly to get them fixed. I am in full support of S. 465 and again want to thank Senator Rounds and his colleagues for moving this legislation forward.”

Tim Rave, President and CEO, South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations: “On behalf of South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), which represents 32 Post-Acute Care providers, 54 hospitals and 3 health systems in South Dakota, we offer this statement of support for S. 465, the Assessment of Indian Health Service (IHS) Act of 2017. The basis for this support relates to long standing concerns involving the delivery of substandard care at IHS facilities. These failures have resulted in numerous incidents of harm and inadequate coordination of care and administration of services. The Assessment is urgently needed and will provide invaluable information and data that can be utilized to research/recommend opportunities for improvements and ensure access to high quality, safe care for Native Americans in South Dakotans and throughout the country.”

Mike Faith, Chairman, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: ""The way to fix many problems is often to find the root cause, with the request for a comprehensive audit, we, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, believe this will find the root of the many problems and help address or fix the many issues and aspects of the Indian Health Service. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe applauds Senator Rounds for introducing S.465: Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act of 2017 and feels this is step in the right direction to fulfilling the federal government’s trust responsibility of delivering timely, adequate health care to tribal members.""

Robert Flying Hawk, Chairman, Yankton Sioux Tribe: ""Quality health care is a critical component to the right to accessible healthcare services and to dignity of our tribal members. For too long Indian Health Services (IHS) has gone without an audit to verify the delivery of adequate and cost effective healthcare services. Quality healthcare is essential to the prevention and treatment of serious and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The long history of incompetent management of IHS clinics and lack of access to critical healthcare services has negatively impacted the health and livelihood of our tribe and the tribes in our region. The Yankton Sioux Tribe is very thankful that included in the scope of the audit stipulated in Senate Bill 465 is accessibility to cancer services for rural Indian reservations. The Yankton Sioux Tribe urges the immediate passage of Senate Bill 465.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/100-years-of-pheasant-hunting-in-south-dakota,100 Years of Pheasant Hunting in South Dakota,2018-10-19,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Pheasant hunting season is a time of year that many South Dakotans look forward to for months. I’ve been looking forward to it since the end of last year’s season! It’s a time to pass down traditions and join friends and family in the fields. We’re especially looking forward to this season, as it marks the 100th year of pheasant hunting in South Dakota.

In 1918, our state established its first pheasant hunting season. The first official hunting season was actually held in 1919 in Spink County. Spink County is home to the “Pheasant Capital of the World” in Redfield, where the Chinese Ring-necked Pheasant was released into the wild. As many of you know, the pheasant hunting is still excellent in Spink County, just as it is in so many other areas of the state. This year’s pheasant brood survey shows a 47 percent increase over last year, so no matter which area in the state you hunt, you should be able to find birds.

Hunting is more than just a hobby for South Dakotans, it’s also a big source of income for businesses in communities across the state. Every year, people from all over the country visit our state to hunt in the best pheasant habitat. They stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants and enjoy all of the other great things South Dakota has to offer. We look forward to welcoming them and helping to enhance their hunting experience.

I’m looking forward to spending opening weekend hunting with our family and friends near Presho. We have our opening weekend traditions, but this year will be a little different with the loss of my dad, “Grandpa Don” earlier this year. He hung up his old Model 12 shotgun a few years back, but he always bought lunch for the group at Hutch’s Café after our hunt and enjoyed hearing everyone’s stories from the day. He will be missed this year. We’ll also miss my hunting dog, Baby, who passed away recently. She came from a long lineage of hunting dogs and loved the thrill of chasing birds.

Like many of you, the land we hunt on is surrounded by Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres, which makes great pheasant habitat. We continue to try to improve the habitat each year by making sure there is water nearby and that we have a diversity of crops planted. We have sunflower, wheat, corn, sorghum-sudangrass mix and kochia weed, which makes good cover for pheasants.

After hunting, when we get all the birds cleaned, a favorite recipe of ours is “pheasant poppers,” which our kids usually make. Pheasant poppers are jalapenos and pheasant breast wrapped up in bacon with a toothpick and grilled, baked or fried. The woman who raised my dad, Georgiana Kauth, always cooked pheasant with mushroom gravy in a cast iron skillet, and that was a favorite recipe of mine growing up.

A few of our grandkids are old enough to mentor hunt this year, so we’re looking forward to watching them. All the grandkids will come down though, even if they aren’t old enough to hunt yet. Opening weekend is a great opportunity to spend time together with family and friends. I hope everyone has a fun, safe and successful opening weekend in South Dakota!

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/supreme-court-fight-highlights-need-for-more-civility-,Supreme Court Fight Highlights Need for More Civility,2018-10-12,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"The Senate recently had the opportunity to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court—the second Supreme Court Justice we’ve confirmed since President Trump was elected. He was sworn in shortly after his confirmation vote. This is a positive move for all who believe the role of the judiciary is to interpret the law rather than legislate from the bench. I believe Justice Kavanaugh will call balls and strikes in a fair, unbiased manner.

The United States Supreme Court is the nation’s highest court for all cases arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. Therefore, confirming fair-minded judges who will interpret the Constitution and laws as written is one of the most important duties of the Senate. The decisions made by the Supreme Court have lasting effects on the direction of our country.

After President Trump nominated then-Judge Kavanaugh in July, all senators had the opportunity to meet with him and review the 300-plus decisions he wrote during his 12 years as a circuit court judge, as well as the tens of thousands of additional pages of background material. He testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for more than 32 hours and answered nearly 1,300 written questions afterward.

I met with then-Judge Kavanaugh this summer so I could gain additional insight into his judicial philosophy. During our meeting, we spoke about issues important to South Dakotans including the role of limited government, states’ rights, privacy and cybersecurity.

Despite this extensive ‘advice and consent’ period and the compilation of six (ultimately seven) FBI background investigations, sexual assault allegations surfaced in the final hours before the Senate Judiciary Committee was scheduled to vote on his nomination. In response, on Sept. 27, 2018, then-Judge Kavanaugh and his accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, testified under oath before the committee. I supported this additional hearing so both sides could be heard.

After watching the hearing, I believe that something terrible undoubtedly happened to Dr. Ford that has impacted her life. I also believe that then-Judge Kavanaugh provided compelling testimony and evidence to refute the claims against him. Ultimately, after considering the testimony and reviewing the additional FBI background investigation, it is clear there is no evidence to support the events Dr. Ford claims occurred sometime during the summer of 1982. Furthermore, the witnesses which she identified either could not confirm or outright denied her allegations, both to the Senate Judiciary Committee under penalty of felony as well as to the FBI.

The national discourse during Justice Kavanaugh’s hearings has exposed many personal, painful stories of sexual assault experiences. It goes without saying that sexual assault cannot be tolerated. Allegations of this misconduct must always be taken seriously. Everyone who reports unwanted sexual contact deserves to be treated fairly and with the utmost respect.

Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation process was dysfunctional, turbulent and overtly-political. I feel very strongly that all Americans must do our part to return to a greater level of civility. We must retain our ability to disagree respectfully and without the vitriol and hate that was often on display during this confirmation process. As Americans, we must always remember that much more unites us than divides us.

Justice Kavanaugh has already hit the ground running at the Supreme Court. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to protect the Constitution and the rule of law.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-commemorate-end-of-wwii,"Rounds, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Commemorate End of WWII",2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act. This legislation would establish a commemorative program to honor veterans, educate the public about the history of World War II, highlight the service of the men and women who served our nation on the home front during the war, recognize the contributions of our allies and remember the horrors of the Holocaust.

“The world owes a debt of gratitude to the men and women who led us to victory in World War II, ”said Rounds. “Deserving of the title The Greatest Generation - given to them by South Dakota’s own Tom Brokaw - these men and women prepared to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom and save the world. It is an honor to join my colleagues in this effort to recognize the World War II generation, whose service, courage and resolve forever changed the course of history.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-introduces-legislative-package-to-promote-economic-growth,Rounds Introduces Legislative Package to Promote Economic Growth,2018-10-11,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today introduced six bills to reduce the regulatory burden for investors and small businesses seeking to raise capital so they can create jobs and grow our economy.

“These bills seek to lessen financial regulatory burdens, making it easier for consumers to invest and for job creators to thrive,” said Rounds. “They maintain protections for consumers and have already received strong, bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, as the majority were part of the JOBS and Investor Confidence Act, which passed nearly unanimously earlier this year. Over the past two years, we’ve made significant strides in enacting pro-growth policies and growing our economy. This legislation will help keep the momentum going.”

“These important provisions – which were key components of the “JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018” which passed the House with near unanimous support – will help sustain 3 percent economic growth and ensure we are able to compete globally with countries like China,” said House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling. “I commend Senator Rounds for introducing them in the Senate so that we can continue to make a difference for economic growth for all Americans.”

Pro-Growth Legislation Introduced Today by Rounds:

Alleviating Stress Test Burdens to Help Investors Act provides relief to non-bank financial institutions by removing bank-centric stress testing requirements and instead allows more appropriate regulators – the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) – to conduct stress tests on these companies.

Modernizing Disclosures for Investors Act requires the SEC to conduct a study (due in 180 days) aimed at simplifying the quarterly financial reporting system for small, emerging growth companies.

Improving Investment Research for Small and Emerging Issuers Act directs the SEC to study issues that inhibit the dissemination of research on emerging growth companies. Current lack of research coverage makes it more difficult for small companies to obtain capital they need to grow.

Developing and Empowering our Aspiring Leaders (DEAL Act) Act requires the SEC to expand the type of assets that venture capitalists can invest in without having to undergo burdensome registration.

Investment Adviser Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act requires the SEC to revise its definition of a ""small business"" when assessing the impact of its regulations on small, Main Street investment advisers. Under the bill, the SEC must look beyond assets under management and include other factors, such as the number of employees at a small advisory firm.

Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC) Improvement Act enhances the transparency and procedural fairness of the non-bank systemically important financial institutions (SIFI) designation process. It also provides affected institutions a greater opportunity to be heard by the functional regulator and modify its business, structure or operations prior to the SIFI designation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-water-infrastructure-bill,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Water Infrastructure Bill,2018-10-10,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued a statement on the Senate’s passage of America’s Water Infrastructure Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will benefit communities across South Dakota.

“Water is one of our most precious natural resources,” said Rounds. “South Dakotans rely on water infrastructure for energy, irrigation, agriculture, recreation, flood control, and clean drinking water. The legislation we passed today builds on the Senate’s commitment to investing in the future of our country. This bill will modernize and strengthen America’s water infrastructure so these systems will be around for generations to come. I look forward to President Trump signing it into law soon.”

Rounds’ priorities included in America’s Water Infrastructure Act:

Directs the Secretary of the Army to expedite completion of snowpack and moisture monitoring programs authorized under the 2014 Water Resources Development Act.

Directs the Secretary of the Army to quickly review applications for certain easements necessary to access federal land for installation of water withdrawal intakes in the Upper Missouri Mainstem Reservoirs.

Restricts the Army Corps of Engineers from issuing a water storage fee with respect to any water storage in the Upper Missouri Mainstem Reservoirs until 2026. It also extends the current prohibition on surplus water fees until 2026.

Includes a provision for inflation adjustment of cost-sharing provisions for territories and Indian tribes.

Allows authorized projects under the Tribal Partnership Program, such as the Lower Brule Shoreline Erosion Project, to be split into separable elements so work can begin as soon as possible.

America’s Water Infrastructure Act is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited, the National Rural Water Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties and more.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-supports-year-round-e-15-sales,Rounds Supports Year-Round E-15 Sales,2018-10-09,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the administration’s decision to allow year-round sales of gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol, or E-15. In previous years, sales of E-15 were banned annually between June 1 and September 15, which includes the country’s busiest driving months.

“Allowing year-round sales of E-15 will not only increase markets for South Dakota producers, it will increase consumer choice at the pump and keep fuel costs low,” said Rounds. “South Dakota is a leading state in corn ethanol production. As the market for ethanol increases, the market for corn will grow, resulting in more jobs and increased revenue for South Dakota’s corn farmers. At a time when farmers are already struggling due to a decrease in farm income and trade uncertainty, providing year-round sales of E-15 is an opportunity to give our farmers a much-needed boost.”

Rounds, a strong supporter of corn ethanol, has repeatedly called for year-round sales of E-15. At an August 2018 meeting with Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, Rounds said “corn ethanol production has created thousands of jobs for South Dakotans and has increased American energy independence—two major goals of this administration.” He is a cosponsor of the Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act, which would extend the Reid vapor pressure waiver and lift the summertime ban on E-15 gasoline. Earlier this year, he joined Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and 16 other senators in a letter to the EPA requesting year-round E-15 sales.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-confirmation-of-brett-kavanaugh-to-be-an-associate-justice-of-the-supreme-court,Rounds Statement on Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,2018-10-06,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court:

“Despite a prolonged ‘advice and consent’ process in which our Democrat colleagues went to extreme, unprecedented measures to try and stop his nomination, today the Senate confirmed Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Judge Kavanaugh is immensely qualified to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. During the last 12 years on the D.C. Circuit Court, he has demonstrated a thorough understanding that a judge’s responsibility is to interpret and apply the law and Constitution as written, not based on a judge’s personal views or political motivations. He clearly recognizes the limited authority of each of the three branches of government. South Dakotans – and all Americans – stand to benefit from his judicial approach as he takes his seat on the nation’s highest court.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/15th-annual-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month,15th Annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month,2018-10-05,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"This October is the 15th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative started by the Department of Homeland Security to highlight the importance of protecting our personal information online. As always, the goal is to make sure all Americans have the tools and knowledge they need to make safe and secure decisions on the internet and to improve our national cybersecurity efforts.

Attempts to obtain sensitive information online and execute successful cyberattacks are increasing in frequency as the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Hackers are using ever-evolving technologies to access our sensitive personal information, making it even more important to take precautions to improve our security measures.

South Dakotans can take a number of steps to protect themselves online. This includes setting strong, complex passwords for online accounts and not using the same password for everything. Multifactor authentication creates extra layers of security for your accounts and can be a good way to prevent others from accessing your information. You should also delete emails that seem suspicious, avoid clicking on links if you aren’t sure of their authenticity and be sure to put a lock on your mobile devices at all times. Be cautious when logging onto unsecured Wi-Fi networks, such as at an airport, coffee shop or other public place. It is also discouraged to enter your credit card information, conduct online banking or engage in other sensitive tasks when on public Wi-Fi or when using a public computer. These are just a few ways you can protect yourself online. For more cybersecurity tips, visit www.dhs.gov/ncsam.

While we, as individuals, can take important steps to keep our personal information from leaking, the federal government must also consider the damage hackers can do if they are able to access secure military information, civilian infrastructure systems, electronic voting systems or any sensitive national security information. In the Senate, I chair the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity of the Senate Armed Services Committee. We work with members of Congress, the administration, military leaders and industry stakeholders to develop laws and policies that will protect the United States from damaging cyberattacks. In particular, our Cybersecurity Subcommittee oversees cyber efforts at the Department of Defense (DoD). Keeping Americans safe is our top priority.

In recent years, the lack of serious consequences for countries responsible for cyberattacks has emboldened them and has left us vulnerable to more attacks. Take for instance the 2016 election: there is clear evidence Russia attempted to meddle in our election. There is no evidence that they tried to manipulate the voting systems, but they did attempt to influence opinions through disinformation campaigns on social media.

I am pleased President Trump signed an executive order in September to impose sanctions on any person or government that attempts to interfere in U.S. elections. It shows our adversaries that the U.S. government is taking its responsibility seriously to protect Americans from cyber threats. We have a great deal of work ahead in the cyber domain, but I am confident in our ability to respond to this threat that is constantly evolving.

Keeping Americans safe from malicious cyber activity can be best achieved by approaching it from multiple angles. While it is important that we have clear policies in place to retaliate against cyberattacks, we must also focus on preventing hackers from attacking us in the first place. In addition to the role of the federal government, each of us has a role to play in maintaining cybersecurity. I encourage all South Dakotans to spend time this month reviewing your online practices and making necessary improvements to stay safe online.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-comprehensive-opioids-bill-headed-to-presidents-desk,Rounds: Comprehensive Opioids Bill Headed to President’s Desk,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the Senate voted to pass H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan proposal that includes measures from both House and Senate members to combat the opioid epidemic. This legislation now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“Opioid addiction is a devastating epidemic that has spread to all corners of our society. Nobody is immune from opioid addiction, and many of us may know someone who is struggling right now. The bill we passed today will help put a stop to the heartbreaking issue of opioid abuse in our country. It can help save lives and keep our communities safe and secure. I am glad that members of the Senate and House from both parties could come together to pass this important legislation that will make a difference in the lives of South Dakotans.”

The legislation passed today:

Includes the STOP Act which would help stop the shipment of deadly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl,

Allows the Federal Drug Administration to require prescription painkillers be packaged in small supplies in blister packs to prevent abuse,

Prioritizes research of non-addictive painkillers to replace traditional prescription opioids,

Extends support for Medicaid patients seeking treatment for substance abuse disorders from 15 to 30 days,

Allows more medical professionals to treat people in recovery to prevent relapse,

Improves state prescription drug monitoring programs,

Provides support for comprehensive opioid recovery centers,

Includes help for babies born in opioid withdrawal and for mothers with opioid abuse disorders.

Congress has made significant strides to address the opioid epidemic, including passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act and the 21st Century Cures Act. Congress has appropriated a total of $8.5 billion this year for programs to fight the opioid crisis.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-opening-statement-at-epw-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-epas-use-of-sound-and-transparent-science,Rounds Opening Statement at EPW Subcommittee Hearing on the EPA’s Use of Sound and Transparent Science,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight, today delivered his opening statement at a hearing entitled “Oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Implementation of Sound and Transparent Science in Regulation.”

“The EPA has a long history of creating burdensome, unnecessary regulations without giving the public an opportunity to fully vet the reasoning behind their decisions,” said Rounds. “Sound, reliable science is vital to helping us make important policy decisions that impact not just the health of American families but their livelihoods. We should welcome vigorous debate on the science the EPA relies upon. Doing so will result in regulations that have the greatest benefit to human health and the environment while doing the least harm to the economy. It will also result in regulations that can withstand legal challenges, providing industry with a level of certainty that allows them to make long-term investment decisions.”

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

The Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight is meeting today to conduct a hearing entitled “Oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Implementation of Sound and Transparent Science in Regulation.”

Today, we will hear testimony from experts and members of the scientific community in order to explore opportunities for greater transparency and the use of the best available science at the EPA.

Regulations created by the EPA help to protect the American people from tainted water, dirty air and chemical exposure.

The essential work completed by the EPA should always have as its basis protecting human health and the environment.

However, in the past, I have been concerned that the broad discretion and lack of transparency at the EPA has led the agency to seek out the science that supports a predetermined policy outcome, rather than relying upon the best available science before coming to conclusions.

Failing to do so results in regulations that overly burden our economy without having a substantial impact on human health or environmental protection.

On April 30th, 2018, the EPA published a proposed rule entitled “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science.” This proposed rule would require the EPA to identify what science they used to come to regulatory decisions, and make those studies available to the public without compromising privacy protections.

The proposed rule would also require the EPA to take into account high quality studies that challenge current scientific assumptions.

The proposal seeks to accomplish this without excluding historically relied upon studies by allowing the EPA Administrator to waive certain data access requirements on a case-by-case basis.

I thank the EPA for taking this important step and look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about the proposed rule.

In addition, on September 12th, 2017, I introduced S. 1794, the Honest and Open New EPA Science Treatment Act, commonly referred to as the HONEST Act.

Companion legislation, H.R. 1430, was also introduced by Representative Lamar Smith.

The HONEST Act passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support on March 29th, 2017. Both bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

The HONEST Act would prohibit the EPA from proposing, finalizing or disseminating regulations or guidance unless all scientific and technical information relied on to support those actions is based on the best available science.

The bill also requires this information to be specifically identified and publicly available in a manner sufficient for independent analysis and substantial reproduction of research results.

Finally, the HONEST Act requires the EPA to redact sensitive information such as personally identifiable information, trade secrets or commercial or financial information.

It has been suggested by some that the EPA is incapable of providing greater scientific transparency because of privacy concerns.

We have a responsibility to be sensitive to that issue, in part because we do not want to dissuade individuals from participating in environmental studies

I believe the EPA should use as a model the privacy protections already used by other federal agencies, including the de-identification protocols employed by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The EPA has a long history of creating burdensome, unnecessary regulations without giving the public an opportunity to fully vet the reasoning behind their decisions.

We should all agree with providing greater transparency if it can be done without excluding legitimate scientific studies or compromising privacy.

This is especially true if we can turn to other agencies like the National Institutes of Health for guidance on best practices.

Sound, reliable science is vital to helping us make important policy decisions that impact not just the health of American families but their livelihoods.

We should welcome vigorous debate on the science the EPA relies upon.

Doing so will result in regulations that have the greatest benefit to human health and the environment while doing the least harm to the economy.

It will also result in regulations that can withstand legal challenges, providing industry with a level of certainty that allows them to make long-term investment decisions.

I’d like to thank our witnesses for being here with us today and I look forward to hearing your testimony.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-five-year-faa-reauthorization-act,Rounds Statement on Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Act,2018-10-03,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Senate passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes federal aviation programs for five years. This legislation now heads to the president to be signed into law.

“Making sure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the tools in place to modernize and improve U.S. aviation will benefit all air travelers,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that the five-year FAA reauthorization bill passed by the Senate includes provisions I cosponsored to improve protections for volunteer pilots, recruit more airline maintenance workers and protect sports medical professionals traveling across state lines with their teams. It also includes reauthorization of the Essential Air Service Program, which is so important to a number of our rural communities in South Dakota. I thank Sen. Thune for his work on this important legislation and I look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law.”

The FAA Reauthorization Act includes the following provisions cosponsored by Rounds:

The Volunteer Pilot Protection Act, which states that volunteer pilots who fly for nonprofits are not liable for harm caused by their actions or omissions if they were in compliance with FAA requirements at the time,

The Aviation Maintenance Workforce Development Pilot Program bill, which creates a grant program to recruit aviation maintenance workers,

And the Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act, which clarifies medical liability rules for state-licensed medical professionals to cover the medical services they provide while traveling with athletic teams in another state.

The FAA Reauthorization Act strengthens aviation training and improves cybersecurity. It also improves services for passengers by establishing minimum standards for airplane seat sizes. Language is also included to prohibit airlines from bumping passengers from a full flight after they have already boarded.

The FAA Reauthorization Act does not include language to privatize Air Traffic Control, which Rounds has said would threaten affordable access to general aviation, especially in rural areas.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-south-dakota-veterans-cemetery-one-step-closer-to-becoming-reality,Rounds: South Dakota Veterans Cemetery One Step Closer to Becoming Reality,2018-10-01,2018,2018-10,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Published: 10.01.2018

Rounds: South Dakota Veterans Cemetery One Step Closer to Becoming Reality

WASHINGTON–U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has signed off on the South Dakota state cemetery grant application. During a phone call with VA Undersecretary Randy Reeves last week, Reeves told Rounds that this puts the South Dakota state cemetery application on the priority list for grant funding. A grant could be awarded as early as next year.

“The announcement that the VA has signed off on a South Dakota state cemetery grant application is great news for our veterans and their families,” said Rounds. “As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, this project has been a priority of mine, and I am happy to see it move forward. Once completed, this cemetery will not only serve as a final resting place for those who fought for our country, but it will be a place for all Americans to honor those who served. I thank the South Dakota Veterans Council, the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and our local VSO chapters for their hard work on this important project.”

South Dakota Veterans Cemetery: Background:

Efforts have been ongoing for years to construct a veterans cemetery in the Eastern part of South Dakota.

The estimated total cost is $6 million, with the federal government paying for most of the cost.

The state would pay approximately $600,000.

There are more than 40,000 veterans in Eastern South Dakota, with the only open national cemetery for veterans being in Sturgis.

Though military veterans can be buried anywhere they want, to get full benefits from the government their grave must be in a state or national cemetery.

This year, Governor Dennis Daugaard signed legislation to allow the state to apply to the National Cemetery Administration to construct a state veterans cemetery on land donated by the city of Sioux Falls.

It would also set up an endowment fund to help pay the upfront costs of construction and maintain the cemetery.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:08:35Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/celebrating-native-american-history-in-south-dakota-,Celebrating Native American History in South Dakota,2018-09-28,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"While the Senate has been focused on the Supreme Court nomination hearing in Washington, we have continued to work on issues that affect South Dakotans. We’ll discuss the Supreme Court hearing in one of our next weekly columns.

Every October, South Dakota celebrates the rich culture and the many contributions made by Native Americans who called this land home long before Europeans settled in the West. Native Americans’ Day is a state holiday started in 1990, and it replaces what used to be called Columbus Day. The late Governor George S. Mickelson joined representatives from the nine tribal governments in South Dakota to proclaim 1990 as the Year of Reconciliation. Native Americans’ Day is our state’s way of observing and honoring tribal members in South Dakota.

It’s a privilege for me to represent all South Dakotans in the Senate. I work with tribal members on a number of different federal issues that impact them. One area we’ve been focusing on since I took office is improving health care at the Indian Health Service (IHS).

The IHS has failed to fulfill its trust and treaty obligation to provide quality health care to tribal members. For decades, South Dakota’s tribal members and other tribal members across the nation have been in the midst of a government-induced health care crisis due to serious management and leadership problems at the IHS. This is especially true of the Great Plains Area IHS, which includes South Dakota. This area has the worst health care disparities of all IHS regions including lowest life expectancy, highest diabetes death rate, highest TB death rate and highest overall age-adjusted death rate. This is unacceptable.

In order to address the issues plaguing the IHS, I recently introduced legislation that would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract an assessment of IHS’s health care delivery systems and financial management processes. It is past time to address the ongoing crisis at the IHS. We were pleased the Senate Indian Affairs Committee recently voted to pass our legislation. It now heads to the Senate floor for full consideration. Our bill would only impact direct-care facilities, not those with 638 contracts. This means facilities that tribes have contracted to manage independently would not be impacted by our legislation. In the Great Plains Area, 67 percent of IHS facilities are direct-care facilities.

We are glad that progress is being made with our legislation, but rather than threatening deadlines, requesting extensions, changing administrators and pointing fingers, the IHS, HHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) need to work together – in close, real consultation with the tribes - to immediately resolve IHS’ many problems and improve care for our Native American communities.

When state, federal and tribal governments work together, we have the opportunity to make real changes that will improve the lives of tribal members in our state.

This Native Americans’ Day, I encourage South Dakotans to celebrate the history and culture of the tribes in our state by attending events in our communities. Sioux Falls is holding its first ever Native Americans’ Day parade this year on Oct. 8, and Rapid City will host their annual weekend festivities in conjunction with the 32nd Annual Black Hills Powwow on Oct. 5-7. South Dakota is home to more than 70,000 Native Americans, and these events help to strengthen our communities by bringing together many people of different backgrounds. I hope everyone has an enjoyable Native Americans’ Day this year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-delivers-opening-statement-at-cyber-subcommittee-hearing,Rounds Delivers Opening Statement at Cyber Subcommittee Hearing,2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today delivered the opening statement at a joint Cybersecurity and Personnel Subcommittee hearing to review the cyber operational readiness of the Department of Defense (DoD).

Rounds remarks, as prepared for delivery:

The Cybersecurity and Personnel Subcommittees meet this afternoon to receive testimony on the cyber operational readiness of the Department of Defense. Our witnesses are:

Brigadier General Dennis Crall, Principal Deputy Cyber Advisor and Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy;

Ms. Essye Miller, Principal Deputy, Department of Defense Chief Information Officer;

Lieutenant General Stephen Fogarty, Commander, U.S. Army Cyber Command; and

Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, Deputy Commander, United States Cyber Command.

This hearing will commence in open session, in which Senators Tillis, Nelson and Gillibrand will all make a few opening remarks.

At the conclusion of Senator Gillibrand’s comments, we will ask our witnesses to make their opening remarks.

After that, we will have a round of questions and answers.

We will then transition to SVC-217, the Office of Senate Security, and recommence in closed session.

Each of the witnesses may provide additional context and testimony that they were not able to provide in an open setting, and we will then close with another round of Q&A.

I encourage members and staff to stay through the closed session, given the gravity of the topic at hand.

The administration recently issued a new policy document known as National Security Presidential Memorandum 13.

The new policy entailed by NSPM 13 replaces that of Presidential Policy Directive 20 which virtually paralyzed the conduct of offensive operations by U.S. Cyber Command outside of armed conflict.

I look forward to a Department of Defense briefing on the new policy in the near future.

I am hopeful this new policy will enable the Department of Defense to act more nimbly and effectively to counter and deter our adversaries’ ongoing cyber-attacks on the United States, attacks conducted with virtual impunity.

However no such policy, however well crafted, will succeed unless U.S. Cyber Command develops and maintains the high level of cyber operational readiness required to implement it.

With the elevation of Cyber Command to status as a fully unified command and the Cyber Mission Force’s achieving full operational capability in May, the Department’s cyber forces appear to have moved beyond adolescence.

It is now vital that the current capability and operational readiness of the command fulfill the requirements entailed by these designations.

I invited Senator Tillis and Senator Gillibrand, along with the remainder of the Personnel Subcommittee, because these shortfalls are not limited to traditional readiness measures of equipment and training.

Indeed, a great deal of the Department’s cyber readiness issues revolve around the shortage of skilled, cyber-capable personnel.

These shortfalls will only be aggravated if the Cyber Mission Force needs to be expanded in the future, and I am concerned that the current recruitment, pay, retention and career pathway structures in place are not equipped to manage this problem.

I am thus eager to hear the Service or tactical level perspective from General Fogarty; the operational Cyber Command’s perspective from General Stewart; the more strategic and governance perspective from General Crall in OSD; and the CIO and civilian personnel perspective from Ms. Miller.

I am also eager to explore the Department’s plans to correct these shortfalls with the senators of the Personnel Subcommittee today, and I am grateful to have their expertise at this table.

An ongoing concern of the subcommittee, which I am sure the department shares, is that we preempt a hollow cyber force and that we have a cyber force that is adequately staffed and equipped and has the necessary tools, targeting capability and development capability to respond to operational needs.

In particular, Cyber Command needs the indigenous capability, without overreliance on NSA, to surveil adversary networks for zero-day vulnerabilities, produce malware to exploit these vulnerabilities and implant this malware within a reasonable and realistic timeline.

Such capabilities are necessary not only for its DODIN-defense and national missions but also for those conducted in support of the combatant commands.

I am eager to hear about CYBERCOM’s current capacity and activity to assist in EUCOM’s, PACOM’s and CENTCOM’s operations.

Each of our witnesses have an important role to play in this space: General Stewart, as Deputy Commander of Cyber Command, is most directly responsible for the readiness of the Cyber Mission Force; General Crall’s role in defining DOD cyber policy shapes and is shaped by the capabilities offered by the Cyber Mission Force; General Fogarty as Commander of Army Cyber Command is the executive agent for the Persistent Cyber Training Environment and must man, train and equip its cyber teams; and Ms. Miller and the CIO’s office generally retain responsibility for the cyber infrastructure—including that on which the Cyber Mission Force will fight and test their malware—across the Department.

I will close by thanking our witnesses for their service and for their willingness to appear today before the subcommittee.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-ihs-assessment-legislation-passes-out-of-committee-heads-to-full-senate-floor,"Rounds’ IHS Assessment Legislation Passes Out of Committee, Heads to Full Senate Floor",2018-09-26,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) announced that his legislation, S. 465, the Independent Outside Audit of the Indian Health Service Act, passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee today with broad bipartisan support.

“South Dakota’s tribal members have been in the midst of a government-induced health care crisis for decades due to poor leadership and mismanagement at the Indian Health Service (IHS),” said Rounds. “Tribal members are suffering and even dying due to inadequate and disgraceful care. There is no excuse for hospitals not to reach basic benchmarks for providing proper care. Instead of threatening deadlines, requesting extensions, changing administrators and pointing fingers, the IHS, HHS and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) need to work together – in close, real consultation with the tribes - to immediately resolve these problems and improve care for our Native American communities.”

“The IHS will continue to fail unless we take a close look into the operations, funding, quality of care and management at the agency. That is why I introduced legislation calling for a comprehensive assessment of the IHS. I’m pleased that the Senate Indian Affairs Committee voted to pass this legislation today, and I look forward to considering it on the Senate floor. This bill is a necessary first step toward making real changes so the IHS can truly deliver the timely, adequate care the federal government has a trust and treaty obligation to provide to tribal members.”

Rounds’ legislation would require the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to contract an assessment of IHS’s health care delivery systems and financial management processes only at direct-care facilities. The Secretary of HHS shall use existing funds to enter into contracts with a reputable private entity to conduct an independent assessment in coordination with the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Office of the Inspector General.

Rounds’ request for a comprehensive assessment of the IHS is supported by the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association, which passed a resolution in 2016 calling upon Congress to demand an audit of IHS. In 2017, the South Dakota State Legislature passed a resolution urging Congress to audit the IHS.

Since taking office in 2015, Rounds and his staff have analyzed the IHS and its shortcomings, concluding there are three primary areas of concern: there is no funding allocation strategy for the 12 IHS regions, there is no standard of quality measurement and there is high turnover of staff resulting in low accountability amongst management. Rounds’ assessment legislation is the first step toward addressing the agency’s longstanding failures.

Rounds sent a letter to the Inspector General of HHS in 2016, requesting an audit of the financial aspects of hospital and health care, medical services and overall financial management at the IHS. The HHS was only able to fulfill a portion of the audit request.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/tax-fairness-in-south-dakota,Tax Fairness in South Dakota,2018-09-20,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"This summer, the Supreme Court issued a decision to allow states to collect and remit sales tax from online retailers, like Amazon or eBay, which may not have a physical brick-and-mortar store in the state. South Dakota led the effort in the Supreme Court case South Dakota v. Wayfair.

By opening the door for states to collect online sales taxes, South Dakota and local governments can widen the tax base and allow for more tax competition, so that we can foster economic growth by keeping our rates low. This will bring in additional resources to help support local schools, libraries, police units and fire departments, maintain safety nets for individuals who can’t care for themselves and reinvest in our communities – without raising tax rates on South Dakota families. With online sales growing at four times the rate of retail sales in recent years, state and local governments in South Dakota are losing between $48 and $58 million annually. By allowing for this revenue to be collected up front, our brick-and-mortar stores are on a level playing field with online vendors from out of state.

We’ve also taken steps to help simplify the process for businesses. The Department of Revenue has a free online service which makes it simple for vendors to comply with the law. Additionally, in 2005, South Dakota signed the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SST). The agreement, which has been signed by 24 states so far, streamlines and modernizes tax administration at the state level to reduce the burden of compliance. The SST also refers businesses to software that automatically calculates sales tax on transactions. Those who use it are immune from audit liability for sales tax transactions managed by the software. This process for collecting online sales tax, along with the streamlined sales tax provisions developed by SST, has been functioning successfully for several years. In fact, South Dakota has been adapting to SST for more than a decade.

I have been a longtime advocate for granting states the right to require that out-of-state businesses collect state sales taxes on purchases sold in South Dakota. Last year, I sponsored the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would give states the right to collect the sales and use taxes they are owed under current law from out-of-state businesses or online retailers. Small businesses in our state provide good-paying jobs to South Dakotans, pay local property taxes, sponsor community events and make investments in the future of our state. The sales tax loophole that treats out-of-state businesses and online retailers differently than physical businesses in our state creates a disadvantage for brick-and-mortar stores.

The South Dakota State Legislature recently held a special session where lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a plan to allow for collections to start on November 1 of this year. While some have argued that this is just another tax on South Dakotans, it’s actually about tax fairness. Individuals who make purchases online have always been responsible for paying a use tax, but because there was no method or requirement to collect it at the time of the sale—and many people don’t know they have to pay it—the tax was often not paid. That now changes with the passage of the new South Dakota law.

According to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, businesses without a physical presence in South Dakota must now obtain a sales tax license and pay sales tax if their gross sales into South Dakota exceed $100,000 per calendar year or if the business has more than 200 separate transactions into South Dakota per year.

I support the legislature’s decision, and I thank Gov. Dennis Daugaard for his leadership on this important issue. Communities across the state will directly benefit from their local businesses being on a level playing field with online vendors.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-accepting-spring-2019-internship-applications,Rounds Accepting Spring 2019 Internship Applications,2018-09-18,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he is currently accepting internship applications for spring 2019. The deadline to apply for internships in his Washington, D.C., Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls offices is Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. College credit is available.

Duties in the Washington, D.C., office may include tracking legislation, researching bills, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and providing legislative support. Duties in the South Dakota offices include researching constituent inquiries and requests, participation in outreach activities, assisting staff on special projects, handling phone calls and constituent requests and sorting mail. In all offices, students will work closely with constituents and staff, polish their research and writing skills and gain an in-depth understanding of a Senate office.

Interested college students should complete the online internship application and submit a resume no later than Oct. 15, 2018. Resumes should be submitted to intern coordinator Kari Weller at kari_weller@rounds.senate.gov. Information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online at www.rounds.senate.gov/internships.

Additional questions can be directed to Kari Weller at (605) 336-0486.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-hirono-introduce-bill-to-provide-transparency-to-veterans-considering-enrolling-in-school,"Rounds, Hirono Introduce Bill to Provide Transparency to Veterans Considering Enrolling in School",2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today introduced the GI Bill Comparison Tool Improvement Act. This bill would increase transparency for veterans when choosing where to enroll in school by adding a metric to the GI Bill Comparison Tool identifying which educational institutions allow veterans to stay enrolled in classes pending receipt of GI Bill funds.

“We want all veterans to have the tools necessary to be successful after their service to our country, and choosing where to get your degree is an important decision,” said Rounds. “Our legislation would provide helpful information and transparency to veterans about which schools will allow them to stay in classes while their GI Bill funds are being disbursed. It is unfortunate that this type of legislation is even necessary, but it’s important that measures are taken to make sure veterans are not unfairly punished because the VA can’t pay its bills on time. Veterans should not be penalized if the VA takes too long to pay the school for the tuition that the veteran has earned through his or her service to our country.”

“Veterans in Hawaii and across our country depend on their hard-earned GI Bill benefits to help them achieve their educational and professional goals,” said Hirono. “The GI Bill Comparison Tool Improvement Act will provide veterans with clear information on how higher education institutions manage delayed GI Bill payments, which will enable veterans to make informed decisions and avoid costly late fees, debt, or even disenrollment.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-comprehensive-legislation-to-address-opioid-epidemic,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Opioid Epidemic,2018-09-17,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Opioid Crisis Response Act, a comprehensive bill to address the growing opioid epidemic in the United States:

“The legislation we passed today takes an important step toward ending the heartbreaking issue of opioid addiction,” said Rounds. “Opioid addiction does not discriminate—it can affect men and women of all ages and of all races, in any town in the United States, including in South Dakota. Many times, addiction starts with a legal painkiller prescription from a doctor following surgery or to manage chronic pain. Because opioids are highly addictive, they can easily lead to abuse. When the prescription runs out, people attempt to buy them illegally on the street or turn to dangerous substances such as heroin or fentanyl. I’m pleased that we were able to pass the Opioid Crisis Response Act and I urge the president to sign it into law so those suffering from addiction can get the help they need as quickly as possible.”

The Opioid Crisis Response Act will:

Reduce use and supply by helping to stop drugs at the border and providing grants to states to better share monitoring program data;

It will encourage recovery by providing support to states and tribes, establishing recovery centers and improving access to health professionals, tele-health services and long-distance care, and recovery housing services;

It includes support for caregivers and families and promotes family-focused treatment and recovery; and

It seeks to drive innovation and long-term solutions by supporting advancements in cutting-edge research to spur discovery and development of new non-addictive painkillers and address economic and workforce impacts, among other things.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/south-dakota-family-honored-for-work-assisting-families-interested-in-adoption,South Dakota Family Honored for Work Assisting Families Interested in Adoption,2018-09-14,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Countless children around the world and in the U.S. are in need of safe, permanent homes and the love and support of a family. Providing a child with a loving home is truly one of the greatest gifts anyone can give. I am a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of children waiting to be adopted around the world. Each year, CCAI invites Members of Congress to nominate an outstanding family or organization from their state to receive an Angels in Adoption award. This year, I nominated Wes and Kimberly Roth of Summerset, SD.

After getting married in 2009, they felt called to begin their family through adoption. In 2011, they made two trips to Ethiopia to bring home their son Kaleb. According to Kimberly, at that time, Ethiopian adoptions were running quite smoothly and the process was fairly reliable. When they decided to adopt a second child a few years later, the wait time for adoptions in Ethiopia was much longer than they expected. So in 2015, they decided to adopt their daughter Elsie from China, where the need for adoption is great, especially for special-needs children.

Wes has worked in the office of Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) since 2005 as a constituent services representative, where he has assisted many adoptive families with immigration applications and paperwork. Outside of work, he volunteers his time at adoption events at church and serves on the Board of Directors for Bethany Christian Services Rapid City branch. Kimberly volunteers at adoption events throughout the Black Hills and has helped raise money for families going through the adoption process. Kimberly also runs a Facebook group for adoptive families to give advice and answer questions about the complex process.

We asked the Roth’s what advice they would share with other families thinking about adoption. Kimberly said, “You don't have to know it all and have it all in order to be 'ready to adopt’. If you feel that nagging nudge that just won't go away, give the idea an honest discussion. The whole process won't be sunshine and rainbows. There will be worries, exhaustion, fears and uncertainties. But, that is what parenting is about.” She also suggests joining a support group, either in person or online, to seek out community so it doesn’t feel like you’re going through the process alone.

Wes and Kimberly are very deserving of the Angels in Adoption award. I can’t thank them enough for the work they do in our state to help couples realize their dreams of starting a family. Their commitment to building strong, healthy families through adoption is an inspiration to us all.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-executive-order-to-protect-election-security,Rounds Statement on Executive Order to Protect Election Security,2018-09-12,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on the Executive Order President Trump signed to impose sanctions on foreign countries or people who interfere in U.S. elections:

“Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our republic. Today’s executive order draws a clear line in the sand and puts our adversaries on notice that we will not tolerate any meddling in our election process. All sanction possibilities are on the table for individuals or countries attempting to interfere. This is an important step in the right direction as we in Congress develop a long-term cyber deterrent policy, particularly when it comes to protecting the integrity of our election process. I am also pleased to see that any necessary response will be completed in a timely fashion.”

Rounds previously cosponsored the Secure Elections Act, which was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.). This legislation would strengthen America’s election cybersecurity and protect against the possibility of future foreign interference by streamlining cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies and providing security clearances to state election officials.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-nominates-the-roth-family-of-summerset-for-angels-in-adoption-award,Rounds Nominates the Roth Family of Summerset for Angels in Adoption Award,2018-09-10,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he has nominated Wes and Kimberly Roth of Summerset for this year’s Angels in Adoption Award, presented by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCAI), of which Rounds is a member. Wes and Kimberly have two adopted children, Kaleb and Elsie.

“I’m honored to nominate Wes and Kimberly Roth to be this year’s Angels in Adoption,” said Rounds. “Wes and Kimberly have not only created a loving home for Kaleb and Elsie, but they give generously of their time to provide guidance and insight to other families in South Dakota looking into adoption. The Roth’s are an inspiration for all of us, and they are deserving of this award for all they do to help others realize their dreams of starting a family.”

In 2011, the Roth’s brought home their son Kaleb from Ethiopia. A few years later, they were called to adopt their daughter Elsie from China. Wes has worked in the office of Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) since 2005 as a constituent services representative, where he has assisted many adoptive families with immigration applications and paperwork. Outside of work, he volunteers his time at adoption events at church and serves on the Board of Directors for Bethany Christian Services Rapid City branch. Kimberly volunteers at adoption events throughout the Black Hills and has held fundraisers for families going through the adoption process. Kimberly also runs a Facebook group for adoptive families to give advice and answer questions about the complex process.

Each year, Members of Congress are invited to nominate an outstanding family or organization from their district to receive an Angels in Adoption award. CCAI is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe and loving homes through adoption. For more information, visit CCAI’s website.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/kavanaugh-eminently-qualified-to-be-supreme-court-justice,Kavanaugh Eminently Qualified to be Supreme Court Justice,2018-09-07,2018,2018-09,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Earlier this summer, President Trump nominated U.S. Circuit Court Judge Brett Kavanaugh to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. If confirmed, Judge Kavanaugh will replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, who recently retired from the court after 30 years. President Trump made an excellent decision when he picked Judge Kavanaugh as the nominee. After watching his Judiciary Committee hearing, studying his judicial philosophy and meeting with him in person, it’s clear that he is eminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court.

Judge Kavanaugh served on the D.C. Circuit Court—widely referred to as the “second highest court in the land”—for the past 12 years. During his time there, he issued more than 300 opinions and heard more than 2,000 cases. In fact, the Supreme Court endorsed his opinions more than a dozen times. A graduate of Yale Law School, Kavanaugh clerked for Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, whose seat on the bench he will take if confirmed. Before his time on the D.C. Circuit Court, he worked as White House Staff Secretary and Associate White House Counsel for President George W. Bush and as a partner at a law firm.

While on the D.C. Circuit Court, Judge Kavanaugh made it clear that he understands a judge’s responsibility is to interpret the Constitution and apply the law as written and not based on a judge’s personal views or political ideologies. I believe it is very important he or she recognize their job is not to make laws, it is to interpret them. Throughout his career, Judge Kavanaugh has shown that he respects the separation of powers and will not overstep his authority as a member of the Supreme Court. His opinions have shown that he is and will continue to be an independent and impartial judge.

In a speech to a group of law school students in 2016, Judge Kavanaugh expanded upon Chief Justice John Robert’s premise that judges should be umpires, calling balls and strikes. He said, “At its core, in our separation of powers system, to be an umpire as a judge means to follow the law and not to make or re-make the law—and to be impartial in how we go about doing that. That has to be our goal.” I couldn’t agree more. The legislative branch is responsible for making law and the job of the judiciary is to interpret it in a fair and impartial manner.

I recently sat down with Judge Kavanaugh in my office where I had the opportunity to gain additional insight into his judicial philosophy. We spoke at length about his time as a D.C. Circuit Judge, as well as about issues important to South Dakotans, including the role of limited government, states’ rights, privacy and cybersecurity. I appreciated hearing his thoughts on the delicate balance between liberty and order and the thoughtful analysis that he exhibits in his opinions.

In my meeting with him, it became abundantly clear that Judge Kavanaugh holds a deep respect for the federal bench and the United States Constitution. Based on his extensive record and my own interactions with him, I believe Judge Kavanaugh has the aptitude and qualifications for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. I look forward to supporting his nomination when it comes to the floor in the coming weeks.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:06:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-decision-to-block-proposed-tariffs-on-newsprint,Rounds Statement on Decision to Block Proposed Tariffs on Newsprint,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) stopped the proposed tariffs on Canadian newsprint. Earlier this year, Rounds joined Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) in a letter to the ITC urging the organization to oppose these tariffs.

“We support the ITC’s decision to block tariffs on newsprint imported from Canada, which many of South Dakota’s local newspapers rely on to print their publications,” said Rounds. “These tariffs would have dramatically increased the cost of printing newspapers, having a significant impact on our rural newspapers in particular. I thank the South Dakota Newspaper Association and the many daily and weekly papers in South Dakota for their advocacy on this issue. Our local newspapers play an important role in keeping the citizens of our communities connected with one another. “

Rounds cosponsored S. 2835, the Protecting Rational Incentives in Newsprint Trade (PRINT) Act of 2018. This legislation, introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Angus King (I-Maine), would have suspended the import taxes on uncoated groundwood paper while the Department of Commerce examined the effects of tariffs on the publishing and printing industry.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/affordable-energy-for-south-dakota,Affordable Energy for South Dakota,2018-08-29,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In South Dakota, we have scorching hot summers and frigid winters. This means we require reliable, affordable energy to keep our homes and businesses at a comfortable temperature year-round. Thanks to the Missouri River, South Dakota produces and uses a significant amount of renewable hydroelectric power. We are also one of the largest wind power resources in the nation. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind power provided around 30 percent of our total net electricity generation in 2016. Hydroelectric power provided more than two-fifths of South Dakota’s net electricity generation last year, the largest share of any energy source in the state. According to the Department of Energy, almost 94 percent of the energy we produce in South Dakota is renewable.

Additionally, our neighboring states provide us with natural gas and clean coal. We rely on this diverse array of energy sources to power our lives. Maintaining steady, balanced energy production allows us to meet our own energy needs, export energy around the world, create jobs here at home, grow our economy and strengthen our national security.

Since being elected to the Senate, I have served on the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. One of our committee’s roles is to oversee the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During the previous administration, the EPA overstepped its boundaries by attempting to implement the Clean Power Plan, or CPP, by regulatory fiat. I was firmly against this plan, which would have resulted in sky-high energy costs for consumers, all with very little benefit to the environment. It threatened job creation and economic growth. CPP was a prime example of ‘government-knows-best’ rulemaking in which government regulators attempted to circumvent Congress and implement this costly new plan. Fortunately, the Supreme Court blocked the implementation of CPP after more than two dozen states called for it to be stopped, and President Trump signed an executive order in March 2017 to suspend it as well.

The EPA recently announced their proposal to replace CPP, called the Affordable Clean Energy rule, or ACE. This proposed rule, which is open for public comment and has not yet been finalized, respects the rights of individual states in setting energy policies that work best for them. I support this administration’s goal of providing reliable, affordable, clean energy to South Dakota families and businesses while at the same time working to protect our environment and natural resources.

According to the EPA, the proposed ACE rule would establish emissions guidelines for states to develop their own plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions. This means that South Dakota will have a strong voice when it comes to federal energy rules that affect us. During the previous administration, rules and regulations were promulgated with very little regard for the businesses and individuals who would have to abide by them. I appreciate that the current administration is attempting to regulate thoughtfully, and is taking into consideration the needs of the people who will have to follow their regulations.

I will continue working to promote South Dakota’s energy priorities, and am happy to work with the EPA as they seek to protect our environment and natural resources while providing reliable, inexpensive energy to families across the country.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-proposed-trade-agreement-with-mexico,Rounds Statement on Proposed Trade Agreement with Mexico,2018-08-27,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the administration’s announcement that the U.S. has reached a two-year trade agreement with Mexico.

“As South Dakota’s top two export markets, maintaining strong trade relationships with Mexico and Canada is vitally important. Today’s announcement that a two-year trade deal has been reached with Mexico is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go to provide long-term trade stability for our producers and manufacturers. I’m pleased the administration continues to work on long-term trade negotiations on behalf of our producers.”

BACKGROUND: Mexico is South Dakota’s number two export market, after Canada, and has a long history of being one of our most important trading partners. Last year Mexico was the largest market for U.S. corn and soymeal, second largest market for U.S. soybeans and third largest market for U.S. beef.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-the-passing-of-john-mccain,Rounds Statement on the Passing of John McCain,2018-08-25,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"FORT PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the passing of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.):

“John McCain was a true American hero who spent his life serving our country,” said Rounds. “Our men and women in uniform had no better ally than John McCain, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside him on the Senate Armed Services Committee. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership we can all admire. Jean and I send our deepest condolences to Cindy and the entire McCain family during this difficult time.”

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/a-new-school-year-begins-for-south-dakota-students,A New School Year Begins for South Dakota Students,2018-08-24,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Across South Dakota, students and educators are gearing up for a new school year. While Jean and I no longer have school-age kids, we enjoy seeing how excited our grandkids are for their first day of school. Making sure students get a quality education is very important to me. What they learn in school now can set them up for success for years to come.

Teachers, administrators and all other school staff members play an integral role in student success. Their dedication to our young people can make a lasting impact. It has been more than 50 years since I was in grade school and I still remember some of the teachers and staff who taught me not only the school curriculum but also life lessons I still value today. Thank you to all the men and women involved in the education of our kids. You have a very important job, and I will work to make sure you are able to do that job without undue federal rules getting in your way.

Congress passed the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law during the previous administration and was the first major overhaul of our education system since No Child Left Behind was enacted. I supported this bill because it shifted authority for academic standards back to the states and local school districts. I strongly believe that education decisions should be made by parents, teachers and local school boards rather than Washington bureaucrats. South Dakota’s educators now have greater flexibility to develop their own curriculum based on the needs of their students.

While the Every Student Succeeds Act was a positive step toward limiting federal government overreach into our kids’ education, more can and should be done. Earlier this year, President Trump issued a proposal to shrink the size of the federal government by merging the departments of Education and Labor into a new Department of Education and the Workforce. His goal is to make government more accountable to the American people and stop wasting taxpayer money on redundant programs and agencies. I have long called for the closure of the Department of Education, and his proposal takes steps to make that happen. This would allow for even more local control.

Developing a strong, skilled workforce is an important goal of the education system, so it makes sense to combine the Labor and Education departments into one agency. At a time when our economy is soaring and employers are hiring, it’s critical that our next generation is prepared to fill all the new jobs that are being created.

South Dakota’s students are the future of our state, and our greatest asset. What they learn in school today will help shape them into the men and women they’ll become. I wish all South Dakota students, along with our educators and administrators, a great 2018-2019 school year!

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-hqla-interim-final-rule,Rounds Statement on HQLA Interim Final Rule,2018-08-23,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today issued the following statement after the announcement of the interim final rule regarding the treatment of certain municipal securities as high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency:

“The ability to access capital is critically important for communities across South Dakota and throughout the United States. I’m pleased that our nation’s three main regulators took this important step forward to implement my legislation that would require our regulators to treat financially-sound municipal debt as level 2B high-quality liquid assets.”

“I look forward to continue working with our regulators on implementing this and other provisions that were a part of the Senate’s Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act. Rolling back regulatory overreach and helping communities, individuals and businesses access capital is critically important for the health of our economy.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-touts-jon-kobes-sound-counsel-wide-range-of-experience-during-confirmation-hearing-to-be-circuit-judge-on-the-court-of-appeals-for-the-eighth-circuit,"Rounds Touts Jon Kobes’ Sound Counsel, Wide Range of Experience During Confirmation Hearing to be Circuit Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit",2018-08-22,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today introduced Jonathan A. Kobes at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kobes, of Sioux Falls, serves on Rounds’ staff as general counsel. If confirmed, he will replace Judge Roger Wollman as a Circuit Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

“It is through his experience and our interactions working together that I am confident he possesses the essential qualities needed to excel as a federal judge,” said Rounds. “Over the past two decades, Jon has served in all three branches of the federal government, he has litigated on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants in court, has litigated both criminal and civil cases, and he has represented clients as counsel both outside and in-house. There are few with as wide a range of experience and as academically qualified as Jon.”

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

I want to thank Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Feinstein for holding today’s hearing.

And I thank Senator Tillis and Senator Durbin for chairing, as well as allowing me to introduce a fellow South Dakotan, Jonathan Kobes, who also happens to be an integral member of my staff.

I also want to thank President Trump for nominating Jon as a Circuit Judge on the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. I enthusiastically support his nomination.

Today, Jon is joined by his father Wayne, his wife, Beth, their four children, Madeleine, Bethany, Johannah and James, in addition to other extended members of their family.

I welcome you all here today.

One member of Jon’s family who is not with us is his mother Helen, who passed away earlier this year after a 19-month battle with ALS.

Helen was a Dutch immigrant, landing at Ellis Island with her parents when she was just two years old.

Her family moved around until they settled in Southern California, where her father found a job as a laborer on a dairy farm.

Eventually, that immigrant, who came to the U.S. with nothing, while supporting a family of eight, was able to work his way up to owning and operating two successful dairy farms.

Seeking her own path to success in America, Helen eventually moved to Iowa to attend college – a first generation college student – where she met Jon’s father, Wayne, and they settled down to raise their family.

Helen was full of determination and grit whose own experience instilled Jon’s strong, unequivocal belief in the American dream.

Today, Jon is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he has spent nearly two decades developing an impressive legal acumen that spans a broad range of legal experience.

In addition to working in the private sector, his experience in public service spans all three branches of the federal government.

Jon has diligently and reliably served as my general counsel since 2014.

Before joining my staff, Jon served as Director of Corporate Compliance at Raven Industries, Inc., as Senior Regulatory Counsel for DuPont Pioneer, and as Senior Counsel to POET, LLC.

In these positions, he managed a range of litigation, regulatory and administrative law matters.

He also provided complex legal advice and analysis to those major agricultural businesses within South Dakota.

Jon has also been a litigation associate in the Sioux Falls office of Murphy, Goldammer and Prendergast, where he appeared before both State and Federal Courts in South Dakota.

In the public sector, Jon served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of South Dakota, where he prosecuted narcotics offenses and violent crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

He also served as an Honors Attorney in the Litigation Division of the Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA, in Washington, D.C.

But his first taste of public service was actually right here in the Senate, where, as a law student, he spent a summer working as an intern for this very committee.

Mr. Kobes earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dordt College in Northwest Iowa and his Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School, where he served as an editor and as the business manager of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.

Upon graduation from law school, Jon served as a law clerk to Judge Roger L. Wollman, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the very judge we hope Jon will replace.

Throughout his career, Jon has demonstrated his commitment to justice, the fair application of the law and the betterment of the community by providing pro-bono legal services to those in need.

Before and during his time working for me, I have always been impressed with Jon’s experience, competence, temperament, and ability to get work done in a thorough and conscientious manner.

As my general counsel, I have had the privilege of his superior writing skills, thoughtful analysis, and ability to explain and present several sides of an issue fairly.

It is through his experience and our interactions working together that I am confident he possesses the essential qualities needed to excel as a federal judge.

Over the past two decades, Jon has served in all three branches of the federal government, he has litigated on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants in court, has litigated both criminal and civil cases, and he has represented clients as counsel both outside and in-house.

There are few with as wide a range of experience and as academically qualified as Jon.

I wholeheartedly support Jon’s nomination as a Circuit Judge to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit and hope you will support his nomination as well.

Thank you for holding this hearing.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-meets-with-epa-acting-administrator-andrew-wheeler,Rounds Meets with EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler,2018-08-21,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight, today met with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to discuss a number of issues important to South Dakotans, including year-round sales of E15, small refinery waivers and the proposed rewrite of the Clean Power Plan.

“I thank Acting Administrator Wheeler for meeting with me today for a candid conversation about EPA proposals that impact our state,” said Rounds. “I reiterated to him my support of year-round sales of E15, and we also discussed my concerns with the EPA’s decision to issue Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to small refineries. In issuing these waivers, the EPA helped the small refineries. It now must act to help our small ag producers. As I told Acting Administrator Wheeler again today, corn ethanol production has created thousands of jobs for South Dakotans and has increased American energy independence—two major goals of this administration. We also discussed the EPA’s new proposal to replace the previous administration’s costly Clean Power Plan, and I thanked him for taking steps to provide cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy that will strengthen our economy. I look forward to continuing to work with Acting Administrator Wheeler to promote South Dakota’s energy and environmental priorities.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-epas-proposed-affordable-clean-energy-rule,Rounds Statement on EPA’s Proposed Affordable Clean Energy Rule,2018-08-21,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight, today issued the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule. The ACE rule, if adopted, would replace the previous administration’s Clean Power Plan (CPP) rule.

“The previous administration’s costly and burdensome Clean Power Plan was a prime example of ‘government-knows-best’ rule-making. Not only did it threaten job creation and economic growth, it was a recipe for sky-high electricity costs for American families and businesses. We were glad to see the rule was halted by the Supreme Court after more than two dozen states called for it to be stopped. The new proposed ACE rule respects the rights of individual states in setting energy policies that work best for them. I support the current administration’s goal of providing affordable energy to South Dakota families while at the same time working to protect our environment and natural resources.”

In January 2017, Rounds joined all Republican members of the EPW Committee in a letter to President Trump supporting repeal of the Clean Power Plan rule. In March 2017, President Trump issued an executive order to suspend, revise or rescind four actions related to the Clean Power Plan.

The proposed ACE rule will be open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. More information on the proposed rule and the comment period can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/protecting-the-integrity-of-us-elections,Protecting the Integrity of U.S. Elections,2018-08-17,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our republic. With the 2018 midterm election less than three months away, making certain the integrity of our voting system remains intact is a top priority. When Americans cast their votes in an election, they are exercising their right to make their voice heard. Many of our young men and women in uniform fight every day to protect our ability to choose our own leaders safely and freely. Assuring American citizens that their voice will be heard when they cast their ballot is vitally important to our way of life.

While we cannot say they affected the outcome, we know that Russia made extreme efforts to directly influence the 2016 election and attempted to get into at least 21 state election systems. There is also evidence they are trying similar tactics in the upcoming midterm election, with a goal of creating chaos and distrust in our system of government. So far, they have been unsuccessful, and we must make certain proper federal policies are in place to keep it that way.

Fortunately, Congress has taken steps to protect the integrity of our elections. The omnibus spending bill for Fiscal Year 2018 included $380 million in funding for election security grants to help states protect and modernize their election systems. These funds can be used to make security improvements, implement cybersecurity guidelines and replace outdated electronic voting machines. Additionally, I am a cosponsor of the Secure Elections Act, a bipartisan bill that would streamline cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence agencies and state election agencies. It would also provide security clearances to state election officials. This is a good step toward securing our election systems against future threats while also protecting states’ rights in running their elections.

As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, my colleagues and I have received expert testimony on cyber-enabled information operations to include the gathering and dissemination of information in the cyber domain. While we have taken important steps to protect our elections, more must be done. Ultimately, we must address the broader policy and strategy deficiencies that undermine our overall cyber posture.

Our election system is part of what makes the United States the greatest country in the world. Our ability to develop a strategy to better protect our election system and deter cyber adversaries from attacking it is critical. Doing so will require an ongoing commitment, and I will continue to work with the administration to develop policies that deter and punish bad actors who think they can meddle in our election system. We must continue to make it clear to Russia and others that irresponsible, destabilizing behavior will not be tolerated and those who do attempt to interfere in our elections will face serious consequences. Our confidence in our democratic process depends on it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/8-south-dakota-students-nominated-by-rounds-in-class-of-2022-at-us-service-academies,8 South Dakota Students Nominated by Rounds in Class of 2022 at U.S. Service Academies,2018-08-13,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that eight South Dakota students he nominated to the U.S. Service Academies have been accepted and are currently in the Class of 2022. He also announced that his office is now accepting applications for the Class of 2023. Those applications must be submitted by Oct. 1, 2018. More information about the academy application process can be found here.

The following students were nominated by Rounds and are currently in the class of 2022 at their respective academies:

U.S. Naval Academy

Jennifer Chatwell, Sioux Falls

Silvanus “Silas” Diaz, Rapid City

Justice West, Piedmont

U.S. Military Academy

Cain Lounsbery, Brookings

Coby Mack, Rapid City

Jayden Pittmann, Baltic

U.S. Air Force Academy

Caleb Carnes, Beresford

Ryan Habeck, Ft. Pierre

Additionally, Rounds nominated Tessa Kimbler of Aberdeen to the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy and she chose to attend the U.S. Military Academy. He also nominated Ryan Berry of Sioux Falls to the U.S. Military Academy and he chose to attend the U.S. Coast Guard Academy as a member of the Class of 2023.

Each year, Rounds is able to nominate South Dakota students to the U.S. service academies. Each academy then gives full and fair consideration to these nominations when selecting applicants. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to our Sioux Falls office by calling (605) 336-0486 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-ndaa-for-fiscal-year-2019-being-signed-into-law,Rounds Statement on NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019 Being Signed Into Law,2018-08-13,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today made the following statement after President Trump signed the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 into law.

“The NDAA is one of the most important pieces of legislation we pass each year, as it provides our military personnel with the tools they need to complete their missions and keep us safe,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased that this year’s NDAA includes a number of provisions I offered pertaining to cold spray repair technology developed in Rapid City that will be used to improve Department of Defense (DoD) repair processes, as well as additional measures to improve officer personnel management, transition of service members to civilian life, training ranges and high level maintenance. Additionally, it includes a provision that will allow the DoD to conduct clandestine cyber operations necessary to help keep Americans safe. This year’s NDAA was named for the first time in honor of SASC Chairman John McCain, an American hero and statesman who has always put the good of the country first.”

The NDAA authorizes $716 billion in defense spending, prohibits a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round and provides a 2.6 percent pay raise to military members.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-rounds-to-host-tele-townhall-on-wednesday,Senator Rounds to Host Tele-Townhall on Wednesday,2018-08-13,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is inviting all South Dakotans to join him in a live, toll-free tele-townhall on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at 7:55 p.m. CT/6:55 p.m. MT to discuss issues important to South Dakotans. During the tele-townhall, Rounds will be taking live questions from participants.

“During my coffee and conversation in Sioux Falls last week, I enjoyed hearing firsthand from South Dakotans about their issues and concerns,” said Rounds. “This year, the Senate’s traditional August in-state work period was shortened so we can continue focusing on getting appropriation bills and nominations passed. This means I have to be working in Washington, D.C. In order to keep open the lines of communication with South Dakotans, I am hosting a live, toll-free telephone townhall this week. All are invited to participate in this event, and more information can be found on my website, www.rounds.senate.gov. I look forward to answering your questions and listening to your concerns!”

You can participate in the tele-townhall by calling the number or clicking on the link below:

What: Tele-townhall

When: Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at 7:55 p.m.—8:55 p.m. CT/6:55 p.m.—7:55 p.m. MT

Call #: 877-229-8493

Pin #: 115923

Participate online: https://video.teleforumonline.com/video/streaming.php?client=15923

If you are unable to join the call but would like to leave a message for Senator Rounds, you can always contact him by calling one of his offices or emailing him on his website at www.rounds.senate.gov.

**Please note that the phone line will go live approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/south-dakota-ag-community-stability-is-crucial-as-we-do-our-part-to-feed-and-fuel-the-world,South Dakota Ag Community: Stability is Crucial as we do our Part to Feed and Fuel the World,2018-08-10,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In South Dakota and across the Midwest, harvest time is nearly upon us. Farmers are preparing to market their crop, and for many of them prices remain low. Low commodity prices and trade instability are having an impact on the ag industry in our state. Livestock producers are feeling the impact of tariffs as they work to market their products. To hear more about the issues farmers and ranchers are facing right now, I recently held an ag roundtable in Sioux Falls. We invited more than 20 ag leaders to participate and share their concerns about the economic climate for producers heading into the 2018 harvest.

Trade instability remains a top concern. I heard many ag leaders confirm what I’ve been hearing throughout the summer – that farmers and ranchers support President Trump’s desire to negotiate better trade deals for U.S. producers, but they acknowledged that time is running out to finalize deals. This is a message I’ve shared with the administration multiple times over the past months. I’ve repeatedly said that I support the president in his efforts to negotiate better trade deals, but we must make certain the tariffs are strategic and targeted, not reckless and a threat to the long-term health of the American economy.

The recent announcement from the administration about the $12 billion ‘trade aid’ proposal is a sign that they’re recognizing the negative impact that tariffs are having on ag producers, but it’s a short-term, partial band-aid. As we discussed at the roundtable, the sooner we can get trade deals completed and the market under control, the better off we’ll be. Farmers and ranchers understand that trade pacts are not only important to this year’s market, but are vital to the long-term viability of their industry.

Current trade instability is already causing chaos for South Dakota soybean producers, who market over 60 percent of their product overseas—primarily to Asia. At the roundtable, we heard reports that China has stopped bidding on U.S. soybeans. This further increases the already high basis that South Dakota producers face because local elevators lack the capacity to hold all the grain that is expected to be produced this year, so products will have to be shipped to other parts of the country where transportation costs are more expensive.

Another topic of concern among those at the roundtable was the farm bill. They said they’d like to see it finalized soon so they have some certainty when planning for next season. I agree, and I also shared with them my desire for the farm bill to include an increase on the cap of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres. By increasing the cap to target marginal production acres, we have the ability to lock in land for conservation for 10 years at 2018 land values while saving money for the federal crop insurance program by getting the more marginal acres out of production.

We also talked about the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to issue a number of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) waivers to small refineries, which has reduced the amount of ethanol required under the RFS and thus reduced the demand for corn and corn ethanol. As I said to Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler at a recent congressional hearing, corn ethanol production has created thousands of jobs for the people of my state and has increased American energy independence. He shared with me at that hearing that he will work to be more transparent with EPA’s decision-making processes related to RFS waivers.

Lastly, at our roundtable we talked about the benefits of year-round E-15 sales. An open marketplace with more fuel options for consumers encourages competition and brings down fuel costs. This is an issue I’ve been pushing with the EPA, and I’ll continue to do so.

I appreciated hearing firsthand from South Dakota’s ag industry about their concerns, and I continue working to address them in the Senate.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-urge-funding-of-snowpack-monitoring_system-to-help-avoid-future-flooding-along-missouri-river,"Rounds, Colleagues Urge Funding of Snowpack Monitoring  System to Help Avoid Future Flooding Along Missouri River",2018-08-09,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D) led a letter urging the conferees of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill to include a provision in the final conference report that clarifies that funds under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) operation and maintenance account are available to implement a snowpack and soil moisture monitoring system. This language was included in the report accompanying the Senate-passed version of the bill at the request of Rounds. Rounds serves as Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight, which has oversight jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A snowpack monitoring system will help mitigate the possibility of a major flood event for those living and working along the Missouri River.

“Prompted by the devastating flooding along the Missouri River in 2011, the Government Accountability Office released a report in September 2014 that concluded that the USACE’s flood prevention mission would likely benefit from the development and implementation of forecasting techniques,” wrote the senators. “Congress has taken action to facilitate USACE’s adoption of this program. Therefore, we respectfully request that you incorporate this report language into the final conference report.”

In addition to Rounds, the letter was signed by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Reps. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), Kevin Kramer (R-N.D.), Steve King (R-Iowa) and Sam Graves (R-Mo.). Since taking office, Rounds has called on the USACE to implement the snowpack monitoring system, which was first authorized in a 2014 water resources bill.

Text of the letter is below:

Dear Conferee,

As the conference process moves forward for the fiscal year 2019 energy and water development appropriations legislation, we ask that you retain language from the Senate committee report in the final conference report.

Language informing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) that the previously-authorized soil moisture and snowpack monitoring program is eligible for funding from the USACE’s Operation and Maintenance account was included in the Senate energy and water development appropriations legislation (S. Rept. 115-258):

“Soil Moisture and Snowpack Monitoring Program.--Following the 2011 Missouri River Flood, the Government Accountability Office released a report concluding that increased soil moisture and snowpack monitoring could have mitigated the impact of the flood on communities along the Missouri River. Accordingly, WRRDA section 4003 authorized a soil moisture and snowpack monitoring program to be administered by the Corps in coordination with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Section 1179 of the WIIN Act identified the Corps as the lead agency for carrying out and coordinating this monitoring program. Activities necessary to carry out soil moisture and snowpack monitoring are eligible for funds provided in this account. The Corps is also encouraged to provide sufficient funding in future budget submissions for this program.”

Prompted by the devastating flooding along the Missouri River in 2011, the Government Accountability Office released a report in September 2014 that concluded that the USACE’s flood prevention mission would likely benefit from the development and implementation of forecasting techniques. Congress has taken action to facilitate USACE’s adoption of this program. Therefore, we respectfully request that you incorporate this report language into the final conference report.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/selection-process-for-united-states-senate-youth-program-is-underway,Selection Process for United States Senate Youth Program is Underway,2018-08-09,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) announced the annual statewide selection process for the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) has begun. Two South Dakota high school juniors or seniors will join student delegates from around the country to participate in the USSYP’s 57th annual Washington Week, which will take place March 2-9, 2019, in Washington, D.C.

“Participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program is a great way for students to learn firsthand about the way our federal government works,” said Rounds. “I encourage any South Dakota high school student who has an interest in learning more about policy making and public service to apply to this unique, educational program.”

“This program provides the opportunity of a lifetime for young leaders from South Dakota to get a firsthand look into the inner workings of the U.S. government,” said Thune. “On top of spending a week in the thick of the action in Washington, students participating in USSYP will also receive a scholarship to help further their educational pursuits. I encourage all student leaders across the state to apply.”

Each of the student delegates will receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for next year’s program. During their trip to Washington, student delegates will visit Capitol Hill, the White House, the Pentagon, and the Supreme Court, among other locations, and will meet with policymakers, which in the past have included members of Congress, the president, and cabinet secretaries.

Students interested in applying for next year’s program can find more information by visiting the South Dakota Department of Education website or by contacting Mark Gageby (mark.gageby@state.sd.us), the South Dakota selection administrator, or their school’s principal.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 21, 2018, and the names of the students who have been selected will be formally announced in December.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-announces-new-northeast-area-regional-director-,Rounds Announces New Northeast Area Regional Director,2018-08-06,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"PIERRE - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that Jennifer Hieb has been hired to serve as his Northeast Area Regional Director. She replaces Josh Haeder, who is stepping down later this month, and is based in Rounds’ Aberdeen office.

“Jen has served in a variety of marketing and leadership roles throughout her career,” said Rounds. “Her experience, along with her desire to serve others, will be a tremendous asset to my office and the Northeast region. I look forward to having Jen join our team as we continue to provide the best possible constituent services across the state.”

Hieb most recently served as secretary for the School of Education at Northern State University. She previously worked as director of marketing for Aberdeen Wings of the NAHL and as Vice President for Advancement at Presentation College. A native of Tripp and graduate of Augustana University in Sioux Falls, Hieb has lived in Aberdeen with her husband, Jack, and their three sons for more than 20 years.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-whitehouse-alexander-booker-introduce-imagine-act-to-spur-use-of-innovative-materials-in-rebuilding-american-infrastructure,"Rounds, Whitehouse, Alexander, Booker Introduce IMAGINE Act to Spur Use of Innovative Materials in Rebuilding American Infrastructure",2018-08-03,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced the Innovative Materials for America’s Growth and Infrastructure Newly Expanded (IMAGINE) Act, to encourage research and deployment of innovative construction materials in transportation and water infrastructure projects nationwide. Investing in these new techniques and materials would help to extend the life of critical public works that draw increasingly poor ratings for condition and performance.

The bill would take a number of steps to promote the use of advanced infrastructure materials. It would create a task force to examine standards and methods used to assess the federal government’s approval of materials for infrastructure projects. It would promote research into new materials and building techniques. And it would spur federal investment in vital bridge and water infrastructure projects that utilize innovative materials, prioritizing coastal and rural projects.

“I strongly support investing in material research and the use of new technologies that can be used to improve our critical infrastructure,” said Rounds. “As we continue to work toward a long-term infrastructure plan that enhances public safety, creates jobs and strengthens our economy, our bill will help pave the way for a stronger, safer and more cost effective infrastructure system.”

“American innovators have come up with materials with the potential to make our roads, bridges, water systems, and other important infrastructure far more resilient and safe. Using these materials in our public works will pay off big for the communities that rely on them and for the American taxpayer,” said Whitehouse, who has worked closely with Rhode Island’s vibrant composites manufacturing industry to explore the range of applications for advanced materials in America’s infrastructure. “I’m proud to join Senators Alexander, Rounds and Booker to help drive investment in the next generation of materials to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure.”

“When I was governor, I proposed and Tennessee enacted three road programs, and our state’s highway system is now one of the best in the country. Good roads and zero road debt have helped attract manufacturing jobs and raise family incomes,” said Alexander. “Research universities and national laboratories are our country’s ‘secret weapons’ — and this bill will help them develop new materials to improve our nation’s roads and bridges so we can continue to create more good paying jobs.”

The IMAGINE Act would encourage the development of materials such as high performance asphalt mixtures and concrete formulations, geo-synthetic materials, advanced alloys and metals, reinforced polymer composites, aggregate materials and advanced polymers.

A section-by-section summary of the bill is available here.

A copy of the bill is available here.

A range of stakeholders from innovative materials industries cheered introduction of the bill. The American Chemistry Council, the American Coatings Association, the American Composites Manufacturers Association, the Geosynthetic Materials Association, LafargeHolcim, the National Asphalt Pavement Association, the Owens Corning Plastics Industry Association and the Vinyl Institute welcomed introduction of the bill in a letter to the senators sent this week.

“For years, we have encouraged Congress to think outside the box to develop infrastructure legislation that incentivizes the increased use of innovative materials,” said Tom Dobbins, President of the American Composites Manufacturers Association. “The IMAGINE Act does exactly that, and our allies in Congress understand the urgency of this issue and will fight to ensure the bill passes.”

“Federally-led research has led to the deployment of longer-lasting, sustainable, and cost-effective pavement materials being deployed across the country,” said Craig Parker, National Asphalt Pavement Association Chairman and Executive Vice President of Silver Star Construction Co., Inc. “This research has led to great advances in both the materials and construction techniques being used in America’s highway pavements. Federally funded research has the effect of bringing various stakeholders together to imagine the possibilities and develop useful, practical technologies that can be deployed in the field. While great strides have been made in developing pavement technologies that increase the use of recycled asphalt pavements and deploying warm-mix asphalt, the IMAGINE Act will lead the way in developing the next generation of pavements that will be even more safe, more sustainable and more economical. This is an important topic that Congress is finally addressing under the leadership of Senator Whitehouse and others and should be supported by all members of Congress.”

One provision of the bill would call on the Transportation Secretary to form innovative material hubs throughout the country to continue to drive research into and development of innovative materials for use in infrastructure projects. The provision was inspired by the success of communities of materials manufacturers – like advanced composites makers in Rhode Island and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation in Knoxville, Tennessee – that have leveraged their innovations and expertise to grow their industry.

Representatives Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), David Cicilline (D-RI) and Barbara Comstock (R-VA) will introduced companion legislation in the House on Friday.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/epa-must-live-up-to-its-promise-to-provide-certainty-to-farmers,EPA Must Live up to its Promise to Provide Certainty to Farmers,2018-08-03,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"I recently had the opportunity to question Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about a number of issues important to our farming community. Particularly, I am concerned about recent action the EPA has taken related to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the impact those actions could have on our corn and ethanol producers.

Passed in 2005 and expanded in 2007, the RFS is one of the most significant actions the federal government has taken on behalf of rural America in more than 50 years. It requires transportation fuel in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels such as corn ethanol. Administrated by the EPA, compliance is tracked through a Renewable Identification Number (RIN) system and requires a minimum of 15 billion gallons of conventional biofuels, like ethanol, to be blended annually.

The RFS has provided the statutory certainty necessary for the corn industry to grow and thrive, and as a result corn ethanol has become a vital component of our nation’s fuel supply. The explosion of corn ethanol production has directly helped our farmers, bolstered American energy independence and created thousands of jobs. However, it was recently reported that the EPA is providing RFS waivers to small refineries, thereby reducing the amount of ethanol required by the RFS and reducing the demand on corn and corn ethanol.

During a recent Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee hearing, I had the opportunity to ask Acting Administrator Wheeler about these waivers. The agency has not been transparent in their process for granting these waivers, and I was pleased to hear Mr. Wheeler agree to work toward greater transparency, stability and openness moving forward.

I also reiterated to Mr. Wheeler the importance of keeping the RFS in effect and honoring our commitment to our corn and ethanol producers. They have invested billions of dollars to create an ethanol industry and it has been a success. Not only has it promoted the production of significant volumes of corn ethanol, corn ethanol has its own unique qualities that are important to our energy marketplace. It is used as an oxygenate in gasoline that is even better than the oxygenates it replaced. It is the best and cheapest octane booster available to the oil industry today. Corn ethanol will also help auto manufacturers meet increasing CAFÉ standards, which are regulations in place to improve the average fuel economy.

Corn ethanol production is a vital component of the South Dakota economy. The corn ethanol industry supports thousands of jobs in South Dakota and contributes a significant amount of revenue to South Dakota communities. As we move closer to 2022, the year in which the corn ethanol component of the RFS is anticipated to expire, I will continue working with the administration, my colleagues and stakeholders to make certain the federal government continues to live up to its promise to producers and that corn ethanol continues to play an important role in our nation’s fuel supply.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-senate-continues-to-make-progress-on-being-more-accountable-to-american-taxpayers,Rounds: Senate Continues to Make Progress on Being More Accountable to American Taxpayers,2018-08-01,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement after the Senate passed H.R. 6147, a package of four Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation measures.

“The Senate has been working under ‘regular order’ to finalize appropriation bills, which is what I have been calling for since I took office in 2015,” said Rounds. “I’m glad we are continuing to make progress by working in a transparent, bipartisan manner as we read and debate important funding bills. Getting back to regular order is a good way for Congress to keep its spending in check and be more accountable to American taxpayers.”

The appropriation package passed by the Senate today will now go to conference with the House. It includes the following appropriation measures: Interior and Environment, Financial Services and General Government, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-to-epa-youve-taken-care-of-small-refineries-but-what-about-small-farmers-,"Rounds to EPA: You’ve Taken Care of Small Refineries, but What About Small Farmers?",2018-08-01,2018,2018-08,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today at a hearing had the opportunity to discuss the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and exemptions issued for small refineries with Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler.

Excerpts of his remarks:

Rounds on small refinery waivers: “You’ve taken care of the small refineries - what about the small farmers? What about the folks that are producing on a year-to-year basis, just enough to get by, at a time in which we’ve got trade issues in front of us, at a time in which they expected that a [Renewable Volume Obligation of 15 billion gallons] would be honored by the federal government…you’ve taken care of the small refineries but you haven’t taken care of the small farmers.”

Rounds on the RFS: “It is critical that the Renewable Fuel Standard remain in effect and that it be honored, and that it be something that producers in the central part of the country can count on. They’ve invested billions of dollars in creating an ethanol industry and one that they had expected to be in until at least the year 2022. If we read this correctly, there clearly was the intent of Congress that there be for traditional ethanol production a 15 billion gallon allowance.”

The RFS has provided the statutory certainty necessary for the corn industry to grow and thrive, and as a result corn ethanol has become a vital component of our nation’s fuel supply. Earlier this year, it was reported that the EPA is providing RFS waivers to refineries, thereby reducing the amount of ethanol required by the RFS and reducing the demand on corn and corn ethanol. Following these reports, Rounds sent a letter reiterating his strong support for the RFS and asked for more information regarding the unusually high number of small refinery waivers issued over the past two years. Acting Administrator Wheeler committed to responding to the letter during their exchange.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:04:48Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-duckworth-introduce-options-markets-stability-act,"Rounds, Duckworth Introduce Options Markets Stability Act",2018-07-31,2018,2018-07,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.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Options Markets Stability Act. The Options Markets Stability Act would facilitate liquidity in options markets by calling on bank regulators to move toward a newer, internationally accepted risk-sensitive accounting standard.

“The current bank risk exposure regulations have had the impact of directing capital away from centrally cleared options markets,” said Rounds. “This has had the effect of hampering liquidity and violates one of the principles of post-crisis regulation: strengthening centralized clearing and avoiding riskier over-the-counter trading. The lack of liquidity can, in the most extreme cases, lead to flash crashes, which threatens the broader stability of our markets. The Federal Reserve agreed in 2014 to move towards the internationally accepted, risk-sensitive standardized approach to counterparty credit risk (SA-CCR). Since that time, however, the Fed has delayed implementing the new standard. I’ve asked the Fed repeatedly about its timeline for adoption and received no response. American investors can’t continue to wait. Our commonsense legislation would modify current capital requirements to reflect actual risk and would strengthen and safeguard our economy.”

“This bill will streamline the regulatory process to guarantee the viability of centrally-cleared options markets while maintaining the safety and soundness of our financial system. These are important steps to help businesses in Illinois and across the country grow and have access to capital,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to work with Senator Rounds on this bipartisan legislation.”

The Options Markets Stability Act has the support of the Chicago Board Options Exchange. The House Companion, H.R. 5749, was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives earlier this year.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/a-new-direction-at-the-va,A New Direction at the VA,2018-07-27,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"We are fortunate to live in the United States, where our men and women in uniform sacrifice so much to defend our liberty. We owe our servicemembers and veterans a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay. However, one thing we can do is uphold the promises our nation has made to them over the last several generations, and we can do that by making improvements and changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Senate recently confirmed Robert Wilkie to be the VA Secretary. Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Wilkie served as Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He has also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Mr. Wilkie has had firsthand experience dealing with the VA, as his father was wounded three times while serving in Vietnam. As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I had the opportunity to meet with him prior to his confirmation and ask important questions during his hearing before the committee. It is clear that he is well-qualified to lead the VA, especially at a time when the agency is attempting to improve its mission of serving our nation’s veterans.

With 360,000 employees, the VA is the second-largest federal agency. It is also, unfortunately, one of the most scandal-ridden and mismanaged agencies. We remember in 2014 when the VA admitted that veterans were waiting on average 115 days just to see a doctor. More recently, we’ve heard about the new VA hospital in Colorado that is more than $1 billion over budget because the contractor failed to account for the size of medical equipment during construction and the rooms were too small to fit everything. Not to mention the project was years behind schedule.

Mr. Wilkie has a tough job ahead of him as he seeks to clean up the VA and improve care for veterans. In the past, the agency has shown protectionism for bad employees instead of taking care of veterans. Under Wilkie’s leadership, we hope to see that change. He understands how critical it is that we provide healthcare and other services to veterans across the country, and he understands the challenges he is facing. I believe he is the right person at this time to lead the VA and make certain that care of veterans is priority number one for all VA employees.

When I had the opportunity to question Mr. Wilkie at his confirmation hearing, I shared with him my concerns regarding the recently-enacted VA MISSION Act, including the 40-mile rule change that could hurt rural veterans, the “gatekeeper” provision that requires a veteran to get approval from a VA employee to seek care outside of the VA, and a “VA BRAC,” which could jeopardize the future of the Hot Springs VA facility. I told him that I am ready to work hand-in-hand with the VA to address these issues as they implement the VA MISSION Act.

The men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation deserve to know that the VA will support them and make good on our country’s promises to them. The care of veterans is my number one priority. I believe that it is Mr. Wilkie’s main concern as well, and I look forward to working with him as he takes on the challenges of managing the VA.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-meets-with-supreme-court-nominee-judge-kavanaugh,Rounds Meets with Supreme Court Nominee Judge Kavanaugh,2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on his meeting with Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Trump’s nominee to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court:

“I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Judge Kavanaugh today. We had a wide-ranging discussion regarding privacy, states’ rights and regulatory overreach by the executive branch. Now more than ever, we need a strong justice who will uphold the Constitution as it was written. Judge Kavanaugh is a highly-qualified candidate who is committed to upholding the rule of law, rather than legislating from the bench. I look forward to supporting his nomination to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-resolution-declares-july-28-national-day-of-the-american-cowboy,Senate Resolution Declares July 28 “National Day of the American Cowboy”,2018-07-25,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is a cosponsor of a resolution passed by the Senate unanimously that declares July 28, 2018, the National Day of the American Cowboy. This is a tribute to the hard working men and women that helped settle the American West.

The resolution honors the culture, traditions and values of the American Cowboy way of life that are still alive today.

The resolution states that “the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism,” and that the cowboy archetype “transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-confirms-robert-wilkie-to-lead-va,Senate Confirms Robert Wilkie to Lead VA,2018-07-23,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today voted in favor of Robert Wilkie to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He was confirmed by the Senate 86-9.

“Mr. Wilkie is well-qualified to lead the VA at a time when the agency is attempting to return to its mission of serving our nation’s veterans. During his confirmation hearing, I shared with Mr. Wilkie my concerns regarding the VA MISSION Act and reiterated my interest in working directly with the VA to address them to make sure care for our veterans is priority number one. Mr. Wilkie is the right person at this time to lead the VA.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/economy-is-improving-but-trade-instability-must-be-addressed-,"Economy is Improving, but Trade Instability Must be Addressed",2018-07-20,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Across the country, Americans are experiencing the benefits that come from a healthy, growing economy. In just the month of June, 213,000 new jobs were created and more than 600,000 people re-entered the work force. Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, nearly 1.3 million jobs have been created. This growth is due in large part to policies enacted by the current Congress and the Trump Administration.

In addition to strong job numbers, retail sales have increased for the fifth consecutive month. Consumers feel confident in the economy once again and because they are paying less to the government in taxes, they are free to spend their hard-earned dollars how they see fit. Their spending provides a boost to businesses, who are then able to hire more workers to meet demand and pay their employees higher wages. This is a win-win-win for consumers, American businesses and employees.

Congress and the White House have also been able to work together on reforms to the Dodd-Frank Act, which has saddled our financial institutions with burdensome regulations and hindered their ability to serve their customers. Earlier this year, the president signed into law the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which included a number of provisions that I offered. This law provides relief to smaller, community banks and credit unions that had no part in the financial crisis but were subject to the same regulations after the fact that were put in place to keep big banks in check. When South Dakota’s banks and credit unions don’t have to spend so much on compliance costs, they can offer more services to customers and support businesses in their communities, which helps our economy flourish.

I serve on the Senate Banking Committee, which recently held a hearing to receive an economic update from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. He reported that Americans are optimistic about the state of our economy and about finding a good-paying job. I appreciated our discussion about the positive impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as the reduction of burdensome regulations, is having on our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate this year. Like Chairman Powell, I believe we have a very good opportunity for continued GDP growth. However, I shared with him my concern that trade instability—especially for the ag industry—will stifle our ability to reach our full economic potential. Without strong trading deals, I fear we may begin to lose some of the gains we’ve made in growing our economy.

It is up to the White House to finalize trade deals with our partners in Canada and Mexico, as well as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries, as soon as possible. Retaliatory tariffs from China on South Dakota products like corn, wheat and soybeans has cost producers in our state more than $810 million in value just since March 1. With the farm economy down more than 50 percent in South Dakota over the past five years, we need stability in our commodity prices and we need strong trade deals in place—right now.

We’ll continue working to improve the economy for all Americans, and that means pushing for fair, strong trade deals. We are pleased to see that businesses are flourishing and workers are making more money, but we can’t let trade instability become an obstacle on our way to record-high economic growth.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-chairman-of-the-senate-armed-services-cyber-subcommittee-signs-onto-secure-elections-act,"Rounds, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cyber Subcommittee, Signs Onto Secure Elections Act",2018-07-18,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, today signed onto the bipartisan Secure Elections Act. This legislation would strengthen America’s election cybersecurity and protect against the possibility of future foreign interference by streamlining cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies and providing security clearances to state election officials.

“Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Rounds. “Countless Americans have died fighting for our ability to choose our leaders safely, freely and with high confidence in our system. Our adversaries are attacking our election system. While each state should continue to independently take responsibility for its own election process, we can help improve security by taking necessary steps to help safeguard our system and protect our democracy. Our legislation accomplishes this by streamlining information-sharing between intelligence agencies and providing states with additional tools to upgrade election security.”

The Secure Elections Act was introduced earlier this year by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.). In addition to Rounds, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Kamala Harris (D-Cali.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-questions-fed-chair-on-economic-growth-during-banking-committee-hearing,Rounds Questions Fed Chair on Economic Growth During Banking Committee Hearing,2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today questioned Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, about the positive impact the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has had on our economy. The two agreed that the tax law, in addition to other policies, is having a positive effect on our economy. Rounds also expressed concern for the impact that trade instability is having on our ability to reach our full economic potential. Powell concurred, saying that businesses are clearly looking for stability.

Rounds: “I just want to be clear. That tax bill had a positive impact, even if it’s the anticipation of the tax bill, it had a positive impact on our GDP growth, correct?”

Powell: “This year, yes. Maybe last year too.”

Rounds: “With regard to trade…there is perhaps some instability or questions on the part of our businesses and business around the world. Are businesses looking for stability with regard to trade pacts, or opportunity in instability?”

Powell: “They’d clearly be looking for stability.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-selected-to-serve-on-nato-observer-group-,Rounds Selected to Serve on NATO Observer Group,2018-07-17,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that he will serve on the Senate North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Observer Group.

“The United States and our NATO partners continue to face new and emerging threats from our adversaries,” said Rounds. “By re-establishing the NATO Observer Group, the Senate will be able to obtain timely information on the important decisions being made and the threats we face. I look forward to being a part of this group as we work to further strengthen our strong bond with our NATO allies, promote peace and combat global security concerns.”

The Senate NATO Observer Group was first established in 1997 to serve as a connection between the Administration, NATO and the U.S. Senate. The Senate NATO Observer Group has been re-established since, in 2002, but was disbanded in 2007 due to a lack of NATO enlargement rounds. It was re-established by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) earlier this year with the support of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

The Senate NATO Observer Group has an expanded mission to closely monitor and inform senators outside of national security committees about defense spending commitments of Alliance members, the process of upgrading military capabilities, the Alliance’s counter-terrorism capability, NATO enlargement and the ability of NATO member states to address non-conventional warfare.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-trump-putin-meeting-,Rounds Statement on Trump-Putin Meeting,2018-07-16,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee, issued the following statement about President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, earlier today.

“Make no mistake: Russia is not our friend. Our poor relations are a direct result of their continued destabilizing behavior throughout the world. It is clear that Russia attempted to directly influence the 2016 election process. There is value in seeking to improve relations with Russia, but the U.S. must make clear that their irresponsible behavior on the world stage will not be tolerated.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/another-historic-opportunity-to-shape-the-direction-of-our-country,Another Historic Opportunity to Shape the Direction of our Country,2018-07-13,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"In June, Justice Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from the United States Supreme Court after 30 years. While we thank him for his years of service and dedication to our legal system, his announcement provides an important vacancy on our nation’s highest court. Confirming a president’s nominees to lifetime appointments to the federal bench is one of the most important jobs of the U.S. Senate. The decisions they make have lasting effects on the direction of our country for a generation or more.

On July 9, 2018, President Trump announced his intention to nominate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Kennedy. I had the opportunity to be at the White House for this historic announcement. Judge Kavanaugh currently sits on the D.C. Circuit Court, commonly referred to as the “second highest court in the land.” He graduated from Yale Law School and was a clerk for Justice Kennedy.

During his career, he has issued more than 300 opinions, so part of our job in the Senate will be to review them so we can learn more about his decision-making philosophy. The Supreme Court has endorsed Kavanaugh’s opinions more than a dozen times. In some cases, the Supreme Court upheld a D.C. Circuit Court opinion, which he joined, and in other cases, they used his dissenting opinions to overturn D.C. Circuit Court opinion.

Already, President Trump has done an excellent job of nominating fair-minded, conservative judges to the federal courts. In addition to Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court last year, today approximately one out of every eight circuit court judges on the bench has been nominated by President Trump.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently announced that the Senate plans to schedule a vote on Judge Kavanaugh’s confirmation this fall. This timeframe is similar to the confirmation process of previous Supreme Court Justices who have been confirmed in recent years.

As a coequal branch of government, it is vital that our federal judges apply the law as it is written, regardless of the policy outcome. Some of our Democrat colleagues have demanded that nominees reveal how they would vote in a particular case based on the policy outcome. We believe this is inappropriate. Judges – particularly Supreme Court Justices who have the final say in the law – must be able and willing to put their personal beliefs aside and apply the law as it was written, not as he or she would like it to be.

The Constitution clearly laid out that the role of the Supreme Court is to fairly interpret the law that Congress creates. Period. The judiciary must not be politicized. Confirming fair, impartial judges who will adhere to the Constitution is one of our greatest responsibilities in the Senate, and one which I take very seriously. I look forward to a thorough and rigorous confirmation process as we consider the nomination of Judge Kavanaugh.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-urges-president-to-prioritize-us-agriculture-during-trade-negotiations-,Delegation Urges President to Prioritize U.S. Agriculture During Trade Negotiations,2018-07-11,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today strongly urged President Trump to make U.S. agriculture exports a priority with our trading partners around the world. Recent market uncertainty has already cost South Dakota producers hundreds of millions of dollars, and the delegation hopes this letter serves as a reminder to the president that this industry cannot afford to be further entangled in global trade disputes.

“We appreciate and support your administration’s efforts to address a broad spectrum of trade inequities,” Thune, Rounds, and Noem wrote. “We do not support, however, making agriculture exports, which have been the exception to such trade inequities, bear the brunt of retaliatory actions in response to current U.S. trade policies … As you continue to pursue trade negotiations to address unfair trade practices and other trade barriers, we strongly urge you to make U.S. agricultural exports a priority of those negotiations and to negotiate with our trading partners to protect agriculture products from all existing and future tariffs.”

Full text of the letter is below:

The Honorable Donald J. Trump

President of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Trump:

Over the past several months, we have expressed serious concern that the steep drop in commodity and livestock prices linked to current U.S. trade policies and recently effectuated sanctions could push an alarming number of our state’s farms, ranches, and rural areas to the brink of economic collapse.

According to a recent CoBank news release, “uncertainty around trade presents escalating concern to U.S. agriculture. Seventy percent of U.S. agriculture exports are to destinations that are in current negotiation or trade disputes, according to the most recent Rural Economic Review from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange Division.” Further, a July 2, 2018, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) report provides, “Lower commodity prices in the near future could likely further reduce farm receipts, making it more difficult for some farmers to meet their loan obligations and pay for production expenses.”

Against this backdrop, the 2018 winter wheat harvest has begun in South Dakota, with other crop harvests to continue over the next four to five months. Harvest typically marks the beginning of a very critical period of economic uncertainty for farmers and ranchers in a normal year, as operating loans and production and harvest expenses are coming due before year’s end. Unfortunately, this uncertainty is now unnecessarily exacerbated by U.S. trade policies.

Agriculture is South Dakota’s number one industry and the cornerstone of its economy. South Dakota ranks in the top ten states in producing cattle, hogs, corn, wheat, and soybeans with more than 11 million acres of these three crops planted in 2018. Because of our state’s dependency on agriculture exports, our producers can no longer continue to “wait and see” what happens with U.S. trade in the global arena. Trade uncertainty over just the past few months has cost South Dakota farmers and ranchers hundreds of millions of dollars they could not afford to lose.

We appreciate and support your administration’s efforts to address a broad spectrum of trade inequities. We do not support, however, making agriculture exports, which have been the exception to such trade inequities, bear the brunt of retaliatory actions in response to current U.S. trade policies.

Although you have stated that the agriculture sector will be taken care of through some form of USDA assistance, please keep in mind that U.S. export market share is diminishing daily at an alarming rate, and history has proven that once lost, export markets can take years, even decades to recapture. Given the already difficult market conditions for farmers and ranchers over the past several years, long-term damage to agricultural export opportunities is the last thing the industry needs.

As you continue to pursue trade negotiations to address unfair trade practices and other trade barriers, we strongly urge you to make U.S. agricultural exports a priority of those negotiations and to negotiate with our trading partners to protect agriculture products from all existing and future tariffs.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-joins-group-of-senators-in-introducing-resolution-to-support-ice,Rounds Joins Group of Senators in Introducing Resolution to Support ICE,2018-07-11,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON– U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today joined a group of senators in introducing a resolution denouncing the radical calls for the dissolution of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents play a vital role in the defense of our country,” said Rounds. “Not only do they work to safeguard our borders, they keep our communities safe and help rescue vulnerable children and human trafficking victims. Without the brave men and women of ICE, our borders would be essentially wide open for terrorists and other criminals who are intent on doing harm to Americans. Last year alone, ICE agents made approximately 5,000 gang arrests, seized nearly a million pounds of narcotics and rescued over 1,000 human trafficking victims and children subject to exploitation. I support our law enforcement officers at ICE who put themselves in danger every day to defend our borders and keep our communities safe.”

The resolution, led by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), was also cosponsored by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), David Perdue (R-Ga.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Roy Blunt (R- Mo.), Tom Tillis (R-N.C.) Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.).

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-committee-confirmation-of-robert-wilkie-to-be-va-secretary,Rounds Statement on Committee Confirmation of Robert Wilkie to be VA Secretary,2018-07-10,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, today voted in committee to advance the confirmation of Robert Wilkie to be Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The full Senate will now have the opportunity to vote on his confirmation.

“After meeting with Mr. Wilkie in my office recently, as well as questioning him during his confirmation hearing in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I voted to advance his confirmation to the Senate floor today,” said Rounds. “Mr. Wilkie is well-qualified to lead the VA at a time when the agency is attempting to return to its mission of serving our nation’s veterans. During his confirmation hearing, I shared with Mr. Wilkie my concerns regarding the VA MISSION Act and reiterated my interest in working directly with the VA to address them to make sure care for our veterans is priority number one. Mr. Wilkie is the right person at this time to lead the VA.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-on-nomination-of-brett-kavanaugh-to-supreme-court,Rounds on Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to Supreme Court,2018-07-09,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) tonight issued the following statement on President Trump’s nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to replace Justice Anthony Kennedy as an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court:

“The president has announced his nominee, and now the Senate has a constitutional role of advice and consent. I take this responsibility very seriously. Confirming conservative, fair-minded judges who will adhere to the Constitution is one of the most important responsibilities of the United States Senate. I look forward to a thorough and rigorous confirmation process.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/army-corps-sees-firsthand-our-concerns-about-missouri-river-management,Army Corps Sees Firsthand our Concerns about Missouri River Management,2018-07-06,2018,2018-07,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"With summer in full swing, many South Dakotans have been taking advantage of the warm weather with some R&R along the Missouri. Jean and I have enjoyed spending time on the river with the kids and grandkids. However, I continue to be concerned about the Army Corps of Engineers’ management of the river. With recent near-record rainfall in parts of the state and reports of significant flooding along the Missouri River System both north and south of us, many of us throughout the state continue to be concerned about the potential for flooding again this year.

As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Subcommittee on Oversight, which has jurisdiction over the Corps, I have remained engaged with Corps officials on the management practices. Oftentimes, I’ve called into question whether the Corps is actually putting flood control ahead of everything else when making decisions. It is important that the Corps fully understands that when they mismanage output, they can seriously impact the lives of individuals who live and work along the river.

The dams throughout the Missouri River System generate a significant amount of energy for tens of thousands of citizens across the Midwest. Compared to solar and wind power, hydroelectric power is a more reliable source of energy. As these renewable sources become a larger part of our energy portfolio, the power generated from the dams has become more heavily relied on to meet our energy needs. This additional strain has led to more wear-and-tear on our dam system, requiring more maintenance, as well as dramatic fluctuations in flow levels. The occurrence of daily fluctuations raises the risk of property damage along the river due to flooding and could also impact the fish and spawn that recreational fisherman along the river depend on for a successful fishing season.

Just before the 4th of July holiday, I had the opportunity to host Colonel John L. Hudson, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, in Pierre to discuss our concerns firsthand. During our meeting, I relayed to him our concerns that the Corps did not adequately prioritize flood control earlier in the season. This has led to high water levels across the state, from Mobridge to Dakota Dunes to the Lower Brule Reservation, where they await Congress to complete its work on legislation that will authorize a project to help them stabilize the shoreline along the river, which will help decrease the threat of flooding.

While the Corps is now operating in exclusively flood control mode this year, we question whether flood control management should have taken greater priority earlier in the season. If they would have begun letting out more water earlier, we may not have the same concerns about flooding as we do currently.

South Dakotans know the important role the Missouri River plays in our lives. We use it for fishing, irrigation, recreation and more. Failing to properly manage the river by the Army Corps of Engineers puts our livelihood in jeopardy. As Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Oversight, I will continue to keep a close watch on the action the agency is taking to make certain flood control is number one, and that we continue to be able to fully utilize the river, both now and in the future.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T23:02:18Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-thune-and-noem-express-support-for-new-east-river-veteran-cemetery,"Rounds, Thune and Noem Express Support for New East River Veteran Cemetery",2018-06-28,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today, in a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs Randy C. Reeves, expressed their support for the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs’ application to establish a new veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls.

“We write in support of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs’ (SDDVA) application for the establishment of a new veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, through the Veterans Cemetery Grant Program,” the delegation wrote. “We respectfully ask that the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) give strong consideration to the SDDVA’s application when determining NCA’s priority list for fiscal year 2019. As the Congressional delegation for the state, we echo the hopes of regional veterans and their loved ones to one day establish a solemn testament to the service and sacrifice of South Dakota’s veterans.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/celebrating-our-independence,Celebrating our Independence,2018-06-28,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Every year on the 4th of July, Americans join together to celebrate our independence. At that time in 1776, delegates from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, breaking free from British rule and forming a new republic.

In South Dakota, every town has their own celebration to mark this historic day. In Fort Pierre, where Jean and I live, there is a parade in the morning and a rodeo at night, followed by a spectacular fireworks show over the Missouri River. Across the state, South Dakotans will be enjoying the day with family and friends. Our family’s tradition is to camp and boat at Okobojo Point on Lake Oahe over the 4th of July holiday. This year, we get to introduce our fun tradition to our two new grandsons, Maverick and Cohen!

While the 4th of July is a time of joy and celebration, it also provides a good opportunity to honor the countless men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our independence over the past 242 years. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our liberties. We are forever grateful to those who wear the uniform of the United States of America, as well as to their families.

The security of our nation is necessary to protect the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. A strong national defense is one of the most fundamental roles of government. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, one of my top priorities is to make sure our military has the best, most up-to-date equipment available so they can successfully defend against attacks from our enemies. And as a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am working to improve the quality of life for all who have served. I have been working to ease the transition for veterans as they leave active-duty service. This includes making changes at the VA to prioritize mental health care for veterans battling PTSD, as well as making sure they know all the benefits available to them in terms of education and career opportunities. Our veterans are some of the brightest, most talented individuals and our workforce will benefit greatly from the skills and knowledge they bring to the workplace.

As we light off fireworks, spend time with family and friends and enjoy all that our great country has to offer, I encourage South Dakotans to thank the veterans and military members in their lives. We would not be able to celebrate our independence if not for the sacrifices they have made. Jean and I, along with our entire family, wish all South Dakotans a safe, happy Independence Day!

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-on-meeting-with-cfpb-director-nominee-kathy-kraninger,Rounds on Meeting with CFPB Director Nominee Kathy Kraninger,2018-06-27,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today issued the following statement following his meeting with Kathy Kraninger, nominee to be director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

“A product of Dodd-Frank, the CFPB was set up by the previous administration to be an unaccountable regulatory agency with no oversight from Congress,” said Rounds. “Under Acting Director Mick Mulvaney, the agency has charted a new course by rolling back harmful rules and bringing much-needed accountability and transparency to the agency. I believe Ms. Kraninger is an excellent choice to continue shaping this new path for the CFPB. If confirmed, I look forward to working with her in the future.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/delegation-encourages-president-to-quickly-approve-south-dakota-disaster-declaration,Delegation Encourages President to Quickly Approve South Dakota Disaster Declaration,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today, in a letter to President Trump, expressed their strong support for South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s request for a major disaster declaration that would cover Campbell, McPherson, and Walworth counties in South Dakota. If approved, the federal disaster assistance would help communities recover from severe thunderstorms and flash flooding that occurred between May 17 and May 18, which caused significant damage.

“We applaud the work of federal, state, county, and local entities in response to the storm system, as their efforts helped to mitigate the immediate impacts of the storm,” the delegation wrote. “However, the impact to public infrastructure across the three counties is severe. As Governor Daugaard indicated in his request, the storm was of ‘such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and the affected local governments, and supplemental federal assistance is necessary.’ This determination was reached on the basis of preliminary damage assessment completed by the state in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-epas-rvo-proposal-for-2019,Rounds Statement on EPA’s RVO Proposal for 2019,2018-06-26,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), today made the following statement on the EPA’s Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) proposed rule for 2019:

“While I am pleased the EPA has proposed an increase in the RVO for 2019, until the agency answers how it intends to assure the 15 billion gallons in grain ethanol is met in light of reports of ‘hardship’ waivers being granted to small refineries, this is not something we can rely on. The ‘hardship’ waivers reportedly being granted exempt certain refineries from Renewable Fuel Standard compliance. These waivers have the potential to reduce domestic ethanol demand by billions of gallons, hurting South Dakota farmers and our state’s largest industry.

“I wrote to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt earlier this year seeking more information on these reports, including how the EPA intends to make certain that despite these waivers, the demand for corn ethanol remains at 15 billion gallons annually. Making certain the EPA follows through on their obligation to corn and corn ethanol production remains a top priority.”

The EPA’s 2019 RVO proposal would increase the total RVO by 3.1 percent over last year’s final rule, or 19.88 billion gallons. Conventional grain ethanol would remain the same, at 15 billion gallons.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-senate-passage-of-three-appropriation-bills,Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Three Appropriation Bills,2018-06-25,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today made the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the Energy and Water, Legislative Branch and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriation bills:

“Today, the Senate made a step in the right direction toward getting back to ‘regular order,’ where we debate appropriation bills individually,” said Rounds. “Responsible spending starts with a responsible appropriations process where Congress engages in thoughtful debate about how and where tax dollars are spent, rather than passing a two-thousand page long omnibus spending bill at the last minute.”

“Since coming to the Senate, I've expressed my frustration with our broken appropriations system, which hasn't worked in 40 of the last 44 years that the current budget process has been in place. I’ll continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to push for open debate on each of the appropriation bills passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.”

The legislation passed by the Senate today includes funding for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Lab in Lead. It also prioritizes funding for the snowpack monitoring system in the Upper Missouri River Basin for the Army Corps of Engineers so they can work to prevent flooding downstream in communities along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Additionally, the package appropriates $15 million for a new National Guard Readiness Center in Rapid City.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/weekly-column/taking-steps-to-address-our-broken-appropriations-process,Taking Steps to Address our Broken Appropriations Process,2018-06-22,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"Since coming to the Senate three-and-a-half years ago, fixing our broken appropriations system has been at the top of my priority list. South Dakotans have heard me talk about the fiscal problems our country is facing many times over the years. As I’ve said, one way to address our growing problem is to vote on appropriation bills each year instead of pushing through a two thousand page omnibus bill at the last minute.

Getting back to ‘regular order,’ where we debate appropriation bills individually, is a good way for Congress to keep its spending in check. For only the second time since I’ve been in the Senate, we recently brought a package of three appropriation bills to the floor for an open debate, well before our deadline. This is a small but important step toward getting back to regular order, so we can be more accountable to American taxpayers.

The appropriation package includes a number of provisions important to South Dakota. It provides funding for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment at the Sanford Underground Research Lab in Lead. It also prioritizes funding for the snowpack monitoring system in the Upper Missouri River Basin for the Army Corps of Engineers so they can work to prevent flooding downstream in communities along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Additionally, the package appropriates $15 million for a new National Guard Readiness Center in Rapid City.

Responsible spending starts with a responsible appropriations process. We owe it to every American to be responsible stewards of their hard-earned dollars. I believe this is best achieved through a regular appropriations process that brings about serious, thoughtful debate on how and where that money is spent.

Staying committed to a regular appropriations process allows the American people – through their elected representatives – to have a true, meaningful voice in how their tax dollars are spent. It also prevents us from having to rely on a series of continuing resolutions, which have a significant, harmful impact on our military readiness. Military leaders have repeatedly warned of the dangers that these short-term, stopgap spending bills have on their ability to adequately train, equip and maintain the force. In particular, under continuing resolutions, the Defense Department is restricted from starting new programs, which is deeply concerning in today’s rapidly-changing threat environment.

Since coming to the Senate, I've expressed my frustration with our broken appropriations system, which hasn't worked in 40 of the last 44 years that the current budget process has been in place. I’ll continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to push for open debate on each of the appropriation bills passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

We must also address the rapid, unchecked growth of mandatory payments. Mandatory payments such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, as well as interest on our debt, accounts for around 70 percent of all federal spending and is not debated or voted on by Congress. I’ll continue pushing for Congress to vote on the entire budget, not just the defense and non-defense discretionary sections, in order to help make mandatory payment programs viable long-term.

While our appropriations process is still in need of significant reforms to truly get a handle on our budget crisis and begin to tackle our $21 trillion dollar debt, taking accountability and actually managing the 31.5 percent of the budget we can vote on is a significant step toward becoming more accountable to American taxpayers.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-supreme-courts-decision-on-south-dakota-v-wayfair-,Rounds Statement on Supreme Court’s Decision on South Dakota v. Wayfair,2018-06-21,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling on South Dakota v. Wayfair. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Dakota, paving the way for states to collect sales taxes from most online retailers.

“Today’s ruling is a victory for brick-and-mortar stores across South Dakota, who now have an opportunity to be on a level playing field with online businesses,” said Rounds. “With online sales growing at four times the rate of retail sales in recent years, the state and local governments in South Dakota are losing between $48 and $58 million annually. By opening the door for states to collect online sales taxes, local governments will be able to receive additional resources to help pay for the education of our kids, maintain safety nets for individuals who can’t care for themselves and reinvest in our communities.

“We congratulate South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley for his successful presentation before the United States Supreme Court.”

Rounds has been a longtime advocate for granting states the right to require that out-of-state businesses collect state sales taxes on purchases sold in South Dakota. He is an original cosponsor of the Marketplace Fairness Act of 2017.

Background: South Dakota v. Wayfair

Today, The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of South Dakota, overturning a 1992 decision (Quill v. North Dakota) and paving the way for states to collect sales tax on goods sold within their borders from out-of-state online vendors.

Quill v. North Dakota said that states could not collect sales taxes from retailers who do not have a physical presence in that state.

Individuals who made purchases in the state, through out-of-state retailers, were still separately responsible to pay a use tax, but it would not be collected at the point of sale.

The tax is often not paid, creating a tax loophole that treats out-of-state retailers different than local brick-and-mortar businesses, creating a price disadvantage.

Some have argued that the complicated tax structures of state and local governments make it difficult for online vendors to comply, however there are web-based programs available to make this a smooth and simple transaction when paying for the online goods.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-time-is-of-the-essence-to-finalize-trade-deals,Rounds: “Time is of the Essence” to Finalize Trade Deals,2018-06-20,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) yesterday joined Bloomberg TV to discuss the need for the administration to finalize trade deals as soon as possible.

“The president doesn’t think we’re getting good, fair trade deals and there are a lot of people in the United States who feel the same way,” said Rounds during the interview. “We’ll allow the administration time in which to put together their plan and their negotiations. But time is going to start running short - particularly in ag areas where we’re looking at this year’s production maturing. We’re looking at corn crops coming in, soybeans coming in. If we don’t have stability in this market in the near future, it’s going to start impacting our economy…We have to come to an agreement on how we move forward. Time is of the essence for many of us. We want to see our economy continue to grow.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-colleagues-urge-senate-to-pass-the-spending-cuts-to-expired-and-unnecessary-programs,"Rounds, Colleagues Urge Senate to Pass the Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs",2018-06-19,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today joined Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) in a press conference to urge their Senate colleagues to pass President Trump’s rescissions package, which seeks to cut approximately $15 billion in unused, unspent funds, or funds that cannot be used for the original purpose Congress intended.

“While this legislation won’t fix our entire spending problem or dig us out of our $21 trillion debt, it does send a strong message that we are serious about getting our fiscal house in order and eliminating unnecessary spending by the federal government,” said Rounds. “Ultimately, our entire budget process needs to be reformed to truly get a handle on our budget crisis, but cutting $15 billion in unspent, unneeded spending is a commonsense step toward increasing our accountability to American taxpayers. I urge my colleagues to support this rescissions package, which has already passed the House and is supported by the president.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-statement-on-family-separation-at-border,Rounds Statement on Family Separation at Border,2018-06-19,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the separation of families at the border:

“Nobody wants to see families separated. Attempting to illegally enter the country is a crime that jeopardizes our national security. But we believe we can protect our borders while also showing compassion for the children who are in this situation through no fault of their own. The best course of action to stop family separation at the border is for Congress to act. There are already a number of commonsense solutions being considered that can both protect our borders and keep families intact, including the Cruz proposal which I have agreed to cosponsor.”

Rounds agreed to cosponsor the Protect Kids and Parents Act, a proposal by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), which will:

Double the number of federal immigration judges, from roughly 375 to 750.

Authorize new temporary shelters, with accommodations to keep families together.

Mandate that illegal immigrant families must be kept together, absent aggravated criminal conduct or threat of harm to the children.

Provide for expedited processing and review of asylum cases, so that—within 14 days—those who meet the legal standards will be granted asylum, and those who do not will be immediately returned to their home countries.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/vital-national-security-legislation-passes-senate-with-rounds-support,Vital National Security Legislation Passes Senate with Rounds’ Support,2018-06-18,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, last week delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2019. The NDAA passed the Senate tonight by a vote of 85-10. It now heads to a conference committee, where differences will be worked out with the House-passed NDAA.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am pleased we as a committee have once again come together, in a bipartisan fashion, to advance the National Defense Authorization Act, a vital piece of legislation for our national security,” said Rounds. “I’m pleased we were able to put together legislation… that builds on last year’s efforts to provide adequate tools so our forces can fully rebuild our military and adequately address the challenges they face.”

Video of Rounds' remarks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWndY9oFMh0&feature=youtu.be

Remarks as Prepared for Delivery:

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am pleased we as a committee have once again come together, in a bipartisan fashion, to advance the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, a vital piece of legislation for our national security.

I thank the chairmen and ranking members in both the House and Senate, for their leadership, Senator Inhofe, and the members on both sides of the aisle who have continued to work together on this important defense bill.

Congress, as an institution, continues to come together each year to show our troops and their families that they have our full support.

The federal government’s number one responsibility is to provide for the defense of our nation.

This year’s NDAA, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, honors our Chairman who has dedicated his life to serving our country.

Few people are more passionate about our troops and our military readiness than Chairman McCain and the courage he has exhibited during his years of service - and in his current battle – has inspired us all.

I’m pleased we were able to put together legislation – bearing his name – that builds on last year’s efforts to provide adequate tools so our forces can fully rebuild our military and adequately address the challenges they face.

But the most important capability we have is our people – the men and women in uniform who defend our nation - and the families who give them the strength to do so.

That is why I am pleased this year’s NDAA includes a 2.6 percent pay raise for our troops.

We are also fortunate that the leader of our armed forces, Defense Secretary James Mattis, has provided us with a national defense strategy that clearly articulates the current and emerging threats we are facing.

This strategy focuses on the central challenge facing our nation: the reemergence of long-term strategic competition with our near-peer competitors, such as Russia and China.

It is our duty to provide Secretary Mattis and all of our troops with the tools they need to execute this strategy.

The world is more dangerous than any time since the Cold War-era:

China and Russia are both strategic competitors,

great uncertainty remains on the Korean peninsula,

Iran continues to threaten Middle Eastern stability, and

our forces remain engaged in combat in Afghanistan and conducting counter-terrorism in multiple areas of operation.

Our superiority in the maritime, air, ground, space and cyber domains – once taken for granted – are constantly challenged by our strategic and regional competitors.

Even more concerning, the threat of sequestration and repeated Continuing Resolutions have prevented our troops from being fully equipped to prepare and defend against these threats.

As a result, modernization, readiness and sustainment have all suffered.

It is our duty to provide funding stability and avoid arbitrary budget caps that constrain defense spending below that which is required to protect our nation.

Failure to provide adequate, stable funding disrupts planning, impacts responsible obligation of critical funding resources, degrades readiness and inhibits modernization.

And there have been unimaginable real-world consequences.

The high-operational demand with an insufficient fleet, over-burdened maintenance infrastructure, and an erosion of training all were factors in a string of recent Navy surface fleet incidents.

The Marine Corps and Air Force have had their own serious readiness issues with the F-18 and B-1 fleets, which experienced multiple “Class A” accidents – some of which caused the loss of life.

And, the shortage of pilot- in every service - is a strategic readiness concern that must be addressed.

Our sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines deserve the very best in training and equipment.

This year’s NDAA does that by providing a total of $716 billion dollars in fiscal year 2019 for national defense.

Voting for this vital legislation is not an act of budget-busting.

In fact, in 2010, we spent $714 billion dollars, just $2 billion dollars less than this year on national defense.

But a dollar went a lot further back then.

Adjusted for inflation, this bill actually authorizes more than $110 billion dollars less than in 2010.

We are slowly digging ourselves out of a hole that has hollowed our armed forces.

The real budget-busting is being done with mandatory spending.

Since the Cold War, the stakes for failing to take decisive action have never been higher.

This legislation will enable our armed forces to continue taking necessary steps to rebuild and restore our national security.

For example, in the Navy, this year’s NDAA builds on last year’s bill to improve ship and aviation readiness and the infrastructure necessary to support the fleet – which directly addresses a significant problem the Armed Services Committee has examined in multiple hearings this year.

Significantly, it improves the Navy's capacity to execute maintenance in Naval Shipyards by continuing to grow the workforce while investing in shipyard infrastructure, including facilities, equipment and information technology.

This increase in workforce will help the Navy to meet scheduled ship maintenance, support additional ships, and reduce the backlog that has accumulated from over a decade of increased operational tempo.

Similar plans to restore readiness will be executed across the force, so long as we honor our commitment to invest in a complete lifecycle acquisition system.

As chairman of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am pleased that the NDAA includes important provisions that take steps to address the serious cyber threat our nation faces.

This includes:

providing the Secretary of Defense with the authority to conduct military operations in cyberspace,

developing a program to establish cyber institutes at educational institutions, and

investing in cyber programs in the defense industrial base.

These are important steps we can take to defend the nation in the cyber domain.

I am also glad that the bill we are considering today includes strategic measures I offered to improve officer personnel management and increase the capabilities of our training ranges throughout the DOD, to better support the objectives outlined in the National Defense Strategy.

Today, a number of our personnel and training systems are outdated and fail to provide our forces with the tools they need on the modern battlefield.

This bill changes that.

While we champion this year’s bill, we must also extend our view beyond fiscal year 2019.

We must be prepared for the future while reacting to the present, especially as it relates to funding.

For the past three years, I have served as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, bearing witness to potential challenges that could threaten our national security if we do not address arbitrary budget caps placed on our defense.

These arbitrary budget caps have forced the kind of false choices that are potentially so devastating for our armed forces.

We must also avoid the false choice of paying for readiness while assuming risk for modernization or vice-versa.

We cannot let the pursuit of the perfect modernization solution prevent us from implementing mature technologies – to address short-term capability gaps – now.

The bill we are considering today avoids these choices.

In closing, I thank Chairman McCain, Ranking Member Reed, Senator Inhofe and my other Armed Services Committee colleagues and everyone on staff for their work on this year’s NDAA.

I look forward to getting this bill to the president’s desk in a timely manner as we continue our strong tradition of coming together, in a bipartisan basis, to support our troops and their families so that they can continue to keep us safe.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z
https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/rounds-jones-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-reform-living-will-submission-process-for-financial-institutions,"Rounds, Jones Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reform Living Will Submission Process for Financial Institutions",2018-06-15,2018,2018-06,Republican,Senate,SD,Mike Rounds,R000605,www.rounds.senate.gov,rounds,https://www.rounds.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.), members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, today introduced bipartisan legislation to reform the living will submission process. As a result of regulations promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Act, large bank holding companies are required to prepare and submit ‘living wills’ to federal banking regulators that describe their resolution strategy in case of a crisis. The process prescribed by Dodd-Frank for submitting and evaluating living wills, however, has been so slow and complex that it has failed to make our banking system safer and detect true cases of systemic risk.

“Making certain that financial institutions are prepared for times of crisis is vital to protecting customers, taxpayers and the American economy,” said Rounds. “However, the process to review living wills has been burdensome, inconsistent, and it is conducted behind closed doors. Without accountability and transparency in the ‘living will’ review process, we fail to achieve the goal of making our banking system safer. Our commonsense legislation follows guidance from Treasury and companion legislation unanimously approved by every Member of the House of Representatives to streamline the living will approval process without jeopardizing important protections.”

“This bipartisan legislation makes common-sense updates to Dodd-Frank that will ultimately help make our banking system safer,” said Jones. “By allowing clear timelines for submission and feedback on living wills, this bill will help ensure that in the event of financial shock to our economy, banks have an approved plan for how they can be wound down – without requiring a taxpayer bailout. Having received unanimous support in the House of Representatives, I am hopeful the Senate will advance this legislation in the coming months.”

This bill would require financial institutions to submit living wills on a two-year cycle, require federal banking regulators to provide feedback on living will submissions within six months and allow regulators to request additional information related to living wills on an as-needed basis. It also requires regulators to make public the process they use to review living wills.

Companion legislation introduced by Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) passed the House of Representatives 414-0 in January.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-06-27T22:59:28Z