Press Releases
Delegation Introduces Legislation to Allow Tribal Grant Schools to Devote Additional Resources to Improving Education
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today introduced Senate and House companion bills that would allow tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) programs. This change would free up resources to improve recruiting and retention efforts for professional educators in tribal communities by allowing schools to spend less on health insurance… Continue Reading
01.28.19
Rounds to Chair Senate EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight in 116th Congress
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today announced that he will serve as chairman of the Senate EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight in the 116th Congress. He previously chaired this committee in the 114th and 115th Congresses. "It's an honor to continue working as chairman of this important subcommittee," said Rounds. "The Senate EPW Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory… Continue Reading
01.28.19
Rounds Cosponsors Thune Bill to Fully Repeal Death Tax
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced he cosponsored the Death Tax Repeal Act, reintroduced by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). Rounds cosponsored this legislation during the 114th and 115th Congresses. "When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law, it included measures to temporarily double the exemption rate of the death tax," said Rounds. "However, permanent repeal is necessary to make certain that family farms and ranches will be able to be passed down for generations … Continue Reading
01.25.19
Rounds Supports Deal to end 35-Day Government Shutdown
PIERRE-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement regarding the agreement to reopen government through February, 15, 2019: "I've said all along that nobody wins in a shutdown. I'm glad a deal has been reached on a three-week Continuing Resolution so hardworking federal employees can get paid and important federal services can resume. Congress and the president must now work diligently on a long-term appropriations package and strengthening border security. "The sensele… Continue Reading
01.24.19
Rounds Votes to End Shutdown
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after he voted in favor of a proposal that would end the partial government shutdown and strengthen border security: "Nobody wins in a government shutdown. South Dakota families are suffering and the economy is hurting. I voted today in support of a proposal that would end the shutdown, enhance border security and address the growing humanitarian crisis at the border. This compromise proposal was supported by the Whi… Continue Reading
01.17.19
Rounds to Chair Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee in 116th Congress
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today announced that he will serve as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity in the 116th Congress. He also chaired the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity during the 115th Congress. This subcommittee was first established by the late SASC Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2017, and continues to be supported by current SASC Chairman Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) "It is a privilege to have … Continue Reading
01.17.19
Rounds Accepting Summer 2019 Internship Applications
WASHINGTON- U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he is currently accepting internship applications for summer 2019. The deadline to apply for internships in his Washington, D.C., Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls offices is Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. 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… Continue Reading
01.16.19
Rounds to Wheeler: Finalizing Year-Round Sales of E-15 Before Summer Driving Season Crucial to South Dakota Corn Producers
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), today questioned Andrew Wheeler, the president's nominee to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), during Wheeler's confirmation hearing. "I appreciated the opportunity to reiterate the urgent need for year-round sales of E-15 to Mr. Wheeler during his confirmation hearing. Allowing for year-round sales of E-15 would be a huge win for corn and corn ethano… Continue Reading
01.11.19
Delegation Reintroduces Bill to Transfer Federal Land to Custer County, South Dakota
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today reintroduced Senate and House companion versions of the Custer County Airport Conveyance Act, legislation that would transfer approximately 66 acres of Black Hills National Forest System land to Custer County, South Dakota. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has agreed to sell this land to the Custer County Airport, giving it full ownership of all acres the airport occupies. A portion of t… Continue Reading
01.10.19
Rounds Meets with Andrew Wheeler, President’s Nominee to be EPA Administrator
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), met with Andrew Wheeler, President Trump's nominee to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPW Committee is responsible for oversight of the EPA. "I appreciated the opportunity to sit down with Acting Administrator Wheeler to talk about a number of EPA issues impacting South Dakotans," said Rounds. "We had a productive discussion about year-round sa… Continue Reading
01.09.19
Rounds, Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Fully Fund Border Wall
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) joined Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) to reintroduce the WALL Act, legislation that would fully fund the border wall along the southern border. Their legislation, first introduced last Congress, 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 bo… Continue Reading
01.08.19
Rounds Encourages South Dakotans to Send Feedback on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement
WASHINGTON-U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today shared the full text of the preliminary U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement on his website. Last year, the Trump administration negotiated the USMCA, which, if approved by Congress, will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Congress will now review the proposal and is expected to vote on it later this year. Rounds encourages South Dakotans interested in this measure to visit his website, review the agreement and share the… Continue Reading
01.03.19
Rounds Secures Key Committee Assignments for 116th Congress
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he will maintain his membership on four key committee assignments in the 116th Congress: Senate Armed Services Veterans' Affairs Environment and Public Works (EPW) Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Rounds Statement: "I look forward to working on these committees, each of which focuses on issues that are important to South Dakotans. We have many accomplishments to be proud of so far, and I look forward to building on tho… Continue Reading
12.19.18
Rounds: Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Fails to Address Basic Public Safety Concerns
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 crimi… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Spearfish High School Student Offered Appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy
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 o… Continue Reading
12.15.18
Bronze Star Medal Posthumously Awarded to Yankton World War II Veteran
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 p… Continue Reading
12.11.18
Rounds Statement on Senate Passage of Five-Year Farm Bill
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… Continue Reading
12.11.18
Rounds Statement on Confirmation of Jon Kobes to be Circuit Court Judge
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… Continue Reading
12.11.18
Rounds: Revised WOTUS Rule a Win for Landowners, Ag Community & States’ Rights
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 a… Continue Reading
12.10.18
Rounds Announces Nominations to U.S. Service Academies for 2019-2020 School Year
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… Continue Reading
