Senator Mike Rounds

Pleased to be in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump as he signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law. I worked with President Trump on this bill that delivers real results for South Dakota and our servicemembers, including a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and the authorization of funding for construction projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base as we prepare for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. We will keep working for South Dakota and for the men and women who defend America every day. 🇺🇸

Saddened by the sudden loss of my friend Lindsey Graham. He was a public servant who cared deeply for South Carolina and the people he served. Lindsey was also a foreign policy hawk and a friend to our allies around the world. He had a significant role in navigating some of the most serious conflicts of our time. He shepherded several conservative justices through the Judiciary committee as chairman. More recently, his work as Budget chairman paved the way for our reconciliation packages over the past couple of years. Lindsey’s work in the Senate was influential and will be felt by Americans for decades to come. While he was a statesman, I’ll remember Lindsey as a friend. Personally, he was funny, thoughtful and headstrong. Throughout it all, he never lost his wit. I’ll always remember that about him. America lost a good public servant, and I lost a good friend. I’ll continue to pray for Lindsey’s family and all who knew and loved him as we grieve this loss.

These are just four of numerous provisions in this legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passed the Senate and the House with broad bipartisan support. This is good legislation that will have a real, positive effect on families in South Dakota and across the nation. A good example of what we can accomplish when we work together.

Last, the Keeping Deposits Local Act would update rules regarding reciprocal deposits, which provide a stable and low-cost source of funds for lending and investment in South Dakota. This legislation establishes new thresholds for the treatment of reciprocal deposits at safe and sound banks, giving local financial institutions more flexibility to serve their customers.

Today the 21st Century ROAD to Housing becomes law, marking the most comprehensive housing legislation in decades. This legislation has provisions that take real strides toward cutting red tape and modernizing existing programs, making the American dream of homeownership a reality for more families. I authored four provisions in this legislation that are now law:

250 years ago today, our Founding Fathers began our nation with the blessings of the Almighty. The United States of America continues to be the greatest nation in the world. Wishing all South Dakotans a happy, safe and freedom-filled Independence Day. May the good Lord continue to bless our country. 🇺🇸

Great to join @BretBaier live from Mount Rushmore ahead of tonight’s ceremony. Can’t think of a better way to celebrate 250 years of our nation than under the great faces!

Today marks one year since Senate Republicans passed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the largest tax relief package for the working class in history. Thanks to the WFTC, the average American family received a $3,750 tax cut and saw an 11% increase in their tax refund. In South Dakota, families saw up to $6,300 more in take-home pay this tax season. America’s hardworking families are seeing the benefits firsthand.

As long as I am in the United States Senate, we will not be a society where woke Democrats have a say in your child’s gender identity or where girls are forced to compete against boys in sports. Pleased to see the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that States are allowed to ban boys from playing on girls’ sports teams. This victory gives every female athlete a chance to compete on a fair and safe playing field. Grateful to be from South Dakota, where this commonsense policy is already on the books.

Had a good time meeting students from Harrisburg North Middle School during their tour of our nation’s capital last week. They had lots of thoughtful questions for me!

My office continues to hear from South Dakotans on a daily basis about the issues they’re experiencing with mail delivery. At my request, the Office of the Inspector General has opened an official investigation into South Dakota’s postal service. We have heard your concerns and have shared them with the OIG, but I also encourage you to submit your comments and experiences directly to OIG as part of the official investigation record. Here is the link: [uspsoig.gov/feedback?sourc… "smartCard-inline")

In Highmore today as first responders, utility crews and local officials work to keep the community safe and begin the recovery process. Thanking them for their dedication and commitment during a very difficult time for their community.

Enjoyed speaking with students visiting DC with the South Dakota Rural Electric Association Youth Tour. This trip is a great opportunity for students to learn how electric cooperatives play an important role in strengthening rural communities.

Sat down with Joshua from Sioux Falls and Jonathan from Watertown representing the American Academy of Family Physicians. We had a good conversation about ways to strengthen access to primary care in South Dakota.

Mail service in South Dakota has continued to deteriorate, all the while the Postmaster General insists there’s no problem. As a result, I recently announced my intent to place a blanket hold on all nominations to the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service. I will not support consideration of any USPS nominees until South Dakota’s concerns about USPS service are fully resolved and service is restored to acceptable levels.

Two of the very best in South Dakota agriculture. Jerry Schmitz and Glenn Muller have been my friends for years. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work alongside them as they tirelessly advocated for South Dakota farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Their leadership has made a lasting impact on our state. Wishing Jerry and Glenn all the best in retirement. You’ve made South Dakota a better place!

I’m looking forward to attending the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore on July 3 with President Trump. In South Dakota, we don’t just climb mountains – we carve them. Thanks to President Trump and his team, fireworks will once again be displayed over Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2020, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. There’s no better place to celebrate than at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Thank you to everyone who has been working hard to put on a great event.

Enjoyed visiting with students from across South Dakota who are in town competing at the National History Day contest. Proud to see them representing South Dakota at the national level!