Senator Mike Rounds

On Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country and recognize the sacrifices they have made to defend our freedoms. It is because of their courage that we are able to enjoy our freedoms in the greatest country in the world. We are forever grateful for their service.

Congratulations to my friend @LeaderJohnThune on his reelection as Senate Republican leader. John is a trusted colleague and a steady voice, which has served our group well over the past two years as we’ve worked to advance our Republican agenda, and will continue to do so. Looking forward to continuing our work together as a team in the new Congress.

Good to see Rick Williamson and Rick Vanden Hoek with the VFW Department of South Dakota in DC this week. Grateful for their continued advocacy on behalf of our nation’s veterans, especially as we recognize Veterans Day this week.

While I appreciate my Senate colleagues opening a much-needed conversation surrounding permitting reform, I voted against the motion to proceed on H.R.2347 tonight. I believe any discussions surrounding permitting reform should allow for the opportunity to resolve any issues at the state level. In South Dakota, the siting of most transmission lines has always been resolved in a reasonable amount of time between landowners, developers and the Public Utilities Commission. This legislation would transfer contested cases to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission if not resolved within 12 months, giving a weighted advantage to the developer. South Dakota landowners deserve to negotiate with stakeholders at the state and local level before federal intervention is required. I hope to continue to work with my colleagues to address this concern.

Good to meet with Mitchell and Carter from Aberdeen Central High School to hear about their experience at the America’s Youth AI Festival, where they joined students from all 50 states to develop the nation’s first student-led AI policy for K-12 schools. Their work on the Students First Act is an impressive example of young leaders helping shape the future of education.

Good conversation at the 2026 South Dakota Biotech Summit in Sioux Falls where we discussed South Dakota’s role in America’s innovation future.

On this day in 1889, South Dakota became a state. 137 years later, it’s the greatest place in the world to live, work and raise a family, all thanks to the many people who call our state home. Happy Birthday, South Dakota!

Praying for a fast and full recovery for my colleague Chris.

Always fun to have grandkids and friends come by to trick or treat! Happy Halloween!

Good to have some of the family together this weekend, including 8 of my siblings! Great way to spend my birthday.

As our nation faces increasingly complex national security threats, we must make certain the Air Force Academy has the resources, facilities and training necessary to develop the next generation of military leaders. My colleagues and I on the USAFA Board of Visitors recently sent our semiannual report to the Department of War. This report makes recommendations for the Academy, including modernizing cadet training, strengthening infrastructure and preparing future Air and Space Force officers for modern warfare. Read more here: files.constantcontact.com/d6…

Appreciated meeting with leadership from the South Dakota State Medical Association in Sioux Falls this week.

Good to be in attendance for today’s groundbreaking on the new Platte-Winner bridge. I am pleased that we were able to secure $25 million for this project as part of the appropriations process for FY26. This new bridge, which replaces the original built in 1966, is estimated to last for 100 years. Projects like these are all about leaving South Dakota better than we found it for the next generation. Thank you to everyone who is helping to make this project a reality.

Visited Sioux Falls Christian High School today to speak with AP Government students. Appreciated their thoughtful questions about public service, including making South Dakota better for the next generation. The future is bright! Thank you to Mr. Hilbrands for the invitation.

Photos of granddaughter Elaina on her first hunt with me in Pre-K and today’s hunt. Hard to believe she’ll graduate high school this year!

Another successful pheasant opener. Ready for a great season!

Today’s the day! Pheasant season is here, and South Dakotans across the state are taking to the field with family and friends. Wishing everyone a safe and successful hunt!

Today, my Sioux Falls office received a suspicious piece of mail. My team members followed proper protocols advised by U.S. Capitol Police and contacted the Sioux Falls Police Department, who responded immediately to investigate and evacuate the office.   I am grateful for the U.S. Capitol Police, who intercepted other letters and sent out a warning allowing my team to recognize this letter before opening it, and to the Sioux Falls Police Department. I am also grateful for all of my team members, who work tirelessly on behalf of South Dakotans despite the risks involved. Our Sioux Falls office will be closed for the remainder of the day as SFPD continues to investigate and will reopen for normal hours on Monday morning.   This situation is deeply concerning and follows a trend of intimidating tactics that impact our team members. This has no place in our nation. America is better than this.

Saddened to hear of the passing of Deputy Katherine Frank. My prayers are with her family, friends and fellow officers as they grieve this loss. We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who protect and serve our communities.

Today, on Native Americans’ Day we honor the rich history, culture and traditions of Native American communities and recognize their lasting impact on South Dakota and our nation. #NativeAmericansDay