Rushmore State News

Senator Mike Rounds has returned to Washington, D.C. after spending August in South Dakota, where he attended several local events such as the Brown County Fair in Aberdeen, the Central States Fair’s Ag Appreciation Event in Rapid City, Dakotafest’s Annual Congressional Forum in Mitchell, and the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce’s Inside Washington Event. He expressed appreciation for constituents who participated and provided feedback on legislative work.

In Congress, Senator Rounds noted that efforts are underway to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides funding for military programs, personnel, and equipment. Work is also ongoing to fund the government before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.

Rounds criticized Senate Democrats for what he described as "historic obstruction" regarding confirmation of President Trump’s nominees. He stated: "The numbers tell the story: in the first eight months of the Trump Administration, only 135 nominees have been confirmed. By contrast, President Biden had 817 confirmed in his first two years, and even President Trump’s first term saw 715. Historically, more than 90% of nominees have been cleared quickly by unanimous consent or voice vote. Under Trump II, that number is zero. Instead, each nominee is dragged through time-consuming roll call votes, with confirmations of nominees with bipartisan support taking an average of 94 days. Nearly a quarter into the term, less than 12% of positions are filled, proof Democrats are deliberately grinding government to a halt for partisan gain." He added: "Despite this, Senate Republicans are committed to getting these nominees confirmed and in place."

Rounds reported meetings with Secretary of Energy Chris Wright about activities at Sanford Underground Research Facility near Lead; Dr. Stephen Miran—Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors and Federal Reserve Board nominee; General Christopher Mahoney—nominee for Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and leaders from Rwanda's embassy. He also spoke at the Defense News Conference on information warfare.

He participated in a Senate Banking Committee hearing involving several nominees including Dr. Miran and cast four votes last week—two were procedural steps toward advancing this year’s NDAA.

Staff from Rounds’ office visited Martin and Sioux Falls during this period.

Rounds tracked 44,644 steps over 20.80 miles last week.