Mike Rounds is a Republican senator representing South Dakota, born on October 24, 1954, in Huron, South Dakota. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University in 1977 and has since established a career in insurance and real estate. Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate in 2014, Rounds served as the governor of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011 and was a member of the South Dakota State Senate from 1991 to 2000, where he held the position of majority leader from 1995 to 2000. He was re-elected to the Senate in 2020 for a term ending January 3, 2027.

Legislative Focus and Committees

Senator Rounds is actively involved in several key committees including Senate Appropriations, Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Indian Affairs, and the Select Committee on Intelligence. His committee assignments allow him to influence a wide array of legislative areas, particularly concerning infrastructure, economic development, and national security.

Sponsored Legislation

Senator Rounds has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills reflecting his legislative priorities. Notable legislation includes:

• SB287 - Marcella LeBeau Recognition Act, which aims to designate a federal building in Pierre, South Dakota, in honor of Marcella LeBeau, acknowledging her contributions and legacy.
• SB95 - SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2023, which seeks to provide support and value to expectant mothers and their infants.
• SB661 - Postal Processing Protection Act, aimed at ensuring the integrity of postal processing services.
• SB1399 - Algorithm-based healthcare services under Medicare, focusing on payment systems for algorithm-based healthcare under Medicare.

In addition to these, Rounds has proposed legislation in the agriculture sector including the SB1493 - Livestock Indemnity Program updates and SB1496 - Interstate sales of state-inspected meat, aimed at updating and enhancing farmer protections.

Legislative Leanings

From his legislative activity, Senator Rounds demonstrates a clear commitment to conservative principles, particularly in supporting agricultural interests, healthcare reform, and honoring military service through recognition initiatives. His bills and resolutions often align with strengthening local governance, particularly in native and rural communities, which reflects an understanding of South Dakota's unique social fabric.

His budgetary focus is also evident in his committee work in appropriations, where he navigates funding for infrastructure and essential services, likely advocating for rural America amid wider national concerns.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

Senator Rounds resides in South Dakota where he maintains connections to the community through various means. He is married and has four children, fostering a family-oriented persona that resonates with his constituents. His background in the insurance and real estate sectors complements his political efforts, providing a practical perspective on economic issues and constituent needs.

Through his legislative work and community engagement, Senator Rounds continues to influence policy areas affecting South Dakota and upholds Republican values in the Senate, advocating for the interests of his state and its citizens.