Rounds Details South Dakota Funding Wins and Legislative Focus Following Government Shutdown
- Steve Jurrens
- Nov 18
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has highlighted significant funding secured for military projects in South Dakota and detailed his immediate legislative focus following the recent government shutdown in an interview today with Northeast Radio SD News broadcaster Steve Jurrens. Speaking on the need to resume everyday appropriations work quickly, Rounds emphasized the importance of bipartisanship to complete the federal budget.
Major South Dakota Military Funding Secured
Rounds confirmed that the continuing resolution (CR), which funds the government through January 30th, also included full-year funding for the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON-VA) appropriation bill, securing major projects for the state…
· Watertown Army National Guard: A specific allocation of $28 million was secured for the
Watertown Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop.
· Ellsworth Air Force Base: The MILCON bill includes substantial funding for military construction to support the B-21 bomber bed down at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB).
· Total State Funding: Rounds noted the final package included nearly $21.9 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (earmarks) requested by him for South Dakota projects, including funds for Ellsworth AFB and an aircraft maintenance hangar at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls.
Post-Shutdown Legislative Priorities
Rounds expressed optimism that Congress can now focus on passing the remaining appropriations bills needed to fund the entire federal government through the next fiscal year…
· Remaining Appropriations: The following bills slated for action include the rest of the Department of Defense's appropriation, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) bill, and the Health and Human Services (HHS) bill. Rounds stressed the goal is to pass these remaining bills within the next two weeks.
· Health Care: The senator noted a near-term focus will also be on health care affordability options, a key area of discussion that both parties have committed to addressing.
· Farm Bill: Rounds confirmed that the agricultural appropriations bill has already passed for the current year, including funding for nutrition programs like SNAP. However, the five-year Farm Bill authorization may slide into January, though he is hopeful it will be addressed before Christmas…
Veterans Affairs Transparency Bill Becomes Law
Rounds confirmed the successful passage of the Honest Operations for National Cemetery Reporting (HONOR) Act, a bill he co-authored with Senator Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
The legislation aims to enhance transparency in the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) burial scheduling system. While South Dakota’s VA facilities maintain quick two-day scheduling, the bill addresses national issues where some families face wait times of up to 30 days…
· Goal: The HONOR Act provides the VA with the resources necessary to build a centralized database and lay out a clear, reasonable timeframe for families to schedule a loved one’s interment, ensuring veterans receive full honors promptly nationwide.
Senator Rounds concluded by encouraging South Dakotans with issues concerning federal agencies—including Social Security, Medicare, passports, or visas—to contact one of his offices for assistance. Contact | U.S. Senator Mike Rounds
Be sure to listen to our full interview!
