South Dakota

State Senators:

John Thune (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2005

Full Name: John Randolph Thune
Date of Birth: January 7, 1961
Birthplace: Pierre, South Dakota, U.S.

Early Life and Education: John Thune was born in Pierre, South Dakota, and raised in Murdo, South Dakota. He attended Jones County High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Biola University in 1983. Thune went on to receive a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of South Dakota in 1984.

Personal Life: John Thune is married to Kimberley Thune, and they have two daughters. The family resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to conservative values, Thune continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Thune worked as a legislative aide to U.S. Senator James Abdnor from 1985 to 1987. He then served as the executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party from 1989 to 1991. Thune also worked as the state railroad director under Governor George S. Mickelson and as the executive director of the South Dakota Municipal League.

Political Career:

U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 1996, Thune represented South Dakota’s at-large congressional district from 1997 to 2003. He served on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. During his time in the House, Thune focused on issues such as agriculture, trade, and rural development.
U.S. Senate: In 2004, Thune was elected to the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator Tom Daschle. He has been re-elected multiple times and is known for his work on issues such as agriculture, commerce, and national security. Thune serves as the Senate Minority Whip, making him the second-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Finance

Legislative Achievements:

Transportation and Infrastructure: Thune has been a leading advocate for transportation and infrastructure development. He has worked on legislation to improve highways, aviation, and railroads, and supports policies that enhance transportation safety and efficiency.
Agriculture: Representing a largely agricultural state, Thune has focused on policies that support farmers and ranchers. He has supported multiple farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector.
Tax Reform: Thune played a key role in the passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses and stimulate economic growth. He supports tax policies that promote economic development and job creation.
Healthcare: Thune advocates for market-based healthcare reforms and has supported efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He focuses on increasing competition, reducing costs, and improving access to healthcare services.
Technology and Innovation: As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Thune has worked on legislation to promote technological innovation, expand broadband access, and enhance cybersecurity.

Senator Thune is known for his dedication to transportation and infrastructure development, agricultural support, tax reform, healthcare, and technological innovation. His background in public service and his extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate shape his legislative priorities, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit South Dakotans and the nation.

Committees

Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Committee deals with agricultural economics, research, production, and forestry.

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Voting patterns

Senator Thune has a voting record that reflects his commitment to transportation and infrastructure development, agricultural support, tax reform, healthcare, and technological innovation.

Key Voting Patterns:

Transportation and Infrastructure:

Infrastructure Investment: Thune has been a leading advocate for transportation and infrastructure development. He supports legislation to improve highways, aviation, and railroads, focusing on policies that enhance transportation safety and efficiency. He voted for the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” to modernize the nation’s infrastructure.

Agriculture:

Farm Bills: Representing a largely agricultural state, Thune has consistently supported farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector. He advocates for policies that support farmers and ranchers and ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Tax Reform:

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Thune played a key role in the passage of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses and stimulate economic growth. He supports tax policies that promote economic development and job creation, and has consistently voted for tax cuts.

Healthcare:

Market-Based Reforms: Thune supports market-based healthcare reforms and has voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He advocates for policies that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to healthcare services.
Prescription Drug Costs: Thune has supported measures to lower prescription drug prices through increased market competition and transparency.

Technology and Innovation:

Broadband Expansion: As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Thune has worked on legislation to promote technological innovation and expand broadband access, particularly in rural areas. He supports policies that enhance cybersecurity and foster technological advancements.
Data Privacy: Thune has supported measures to protect consumer data and ensure privacy in the digital age.

Social Issues:

Conservative Values: Thune upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has consistently voted for legislation that aligns with these principles.
Second Amendment: Thune is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights and has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Government Spending: Thune advocates for reducing government spending and addressing the national debt. He supports measures to streamline government operations and eliminate wasteful spending.

Senator Thune’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues seeks to balance economic growth and energy independence with the development of renewable energy sources.

Full Name: Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds
Date of Birth: October 24, 1954
Birthplace: Huron, South Dakota, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Mike Rounds was born in Huron, South Dakota, and raised in Pierre, South Dakota. He attended Pierre’s T.F. Riggs High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from South Dakota State University in 1977.

Personal Life: Mike Rounds is married to Jean Rounds, and they have four children. The family resides in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. Known for his dedication to public service and his pragmatic approach to governance, Rounds continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing his education, Rounds entered the insurance and real estate business. He co-founded an insurance agency, Fischer, Rounds & Associates, where he worked for several years. His experience in business gave him insights into economic development and regulatory issues.

Mike Rounds (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2015

Political Career:

South Dakota State Senate: Elected in 1990, Rounds served in the South Dakota State Senate from 1991 to 2001. He was the Senate Majority Leader from 1995 to 2001, focusing on economic development, healthcare, and education.
Governor of South Dakota: Elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006, Rounds served as the Governor of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011. As governor, he prioritized fiscal responsibility, education reform, and economic development. Rounds oversaw significant growth in the state’s economy and worked to improve infrastructure and healthcare services.
U.S. Senate: In 2014, Rounds was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Tim Johnson. He took office on January 3, 2015, and was re-elected in 2020. As a senator, Rounds focuses on issues such as national security, agriculture, healthcare, and economic policy.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on Indian Affairs
Committee on Veteran’s Affairs
Select Committee on Intelligence

Legislative Achievements:

National Security: Rounds is a strong advocate for national defense and military readiness. He supports robust defense spending and policies to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. military.
Economic Policies: Rounds focuses on promoting economic growth and job creation. He supports tax reform, reducing regulatory burdens on businesses, and fostering a favorable environment for economic development.
Healthcare: Rounds advocates for market-based healthcare reforms and has supported efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He focuses on increasing competition, reducing costs, and improving access to healthcare services.
Veterans’ Affairs: Rounds is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has worked on legislation to improve veterans’ healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Agriculture: Representing a largely rural state, Rounds has focused on policies that support farmers and ranchers. He supports farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector.

Senator Rounds is known for his dedication to national security, economic growth, healthcare reform, veterans’ affairs, and agricultural support. His background in the insurance industry and his extensive experience in state and federal government shape his legislative priorities, where he continues to advocate for policies that benefit South Dakotans and the nation.

Committees

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.

Indian Affairs: Committee conducts hearings, investigations, and studies to address these issues and to develop and recommend legislation to the Senate that impacts Native American communities.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.

Voting patterns

Senator Rounds has a voting record that reflects his commitment to national security, economic growth, healthcare reform, veterans’ affairs, and agricultural support.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security:

Defense Authorization: Rounds consistently supports robust national defense measures. He has voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
Military Spending: Rounds advocates for increased defense spending to enhance military capabilities and support service members. He supports measures to modernize the military and improve the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

Economic Policies:

Tax Reform: Rounds supports tax policies that reduce taxes for individuals and businesses to stimulate economic growth. He voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes and simplify the tax code.
Regulatory Relief: Rounds advocates for reducing regulatory burdens on businesses. He has supported measures aimed at deregulation to foster a more favorable environment for economic development and job creation.

Healthcare:

Market-Based Reforms: Rounds supports market-based healthcare reforms and has voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He focuses on policies that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to healthcare services.
Prescription Drug Costs: Rounds has supported efforts to lower prescription drug prices through increased market competition and transparency.

Veterans’ Affairs:

Veterans’ Benefits: Rounds is dedicated to improving services for veterans. He has supported legislation like the “VA MISSION Act” to enhance healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for veterans.
Military Support: Rounds advocates for policies that provide comprehensive support to veterans and active-duty service members, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

Agriculture:

Farm Bills: Representing a largely rural state, Rounds consistently supports farm bills that provide subsidies, insurance, and research funding for the agricultural sector. He advocates for policies that support farmers and ranchers and ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices.
Trade Policies: Rounds supports trade policies that open up international markets for American agricultural products and protect the interests of U.S. farmers.

Social Issues:

Conservative Values: Rounds upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has consistently voted for legislation that aligns with these principles.
Second Amendment: Rounds is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights and has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Senator Rounds’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues seeks to balance economic growth and energy independence with the development of renewable energy sources.