On January 6th, 2015, Senator Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds was sworn into the United States Senate. Senator Rounds serves on five committees: Senate Armed Services; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Indian Affairs; and Veterans’ Affairs.
Rounds previously served as the 31st governor of South Dakota from 2003 – 2011, easily winning reelection in 2006. From 1991 to 2000, he was elected five times to the South Dakota State Senate. In 1995, his colleagues selected him to serve as Senate Majority Leader, a position that he held for six years. During his time in state government, Rounds was committed to growing the economy, keeping taxes low and strengthening South Dakota families.
The history of Native Americans is deeply woven into the fabric of America, especially in South Dakota. While we are all South Dakotans, I recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments. This creates a special relationship when interacting with local, state and federal agencies. I am committed to working as partners to seek realistic, long-term and innovative solutions to the unique circumstances our tribal governments face.