Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota has announced his return as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Cybersecurity for the 119th Congress. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rounds will continue to lead efforts in strengthening the nation's cyber defense capabilities.

"I am honored to once again lead the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity," stated Rounds. He emphasized the importance of cyberspace as one of the five domains defended by armed services, alongside air, land, sea, and space. "As cyber technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, our need to effectively use it for our national defense is more important than ever," he said.

Rounds highlighted the necessity for the Department of Defense to have adequate personnel and tools to respond to cyberattacks and conduct offensive operations when necessary. He expressed eagerness to collaborate with colleagues and members of President Trump's administration to enhance these capabilities further.

Since its formation in 2017 by the late Senator John McCain from Arizona, who also chaired SASC, Rounds has been a leading figure in the Cybersecurity Subcommittee. He served as Chairman during both the 115th and 116th Congresses and was Ranking Member during the 117th and 118th Congresses.