Central South Dakota News

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota issued a statement following the Senate's passage of the reconciliation bill, which passed by a narrow vote of 51-50, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

"Last November, South Dakotans and the American people voted for a better, stronger nation that puts the safety and prosperity of American families first," said Rounds. "They voted for policies that rein in government spending, cut taxes for the middle and working class and protect Americans from threats at home and abroad. With the Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, we are one step closer to delivering on those promises."

Rounds highlighted that despite opposition from Democrats, Republican leadership managed to pass what he described as significant legislation. "The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a win for families in South Dakota and across America," he stated. The act includes tax cuts for working-class families, boosts national defense efforts, secures borders, and reduces government spending.

In particular, Rounds emphasized benefits specific to South Dakota residents such as avoiding an average tax increase of $2,400 next year and providing new savings through increased Child Tax Credit among other measures. "This means more money going back into the pockets of hard-working South Dakotans," he noted.

The reconciliation package contains various provisions aimed at strengthening national security with allocations like $3.3 billion for border security and $28 billion for shipbuilding enhancements. It also supports South Dakota families by making certain tax cuts permanent and enhancing small business deductions.

Further provisions address healthcare system longevity by preventing improper Medicaid payments and establishing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents. Additionally, support is extended to rural hospitals in South Dakota through a $50 billion relief fund.

For agriculture, the bill increases statutory reference prices for commodities and expands access to disaster programs while investing in crop insurance affordability.

Senator Rounds also secured specific provisions including funding for cold spray repair technologies and high-altitude balloons for military use.