Central South Dakota News

Senator Mike Rounds, representing South Dakota in the U.S. Senate, has recently shared updates on his legislative and constituent engagement activities through a series of posts on his official Twitter account.

On July 24, 2025, Senator Rounds wrote about meeting with members of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition from South Dakota. He stated, "It was an honor to meet with South Dakotans from the Patient Quality of Life Coalition and hear about the compassion they provide to our South Dakotans. We discussed the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, which I’m proud to cosponsor to give patients and".

The following day, on July 25, 2025, Senator Rounds highlighted his role in shaping national defense policy. He posted, "Proud to help write the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act that incorporates major wins for South Dakota, including preparing Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City for B-21s, authorizing funding for National Guard construction, better access to secure facilities for our SD".

Later on July 25, he reported a meeting focused on healthcare within the state: "Had the opportunity to sit down with the Secretary of South Dakota Department of Health, Melissa Magstadt, to discuss how we can help nursing homes in SD."

Senator Rounds is serving as one of two U.S. Senators from South Dakota. The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act referenced in his post is federal legislation intended to expand education and training for health professionals in palliative care—a field dedicated to improving quality of life for patients facing serious illness—and hospice care. The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is annual federal legislation that sets policies and funding levels for U.S. military activities; this year's bill includes provisions relevant to Ellsworth Air Force Base’s preparations for receiving B-21 bombers as well as resources directed toward National Guard infrastructure projects.

These recent engagements reflect Senator Rounds' ongoing involvement in both healthcare initiatives and national defense priorities affecting constituents in South Dakota.