Central South Dakota News

Senator Mike Rounds, who represents South Dakota in the U.S. Senate, shared several updates on his official Twitter account regarding agricultural policy, financial services oversight, and state agricultural production.

On August 1, 2025, Senator Rounds reported meeting with members of the South Dakota Agri-Business Association and their Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders Class. In his post, he stated: "Sat down with the South Dakota Agri-Business Association and their Tomorrow’s Ag Leaders Class to discuss agri-business related policy, including the need for an updated Farm Bill, CDL interstate reform and access to international trade markets." The discussion addressed ongoing efforts to update federal farm legislation as well as issues surrounding commercial driver licensing across state lines and international trade opportunities for local producers.

Later that day, on August 1, 2025, Senator Rounds highlighted his work in congressional oversight of emerging technologies within the financial sector. He wrote: "NEW: This week, I convened a hearing of the Securities, Insurance and Investment Subcommittee to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming financial services and to consider Congress’s role in encouraging innovation while promoting transparency and accountability. More" As chair of this subcommittee under the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs—an assignment held by Rounds during recent sessions—he has focused on balancing regulatory safeguards with technological advancement.

On August 2, 2025, Senator Rounds recognized Sunflower Day by sharing a fact about his home state’s agricultural output: "Happy #SunflowerDay! Did you know South Dakota harvests 818 million pounds of sunflowers every year? Thanks to our hardworking producers for making that happen! In case you're interested, this is a picture of Jean and I down at the farm in 1998." South Dakota consistently ranks among leading states in sunflower production—a crop used for oilseed processing as well as birdseed and snack foods.

Senator Mike Rounds has been an advocate for rural development initiatives since joining the Senate in 2015. He regularly engages with local stakeholders such as agri-business associations to inform legislative priorities affecting farmers across South Dakota.