Category: Uncategorized

Rounds Pushes Postmaster General to Restore Reliable Mail Service in South Dakota

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to Postmaster General David Steiner urging him to restore reliable mail service in South Dakota. Customers across the state are facing persistent delays, with letters and newspapers mailed within the state taking weeks to arrive.

“Feedback from my constituents is clear: USPS service has significantly declined across South Dakota,” said Rounds. “It is therefore clear to me that USPS’s operational changes are failing South Dakota and do not comply with USPS obligations for universal service under federal law.”

“P.S. I am emailing this to you because if I mailed it, you might not receive this letter in time,” concluded Rounds.

Rounds has been a leader on USPS issues in South Dakota, leading the push to keep local processing facilities in South Dakota. In April 2024, Rounds sent a letter to USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy urging USPS to avoid downsizing or significantly reorganizing mail processing operations in South Dakota. As a result, in February 2025, USPS committed to keeping the Dakota Central processing facility in Huron open, as well as investing $3 million in improvements to the facility. Rounds also secured a commitment from former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to keep mail that originates within South Dakota from leaving the state for processing.

In addition, Rounds first introduced the Postal Processing Protection Act in June 2024, legislation that would require USPS to consider consequences for rural areas during their closure or downsizing review process in order to protect rural mail processing facilities. Rounds recently reintroduced this legislation in the 119th Congress.

Earlier this year, Rounds introduced the Deliver for Democracy Act, which would protect rural newspapers and consumers from unjustified price hikes by making certain the Postal Service is held to a standard for on-time deliveries. Rounds is also the Senate lead on the Instituting Notification Formalities on Reorganizing Mail (INFORM) Act of 2025, legislation to require the USPS to post a physical notice within impacted storefronts explaining any proposed changes in service.

Read the full text of the letter HERE or below.

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Dear Postmaster General Steiner:

I write to express serious concerns about persistent and widespread United States Postal Service (USPS) delays occurring across South Dakota.

Last year, I expressed significant reservations about USPS not adequately considering the impact of facility realignment/downsizing under the Mail Processing Facility Review on rural states like South Dakota. As a result, Postmaster General DeJoy made a personal commitment to me that South Dakota mail would stay in the state. He also assured me that mail in South Dakota would still meet service standards.

Neither is happening. In recent weeks, I have heard from hundreds of constituents across South Dakota voicing substantial issues with USPS service in my state. These issues are caused by the flawed design of the USPS network, which all but guarantees that mail traveling across or to South Dakota must travel in a circuitous manner through locations around and outside of the state. The result is that mail in South Dakota is delivered well outside of acceptable standards. These delays are worsened by implementation of transportation optimization schemes, which have caused USPS to deliver dozens of local newspapers late.

I have also heard of significant delays from veterans who depend on USPS for vital medications. USPS delays also mean that by the time a veteran’s Community Care Network appointment letter arrives, the appointment date has already passed and results in a missed appointment. Furthermore, a leading private sector regional health care system told me that by the time some delayed medications arrived, they could no longer be used. They also told me that those issues had become persistent and at times reached the “point of jeopardizing patient care.”

Feedback from my constituents is clear: USPS service has significantly declined across South Dakota. It is therefore clear to me that USPS’s operational changes are failing South Dakota and do not comply with USPS obligations for universal service under federal law.

I ask that you immediately investigate these concerns and begin work to make all changes necessary to restore reliable mail service to South Dakota. Within the next seven days, I request a meeting to discuss these issues with you and proposed solutions.

P.S. I am emailing this to you because if I mailed it, you might not receive this letter in time.

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Rounds Introduces Legislation to Support Seniors’ Access to Medicare Enrollment Assistance

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) introduced the Independent Broker Relief and Oversight of Knowingly Egregious and Repetitive Sales Tactics in Medicare Enrollment (BROKERS TIME) Act of 2025. This legislation would update the definition of a third-party marketing organization to distinguish between call centers and an independent agent or broker. This is an important distinction that determines whether local, independent agents are regulated the same way as large, high-volume call centers.

In 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a rule claiming to address beneficiary complaints about misleading advertising. The rule broadly redefined “third party marketing organizations,” lumping independent agents and brokers together with predatory offshore call centers. As a result, independent brokers were subjected to the same regulatory oversight, significantly increasing costs and impeding their ability to assist enrollees.

“Seniors rely on local, independent brokers to navigate them through the complicated process of Medicare enrollment,” said Rounds. “These are our neighbors that are operating businesses in our hometowns, a far cry from the predatory offshore call centers that use a confusing process to charge exorbitant fees. The Independent BROKERS TIME Act would differentiate between the two, allowing independent brokers to spend less time navigating complicated red tape and return to their main goal of helping their clients navigate the Medicare process.”

“Nevada seniors rely on independent agents and trusted brokers to help them enroll in the Medicare coverage that is right for them,” said Cortez Masto. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill would cut red-tape for small insurance businesses that help seniors, while cracking down on misleading marketing and predatory call centers.”

Specifically, the Independent BROKERS TIME Act will:

• Update the definition of a third-party marketing organization to distinguish between these entities and an independent agent or broker.
• Create oversight mechanisms for predatory call centers.
• Nullify the 48-hour Scope of Appointment waiting period for independent agents and brokers.

This bill is supported by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”), Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota, National Association of Benefits & Insurance Professionals, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and the California Association of Health Insurance Professionals.

“The Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota are proud to support Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and the Independent BROKERS TIME Act,” said Blake Severyn, Director of External Affairs at Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota. “This commonsense legislation removes needless barriers that discourage local independent agents from assisting Medicare beneficiaries, while cracking down on predatory telemarketers who exploit the confusion and anxiety created by the complexity of the Medicare process.”

“The Big ‘I’ applauds Senator Rounds for introducing the Independent BROKERS TIME Act, and for his work to protect and strengthen constituents’ access to health care,” said Nathan Riedel, Senior Vice President for Federal Government Affairs at Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (Big “I”). “Importantly, his legislation protects beneficiaries from unscrupulous telemarketers and predatory call centers and distinguishes the important role that licensed independent agents play in guiding Medicare beneficiaries through complex healthcare decisions.”

BACKGROUND

Medicare, including Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D, is an increasingly complex program for which seniors and disabled individuals need access to a broad array of options for information and advice. Today, more than 33 million Americans are enrolled in MA plans, and enrollment continues to grow as beneficiaries weigh their options between MA and traditional Medicare. Licensed agents and brokers play a significant role by offering tailored advice that complements government resources.

Under the Biden administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted many new regulations that have had significant unintended consequences despite being intended to curb deceptive marketing practices. In particular, the regulatory conflation of licensed independent agents and brokers with high-volume third-party marketing organizations has discouraged participation in the MA and Part D markets, burdening seniors with unnecessary red tape and creating challenges for small, community-based agents. Updating the definition of “third party marketing organizations” would eliminate unnecessary burdens for agents, crack down on deceptive marketing practices, and alleviate confusion for Seniors when enrolling in Medicare.

Click HERE to read full bill text.

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Thune: The Ball Is in Schumer’s Court

“[Democrats] can work with Republicans to pass this clean, short-term, nonpartisan measure to fund the government while we continue work on the 2026 appropriations bills. Or they can shut down the government …”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: 

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Plan to Create the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced his intent to create the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which will determine the best path forward for expanding rehabilitation services as the state plans for the new prison. This task force will be established through an Executive Order following the passage and signing of the draft legislation for the new prison.

“It is no secret that our current penitentiary is unsafe and lacks sufficient resources to equip inmates for re-entry into society. On Tuesday, the Legislature can make the largest investment in public safety in South Dakota’s history, which will ultimately reduce recidivism,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The new facility will dramatically increase programming space, so the next task is to expand our rehabilitative programming – that’s where this task force comes in.”

Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen will serve as the chairman of this task force. The task force will assess the programming needs of the inmate population, understand options for faith-based and Native American-focused programs, study best practices for re-entry models, and make recommendations on how to best use the expanded space of the new facility.

“This year, legislators and other stakeholders worked hard on both the prison task force and the legislative summer study on recidivism,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “This task force will build upon that important work and help shape effective programming for our inmate population.”

Last week, Governor Rhoden released the full plan for a new prison, which will be voted on at the Special Session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The draft legislation, which you can find here, creates the space to allow for treatment programming and vocational training, whereas the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will focus on determining what those programs look like.

The Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force will include legislators from both chambers and both parties; a cross section of experts in behavioral health, addiction counseling, and correctional rehabilitative services; and a tribal representative. It will begin its work this fall.

You can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the prison plan here.

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Committee Passes Johnson’s Bill to Strengthen Supply Chains and Counter China

 Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). Johnson introduced this legislation in June to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system.

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act strengthens the FMC’s authority to crack down on China’s shipping malpractice and includes Johnson’s provisions to reform ocean shipping, ensuring American imports and exports compete on a level playing field in the global market.

“The East Coast, West Coast, America’s heartland, and everywhere in between rely on ocean shipping,” said Johnson. “Ocean shipping transports American products around the world and brings in foreign products that help fuel our economy. I’m grateful for the work of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to pass my legislation that will protect American businesses, producers, and consumers from China’s abuse of America’s ocean shipping laws.”

“I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson for his work and leadership on the bipartisan FMC Reauthorization Act,” said Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). “This legislation reauthorizes this important agency and will help protect American shippers and carriers from unfair, anti-competitive practices of other nations, such as China.”

“America’s economy depends on a strong maritime supply chain,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). “That’s why I’m proud of the passing of the bipartisan Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, which I co-led with Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). This bill builds on my Ocean Shipping Reform Act, authorizes robust funding through 2029, strengthens the Commission’s independence, and gives U.S. businesses a fairer playing field in the global marketplace. I thank Representative Johnson and Representatives Ezell and Carbajal for partnering with me on this critical effort.”

“Ensuring the strength, security, and transparency of our maritime supply chain is not only an economic imperative but a critical national security priority,” said Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 equips the Commission with the necessary tools and oversight to hold bad actors accountable and protect American shippers. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize and empower the FMC for the challenges ahead, and I look forward to seeing it pass the U.S. House in the near future.”

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s remarks on the FMC Reauthorization Act

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is:

Tough on China

• Establishes a formal process to report complaints against shipping exchanges, like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, to the FMC for investigation.
• Directs the FMC to report on anticompetitive business practices or nonreciprocal trade practices.
• Codifies the definition of “controlled carrier” under the Shipping Act to encompass state-controlled enterprises in non-market economies like the People’s Republic of China.

Good Government

• Updates and improves the purposes of the Shipping Act to better reflect current federal policy governing international ocean shipping.
• Prohibits the FMC from requiring ocean carriers to report information already reported to other federal agencies.

Sustains the FMC Mission

• Reauthorizes the FMC through fiscal year 2029.
• Expands FMC Advisory Committees, ensuring non-government stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their insight and expertise to the Commission.
• Reinforces the FMC’s independent nature by requiring a majority vote of the Commission to disclose FMC investigation efforts to outside parties.

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS), John Garamendi (D-CA), Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA).

Click here for bill text.

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Gov. Rhoden Announces District 16 House Appointment

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of John Shubeck to represent District 16 in the South Dakota House of Representatives, effective immediately. This seat was formerly held by Representative Richard Vasgaard.

“John embodies the core values of not only South Dakota, but also of late Representative Vasgaard,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He has lived a life of service and hard work as a veteran, a coach, a church elder, and a Turner County farmer. I trust he will carry on his proud legacy of service in this new role.”

John Shubeck served our nation in the United State Marine Corps for 20 years. His dedication and selfless service led him to receive the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon. Shubeck is a strong agriculture leader, and he currently manages a diversified farm that produces both grain and livestock. He continues to serve his community, having planted a church in Centerville and led the Centerville Middle and High School track team to several state meets as their head track coach.

“It is truly humbling to follow in the footsteps of Representative Richard Vasgaard who took so much time throughout his life to impact his community and District 16 one person at a time, myself included,” said John Shubeck. “I will continue his legacy of putting the people of District 16 first in the same humble and hardworking manner that he did.”

Shubeck lives in Beresford, SD, with his wife and their four kids. You can find a photo of John Shubeck and his family here.

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Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: September 8-14, 2025

Welcome back to another Weekly Round[s] Up. Last week was a terrible week for our nation as Charlie Kirk was assassinated at an event in Utah. Charlie Kirk dedicated his life to bringing people of differing opinion together around civil discussions. Above all else, he was a follower of Christ, a father to two beautiful children, a devoted husband and son, and an American who wanted to make this country a better place to call home. We continue to pray for his family and all who knew and loved him.

This past week, I met with several groups of South Dakotans who were in Washington. I also attended a few hearings and briefings, as well as attending other meetings with groups from across the country. We took several votes on the Senate floor, including one to speed up all of the nominees who are awaiting confirmations. More on my week in my Weekly Round[s] Up:

South Dakota groups I visited with: Crystal Enstad from Oncology Nursing Society; South Dakota Farmers Union; Michelle Powers, CEO of Northern Hills Training Center; members of South Dakota Auto Dealers; Rick Williamson, Legislative Chairman of the Department of South Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars; Annette and Matt Brandt, Angels in Adoption Honorees; Major General Mark R. Morrell, who serves as the Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard; leaders from South Dakota Credit Unions; leaders from R-CALF USA; and members of Growth Energy. I also had the opportunity to meet with the South Dakota National Guard members who are currently deployed to Washington, D.C. Their work and the work of everyone deployed to DC has made a noticeable difference in cleaning up the city.

Met with South Dakotans from: Aberdeen, Britton, Clark, De Smet, Gary, Gregory, Groton, Huron, Ipswich, Lemmon, Madison, Oacoma, Parade, Pierre, Rapid City, Reliance, Reva, Salem, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Sturgis and Yankton.

Other meetings this past week: Dr. Todd Golub, Director of the Broad Institute; Rhode Island Business and Community Leaders; Marianne Lake, CEO of Consumer and Community Banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co; and Derrick Anderson, nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict.

We had our Senate Bible Study on Tuesday morning. The verse of the week was Genesis 1:28. I also attended prayer breakfast on Wednesday, where Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey was our speaker.

Hearings: I attended three hearings this week: one hearing in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to vote on a nominee for Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs; one hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee to hear from our nominee to serve as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and a hearing with the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs titled “Evaluating Perspectives on Deposit Insurance Reform”.

Following the Banking hearing, I introduced legislation to modernize outdated rules on reciprocal deposits. Reciprocal deposits allow community banks to offer customers full FDIC insurance while keeping those dollars working in local communities. This legislation updates current statutory thresholds to make it easier for community and regional banks to receive non-brokered treatment for reciprocal deposits. Read more here.

Classified Briefings: I attended four classified briefings this week: one as part of my work on SASC’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, and two briefings in the Select Committee on Intelligence. I also hosted our biweekly cyber education seminar.

Votes taken: 13 – We voted on several Trump administration nominees. These nominees were for US District Judges in Florida and Missouri, as well as positions in the Department of Homeland Security.

In addition, we voted to change the rules of the Senate to speed up confirmation on all of the nominees being held up by Democrats. As I said last week, we are facing historic obstruction from the other side of the aisle. The Senate is required to approve over 1,300 nominees. If we spend our time in DC taking procedural votes on each one, we’ll never get to the important legislation that Americans need, such as the NDAA or appropriations. We must get back to the business of running the country instead of allowing Senate Democrats to hold the Senate hostage by taking advantage of a broken system. Leader John Thune did a great job of addressing our frustrations with Senate Democrat leadership on the Senate floor last week, which you can watch a clip of here. We look forward to continuing to get these nominees through the Senate and into their positions working for the American people.

Academy nominations: My office is currently accepting nominations from high school seniors who are looking to attend a U.S. service academy after graduation. By attending an academy, not only will students have the opportunity to serve our nation and help lead the best military in the world, but they will receive an excellent education at a top-notch institution. I encourage young South Dakotans looking to answer the call of duty to consider applying to one of our service academies. Read more here.

My staff in South Dakota visited: Aberdeen, Brandon, Howard, Mitchell, Pierre, Sioux Falls, Watertown and Winner.

Steps taken: 46,949 steps or 21.16 miles.

Photo of the week: Good to see members of the South Dakota National Guard who are hard at work here in DC:

Thune: Schumer Deploys Same Old Shutdown Script

“[W]e’re suggesting right now a short-term CR to get us to November the 21st, to give us time to process and consider appropriation bills, which is the way we ought to be funding the government.”

SOUTH DAKOTA LEGISLATURE TO HOLD SPECIAL SESSION

PIERRE – On July 18, 2025, Governor Rhoden issued an Executive Proclamation calling for a special session of the State Legislature on September 23, 2025. Lawmakers will consider legislation to authorize the Department of Corrections to purchase property for, and contract for the design and construction of, a new prison facility in South Dakota.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to convene at 9:00 a.m. (CT). Chamber calendars are currently posted online at https://sdlegislature.gov/ and livestream links will be available the morning of September 23. Proposed legislation that may be considered is posted at https://mylrc.sdlegislature.gov/DraftLegislation.html; additional bills may be introduced on the day of the special session.

The public is welcome to observe the proceedings and to provide testimony in committee on any proposed legislation. Committee agendas will be posted on the LRC website after both chambers have convened and organized for the special session. For more information on providing testimony in committee, contact John McCullough, Director, Legislative Research Council, at john.mccullough@sdlegislature.gov or Melanie Dumdei, Assistant Chief for Legal, Legislative Research Council, at melanie.dumdei@sdlegislature.gov.

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I’ve been hearing more and more recently that former Speaker of the House (2019-2021) Steve Haugaard may be making moves towards running for the office of the Attorney General.  That might also explain why he’s made a Lincoln Day Dinner appearance or two. And why the rumor has persisted.

If you recall, Haugaard most recently lost to Governor Kristi Noem in the 2022 GOP Gubernatorial Primary on a vote of 76.4% to 23.6%. And then turned around a few weeks later to (unsuccessfully) insert himself into the GOP ticket as Lt. Governor instead of now Governor Larry Rhoden at the convention.

If that’s the case, it would put Haugaard on a collision course against Fall River County State’s Attorney and former Legislator Lance Russell, who is currently the only announced candidate in the contest.

Keep watching. Things are getting interesting.