Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: January 20-26, 2025

Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up! It’s been a busy few days in DC, starting last week with President Trump’s inauguration and then beginning to confirm his nominees. Our first order of business last week was confirming our now-former colleague Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. His vote in the Senate was unanimous, and while we’ll miss having him as a colleague, he’ll do great work in his new role. We also voted in committee on some of President Trump’s nominees and passed a big piece of legislation related to cracking down on illegal immigration. We worked over the weekend to confirm two more critical cabinet members: Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and our fellow South Dakotan Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. This is just the beginning as we work to get America back on track. Here’s my Weekly Round[s] Up:

South Dakota meetings: I met with Casey Peterson, chair of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority; Dr. Benjamin Soukup, Chairman/CEO Emeritus at Communication Service for the Deaf; Dale Bartscher, Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life; Peter Burwell, President and CEO of Burwell Enterprises; and the South Dakota Realtors Association. 

Met with South Dakotans from: Aberdeen, Huron, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown.

Cabinet nominee meetings: I met with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). We had an excellent discussion on the need to incorporate AI in our health care. We agree that improving quality of life is crucial and that AI can help in the development of vaccines as well as curing chronic illnesses in the near future. We also had a very frank discussion about concerns from South Dakota farmers and ranchers regarding any actions impacting their ability to feed and fuel the world that the Secretary of HHS might have a role in.

Other meetings: I met with David Malpass, former President of the World Bank Group; Rosemary Banks, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the United States; Jens Stoltenberg, former Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Mike Fitts, President of Tulane University; Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Google; Andrei Muraru, Romania’s Ambassador to the United States; General Timothy Haugh, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director of the National Security Agency; Roberta Cordano, President of Gallaudet University; Bernard Hurwitz with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf; and Jason Matheny, President and CEO of RAND. 

I also attended our Senate Bible Study and Senate Prayer Breakfast, where Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York was our speaker. 

Hearings: While none of my committees had any full hearings last week, we did have business meetings to pass President Trump’s nominees through committee. On Monday, we met in the Intelligence Committee to vote on John Ratcliffe, nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, and in the Senate Armed Services Committee on Pete Hegseth, nominee to lead the Department of Defense. They have both now been confirmed by the full Senate. We also met in the Banking Committee to vote on Scott Turner, nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner has not yet come up for a full vote in the Senate. I voted YES on all of these nominees. 

Classified briefings: I attended a classified briefing on the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Collaboration Center.

Votes taken: 11 – as I mentioned, one of these was on Marco Rubio’s nomination for Secretary of State. We also voted to pass the Laken Riley Act that I mentioned last week, which also passed the House last week and now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. We also voted to confirm John Ratcliffe as the next director of the CIA, Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.

Subcommittee assignments: I received word on my subcommittee assignments for the 119th Congress. I will be serving as chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, where I’ve held the top Republican position since the subcommittee was created in 2017. I will also chair the Senate Banking Committee’s Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investments.

My staff in South Dakota visited: Spearfish.

Steps taken: 46,698 steps or 23.44 miles.

Video of the week: I joined Fox Business to discuss President Trump’s agenda:

It’s Time to Empower Parents to Protect Kids Against Online Dangers
By Lauri Hummel, Richland, SD

Raising kids in today’s digital world is very different than it was when I was raising my children. As a mother and grandmother, I want to do what I can to help keep my grandchildren safe online. The rise in digital dependence brings with it a scary reality — our children need protection from inappropriate content and the potential risks to their safety.

The best way to protect our children is by strengthening parental rights and giving parents accessible resources to address the growing threat to kids online.

Senator Mike Lee’s bill, the App Store Accountability Act, addresses the need to prioritize safety in the digital age. The new piece of legislation would require app stores to introduce parental authorization tools for children downloading apps. According to the Washington Examiner, “the legislation would require app stores such as Apple’s App Store and Google Play to verify the ages of users who are purchasing apps on their platforms.” In a world where harmful information is just clicks away, this extra guardrail would allow parents to take control over what children are exposed to online.

Unfortunately, the well-intentioned work of passing legislation to protect children has opened the door for Washington politicians to sneak in new regulations that would take power away from parents and give it to Washington bureaucrats to decide what is and is not safe for teens.

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is one of these bills. Originally intended to protect children, this bill has ballooned into something much more sinister. Instead of empowering parents and giving them the tools to protect their children, it gives the power to regulate speech online to unelected employees at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

These well-intentioned bills have also spiraled into liberal efforts to limit conservative speech. Giving the FTC the power to regulate speech would grant them the ability to censor voices and violate our first amendment rights. The protection of children should not be used as a tool to take away our most important freedoms.

We should be advocating for the passage of legislation like the App Store Accountability Act. By putting the onus on app stores to empower parents, we avoid two major pitfalls that routinely stall these types of bills, like KOSA, from passing.

First, the App Store Accountability Act doesn’t violate our freedom of speech. Instead, it allows parents, not the government, to decide what is deemed safe and unsafe language and content. KOSA, on the other hand, gives this regulatory power to bureaucrats in Washington with no real regard for our kids here in South Dakota. It concerns me that speech unpopular with people in Washington would be unjustly repressed if KOSA were to pass in Congress.

Second, Senator Lee’s bill empowers parents instead of the federal government. The measure would put parents in the diver’s seat and give them control over what their kid is able to view. I, not the government, know how to best raise my children and grandchildren. Every time the government overreaches its power, politicians in DC take away the freedom of parents and grandparents like me to protect the ones I care about most.

As said in the Washington Examiner, “protecting children online isn’t solely the responsibility of governments or corporations — it requires collaboration from parents, educators, and society as a whole… As technology evolves, so must our strategies to ensure it serves as a tool for growth, not harm.” Any bill put forward in Congress must respect the agency of parents.

Senator Lee’s bill empowers parents to do what they know is best for their children and serves as an alternative to the politically biased and overreaching legislation currently on the docket. I ask Senators Thune and Rounds and Congressman Johnson to support this bill to enhance child safety in this digital age.

Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has wasted no time at her new job as Secretary of Homeland Security, as she participates in a raid to take criminal aliens and to send them home:

7 AM in NYC. Getting the dirt bags off the streets. pic.twitter.com/AlDD819K89

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

Just now.

Enforcement operation in NYC. Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault & burglary charges is now in custody – thanks to @ICE.

Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets. pic.twitter.com/fRpJBdmqSl

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 28, 2025

Thune: Senate to Vote on ICC Sanctions Legislation

 “The bill before us today will sanction foreign individuals who are involved in ICC efforts to investigate, arrest, or prosecute U.S. citizens or citizens of U.S. allies that are not party to the ICC.”

Click here to watch the video. 

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

Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):

“Mr. President, this past November, in an extraordinary and illegitimate move, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant. 

“The court’s decision was troubling on multiple levels. 

“First, the International Criminal Court – or ICC – has no jurisdiction over Israel or its citizens. 

“Neither Israel nor the United States is a party to the treaty establishing the court, and thus the court has zero authority over Israel or its leaders. 

“Second, the court’s clear suggestion of moral equivalence between the government of Israel and the Hamas terrorists who attacked Israel – and oppress their own people – is beyond the pale. 

“Israel wages war against terrorists; Hamas wages war against innocents. 

“And the only reason Israel has been waging war against Hamas is because Hamas chose to launch a massive attack on innocent civilians that resulted in 1,200 deaths – and the taking of approximately 250 hostages, more than 80 of whom are still in captivity today. 

“Mr. President, when it emerged last year that the ICC was planning to seek warrants for Israeli officials, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives brought up legislation to sanction those responsible at the ICC. 

“Forty-two Democrats voted for it. 

“But the legislation was dead on arrival in the United States Senate, with the Democrat leader refusing to bring it up for a vote. 

“When the ICC released its warrants last November, I promised that if Democrats would not bring ICC sanctions legislation to the floor for a vote, I would. 

“And today I’m following through on that promise. 

“The bill before us today will sanction foreign individuals who are involved in ICC efforts to investigate, arrest, or prosecute U.S. citizens or citizens of U.S. allies that are not party to the ICC. 

“The bill passed the House again earlier this month with the support of every Republican plus more than 40 Democrats, and I hope we will see a strong bipartisan margin in the Senate as well. 

“First, because this illegitimate targeting of a key U.S. ally should concern all of us.

“And second, because while the ICC is targeting Israeli leaders today, it could easily set its sights on Americans – and American soldiers in particular – tomorrow.  

“It’s happened before, back in 2020.

“And while the United States will not be turning over any of our military members to the ICC, the issuance of warrants for U.S. soldiers or military leaders could jeopardize American troops’ ability to move freely where needed – and impede our ability to defend our country and stand with our allies. 

“Mr. President, I want to thank Senator Cotton for all his work on this bill, as well as Senator Risch. 

“And I hope – I hope – my Democrat colleagues will join Republicans to swiftly get this legislation over the finish line and to the president’s desk.”

South Dakota Public Schools Coalition Announces Poll Results: Voters Oppose Education Savings Accounts by Wide Margins

The South Dakota Public Schools Coalition announced the results of a recent statewide poll confirming South Dakota voters overwhelmingly oppose the implementation of education savings accounts, also known as school voucher programs.

Pierre, SD – January 27, 2025 – The South Dakota Public Schools Coalition announced the results of a recent statewide poll confirming South Dakota voters overwhelmingly oppose the implementation of education savings accounts, also known as school voucher programs.

According to the poll:

• By a 36%-58% margin, voters oppose “a school voucher program, also known as education savings accounts, where the state gives parents tax dollars that pay for their student to attend a private school or be homeschooled rather than a public school.”
• This opposition includes parents of public school students (21% of the electorate), who oppose the proposal by a 33%-58% margin.

The opposition to vouchers is primarily driven by the belief that South Dakota’s K-12 schools are already underfunded:

• A clear majority of voters (57%) believe that South Dakota public K-12 schools receive too little funding, with only 9% saying they receive too much funding and 20% stating the funding is about right.
• Those who believe South Dakota’s public schools receive too little funding oppose the voucher proposal by a massive 19%-77% margin.

Instead of sending taxpayer money to private schools, lawmakers must focus on public schools—where 83% of children attend—not fund two school systems. The best way to improve education in South Dakota is not to divert money to private schools but to invest in improving public schools, as South Dakota currently spends much less per student than nearly 40 other states and over $7,000 less than the national average.

Voters also realize that most rural and small-town communities in South Dakota do not have private schools, so taxpayer-funded vouchers will mostly help students in more populated areas of South Dakota, as funding will be drained from rural schools and taken elsewhere.

These poll results clearly indicate that South Dakotans value their public schools and are concerned about the negative impacts of diverting public funds to private education. Our public schools are already struggling with insufficient funding, and the state is facing a lean budget year and several proposed cuts. Creating these so-called education savings accounts would only exacerbate this issue.

The South Dakota Public Schools Coalition urges lawmakers to consider the strong opposition from voters and prioritize the funding and support of public education.

The poll was conducted by American Viewpoint from January 13 to 15, 2025, with a sample of 500 general election voters and a margin of error of +/—4.4% at the 95% confidence level.

Ok. I think I’ve seen about everything now.  I pulled up a story via my inbox from the Dakota Scout, and 2/3 of the way down, this was in their advertising block: Wait, what?  Not Ready for Prime-time GOP Chair wannabee Lee Qualm has apparently dropped an ad on Dakota Scout in his campaign to be State Republican Party chair. Which if memory serves, is around $1k a month or more.  And it doesn’t link to anything.

I can’t help but notice the double-speak of the content when he self-claims that he’s “trustworthy.”  I think there’s at least a sibling or two that might not use that term if you remember past coverage of their lawsuit against him.  They might (and did) refer to his actions as “oppressive,” “violates their due process rights” and called his actions “attempted conversion.” In case you’ve forgotten about the lawsuit which I covered about a year ago, you can read it yourself:

..this formed the basis of the lawsuit filed in June of 2022; Lynn Qualm, Doreen Qualm, Joel Qualm vs. Lee Qualm, Trudy Qualm, L. Qualm & Sons, Inc.

Lee Qualm Conversion Lawsuit by Pat Powers on Scribd

The allegations contained in the lawsuit are somewhat shocking, as they claim an alleged scheme by the former leader of House Republicans in the legislature and his spouse to transfer stock into their own names.

The lawsuit alleges that annual corporation board of directors meetings ceased in about 1998. And starting in 2013, were said by the lawsuit to have put in place rules which transferred shares upon the death of minority shareholders. By the time that the stock transfers came to the attention of Qualm’s family members and the lawsuit was filed, Lee Qualm had already assumed a majority ownership of the holdings through transfers, seemingly without paying.    As noted in the lawsuit, the stocks were transferred “for no consideration,” violating the family members’ due process rights, and was “attempted conversion.”  And demand was made for the former Majority Leader and his wife to restore shares to the estates to Luvern and LaVonne Qualm.

Read that entire post here.

But I suppose if you’re trying to sell yourself as chair of the SDGOP, “trustworthy” is a better talking point than “attempted conversion.”

And let’s not forget what was noted in the minutes of a November 2024 GOP Chair hopeful forum held by a group of Republican County organizations about one of his goals if elected chair, which included turning the SDGOP into an anti-vaxxer group advocating his nutty position:

Candidate 1 – Lee Qualm Introduced himself and noted he would be calling everyone. — Goals:

• Educate State GOP and take a stand for/against vaccines – each measure should be studied and decisions based on Constitution and Platform. Provide information and use resources similar as to what has been done on RM 21 – petitions, radio ads, etc.

Remember that from November here.

“Educate State GOP and take a stand for/against vaccines.” 

*Sigh* I could go on, but you get the point.

Is the Republican Party about winning elections, or is it now the soapbox for crackpots? Because that’s when we start to lose elections.

It’s just disheartening that those of us who wish the SDGOP success in coming elections to have to look at the possibility as someone like this as one of the only three options.

State Senator Sydney Davis will be hosting Coffee & Conversation for her constituents this Saturday in Dakota Dune at the Cup O’ Joy Coffee Bar & Deli from 8:30 to 10:30.

Check it out!

In case you missed it..

Rounds to Chair Armed Services Cybersecurity Subcommittee in 119th Congress

Rounds has served as the top Republican on the Subcommittee since it was founded in 2017 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today announced he will once again serve as Chairman of the SASC Subcommittee on Cybersecurity during the 119th Congress.

“I am honored to once again lead the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity,” said Rounds. “Our armed services defend our nation in five domains: air, land, sea, space and cyberspace. As cyber technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, our need to effectively use it for our national defense is more important than ever. We must make certain the Department of Defense has the personnel and tools to respond swiftly and decisively to cyberattacks as well as the ability to conduct offensive cyber operations when the situation dictates. I look forward to working with my colleagues and members of President Trump’s administration to continue our progress in bolstering the cyber capabilities of the Department of Defense.”

Rounds has been the top Republican on the Cybersecurity Subcommittee since it was formed in 2017, serving as Chairman during the 115th and 116th Congresses and Ranking Member during the 117th and 118th Congresses. The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity was first established by the late Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), who also served as Chairman of SASC.

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Governor Rhoden Announces Staff Changes

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced changes to his staff in the Governor’s Office. You can find Governor Rhoden’s staff page here.

“My team is ready to hit the ground running. After careful consideration, I am retaining the vast majority of the current staff and cabinet. They are hard-working folks who are focused on South Dakota,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “However, I am also making some changes.”

Mackenzie Decker will serve as the Governor’s Chief of Staff. Mackenzie has worked for state government for 12 years, joining the Governor’s office over two years ago. She has worked for several state agencies including the Department of Labor and Regulation, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Department of Revenue. She graduated from South Dakota State University and earned her master’s in administration and organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota. 

Matt Michels will serve as Senior Advisor and Counsel to the Governor. Michels previously served as the 38^th Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota from 2011 to 2019 under Governor Dennis Daugaard. He was a Member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1999-2007, including Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2007. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota (USD) and a Juris Doctorate from the USD School of Law. 

“Mackenzie Decker has proven her tenacity as a leader in the office and will thrive as my Chief of Staff. And I am honored to have a strong advisor like Matt Michels joining our team,” continued Governor Rhoden. We are ready to get to work to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.” 

Ian Fury will continue in the role of Director of Communications and Unborn Child Advocate, though he will not serve as the Governor’s media spokesperson. A spokesperson has been hired and will be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, please direct media inquiries to Mackenzie Decker at Mackenzie.Decker@state.sd.us. 

Darin Seeley will continue his leadership as Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources and Administration. He will no longer serve as Chief Operations Officer in the Governor’s Office. 

Beth Hollatz, who served as Senior Advisor for Governor Kristi Noem, will retire from state government service on February 1. Beth had previously worked with then-Congresswoman Noem for eight years. 

Governor Rhoden has made a few other adjustments to staff responsibilities in the Governor’s Office, ensuring an exceptional team is in place to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free. Scheduling requests for Governor Rhoden can also be submitted on the Governor’s website. 

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