Senator Rounds explains importance of new trade deals

Foreign trade may not seem like an issue that hits close to home for South Dakotans, but it's big business for the state.

Legislation is in the works, which would help finalize trade deals that remove barriers facing U.S. exports like those produced by farmers and ranchers. The move would allow American goods to compete on a level playing field.

On Thursday, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds explained exactly how important the plan is to South Dakota.

U.S. Senator John Thune - a member of the Senate Finance Committee - praised the committee's bipartisan passage of trade promotion authority.