Rounds Named One of Most Effective Republicans in United States Senate

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) was named as one of the top-10 most effective Republican lawmakers in the 117th Congress by the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL). The CEL score is based on metrics such as substance of bills introduced, their progression throughout the legislative process and how many were signed into law.

In addition to being recognized as one of the top-10 most effective Republican lawmakers in the Senate, Rounds was also named:

• 2nd most effective Republican on Defense issues (3rd overall in Senate)
• 2nd most effective Republican on Indian Affairs issues (5th overall in Senate)
• 7th most effective Republican on Agricultural issues
• 7th most effective Republican on Banking and Commerce issues

“As lawmakers, it is crucial we work together to improve the lives of the American people,” said Rounds. “We were successful in getting results for South Dakota over the past two years.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, much of my work is focused on the defense of our country. Each year, the committee produces the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which provides for our national security interests and supports our service members and their families. This past year, I authored 47 unique pieces of legislation that were included in the NDAA and signed into law. We were able to secure an authorization for over $335 million in military construction funding for projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base, which will soon be the home of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. Furthermore, as the Ranking Member of the Cybersecurity Subcommittee, we were successful in including many provisions to enhance our nation’s offensive and defensive cyber capabilities that were signed into law and could potentially benefit the work being done at Dakota State University.

“Additionally, as South Dakota’s member of the delegation serving on the Indian Affairs Committee, I am committed to working with tribal leaders to uphold tribal sovereignty. This past year, we were successful in getting my bill, the RESPECT Act, signed into law. The RESPECT Act removed eleven immoral, discriminatory federal laws from our United States Code, including a law that allowed for the forced removal of children from their homes. While we cannot rewrite the past, we need to acknowledge it and continue to strive for a more perfect Union.

"There is still more work to be done, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to get results for our state. It is an honor to serve the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate.”

Click HERE to read more about the CEL’s Legislative Effectiveness Scores.

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