Rounds talks Russia, Social Security and more

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HURON – Naming the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act in honor of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., was entirely appropriate, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said Friday.
President Trump signed the $717 billion appropriation into law earlier this week.
In a brief conference call, Rounds said McCain is a true American hero who has earned his respect with his service to his country. As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, McCain, who is home battling cancer, brings a bipartisan approach to the panel, Rounds said.
A shortened August recess still allowed Rounds to meet with constituents back home, including a Sioux Falls event that attracted 150 people and a tele conference, featuring a wide range of questions.
South Dakotans were interested in learning the senator’s perspective on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and the potential for meddling in the upcoming midterms, Rounds said.
Social Security solvency, as well as that of Medicare and Medicaid, were also on their minds.
“My concern is if it’s not properly managed, it won’t be around in the next 20 years,” Rounds said of the entitlements.

Meanwhile, he said the Senate continues to work under regular order to pass appropriations bills, something that hasn’t been done in years.
Unnecessary federal regulations are being rolled back. “I feel like we’re making some progress,” Rounds said.
Also, he said he believes the tax cuts approved late last year are “having a positive impact on our economy.
“Whether or not it’s sustainable depends on trade issues and getting an adequate job force together,” he said.
Agriculture groups still support the president, but want to see stability in the market, Rounds said. They want the next Farm Bill passed as soon as possible so there is certainty going into next year, he said.
Meanwhile, Rounds was asked about the president’s nomination of U.S. Appellate Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court and Republicans who have criticized Democrats for voicing their opposition.
Rounds and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., have said they will vote for Kavanaugh.
Some Democrats announced early on that they won’t vote for Kavanaugh, but are also demanding more information. Rounds said he thinks that’s inconsistent.
Democrats have been pushing to get White House records to question the nominee’s role in the Bush administration. That is a move to delay Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing, Round said.
“We think he’s the right guy for the job,” he said.
He said Kavanaugh must still go through the vetting process and it’s not unheard of for something to come up during that.
“We’ve changed our minds in the past, but not very often,” Rounds said.