MITCHELL, SD – U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds announced that he secured $21.9 million in funding for South Dakota projects as part of a Senate-approved continuing resolution and appropriations package that ends a 41-day government shutdown and funds the federal government through Jan. 30, 2026.

After a 41-day government shutdown, the U.S. Senate has passed a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government and fund operations through January 30, 2026.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Thursday that Congress is nearing a deal to reopen the federal government after 41 days of closure. The Senate is expected to vote soon on a measure to fund key federal programs and temporarily extend government operations.

The South Dakota Department of Social Services has confirmed that all SNAP recipients will receive their full benefits on Nov. 10 as scheduled. The department says the federal shutdown will not affect distribution, ensuring food assistance continues for more than 37,000 households statewide.

This Veterans Day, Rep. Dusty Johnson honors the more than 60,000 veterans in South Dakota who have served from World War II to today. Johnson has recognized over 1,270 Vietnam-era veterans in commemorative ceremonies across the state, including 37 veterans in Sioux Falls recently.

Court documents reveal that a stolen firearm was used in this week’s Sioux Falls homicide. 18-year-old Kray Bluebird allegedly stole a rifle and a revolver from a nearby pickup prior to the fatal incident.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) said Democrats are letting their far-left members dictate policy, blocking compromise on government funding and key initiatives.

Nate Franzen, President of Ag Banking at First Dakota National Bank, noted that much of the region’s soybeans are shipped west by rail to China, making the Dakotas especially sensitive to international demand.