Senator Mike Rounds Tops Office Travel Expenses with Private Flights
Despite the availability of commercial flights, Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota has consistently chosen to charter private flights, resulting in higher travel costs than any other senator since 2017. His travel expenses surpass even those of colleagues from more remote states such as Alaska and Hawaii.
Rounds has accumulated these expenses by utilizing private aviation firms, some of which are linked to campaign donors. These costs are public because Rounds sought taxpayer reimbursement, as federal lawmakers are entitled to reimbursements for travel deemed necessary for official business.
While there are guidelines designed to ensure fiscal responsibility, such as a reduced airfare program, scrutiny over Senate office travel is minimal. Rounds has not faced any investigations or sanctions regarding his travel expenses.
In the past nine years, Rounds’ office has spent $5.1 million on travel, with $752,577 spent in fiscal year 2024 alone, representing nearly 20% of his office’s annual budget. By contrast, Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska reported $2.8 million in travel expenses over the same period.
Much of Rounds’ travel involves Mustang Aviation in Pierre, SD. The company, owned by Jim Peitz—a campaign donor of Rounds—has been a frequent choice for chartered flights. Peitz contributed $4,000 to Rounds’ campaigns between 2017 and 2019, while his wife Cathy donated $1,000 in 2013.
Though Pierre lacks direct flights to Washington, D.C., commercial options with connecting flights are available and can reach the capital within six hours.
Additionally, Rounds’ office has incurred expenses of $52,000 with Aberdeen Flying Service, a company owned by another recent donor, Mark Craven, who contributed $1,000 to Rounds this year. The firm is noted for its comfortable amenities and refreshments.
In legislative matters, Rounds supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes provisions allowing corporations to deduct expenses for private jets used in business, as reported by NPR.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rounds benefited from provisions allowing private travel for health reasons, yet still missed 20 Senate votes in 2022, according to a Newsweek report. In contrast, his colleague John Thune did not miss any votes, with his travel expenses significantly lower than Rounds’.
As Rounds seeks a third term in the Senate, he faces competition from Brian Bengs, an independent candidate with a background in the U.S. Navy and Air Force.
