WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – A bill sponsored by South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds called the RESPECT Act passed the Senate unanimously. The bill title: “Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes” would begin the process of repealing outdated federal laws dealing with native Americans.

There has also been a move to rescind 20 Medals of Honor that were awarded to soldiers that took part in the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890.

Rounds says he doesn’t want to connect the two.

Rounds says it is difficult to go back and second guess decisions made over 100 years ago.

Rounds says the RESPECT Act can be another step in improving relations.

The bill is now waiting on action in the U.S. House.