SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(KELO)- Governor Kristi Noem is headed to Washington – as President elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security.

She’ll be grilled by Senators during the required confirmation hearings.

Senator Mike Rounds says those hearings can be gruelling.

Senator Rounds says the Governor will be part of a strong team, with former ICE Director Tom Homan on Board assigned to secure the border.

“It’s a great day!”  The words of Rounds as he prepares for the coming year in Washington following last week’s election.

He was upbeat and ready to go to work.

Elections have consequences…the words of former President Barack Obama when he was first elected.

It was true then, and it’s true now.

Senator Rounds was quick to bring up one of the big changes he’d like to see with Republicans taking control in Washington.

Another priority – Senator Rounds says Congress must act quickly to preserve income tax cuts that are set to expire.

They were originally approved during Mr. Trump’s first term in office.