{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"SD\" and year = 2026 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-priorities-included-annual-defense-bill", "Johnson Priorities Included in Annual Defense Bill", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House passed the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with several of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson\u2019s (R-S.D.) priorities, including funding for the Ellsworth Air Force Base B-21 Raiders, securing America\u2019s supply chain, improving border security, and countering China.\n\n\u201cA strong and secure America requires a military that is prepared to meet the modern challenges of today and tomorrow,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThis defense package invests in our troops, secures our supply chains, and expands production capacity. These investments will reinforce our national security for generations to come.\u201d\n\nJohnson priorities included in the 2027 NDAA:", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-targeted-biden-dojs-arctic-frost", "Johnson Targeted by Biden DOJ\u2019s Arctic Frost", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement regarding Operation Arctic Frost in which President Joe Biden\u2019s Department of Justice officials obtained and reviewed the Congressman\u2019s text messages. The investigative team improperly reviewed the messages of 44 Members of Congress.\n\n\u201cMy text messages obtained by Jack Smith\u2019s rogue investigation team shows an unprecedented level of carelessness for the rule of law and the constitutional separation of powers,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the whistleblowers who brought these acts to light and to the Senate Judiciary Committee for continuing this Congressional oversight.\u201d\n\nJohnson will review the classified information obtained by the Justice Department.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary released evidence that the United States Department of Justice Special Counsel investigation lead by Jack Smith improperly obtained and reviewed text messages from Members of Congress from across political lines.\n\nThe Justice Department\u2019s letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley can be viewed here.", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-highlights-postal-service-improvement-areas", "Johnson Highlights Postal Service Improvement Areas", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) sent a letter to U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner highlighting geographic areas of South Dakota still experiencing Postal Service delays and service issues.\n\n\u201cA functional and efficient Postal Service is essential for many South Dakotans,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cWhile I\u2019m encouraged to see some improvements in service, progress for southeastern South Dakota is failing to meet the standard of service South Dakotans expect. I\u2019m looking forward to ongoing discussions with the Postmaster General on how we can work together to provide a Postal Service that works for South Dakota.\u201d\n\nUnited States Postal Service data shows continued delivery delays for postal customers in the Sioux Falls metro area and southeastern South Dakota.\n\nSouth Dakotans can submit feedback to the United States Post Office\u2019s Office of the Inspector General here.\n\nClick here to view the letter.\n\nBackground:\n\nJohnson surveyed thousands of South Dakotans in December 2025 about their experiences with USPS. He heard hundreds of stories about the impacts of delayed delivery and package routing negatively impacting families and businesses.\n\nJohnson hosted a roundtable event in Sioux Falls January 2026 to hear first-hand experiences with the Postal Service. Johnson was joined by Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) who chairs the subcommittee which has oversight of the USPS.\n\nJohnson then sent a letter to Steiner detailing the Postal Services\u2019 shortcomings in service. Rep. Sessions joined Johnson for a tour of the Sioux Falls mail processing facility on April 2, 2026.\n\nJohnson\u2019s full letter to Steiner:\n\nPostmaster General Steiner,\n\nI am writing once again regarding the performance of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in South Dakota. Earlier this year, I shared concerns raised by thousands of South Dakotans, outlined persistent service challenges, and expressed my hope that by July 2026 we would be able to point to measurable improvements in service reliability, staffing, and delivery performance.\n\nI appreciate the work USPS has undertaken to improve operations over the past year. The latest performance data shows meaningful progress across much of South Dakota, demonstrating that operational improvements are possible even in some of the nation\u2019s most geographically challenging rural delivery areas. Those improvements deserve recognition, and I appreciate the efforts of USPS employees and leadership who have helped produce them.\n\nHowever, South Dakotans in the Sioux Falls region still report delayed and missed deliveries, inconsistent service, staffing shortages, and disruptions affecting prescriptions, financial documents, newspapers, and small businesses. In a rural state like South Dakota, dependable mail service is not simply a convenience, it is essential infrastructure that families, businesses, and communities rely upon every day.\n\nThese concerns are reflected in USPS\u2019s own performance data, attached to this letter. Using September 2025 \u2013 the closest available ZIP3 benchmark to the beginning of your tenure, as the point of comparison \u2013 USPS has achieved measurable improvements across nearly every South Dakota service region. ZIP3 regions 572 through 577 have all shown improvement across key inbound mail performance metrics. Those results are encouraging and demonstrate that meaningful progress is achievable.\n\nHowever, the two service areas that encompass nearly half of South Dakota\u2019s resident \u2013 ZIP3 regions 570 and 571 \u2013 have experienced measurable declines over the same period. Given the success achieved elsewhere in the state, understanding why these two regions remain outliers is particularly important.\n\nI am encouraged by USPS\u2019s decision to install a new PILS machine serving the 571 region. That investment reflects a recognition that additional operational capacity is needed, and I am hopeful it will produce the same measurable improvements that residents in other parts of South Dakota have already begun to experience.\n\nAt the same time, I recognize that no single investment is likely to resolve every operational challenge affecting service in the 570 and 571 regions. For that reason, I want to ensure the deployment of this new equipment is accompanied by whatever additional operational, staffing, or transportation improvements may be necessary to restore reliable service. My office stands ready to assist that effort wherever Congress can be helpful.\n\nAccordingly, I respectfully request a written response addressing the following:\n\nThe primary operational factors contributing to declining performance in ZIP3 regions 570 and 571, including staffing levels, vacancy rates, transportation networks, mail processing operations, facility capacity, or any other relevant challenges;\n\nThe specific actions USPS is taking to improve service in these regions, including how the new PILS machine fits into the agency\u2019s broader operational strategy and whether successful practices implemented elsewhere in South Dakota can be applied in these service areas;\n\nThe measurable performance goals and anticipated timeline for improvement in the affected regions, including how USPS intends to evaluate and communicate progress; and\n\nAny legislative, regulatory, operational, or resource constraints that may be limiting USPS\u2019s ability to improve service and where Congress may be able to provide assistance.\n\nMy objective is not simply to identify shortcomings, but to better understand how we can work together to improve mail service for the people of South Dakota. If there are barriers preventing USPS from delivering the level of service South Dakotans deserve, I want to understand what role Congress can play in addressing them.\n\nThe progress achieved across much of the state demonstrates that improvement is possible. I am hopeful the investments now being made in the Sioux Falls region will allow those same gains to extend to the communities that have yet to experience them. I look forward to working with you to ensure that every South Dakotan receives the reliable postal service they depend on.\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nDUSTY JOHNSON\n\nMember of Congress", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-service-academy-appointments-2", "Johnson Announces Service Academy Appointments", "2026-06-15", "2026", "2026-06", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced nine South Dakotans will be attending the United States service academies. They will begin their military training at their respective schools in June. Johnson nominated each of these students in December 2025, and they recently accepted their appointment offers. This is a highly competitive process; approximately ten percent of applicants receive appointment offers across the five service academies.\n\n\u201cOne of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota\u2019s best and brightest who strive to begin their service to our country at one of our nation\u2019s esteemed service academies,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThese students are exceptional, and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America\u2019s freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Johnson\u2019s Class of 2030 Service Academy Appointees:\n\nMiles Bender \u2013 United States Air Force Academy\n\nMiles Bender of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy and intends to study operations research or civil engineering. He is eager to serve his country and live by a code.\n\nMiles participated with the Civil Air Patrol\u2019s youth cadet program for three years and held leadership roles at O\u2019Gorman High School in campus ministry, rotary club, and student council, including student council president. He was a member of O\u2019Gorman\u2019s Hope Squad, which helps fellow students with mental health issues, and as a regular volunteer at a local meal ministry. Additionally, Miles participated in football, tennis, and powerlifting. Each of these have instilled \u201ca sense of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence \u2013 qualities that align and are upheld by the service academy.\u201d His mentors say, \u201cMiles excels at those traits that aren\u2019t always measurable.\u201d He\u2019s looking forward to the daily sports, beautiful nature of Colorado Springs, CO, and the drive of like-minded people.\n\nKanin Booth \u2013 United States Air Force Academy\n\nKanin Booth of Summerset, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Attending an academy was a childhood goal for Kanin. As a JROTC Cadet, Command Sergeant Major Kanin served as the Drill Team Captain and Color Guard Trainer. Kanin volunteered more than 320 community service hours, worked several jobs, and was very active in community programs such as the Future Business Leaders of America, he co-founded the Rapid City Student School Board, participated in the Rapid City Police cadet program, attended Boys State, and served as a delegate to the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C.\n\nKanin wants to major in Military and Strategic Studies and pursue a career in Air Force Special Warfare upon graduation. More specifically, he wants to be a Combat Rescue Officer. \u201cI strive to challenge myself both mentally and physically,\u201d Kanin explained. \u201cI believe that one can\u2019t learn to develop as a person unless they place themselves in situations that challenge them to adapt and overcome.\u201d\n\nMax Cook \u2013 United States Air Force Academy\n\nMax Cook of Gregory, S.D. will be attending the United Staes Air Force Academy. Inspired by the military service of both of his parents, Max has desired to serve his country for a long time. \u201cAbove all, the opportunity to serve my country at the highest level, and to become the best leader that I can be is what draws me to this noble institution,\u201d Max says.\n\nWhile at Gregory High School, Max participated in track and field, qualifying for the state meet. At a world engineering competition in Minneapolis, MN, Max and his team designed and built their own wind turbine. Max has spent this past year at the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO, where he was selected as flight commander. Leading 22 of his peers has been a jump start to his military career and strengthened his leadership skills.\n\nEsten Foss \u2013United States Military Academy\n\nEsten Foss of Aberdeen, S.D. will be attending the United States Military Academy, where during a summer leadership program he attended as a high school junior, Esten witnessed how respect and duty were engrained in not only every cadet, but military faculty and civilian employees too. At Central High School, Esten is graduating second in his class. He participated in Boys State, was recognized for distinguished math and science skills, and has volunteered more than 100 service hours in his community.\n\nEsten ran track and field, was captain of his cross-country team, and was also captain of his wrestling team. \u201cWhat impresses me most about Esten is the level of passion he has for working with his teammates,\u201d his cross-country coach explained. Esten adds, \u201cIt is my duty to ensure that I hold myself to be an example of what I want the team to be through perseverance, consistency, and above all, a good attitude.\u201d\n\nLincoln Mansfield \u2013United States Naval Academy\n\nLincoln Mansfield of Hurley, S.D. is a Naval Academy Foundation Scholar at the Georgia Military Academy and will be attending the United States Naval Academy this summer. Attending a preparatory school gave Lincoln a chance to further hone his skills and get ready for the academy.\n\nAt Viborg-Hurley High School, Lincoln was on the Superior Honor roll six times and High Honor Roll one semester, and achieved All State Academic All Star for football, baseball, and track. He served as the junior class president and participated in Boys State. Lincoln is heavily involved with his community as a volunteer firefighter, T-ball coach, and softball umpire. Lincoln believes, \u201cbeing an officer in the Navy will allow me to help, serve, lead, and guide people.\u201d\n\nTyler Mueller \u2013 United States Air Force Academy\n\nTyler Mueller of Rapid City, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy to study aeronautical engineering. Tyler graduated ninth of his 367 classmates from Stevens High School. He participated in Rapid Acceleration, South Dakota\u2019s only FIRST\u00ae Robotics Competition team, where his team developed an award-winning open-source dashboard, autonomous navigation, and localization system on a competitive robot. Tyler also participated in a South Dakota School of Mines internship where he simulated the extraction of toxins from soil and researched substitute materials for vascular grafts. Additionally, Tyler conducted STEM outreach for Title I schools where he noted, \u201cpresenting these findings confirmed that research is not just about gaining knowledge but about using it to serve others.\u201d\n\nApplying this same work ethic to military service, Tyler said, \u201cI am certain that service and leadership are demonstrated through the consistent actions of those who endeavor valiantly in a worthy cause.\u201d He\u2019s most looking forward to the camaraderie at USAFA.\n\nGrant Roth \u2013 United States Military Academy\n\nGrant Roth of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending his first-choice school, the United States Military Academy, where he will major in mechanical engineering. A top performer at O\u2019Gorman High School, Grant excelled in academics, football, powerlifting, and track. Outside of school, Grant participated in Boys State, served on the Sioux Falls Mayor\u2019s Youth Council, was a Senate Page for the South Dakota state legislature, and participated on a mission trip to Guatemala. Furthermore, Grant has distinguished himself through his achievement as an Eagle Scout and as a mentor.\n\nAlways seeking to grow and push himself, Grant expressed his motivation to apply to the service academies is rooted in discipline and training himself physically, mentally, and morally. He\u2019s looking forward to continuing his personal character development and the rigorous education that lies ahead at such a prestigious school.\n\nTrinidy Sorensen \u2013 United State Naval Academy\n\nTrinidy Sorensen of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending the United States Naval Academy and majoring in chemistry. At Lincoln High School, Trinidy demonstrated both academic and athletic excellence. She was a top performer in her AP classes and served as the president and secretary for the National Honor Society. Trinidy participated in track, basketball, marksmanship, and served as the wrestling team captain. Trinidy was also the executive officer for her MCJROTC unit and intends to try out for the USNA silent drill team. Outside of school, Trinidy served others in her community through Faith Temple food giveaway, VFW pancake feeds, and several mission trips.\n\nTrinidy was inspired to serve others by her parents\u2019 example. She writes, \u201cThey instilled in me a sense of respect and a duty to help others.\u201d After the Naval Academy, she hopes to serve in either Explosive Ordinance Disposal or Surface Warfare in the Navy.\n\nAnders Van Olson \u2013 United States Military Academy\n\nAnders Van Olson of Yankton, S.D. will be attending the United States Military Academy to study cybersecurity. Anders is most excited to participate in West Point\u2019s leadership development program; he desires to serve his country and be the best version of himself that he can be. At Yankton High School, Anders was on the Honor Roll of Excellence all four years. He was on the hockey team, trap team, and a leader in orchestra, where he achieved first chair first violin, and was selected to All-State Orchestra three years in a row.\n\nAnders is inspired to serve by his grandfather, who served on destroyer escorts in World War II, and by the battlefield history of the upper plains at places like the Little Bighorn. Reflecting on these examples, Anders says he \u201cstarted to understand the process of training officers and the role of the academies in America\u2019s defense.\u201d", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:11:26Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-votes-advance-highway-bill", "Johnson Votes to Advance Highway Bill", "2026-05-22", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to invest in America\u2019s critical transportation and infrastructure programs and protect American infrastructure from Chinese spy technology. Several of Johnson\u2019s priorities were included in the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development (BUILD) for America\u2019s 250th Act, which passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee with a bipartisan 66-2 vote.\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s roads, bridges, and railways are among our most important assets,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cPeople use roads every day to get to and from work, school, or the doctor. For others, the roads are their office \u2013 they spend hours each day hauling goods across the country. Roads are critical to community life, the supply chain, and our national security. The BUILD America 250 Act provides a strong investment in our transportation system to keep America moving and gives states the driver\u2019s seat to address their unique needs.\u201d\n\nClick here to watch Johnson\u2019s remarks.\n\n\u201cThe South Dakota Trucking Association applauds the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for advancing the BUILD America 250 Act,\u201d said Christine Erickson, President of the South Dakota Trucking Association. \u201cA long-term, sustainable surface transportation bill is critical to keeping freight moving safely and efficiently across South Dakota and the nation. Investments in our roads, bridges, and supply chain infrastructure support economic growth, strengthen rural connectivity, and ensure the trucking industry can continue delivering for American families and businesses.\u201d\n\nThe BUILD America 250 Act:\n\nProvides $45 billion for bridge program funding \u2013 the largest-ever investment in American bridges.\n\nMore than one-third of United States bridges need major repairs or replacement. Motorists drive across \u201cstructurally deficient\u201d bridges 163 million times each day.\n\nCuts red tape to ensure projects get built more quickly and with fewer costs due to permitting delays.\n\nInvests $750 million to expand truck parking to decrease the nationwide shortage of truck parking.\n\nFocuses resources on work zone safety and supports law enforcement.\n\nRequires the Secretary of Transportation to remove Commercial Driver\u2019s License mills from the provider registry to ensure truck drivers are properly trained and licensed.\n\nCombats cargo theft, which costs the freight industry more than $18 million per day. The BUILD America 250 Act protects these goods, driving down costs for consumers.\n\nJohnson priorities included in the bill:\n\nProvides more than $2 billion in federal highway funding for South Dakota over five years.\n\nProvides more than $460 million in bridge funding for South Dakota over five years, more than double the previous allocation of $225 million.\n\nJohnson\u2019s Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act, whichprohibits the Department of Transportation from using LiDAR technology from foreign adversaries like China, which creates millimeter-level accurate digital 3-D maps of our infrastructure.\n\nStreamlines National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for Federal Highway Administration projects to ensure faster reviews for projects.\n\nExempts livestock haulers from electronic logging devices and hours-of-service requirements when traveling within a 150 air-mile radius from the final destination of the livestock.\n\nJohnson\u2019s amendment to establish a voluntary ten-year pilot program for states to increase truck weights on federal interstates up to 91,000 lbs. on six axles, easing burdensome regulations and improving driver recruitment and retention.\n\nIncreases funding for the Tribal Transportation Program.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-2026-congressional-app-challenge", "Johnson Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge", "2026-05-19", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced South Dakota\u2019s Congressional App Challenge (CAC), a competition designed to encourage student participation in computer science and coding, will be hosting its annual coding competition this year.\n\n\u201cTechnology and code are at our fingertips \u2013 this program is a great way for students to share their skills or take a risk and learn more about creating apps,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe Congressional App Challenge encourages digital innovation in high school and middle school students, increasing their proficiency in coding to set the next generation up for success.\u201d\n\nThe CAC was established by Congress to encourage young people to learn coding and to inspire them to pursue a career in STEM. Students of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in the competition, and no previous coding experience is required.\n\nThe App Challenge\u2019s student submission portal is now open. Applications must be submitted by October 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM CT. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, \u201cblock code,\u201d etc.), for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, etc.). Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four students.\n\nThe winner from South Dakota will be featured on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be eligible to be on display in the U.S. Capitol, honoring the winners from across the country.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-strengthens-fuel-supply-chain-vote-secure-year-round-e15-sales", "Johnson Strengthens Fuel Supply Chain with Vote to Secure Year-Round E15 Sales", "2026-05-13", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "May 13, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to secure the sale of year-round E15 nationwide, strengthening fuel supply chain stability. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan 218-203 vote.\n\n\u201cYear-round E15 sales is a big win for farmers and consumers,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cFor years, I\u2019ve been working to reach a deal that gives consumers a cheaper option at the pump, supports American agriculture producers, and increases homegrown energy production. I hope the Senate will act soon and send this bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nJohnson is a member of the Rural Domestic Energy Council, which was tasked with bringing E15 legislation to the floor. He is an original cosponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.\n\nClick here to watch Johnson\u2019s remarks.\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrent law requires states to opt out of the E10 waiver to allow E15 sales during summer months, creating uncertainty and dysfunction in the gasoline market, driving up gasoline prices.\n\nRefiners begin manufacturing fuel in February to meet federally-required summer gasoline specifications and begin shipping it. Temporary emergency waivers can provide short-term relief in some circumstances but have historically come too late given the significant lead time required to make and deliver summer gasoline. These emergency waivers can only be provided in 20-day increments, which adds an additional level of complexity and uncertainty.\n\nU.S. sales of E15 hit a record 1.52 billion gallons in 2025, an increase of 23% over 2024 sales.\n\nDrivers typically save 10-30 cents per gallon when filling up with E15 compared to E10.\n\nE15 is suitable for cars model year 2001 and newer.\n\nThe Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act:\n\nAllows the year-round sale of E15 fuel nationwide.\n\nDoing so prevents a patchwork of unique state requirements while not impacting the supply of E10.\n\nDefines small refining companies as those that do not exceed 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil, per company, rather than per facility (current law).\n\nThis ensures large companies cannot claim \u201csmall\u201d status to not comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard law.\n\nProvides small refining companies with an automatic 75% exemption starting in 2028.\n\nTerminates the current small refinery exemption process on July 1, 2028, and prohibits the reallocation of exempted volumes starting in compliance year 2028, ensuring other refiners are not affected by these exempted volumes.\n\nProvides an additional emergency exemption pool for refineries at risk of imminent closure, permanent idling, or conversion to a renewable fuel production facility due to the cost of compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard.\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nIssues:AgricultureEnergy", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-continues-efforts-protect-american-agriculture-china", "Johnson Continues Efforts to Protect American Agriculture from China", "2026-05-07", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and members of the Select Committee on China introduced the Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act to protect American farmland, military facilities, and critical infrastructure from malign attempts to control American land by foreign adversaries like China.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been sounding the alarm for years that China has no good intentions when they purchase U.S. farmland, ag businesses, or land near military bases,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is focused on collecting our private data, influencing our food supply, and threatening our national security. Their goal is to make America \u2013 and the world \u2013 look more like China, not like freedom. The Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act will ensure none of America\u2019s adversaries can gain a grip on critical U.S. property.\u201d\n\n\u201cFood security is national security, and we cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to buy up American farmland near our most sensitive military and critical infrastructure sites,\u201d said Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar(R-MI). \u201cThis bipartisan legislation closes dangerous loopholes, presumptively bars foreign adversaries from purchasing land, and ensures the United States has the tools to stop these farmland deals before they threaten our security. It also implements the Trump Administration\u2019s America First Investment Policy and USDA\u2019s Farm Security Action Plan by giving the administration the authority needed to protect United States farmland and real estate near sensitive facilities. This a top concern of the American people and I hope Congress will act quickly to pass it into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cForeign adversaries, led by China, have exploited gaps in federal law to acquire American land near our military bases, critical infrastructure, and food supply. We must treat food security as national security, and the federal government needs the jurisdiction and the tools to stop these transactions before they happen, not to negotiate mitigation agreements after the fact. States have led on this issue for years, and federal law should reinforce their efforts. Legislation is needed to close these loopholes and protect critical American infrastructure and American communities, and the provisions of this bill do just that,\u201d said Adam Savit, Director for China Policy at American First Policy Institute, former Senior Advisor for National Security at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.\n\nJohnson has a long record of protecting American farmland from the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries. He has cosponsored the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People\u2019s Republic of China Act, and more. Johnson is a recognized leader in Congress on the fight to safeguard America from the China threat.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) lacks authority over most transactions involving real estate, which has tied the United States\u2019 hands as malign entities hold American food security at risk and secure footholds near our critical infrastructure, which includes military facilities.\n\nThis bill will empower the United States to investigate and mitigate foreign adversary land purchases that present national security threats, and will ensure that any such purchases involving farmland, critical infrastructure, or military bases are subject to a mandatory CFIUS review. The bill also elevates food security as an explicit factor in how CFIUS should evaluate national security risks.\n\nThe Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act:\n\nGrants CFIUS jurisdiction over all foreign adversary real estate purchases\n\nExpands existing CFIUS real estate jurisdiction to cover critical infrastructure\n\nPreserves existing exceptions for residential and urban real estate for non-adversary investors\n\nRequires mandatory CFIUS filing and investigation for foreign adversary real estate purchases involving critical infrastructure or farmland\n\nRequires CFIUS reviews to consider food security and biosecurity threats\n\nAdds the Secretary of Agriculture to CFIUS for agricultural and biotechnology-related transactions\n\nEstablishes a presumption that foreign adversary purchases of farmland and critical infrastructure will be prohibited by default, unless CFIUS review establishes that the transaction\u2019s national security risks can be resolved through other means\n\nThe Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites from Foreign Adversaries Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Nathaniel Moran (R-TX), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Mike Thompson (D-CA).", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegations-tribal-trust-land-homeownership-act-signed-law", "Delegation\u2019s Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act Signed into Law", "2026-05-06", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today issued the following statements after their Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act was signed into law by President Trump. The bipartisan legislation will accelerate the review and processing of mortgages on trust land by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).\n\n\u201cFor years, affordable housing opportunities on tribal trust land have been hard to come by in South Dakota and across the nation due in part to the BIA\u2019s challenging mortgage approval process,\u201d said Thune. \u201cWith the enactment of our legislation, this mortgage approval process will now be expedited, encouraging homeownership across Indian Country. I\u2019m grateful to Senator Mike Rounds and Congressman Dusty Johnson for co-leading this bill with me, and I thank President Trump for signing it into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased that President Trump has signed our Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act into law,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cThe process of getting a mortgage on tribal trust land is long and bureaucratic, requiring approval from the BIA that is supposed to take 30 days but often takes over one year. This legislation will require the BIA to follow a statutory timeline when processing mortgages for houses and businesses on tribal trust land. This is a long-overdue win for tribal communities in South Dakota.\u201d\n\n\u201cBuying a home or business on tribal trust land is about to get a whole lot easier,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m grateful President Trump signed our Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act into law to improve access to homeownership on tribal lands. Big thanks to Leader John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds for their efforts to support tribal communities by cutting through government bureaucracy at the BIA.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Thune has strongly supported expanding homeownership opportunities on tribal land since his early days in the Senate,\u201d said Sharon Vogel, board chair of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and executive director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority in Eagle Butte. \u201cFrom the beginning, he has focused on prioritizing and streamlining mortgage-related processes within the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act advances that work. We appreciate his vision and leadership in making homeownership more accessible for Native families.\u201d\n\n\u201cAt the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), we deeply appreciate the growing attention and commitment from Congress to tackle the housing challenges facing tribal nations,\u201d said Rudy Soto, executive director of NAIHC. \u201cBy removing unnecessary bureaucratic delays, this bill helps unlock opportunity for Native families, strengthens pathways to homeownership, and supports economic mobility in our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration to build on this momentum and ensure tribal housing is fully included in the broader national housing agenda.\u201d\n\nThe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act will create statutory timelines for the BIA to process mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land. Additionally, it will enhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and establish a realty ombudsman within the BIA to improve communication with tribes, tribal members, and lenders. The bill passed the Senate on December 12, 2025, and passed the House of Representatives on March 4, 2026.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-student-winners-congressional-art-competition-3", "Johnson Announces Student Winners of Congressional Art Competition", "2026-05-06", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced Cadence Micucci from Tea as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for South Dakota. Micucci\u2019s mixed media artwork is named \u201cThe Original Soldier.\u201d Micucci is a sophomore at Tea Area High School. Her art teacher is Angela Kamps. The artwork will be on display for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts.\n\nSecond place was awarded to Porshia Zimiga, a senior at Wall High School. Her artwork, titled \u201cA Whispering Dusk\u201d features white and black charcoal pencils and chalk pastels. Zimiga\u2019s piece will be displayed in Johnson\u2019s Washington, D.C. office.\n\n\u201cThese two art pieces reflect the history and heritage of South Dakota,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cCongratulations to Cadence and Porshia \u2013 your art showcases your skills and creativity and will represent South Dakota well in Congress. I\u2019m impressed with your work.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The South Dakota Arts Council partners with Johnson\u2019s office to carry out this initiative. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize talent in their home districts.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-us-service-academy-applications-open-1", "Johnson Announces U.S. Service Academy Applications Open", "2026-05-04", "2026", "2026-05", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced the application process is now open for his U.S. Service Academy nomination for the graduating Class of 2031.\n\n\u201cThe men and women who attend our service academies are the cream of the crop,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cEach year I receive applications from South Dakotans from all walks of life who are dedicated to service. I\u2019m always encouraged by the character of the students that apply, and it\u2019s a great honor to nominate them to our prestigious service academies.\u201d\n\nMembers of Congress may nominate candidates to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.\n\nAccording to U.S. News College Rankings, which analyzes more than 1,800 universities and colleges, the U.S. Naval Academy is currently ranked third, the U.S. Air Force Academy fifth, and the U.S. Military Academy ranked tenth in National Liberal Arts Colleges. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is ranked first and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is ranked third in Regional Colleges North. In addition to six to seven hours per day of traditional educational learning, Cadets and Midshipmen participate in military training, sports, and extracurricular activities.\n\nThe Academies provide a fully funded, exceptional education, plus a monthly stipend, in return for mandatory service upon commissioning. The Academies require applicants be a U.S. Citizen, unmarried with no dependents, between the ages of 17-23, and of good moral character. In addition to SAT and ACT scores, the Academies will now also accept CLT scores.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:21:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/us-house-passes-farm-bill-johnsons-support", "U.S. House Passes Farm Bill with Johnson\u2019s Support", "2026-04-30", "2026", "2026-04", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "April 30, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 224-200 vote. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Farm Bill which contains dozens of Johnson\u2019s priorities that support farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and across America.\n\n\u201cFarmers and ranchers have made it clear \u2013 we need a completed Farm Bill,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI worked hard to ensure this Farm Bill invests in rural America, secures our supply chains, and puts producers first. I\u2019m glad it has passed the House, and I hope the Senate considers it soon to provide certainty for our hardworking producers.\u201d\n\nAfter the Farm Bill passed the House Agriculture Committee in March, Johnson successfully worked to remove the Greyhound Protection Act to protect the use of and training of hunting dogs.\n\nJohnson\u2019s bills included in the Farm Bill:\n\nThe SAFETY Act to safeguard American exports from unfair trade practices.\n\nThe Butcher Block Act to assist with new and expanding livestock and meat processors.\n\nThe Assistance for Rural Water Systems Actto provide funding and technical support for water infrastructure in rural communities.\n\nThe Healthy Dog Importation Act to ensure dogs imported into the U.S. are in good health and have received proper vaccines and medical treatment.\n\nThe A-Plus Act to increase investments in small meat packers.\n\nThe ACES Act to add agricultural cooperatives with fewer than 2,500 employees as qualified entities under the Rural Energy for America Program.\n\nThe Increased TSP (Technical Service Providers) Access Actto improve and expand the certification and participation process for Technical Service Providers under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs.\n\nTransfer Food for Peace from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to USDA, as seen in H.R. 1207.\n\nThe Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act to improve nutrition and increase access to dairy products for low-income populations.\n\nThe CAREERS Act to strengthen workforce development and career education programs.\n\nThe Save Our Bacon Act to block California\u2019s Proposition 12 requirements on producers.\n\nJohnson\u2019s crop and conservation priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nProvides long-term investments in working lands conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).\n\nJohnson\u2019s amendment to clarify that tech-neutral modernization is eligible for fencing repair or replacement under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).\n\nJohnson\u2019s rural development priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nUpdates and modernizes USDA broadband programs, providing faster buildout speeds and strengthening connectivity to rural communities.\n\nCodifies the Circuit Rider Program, which provides technical assistance for rural water systems.\n\nBroadens the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to support new investments in food infrastructure for a more resilient and diverse U.S. food supply chain.\n\nReauthorizes the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program and permits awardees to provide other forms of collateral to secure loans.\n\nJohnson\u2019s other agricultural priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nJohnson\u2019s amendment to strengthen Tribal 1994 Land Grant Institutions by expanding their ability to acquire land, modernize facilities, and invest in equipment to support ag research and extension.\n\nReauthorizes the New Beginnings for Tribal Students Program and removes the cap on funding each state can receive.\n\nReauthorizes the Sun Grant Program, expands the scope to include bioproducts, and allows universities to better utilize grant funding.\n\nReauthorizes the Wood Innovation Grant Program, reduces the non-Federal match, and authorizes grants for hauling materials to locations that can utilize it.\n\nDirects additional resources toward livestock and poultry disease preparedness, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.\n\nMore than doubles authorization funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, enabling better market access and trade promotion.\n\nReforms reporting requirements under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to ensure accuracy and transparency of data on farmland owned by foreign persons.\n\nAllows the Secretary to enter into self-determination contracts with Tribes to operate SNAP, consistent with the SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act.\n\nThe Farm Bill has the support of more than 500 agricultural organizations from across the country, including seven from South Dakota: South Dakota Agri-Business Association, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, South Dakota Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Soybean Association, South Dakota State University, and South Dakota Wheat Growers Association.\n\nIssues:Agriculture", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:19:40Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-testifies-support-his-eastern-south-dakota-rural-water-bills", "Johnson Testifies in Support of His Eastern South Dakota Rural Water Bills", "2026-04-29", "2026", "2026-04", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing on U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson\u2019s (R-S.D.) bills to conduct feasibility studies on supplying Missouri River water to communities in eastern South Dakota.\n\n\u201cAs South Dakota continues to grow, investments in water supply are critical for the future of our state,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m proud to support the Lewis and Clark and Dakota Mainstem projects to ensure safe and ample water resources for generations to come.\u201d\n\nClick here for Johnson\u2019s remarks\n\n\u201cThe Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is grateful for the support of Congressman Johnson and the tri-state delegation for the planning for water needs of our region decades into the future, planning that can occur with this feasibility study,\u201d said Troy Larson, Executive Director of Lewis & Clark Regional Water System. \u201cWhether it is economic development or the ongoing needs of communities big and small, access to safe reliable water is a necessary element to future growth.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of Dakota Mainstem, I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson and the members of the House Subcommittee for the opportunity to testify and discuss the importance of this project,\u201d said Ryan Johnson, President of Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. \u201cReliable water infrastructure is a shared responsibly, essential to the future growth, economic stability, and long-term drought resilience of our region. This feasibility study authorization is an important step toward ensuring communities, rural water systems, and future generations have access to a dependable water supply.\u201d\n\nThe Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Expansion Feasibility Study Act authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed drinking water project drawing from the Missouri River. This project would support Lewis and Clark Regional Water System\u2019s efforts to supply drinking water to 350,000 people in southeast South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota. Click here for bill text.\n\nThe Dakota Mainstem Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act authorizes the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed water project drawing from the Missouri River to supplement local supplies and address long-term water scarcity and quality challenges. This project will help Dakota Mainstem support more than 50 water providers in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Click here for bill text.", 1, "2026-06-27T21:44:12Z", "2026-06-27T22:19:40Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-testifies-support-his-western-south-dakota-rural-water-bill", "Johnson Testifies in Support of His Western South Dakota Rural Water Bill", "2026-04-16", "2026", "2026-04", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing on U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson\u2019s (R-S.D.) bill to conduct a feasibility study on supplying Missouri River water to the Western Dakota Regional Water System (WDRWS).\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s hard to overstate the importance of water,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cIf we want a vibrant and healthy West River, we have to have the Western Dakota Regional Water System project, and I\u2019m proud to support this important step forward.\u201d\n\nClick here for Johnson\u2019s remarks.\n\n\u201cWestern Dakota Regional Water System has completed five years of foundational work, including demand projections, intake evaluations, and regional system planning. The State of South Dakota has invested more than $12 million, alongside strong local support from our 49 members. The project is ready for the next step: a Bureau of Reclamation feasibility study,\u201d said Kristin Conzet, Executive Director of WDRWS. \u201cWe are grateful to Rep. Johnson and his team for their professionalism and assistance throughout the federal process.\u201d\n\nAs western South Dakota grows, the demand for water continues to increase. WDRWS seeks to meet that growing demand. The Western South Dakota Water Supply Project Feasibility Study Act allocates $10 million to the Bureau of Reclamation to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed rural water supply project that would deliver municipal, rural, and industrial water from the Missouri River to western South Dakota. The purpose of a feasibility study is to ensure that a water resources project is technically, environmentally, and economically sound.", 1, "2026-06-16T06:53:21Z", "2026-06-16T06:55:02Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-65-million-platte-winner-bridge", "Johnson Announces $65 Million for Platte-Winner Bridge", "2026-04-03", "2026", "2026-04", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced $65 million of federal funding for the Platte-Winner bridge along Highway 44. This bridge replacement restores a vital transportation link for not only Gregory and Charles Mix Counties, but the entire region.\n\n\u201cThis is huge news for South Dakota. Our hard-fought advocacy efforts to secure $65 million for this bridge were successful,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThis is a great investment in South Dakota\u2019s infrastructure and I\u2019m grateful the Administration awarded our state this funding.\u201d\n\nThe Highway 44 Platte-Winner bridge crosses the Missouri River. Without this bridge, the nearest crossings of the Missouri River would require a detour of over 50 miles.", 1, "2026-05-23T06:08:46Z", "2026-05-23T06:10:20Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-legislation-gives-producers-fertilizer-price-transparency", "Johnson Legislation Gives Producers Fertilizer Price Transparency", "2026-03-26", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the bipartisan Fertilizer Transparency Act to increase transparency in fertilizer markets and provide farmers with better information on the price of key crop inputs. The bill would require the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a mandatory reporting program for fertilizer prices and quantities sold in the United States. The data would be published weekly to give farmers clearer insight into fertilizer markets. Currently, USDA publishes the data annually, on a voluntary basis.\n\n\u201cOn top of market uncertainty, low commodity prices, and severe weather, high input costs have increased the financial strain for our producers,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThe Fertilizer Transparency Act would alleviate some of the uncertainty that producers face every day and help them plan best for the seasons ahead.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Representative Johnson\u2019s introduction in the House of Representatives of the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026,\u201d said Trent Kubik, President of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association. \u201cThe continued high cost of fertilizer negatively impacts corn farmers\u2019 bottom line. Since 2022, we have seen record-setting spikes in the price of fertilizer that have not decreased in a consequential way. This bill will help to improve market signals by providing public access to meaningful pricing data.\u201d\n\nThe Fertilizer Transparency Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Josh Riley (D-NY), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Eric Sorensen (D-IL).\n\nU.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) introduced this legislation in the Senate.", 1, "2026-05-20T06:27:31Z", "2026-05-20T06:28:54Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-seeks-student-art-congressional-art-competition", "Johnson Seeks Student Art for Congressional Art Competition", "2026-03-23", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced the 2026 Congressional Art Competition and encourages South Dakota high school students to submit their artwork. The competition puts the artwork of South Dakota students in the U.S. Capitol building. The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is now accepting entries on behalf of Rep. Johnson\u2019s office.\n\nThe contest is open to all South Dakota students in grades 9-12. The first-place winning entry will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the United States Capitol for one year. The second-place winning entry will be displayed in Johnson\u2019s Washington, D.C. office.\n\n\u201cSouth Dakota is full of creative talent,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThis program is a chance to celebrate and showcase the talent of South Dakota\u2019s students in the halls of Congress. Young artists should take this unique opportunity for their work to be recognized nationally.\u201d\n\nOnly digital submissions will be accepted. Students should send one email including a high-resolution JPEG image, along with a completed, typed PDF of the student release form to Sarah.Carlson@state.sd.us. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM CT, on Monday, April 20. Winners will be notified by Friday, April 24, and will be responsible for shipping their artwork and student release forms to the SDAC office. The South Dakota Arts Council will have the artwork framed and will ship it to Washington, D.C. for the student.\n\nPlease review the artwork specifications, guidelines, and instructions before submitting and download the student release form at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/CAC/index.aspx.\n\nThe Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the Congressional Institute and members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It\u2019s an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in each congressional district. The South Dakota Arts Council partners with Congressman Johnson\u2019s office to carry out this initiative.\n\nThe South Dakota Arts Council, an office of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, is a state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of South Dakota.", 1, "2026-05-14T06:11:37Z", "2026-05-14T06:12:56Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-joins-71-lawmakers-urging-treasury-ustr-curbing-import-dangerous", "Johnson Joins 71 Lawmakers Urging Treasury, USTR on Curbing Import of Dangerous Chinese Vapes", "2026-03-09", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) joined 71 House lawmakers in a letter to U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging them to combat the flow of illicit Chinese e-cigarettes and vapes from flooding into American markets without approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).\n\nThe lawmakers asked the Trump Administration to consider the national security and public health threats these vapes pose in any future trade negotiations with the Chinese government.\n\n\u201cThese [Chinese vapes] are a threat to national security. The Department of Justice has reported that unauthorized vapes are frequently smuggled from China and sold near schools and military bases, putting minors and service members at risk. The Drug Enforcement Administration has investigated vape shops in proximity to military installations and found that many are owned or operated by foreign nationals suspected of deliberately targeting military personnel,\u201d the lawmakers wrote.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found here or below:\n\nDear Secretary Bessent and Ambassador Greer:\n\nAs trade discussions with the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC) advance, it is critical that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of the Treasury confront the ongoing exploitation of our trade system. Any new trade agreement with China should require the Chinese government, through its oversight of e-cigarette exports, to take decisive action to curb the influx of illegal, youth-oriented e-cigarettes that openly flout U.S. and Chinese law.\n\nThe Administration has made clear that stopping the flow of dangerous and plainly illegal Chinese e-cigarettes is a national priority. We commend the important work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, who continue to intercept illicit, often misdeclared, shipments. Despite these efforts, Chinese e-cigarette exports to the United States continued to rise during the final quarter of 2025, surpassing $10 billion in that year.\n\nThese devices are a threat to national security. The Department of Justice has reported that unauthorized vapes are frequently smuggled from China and sold near schools and military bases, putting minors and service members at risk. The Drug Enforcement Administration has investigated vape shops in proximity to military installations and found that many are owned or operated by foreign nationals suspected of deliberately targeting military personnel. One joint operation led to 20 arrests, including three Chinese nationals.\n\nThe emergence of Chinese \u201csmart vapes\u201d\u2014which connect to smartphones\u2014poses an additional cybersecurity threat. These devices may enable unauthorized access to personal data, cameras, microphones, geolocations, and networks. If used by military personnel, sensitive information could flow directly to the Chinese Communist Party under China\u2019s 2017 National Intelligence Law, which requires companies to cooperate with state intelligence services.\n\nGiven the threat these devices pose, the U.S. government should aggressively counter the source of these products. It is far more efficient to prevent these products from entering the United States from China than it is to intercept such products once they have entered the U.S. domestic supply chain. Chinese law bans manufacturers from shipping e-cigarettes to a country where those products are illegal. Although the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration (STMA) exerts extensive control over the e-cigarette- industry in China, including the export of such products, the STMA has allowed massive quantities of illegal e-cigarettes shipments to the United States. This is not an administrative lapse; it appears to be a deliberate strategy on the part of the STMA that capitalizes on gaps in U.S. enforcement. Any forthcoming agreement with the PRC must ensure that the STMA enforces its existing rules on these illegal exports.\n\nThe need for action is urgent. Illicit Chinese e-cigarette makers and their U.S. distributors intentionally design and market products to appeal to young people\u2014using candy flavored cartridges, toy-like designs, and packaging styled after fashion accessories. They rely on influencer marketing on youth-heavy platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These illegal products often contain carcinogens, toxic additives, and high levels of heavy metals like lead, along with other unknown substances.\n\nMoreover, the illicit e-cigarette- trade has become an attractive revenue stream for Mexican drug cartels. Associated Press reporting indicates that cartels have secured a dominant share of the illegal market in Mexico and are continuing to expand their operations in the United States. E-cigarette sales are illegal in Mexico, but demand for these products still exists which has likely led to the rise of cartel involvement in the sale of these devices. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (a bureau of the Department of the Treasury) has identified these products as a vehicle for trade-based money laundering schemes tied to fentanyl proceeds, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has similarly traced funds from illicit Chinese e-cigarette sales to foreign adversaries and cartel operations inside the United States.\n\nFor these reasons, we strongly urge the USTR to elevate this matter in ongoing trade negotiations with China and to pursue a binding commitment requiring the Chinese government to stop all e-cigarette exports that fail to comply with U.S. and Chinese law. U.S. national security and public health require nothing less.", 1, "2026-05-08T05:46:43Z", "2026-05-08T05:48:09Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/farm-bill-passes-ag-committee-johnsons-support", "Farm Bill Passes Ag Committee with Johnson\u2019s Support", "2026-03-05", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "March 5, 2026\n\nWashington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill, with a bipartisan 34-17 vote. U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Farm Bill which contains dozens of Johnson\u2019s priorities that support farmers and ranchers in South Dakota and across America.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve met with ag producers across South Dakota and they all agree \u2013 we need a Farm Bill. I agree, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to have worked with Chairman Thompson to finalize this legislation,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cThis Farm Bill invests in rural America and provides needed certainty for producers by building on the work completed in the Working Families Tax Cuts. These investments in American agriculture strengthen communities, secure our food supply chains, and put our producers first.\u201d\n\nClick here or the image above for Johnson\u2019s opening remarks.\n\nJohnson\u2019s bills included in the Farm Bill:\n\nThe SAFETY Act to safeguard American exports from unfair trade practices.\n\nThe Butcher Block Act to assist with new and expanding livestock and meat processors.\n\nThe Assistance for Rural Water Systems Actto provide funding and technical support for water infrastructure in rural communities.\n\nThe Healthy Dog Importation Act to ensure dogs imported into the U.S. are in good health and have received proper vaccines and medical treatment.\n\nThe A-Plus Act to increase investments in small meat packers.\n\nThe ACES Act to add agricultural cooperatives with fewer than 2,500 employees as qualified entities under the Rural Energy for America Program.\n\nThe Increased TSP (Technical Service Providers) Access Actto improve and expand the certification and participation process for Technical Service Providers under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation programs.\n\nTransfer Food for Peace from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to USDA, as seen in H.R. 1207.\n\nThe Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act to improve nutrition and increase access to dairy products for low-income populations.\n\nThe CAREERS Act to strengthen workforce development and career education programs.\n\nThe Save Our Bacon Act to block California\u2019s Proposition 12 requirements on producers.\n\nJohnson\u2019s crop and conservation priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nProvides long-term investments in working lands conservation programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).\n\nJohnson\u2019s amendment to clarify that tech-neutral modernization is eligible for fencing repair or replacement under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).\n\nJohnson\u2019s rural development priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nUpdates and modernizes USDA broadband programs, providing faster buildout speeds and strengthening connectivity to rural communities.\n\nCodifies the Circuit Rider Program, which provides technical assistance for rural water systems.\n\nBroadens the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to support new investments in food infrastructure for a more resilient and diverse U.S. food supply chain.\n\nReauthorizes the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program and permits awardees to provide other forms of collateral to secure loans.\n\nJohnson\u2019s other agricultural priorities included in the Farm Bill:\n\nJohnson\u2019s amendment to strengthen Tribal 1994 Land Grant Institutions by expanding their ability to acquire land, modernize facilities, and invest in equipment to support ag research and extension.\n\nReauthorizes the New Beginnings for Tribal Students Program and removes the cap on funding each state can receive.\n\nReauthorizes the Sun Grant Program, expands the scope to include bioproducts, and allows universities to better utilize grant funding.\n\nReauthorizes the Wood Innovation Grant Program, reduces the non-Federal match, and authorizes grants for hauling materials to locations that can utilize it.\n\nDirects additional resources toward livestock and poultry disease preparedness, including the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank.\n\nMore than doubles authorization funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, enabling better market access and trade promotion.\n\nReforms reporting requirements under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act to ensure accuracy and transparency of data on farmland owned by foreign persons.\n\nAllows the Secretary to enter into self-determination contracts with Tribes to operate SNAP, consistent with the SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act.\n\nIssues:Agriculture", 1, "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-vasquez-bill-ensures-tribal-children-have-fair-shot-high-quality", "Johnson, Vasquez Bill Ensures Tribal Children Have Fair Shot at High-Quality Education", "2026-03-05", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) introduced the Parity for Tribal Educators Act to address teacher shortages in Indian country. The legislation would provide teachers at tribally controlled schools the same federal retirement benefits that teachers at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools receive, ensuring tribal students have equal access to educational opportunity.\n\n\u201cTribal educators are doing the same work as their Bureau of Indian Affairs counterparts. They should have access to the same retirement programs. The Parity for Tribal Educators Act fixes that disparity and would help recruit and retain tribal educators,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for Rep. Vasquez\u2019s partnership on this issue to improve the quality of education tribal schools across America.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill is about doing right by our Tribal communities, overcoming recruitment and retention issues, and making sure every child in New Mexico has a fair shot at success,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cGiving Tribal teachers the benefits they deserve helps keep Tribal schools staffed with quality educators \u2013 the type of quality educators who help Tribal students unlock their brightest futures possible.\u201d\n\nThe Parity for Tribal Educators Act is endorsed by National Indian Education Association and the National Congress of American Indians.\n\n\u201cWe appreciate Congressman Johnson\u2019s leadership in supporting this legislation. For too long, tribal schools have faced inequities in retirement benefits. This bill will help tribally controlled schools in South Dakota recruit and retain the talented teachers our students deserve,\u201d said Cecilia Firethunder, President of the Oglala Lakota Nation Education Coalition.\n\n\u201cThe National Indian Education Association supports the Parity for Tribal Educators Act. We appreciate the leadership of Representatives Gabe Vasquez and Dusty Johnson in advancing legislation that strengthens teacher retention in tribally controlled schools and helps ensure educators receive equitable, high-quality employment benefits,\u201d saidJason Dropik, Executive Director of the National Indian Education Association.", 1, "2026-05-07T13:38:59Z", "2026-05-07T13:40:28Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-tribal-homeownership-bill-passes-us-house", "Johnson\u2019s Tribal Homeownership Bill Passes U.S. House", "2026-03-04", "2026", "2026-03", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) passed the House with a 384-40 vote. Johnson\u2019s bill advocates for homeownership and streamlines the approval process for mortgages on tribal trust land.\n\nThe Senate passed the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act in December 2025 and the bill passed the House Natural Resources Committee in January 2026. The bill now heads to President Trump\u2019s desk for his signature.\n\n\u201cGovernment bureaucracy shouldn\u2019t prevent an individual from achieving the American Dream of homeownership,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cNow that our bill has passed the House and Senate, I\u2019m hopeful President Trump will sign it into law soon to make homeownership more accessible on tribal trust land.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis legislation will positively impact our Native families pursuing homeownership,\u201d said Sharon Vogel, Chair of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and Executive Director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority. \u201cH.R. 2130 will help to eliminate barriers that have historically hindered our homeownership efforts. It also allows us to leverage private sector partnerships that require government processes to keep pace with mortgage industry timelines. We are grateful to Representative Johnson and Senator Thune for their leadership and commitment on this issue and for working with the Coalition to improve housing conditions for our families in South Dakota.\u201d\n\nClick here for Johnson\u2019s floor remarks.\n\nCurrently, in order to be finalized, mortgages involving property on tribal trust land must be reviewed and approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA Mortgage Handbook establishes timelines for BIA offices to process and approve these mortgages. However, these timelines are not always adhered to.\n\nThe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act would:\n\nSeek to cut through BIA red tape and provide timely processing of mortgages.\n\nCreate statutory timelines in which the BIA would be required to process and approve mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land.\n\nRequire the BIA to notify lenders upon receipt of such documentation and perform a preliminary review of such documents no later than 10 days after receipt and approve or disapprove of such documents within 20 or 30 days, depending on the type of application.\n\nRequire the BIA to notify the lender once the proposed residential leasehold mortgage, business leasehold mortgage, or right-of-way document has been received.\n\nEnhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and improve communication between the BIA and tribes, tribal members, and lenders through the establishment of a realty ombudsman within the BIA who can communicate with relevant parties.", 1, "2026-05-05T05:58:12Z", "2026-05-05T05:59:44Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-mullin-legislation-removes-barriers-tribal-firearm-access", "Johnson, Mullin Legislation Removes Barriers to Tribal Firearm Access", "2026-02-26", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) introduced legislation that strengthens firearm access for Indian country. The Tribal Firearm Access Act clarifies existing law to include tribal governments as eligible entities to issue identification documents for the purposes of obtaining a firearm. The Tribal Police Department Parity Act eliminates burdensome regulations and streamlines tribal police department access to duty weapons.\n\n\u201cThe ability for lawful citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights shouldn\u2019t exclude someone for being a tribal member. Foreign passports are acceptable forms of identification for firearm purchases, but tribal IDs are not. My Tribal Firearm Access Act would fix that error,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cAdditionally, tribal police departments are often severely under resourced yet have to jump through even more hoops to obtain the duty weapons their jobs require. We must do better to support tribal law enforcement \u2013 the Tribal Police Department Parity Act will do just that.\u201d\n\n\u201cTribal citizens, and all law-abiding Americans, have a fundamental right to keep and bear arms. For too long, Tribal members have been prohibited from using their government-issued Tribal identification to lawfully obtain firearms. Our commonsense legislation corrects this wrong,\u201d said Senator Mullin. \u201cWe\u2019re also boosting support for our Tribal police departments to ensure they don\u2019t have to use vital resources on unnecessary processes. I\u2019m proud to be leading this effort in the Senate and working with my good friend in the House, Congressman Dusty Johnson.\u201d\n\nTribal Firearm Access Act:\n\nThe Tribal Firearm Access Act would clarify that identification documents issued by tribal governments are generally accorded the same treatment under federal criminal law as identification documents issued by the Federal Government or by a state or local government for the purpose of transferring a firearm. This bill amends Section 922(d) of Title 18 to include valid tribal government identification documents.\n\n\u201cThe fundamental right to keep and bear arms is dependent on the ability of law-abiding Americans to acquire firearms. This bill would ensure that identification documents issued by federally recognized tribal governments can be used to legally transfer and purchase firearms, ensuring that this right is upheld for all,\u201d said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. \u201cOn behalf of our millions of members and firearm owners nationwide, we thank Representative Dusty Johnson for introducing this important legislation and protecting the rights of law-abiding Native Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cNSSF supports this no-nonsense measure that will ensure fair and accurate background checks for the purchase of a firearm at the point-of-sale. The Firearm Industry Trade Association consistently advocates for improvements to the FBI\u2019s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to confirm that only those who can be trusted to possess a firearm are able to purchase one from a firearm retailer. Our members rely on that system to be accurate and providing a means for tribal members to use their tribal identification cards will safeguard their ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights while ensuring firearms remain out of the hands of those that cannot be trusted to possess them,\u201d said Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, National Shooting Sports Foundation.\n\nThe Tribal Firearm Access Act is cosponsored by Reps. Tracey Mann (R-KS), Tom Cole (R-OK), and Adrian Smith (R-NE).\n\nClick here for bill text.\n\nTribal Police Department Parity Act:\n\nUnder current law, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) places an undue burden on tribal police departments while exempting state and local entities from the same bureaucracy.\n\nTribal police departments that lack a cross-deputization agreement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), must (1) pay a National Firearms Act (NFA) transfer tax stamp, (2) are prohibited from interstate transfers, and (3) are prohibited from possessing of \u201cpost 1986\u201d machineguns. Absent this legislation, the ATF treats non-cross-deputized tribal police departments as civilians under the NFA and the Gun Control Act (GCA). See ATF guidance HERE.\n\nThe Tribal Police Department Parity Act is cosponsored by Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE).", 1, "2026-05-01T06:06:26Z", "2026-05-01T06:08:22Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-custer-county-sheriff-state-union-guest", "Johnson Announces Custer County Sheriff as State of the Union Guest", "2026-02-24", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that Custer County Sheriff Marty Mechaley will join him for President Trump\u2019s State of the Union address.\n\n\u201cCrime rates are down across America thanks to a secure border and the reversal of soft-on-crime policies. The men and women in blue can now do their jobs more effectively to keep our communities safe,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019m glad Sheriff Mechaley can join me to hear how the President has partnered with our law enforcement communities to make America safe again. Law and order has returned to America.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am greatly honored and deeply appreciative to have been invited by Representative Dusty Johnson to attend the State of the Union,\u201d said Sheriff Mechaley. \u201cI hope to hear some of the success stories and the work that has gone into securing our border, especially knowing how crucial it is for reducing the flow of illegal narcotics into our country. Visiting Washington, D.C. has only strengthened my pride in being an American.\u201d\n\nSheriff Marty Mechaley has been in law enforcement since 1993 as the small-town chief of Bison, South Dakota and later as a detective in Aberdeen. He was appointed Custer County Sheriff in 2017, then elected in 2018, and has served in that role since. Much of Sheriff Mechaley\u2019s work in Custer County has involved methamphetamine issues and Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints (FLDS)-related matters. He and his wife have helped ten members leave the cult at the Pringle compound several miles from Pringle, South Dakota.", 1, "2026-04-30T06:05:15Z", "2026-04-30T06:07:09Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-summer-2026-internship-applications", "Johnson\u2019s Office Now Accepting Summer 2026 Internship Applications", "2026-02-09", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that his office is seeking internship applicants for the summer in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.\n\nDuties of a congressional intern will include researching legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Congressman. Interns will work closely with staff while developing their research, writing, and communications skills. Most importantly, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the federal legislative branch while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.\n\nApplicants interested in federal tribal relations or Native American issues are encouraged to apply for the Ben Reifel Internship based in the Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate will intern for a minimum of six weeks and have a desire to serve South Dakota\u2019s tribal communities.\n\n\u201cInterning in Congress is an exciting experience,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cHouse offices have small number of staff, so interns in my office get a hands-on experience of the legislative process. Our office is a fast-paced, collaborative work environment that allows interns to truly be a part of the team.\u201d", 1, "2026-04-17T05:47:03Z", "2026-04-17T05:48:33Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-urges-strong-review-union-pacific-and-norfolk-southern-railroad-merger", "Johnson Urges Strong Review of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Railroad Merger", "2026-02-05", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) led 47 House colleagues in expressing concerns to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) about the proposed Union Pacific Railroad (UP) and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) merger. The Representatives urge STB to complete a rigorous and comprehensive review of the merger application to ensure the transaction, if approved, would enhance competition and is in the public interest.\n\n\u201cCompetition in the marketplace is healthy. Further limiting the number of competitors on our railways could cause prices to go up, affecting everyone from farmers to shippers to consumers,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cFor weeks, I\u2019ve heard concerns from South Dakota groups about the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger application and its potential impacts on service to our state. I am inherently skeptical that consolidation in any market leads to better outcomes for customers. The Board must consider with extreme care the risks posed by the proposal \u2013 I don\u2019t want South Dakota farmers, manufacturers, and shippers left behind.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2001, the STB \u201cMajor Rail Consolidation Procedures\u201d were adopted to outline how any future mergers between Class I railroads would be judged. Importantly, the new rules place a significant burden on would-be merging parties to demonstrate how the transaction would, among other requirements, enhance competition for rail shippers, ensure reliable rail service, and be in the interest of the public.\n\nPrior to 1980, there were thirty Class I railroads. Today, there are six. This proposed merger could further consolidate an already concentrated rail market, raising concerns about reduced competition, higher costs for shippers, and diminished service.\n\nThis is of particular concern for agricultural and rural states, like South Dakota, with stakeholders who rely on efficient freight rail systems with limited alternatives.", 1, "2026-04-07T05:38:05Z", "2026-04-07T05:39:14Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-legislation-removes-statute-limitations-murder-federal-lands", "Johnson Legislation Removes Statute of Limitations for Murder on Federal Lands", "2026-02-04", "2026", "2026-02", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced Kamisha\u2019s Law to remove the statute of limitations for non-capital homicide crimes on federal and tribal lands. Kamisha\u2019s Law honors Kamisha Nyvold, a toddler who was murdered in Sisseton, S.D., in 1992. Thirty years after the crime, new information led to the prosecution of the murderer, however, the five-year statute of limitations had passed. Prosecutors were unable to charge the defendant with second-degree murder. U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) introduced identical legislation in the Senate.\n\n\u201cThis is a much overdue reform for families like Kamisha\u2019s,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate that Kamisha\u2019s killer will only spend ten years behind bars. I\u2019m grateful for Senator Rounds\u2019 leadership on this issue to ensure justice for victims and for the advocacy of Kamisha\u2019s mother, Christine Irwin, and her husband Roger.\u201d\n\n\u201cProsecution for murder should not have an expiration date,\u201d said Rounds. \u201cIn the case of Jay Adams Jr., new evidence was not brought forward until over three decades after Kamisha was murdered. While he was prosecuted under a plea deal, this legislation rights a wrong by eliminating the statute of limitations for second-degree murder on federal lands. I appreciate Kamisha\u2019s mother Christine and her husband Roger for working with my team on this legislation, and I appreciate Representative Johnson agreeing to carry companion legislation in the House. I look forward to working with my colleagues to honor Kamisha\u2019s memory and get it across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cKamisha\u2019s Law is about accountability, protection, and making sure no other family has to endure the pain we live with every day,\u201d said Christine and Roger Irwin. \u201cOur daughter, Kamisha, is more than a name attached to legislation. She is deeply loved, and her life mattered. This law honors her by turning loss into action and grief into meaningful change. Kamisha\u2019s Law represents a commitment to doing better\u2014to closing gaps that allow harm to continue. No family should have to fight for justice only after the unthinkable has already happened. We call on lawmakers from both parties to come together and pass Kamisha\u2019s Law without delay. Protecting families by ensuring offenders receive appropriate sentences must rise above politics. Bipartisan support sends a clear message that human life, safety, and accountability are shared values. We are grateful to the leaders who have listened, who have shown compassion, and who have chosen to act. Kamisha\u2019s legacy will be one of impact, awareness, and protection for others. We urge Congress to stand united, pass Kamisha\u2019s Law, and ensure that Kamisha\u2019s life leads to lasting change.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nKamisha Nyvold was a toddler who was murdered in Sisseton, S.D. in 1992. Thirty years after the crime, new information led to the prosecution of the murderer. However, the five-year statute of limitations had passed. Prosecutors were unable to charge the defendant with second-degree murder.\n\nProsecutors were forced to strike a deal with Kamisha\u2019s killer, who then had to waive his statute of limitations and plea to manslaughter, resulting in a maximum 10-year sentence in federal prison.\n\nKamisha\u2019s Law will eliminate the statute of limitations for non-capital homicide offenses on federal and tribal lands for the following crimes:\n\nSecond-degree murder\n\nVoluntary/attempted manslaughter\n\nSecond-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter of U.S. government officers and employees engaged in official duties, and those assisting\n\nSecond-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter of foreign officials, official guests, and internationally protected persons\n\nSecond-degree murder by federal prisoners serving life sentences\n\nSecond-degree murder, voluntary/attempted manslaughter on foreign soil of U.S. nationals by U.S. nationals\n\nSecond-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter by escaped federal prisoners serving life sentences\n\nSecond-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter of persons aiding federal law enforcement or state correctional officers", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-earns-pro-life-rating-0", "Johnson Earns A+ Pro-Life Rating", "2026-01-23", "2026", "2026-01", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) earned an A+ rating on Susan B. Anthony\u2019s Pro-Life Scorecard for his votes and actions in 2025.\n\n\u201cLife begins at conception, and every life is worth defending \u2013 even the unborn,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cI\u2019ve been proud to support legislation that supports pregnant mothers and families, while preventing taxpayer dollars from funding abortion, a heartbreaking taking of an innocent life.\u201d\n\nJohnson has voted consistently to protect the lives of the unborn and to stop forced taxpayer funding of abortion. This includes delivering the largest pro-life legislative victory in two decades by defunding Big Abortion businesses, like Planned Parenthood, of Medicaid dollars for one year through the reconciliation bill H.R.1. Johnson also stood strong against attempts to further subsidize plans that cover elective abortion.", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"], ["https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-tribal-homeownership-bill-passes-committee", "Johnson\u2019s Tribal Homeownership Bill Passes Committee", "2026-01-22", "2026", "2026-01", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Dusty Johnson", "J000301", "dustyjohnson.house.gov", "dustyjohnson", "https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Today, the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) passed the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent. Johnson\u2019s bill advocates for homeownership and streamlines the approval process for mortgages on tribal trust land.\n\n\u201cHomeownership is the bedrock of the American Dream but has become out of reach for many individuals and families. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is only creating more obstacles to reach that goal,\u201d said Johnson. \u201cMy bill cuts through layers of bureaucracy and delays to make homeownership more accessible on tribal trust land. I\u2019m grateful the House Natural Resources Committee passed this legislation and I\u2019m hopeful it passes the House soon.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2025 streamlines the approval process for business and residential mortgages on tribal trust land by establishing clear timelines for Bureau of Indian Affairs review and action,\u201d said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR). \u201cI commend Representative Johnson for advancing reforms that improve access to capital for tribal communities.\u201d\n\nCurrently, in order to be finalized, mortgages involving property on tribal trust land must be reviewed and approved by the BIA. The BIA Mortgage Handbook establishes timelines for BIA offices to process and approve these mortgages. However, these timelines are not always adhered to.\n\nThe Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act would:\n\nSeek to cut through BIA red tape and provide timely processing of mortgages.\n\nCreate statutory timelines in which the BIA would be required to process and approve mortgages involving property located on tribal trust land.\n\nRequire the BIA to notify lenders upon receipt of such documentation and perform a preliminary review of such documents no later than 10 days after receipt and approve or disapprove of such documents within 20 or 30 days, depending on the type of application.\n\nRequire the BIA to notify the lender once the proposed residential leasehold mortgage, business leasehold mortgage, or right-of-way document has been received.\n\nEnhance the ability of certain federal agencies to operate their tribal housing programs and improve communication between the BIA and tribes, tribal members, and lenders through the establishment of a realty ombudsman within the BIA who can communicate with relevant parties.\n\nThe Senate has passed the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, led by U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.).", 1, "2026-04-04T05:28:40Z", "2026-04-04T05:30:10Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 28, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "SD", "p2": "2026"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2026&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=SD&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "SD", "label": "SD", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2026", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD&year=2026", "results": [{"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 28, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=SD", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 100.8797821123153, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}