url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-dakota-cattle-groups-support-johnsons-cattle-contract-library,South Dakota Cattle Groups Support Johnson’s “Cattle Contract Library”,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, the Cattle Contract Library Act (H.R. 5609), introduced by Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), passed the U.S. House by 411-13.

South Dakota agriculture groups expressed support for H.R. 5609 following passage:

""Ranchers and feeders across the state agree that there is a need for more cattle market transparency including reporting details of all cattle marketing arrangements, and there is no reason to wait on getting this signed into law,"" said South Dakota Farm Bureau President and American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President Scott VanderWal. ""We are very pleased that the House overwhelmingly voted in support of this bill and hope for quick passage in the Senate.""

""South Dakota cattle producers have increasingly utilized Alternative Market Agreements to add value to their beef product. There has not been an adequate reporting system to keep up with the changes in marketing as the AMA's have become more prevalent,"" said Eric Jennings, President, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association.""The Cattle Contract Library Act addresses the need for market transparency for contracted cattle sales. South Dakota Cattlemen's Association thanks Representative Johnson for his hard work in achieving passage of this important piece of market reform in the U.S. House of Representatives.""

H.R. 5609 creates a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Agriculture Marketing Service Department. Currently, cattlemen are unaware of contract terms being offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. This is the first cattle market bill to pass out of the Agriculture Committee in over a year and follows the recommendation of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report. The investigation recommended the implementation of a cattle contract library.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-garamendis-ocean-shipping-reform-act-passes-us-house,Johnson & Garamendi’s “Ocean Shipping Reform Act” Passes the U.S. House,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act passed the U.S. House by 364-60. This bill is the first major overhaul of federal regulations for the global shipping industry in over 30 years and was sponsored by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and John Garamendi (D-CA). Click here for Johnson's full remarks during floor debate.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act addresses the ongoing supply chain crisis and safeguards South Dakota agriculture exporters from unfair trade practices. It will ensure a more competitive global ocean shipping industry, protect American businesses and consumers from price gouging, and establish reciprocal trade opportunities to reduce the United States' longstanding trade imbalance with export-driven countries like China. The bipartisan legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

South Dakota businesses from Strider Bikes in Rapid City, S.D. to Valley Queen Cheese in Milbank, S.D. are experiencing port delays, equipment access issues; and declined bookings that have a negative impact on our local economy. More than 2 million pounds of lactose that's been sold, paid for; and is ready to ship is sitting in Valley Queen's warehouse waiting for an empty container to become available. The National Milk Producers Federation estimates that in the first six months of 2021, export supply chain challenges have cost the U.S. dairy sector nearly $1 billion in additional expenses, lost sales, and eroded value. According to a survey by the Ag Transportation Coalition, agriculture exporters report that 22% of their export sales are lost because it is not possible to deliver to foreign customers affordably and dependably due to supply chain delays.

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is supported by more than 360 national, state and local groups and businesses. Johnson and Garamendi introduced the bill in August following months of severe supply chain delays and anti-competitive and unfair practices on behalf of foreign flagged ocean carriers.

""We've all been impacted by the backlog in the supply chain and shipping delays,"" said Johnson. ""China and the foreign flagged ocean carriers aren't playing fair, and accountability is long overdue. If you want to do business with American ports, you need to play by our basic rules. I am proud of the coalition Congressman Garamendi and I have worked to build over the last year. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act puts American consumers, farmers, ranchers, retailers, truckers, manufacturers, and small businesses first. Our bill passed the House with strong bipartisan support and I look forward to seeing it pass the Senate.""

""Access to the American market and its consumers is a privilege, not a right,"" Garamendi said. ""Congress must restore balance at our ports and tackle the longstanding trade imbalance our nation has with China and other countries head on. I am pleased that the ‘Ocean Shipping Reform Act' has passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, bringing us one step closer to protecting American consumers and businesses from price gouging by foreign-flagged ocean carriers. I continue working with my Republican colleague, Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, to enact our bipartisan bill into law.""

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (H.R.4996) would:

Establish reciprocal trade to promote U.S. exports as part of the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) mission.

Require ocean carriers to adhere to minimum service standards that meet the public interest, reflecting best practices in the global shipping industry.

Require ocean carriers or marine terminal operators to certify that any late fees —known in maritime parlance as ""detention and demurrage"" charges—comply with federal regulations or face penalties.

Shift burden of proof regarding the reasonableness of ""detention or demurrage"" charges from the invoiced party to the ocean carrier.

Prohibit ocean carriers from declining opportunities for U.S. exports unreasonably, as determined by the FMC in new required federal rulemaking.

Require ocean common carriers to report to the FMC each calendar quarter on total import/export tonnage and twenty-foot equivalent units (loaded/empty) per vessel that makes port in the United States.

Congress last overhauled the Federal Maritime Commission's authority to regulate the global ocean shipping industry under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-258). The People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States, so-called ""most-favored nation"" status, in December 2001 following the country's admission to the World Trade Organization. In 2001, the United States' trade imbalance with the People's Republic of China was approximately $83 billion in nominal dollars, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2020, our trade imbalance with mainland China was $310 billion, having increased year-over-year most years.

In late April 2020, the Federal Maritime Commission announced ""Fact Finding No. 29"" to investigate congestion, bottlenecks, and fees at our ports. In November 2020, the Commission expanded this investigation (Fact Finding No. 29) to include reports of ocean carriers declining to ship American exports.

On July 20, 2021, the FMC launched a new audit program to assess ocean carriers' compliance with federal regulations on detention and demurrage and increase the agency's monitoring of the marketplace for ocean cargo services. This action underscores the need for legislation.

The following organizations have endorsed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R.4996):

National Endorsements: Agriculture Transportation Coalition; National Industrial Transportation League; American Farm Bureau Federation; National Retail Federation; American Trucking Associations (ATA); American Apparel & Footwear Association; Agricultural & Food Transporters Conference, ATA; American Chemistry Council; American Cotton Shippers Association; American Feed Industry Association; American Pulse Association; American Seed Trade Association; Consumer Brands Association; Corn Refiners Association; Cotton Warehouse Association of America; Dairy Farmers of America; Hardwood Federation; Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference; International Dairy Foods Association; International Housewares Association; International Paper; Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.; Leather and Hide Council of America; Meat Import Council of America; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; National Association of Chemical Distributors; National Chicken Council; National Cotton Council; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Hay Association; National Milk Producers Federation; National Oilseed Processors Association; National Onion Association; National Pork Producers Council; North American Meat Institute; North American Renderers Association; Outdoor Industry Association; Pet Food Institute; Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance; The Fertilizer Institute; Travel Goods Association; Truckload Carriers Association; U.S. Dairy Export Council; U.S. Dry Bean Council; U.S. Forage Export Council; U.S. Meat Export Federation; U.S. Pea and Lentil Trade Association; United Fresh Produce Association; USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council; Western Agricultural Processors Association; Wine and Spirits Shippers Association

South Dakota Endorsements: South Dakota Dairy Producers Association; South Dakota Soybean Association; South Dakota Association of Cooperatives; South Dakota Grain & Feed Association; South Dakota Pork Producers Council; South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation and South Dakota Agri-Business Association",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-cattle-contract-library-passes-us-house,Johnson’s “Cattle Contract Library” Passes the U.S. House,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) led debate on the Cattle Contract Library Act (H.R. 5609) on the U.S. House floor. Tonight, his bill passed by 411-13 and heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

H.R. 5609 creates a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Agriculture Marketing Service Department. Currently, cattlemen are unaware of contract terms being offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations.

""Today marks a big win for cattle producers in South Dakota,"" said Johnson. ""Since I came to Congress, producers have made it clear they want transparency. The Cattle Contract Library provides just that and increases competition in an industry that desperately needs it. While no single piece of legislation can solve all problems, getting this bill across the finish line was a team effort, and I'm grateful to all of the producers that helped get this done.""

In October, the Cattle Contact Library Act unanimously passed out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. This is the first cattle market bill to pass out of the Agriculture Committee in over a year and follows the recommendation of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report. The investigation recommended the implementation of a cattle contract library.

Click here or on the image above to watch Johnson debate the Cattle Contract Library.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-dakota-employers-white-house-vaccine-mandates-will-cause-serious,South Dakota Employers to White House: Vaccine Mandates Will Cause Serious Workforce Problems,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) communicated to President Biden serious employer concerns with the President's vaccine mandates. During a series of roundtables with South Dakota businesses, several concerns were highlighted regarding workforce participation, retention, and the ability to meet goals when faced with vaccination mandates.

""Multiple businesses have stated that since the mandate's announcement, they have experienced issues hiring consultants, subcontractors, and fully remote workers because such individuals do not want to be subject to mandatory vaccination,"" said Johnson. ""Many employers who contract with the federal government rely on subcontractor labor, including Quinn Construction in Rapid City, South Dakota. Regretfully, Quinn Construction will likely be forced to pass on upcoming Ellsworth Air Force Base bids due to their inability to find the workers necessary to complete the projects.

""Another large DoD contractor based in South Dakota expressed their view that the government is ""pushing away"" the best talent our nation has to offer from working towards the national security of our federal government.""

Johnson sought clarification on behalf of the businesses in South Dakota including plans to counter decreased labor participation because of the mandate, the definition of ""fully vaccinated,"" and test-out options.

The full letter can be found here or below:

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Throughout the past few weeks, I hosted a series of roundtable discussions with several business leaders in South Dakota to hear their concerns with your administration's vaccine mandates. I write to share the perspectives I gathered from those discussions and to ask for clarification on questions many private businesses and federal contractors are struggling with nationwide.

To be clear, I do not support the mandates. While I believe in the vaccine, I also believe in a limited federal government. The vaccine is safe and effective, but a mandate at the federal level raises serious constitutional, ethical, and practical concerns.

First and foremost, the main concern I heard from employers is the effect on workforce participation the mandate will have on both retaining current employees and hiring new talent. A mining and mineral processing facility in Rapid City, South Dakota, stated their employees are ""more anti-mandate than anti-vaccine."" Multiple businesses have stated that since the mandate's announcement, they have experienced issues hiring consultants, subcontractors, and fully remote workers because such individuals do not want to be subject to mandatory vaccination. Many employers who contract with the federal government rely on subcontractor labor, including Quinn Construction in Rapid City, South Dakota. Regretfully, Quinn Construction will likely be forced to pass on upcoming Ellsworth Air Force Base bids due to their inability to find the workers necessary to complete the projects.

For LaCreek Development, a general contractor in Martin, South Dakota, Native Americans make up about 85 percent of their employees. Due, in part, to a historic distrust of the federal government, the vaccination rate within the Oglala Sioux Tribe is 41 percent. ""There is a lot of fear"" of the vaccine, and LaCreek has seen willingness to work for federal projects sharply decline. This mandate will have devastating effects on employment in predominately Native areas.

Contractors in the energy and defense sectors provide vital services for the federal government – services that would pose major national security threats if interrupted. Businesses such as East River Electric, a wholesale power supply cooperative in eastern South Dakota, rely on highly specialized employees to run their transmission system along with their power suppliers who operate generating facilities. These employees throughout the power delivery system have decades of experience that would take many months to replace. The energy services that utility companies throughout South Dakota provide are essential. If they are not adequately staffed, the reliability of the United States' power grid would be at stake.

Black Hills Ammunition in Rapid City, South Dakota provides special operations ammunition to the Department of Defense (DoD). Due to the mandate, it will be ""difficult for [them] to meet [their] goals as a federal contractor"" if they must let workers go for being unvaccinated. Their ammunition product is ""something that the government needs, but if [they] don't have enough people, it will be difficult to make those contracts."" Another large DoD contractor based in South Dakota expressed their view that the government is ""pushing away"" the best talent our nation has to offer from working towards the national security of our federal government.

Additionally, the leaders I spoke with shared they felt the burden was placed on them as employers to implement the mandate. A large production facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota, is struggling with the collection and tracking of employee vaccination status. A construction company in Rapid City, South Dakota, feels ""to put [this burden] on the employers is a really bitter pill."" Black Hills Ammunition also feels conflicted, stating they feel uncomfortable the federal government is forcing workers into being dishonest and ""pushing workers into [claiming] a religious objection"" who in reality simply wish to not be vaccinated. Quinn Construction is struggling with the bilateral agreements from the federal government they are expected to sign; ""it's very hard to sign something that says we will agree to whatever you say in the future.""

Finally, many businesses expressed they find a vaccine mandate unnecessary to keep their employees safe. Each business leader I spoke with detailed the many ways they kept their folks safe during the pandemic, including mask mandates, physical distancing, expanded sick days, even hosting vaccine clinics at their places of work. An electric and natural gas provider in South Dakota saw no more than three reported transmissions of COVID-19 in the workplace throughout the past 21 months. Another large DoD contractor in South Dakota never had to shut down operations during the pandemic and stated ""the directive from the government did not add anything new to what we were doing"" to keep employees safe.

There remain several unanswered questions, and I respectfully request clarification on the following from your administration within the next 30 days:

Can you ensure our national security will not be at risk due to the ramifications of your mandate?

What is your plan to counter the unavoidable decreased labor participation effects of your mandate?

Please clarify the scope of the federal contractor mandate as it regards ""spillover"":

If one employee independently participates in a contract, is the rest of their office now covered by the mandate? If a federal contractor business shares an office building with a non-contracted business, are they now covered?

Please clarify the definition of fully vaccinated.

Are those possessing antibodies from a previous infection considered ""fully vaccinated""?

Are booster shots required to be considered ""fully vaccinated""?

Will you consider adding a test-out option for federal contractors, similar to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Emergency Temporary Standard?

Please clarify what directives employers should follow when state law conflicts with federal law as it relates to your vaccine mandate.

Our country is facing serious domestic issues: the supply chain crisis, record-low workforce participation rates, and a great sense of division between everyday Americans. This mandate will only make these issues worse. I implore you to consider the items outlined above, and I look forward to hearing answers to the questions raised.

Sincerely,

Dusty Johnson

Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-infrastructure-bill-reaches-100-cosponsors,Johnson Infrastructure Bill Reaches 100 Cosponsors,2021-11-17,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act reached over 100 cosponsors in the House this week. This legislation will make various infrastructure investments eligible for payment with unspent COVID-19 relief funds.

The bill recently passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. Johnson introduced the House companion in October.

""This bill has real momentum to pass the House, and I'm proud we hit the 100 mark this week,"" said Johnson. ""Support continues to grow for this commonsense proposal and I'm confident we can get states and localities the flexibility they need to best utilize COVID-19 relief dollars.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-infrastructure,Johnson Statement on Infrastructure,2021-11-05,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following the U.S. House passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package:

""I appreciate that the infrastructure package is largely focused on roads, bridges, and hard infrastructure, but $1.2 trillion isn't a number I can support. Today's bill relies on one-time funding sources that will create a massive fiscal cliff in a few years. While the Democrats $1.75 trillion spending package looms over our country, I simply can't support more unsustainable spending.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-dot-asleep-wheel,Johnson: DOT is Asleep at the Wheel,2021-11-04,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Josh Harder (D-CA) along with 85 of their colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Buttigieg urging quick reimplementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program. While the trucking industry is short nearly 80,000 drivers, this Trump-era pilot program has been stalled by the Biden DOT for nearly a year amid ongoing supply chain delays.

Currently, 49 states and the District of Columbia allow 18 to 20-year-old commercial driver license (CDL) holders to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in intrastate commerce but these same drivers, who may have been driving safely for three years, are unable to drive across state lines.

""DOT is asleep at the wheel,"" said Johnson. ""America is dealing with a supply chain crisis and the Biden Administration isn't taking tangible steps to fix the problem. This pilot program could add more than 3,000 truck drivers to an industry that desperately needs workers.""

""Government needs to get out of the way and let our businesses and workers do what they do best,"" said Harder. ""I'm calling on the Biden Administration to cut the ridiculous red tape so our truck drivers can get to work and our economy can get moving again.""

During the 116th Congress, the DRIVE-Safe Act garnered over 140 cosponsors. This bill underscores congressional will to implement an Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program and the Trump Administration took action to make it a reality.

Additionally, Johnson spoke on the state of the supply chain and trucking with industry leaders at an Agriculture Committee hearing yesterday (2:15:00 mark).

Read the full letter here or below:

November 4, 2021

The Honorable Pete Buttigieg

Secretary

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary Buttigieg,

Amid the growing supply chain crisis, drivers in the trucking industry have stepped up to ensure the timely delivery of goods. Yet even with their efforts, there simply aren't enough truckers on the road to meet the demand.[1] Given this, we urge the Department of Transportation (DOT) to proceed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program.

Currently, only commercial driver's license (CDL) holders over the age of 21 can operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. However, 49 states and the District of Columbia already allow 18 to 20-year-old CDL holders to operate CMVs in intrastate commerce. Accordingly, Congress supported, and the Trump Administration began, the process to implement the FMCSA's Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program to allow drivers aged 18, 19, and 20 to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. This new pilot program would create a road map to drastically increase the number of truck drivers and alleviate the current crisis. Yet, the DOT has not taken action to move this program forward.[2]

As our supply chain issues continue to grow, we should be doing everything we can to fix the problem. Therefore, we urge implementation of FMCSA's Under-21 Commercial Driver Pilot Program. It's critical that we pursue all avenues to alleviate the supply chain crisis and get goods moving again.

Thank you for your attention to this letter. We look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bourdeaux-covid-infrastructure-bill-gains-support-industry-leaders-and,"Johnson, Bourdeaux COVID Infrastructure Bill Gains Support from Industry Leaders and Lawmakers",2021-10-28,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA-07) introduced the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act, to make various infrastructure investments eligible for payment with existing unspent COVID-19 relief funds.

Industry leaders and Members of Congress expressed support for the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act:

""States are sitting on billions of COVID-19 relief dollars from the federal government far exceeding their COVID relief needs,"" Representative David Rouzer (R-NC-07). ""I'm proud to cosponsor this common sense bill, which will allow states to use this excess funding for their infrastructure needs as well as disaster relief.""

""I am proud that my Direct Support for Communities Act funding formula is delivering dollars to counties, towns, and villages across upstate New York and the United States,"" said Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19). ""Since the American Rescue Plan was passed, I have met with local leaders who are using this essential funding to invest in infrastructure, fight addiction, and support our veterans. I want to thank Representatives Johnson, Cuellar, and Bourdeaux for their partnership to expand the eligible usages of this important funding. This bipartisan legislation will give our local governments additional flexibility to address disaster events, improve local infrastructure, expand affordable housing, and more.""

""Investing in our nation's infrastructure is a top priority for me, so I'm proud to cosponsor this bipartisan bill to give states like Alabama the flexibility they need to spend unused COVID-19 relief dollars on critical investments in our nation's infrastructure,"" said Representative Jerry Carl (R-AL-01). Unfortunately, Nancy Pelosi refuses to bring this bill to a vote because she is more focused on raising our taxes, bankrupting America, and playing political games. It's time to put the American people first and pass this bipartisan, commonsense bill.""

""It's important that we understand every state, town, and district has unique needs coming out of the pandemic,"" said Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05). ""Enabling our towns to utilize unused COVID-19 relief to improve their local infrastructure allows local communities to decide what they need the most. With this bipartisan legislation, we will help our states, and communities in North Jersey and nationwide, to make the infrastructure and transportation improvements they need and to ensure that we can fully recover from the pandemic. This bill has already passed the Senate with bipartisan support. It's time for the House to act.""

""I want to provide our local leaders with the flexibility to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for projects their community need most,"" said Congressman Barr (R-KY-06). ""Infrastructure is a real need. We must upgrade our roads, bridges, airports, wastewater and other traditional infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth. This commonsense proposal provides the opportunity to do just that without a massive tax increase, more blowout spending or new government mandates.""

""This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense solution that will give state and local governments the flexibility they need to use COVID relief funds to address all facets of the pandemic, including the need to rebuild our local economies,"" saidRepresentative Chris Pappas (D-NH-01). ""Enabling New Hampshire communities to use unspent relief funds for critical infrastructure projects will create good-paying jobs, ensure we can make needed safety upgrades to our infrastructure, and boost economic activity across the region.""

""As we continue on the path of recovery from the pandemic and its economic effects, state and local governments need flexibility with COVID-19 relief funding,"" said Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08). ""Governments should be able to use unused relief funding on transportation and infrastructure needs that will create jobs and fix crumbling roads and bridges. I'm glad to support this common sense, bipartisan legislation.""

""We thank the bipartisan leaders who introduced this important piece of legislation,"" said Matt Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties (NACo). ""The flexibility provided in this bill is crucial, as some local governments struggle to make necessary investments in their community in compliance with the existing guidance for the ARPA Recovery Funds. The State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act would allow counties to invest over $27 billion in infrastructure and over $17 billion in government services, as they make decisions about how best to strengthen their communities. As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and its disastrous impact on our communities, counties applaud our partners in Congress who recognize the role that local governments will play in our recovery.""

""Local infrastructure is the backbone of the nation's economy,"" said Kevan Stone, CEO & Executive Director of the National Association of County Engineers. ""This legislation will allow county governments to designate previously allocated funds to areas where they are needed most. The nation's county road professionals own and maintain more road and bridge miles than any other government entity, and we applaud Representatives Johnson and Bordeaux for their efforts to ensure this crucial measure is enacted.""

""H.R. 5735 wisely expands flexibility for town and township officials to invest ARPA COVID relief funding in a manner that local officials know will make the greatest impact in their community to assist the country in recovering from the pandemic,"" said Mike Koles, President, National Association of Towns and Townships; Executive Director, Wisconsin Towns Association. ""Importantly, this bill empowers them to address supply chain issues by significantly expanding the ability to allocate funding to critical infrastructure projects.""

""NSSGA thanks Reps. Bordeaux and Johnson for their introduction of H.R. 5735, the State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act,"" said Michele Stanley, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. ""Utilizing unspent federal funds is the best investment our country can make to improve and expand our nation's vital surface transportation network.""

""The National League of Cities supports the flexibility H.R.5735 provides cities to make the most effective use of their ARPA relief support by opening up new eligibilities for transportation and community development. Moving the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and H.R.5735 will leverage the resources communities have to recover and rebuild."" – The National League of Cities.

""The American Foundry Society thanks Reps. Carolyn Bordeaux (D-GA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) for leading this legislative effort, which would allow states, counties and localities to expand the allowable uses of the recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan for infrastructure, disaster relief, housing, community development, and other key investments. Many of these projects were sidelined during the pandemic and will help put states on a stronger path to recovery."" – The American Foundry Society.

""The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) strongly supports H.R. 5735, the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act,"" said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. ""This bill would unlock $123 billion of funding for public transportation and other infrastructure, at the discretion of state and local authorities. These vital investments will make our economy stronger, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and help transform our nation's transportation network for a sustainable future.""

This legislation is supported by the National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, American Road & Transportation Builders Association, American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials, American Public Transportation Association, National League of Cities, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Counties, Transport Workers Union of America, American Chemistry Council, Associated General Contractors of America, American Society of Civil Engineers, Building America's Future, American Highway Users Alliance, American Traffic Safety Services Association, National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, American Institute of Steel Construction, National Association of Home Builders, Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, National Association of Regional Councils, National Association of Development Organizations (NADO), Associated Equipment Distributors, National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), National Association of County Engineers, Institute of Makers of Explosives, American Subcontractors Association, Design-Build Institute of America, American Foundry Society, Coalition for America's Gateways & Trade Corridors, Community Transportation Association of America, Portland Cement Association, American Concrete Pipe Association, American Public Works Association, National Association of Surety Bond Producers, FCA International, National Governor's Association, and the National Association of Towns and Townships.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-bourdeaux-introduce-bill-allow-unspent-covid-relief-dollars,"Johnson, Bourdeaux Introduce Bill to Allow Unspent COVID Relief Dollars for Infrastructure",2021-10-26,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-GA-07) introduced the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure, and Disaster Relief Flexibility Act, to make various infrastructure investments eligible for payment with unspent COVID-19 relief funds. The legislation recently passed the U.S. Senate unanimously.

Under the American Rescue Plan Act and the original CARES Act relief package, Congress provided some flexibility for how COVID funds could be spent, but most funds were not able to be used for infrastructure projects. This bill gives state and local officials additional flexibility and time to responsibly spend remaining COVID-19 relief dollars. South Dakota has more than $375 million in unused relief funds.

""State governments need flexibility, and this bill is good policy,"" said Johnson. ""The CARES Act restricted local governments from utilizing relief dollars on certain critical infrastructure projects and the American Rescue Plan prohibits states from returning unused dollars. These are two areas that need to be improved and this bill accomplishes that goal. I'm grateful to Senator Cornyn for his leadership on the Senate companion.""

""As we look towards the end of the pandemic, we must ensure our communities have a strong start on the path to recovery,"" said Bourdeaux. ""This legislation gives states and local governments the flexibility they need to use federally administered COVID-19 relief funding to meet their unique transportation and infrastructure needs. I urge the House to take up the Senate-passed legislation and give our local governments the flexibility they need to thrive.""

Additionally, the bill permits eligible governments to spend the greater of $10 million or 30% of their total fiscal relief funding for categories like the: National Highway Performance Program, Tribal Transportation Program, Surface Transportation Block Grant Program, and the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

This legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA-01), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), David Rouzer (R-NC-07), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA-10), Randy K. Weber (R-TX-14), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Steven Palazzo (R-MS-04), Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Andy Barr (R-KY-06), Joseph Morelle (D-NY-25), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Albio Sires (D-NJ-08), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL-26), Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19), David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV-01), Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08), Peter Meijer (R-MI-03), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Jerry Carl (R-AL-01), Chris Pappas (D-NH-01), Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), William Timmons (R-SC-04), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Brad Wenstrup (R-OH-02), Derek Kilmer (D-WA-06), Don Young (R-AK), and Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ-01).

You can read the bill here or the one-pager here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-meets-south-dakota-teachers-year,Johnson Meets with South Dakota Teachers of the Year,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Johnson met with Amanda Harris of Harrisburg and Amanda Hargreaves of Mitchell, the 2020 and 2021 South Dakota Teachers of the Year. Harris and Hargreaves are visiting Washington for the Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year Program D.C. Advocacy Day. During their meeting with Johnson they discussed education policy issues facing South Dakota's teachers.

""Amanda Harris and Amanda Hargreaves are examples of what a teacher should be,"" said Johnson. ""They are caring, kind, driven, and put their students first. I was grateful for the chance to sit down with them in Washington today – they represent our state well and gave me great hope for the future of education in South Dakota.""

Harris, the 2020 South Dakota Teacher of the Year, is a fourth-grade teacher at Endeavor Elementary in Harrisburg, South Dakota. She ran for teacher of the year on a platform of looking for the good in students and in our state. She has started several afterschool programs in the Harrisburg School District and is a previous recipient of the SDEA/NEA Educational Innovation Grant. You can read more about her here.

Hargreaves, the 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year, is a teacher at Mitchell Middle School. She previously taught at Longfellow Elementary in Mitchell. She helped develop an anti-bullying program in her time at Longfellow and has stepped up to serve on the Principal's Cabinet Leadership Team at Mitchell Middle School. You can read more about her here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-cattle-contract-library-passes-agriculture-committee-unanimously,Johnson’s Cattle Contract Library Passes Agriculture Committee Unanimously,2021-10-21,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee unanimously passed the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 (H.R. 5609). The bill was introduced by Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D) and is the result of nearly a year of work with producers and industry leaders following the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report. The investigation recommended the creation of a cattle contract library.

This is the first cattle market transparency bill to pass out of the Democrat-led Agriculture Committee since the July 2020 report was released. The Cattle Contact Library Act is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen's Association, National Farmers Union, Livestock Marketing Association, South Dakota Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, and the South Dakota Farmers Union.

Following the Committee passage of the bill, Representative Johnson issued the following statement:

""Producers want action – they want more transparency in the cattle market – this bill is a step in the right direction,"" said Johnson. ""The Cattle Contract Library Act ushers in greater transparency and competition to an industry that desperately needs it. I'm grateful to the farmers & ranchers for their critical input to come to a consensus and I'm glad the committee answered this request. I'm going to fight like hell to get this bill passed out of the House.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-cattle-contract-library-gains-strong-support-industry-leaders-and-0,ICYMI: Cattle Contract Library Gains Strong Support from Industry Leaders and Cattle Country,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 (H.R. 5609) to provide more transparency in the market. Tomorrow, October 21, the House Agriculture Committee will host a markup on this legislation.

Industry leaders and Members of Congress representing cattle country issued statements in support of the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021:

""For far too long, farmers and ranchers have operated under uncertainty in the beef markets, forced to accept rock bottom payments while the cost of beef goes up at the grocery store,"" said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. ""The Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 would provide critical information regarding how cattle are contracted and sold. We appreciate Congressman Dusty Johnson for working to provide tools to America's farmers and ranchers as they ensure healthy, affordable beef is on dinner tables across the country.""

""Greater competition, price discovery, and transparency are desperately needed in cattle markets,"" said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union (NFU). ""NFU thanks Representative Johnson for introducing a bill that will direct USDA to establish a contract library for the cattle industry. This is an important tool that will help producers negotiate more favorable terms for their cattle. Instituting this new policy will be a helpful step in bringing greater fairness and competition to cattle markets.""

""The Livestock Marketing Association strongly supports the creation of a cattle contract library and appreciates the leadership of Representative Dusty Johnson in introducing this legislation,"" said LMA President Larry Schnell of Dickinson, N.D. ""This is a key way to add more information to the marketplace which will benefit producers of all sizes as they make their individual arrangements.""

""I'm proud to have cosponsored this bipartisan legislation to create a Cattle Contract Library within the USDA; this program would be a step in the right direct to improve the state of the fed cattle market,"" said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01). ""Iowa producers need increased price transparency and a cash mandate to operate in a truly competitive market. I am glad this bill will support continued work on major cattle market reforms.""

""Providing updated data is an important part of ensuring our ranchers have more tools at their disposal,"" said Congressman Kelly Armstrong (N.D. – At Large). ""I support Congressman Johnson's bill that improves transparency in the beef supply chain and gives more leverage to North Dakota's cattle producers.""

""As the cattle market recovers from several disruptions over the past few years, efforts such as the Cattle Contract Library Act can provide a much-needed tool in helping cattle producers make informed decisions and survive the volatility across today's industry,"" said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04). ""I have met with several producers across Missouri discussing transparency and additional resources for our producers. This led to the introduction of my Optimizing the Cattle Market Act, that also includes similar tools. I thank Rep. Dusty Johnson for digging deeper into this important concept.""

""Last year, following the market strains caused by Tyson's Holcomb fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA released an analysis of beef market conditions. Both anomalies highlighted the vulnerabilities that plague both the beef supply chain and the American food supply chain. Congress and stakeholders have long been discussing needed reforms to ensure fair competition and price discovery in agriculture markets- and more recently solutions to the various policy recommendations framed by USDA in their Boxed Beef and Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation report. In order for ranchers to have a truly transparent, market-driven economy, cattlemen and women must be able to leverage marketing data while negotiating the price of cattle,"" said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03). ""While USDA currently collects livestock and meat price data, producers are being left in the dark as to the contract terms being offered by packers as alternative marketing arrangements continue to grow in popularity. The Cattle Contract Library Act and the creation of a cattle contract library is an important step forward in working to cultivate a fair and transparent finished cattle marketing system. I thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Dusty Johnson, for his work addressing the disparities faced by America's hard-working producers, and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow cattle ranchers as we ensure a fair beef market, benefitting both producers and consumers.""

""I am glad to introduce the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act today to provide support for Nebraska's cattle industry,"" said Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03). ""Establishing a library for cattle contracts, similar to the pork contract library already in effect, will enhance transparency and leverage opportunities for the small producers who are critical to feeding the nation.""

""The cattle contract library is a simple step towards more fairness, transparency, and healthy competition in the cattle market,"" said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). ""It will benefit producers and packers alike, as it will help ensure that all market participants are both paying and receiving a fair price for their goods. The cattle contract library sends a clear message to ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers across this country that their voices are being heard in Washington, D.C.""

""I am proud to join this bipartisan group on this legislation to establish a cattle contract library,"" said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). ""This will provide cattle producers in my district with important industry data and promote greater price discovery, helping ranchers better negotiate higher prices for their product.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-cattle-contract-library-gains-strong-support-industry-leaders-and-cattle,ICYMI: Cattle Contract Library Gains Strong Support from Industry Leaders and Cattle Country,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 (H.R. 5609) to provide more transparency in the market. Tomorrow, October 21, the House Agriculture Committee will host a markup on this legislation.

Industry leaders and Members of Congress representing cattle country issued statements in support of the Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021:

""For far too long, farmers and ranchers have operated under uncertainty in the beef markets, forced to accept rock bottom payments while the cost of beef goes up at the grocery store,"" said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. ""The Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 would provide critical information regarding how cattle are contracted and sold. We appreciate Congressman Dusty Johnson for working to provide tools to America's farmers and ranchers as they ensure healthy, affordable beef is on dinner tables across the country.""

""Greater competition, price discovery, and transparency are desperately needed in cattle markets,"" said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union (NFU). ""NFU thanks Representative Johnson for introducing a bill that will direct USDA to establish a contract library for the cattle industry. This is an important tool that will help producers negotiate more favorable terms for their cattle. Instituting this new policy will be a helpful step in bringing greater fairness and competition to cattle markets.""

""The Livestock Marketing Association strongly supports the creation of a cattle contract library and appreciates the leadership of Representative Dusty Johnson in introducing this legislation,"" said LMA President Larry Schnell of Dickinson, N.D. ""This is a key way to add more information to the marketplace which will benefit producers of all sizes as they make their individual arrangements.""

""I'm proud to have cosponsored this bipartisan legislation to create a Cattle Contract Library within the USDA; this program would be a step in the right direct to improve the state of the fed cattle market,"" said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01). ""Iowa producers need increased price transparency and a cash mandate to operate in a truly competitive market. I am glad this bill will support continued work on major cattle market reforms.""

""Providing updated data is an important part of ensuring our ranchers have more tools at their disposal,"" said Congressman Kelly Armstrong (N.D. – At Large). ""I support Congressman Johnson's bill that improves transparency in the beef supply chain and gives more leverage to North Dakota's cattle producers.""

""As the cattle market recovers from several disruptions over the past few years, efforts such as the Cattle Contract Library Act can provide a much-needed tool in helping cattle producers make informed decisions and survive the volatility across today's industry,"" said Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04). ""I have met with several producers across Missouri discussing transparency and additional resources for our producers. This led to the introduction of my Optimizing the Cattle Market Act, that also includes similar tools. I thank Rep. Dusty Johnson for digging deeper into this important concept.""

""Last year, following the market strains caused by Tyson's Holcomb fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA released an analysis of beef market conditions. Both anomalies highlighted the vulnerabilities that plague both the beef supply chain and the American food supply chain. Congress and stakeholders have long been discussing needed reforms to ensure fair competition and price discovery in agriculture markets- and more recently solutions to the various policy recommendations framed by USDA in their Boxed Beef and Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation report. In order for ranchers to have a truly transparent, market-driven economy, cattlemen and women must be able to leverage marketing data while negotiating the price of cattle,"" said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03). ""While USDA currently collects livestock and meat price data, producers are being left in the dark as to the contract terms being offered by packers as alternative marketing arrangements continue to grow in popularity. The Cattle Contract Library Act and the creation of a cattle contract library is an important step forward in working to cultivate a fair and transparent finished cattle marketing system. I thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Dusty Johnson, for his work addressing the disparities faced by America's hard-working producers, and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow cattle ranchers as we ensure a fair beef market, benefitting both producers and consumers.""

""America's cattle producers have faced many challenges related to weather conditions, supply chain issues, and volatile market conditions over the past few years — and I have heard these concerns directly from Central Virginia's livestock producers. As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I am proud to help introduce this much-needed legislation to establish a cattle contract library,"" said Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). ""By providing our cattle producers with the tools they need in negotiations, this legislation would deliver long overdue relief to ranchers and their families. Additionally, this bipartisan bill would increase transparency in cattle markets and make our beef supply chains stronger in the process. I want to thank Congressman Johnson and Congressman Cuellar for their leadership on this issue, and I look forward to moving this critical legislation forward.""

""I am glad to introduce the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act today to provide support for Nebraska's cattle industry,"" said Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03). ""Establishing a library for cattle contracts, similar to the pork contract library already in effect, will enhance transparency and leverage opportunities for the small producers who are critical to feeding the nation.""

""The cattle contract library is a simple step towards more fairness, transparency, and healthy competition in the cattle market,"" said Congressman Tracey Mann (KS-01). ""It will benefit producers and packers alike, as it will help ensure that all market participants are both paying and receiving a fair price for their goods. The cattle contract library sends a clear message to ranchers, farmers, and livestock producers across this country that their voices are being heard in Washington, D.C.""

""I am proud to join this bipartisan group on this legislation to establish a cattle contract library,"" said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). ""This will provide cattle producers in my district with important industry data and promote greater price discovery, helping ranchers better negotiate higher prices for their product.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-leads-effort-provide-pricing-leverage-cattle-producers,Johnson Leads Effort to Provide Pricing Leverage to Cattle Producers,2021-10-20,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee Dusty Johnson (R-S.D) and Representative Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) introduced the bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 (H.R. 5609), which would create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Agriculture Marketing Service Department. Currently, cattlemen are unaware of contract terms being offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations.

Currently, USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders. In response to this investigation, Johnson introduced sweeping cattle reform legislation to provide more transparency in the market, including the creation of a contract library.

""Producers have been asking for increased transparency and leverage in the cattle market for years, the Cattle Contract Library Act will provide granular data in near real time, ensuring producers understand the value of marketing agreements,"" said Johnson. ""Data drives marketing decisions and a contract library will provide much-needed leverage for independent producers.""

""Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked hard to ensure the success of the agriculture industry—one that is a critical facet of our nation's economy. The bipartisan Cattle Contract Library Act will further this agenda through the creation of a contract library that will provide cost transparency in the cattle market,"" said Cuellar. ""We must support all of our cattle businesses, including our small producers, who are indispensable for our country's food supply chain. I thank Rep. Johnson for his leadership on this critical legislation for Texas farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture industry as a whole.""

Johnson has been a leader on cattle market reform since 2019 and has worked to secure a number of legislative priorities for producers. In July, USDA implemented two of Johnson's bills aimed at increasing capacity space for small producers and curbing steep overtime fees small processing facilities incurred during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

""After months of record-breaking drought and volatile markets, ranchers in South Dakota and across the country are struggling to get by. We need to act,"" said National Cattleman's Beef Association Vice President and South Dakota Rancher Todd Wilkinson. ""As we heard during the recent hearing in the House Agriculture Committee, the cattle contract library is a popular and necessary element of the broader push to bring relief to cattle producers. It would equip our producers with the data they need to make competitive marketing decisions and exert leverage in negotiations with the packers, and it would also serve as an oversight tool. NCBA thanks Congressman Johnson and Congressman Cuellar for their urgent efforts to stand up for ranchers and bring greater transparency to the beef supply chain.""

""The U.S. Cattlemen's Association would like to thank Rep. Dusty Johnson and his team for continuing to push forward with meaningful changes to the Livestock Mandatory Reporting (LMR) program that will increase transparency in the cattle marketplace,"" said U.S. Cattlemen's Association Vice President Justin Tupper. ""A cattle contract library is sorely needed, and this bill is one step closer to bringing that concept to fruition.""

""Market transparency is a critical component of price discovery in cattle marketing. As the industry has evolved, most sales are now taking place through alternative market agreements,"" said South Dakota Cattlemen's Association President Eric Jennings. ""We need a contract library to create transparency in those agreements to achieve better price discovery in the live cattle market. The South Dakota Cattlemen's Association has been advocating for a contract library and we applaud and thank Representative Johnson for putting forth the legislation to fill this need.""

""In meetings with ranchers and feeders across the state, there is agreement that we need cattle market transparency, including reporting details of all cattle marketing arrangements,"" said South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal. ""The Cattle Contract Library is common sense and I hope we can get it quickly moved out of committee and passed in the House.""

The Cattle Contract Library Act is cosponsored by Reps. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Frank Lucas (R-OK-03), Rick Allen (R-GA-12), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-01), Kelly Armstrong (N.D.-AL), Jason Smith (R-MO-08), Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-02), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN-01), David Rouzer (R-NC-07), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO-04), Adrian Smith (R-NE-3), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), and Darren Soto (D-FL-09).

The Cattle Contract Library Act of 2021 is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National, Cattlemen's Beef Association, U.S. Cattlemen's Association, National Farmers Union, Livestock Marketing Association, SD Cattlemen's Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau, and the South Dakota Farmers Union.

Read the full bill here and the one-pager here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-spring-2022-internship-applications,Johnson's Office Now Accepting Spring 2022 Internship Applications,2021-10-19,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is seeking internship applications for Spring 2022 in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.

Duties will include researching legislation, writing memos, attending committee hearings and briefings, assisting with social media, answering constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Member of Congress.

Interns will be given the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and communications skills while working closely alongside staff. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of how the legislative branch of government operates while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.

""Interns play an integral role in the success of our office,"" said Johnson. ""We make sure that each intern gets a hands-on experience of the day-to-day operations of our federal government. It is our goal that every intern will leave this office with the tools and experience necessary to excel in their professional careers.""

Interested applicants should complete the online internship application and submit a resume online no later than November 12, 2021. More information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online at dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/internships.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-bill-protect-americans-personal-banking-information,Johnson Supports Bill to Protect Americans Personal Banking Information,2021-10-15,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) introduced the Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act to prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing invasive bank reporting requirements on personal small dollar financial transactions.

Currently, the Biden Administration is pushing a proposal for comprehensive financial account surveillance, including the collection of private bank information to close the ""tax gap."" Their plan would require banks and other financial institutions to provide the IRS details and data on their customers' accounts, including deposits and withdrawals worth more than $600.

""The Biden Administration's proposal to review every bank transaction over $600 is big government at its worst,"" said Johnson. ""This proposal would place an unimaginable strain on small banks and expand the reach of the IRS into our everyday lives. Americans deserve financial freedom and privacy – this level of data collection puts that privacy at great risk.""

In September, Johnson joined his Republican colleagues in urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to abandon this proposal because of the significant impact of compliance costs on community banks.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/biden-administrations-overhaul-pslf-program-includes-johnson-and-courtney-bill,Biden Administration’s Overhaul of PSLF Program Includes Johnson and Courtney Bill for Active-Duty Military,2021-10-06,2021,2021-10,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced an overhaul of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The changes included the Recognizing Military Service in PSLF Act (H.R. 3684), a bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), to allow active-duty servicemembers to count months spent on active duty toward PSLF, even if the servicemember's loans were on a deferment or forbearance rather than in active repayment.

""Allowing all deployed servicemembers to receive credit toward student loan repayment is only fair,"" said Johnson. ""I'm glad the administration has looked to our bill for this solution, and I thank Congressman Courtney for his leadership.""

""For the 10,000 active-duty servicemembers who are deployed overseas at any given time while placing their student loans in military service deferment, these new changes mean that their full period of deployment will now be counted towards their student loan forgiveness,"" said Courtney. ""Just this week, 60 Minutes reported that only 350 members of the armed services have been able to take advantage of PSLF so far—a minute fraction compared the 180,000 who are eligible. Our public service workers entered into an agreement where they were promised these benefits, and no one deserves it more than our uniformed, active-duty servicemembers deployed far away from home. This is a correction we've worked hard to bring about, and it couldn't have happened without the strong, consistent support of servicemembers and veterans in Connecticut and across the country.""

Background:

Currently, servicemembers are eligible for PSLF, which means they can enroll in income-driven repayment plans that will result in student loan forgiveness after ten years of qualifying service. Servicemembers also have access to student loan deferment and forbearance periods during military deployments. These loan deferment and forbearance periods are intended to account for the unique financial impacts of deployment on a servicemember's family, but currently those periods do not count as PSLF qualifying payments—meaning that if a servicemember chooses to put their loans into deferment or forbearance during a deployment, they will need to complete a longer overall period of service before qualifying for student loan forgiveness.

Reps. Johnson and Courtney's bipartisan Recognizing Military Service in PSLF Act would count military student loan deferment or forbearance as qualifying payments to PSLF so that servicemembers who deploy have their full time of service appropriately counted towards their loan forgiveness. The bill would extend the new coverage to:

Active-duty service members deployed overseas on a combat tour;

Active-duty service members deployed away from their families and home station to support a Department of Defense mission;

National Guard and Reserve members brought onto active duty orders for more than 30 days to support a federal mission, such as an overseas deployment or U.S. disaster relief;

National Guard members brought on to state active duty orders to support a state mission, which includes those members who have been supporting the COVID-19 pandemic response.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:24:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-phillips-get-it-done-act-forces-lawmakers-avoid-shutdowns-and-address,"Johnson, Phillips: Get It Done Act Forces Lawmakers to Avoid Shutdowns and Address Spending",2021-09-29,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Dean Phillips (D-MN-03) introduced the GET IT DONE Act, a bipartisan bill to implement sequestration to avoid a government shutdown should Congress fail to pass a complete appropriations bill.

""When political leaders can't reach an agreement, we need a system that holds them accountable rather than punishing millions of everyday Americans,"" said Johnson.

""Government shutdowns are the worst negotiation tactic in our political system. The human toll is irresponsible and inexcusable,"" Phillips said. ""The only people who should suffer financial hardship when elected leaders can't govern are the elected leaders themselves. I am proud to join Rep. Dusty Johnson, my fellow member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, to lead this endeavor.""

Both Johnson and Phillips were sworn into office during the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. During the 2019 government shutdown, a reported 4,400 federal employees in South Dakota did not receive a paycheck, while Members of Congress continued to get paid. The government has shut down on three separate occasions for a total of 54 days in the past eight years.

If by the first day of a fiscal year a regular appropriations bill has not been enacted, the bill would:

Continue the previous fiscal year's funding for the first 30 days;

For each subsequent 30-day period, the rate of operations will be reduced by 2.5%;

Hold senior government officials pay in an escrow account until such a bill is enacted;

Prohibit funds to be used to pay for travel for senior government officials to leave the Washington Metropolitan Area;

Express that Houses of Congress may not adjourn for a period of more than 12 hours until such a bill is enacted, ensuring Members of Congress remain in Washington to pass a budget.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-opposes-bill-abolishes-pro-life-protections,Johnson Opposes Bill that Abolishes Pro-Life Protections,2021-09-24,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted against a bill that would provide and promote access to abortions without limitations. The so-called ""Women's Health Protection Act"" is the most sweeping pro-abortion legislation Congress has voted on in recent history. The proposal would override state pro-life laws on informed consent, parental notification in the case of a minor, and allow for dismemberment abortions and abortions based on a Down Syndrome diagnosis.

Nearly 80% of Americans do not support late-term abortions, yet the ""Women's Health Protection Act"" would give abortion providers the liberty to decide when abortions would be justifiable, even past the point of viability. Further, this bill would not allow medical practitioners to opt out of performing abortions due to religious or conscience reasons.

""The Women's Health Protection Act abolishes longstanding and broadly supported pro-life policies that have been implemented at the federal and state level. This legislation is extreme and removes existing safeguards on late-term abortion – this bill is an absolute afront to the unborn."" said Johnson.

The Women's Health Protection Act also threatens the prohibition on taxpayer funding of abortions. Earlier this year, Johnson spoke on the House floor in support of the Hyde Amendment which prohibits federal funding of abortions. Furthermore, Johnson is an original cosponsor of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act.

Since the beginning of the 117th Congress, Johnson has taken additional measures to protect the unborn including being an original cosponsor of theLife at Conception Act, recognizing that life begins at conception, and the Support and Value Expectant Moms and Babies Act, prohibiting the approval of new abortion drugs by the Food & Drug Administration.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/biofuel-caucus-co-chairs-blast-biden-failed-rfs-promises,Biofuel Caucus Co-Chairs Blast Biden on Failed RFS Promises,2021-09-22,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Biofuels Caucus Co-Chairs Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Representatives Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) led a letter along with 16 of their colleagues to urge President Biden to uphold campaign promises he made regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

Recent reports indicate the Biden Administration is taking steps to weaken Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) which would reduce the demand for biofuels, an action President Biden strongly condemned under the Trump Administration.

""If your Administration makes the unprecedented move to reopen the finalized 2020 RVO, and strip the demand for billions of gallons, the industry will certainly be devastated,"" said the members. ""As you stated, ""Lip service won't make up for nearly four years of retroactive damage that's decimated our trade economy and forced ethanol plants to shutter."" If these rumors are correct, demand for over 5 billion gallons of renewable, clean fuels will be lost.""

In June, members of the Biofuels Caucus raised concerns about rumored plans to circumvent RFS in favor of the oil industry. Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL), Tom Emmer (R-MN), Ann Wagner (R-MO), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), James Comer (R-KY), Ron Estes (R-KS), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), James R. Baird (R-IN), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Sam Graves (R-MO), Donald J. Bacon (R-NE), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Mike Bost (R-IL) also signed onto the letter.

Read the full letter hereor below:

President Joseph R. Biden

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden,

We are deeply disappointed by the rumors that indicate your Administration is reversing course on its promises as it relates to upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). During your campaign, just over a year ago, you said that former President Donald J. Trump ""could have made explicit his imperative to stand with American farmers by reversing harmful waivers and setting strong levels for 2021i,"" and yet, we understand that the forthcoming Renewable Volumes Obligation (RVO) will cut the demand for more combined gallons of ethanol than all gallons cut due to Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) issued by the prior Administration.

If your Administration makes the unprecedented move to reopen the finalized 2020 RVO, and strip the demand for billions of gallons, the industry will certainly be devastated. As you stated, ""Lip service won't make up for nearly four years of retroactive damage that's decimated our trade economy and forced ethanol plants to shutter."" If these rumors are correct, demand for over 5 billion gallons of renewable, clean fuels will be lost.

Biofuels production is a major piece of the rural economy in our districts, therefore, we strongly urge you to direct your EPA to reconsider the rule to ensure that your Administration makes good on these promises to ""fight for family farmers and revitalize rural economies… by ushering in a new era of biofuels.""

Both oil refiners and ethanol refiners were hurt by decreased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and while we hope that markets will continue to rebound, it is now more important than ever to uphold the law and ensure our domestic biofuels producers have certainty through fulfilling the statutory obligation of 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol, annually, along with a strong overall RVO.

Given the challenges facing our farmers from all sides on this issue, it is imperative that your Administration choose to stand with American farmers. We stand ready to work with you to ensure that our biofuels producers are once again prioritized through a strong RVO, and that the law is upheld. Thank you for your attention to this request.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/fcc-implements-johnsons-covid-19-telehealth-extension-bill,FCC Implements Johnson’s COVID-19 Telehealth Extension Bill,2021-09-01,2021,2021-09,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced award recipients for round two of its COVID-19 Telehealth Program, following the passage of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson's (R-S.D.) COVID-19 Telehealth Program Extension Act.

In April 2020, the FCC launched the COVID-19 Telehealth Program authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The program supports health care providers responding to COVID-19 by funding telecommunications services, information services, and the purchase of connected devices necessary to provide critical connected care services to patients at home.

Due to the popularity of the program, on June 25, 2020, the FCC announced it would no longer accept applications from providers. By July, the FCC released the final round of funding to approved applicants, exhausting the original $200 million appropriated for the program.

In July 2020, U.S. Representatives Johnson and Abigail Spanberger (D-V.A.) introduced the COVID-19 Telehealth Program Extension Act to appropriate additional funds to the FCC's COVID-19 Telehealth Program. This bill was included in the $900 billion COVID-19 relief package that passed in December.

""South Dakota has seen the benefits of expanding telehealth firsthand,"" said Johnson. ""Additional funding for the COVID-19 Telehealth Program enables health care providers to use technology to meet patients' needs wherever they are. South Dakota patients deserve quality care, so I'm glad to see the additional funds being used to strengthen telehealth programs in South Dakota and across the country.""

""Sanford Health is grateful for these FCC grant funds, which will help expand telehealth services and bring exceptional care closer to home for those in our rural footprint. These funds will allow us to upgrade our systems and install new wireless access points across our network in the Upper Midwest."" Corey Brown, Sanford Health System Vice President, Government Relations.

South Dakota health care providers were recipients of the program in both rounds.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:17:01Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-presses-biden-details-afghanistan-plan,Johnson Presses Biden on Details of Afghanistan Plan,2021-08-26,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and several of his U.S. House and U.S. Senate colleagues pressed President Biden on the details of his plan to safely withdraw thousands of Americans and allies from Afghanistan.

""The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades,"" said the Members of Congress. ""Dealing with these consequences means that we must take action now to chart the course for American strategy, while we manage the immediate repercussions of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan. To this end, we write to ask you to outline what your plan is to move America forward.""

The letter requests more information regarding the administration's plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs, how we are ensuring U.S. military equipment is reclaimed from the Taliban, and how we will get Americans out of Afghanistan following the August 31st deadline. Additionally, Johnson requested guidance from the State Department on how his office can best process constituent casework requests from Americans and allies seeking to evacuate Afghanistan.

Read the full letter here:

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Over the past weeks, the world watched with utter shock as the Taliban took over Afghanistan with astonishing speed, the result of unforced errors made by withdrawing completely the small remaining footprint of our main military force from Afghanistan, and by unnecessarily delaying the evacuation of U.S. personnel and our Afghan partners. The situation in Afghanistan has rapidly metastasized into Taliban rule with reinstated oppression of women and girls, the repression of civil society, the displacement of countless Afghans from their homes who the Taliban then use force to prevent from fleeing Afghanistan, and a power vacuum that China seeks to fill by increasing its ties to the Taliban.

The consequences of withdrawal from Afghanistan are not isolated to that country, or even to the Middle East region. The withdrawal carried geopolitical and strategic consequences that have already begun to unfold and will reverberate for decades. Dealing with these consequences means that we must take action now to chart the course for American strategy, while we manage the immediate repercussions of this self-inflicted crisis in Afghanistan.

To this end, we write to ask you to outline what your plan is to move America forward. There remain several unanswered, urgent questions, and we would like to know the following:

What is your plan to evacuate Afghan SIVs and other vulnerable Afghans like women, girls, and former Afghan civil service employees from Afghanistan? Do you have a plan to protect prominent women journalists, scholars, and employees of prominent non-government organizations? Will you ensure that religious and ethnic minorities, like the Hazaras, are also prioritized for P1/P2 visas within this evacuation sequence?

Will you commit to abandoning the arbitrary August 31 withdrawal deadline and continuing Noncombatant Evacuation Operation until all Americans, allies, and at-risk Afghans are processed for evacuation?

The intelligence community has warned that Al Qaida and ISIS-K will be given carte blanche by the Taliban to use Afghanistan as a safe haven to train and equip for future terrorist attacks against the United States. What is your plan to ensure that Al Qaida does not resurge and regain a foothold in Afghanistan? What ""over the horizon"" operations are you prepared to use to counter this threat?

Given that the Taliban has taken Kabul, does the Taliban now have de facto command and control over the Afghan security forces' former personnel, equipment, and infrastructure? If so, does this mean that the Taliban possess an air force through this de facto control? What is your plan to disable any air forces that operate under orders from the Taliban?

What is your plan to ensure that more U.S. and Afghan military equipment does not end up in the hands of the Taliban? What is your plan to reclaim U.S. military equipment that has already fallen into the hands of the Taliban?

How many U.S. funded aircraft have been taken out of the country by Afghan pilots, and what are you currently doing to retrieve said aircraft?

What is your plan to secure Third Country Agreements for transit and resettlement functions for Afghan refugees?

What is your plan to support Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)'s air traffic control functions long-term? Are there sufficient Afghan personnel to maintain the operability of HKIA after U.S. troops fully withdraw?

Do you plan to support any free Afghanistan resistance or security force that organizes outside of Afghanistan?

What is your plan to counter the Chinese Communist Party's growing relationship with the Taliban?

What is your plan to ensure that American influence in the Middle East does not erode after so rapidly dissipating in Afghanistan?

Are you prepared to support regional allies militarily in the event that the Taliban militarize the Afghanistan border? What is your plan to help to ensure that the Taliban does not destabilize its nuclear neighbor, Pakistan?

Do you have a plan to ensure that Afghanistan, under Taliban occupation, will never acquire a nuclear weapon?

Since Afghanistan is a Major Non-NATO ally, how will you reassure the United States' other MNNA countries that this powerful symbol of our close relationship to those countries can still be relied on?

With respect to any answers that may involve sensitive or classified information, we would welcome a briefing from your national security team. We look forward to your response.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-calls-president-biden-end-unconstitutional-eviction-moratorium,Johnson Calls for President Biden to End Unconstitutional Eviction Moratorium,2021-08-12,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) along with 30 bicameral members of Congress called for President Biden to end the unconstitutional eviction moratorium.

""We strongly oppose the Biden administration's latest eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This latest action is plainly unconstitutional and will only serve to further distort the market and create a housing affordability crisis,"" the lawmakers said. ""Additionally, any further restrictions on evictions at this point are counterproductive. The economy is open, jobs and vaccines are abundant, and federal rental assistance is a reality.""

The eviction moratorium expired on July 31, 2021. Despite the recent Supreme Court case, Alabama Association of Realtors v. Department of Health and Human Services, where Justice Kavanaugh stated that ""clear and specific congressional authorization (via new legislation) would be necessary for the CDC to extend the moratorium past July 31,"" the Biden administration extended the moratorium in cities with ""substantial"" spread of COVID-19 until October 3, 2021.

""Instead of pursuing an unconstitutional moratorium, the Biden administration should be focused on distributing the nearly $50 billion in rental assistance that was appropriated through three separate stimulus packages."" the lawmakers said. ""As long this moratorium remains in place, property owners will continue to struggle financially. These property owners must still pay mortgages, taxes, and maintenance for the dwelling. If this continues much longer, we will see a wave of bankruptcies, foreclosures, and blighted properties.""

Most states require the tenant to take the initiative when applying for rental assistance. A recent Treasury report found very little of the federal rental assistance money has been disbursed so far, and the new moratorium will act as an additional disincentive for tenants to apply for this aid, leaving property owners on the hook.

""We demand the Biden administration end this moratorium and allow the rental assistance funds to do what they were intended to do. This government overreach must end,"" the lawmakers said.

Read the full letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-johnson-garamendi-introduce-ocean-shipping-reform-act,"Reps. Johnson, Garamendi Introduce Ocean Shipping Reform Act",2021-08-10,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and John Garamendi (D-CA) introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation is the first major update of federal regulations for the global ocean shipping industry since 1998. The legislation would support American exports by establishing reciprocal trade opportunities to help reduce the United States' longstanding trade imbalance with China and other countries.

""Foreign ocean carriers aren't playing fair, and American producers are paying the price,"" said Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD). ""It's time for updated rules of the road. That's what our bill does.""

""Foreign businesses' access to the American market and its consumers is a privilege, not a right. California's agricultural exporters and other businesses are willing to pay to ensure that American-made products reach key markets in the Asia-Pacific. In turn, companies looking to offload foreign-made products at West Coast ports must provide opportunities for American exports. Even during a global pandemic, trade must be mutually beneficial, and that is exactly what our bipartisan bill ensures,"" saidCongressmanGaramendi (D-CA). ""Congress has not updated federal regulations for the global ocean shipping industry since China was granted permanent, normalized trade relations under the World Trade Organization in 2001. Now is the time to ensure reciprocal opportunities for American exporters in trade with other countries to reduce the United States' trade imbalance with cheap Asian imports.""

On March 9, 2021, Congressmen Johnson and Garamendi joined over 100 Members of Congress in a bipartisan letter to the Federal Maritime Commission urging action on unfair, anti-competitive, and likely illegal business practices by some ocean carriers. Dozens of agricultural exporters contacted the Congressmen's offices reporting that ocean carriers refused to accept cargo bookings for U.S. exports, instead choosing to send empty canisters back to the Asia-Pacific, as quickly as possible to refill with foreign exports during the pandemic.

The Congressmen serve together on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and announced their intention to pursue this legislation during a Subcommittee hearing on June 15, 2021.

On July 20, 2021, the Federal Maritime Commission established a new audit program to assess ocean carriers' compliance with federal regulations on detention and demurrage and to step up the federal agency's monitoring of the marketplace for ocean cargo services.

The ""Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021"" would:

Establish reciprocal trade to promote U.S. exports as part of the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) mission.

Require ocean carriers to adhere to minimum service standards that meet the public interest, reflecting best practices in the global shipping industry.

Require ocean carriers or marine terminal operators to certify that any late fees —known in maritime parlance as ""detention and demurrage"" charges—comply with federal regulations or face penalties.

Shift burden of proof regarding the reasonableness of ""detention or demurrage"" charges from the invoiced party to the ocean carrier or marine terminal operator.

Prohibit ocean carriers from declining opportunities for U.S. exports unreasonably, as determined by the FMC in new required rulemaking.

Require ocean common carriers to report to the FMC each calendar quarter on total import/export tonnage and twenty-foot equivalent units (loaded/empty) per vessel that makes port in the United States.

Authorizes the FMC to self-initiate investigations of ocean common carrier's business practices and apply enforcement measures, as appropriate.

Congress last updated the Federal Maritime Commission's authority to regulate the global ocean shipping industry under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-258). The People's Republic of China was granted permanent normal trade relations with the United States, so-called ""most-favored nation"" status, in December 2001 following the country's admission to the World Trade Organization.

In late April 2020, the Federal Maritime Commission announced ""Fact Finding No. 29"" to investigate congestion, bottlenecks, and fees at our ports. In November 2020, the Commission expanded this investigation (Fact Finding No. 29) to include reports of ocean carriers declining to ship American exports.

On July 20, 2021, the FMC launched a new audit program to assess ocean carriers' compliance with federal regulations on detention and demurrage and increase the agency's monitoring of the marketplace for ocean cargo services. This action underscores the need for legislation.

The following organizations have endorsed the ""Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021"":

National Endorsements: Agriculture Transportation Coalition; National Industrial Transportation League; American Farm Bureau Federation; National Retail Federation; American Trucking Associations (ATA); American Apparel & Footwear Association; Agricultural & Food Transporters Conference, ATA; American Chemistry Council; American Cotton Shippers Association; American Feed Industry Association; American Pulse Association; American Seed Trade Association; Consumer Brands Association; Corn Refiners Association; Cotton Warehouse Association of America; Dairy Farmers of America; Hardwood Federation; Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference, ATA; International Dairy Foods Association; International Housewares Association; International Paper; Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.; Leather and Hide Council of America; Meat Import Council of America; National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; National Association of Chemical Distributors; National Chicken Council; National Cotton Council; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Hay Association; National Milk Producers Federation; National Oilseed Processors Association; National Onion Association; National Pork Producers Council; North American Meat Institute; North American Renderers Association; Pet Food Institute; Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance; The Fertilizer Institute; Travel Goods Association; U.S. Dairy Export Council; U.S. Dry Bean Council; U.S. Forage Export Council; U.S. Meat Export Federation; U.S. Pea and Lentil Trade Association; United Fresh Produce Association; USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council; Western Agricultural Processors Association; Wine and Spirits Shippers Association.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

A section-by-section summary of the legislation is available upon request.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-applauds-usda-enhancement-cattle-price-transparency,Johnson Applauds USDA Enhancement of Cattle Price Transparency,2021-08-05,2021,2021-08,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Republican Leader of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) announcement of two new reports to enhance price discovery under mandatory price reporting for cattle. Johnson has called for increased transparency in price reporting during his time on the Agriculture Committee and introduced the PRICE Act which creates a Beef Cattle Contract Library.

Last week, the subcommittee held a hearing on the shortcomings of the supply chain. In addition to the need for greater processing capacity, the need for greater producer access to real-time data was a primary theme.

""When I talk to cattlemen across the state, they know they can compete if they have an open and transparent market. This is another step in the right direction,"" said Johnson. ""This USDA announcement does not let Congress off the hook. We have work to do and must reauthorize mandatory price reporting by the end of September to ensure these new reports can be released in a timely and consistent manner. While this announcement is welcome news, cattlemen continue to ask for a Cattle Contract Library to give user-friendly access to contract terms being offered to other producers on a regional and national level. I'll keep pushing for full implementation of the PRICE Act to ensure this gets done.""

In July, USDA implemented two of Johnson's bills aimed at increasing capacity space for small producers and curbing steep overtime fees small processing facilities incurred during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to USDA Market News, overseen by the Department's Agricultural Marketing Service, these new reports include:

The National Daily Direct Formula Base Cattle reports will enable stakeholders to see the correlation between the negotiated trade and reported formula base prices, as well as the aggregated values being paid as premiums and discounts. Daily formula base price reports will be national in scope and released in morning, summary and afternoon versions. The weekly and monthly formula base reports will be both national and regional in scope and include forward contract base purchase information.

The National Weekly Cattle Net Price Distribution report will show at what levels (price and volume) trade occurred across the weekly weighted average price for each purchase type – negotiated, negotiated grid, formula and forward contract. Currently, the market speculates whether large or small volumes of cattle trade on both sides of the price spread. And in fact, with premiums and discounts applied to the prices, the spreads shown on reports can be wide. Publishing a price distribution for all cattle net prices will offer more transparency to each of the purchase type categories. This report is a window into what producers are paid for cattle (net) and retains confidentiality by segregating volumes purchased in $2.00 increments +/- the daily weighted average price depending upon premiums and discounts. AMS has published a similar net price distribution report for direct hogs since January 2010.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:11:17Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-banks-introduce-legislation-confront-china-threat,"Johnson, Banks Introduce Legislation to Confront China Threat",2021-07-30,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks introduced the Countering Communist China Act, a bill to combat the growing threat the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses to the United States.

The Countering Communist China Act is a comprehensive effort comprised of over 100 individual bills that targets China's malign censorship, investigates the CCP's role in COVID-19, addresses national security and medical supply chain concerns, highlights China's democracy, human rights abuses, and more.

""It has become quite clear that the CCP is developing into the single greatest geopolitical threat the United States will face in the 21st century,"" said Johnson. ""We must be ready to combat malign Chinese behavior from a multifaceted approach which is what the Countering Communist China Act sets out to do.""

One of Johnson's own bills targeting China's malign intellectual property (IP) abuses was included in this package. Johnson's bill amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) to exempt firms owned by China from the sovereign immunity defense to suits brought in U.S. courts. Under FSIA, American courts generally cannot hear cases brought against foreign states and certain state agencies and companies. This bill would create an exemption to allow cases to be brought against firms owned by China that are responsible for theft of U.S. intellectual property.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 80 percent of its economic-espionage cases involve China. Both U.S. government entities such as the Office of Personnel Management and private companies like Equifax have been targeted by the CCP in recent years.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thune-smith-johnson-craig-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-legislation-provide,"Thune, Smith, Johnson, Craig Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Provide Needed Flexibility for Emergency CRP Haying",2021-07-27,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.), members of the House Agriculture Committee, today introduced companion bills that would improve the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) ability to allow for the timely emergency haying of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in response to drought and other weather-related disaster events. Under current statute, emergency CRP haying is not allowed until after the primary nesting season, which ends August 1 in South Dakota, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The CRP Flexibility Act would address this by allowing emergency haying on CRP acres before August 1 when certain conditions are met and in consultation with the state technical committee. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Reps. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.), Pete Stauber (R-Minn.), and Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.).

""Unfortunately, almost every acre of South Dakota is currently experiencing drought, and we need to make sure USDA has the flexibility to improve producers' access to greatly needed forage for their livestock during these difficult times,"" said Thune. ""As a longtime supporter of the Conservation Reserve Program, I'm pleased to introduce this commonsense measure to help producers meet their forage needs during weather-related emergencies. This legislation would build on my effort to increase CRP enrollment, which significantly benefits conservation efforts and wildlife habitat in our state.""

""Right now over 70 percent of Minnesota is experiencing a severe drought and it's quickly worsening with the current hot weather,"" said Smith. ""This is devastating for our cattle producers, who are running out of hay to feed their herds. When severe droughts hit, the USDA should have the tools to allow farmers to access reserve land for haying and grazing. This will lessen the impact on the farm economy.""

""As drought conditions fail to improve across the Midwest, producers need continued flexibility to weather the storm and avoid further liquidations,"" said Johnson. ""The CRP Flexibility Act would open up needed conservation acres to forage for livestock. This is a problem with a simple solution – I'm glad our legislation will promote conservation and provide flexibility to the committee on the ground to move up forage dates when disaster strikes.""

""Severe drought conditions in Minnesota and across the country are impacting farmers and ranchers who were just beginning to recover from the COVID-19 public health and economic crisis,"" said Craig. ""Today, I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to ensure USDA can create flexibility for farmers and ranchers, expand drought relief and protect our ag community during this difficult time.""

""With most of the state facing an intense drought, South Dakota ranchers and farmers need flexibility to protect their livelihoods and combat the extreme conditions,"" said Rounds. ""Our bill alleviates these challenges by allowing emergency haying during the primary nesting season, which lasts until August 1st. This is a commonsense fix that will provide much-needed relief for South Dakota farmers and ranchers.""

""The drought across the upper Midwest has created incredibly difficult conditions for Minnesota's farmers and livestock producers,"" said Klobuchar. ""By authorizing emergency haying of Conservation Reserve Program lands, we are taking an important step to help farmers and ranchers feed their herds throughout droughts.""

""This legislation is needed to improve the timeliness of emergency haying of Conservation Reserve Program acres during droughts like the current one that has caused forage shortages and the culling of herds,"" said Scott VanderWal, president of South Dakota Farm Bureau and vice president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. ""We appreciate the efforts of our South Dakota delegation to make this program more helpful to producers during weather-related disaster events.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-schrier-unveil-plan-repurpose-1-trillion-covid-funds,"Johnson, Schrier Unveil Plan to Repurpose $1 Trillion in COVID Funds",2021-07-26,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA) introduced the Supporting Underserved Populations by Placing Our Resources in Trusts (SUPPORT) for Mental Health Act. The bipartisan bill would allow states to utilize remaining COVID-19 relief funds to create a trust fund dedicated to mental and behavioral health.

According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), during the height of the pandemic, anxiety and depression symptoms were three to four times higher than the previous year. Nearly 13% of respondents said they have turned to substance abuse, and one in four Americans between 18 and 24 years old say they've considered suicide in the past month because of the pandemic.

""When states across America completely shut down for over a year, people's lives and livelihoods were completely disrupted – an unfortunate consequence of this disruption and restrictions was many Americans' mental health,"" said Johnson. ""The SUPPORT for Mental Health Act allows states and tribes flexibility to utilize previously allocated relief funds to address rising mental and behavioral health needs.""

""The last 15 months have been difficult for many Americans who have felt the economic and emotional effects of the pandemic, and with that has come an increase in people needing mental health support,"" said Schrier. ""That's why I'm proud to introduce this legislation with my friend Dusty Johnson to allow COVID-19 relief funds to be used by states and tribes to meet mental and behavioral health needs. Let's make sure help is available to meet the increased need.""

""The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated the underinvestment in mental health care in our country, resulting in a substantial unmet need for mental health and substance use disorder services. Affording states and localities the flexibility to direct uncommitted COVID relief funds towards behavioral health services is a common-sense approach to help address the mental health needs of our nation.""– American Psychiatric Association CEO and Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A

The SUPPORT for Mental Health Act would utilize nearly a trillion dollars in unspent pandemic related funds. States, tribes, and localities are required to allocate COVID-19 relief funds by December 31, 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-2021-congressional-app-challenge,Johnson Announces 2021 Congressional App Challenge,2021-07-23,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced South Dakota's second annual Congressional App Challenge (CAC), an app competition for middle and high school students.

The 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, no previous coding experience is required.

The App Challenge's student submission portal is now open. Applications must be submitted by November 1st. The CAC accepts computer programs (or apps) written in any programming language (C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, ""block code,"" etc.), for any platform (desktop/PC, web, mobile, etc.). Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four students.

Winners will be selected by a panel of Computer Science teachers in South Dakota and honored by South Dakota's Congressional office. Winning apps will be featured on display in the U.S. Capitol and on the CAC website.

""The Congressional App Challenge was created because Congress recognized the growing skills gap in the STEM field,"" said Johnson. ""To maintain American competitiveness, it's crucial that we invest in our youth now and help them acquire these valuable skills. I'm looking forward to recognizing talented young coders and developers in South Dakota.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-johnson-push-omb-walks-back-plan-change-city-status-rapid-city,"Following Johnson Push, OMB Walks Back Plan to Change City Status of Rapid City",2021-07-14,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Following a legislative push from U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will abandon efforts to reclassify Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) like Rapid City and 140 other cities. Following the January OMB notice to increase the MSA qualification from 50,000 to 100,000 people, Johnson introduced the bipartisan, bicameral, Metropolitan Statistical Area Preservation Act, a bill to preserve more than 140 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from losing their classification as an MSA.

""I'm glad OMB realized they made a mistake on reclassification efforts,"" said Johnson. ""More than 140 cities, most importantly Rapid City, would be severely impacted by losing their city status. If you've ever been to Rapid, you know it's a robust, growing city – and it deserves the federally-backed programs that come with that classification.""

""This is a great day for Rapid City and other small cities across the nation. Rapid City faces the same issues that large metro areas face—economic development, infrastructure, workforce training and recruitment, amenities, housing—so keeping the MSA designation is just good policy. Rapid City's population may say 80,000 on the sign, but its trade is really 175,000 to 200,000 or greater, given that it's the central shopping and health care area for a five-state region,"" said President of Elevate Rapid City Tom Johnson. ""Representative Dusty Johnson gets this and understands that Rapid City has the potential to grow by tens of thousands of people in the next decade. He was a tireless champion for Rapid City and South Dakota on this issue, and the same is true for Senator Thune and Senator Rounds. It's great to see all three of them once again bring some South Dakota common sense to D.C. and the federal bureaucracy that is the Office of Management and Budget.""

The Metropolitan Statistical Area Preservation Act is cosponsored by Reps. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Mike D. Rogers (AL-03), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Frank D. Lucas (OK-03), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), David Trone (MD-06), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Julia Letlow (LA-05), Dan Kildee (MI-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Peter Meijer (MI-03), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Barry Moore (AL-02); Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Steven M. Palazzo (MS-4).

Senator Thune led the Senate-companion of the Metropolitan Statistical Area Preservation Act. Additionally, in March, the South Dakota delegation urged OMB to reject this recommendation.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-winners-2021-congressional-student-art-competition,Johnson Announces Winners of 2021 Congressional Student Art Competition,2021-07-09,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced three South Dakota student artist winners for the 2021 Congressional Art Competition.

Elora Gould, a rising sophomore from Faith High School is the first-place winner of the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for South Dakota. Her pencil and charcoal artwork, ""To Have Slept in a Hollow,"" will be on exhibit in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol, along with the winning artwork from other congressional districts for the next year.

Second-place was awarded to Sarah Poncelow, a junior from Wessington Springs High School. Her drawing, ""Team Bond,"" will be displayed in Johnson's Washington office for the next year.

Hannah Hofer of Colton was also recognized with an Honorable Mention. Her artwork, ""Nigrum Panthera,"" will be displayed at Johnson's Sioux Falls office for the next year. Hofer is home-schooled and will be going into her senior year.

""I am always impressed by the talent of young artists across South Dakota,"" said Johnson. ""I want to thank all of the students who submitted artwork for the competition as well as the art teachers and parents who helped them. There were so many impressive submissions this year we had to choose three winners instead of two. Congratulations to Elora, Sarah, and Hannah on representing South Dakota with their wonderful artwork.""

The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by Johnson's office in partnership with the South Dakota Arts Council. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, providing members of Congress with an opportunity to recognize artistic talent in their home districts.

The 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.

The artwork can be viewed at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/CAC/index.aspx.

""To Have Slept in a Hollow"" by Elora Gould

Elora Gould from Faith High School

""Team Bond"" by Sarah Poncelow

""Nigrum Panthera"" by Hannah Hofer",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-craig-applaud-usda-action-feedd-act,"Johnson, Craig Applaud USDA Action on the FEEDD Act",2021-07-09,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, and Representative Angie Craig (D-MN), applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to allow producers to hay, graze, or chop cover crop on prevent plant acres year-round while remaining eligible for their full crop insurance indemnity. Johnson and Craig introduced the bipartisan, bicameral FEEDD Act in 2019 and in February 2021, which would remove the penalty on producers who must hay and graze prior to November 1.

Even under adverse weather conditions, producers were prohibited from growing a cash commodity prior to November 1 on prevent plant acres, this announcement provides a permanent administrative fix. Since 2019, Johnson and Craig have urged USDA to adopt policies outlined in the FEEDD Act which gained national support.

""This has been a team effort since 2019, and I'm grateful USDA made our fix permanent,"" said Johnson. ""We can't predict the weather, but we can provide more certainty to producers, and that's what the FEEDD Act aims to do. This simple change will ease feed shortages in dry or wet months and improve soil health overall. As South Dakota continues to face a drought, this is the sort of flexibility farmers and ranchers need to get by.""

""I'm pleased that the Administration has taken administrative action in line with our bipartisan FEEDD Act to give farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to make good use of cover crops on prevent plant ground,"" said Representative Angie Craig. ""In recent years, we have seen drought, flooding and other disasters put many Minnesotan farmers at risk of losing access to affordable forage – which has threatened their bottom lines during these tough times. This commonsense step will address issues caused by unpredictable growing seasons and will help build soil health. I applaud USDA for taking this commonsense step – and I thank my colleague Dusty Johnson for working so closely with me on this critical issue.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-hyde-amendment,Johnson Supports the Hyde Amendment,2021-07-09,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) spoke on the House floor in support of the Hyde Amendment which prohibits federal funding of abortions.

Despite decades-long precedent, the Hyde Amendment was not included in President Biden's budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2022.

""For 45 years, this body has been able to come together to accept the powerful message of the Hyde Amendment that taxpayer funding should never be used for abortion,"" said Johnson.

Johnson is an original cosponsor of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2021 which bars the use of federal funds for abortions and for health coverage that includes abortions.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/usda-implements-johnson-cattle-proposals,USDA Implements Johnson Cattle Proposals,2021-07-09,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, issued a statement following President Biden's Executive Order and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) announcement of a significant investment for regional cattle processer expansion efforts and overtime processing fees accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. These announcements mirror two of Johnson's bills, the Butcher Block Act and the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act. Johnson made an additional request to Secretary Vilsack in March to prioritize reducing inspection fees for small processors.

""I couldn't be more thrilled that USDA is implementing the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act at $100 million,"" said Johnson. ""These USDA announcements are much-needed and frankly overdue for our cattle producers. Producers and members of Congress from cattle country have diligently pushed for a level playing field for small processors to diversify market options outside of the big four for a long time. Today's announcements may not be the silver bullet to solve all of our problems, but they will certainly get us one step closer to a fairer cattle market.""

USDA announced its intent to provide $500 million in grants to expand meat and poultry processing capacity to restore balance in the meat market. In June, Johnson introduced the bipartisan Butcher Block Act which would establish a grant and loan program at USDA for new and expanding meat processors to drive competition within the packing industry. As USDA continues to finalize details of the program, Johnson will continue to push USDA to design a program that is scalable and can quickly add processing capacity while incentivizing producer investment.

Click here to view Johnson discuss two of his livestock bills implemented by USDA",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-office-now-accepting-fall-2021-internship-applications,Johnson’s Office Now Accepting Fall 2021 Internship Applications,2021-07-01,2021,2021-07,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) is seeking internship applications for the fall in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.

Duties will include researching legislation, writing memos, attending committee hearings and briefings, answering constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Member of Congress.

Interns will be given the opportunity to develop their research, writing, and communications skills while working closely alongside staff. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of how the legislative branch of government operates while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.

""Fulfilling the duties of a congressional office is a team effort,"" said Johnson. ""Interns are an integral part of our team in both Washington and in the state. Our office strives to ensure South Dakota's interns leave their congressional internship with the experience and skills necessary to successfully enter the workforce.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:03:51Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-schrader-introduce-bipartisan-healthy-dog-importation-act-protect,"Johnson, Schrader Introduce Bipartisan Healthy Dog Importation Act to Protect Animal and Public Health",2021-06-29,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Veterinary Medicine Caucus, Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021. This bipartisan plan would ensure dogs imported into the United States are not at risk of spreading dangerous diseases that could harm Americans and our animals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one million dogs are imported into the U.S. each year, however only about 1% of them are screened for diseases or infections. Rabies especially poses a risk because the deadly viral disease is difficult to detect until symptoms appear, which often means it is too late to be treated. While rabies is mostly found in wild animals in the U.S., the CDC says most rabies deaths in people around the world are still caused by dog bites and transport of the infected animals into the U.S. remains a concern.

The current lack of oversight and minimal screening requirements present a serious health hazard not only to pets and livestock, but also to the food supply and public health. The Healthy Dog Importation Act would close these gaps in U.S. importation laws by requiring all dogs entering the U.S. from any country to have valid certification of necessary vaccinations, as well as a certification of good health signed by a licensed veterinarian.

""If transmitted to other animals or humans, animal diseases have the ability to wipe out livestock, kill thousands of individuals, shut down economies, and destabilize entire nations,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""Over one million dogs are imported into America each year, but less than 1% of those animals are adequately screened for deadly diseases. With the recent CDC decision to pause dog imports, the Healthy Dog Importation Act will ensure pet imports from countries like China can resume safely so long as pets are up to date on vaccinations and have been properly screened by a licensed veterinarian for specific diseases.""

""As a veterinarian, I have a deep knowledge of the close relationship between animals and people and what is needed to ensure their health and safety,"" Rep. Schrader said. ""The Healthy Dog Importation Act would finally provide the proper oversight needed to make sure the dogs being brought into our country are healthy, and will not endanger our people, our pets or our food supply chain. By having key safeguards in place, we can detect potential serious safety concerns and prevent these dangers from turning into a public health crisis.""

The introduction of the Healthy Dog Importation Act by Reps. Schrader and Johnson comes as the CDC recently issued a notice that the agency will temporarily halt dog importation from countries with a high-risk for dog rabies. That notice was issued following a spike in imported animals from high-risk countries presenting fraudulent vaccination papers, as well as a multi-state public health investigation that found over a dozen people were exposed to an imported dog that tested positive for a rabies variant. But the High-Risk Dog Ban, which begins on July 14, 2021, impacts only 6% of imported dogs and more oversight must be implemented to ensure proper universal health and safety standards.

Joining Reps. Schrader and Johnson as cosponsors are Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Vicky Hartzler (R-MO).

Further support for the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2021:

""Safeguarding the health of every dog imported into the U.S. is essential to helping maintain animal health and reducing the potential spread of zoonotic diseases,"" said Dr. Douglas Kratt, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President. ""The legislation reintroduced in Congress today strengthens dog importation requirements and provides the USDA and other federal agencies with the necessary resources to responsibly screen the large number of dogs entering our country each year. We must have a robust inspection system in place within all U.S. ports of entry for dogs. Thank you to Representatives Kurt Schrader and Dusty Johnson for their leadership in Congress on this important issue.""

""Dogs are being imported into the U.S. at records rates. Unfortunately, dogs imported without basic veterinary checks or valid health certificates are also bringing contagious and deadly zoonotic diseases such as rabies and canine influenza,"" said Dennis Sprung, American Kennel Club (AKC) President and CEO. ""This poses a serious health threat to our pets and the public. Thanks to the leadership of Congressmen Schrader and Johnson, the basic health certifications in the Healthy Dog Importation Act will protect the health and wellbeing of every dog in our nation – and the humans who care for them.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-biofuels-caucus-statement-supreme-courts-renewable-fuel-standard,House Biofuels Caucus Statement on Supreme Court’s Renewable Fuel Standard Decision and the Future Integrity of the RFS,2021-06-25,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the co-chairs of the bipartisan House Biofuels Caucus—Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), and Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03)—released the following statement after the Supreme Court weakened the RFS at the expense of family farmers and biofuels producers in rural America in HollyFrontier Cheyenne Refining, LLC v. Renewable Fuels Association:

""We are concerned with the potential consequences of today's Supreme Court's decision, which could have a devastating impact on farmers and producers who are still fighting to recover from the volatile markets, unpredictable weather, and trade instability of the past several years. However, we are encouraged that the Environmental Protection Agency had reversed its position on small refinery exemptions prior to the Supreme Court's final opinion, and we urge the Administration to apply the same logic in deciding not to grant future waivers. Today's decision underscores the importance of the RFS Integrity Act; we will continue to fight for the enactment of this legislation to support family farmers and the clean biofuels industry.""

The Renewable Fuel Standard is a federal program that requires transportation fuel sold in the United States to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels by mandating that oil refiners blend billions of gallons of ethanol and other biofuels into their fuel each year or buy credits from those that do. Under the previous Administration, the EPA greatly expanded the number of small refinery waivers that were issued while undermining transparency and accountability in the SRE process. By issuing dozens of waivers between 2016 and 2020, the EPA saved the oil industry hundreds of millions of dollars while threatening rural economies and harming the biofuels industry at large.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-hagedorn-and-grassley-send-letter-usda-doj-appealing-harmful-court,"Johnson, Hagedorn, and Grassley Send Letter to USDA, DOJ Appealing Harmful Court Ruling to Hog Farmers",2021-06-25,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Representatives Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) joined Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack and the Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Solicitor General Prelogar to urge the Administration to pursue all legal actions in a recent U.S. district court case that will slow swine inspection line speeds by June 30th, 2021 resulting in massive financial harm to American hog farmers. The letter was signed by 59 Representatives and 14 Senators.

""The impact of this ruling will be devastating to the country's small and mid-sized hog producers – especially in southern Minnesota. For two decades, six pork processing facilities have been able to operate at higher line speeds, including one in Austin, MN, with little evidence of worker safety concerns,"" said Congressman Hagedorn. ""The NSIS rule would allow more facilities to increase their line speeds and overall processing capacity. If USDA does not take prompt action, the slowing of line speeds will result in less processing capacity, more consolidation in the pork industry, and higher consumer costs.""

""This recent court ruling will hurt pork producers and consumers both in Iowa and around the country. Although NSIS is relatively new, Secretary Vilsack oversaw the successful HIMP program during his first term as Secretary and he knows how important this rule is to the pork industry,"" Senator Grassley said. ""Producers have had a hard enough year with all the obstacles surrounding the pandemic. They don't need the added concern about market disruption with a slowdown in processing and economic loss of excess hogs on the market.""

""Across livestock industries, processing capacities are already stressed, but our pork processors have successfully managed quicker line speeds safely for decades under NSIS,"" said Congressman Johnson. ""A reversal of the NSIS rule and reduction in packing capacity will make this processing problem even worse for the smallest processors and pork producers. It's imperative USDA and the DOJ step in to correct this before independent producers are hurt and opportunity is squandered.""

Full text of the letters can be found here and here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-interns-lead-letter-open-us-capitol,Johnson Interns Lead Letter to Open the U.S. Capitol,2021-06-24,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, over one hundred and twenty bipartisan congressional interns led by four interns from the office of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to reopen the U.S. Capitol to the American public. Since March 12, 2020, the U.S. Capitol has been closed to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

""Prior to the pandemic, the U.S. Capitol was visited annually by 3-5 million people from around the world,"" said the interns. ""By its tenth anniversary in December 2018, the Capitol Visitor Center had welcomed more than 21 million guests to the center of American democracy. One of the many opportunities we as interns are afforded in a typical semester is the privilege of guiding our districts' constituents on a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and grounds. If America's seat of government remains closed in 2021, both constituents and congressional interns will continue to miss out on a formative experience. As congressional interns from both sides of the political aisle, our love of country is a shared trait. We'd be thrilled to provide this public service once again to our constituents and fellow countrymen.

""We recognize the most important consideration for reopening is the health and safety of the public. However, to date over 145 million Americans are fully vaccinated – including most Members of Congress and staffers – and D.C. has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country. As America returns to a sense of normalcy, we feel well-protected and well-prepared for the return of guests to the U.S. Capitol.""

Click here for the full clip.

One of the primary responsibilities of congressional interns is providing constituents with tours of the Capitol. More than 200 South Dakota students have visited Washington, D.C., in the last two weeks and have not been permitted to tour the U.S. Capitol Building.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-spanberger-introduce-butcher-block-act-cattle-producers,"Johnson, Spanberger Introduce Butcher Block Act for Cattle Producers",2021-06-24,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) today introduced the Butcher Block Act, a bipartisan bill to rebalance the cattle market by easing regulatory barriers and offering U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat processing grants for small processors looking to expand or add shackle space.

According to a recent Rabobank report, an additional daily packing capacity of 5,000 to 6,000 head of fed cattle could restore the historical balance of fed cattle supplies and packing capacity. The Butcher Block Act would establish a loan program at USDA rural development for new and expanding meat processors and finance producer investment to drive competition within the meat packing industry. Additionally, it would allocate grants to entities to increase hiring and processing capacity.

""Our cattle producers and economists have been clear, there's supply and demand, but not enough processing capacity,"" said Johnson. ""The bipartisan Butcher Block Act will help right the ship in cattle country and create more avenues for producers to sell their product. Producers deserve a fair price and our bill will expand market capacity quickly.""

""In Virginia's Seventh District, livestock and poultry bring in millions of dollars for Central Virginia producers each year — but this vital funding stream is increasingly threatened by supply chain disruptions, as well as the continued consolidation within the meat industry. Particularly in the wake of cyberattacks directed against American processing facilities, we need to make long-term investments in the stability and security of the U.S. food supply,"" said Spanberger. ""By providing additional USDA assistance and grants for American processors to launch or expand their operations, our Butcher Block Act would both help protect the U.S. meat industry and increase market opportunities for American livestock producers. I am proud to co-lead the introduction of this legislation alongside Congressman Johnson, and I look forward to Members on both sides of the aisle working together to increase processing capacity, meet food demand here at home, and keep American cattlemen and poultry producers competitive in the global ag economy.""

""The Holcomb plant fire and the COVID-19 pandemic delivered a one-two punch to our nation's cattle growers and the volatility in the cattle markets that followed drove home the need to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry. We appreciate Congressman Johnson and Congresswoman Spanberger for introducing the Butcher Block Act, which aims to diversify processing and create a more resilient food supply chain. Expanding opportunities for America's ranchers will ensure they are paid fairly for the cattle they work hard to raise while meeting the demands of a growing nation,"" said Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation.

""USCA thanks Congressman Johnson for his leadership in pursuing any and all available solutions to expand and enhance the independent meat processing sector,"" saidUSCA Vice President Justin Tupper from St. Onge, South Dakota. ""The Butcher Block Act will provide more opportunities for our small and mid-sized processors to succeed in a business with incredibly high barriers to entry. Through cost-share and grant programs, this bill expands regional processing capacity, which increases competition in the meat packing industry – leading to improved marketing options for livestock producers.""

""From coast to coast, we're hearing the same need from our producers. More hook space to alleviate the chokepoint in our supply chain must be a part of any solution aimed at putting more of the beef dollar in the pockets of cattle farmers and ranchers,"" said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. ""The Butcher Block Act takes important steps to fund the growth of regional and independent packing plants, giving farmers and ranchers more opportunities to get their cattle sold and processed. NCBA thanks Congressman Johnson for his bipartisan leadership on this critical issue for South Dakota ranchers.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-biofuels-caucus-urge-president-uphold-campaign-promises-biofuels,"Johnson, Biofuels Caucus Urge President to Uphold Campaign Promises on Biofuels",2021-06-18,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week members of the Biofuels Caucus, led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), urged President Biden to uphold his campaign commitment to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Recent reports suggest the Biden Administration is considering a nationwide waiver of RFS for the oil industry, a decision that would be detrimental to rural farmers and biofuels producers across rural America.

""We are alarmed by reports that your Administration is considering circumventing the law via compliance relief to the oil industry through a nationwide waiver of Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),"" said the members. ""When illegal Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) were under consideration by the previous Administration, we put partisan politics aside and vocally opposed the merits of the proposal on an overwhelming bipartisan basis. We remain concerned that any attempt to undermine the law as it relates to the RFS will damage our rural economies and harm our local farmers and biofuels producers.""

These reports directly contradict President Biden's promise to uphold the RFS and support the biofuels industry. Any attempt to circumvent the law will hurt South Dakota farmers and biofuels producers by creating uncertainty.

""The White House claims to be a champion for the environment, and I hoped that would make this administration a strong supporter of biofuels. States like South Dakota are leading the effort to produce high quality blended fuels that are cleaner for the environment,"" said Johnson. ""It will be a shame if President Biden circumvents the RFS in favor of the oil industry.""

As co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, Johnson has been a champion for the RFS. Johnson led multiple letters urging the EPA to prioritize biofuels and introduced numerous bills to grow the biofuels industry and highlight the environmental benefits of biofuels. In February, the Biofuels Caucus introduced the RFS Integrity Act to ensure transparency in the RFS small refinery waiver process.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-ohalleran-introduce-bipartisan-bill-protect-rapid-city-metropolitan,"Johnson, O’Halleran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Rapid City Metropolitan Status",2021-06-17,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ) today introduced the Metropolitan Statistical Area Preservation Act, a bill to preserve more than 140 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from losing their classification as a MSA. In January, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a notice based on a recommendation from the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Standards Review Committee to increase the MSA qualification from 50,000 to 100,000 people.

If implemented, this rule change would significantly impact federal programs in areas like Rapid City, South Dakota. In March, the South Dakota delegation urged OMB to reject this recommendation.

""Altering the standard MSA classification would impact more than 140 cities across the country, including Rapid City,"" said Johnson. ""The federal programs and funding MSAs receive are vital to community's growth and development – this policy will do more harm than good across the larger cities in rural America.""

""Far too many towns in rural Arizona had still not recovered from the Great Recession when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, shuttering more small businesses, and cutting local tax revenues down to near nothing,"" said O'Halleran. ""Small towns and cities across our state need equitable access to federal funds that support the initiatives that keep families afloat and communities moving forward. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan, bicameral initiative that ensures hardworking Arizonans in rural areas throughout our state are not unfairly disadvantaged as we recover from this global health crisis.""

U.S. Senators Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced companion legislation in the Senate on Tuesday.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-urges-usda-provide-emergency-waiver-crp-haying-and-grazing,Delegation Urges USDA to Provide Emergency Waiver for CRP Haying and Grazing,2021-06-15,2021,2021-06,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack to utilize his administrative authority to release Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for emergency haying and grazing prior to August 1. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 95 percent of South Dakota is experiencing drought conditions. CRP acres often help alleviate the hay and grazing shortage for livestock producers during a drought.

""Emergency release of CRP for haying and grazing in the past has provided valuable feed in local areas in times of urgent need, many times keeping livestock operators from being forced to untimely liquidate their herds, without damaging the conservation, habitat, and wildlife benefits that CRP was designed to provide,"" said Johnson, Thune, and Rounds. ""We strongly urge you to consider using the administrative authority you have available, in coordination with the state technical committee, to release as many additional CRP acres as possible.""

Full text of the letter below:

The Honorable Tom Vilsack

Secretary of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

We write regarding the rapidly deteriorating ground conditions in South Dakota due to the dry spring, higher than normal temperatures, and lack of rainfall. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 95 percent of South Dakota is experiencing drought conditions. These dangerous drought conditions are only progressing for the worse and will quickly result in very short hay supplies and a lack of pastureland across the state.

South Dakota has already suffered grazing losses not only to drought, but also to fires before the primary fire season even began. As you are aware, it takes foundation livestock producers years to recover from forced herd liquidation and downsizing, which is a reality livestock producer are facing due to drought conditions. Timely availability of additional pasture and hay is a major concern for producers across our state whose alternative would be to liquidate part or all of their sheep and cattle herds in a market of low prices.

As of March 2021, South Dakota had nearly 1.4 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This program plays a critical role in providing nesting and brood rearing habitat for pheasants and other game birds that significantly contribute to the outdoor recreation economies in our state. CRP acres in our state can also help alleviate the hay and grazing shortage for livestock producers during a drought.

Emergency release of CRP for haying and grazing in the past has provided valuable feed in local areas in times of urgent need, many times keeping livestock operators from being forced to untimely liquidate their herds, without damaging the conservation, habitat, and wildlife benefits that CRP was designed to provide.

We strongly urge you to consider using the administrative authority you have available, in coordination with the state technical committee, to release as many additional CRP acres as possible. Specifically, we request the release of CRP acres for emergency haying and grazing in South Dakota prior to the currently determined August 1 conclusion of the primary nesting season and the automatic release of acres in counties experiencing D2 drought. Although many of the livestock producers are located in the western part of our state where fewer acres of land are enrolled in CRP, making appropriate land enrolled in CRP across our entire state available for haying and grazing would be of considerable benefit.

We appreciate your previous actions to allow increased continuous CRP enrollment and the high level of service U.S. Department of Agriculture offices provide to our farmers and ranchers.

We urge you to carefully consider our request and look forward to working with you to alleviate the increasing need for hay and grazing in our state. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.

Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:57:00Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-sen-cruz-remind-president-bidens-commission-lack-authority-pack,Johnson & Sen. Cruz Remind President Biden’s Commission of Lack of Authority to Pack Supreme Court,2021-05-24,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) today sent a letter to President Biden's new Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States, reminding the commission that only Congress has exclusive authority to amend or preserve the U.S. Supreme Court.

In January, Johnson introduced the ""Keep Nine"" constitutional amendment – legislation backed by 173 Members of the House of Representatives – to prevent the expansion or contraction of the Supreme Court and any Court-packing attempts by Democrats. Senator Cruz introduced companion legislation in the Senate which is supported by 18 Senators.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote:

""Despite the President's inability to alter the Supreme Court, President Biden established your commission to pacify the far left. We write to remind you that Article III, Section 1 states ‘The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.' As such, Congress retains exclusive authority to amend or preserve the Supreme Court.""

Read the full text of their letter here and below.

May 24, 2021

Commissioner Bob Bauer

Commissioner Cristina Rodriguez

Co-Chairs, Presidential Commission on the

Supreme Court of the United States

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Commissioner Bauer and Commissioner Rodriquez,

Despite the President's inability to alter the Supreme Court, President Biden established your commission to pacify the far left. We write to remind you that Article III, Section 1 states ""The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."" As such, Congress retains exclusive authority to amend or preserve the Supreme Court.

We would like to remind you of the growing congressional momentum currently backing S.J. Res. 9 and H.J.Res. 11 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court of the United States be composed of nine justices.

Our resolution has gained significant momentum in both Chambers, with 18 Senators and 173 Members of the House signed on as cosponsors. Please see below for all Members of Congress who have pledged their support for this resolution:

Sen. Roger Wicker [R-MS]; Sen. John Barrasso [R-WY]; Sen. Marsha Blackburn [R-TN]; Sen. John Boozman [R-AR]; Sen. Mike Braun [R-IN]; Sen. Bill Cassidy [R-LA]; Sen. Tom Cotton [R-AR]; Sen. Steve Daines [R-MT]; Sen. Joni Ernst [R-IA]; Sen. Chuck Grassley [R-IA]; Sen. Bill Hagerty [R-TN]; Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith [R-MS]; Sen. James M. Inhofe [R-OK]; Sen. John Kennedy [R-LA]; Sen. Mike Lee [R-UT]; Sen. Roger W. Marshall [R-KS]; Sen. Rob Portman [R-OH]; Sen. Thom Tillis [R-NC]; Rep. Robert Aderholt [AL-04]; Rep. Rick Allen [GA-12]; Rep. Mark Amodei [NV-2]; Rep. Kelly Armstrong [ND-AL]; Rep. Jodey Arrington [TX-19]; Rep. Brian Babin [TX-36]; Rep. Don Bacon [NE-02]; Rep. Jim Baird [IN-04]; Rep. Troy Balderson [R-OH]; Rep. Jim Banks [IN-3]; Rep. Andy Barr [KY-06]; Rep. Cliff Bentz [OR-02]; Rep. Jack Bergman [MI-01]; Rep. Stephanie Bice [OK-05]; Rep. Andy Biggs [AZ-05]; Rep. Gus Bilirakis [FL-12]; Rep. Dan Bishop [NC-9]; Rep. Lauren Boebert [CO-03]; Rep. Kevin Brady [TX-8]; Rep. Mo Brooks [AL-05]; Rep. Ken Buck [CO-04]; Rep. Larry Bucshon [IN-8]; Rep. Ted Budd [NC-13]; Rep. Tim Burchett [TN-02]; Rep. Ken Calvert [CA-42]; Rep. Kat Cammack [FL-03]; Rep. Jerry Carl [AL-01]; Rep. Buddy Carter [GA-01]; Rep. Madison Cawthorn [NC-11]; Rep. Steve Chabot [OH-1]; Rep. Ben Cline [VA-06]; Rep. Tom Cole [OK-04]; Rep. James Comer [KY-1]; Rep. Dan Crenshaw [TX-02]; Rep. John Curtis [R-UT]; Rep. Warren Davidson [OH-08]; Rep. Rodney Davis [IL-13]; Rep. Scott DesJarlais [TN-04]; Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [FL-25]; Rep. Byron Donalds [FL-19]; Rep. Jeff Duncan [SC-03]; Rep. Neal Dunn [FL-02]; Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar [FL-27]; Rep. Ron Estes [KS-4]; Rep. Pat Fallon [TX-4]; Rep. Randy Feenstra [IA-4]; Rep. Drew Ferguson [GA-3]; Rep. Michelle Fischbach [MN-07]; Rep. Scott Fitzgerald [WI-05]; Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick [PA-01]; Rep. Chuck Fleischmann [TN-03]; Rep. Jeff Fortenberry [NE-1]; Rep. Virginia Foxx [NC-05]; Rep. Scott Franklin [FL-15]; Rep. Russ Fulcher [ID-01]; Rep. Andrew Garbarino [NY-02]; Rep. Mike Garcia [CA-25]; Rep. Bob Gibbs [OH-07]; Rep. Carlos Gimenez [FL-26]; Rep. Louie Gohmert [TX-01]; Rep. Bob Good [VA-05]; Rep. Lance Gooden [TX-5]; Rep. Paul Gosar [AZ-04]; Rep. Kay Granger [TX-12]; Rep. Garret Graves [LA-06]; Rep. Sam Graves [MO-06]; Rep. Mark Green [TN-7]; Rep. Glenn Grothman [WI-06]; Rep. Michael Guest [MS-03]; Rep. Brett Guthrie [KY-2]; Rep. Jim Hagedorn [MN-1]; Rep. Andy Harris [MD-01]; Rep. Diana Harshbarger [TN-1]; Rep. Vicky Hartzler [MO-4]; Rep. Kevin Hern [OK-1]; Rep. Yvette Herrell [NM-02]; Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler [WA-03]; Rep. Jody Hice [GA-10]; Rep.Clay Higgins [LA-03; ]Rep. French Hill [AR-2]; Rep. Ashley Hinson [IA-01]; Rep. Trey Hollingsworth [IN-09]; Rep. Richard Hudson [NC-08]; Rep. Darrell Issa [CA-50]; Rep. Ronny Jackson [TX-13]; Rep. Chris Jacobs [NY-27]; Rep. Mike Johnson [LA-04]; Rep. Bill Johnson [OH-6]; Rep. David Joyce [OH-14]; Rep. John Joyce [PA-13]; Rep. John Katko [NY-24]; Rep. Fred Keller [PA-12]; Rep. Mike Kelly [PA-16]; Rep. Trent Kelly [MS-1]; Rep. Young Kim [CA-39]; Rep. David Kustoff [TN-08]; Rep. Darin LaHood [IL-18]; Rep. Doug LaMalfa [CA-01]; Rep. Doug Lamborn [CO-05]; Rep. Robert Latta [OH-05]; Rep. Jake LaTurner [KS-02]; Rep. Debbie Lesko [AZ-08]; Rep. Julia Letlow [LA-05]; Rep. Billy Long [MO-07]; Rep. Barry Loudermilk [GA-11]; Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer [MO-3]; Rep. Nancy Mace [SC-1]; Rep. Nicole Malliotakis [NY-11]; Rep. Tracey Mann [KS-01]; Rep. Lisa McClain [MI-10]; Rep. Tom McClintock [CA-4]; Rep. Patrick McHenry [NC-10]; Rep. David McKinley [WV-01]; Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers [WA-5]; Rep. Peter Meijer [MI-03]; Rep. Dan Meuser [PA-09]; Rep. Carol Miller [WV-03]; Rep. Mary Miller [IL-15]; Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks [IA-02]; Rep. John Moolenaar [MI-04]; Rep. Alex Mooney [WV-2]; Rep. Barry Moore [AL-02]; Rep. Markwayne Mullin [OK-02]; Rep. Greg Murphy [NC-3]; Rep. Ralph Norman [SC-5]; Rep. Burgess Owens [UT-04]; Rep. Steven Palazzo [MS-4]; Rep. Gary Palmer [AL-06]; Rep. Scott Perry [PA-10]; Rep. August Pfluger [TX-11]; Rep. Bill Posey [FL-08]; Rep. Tom Reed [NY-23]; Rep. Guy Reschenthaler [PA-14]; Rep. Tom Rice [SC-07]; Rep. Mike Rogers [AL-3]; Rep. Hal Rogers [KY-5]; Rep. John Rose [TN-06]; Rep. David Rouzer [NC-7]; Rep. John Rutherford [FL-4]; Rep. David Schweikert [AZ-06]; Rep. Austin Scott [GA-08]; Rep. Mike Simpson [ID-02]; Rep. Adrian Smith [NE-03]; Rep. Jason Smith [MO-08]; Rep. Victoria Spartz [IN-5]; Rep. Pete Stauber [MN-8]; Rep. Michelle Steel [CA-48]; Rep. Elise Stefanik [NY-21]; Rep. Greg Steube [FL-17]; Rep. Chris Stewart [UT-02]; Rep. Steve Stivers [OH-15]; Rep. Van Taylor [TX-03]; Rep. Claudia Tenney [NY-22]; Rep. G.T. Thompson [PA-15]; Rep. Thomas Tiffany [WI-07]; Rep. William Timmons [SC-04]; Rep. Michael Turner [OH-10]; Rep. Fred Upton [MI-6]; Rep. David Valadao [CA-21]; Rep. Jeff Van Drew [NJ-02]; Rep. Beth Van Duyne [TX-24]; Rep. Ann Wager [MO-02]; Rep. Tim Walberg [MI-7]; Rep. Jackie Walorski [IN-2]; Rep. Michael Waltz [FL-06]; Rep. Randy Weber [TX-14]; Rep. Daniel Webster [FL-11]; Rep. Brad Wenstrup [OH-2]; Rep. Roger Williams [TX-25]; Rep. Joe Wilson [SC-2]; Rep. Robert Wittman [VA-1]; Rep. Steve Womack [AR-3]; Lee Zeldin [NY-01].

Sincerely,

/s/",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-bill-support-native-veterans-passes-house,Johnson’s Bill to Support Native Veterans Passes the House,2021-05-18,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. House passed legislation led by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) that connects Native veterans to VA services and vocational training by extending the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program to Tribal Colleges and Universities in South Dakota. The Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act also provides high-tech field training for veterans to ensure they are placed in well-paying, long-term jobs.

""Educational and career counseling programs are critical to the long-term success of our Native veterans. Expanding the VetSuccess on Campus program to tribal colleges ensures our Native veterans are best prepared for civilian life,"" said Johnson. ""I'm proud our bill passed the House and look forward to the day our Native veterans are able to take full advantage of the services they've earned. I hope the Senate will quickly pass our bill.""

The VSOC program currently provides services to thousands of veterans at 104 institutions across the country. The Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act will establish this successful program at Tribal Colleges and Universities in order to provide Native veterans:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/thune-johnson-lead-colleagues-urging-department-justice-continue-investigation,"Thune, Johnson Lead Colleagues in Urging Department of Justice to Continue Investigation into Beef Industry",2021-05-17,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D) today led several of their colleagues in urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to continue the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the nation's four biggest meatpackers. Thune and Johnson's bicameral letter also requested that DOJ provide Congress with updates on its investigation and encouraged ongoing vigilance on this issue.

""It is critically important that producers have fair and transparent markets for the commodities they produce,"" the members of Congress wrote. ""We urge the DOJ Antitrust Division to continue vigilance and where possible, provide updates of findings.""

The letter was also signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), Liz Cheney, (R-Wyo.), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.).

Full text of the letter below:

The Honorable Merrick Garland

Attorney General

U.S. Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20250

Dear Attorney General Garland:

We want to bring to your attention our concerns with potential instances of improper and anticompetitive activities in the live cattle and beef industry. Nearly a year ago, on May 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division sent civil investigative demands (CIDs) to the nation's four biggest meatpackers. Since that time, the American people have seen no public results from the investigation. In fact, there is no information to even suggest whether the investigation has concluded or is still ongoing. Due to the change in leadership at DOJ since these CIDs were issued and the new allegations of anticompetitive activities since that time, we encourage the Antitrust Division to continue its civil investigation of these entities. Additionally, to the extent allowed by statute, we request that DOJ provide Congress updates on any investigations or ongoing vigilance.

Cattle producers have faced significant challenges over the last few years. In 2019, a fire at a single beef plant in Kansas, a facility that accounted for approximately 6 percent of our nation's beef processing capacity at the time, created significant market disruptions. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic-related plant closures led to additional processing capacity shortfalls and supply chain disruptions throughout the country. It appears plant labor shortfalls remain an issue today. While black swan events do not always prove wrongdoing, additional attention can reinforce confidence in the system.

Cattle producers, especially small feeders, are again experiencing difficult conditions that are threatening their ability to stay in business. With a tight supply chain, any changes in processing capacity can have a dramatic impact on cattle prices, preventing producers from capturing margin from boxed beef rallies.

It is critically important that producers have fair and transparent markets for the commodities they produce. We urge the DOJ Antitrust Division to continue vigilance and where possible, provide updates of findings.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-ohalleran-reintroduce-respect-act,"Johnson, O’Halleran Reintroduce the RESPECT Act",2021-05-13,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Tom O'Halleran (R-AZ-01), and Tom Cole (R-OK-04) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral, Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act. The bill repeals outdated and discriminatory laws against Native Americans, including statutes that allowed the forcible relocation of Native American children to boarding schools and the withholding of monies and resources owed to Native American tribes.

""It's no secret, America's past is flawed,"" said Johnson. ""We have come a long way as a nation, but there is always room to improve. Repealing these archaic laws is one way we can show Indian Country the dignity and respect it deserves. I'm confident we can get this bill across the finish line this Congress.""

""While we can never erase the hundreds of years of persecution, humiliation, and hostility Native peoples faced at the hands of our government, it is our responsibility to address the lasting damage the federal government has inflicted and to work towards repairing the trust of sovereign tribal nations,"" said O'Halleran. ""I am proud of this bipartisan, bicameral effort to ensure we demonstrate the respect Native Americans deserve by repealing outdated laws that serve as a tragic reminder of generations of pain.""

""While dark chapters in our history cannot be erased, I am encouraged that the RESPECT Act would do away with some discriminatory policies toward Native Americans that are still written in federal law,"" said Cole. ""Though no longer enforced, these laws are a painful reminder of the past suffering and poor treatment experienced by Native Americans. This legislation is a recognition to tribes to right historical wrong and remain vigilant in ensuring these things don't happen again. I am proud to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers to introduce this important legislation.""

This bill is the House companion to S.789, introduced by Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and James Lankford (R-OK).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-launches-strength-south-dakota-award,Johnson Launches ‘Strength of South Dakota’ Award,2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Vermillion, SD – On Saturday, Representative Dusty Johnson announced Professor Michael Roche of Vermillion for the first Strength of South Dakota award. The Strength of South Dakota award was created to celebrate and honor South Dakotans that display unusual perseverance, compassion, and innovation, and are beloved by their community.

Professor Roche has been a member of the University of South Dakota faculty since 1974 where he taught courses on criminal justice and criminal law. Roche is the author of numerous books and articles on the criminal justice system and worked extensively inside the South Dakota penal system. He was named 2001 South Dakota Professor of the year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

""In his nearly fifty years as a professor, Michael Roche has received countless accolades, he models the strength of South Dakota exceptionally well,"" said Johnson. ""His impact won't end with his retirement, and South Dakota's criminal justice system is better off because of his work. Professor Roche's legacy will last in the halls of the University of South Dakota and in the hearts and minds of his students. I'm honored to present him the first Strength of South Dakota Award.""

You can watch Johnson award Professor Roche the Strength of South Dakota Award at minute twenty-two here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-senators-introduce-get-americans-back-work-act,"Johnson, Senators Introduce the Get Americans Back to Work Act",2021-05-11,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), introduced the bicameral Get Americans Back to Work Act, a bill to remove the federal supplemental unemployment benefit by June 30th. Job openings reached a record high of 8.1 million and more than 35% of Americans are fully vaccinated, but according to the recent jobs report, employment rose by only 266,000 jobs in April. This is far below the estimated 1 million new jobs projected by economists for April.

""There are a record eight million American jobs waiting to be filled and those who want the COVID-19 vaccine have access to it,"" said Johnson. ""We need to stop paying people more to sit at home than to work. It's past time to get America back to work, and our bill does that.""

""Throughout my travels across Kansas I hear constantly how employers are struggling to find people for open jobs because folks are staying at home due to the rich unemployment benefits and the stimulus checks that Democrats continue to enhance. While there are certainly people that needed access to increased unemployment benefits during the heart of this pandemic, we should not be in the business of creating lucrative government dependency that makes it more beneficial to stay unemployed rather than return to work,"" said Senator Marshall. ""At a time when our nation is on its way to reaching herd immunity and businesses are emerging from government imposed lockdowns, President Biden has delivered them a government imposed labor shortage.""

""Finding workers is a tremendous challenge for Mom & Pop businesses across South Dakota,"" said Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association. ""When a small fraction of our citizens are unemployed, and there are tens of thousands of job openings available, any disincentive to work is an issue.""

The Get Americans Back to Work Act was also supported by Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Jody Hice (R-GA), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Roger Williams (R-TX), Greg Steube (R-FL), Bob Gibbs (R-OH), and Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL). Additionally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has called for the additional $300-a-week supplemental unemployment benefit to end.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-and-kind-lead-bipartisan-letter-urging-ustr-katherine-tai-work-vietnam,Johnson and Kind Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging USTR Katherine Tai to Work with Vietnam to Eliminate Tariffs on U.S. Pork,2021-05-07,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Ron Kind (D-WI), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Jim Costa (D-CA) led more than 70 of their colleagues in requesting U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to urge Vietnam to eliminate tariffs on U.S. pork to improve market access for local producers.

""The past few years have been extraordinarily difficult for U.S. pork producers due to trade retaliation from top U.S. export destinations—Mexico and China as well as supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-related harvest-facility shutdowns and slowdowns created an unsustainable surplus, leading hog values to plummet to levels not seen since 2002. Many producers were left with no option but to euthanize livestock to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, due to Section 232 tariff retaliation, U.S. pork is facing a 33 percent tariff in China, the world's largest pork consumer, but our competitors pay only 8 percent into that market. U.S. pork producers and their families are still recovering from the enormous toll placed on them due to no fault of their own,"" said Johnson and the Members of Congress.

""Domestic pork producers need a level playing field to compete in this critical market, particularly after being devastated by trade retaliation and the global pandemic.""

""We thank Rep. Johnson and the more than 70 other lawmakers for their support in recognizing the importance of the Vietnamese market to U.S. pork producers,"" said National Pork Producers President Jen Sorenson, communications director for Iowa Select Farms in West Des Moines, Iowa. ""Vietnam represents a significant opportunity for U.S. hog farmers, yet we're hamstrung by unjustified tariff and non-tariff barriers, allowing global competitors to take advantage of the supply shortfall.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-veterans-affairs-committee-passes-reps-gallego-johnson-ohalleran-cole,"House Veterans Affairs Committee Passes Reps. Gallego, Johnson, O’Halleran, Cole Bill to Support Native Veterans Attending Tribal Colleges and Universities",2021-05-06,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Veterans Affairs Committee passed H.R. 2878, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act. The bipartisan bill was reintroduced last week by Reps. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), and Tom Cole (R-OK) to connect Native veterans and their families to VA services and vocational support by expanding the VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) program to Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

The VSOC program places VA counselors on campus to help Veterans, Servicemembers, and their qualified dependents complete their education and prepare them for future employment and success. VSOC currently provides services to thousands of veterans at 104 institutions of higher education across the country. The Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act will establish this innovative and successful model at Tribal Colleges and Universities in order to provide Native veterans:

Adjustment counseling to help veterans complete education programs and ultimately secure employment

Vocational testing services

Educational and career counseling

Expedited veteran readiness and employment (VR&E) services

Referrals through VA Medical Centers, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, or Vet Centers

""Educational and career counseling programs are critical to the long-term success of our native veterans. There's no reason the VetSuccess on Campus program shouldn't include tribal colleges as well,"" said Johnson. ""Yesterday the Veterans Affairs Committee signed off on our bill, getting us one step closer to ensuring our Native veterans are able to take full advantage of the services they've earned.""

""Native veterans fought for our country in every war since the American Revolution and serve in our armed forces at higher rates than any other group. However, they have the lowest utilization rate of VA services among veterans,"" said Rep. Gallego, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. ""Today the Veterans Affairs Committee took an important step towards changing that by passing this bill to keep our promises to Native veterans no matter where they choose to receive higher education. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to sign this bill into law.""

""Tribal Colleges and Universities serve students from more than 230 federally recognized tribes across 16 states, including Arizona, and provide essential education, job, and skills training programs grounded in unique cultural traditions and values,"" said O'Halleran. ""As the representative for Arizona's First Congressional District, a vast and diverse area that includes 12 Indian Nations and Tribes, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that Native American veterans have access to the highest quality education available; I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important bill that will aid veterans and servicemembers finishing their degrees and give them the tools they need to succeed afterwards.""

""Native Americans lead all racial and ethnic groups in terms of enlisting for military service and we must continue to provide them with access to the quality education they truly deserve,"" said Rep. Cole, Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus. ""By establishing a pilot program at Tribal Colleges and Universities, we can connect Native veterans to programs such as educational and career counseling, vocational testing and expedited veteran readiness and employment services. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation that will provide them with the tools critical to their success after their service.""

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) endorsed the bill.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-announces-military-service-academy-appointments,Johnson Announces Military Service Academy Appointments,2021-05-06,2021,2021-05,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced eight Service Academy appointments of South Dakota students and residents. They will begin their military training at their respective schools this summer. The Congressman nominated each of these students in December 2020 and they recently accepted their appointments.

""One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota's best and brightest, in hopes they'll go on to serve our country at one of our nation's esteemed military academies,"" saidJohnson. ""These students are exceptional and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America's freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.""

2021 South Dakota Service Academy Appointees:

Mitchell Walker – West Point

Mitchell Walker is a resident of Brandon, South Dakota, and attends Sioux Falls Christian High School. Mitchell is a four-year varsity football and track athlete. He is also a JROTC member and has earned numerous national awards, including American Legion Medal for Scholastic and Military Excellence. Since 2014, Mitchell has been running his own business providing pet and yard services in his neighborhood. Mitchell has accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy.

Adelaide Crow – West Point

Coming from a military family, Adelaide Crow currently resides in New York and maintains residency in Rapid City, South Dakota. Adelaide was inspired to serve in the military by her father and brothers Army service. Adelaide is involved in cross country, Girl Scouts, alpine skiing, and JROTC. She has earned numerous JROTC awards and served as Battalion Commander of the JROTC Buffalo Soldier Battalion. She is also an active volunteer at her local food pantry and with JCORPS, teaching middle schoolers about JROTC. Adelaide has accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy, where she will join her brother who Representative Johnson nominated in 2020.

Robert O'Brien – West Point

Coming from an active military family, Robert O'Brien currently resides in Leesburg, Virginia. Robert is a varsity tennis player, vice president of Latin Club, and is the founder and president of Dungeons & Dragons club. Outside of school, Robert regularly volunteers to pick up trash at his local parks and works part-time as a salesclerk at his local grocery store. Robert has accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy where he will be continuing an eight-generation tradition in his family to serve in the Army.

Grace Blote – Naval Academy

Grace Blote is a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, and attends St. Thomas More High School. Grace is team captain of her varsity soccer team and student council president. She is also involved in cross country, track, and math team. Over the last two years, Grace has regularly volunteered at Health Concepts, a local medical clinic. Grace attended a virtual summer seminar through the Naval Academy and has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Camden Johnson – Naval Academy

Camden Johnson is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and attends O'Gorman High School. He is involved in jazz band, Student Ambassadors, and serves as Student Council President. Camden also plays baseball and helped his team to two state championships. Outside of school, Camden works part-time as a butcher assistant and is an open water certified scuba diver. Camden has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Lauren Letner – Naval Academy

Lauren is a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, and attends Stevens High School. Lauren is a member of the varsity swim team and competes in CrossFit. She volunteers as a math tutor and works as a swim instructor at Rapid City Swim Center. Lauren is also a member of National Honor Society and was accepted into the Naval Academy's 2020 Summer Seminar program. Lauren has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Amber Kelly – Naval Academy

Amber Kelly is a resident of Tea, South Dakota and graduated from Tea High School in 2020. This past year, Amber attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Rhode Island. Throughout high school, Amber participated in softball, marching band, debate team, and was a member of the cheerleading squad. Outside of school, she has worked as a swim instructor and childcare provider. Amber also participated in both the Naval Academy's Summer Seminar and STEM programs. Amber has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Caden Tegethoff – Air Force Academy

Caden is a resident of Platte, South Dakota and graduated from Platte-Geddes High School in 2020. In high school, Caden was a four-year varsity cross country and track runner. He was also involved in theatre, student council, and president of National Honor Society. Caden actively volunteered with Pals, a youth mentor program in his hometown. With a Falcon Foundation Scholarship designed for students who don't receive an immediate appointment to the Air Force Academy, Caden studied for a semester at civilian Northwestern Preparatory School and is currently studying math and data science at Augustana. This year he accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

Garrett Gallaher – Air Force Academy

Coming from a military family, Garrett Gallaher currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland, and maintains residency in Sioux Falls. He is a cross country and track runner, and patriciates in Wounded Warriors club and rocket club. Garrett's passion for STEM led to an internship with Washington College, where he worked on prototyping autonomous surface kayaks. He was also given the opportunity to assist with a research project in Alaska that is funded by the Department of Defense. Garrett has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

Brandon Lara – Air Force Academy

Brandon Lara enlisted in the Air Force in 2019 and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base as a B-1B Electronic Warfare Specialist. For the 2020-2021 school year, Brandon was at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School where he was selected as Charlie Squadron's first sergeant position. In this role, Brandon lead 76 Cadet Candidates, and organized morale and welfare events for his fellow peers. He has also volunteered with various local agencies, including Feeding South Dakota. Brandon has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:49:40Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-resuming-construction-southern-border-wall,Johnson Supports Resuming Construction of Southern Border Wall,2021-04-29,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) is an original cosponsor of the Finish the Wall Act with Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to immediately resume construction of the southern border wall. According to a recent report, apprehensions at the U.S.–Mexico border reached a 15-year high in March, with Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agents taking more than 171,000 migrants into custody.

Under the previous administration, illegal border crossings hit record lows. But illegal crossings at the border have reached unprecedented levels following the Biden Administration's halt of border wall construction, the Migrant Protection Protocols or the ""remain-in-Mexico"" policy, and the reestablishment of catch-and-release policies.

""Both sides can fundamentally disagree on how we solve the crisis at the border, but the data is clear, and many of the Trump Administration's policies at the border worked to mitigate the smaller surge we saw in 2019,"" said Johnson. ""President Biden signaled that America's borders were open for business – and look where it's gotten us.

""While our southern border is in disarray, the Biden Administration halted appropriated funds for construction projects that worked towards securing our border. Congress already approved this funding, and this ongoing crisis has proven there is no reason to further delay – it's time to resume construction.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-i-am-opposed-dc-statehood-not-suffrage,"Johnson: I Am Opposed to D.C. Statehood, But Not Suffrage",2021-04-22,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) spoke on the U.S. House floor today in support of his bill, the D.C.-Maryland Reunion Act, a proposal that would merge the residential portions of the district with Maryland. Johnson opposed H.R. 51, legislation Democrats passed today to provide D.C. with statehood and full voting representation in Congress.

Click here to watch the full clip.

Remarks as prepared for delivery:

""Mr. Speaker, I am opposed to D.C. statehood, but I am not opposed to suffrage.

""If your goal is truly suffrage rather than increasing Democratic control of the Senate, boy, do I have a plan for you.

""My bill would reunite the residential areas of the District with Maryland, as was done with Virginia in 1847.

""This plan would give full voting rights that we have heard so much about this morning without ignoring the Constitution or the practical realities of what constitutes a state.

""And so, I say to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, if your goal is truly suffrage, then let's do this together.

""Let's set aside the divisive rhetoric we have heard and work together to craft an appropriate and bipartisan solution to give representation to the people of D.C.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-agriculture-committee-rolls-out-conservative-climate-solutions,House Agriculture Committee Rolls Out Conservative Climate Solutions,2021-04-16,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) along with Natural Resources Ranking Member Bruce Westermann (R-AR-04) introduced theForestry Improvements to Restore the Environment Act, or the FIRE Act, which would provide new management tools to expedite forest restoration activities, restore forest health, grow rural economies, and produce climate resilient communities and landscapes.

The FIRE Act requires the Forest Service to complete a survey of National Forest System land that has been impacted by a wildfire within 60 days after the fire has been contained. Additionally, it would enable rural communities to get salvage timber to market, increasing financial benefits to local communities and funding for future restoration activities.

""During my recent meeting with the Forest Service, we both agreed: active forest management is the key to a safe and thriving forest and the Forest Service needs more tools,"" said Johnson. ""The FIRE Act will ensure the Forest Service is proactively reviewing lands recently impacted by a wildfire and salvaging carbon emitting trees. Conservation doesn't have to be partisan, and the FIRE Act is a strong step towards combating climate change.""

""Our nation's forests are a natural powerhouse in combatting climate change, serving as our largest carbon sink. However, our forests must be healthy and properly managed to live up to their full potential,"" said Glenn ‘GT' Thompson, Republican Leader of the Agriculture Committee. ""The FIRE Act will naturally address climate change by capitalizing on forest restoration, and I am excited to have Congressman Johnson on the front lines fighting for forest health.""

Johnson's bill follow a slate of pro-innovation agriculture bills aimed at addressing climate change, including the RESTORE Act, the PRECISE Act, and the NO EMITS Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-keep-nine-constitutional-amendment-gains-100-house-cosponsors,Johnson’s “Keep the Nine” Constitutional Amendment Gains 100 House Cosponsors,2021-04-15,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, as House and Senate Democrats unveiled legislation to expand the Supreme Court to thirteen justices, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced that his constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices reached 100 cosponsors in the House.

""The idea to pack the court is no longer conceptual, it's a legitimate threat to politicize our nation's most sacred judicial institution,"" said Johnson. ""I'm proud that my constitutional amendment to safeguard the Supreme Court from partisan politics reached 100 cosponsors today. We can't risk compromising the public trust of the highest court in the land.""

Click here to watch Johnson's full video clip.

H.J. Res. 11 is supported by Freedom Works, Keep the Nine Coalition, the Republican National Committee, Americans for Limited Government (ALEC), National Federation of Republican Women, Americans for Limited Government and cosponsored by Randy K. Weber (TX-14), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Kelly Armstrong (ND-AL), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Mike Kelly (PA-16), August Pfluger (TX-11), Fred Keller (PA-12), David Joyce (OH-14), Brian Babin (TX-36), John Katko (NY-24), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Randy Feenstra (IA-4), Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02), Rep. Bill Posey (FL-08) , John Rutherford (FL-4), John Curtis (R-UT), Jim Baird (IN-04), Ben Cline (VA-06), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), William Timmons (SC-04), Don Bacon (NE-02), Thomas P. Tiffany (WI-07), Ken Calvert (CA-42), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Glenn Grothman (WI-06), Rick W. Allen (GA-12), Lisa McClain (MI-10), Tom Rice (SC-07) , Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Joe Wilson (SC-2), David B. McKinley (WV-01), David Rouzer (NC-7), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA-03), Pete Stauber (MN-8), Louie Gohmert (TX-01), Jack Bergman (MI-01), Miller-Meeks (IA-02) , Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Pat Fallon (TX-4), Dan Bishop (NC-9), Yvette Herrell (NM-02) , Richard Hudson (NC-08), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Young Kim (CA-39), Jim Banks (IN-3), Barry Moore (AL-02), Lance Gooden (TX-5), Tom Cole (OK-04), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Nancy Mace (SC-1), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Alex X. Mooney (WV-2), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Burgess Owens (UT-04), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Van Taylor (TX-03), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Ted Budd (NC-13), Carol Miller (WV-03), Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Greg Murphy (NC-3), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Michael Guest (MS-03), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Ken Buck (CO-04), Jody Hice (GA-10), Ann Wager (MO-02), David Valadao (CA-21). Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Garret Graves (LA-06), Scott Perry (PA-10), Tom McClintock (CA-4), Mike Johnson (LA-04), Diana Harshbarger (TN-1), Michael Waltz (FL-06), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Victoria Spartz (IN-5), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Mark Amodei (NV-2), John Joyce (PA-13), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Bob Good (VA-05), Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-26), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Darrell Issa (CA-50), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), Fred Upton (MI-6), Austin Scott (GA-08), Jackie Walorski (IN-2), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), and Mary Miller (IL-15).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-kids-success-act-examines-continued-school-closure-impact-vulnerable,Johnson’s Kids Success Act Examines Continued School Closure Impact on Vulnerable Students,2021-04-15,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Kids In-Person Determines School (KIDS) Success Act to assess the impact extended school closures have on students' academic and emotional wellbeing. According to recent data, only ""47 percent of schools serving fourth-graders and 46 percent serving eighth-graders were open for full in-person instruction.""

""While South Dakota schools have been open in-person, there are thousands of children throughout the country that have not been given this same opportunity to learn in a traditional classroom setting,"" said Johnson. ""The number of children unaccounted for in schools is beyond unsettling and continued school closures risk the futures of our nation's most vulnerable students. The KIDS Success Act would collect critical data of the effects of school closures on students across the country while the districts continued to receive billions in federal funding.

""The CDC has made it clear: it's safe for kids to return to the classroom in-person and Congress has provided the resources to make it happen, it's past time schools reopen.""

Currently, the Department of Education stated there is not enough data to understand the status of school reopening's and how students have been learning nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. The KIDS Success would:

Collect much-needed data about school reopenings and enable a necessary assessment of the effects of school closures on children.

Require each local educational agency that received funds from the American Rescue Plan to submit to the Secretary of Education information including:

an explanation of the reasons unopened schools in their jurisdiction have not opened for full-time, in-person learning in accordance with the CDC's guidance titled ""Strategy for K–12 Schools through Phased Prevention.""

the expected date on which students are likely to return to such school for full time, in-person learning

the total amount of federal COVID-19 relief funds received in the preceding 12 months.

Utilizing this information, the Secretary of Education will undertake an assessment of the effects of school closures on students and, within 180 days of the bill's enactment, submit their findings to Congress.

The KIDS Success Act is cosponsored by Reps. Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Trent Kelly (R-MS-01), Byron Donalds (R-FL-19), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), Brian Babin, D.D.S. (R-TX-36), and Claudia Tenney (R-NY-22).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-johnson-biofuels-caucus-urge-epa-prioritize-biofuels,"Rep. Johnson, Biofuels Caucus Urge EPA to Prioritize Biofuels",2021-04-08,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today members of the Biofuels Caucus, led by Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), urged Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Secretary Regan to meet with the bipartisan group of lawmakers to discuss prioritizing the Renewable Fuel Standard and higher ethanol and biodiesel blends in consultation with agricultural stakeholders. According to recent reports, biofuels or corn ethanol produce greenhouse gas emissions at a significantly lower rate than gasoline.

""As you know, biofuels are an integral part of sound environmental policy that serves to keep and create home-grown jobs, and generates demand for American farmers,"" said the members. ""A recent report found that greenhouse gas emissions from corn ethanol are 46% lower than gasoline. The role of biofuels provides a compelling story that must be utilized to achieve carbon emission reduction goals. Biofuels producers need to be included in any climate conversation, and rural America must not be left behind.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-members-hold-meeting-federal-maritime-commission-shipping-delays,House Members Hold Meeting with Federal Maritime Commission on Shipping Delays Impacting Ag Sector,2021-04-06,2021,2021-04,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Agriculture Committee Members Rep. Jim Costa (Chair of Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture) and Rep. Dusty Johnson (Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture), with Rep. Salud Carbajal (Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation) and Rep. Bob Gibbs (Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation), released the following statement in response to a meeting with the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Dan Maffei and Commissioner Rebecca Dye on their efforts to mitigate ongoing shipping delays impacting American farmers, ranchers, and agriculture sector:

""We appreciate Chairman Maffei and Commissioner Dye for taking the time to provide these important updates to us and look forward to continuing to work with them to ensure that these shipping delays are ended expediently. As Chairs and Ranking Members of Subcommittees closely following the direct impacts of this situation, we are committed to resolving this issue in a timely manner and making sure that America's farmers and ranchers can compete on the global stage. We will continue to follow this issue and look forward to a bipartisan dialogue between Congress and the Federal Maritime Commission.""

This meeting comes after a March 9th bipartisan letter sent to the FMC over mounting concern over reports that certain vessel-operating common carriers (VOCCs) are declining to ship U.S. agricultural commodity exports.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:42:19Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-dakota-students-get-chance-send-art-washington-0,South Dakota Students Get Chance to Send Art to Washington,2021-03-19,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced the 2021 Congressional Art Competition, which puts the artwork of South Dakota students in the nation's Capitol building. The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is now accepting entries on behalf of Rep. Johnson's office.

The contest is open to all South Dakota high school students, and 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's Washington, D.C., office.

""Year after year, it's awesome to see the talent of our high school students and have the chance to show our appreciation and support of their artwork,"" saidJohnson. ""As I walk by the artwork of so many talented students each day, I'm reminded of home every time I pass South Dakota's unique creation. Please reach out to the South Dakota Arts Council if you need any help, and get your artwork submitted by the deadline.""

The Arts Council will accept only digital submissions on behalf of Rep. Johnson. Students should send one email including a high-resolution JPEG image, along with a completed, typed PDF of the student release form to rebecca.cruse@state.sd.us. Submissions must be received by Tuesday, April 27. Winners will be notified by Thursday, April 29, and will be responsible for shipping their artwork and student release forms to the SDAC offices. The South Dakota Arts Council will have the artwork framed and will ship it to Washington, D.C., for the student.

Please review the artwork specifications and guidelines before submitting and download the student release form at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/CAC/index.aspx.

The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives. It's 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 Johnson's office to carry out this initiative.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-schrader-push-improve-public-health-preparedness-coordinated-one,Johnson & Schrader Push to Improve Public Health Preparedness with Coordinated “One Health” Approach,2021-03-18,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Kurt Schrader (D-OR 5) introduced bicameral, bipartisan legislation to improve public health preparedness by ensuring federal agencies advance a ""One Health"" approach—the idea that human and animal health are linked, and that they should be studied together—to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.

According to the CDC, the current COVID-19 virus originally came from an animal. The Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act would improve coordination among those studying animal and human health by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Agriculture Department (USDA), and the Department of Interior (Interior) to adopt a One Health framework with other agencies. U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) introduced bipartisan companion legislation in the Senate today.

""COVID-19 has further revealed the strong correlation between human health and animal health. A ‘One Health' approach will ensure America is better prepared to combat disease outbreaks before they become widespread amongst species,"" said Rep. Dusty Johnson.

""Over the last year, we have all experienced firsthand the strong correlation between animal health and human health,"" said Rep. Kurt Schrader. ""This unique relationship has often been overlooked in how we work across government agencies to address these shared diseases. Beyond the current pandemic, rabies, salmonella, West Nile Virus, and avian flu are all examples of diseases that we see in animals before they are passed onto humans, and can be fatal in both. This bill is an important step to improve preparedness, coordination, and communication between veterinarians who work with animals every day and federal agencies who respond to health outbreaks.""

""We sadly are all too familiar with how outbreaks take a real toll on families and our economy. I've pushed adopting a ‘One Health' approach since I served as Minnesota Lieutenant Governor, and now I'm continuing that work in the Senate while we all navigate combatting COVID-19,"" said Sen. Smith. ""We need to recognize the connection between human, animal and environmental health so future preparedness efforts meet the needs of all people, all ages, and in all communities.""

""The COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how we must focus our efforts on better understanding the connection between animal and human health,"" said Sen. Young. ""Instituting a One Health framework at the federal level will help us to improve our knowledge of diseases like COVID-19 so we can best prevent, prepare, and respond to future pandemics and outbreaks.""

""The global COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating example of why this legislation is so critically important. In order to successfully deal with threats like this in the future, we must take an integrated approach to solving the public health and food security threats that are emerging at the intersection of humans, animals and the environment. Better coordination among the different agencies and secretariats involved in health and agriculture will help leverage their strengths and make them more effective,"" said Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Chief Executive Officer.

""As we have learned from COVID-19, influenza, Zika, the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and many other infectious threats, human, animal and environmental health are interconnected and One Health strategies are critical. The Infectious Diseases Society of America supports this important legislation to strengthen our surveillance, research and workforce to better prevent, prepare for and respond to outbreaks,"" said Barbara D. Alexander, MD, MHS, FIDSA; President, Infectious Diseases Society of America; Professor of Medicine and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine.

""COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated the need for our nation to take a One Health approach to disease outbreaks,"" said Dr. Douglas Kratt, American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President. ""Animals, humans, and the environment are more interconnected than ever, and the bill reintroduced today is an important step to fully implementing One Health principles into our public health approach. The AVMA urges Congress to pass the Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act so we can better prepare, detect, and respond to zoonotic diseases in the future.""

""Local health department professionals understand that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment and that a ‘one health' approach is necessary to truly protect health. The Advancing Emergency Preparedness Through One Health Act acknowledges the critical role of partnerships between the local, state, and federal levels to develop a comprehensive One Health framework. We appreciate the leadership of all the policymakers who recognize the need for this approach in order to protect the public's health,"" said Lori Tremmel Freeman, MBA, CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).

The Advancing Emergency Preparedness One Health Act would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-johnson-request-ihs-strips-convicted-pedophile-federal-pension,"Following Johnson Request, IHS Strips Convicted Pedophile of Federal Pension",2021-03-16,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced they will be stripping former Capt. (ret.) Stanley Patrick Weber of his federal pension and benefits. This announcement comes after a U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps Board of Inquiry completed its review of Mr. Weber, who was convicted of multiple felony charges of aggravated sexual assault of minors while he was on active duty as an officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and assigned to IHS.

In July 2020, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Greg Gianforte (R-MT) urged an expedient review of Weber's heinous crimes and swift removal of all federal benefits. Weber's pension was estimated to be worth more than $100,000 a year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/western-caucus-members-affirm-commitment-conservation-demand-answers-30-30,"Western Caucus Members Affirm Commitment to Conservation, Demand Answers on ‘30 by 30’ Initiative",2021-03-16,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Chairmen Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) of the Congressional & Senate Western Caucuses led 12 Senate Members and 50 House Members of the respective Caucuses, including Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) in sending a letter to President Biden asking important clarifying questions about the Biden Administration's Executive Order establishing a directive to put restrictions on at least 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30).

""The lack of detail accompanying this goal, the inability of your nominee for Secretary of the Interior – author of the mirroring legislation – to answer questions about this initiative, and the fact that this effort is spear-headed by an unconfirmed appointee housed in the National Climate Task Force has resulted in numerous concerns raised by those who live, work, and recreate on and near public lands,"" wrote the lawmakers.

Western Caucus Members outlined their concern that Western states would be disproportionately impacted by the 30 by 30 Initiative and demanded President Biden provide details about how he plans accomplish this goal without harming the industries, economies, and ways of life in Western and rural communities.

""The West is already paving the way on conservation,"" they wrote. ""Stewardship of our lands is embedded in our Western values. Sustainable, healthy land is the lifeblood of our rural communities and our outdoor heritage and rural economies thrive when our lands are properly managed. While the Administration has implied that multiple-use is not contrary to conservation, recent activities that attack key industries suggests otherwise.""

The federal government manages 640 million acres of land, over 90% of which is west of the Mississippi River. The Western Caucus supports policies to promote active land management, multiple-use, locally-led conservation efforts, and public land access that benefits local, rural communities and strengthens economic development throughout rural America.

They continued, ""Conservation remains a top priority for Western congressional members, and our constituents' lives and livelihoods rely upon a healthy, actively-managed landscape. However, the 30 by 30 initiative displays a dangerous thoughtlessness and far too many of our questions have been left unanswered.""

Full text of the letter can be found here and below.

Dear President Biden,

More than 100 years ago, the National Park Service was founded as a program to protect 35 established national monuments including the very first national park. In the years to follow, America continued to build upon this conservation legacy—enacting laws on a bipartisan basis to ensure conservation and stewardship principles were the foundation of public land management. However, over the last two decades, litigation, preservationist ideology, bureaucratic processes, and executive actions have undermined multiple-use and sustained yield statutory mandates—particularly in the West. It is for this reason that we write to express our concern regarding the lack of information and ambiguous goals for the Biden Administration's Executive Order establishing a directive to protect at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 (30 by 30).

The lack of detail accompanying this goal, the inability of your nominee for Secretary of the Interior – author of the mirroring legislation – to answer questions about this initiative, and the fact that this effort is spear-headed by an unconfirmed appointee housed in the National Climate Task Force has resulted in numerous concerns raised by those who live, work, and recreate on and near public lands. The federal government manages 640 million acres of land, over 90% of which is west of the Mississippi. Given our wide-open spaces, large-scale landscapes, and significant federal ownership, Western states will be disproportionately impacted by policies set in place to achieve the 30 by 30 goal, which we fear will impact revenues-derived and jobs that depend upon multiple-use public lands.

We urge you to remember that land management agencies are bound by a statutory-based multiple-use mandate. Our lands and our waters must remain open to activities that support our rural economies and help us to achieve our agriculture, timber, recreation, energy, and mineral needs. These multiple-uses are not only compatible with conservation ambitions, but they are an effective means to achieve these goals. Healthy lands and sustainable wildlife are inherent to our hunting, recreation, and sportsmen opportunities. Activities such as grazing and timber harvest are oftentimes the most effective tool to restore and sustain landscapes. Bonding requirements, reclamation standards, and mitigation directives ensure that extractive industries leave the land better than they found it—in addition, these activities fund several conservation programs. Each use goes through extensive environmental review and public comment.

The West is already paving the way on conservation. Stewardship of our lands is embedded in our Western values. Sustainable, healthy land is the lifeblood of our rural communities and our outdoor heritage and rural economies thrive when our lands are properly managed. While the Administration has implied that multiple-use is not contrary to conservation, recent activities that attack key industries suggests otherwise. Multiple-use is compatible with conservation, and the United States Geological Survey has already illustrated 30% of our lands are in some degree of conservation status. Recently, the Administration has clarified that private lands are included in this initiative, setting the stage for potential egregious federal overreach. While these lands contribute to overall conservation, subjecting private landowners to this nebulous federal program is an extreme breach of private property rights. More clarity is desperately needed.

Therefore, we remain concerned that the 30 by 30 initiative will be used as a method to undermine private property rights, circumvent the multiple-use mandate, and lock up more land.

Conservation remains a top priority for Western congressional members, and our constituents' lives and livelihoods rely upon a healthy, actively-managed landscape. However, the 30 by 30 initiative displays a dangerous thoughtlessness and far too many of our questions have been left unanswered. It is also our understanding that key constituencies have yet to be engaged on this initiative. As such, we respectfully urge you to provide state and local governments, the energy, minerals, and agriculture sectors, tribes, sportsmen, and recreationists an equitable and meaningful voice in the process. We also request a detailed briefing with the signers of this letter within 60 days of the Executive Order being signed.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-johnson-craig-sens-moran-bennet-urge-secretary-vilsack-prioritize-support,"Reps. Johnson, Craig & Sens. Moran, Bennet Urge Secretary Vilsack to Prioritize Support for Small Meatpackers",2021-03-15,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) today urged Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to prioritize reducing U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) overtime fees for very small and small meatpackers based off the provisions included in their legislation, Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act.

""Our legislation directs USDA-FSIS to reduce the fees charged to very small establishments by at least 75 percent and to small establishments by at least 30 percent,"" wrote the senators and representatives. ""These changes will help build greater resilience in the nation's food supply chain by addressing the economic disincentive currently in place for small meatpackers to work longer hours. Further, it will help level the playing field between very small and small establishments versus large establishments capable of operating two full operating shifts and therefore able to avoid these inspection fees. Consumers will also benefit from greater access and more options for locally sourced meat products provided by small meatpackers.""

The senators and representatives introduced the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act last year to support small meatpacking plants that are operating longer hours during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our nation's food supply chain moving. This legislation led to funds to reduce overtime fees for very small and small meatpackers being included in the FY2021 Budget Reconciliation Package that was recently signed into law.

The full letter can be found here and below.

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

Small meatpackers play a critical role in maintaining the U.S. food supply, as well as provide important markets for livestock producers and increase consumer access and options for locally sourced food. However, even as the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to disrupt the nation's meat supply by causing large meatpacking facilities to pause or slow operations, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) overtime inspection fees discouraged small meatpackers from processing livestock more than 40 hours per week.

In the 116th Congress, we introduced legislation to address this challenge by reducing USDA-FSIS overtime and holiday inspection fees for the more 5,200 very small and small federally-inspected establishments across the country. We also successfully worked to secure funding for this purpose in COVID-19 relief legislation. As you implement the recently passed American Rescue Plan, we write to urge you to prioritize reducing USDA-FSIS overtime fees based off the provisions included in our legislation, the Small Packer Overtime and Holiday Fee Relief for COVID-19 Act of 2020.

Our legislation directs USDA-FSIS to reduce the fees charged to very small establishments by at least 75 percent and to small establishments by at least 30 percent. These changes will help build greater resilience in the nation's food supply chain by addressing the economic disincentive currently in place for small meatpackers to work longer hours. Further, it will help level the playing field between very small and small establishments versus large establishments capable of operating two full operating shifts and therefore able to avoid these inspection fees. Consumers will also benefit from greater access and more options for locally sourced meat products provided by small meatpackers. Finally, the increased slaughter and meat processing capacity resulting from implementing the provisions of our legislation will give livestock producers more options to market their animals.

We look forward to working with you to support small meatpackers. By quickly implementing the provisions in our legislation, you can provide immediate relief to these facilities working to keep food on American's tables. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

# # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/over-100-members-house-send-letter-address-carriers-declining-ship-us,Over 100 Members of the House Send Letter to Address Carriers Declining to Ship U.S. Agriculture Exports from U.S. Ports,2021-03-10,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) today along with 100 of his colleagues, led a bipartisan group of Members in a letter to Michael A. Khouri, Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, voicing concern over reports that certain vessel-operating common carriers (VOCCs) are declining to ship U.S. agricultural commodity exports from U.S. ports.

VOCCs serve as an integral link between American producers and overseas customers, without which contracts cannot be met and the ability to compete in or even access foreign markets is threatened.

Read the full letter here.

""Market access is only as good as the access to shipping infrastructure,"" said Johnson. ""Once again, China is participating in unfair trade practices, prioritizing empty shipping containers over U.S. agriculture products. America's farmers work hard to produce a high-quality product, and we can't allow China to shut them out of the market.""

Over the past year, American producers, exporters, and entire economic sectors have grappled with widespread delays, bottlenecks, and increasing fees at our ports. These challenges are exacerbated by reports that VOCCs are delivering shipments to U.S. ports and then electing to leave without refilling empty containers with American goods for export. Such activity constricts entire supply chains and propels trade to move only in an inbound direction.

In March 2020, the Federal Maritime Commission launched Fact Finding No. 29, ""International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement,"" to investigate all the congestion, bottlenecks, and fees seen at our ports. In November, Fact Finding No. 29 was expanded to include reports of the decline to ship American exports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-spanberger-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-improve-broadband-internet,"Johnson, Spanberger Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Broadband Internet Speeds, Close Digital Divide",2021-03-09,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) today introduced legislation to ensure that new broadband networks are built to provide rural internet customers with sufficient upload and download speeds.

Since 2015, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) broadband mapping data has relied on the same speed threshold to define whether an area can be said to have adequate broadband service. However, this threshold is already outdated due to new and emerging internet technologies — meaning rural residents who technically meet the current threshold could still lack the ability to connect to cutting-edge internet services.

To address this challenge, the bipartisan Speedy Updates Act would help update broadband internet speed thresholds. Specifically, the Spanberger-Johnson legislation would require the Government Accountability Office to conduct an evaluation and write a report on the efficacy of the FCC's existing process for establishing, reviewing, and updating its speed thresholds for broadband service.

""As Congress makes record investments in broadband connectivity, we need to ensure our programs promote speeds that keep pace with today and tomorrow's business speeds,"" said Johnson. ""The Speedy Updates Act of 2021 will make sure the FCC prioritizes speed in rural America.""

""As we focus on making historic investments in internet connectivity, we need to ensure the infrastructure we build will reflect the growing need for faster downloads and uploads. Even in areas of Virginia with existing broadband internet access, many homes and businesses are experiencing lags in their service when using the latest apps and programs — simply because technology is rapidly advancing,"" said Spanberger. ""Our bipartisan legislation would review the FCC's process for updating speed thresholds and help make future recommendations about how to keep up with these changes. With this additional information, we can make sure Central Virginia's rural communities can both increase local internet access and take advantage of this progress for years to come.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/delegation-reintroduces-bill-allow-state-conduct-clean-effort-gilt-edge-mine,Delegation Reintroduces Bill to Allow State to Conduct Clean-Up Effort at Gilt Edge Mine,2021-03-03,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today reintroduced the Gilt Edge Mine Conveyance Act, legislation that would authorize the state of South Dakota to purchase approximately 266 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in Lawrence County. The land transfer authorized by this legislation would allow the state to conduct a clean-up effort within the boundary of the Gilt Edge Mine superfund site once the Environmental Protection Agency completes its clean-up actions.

""This legislation would make certain that the state of South Dakota is able to manage an efficient clean-up at the mine,"" said Thune, Rounds, and Johnson. ""We have been working effectively with the state on this project, and we ask Congress to swiftly pass this legislation in order to fully complete this effort.""

""We appreciate the federal delegation assisting the state with the clean-up of this site,"" said Ryan Brunner, state commissioner of school and public lands. ""The state is responsible for managing the entire superfund site but we cannot manage or control federal property making this legislation necessary.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-biofuels-caucus-announces-two-new-bills-grow-biofuels-markets,House Biofuels Caucus Announces Two New Bills to Grow Biofuels Markets,2021-03-03,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the co-chairs of the House Biofuels Caucus introduced two new pieces of legislation to increase access to biofuels and to fully recognize the environmental benefits.

Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) led introduction of the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, which would expand access to higher blends of biofuels.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) was the lead sponsor of the Adopt GREET Act, which will direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel.

""One of the largest barriers to increased use of higher blends of biofuels is the lack of infrastructure and availability for consumers,""said Rep. Axne. ""My bipartisan legislation will provide consistent federal investment for biofuels infrastructure and will remove barriers for E15. I'm also proud to support Rep. Johnson's legislation to ensure the EPA is using the most up-to-date modeling to accurately reflect the greenhouse gas reduction provided by renewable fuels. These bipartisan bills will result in improved access to clean, affordable, and homegrown fuel.""

""Consumers want access to higher, cleaner blends of biofuels at the pump but accessibility continues to be an issue,""said Rep. Johnson. ""I'm proud to lead efforts with Rep. Axne and the Biofuels Caucus today to make this access a reality. The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act and the GREET Act will move our nation towards cleaner and more affordable fuel.""

""I am proud to introduce the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act with Rep. Cindy Axne and my fellow Biofuels Caucus Co-chairs,""said Rep. Davis.""This bill builds off the highly successful USDA Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program, which I have been proud to support due to its positive impact in expanding biofuel infrastructure for consumers in Illinois. And Rep. Johnson's Adopt GREET Act will ensure federal regulators at the EPA take into account how biofuels lower greenhouse gas emissions. Our bipartisan legislation will provide much-needed support to the biofuels industry.""

""I am proud to work with my colleagues in the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus to put forward common sense legislation to improve our nation's use of renewable fuels,"" said Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02). ""The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act will help Minnesota reach its increased ethanol blend targets. Additionally, the Adopt GREET Act will modernize the modeling of Greenhouse Gas emissions in our nation's fight against climate change. I commend my colleagues for this bipartisan work and look forward to supporting these bills as a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and a member of the House Agriculture Committee.""

""I am glad to join my colleagues in the Congressional Biofuels Caucus to fund investment in biofuels infrastructure and update the EPA's greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel,""said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02). ""Corn growers in Wisconsin deserve to have an even playing field in the market dominated by the oil and gas industry. These bills will help us further understand how biofuels can help us reach our emissions reduction goals while investing in rural jobs and infrastructure.""

""As the second-largest ethanol producing state, Nebraska is already a leader in providing America and the world with clean, renewable fuel,""said Rep. Adrian Smith (NE-03).Ensuring EPA's models accurately reflect ethanol's environmental benefits and improving access to this fuel at the pump will help even more consumers choose this American energy source.""

Background on Legislation:

The Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act would authorize $500 million over 5 years for infrastructure grants for fuel retailers and direct the EPA Administrator to finalize a proposed rule to repeal E15 labeling requirements warning drivers about E15's potential impact on cars, which may confuse and deter drivers from using E15, a blend of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol. The bill would also direct the EPA Administrator to finalize provisions from the same proposed rule to allow certain existing Underground Storage Tanks (UST) to store higher blends of ethanol.

The Adopt GREET Act would require the EPA to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel by requiring the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model for both fuels. EPA would then be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made.

Support:

Both pieces of legislation are supported by the National Corn Growers Association, the Renewable Fuels Association, the American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, and POET.

""Both the Adopt GREET Act and the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act encourage nationwide use of biofuels like ethanol and promote their proven environmental benefits as Congress and the Administration find ways to immediately decarbonize the transportation sector,"" said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. ""The bicameral and bipartisan support of each bill underscores the shared sentiment that biofuels' role in reducing carbon emissions remains critical to some of today's climate change challenges.""

""We thank Representative Axne and the Co-Chairs of the House Biofuels Caucus for championing legislation that drives investment in our nation's low-carbon renewable fuels infrastructure,"" said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO, Geoff Cooper. ""If enacted, this legislation would greatly expand the availability of clean fuels like ethanol in the marketplace, improving air quality, lowering fuel prices and stimulating the rural economy. Retailers want to offer smarter and more environmentally friendly fuel options to their customers, but antiquated regulatory burdens often prevent them from moving ahead. This legislation would help consumers, retailers and ethanol producers by ensuring that unnecessary regulatory barriers are reduced or removed, allowing small businesses across the nation to provide cleaner and more affordable options to American drivers.""

""For more than a decade, EPA's analysis of ethanol's carbon footprint has relied on speculative theories and obsolete data,"" continues Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper.""The legislation introduced today led by Congressman Johnson and the House Biofuels Co-Chairs will help ensure EPA's renewable fuel regulations are based on sound science and current data. The Argonne National Laboratory's GREET model is recognized globally as the gold standard for analyzing the lifecycle greenhouse gas impacts of low-carbon renewable fuels like ethanol, and the model is regularly updated to reflect efficiency improvements and technological advancements in the fuel production process. It's time for EPA to replace its flawed analysis with the current GREET model, and this bill would bring scientific integrity and accuracy to the agency's regulatory actions on renewable fuels.""

""A top priority for the Iowa Corn Growers Association is to increase the infrastructure and availability for higher biofuel blends,""said Carl Jardon, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and farmer from Randolph, Iowa. ""We thank Congresswoman Axne for her leadership and continued support of Iowa's corn farmers and biofuel producers. Ethanol is the cleanest burning, highest performing low carbon fuel in the market today, and this bipartisan legislation will expand opportunities for consumers to fuel up with affordable, homegrown biofuel blends in Iowa and across the country.""

Last month, Rep. Craig and Rep. Johnson, led the House Biofuels Caucus co-chairs in introducing the Renewable Fuels Integrity Act. The legislation would require small refineries to submit a petition for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hardship exemption by June 1st of each year, allowing EPA to properly account for exempted gallons in the annual Renewable Volume Obligations set each November. The bill would also increase transparency by mandating the public disclosure of data surrounding SREs – a process that has previously been carried out behind closed doors with little to no congressional oversight.

Reps. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Angie Craig (MN-02), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Jim Baird (IN-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), and Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) are original cosponsors of the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act

Additionally, Reps. Reps. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Angie Craig (MN-02), Cindy Axne (IA-03), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Jim Baird (IN-04), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), and Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) are original cosponsors of the Adopt GREET Act.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-biofuels-caucus-co-chairs-introduce-legislation-showcase-environmental,"Johnson, Biofuels Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Legislation to Showcase Environmental Benefits of Biofuels",2021-03-03,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Adopt GREET Act, a bill which would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update its greenhouse gas modeling for ethanol and biodiesel to more accurately reflect the environmental benefits of agriculture and biofuels.

The GREET model is a tool which examines the lifecycle impacts of vehicle technologies, fuels, products, and energy systems.

""It's time for the bureaucracy to catch up to science,"" said Johnson. ""We know biofuels are an integral part of protecting our environment and building up our economies in rural America. Including the entire lifecycle from a farmer's field to the fuel pump will allow consumers across this country, and the world, to better understand the benefits biofuels offer.""

Specifically, this bill would require the EPA to adopt the Argonne National Lab's Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) Model for both ethanol and biodiesel. EPA would also be required to update its modeling every five years or report to Congress to affirm its modeling is current or otherwise explain why no updates were made.

Johnson introduced this bill with fellow Biofuels Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN). The Senate companion, S. 193, is led by Senators Thune (R-S.D.) and Klobuchar (D-MN).

This bipartisan, bicameral bill is also supported by POET, South Dakota Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, American Coalition for Ethanol, National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association.

Additionally, today, Johnson along with Reps. Cindy Axne (D-IA) and Rodney Davis (R-IL) led the introduction of the Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act, which would expand access to higher blends of biofuels.

""Both the Adopt GREET Act and the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act encourage nationwide use of biofuels like ethanol and promote their proven environmental benefits as Congress and the Administration find ways to immediately decarbonize the transportation sector,"" said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. ""The bicameral and bipartisan support of each bill underscores the shared sentiment that biofuels' role in reducing carbon emissions remains critical to some of today's climate change challenges. We thank the Reps. Axne and Johnson for their continued bipartisan support on investing in the future of biofuels.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/south-dakota-wyoming-delegations-urge-us-forest-service-reconsider,"South Dakota, Wyoming Delegations Urge U.S. Forest Service to Reconsider Recommendation to Reduce Timber Sale Program at Black Hills National Forest",2021-03-03,2021,2021-03,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) today expressed their concern with the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS's) recommendation to reduce the timber sale program in the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF). The members are also seeking answers about the process the USFS used to reach this recommendation.

""To continue successful management and care of the BHNF, we urge the USFS to substantially increase involvement from the states of South Dakota and Wyoming, local county commissions, and other stakeholders who stand to be most affected, including the forest products industry, in discussions of the BHNF timber sale program and forest planning,"" the delegations wrote. ""We also request that the USFS immediately implement the recommendations from the BHNF Advisory Board, including maintaining the timber sale program at 181,000 continuous cover forestry (ccf) sawtimber and 21,000 ccf of 5-9"" trees, and prioritize providing resources needed for the BHNF to accomplish the recommendations.""

Full text of the letter below:

The Honorable Vicki Christiansen

Chief

U.S. Forest Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20250-1111

Dear Chief Christiansen:

We write to express concern with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recommendation to reduce the timber sale program on the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) and the process the USFS used to reach this recommendation. Further, we are concerned that a reduction in the sale program would have a detrimental impact on the ability of the USFS to manage and care for the forests in the Black Hills and on the health of our local communities.

Notably, the BHNF Advisory Board recently recommended that the timber sale program not be reduced below the allowable sale quantity in the current BHNF forest plan. This recommendation was formed with participation by the South Dakota and Wyoming state foresters, forest management professionals, and others after months of research and data analysis.

In 2018, the South Dakota and Wyoming Congressional offices wrote to you expressing concern with the premature efforts by the BHNF to examine flawed data pertaining to timber resources on the BHNF while new information was being gathered by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). At the time, stakeholders in the Black Hills were assured there would be a collaborative process to examine the data and develop a path forward for the best use of the data collected by the FIA. This position of collaboration was reiterated in your response letter which stated, ""When the FIA dataset becomes available we will work collaboratively with industry and others to develop a course of action for analysis.""

Unfortunately, we are concerned about the lack of collaboration in analyzing and determining how to use the FIA data. At the same time the congressional offices sent a letter in 2018, the BHNF was commissioning a timber resources report without informing any stakeholders in the Black Hills. A draft of that report was released in early 2020 without any input from stakeholders, and since that time, input has been constrained to one comment period.

As you know, the BHNF has been nationally recognized as an example of how proactive forest management can be successful in reducing impacts from mountain pine beetles and wildfires, with multiple senior officials touring the BHNF to see the successes firsthand. The BHNF is one of the last National Forests where, together, we can still implement forest management on a meaningful scale to benefit forest health.

To continue successful management and care of the BHNF, we urge the USFS to substantially increase involvement from the states of South Dakota and Wyoming, local county commissions, and other stakeholders who stand to be most affected, including the forest products industry, in discussions of the BHNF timber sale program and forest planning. We also request that the USFS immediately implement the recommendations from the BHNF Advisory Board, including maintaining the timber sale program at 181,000 continuous cover forestry (ccf) sawtimber and 21,000 ccf of 5-9"" trees, and prioritize providing resources needed for the BHNF to accomplish the recommendations.

Thank you for your consideration of this critical issue.

Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:33:37Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-requests-information-unspent-covid-19-funds,Johnson Requests Information on Unspent COVID-19 Funds,2021-02-25,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) supported a resolution to President Biden's COVID-19 relief package to require the administration to provide accounting reports on unspent COVID-19 relief funds from previous bipartisan packages.

""Congress has dedicated more than $4 trillion to pandemic recovery and relief but data suggests there is nearly $1 trillion unspent,"" said Johnson. ""I have requested more information on these unspent funds from the White House and received no response as to when they will be allocated to assist struggling Americans and small businesses. H. Res. 127, requires the administration to turn over all documentation & accounting of what existing COVID related funds remain unspent.""

""As Congress debates an additional $1.9 trillion package, transparency regarding existing funds is critical. If President Biden's bill passes, relief efforts will have cost every American $17,000. With vaccine developments and COVID cases on the decline, we need to start thinking seriously about the lasting economic impact additional stimulus may cause our country. Simply put, we need this information before asking American taxpayers to foot the bill for trillions more in stimulus.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-bicameral-feedd-act-provides-forage-grazing-flexibility-farmers,"Bipartisan, Bicameral FEEDD Act Provides Forage Grazing Flexibility for Farmers & Ranchers",2021-02-23,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-MN) and Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) reintroduced the bipartisan Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters with Cover Crops Act (FEEDD Act). The FEEDD Act will provide farmers and ranchers emergency flexibility to help alleviate livestock feed shortages during planting seasons with high levels of prevent plant due to extreme moisture or drought. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided an administrative fix to the haying and grazing dates in 2019 and 2020 after urging from Congress.

Currently, under the Federal Crop Insurance Program, producers that are unable to plant a crop due to adverse weather conditions are eligible to receive a small indemnity but are prohibited from growing a cash commodity due to a missed window in the growing season. The FEEDD Act would create a clear emergency waiver authority for the USDA to allow producers to graze, hay or chop a cover crop before November 1st in the event of a feed shortage due to excessive moisture, flood, or drought. With this waiver, producers would not have to take a further discount on their crop insurance. The bill also directs the Secretary to establish regional ""harvest dates"" for each crop year for predictable rules on prevent plant cover crop harvest annually.

""A one-sized-fits-all approach doesn't always work, and the cover crop harvest date is a good example where this approach falls short,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""I'm grateful USDA provided an administrative fix to the prevent plant harvest date deadline in 2019 after unprecedented flooding in states like South Dakota, but this date flexibility needs to be permanent and regionally tailored. The government can't control the weather, but we can enhance predictability for producers when disasters hit."" Click here for audio.

""Especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis, Congress has a responsibility to provide farmers and ranchers the flexibility they need to do their jobs successfully,"" said Rep. Craig. ""The FEEDD Act will help to support ag producers in Minnesota at no cost to the taxpayer – while incentivizing the planting of cover crops to protect the health and quality of farmers' soil in Minnesota. I'm proud to help lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort and look forward to its passage in the House.""

""Cover crops are an important tool that enable farmers to better maintain their land and provide an important source of feed for livestock,"" said Senator Hoeven. ""It makes sense to provide adequate flexibility in USDA's rules for cover crops to address disasters, differences in regional climates and local feed shortages. That's exactly what our bill will provide, while preserving crop insurance program integrity and preventing penalties for farmers.""

""In Wisconsin, when farmers lose a crop to flooding, drought, or other extreme weathers events, they are left with tough choices about how to make up for crop losses and protect their soil from erosion,"" said Senator Baldwin. ""This bipartisan legislation will give farmers more certainty about their feed options in disaster years. By reducing uncertainty for farmers, we're working to ease one of the headaches they face when deciding about putting in cover crops, which will benefit soil health on the farm and water quality in our communities.""

The FEEDD Act is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, National Milk Producers Federation, National Association of Conservation Districts, American Soybean Association, U.S. Durum Growers Association, American Sheep Industry Association, Edge Dairy Cooperative, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farm Credit Council, American Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers of America, U.S. Cattlemen's Association, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Crop Insurance Reimbursement Bureau, the Agricultural Retailers Association, The Nature Conservancy, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-and-craig-lead-congressional-biofuels-caucus-introducing-legislation,JOHNSON AND CRAIG LEAD CONGRESSIONAL BIOFUELS CAUCUS IN INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO ENSURE TRANSPARENCY IN RFS SMALL REFINERY WAIVER PROCESS,2021-02-19,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-MN) led Co-Chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus in introducing bipartisan legislation to ensure transparency and predictability to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) small refinery exemption (SRE) process. The Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act would require small refineries to submit a petition for a Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) hardship exemption by June 1st of each year, allowing EPA to properly account for exempted gallons in the annual Renewable Volume Obligations set each November. The bill would also increase transparency by mandating the public disclosure of data surrounding SREs – a process that has previously been carried out behind closed doors with little to no congressional oversight.

Johnson and Craig were joined in introducing the RFS Integrity Act by Representatives Rodney Davis (R-IL), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Adrian Smith (R-NE).

""No matter the administration, Congress should not sit on the sidelines while the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard is being abused and manipulated,"" said Representative Dusty Johnson. ""The RFS Integrity Act adds accountability and transparency to the EPA Small Refinery Exemption process – something we should all agree upon. With each approved waiver, rural communities continue to suffer. This bill will ensure that volume obligations are met whether it's a Republican or Democrat in the White House.""

""For the past several years, the Environmental Protection Agency has skirted Congressional oversight and prioritized the interests of Big Oil over family farmers in Minnesota, leaving ethanol producers at a distinct disadvantage,"" said Representative Angie Craig. ""This senseless, shortsighted policy has greatly impacted rural communities who depend on the Renewable Fuel Standard to help support their local economies – at a time when these communities are especially vulnerable due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis. Fortunately, our bipartisan bill would reverse that trend by helping to ensure that transparency, predictability and accountability are prioritized in the EPA's waiver process moving forward – and that rural communities receive the support they deserve from the federal government in the years to come.""

""In recent years, the Renewable Fuel Standard has been weakened by Small Refinery Exemptions to the detriment of farmers and biofuels producers across America,"" said Representative Rodney Davis. ""Particularly in this struggling economy, where our biofuels producers continue to lack access to assistance, we should strengthen the RFS and ensure regulators adhere to it. That's why I'm proud to introduce the RFS Integrity Act alongside my fellow House Biofuels Caucus co-chairs. Our legislation will help bolster the RFS through increased transparency to support our farmers and biofuels producers.""

""For the last four years, the EPA has abused its authority and given out dozens of small refinery waivers at the expense of farmers across the Midwest. These illegal waivers resulted in over 4 billion gallons of biofuels being removed from the market, reducing demand and creating uncertainty for producers,"" said Representative Cindy Axne. ""While I'm hopeful our new administration will uphold the RFS, new legislation is clearly needed to permanently increase transparency and accountability at the EPA. I'm proud to help introduce the RFS Integrity Act to ensure the EPA is always upholding the law.""

""I am proud to join my colleagues as an original sponsor of the RFS Integrity Act. For too long, big oil corporations have taken advantage of federal law at the expense of farmers and agricultural communities,"" said Representative Mark Pocan. ""This commonsense legislation will provide needed transparency and certainty for Wisconsin farmers at a time when they need it the most.""

""Now, more than ever, transparency in fuel markets is vital for our farmers and biofuels producers,"" said Representative Adrian Smith. ""The Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act will ensure all parties can make production decisions knowing they can rely on EPA to fairly and evenly enforce the RFS.""

By law, the RFS requires that the EPA make adjustments when determining future biofuels targets to account for waivers to ensure that the overall biofuels targets are not reduced by waivers. However, in recent years, the agency has not accounted for these waivers, which has undercut the demand for biofuels. And under the past administration, the EPA greatly expanded the number of small refinery hardship biofuel waivers that were issued. By issuing 85 waivers under former Administrator Scott Pruitt, the EPA saved the oil industry hundreds of millions of dollars while threatening rural economies and harming the biofuels industry at large.

The bipartisan bill is supported by the National Corn Growers, Growth Energy, Fuels America, the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Biodiesel Board, the American Soybean Association, POET, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union and other groups dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Below are statements in support of the Members' bipartisan legislation:

""We applaud the introduction of the RFS Integrity Act and the strong bipartisan effort to restore integrity and transparency to the Renewable Fuel Standard,"" said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. ""The intent of the RFS is to blend more biofuels into our nation's transportation fuel supply every year, not have oil companies use questionable tactics to delay and avoid their blending obligations, creating a tremendous amount of uncertainty for farmers, biofuels producers, and the entire fuel supply chain. Recent research has found that greenhouse gas emissions from corn ethanol are 46 percent lower than gasoline. As science on biofuels continues to update and highlight the increasing environmental benefits of ethanol over gasoline, it's critical we restore the RFS to its original intent and harness the power of biofuels to immediately address climate change concerns and decarbonize our transportation fleet. We are grateful to Rep. Craig and Rep. Johnson for their continued leadership on this issue.""

""Given the accomplishments of the RFS program to date, EPA's previous excessive and unreasonable use of the small refinery waiver dampened the prospects for reduced emissions and increased energy security,"" said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. ""The Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act ensures transparency through a fair and timely EPA waiver process going forward.""

""We are grateful to Reps. Angie Craig and Dusty Johnson for leading this effort to rein in EPA's abuse of the small refinery exemption program. This bipartisan bill will prevent oil refiners from gaming the system and undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard, something they have been doing a great deal of the past four years,"" said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. ""Our hope is that this legislation and the new Administration will restore the integrity of the RFS and the law will be applied as it was intended. We applaud Reps. Craig and Johnson for working together to restore both transparency and integrity to the RFS.""

""The EPA's abuse of small refinery waivers not only undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard but significantly impacted corn demand. NCGA appreciates Representatives Craig and Johnson and members of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus introducing the RFS Integrity Act,"" said John Linder, President of the National Corn Growers Association. ""Bringing transparency to the waiver process and establishing clear deadlines for refineries to apply for waivers will allow the EPA to avoid retroactive waivers and ensure the RFS is properly administered.""

""The RFS has positively linked soybean production to energy markets, allowing farmers to contribute to a cleaner fuel system and climate-friendly solutions. We have embraced this opportunity, so it is disheartening when small refinery exemption waivers are granted without transparency. It creates uncertainty in biodiesel markets and harms soybean farmers aiming to help,"" said Kevin Scott, President of the American Soybean Association. ""A strong RFS adds value to soybeans while also creating jobs, diversifying our fuel supply, and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. We applaud Representatives Craig and Johnson on introducing the RFS Integrity Act, which will add much-needed transparency to the small refinery exemption waiver process at the EPA.""

""The Renewable Fuel Standard plays an important role in building new markets for farmers and creating good rural jobs. But in recent years, this crucial program has been undermined by refineries' abuse of exemptions,"" said Rob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. ""By fostering greater transparency in the way these exemptions are granted, the RFS Integrity Act would help prevent this abuse, thereby ensuring more stability in the program for farmers and biofuels producers. National Farmers Union warmly welcomes this beneficial piece of legislation and thanks Reps. Craig and Johnson for introducing it.""

""This is a commonsense step to ensure that RFS biomass-based diesel volumes are fully met each year and to prevent the demand destruction for biodiesel that we've seen since 2017,"" said Kurt Kovarik, Vice president of Federal Affairs at the National Biodiesel Board. ""Biodiesel producers are grateful to Representative Angie Craig and Representative Dusty Johnson for their leadership on this issue and strongly support Congress' desire to restore integrity to the RFS program.""

""Representative Craig and Johnson's bill is a fundamental step to ensure biofuel-blending volumes are fully met and will provide much-needed clarity for rural America,"" said Joshua Shields, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications for POET. ""Bioethanol producers and farmers deserve transparency in the exemption process and have a right to know the number of gallons of biofuel lost as a result of the waivers and to which companies they are granted.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-tours-west-river-vaccination-site,Johnson Tours West River Vaccination Site,2021-02-19,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) toured the Rapid City Monument Health COVID-19 vaccine center. South Dakota continues to rank in the top ten of states for vaccine distribution.

""Vaccines work, and what South Dakota is doing is working, as well,"" said Johnson. ""Our state has been a national leader in vaccine deployment, and today's tour helped me understand why. The coordinated efforts of state government and healthcare providers like Monument are saving lives and allowing us to keep our schools open and our economy growing.""

Monument Health Rapid City Hospital serves as the central holding and distribution center for the COVID-19 vaccine for all of western South Dakota. In addition to allocating doses to Monument Health hospitals in Spearfish, Sturgis, Custer, Lead-Deadwood; doses are also sent to health care systems in Bennet and Fall River County, Philip-Kadoka and three Horizon clinics that operate in White River, Faith, and Mission.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-supports-pain-capable-unborn-child-protection-act,Johnson Supports the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,2021-02-17,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Chris Smith (R-N.J.) along with 142 of their colleagues introduced the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 1080), which would prohibit most abortions after 20 weeks.

""Science and data matters, and the science tells us that unborn babies feel pain and can survive out of the womb at 20 weeks,"" said Johnson. ""We are no longer living in uninformed times and medical advancements should be taken seriously – the medicine tells us late-term abortions are inhumane. I am proud to champion legislation to prevent further tragedy from happening to the lives of innocent unborn babies.""

Johnson is a member of the Pro-Life Caucus.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-secures-top-republican-position-livestock-subcommittee,Johnson Secures Top Republican Position on Livestock Subcommittee,2021-02-10,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced his appointment as the top Republican on the House Agriculture Committee's Livestock & Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee. Johnson is the first Northern Plains congressman to be selected as top Republican of this subcommittee in nearly 40 years.

""Ranching and raising livestock often gets less attention in DC than it deserves,"" said Johnson. ""It's been almost 40 years since the top Republican on the livestock subcommittee has been from the Northern Plains. I'm looking forward to highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing South Dakota's small feeders and cow-calf operators.""

""Dusty Johnson has been a great friend and fearless fighter for agriculture,"" said Rep. Glenn ‘GT' Thompson, Republican Leader of the House Agriculture Committee. ""He's proven himself time and time again as an advocate for farm families and I'm pleased to have him on my team as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.""

The Subcommittee on Livestock & Foreign Agriculture has jurisdiction over the policies, statutes, and markets relating to all livestock, poultry, dairy, and seafood, including all products thereof; the inspection, marketing, and promotion of such commodities and products; aquaculture; animal welfare; grazing; foreign agricultural assistance and trade promotion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/veterinary-medicine-caucus-announced-new-congress-0,Veterinary Medicine Caucus announced for new Congress,2021-02-09,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(WASHINGTON, DC) February 6, 2021— For the fifth Congressional cycle, there will be a Veterinary Medicine Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. Veterinarians bring a unique perspective to federal legislation as the only health professionals with roles that benefit both animal and human health. The caucus will focus on educating members of Congress and their staffs about the issues and challenges the veterinary profession faces.

The caucus will be led by co-chairs Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR), a veterinarian, and Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD). In years past, the Veterinary Medicine Caucus has played a leadership role in introducing key legislation that impacts veterinary medicine such as the VET MED Act, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, and the One Health Act. Another objective of the caucus will be to secure funding for important veterinary-related federal programs. Congressional briefings to educate and inform staff are organized by the caucus to support these initiatives.

""The Veterinary Medicine Caucus has been successful in stressing the importance of veterinary priorities to Congress,"" said Dr. Douglas Kratt, AVMA President. ""The veterinarian community has established itself as essential in matters of scientific research, public health, and the economy. The AVMA and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges will work diligently with the caucus and its co-chairs to ensure that the perspective of the veterinarian is well-represented in Washington, DC and will make issues of student debt, animal welfare, One Health, and small business a priority in Congress.""

Rep. Schrader is the sole veterinarian in the U.S. Congress and represents Oregon's 5th Congressional District. This will be his fifth time acting as co-chair of the caucus and his sixth term in the House of Representatives. He serves on the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

""I'm excited to welcome my colleague Congressman Dusty Johnson as the new co-chair of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus for the 117th Congress,"" said Rep. Schrader. ""Veterinarians are routinely the only health professionals that operate at the interface of human and animal health. The caucus will work to highlight the important role veterinary medicine plays on research, public health, animal health and welfare, food safety, and the economy. As our country continues battling the Novel Coronavirus, we feel the caucus can play a critical role keeping members informed about the ongoing challenges we face with zoonotic diseases and public health and we look forward to being part of that discussion.""

Rep. Johnson is in his second term in Congress representing South Dakota. He currently serves on the Committee on Agriculture and is the Ranking Member of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee. The congressman also serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

""Science-based animal health keeps South Dakota livestock and companion animals happy and healthy,"" said Rep. Johnson. ""I'm proud to serve as co-chair of the Veterinary Medicine Caucus and will continue to advocate for science-driven policy, strong research and development in this growing industry.""

""We're looking forward to working closely with the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Veterinary Medicine Caucus during the 117th Congress,"" said Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. ""The COVID pandemic is just one example of why we need to make sure federal government policies help support and sustain the veterinary medical profession. We're honored to welcome Congressman Dusty Johnson as the new caucus co-chair, and we're looking forward to working with him and Congressman Kurt Schrader during this critical period in our nation's history.""

The AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, speaking for more than 97,000 member veterinarians who care passionately about protecting animal health, animal welfare and human health. Informed by its members' unique scientific training and knowledge, the AVMA advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and support the crucial work of veterinarians nationwide.

About AAVMC:

The member institutions of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) promote and protect the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include Council on Education (COE) accredited veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the U.S.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-cancelling-keystone-hurts-everyday-americans,Johnson: Cancelling Keystone Hurts Everyday Americans,2021-02-08,2021,2021-02,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) hosted a roundtable with more than twenty South Dakota business owners who have been impacted by President Biden's Executive Order shutdown of the Keystone XL Pipeline. You can watch the full roundtable discussion here.

""The stories we heard today represent the thousands of local businesses hurting because of President Biden's Executive Orders,"" said Johnson. ""It's not just about a pipeline – it's about the investments real South Dakotans made in response to a project that earned all its permits and was already under construction. It's about the hotel owner who made upgrades, the gym owner who hired extra staff, and the gravel pit owners who purchased new equipment. Cancelling the Keystone XL Pipeline with a flick of the pen destroyed the investment made by thousands of everyday Americans.""

""President Biden's decision to revoke the permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline is a devastating decision for thousands of people in North Dakota, South Dakota, and across the Nation,"" said Armstrong. ""Thank you to Congressman Johnson for bringing together business owners whose livelihoods are threatened, to discuss the impact that canceling this project has already had on small communities like Philip, SD. I will continue to work with Congressman Johnson, Congressman Newhouse, and anyone willing to advance commonsense, job creating projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:26:35Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-cuellar-state-inspected-meat-should-be-sold-online,Johnson & Cuellar: State Inspected Meat Should Be Sold Online,2021-01-28,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) introduced the Direct Interstate Retail Exemption for Certain Transactions (DIRECT) Act. This legislation will allow state inspected meat to be sold across state lines through e-commerce, allowing small producers and processors more options to directly market to consumers.

""Today, a few large players have too much control over our meat supply chains. In many states, state meat inspection is every bit as good as federal meat inspection,"" said Johnson. ""The DIRECT Act would unlock the entrepreneurship of state-inspected processors without compromising food safety.""

""Our nation's meat industry has been devastated by the economic fallout resulting from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,"" said Congressman Cuellar. ""The bipartisan legislation will allow meat inspected by the State to be sold online and across state lines, opening up new markets for meat producers and processors. As a senior member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Appropriations, I will continue to provide the necessary support to the meat industry so they are able to make it through this crisis and continue to be an integral part of feeding American families. I want to thank Congressman Dusty Johnson for his leadership on this critical issue.""

The DIRECT Act will:

Amend the retail exemption under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and Poultry Products Inspection Act to allow processors, butchers or other retailers to sell normal retail quantities (300 lbs. of beef, 100 lbs. of pork, 27.5 lbs. of lamb) of State Inspected Meat online to consumers across state lines.

Allow new direct-to-consumer options for producers, processors and small meat markets.

Maintains traceability of sales easily accessed in the event of a recall.

Allows retail sales to consumers, minimizing the risk for further processing in export, keeping equivalency agreements with trading partners intact.

Allow states operating under the Cooperative Interstate Shipping system to ship and label as they are currently.

""Through the COVID-19 pandemic we have experienced a trend for consumers wanting to source beef directly from ranchers. Two of the challenges SD beef producers have faced in developing a direct sales market are a limited population of consumers and very few federally inspected processing facilities. Online sales represent an opportunity for our beef producers to expand their market beyond our limited rural population, but they have been restricted in their broader marketing efforts by prohibitions on interstate shipment of state inspected meat, coupled with few federally inspected plants. South Dakota has had an excellent state meat inspection system that is equivalent to federal meat inspection for many years. This bill will allow our producers more freedoms for interstate commerce while still providing a safe beef product for consumers. We thank Congressman Johnson for bringing forth this legislation."" – Eric Jennings, President of the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association.

The DIRECT Act would cut red tape to allow state inspected retail establishments to sell their product direct to consumers across state lines. This presents a new opportunity for producers to reach consumers directly through online sales. Consumers wishing to directly order a South Dakota steak would be able to do just that."" – Scott VanderWal, Vice President of the American Farm Bureau Federation and President of the South Dakota Farm Bureau

""The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted an urgent need for our industry to expand opportunities for state-inspected meatpackers. NCBA acted quickly last year, advocating to allow more beef to be safely sold online across state lines. The DIRECT Act will allow cattle producers and smaller beef processors to more easily evolve to meet the growing demand for e-commerce sales. Thank you to Representatives Johnson and Cuellar for recognizing the shifts in an ever-changing market and introducing this critical legislation."" – NCBA Policy Division Chair and South Dakota rancher Todd Wilkinson

""There is no reason a steak should be more difficult to order online than any other items on your grocery list. With consumers moving their food purchases online, the DIRECT Act provides a safe, predictable pathway for state-inspected meat products to be sold across state lines through e-commerce. This allows independent producers and processors to expand their market reach – increasing competition in the meatpacking sector and opening up new opportunities for state-inspected facilities. USCA thanks Congressman Dusty Johnson for continuing to put forth these innovative market solutions."" – U.S. Cattlemen's Association's Independent Beef Processors Task Force Chairman Patrick Robinette

""Meat and poultry produced under state inspection programs have an excellent record of food safety. The DIRECT Act is a step in the right direction towards opening up interstate markets for state inspected meat and poultry products, and will create opportunities for small processors to expand their markets to virtual shoppers across the U.S."" – Dustin Oedekoven, DVM, DACVPM, State Veterinarian and Executive Secretaryof theSouth Dakota Animal Industry Board

""Over the last year the need for our local state inspected plants to have access to customers across state lines has become more evident. Due to Covid-19 many consumers couldn't get meat for their families because the store shelves were bare and consumers were reaching out looking to buy locally raised and processed. E-commerce sales have been increasing in popularity. These sales offer great opportunity to farmers and local butcher shops to market their products. Many of our local butcher shops have developed specialty products and with our state inspection program being equal to exceeding the federal inspection standards the ability to sell meat across state lines would help promote an increase in sales. Any way we can increase sales, or make our products more readily available to consumers is a win/win situation for farmers, small businesses, and our consumers."" – Shane Odegaard, President, South Dakota Pork Producers Council",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-proposal-circumvents-need-dc-statehood-merging-suburbs-maryland,Johnson Proposal Circumvents Need for D.C. Statehood by Merging Suburbs with Maryland,2021-01-27,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) reintroduced the District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act, legislation that would revert the majority of Washington, D.C., suburbs to the state of Maryland. The National Capitol Service Area, consisting solely of the National Mall and federal buildings, would remain the District of Columbia.

""The District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act kills two birds with one stone,"" said Johnson. ""It removes the need for D.C. statehood, while also providing representation to individuals living in the district by merging the suburbs with Maryland. This proposal isn't out of the question, Congress has done it before in 1847 when large parts of D.C. were returned to Virginia. My proposal accomplishes the goal of representation without creating a 51st state – that's compromise.""

Additionally, Johnson introduced a constitutional amendment to repeal the 23rd Amendment which provides electoral college votes to the District of Columbia. If residential areas of Washington were returned to the state of Maryland, residents would have full representation in Congress, in addition to representation through the Electoral College.

A bill to give statehood to Washington, D.C., passed the U.S. House on June 26, 2020. President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have also expressed their support for D.C. statehood.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/western-caucus-members-condemn-bidens-expansion-oil-gas-moratorium,Western Caucus Members Condemn Biden’s Expansion of Oil & Gas Moratorium,2021-01-27,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Western Caucus released the following statements in opposition to President Biden's expansion of the moratorium on oil and gas leases for federal lands and waters.

The moratorium imposed by Executive Order just days after President Biden took office will negatively impact the economies, jobs, and local communities of rural America while threatening America's energy security.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD): : ""This pandemic has taught us a lot about our supply chains. Our trading partners are critical, but being dependent on foreign oil puts us in a weaker position. It's possible for America to be energy independent and we should continue efforts that promote that goal rather than destroy it.""

Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA): ""Our nation's energy independence is literally fueled by leasing and drilling permits. President Biden's unilateral decision to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leases is misguided and ill-informed. This decision is a direct attack on the hardworking men and women who rely on these good-paying jobs, local economies, and rural communities that rely on the revenue from these leases. Worse, it puts American energy security in jeopardy. It didn't take long for President Biden to bend to the pressures of far-left environmentalists rather than embrace an all-of-the above energy policy that has proven to work.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-colleagues-oppose-repeal-hyde-amendment,Johnson Colleagues To Oppose The Repeal Of The Hyde Amendment,2021-01-26,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) 199 of his Republican colleagues sent a letter to Congressional leadership this morning in opposition to Democrat efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which has existed for more than forty years and prevents the federal government from funding abortion. The letter comes after Democrats have threatened to eliminate or weaken the Hyde Amendment and other pro-life provisions.

The Hyde Amendment alone has saved the lives of over 2 million innocent babies 5 and continues to protect the conscience rights of a vast majority of Americans opposed to publicly funded abortions,"" said the Members. ""We cannot allow the Hyde Amendment and other important pro-life safeguards to be decimated by Congressional Democrats. Accordingly, we pledge to vote against any government funding bill that eliminates or weakens the Hyde Amendment or other current-law, pro-life appropriations provisions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-joins-newsmax-discuss-keep-nine-bill,Johnson Joins Newsmax to Discuss Keep the Nine Bill,2021-01-26,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) joined Newsmax Wake Up America with Rob Finnerty to discuss his constitutional amendment to cap the Supreme Court at nine justices.

Click here to watch the full interview.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-receives-coveted-committee-assignment,Johnson Receives Coveted Committee Assignment,2021-01-26,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In advance of this year's reauthorization of the five-year highway bill, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has been appointed to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

""The surface transportation bill will be among the most important pieces of legislation Congress will tackle this year,"" said Johnson. ""I'm grateful my colleagues have provided me an opportunity to play a lead role in developing that bill, ensuring rural priorities aren't forgotten.""

The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee also has jurisdiction over other issues important to South Dakota, including railroads, aviation, pipelines, FEMA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In addition to the transportation assignment, Johnson will continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/bipartisan-effort-prevent-and-treat-child-abuse,A Bipartisan Effort to Prevent and Treat Child Abuse,2021-01-25,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – A bipartisan group of Education and Labor Committee Members introduced legislation today to strengthen federal efforts to prevent and treat the harmful impacts of child abuse. The Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (Stronger CAPTA) includes bold, bipartisan reforms that will help states combat the uptick in child abuse and neglect.

The four Republican co-sponsors are Rep. James Comer (KY-01), Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-at-Large), Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), and Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (NC-05). Following the bill's introduction, the members issued these statements:

Rep. Comer:""By providing resources to states and communities to protect children from abuse and neglect, the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act will play a critically important role in tackling the scourge of child abuse across America. I'm proud to be the lead Republican sponsor of this effort to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society.""

Rep. Johnson: ""With fewer children in the classroom because of the pandemic, it's been harder to identify students suffering from abuse and neglect. CAPTA provides important prevention tools and flexibility to those dealing with child abuse on the front lines, the states. Improving the lives of children should never be partisan, and I'm grateful this bill is focused on that goal.""

Rep. Stefanik:""I am very proud to reintroduce the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, a much-needed, bipartisan bill to address the unacceptable rise in child abuse cases across the country. This bill will provide funding to improve the quality of child protective services, increase collaboration between states, and strengthen support for families in New York's 21st Congressional District. It also includes an amendment that I co-authored to authorize and fund a National Child Abuse Hotline. Unfortunately at a time when fewer children are in the classroom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill is more important than ever.""

Rep. Foxx: ""This broad-ranging proposal will serve America's children and families by bolstering efforts to prevent and treat devastating cases of child abuse and neglect across the nation. I am proud to join my Republican colleagues Reps. Comer, Stefanik, and Johnson in cosponsoring the Stronger CAPTA and I thank them for their leadership and commitment to ensuring the safety of America's children. I'd also like to thank Chairman Scott for his willingness to work across the aisle to advance meaningful, bipartisan legislation.""

The four Democrat co-sponsors are Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11), and Rep. Kim Schrier (WA-08).

To read a one-pager on the Stronger CAPTA, click here.

To read the bill text of the Stronger CAPTA, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-and-colleagues-question-treatment-national-guard,Johnson and Colleagues Question Treatment of National Guard,2021-01-23,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) along with 33 of his Republican colleagues demanded better treatment of the National Guard deployed to Washington after it was reported that thousands of Guardsman were kicked out of House and Senate buildings and placed in parking garages. Johnson requested an explanation as to what initiated the abrupt order that forced the National Guard outside and who made the decision.

""On January 21, 2021, the day after the inauguration, it was reported that thousands of Guardsmen were abruptly ordered out of the very buildings they are here to defend and instead placed in parking garages or directed outside in the winter cold,"" said the Members.

""While it has since been reported that the situation was relatively short-lived and the Guardsmen have been allowed to return, the inadequate living and working conditions of the National Guard throughout the Capitol Complex are unacceptable.""

Johnson and his colleagues also volunteered their personal offices to be used as needed for as long as the National Guard remains in Washington.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-i-will-wait-my-turn-get-vaccine,Johnson: I Will Wait My Turn to Get the Vaccine,2021-01-14,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced he will wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine following a statewide poll asking when he should receive his shot. Members of Congress were offered early access to the vaccine, and the poll was intended to increase discussion about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine distribution in South Dakota.

Nearly 9,000 South Dakotans responded to the poll. More than 56% of respondents said Johnson should wait his turn to receive the vaccine, while nearly 44% said he should receive the vaccine now to instill public confidence.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-impeachment,Johnson Statement on Impeachment,2021-01-13,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released a statement ahead of the U.S. House of Representatives vote to impeach President Donald Trump:

""Last Wednesday was a tragic event in our country's history. Those who turned to violence must be held accountable for their actions, although political leaders deserve some blame, as well. That was true as violence rocked our cities last summer, and it is just as true now.

""But, a snap impeachment is the wrong approach. There is only one week remaining in the President's term. It is an act sure to divide our country, and Democratic leaders are making a mistake pursuing it.

""I'll be voting against impeaching President Trump.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-statement-counting-electoral-college-votes,Johnson Statement on Counting of Electoral College Votes,2021-01-06,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement amid the U.S. House and Senate counting of the Electoral College votes. Johnson will vote to uphold the election results that were certified, recounted, and audited from various states across the nation.

""Like many South Dakotans, I am frustrated with how certain states handle their elections, and in the weeks following the 2020 election, I supported the president's right to his day in court. Those legal challenges were filed in dozens of state and federal courts, but failed to overturn any votes.

""The Constitution is more important than my personal political views or my political popularity. There is no constitutional basis for Congress to substitute its judgement for that of the states and courts. There is only one sentence in the Constitution that addresses Congress's role on Jan 6. It states:

""The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.""

""The only person performing an official act is the President of the Senate, who counts the votes. Other than being present, there is no constitutional role for Congress. Congress is instructed to act as witness, not judge. I cannot seize powers not legally provided to me. That is tyranny.

""Our state would raise hell if the Nancy Pelosi-controlled House overturned South Dakota's election results for President Trump. Our founders knew well the grave risks associated with concentrating power in Washington, D.C., especially the power to select our president. They placed that power with the states, and just as I would resolutely defend the results of South Dakota's elections from federal interference, I cannot overturn the legally-certified election results of another state and its voters.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnsons-first-bill-117th-congress-set-supreme-court-nine,Johnson’s First Bill in 117th Congress to Set Supreme Court at Nine,2021-01-04,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced a constitutional amendment which limits the size of the U.S. Supreme Court to nine Justices. In recent months, there have been calls to ""pack the court"" following the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

""Since 1869, our Supreme Court has had nine Justices,"" said Johnson. ""We are living in a hyper-partisan world and Democrat leaders have already called for additional seats on the court. The control of the Senate hangs in the balance and if Democrats are successful in Georgia, we could very well see efforts to pack the Supreme Court. We must preserve the impartiality of the Supreme Court and setting the court at nine will do just that. My constitutional amendment is more necessary than ever.""

Johnson discusses his constitutional amendment in front of the Supreme Court.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z
https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases/johnson-sworn-second-term-congress,Johnson Sworn In to Second Term in Congress,2021-01-03,2021,2021-01,Republican,House,SD,Dusty Johnson,J000301,dustyjohnson.house.gov,dustyjohnson,https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following his swearing-in as South Dakota's Representative for the 117th Congress. This is Johnson's second-term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

""Today, on January 3rd in accordance with the U.S. Constitution, I'll be sworn into my second-term in the U.S House. The last few months have been a tumultuous time for our country, and we face real challenges in the months and years ahead. We have a China and a Russia that are not our friends, and they work every day to destabilize and weaken our country. We have an economy that is softer than we want and a pandemic that continues to rage. It will be the honor of my life to spend the next two years working for you. I will do the hard work. I will honor my oath to the Constitution, and I will work with all good people to do good and strengthen our country. Thank you for the opportunity.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:19:43Z