Category: Dusty Johnson

A New Tax Season
By Rep. Dusty Johnson

As we all know by now, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted just about every part of life – federal government agencies are no exception. One of the most frustrating realities of this pandemic was the impact it had on IRS operations.

In the spring of 2020, the IRS was processing not only 2019 tax returns but the first round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) a.k.a. stimulus checks. However, in response to the pandemic and efforts to lessen the spread of the virus, much of the IRS workforce was required to work remotely, resulting in a lengthy pause in the IRS mail processing.

As of today, the IRS has started bringing more employees safely back into work, but they are still woefully behind. While we know the IRS managed to provide tax returns for the majority of 2019 filers and delivered over 100 million EIPs, not every eligible person has received their due payment.

The official 2020 tax filing window opens on February 12, 2021, so below are some tips to keep in mind:

• File 2020 taxes electronically. This ensures a quicker return and alleviates potential issues with paper returns getting lost or delayed.
• The sooner you file your 2020 returns, the sooner it will be processed.
• According to the IRS, any eligible individual who has not yet received either the first or second EIP should claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when filing their 2020 tax return.
• According to the IRS, any eligible individual who has not yet received either the first or second EIP, and is typically a non-filer, should claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2020 tax return by filing a zero-return.
• Make sure your information with the IRS is both correct and current. Visit www.irs.gov to create an account, change an address, update direct deposit information, track an EIP, and find additional resources.
• The IRS typically uses mail as the primary means of communication. If someone calls you, and claims to be from the IRS, be on alert as this is likely a scam.

As always, my office is here to help constituents as best we can. If you have questions or concerns about the 2020 tax filing season, please reach out at https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/.

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Scalise Joins Republican Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Authorize Construction and Operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) joined House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and 83 House Republicans to introduce the Keystone XL Pipeline Construction and Jobs Preservation Act. This legislation authorizes the construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and declares that a Presidential permit is not required. This legislation follows President Biden’s decision to rescind the border crossing permit.

“President Biden has initiated an all-out assault on American jobs, starting with his day-one decision to cancel the Keystone Pipeline. President Biden had a choice of whether he would support our recent progress toward American energy independence, lower household energy costs, and the creation of well-paying American jobs, and instead he sold out those hard-working families to appease the most radical left base of his party. Unfortunately, he chose to fire thousands of union workers, turn his back on our Canadian allies, and make our country more reliant on energy from countries that don’t like us, like Russia and OPEC nations. The truth is that energy made and moved in America creates good jobs, lowers the cost of gas and electricity for families, and advances American interests on the world stage. By revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit, President Biden has chosen the opposite path, harming hard-working families, and placing American energy security at risk, while forcing us to be reliant upon countries who emit more carbon to produce the same energy, thus increasing global carbon emissions while crushing thousands of good American jobs. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation that reverses this radical, job-crushing unilateral action, and instead stands up for American jobs and energy security.” – Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.)

“President Biden’s decision to stop construction of the Keystone Pipeline is catastrophic for American workers and families. Its impact on global climate change is negligible, but its consequences for workers, families, and energy independence are decidedly negative. Already, it has killed thousands of good, union jobs, and it could lead to higher energy costs for families and increase our dependence on dirtier Russian energy. At a time when households are already struggling, our immediate priorities are to protect American jobs and promote affordable energy, especially natural gas. What’s more, if we are actually serious about addressing climate change, we need smart solutions that provide cleaner energy at affordable prices through innovation, research, and technology. Eliminating the Keystone Pipeline will make both those objectives more difficult to achieve. Instead of eliminating it, we should embrace it. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation because it defends American workers and promotes a serious pathway to cleaner energy.”– Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

“The Keystone XL Pipeline is expected to provide approximately 11,000 jobs and up to 60,000 indirect and supporting jobs, generate tax revenue, decrease our reliance on foreign energy, and strengthen American national security and energy independence. President Biden’s decision to revoke the Keystone XL Pipeline permit is an attack on the way of life for thousands of people who rely on energy production to feed their families. The Keystone XL Pipeline would transport safe and reliable energy across our Nation, providing thousands of American jobs in the process and increasing our national security. We must do everything we can to see this terrible decision reversed and fight for energy policies that help move North Dakota and our Nation forward.” – Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.)

“The Keystone XL Pipeline is crucial not just for our energy industry and our economy, but for our national security interests as well. It’s devastating that President Biden would cancel the continued construction of this pipeline, which will destroy thousands of jobs, increase energy costs, and make our nation more dependent on our adversaries for important resources that we need. As our economy rebounds, we need to be doing everything possible to create quality jobs for families, while reducing the burdens they face when it comes to the cost of energy. Continuing the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline is an important way for us to do that. I applaud Reps. Armstrong and Johnson for leading the way in introducing this bill, and I encourage all members of Congress – including Democrats – who support good-paying union jobs, lower energy costs, and efforts to allow the United States to maintain our energy independence to support this legislation so that construction of this pipeline can continue.”  – Republican Conference Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)

“Millions of Americans continue to struggle due to the economic hardship brought on by COVID-19. The last thing this country needs are unilateral mandates and directives that eliminate jobs in the name of politics, like President Biden’s decision to revoke the Keystone XL pipeline permit. This pie-in-the-sky approach has already failed to address climate change risks in states like California and cedes control of America’s energy future to China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. We need realistic, all-of-the-above energy solutions that solve the same problems without hampe

ring our economy and energy independence. Thanks to Congressman Armstrong’s leadership, our bill will not only save the energy and construction jobs that President Biden cast aside on his first day in office, but also protect U.S. national security, keep energy costs low, and promote American-led energy innovation.” – Republican Leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)

“For years Keystone XL played by the rules and met its burden of proof, earning dozens of local, state, and federal permits. The rule of law shouldn’t be destroyed with the swipe of the President’s pen. Rep. Armstrong’s bill reforms this system and would save American jobs along the way.” – Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.)

South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson was on Spicer & Co tonight to discuss his efforts to cap the Supreme Court at nine, as well as his measure to prevent DC from becoming the 51st state. Catch it here:

A 51^st State Is Not the Answer
By Rep. Dusty Johnson

Over the last several years, there’s been a lot of discussion about making our nation’s capital city the 51^st state in the union. I think that’s a bad idea, but it’s supported by many for a few reasons.

Some support statehood for Washington, D.C., because they want to expand Democratic control of the United States Senate. I’m opposed to that kind of a political power grab.

Others support statehood for a different, more legitimate reason, saying D.C. residents deserve voting representation in the U.S. House and Senate. We all know the saying, “taxation without representation,” and while capital residents are represented with three electoral college votes, they do not get representation in the Senate. I do think that’s unfair, but I don’t think adding a new state is the answer.

D.C. is 68 square miles – that includes both land mass and water. It’s 95% smaller than our nation’s smallest state, Rhode Island. You could fit 1,130 D.C.’s inside the state of South Dakota. Let’s be honest: DC isn’t a state. It’s a city.

So, is there a compromise to ensure D.C. residents have representation in Congress? Yes.

My bill, the D.C.-Maryland Reunion Act, would merge the suburbs of D.C. with the surrounding state of Maryland – providing congressional representation to those residents without adding a 51^st state. The Capitol building and White House “mall” area would remain the District of Columbia and there would no longer be a need for electoral votes in the district since residents would become Maryland voters.

The idea has gotten some pushback from politicians in favor of D.C. statehood. But if we’re being honest, if this idea wasn’t about power and truly focused on providing representation to voters, then those same politicians would support my bill.

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Called to Serve
by Rep. Dusty Johnson

More than 20,000 of our National Guard troops lined the streets of Washington this week to help safely usher in the peaceful transition of power. It was a striking image to see firsthand.

After the violence in the Capitol, these men and women dropped everything to come protect the streets of America’s capital city.

Although most of these brave men and women don’t call D.C. home, they answered the call to serve our nation and agreed to be given a moment’s notice when trouble strikes domestically. They slept on marble floors in the capitol, dined on granola bars, and stood outside at the ready in winter temperatures for hours on end.

I had the opportunity to meet with South Dakota’s National Guard today. More than two hundred of our states finest have been stationed in D.C. for the last week. It’s not a job many of us would willingly sign up for, but these folks did.

Serving our nation is far from glamorous, and I’ll be forever grateful for the many sacrifices our service members make every time they put on the uniform. Especially this week.

From my e-mail Box:

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.

Sincerely,

Tested
By Rep. Dusty Johnson

Our U.S. Constitution was tested this week.

As you most of South Dakota now knows, on January 6^th, I voted to uphold the 2020 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. Legal challenges were filed in dozens of state and federal courts, but failed to overturn any votes. Despite claims, the evidence was not there.

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 the courts. There is only one sentence in the Constitution that addresses Congress’s role on Jan 6. In Article 2, Section 1, Clause 3 the U.S. Constitution 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 in the January 6 process. I cannot assume powers that are not legally provided to me.

I did not take this decision lightly. I heard from thousands of my fellow statesmen, friends, and long-time political allies. Ultimately, my duty to the Constitution is greater than any political favor voting against it may have provided me. Tough votes such as this one are never easy, and I can only hope this constitutional foundation does not fall on deaf ears.

South Dakotans would raise hell if the Nancy Pelosi-controlled House overturned South Dakota’s election results for President Trump, and I’m grateful we saw no such attempt on January 6. 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.

Congressman Dusty Johnson from Facebook points out that a Plexiglass Box has been installed in Congress so COVID-positive Congressman can come in and cast a vote for Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker:

 

How is your family doing?
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
December 31, 2020

When I am traveling across South Dakota I get dozens of questions a day, from the budget deficit to healthcare to national defense to agriculture policy. Over the last two years I’ve regularly used this space to address many of the issues most often asked about.

There is a common question asked by South Dakotans I haven’t written about in a while, though: “How is your family doing?”

Some South Dakotans assume we moved to Washington, DC, after the election two years ago. We didn’t, and never really considered it. My wife has a successful business in Mitchell, but we also wanted our boys to grow up in South Dakota. There is a work ethic, kindness, and unassuming demeanor in our state that I didn’t want my sons to miss out on.

That means I am in South Dakota every weekend, which keeps me better connected to the people I’m serving. I see South Dakotans when I’m at the post office, the grocery store, and attending school events. We have one son in high school, one in middle school, and one in elementary school, so we have most bases covered!

Like most South Dakota families, we’ve been impacted by COVID-19, but we are holding up well, all things considered. We’ve lost close family friends to the pandemic. We’ve had travel plans disrupted, had to consider the possibility of COVID impacts to my wife’s business, and had to be thoughtful about when we see family members. We also have a sense of gratitude, though, that we’ve been able to have the kids in school. Study after study is showing that students are learning more when they are in the classroom and we are blessed to have Mitchell teachers and administrators working so hard to keep the kids safe and in the classroom.

COVID has meant a lot more time together as a family. Our family likes hiking and biking, and we’ve done more of that in 2020 than ever. Twelve-year-old Ben particularly likes the outdoors. He shot his first pheasant earlier this season, and he is regularly pushing me to take him to walk a field or to shoot trap. He has a 28-gauge and he’s become quite a shot. I’m still the only one in the family that will clean a bird, though.

Fifteen-year old Max is a hard worker and a talented musician. Marching band and show choir have demanded a lot of time from him, but he still makes time to work a good number of hours at the World’s Only Corn Palace as a tour guide and cashier. Both Max and Ben are good brothers to eight-year-old Owen. Owen is energetic and funny, and enjoys building things and exploring the neighborhood on foot, scooter, and bike. His ping pong skills are fast approaching mine, but that’s probably not much to brag about.

It isn’t easy to have a father and husband gone half the time, of course. Jacquelyn and our sons have to pick up a lot of my slack when I’m away. I’m grateful they are good people who love this country and who understand the value of what I’m trying to accomplish in Washington. They realize that it isn’t just our family that matters; it’s the thousands of families across South Dakota who want a fair, reasonable, and freedom-protecting federal government.  Thank you for the opportunity for our family to serve.

Sacrifice is an American Value
By Rep. Dusty Johnson 

The Christmas season is a time of joy, thankfulness, and blessings. Families will gather together, give gifts, and drink libations. This year will look a little different though, and I was reminded as we sacrifice and keep our gatherings smaller this year, there are millions of Americans who have made that sacrifice willingly for generations – our servicemen and women.

Unlike us civilians, our servicemembers often don’t get to choose how many people can attend their holiday gathering because they are stationed overseas. Recently, my Rapid City office brought on one of these individuals who spent a better portion of his life dedicated to our country’s security.

Marco Padilla is a former Navy sailor and current Wounded Warrior Congressional Fellow. For eight years, he served on the USS Anzio, traveled the world’s seas, completed multinational missions abroad, and was awarded Sailor of the Year. There were many times he didn’t get to spend the holidays with his loved ones.

I’m grateful that the Wounded Warrior Congressional Fellowship partnered Marco with our office. If you haven’t served, you can’t fully understand what our veterans have experienced – Marco will bridge that gap for South Dakota’s congressional office.

As a former Texan and Washingtonian, Marco was ready to join a community like South Dakota – he says he was drawn to our state because of our entrepreneurship, resilient spirit, and strong sense of community. If there’s one thing we need in 2020, it’s strong community and friendships.

During our interview, Marco told me most people join the military not only because of their deep sense of duty to their country and public service, but to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to join a community of brothers and sisters.

I’m grateful South Dakota can now be that community for individuals like Marco, and I hope you feel that sense of unity too. As we enter the holiday season, know you’re not alone and we’re all in this together. And if you can, thank a veteran for their many sacrifices.