Honoring Ben Reifel
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
When Professor Sean Flynn, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, released his bookWithout Reservation: Benjamin Reifel & American Indian Acculturation, I was quick to snag a copy. I was fascinated by the story of the first Congressman of Lakota Sioux descent, Ben Reifel.
Throughout Ben Reifel’s career at the Bureau of Indian Affairs and for a decade in Congress, he worked tirelessly to further economic opportunity for American Indians. He celebrated education, hard work and self-determination.
Reifel was a strong proponent of the Indian Civil Rights Act and fought to ensure tribes received proper compensation for native land transfers. He was a leader in Congress on Indian Affairs and I am proud a South Dakotan carried that mantle for so many years.
My weeks in D.C. primarily consist of discussions, hearings, and meetings about national issues. I represent South Dakota but vote on issues that impact all Americans every single day. My few short months in office have been rewarding but every day I go to work with the goal in mind that I am here to represent and honor my home state.
One unique way members can honor folks back home is by naming federal buildings after influential figures from their own state. Congress has been naming post offices after extraordinary individuals since 1967 – it’s something both parties can agree on without much debate or red tape.
When it came time for me to name a post office in South Dakota, I could think of no one better than Mr. Reifel. That is why I filed a bill asking for Ben Reifel’s name to be added to the Rosebud Post Office.
He believed in the American Dream and held close his native heritage. His story and impact on South Dakota and tribes across the nation is one that should not go untold. It is my hope young American Indian boys and girls will see that name and realize great American leaders can come from anywhere, including the sacred ground they call home.
###
So this was his 1-minute floor speech about the 4th bill he’s introduced now more than 4 months as a member of Congress.
While his recognition of former Rep. Reifel is laudable, instead of doing something more than renaming a post office, why not introduce a bill with co-sponsors that promotes economic development on reservations?
Of his 4 bills, only one has any co-sponsors at all, none are likely to be taken up.
If he’s hired so many of Noem’s staff, including her then Chief of Staff and her Ag staffer, why hasn’t he taken up any of the bills she introduced?
His team seems to be dropping the ball and just not very active. It shouldn’t be that hard to find cosponsors when there are 434 other members to pick from.
He’s not the hard worker he talked about during his campaign, he then voted against the President, and he’s picking fights with 1st term State legislators; why type of person did we elect?
I think we were all sold a bill of goods that just isn’t what was advertised.
Shut up, Scyller.
Saying that Dusty is not a hard worker is just laughable! Also, this is a great book, written by a great guy.
What has he done? Where are the results of working so hard?
Anon 5:19, call Dusty’s office and ask what he’s worked on. This is what I heard:
He was a leader in getting the big “lands bill,” with his Custer County provision included, passed. Getting a bill passed (as part of a package) is unusual for a freshman.
He is an original cosponsor of the child abuse prevention bill that passed unanimously out of committee this week.
Leadership has made him a key leader on whipping freshman votes for USMCA.
He’s been named the top Republican on the subcommittee that oversees the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. I can’t tell you the last time SD had a subcommittee leader in the house. It’s an unusual honor for a freshman.
He’s been named to the national executive board for the NRCC. Also not a regular job for a freshman.
He’s been working on getting votes for his new resilient forests bill, which provides more flexibility for active forest management.
He’s done all this while being there for just 100 days. Given that he’s a freshman in the minority, I’d say he’s doing fine.