Progress Report
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
I’m back in South Dakota for the August work period. While I don’t believe Congress should be adjourning with so many critical issues facing our country, I wanted to give you an update on my work so far, seven months into my first term. I was sworn in when the government was partially shut down, so my term didn’t exactly start off smoothly. The shutdown lasted far too long, but ultimately, I was proud to vote for a bill President Trump supported that reopened the government and secured some needed funding for border security.
Even though the government was shutdown, our team hit the ground running. South Dakota’s congressional office was fully staffed in D.C. and in the state by January 3, and we didn’t waste any time getting started. We worked hard to get a seat on the House Agriculture Committee and eventually, we got that seat. Much to my surprise, I was also named Ranking Member of the Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition and Oversight. As Ranking Member, I’ve participated in subcommittee hearings on food stamp work requirements and asset testing eligibility. Not long after that hearing on asset testing and the abuses that are taking place, USDA issued a rule to reform this process. That was a big win for increased accountability.
When spring flooding hit South Dakota, my team knew there would be repercussions on the ag industry. I visited farms, toured damage zones, and hosted roundtables with producers to get their feedback. After hearing from producers, I introduced the FEEDD Act, which allowed USDA to move up the November 1 harvest date for cover crops on prevent plant acres. My team and I worked with USDA for weeks and I was thrilled when Secretary Perdue adjusted the November 1 harvest date to September 1. This decision was a win for South Dakota, and for all farm states.
I ran for office to work for South Dakotans and I always have our state’s best interest in mind – that’s why my first trip as a Congressman was to the southern border. I saw the problems first-hand and agree with President Trump – our border is in crisis. Our efforts have already secured more than $5 billion for the wall and $4.5 billion to address other issues, like humanitarian assistance, at our southern border. The president has asked for $8 billion more starting October 1, and I support him. I voted against amnesty legislation and stood by the president when he asked Speaker Pelosi to include funding for the border in appropriations packages.
Many of the bills I’ve supported have passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Just this week, the House passed the Autism CARES Act, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, and the Emergency Medical Services for Children Act. I am a cosponsor of each bill and hope to see them signed into law. Earlier in my term, I introduced the Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned I would have the opportunity to testify in favor of my legislation. I look forward to seeing this legislation move through committee and bring a much-needed fix to tribal schools.
It has been an eventful and productive time in office so far, but there is obviously more to be done. At our six-month mark, I had my team fill out a survey to see what I can improve on as an individual and what we can work on as a team. I’d love to hear that same feedback from you! If you have suggestions or think we can do better, please give us a call, message me on Facebook, or write in at dustyjohnson.house.gov. I am ready to get to work while I’m home in South Dakota and look forward to seeing many of you!
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LOL. Johnson has no clue what a statesman’s job is really supposed to do. Johnson really is as dumb as a box of rocks and a true modern career politician.