The One Big, Beautiful Bill
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
May 23, 2025

 BIG Update

I voted to pass the House’s One Big, Beautiful Bill, which is a strong, conservative package that prevents the largest tax hike in American history while saving $1.6 trillion, the largest spending reduction in a generation.

The bill secures our borders by finishing thousands of miles of walls and barriers and hires thousands more Border Patrol and ICE personnel. It also funds the enforcement of the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy.

By extending the current tax rates, the average South Dakota taxpayer will avoid a 25% tax hike, which would cost a family of four $1,431 more per year. Allowing these tax cuts to expire would also cost South Dakota thousands of jobs. The National Association of Manufacturing estimates 17,000 South Dakotans would lose their jobs and our state’s economic output would decrease by $3.1 billion.

The bill also implements commonsense policies to right-size federal programs. I’ve heard a lot of misinformation about Medicaid and SNAP benefits, and I want to set the record straight: this bill does not change benefits for seniors, pregnant women, those with disabilities, or those with children at home. The bill ensures illegal immigrants do not receive Medicaid and SNAP benefits, ensuring we take care of the neediest Americans first.

Additionally, the bill ends taxes on tips and overtime, decreases taxes on Social Security, defunds Planned Parenthood, and prohibits taxpayer funding for transgender surgeries.

BIG Idea

Buying a home in Indian Country is a challenge due to complicated bureaucracy in the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The BIA delays have hindered many tribal citizens’ dreams of homeownership. I’ve partnered with Senator John Thune on the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act to streamline the approval process for mortgages on tribal trust land.

This week, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian Affairs held a hearing this week on our bill. I had the opportunity to introduce Eric Shepherd, Executive Director of the Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority.

Click here or the image above for Johnson’s opening statement

BIG News

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifices our service members have made for our country. I got to greet another Honor Flight at the World War II memorial this week. More than 80 veterans, including two WWII veterans, were on this trip. I had the opportunity to thank them for their service.

Johnson greets Honor Flight veterans at the World War II Memorial

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(Editors note – Huge hat tip to KB for the photo!)

Caught wind of this ‘big fundraiser’ from a recording of this last week’s SDGOP exec board meeting that was sent my way. But as bad as it sounded at the meeting, this event looks much worse in execution as they advertise it in the Miller, SD newspaper:

The SDGOP’s golf tournament:

‘This is going to be the SDGOP’s big fundraiser? That they’re splitting with the Miller American Legion?   Must just be me missing the disclaimer required by law.. or the logo for branding the whole thing as GOP related?

Oddly, I’m also missing the raffle being noted and registered on the statewide raffle list as well.

After this, maybe GOP Leadership should start panhandling on the corners around Sioux Falls. There’s a good corner by WalMart on Louise.

I would wager that would be more lucrative than this.

Suck it pic.twitter.com/8ruAeJSum2

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025

Attorney General Jackley Announces Specifics For ICE 287(g) Partnership

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces the state Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is entering into a partnership with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Department (ICE) to enforce federal immigration law on violent criminals and illegal drug dealers in South Dakota.

“Providing DCI agents with federal immigration enforcement authority over violent criminals and drug dealers will better protect South Dakota communities.” said Attorney General Jackley.  “What I witnessed on the border reinforces my belief the additional 287(g) federal authority will strengthen DCI’s ability to take immediate action on illegal immigrants who are violent offenders or dealing drugs in our State. To be clear, I am restricting the use of this federal authority to violent criminals and drug dealers.”

Attorney General Jackley along with other State Attorneys General announced Wednesday, that as the chief law-enforcement officers of their respective states, they will seek 287(g) federal authority for their respective states and agencies. The announcement was made while they toured the southern border in Arizona.

There exist three main levels of authority under 287(g).  First, in relation to jails. Second, in relation to warrants.  Third, the task force and most comprehensive authority.

DCI has requested implementation in the Task Force Model which is part of the 287(g) Program. DCI intends to establish a Task Force Program headquartered in Pierre. Federal authorities would initially train DCI agents from Eastern and Western South Dakota to serve as 287(g) Task Force officers.

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Sioux Falls City Councilman Barranco to seek Republican Nomination for State Auditor

Sioux Falls City Councilman David Barranco announced this morning he is seeking to become South Dakota’s next State Auditor. Since a landslide 2022 electoral victory, Barranco has represented Southeast Sioux Falls, among the state’s fastest-growing and most successful regions.

Three times, Barranco has been elected unanimously to serve as Audit Committee Chair, and he is proud to have presided over an unprecedented three straight “A+” financial audits. Asked to summarize his accomplishments in that role, David said: “We increased the number of audits performed and simultaneously reduced total dollars spent. We found ways to cooperate with the city, increasing financial security while improving systemic efficiency. We devised sustainable innovations to uplift working families without imposing new taxes. In short, we got more for less and our credit rating improved.”

An attorney with 28 years’ experience, Councilman Barranco graduated from the University of Texas’ Law School and Plan II Honors Program. His wife, Catherine, is the Teenage Republican’s statewide adviser and a past president of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women. David and Catherine are blessed with two sons: Christopher (13) and William (10).

Known in political circles as a thoughtful, fiscally conservative problem solver, David is humbled to enjoy the support of many prominent South Dakotans, ranging from elected officials to business leaders to hardworking grassroots activists.

“We’re profoundly thankful for the great men and women who’ve pledged to back this effort, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.”

Toby Doeden is out in the field again this week with his text message polling asking if people like him or hate him, and who they might vote for if he was in the race for Governor:

Interesting that he’s dropped Marty from the field.. and not himself or Jon Hansen.   And there’s no word on whether he’s broken 4% in his own polling.

Elsewhere on the topic, Dakota Scout has the state’s biggest “No sh*t Sherlock” story today, and noted there are reports that Doeden is to “announce his gubernatorial campaign next week.” 

We will see how long that lasts, after last year’s entrance into congressional exploring abruptly vanished when this website noted that he had never voted in a Republican Primary before. 

So, of course, now that he has voted in one primary election, that means he’s qualified to seek the Republican nomination for governor. Right?

Rounds Urges Agriculture Secretary to Prepare for HPAI Outbreaks in Cattle

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins urging her to develop an emergency plan to vaccinate cattle against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The letter was co-signed by Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).

Since the most recent outbreak of HPAI beginning in February 2022, HPAI has impacted 116 commercial bird flocks and 26 backyard flocks in South Dakota, amounting to 6.7 million birds. In March 2024, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service detected HPAI infections in dairy cattle herds located on the Texas panhandle; since then, over 1,000 detections have occurred in 17 states, including South Dakota. Although cattle are able to recover from HPAI, producers want to be prepared for additional spread that may occur.

“While we fully recognize the sensitivities and potential implications of a vaccination strategy in cattle, we strongly urge USDA to be prepared for all potential options in the fight against HPAI,” wrote the senators. “This would include stockpiling vaccine doses for HPAI just as USDA does for other potential diseases of concern.”

Rounds has been a leader in the push for an HPAI vaccine. In January 2024, Rounds sent a letter to then-USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and then-U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai asking them to begin discussions with trade partners on HPAI vaccines. In March 2025, Rounds introduced legislation to require the U.S. Trade Representative and the USDA Secretary to negotiate with trade partners on a strategy for HPAI poultry vaccine.

Read the full text of the letter HERE or below.

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Dear Secretary Rollins,

Thank you for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) continued efforts to address H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in cattle and other livestock. We recognize that the first focus is on identifying and preventing these threats before they become endemic in our livestock production systems. Protecting the safety and security of our animal agriculture industry is critical to food safety for consumers and the economic security of our livestock producers.

With over 1,000 confirmed dairy cattle infections in at least 17 states, it is apparent that additional steps are necessary to eliminate this virus from circulating in our livestock herd. In addition to all the positive actions and funding provided by USDA to enhance biosecurity, we believe the next phase of USDA’s response must be to promptly review and approve HPAI vaccines for cattle.

We believe USDA must aggressively prepare for an emergency cattle vaccination strategy. While USDA’s decision to begin accepting applications for a vaccine trial is a step in the right direction, it is necessary for the agency to prepare for widespread outbreaks. Therefore, it is our view that USDA should expeditiously review vaccines and work to procure the necessary doses effective against H5N1. This will be a precautionary step in the ongoing, multi-pronged approach to address this animal disease outbreak.

While we fully recognize the sensitivities and potential implications of a vaccination strategy in cattle, we strongly urge USDA to be prepared for all potential options in the fight against HPAI. This would include stockpiling vaccine doses for HPAI just as USDA does for other potential diseases of concern. Again, we appreciate all the ongoing work of USDA to address HPAI as quickly as possible and look forward to working closely with you on this critically important challenge.

We look forward to working with you on this issue.

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Thune Commemorates Memorial Day

“[O]n Memorial Day we remember that our freedom has come at a cost. And we recognize that it is on us to live up to the ideals for which generations of Americans have been willing to give their lives.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor: 

Click here to watch the video.

Gov. Rhoden Announces Mark Wixon as BIT Commissioner

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that Mark Wixon will serve as the new Bureau of Information and Technology (BIT) Commissioner, effective immediately. You can find a picture of Mark Wixon here.

“South Dakota relies on leaders like Mark Wixon to maintain a statewide legacy of strength, safety, and freedom,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “He is deeply committed to public service and has been a valuable asset to our state through his previous work with BIT. I trust that Mark will bring meaningful, strategic insight to the table as we serve the people of South Dakota.”

Mark Wixon has over 30 years of IT experience and currently serves as the Director of Agency Application Support with BIT. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. Throughout his career, Wixon has served in various leadership roles at Black Hills Energy, including Sr. Manager IT Security Governance and Risk Management, Director of IT Governance, and Director of Business Applications.

South Dakota was honored as an Innovation Champion by the Consumer Technology Association earlier this year.

Wixon has a reputation for building strong alliances with business leaders by effectively translating complex IT and cybersecurity concepts into business objective-driven technology decisions. He has served in various volunteer roles at Black Hills Federal Credit Union and is currently the Chairman of the Board.

“I am grateful to Governor Rhoden for this opportunity to serve the people of South Dakota,” continued Mark Wixon. “My career in IT has been driven by the philosophy that innovative technology solutions can drive positive outcomes and enhance business performance. I look forward to continuing this mission and achieving great results for the agencies which serve this great State.”

Mark Wixon and his wife, Deb, have two adult children. Together, they enjoy traveling and spending time in the great outdoors.

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Thune Condemns Tragic Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum in D.C.

“My prayers today are with the families of the deceased, with event attendees, with the employees of the Israeli Embassy, and with all the members of the Jewish community suffering in the wake of this attack.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.