Security and Stewardship
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
June 12, 2026
BIG Update
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a comprehensive plan to support small meat and poultry plants — mirroring the goals of my Butcher Block Act, which was included in the House‑passed Farm Bill. This initiative provides $60 million in new investments and reduces regulatory burdens for small processors. These grants will help local facilities expand their operations and better meet market demand.
USDA’s decision to prioritize small processors is a win for both producers and consumers. America needs more domestically processed beef and poultry, and I’m glad to see the USDA implementing my plan to strengthen and grow American processing capacity.
Click here or the image above for more details
BIG Idea
Fraud drains federal programs meant for families, seniors, children, small businesses, and people who actually need help. We’ve seen the consequences firsthand in Minnesota, where funds intended for children and education programs were stolen from those who relied on them. This kind of theft of taxpayer dollars is unacceptable.
This week, I voted for two bills to better safeguard public funds from abuse. The Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act establishes a government‑wide watchdog to identify suspicious payments before any money goes out the door. Additionally, the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act requires federal agencies to assess fraud risks and gives the Department of the Treasury the authority to return questionable payments for further review.
Click here or the image above to watch Johnson discuss the legislation on Newsmax
BIG News
A secure southern border is essential to America’s safety. Congress and President Trump have taken significant steps to strengthen border security, and this week Congress approved funding, with my support, for the law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining that security through 2029. This investment also targets fentanyl smuggling, combats child exploitation, and empowers local law enforcement to help locate and arrest criminal illegal aliens.
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Policy positions aside, Dusty always was a workhorse for the party. His primary campaign was active and well organized, even though his ads and messaging could have been better. When he lost, he conceded gracefully and went right back to work as congressman. He’s demonstrating professionalism, and as a SD Republican, I wish him nothing but success in the future.
I hope he runs again.
The goal of expanding opportunity for small butcher shops is a good idea and I hope it succeeds. Farm bill is still stalled in the Senate I believe which makes it still 3 years overdue. That’s pretty pathetic! The huge amounts of extra funds approved for ICE brings up the question of what Congress is doing to address the murders by ICE of the two US citizens in Minneapolis last winter. The billions of extra dollars appropriated is all borrowed money, isn’t it?
What about the fraud in the White House. Dusty maybe Congress should look carefully at no bid contracts being issued. The biggest fraud happening right now is in the White House and how they seem to be spending tax payers money without any oversight from Congress. When will Congress finally find the courage to stand up to the fraud in the White House.