Economy

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March 12, 2020 Weekly Column

South Dakotans,

I have added a coronavirus resource page to my website to keep South Dakotans updated on the latest coronavirus developments. Information will be added regularly, and you can also follow me on Twitter at @RepDustyJohnson or on Facebook at Representative Dusty Johnson for updated information.

March 11, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) applauded the U.S. House’s final passage of the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020. Johnson is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan bill which will reauthorize critical social and nutrition services for older Americans. Earlier this year, he saw the benefits of the program first-hand when he delivered Meals on Wheels to seniors.

March 6, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) commended U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Purdue who stated, in response to committee questioning by Johnson, that USDA was considering new Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) labeling standards for beef. 

March 4, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives approved $7.8 billion in emergency supplemental appropriations to assist the response to COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus:

March 4, 2020 Press Release

Disclaimer: The information below reflects CDC guidlines from March 2020. Visit CDC.gov for updated guidelines. 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today issued a public service announcement video following a congressional briefing from Vice President Pence on COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus.

 

Click here to watch the full video.

February 28, 2020 Weekly Column

If you’ve turned on the news in the last month or so you’ve probably heard this word over and over: Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19. 

This week, the president addressed the nation regarding the U.S. response to the outbreak. So far, officials have determined more than 80,000 cases globally – the majority of them in China. 

February 24, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address safety concerns following the USDA decision to lift a ban on Brazilian beef into the U.S. The U.S. suspended imports in 2017 following several public health concerns.

February 14, 2020 In The News

As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is a concept that is often lost in Congress, however, this week was the exception. Legislation unanimously passed the House that will work to protect our borders and our number one industry – agriculture. 

February 13, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today praised the bipartisan Consumer Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills Act (H.R. 5826), which passed out of the U.S. House Ways & Means Committee this week. Johnson is a co-sponsor of the bill. 

“This is a pro-patient bill,” said Johnson. “When families are faced with a medical crisis, the last thing you want to receive is a surprise bill in the mail. Patients deserve transparency and that is exactly what this bill delivers.”

February 4, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today issued a statement following the president’s 2020 State of the Union Address to Congress:

February 3, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today issued the following video statement ahead of the president’s State of the Union address:

Click here to watch the video. Remarks as prepared below:

I expect the President to talk about four things:

First, that we’re a safer world after the death of General Qasem Soleimani, the world’s deadliest terrorist.

January 30, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Darren Soto (D-FL) today introduced the Food Safety Modernization for Innovative Technologies Act, a bill which would formalize a regulatory framework for food derived from cell-cultured technology.

January 29, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today attended the signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement at the White House.

“USMCA is the win for producers we’ve been working towards for nearly two years,” said Johnson. “South Dakota’s farmers want a level playing field, and that’s exactly what this free trade agreement provides. I was proud to stand by the president during today’s signing of the USMCA, and I look forward to seeing the added jobs and trade opportunities this agreement will bring to our nation’s economy.”

January 27, 2020 In The News

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Representative Dusty Johnson says this is a difficult time for farmers.

The past few weeks, Johnson has been traveling across South Dakota talking to producers and hearing their concerns. He says we are in the fifth year of declining farm revenue and that Chinese tariffs on commodities like soybeans have put a strain on farmers.

January 15, 2020 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement after the president signed the United States-China Phase One trade agreement today:

“The Phase One U.S.-China trade agreement is a step in the right direction,” said Johnson. “Producers want certainty and China needs to play fair - this agreement hits the mark on both fronts. This China agreement paired with the USMCA are the wins our producers need.”

January 6, 2020 In The News

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson learned about the towering accomplishments of Yankton’s Ehresmann Engineering during a special presentation and tour of the factory Monday.

The engineering firm specializes in communication tower design, engineering and manufacturing. Many of its cell towers are disguised to look like flag poles or pine trees as many townships now require some sort of cell-tower camouflage.

December 11, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, legislation authored by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) was included in the House passed National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1790).

December 4, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) finalized a rule impacting able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits. This rule significantly reduces waivers, requiring ABAWDs to enroll in a training program, pursue higher education, or seek employment in order to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. U.S.

November 26, 2019 In The News

Congressman Dusty Johnson is highlighting the importance of the Meals on Wheels program.

Johnson says just in Sioux Falls, 450 people rely on Meals on Wheels for food each day.

He says while it’s important local, state and federal governments support these programs, he is also calling on everyone in the community to help.

November 22, 2019 Weekly Column

 

November 18, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the Trump administration for approving a major disaster declaration for several South Dakota counties, including Aurora, Brookings, Brule, Charles Mix, Davison, Douglas, Gregory, Hanson, Hutchinson, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Sanborn, Turner, Union, and Yankton, and the Yankton Indian Reservation and Flandreau Santee Indian Reservation following severe flooding and tornadoes from September 9-26.

November 18, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), and Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN) today introduced the Worker’s Choice Act, which would amend the National Labor Relations Act to empower employees in a unionized workplace to independently negotiate their employment terms with their employer.

November 5, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) cosponsored the Real Marketing Edible Artificial Truthfully (MEAT) Act of 2019, to address imitation meat and to establish a federal definition of beef that applies to food labels.

“A plant-based creation isn’t the same as South Dakota beef,” said Rep. Johnson. “It’s to the benefit of consumers and producers alike when folks have a better understanding of where their food comes from—the Real MEAT Act would provide the transparency Americans deserve.”

October 31, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued the following statement following the U.S. House of Representatives formal vote on the impeachment inquiry:

“I voted against the impeachment resolution,” said Johnson. “The process it establishes doesn’t provide the transparency and fairness we need. It concentrates power in the hands of Adam Schiff, who is given a veto over Republican efforts to call witnesses and subpoena records.  A tainted impeachment process does not better us as a nation.”

October 30, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to President Trump in support of Gov.

October 28, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Cost Benefit Improvement Act to formalize the office of the Chief Economist at the CFTC and require the Commission to assess the cost and benefits of any Commission actions or added regulations. The House Agriculture Committee will consider this legislation on Wednesday during the markup of the CFTC reauthorization.

October 24, 2019 In The News

Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Liz Cheney (R-WY), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, a bill that would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training.

October 23, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voiced support following notice of a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Integrity Act of 2019, a bill that Johnson introduced along with Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN). The hearing will examine the Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Refinery Exemption waivers and mismanagement of the RFS program.

October 22, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Liz Cheney (R-WY), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, a bill that would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training. Cattle Association’s and educators had the following to say:

American Farm Bureau Federation, Scott VanderWal, Vice President:

October 21, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Liz Cheney (R-WY), and Frank Lucas (R-OK), introduced the Livestock Risk Management and Education Act, a bill that would provide grants to certain state land-grant universities to better equip livestock producers with risk management training.

October 20, 2019 In The News

A partial breakthrough in the on-going trade dispute with China.

That country has now agreed to once again allow U-S poultry products to be sold in the country ending a five year ban following an outbreak of Avian Flu in 2014.

U-S trade representatives say this development could lead to $1 billion in U-S poultry exports to China over the next year.

The news of the poultry market breakthrough is a good sign for the nation and South Dakota.

October 1, 2019 Weekly Column

This won’t be new news to you, but Congress sure has a hard time sticking to a budget. Let me back up – Congress has a hard time even creating a budget and many hardworking Americans, including our nation’s military, could end up paying the price.

September 19, 2019 Press Release

Click here to watch the full speech. 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today spoke on the U.S. House of Representatives Floor regarding an ongoing investigation into the cattle market.

Johnson’s Remarks Below:

“Mr. Speaker, this is a town where some investigations last for years and sometimes cost millions.

September 18, 2019 Press Release

Click here to watch the full speech.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today repeated his support for the United States Mexico Canada Agreement on the U.S. House Floor.

Johnson’s remarks below:

“Mr. Speaker, it’s time.

“It’s time for Congress to pass the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement: the USMCA. This is not, as many of you know, a new issue.

September 13, 2019 Press Release

By Rep. Dusty Johnson

September 6, 2019 Weekly Column

School is back in session, which means so is Congress. I spent the last six weeks in South Dakota for the summer in-state work period. I’ve said it before – I don’t think Congress needs a six-week break. We have work to do in Washington. However, my time spent in the state was valuable. When Congress is in session, I typically try to cram my weekends full of meetings and visits with constituents or local businesses, so it was refreshing to have more time to meet with many of the community leaders and constituents I haven’t sat down with yet. 

August 9, 2019 In The News

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson was in Aberdeen for a town hall-style event at the Twist Cone.

His event, called “Inside Scoop with Dusty” drew a crowd of about 40.

Earlier in the day Johnson met with a group of constituents at Aberdeen Development Corp. and toured Avera St. Luke’s Hospital.

 

Residents asked Johnson a variety of questions. The following is a sample of the answers he gave.

July 23, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a proposed rule to rein in an egregiously abused process that confers eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to households who receive nominal services or support from other social safety net programs, a pathway often referred to as Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE). After the announcement, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member K.

July 12, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) issued a statement following the U.S. House of Representatives passage of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, a bill which Rep. Johnson cosponsored earlier this year. Rep. Johnson was a member of the whip team that secured votes for passage.

July 2, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and House Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) urged the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to properly assess the impact of proposed amendments to fireworks regulations in the United States. The proposed CPSC changes would decrease the availability of consumer fireworks and ultimately hurt small businesses in South Dakota.

July 1, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (SD-AL) and David Trone (D-MD) announced the introduction of the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2019, a bill that would assist institutions of higher education in implementing evidence-based programs to prevent alcohol and substance misuse on campus and support those with substance use disorders (SUDs). Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), John Joyce (R-PA), Lucy McBath (D-GA), and Michael Guest (R-MS) joined Johnson and Trone in introducing the bill. 

June 21, 2019 Weekly Column

Our national debt is higher than ever at $22 trillion. I am a conservative for a few reasons, which include keeping the government small and taxes low. If those reasons are to ring true, then we must limit our spending and ensure our tax dollars are being spent wisely. Neglecting our values gave us the deficit we have today.

June 20, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement which would adjust the November 1st harvest date for cover crop on prevent plant acres to September 1st.

June 12, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON - After U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R - SD) and Angie Craig (D - MN) introduced the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters (FEEDD) Act earlier this week, local and national support has continued to build for this bipartisan effort to give farmers and ranchers additional emergency flexibility and help alleviate feed concerns.

June 12, 2019 Press Release

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to President Trump in support of Oglala Sioux Tribe President Julian Bear Runner’s request for a major disaster declaration for the Pine Ridge Reservation following severe winter storms and flooding that occurred March 13 through March 26, 2019.     

June 12, 2019 In The News

A newly introduced bill could help alleviate feed shortages.

"Across the state of South Dakota and really nationwide have experienced a spring in which excess moisture has been a problem," vice president of South Dakota Corn Growers Association, farms in McCook County, Scott Stahl said.

June 12, 2019 In The News

Representatives Dusty Johnson of South Dakota and Angie Craig of Minnesota have introduced the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters or FEEDD Act. The legislation gives farmers and ranchers additional flexibility to help alleviate feed shortages during planting seasons due to drought or with high levels of prevent plant due to extreme moisture. Johnson says the bill would force the Risk Management Agency to make the policy change.

NCBA Policy Division Vice Chairman Todd Wilkinson says the bill is badly needed with excessive rain and flooding in the Midwest this spring.

June 11, 2019 In The News

McCOOK COUNTY, S.D.  (KELO) - From a wet, muddy calving season to soggy fields, this spring has been anything but easy for farmers and ranchers. Now a new bill could hopefully relieve some of their stress.

U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson and Angie Craig introduced the bipartisan FEEDD Act, which stands for Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act.

June 10, 2019 Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and Angie Craig (D-MN-02) introduced the bipartisan Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act). The FEEDD Act will provide farmers and ranchers additional emergency flexibility to help alleviate feed shortages during planting seasons with high levels of prevent plant due to extreme moisture or drought.

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