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Johnson to Chair Panel Overseeing Rural Broadband

February 9, 2023

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has been named Chair of the Congressional subcommittee overseeing broadband development efforts throughout rural America. Prior to joining the U.S. House, Johnson was the co-owner of a South Dakota engineering and consulting firm specializing in rural broadband.

“Few things will be more important to the long-term health of rural American than access to high-speed internet access,” said Johnson. “The 2023 Farm Bill will give us an opportunity to improve broadband access for rural Americans across our nation. As a subcommittee Chairman, I’m looking forward to playing a lead role in drafting the Farm Bill, especially those sections impacting rural America.”

Johnson’s panel, the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development, has broad jurisdiction. In addition to rural broadband, the subcommittee is the lead panel in numerous policy areas, including:

  • Crypto Regulation – Commodity markets, including those for digital assets, are regulated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which is overseen by Johnson’s subcommittee.  Recent failures with the digital asset space have prompted calls to address possible deficiencies in the regulation of cryptocurrency markets.
  • Farm Bill Drafting – The subcommittee will have primary responsibility for drafting two sections of the 2023 Farm Bill—Title VI (Rural Development) and Title IX (Energy)—and will assist with drafting numerous other Farm Bill provisions.
  • Commodity Markets – The CFTC and the subcommittee oversee numerous features of commodities markets, including exchanges, swaps, futures, and derivatives. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over the impacts of inflation, global conflict, and trade distortions on global commodity markets.
  • Rural Infrastructure – The subcommittee oversees USDA Rural Development and its investments in rural energy, rural businesses, rural housing, and rural connectivity. These programs have dramatically improved infrastructure in rural America.

“I’m excited to welcome this talented slate of subcommittee Chairs for the 118th Congress,” saidRep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture. “Their expertise and partnership are essential to fulfilling this Committee’s mandate of delivering certainty and prosperity to American agriculture and its entire value chain. We will serve as a check on the Administration’s regulatory attacks and advance science-based policy to strengthen rural communities. The revised jurisdiction of our subcommittees, the leadership announced today, and the strength and diversity of new and returning members lays the foundation for us to deliver for the American people.”

Johnson was also named to theSubcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.

Read the Agriculture Committee’s full announcement and find other Subcommittee Chairs here. View the full list of Agriculture subcommittee jurisdictions here.

On the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Johnson was named to the Subcommittees on Aviation; Highways and Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.

“Working on these subcommittees gives me an opportunity to continue improving our supply chain from roads to rail to air,” said Johnson. “Paired with my work in ocean shipping reform, I hope to bridge gaps in the supply chain to deliver goods to consumers and businesses on time.”

“The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is highly sought after by both sides because of the direct impacts these issues can have on people’s lives. Improving our Nation’s infrastructure and ensuring an efficient transportation supply chain are the types of improvements that can significantly better the day-to-day lives of our constituents. I congratulate and welcome all the Members who will serve on the Committee and our six subcommittees for the 118th Congress,” saidChairmanGraves.