Dusty Johnson

On January 3, 2019, Dusty Johnson was sworn into office as the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's At-large congressional district. Johnson, a member of the Republican Party, succeeded Republican Kristi Noem, who had vacated the position to become the Governor of South Dakota. Prior to his congressional role, Dusty Johnson served on the Public Utilities Commission and had experience in policy and administration. His election to the House marked a continuation of Republican leadership in South Dakota's sole district, as he won the 2018 election against Democratic candidate Tim Bjorkman with a substantial margin. During his campaign, Johnson focused on various rural and agricultural issues pertinent to the state, and his background in both public service and policy made him a respected choice among the constituents. His entry into Congress was seen as the beginning of a promising political career.

In December 2020, Representative Dusty Johnson supported the COVID-19 economic relief package designed to assist Americans and businesses affected by the pandemic. The package included provisions for direct stimulus payments, unemployment benefits, and support for small businesses. Johnson emphasized the necessity of the relief measure to help South Dakotans who were struggling due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. His endorsement of the legislation reflected his focus on providing practical support to his constituents and addressing the financial impacts on families and businesses. Johnson publicly stated that while the relief bill was not perfect, it contained critical aid that was needed at the time. This decision aligned with his broader legislative approaches, which often prioritize economic stability and support for rural communities.

On January 6, 2021, during the certification of the Electoral College results, the U.S. Capitol was stormed by rioters protesting the 2020 presidential election results. Representative Dusty Johnson was present in the Capitol at the time and later condemned the violence and chaos that ensued. Johnson asserted the importance of upholding the Constitution and the peaceful transfer of power. He thanked the law enforcement officers for their bravery in protecting legislators and staff during the crisis. Following the event, Johnson called for unity and emphasized the need to return to civil discourse and democratic principles. His response was part of the broader legislative and national discourse on security, democracy, and the rule of law. Johnson's stance was to ensure that such insurrection attempts would not threaten American democratic processes in the future.

In March 2021, Dusty Johnson voted against the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion relief package proposed by President Joe Biden's administration. Johnson's opposition was based on concerns regarding the size and scope of the spending, as well as the inclusion of provisions he deemed unrelated to COVID-19 relief. He argued for a more targeted approach to addressing the pandemic's economic impact and criticized what he described as excessive and unnecessary expenditures. While acknowledging that parts of the bill were beneficial, Johnson and other Republicans viewed the legislation as fiscally irresponsible. This move was consistent with his fiscal conservative principles, advocating for smaller government intervention and more careful budget management. The bill, however, was passed and enacted, representing a significant legislative achievement for the Biden administration.

On June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion established in 1973. In response, Representative Dusty Johnson expressed his support for the decision, highlighting his pro-life stance and commitment to protect the most vulnerable. Johnson stated that the ruling returned the issue of abortion to the states, where it could be decided by elected representatives closest to the people. He applauded the decision as a significant win for life and advocated for further legislative efforts to support mothers and children. His reaction aligned with his longstanding positions on life and family values, which he promoted during his political career. Johnson also noted that this was an opportunity for the country to engage in civil discussions about life, rights, and responsibilities.

In the 2022 midterm elections held on November 8, 2022, Dusty Johnson was re-elected as the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's At-large congressional district. Johnson ran as an incumbent with a strong record in representing South Dakota's interests in Congress. His campaign focused on key issues such as agriculture, healthcare, and rural development. Johnson successfully defeated his Democratic opponent, maintaining his position with a significant majority. Throughout his campaign, he emphasized his achievements in securing federal support for South Dakotans and his efforts to influence meaningful legislation. Johnson's re-election reinforced the Republican Party's dominance in South Dakota, showcasing his popularity and effectiveness as a public servant. This victory also solidified his role as a prominent political figure in South Dakota politics.

On May 15, 2023, Representative Dusty Johnson publicly opposed a proposed increase in the U.S. debt ceiling. As part of a contingent of fiscal conservatives, Johnson argued that any increase in the debt ceiling should be accompanied by measures to reduce federal spending and address national debt concerns. He emphasized the importance of responsible fiscal policy and warned against unchecked borrowing. Johnson's position was part of a broader debate in Congress over government spending priorities and fiscal responsibility. Despite pressure from other lawmakers and the economic implications of reaching the debt ceiling, Johnson remained firm in his stance that financial discipline and accountability were paramount. This position reflected his commitment to fiscal conservatism and aligning governance with long-term economic stability.

On July 18, 2023, Representative Dusty Johnson introduced new legislation aimed at improving healthcare access in rural communities across the United States. The bill focused on expanding telehealth services, increasing funding for rural healthcare clinics, and incentivizing healthcare professionals to practice in underserved areas. Johnson emphasized that rural healthcare systems often face significant challenges, including limited resources and personnel shortages. By introducing this bill, he aimed to bridge the gap in healthcare access and improve outcomes for rural residents. The legislation was met with bipartisan support, indicating widespread recognition of the need to address rural health disparities. Johnson's initiative was part of his broader legislative agenda to improve quality of life in rural America and his ongoing advocacy for equitable healthcare.

On August 10, 2023, Dusty Johnson advocated for reforms in U.S. agriculture policy during a congressional hearing. His remarks emphasized the need for regulatory updates to address modern challenges faced by farmers and protect America's agricultural industry. Johnson highlighted issues such as modernizing crop insurance programs, encouraging sustainable farming practices, and improving trade policies to benefit American farmers. He argued that farmers are at the forefront of food security and economic stability and therefore require support through policies that reflect current realities and future potential. Johnson's call for reform was part of his commitment to representing agricultural interests, which are crucial to his constituency in South Dakota. His advocacy reflected his understanding of both the economic and social importance of agriculture.

On September 5, 2023, Representative Dusty Johnson discussed the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures in a congressional session. He acknowledged the increasing number of cyber threats facing both governmental and private sectors and emphasized the need for robust policy frameworks to protect national interests. Johnson advocated for increased funding and resources dedicated to cybersecurity infrastructure and the development of skilled cybersecurity professionals. By addressing these challenges, he aimed to enhance national security and safeguard critical information systems from potential attacks. His focus on cybersecurity was consistent with his broader legislative efforts to ensure the security and readiness of the United States in the face of technological advancements and evolving threats. This topic has become increasingly critical, with Johnson asserting that proactive measures are essential for future resilience.