Northeast South Dakota News

For an extended period, the United States has not established a regulatory framework for digital assets. Congressman Dusty Johnson believes this lack of regulation is not a strategy but rather a form of surrender. His proposed legislation, the Digital Asset Market Clarity (CLARITY) Act, aims to create clear regulations for digital assets, providing certainty for developers and consumers. Recently, the CLARITY Act was passed by the House Agriculture Committee with strong bipartisan support, reflected in a 47-6 vote.

Johnson asserts that digital assets and blockchain technology will soon revolutionize nearly every industry. He describes the legislation as "landmark" and emphasizes its potential to foster innovation and investment in America to ensure the country's leadership in blockchain and digital asset development.

In another initiative, Johnson introduced the Highway Funding Flexibility Act. This bill addresses issues faced by states like South Dakota, which have $29 million in federal electric vehicle (EV) program funding that remains unused due to restrictive rules imposed by the Biden Administration. Johnson argues that while more than $7 billion was allocated nationwide for EV projects, there are few EV chargers as evidence of progress. The act would allow states to reallocate these funds toward other priority highway and infrastructure projects such as road construction and bridge rehabilitation.

Johnson expresses concern over America's transportation infrastructure lagging behind countries like China and calls on Congress and the White House to empower states to invest according to their unique needs.

Additionally, recent events in Los Angeles involving vandalism, looting, assaults on law enforcement officers, and rioting have raised concerns. Johnson criticizes California Governor Newsom's policies for contributing to what he describes as vicious assaults on law enforcement officers. He stresses that these actions are not representative of protest but rather violence against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who are performing their duties.

According to Johnson: "Local law enforcement and ICE officers deserve our respect and support for keeping us all safe."