Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has voted in favor of the conservative reconciliation package known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill. This legislation aims to shield American families, small businesses, and communities from what is described as the largest tax increase in U.S. history. The bill now awaits President Trump's signature.

Johnson stated, "After struggling with the burden of inflation for the last four years, families and businesses are desperate for tax relief, and this bill has it." He added that the bill supports families, small businesses, energy sectors, and America as a whole.

Key elements of the package include preventing a historic tax hike for most Americans and businesses. It ensures no taxes on tips or overtime work while providing $6,000 in tax relief for seniors. Without extending current tax rates, South Dakota residents could face significant increases: an average taxpayer would see a 25% hike; an average family could encounter a $2,500 rise; Child Tax Credits might be halved for over 101,000 families; guaranteed deductions could be reduced by half for 94% of taxpayers; and small business taxes might surge to 40%. The National Association of Manufacturers predicts that without these extensions, South Dakota could lose 17,000 jobs along with substantial economic output.

The bill also focuses on border security by completing miles of barriers and enhancing surveillance technology. It funds "Remain in Mexico" enforcement and plans at least one million annual removals of illegal aliens while hiring more Border Patrol and ICE personnel.

In terms of federal spending reductions, the package aims to save $1.6 trillion over ten years by adjusting Medicaid eligibility for certain groups and removing SNAP benefits for illegal immigrants. It enforces work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents receiving SNAP or Medicaid benefits but exempts vulnerable populations like pregnant women and seniors.

Johnson's priorities included incorporating his America Works Act of 2025 into the bill to strengthen work requirements under SNAP. The legislation also promotes domestic mining to reduce reliance on China and allocates $4.5 billion to Ellsworth Air Force Base's B-21 program.

Additional measures support farmers facing high costs due to inflation and make long-term conservation investments without restricting producers' operations. Funding increases are planned for trade programs to expand global markets for American products while preventing certain Biden-era staffing standards in long-term care facilities.

The package restricts federal Medicaid payments to facilities conducting abortions such as Planned Parenthood and invests $50 billion in rural healthcare. It boosts defenses against foreign animal diseases threatening livestock industries like New World Screwworm and African Swine Fever while allocating historic funding updates needed by the Air Traffic Control system.