Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) has introduced the Furthering American Security by Tempering Environmental Regulations (FASTER) Act, a bill aimed at requiring future administrations to maintain and improve security measures along the southern border. The legislation focuses on reducing regulatory delays for border wall construction and related technology.

“While House Republicans and President Trump have taken historic action to secure the border, there is no certainty that we won’t have another president like Joe Biden whose policies created chaos at the border,” said Johnson. “Regulations often delay the construction progress, but my bill removes that red tape, making sure every future administration acts swiftly to maintain a secure southern border.”

The FASTER Act would direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to conduct biennial surveys of barriers along the southern border. These surveys must include an assessment of miles lacking proper infrastructure and identify any deficiencies in existing tactical infrastructure or technology, such as damage or unmet maintenance needs.

After each survey, DHS would be required to submit reports within 90 days to both the House Committee on Homeland Security and Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs. Reports would be unclassified but could include a classified annex if necessary.

If deficiencies are found, the Secretary would be authorized to waive all environmental reviews and legal requirements in order to address these issues quickly.

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representative Randy Weber (R-TX).

Dusty Johnson has represented South Dakota’s at-large district in Congress since 2019, following Kristi Noem's departure from the seat. Johnson was born in Pierre, South Dakota in 1976 and currently lives in Mitchell. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor's degree in 1999.

For more information about Rep. Johnson’s work, visit his official site.