Northeast South Dakota News

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson joined South Dakota senators and the South Dakota Farm Bureau at Dakotafest to discuss several issues affecting agriculture in the state. The topics included the Farm Bill, conservation programs, agricultural research, and concerns about foreign ownership of American farmland.

Johnson stated, "Farm security is national security, and it is vital that the U.S. works to secure our agricultural land from the Chinese Communist Party and affiliated groups." He emphasized his continued efforts to support policies that protect South Dakota producers.

During the event, Johnson also addressed his stance on congressional stock trading. He said, "Members of Congress should not be trading individual stocks. Let’s be clear—insider trading is already illegal and there are former members of Congress sitting in prison today, including one following insider trading convictions. I still believe it looks lousy for a member to trade individual stocks as they cast votes that impact the market. My bill, the TRUST in Congress Act, would ban representatives from this practice and I am pushing Speaker Johnson to put this bill on the floor." Johnson recently discussed this legislation with KOTA.

In addition to legislative updates, Johnson recognized Vietnam-era veterans as part of a Department of Defense commemorative program that is winding down. This week he honored 41 veterans in Rapid City and 14 in Mitchell. "These brave men and women answered their country’s call to serve, and we owe them our gratitude," Johnson said. He encouraged those who served during the Vietnam era or know someone who did to submit nominations so more veterans can be recognized at future events.

Dusty Johnson has represented South Dakota’s at-large district in Congress since 2019 after succeeding Kristi Noem (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/J000301). Born in Pierre in 1976, he currently resides in Mitchell (https://www.dustyjohnson.com/about-dusty/). Johnson graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor's degree in 1999.