Northeast South Dakota News

This week, states became eligible to apply for support from the Rural Health Transformation Fund, which is described as the largest single investment in rural health care to date. The fund will provide $50 billion for workforce development, incentives for innovative care and technology, and aims to ensure sustainable health care access for rural residents in South Dakota.

Rep. Dusty Johnson highlighted the importance of ocean shipping supply chains for Americans, particularly those in South Dakota who rely on exports. Johnson is leading the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Reauthorization Act, intended to strengthen supply chains and address China’s anticompetitive trade practices. "The FMC Reauthorization Act passed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support, and I look forward to seeing it pass the House soon, so American imports and exports compete on a level playing field," Johnson said.

Johnson also addressed recent legislative actions concerning Washington, D.C., where Congress has oversight authority. He noted that under current D.C. law, individuals under 25 are considered juveniles—a policy he opposes. "Currently, under Washington, D.C. laws, a juvenile is defined as anyone under the age of 25. This means a 24-year-old accused of carjacking could be tried as a juvenile. I voted to change the juvenile age to 18," Johnson stated.

He further supported legislation aimed at restoring decision-making power to D.C. police officers regarding vehicular pursuits by reducing regulatory barriers imposed by the D.C. Council. "The bill I supported would put that decision back in the hands of law enforcement. It’s time D.C. lets officers do their jobs," he said.

Johnson emphasized his commitment to public safety: "Soft-on-crime policies protect repeat criminal offenders. I’m working to make our communities safer for everyone."

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). He was born in Pierre, South Dakota in 1976 and currently resides in Mitchell. Johnson graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1999.