About (original) (raw)
In Congress
Dusty Johnson brings an energetic and optimistic leadership style to Washington as South Dakota’s lone voice in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a “policy guy,” he works hard to be a knowledgeable and value-added member on issues related to his committee assignments: Agriculture, Transportation & Infrastructure, and the Select Committee on China.
Committee on Agriculture – A recognized leader in issues related to rural America, agriculture, livestock, and rural broadband, Dusty was grateful to be named Chairman of the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee. Ahead of the reauthorization of the five-year Farm Bill, Dusty’s role will give him more influence over cryptocurrency, commodities, and rural communities. Dusty also serves on the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure – Dusty has remained focused on supply chain issues through ocean shipping reform, highway, manufacturing, and transit reform. T&I has jurisdiction over issues important to South Dakota, including railroads, aviation, pipelines, FEMA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dusty serves on the Subcommittee on Aviation; Highways and Transit; and Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Select Committee on China – Dusty recognizes the 360-degree threat China poses to all American citizens, our food security, and national security. His leadership prohibiting purchases of American ag land and ag businesses by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and banning TikTok on government devices led to his appointment on the Select Committee by Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI).
Republican Main Street Caucus – As Chairman of the caucus, Dusty leads a group of 70+ pragmatic conservatives looking to pass commonsense solutions in Congress. Main Street is dedicated to getting things done and is active in organizing support for bills.
Business Background
Prior to being elected to Congress, Dusty served as vice president for Vantage Point Solutions, a South Dakota-based engineering and consulting firm specializing in rural telecommunications. Vantage Point has more than 200 employees and helps rural providers design, build, and operate broadband systems in 40 states. Dusty is an expert in state and national telecommunications policy, especially Federal Communications Commission reform efforts and the transformation of the Universal Service Fund.
Public Service Experience
In 2004, Dusty was elected statewide to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. He worked with his colleagues to maintain a fair and reasonable regulatory environment, facilitating the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars into rural energy and telecommunications infrastructure. In 2010, Governor Dennis Daugaard asked Dusty to serve as chief of staff, the chief operating officer for much of state government. In that role, Dusty oversaw many of the Governor’s top projects and initiatives, especially those related to infrastructure and public safety.
Personal
Dusty grew up in a large working-class family in central South Dakota. He has degrees from the University of South Dakota and the University of Kansas. Dusty has been an active community volunteer, having served as a Sunday School teacher, adjunct faculty member at Dakota Wesleyan University, and president and board member of Abbott House, an agency serving abused and neglected children. He lives in Mitchell with his wife and three sons. As a family, they enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, and reading.