Sioux Empire Today

The House Agriculture Committee has passed a reconciliation package from House Republicans, which includes several priorities of U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). The package aims to achieve $296 billion in savings while investing in Farm Bill programs that support American agriculture.

Representative Johnson stated, "The policies included in this package will benefit the fiscal health of our nation, as well as our producers." He emphasized the importance of provisions from his America Works Act, which seeks to ensure federal benefit programs like SNAP are more than just handouts.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) remarked on the package's goals: "Our section of the One Big, Beautiful Bill restores integrity to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides relief to farmers, invests in the future of rural America, and prevents the largest tax increase on American families." Thompson highlighted efforts to reinforce work requirements for SNAP and implement accountability measures to control costs.

Johnson's priorities within the package include:

- The America Works Act enforcing work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents receiving SNAP benefits.

- Adjustments consistent with Johnson’s bill that modifies age criteria for ABAWDs and dependent eligibility.

- Removal of SNAP eligibility for non-citizens.

- Addressing inflation by supporting farmers with rising costs.

- Long-term conservation investments without restricting producers.

- Ensuring fair compensation for beekeepers facing losses.

- Doubling trade program funding to expand global markets for American products.

- Enhancing defenses against foreign animal diseases affecting livestock and poultry industries.

Additionally, Johnson cosponsors the Secure Rural Schools Act, which offers vital funding for rural schools on national service lands.