South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative anticipates a major undertaking with upcoming farm bill negotiations.
Republican Dusty Johnson said federal politics are more partisan than prior farm bill efforts.
Farm bills are negotiated every five years. The bipartisan package covers everything from crop insurance to food stamps.
Johnson hopes lawmakers can overcome partisan divides and a split Congress.
“They’ve always been strongly bi-partisan, but we’re not doing a lot on a strong bipartisan basis,” Johnson said. “I’m going to be one of those voices that says, ‘Listen, food policy, nutrition policy, ag policy—these are not things we should bicker about. Let's get our job done.'”
Because Republicans flipped the U.S. House, Johnson said he’s vying for a seat as chair of a House Ag subcommittee. If appointed, Johnson hopes to elevate South Dakota agriculture.
“If I get my druthers it's going to be a committee that has a lot to do with South Dakota,” Johnson added.
Congress is wrapping up the last few weeks of its current session before ushering in a new one in January.
