Johnson: Fate of tax cut extension relies on delicate negotiations

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ step toward right sizing government, congressman tells The Dakota Scout

South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson is hopeful the Big Beautiful Bill can make its way to President Donald Trump’s desk, but is warning more meddling could jeopardize its passage.

After narrowly clearing the U.S. House of Representatives, the White House-backed proposal that would stave off a federal tax hike faces a steep test in the Senate. But with Republicans’ slim majority in both chambers and continued consternation that the measure will add to the federal deficit, losing any support in House GOP ranks could hand Democrats victory in the high-stakes legislative showdown.

“I’m not going to get a bill as conservative as I’d like,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, we can make the bill a little more conservative. But if the Senate waters this down as some, like (Missouri Sen.) Josh Hawley, (Maine Sen.) Susan Collins, and (Alaska Sen.) Lisa Murkowski would like, we won’t be able to pass it through the House again.”

Half of S.D. cities saw population growth, while half saw declines