Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD At-Large)

Note: This analysis uses AI to help identify potential outreach strategies for space science issues. Because it uses AI, it is important to understand the sources and limitations of this analysis. Space-related committee assignments (if present), and additional sources (if present), are from congress.gov and a direct output of a targeted web search. Opportunities, challenges, overall summary, and preparation recommendations are products of AI analyses. The biography uses AI to summarize key aspects of the member's Wikipedia page. All AI-generated claims, assessments, and recommendations should be independently verified. This is an experimental feature, and intended to provide guidance and inspiration for outreach strategies for your meeting. Feedback is welcome: casey.dreier@planetary.org.

Overall Summary

Representative Johnson's strong fiscal conservatism and consistent advocacy for federal spending reductions, including a proposed $1.6 trillion in savings, present a significant challenge to advocating for increased NASA space science funding, especially in light of a proposed 47% cut. His lack of a direct space-related committee assignment and limited explicit public advocacy for NASA science suggest it may not be a top legislative priority, and his skepticism regarding certain climate policies could specifically impact receptiveness to Earth science initiatives.

However, there are clear opportunities for engagement. South Dakota State University receives substantial NASA grants for diverse science activities, including Earth science, lunar research, and planetary defense, directly benefiting his constituents and local economy. His general support for STEM education, advocacy for technology and innovation, and opposition to government shutdowns indicate a preference for stable, impactful federal investments. Framing increased NASA science funding as an investment in local jobs, cutting-edge research, and future technological advancement may resonate with his priorities.

Preparation Recommendations

• Consider gathering specific examples of how NASA grants to South Dakota State University and contracts with Sterling Computers Corporation directly support local jobs, foster economic growth, and contribute to the state's technological infrastructure, framing these investments as fiscally responsible and beneficial to constituents.
• Explore how NASA's science mission drives innovation in areas like remote sensing, data analytics, and advanced computing, aligning with Representative Johnson's background in telecommunications and his advocacy for STEM education and technological advancement in South Dakota.
• Look into specific ways that Earth science research funded by NASA at South Dakota State University provides practical benefits for South Dakotans, such as improved agricultural practices, natural resource management, or disaster preparedness, emphasizing the data-driven scientific understanding rather than policy implications.

About Dusty Johnson

• Holds a BA in Political Science and an MPA; a Truman Scholar.
• Served as South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner, regulating utilities and broadband.
• Was Chief of Staff for South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard.
• Worked as Vice President for Vantage Point Solutions, a telecommunications firm.

Opportunities

• Local Earth Science Research: South Dakota State University (SDSU) receives significant NASA grants for Earth science research, including projects on Landsat imagery, global land surface phenology, and forest carbon dynamics, directly supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate. These grants are awarded to South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Support for STEM Education: Representative Johnson has consistently advocated for STEM education, evidenced by his office's announcement of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge in South Dakota, highlighting the importance of computer science and coding for future economic growth. This initiative directly engages students across South Dakota. (House.gov, 2025-05)

• Opposition to Government Shutdowns: Representative Johnson introduced the "Eliminate Shutdowns Act" in September 2025, stating that government shutdowns are detrimental to the economy and hinder government functionality, which suggests a preference for stable and predictable federal funding for agencies like NASA. Stable federal funding benefits local institutions and businesses that receive NASA contracts and grants. (Washington Examiner, 2025-09)

• Advocacy for Technology and Innovation: His background in telecommunications and public utilities, combined with recent statements on the transformative potential of blockchain technology and the need for regulatory certainty to foster innovation, indicates an appreciation for advanced technological development relevant to space science. South Dakota-based Sterling Computers Corporation holds NASA contracts for hardware supporting the NASA Langley Atmospheric Science Data Center. (YouTube, 2025-07; USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

• Local Engagement in Broader Science and Exploration: South Dakota State University's NASA grants include support for a balanced science program encompassing "scientific research of, on, and from the moon, lunar orbit, Mars, and beyond," as well as "planetary defense," demonstrating local involvement in a wide array of NASA's science and exploration objectives. This research is conducted at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. (USAspending, FY2022-FY2024)

Challenges

• Fiscal Conservatism: Representative Johnson has consistently advocated for significant federal spending reductions, supporting a "conservative reconciliation package" in 2025 that aimed for $1.6 trillion in savings over 10 years and stating that "cuts must be made to end systemic waste, fraud, and abuse."
• Skepticism on Climate Policy: Johnson has expressed reservations about certain climate action policies, stating in 2024 that he would not support a Farm Bill that "doubles down on some of those bad policies" from the Inflation Reduction Act, which included "Green New Deal type provisions" and removed opportunities for farmers to play a role in fighting climate change.
• Competing Legislative Priorities: Johnson's recent legislative focus includes securing borders, providing tax relief, and supporting agriculture and defense initiatives, such as securing $4.5 billion for the B-21 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in a 2025 bill, which may divert attention or resources from NASA science.
• No Direct Space-Related Committee Assignment: Representative Johnson does not hold any current space-related committee assignments in the 119th Congress, which may limit his direct engagement or specific advocacy for NASA's science and exploration programs. (Authoritative Committee Data)
• Limited Explicit Public Advocacy for NASA Science: While there are NASA contracts and grants in his district, the public record does not show recent explicit statements or legislative actions from Representative Johnson specifically advocating for increased investment in NASA's Science Mission Directorate activities (astrophysics, planetary science, heliophysics, biological and physical sciences) or exploration programs.