In a sharp critique of local governments that flout federal law, Congressman Dusty Johnson (R‑SD) appeared on the podcast to discuss his latest legislative push: the No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act. The bill proposes cutting off Department of Transportation (DOT) funds to cities and states that openly defy federal immigration laws and fail to maintain basic civic order.

Johnson voiced strong concerns over cities that not only resist cooperation with federal immigration enforcement but also tolerate lawless behavior—including protests that lead to the destruction of public infrastructure. “It is insane to me,” Johnson said, “that these cities let people set up encampments, burn down buildings, and destroy infrastructure—and then turn around and ask Washington to pay for repairs.”

His bill is straightforward: if a city refuses to enforce federal laws and uphold order, it shouldn’t receive taxpayer-funded aid to clean up the mess. “We just are not going to help you do the repairs,” Johnson stated plainly.

Framing it as an issue of basic civic responsibility, the Congressman stressed that mayors and local officials have a duty to protect their cities and manage law enforcement properly. Allowing political fear or ideology to override this duty, Johnson argues, is not just irresponsible—it’s costly for American taxpayers.

The proposed legislation is likely to spark debate across party lines, especially as sanctuary cities remain a flashpoint in national politics. But for Johnson, the line is clear: “You can’t break the rules, invite chaos, and then ask for a government bailout.”

Transcript

**Sam Stone: **Talking about big hits, I want to go to a bill you've been working on, No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act.

**Congressman Johnson:**Sorry, go ahead.

**Sam Stone: **Oh, no. I think everyone believes now that it is needed that there have to be repercussions for these cities and states that continue to defy federal law.

**Congressman Johnson: **Yeah, it is insane to me that we have these cities that in total contravention from federal law will let protesters set up encampments, burn down buildings, destroy public infrastructure, and then those same irresponsible local governments will turn toward Washington and ask us to pay for the repairs.

I don't know how anybody can defend that approach, and I'm just not going to. And so my bill would say if you're one of these scofflaw local governments, you're not going to get DOT funds. We just are not going to help you do the repairs.

**Sam Stone: **Isn't this just – I mean, Chuck, this kills me because to me this is just a matter of simple – Civic responsibility. You're the mayor of one of these cities. You have a responsibility to maintain law and order and not put your city in a position where you're costing millions and billions of dollars because you're afraid to enforce the law.

**Congressman Johnson: **That's certainly where I'm at. I thought maybe you were looking for his response. Sorry.

Sam Stone: No, that's okay. I was throwing that to both of you.

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