Friends,

Thank you for taking time to read my weekly update. Below you'll learn more about what I'm doing in Washington to support Iowans in the first district.

Energy Security is National Security

For two years, Americans have suffered the consequences of reckless and misguided energy policy. From day one of his administration, President Biden has waged an all-out war on American fossil fuel production that has contributed to record inflation and weakened our national security. Thankfully, last week I was able to vote in favor of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, which passed in a bipartisan fashion in the United States House of Representatives.

When the cost of energy goes up, so does the cost of everything else that Americans rely on. With an abundance of energy resources on American soil, we should never be faced with the decision between buying groceries and paying rent. Unfortunately, that’s a story we’ve heard too many times from folks who are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic climate. 

H.R. 1 is designed to fight back against radical climate policies that have halted production and led to record inflation. This starts with an overhaul of the permitting processes to increase the speed of construction on key energy infrastructure projects. From pipelines to transmission and water infrastructure, bureaucratic red tape has gotten in the way for far too long. Provisions such as repealing the national gas tax and reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will help streamline and simplify the process for American producers who often wait years and spend millions of dollars before breaking ground on projects that are critical to our economic growth. 

Iowa is the top fuel ethanol producing state in the nation and provides about a quarter of the nation’s ethanol production capacity. Our cornfields produce over 4 billion gallons of ethanol production in 42 plants around the state. Iowa also leads the nation contributing nearly one fifth of all biodiesel production and is the second largest wind producer in the country. H.R. 1 will support and protect our critical energy producers as we continue to lead the nation.

Until we can increase efficiency, it’s imperative that we take an any-of-the-above approach to American energy production. This means taking advantage of the natural resources available in each state, whether that’s wind, hydro, solar, or biological materials. This strategy will lead to lower costs for Americans and will help us achieve our strategic interests abroad. Energy security is a critical part of our national security, and it’s time we prioritize domestic energy production. 

President Biden's Veto

President Biden’s veto of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Congressional Review Act (CRA) proves his utter disregard for rural America. His rule will have disastrous consequences for our farmers, producers, and landowners across Iowa.

Both chambers of Congress made it clear we disagree with his WOTUS rule. President Biden made it clear he doesn’t care.

Reforming the CDC

This week, I penned a letter to healthcare industry stakeholders seeking insight as I lead Congressional efforts to reform and improve the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed years of consistent failures within the CDC resulting in a lack of trust among Iowans and others across the nation. It’s imperative the CDC can address public health threats, and, as it stands, it’s clear the agency is incapable of doing so. My hope is by engaging in a productive discussion we can work together to rebuild and restore trust in our nation’s preeminent public health agency.

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Congressional Art Competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation and in Iowa’s Second Congressional District.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students (9th – 12th grade) who reside or attend school in the First Congressional District. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, alongside winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. The submission period for the Spring 2023 Congressional Art Competition is now open through Monday, May 1st at 5pm.

Artwork Entry Criteria: 

• Rules for the Congressional Art Competition are available here
• Must be two-dimensional and no larger than 28 inches high, by 28 inches wide, by 4 inches in depth
• Must not weigh more than 15 pounds
• Art pieces are NOT required to be framed for judging; however, if your artwork is selected as the winning piece, it must measure no larger than the maximum dimensions and weight when framed
• Medium types include: painting, photography, drawing, mixed media, others (i.e. computer-generated art, collages, etc.)
• Only one entry per student will be accepted
• Must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws

Submission Deadline and Instructions: 

• Please submit a high-quality photo in JPG format to [email protected] by Monday, May 1st at 5pm
• Make sure to include a copy of the 2023 Student Release Form in PDF format
•  In the subject line of the email the following information:
• “Your name - Name of the piece – Medium”
• Due to COVID-19, we will not be collecting art submissions physically for judging, but the entry criteria should still be followed

Details regarding a reception will be sent to participants via email.

Please contact [email protected] or call 202-225-6576 with any questions

Legislative Roundup

This week, I sponsored H.R. 2434, a bill "to promote low-carbon, high octane fuels, to protect public health, and to improve vehicle efficiency and performance."

I also cosponsored the following legislation:

H.R. 2541, "To prioritize the hiring and training of veterans and retired law enforcement officers as school resource officers."

H.R. 2494, "To make the assault of a law enforcement officer a deportable offense."

H.R. 2451, "To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for certain freedom of association protections."

I also signed onto a letter urging House leadership to support the bipartisan paid leave working group, which may be found HERE, as well as a letter demanding an explanation for the Biden administration's decision to deny Catholic Pastoral Care from service members and veterans at Walter Reed. Read the full text HERE.