April 23rd, 2023

WEEKLY SCIPT

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.

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House Republicans’ First 100 Days in the Majority

After 100 days in the majority, House Republicans have kept their commitment to America by passing 60 important pieces of legislation with over 80% having strong bipartisan support. Despite Democrat control in the Senate and White House, House Republicans have fulfilled our promise to strengthen our economy, hold the government accountable, and preserve American freedom, and we’re just getting started. 


On day one, Republicans reopened the doors of the U.S. Capitol to ensure all Americans are allowed inside the Capitol and afforded the opportunity to interact with their elected officials. We also defunded President Biden’s army of 87,000 new IRS agents and forced his hand to end the COVID-19 public health emergency. 


In addition to these conference-wide initiatives, I have introduced several pieces of key legislation to deliver results for Iowans and the rest of the nation. 


Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act


On February 24th, I introduced H.R. 1190, the Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act, legislation to close a loophole the Chinese Communist Party frequently exploits to conceal its role in lobbying efforts.


Iowans have a right to know who is funding efforts to influence their government officials. For too long, the Chinese Communist Party has taken advantage of loopholes in federal law to push their agenda, and that is unacceptable. 


Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act


On March 1st, I introduced H.R. 1216, the Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act, legislation that would require Institutes of Higher Education to counsel students before any federal loans are disbursed. Despite efforts by President Biden and Democrats to ‘forgive’ student loans, they are still a major financial commitment and should be treated as such. Before taking out federal student loans, proper counseling for students should be required. We must ensure our students are equipped with the guidance needed to make an informed decision and that they understand the process to pay these loans back. 


BID Act


On March 10th, I introduced H.R. 1557, the Better Interoperability for Devices (BID) Act, legislation to require the Department of Health and Human Services to review the interoperability, safety, and effectiveness of medical devices. With constant research, development, and innovation within the medical technology field, it’s imperative new devices are compatible with one another and capable of safely sharing patient data.


Biochar Research network Act


On March 17th, I introduced H.R. 1645, the bipartisan Biochar Research Network Act. Biochar is a black material produced from biomass that when buried underground sequesters carbon. This bill would create a National Biochar Research Network to test biochar’s ability to absorb carbon on a variety of soil types and to increase crop production. We can all agree that we want to leave a cleaner, healthier planet for our children and grandchildren. Our agricultural sector in Iowa is vital to our economy and biochar sits at the intersection of smart agriculture, environment, and energy practices.


Biologics Competition Act


On March 24th I introduced H.R. 1790, the Biologics Competition Act, legislation to require the Department of Health and Human Services to review the approval process for interchangeable biosimilar products to determine whether any inefficiencies or impediments exist in the approval pathway. Biosimilars are medications that are approved based on demonstrating that they are highly similar to reference medications already on the market. As pharmaceutical prices continue to skyrocket, we must do everything in our power to make lifesaving drugs more affordable for those in need. 


Next Generation Fuels Act


On March 30th, I was proud to introduce H.R. 2434, the Next Generation Fuels Act. This legislation would promote increased use of higher ethanol blends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health, and support agriculture’s contribution to the economy and environment. The Next Generation Fuels Act is a major step in ending America’s reliance on foreign adversaries for oil and will put us on the path to energy independence.


House Republicans have delivered real results for the American people in our first 100 days in the majority. We will continue to prioritize the issues that everyday Americans are concerned about. 

Visionary Award

It was a great honor to receive the Visionary Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology this week! I appreciate all they do to advocate for patients and advance the profession of ophthalmology.

Iowans in DC


It is always great to meet with Iowans while they are in Washington! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to residents of the First District allows me to stay informed of what is going on in their communities and what I can do to help.

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I appreciate folks from the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation stopping by to talk about their conservation efforts and priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill. Gathering outside insight is critical as we draft this important legislation.

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It was a pleasure to meet with Diana Perreiah from Arconic to get an update on their Davenport operations, including the number of jobs Arconic provides in the Quad Cities. I look forward to continuing our work together!

I enjoyed meeting with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives! We discussed their priorities, as well as solutions to the ongoing supply chain crisis.

I also had a great meeting with Iowa Broadband and Telecom to discuss distribution issues and strategies to build support for broadband.

20 County Tour

Talking to people at home is the best way to understand what's really important to Iowans. Speaking to residents of the First District allows me to informed of what's going on in their communities and what I can do to help.

I had a wonderful time meeting with the Clinton County VA. Our veterans devoted their lives to protecting our nation, and it's our duty to ensure they receive the best possible care.

I appreciate folks in Scott County taking time to talk to me about barge and train traffic along the Mississippi River and growing safety concerns.

I also had a great time meeting with the North Scott Rotary. We had a productive discussion about the WOTUS rule, Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, and much more!

In the News

This week, I joined Newsmax to discuss the recent IRS whistleblower claims and the ongoing investigation into the origins of COVID-19. Click HERE to watch my full interview.

Floor Speeches

It was an honor to congratulate Caitlin Clark and the Lady Hawks for an outstanding basketball season. Caitlin was an inspiration to those across Iowa and the nation.

Legislative Roundup

This week, I voted in favor of the following legislation:

 

H.R. 1151, Upholding the Sovereignty of Airspace Act, requiring and authorizing actions in response to the Chinese government’s global surveillance program, including the Chinese government’s use of surveillance balloons.

 

H. Res. 240, Condemning recent actions taken by the Russian military to down a United States Air Force drone.

 

Veto message on H.J. Res. 27, providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States”

 

H.J. Res. 42, Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022.

 

H.R. 1149, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act, legislation that requires the State Department to provide support for certain telecommunications infrastructure projects that have the potential to promote U.S. national security.


H.R. 734, Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act – Legislation to prohibit school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women and girls.


Sincerely,
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
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