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.

Congressional Art Contest

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) is excited to announce that we are accepting submissions for the Spring 2023 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 First 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

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.

I was proud to welcome veterans from the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight at the WWII memorial. It's always an honor to meet our nation's heroes and thank them for their service!

It was a pleasure to meet with the Iowa Cattlemen's Association to discuss foreign animal disease and other important agriculture priorities.

I appreciate folks from the Iowa Hospital Association for taking time to meet with me about sensible reforms. We all agree it's critical to ensure patients have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Thank you, National Community Pharmacists Association, for speaking with me about the importance of independently-owned pharmacies and how PBM practices hamper access to affordable medications.

I had a productive discussion with the National Association of Dental Plans about how we can make dental care more affordable for Iowans.

In The News

This week, I joined Fox Business to discuss the influence that Randi Weingarten had on the decision to close schools during the pandemic and the lasting impact of those closures. Click HERE to watch the full segment.

I also joined Fox and Friends First to talk about the evacuation in Sudan, which has underscored the weakness of this presidency when it comes to foreign policy. Click HERE to watch the full segment.

Committee Hearings

This week, I questioned American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten at a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing titled: "The consequences of School Closures, Part 2."

I also questioned witnesses during an Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee hearing titled: "Exposing the Environmental, Human Rights, and National Security Risks of the Biden Administration's Rush to Green Policies."

Lastly, I questioned witnesses at Health Subcommittee Legislative Hearing titled: “Lowering Unaffordable Costs: Legislative Solutions to Increase Transparency and Competition in Health Care.”

Floor Speeches

This week, I spoke on the House Floor to discuss major flooding in seven counties in Southeast Iowa along the Mississippi River. My office is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to help.

I was also proud to recognize police K-9, Kilo, from the Indianola Police Department on the House Floor for making a drug bust during his first week on patrol.

Legislative Roundup

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

H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, and Grow Act, legislation to increase the federal debt limit and decrease spending.

H.R. 1339, the Precision Agriculture Satellite Act, legislation that requires the FCC to review certain rules of the Commission and make recommendations to promote precision agriculture, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1353, the Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act, legislation to direct the Federal Communications Commission to issue rules for the provision of emergency connectivity service, and for other purposes. 

H. Res 90, Demanding that the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Communist Party of China immediately release Mark Swidan.

H. Res. 311, Encouraging the expansion and strengthening of the Abraham Accords to urge other nations to normalize relations with Israel and ensure that existing agreements reap tangible security and economic benefits for the citizens of those countries and all people in the region.

I voted against the following legislation:

H.J. Res. 39, Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414"

H. Con. Res. 30, Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove all United States Armed Forces assigned to protect the United States Embassy, from Somalia.