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.

Honoring Law Enforcement

In order to keep our cities safe and our borders secure, we need bipartisan action to dedicate resources to support law enforcement. Officers do their job because they are committed to serving and protecting their communities. It’s a selfless profession filled with brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect others and keep order in society.

Maintaining public safety is the key to thriving communities and our nation as a whole. When cities are safe, businesses are more willing to invest in communities to help them grow. In the last few years our officers have been constantly attacked and defunded in many major American cities. Progressive district attorneys are contributing to the problem by refusing to prosecute crime, leaving criminals on the street who are highly likely to re-offend. We’ve all heard stories far too often about serious crimes committed by people who have been arrested countless times before being let back out onto the streets.

The same goes for our borders. No one can discount the contributions that immigrants have made to American culture and our economic success, but the ongoing crisis at the southern border is unsustainable and must be controlled. We need to have a secure border, and a safe and fair immigration process for people who are coming to our great country for a better life. The Biden administration’s open border policies have welcomed and encouraged illegal immigrants, crime, and illicit drugs to flood across our border. Not only have these policies put our national security at risk, but they have fueled the opioid epidemic.

President Biden has actively undermined our border agents by reversing policies that had proven effective, leading to the largest border crisis in American history. Over 5 million illegal immigrants have crossed our southern border since the beginning of the Biden administration. Our border agents have been forced to prioritize the ports of entry, leaving large parts of the border open for Mexican cartels to easily transport over 14,000 pounds of fentanyl, enough to kill over 3 billion people.

Our law enforcement officers have been left with policies that leave them feeling powerless to do the job they selflessly dedicate their lives to. Whether on the border or in major cities, we need serious bipartisan police reform that holds bad officers accountable and dedicates resources to help good officers do their jobs.

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 appreciate the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association taking time to talk to me about how we can work together to increase options for women’s healthcare and combat Medicare fraud.

I had a great time at the “National Block Party” with the Iowa Association of Realtors this week! Thanks for having me!

I love catching up with folks from home while they're in D.C. It was a pleasure to meet with Warren County officials in the Capitol!

Honoring Veterans and Law Enforcement Officers

It was a privilege to lay a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Memorial this week in honor of our fallen officers. I’m grateful to the men and women in law enforcement who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. Thank you for all you do.

It was my privilege to join General Tommy Thompson on Monday in Des Moines for Iowa Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day. Our veterans devoted their lives to protecting our freedoms, and it’s our duty to honor their sacrifices.

In The News

This week, I joined Newsmax to talk about the ongoing crisis at our southern border. Click HERE to watch my full interview.

Committee Hearings

On Thursday, I questioned witnesses during a House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Hearing on COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic immunity.

Floor Speeches

I was honored to congratulate General Stephen E. Osborn on his recent appointment to Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. I wish him the very best as he takes on this important role!

In addition to attending Iowa Vietnam Veteran's Recognition Day, I was honored to acknowledge our Vietnam Veterans and speak about the importance of the event on the House Floor.

Legislative Roundup

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

H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, legislation to secure the borders of the United States, and for other purposes.

H.R. 676, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023, legislation to amend the Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 to require the Secretary of Commerce to collaborate with State and local governments and Indian Tribes on vulnerability assessments related to ocean acidification, research planning, and similar activities, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1715, the Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act, legislation to direct the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to conduct collaborative research in order to advance numerical weather and climate prediction in the United States, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1163, the Protecting Taxpayers and Victims of Unemployment Fraud Act, legislation to provide incentives for States to recover fraudulently paid Federal and State unemployment compensation, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, legislation to require coordinated National Institute of Standards and Technology science and research activities regarding illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel synthetic opioids, and other substances of concern, and for other purposes.