Friend,

Helping families thrive in Iowa is a top priority for me – that’s why I’ve championed policies that help expecting moms get care, ensure new parents aren’t slapped with surprise medical bills, and increase access to child care options for working parents. 

This week, I introduced legislation to help increase the number of trained midwives in Iowa. With many women in rural communities having to drive an hour or more to an OBGYN, it is critical we are pursuing innovative solutions to expand maternal health care options. Increasing access to midwifery services will ensure we have more healthy moms and babies in Iowa, and help families continue to grow and prosper here. 

I’ll continue working in a bipartisan manner to keep Iowa the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Read on for more about my work for Iowans in DC and across the district this week!

Best,

The Fiscal Responsibility Act

President Biden and liberal Democrats in Washington are addicted to spending taxpayer dollars – they rammed through trillions in wasteful spending during their one-party rule, and would have kept going if our House Republican majority didn’t stop them.

This week, I supported the Fiscal Responsibility Act to cut spending and avoid a default that would have catastrophic consequences on everyday Iowans. It's the sensible solution in a divided government. The next step is ensuring we have conservative leadership in the White House and Senate that will follow the Iowa model of safeguarding taxpayer dollars and budgeting responsibly.

Despite having Joe Biden in the White House and a Democratic-led Senate, we were able to secure spending cuts and conservative wins in this legislation. Here are some highlights!

• For the first time ever, Congress is spending less than we did the year before on non-defense discretionary spending.
• It enacts consequential changes to entitlement programs, helping get Americans back to work, lifting people out of poverty, and growing our economy.
• It claws back $29 billion of unspent COVID funds, and slashes $400 million from the CDC’s Global Health Fund that sends taxpayer money to China.
• It cuts red tape and streamlines energy and infrastructure projects – one of the top ways to reduce inflation, grow our economy, and restore energy independence.
• It restarts student loan payments, requiring borrowers to pay off their student loan debts and saving taxpayers an estimated $5 billion per month.
• It restores regular order in the appropriations process and forces Congress to enact 12 appropriations bills rather than one, massive omnibus bill at the last minute.
• It blocks all of President Biden's attempts to raise your taxes.

Meeting with Iowans

Our 22 County Tour continued this week! It was great to seek input ahead of the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, make new connections, and hear from Iowans about how I can best serve in Washington.

Moretz Family Farm (Worth County)

I toured Moretz Family Farm in Kensett. We discussed their priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill and their leadership as young farmers.

USDA NRCS and FSA (Mitchell County)

I spoke with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency about ways we can make their processes more efficient to best serve Iowans. I appreciated the productive conversation as we work to empower Iowa farmers and landowners.

Protivin Fire Station Tour (Howard County)

The Protivin Fire Station is complete! After hearing from Protivin’s volunteer firefighters about the need for an expanded fire station, we worked together to secure federal funding to bring it to fruition. This community holds a special place in my heart and I'm glad rural Iowans will have access to improved emergency services.

Humble Hands Harvest (Winneshiek County)

Humble Hands Harvest is a worker owned co-op near Decorah that provides the community with organic vegetables and high quality meat. I really enjoyed hearing about their passion for locally grown food and how we can support farmers of all sizes in the upcoming farm bill!

Recognizing General Randy George

This week, I spoke on the House Floor to honor General Randy George, an Alden, Iowa, native for his recent nomination to serve as the next Army Chief of Staff.

He exemplifies distinguished and selfless service. It is because of brave Americans like General George that we can wave our American flag, speak freely, and practice the religion we choose.

Watch the full speech here.

Community Highlights



African American Museum of Iowa Groundbreaking

My team attended the groundbreaking for the newly renovated African American Museum of Iowa in Cedar Rapids this week.

Camp Tanager Ribbon Cutting

My team attended the ribbon cutting for the new pool at Camp Tanager in Mount Vernon. Congratulations!

Headline Highlights

Politico: Congress crosses the aisle on child care

Radio Iowa: Iowa's US House delegation backs debt ceiling deal

Oelwein Daily Register: D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers weigh in on wetlands, fentanyl, student loans