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.

Protecting the Freedoms of Americans

In the United States, the principles of free market capitalism and limited government intervention have long been considered essential for economic growth and individual prosperity. However, in recent years, Americans have been concerned about the federal government's overreach and its negative impact on free markets and the well-being of Americans.

While some regulations are necessary to protect public health, safety, and the environment, an excess of bureaucratic red tape can stifle innovation, hinder competition, and burden small businesses. To foster economic growth and individual prosperity, Congress should prioritize limited government intervention, promote free markets, and ensure a level playing field for all.

Since day one of the Biden Administration, Americans have suffered the consequences of misguided policies that have left hardworking families worse off than they were just two years ago. Through his executive orders, regulatory actions, and unilateral decision-making, President Biden has exerted significant influence without proper checks from Congress or the judiciary, even at times when the judiciary has ruled against the administration’s policies. 

This Congress, Republicans have worked tirelessly to find ways to limit federal overreach and promote a more streamlined, accountable, and responsive government that will help alleviate the burdens faced by American taxpayers while upholding the principles upon which our nation was founded.

Following our passage of the single largest deficit reduction bill in history, House Republicans passed key legislation this week to limit overreach and protect the rights of Americans. This started with two bills to stop the Department of Energy from implementing extreme standards that would have effectively banned the use of gas stoves in American households. With many folks in Iowa already struggling to support their families in the current financial climate, the last thing they should have to worry about is federal mandates in their own kitchen. 

I also voted to block Biden’s weaponized ATF pistol brace rule that would have violated Americans’ Second Amendment rights. The rule would have retroactively turned millions of law-abiding gun owners – including many disabled veterans – into criminals for simply attaching a stabilizing brace to their pistol to help shoot safely and accurately.

To limit excessive overreach moving forward, I also voted with House Republicans this week to pass the REINS Act. This legislation would require any major rule affecting the economy by $100 million or more to be approved by both the House and Senate before going into effect. No longer will Americans have to suffer the economic consequences of unchecked bureaucratic rule making and wait on the courts to determine government overreach (as we saw with WOTUS). 

Our efforts so far this Congress are a step in the right direction for all Americans, but much work remains to be done. I will continue to support legislation that ensures that our government remains responsive, accountable, and representative of the interests and aspirations of the people of Iowa and America.

Weekly Wrap Up

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 met with Iowa Broadcasters this week to talk about the future of broadcasting in Iowa.

I spoke with Amazon small business owners from Fairfield this week to discuss how their businesses are having a positive impact on Iowa Communities.

It was a pleasure to speak with folks from Paralyzed Veterans of America about their legislative priorities and the VA healthcare system.

I was honored to speak at the Patients Rising Now “We the Patients 2023” advocacy event in Washington this week. 

I attended an Army birthday cake cutting ceremony this week to celebrate the Army's 248th birthday.

20 County Tour

It is always great to meet with Iowans as I travel across the first district! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to Iowans allows me to stay informed about what is happening in their communities and what I can do to help.

I visited the Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience in Davenport this week. The SBA is providing Disaster Assistance Loans to residents and businesses in Scott, Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, and Rock Island counties impacted by the Hotel Davenport Apartments Building Collapse.

It was a pleasure to meet with folks from the ImpactLife blood donation center in Davenport.

I visited Red Cross this week to discuss their ongoing disaster relief efforts in Davenport. They are providing temporary housing and transition services, and coordinating donations and volunteer efforts to help residents of the collapsed apartment building.

Floor Speeches

I was honored to recognize Teresa Shymansky on the House Floor for her incredible work with her nonprofit organization Something Beautiful.

Committee Hearings

I questioned witnesses during a House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing titled: "Examining Proposals that Provide Access to Care for Patients and Support Research for Rare Diseases."

I questioned witnesses during a House Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee Oversight Hearing titled: "Care Coordination: Assessing Veteran Needs and Improving Outcomes."

I questioned CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky during a Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Hearing Titled: "Oversight of CDC Policies and Decisions During the COVID-19 Pandemic."

I questioned witnesses during a House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on "Legislative solutions to Bolster Preparedness and Response for All Hazards and Public Health Security Threats."

Statements

This week, I voted in favor of H.J. Res. 44, a resolution disapproving of the ATF's ruling on stabilizing pistol braces.

In the News

I joined Newsmax this week to discuss the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic and China's role in the WHO. You can watch the full segment HERE.

This week, I joined Fox & Friends First to discuss AI regulation, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing with CDC director Dr. Walensky, and the Congressional Baseball Game. You can watch the full segment HERE.

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

H.R. 288, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act, legislation to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions.

H.R. 277, the REINS Act, to provide that major rules of the executive branch shall have no force or effect unless a joint resolution of approval is enacted into law.

H.R. 1640, the Save Our Stoves Act, legislation that places limits on energy conservation standards for kitchen ranges or ovens under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

H.R. 1615, the Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act, prohibiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission from using federal funds to regulate gas stoves as a banned hazardous product, or issue or enforce a product safety standard that prohibits the use or sale of gas stoves or substantially increases their price.

H.R. 3099, the Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords Act, legislation to establish the position of Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the Department of State. 

H.J. Res. 44, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".

H. Res. 377, calling for the immediate release of Evan Gershkovich, a United States citizen and journalist, who was wrongfully detained by the Government of the Russian Federation in March 2023.