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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend,
It was another busy week in Washington, and before you dive into your weekend, I wanted to give you an update on what I’ve been working on for Iowans in the Senate.
Key Infrastructure Investment Means More Money in the Pockets of Iowa Farmers
After hearing from Iowans about the need for a dredging project to deepen a major shipping channel on the Mississippi River, I met with Assistant Secretary of the Army, R.D. Jameswho oversees all aspects of the Army Corps’ Civil Works program, including flood control and navigationto stress the need for the Corps to fund the project.
Following my meeting, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve helped secure critical resources for this project that will provide a boost for farmers and the agriculture community across Iowa.
The project would deepen the Mississippi River Ship Channel, a stretch of the river from Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico, from 45 feet to 50 feet. More than half of all U.S. corn and soybean exports, including those grown and harvested by Iowa farmers, are shipped through this channel.
Completing this project is estimated to provide an additional $71 million for Iowa soybean farmers’ crops, putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Iowans and helping to make our agriculture products more competitive.
Making ‘Cents’ of Washington’s Wasteful Spending
If hardworking Iowa families have to manage their budgets, we should expect the same from Washington. On the heels of the release of the president’s budget, which included my reforms to cut wasteful spending, I’m proposing a comprehensive package of much-needed and commonsense reforms to fix Washington’s broken budget process and create more transparency and accountability for taxpayers across the country.
On the Senate floor this week, I spoke on my MAKE CENTS Actwhich would codify these efforts into law and force Congress to actually address Washington’s spending addiction, get the budget process back on track, and ensure Iowans understand exactly how their hard-earned dollars are being spent.
Click here or the image above to watch my full speech.
Working Across the Aisle to Protect Troops from Traumatic Brain Injury
Following reports of more than 100 American servicemembers suffering traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the Iranian missile strike in Iraq last month, I joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requesting an update on their efforts to better prevent and protect servicemembers from TBIs.
More Work to Do
Last week, President Trump’s State of the Union address highlighted the successes we’ve seen over the last few years, including the pro-growth policies that have led to a strong economy in Iowa, and across the country.
While we have a booming economy and critical trade deals in place, there’s more work to do. This week, I outlined my efforts to continue supporting Iowa workers and families by pushing to lower prescription drug costs, ensure paid parental leave, improve access to child care, and remove additional trade barriers.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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