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.

Restoring Faith in Our Government

In the United States, our government institutions are entrusted with safeguarding the rights and welfare of citizens while ensuring the rule of law prevails. However, in recent times, there has been a growing sense of disillusionment and mistrust towards these institutions. To preserve the essence of democracy and foster a cohesive society, it is imperative to restore faith and accountability in our government.

Last week, the House conducted hearings in which two IRS whistleblowers came forward and confirmed that the Attorney General was not impartial in its investigation of Biden family members. Appointment of a special prosecutor, as many requested, would have assured some objectivity. 

The preponderance of evidence indicates Hunter Biden, with the full knowledge and participation of the then Vice-President Biden, leveraged his family name to receive business deals from China and other countries. This is an abuse of power, and not an appropriate use the Office of the then Vice President. If the DOJ will not do its job and complete a thorough investigation, then it is up to Congress to provide the accountability needed. Iowans want to have faith in our criminal justice system, and that starts with an equal application of the law. 

The politicization of the FBI has also become a major problem in the Biden Administration. The FBI has targeted parents who show up to school board meetings to hold their elected representatives accountable, targeted pro-life Americans who exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest, and rushed to investigate claims of Russian collusion, even when those claims were not backed up by any evidence. 

Yet when dealing with Hunter Biden, the FBI chose to go easy on him and gave him a sweetheart plea deal, leaving him unlikely to go to jail. If people in my District were guilty even a small fraction of what Hunter Biden did, they would be behind bars. 

An independent judiciary is crucial to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all citizens. Government must ensure that the judicial system remains free from undue influence and interference. A fair and impartial judiciary will go a long way in reinforcing our belief in the government’s commitment to justice and equality.

Many have simply lost confidence and serious changes must be made to root out the favoritism and double standards in the Biden Administration. Iowans should have trust in their institutions once again, and I’m committed to ensuring transparency and good government.  

Weekly Wrap Up

Another very busy week in Washington! I introduced several bills, welcomed President Herzog to the Joint Session of Congress, met with the Iowa Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, Iowa Renewable Fuel Association, IGNITE, and more!

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.

It was great to meet with the National Corn Growers Association this week and discuss ways we are working to ensure that ethanol remains a dominant fuel source for on-road vehicles.

It was great to meet with the Iowa Farm Bureau this week! Thank you all for stopping by to discuss Iowan priorities in the upcoming Farm Bill.

It was an honor and a privilege to welcome Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Congress and to have Josh and Samuel Lederman from Le Claire, Iowa in attendance as my guests.

Great to meet with Iowa Renewable Fuels Association this week. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your vision for Iowa’s energy future.

This week, I led the For Country Caucus meeting with Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud to discuss artificial intelligence and national security. I look forward to continuing to work with all of my colleagues to establish alignment on AI standards and governance.

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 toured the grounds of Nahant Marsh, a 382-acre preserve in southwest Davenport, to learn about their education programs for students and interns, infrastructure improvements, and conservation efforts.

I visited the South of 6 Business District and learned about their commitment to creating a space for small businesses and innovation in Iowa City. Thank you Angie Jordan and everyone at South of 6 Iowa City Business District for the tour!

We must support our small businesses. This weekend, I visited Adriana's Salon & Boutique and discussed the importance of empowering job creators. Thank you, Adriana, for the tour.

I toured Schebler Heating and Air. Thank you, Al Landwehr, Brad Zogg, and Iowa State Senator Scott Webster for the discussion on ways to combat rising health insurance costs.

At the Newton Speedway prior to the start of the HyVee Indy car races for the enlistment ceremony for Iowa Army and Air National Guard. Honored to participate and congratulations!

I had a great time at the HyVee IndyCar races this weekend. Great live concerts, food and beverages all here in Newton, IA.

Floor Speeches

This week, Congress welcomed Israeli President Isaac Herzog. May we always remember that Israel is an important American ally and a global partner in diplomacy.

I spoke in favor of my bill, the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023, on the House Floor.

I was honored to recognize National Parks & Recreation Month on the House Floor.

Congratulations to the 17U Six Pack Volleyball Club, a volleyball team from Northeast Iowa, for winning the 2023 USAV Junior National Championship in Chicago last week!

Last month the House passed my Resolution condemning the use of school facilities to house illegal immigrants in a bipartisan vote. This week, the House passed H.R. 3941 to officially prohibit the practice once and for all.

I spoke on the politicization of the FBI on the House Floor.

I spoke on the ongoing investigation into Biden family influence peddling on the House Floor.

Committee Hearings

This week , I questioned witnesses during a House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing titled: “Innovation Saves Lives: Evaluating Medicare Coverage Pathways for Innovative Drugs, Medical Devices, and Technology”.

Legislative Roundup

This week, I introduced the following legislation:

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act , legislation to address the growing obesity epidemic by expanding access to treatment options for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.

The Breast Cancer Patient Equity Act, to provide coverage for custom fabricated breast prostheses to the more than 100,000 women who undergo mastectomies annually.

Lead by Example Act, which requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set their offices’ air conditioning to 78 degrees, the same temperature a federal program recommends for American households. The legislation also calls on both departments to report to Congress what temperature their air conditioning has been set at since January 20, 2021, while these recommendations have been in place.

The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act, legislation to improve access to life-saving care for children with complex medical conditions. The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act simplifies out-of-state Medicaid screening and enrollment processes for pediatric care providers, while retaining key safeguards to preserve the integrity of the program.  

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

H.R. 3935, The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. This bill reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations. The National Transportation Safety Board is also reauthorized through FY2028.

H.R. 3941, The Schools Not Shelters Act. This bill prohibits using the facilities of certain schools that receive federal financial assistance to provide shelter or housing for any non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) who has not been admitted for lawful entry.

H. Con Res 57, Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel. The State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state; Congress rejects all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia; and the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel.

S. 111, The Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act, which requires federal agencies to provide short description in plain English when providing notice of rulemaking.

H.R. 813, The Global Investment in American Jobs Act, which requires Secretary of Commerce to conduct interagency review of US global competitiveness in attracting foreign direct investment from responsible private-sector companies in trusted countries.

I voted against the following legislation:

H.J.Res. 68, Relating to the national emergency declared by the President on October 27, 2006. Democratic Republic of Congo Sanctions. This joint resolution would unfreeze the assets of 65 persons and entities which have been sanctioned for destabilizing the Democratic Republic of Congo and allow them to access the U.S. financial system and do business with American citizens, including Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer who President Biden convicted by a jury at a federal court in Manhattan, of conspiracy to kill American citizens.

H.J.Res. 70, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 25, 2011. Would lift sanctions on 72 individuals and entities under the current Libya sanctions programs.

H.J.Res. 74, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 16, 2012. Would lift sanctions on 9 persons and entities who have been sanctioned pursuant to Yemen sanctions programs issued by President Obama and utilized by Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden. Including Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi and military commander Abd al-Khaliq al-Huthi.

H.J.Res. 71, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 22, 2003. Would lift sanctions on 207 persons and entities who have been sanctioned pursuant to Iraq sanctions programs pursuant to executive orders issued by Presidents Bush, and Obama and utilized by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden.

H.J.Res. 79, Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on May 11, 2004. Would lift sanctions on 664 persons and entities who have been sanctioned under Syria sanctions programs.