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 Those Who Serve

Ensuring the well-being and support of our Veterans and active service members is a critical responsibility for our nation. This week, the House of Representatives passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill to honor our commitment to our Veterans and ensure that we have the military infrastructure needed to keep our nation safe and support our service members.

As a 24-year Army Veteran and Chairwoman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I understand how crucial it is to have a fully funded Department of Veterans Affairs. The Department of Veterans Affairs mission, as listed on their website is “[t]o fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” That mission is one that I wholeheartedly agree with, and I understand the importance the VA has for so many former service members in our nation. This bill fulfills America’s promise to our Veterans by fully funding Veterans’ benefits and healthcare programs, including the ongoing effort to modernize electronic health records.

This bill also includes critical investments in the military infrastructure we need to bolster our national security and support our service members. This consists of building new barracks and child development centers, as well as other quality-of-life projects. Existing housing units will also see upgrades, and oversight of privatized housing will also be improved. Our overseas infrastructure will also be strengthened to ensure we have a sustained military presence to support our deterrence efforts in Europe and the Pacific theater.

Furthermore, this bill reduces wasteful government spending on social engineering initiatives that detract from the primary function of our military and are impacting recruitment and retention. For the good of the military, we should keep these politically divisive and controversial programs from distracting from the true purpose of our armed forces: keeping Americans safe. Aligning funding towards running a smooth and efficient military is critical to our national security and a step in the right direction for our country.

The brave men and women who serve our country put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and uphold the American values we hold dear. This bill takes care of those who have served and continue to serve, and ensures our military has the resources it needs to defend our great country.

Weekly Wrap Up

We had another busy week in Washington! Watch my Weekly Wrap Up here.

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.

Earlier this week, I toured businesses in Burlington. My first stop was the Beancounter, a family-owned coffeehouse and café. I spoke to the owner, SuAnn Wells about efforts to combat the labor shortage.

Thank you, Christopher Murphy for the tour of Burlington by the Book! We discussed extending key provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as well as the current labor market.

Earlier this week, I visited the Red Screen Door, a home goods store owned by Doreen Roy in Burlington, Iowa. Thank you for the tour and discussion about supporting small businesses.

I stopped by Weird Harold’s, a local record store founded by Danny Bessine, to tour the shop and discuss access to telehealth services and Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Thank you, Danny Bessine, for the tour, discussion, and walk down memory lane.

I also visited Sterzing's Potato Chips. Thank you, Craig Smith for the discussion on the importance of small banks in rural Iowa.

Thank you to the Burlington Partnership and City for the welcome and tours!

I visited the site of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine-Mulberry Health Clinic. I also had the opportunity to tour the new renovations at UnityPoint Clinic. Thank you to all who visited with me about combatting the staffing shortage and for the tour!

National Intern Day

I'm so grateful for the hard work of the interns in my office. If you are a young leader looking to work for my office this fall, please apply on my website.

Press Conference

I was honored to speak on important Republican wins this Congress during a press conference with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Floor Speeches

I recognized the contributions of the University of Iowa to the study of Astrophysics.

I honored the life and career of the indestructible Johnny Lujack, who passed away this week at the age of 98. My prayers are with his family as they mourn the loss of such a remarkable titan in our community.

Congratulations Pella Corporation for being named one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023” by Newsweek!

I spoke on the House Floor to remember the Burlington Police Department K-9 Paco, who passed away earlier this week. It is a sad time for the force, and I will continue to keep the Burlington Police Department and Paco, in my prayers.

I spoke on my bill, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill to cover obesity treatment in Medicare.

I spoke in support of the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, which would allow out-of-state children to access top-tier clinical trials, specialists, and care teams. Read more HERE.

Congratulations Annelise Bell, a student at Pella Christian High School on your recent Team USA placement at the World Championships!

I was honored to remember the life and memory of former Hawkeye football player Cody Ince on the House Floor. My prayers go out to his fiancé Olivia and to his parents Tammy and Marty.

I am proud to join Senator Joni Ernst on the Lead by Example Act, a bill that would require DOE and EPA office buildings to be set to the Department of Energy’s recommendation of at least 78 degrees.

I spoke in favor of the FY 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, And Related Agencies Appropriations Bill: These commonsense policies will help improve the VA and the military as a whole.

Committee Hearings

This week, the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic held a hearing titled: "Because I Said So: Examining the Science and Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates."

Legislative Roundup

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

H.R. 4366, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

S.J.Res. 9, This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken.

S.J.Res. 24, This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat and published on November 30, 2022. 

H.R. 1338, the SAT Streamlining Act, This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to revise its regulations that govern licenses and grants of U.S. market access for geostationary and non-geostationary orbital satellites.

H.R. 4470, the Protecting and Securing Chemical Facilities from Terrorist Attacks Act. This bill extends the authorization of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program of the Department of Homeland Security until July 27, 2025.