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.

This week, as we reflect on everything that we are grateful for, let us also take a moment to remember our men and women in uniform and their unwavering commitment to our nation’s safety. I hope you and your families have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Budgeting for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings. While each of us have our own unique traditions to look forward to this season, it has been a long-standing tradition to gather with friends and family to enjoy fellowship and a plentiful meal. But this year, as we plan to set our tables, it is impossible to ignore the rise of prices across the board. 

Sauces and gravies are up 7.5%, the price of beef has been on a steady incline and has increased by 7.0% from September 2022 to September 2023. The price of flour is up 3.2% and rolls are up 5.7%.

But the price increases don’t stop at the grocery store. Earlier this year, it was announced that car insurance is up 19%, which is the biggest annual increase since 1976. 

Compared to two years ago, Americans are spending $709 more per month on necessary goods and services. The only point in history when credit card, auto loan, and consumer loan delinquencies were higher than they are now, was during the Great Depression. The skyrocketing prices are a direct result of President Biden’s failed economic agenda, which has real consequences for American families. 

The increased inflation rates are evident, now more than ever, as we prepare for the holidays. For families struggling to balance their budgets in addition to working to set their tables this year, please know that I am working to ensure that we can find financial relief, specifically at our pharmacy counters. 

This year, I introduced the “Share the Savings with Seniors Act,” legislation that dispenses rebates directly to seniors with chronic medical conditions. The legislation also works to ensure that our seniors can find financial relief without sacrificing the quality of their medications. 

I’ve also introduced the “Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Act” or the “DRUG Act,” which puts downward pressure on prescription drug prices and insurance premiums by removing the incentive for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to drive up the list price of a medication.

These bills are one step forward to provide savings for our families, but we have a lot of work to do to even scratch the surface of reversing the damage of the Biden economic debacle. 

As we prepare to set our tables for Thanksgiving and as we inevitably adjust our budgets, know that I will continue to fight for financial relief for your families. I do not take my role as your representative lightly, and I am forever grateful to serve the families of Iowa’s First Congressional District.

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.

Thank you to the members of the Iowa Medical Society for stopping by to discuss rural healthcare and Medicare reimbursement.

I was delighted to participate in the Inauguration of the Congressional Hindu Caucus with Shalli Kumar of the Quad Cities and his family. Amazing attendance from across the country.

I met with representatives from Farm Credit Services to discuss our shared support for rural communities and a strong Farm Bill.

Thank you to the representatives from Procter & Gamble for meeting with me this week to discuss the P&G facility in Iowa's First Congressional District and the jobs that the facility brings to our community.

March for Israel

I was proud to join the tens of thousands of people gathered on the National Mall during the March for Israel.

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.

There was a great turnout in Keosaqua for the Van Buren County Veterans Dinner. It was fun seeing so many familiar faces and speaking about the bills we’ve passed and introduced.

I was delighted to present a Fairfield Chamber Business award to Roger Leahy of ⁦Overland Sheepskin Co. in Fairfield on their 50th Anniversary!

Floor Speeches

As a physician and former Director of Public Health in Iowa, I believe that our leading public health agency should be focusing on researching and preventing communicable diseases, which was what the CDC was originally created to do – not prioritizing gun control.

I recognized America Recycles Day on the House floor and highlighted my bill, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.

On November 4th, the Iowa women’s wrestling team officially kicked off their inaugural season. Congratulations to the entire team, and best of luck as you continue to dominate the remainder of your 13-match season. Go Hawks!

I want to thank the community volunteers that dedicated time to complete Phase II of the Veterans Memorial Park in Davenport. The new features include developments of the river outlook, an amphitheater, and a mural created by Davenport West art teacher, Dave Schaeffer.

Congratulations Camryn Sattler for her 13th place finish at the Class 4A State meet. Also, congratulations to her younger sister Carryn Sattler for making her sophomore debut, finishing 65th.

Committee Hearings

I was proud to lead the first-ever House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on the potential for psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments in the emerging battle against suicide.

I questioned witnesses in this week's House Veterans Affairs Health Subcommittee hearing on "Emerging Therapies: Breakthroughs in the Battle Against Suicide?"

This week, I participated in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Hearing and highlighted the need for affordable, reliable, and secure energy.

The DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 works to ensure that essential products like ankle orthotics, wheelchairs and walkers are still affordable and available for patients to use. I was honored to speak in support of this critical bipartisan legislation during a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health markup this week.

Legislative Roundup

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

H.R. 6363, The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act of 2024. This bill provides continuing FY2024 appropriations for federal agencies and extends several expiring programs and authorities.

H.R. 593, To rename the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Hinesville, Georgia, as the "John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic".

H.R. 1105, The Debbie Smith Act of 2023, legislation that reauthorizes through FY2029 the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. The program provides grants to state and local governments to improve and expand the collection and analysis of DNA evidence, including evidence in sexual assault kits.

I voted against the following legislation:

Motion to Refer H.Res 863, Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, to the House Committee on Homeland Security.