March for Life

I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of pro-life activists that came to Washington, D.C. on a snowy Friday for the 51st annual March for Life. As a doctor, I believe that every life is precious and should be protected and I’ll continue supporting the pro-life legislation that I’ve supported in the past. I also, as a woman and as a mother, fully support educating women, giving them the tools that they need to prevent pregnancy, because we know the best way to prevent abortion, is to prevent unplanned pregnancy. 

We Must Protect Our Ability to Shop for Medical Services 

Every January, millions of Americans prepare for their insurance plans to reset and await the potential increase in out-of-pocket costs for medications and procedures.

In rural communities, we not only experience the financial burdens associated with increased out-of-pocket drug prices, but we also face a splintered drug pricing system marred by requirements that may or may not protect rural and independent pharmacies and stifle our ability to shop for medical services.

Last year, I was proud to introduce the “Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Act” or the “DRUG Act.” This legislation bans spread pricing and patient steering and implements de-linking policies in the commercial insurance market. It puts downward pressure on prescription drug prices and insurance premiums by removing the incentive for Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, to drive up the list price of a medication. Additionally, this legislation protects independent pharmacies and a patient’s right to choose their pharmacy without pressure from PBMs.

Another bill that empowers patients and provides financial relief is the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act.” This legislation enables patients and employers to shop for healthcare and make informed decisions by requiring insurers and PBMs to disclose negotiated drug rebates and reveal the actual costs of prescription drugs. 

The “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” is a large legislative package that, in addition to supporting patients, assists hospitals with Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to ensure that they can continue to provide care for low-income communities and enshrines additional price transparency measures. 

The package also includes the “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act,” legislation that I was proud to introduce to extend specific price transparency requirements to diagnostic labs. 

Currently, patients can only see the prices for labs conducted at hospitals, not the prices for diagnostic services offered by competing independent labs. The “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act” supports consumer choice and price comparison by expanding a patient’s ability to shop for diagnostic tests. 

The legislation would also require diagnostic laboratories to disclose three data points for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests included on the list of shoppable services specified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The entire “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” package, including the “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act,” passed the House, and I look forward to moving this legislation one step closer to becoming law.

As the Republican-led House continues to combat the rising prices of medications and testing services, I will continue to address the unique healthcare challenges that rural communities face and ensure we can shop for medical services that fit within our budgets.

Weekly Wrap Up

Iowans in D.C.

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 exciting to see the Renewable Fuels Association's showcase of the world's first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Flex Fuel Vehicle (PHEFFV) at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show! This vehicle underscores what Rep. Angie Craig and I meant when we introduced the "Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023."

It’s always great to catch up with Cheryl Plank, the Chief Strategic Advancement Officer for Imagine the Possibilities, Inc. Thank you for the crucial discussion about the workforce challenges and your work with community-based providers.

Committee Hearings

During this week's House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing titled "A Threat to Every Community: Assessing the Consequences of President Biden's Border Policies," I highlighted that we must protect our schools, address the impact that an unsecured border has on the fentanyl crisis, and address the toll that the current border crisis is having on the mental health of the men and women serving as Border Patrol Agents.

During this week's House Energy and Commerce hearing titled “NIL Playbook: Proposal To Protect Student Athletes' Dealmaking Rights," I highlighted that student athletes need an established framework that supports both their educational performance and their athletic performance.

Floor Speeches

I recognized the 50th Anniversary of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission! Congratulations on your work, and I wish you 50 more years of success for Southeast Iowa.

Congratulations to the entire team at the Clinton Municipal Airport for receiving the Distinguished General Aviation Award by the FAA at the Four State Airport Conference!

Newsweek recently recognized HNI Corporation as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies for the fifth year in a row! Congratulations, HNI, and thank you for your dedication to creating a more sustainable future.

Congratulations to the University of Iowa's defensive coordinator, Phil Parker, for receiving the coveted Broyles Award. This accolade is presented each year to the top assistant coach in college football and recognized Parker’s 25 years of dedication and leadership on the Hawkeye’s coaching staff.

Legislative Roundup

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

H.R. 6914, the "Pregnant Students' Rights Act," legislation that would protect pregnant students and their babies by strengthening existing requirements for higher education institutions to publicly disclose the rights and resources available to help mothers carry their babies to term.

H.R. 6918, the "Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act," legislation that prohibits the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a provision of a proposed rule modifying the standard for a state's reasonable use of funds under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

S.3250, "To provide remote access to court proceedings for victims of the 1988 Bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland."

H.Res. 957, "Denouncing the Biden administration’s open-borders policies, condemning the national security and public safety crisis along the southwest border, and urging President Biden to end his administration’s open-borders policies."

H.R. 5862, "To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 relating to authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to consolidate, modify, or reorganize Customs revenue functions."

I voted against the following legislation:

H.R. 2872, "Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes."

Sincerely,