Friend,

Americans are living in a state of failure under Joe Biden. His mind isn't the only thing failing, his policies are failing us, too. His State of the Union speech was full of divisive rhetoric and ideas he claimed were "free," but would cost taxpayers trillions of dollars.

While I was extremely disappointed in President Biden's speech, a bright spot of the week was having Mason City Police Chief, Jeff Brinkley, as my guest for the State of the Union. I invited him to shine a light on the impacts of the border crisis in Iowa and to showcase the incredible work of our law enforcement officers! Chief Brinkley and his dedicated team do an incredible job keeping Iowans safe, and I will continue to elevate the voices of law enforcement as we work to improve public safety and protect our communities.

Read on for my State of the Union poll and more highlights from my week working for you in Congress!

Best,

Chief Jeff Brinkley in Washington, DC

It was an honor to have Chief Jeff Brinkley as my State of the Union guest to highlight the ways the Biden border crisis is hurting Iowans and the importance of federal support for law enforcement. Chief Brinkley talked about the massive quantities of drugs coming into Iowa from the Southern Border as well as the public safety threat of unvetted illegal immigrants now in our country. From Border Patrol agents to police officers in Mason City, I will always back the blue and work to ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to keep us safe.

Check out our interview on the impacts of the border crisis in Iowa and hear Chief Brinkley's story here!

POLL: State of the Union

Government Funding Update

This week, the House passed the first of two government funding packages. It's no secret that this process is broken, and I share Iowans’ frustration with the months of political games surrounding government funding. The package includes meaningful cuts to agencies that have been weaponized against the American people – including a 9% cut to the FBI and a 7% cut to the ATF – and defunds many of the Biden Administration’s woke initiatives while investing in Iowa’s priorities.

This was the most conservative way to keep the government open and ensure Border Patrol agents and members of our military are paid and have the resources to protect us while in a divided government. The cuts in this bill are significant, but we are still spending too much, and I’m on a mission to cut more and ensure taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.

Read more about the cuts in the bill as well as the investments I secured for Iowa here.

National Cereal Day

On Wednesday, we celebrated National Cereal Day! Quaker Oats in downtown Cedar Rapids produces 26.7 million pounds of Cap’N Crunch Crunch Berries each year! They are a huge hit in our house and at breakfast tables across the country. 

Iowa Food Banks

I am so grateful for the work of Iowa Food Banks to ensure that no Iowan ever goes hungry! I enjoyed meeting with their team to discuss ways we can combat food insecurity in our state.

AMVETS

AMVETS is dedicated to ensuring the best quality of life for all Iowa veterans. I will continue working with Iowa AMVETS to ensure all Iowa veterans receive the full scope of benefits they have earned.

General Mills

It’s no coincidence the General Mills team was in town on National Cereal Day! Many household staples – like Cheerios and fruit snacks – are made at General Mills in Cedar Rapids! I appreciate their investment in our community and enjoyed discussing ways we can empower Iowa workers.

Iowa Credit Union League

Thanks to the Iowa Credit Union League for stopping by this week! They treat customers like family – we are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals helping Iowans achieve their financial goals.

Headline Highlights

KIMT: Chief Brinkley joining Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson at State of the Union in D.C.

KIMT: Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley will be a guest at the State of The Union address

WAOW: WI and IA representatives push for federal help with Lansing Bridge