Miller-Meeks Weekly Script May 19th, 2024 WEEKLY SC℞IPT Visit My Website Rep. Miller-Meeks: Back the Blue This past week, National Police Week was observed around the country. Proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, this week revolves around Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15 and brings tens of thousands of people to our nation's capital to pay homage to our fallen heroes. In Iowa, we recognize the important role law enforcement plays in protecting our communities. We are home to over 5,000 dedicated officers who are tasked with upholding the rule of law even if it means risking their lives. We will always be grateful for their contributions. During National Police Week, I had the privilege of meeting with Iowa law enforcement officers and organizations in my D.C. office. We discussed important issues, including increasing mental health resources and acquiring necessary equipment. There was one theme that was recurrent in all my discussions: police funding and the lefts’ efforts to defund and dismantle police departments around the country. Over four years ago, police departments everywhere faced unprecedented challenges from the radical 'Defund the Police' movement. Calls to disband police departments in cities like Minneapolis and Los Angeles and to replace them with mental health services, lacked foresight and practicality. Subsequently, cities began slashing police budgets, and some such as Seattle even experimenting with Autonomous Zones. Autonomous Zones embodied chaos, with unchecked lawlessness leading to arson, vandalism, and tragic loss of life. Though their prevalence has waned, the scars remain, with cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago and Washington D.C. grappling with the aftermath of the lawless zones. These democrat-run cities have enacted policies that enable criminal activity. Stripping police authority, defunding departments, creating autonomous zones, and embracing initiatives like cashless bail have emboldened criminals and led to a surge in crime. The message needs to be clear on this issue: defunding police breeds chaos and endangers communities. It undermines the very fabric of law and order, leaving officers powerless against criminal activity they swore to confront. The necessary now is to reverse this dangerous trend. Rather than constraining law enforcement, we must strengthen their resources and support their mission to uphold justice. Investing in law enforcement isn't just logical; it's vital for ensuring public safety and preserving the integrity of our communities. Representing Iowa's 1st in D.C. I met with Iowa representatives from the American Association of Cancer Institutes. We discussed the importance of funding the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health. I met with the Des Moines Members of the American Society of Anesthesiologist to discuss VA Care and Medicare payment reform. I met with the American College of Physicians to discuss workforce challenges that Iowa doctors face and the damage the opioid epidemic is doing in Iowa and around the country. Committee Hearings I questioned EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, following the EPA's implementation of a draconian tailpipe rule that could lead to the outright ban of gas-powered vehicles. I joined the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology for the first time! Happy to officially be apart of this subcommittee. I pressed NIH Deputy Director, Lawrence Tabek, on the NIH's funding of gain-of-function research in Wuhan. Floor Speeches I celebrated Iowa being ranked the #6 overall state to live in! I celebrated the marvelous career of Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach Lisa Bluder following her retirement. I gave a speech in honor of National Police Week! I spoke in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Day! I celebrated National Nurses Week and thanked all our healthcare heroes! Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 1034 Longworth HOB | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice