In this week's roundup: My vote to give our junior enlisted troops a 19.5% pay raise, celebrating Flag Day, and recognizing the 249th birthday of the U.S. Army. Dear Friend, In this week's roundup: My vote to give our junior enlisted troops a 19.5% pay raise, celebrating Flag Day, and recognizing the 249th birthday of the U.S. Army. That and more – remember to follow my Facebook page by clicking here and my Twitter page by clicking here to stay up-to-date throughout the week! PASSING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT AND GIVING OUR JUNIOR ENLISTED TROOPS A 19.5% PAY RAISE Today, I voted for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which is an important investment in our troops, our military families, and our national security. With rising threats abroad – particularly China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea – this legislation supports our military readiness, eliminates unrelated social initiatives, and enhances the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families. It includes a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, expands childcare for military families, strengthens military housing, and ensures that our troops and their families receive high-quality healthcare. The NDAA also fully funds the deployment of the National Guard to help secure the border, supports counternarcotics operations at the border, cuts DEI and CRT programs at military schools, stops the forced electrification of military trucks and tanks, and prevents Chinese spies from infiltrating our military bases and top-secret research facilities. I take my duty to support our troops and their families very seriously. The FY 2025 NDAA represents our commitment to the brave men and women who have answered the call to serve our nation and maintains America’s status as the world’s strongest and most feared fighting force. CELEBRATING OUR NATION'S FLAG The American flag is a symbol of freedom, liberty, and patriotism. Today, and every day, we honor those who have fought to defend our flag and keep our country the greatest on Earth. THE FARM BILL CAN HELP IOWA FIGHT FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAKS Confirmed reports of bird flu in Iowa are a serious concern for me, our producers, and our economy. Since last week, I’ve been in touch with Governor Reynolds, Secretary Naig, and the USDA to ensure that our producers have the support they need, and I applaud the quick response by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. This crisis reveals exactly why we must pass the Farm Bill this year. It includes critical support for animal health initiatives so that we can prevent, mitigate, and respond to disease outbreaks ranging from bird flu to African Swine Fever. With nearly a quarter of the almost 100 million impacted birds being from Iowa, we don’t have time to wait. I’ll continue to work with Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig to find solutions and urge swift passage of the Farm Bill this year. Feenstra: Avian flu concerns impacting Farm Bill (Washington) -- In addition to an overdue Farm Bill, Congress has another ag-related issue to deal with: the avian flu. Read more www.kmaland.com MEETING WITH THE IOWA BANKERS ASSOCIATION We had the Iowa Bankers Association — including my friend, Cory Gotto, from Sioux Center — in my office on Wednesday to talk about the need to overturn Section 1071 mandates on our banks and my ACRE Act, which will help lower the cost of ag and home loans in rural Iowa. I’ll continue to be a strong voice for our community banks that support our families and economy. CALLING OUT ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES Universities have a responsibility to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Yet, many have failed to protect Jewish students from vile acts of antisemitism. If these schools can’t do their jobs, we should be taking a second look at their tax-exempt status. WATCH MY REMARKS ON THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE BELOW! CATCHING UP WITH THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS I enjoyed meeting with members of the National Federation of Independent Business about issues facing small businesses on our main streets. We also covered my work to reauthorize the 20% tax cut for our small businesses and my legislation to permanently repeal the death tax so that families can pass on the family farm or business to the next generation without paying a massive tax. MY WORK TO SECURE THE BORDER I’m working to secure our border. I voted for the Secure the Border Act to fully fund our border patrol agents. I introduced legislation to finish the border wall and fight back against Mexican drug cartels. I introduced Sarah’s Law to punish illegal immigrants who seriously harm or kill Americans. CHATTING WITH THE TRUCK RENTING AND LEASING ASSOCIATION On Wednesday, I met with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association about my strong support for the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act. We need to continue to pass pro-growth tax policies that strengthen our economy, support our businesses, and help our families. RECOGNIZING 249 YEARS OF THE U.S. ARMY For 249 years, the U.S. Army has protected our values and defended our nation at home and abroad. We thank the brave Americans who serve our country with honor and integrity and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. 4TH DISTRICT FUN FACT: THE FIFTH-LARGEST PIZZA CHAIN IN THE COUNTRY! Today's fun fact comes to us from all over the Midwest. Casey's is now the fifth-largest pizza chain in the entire nation! The country's fifth largest pizza chain is a convenience ... The Bottom Line: Casey's has become a force in the pizza business with a selection of innovative items, delivery and a popular loyalty Read more www.restaurantbusinessonlin... ONE LAST THING: CONGRATULATING THE WINNER OF THE CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION IN THE 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT I’m glad to announce that Joaquin Mata Diaz from Estherville Lincoln Central High School has won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in the 4th Congressional District with his artwork titled "The Fields of Beauty." I'll also announce the 3 runners-up over the next several newsletters. Congratulations, Joaquin! MY WEEKLY COLUMN: DELIVERING A 19.5% PAY RAISE FOR OUR JUNIOR ENLISTED TROOPS From the worsening crisis at our southern border and Hamas’ attacks against Israel to China’s increasingly brazen aggression on the world stage and Iran’s blatant bankrolling of terrorism, ensuring that our military has the resources and support that it needs to protect our nation at home and abroad is a matter of vital importance. Fortunately, the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA supports our military readiness and enhances the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families while eliminating social initiatives unrelated to our military strength, capability, and power. Read more in my weekly column below. My Weekly Column: Delivering a 19.5% pay raise for our... The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a strong and critical investment in our troops, our military families, and our national security. Read more feenstra.house.gov CLOSING POLL FOR THE DAY Do you support a 19.5% pay raise for our junior enlisted troops? Yes Select No Select Unsure/Indifferent Select LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you think that whole milk should be allowed to be served in our schools? Yes - 73% No - 14% Unsure/Indifferent - 13% If you have more thoughts on this week's question, feel free to leave your comments on my official website HERE. We are government together, and I am here to serve you. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to call (202) 225-4426 or visit my website at feenstra.house.gov. Sincerely, Rep. Randy Feenstra Member of Congress ‌ ‌ ‌ Rep Feenstra | 1440 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]