Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: My bill to keep our rural hospitals open and U.S. credit-card debt tops $1.14 trillion. 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!

MY WORK TO KEEP OUR RURAL HOSPITALS OPEN

On my 36 county tour, I’ve made a specific point to visit hospitals, meet with health care professionals and families in every corner of our district, and discuss the importance of keeping hospitals open and operational in our rural communities and maintaining access to high-quality, dependable care for our seniors.

Among many hospitals, healthcare clinics, and senior living facilities, I’ve traveled to the Franklin General Hospital in Hampton, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, Sioux Center Health, Van Diest Medical Center in Webster City, St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll, Loring Hospital in Sac City, and the Spencer Hospital. These hospitals support cancer patients, deliver newborns, offer accommodating telehealth services, and respond to emergencies.

Following my conversations with hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, and patients, I introduced the Rural Hospital Stabilization Act. This legislation — which passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee in May — would authorize the Rural Hospital Stabilization Pilot Program through 2029, allowing struggling hospitals to improve financial stability, retain health care services, increase service capacity, and improve patient outcomes.

Read more below!

RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK

Yesterday, in honor of National Health Center Week, my Regional Director — Wes — toured the new $5.8-million addition and renovation at Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center.

He also met with PCHC CEO Emily Tuschen and Jason Patnosh from the National Association of Community Health Centers.

HONORING OUR NATION'S HEROES

On National Purple Heart Day, we honored and recognized the brave Americans who were wounded or killed serving our country.

Their sacrifice and courage have secured freedom and liberty for generations of Americans.

U.S. CREDIT-CARD DEBT REACHES $1.14 TRILLION

U.S. credit-card debt has topped $1.14 TRILLION — a new record high.

Thanks to the Biden-Harris economic agenda, American families don’t have the cash they need to pay bills, fill up their gas tanks, and save for retirement.

MY TEAM MEETING WITH COUNTY FARM BUREAUS

Over the last week, my staff attended several meetings hosted by county farm bureaus.

They made stops at the Sioux County Farm Bureau, the Calhoun County Farm Bureau, the Humboldt County Farm Bureau, and the Pocahontas County Farm Bureau.

Representing the second-largest agriculture-producing district in the nation, I will always be the strongest voice for agriculture in Congress.

ONE LAST THING: VIDEO ON FEMA RELIEF

Governor Reynolds and the State of Iowa put together a very helpful video on FEMA assistance and other relief.

You can watch the video below.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: STRONG FAMILIES MAKE FOR STRONG COMMUNITIES

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. As a husband and father of four, it is important to me that we advance policies that strengthen families and support children, especially those in need. That’s why – during my time in Congress – I have worked as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee to uplift our families and support our children.

Read more in my weekly column below.

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you support eliminating taxes on Social Security?

Yes - 80%

No - 16%

Unsure/Indifferent - 4%

If you have more thoughts on this week's question, feel free to leave your comments on my official website HERE.