Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: Keeping our taxpayer dollars out of the hands of the Taliban and meeting with Iowans on Capitol Hill. 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!

KEEPING OUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS OUT OF THE HANDS OF THE TALIBAN

This week, I helped introduce the No More Taxpayer Cash for the Taliban Act, which would implement guardrails and strengthen oversight to keep U.S. taxpayer dollars away from the Taliban.

There is no excuse for any money to fall into the hands of the Taliban. But, according to recent reports from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, nearly $3 billion in cash has gone from the United Nations to Afghanistan – which is now under the control of the Taliban following the Biden-Harris administration’s botched withdrawal. It’s unacceptable and dangerous.

I’m glad to support this legislation to ensure that our taxpayer dollars do not benefit terrorists. Rigorous oversight and accountability is vital to protecting our national security.

New GOP-backed bill would ban aid to Afghanistan to avoid giving US dollars to the Taliban

A group of Republicans are introducing a new bill that would cease all aid dollars to Afghanistan over concerns of interception by the Taliban.

WAYS AND MEANS HEARING ON THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM

On Tuesday, Sam Adolphsen — Policy Director at the Foundation for Government Accountability — testified before the Ways and Means Committee during a hearing on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

In recent years, resources from TANF meant for families in need have been exploited and used for entirely unrelated purposes.

We must ensure this program not only helps Americans get back on their feet and into the workforce, but also responsibly protects taxpayer dollars.

MEETING WITH BRIANNE FISTER FROM EXIRA

This week, I met with Brianne Fister who lives in Exira and is the Administrator of MJ Estates Assisted Living and Exira Care Center.

We had an important conversation about access to high-quality, affordable, long-term care for our seniors and in our rural communities.

WELCOMING THE SIOUX CENTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO THE CAPITOL

The other week, I had the chance to welcome the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce to Washington, D.C.

We had great conversations about access to healthcare, the Farm Bill, the looming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and rural broadband.

Read more about the full visit below!

Feenstra: Sioux Center chamber visits Capitol Building

One of the best parts of my job representing Iowa in Congress is meeting with familiar faces on Capitol Hill. It's a reminder of why I am grateful to serve

TOUCHING BASE WITH AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY

This week, I was humbled to be named a “Pioneer for Prosperity” by Americans for Prosperity for my work to cut wasteful government spending, lower taxes for our families and small businesses, and balance our federal budget.

Our economic security depends on fiscal responsibility and pro-growth tax policies!

WE MUST KEEP CHINA AWAY FROM OUR FARMLAND

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, China owns nearly 347,000 acres of American farmland. Since 2019 alone, purchases of our farmland by China have increased by 30%.

For the sake of our economic and national security, we cannot let that number continue to grow.

That's why, two weeks ago, I voted to add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to thoroughly review purchases of American farmland by foreign adversaries, including China.

I also had an amendment to ban China from buying American farmland suitable for domestic energy production pass the House of Representatives last year as part of the Lower Energy Costs Act.

MEETING WITH THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS

Earlier this week, I met with members of the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons from Iowa.

We had an informative conversation about the Medicare payment system and the importance of high-quality, affordable healthcare in rural Iowa.

CHATTING WITH THE AMERICAN FEED INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

On Wednesday morning, I sat down with the American Feed Industry Association to talk about issues impacting the feed industry and discussed the importance of passing the Farm Bill before the end of the year.

ONE LAST THING: YOU CAN NOW RENEW YOUR PASSPORT ONLINE!

On September 18th, the State Department announced the creation of a new online passport renewal system available to the public.

You can visit the link below to renew your passport!

Renew Online

This page includes information about our online passport renewal system, and instructions to complete your application.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: AMERICANS DESERVE THE TRUTH ABOUT THE BOTCHED WITHDRAWAL FROM AFGHANISTAN

More than three years ago, the world watched in horror as President Biden – in conjunction with Vice President Harris and advisors on his national security team – orchestrated the botched and disorganized withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. This colossal failure of leadership cost the lives of 13 brave American servicemembers, portrayed weakness on the global stage, and left more than $7 billion in U.S. military equipment behind, which has since fallen into the hands of the Taliban. The entire operation was an embarrassment and is a stain on the already poor record of the Biden-Harris administration.

We must continue to advocate for full transparency and a robust investigation into this botched evacuation that left 13 of our heroes dead and our allies abandoned. For our entire country, and especially the families and loved ones still experiencing unthinkable heartbreak, we have a responsibility and an obligation to find the facts and deliver real answers – now.