Email from Rep Feenstra

Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: Launching my "Fourth District Focus" and my tour of the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City. 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!

LAUNCHING MY "FOURTH DISTRICT FOCUS" COLUMNS

Like I promised when I was first elected to Congress, I travel to all 36 counties in the 4th Congressional District at least twice a year. During my tours, visits, and stops, I meet incredible Iowans and see firsthand the incredible things happening in our communities.

I want to share what I learn with you.

That's why I'm launching my "Fourth District Focus" to provide recaps of my stops on my 36 County Tour as frequently as possible.

Today's column summarizes my town hall in Pocahontas from August. I hope these recaps are informative and interesting for you!

Fourth District Focus: Recapping my recent town hall in Pocahontas

Since I was first elected to Congress, I made a pledge to Iowans that I would visit every county in the 4th Congressional District at least twice a year to hear directly from my constituents about the issues that matter most to them.

LEADING LEGISLATION WITH SENATORS GRASSLEY AND ERNST TO DEPORT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CONVICTED OF SEX CRIMES

According to data recently released by ICE, there are over 660,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records – including nearly 16,000 with sexual assault convictions – on the loose in our communities. These numbers are infuriating and are the result of the Biden-Harris administration’s dangerous, open-border policies.

I’m glad to work with Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley to introduce the BE GONE Act to deport illegal immigrants who have been convicted of sex crimes.

It is just common sense to remove criminals from our communities so that we can keep our kids and families safe.

Alien sexual offenders would be deported under pending federal legislation - Homeland Preparedness News

The recent introduction of a bipartisan, bicameral bill in Congress would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as aggravated felonies, which are deportable offenses. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) Oct. 4 cosponsored ... Read More "

TOURING THE 185TH AIR REFUELING WING IN SIOUX CITY

On Tuesday, during my 36 County Tour, I visited the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City and flew on a KC-135 refueling tanker.

It was an incredible experience witnessing the professionalism and capabilities of our troops.

I will always support the 185th in Congress!

THE UNITED STATES MUST CONTINUE TO STAND WITH ISRAEL

October 7th marked one year since the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered more than 1,200 people in the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust.

To this day, Hamas continues to hold captive innocent civilians and escalate tensions in the region with the backing of Iran.

The violence against Israel is horrific and must come to an end.

As our strongest ally in the Middle East, the United States will always stand with Israel against vicious terrorists and evil regimes.

Feenstra says Hamas invaded Israel, U.S. must back Israel response - Radio Iowa

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says this week's somber anniversary of the October 7 attacks was a reminder of the brutality of the terror groups Israel is facing, "and how serious it is when terrorists invade other countries, because it could be ours someday also and that's why it's so important to have a strong military."

MEETING WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS IN SPENCER TO DISCUSS FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

Yesterday, on my 36 County Tour, I met with local officials, community leaders, and law enforcement in Spencer to receive an update on flood recovery.

As I told them, I will work hand in hand with our federal partners to ensure our communities have the resources they need to rebuild.

SPEAKING TO AN AGRICULTURAL POLICY CLASS AT DORDT

Earlier this week, I kept my 36 County Tour and my Feenstra Ag Tour going with a visit to Professor Rich Vyn’s agricultural policy class at my alma mater — Dordt University.

We talked about the Farm Bill, our trade relations, tariffs, and the looming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

BOONE COUNTY ECONOMIC GROWTH CORPORATION ANNUAL MEETING

On Tuesday, my District Director — Emily — attended the Boone County Economic Growth Corporation’s annual meeting where Secretary Mike Naig spoke about the importance of agriculture to our state and economy.

I’m working to pass a strong Farm Bill for our farmers and producers!

ONE LAST THING: OCTOBER TRAVELING OFFICE HOURS!

Helping Iowans resolve issues with the federal government is a top priority for me and my office. We stand ready to assist seniors with receiving their Social Security checks, veterans with navigating the VA, and families with getting their passports renewed.

I encourage Iowans to attend traveling office hours at any of the 18 locations throughout the 4th Congressional District scheduled for October. As always, Iowans can also reach my office by visiting Feenstra.House.Gov or by calling us at 202-225-4426.

You can find addresses and times for each location below!

Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra to Hold October Traveling Office Hours

HULL, IOWA - Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office will hold fall traveling office hours this October.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: CONGRESS NEEDS A DOUBLE DOSE OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Over the last several weeks, we’ve received negative reports and forecasts about the economy and our fiscal outlook. Inflation rose in September – opposite expectations – and was up 2.4% from just a year prior while the National Federation of Independent Business’s Small Business Optimism Index registered at 91.5 in September, which is the 33rd consecutive month under the 50-year average of 98.

At the same time, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released its final report for Fiscal Year 2024, which confirmed my fears about our long-term fiscal trajectory. Our federal budget deficit eclipsed $1.8 trillion for FY 2024 – an 8% increase from last year – and our federal spending jumped by $617 billion, or 10%, compared to last year. Even more alarming, American taxpayers were forced to shell out nearly $1 trillion just to finance the interest payments on our almost $36-trillion national debt.

These figures are a recipe for economic disaster and underscore the urgent need to get our fiscal house in order.