Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: Urging the U.S. Coast Guard to keep investing in the Missouri River and asking that military construction projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing be funded. 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!

DEMANDING THAT THE COAST GUARD REVERSE ITS DECISION TO REMOVE 36 AIDS TO NAVIGATION ON THE MISSOURI RIVER

The Missouri River is critical to economic development across Western Iowa and supports the timely transportation of manufactured goods and agricultural products both within the United States and internationally. Iowa farmers, businesses, and manufacturers rely on the Missouri River to ship their goods and serve their customers. However, the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to remove 36 ATONs on the Missouri River threatens our region’s economic vitality and cuts off trade along this important waterway.

On Wednesday, I led eight of my colleagues and 53 supporting organizations, businesses, and local leaders in calling on the USCG to keep these ATONs in place and continue investing in the Missouri River.

Many projects are already in motion to improve utilization of the Missouri River – including the new barge terminal project in Sioux City – and this decision by the USCG ignores the economic growth already happening because of the Missouri River. We must maintain navigation up and down the Missouri River not just for the vitality of our businesses but for the future growth of our region and the long-term success of our communities.

DEFENDING AMERICAN INDUSTRY FROM OUR ADVERSARIES

China is working overtime to undermine our national security by banning exports of strategic resources to the U.S.

We need to bolster domestic mining and manufacturing to secure our supply chains, create new jobs, and keep our nation strong.

MEETING WITH IOWA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

It was good to meet with Iowa Community Health Centers on Wednesday.

They are integral to meeting Iowa’s healthcare needs—especially in our rural communities.

I’ll continue to work with our CHCs to improve maternal care outcomes and deliver quality, affordable healthcare to Iowans.

CATCHING UP WITH COMMUNITY BANKERS OF IOWA

It was a pleasure to meet the new CEO of the Community Bankers of Iowa — Michael Gathman.

I’m committed to advancing policies that help our community banks thrive, including my ACRE Act, which would lower the cost of home and agricultural loans in our rural communities.

WORKING WITH MY WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE COLLEAGUES TO CUT TAXES FOR OUR FAMILIES, FARMERS, AND BUSINESSES

I am working with my fellow Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee to reauthorize and build on President Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. If these tax cuts are allowed to expire, it would devastate our families, farmers, and small businesses.

I am excited to work with the incoming Trump Administration to deliver tax relief for Iowans.

REQUESTING FUNDING FOR RUNWAY AND RAMP PROJECTS AT THE 185TH AIR REFUELING WING

On Thursday, I led a letter requesting that ongoing runway and ramp projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City be included in the Future Years Defense Program.

The 185th Air Refueling Wing is critical to our economy and our national security. These projects must be funded.

Read my letter below:

MEETING WITH JACK SAYERS FROM MILLS COUNTY

The other day, I welcomed Jack Sayers — who was recently elected to the Mills County Board of Supervisors — to our nation’s capital.

It’s great to see young people getting involved in government, and I look forward to working with him to serve the people of Mills County!

MOURNING THE LOSS OF AMERICAN-ISRAELI HOSTAGE OMER NEUTRA

We mourn the loss of Omer Neutra. Hamas viciously murdered him on October 7th. He was just 21.

The brutality must come to an end — these terrorists MUST be held accountable for their crimes.

ONE LAST THING: SAVING ON YOUR ENERGY BILL THIS WINTER

As temperatures drop, energy bills rise. According to the Iowa Utilities Commission, setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day could save nearly 10% on energy costs.

Read more below for more information on strategies you can use to prevent inflated energy bills:

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: WE MUST CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE MISSOURI RIVER

Based on a 2021 analysis, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) recently determined that it would remove 36 Aids to Navigation (ATONs) along the Missouri River north of Blencoe, Iowa. The removal process is projected to be completed by May 2025, and if implemented, this would be devastating for our farmers, businesses, and manufacturers that rely on the Missouri River to ship their goods and serve their customers in an efficient and effective manner. It would also severely curtail ongoing investments in the Missouri River and slow economic growth in Iowa and across the Midwest.

Representing the entirety of the Missouri River that borders Iowa, I am working with local leaders, businesses, organizations, and my colleagues in Congress to reverse this decision and ensure that investments continue in the Missouri River.

Read my full weekly column below!

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you support the creation of the National Energy Council to bolster U.S. energy production?



Yes - 53%

No - 30%

Unsure/Indifferent - 17%

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