Friend,

My mission is to make D.C. run more like the great state of Iowa. 

Unfortunately, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has presided over the near destruction of our nation’s Capital, and this week, I had the opportunity to hold her accountable as a Member of the House Appropriations Committee. 

My office welcomes Iowans to D.C. every day – whether it’s a middle school history class or family on vacation. It’s my priority that every Iowan feels safe if they are in D.C. 

This is about more than just D.C. – it’s about ensuring every state in the nation prioritizes public safety. I believe our nation’s capital should set the example for a safe, secure, and clean environment.  

Unfortunately, that is no longer the case due to the mayor’s soft-on-crime policies that have continuously put criminals over victims. 2023 was D.C.’s deadliest year in more than two decades. Every time I look at the news, I see a new report of a violent incident – a carjacking, assault, or theft. 

During the hearing, I asked Mayor Bowser on her plan to stem these high levels of violent crime in D.C. and how she plans to support law enforcement officers.

I also pressed Mayor Bowser on how she plans to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer orders under President Trump. Bowser agreed to comply while under oath, and I plan to hold her accountable for that statement. It is my belief that every single sanctuary jurisdiction shouldn’t receive a dollar of federal funding if they refuse to comply with federal immigration orders and put the well-being of illegal immigrants – including illegal aliens with a criminal history - over American citizens. 

I will continue working to improve public safety across our country.

Best,

Welcome Home Ceremony

I had the opportunity to welcome home 33 Iowa National Guard soldiers who were deployed in Kosovo for the past year! It was an honor to welcome our servicemembers back to Iowa last weekend and it was so emotional to see loved ones reunite after a long year apart. Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

NDAA: Supporting our Servicemembers

I was proud to support the FY25 NDAA this week. This legislation invests in our national security and our servicemembers while cutting woke DEI initiatives and slashing unnecessary bureaucracy that wastes time and compromises our readiness. This legislation includes a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers and prioritizes deterrence amid increased aggression from adversaries like China and Iran under President Biden. I look forward to working with President Trump to further safeguard our national security, support our troops, and reinstate U.S. global leadership. Here are some specifics from the bill:

• Authorizes a 4.5% increase in pay for all servicemembers – including a 14.5% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers – and additional quality of life improvements for servicemembers and their families.
• Enhances deterrence in the Indo-Pacific by authorizing $15.6 billion for defenses and reaffirming our support of our ally, Taiwan.
• Counters national security threats from our adversaries and fight state sponsors of terror including Iran, Afghanistan and the Taliban, North Korea, and Russia.
• Supports law enforcement operations at our southwest border and increases funding by $10 million for DoD counter-narcotic activities.
• Cuts unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy, reforms DoD's acquisition processes, and cuts underperforming military programs.
• Builds on efforts to dismantle the radical woke ideology within the DoD by gutting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Team Volunteer Day at HACAP

I had a great day volunteering with my team at HACAP ahead of the holidays. They’re doing incredible work to ensure no Iowan goes hungry this holiday season, and we were glad to be a part of it! 

Medal Ceremony for Iowa Vietnam Veteran Private First Class Henry Arthur Gretten

I had the privilege of presenting Mrs. Jackie Hebert, daughter of Iowa veteran Private First Class Henry Arthur Gretten, with the medals her father earned for his selfless sacrifice and service to our nation. All of our veterans should be properly recognized for their service and their families should be able to celebrate their legacy. 

Headline Highlights

Vinton Newspapers: Hinson Honors Ernest Topness for His 65 Years of Service in Cedar Rapids

Radio Iowa: Hinson bill on Chinese trade violations passes House

Brownfield Network: Farm bill extension likely, Rep. Hinson says