Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: President Trump signs the Laken Riley Act – with my Sarah's Law – into law and securing funding for Palo Alto County's flood recovery efforts. 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!

PRAYING FOR THE LOVED ONES OF WEDNESDAY NIGHT'S TRAGEDY IN OUR NATION'S CAPITAL

The thoughts and prayers of our entire country are with the loved ones of the victims of the terrible tragedy at Reagan National Airport.

I appreciate the law enforcement officers and first responders who have worked so diligently on recovery efforts.

Our nation mourns this unthinkable loss of life.

PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS THE LAKEN RILEY ACT — WITH MY SARAH'S LAW — INTO LAW



On Wednesday, I was honored to be at the White House when President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, which includes my legislation — Sarah’s Law. I was also joined by Sarah's father, Scott Root, who made last-second arrangements to travel to our nation's capital to be at the White House to watch this important legislation officially become law.

In the early morning hours of January 31st, 2016, Michelle and Scott Root received the call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Their daughter – Sarah – had been tragically killed in a car accident. What’s worse is that Sarah was murder by an illegal immigrant who was driving while under the influence of alcohol – three times over the legal limit. Instead of being held accountable for his horrible crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from jail, and fled the country – never to be seen again. 

With his signature, President Trump prioritized Americans over criminal illegal immigrants and delivered justice for Sarah Root and her family. Illegal immigrants who harm or kill American citizens will now answer for their crimes and do the hard time that they deserve.

SECURING MONEY FOR PALO ALTO COUNTY'S FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS

After nearly six years of delays, I’m thrilled that I could help Palo Alto County Drainage Districts secure more than $300,000 that they needed to repair damages from flooding in 2019.

It is critical that our drainage districts remain functional.

FARM BILL BREAKDOWN SERIES PART VIII: PRECISION AGRICULTURE LOAN PROGRAM ACT

For the 8th edition of our Farm Bill Breakdown series, we're talking about my Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act, which is included in the Farm Bill.

This legislation would help Iowa producers purchase precision ag technology to improve farm efficiency and lower costs.

REMEMBERING THE MORE THAN SIX MILLION VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST

This week, we observed Holocaust Remembrance Day — a day when we pause to remember the more than six million innocent Jews who were senselessly murdered.

Today, and every day, we must recommit ourselves to combat antisemitism and other hateful ideologies.

The world should never again allow such atrocities to be committed.

MEETING WITH DORDT AND NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS

On Wednesday, I met with students from Dordt University and Northwestern College to talk about how they can make their voices heard and make a real impact on government.

It was also good to see my friends, Dordt President Erik Hoekstra and Northwestern College President Greg Christy!

THANKING OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

On January 9th, we observed National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Thank you to the men and women in uniform who put their lives at risk to keep our families and communities safe.

In Congress, I'll always be a strong voice for our police and law enforcement officers.

WE NEED TO EXTEND THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT FOR OUR MAIN STREETS

To support our rural main streets, we must reauthorize the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the 20% tax cut for small businesses.

This important provision lifted wages for workers, spurred economic development, and let Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money.

NEW OFFICES FOR THE SIOUX CENTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The other week, my Agriculture and Manufacturing Liaison — Wes — attended the ribbon cutting for the Sioux Center Chamber of Commerce’s new offices.

It’s a beautiful facility right on Main Street with plenty of meeting space for local businesses.

Sioux Center is Growing Bright!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2025 YOUTH LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH THE IOWA PORK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION!

Representing the largest pork-producing district in the nation, I want to congratulate Amanda Ostrem from Hamilton County who was crowned as the 2025 Iowa Pork Queen as well as Calla Langel and Brady Allan from Plymouth County who were also chosen to be Iowa Pork Youth Ambassadors!

The continued success of our rural communities depends on motivated and accomplished young people like Amanda, Calla, and Brady!

ONE LAST THING: SEEKING VETERAN OR GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER FOR POSITION IN ONE OF MY DISTRICT OFFICES

Supporting our veterans and Gold Star Families is an important priority for me in Congress. We owe these incredible Americans – who have made sacrifices themselves or on behalf of their loved ones – to keep our nation safe and free. That’s why I’m looking to hire a veteran or Gold Star Family member to work in one of my district offices as a liaison between the federal government and our veterans and military personnel.

The Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program was established by the U.S. House of Representatives to provide employment opportunities to veterans and Gold Star Families within member offices.

The program is limited to veterans and Gold Star Families who meet all the following requirements: Veterans must be Honorably discharged, released from active duty within the last six years, terminal pay grades at or below E-5, O-3, or W-2. Veterans promoted to the pay grades of E-6, O-4, and W-3 within 6 months of separation from active duty are eligible, granted they meet ALL other eligibility requirements. Veterans who are in receipt of a 20-year or Temporary Early Retirement Authorization (TERA) retirement are not eligible for the program. 

Gold Star applicants must be the spouse, parent, sibling, child, or stepchild of a service member who died in the line of duty or died from a service-connected disability within four years of separation from the service.



Interested veterans and Gold Star Family members can visit https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search “Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program” for more information on how to apply.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: PROTECTING THE 2ND AMENDMENT FROM GOVERNMENT OVERREACH

Earlier this month, I joined more than 120 of my colleagues in introducing H.R. 38, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation gives law-abiding citizens reciprocity for their concealed carry permits from one state to the next. In other words, a concealed carry permitted issued in one state would be valid in all fifty.

As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I will continue to vote to protect every Iowan's constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

Read more about some of my recent work to protect our 2nd Amendment below.

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you support prosecuting illegal immigrants who murder American citizens?



Yes - 93%

No - 4%

Unsure/Indifferent - 3%

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