Email from Rep Feenstra In this week's roundup: Obtaining six military medals and accolades for a late World War II veteran from Sioux City.     Dear Friend, In this week's roundup: Obtaining six military medals and accolades for a late World War II veteran from 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! OBTAINING SIX MILITARY MEDALS AND ACCOLADES FOR LATE WORLD WAR II VETERAN FROM SIOUX CITY I'm glad that our office could help obtain six military medals and pins for the late Edward Motz – a veteran from Sioux City – who earned these accolades while serving our country in Italy and the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Our Manufacturing and Agriculture Liaison — Wes — presented the medals to Denny and Robert Motz, two of Edward’s sons, and Curtis Motz, Edward’s grandson, in Sioux City on Monday March 24th. Ensuring that our veterans are properly recognized for their heroism and patriotism is important to me and the least that we can do as a grateful nation. I encourage any veteran or family member to contact our office online at Feenstra.House.Gov or by phone at 202-225-4426 if we can be helpful with navigating the VA or receiving earned medals. I will always stand with our veterans and work to ensure that they receive the high-quality healthcare, benefits, and support that they deserve. Pictured below from left to right are Wes Fopma with our office, Robert Motz, Curtis Motz, and Denny Motz. LEADING LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE WEATHER RADAR AND COMMUNICATIONS From tornadoes and floods to high winds and blizzards, Iowans know severe weather. Last year alone, our communities were devastated by catastrophic flooding and tornadoes, leaving hospitals, schools, businesses, farms, and other structures damaged or completely destroyed. We must ensure that Iowans have the latest and most reliable information when severe weather strikes to keep our families and communities safe. That’s why I introduced legislation – the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act and the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act – to improve weather radar detection and replace a crucial, yet outdated communications system at the National Weather Service. These two bills will help deliver accurate forecasts and quick warnings for Iowans all while protecting our families, supporting our farmers, safeguarding property, and saving lives. MEETING WITH THE IOWA FARM BUREAU I enjoyed meeting with the Iowa Farm Bureau about the need to pass the Farm Bill, end California's Proposition 12 mandates on our hog farmers, promote homegrown Iowa biofuels, support pro-growth tax policies, and open new export markets for agriculture. By the size of this group, you can tell that Iowa's 4th Congressional District is the 2nd largest ag-producing district in the country! SPEAKING WITH IOWANS FROM VILLAGE NORTHWEST UNLIMITED On Tuesday, I met with a wonderful group of Iowans from Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon. This incredible organization helps adults with disabilities lead fulfilling lives. Having served on the board of Village Northwest years ago, their worthy mission is personal to me. KEEPING THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY OUT OF OUR UNIVERSITIES Yesterday, I voted to keep the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign enemies out of our universities and away from our kids. We must stop foreign organizations that want to harm the U.S. from gaining any foothold in our country, especially at our institutions of higher education. CHATTING WITH THE IOWA INSTITUTE OF COOPERATIVES It was great to sit down with the Iowa Institute of Cooperatives to talk about tax policy. We all agree that we must extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the 199A deduction on qualified business income. Pro-growth tax policies strengthen our economy and rural communities. HELPING OUR SMALL BUSINESSES OFFER PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE TO THEIR EMPLOYEES Small businesses form the backbone of our economy. That's why Senator Deb Fischer from Nebraska and I introduced legislation to help our small businesses offer paid family and medical leave to their employees. This investment will help our families and job creators alike. Midlands Voices: Congress should act to save paid family and medical leave "If Congress fails to act quickly, this lifeline for both workers and small businesses will soon expire indefinitely." Read More ICYMI: IOWA FARMERS AND PRODUCERS CAN APPLY FOR ECONOMIC RELIEF THROUGH USDA Last December, I voted for the American Relief Act, which was signed into law and included $10 billion in economic relief for our farmers. Through August 15th, our producers can apply for relief at their local FSA office or online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap. I encourage any farmer who needs help with this process to contact my office at Feenstra.House.Gov or by phone at 202-225-4426. USDA ramps up $10 billion in relief payments as planting season nears The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expediting efforts to get $10 billion in economic relief payments into the hands of farmers as planting season looms on the horizon. Read More VISITING WITH THE IOWA NEBRASKA EQUIPMENT DEALERS ASSOCIATION This week, I had a productive conversation with members of the Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association. We talked about the importance of passing a five-year Farm Bill, cutting unnecessary red tape on our job creators, and extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. AN IMPORTANT VICTORY FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT ON THE MISSOURI RIVER At the end of last year, I led a letter to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Captain Andrew Bender urging the USCG to reconsider its decision to remove 36 ATONs on the Missouri River north of Blencoe, Iowa and to continue infrastructure investments in the Missouri River. I am glad that the Coast Guard heard the concerns of our Western Iowa community and has decided to keep 36 Aids to Navigation in place on the Missouri River north of Blencoe. These devices ensure the safety of ships and their crews and keep our water supply chains moving effortlessly – allowing our farmers, businesses, and manufacturers to ship their goods and serve their customers. I will continue to advocate for robust investment in the Missouri River, the maintenance of these critical ATONs, and policies that support our waterways and grow our economy. Feenstra Supports Maintaining Aids to Navigation on the Missouri River Congressman Feenstra's recently gave some remarks applauding the decision by the U.S. Coast Guard to keep 36 Aids to Navigation in place on the Missouri River north of Blencoe, Iowa. Last December, Congressman Feenstra led a letter to USCG Captain Andrew Bender urging the USCG to reconsider its decision to remove 36 ATONs on the... Read More INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO BUILD REFRIGERATION INFRASTRUCTURE TO EXPORT PERISHABLE IOWA AG COMMODITIES GLOBALLY Opening new export markets for our farmers helps increase demand for Iowa agricultural commodities and puts more money in the pockets of our producers. However, goods like Iowa-raised beef, pork, turkeys, chickens, and other perishable products face barriers to foreign markets because of a significant lack of cold-chain storage and other refrigeration infrastructure. I introduced the FRIDGE Act to make improvements at our ports and construct needed refrigeration infrastructure so that Iowa farmers can ship their high-quality goods across the globe without worrying about spoilage. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to work with the Trump administration to negotiate new trade deals that benefit our producers and end our reliance on only a handful of export markets. HONORED TO BE NAMED A FEDERAL CHAMPION BY THE AMERICAN FLOOD COALITION I’m honored to be named a Federal Champion by the American Flood Coalition for my work to give our families and communities the tools and resources that they need to not only recover from disasters but also invest in safeguards that protect our land and property. Born and raised in rural Iowa, I will continue to support policies that help our communities prepare for and respond to flooding and other destructive storms. Feenstra named Federal Champion by American Flood Coalition U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) was named a Federal Champion by the American Flood Coalition for his leadership, public service and commitment to finding solutions to challenges posed by flooding. Read More SITTING DOWN WITH THE CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OF IOWA It was a pleasure to meet with the Conservation Districts of Iowa to discuss the importance of voluntary conservation practices in rural Iowa. Our farmers and producers are the best stewards of our land and implement proactive strategies to protect our water and soil. RECOGNIZING MEDAL OF HONOR DAY On Monday March 25th, we observed Medal of Honor Day. On that day, and every day, we honor and thank those patriotic Americans who have received the Medal of Honor through acts of incredible heroism and courage. Our troops and veterans deserve our deepest gratitude and appreciation. ONE LAST THING: IDENTITY PROOFING REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BEGIN ON MONDAY On Monday March 31st, the Social Security Administration will begin its identity proofing requirements for Social Security. Here is an important excerpt from the link below: "At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone. However, the claim cannot be completed until the individual’s identity is verified in person. The agency therefore recommends calling to request an in-person appointment to begin and complete the claim in one interaction. Individuals with and without an appointment will need to prove identity before starting a transaction. Individuals who do not or cannot use the agency’s online my Social Security services to change their direct deposit information, can visit a local office to process the change or can call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person appointment." I will ALWAYS protect Social Security! Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day | SSA The Social Security Administration (SSA) is taking proactive steps to enhance the security of its services by implementing stronger identity verification procedures. The updated measures will further... Read More MY WEEKLY COLUMN: PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM SEVERE WEATHER As a father of four and a former storm watcher during my time as City Administrator in my hometown of Hull, keeping our families safe is personal and important to me. By helping our farmers protect their farmland from the devastating consequences of flooding and ensuring that our communities receive timely and accurate weather information from trusted sources, we can stay safe, appropriately prepare for severe weather, and respond to Mother Nature’s unpredictable actions. Read my full weekly column below! My weekly column: Protecting our communities from severe weather Beginning on March 24th, we observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. Every year, this week serves as an important reminder of the precautions that we should all take to keep ourselves and our families safe. Stocking up on bottled water, keeping flashlights and batteries in accessible areas, and having an emergency plan are just a few examples of common safety measures. Read More CLOSING POLL FOR THE DAY Do you support eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars? Yes No Unsure / Indifferent LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you support the creation of a central bank digital currency? Yes - 3% No - 84% Unsure/Indifferent - 13% If you have more thoughts on this week's question, feel free to leave your comments on my official website HERE. We are government together, and I am here to serve you. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to call (202) 225-4426 or visit my website at feenstra.house.gov. Sincerely, Rep. Randy Feenstra Member of Congress Rep Feenstra | 1440 Longworth House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice