Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: Announcing 4th District Passport Fairs in Sioux City and Council Bluffs. 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!

PASSPORT FAIRS IN SIOUX CITY AND COUNCIL BLUFFS

I’m excited to announce that our office will hold two passport fairs in Council Bluffs and Sioux City.

The passport fair in Council Bluffs will be held on Tuesday May 13th from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce office and the passport fair in Sioux City will be held on Wednesday May 14th from 9 AM – 4 PM at the Sioux City Public Library in the Gleeson Room.

These events are a great opportunity for Iowans to have their questions answered by professionals and submit applications to get a new passport or renew an existing passport.

If you're interested in attending, please register beforehand by either emailing our office at [email protected] or calling our office at 202-225-4426.

Additionally, if you wish to get a new passport or renew an existing passport, please come with a completed application, government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, a State Department approved 2”x 2” printed passport photo, and method of payment (money order, credit card, or check; cash will not be accepted).

More information can be found in the article and graphic below!

KEEPING AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS ACTIVE IN THE EVENT OF A FOREIGN ANIMAL DISEASE OUTBREAK

Iowa farmers are the backbone of our economy and the breadbasket of our country and the world.

However, an animal disease outbreak can be devastating for our producers, majorly disrupt trade with foreign countries, and close important export markets that our farmers depend on.

Understanding the dire financial and animal health consequences of a disease outbreak, I introduced the Safe American Food Exports Act so that we can negotiate comprehensive agreements with our trading partners and ensure that a disease outbreak in one part of the country does not impact Iowa’s ability to produce and export our agricultural goods.

By working proactively on regionalization agreements and prioritizing farm biosecurity, we can safely ship our agricultural commodities around the globe, prevent massive trade disruptions, and mitigate the negative impacts of animal disease on our farmers, producers, and rural communities.

WELCOMING THE SIOUXLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO OUR NATION'S CAPITAL

On Wednesday, I welcomed the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce to our nation's capital during their 70th Siouxland-Washington conference.

We had a phenomenal conversation about investing in the 185th Air Refueling Wing, passing the Farm Bill, strengthening our workforce, building affordable housing, cutting our debt, and supporting rural healthcare needs.

I appreciate this cohort of Iowans for making the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the Siouxland region!

MEETING WITH THE IOWA ASSOCIATION OF NURSE ANESTHETISTS

I enjoyed meeting with the Iowa Association of Nurse Anesthetists to discuss the importance of strengthening healthcare access in rural Iowa.

We also talked about ways that we can keep healthcare professionals rooted in Iowa and make needed investments in nursing programs.

VISITING WITH THE IOWA ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Locally owned electric cooperatives work hard to provide reliable and affordable electricity for our Iowa communities.

I’ll continue to support an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy!

MEETING WITH IOWANS IN WEBSTER AND HAMILTON COUNTIES ON MY 36 COUNTY TOUR

Last week, on my 36 County Tour, I toured Silgan Containers in Fort Dodge, ARKO Labs in Jewell, and Best Veterinary Solutions in Ellsworth.

From domestic manufacturing to foreign animal disease prevention, I enjoyed having real conversations with Iowans about issues impacting our state.

Read my full op-ed in the Fort Dodge Messenger below.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION APPROVES E-15 SALES THIS SUMMER

I thank President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for approving E-15 sales in all fifty states this summer.

Whether traveling for work or embarking on a family road trip, Americans will benefit from lower gas prices courtesy of Iowa farmers and ethanol producers.

Now, we must codify this waiver and make E-15 permanently available at gas stations year-round and nationwide.

MEETING WITH AIR NATIONAL GUARD LEADERS

On Wednesday, I met with Acting Director of the Air National Guard Duke Pirak, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard Stephen Osborn, and Deputy Adjutant General of the Iowa Air National Guard Mark Muckey.

We had a great conversation about protecting the 185th Air Refueling Wing and ensuring that the runway and ramp projects are fully funded.

I will always be a strong voice for the 185th in Congress!

VISITING WITH THE IOWA RURAL BROADBAND ASSOCIATION

It’s always great to sit down with the Iowa Rural Broadband Association.

In Congress, I’ve worked on legislation to secure 100 Mbps for both upload and download speeds for broadband service in our rural communities.

This is the gold standard for broadband connection.

YOUNG IOWANS OFF TO IOWA STATE THIS FALL!

It was great to meet Kevin and Hector who made the trip to D.C. with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.

These young men attended Western Iowa Tech Community College and are heading to Iowa State University this fall on full scholarships.

I wish Kevin and Hector all the best for the future!

PROTECTING OUR KIDS FROM GRAPHIC DEEPFAKE PORNOGRAPHY

As a father of four, keeping our kids safe is an important priority for me, which includes prosecuting criminals who violate others by unlawfully disseminating deepfake pornography and other nonconsensual, sexually explicit images.

With the proliferation of AI-generated images on social media platforms, we must do a better job of removing these false depictions online as quickly as possible.

That’s why I voted for the TAKE IT DOWN Act to keep these manipulative and manufactured images off the Internet and protect our kids and their identities.

I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this important legislation into law to deliver the harshest punishment possible for criminals who take advantage of our kids.

OVERTURNING BIDEN-ERA WAIVERS FOR CALIFORNIA'S ELECTRIC-VEHICLE MANDATES

Although electric vehicles are more expensive and less reliable than gas-powered cars, the Biden administration barreled forward with its EV mandates on American families, farmers, and small businesses – enriching China, where EV components are largely sourced, at the expense of U.S. citizens and manufacturers.

In one of the most egregious examples of federal overreach, the Biden EPA granted three waivers exclusively to California, allowing the state to move ahead with its plans to ban gas-powered vehicles and electrify trucks, tractors, and semis.

As a strong supporter of liquid fuels, I voted to overturn all three of these waivers, restoring consumer choice and promoting affordability over mandates.

In conjunction with President Trump’s executive order repealing the Biden administration’s EV mandates, these resolutions will ensure that California’s ridiculous and misguided policies do not spread to Iowa or any other state.

VISITING THE IOWA VETERANS HOME IN MARSHALLTOWN

Last Wednesday, as part of my 36 County Tour, I visited the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

I had a phenomenal tour of their facilities, met with incredible staff, and spoke with countless veterans, thanking these American heroes for their service to our country.

ONE LAST THING: ANNOUNCING ELLA STRUDTHOFF AS THE WINNER OF OUR 4TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

I’m excited to announce that Ella Strudthoff from Gilbert High School has won our 4th District Congressional Art Competition with her artwork titled "Reunion."

This piece – which depicts a military couple embracing – was especially moving to me as members of the Iowa National Guard will embark on an active-duty deployment at the end of May.

It is important that we keep our soldiers and their loved ones in our prayers while they serve our country abroad.

Over the next several weeks, I will also share the artwork of the three runners-up!

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: 100 DAYS OF PROMISES KEPT UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP

April 29th marked 100 days of promises kept under President Trump.

Like he pledged on the campaign trail, he has mobilized every tool at his disposal to make America strong again and reverse the failed policies pushed by the Biden administration.

From border security and energy dominance to government efficiency and economic investment, President Trump has delivered real results for the American people and has worked around the clock to put our families, farmers, workers, and small businesses first.

Read my full weekly column below.

CLOSING POLL FOR THE DAY

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Should we rein in the power of district court judges who are blocking President Trump's agenda?

Yes - 41%

No - 56%

Unsure/Indifferent - 3%

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