Dear Fellow Iowan,

This August district work period, I’m proud to once again be on the road meeting with you in every corner of Iowa’s First Congressional District. In fact, I’ve already visited all 20 counties this year, and I’m ready to do it again. There is no better way to serve you than by being out in our communities, listening to your concerns, and sharing the results we’re delivering together.

The first seven months of President Trump’s second term and our Republican Supermajority have been nothing short of historic.

You demanded a secure border, and we delivered. Under Joe Biden's policies, up to 10,000 illegal immigrants were pouring across the border every single day. Under President Trump's policies, that number is now zero.

You wanted relief from crushing inflation, and we delivered again. The One Big Beautiful Bill is the largest tax cut in history for working- and middle-class Iowans. It also includes historic border funding, a 20% tax cut for small businesses, a $2,200 Child Tax Credit, a $6,000 tax break for seniors, and much more.

There’s a lot to be proud of and a lot more work ahead. In this email, I want to highlight a few of the 20 counties I’ve visited this year and some of the important conversations I’ve had with Iowans like you.

Scott County

On several visits to Scott County, I met directly with small business leaders, students, and community members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our district. I joined the Quad Cities and U.S. Chamber in Davenport to talk about protecting small businesses from devastating tax hikes and job losses, and reaffirmed my commitment in Congress to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so Iowa’s workers and job creators can thrive.

I was honored to attend the deployment send-off for D Company, 1-133rd Infantry in Davenport. Iowa is proud of these brave soldiers and deeply grateful to their families for their sacrifice and service.

I also joined students at Bettendorf High School for a thoughtful Q&A on balancing the budget, funding veterans’ services, and securing a stronger future for the next generation. And in Eldridge, I was proud to celebrate the grand opening of the North Scott Community Regional Innovation Center, a project I helped secure $2 million in federal funding to bring to life, a major investment in our students and Iowa’s economy.

Washington County

I had the opportunity to visit Washington County for the Main Street Tour, where I met directly with small business owners, city leaders, and families. These conversations are why I travel to all 20 counties each year, to hear firsthand what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can keep Iowa moving forward.

We discussed how the One Big Beautiful Bill is already making a difference by protecting vital tax policies for working families and small businesses, eliminating taxes on tips, and delivering new incentives to help revitalize rural downtowns.

Local leaders also shared their plans to bring more jobs and economic growth to Washington County, and I was proud to discuss how the policies we’ve passed can help turn those plans into reality.

Muscatine County

I visited Muscatine County to meet directly with small business owners and community leaders and hear how the One Big Beautiful Bill is delivering for them. Iowa’s Main Streets are the heartbeat of our communities, and from the family-owned diner to the corner pharmacy, these businesses aren’t asking for favors, they just want the freedom to work hard, grow, and serve their neighbors.

Stops on the tour included Wester Drug, Relion Insurance, Carpet One, Bobby’s Asian Restaurant, and Sal Vitale’s Italian Restaurant. At every stop, business owners shared how the largest tax cut for working families and small businesses in American history, paired with pro-growth reforms and expanded support for rural communities, is giving them the stability they need to plan for the future and reinvest back into their communities.

Warren County

In Warren County, I visited the Middle River Friends Church Food Pantry and met with the volunteers who keep this vital ministry going. Their dedication to serving the entire community and helping those in need is truly inspiring.

Conversations like these remind me why I travel the district: to meet directly with constituents, hear about the challenges they face, and find ways we can help. Warren County showed me once again how strong our communities are when we come together, and I’ll keep working to support local efforts like this wherever I can.

Lee County

In Lee County, I met with local veterans, community leaders, and families to hear directly about the issues impacting them. As a 24-year Army veteran, these conversations are personal for me. They also inform my work as a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and as Chair of the Subcommittee on Health.

We discussed how I’m fighting to improve access to quality health care for veterans, expand services at VA facilities, and ensure those who served our country receive the benefits they’ve earned. Lee County’s veterans reminded me why this mission matters so much, and I will continue to stand up for them every single day in Washington.

Keokuk County

During my visit to Keokuk County Hospital, I met with staff to discuss pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reforms and toured their impressive new in-house pharmacy. I also had the chance to see the exciting ER renovations underway, improvements that will strengthen access to top-quality care for rural Iowans.

On another visit, I was privileged to stand alongside fellow veterans, their families, and local leaders for the ribbon cutting of the newly repaved Road of Honor in Keokuk. With strong community support and nearly $1 million in federal funding my office helped secure, this road now serves as a fitting tribute to the men and women who served and sacrificed for our country.

Mahaska County

In Mahaska County, I met directly with community leaders, local businesses, and constituents to discuss how we can continue strengthening Southeast Iowa’s economy and improving quality of life.

One of the highlights was celebrating the long-awaited Southeast Connector project in Oskaloosa, which is finally moving forward after 40 years of planning. I was proud to work alongside city and county officials, business leaders, and the state to help advance this transformational investment. It will improve safety, drive economic development, and open the door to new industries and jobs for generations to come.

I also had the privilege of touring Interpower in Oskaloosa and celebrating their 50th anniversary with founder Bob Wersen. Interpower is a shining example of Iowa innovation, creating good jobs and manufacturing high-quality products right here at home. 

I will Always Fight for Iowa

I’m proud to have visited all 20 counties in Iowa’s First Congressional District this year, and I’m ready to do it all again. Meeting my constituents where they are, listening to their concerns, and sharing the wins we’ve secured together is the most important part of this job.

I will continue to be your voice in Washington, fighting for our values, working to build on the progress we’ve made, and making sure Iowa’s priorities are always front and center.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks