Friend, 

We are four weeks into Schumer's Shutdown, and Iowans are feeling it. Thousands of flights have been delayed. Seniors can’t access telehealth services. Nutrition assistance for millions of vulnerable families is in jeopardy. Military families are increasingly relying on food pantries to make ends meet. Shutdowns have real consequences on real people – and it’s hardworking Americans who pay the price for Democrats’ dysfunction.

For our small businesses – the backbone of Iowa’s economy – this shutdown means: 

• No federal inspections or approvals 
• No payouts on federal contracts
• No access to loans

Thanks to President Trump and the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts, our Main Street economy has come roaring back post Biden. But the Democrats’ political games threaten that comeback by cutting off vital capital and certainty for small businesses and manufacturers.

It’s extremely disappointing that the Democrats care more about receiving validation from their radical base than working with Republicans to make progress on issues and do the job they were elected to do. 

Ironically, Chuck Schumer expressed similar sentiments during the 2013 shutdown:

“As we said a thousand times, we are happy to discuss how to fund the government [but] not with a gun to our head. Open up all of the government, and then we can have a fruitful discussion …”

And again in 2019, Chuck said: “We cannot – cannot – ever hold American workers hostage again.” Yet here we are. 

It’s time for Senator Schumer to take his own advice, stop the political theater, and reopen the government for the American people.

Sincerely,

I recently stopped by Luther College in Decorah to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the U.S. I appreciate His Royal Highness Prince Haakon of Norway for making the trip to commemorate the occasion! 

Norwegian heritage runs deep in Decorah, and those who first made the journey to settle here carried courage, faith, and a deep sense of community with them. Those values are still alive today at Luther, in Decorah, and across the country.

Don’t forget to spread the word! I encourage any middle and high school students in my district to sign up for this year’s Congressional App Challenge.

Students can design a computer, tablet, or phone app. The topic is up to them. A local panel will select the winner of this competition, who will then have the chance to be recognized alongside students throughout the country. Submission details can be found here.

ICYMI: Quick Hits

• I applauded the administration for delivering some of the lowest gas prices in more than four years.
• I shouted out the Field of Dreams in Dyersville.
• I thanked Secretary Rollins and President Trump for reopening loan programs at FSA for our ag communities during the Schumer Shutdown.
• I called out one of the top-ranking Democrats for saying the quiet part out loud.
• I joined Julie Mason on SiriusXM Radio and talked about the real world consequences of Schumer’s shutdown on Iowans.