Email from Rep Feenstra

Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: Day 24 of the Democrat-led government shutdown. 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!

DEMOCRATS HAVE NOW KEPT THE GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN FOR 24 DAYS

I'm very frustrated to start this week's newsletter again by saying that the Democrats have kept the government shut down for 24 days to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants and spend another $1.5 trillion that we don't have.

Earlier this week, I joined my Iowa colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) demanding that he end this Democrat shutdown and reopen the government. I continue to refuse my paycheck while Democrats play politics and hold the government hostage.

In September, Republicans did our job and voted to keep the government open for Iowans. We simply want to keep the normal appropriations process rolling and cut wasteful spending from the federal budget. This is especially important as our national debt surpassed a record $38 trillion this week.

I appreciate President Trump for paying our troops and reopening FSA offices for our farmers as we wait for the Democrats to come to their senses and reopen the government. Their recklessness hurts our families, farmers, seniors, veterans, and small businesses.

Again, the Democrats are hurting Iowa families all to give free healthcare to illegal immigrants and put our country deeper into debt.

Iowa GOP U.S. House members warn shutdown 'inflicting real harm' on Iowans

Iowa's all-Republican U.S. House delegation is urging Senate Democrats to back a bipartisan plan to reopen the government, warning that the 20-day shutdown is hurting families, farmers and veterans across the state. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Republicans are refusing to negotiate over what he called a looming health care crisis at the center of the government shutdown stalemate.

OUR NATIONAL DEBT OFFICIALLY EXCEEDS $38 TRILLION

This week, our nation marked a very concerning milestone for our fiscal stability.

Our national debt has officially surpassed $38 trillion.

As a strong, fiscal conservative, I believe that we must reduce government spending and pass a balanced budget to get our fiscal house in order.

It's what Iowa taxpayers expect and deserve.

National debt surpasses $38 trillion milestone for first time in US history as spending surges

The U.S. national debt surpassed $38 trillion for the first time this week, growing at a record pace driven by spending stemming from the aging population and elevated interest costs.

WORKING TO OPEN NEW EXPORT MARKETS FOR IOWA AGRICULTURE

President Trump is delivering strong trade deals for Iowa agriculture and holding foreign countries accountable to our producers.

He has already secured many great agreements for agriculture:

Japan will buy $8 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods, including corn and soybeans.
Taiwan will buy $10 billion of U.S. agricultural goods, including corn and soybeans.
Vietnam will buy $800 million of Iowa agricultural products like corn and soybeans.
U.K. will buy $750 million of U.S. ethanol and $250 million of U.S. beef.

While President Trump continues to deliver trade wins, we are looking at near-term market assistance for our producers as we counter China’s unfair trade practices.

STOPPING THE LARGEST TAX INCREASE IN U.S. HISTORY

On Independence Day, Republicans passed, and President Trump signed into law, legislation that prevented the largest tax increase on American families, farmers, workers, and small businesses in history.

Our package of tax cuts for working families made several important reforms to our tax code with the important goal of growing our economy, supporting our families, and investing in our communities. We also codified tax relief and pro-growth provisions that benefit our small businesses, farmers, and manufacturers.

Delivering tax relief for families and workers, helping small businesses invest in their employees, and encouraging manufacturers to expand their presence in our country and our communities are all important avenues by which we can grow our economy and secure a prosperous future for our nation.

Preventing the largest tax increase in U.S. history

If Democrats had succeeded and President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts were not passed on July 4th this year, families, farmers, and small businesses would have faced the largest tax increase in U.S. history. Over 210 million American taxpayers would have seen an average 22% tax hike, and the tax increase on an average family [...]

ONE LAST THING: CELEBRATING A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY IN MARSHALL COUNTY

Students and faculty at East Marshall Elementary School in Laurel celebrated one of the school's two custodians, Mr. Mick Good, in a great way. On his 86th birthday, they planted his favorite tree, a Redmond American linden tree, in front of the school playground.

Mick has worked in the education arena for 68 years, serving students and his community.

Check out the full, heartwarming story below!

East Marshall students, staff surprise beloved 86-year-old custodian on his birthday

Mick Good is a custodian at East Marshall Elementary School and a former teacher who has spent 68 years working in the education field.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: SUMMARIZING MY LATEST TELEPHONE TOWN HALL WITH MORE THAN 7,500 IOWANS

Last week, I hosted a telephone town hall with more than 7,500 Iowans. I provided an update on what’s happening in Congress and answered questions about important issues ranging from tax cuts and trade to agriculture and manufacturing.

Listening to Iowans and advancing our shared values in Congress remains a top priority for me, and these conversations are a great way to exchange ideas and hear directly from those I serve.