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Lower Costs, Bigger Paychecks

For too many working Americans, it feels like no matter how hard you work, you just can’t get ahead. Every trip to the grocery store or gas station is a reminder that the cost of living is still too high. That’s unacceptable, and it’s exactly what I’ve been working to fix.

As a physician, a 24-year Army veteran, and the only former state public health director in Congress, I’ve spent my life focused on serving others. I’ve seen firsthand how rising costs, especially in healthcare, can weigh on families and small businesses. People shouldn’t have to choose between paying a medical bill and putting food on the table.

President Trump and Republicans in Congress have already made incredible progress in undoing the damage caused by the last administration. Gas prices and inflation are at four-year lows. We’ve passed the largest tax cuts in American history, eliminated taxes on Social Security benefits, overtime, and tips, and delivered a 20% tax cut for small businesses.

But our job isn’t finished.

Affordability must remain our top priority, and that means continuing to fight for lower healthcare costs, lower utility bills, and more economic freedom for every American family. It means making sure people keep more of their hard-earned money and have the freedom to choose the healthcare that works best for them.

We’re not here to protect profitable insurance companies or push big government mandates. We’re here to make life better for ALL Americans.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to focus on solutions that put patients first, deliver real savings, and restore trust in a system that’s been broken for too long.

We’re going to keep pushing for lower prices and bigger paychecks. Because when American families are strong, America is strong.

Representing Iowa's First District

I had a wonderful time meeting with Kyle Ahlenstorf from Infinity Health. We discussed PBM reform bills and ways to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans. It is important to work towards making sure patients can afford the medications they need. 

Great to meet with the Farm Journal Foundation to discuss global food security and why investing in agricultural research is critical, not just for the world, but for Iowa’s farmers who help feed it.

It was an honor to attend the investiture ceremony for U.S. Attorney David Waterman at the U.S. District Courthouse in Des Moines. A proud day for a dedicated public servant and his family. Congratulations David!

Great meeting with my constituents, the Vongxays, who are fellow Army veterans, to talk about veterans benefits, tax relief, and making housing affordable again.

With interest rates being cut and home prices finally starting to ease, the door is opening for families who’ve been priced out for too long. I’m focused on ensuring Iowans everywhere feel that momentum and have the stability they need to achieve their American Dream.

Productive meeting with Dr. Michael Flaum, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Jazz Glastra with BrainFutures in my Davenport office. We had an important conversation about emerging breakthrough therapies and the future of mental health treatment.

Had a great call with Steven Rose, Trustee of the Amana Benefited Fire District. We discussed the real funding challenges small fire departments face and walked through how CPF and federal grant opportunities can support the critical services they provide.

Great to join the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa Apprenticeship and Training Trust to discuss workforce development, skilled trades, and the importance of strong apprenticeship programs.

Honored to receive the Eagle Award for my support of skilled trades last Congress; thank you, ABC!

Key Bills Passed this Week

This week, the House passed some very important bills:



I voted YES on the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It delivers a much deserved pay raise for our troops, invests in the next generation of military strength so that we can compete with China and Russia, and restores merit, not DEI, as the foundation of our armed forces. A stronger military means a safer, more secure future for every American.

I proudly voted to pass Representative Gabe Evans' State Planning for Reliability and Affordability Act. This commonsense bill ensures states plan ahead for rising energy demand, keeping the lights on and costs down. After years of failed energy policy under Joe Biden, we’re getting back on track and working to deliver affordable and reliable energy to millions of Americans.

I voted in favor of the INVEST Act, a common-sense reform that helps Main Street raise capital, grow, and hire. As a former small business owner, I know how hard that is. This bill makes it easier for family-run businesses to access funding and gives more Americans a shot at investing in their future.

I voted against the House Democrats forcing another President Trump impeachment vote. This has become a perennial thing by the Democrats, wasting time. I voted no because we're continuing to work to get prices down, make housing more affordable, reduce energy costs, and make food prices affordable for Iowa families. I will continue focusing on these priorities alongside President Trump so we can deliver meaningful results. 

I voted for the PERMIT Act which limits the scope of the Clean Water Act by redefining navigable waters to exclude waste treatment systems, ephemeral features that flow only in direct response to precipitation, prior converted cropland, groundwater, or any other features determined to be excluded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Committee Hearings

I delivered opening remarks in the VA Health Subcommittee. I mentioned the important program CHAMPVA and how the program can help spouses, dependents, or survivors of a Veteran who meets certain service-connected disability requirements, to qualify for health care benefits. It is important to continue to help Veterans & their families have access to the healthcare they need!

I spoke in the VA subcommittee on Health Oversight to explain the goal of healthcare costs being brought down for everyone. I asked for clarification on what the process for Veterans and their families will be in relation to the processing of their claims.

Floor Speeches

Thanks to the 2.1 million dollars I secured in Community Project Funding, Meller Health Center and Lee County EMS facility have officially opened! 

This project has been important to the community and to me, and I’m grateful to support investments that restore public health services, enhance emergency response for families, and help Lee County continue to grow. 

Congratulations to Tessa Cardoza for her impressive victory in the Iowa Restaurant Association Culinary Competition.

Ms. Cardoza is the executive chef of Maxwell’s on the River in Muscatine. Chef Cardoza created an outstanding entree featuring a locally sourced Beef Tri-Tip Roast that blew the judges away.

Congratulations Tessa Cardoza, your achievement makes all of Iowa proud.

Congratulations to the Easton Valley High School team for earning first place at the 2025 Clinton Community College Academic Quiz Bowl. 

The Easton Valley team had an impressive competition answering questions on math, history, science, language, literature, government, music, art, sports and current events.

You have made your school and community incredibly proud!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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