Email from Rep Feenstra

Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: From the Feenstra family to yours, Merry Christmas! 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!

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6

Christmas is a peaceful time to reflect on the birth of our Lord, who came into the world to wash away our sins and grant us eternal life. He is at the center of this beautiful season.

From the Feenstra family to yours, Merry Christmas!

ATTENDING THE DIGNIFIED TRANSFER OF OUR FALLEN IOWA NATIONAL GUARDSMEN

It was a solemn and deeply moving experience to attend the dignified transfer of the Iowa National Guardsmen who were killed by a terrorist in Syria.

Sergeant Nate Howard and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar were brave Iowans and American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms and our nation.

Our Iowa National Guard exemplify the best of our state, selflessly representing our country with integrity and courage.

I’m grateful to President Trump for receiving these fallen heroes in a manner that truly honored their service to our country and paid tribute to their sacrifice.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones as we mourn these incredible Iowans who were taken from us far too soon.

HONORING SERGEANT HOWARD AND SERGEANT TORRES-TOVAR ON THE HOUSE FLOOR

On Tuesday night, I joined my Iowa colleagues in a moment of silence on the House floor honoring the lives of Sergeant Nate Howard and Sergeant Edgar Torres-Tovar.

They bravely defended their fellow servicemembers from a terrorist attack and we all mourn their loss.

I’m also humbled to help lead a congressional resolution honoring these brave Iowans, recognizing their incredible courage, and condemning this vile terrorist attack on U.S. troops.

We will never forget their service and sacrifice on behalf of Iowa and the United States of America against evil and terror.

THANK YOU TO PRESIDENT TRUMP FOR SIGNING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT!

I’m excited that President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes great news for the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City.

I secured authorization to construct a new runway at the Sioux Gateway Airport so that the 322,000-pound KC-135 Stratotankers housed at the 185th can take off and land safely for various missions.

This NDAA will bolster our community as it protects almost 1,000 jobs, spurs economic growth, and keeps the 185th strong and operational.

After years of advocacy, I’m glad that the 185th is on the path to getting a new runway that will strengthen our national security and support our troops.

Siouxland lawmakers react to Trump signing NDAA into law

Multiple Siouxland lawmakers are reacting to President Trump signing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law on Thursday.

LOWERING HEALTHCARE COSTS FOR IOWANS

As a father of four and former volunteer EMT for 15 years, I’ve had countless conversations with Iowans about the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and declining access to care in rural communities.

Iowans are paying too much for routine checkups and prescription drugs and traveling long distances for doctor’s appointments and emergency care. It’s unsustainable and must change.

That’s why I voted to lower healthcare premiums for Iowa families, seniors, veterans, and small businesses, expand access to high-quality care in rural areas, and ensure transparency in healthcare pricing.

In addition to the $50 billion that we passed, and President Trump signed into law, for rural hospitals and healthcare, this legislation helps alleviate the root causes of costly health plans and brings prices down.

I’ll keep working to reduce healthcare costs, protect our rural hospitals, and deliver exceptional care for all Iowans.

SUPPORTING IOWA KIDS AND OUR DAIRY FARMERS!

I am thrilled that the U.S. House unanimously passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and that it is now headed to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

This legislation ensures that Iowa kids can drink nutritious whole and 2% milk produced by Iowa dairy farmers.

Passage of this bill shows my strong support for Iowa dairy producers while promoting Iowa-made milk as part of a healthy diet for our children.

I look forward to seeing President Trump sign this legislation, which is a major victory for our dairy farmers, Iowa students, and our rural communities.

MEETING WITH THE TRUCK TRAILERS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

I enjoyed meeting with Iowa members of the Truck Trailers Manufacturers Association.

From transporting ag products to hauling construction materials, trucking is critical to Iowa’s economy.

Iowa truckers keep our shelves stocked, our warehouses full and our state moving forward!

DELIVERING NO TAX ON TIPS, OVERTIME, AND SOCIAL SECURITY FOR IOWANS!

President Trump and I delivered NO TAX on tips, NO TAX on overtime, and NO TAX on Social Security!

That means Iowans rightfully get to keep more of their hard-earned money.

ONE LAST THING: CONGRATULATIONS TO THE IOWA WESTERN REIVERS ON WINNING THE NJCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!

Congratulations to the Iowa Western Reivers on winning the NJCAA National Championship with a 28-10 victory over Hutchinson!

This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the coaches, student athletes, and their families.

Congratulations and Go Reivers!

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: HONORING OUR FALLEN IOWA NATIONAL GUARDSMEN

As we enter the Christmas season, I ask all Iowans to join me in praying for the families and loved ones of Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres-Tovar. There will be an empty seat at the dinner table and a hole in their hearts that nobody should have to endure.

I also ask that we pray that three injured soldiers fully recover and are quickly reunited with their families. Even in the darkest moments, we can never forget the incredible power of prayer.