Email from Rep. Miller-Meeks Miller-Meeks Weekly Script April 19th, 2026 View as Webpage Washington’s Waste Is Costing American Families Fraud, waste, and abuse in our government are out of control, and hardworking Americans are paying the price. Washington continues to tolerate billions in misuse of taxpayer dollars. We’ve seen widespread fraud in states like Minnesota, Illinois, and California, clear examples of failed leadership, weak oversight, and policies that leave taxpayers holding the bag. That’s not just unsustainable, it is unacceptable. The American people expect their government to respect their tax dollars. Right now, that trust is being broken. Programs meant to serve those in need are too often riddled with loopholes and mismanagement. Accountability is not optional, it is essential. That is why I am advancing reforms like the WALZ Act to strengthen safeguards, ensure benefits go to those legally eligible, and shut down abuse before it starts. This legislation is about restoring integrity, protecting taxpayer dollars, and making sure these programs actually serve the American people. But restoring accountability also means being clear about priorities. Taxpayer funded programs must serve the people they were created for. Programs like Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ services exist to support Americans who have paid into the system and rely on them. These are commitments we must uphold, and taxpayer dollars should be focused on strengthening these essential services, supporting seniors, assisting working families, and ensuring care for those who have served our country. This is about fairness, responsibility, and putting Americans first. It is also about restoring trust in government at every level. That includes those elected to serve. I have long supported banning stock trading in Congress, and I am proud to be among the few members who do not own individual stocks. Public service should never be about personal profit. Every dollar wasted in Washington is a dollar taken from a family trying to get ahead. We can do better, and we must. It is time to restore accountability, protect taxpayer dollars, and make government work for the American people again. That is what I am fighting for. Representing Iowa's First District Wonderful meeting with Iowa representatives from the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association to discuss how we can ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. Improved access to these essential services is especially important for veterans, supporting mobility and recovery after combat-related injuries. Great meeting with Iowa Ophthalmologists and residents with the American Academy of Ophthalmology to discuss protecting veterans’ access to high-quality surgical eye care and expanding pediatric eye care across Iowa. As an ophthalmologist, I know how critical timely, specialized care is to preserving vision and improving lives. Welcomed Davenport Mayor Jason Gordon to my D.C. office where we discussed economic development in the Quad Cities and how federal and local governments can work together to drive growth, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for our communities. Met with the Plastics Industry Association and American Chemistry Council to discuss my Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, expanding recycling access in rural communities, reducing travel to facilities, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening our supply chain. Domestic production keeps America competitive. Enjoyed meeting with Growth Energy to discuss the need to pass year-round E15, finalize 45Z, and the administration’s announcement on RVO's, all of which strengthen our rural economy, support American energy independence, and give certainty to Iowa's farmers and agriculture. Had a great meeting with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to discuss Farm Bill priorities, Prop 12, and the importance of free trade and strengthening global markets for Iowa pork producers. Productive discussion with the Quad Cities Chamber on permitting reform, Community Project Funding, and driving economic growth in the region. Hearing directly from local leaders is critical to cutting red tape and expanding opportunity in Iowa. Great meeting with Iowa representatives of the American Clean Power Association to discuss permitting reform and how an all-of-the-above energy strategy helps strengthen our grid, boost American energy independence, and create good-paying jobs. Had an informative meeting with Iowa representatives from the Association of Professional Rental Organizations (ARPO). ARPO members operate 55 rent-to-own stores across Iowa, serving low-income families with access to essential appliances, furniture, and electronics, while supporting over 42,000 jobs nationwide. Congratulations to my friend Michelle Steel on her nomination to serve as U.S. Ambassador to South Korea! Michelle is the embodiment of the American Dream and will represent our nation with strength and pride. It was a pleasure to attend the ribbon cutting for the new CHC Muscatine Medical, Dental & Behavioral Health Clinic. This facility will strengthen access to high-quality care for families in Muscatine and surrounding rural communities. Expanding behavioral health services is critical, ensuring patients can access the care they need, when they need it, and helping save lives. Fun attending the Run for Veterans 5K supporting the Quad City Veterans Outreach Center. We also celebrated an incredible milestone, Vince Martinez, a World War II Navy veteran, turning 100. Grateful to the Outreach Center, volunteers, and everyone who came out to support our veterans. Committee Hearings I questioned Secretary Wright on the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Energy Budget. I joined the Veterans Affairs Hearing to speak on the VA’s work to streamline the disability claims backlog. Floor Speeches The House passed my Bill H.R. 4707, to rename a Fort Madison Post Office after Martin Graber, a patriot who lived his entire life in service to his state, his community, and our nation. For 32 years, Martin Graber rose through the ranks of the Iowa National Guard and became a U.S. Brigadier General. He then went on to work in the State House to better the lives of hardworking Iowans. I highlighted the need to strengthen rural healthcare and expand access to care for communities across Iowa and our nation. The first-of-its-kind $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program that we delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts will strengthen hospitals, advance technology, and make sure Iowans get the care they need.  I recently convened my third Rural Healthcare Roundtable to hear direct input from hospitals in my district to make sure this program is implemented in a way that will best meet the needs of patients and providers. Tax Day this year provided increased relief thanks to the Working Family Tax Cuts. The Working Families Tax Cuts have provided significant relief, with the average taxpayer expected to see nearly $4,000 in savings. Putting more money back in the pockets of families, workers, and seniors. Celebrating the return of the Artemis II crew on April 10th. The astronauts—Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glove, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen embarked on a historic 10-day mission, traveling around the moon to its far side, putting them further from Earth than any other human has ever been. Congratulations to the Artemis II crew, and to the scientists, engineers, and mission teams at NASA who made this extraordinary achievement possible. Here to Help You As always, my office is here to help. If you need assistance, don't hesitate to contact us. We've responded to over 100,000 constituent emails, letters, and calls. We’ve also helped over 2,500 people who had issues with a federal agency and, as a result, returned over $5 million to those constituents. If you're having trouble with a federal agency, reach out, and we'll be glad to assist. My Indianola and Davenport District offices are open and serving constituents. If you have a casework issue or need help with a federal department please call the Indianola Office at (515) 808-6040 and the Davenport Office at (563) 232-0930. My Washington, D.C. office is open and answering your calls so your voice can be heard. Please feel free to contact us at 202 225-6576. If you want to stay updated on the work I'm doing, I invite you to visit my website. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube. Let us know how we can help you with the following agencies and more: Medicare and Social Security Claims My staff has been able to recover tens-of-thousands of dollars for constituents who deserved benefits and did not receive them. Veterans’ Services If you are a Veteran, my office can help you navigate the bureaucracy so that you can get the services you deserve. Passport Assistance Reach out to my team for assistance with any issues you might have with your passport. Tours and Tickets Let us help you schedule your visit to: White House U.S. Capitol Building Supreme Court Library of Congress FBI Building Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Visit My Website ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 504 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice