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Friends, 

It’s hard to believe the first days of fall are already upon us. This year has seemingly moved quickly and slowly at the same time, and the pandemic has altered so many of the annual gatherings and traditions by which we mark the passing seasons.

I continue to hear from Iowans who are struggling, and I’m working in Washington to achieve agreements and deliver aid for those who need it. Even this week, after members of my own party tried to leave Iowa’s family farmers out of a funding deal, I put my foot in the door for Iowa and told them to go back and add the funding that helps our farmers during these difficult times.

I’m proud to say they listened and reversed course, and I am continuing to push them and other leaders in Washington to reach a new deal on COVID-19 relief as soon as possible.

Until there is more news to share on that front, there are a few items below that I’d like to note this week.

Want to Attend a Military Service Academy?

Iowans living in the Third Congressional District who are at least 17 years old today but will not be 23 or older by July 1st, 2021 can apply through my office to be nominated to join the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

The young men and women selected to attend these service academies will learn the values and traditions of their chosen branch, receive a world-class education, and become military officers and future leaders of our nation.

Individuals who wish to compete for a nomination and admission to a service academy should first apply directly to the academy, and then apply for nomination through my office by November 25th, 2020.

The application and further instructions can be found here.

Leading the Fight Against Increasing Costs of Insulin and Epinephrine 

Last week, I led a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services requesting they rescind or decline to enforce a recent Executive Order which would drive up the costs of insulin and epinephrine for patients at community health centers (CHCs).

Lowering prescription drugs costs should be a key priority for all parts of our government, but this Executive Order missed the mark. It mandates community health centers sell insulin and epinephrine ‘at cost,’ which puts drug price variation in full control of the drug manufacturers. 

By targeting the centers providing these medications to those without insurance or the means to get the care instead of big pharmaceutical companies, HHS risks making things worse for a community already in need. 

I know Iowans are already struggling with the costs of their prescription drugs: one wrote to me earlier this year to share that his insulin was more expensive per ounce than gold. Community health centers are not raising the cost of medications – they are helping Iowans afford it which is why I’m fighting to make sure they will still be able to provide these medications. 

Read the letter I wrote by clicking here.

Its National Small Business Week!

This week is National Small Business Week, so I wanted to take some time to recognize the thousands of small businesses in Iowa that define our communities. I know this year has been challenging for us all, but I am dedicated to working hard in Washington and seeing our small businesses through this economic (recession, downturn, turmoil). Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it has always been one of my top priorities in Congress to help our entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed and flourish.

As a small business owner myself, I understand the struggles our small businesses are facing right now. I will continue to fight and advocate for helping Iowa farmers and businesses get through this tough time.

Recently, the Small Business Administration created a page devoted to resources for rural businesses, which you can find here. Their goal is to cut red-tape and make it easier for small businesses to access loan programs and increase investment to our smaller communities.

A Note on the Passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a champion of progress and women’s rights unlike any other in the history of this nation. Known to so many as simply RBG, her advocacy made her an icon.

From the earliest days of her legal career to her twenty-seven-year term as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ginsburg was a tireless fighter for equality and equal protection under the law – and she will be sorely missed.

I am deeply saddened that our country moves forward now without her voice, but I know that we will carry the spirit of her work with us and continue her work toward a more just and fair nation for all.

Wishing you and your family good health,

Cindy