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Friends, 

In the early days of this pandemic this spring, we saw hundreds of new cases of coronavirus tearing through Iowa’s communities. We took steps to slow the spread, encouraged people to avoid holding large events and stay socially distanced to prevent this disease from hurting even more Iowans.

Now, as we near the eighth month of this public health crisis, the new normal is not hundreds of new cases a day - it’s thousands. Our hospital beds are filled with new COVID-19 patients at a level we didn’t even see in the first wave of infections. And with the colder weather already forcing us to spend more time inside, we have to consider the weeks and months ahead of us just as dangerous as the first ones because of the uncontrolled third wave of this virus happening across our country.

We cannot let our guard down. We cannot let ourselves believe that it can’t possibly happen to us. This invisible enemy can only be defeated by everyone doing their part to slow the spread. Please continue to follow the guidance of our medical experts: wear a mask, avoid large crowds, and socially distance yourself.

Here are some other important items that I want to bring to your attention:

Be Aware of Potential COVID-19 Loan Fraud

I wrote to the head of the Small Business Administration this week to raise concerns about loan fraud that I’m hearing about in Iowa

Over the past week, I received confidential reports from Iowans that the Small Business Administration (SBA) had notified them of upcoming payments on Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) that were borrowed without their knowledge.

This is greatly concerning, and I immediately contacted the SBA to raise the alarm about this loan fraud and ask them to help ensure others had not also been victims of this type of identity theft.

Please be on the lookout for any communications from the SBA that may indicate that you unknowingly had money borrowed in your name.

Iowans should be cautious, however, when disclosing their status as an EIDL or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrower, as this information could lead to further targeting by scammers attempting to take advantage of the financial vulnerabilities.

If you believe you may be a victim of this or other COVID-19 related fraud, you can confidentially contact my office here.

As Hospital Beds Fill, What is Iowa’s Plan B?

The number of patients hospitalized in Iowa from COVID-19 has continued to break records over the past few weeks, far outpacing the patient levels from the first days of the pandemic.

In recent weeks, hospitalizations for COVID-19 have hit all-time highs – and positivity rates have climbed statewide to double digits.

This is especially concerning to me because many of the counties in Iowa’s Third District have zero ICU beds, and as bed capacity shrinks we should be concerned about where patients might go if there is no room left to care for them.

It’s a worst-case scenario – but even in the best of times, a Plan B is always necessary. Iowa’s citizens deserve to know what Iowa’s contingency plan is in the event that our hospital capacity is overwhelmed in the coming weeks and months.

Last week, I wrote to our state’s health and emergency management leaders to confirm the contingency plans for Iowa’s hospitals should hospitalizations continue to rise.

Applying for a Military Service Academy Nomination? The Deadline is Less Than a Month Away!

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.

Wishing you and your family good health,

Cindy