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Friends, 

I have been working on a lot of big issues with my colleagues in Congress over the last few weeks. I ensured that our government has the resources it needs to function, while also making sure that we do not skip paying off the debts that we already have on the books. The House of Representatives has also moved closer to voting on infrastructure legislation that will benefit every Iowan.

While those are some incredibly important priorities, I have been working on other items -- including securing funding for folks who were impacted by last year's derecho, that you may not have seen in the news. 

Keep reading to find out more!

Derecho Assistance Signed into Law!

I saw the damage caused by last year's derecho up close, and have been fighting ever since to ensure the damages are covered

Last week, I helped send President Biden a bill that provides $10 billion to help farmers and producers cover crop damage caused by the 2020 derecho and other natural disasters from 2020 and 2021.

Iowans have been resilient in rebuilding after last year's devastating storm, and I've been making sure our federal disaster programs are helping communities, families and farmers feel whole again.

And that's why I'm proud to see this funding signed into law. It was long overdue - and as the only Iowan who voted for this funding, I look forward to seeing it help folks in need.

Improving Transparency for Iowa Taxpayers

Recently, another bill that I co-sponsored was signed into law - a measure that will bring more transparency to Iowa taxpayers.

The Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act ensures all documents that explain how taxpayer dollars are being used will be available online for all to see. 

We have been using digital technology for decades now and there is no reason taxpayers shouldn't be able to see how every tax dollar is being spent.

This legislation - the first bill I signed onto this year - is a step in the right direction when it comes to government transparency, and will to continue to fight to make sure public material is accessible to everyone. 

Child Care, Paid Leave, and Labor Force Participation

I asked some of the nation's top economic leaders - U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell - about how the lack of access to child care and paid leave is affecting labor force participation.

I was able to speak with both of them at the hearing I held with my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee.

Secretary Yellen said the U.S. used to have one of the highest women's labor force participation rates in the world. That has changed radically in recent decades as we have fallen behind other developed countries. This is why I have been working so hard to get funding for child care included in the infrastructure legislation we are working on now, especially as labor shortages have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I also asked Chairman Powell about supply chain issues coming off the pandemic that are continuing to hold businesses in Iowa's Third Congressional District back. Powell said further investments in supply chain issues would make them more efficient.

You can watch their answers to my questions by clicking here.

Updating Iowans at my 71^st and 72^nd Town Halls

Iowans in the Third District know that the best way to hear about these new laws and other things that are happening in Washington is attending one of my 'Connect with your Congresswoman' town halls!

This week, I held town halls in Norwalk in Warren County and at Gray's Lake Park.

I received a lot of great questions from the folks ranging from free lunch programs at schools, to whether child care will be included in the infrastructure legislation Congress is working on, and what I am working on to support Iowa's biofuels industry.

In one of my favorite moments of the week - as I was talking to folks in Des Moines, a pair of bald eagles flew overhead to hear our conversation!

I'm always appreciative of everyone who comes out to hear what I'm working on and to ask questions about the things that matter most to them. I take my responsibility to represent Iowans seriously, and I always look forward to hearing from people directly.

If you couldn't attend a town hall, but have a question you would like to ask me, you can contact me by clicking here. 

Be well,

Cindy