For regular updates on my work in Washington and information on when I’ll be in your neighborhood, sign up here for my e-newsletter. 

Friends, 

Have you heard the good news? The State of Iowa has received its first $110 million investment from the bipartisan infrastructure package that I voted for in November — part of nearly $5 billion that is slated to reach Iowa over the next half decade. The money will go toward long-overdue projects like removing miles of lead pipes to clean up our drinking water. 

I'm proud to fight for Iowans and to make sure these investments reach our communities. I am continuing my work on behalf of Iowans through the holidays by introducing new legislation that I look forward to getting passed next year. 

One piece of legislation I recently introduced tackles the abusive puppy mills that have been a major problem for our state for way too long. My legislation creates new measures that will hold the operators of these breeders accountable. Keep reading to find out more about that bill and other items I've been working on in Congress.

But first, I know that Iowa is in for a round of severe weather this week. I encourage everyone to keep an eye on the weather as strong storms and wind are expected in central Iowa, and even some snow and ice up north. If you experience any damage from these storms, stay in contact with your county's emergency management department. 

Goldie's Act Holds Dog Abusers Accountable

A dog named Goldie was recently euthanized after she was found with several hundred other neglected dogs at a puppy mill in Wayne County earlier this year. USDA inspectors has seen Goldie in deplorable conditions at this facility, but her conditions were not properly handled.

Over the last six years, enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act has dropped by 90 percent and no penalties have been imposed by the USDA against commercial dog breeders since 2017. 

We need to end the cruelty and abuse that happens to breeding dogs at these puppy mills, which is why I introduced legislation to close loopholes in the Animal Welfare Act to help hold anyone running one of these inhumane facilities accountable.

Learn more about Goldie's Act by clicking here.

Recruiting and Retaining New Teachers

Following one of the most difficult school years in history, we need to make sure we are investing in our teachers. As a proud mother of two Iowa public school students, I have seen firsthand the difference that a quality education from good educators can make in a child's life. 

I recently introduced legislation that would provide Iowa with $15 million to recruit and retain new teachers, invest in professional development for educators, and increase resources available to aspiring educators. The bill would also expand existing grant programs that help retain teachers, administrative staff, and folks who are interested in entering the teaching profession. 

More than a million teachers are expected to retire or leave the education field within the next five years, and Iowa is already beginning to feel the effects of teacher shortages.

Learn more about the Educators for America Act by clicking here.

Connecting American Manufacturers with Federal Resources

I'm continuing my work to combat world wide disruptions to our supply chain and expanding my Supply Chain Solutions Agenda. This week I added a piece of legislation that would make it easier for our manufacturers to get connected to federal projects by creating one central website for all available opportunities.

This will connect Iowa manufacturers with new opportunities, create jobs in our community and strengthen our supply chains by creating here at home. Our manufacturers shouldn't be losing good opportunities just because of government bureaucracy.

Learn more about the Manufacturing.gov Act by clicking here.

Confronting the Chinese Communist Party's Human Rights Violations

For more than thirty years, we've watched the Chinese Communist Party accelerate a campaign of human rights abuses that stretch from repression in Tibet and Hong Kong to genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. 

Last week, I voted with a bipartisan majority of my colleagues in the House to impose penalties on the Chinese Communist Party for its human rights violations. 

The legislation I voted for will help counter the exploitation of the Uyghur community by blocking imports of products made with forced labor, leveling sanctions against the perpetrators and imposing disclosure requirements on companies to ensure they don't support the exploitation in Xinjiang, China. 

We have an obligation to stand up for those who are brutally repressed and we need to make sure China knows we won't sit idly by while they carry out these atrocious actions.

There is always more that needs to be done in Congress. To keep up with what I'm working on in real time, follow my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.

Be well, 

Cindy