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Friends, 

It has been a tough week waiting and then watching Russian troops invade Ukraine. I stand by the Ukrainian people and our allies and support imposing severe and immediate sanctions on Russia. Russia's flagrant violation of international law and invasion of a sovereign democracy is unacceptable and there will be consequences for this act of dire aggression. 

As a member of the Financial Services Committee, I will help make sure our sanctions are working and the United States' response continues to be swift and direct while I continue my work representing Iowa's Third District. 

I've been working hard on issues that matter most to Iowans like keeping costs down and ensuring our police officers have the funding they need to keep our communities safe.

Keep reading to learn more about my efforts fighting for Iowans, and my recent trip to four Iowa counties:

Lowering Prices for Iowa Families

I met with the Inflation Working Group, a group I helped create with my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition, for the first time last week. We're laser-focused on finding ways we can continue to build on the economic recovery that is already underway. 

We are looking at legislation like the bills that are on my Supply Chain Solutions Agenda that include important measures to lower prices for Iowa families, solve supply chain disruptions, boost American manufacturing and create new opportunities for Iowans. 

I'm confident this group will help build a stronger and more resilient economy for decades to come, and I'm proud to be at the table and making sure Iowans are included in conversations that are happening in Washington, D.C. 

Securing New Funding for Iowa's Police Departments

I highlighted my new legislation, the Invest to Protect Act, at the Altoona Police Department Thursday morning.

I visited the Altoona Police Department this week and met with law enforcement officials and city leaders as I highlighted my new legislation, the Invest to Protect Act. The legislation will establish a grant program for local police departments with fewer than 200 police officers.

Currently, two of the largest Department of Justice grant programs are open to all police departments and sheriff's offices across the country, pitting Iowa's smallest police departments against the New York City Police Department, which has more than 36,000 officers. 

In 2021 alone, Iowa's law enforcement departments received nine COPS grants to help them with staffing and training expenses, while California received 41, and 350 percent more funding overall.

Iowa's law enforcement agencies deserve a fair shot at this money, and my new legislation will ensure that they do by setting aside $250 million over the next five years for law enforcement departments that employ fewer than 200 police officers.

Traveling Iowa's Third District

I hosted my 75th Connect With Your Congresswoman town hall event in Atlantic Wednesday evening.

This week, I was out and about in Iowa's Third Congressional District, visiting Cass, Ringgold, Taylor and Union Counties. I met with law enforcement personnel in Creston and ate lunch at Adams Street Espresso, before heading to Mt. Ayr City hall to meet with city, county and economic development leaders.

I then met with small business owners in Bedford and later hosted my 75th Connect With Your Congresswoman town hall in Atlantic. Meeting like these help keep me connected with the issues that matter most to Iowans, and I'm so thankful for everyone who came out to meet with me. 

Anyone who was unable to attend and would like to discuss an issue with me can always reach out to me using the 'email me' feature on my website at axne.house.gov, or by clicking here. 

Be well, 

Cindy