This week the radical left put forth H.R. 8373 without time for my Republican colleagues and I to offer amendments and debate the text of the bill. As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I recognize the need for increased access to affordable oral contraceptives and common-sense legislation that both increases availability and protects women's health. As an Iowa State Senator, I was proud to introduce a bill to allow women over the age of 18 to access over-the-counter oral contraceptives in the state of Iowa.

However, I do not support H.R. 8373 because this bill permits non-FDA approved agents and devices that would put women's health at risk. This legislation also eliminates conscience protection laws and singles out that all providers would be required to administer contraceptives despite their moral or religious beliefs. I believe that it is important to protect health care workers and allow them to make decisions according to their sincerely held beliefs.

To watch my remarks click HERE.

It is always great to meet with Iowans while they are in Washington! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to residents of the Second District allows me to stay informed of what is going on in their communities and what I can do to help them!

This week I had the opportunity to discuss with the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders with Iowa's Future Farmers of America. Farmers are the backbone of our nation and economy and Congress needs to do everything within its power to make sure our farmers are funded and protected.

I also met with Iowa Turkey Federation to talk about Iowa's growing turkey industry and what my office and Congress can do to make sure that their business thrives.

All 99 counties in Iowa have a county fair that brings together kids, families, 4H, FFA, farmers, and the broader community for their games, fair food, arts and crafts, and showing off livestock.

To watch all of my floor speeches from this week, click HERE.

This week I was able to participate and ask questions to witnesses during the House Veterans' Affair Committee, the House Homeland Security Committee, and the House Education and Labor Committee.

For months the Biden Administration has paused student loan repayments and hinted at mass student loan forgiveness. When I left for community college at the age of 16, I knew the financial responsibility that would come with obtaining an education. That is why I questioned witnesses on whether or not student loan forgiveness and pausing repayments was good policy.

Making sure our veterans and the Veterans Health Administration receive adequate healthcare and funding is one of my top priorities while serving in Congress. During the markup hearing where bills are debated and voted upon in committee, I advocated to increase physician pay for the hard work they put in to treat our veterans.

Election workers ensure that every American's vote is counted and that elections are conducted smoothly. During the Homeland Security hearing this week I questioned Frank LaRose, Ohio's Secretary of State, to see what improvements need to be made to voting sites across the country and if voting sites are adequately staffed.

To watch my Education and Labor remarks and questions click HERE and HERE.

To watch my Homeland Security questions click HERE.

To watch my Veterans' Affairs questions click HERE and HERE.

This week, I introduced the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act with Representative Hinson. This bill would allow for women to purchase contraception over the counter. Additionally, I signed onto Representative Bice's The Access to Safe Contraception Act which prevents states from banning FDA approved contraceptives.

I also signed onto the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021. This bill would allow for more people to access their social security benefits that were previously denied.

This week I also attended Goldman Sach's Small Business Summit to meet with small business leaders and talk about the struggles and successes they are facing around the country. Record high inflation and supply chain issues have been hurting our small businesses so Congress needs to equip them with the necessary tools to succeed.

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