August 14th, 2022

WEEKLY SC℞IPT

Friends,

Thank you for taking time to read my weekly update. Below you'll learn more about what I'm doing in Washington to support Iowans in the second district.

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Speaking Against the Inflation Reduction Act

Our country is facing skyrocketing inflation and our economy has been thrown into a recession. Now is not the time to pass a $740 billion spending bill, let alone one filled with partisan priorities. This legislation will add 87,000 agents to the IRS—leaving the agency with more staff than the Pentagon, State Department and CBP combined. It will also allow the federal government to control drug pricing, which will limit competition and innovation within the pharmaceutical industry and potentially even limit availability of drugs already in use. This enormous spending package is bad for Iowans, bad for patients, bad for the economy and hardworking Americans, and bad for the future of American innovation.

To see my full remarks click HERE.

The Best Time of the Year

Since its inception in 1854 in Fairfield, the Iowa State Fair has been a yearly tradition for Iowans, attracting people from across the country and around the world. With a wide variety of entertainment, food, and attractions, such as the world-famous butter cow, it is not surprising that millions travel to Des Moines each year to visit the State Fair.

The Iowa State Fair also serves as one of the largest agricultural and business expositions in the country, offering our local farmers and small businesses a chance to showcase their livestock and goods. Small businesses and farmers are the backbone of our economy, and the Iowa State Fair honors this by highlighting their work.

One of my favorite parts of the State Fair is time spent with my family as we meet and talk to Iowans from across the state. Learning more about the successes and struggles over the past year allows me to better represent Iowa’s second district in Washington.

I also enjoy the livestock competitions, supporting the numerous small businesses from across the state, and watching the many talent shows that showcase Iowa’s very best. I am amazed each year by the talent our state produces.

I am looking forward to seeing the Iowa State Fair return to normalcy following the end of the pandemic. It will be wonderful to see Iowans travel from across the state to support their community, and I look forward to welcoming our guests from across the nation.

I want to encourage all Iowans to make the trip to Des Moines anytime from August 11^th through the 21^st. With eleven days filled with entertainment, I’m confident this year’s State Fair will again exemplify why Iowa is the best place in the United States to live, work, and raise a family.

Legislative Roundup

I recently cosponsored the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act and the Standing With Moms Act.

Representative Kevin McCarthy (CA) introduced the Save Our Sequoias (SOS) Act to enhance coordination between federal, state, tribal, and local land managers. This bill would also create a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment to prioritize and inform forest management projects, track project implementation, and study Giant Sequoia health and resiliency over time.

Representative Kevin McCarthy (CA) also introduced H.R. 8656 to name the Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana the "Jackie Walorski VA Clinic" to honor the memory of Congresswoman Walorski who tragically passed away this month.

Representative Nancy Mace (SC) introduced the Standing With Moms Act to establish "life.gov." This website would provide resources for expecting mothers to support them during their pregnancies.

24 County Tour

It is always great to meet with Iowans as I travel across the Second District! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to as many Iowans as possible allows me to stay informed of what is going on in their communities and what I can do to help!

Recently, I met with the employees of Wacker Chemical Corporation in Eddyville to learn more about how they process corn into chemicals used to improve human health and safety. I also met with Lyondell Basell to learn how various polymers are manufactured into plastic products to be used in Iowa and across the country.

Farmers are the backbone of our country and I applaud businesses that ensure our farmers have the tools needed to succeed. This week I toured Nutrien Ag Solutions to learn how they partner with local farmers to provide specialized crop seed which increases crop yield.

I also toured DuPont in Fort Madison this past week. DuPont produces over 7 million liters of ink a year. While on my visit, I learned that DuPont closed one of their factories in Singapore and shifted production to the Fort Madison facility, creating more jobs for Iowans.

I also had the opportunity to tour some of the district's healthcare practices. I met with Washington County Hospice center and met with their wonderful staff for their grand opening. The facility is filled with compassionate caring members who deliver outstanding care. I also met with NuCara in Fairfield and talked about their essential healthcare products and the services they provide to the community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

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