Friend,

This Sunday marks the 21st anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States of America. 

Like most Americans, I remember exactly where I was on September 11, 2001. I was in college, getting ready for class, when my roommate and I heard the news that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I remember thinking this had to have been an awful mistake, and then the feelings of horror and shock set in when we realized this was a deliberate attack on our country. 

September 11th was one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. While the evil terrorists who perpetuated this attack tried to bring America to our knees, they instead awoke our unrelenting patriotism. 

There are so many stories of American heroism on September 11th and in the days that followed. From the brave passengers on United Flight 93 who sacrificed their own lives to save countless others, to the first responders who ran toward the danger, and the volunteers who joined the search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero -- the American spirit shined through the darkness of these cowardly attacks.

Read my full column commemorating 9/11 HERE and read on for more information about my work for Iowans this week.

Best,

I volunteered with the Arc of East Central Iowa this morning at their annual event commemorating September 11th and National Disaster Preparedness Month. Each year, they bring the community together to rekindle the compassion that we embraced following 9/11 to help eastern Iowa families in need. 

September is National Preparedness Month! Take steps now to be sure your family is prepared for severe weather or a natural disaster.

I spent the month of August in Iowa, traveling across our district to hear from families, small business owners, veterans, farmers, and community organizations. The time I shared with Iowans was invaluable. I will bring the feedback I heard out on the road to the policymaking tables in Washington, DC, when I return next week! 

Hearing from you is the most important part of my job. Take my poll below to let me know what is on your mind and what policies you want me to prioritize in Congress. 

Mammograms save lives. MercyOne is offering Free Mammo Nights in September and October for women over 40 to receive a mammogram free of charge. Call 319-292-2225 to schedule an appointment today. 

Passport Reminders

With holiday travels coming up, please check and make sure your passport is up to date. Get ahead of lengthy wait times for appointments and processing delays by applying for your passport sooner rather than later. Please let our team know if you have any questions!

We are currently facing a severe national blood shortage and the American Red Cross is in urgent need of blood donors — if you are able to give blood, I encourage you to do so. You could save a life! Find a location to donate below.

Prestige Dance Studio celebrated their tenth year in Cedar Rapids this week. My team attended the celebration!

My team attended the Hiawatha State of the City Address last week – the community is doing great and has lots of exciting projects on the horizon. I’ll continue working to ensure Linn County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. 

The Metropolitan Group opened their doors this week in their new downtown Cedar Rapids office! My team attended their ribbon cutting ceremony and learned more about their work providing residential and commercial real estate services to Iowans.

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