October 2nd, 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.

Visit My Website

Iowans in D.C.

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.

This week I met with the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives to discuss the importance of an "all of the above" approach to energy production in Iowa.

Floor Speeches

This week, I took time on the floor of the House of Representatives to celebrate National Clean Energy Week.

National Clean Energy Week is a time to recognize and celebrate innovative policies that allow the United States to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

Iowa leads the nation in clean energy production, and Iowans are constantly seeking ways to make clean energy more affordable, accessible, and abundant. Just last year, the American Clean Power Association reported that over 50% of Iowa’s electricity is generated by renewable sources, ranking it the highest in the United States.

Clean energy sources, including renewable fuels, organic materials, wind, and solar energy create affordable electricity and power our transportation sector. Additionally, alternative energy brings jobs and revenue, while allowing the United States to be the global leader in energy.

I also took time on the house floor to recognize October as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and next week as Mental Illness Awareness Week.

National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is aimed to raise awareness of the need for accessible mental health screenings and to provide support to people facing mental health conditions, ensuring they do not feel alone.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness study found that 1 in 5 people in Iowa navigate the reality of living with a mental health condition. Mental health affects everyone, and it is important that Congress implements legislation to support Americans who are struggling.

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

Committee Work

This week at a House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing, I had the opportunity to question witnesses about veteran suicide prevention through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Congress must do everything within it's power to protect the mental health of our veterans.

To watch my full remarks click HERE.

Legislative Roundup

This week I introduced the Stay Off My Line Act, legislation that would support much needed transmission projects by clarifying how projects are classified under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Hazy NEPA regulations have created uncertainty and hindered new energy projects for years. By clarifying which projects do and do not fall under agency jurisdiction, transmission projects can be approved without undergoing the arduous NEPA permitting process. This bill will expedite the approval process for projects that do not fall on federal land and incentivize new project construction. Policies like this have the potential to enhance and expand our energy grid by cutting red tape.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

I also introduced the Better Interoperability for Devices (BID) Act with Representative Greg Murphy (NC-03) and Representative Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01). This legislation would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review the interoperability, safety, and effectiveness of medical devices.

With constant research, development, and innovation within the medical technology field, it’s imperative new devices are compatible with one another and capable of safely sharing patient data. This will ensure the Department of Health and Human Services is reviewing medical device interoperability to offer patients top notch care in an efficient manner. As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I understand the importance of maintaining high medical standards and I will continue my efforts to provide patients with the best possible care.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

I also joined Representative Carlos Gimenez (FL-26) in a letter to the Biden Administration demanding answers on how they are preventing foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from buying farmland in Iowa and across the United States.

Other News

This week I was honored to be named CRES Energy's 2022 Clean Energy Champion. I am proud to represent a state that is leading the nation in renewable energy production. While in Congress, I will continue to introduce and support legislation that leaves a cleaner planet for generations to come and helps the United States become energy independent.

I was proud to join my colleagues to recognize Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month! Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, which is why it’s crucial we continue to invest in research funding.

It was also a pleasure to meet with HE Sh. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bahrain, to talk about the growing bond between our two nations.

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 Iowans allows me to stay informed about what is happening in their communities and what I can do to help!

Monday I met with Afghan evacuees to talk about how we can continue to provide support. It's our responsibility to help our Afghan allies who were forced to flee their homes during President Biden's disastrous withdrawal last summer.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for more updates.

###