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 first district.

Appointment to Energy and Commerce

This week I was honored to have been chosen to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I’m proud of my background as a surgeon, and I’m confident that experience, paired with Iowa’s leadership in the clean energy space, leaves me uniquely qualified for this role. I look forward to working with Chair Rodgers, and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent Iowa on the committee.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and is vested with the broadest jurisdiction of any congressional authorizing committee. 

The committee was originally established on December 14, 1795, as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures when the growing demands of the young nation required that Congress establish a permanent panel to exercise its constitutional authority to "regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States." 

In 1819, the committee was renamed the Committee on Commerce in recognition that the committee's jurisdiction had expanded beyond its original scope. The name changed again in 1891, becoming the Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.  The committee assumed its present name in 1981 to emphasize its lead role in the nation's energy policy. 

Today, the committee has responsibility for matters including telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, public health and research, environmental quality, energy policy, and interstate and foreign commerce among others. 

Bringing an Iowa Perspective to the Table

As is custom at the beginning of each new session, our first two weeks of the 118th Congress have been filled with excitement. Perhaps one of the most exciting parts, though, was being appointed to serve on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce-one of the most prestigious committees in Congress.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce is the oldest standing committee in the U.S. House of Representatives and holds the broadest responsibility, with oversight jurisdiction spanning from healthcare, broadband, telecom, and consumer protection to energy and environment issues. With Iowa's energy footprint and my background as a surgeon, I am excited to bring a new perspective to the committee.

One of my top priorities heading into the new Congress is to bolster our domestic energy production which will curb our reliance on foreign nations for our energy supply. In Iowa, we are blessed with natural resources which allow our state to remain a net exporter of clean energy. Between our wind turbines, solar plants, and growing ethanol and biofuel industry, Iowa provides the perfect framework for the rest of the nation as we move towards clean energy solutions and energy independence.

As we continue this shift to clean energy, it's important to remember that each state has its own unique geographic composure. Some options that work well in Iowa may not be the best option for states like Alaska or Washington, which is why we must take an "any of the above" approach as opposed to a "one size fits all." The United States is leading in this sphere, but only because our clean energy policies have been all-encompassing and presented without strict mandates or emission caps.

We must also prioritize American innovation, which goes hand in hand with expanding domestic energy production. As the world around us continues to modernize, it's imperative that we present policies that will allow the United States to remain a leader in innovation and technology. If we continue to invest in research and development, we can prevent future dependence on China and other countries for technology-including technology that is required for clean energy alternatives.

I look forward to serving on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and bringing an Iowa perspective to the table as we work towards a cleaner, healthier energy future. I'm proud of our state's leadership, and I'm excited to continue my efforts to cement our energy independence.

Iowans in DC

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 First 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 Ken and Janelle from Jobs for America's Graduates to discuss our goals for this Congress and the work that Jobs for America's Graduates does in southeastern Iowa.

I always love when Iowans stop by my office while they’re in Washington. It was great to visit with Courtney this week!

Floor Speeches

This week I spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the Pella Marching Dutch from Pehlla High School in Pella, Iowa.

This year the Pella Marching Dutch were one of the 21 bands across the world invited to play in the Rose Parade. This is not the first time that the Pella Marching Dutch have received this high honor, having appeared in the parade in 1988 and 2002.

I was fortunate enough to watch the Marching Dutch on Monday and I was amazed by the talent that was demonstrated by the students at Pella High School.

I also spoke on the floor to address the crisis that is ongoing at our southern border. When President Biden took office in January 2021, he inherited commonsense immigration policies, such as Remain in Mexico and Title 42, that worked to keep our nation safe, reducing the flow of illegal drugs and gang members.

Unfortunately, President Biden immediately ceased construction of the border wall and enacted policies favoring illegal immigrants over Americans.

Thankfully, the Supreme Court has challenged the legality of President Biden’s policies and overturned the removal of Title 42.



Now it is Congress’ time to act. Both Republicans and Democrats acknowledge that our immigration system is broken but only Speaker McCarthy’s “Commitment to America” has a plan to repair our broken immigration system.

This Congress, Republicans will pass legislation that secures our border, stops the influx of illicit drugs and criminals, ends catch-and-release loopholes, and human trafficking.

Americans deserve a government that works in their best interest and these policies will create a safe and secure nation.

To watch my floor speeches click HERE.

Legislative Roundup

This week I was proud to reintroduce the Vaccine Discharge Parity Act with Representative Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05). This legislation would ensure that members of the Armed Forces who were granted a general discharge for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible for GI Bill education benefits.

I also joined Representative Kat Cammack (FL-03) in introducing the REINS Act. This bill would reaffirm Congress' authority to prevent the executive branch from making large-scale regulation changes, saving businesses millions of dollars.

I also voted in favor of the following bills:

• H.R. 23 - Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act
• H.Res.11 - Establishing the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
• H.Res.12 - Establishing a Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government as a select investigative subcommittee of the Committee on the Judiciary
• H.R. 26 - Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
• H.Con.Res.3 - Expressing the Sense of Congress Condemning the Recent Attacks on Pro-Life Facilities, Groups, and Churches
• H.R. 22 - Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Floor Debate

This week I spoke in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. As a doctor, former nurse, and former director of Iowa’s Department of Public Health, I know firsthand the importance of neonatal care and the tragedies that ensue when proper care isn’t provided.

Our nation promises three things to each individual—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There is no clause in the Constitution to exempt newborns who survive an abortion procedure from these rights. It is not only unreasonable, but inhumane to deny care to babies who were born alive.

To watch my speech click HERE.