March 12th, 2023

WEEKLY SCIPT

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.

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President Biden's Radical Agenda is Hurting American Retirement Funds

During his campaign, President Biden made pledges to end fossil fuels and fully committed to promoting the Green New Deal agenda of the far left. Since day one of his administration, he has used the full force of the executive branch to dive headfirst into destructive climate policies. From cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline to spending $350 billion on climate change in the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, we have seen a gradual weakening of U.S. energy security that negatively impacts our position on the global stage and the wallets of Americans. Using environmental, social, and corporate governance scores (ESG) to make investments is a way to funnel money into companies that align with President Biden’s radical climate agenda. I stand with Republicans in opposition to ESG driven investment as we push back on far-left climate plans that have hurt Americans.

 

President Biden exercised his veto power this week to promote ESG initiatives when investing retirement funds. The vetoed bill would remove a new Labor Department rule that encouraged retirement fiduciaries to consider ESG issues in their investments. This would make it easier for retirement fund managers to direct funds to companies with higher ESG scores. The issue is that many of these companies have a track record of weak performances – a risk that should never be taken with retirement accounts. President Biden has once again chosen to prioritize special interest groups and climate activists to advance his radical agenda. It’s clear who he really represents in office, and that’s not the average hardworking Iowan.

 

The life savings of Americans should not be used as a political pawn to advance any type of agenda, especially one that ignores their best interests. People are free to invest their own money in companies with high ESG scores if they so choose, but Americans deserve to know that their savings aren’t in jeopardy depending on the political party in power. The Biden administration’s radical environmental and social agenda runs counter to the interests of American citizens who are recovering from a global pandemic and trying to pay bills amid record inflation. Now is not the time to double down on bad policy.

 

We need to give Americans and companies a clear vision and transparent regulations to make the smartest investments possible. This is particularly important for folks who are nearing retirement and need to know that their money is safe. President Biden’s first use of veto power is one that poses a direct threat to the retirement savings of Americans, which should be invested with one thing in mind – a good return on investment.

 

I’ll continue to stand with fellow Republicans against the Biden agenda that threatens our energy, financial, and national security. 

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.

I had an excellent meeting with Organon this week to discuss the harmful practices of PBMs and their important work in the women's healthcare space.

It was a pleasure to meet with folks from JDRF to discuss access to affordable insulin. I look forward to working together!

Statements

This week, TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce at a hearing entitled, "TikTok: How Congress Can Safeguard American Data Privacy And Protect Children From Online Harms." Please see my statement on Mr. Chou's testimony above.

Legislative Roundup

This week I introduced a bill along with Greg Murphy (NC-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), and Annie Kuster (NH-02) called the Biologics Competition Act, legislation to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the process by which interchangeable biological products are approved to be used in pharmaceuticals.


I also voted in favor of the following bills:

  • H. RES. 241“Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5) to ensure the rights of parents are honored and protected in the Nation's public schools.” This bill has also been referred to as the Parents Bill of Rights.
  • H.R. 406 “To provide for the treatment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as an international organization for purposes of the International Organizations Immunities Act.”
  • H.R. 1093“To direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.”
  • H.R. 1159 “To amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines.”

Committee News

HERE you can view my full line of questioning during this week's Energy & Commerce hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Chew.

In the News

This week I joined Fox & Friends First to talk about Governor Reynolds' leadership in Iowa both during and after the covid-19 pandemic as well as the Energy and Commerce Committee hearing with the TikTok CEO.


If you'd like to watch my full segment with Fox & Friends First, click HERE.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
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