My Weekly Column
As a lifelong Iowan and proud representative of one of the most productive agricultural districts in the country, I will always stand up for Iowa farmers and our rural communities. Since my first day in office, I have been committed to delivering real results for the farmers who feed and fuel or country and the world. Whether that be keeping our farmland out of the hands of foreign adversaries, keeping farmers safe on the job, or ensuring Iowa has a strong voice at the federal level, I take my job serving our producers very seriously.
As a father of four and former volunteer EMT for 15 years in my hometown of Hull, I know the vital importance of affordable and accessible healthcare for Iowa families, particularly our neighbors in rural Iowa. Traveling across our district, I’ve had countless conversations with Iowans about the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and declining access to care in rural communities. Iowans are paying too much for routine checkups and prescription drugs and traveling long distances for doctor’s appointments and emergency care. It’s unsustainable and must change.
This year, working with President Trump, I was laser-focused on lowering costs for Iowa families, farmers, seniors, workers, and small businesses after four years of the Biden administration’s disastrous economic policies and skyrocketing inflation. As the only member of Congress serving on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, it was my mission to advance policies that drove economic growth in our communities, helped to create new jobs, and let Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money.
On December 13th, while conducting a routine patrol in Palmyra, Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, two members of the Iowa National Guard and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed, and three other soldiers from Iowa were injured, by a lone ISIS gunman. This despicable terrorist act was not only a targeted and deadly attack on our troops, but also a direct assault on the United States’ work to ensure a more stable Syria after over a decade of civil conflict.
On Wednesday December 10th, I voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed, the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual legislation sets defense policy, authorizes funding for military operations and projects, and ensures that our troops and military families have the support that they need and deserve.
When I’m traveling across Iowa, I’ve had important conversations with Iowans from communities large and small about how we can make life more affordable for our families, farmers, workers, seniors, and small businesses. From health insurance to housing to grocery bills, I’m working with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to lower costs and ensure that Iowans can keep more of their hard-earned money – just the way that it should be. Affordability is a top priority for me as Iowa’s voice in Congress.
Every year, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on God’s endless grace and blessings. I’m grateful for my loving wife of 32 years, my four wonderful kids, friends, and neighbors. I’m thankful that Iowans have placed their faith and trust in me to represent our communities in Congress with integrity, dignity, and professionalism. I’m grateful to be an Iowan and live in the greatest state and the greatest country on Earth.
In Congress, I’m focused on cutting through the noise in Washington, D.C. and working to advance real policy solutions that benefit Iowa. That’s what Iowans elected me to do and deserve from their representatives. Putting Iowans first and delivering legislative victories for our families, farmers, small businesses, and vibrant communities has always been my mission.
On November 12th, I voted to end the Democrat shutdown and reopen the federal government. For 43 days, Democrats forced our troops, border patrol agents, and Air Traffic Controllers to work without pay and hurt our farmers during harvest season to push their out-of-touch agenda. This political stunt by the Democrats caused unnecessary harm to Iowa families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses — and I’m glad it’s finally over.
Family farms, small businesses, and local manufacturers are the backbone of Iowa’s economy. Agriculture, business, and manufacturing create good jobs in our communities, keep our main streets strong, and help young families plant their roots in Iowa. To ensure that we have a strong Iowa, we need to support these vital sectors that make invaluable contributions to our economy and our communities.