My Weekly Column

On Wednesday December 10^th, 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 12^th, 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.

On October 16^th, I hosted a telephone town hall with more than 7,500 Iowans. I provided an update on what’s happening in Congress and answered questions about important issues ranging from tax cuts and trade to agriculture and manufacturing. Listening to Iowans and advancing our shared values in Congress remains a top priority for me, and these conversations are a great way to exchange ideas and hear directly from those I serve.

If Democrats had succeeded and President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts were not passed on July 4^th this year, families, farmers, and small businesses would have faced the largest tax increase in U.S. history. Over 210 million American taxpayers would have seen an average 22% tax hike, and the tax increase on an average family of four would have been the equivalent of almost two months’ worth of groceries. 40 million families would have also seen their child tax credit cut in half, draining dollars from budgets and wallets.