My Weekly Column

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.

Two years ago on October 7^th, 2023, the world watched in horror as vicious Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, murdered nearly 1,200 innocent Israelis, burned entire communities to the ground, and took hundreds of people hostage. Hamas is a terrorist organization that has no regard for human nor any remorse for its violent actions. Killing entire families, raping women, attacking a music festival, and setting homes and neighborhoods ablaze is despicable and shameful.

In October, our country celebrates Manufacturing Month and recognizes the critical importance of manufacturing to our economy. Domestic manufacturing supports good-paying jobs in our communities, strengthens our supply chains, and helps reduce our dependence on foreign nations for the goods and products that Iowans need and rely on. During this month, we also honor Iowa workers in the manufacturing sector who keep our economy moving and make invaluable contributions to our communities.

Born and raised in rural Iowa, expanding access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in our rural communities is personal for me. Regardless of zip code, our families, seniors, and veterans should not have to travel long distances or jump through headache-inducing hoops to get the care they deserve or the prescriptions they need.