My Weekly Column: Celebrating President Trump’s Historic State of the Union

This week, I had the honor of attending President Trump’s historic State of the Union address, a speech that sent a simple but powerful message: America is back on track. One year ago, President Trump made a promise to put the American people first, and the results are clear—a secure border, a stronger economy, lower taxes, and renewed opportunities for working families.

I had the privilege of welcoming Scott Root and Scotty Root to our nation’s capital as my guests for the State of the Union. Scott is the father of the late Sarah Root, and Scotty is her younger brother. Nearly ten years ago, Sarah, a 21-year-old Iowan, was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who was driving drunk at three times the legal limit. Instead of being held accountable, her killer posted bail and fled the country. This left her family without answers or closure for nearly a decade.

That injustice is why Senator Joni Ernst and I introduced Sarah’s Law, which ultimately was included in the first law signed by President Trump. Last year, Sarah’s killer became the first person ever extradited from Honduras to the United States for murder, and earlier this month, he was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison. While nothing can bring Sarah back or erase the years of grief the Root family endured, justice has finally been delivered.

President Trump echoed this message during his State of the Union as he told stories of other angel families, who also had loved ones killed by illegal immigrants. He demonstrated his tireless work to strengthen public safety and prevent tragedies like that of Sarah Root. Central to this effort is reversing the Biden-era open-border policies that put Americans at risk. Under President Trump’s leadership, illegal border encounters have plummeted, construction of the border wall has resumed at full speed, and law enforcement now has the resources and support they deserve.

The President’s address also highlighted historic economic victories this year as the nation recovers from the disastrous fiscal policies of the previous administration—which they coined as “Bidenomics.” The President touted the Working Families Tax Cuts—legislation I helped write as the only member of Congress serving on both the Ways and Means and Agriculture Committees. This law has delivered the largest tax relief for working families in American history.

During this filing season, the average refund has increased by more than $1,000, and overall refunds are up 11%. Workers will no longer pay taxes on tips or overtime, putting more than $1,000 of hard-earned money back into their pockets, and seniors will no longer pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. Families are beginning to live the American Dream as they benefit from a permanent expanded child tax credit, tax deductions for loans on American-made cars, and the creation of new savings accounts—known as Trump Accounts—for newborns, with a $1,000 federal contribution. These are just a few of the major wins under the Working Families Tax Cuts, providing historic relief for workers, families, farmers, and small businesses. I am honored to have worked with President Trump to accomplish this.

President Trump’s trade agenda is also delivering tremendous results. America’s trade deficit on goods with China has fallen 32% this year, exports have reached a record $3.4 trillion, and new trade agreements across the world are providing access for Iowa corn, soybeans, pork, beef, and dairy. These policies, which are focused on growing our markets and driving new domestic investment, are fueling American agriculture, manufacturing, and job creation.

One year ago, President Trump promised to secure the border, lower costs, and put American workers first. Today, inflation has fallen dramatically from its peak under former President Biden, energy prices are down, private-sector job growth is strong, and our nation is once again enforcing its laws.

Last night marked a historic State of the Union that celebrated victories and relief felt across the United States. This is just the beginning of America’s golden age. I will continue working alongside President Trump to protect our communities, support working families, strengthen our economy, create markets for our farmers, and ensure every Iowa family has the opportunity to succeed.