My Weekly Column: Fighting for Our Corn Growers and for Iowa Agriculture

Since our states’ founding in 1846, Iowa’s corn farmers have fed our families, fueled our economies, and strengthened our nation’s security. Representing the largest corn-producing district in the nation is more than just an honor—it’s a responsibility to ensure Iowa feeds and fuels the world. This week, I was deeply humbled to receive the National Corn Growers Association’s President’s Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, in recognition of our hard work on behalf of corn growers across this country.

This award belongs to the farmers as much as it does to me. Corn growers have never wavered on their commitment to delivering commonsense policies that expand markets, strengthen rural economies, and provide certainty for our producers. Their strong advocacy helped make one of the biggest victories this Congress possible: House passage of year-round, nationwide E15.

After more than a decade of Washington gridlock and temporary waivers, the House has finally taken action to permanently authorize year-round E15 sales nationwide. When I was appointed as co-chair of the Rural Domestic Energy Council, it was essential to work alongside farmers, ethanol producers, refiners, fuel retailers, and my colleagues in Congress to build the broad and strong coalition necessary to get this legislation across the finish line in the House. It’s simple: year-round E15 is a victory for all Americans. It creates a stable and strong market for our corn growers, lowers fuel costs for working families, and accelerates American energy independence instead of relying on foreign energy sources.

While this victory is significant, it is only the start. I am committed to working alongside my Senate colleagues to get this bill passed and sent to President Trump’s desk, so that farmers and rural communities can finally receive the relief they have asked for years to achieve.

Our farmers continue to face rising input costs, tight commodity prices, and increasing uncertainty. Farmers and producers are the backbone of our country—they deserve opportunity instead of obstacles. Whether it’s expanding demand for corn through year-round E15, strengthening the farm safety net or opening new markets for American agriculture, I remain committed to ensuring our producers have the tools they need to succeed.

I will fight every single day to be a strong voice for Iowa’s hardworking farmers. America’s corn growers deserve nothing less, and I look forward to continuing to work together to build a strong and promising future for Iowa agriculture and rural America.