My Weekly Column

Our economy is in tough shape. Cumulative inflation has skyrocketed by nearly 20% since President Biden took office while real wages have fallen by roughly 4.4%. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimated that the economy grew at a rate of only 1.3% in the first quarter of 2024 – three points lower than predicted – while interest rates have surpassed their highest levels in 23 years.

By now, Iowans and Americans nationwide have seen with their own eyes the devastating crisis that President Biden has created at our southern border. Every day, illegal immigrants, drug traffickers, and terrorists are crossing our border in overwhelming numbers. This lawlessness and chaos are fueled exclusively by the Biden administration’s open-border policies.

In the early morning hours of Friday May 24^th after nearly 14 hours of deliberation, I voted — alongside my Republican colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee — to advance the 2024 Farm Bill out of committee and send it to the House Floor for a vote by the full Congress. This legislation is not only critical for our farmers and our economy, but it’s also vital to our global leadership and our competition against China.

From May 12^th to 18^th, we celebrated National Police Week in honor of our police and law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe. These men and women are heroes who deserve our deepest appreciation and strongest support for their commitment to protect and serve Iowans. On my 36 County Tour, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with our law enforcement community to personally thank them for all that they do – never seeking recognition or praise in return.

Our veterans are heroes who have dedicated their life to service and risked their own safety to protect our freedoms and defend our flag at home and abroad. On my 36 County Tour, I’ve met with incredible veterans who have relayed their stories of bravery and patriotism to me, emphasizing the importance of protecting our constitutional rights and keeping America the world’s most feared superpower. Upon completing their service and returning to civilian life, our veterans deserve the benefits that they were promised and have earned.

The powerful tornadoes that struck parts of Southwest Iowa were devastating, especially for communities in Pottawattamie County and Shelby County that bore the brunt of the destruction. According to some reports, there were roughly 24 tornadoes that touched down in Iowa with winds reaching as high as 165 mph. Our prayers remain with those impacted as we work to rebuild.  

On my 36 County Tour, I have met with families, small business owners, and childcare providers who are rightfully concerned about the skyrocketing cost of childcare. As a father of four, I agree that we need real solutions to lower costs for our families, especially as inflation eats away at paychecks and gas prices are on the rise.

Every month, when Iowa families look over their finances and put together a budget, the price of gas is always an unpredictable factor in spending decisions. While people in urban centers have access to other transportation options, in rural Iowa, we drive – everywhere. Going to work, driving to church, seeing friends in other communities, and taking our kids to school and practice all require a car – and in the wintertime, an electric vehicle just won’t cut it.