My Weekly Column

It takes a tremendous amount of hard work to start a small business and run a farm. From balancing the books and maintaining inventory to paying employees and complying with burdensome rules and regulations, these enterprises require long hours and real commitment to be successful and profitable. In Iowa, many of our farms and small businesses are family-owned-and-operated, which is not only a testament to the grit and dedication of our families, but also a source of pride for our great state.

In 2019, the United States became energy independent for the first time in 62 years. However, on his first day in office, President Biden destroyed American energy production by killing the Keystone XL pipeline, banning energy development on federal lands, and outsourcing our energy needs to our enemies. His failed energy policies have not only raised gas prices for our families but have also threatened our national and economic security.

Last December, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that more than 302,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended at our southern border, the highest number of crossings ever recorded in a single month in American history. This figure also comes on the heels of a CBP report confirming that more than 785,000 illegal immigrants were encountered at our border since last October alone. The numbers don’t lie.

As Iowa’s voice in Congress, I take my job very seriously and work every day to advance strong policies that benefit our families, farmers, main street businesses, and rural communities. Serving on both the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to report that we’ve achieved many significant legislative victories.

When I was elected to serve the people of Iowa’s 4^th Congressional District, I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. That oath includes my unwavering commitment to our men and women in uniform who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect our families and defend our freedoms. On this promise, I will never falter.

For the last three years, the Biden administration has been defined by reckless government spending, rising prices, and crushing red tape and regulations. These misguided policies have fueled inflation and harmed our economy – making life unaffordable for our families, increasing operating costs for our main street businesses, and stifling investment in American jobs and manufacturing.

My Weekly Column: Completing my third biannual 36 County Tour

Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, the livelihood of farmers and their families, and the lifeblood of our rural communities across the 4^th Congressional District. Our producers work long hours in all types of weather conditions to grow the food and produce the fuel that our country and the world depend on.