Op-Ed
The other week, I spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Marshalltown on my 36 County Tour. I had the opportunity to tour this incredible facility and speak with members of the community who assisted in making this project possible.
In a major blow to Iowa farmers and biofuel producers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it expects to finalize biofuel blending volumes for 2026, 2027, and 2028 at the end of 2025 – more than a year after federal law requires. This decision will have far-reaching implications for the agriculture and biofuels industry that both support hundreds of thousands of jobs in Iowa and strengthen American energy security while lowering gas prices for American families.
Our rural communities depend on volunteer firefighters to respond to emergencies, help staff local fire departments, and keep our families safe. These men and women dedicate their time to public safety and put their lives on the line to save others. They volunteer many hours to ensure that any call for help is answered swiftly and professionally.
Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is critical to the health and wellbeing of our families and communities. From routine checkups and bloodwork to cancer screenings and surgeries, patients rely on trained healthcare professionals, doctors, and nurses to deliver exceptional — and at times lifesaving — care for ailments and injuries that range from minor to severe. A major component of a functional and resilient healthcare system is strong hospitals.
When severe storms strike or deadly animal disease spreads, cattle producers in Iowa and nationwide need a safety net that they can depend on. During economic downturns, our farmers deserve a fair price for their deceased livestock. Through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, farmers often enroll in the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) – an important tool that helps deliver economic relief to producers and their families who have been impacted by adverse and unpredictable events that cause cattle deaths and financial losses.
Agriculture is the backbone of our economy in Iowa. This vital industry supports over 810,000 jobs, creates more than $50 billion in total wages, and generates more than $250 billion in economic output – just in Iowa alone. These economic benefits also extend to our main-street businesses and our families, which keep our rural communities strong and make rural Iowa a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
The recent floods that devastated our communities have once again tested our resilience. As I've traveled through towns like Spencer, Rock Valley, Rock Rapids, Cherokee, Sioux Rapids, and Hawarden – witnessing firsthand the destruction of homes, businesses, and crops – I've been struck by the unwavering unity and determination among our neighbors.
On March 29th, the Biden administration finalized an egregious EPA rule that impacts every truck, tractor, semi, and bus in the United States. This regulation – titled “Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Phase 3” – would effectively mandate most new trucks, semis, tractors, and buses manufactured and sold be electric even while these electrified vehicles represent less than 1% of sales nationwide.
Our troops — who sacrifice so much for our communities and nation — deserve the very best that our country can offer. They are heroes who have selflessly answered the call to protect our interests at home and abroad and defend our communities from evil forces across the globe. While America’s servicemembers make real sacrifices to serve our country, their current pay does not reflect this sacrifice.
I recently voted for legislation to change that.
Farmers in Iowa, especially in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District which I represent in Congress, continue to be devastated by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Out of the almost 100 million birds that have been affected by HPAI across 48 states since this outbreak began in 2022, nearly 25% have been in my home state – devastating producers, destroying flocks, and impacting entire communities.