Op-Ed
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.
In January, just a few weeks before it was reported that the United States officially surpassed Qatar as the world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Biden administration made a devastating announcement that threatens our nation’s status as an international energy powerhouse. On January 26th, President Biden unilaterally halted federal approvals for pending and future applications of LNG export terminals. While this reckless decision was made to appease a radical portion of his political base, the consequences will be far more widespread.
Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has governed the important trading relationship between the United States and 32 countries on the African continent. This agreement offers eligible African countries with duty-free access to the American economy for more than 1,800 goods and products with the mutual understanding that these countries would equally reduce trade barriers for American goods to enter and be sold in African markets.
As Americans, we have no greater duty than providing our veterans with the benefits that they have earned and supporting our troops and their families. These incredible men and women have made unseen and untold sacrifices – both today and over the decades – to keep our country safe, defend our flag at home and abroad, and promote American values across the globe.
Established in 1962, the 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard has been instrumental to the security of our nation and an immense source of pride for Sioux City and our entire state. Fast forward to today, and the 185th has cemented its outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s finest refueling wings. It has been recognized multiple times as an “Outstanding Unit” by the U.S. Air Force and passed its last two major Air Mobility Command inspections with flying colors.
During her recent testimony before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen admitted what many of us have known all along. President Biden has no plan to keep Social Security solvent for our seniors. The President and officials in his administration like to parrot the talking point that they will never cut a penny from Social Security and accuse Republicans of targeting Americans’ hard-earned Social Security benefits.
On March 11th, more than a month after federal law requires, President Biden finally submitted his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025 to Congress. Following the same tax-and-spend playbook that sent inflation skyrocketing, the Biden budget calls for $7.3 trillion in federal spending every year, includes tax hikes on families, farmers, and businesses to the tune of $5.5 trillion, and endorses the worst excesses of President Biden’s failed economic policies.