{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"IA\" and year = 2021 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-announces-service-academy-nominees", "Miller-Meeks Announces Service Academy Nominees", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, December 22nd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) announced nominations of seven students in Iowa\u2019s Second District to be considered for appointments to the United States service academies.\n\n\u201cAs a 24-year Army veteran, it was an honor to meet each of these students. Our military academies mold our students into the leaders of tomorrow. I want to thank the members of my Service Academy Review and Advisory Board for their work reviewing and interviewing these applicants and giving me their recommendations. The academy nomination is just one step in the path toward attending these prestigious schools and I could not be prouder of every Iowan who put themselves into this application process.\u201d\n\nMiller-Meeks\u2019 nominees for the 2022-2023 school year include:\n\nBoaz Abramoff - Iowa City - U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nDustin Bohren \u2013 Le Claire \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nLuke Jefferson \u2013 Bettendorf \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nJackson Mace-Maynard \u2013 Newton \u2013 U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nElizabeth Peters - Iowa City - U.S. Naval Academy\n\nDestin Schroder \u2013 Newton \u2013 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy\n\nHunter Shook \u2013 Coralville - U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-completes-fourth-24-county-tour", "Miller-Meeks Completes Fourth 24 County Tour", "2021-12-22", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, December 22nd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) announced the completion of her fourth 24 County Tour, having now visited all 24 of the Second District\u2019s counties at least four times since being sworn in on January 3rd, 2021.\n\n\u201cIt has been an honor to visit cities and towns across the Second District. From Newton to Fort Madison and DeWitt to Leon, the Second District is full of amazing families, businesses, and communities, all proud to be in Iowa. I have been fortunate to meet with farmers, students, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, teachers, working parents, veterans, and so many more amazing Iowans about what I can do to make their lives easier. As I look toward my second year in office, I will continue to work to deliver real results for all Iowans and keep making Iowa the best place to work, live, raise a family, and do business.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-supported-congressional-gold-medal-bill-signed-law", "Miller-Meeks Supported Congressional Gold Medal Bill Signed into Law", "2021-12-16", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 16th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) made the following statement after President Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan on August 26th, 2021:\n\n\u201cWe will never truly be able to thank the soldiers who lost their lives in August. This Congressional Gold Medal will ensure that all of their legacies, including Iowa\u2019s Daegan Page, live on forever. We must never forget their sacrifice.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe legislation will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Corpsman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-iowa-coach-lisa-bluder", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Iowa Coach Lisa Bluder", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floorof the House of Representatives to recognize the University of Iowa Women\u2019s Basketball Coach Lisa Bluder on her 800th career win.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of women in my district for their hard work that led to a historic game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.\n\nOn Sunday, the Iowa Women\u2019s Basketball team earned an impressive 88-61 win in their Big Ten Conference opener against Michigan State.\n\nWith almost 7,000 people in attendance at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Lisa Bluder and her Hawkeyes showcased their court dominance, with Caitlin Clark adding 24 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, making her second triple-double in the six games since our season opener against New Hampshire.\n\nAnd the icing on top? All those watching got to see Coach Lisa Bluder earn her 800th career win.\n\nCongratulations, ladies, and give yourselves a pat on the back for all the hard work you put in during the off-season. I look forward to seeing what else this team has in store in the coming months.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-inadequate-fix-medicare-sequestration", "Miller-Meeks Statement on Inadequate Fix to Medicare Sequestration", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 7th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting NO on an inadequate fix to Medicare sequestration:\n\n\u201cToday, I voted no on the Democrat majority\u2019s heavy-handed decision to play political games with Americans\u2019 healthcare and businesses. Medicare patients need and deserve access to quality care and providers. After months of fair negotiations, the majority has chosen a short-term fix to Medicare sequestration and has directly tied it to a debt limit increase. Ensuring patients have access to care and that there are options for quality providers needs to be a top priority. Instead of kicking the can down the road, Congress should be staying in Washington until a long-term bipartisan solution is agreed upon to avoid cuts to Medicare. These political games are unacceptable and the American people deserve better. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address this issue in a permanent and constructive manner.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-national-defense-authorization-act", "Miller-Meeks Statement on National Defense Authorization Act", "2021-12-07", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 7th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting YES on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the Fiscal Year 2022:\n\n\u201cAs a 24-year Army veteran, I am pleased to see the final version of the NDAA overwhelmingly pass the House to strengthen our military and their support system. This legislation provides much-needed increases in troop pay, improves servicemember mental health services, and increases available funds well over the President\u2019s initial budget request. The bill also provides funding to improve equipment and readiness and I was proud to vote in favor of it.\n\nIncluded in this legislation are several provisions I fought for including my bipartisan Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks Act, my DHS Medical Countermeasures Act, and legislation to create a National Global War on Terrorism Memorial.\n\nEspecially important to me is language that prevents dishonorable discharge for servicemembers who choose not to be vaccinated, bans taxpayer funds from going to the Taliban, requires an investigation into the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s involvement in the origins of COVID-19, prohibits the federal government from purchasing goods made by Uyghur Muslims in forced labor camps, and takes steps toward fixing our broken military justice system.\n\nI am also pleased to see this legislation protects the rights of lawful veteran gun owners and does not include provisions to require women to register for the draft. I look forward to seeing the NDAA swiftly pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis year\u2019s NDAA included several of Miller-Meeks\u2019 legislative priorities:\n\nThe Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act (Section 641) would give veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime access to national parks and public federal lands and give active-duty military free annual passes.\n\nThe DHS Medical Countermeasures Act (Section 6408) would support and protect the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce and Department mission continuity by requiring the Secretary to establish a medical countermeasures program to protect employees and working animals in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive attack; or naturally occurring disease outbreaks or pandemics.\n\nThe Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act (Section 6605) would authorize the establishment of a memorial for servicemembers of the Global War on Terrorism on the National Mall.\n\nThe NDAA is an annual bill to authorize funding for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The final FY 22 NDAA conference report is the product of months of bipartisan and bicameral negotiations and built on broad consensus.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-distinguished-hawkeye-veterans", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Distinguished Hawkeye Veterans", "2021-12-02", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 2nd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floorof the House of Representatives to recognize five members of the University of Iowa community for receiving the Hawkeye Distinguished Veteran Award.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor several men and women for dedicating their lives to service of this country and to Iowa.\n\nRecently, three University of Iowa alumni, a staff member, and a graduate student received the 2021 Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award for their honorable service to this great nation and their continued service to the University of Iowa and Iowa City community.\n\nThe recipients of this prestigious award are Chaplain George M. Campbell, Jr., Colonel Kenneth E. Madden, Staff Sgt. Maria Guadalupe Bruno, General Charles A. Horner, and Staff Sgt. Jake L. Schillo.\n\nThank you to these wonderful men and women for their service to the United States and Iowa.\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-bettendorfs-keagan-berding-and-4-paws-ability", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Bettendorf's Keagan Berding and 4 Paws for Ability", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Bettendorf\u2019s Keagan Berding and 4 Paws for Ability.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to share a heartwarming story about total strangers coming together to make a positive impact on a child\u2019s life in my district.\n\nSix-year-old Keagan Berding of Bettendorf, Iowa, loves to run. Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Keagan is nonverbal but is very social and has several passions including playing outside with other children, showing affection through hugs, and watching videos on his tablet.\n\nBecause of Keagan\u2019s love of running, extra measures are needed to ensure his safety\u2014this is where a fantastic organization has come in to assist Keagan and his parents.\n\n4 Paws for Ability is a group that provides and trains service animals to assist people like the Berding family across the globe. Currently, the organization has raised over $43,000 towards providing Keagan with a fully trained service dog, with the largest single donation being $10,000 from a complete stranger whose own child has benefited from a service animal.\n\nThank you to 4 Paws for Ability and everyone who has contributed for striving to make positive impacts in the lives of children like Keagan all over the world.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-iowa-citys-marc-moen", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Iowa City\u2019s Marc Moen", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 1st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floorof the House of Representatives to recognize Iowa City\u2019s Marc Moen.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a man from my district for his commitment to keeping Iowa beautiful and preserving some of our most treasured historical sites.\n\nMarc Moen, a developer in Iowa City, was recently presented with the Iowa Architectural Foundation\u2019s 2021 Community Enhancement Through Architecture and Design Award.\n\nThe awards program recognizes individuals, organizations, agencies, or communities outside the architectural profession who have demonstrated consistent and effective leadership, vision, and support for architecture, or have continually championed the cause of architecture in ways that have contributed to the betterment of Iowa communities.\n\nMarc began his architectural work in 1985 when he advocated to save the \u201cfirst brick house in Iowa City\u201d from being razed and began restoring the building instead.\n\nSince then, Marc has worked to help make Iowa City the beautiful community it is today.\n\nThank you, Marc, for your dedication to our community and our state.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-kalonas-lewis-payne-receiving-iowa-farm-bureau", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Kalona\u2019s Lewis Payne for Receiving the Iowa Farm Bureau Heritage Award", "2021-12-01", "2021", "2021-12", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, December 1st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Kalona\u2019s Lewis Payne for receiving the Iowa Farm Bureau Heritage Award.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, today I recognize a man from my district for continuing his family legacy of leadership in Iowa agriculture.\n\nThis year, Lewis Payne of Kalona was awarded a Heritage Award by the Iowa Farm Bureau. The Heritage Award recognizes agriculture industry leaders who have carried on the tradition of farming family-owned land.\n\nKnown as the \u2018Pickard Farm\u2019, Lewis\u2019 261.4-acre plot of land was originally purchased by his great-great grand uncle over 172-years-ago and was passed from Lewis\u2019 great-grandfather down to his grandfather, then eventually to his mother, who then passed the land down to Lewis, who had been raised on the farm helping his parents.\n\nWhen asked about the future of his family farm, Lewis said his goal is to be a steward of the land and eventually pass it down to the next generation.\n\nThank you, Lewis, for continuing a fantastic family tradition, and for making Iowa a better place.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:37:48Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-letter-keep-military-justice-reforms-final-ndaa", "Miller-Meeks Joins Letter to Keep Military Justice Reforms in Final NDAA", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 30th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined a letter with over 60 members of Congress pushing House and Senate leadership to keep the bipartisan and bicameral Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act (MJIIPA) in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) language.\n\n\u201cThe bipartisan legislation to prevent military sexual assault and reform the military justice system for the better should be included in the final NDAA. This bill is supported by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe military justice system has been broken for too long. We need to pass this legislation to fix this system; the time to act is now.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn June, Miller-Meeks joined nine House members to introduce the bipartisan Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act. This legislation moves the decision to prosecute serious crimes in the military from the chain of command to independent, trained, and professional military prosecutors.\n\nThe bipartisan and bicameral letter is signed by 44 senators and 22 members of the House.\n\nThe House-introduced Vanessa Guill\u00e9n MJIIPA is currently supported by 220 members. The Senate-introduced MJIIPA is currently supported by 66 members and was led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-muscatines-joshua-gaeta", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Muscatine\u2019s Joshua Gaeta", "2021-11-30", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Muscatine\u2019s Joshua Gaeta.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a military servicemember from my district for his historic actions that saved over thirty lives.\n\nEarlier this year, Joshua Gaeta of Muscatine, and his Coast Guard crew were successful in a daring search and rescue operation involving thirty-one fishermen stranded on a ship that caught fire 200 miles off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.\n\nFacing winds of over fifty miles per hour, waves thirty feet high, and freezing cold temperatures, our Coast Guard, with Gaeta on-board, bravely flew their helicopters to the scene and were able to save all thirty-one crew members.\n\nI want to thank Mr. Gaeta and all our servicemembers for all that they do to keep our country safe.\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-letter-biden-granholm-opposing-plan-tapping-strategic", "Miller-Meeks Joins Letter to Biden & Granholm Opposing Plan to Tapping Strategic Petroleum Reserve", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 19th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 30 of her colleagues, led by Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-05), in a letter to President Joe Biden and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm opposing their plan to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to slow rising fuel costs and address the current energy crisis.\n\n\"For months, Americans have been paying higher prices at the gas pump and the Biden Administration has done little to help them. Instead of supporting an all-around energy plan, the Administration has increased our dependence on foreign energy. Tapping into the emergency reserves like the SPR is not going to help in the long run,\" said Miller-Meeks. \"We should not be increasing our reliance on foreign energy sources such as Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. These policies have hurt American jobs, workers, and our economy when we should be working around the clock to support them.\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-second-reconciliation-bill", "Miller-Meeks Statement on Second Reconciliation Bill", "2021-11-19", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 19th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting NO on the second reconciliation bill:\n\n\u201cFor months, the majority has ignored the ongoing crisis at our border, staggering cost of living increases, supply chain issues, empty shelves, high prices at the gas pump, and a labor shortage. Instead of working on bipartisan fixes to address these crises and support American families, the majority is pushing through a multi-trillion-dollar reckless tax and spend package that is full of tax giveaways for the wealthy at the expense of hard-working American families. The CBO has now said what we have known for months: this package is not fully paid for, doesn\u2019t cost zero, and will increase the deficit. We must go back to responsible spending and bipartisan solutions to build a brighter future for the next generation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-support-local-newspapers", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Support Local Newspapers", "2021-11-18", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 18th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Subscribe to Local News Act. This legislation would support small and local newspapers by creating tax incentives for individuals and businesses to subscribe to and advertise in local papers.\n\n\u201cOver the past several years, we have seen local small-town newspapers across the country facing difficult financial decisions. Even before the pandemic, many outlets were forced to cut pay, let staff go, close their doors, or sell to large corporations,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cFrom Lamoni to Goose Lake to Montrose, local newspapers across the Second District provide the up-to-date information and news that our communities care about. This decline in the number of local newspapers is an unfortunate trend, and I am confident that my Subscribe to Local News Act will provide much-needed support.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe number of local news outlets has rapidly declined due to an industry-wide transition to digital media and the pandemic-induced economic recession. In response to these trends, the Subscribe to Local News Act would create a $200 tax credit for individuals to subscribe to small local newspapers with a daily circulation of fewer than 10,000 subscribers. The legislation would also create a $1,000 deduction for businesses to donate to or advertise in small local newspapers. This legislation would take effect after December 31st, 2021 and expire after 2026.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-congressional-review-act-resolution-block-vaccine-mandate", "Miller-Meeks Joins Congressional Review Act Resolution to Block Vaccine Mandate", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 17th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 150 House members, led by Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12), in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to formally disapprove of and nullify the Biden Administration\u2019s vaccine mandate imposed on America\u2019s businesses and workers.\n\nThis resolution is the House companion to a resolution introduced by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) earlier this month.\n\n\u201cFor months I have said that getting a COVID-19 vaccine should be a choice, not a requirement of employment. I chose to get vaccinated and traveled across the Second District administering vaccines to those who wanted them,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cBusinesses across the country are already seeing the real impacts of labor shortages, supply chain issues, and inflation; they do not need more government intervention. The government should provide the resources and information needed to help Americans make an informed decision that is best for them and their families, not creating new mandates.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe broad support that our Congressional Review Act resolution has garnered sends a clear message to President Biden: The American people are fed up with the mandates and government control,\u201d said Keller. \u201cOur nation faces a host of crises created by this administration, including supply chain challenges and skyrocketing costs for everyday goods and services. President Biden\u2019s illegal vaccine mandate is crippling for Main Street job creators and workers. We will continue to do everything we can to oppose this authoritarian rule.\u201d\n\n\u201cIf I wasn\u2019t so concerned about our economic future, the irony would amuse me: A President who claims to be a jobs creator is implementing policies that dictate who businesses can and cannot retain as employees,\u201d said Rep. Virginia Foxx, Republican Leader of the House Education and Labor Committee. \u201cBy supporting this CRA, Republicans are sending a strong message that free people and free markets should never be conquered by fearmongering and federal overreach.\"\n\n\u201cPresident Biden\u2019s vaccine mandate is an unconstitutional invasion of what should be a personal medical decision for every American and an affront to the rights of 80 million American workers,\u201d said Braun. \u201cToday, my Republican colleagues and I will formally challenge this federal overreach, and I urge the Senate to vote in favor of this disapproval resolution when it comes to the Floor for a filibuster-proof, simple majority vote in early December.\u201d\n\nRead the full text of this legislation HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Biden Administration recently released details on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\u2019s (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) mandating vaccination requirements for employees at private businesses with more than 100 employees. The rule will affect more than 80 million Americans and impose $14,000 fines for persons who do not comply.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-legislation-tackle-price-transparency-cattle-market", "Miller-Meeks Joins Legislation to Tackle Price Transparency in Cattle Market", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 17th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined Reps. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) and Cindy Axne (IA-03) to introduce the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to return fairness to the cattle marketplace dominated by four major meatpackers.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 3229, which was introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE).\n\n\u201cConsumers are facing higher prices in the store and producers are still losing money. For months I have been calling for investigations and legislation to take on the over-concentration in our cattle and beef markets by a handful of meatpackers,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cIt is crucial for Iowa\u2019s producers that there is fairness and transparency in our cattle industry. I am proud to join the entire Iowa delegation in introducing this legislation to support our farmers and ranchers.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlthough the cost of beef continues to rise, independent cattle producers have seen prices decrease or remain stagnant for too long. It is clear the current negotiating structure puts consumers and smaller cattle operations at a disadvantage, which is why I immediately began calling for hearings and voicing concerns on the Agriculture Committee,\u201d said Feenstra. \u201cI am honored to lead this legislation alongside Congresswoman Axne, and I would like to thank my colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Grassley, for their persistence and hard work on this critical issue. I look forward to working together to get this bipartisan, bicameral compromise on the president\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor years, Iowa\u2019s independent cattle producers have been bearing the burden of price discovery and a lack of transparency when trying to market their cattle and make ends meet,\u201d said Axne. \u201cAll they want is fairness and equal footing and that\u2019s exactly what this legislation would do. The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act would provide meaningful and long-overdue reform to the cattle industry to ensure producers in Iowa and across this country can continue their operations for generations to come. I\u2019m proud to have worked with Senator Grassley and my bipartisan colleagues on this issue throughout my time in Congress and will work to advance it across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowa\u2019s cattle producers deserve transparency and a level playing field in the market. This legislation will help our producers have access to adequate price information when selling their cattle on the spot market,\u201d said Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01). \u201cI want to thank Senator Chuck Grassley for his leadership on this important issue and I\u2019m proud to help support this bipartisan effort in the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cRobust price discovery ensures that all members of the beef supply chain \u2014 cow-calf producers, feeders, packers, and consumers \u2014 can be successful. The foundation of price discovery in the cattle market is negotiated cash sales. One or two regions of the country should not have to shoulder the burden of price discovery and that\u2019s exactly what has been happening,\u201d said Fischer. \u201cFurthermore, even regions that primarily use alternative marketing arrangements (AMAs) such as formula contracts predominantly rely on negotiated cash sales to set their base prices. Our compromise proposal takes regional differences into account and ensures fairness for every segment of the supply chain.\u201d\n\n\u201cI frequently hear from Iowa\u2019s independent cattle producers about their struggle to get a fair price for their cattle while the nation\u2019s four largest packers operate in the shadows. I pushed for hearings in the Senate\u2019s Agriculture and Judiciary committees to shine a light on the market unfairness and now have partnered with a bipartisan group of senators to develop a solution. Our proposal takes several steps to improve cattle price transparency and will make much-needed market reforms to help independent producers in Iowa and across the country,\u201d said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA). \u201cThis bipartisan bill is the best opportunity we have to make real reform in the cattle market this year and I\u2019ll continue to work with my colleagues to get this across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhile retail meat prices continue to rise, many of Iowa\u2019s independent cattle producers who participate in the negotiated cash market are facing challenges and taking losses because they unfairly shoulder the burden of price discovery for cattle producers in other states and regions,\u201d said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). \u201cI\u2019m proud to support Senator Grassley and his bipartisan effort to create a more transparent, fair process and allow our independent, hardworking cattle producers in Iowa and across the country to get the best and most competitive prices for the high-quality cattle they raise.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn May, Miller-Meeks joined a letter urging Attorney General Merrick Garland to continue the Department of Justice\u2019s investigation into the nation\u2019s four biggest meatpackers. In June, Miller-Meeks partnered with Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) to introduce the Meat Packing Special Investigator Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would tackle anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries that threaten the American food supply and U.S. national security. In October, Miller-Meeks joined Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large) to introduce the Cattle Contract Library Act, bipartisan legislation that would create a library for cattle contacts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA\u2019s) Agriculture Marketing Service Department.\n\nA significant challenge facing the cattle industry is the declining number of participants in the negotiated cash market. In order to have robust price discovery that provides accurate information about market dynamics along the supply chain, you need a competitive cash market with multiple price discovery points. Negotiated trade, also called the \u201ccash\u201d or \u201cspot\u201d market increasingly has been replaced by formula pricing, forward markets, and longer-term marketing agreements\u2014collectively referred to as AMAs.\n\nCash transactions involve a bid and ask process. The cash market facilitates price discovery, which is the process of establishing the \u201cgoing rate\u201d of cattle based on market conditions at any given time. Formula pricing, where a reference price from a published report is used as the base price for the transaction, is becoming more common. The bulk of formula pricing uses negotiated cash prices as the base in the formula\u2014meaning information from the negotiated cash market is being heavily leveraged by nonparticipants, even as it declines in volume.\n\nThe Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act will:\n\nEstablish regional mandatory minimum thresholds of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trades based on each region\u2019s 18-month average trade to enable price discovery in cattle marketing regions. In order to establish regionally sufficient levels of negotiated cash and negotiated grid trade, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Chief Economist, would seek public comment on those levels, set the minimums, and then implement them. No regional minimum level can be more than three times that of the lowest regional minimum, and no regional minimum can be lower than the 18-month average trade at the time the bill is enacted.\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create and maintain a publicly available library of marketing contracts between packers and producers in a manner that ensures confidentiality.\n\nProhibit the USDA from using confidentiality as a justification for not reporting and make clear that USDA must report all Livestock Mandatory Reporting information, and they must do so in a manner that ensures confidentiality.\n\nRequire more timely reporting of cattle carcass weights as well as requiring a packer to report the number of cattle scheduled to be delivered for slaughter each day for the next 14 days.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-spanberger-gonzalez-axne-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-support", "Miller-Meeks, Spanberger, Gonzalez, & Axne Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Healthcare Providers", "2021-11-17", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 17th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16), and Cindy Axne (IA-03) introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure that remaining Provider Relief Fund (PRF) dollars are distributed to healthcare providers looking to care for patients and protect workers. The Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to distribute remaining PRF dollars by March 31st, 2022, relieve the bureaucratic burdens associated with shifting reporting deadlines, and allow PRF recipients to spend their awards on investments in workplace and employee safety.\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that providers have all of the tools at their disposal to keep Americans healthy. Having the flexibility necessary to use all of the COVID-19 relief funds made available to them is a critical part of this goal,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI have thanked HHS previously for choosing to extend the deadline for providers to use Provider Relief Funds, and now I am asking them to do it again. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this legislation become law to better support our healthcare system as a whole.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe dedicated men and women of our nation\u2019s hospitals and clinics have worked around the clock for nearly two years to battle COVID-19 and keep patients safe. In Central Virginia, their tireless efforts have been nothing short of heroic. Unfortunately, the pandemic continues to rage in many corners of America, and delays in much-needed Provider Relief Fund payments are causing tremendous uncertainty in Virginia and across the country,\u201d said Spanberger. \u201cOur bipartisan bill reflects the urgency of the need to protect our healthcare workers. Not only would our bipartisan bill give additional certainty to healthcare institutions, but it would cut red tape and eliminate arbitrary restrictions on how providers can put this funding to good use. By providing a new degree of flexibility and peace of mind, the Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act would make commonsense reforms and help ensure the long-term strength of Central Virginia\u2019s healthcare facilities and their employees.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince the onset of the pandemic, our nation\u2019s healthcare providers have been gripped with significant financial shortfalls as they work tirelessly to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 and address the needs of our communities,\u201d said Gonzalez. \u201cBecause of the slow pace of administrative action associated with the PRF, healthcare providers have had zero access to any funding to directly offset the costs associated with the recent delta variant surge. Our bipartisan bill would give healthcare providers the financial relief they need to end this pandemic and continue their delivery of world-class care.\u201d\n\n\u201cSince voting to establish the PRF last year, I\u2019ve consistently been advocating for making sure this assistance is working to support our health care providers in curbing this pandemic. I\u2019m pleased that HHS is currently working to get $17 billion in PRF assistance out the door. However, I believe more must be done to ensure those working every day against COVID-19 are prepared to treat cases and accommodate patients,\u201d said Axne. \u201cI\u2019m glad to be joining this bipartisan effort to ensure hospitals have the funds to protect their workers, treat patients, and prepare for the potential rise in hospitalizations stemming from the flu and COVID-19 this winter.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe PRF has been a lifeline to hospitals, health systems, and caregivers across the country, helping to keep our doors open during the pandemic in order to continue providing essential care to patients and communities,\u201d said Stacey Hughes, Executive Vice President of the American Hospital Association. \u201cThe AHA thanks Representatives Spanberger, Axne, Gonzalez, and Miller-Meeks for leading this important bipartisan effort to extend the deadline for hospitals and other health care providers to use this funding and to distribute the remaining funds as soon as possible. These actions will help ensure we can continue to battle COVID-19 and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representative Spanberger for introducing the Provider Relief Fund Improvement Act,\u201d said Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. \u201cThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the PRF program has been a lifeline for health care providers. However, the program\u2019s supporting materials and deadlines have caused unnecessary problems for rural providers. NRHA strongly believes Congress created the program to help rural providers combat COVID-19, protect their workforce, and ensure access to care for their patients \u2013 not to return funds to the Treasury Department. The Provider Relief Fund Improvement Actwill ensure rural providers can use the funds they were allocated to serve their communities for the remainder of the pandemic.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn May, Miller-Meeks and Axne led the call to extend the PRF deadline beyond June 30th, 2021. In June, Miller-Meeks and Axne applauded HHS after the agency extended the original PRF deadline.\n\nIn March 2020, Congress created the PRF as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to reimburse healthcare providers for expenses or lost revenues attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Congress has appropriated $178 billion for the PRF.\n\nHowever, the PRF distribution process has been plagued by several issues that have slowed distribution \u2014 including changing guidance, confusing tax information, burdensome restrictions, and sporadic technical problems. To date, no PRF dollars have been released to compensate providers for expenses associated with the Delta Variant surge over the summer.\n\nMeanwhile, frontline health care workers are struggling with a troubling increase in violence in the workplace, contributing to lower morale and leading to high turnover rates and additional expenses for employers looking to keep their workers safe. These provisions would give much-needed certainty to U.S. healthcare providers about forthcoming distribution timelines and give providers renewed flexibility in how they use this funding.\n\nSpecifically, the bipartisan Provider Relief Fund Improvement Actwould:\n\nExtend the deadline for Providers to use their awards through the end of the Public Health Emergency. The legislation would eliminate the bureaucratic hassle of funds going back and forth between the government and providers at quarterly reporting deadlines.\n\nRequire HHS to refund providers any dollars returned to HHS at the first June 30th, 2021 reporting deadline.\n\nRequire HHS to distribute remaining PRF dollars by March 31, 2022.\n\nClarify that providers can use PRF funds for workplace and safety provisions. This guidance would include secure locks, mitigation of risk of violence mechanisms like panic buttons, and trauma support for personnel.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-life-fairfields-nohema-graber", "Miller-Meeks Honors the Life of Fairfield\u2019s Nohema Graber", "2021-11-16", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 16th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of Fairfield\u2019s Nohema Graber.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a wonderful woman from my district who dedicated her life to the betterment of her community by educating the next generation.\n\nOn November 2nd, Fairfield lost a beloved member of their community, Nohema Graber.\n\nBorn in Mexico, Nohema later moved to Iowa, where her love for education drove her to pursue a career in teaching. She would eventually go on to teach Spanish at Fairfield High School.\n\nWhen reading stories about Nohema\u2019s kind and caring spirit I came across one that really warmed my heart, and I would like to share it.\n\nWhen a dear friend of Nohema\u2019s son was diagnosed with a brain tumor twelve years ago, Nohema would pray with her friend every day. Her son\u2014now healthy\u2014was among the countless members of the Fairfield community to attend Nohema\u2019s vigil.\n\nI send my prayers out to the friends and family of Nohema Graber, as well as the students and faculty of Fairfield High School as they mourn this tragic loss.\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-camanches-brent-and-amy-brightman", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Camanche\u2019s Brent and Amy Brightman", "2021-11-15", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 15th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Camanche\u2019s Brent and Amy Brightman, owners of Brent\u2019s Firehouse Coffee.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the generosity and Iowa nice spirit of a couple from my district.\n\nRecently, Brent and Amy Brightman, the owners of Brent\u2019s Firehouse Coffee in Camanche, presented the Camanche Police and Fire Departments with $2,000 each in what they hope to be the first of an annual donation to their city\u2019s first responders.\n\nWhen asked about the generosity of their donations, Brent, who has served as a volunteer firefighter in Camanche for over a decade, said that they started Brent\u2019s Firehouse Coffee not only to support their community, but to support first responders.\n\nIowa has some of the best small businesses and first responders, and I am beyond proud to see our community come together to support one another.\n\nThank you, Brent, Amy, and the first responders of Camanche for your continued and unwavering service to our community.\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-increase-access-education-families", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Increase Access to Education for Families", "2021-11-09", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 9th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education (CHOICE) Act. This legislation would provide families with greater options with regards to their children\u2019s education.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 74, introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)in January.\n\n\u201cI left home to go to college at the age of sixteen to pursue the best educational opportunities available. The last year has shown us that students need to have the opportunity to succeed no matter where they live,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe CHOICE Act will give families more options to give their children the best education possible. Senator Scott has always been a leading voice in fighting for equal access to quality education and I am proud to join him in this commonsense legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the product of a poor, single-parent household, I have always been a champion of school choice. And as the coronavirus pandemic has shown us, the need for educational options is more vital today than ever before,\u201d said Scott. \u201cThe sad reality is too many students lack access to a quality education because of their zip code, and that is simply unacceptable. Commonsense solutions like my CHOICE Act will empower families to choose the best schools for their children and put parents in charge.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe CHOICE Act would support parents by eliminating barriers to seek the information necessary to determine a best-fit school that can effectively serve their child\u2019s needs. It would expand school choice programs by permitting states that have established programs for parents of disabled children to use public or private funds for the cost of their children attending a private school to supplement those funds with federal special education funds.\n\nThe legislation authorizes grants to support the design and initial implementation of state programs that allow the parents of a disabled child to choose the appropriate public or private school for their child. Finally, it would establish a five-year pilot program, within the Department of Defense, to award scholarships that enable military-dependent students, who live on military installations, to attend the public or private elementary or secondary schools their parents choose.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-infrastructure-package", "Miller-Meeks Statement on Infrastructure Package", "2021-11-05", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 5th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting NO on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act:\n\n\u201cI have been calling for a fully-funded bipartisan bill that would improve our bridges, roads, broadband, locks, dams, broadband, and the electric grid. I will not support a bill that is directly tied to a multi-trillion dollar reckless tax and spend package that increases inflation and had no Republican input, even though Congress is evenly divided. We could have passed a clean infrastructure package already on a bipartisan basis like the Senate did and found reasonable ways to pay for it. Instead, the majority decided to play politics and hold good ideas hostage to push through their agenda in a partisan manner.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-legislation-support-essential-workers", "Miller-Meeks Joins Legislation to Support Essential Workers", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today November 4th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over a dozen House members, led by Rep. Tim Burchett (TN-02), in introducing the Keeping Our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act. This legislation would protect any individual who was deemed as essential during the COVID-19 pandemic from termination under the Biden Administration\u2019s vaccine mandate. This includes Americans employed by the federal government, private entities that receive federal funds, and private entities that received funding from any of the six coronavirus response bills passed by Congress. It also would exempt public and private federal contractors from the mandate.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 3079, introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) in October.\n\n\u201cAmericans should choose whether to be vaccinated, not forced. As a doctor, I decided to be fully vaccinated and gave COVID-19 vaccines to those in my district who chose to get them,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe Administration\u2019s mandates are only making the current labor shortage worse. Our essential workers have been working overtime for over a year and a half to keep the rest of us safe and healthy. They should not be punished for something that should be a personal choice.\u201d\n\n\u201cFederal bureaucrats want to punish any American who disobeys Big Brother Biden\u2019s vaccine mandate,\u201d said Burchett. \u201cIndividuals must decide for themselves on taking the coronavirus vaccine without government threats to their livelihoods if they do not get the shot. Biden\u2019s vaccine mandate will make our country\u2019s labor shortages worse, especially in essential services like public safety and health care.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur essential workers are true heroes,\u201d said Blackburn. \u201cFor over 18 months, essential workers showed up to serve and protect their communities. Businesses across the country are desperate for workers and we are in the midst of a supply chain crisis. There are more than 10.4 million open jobs across the country, and now President Biden wants to fire even more workers. Getting vaccinated is a choice that should be made between a patient and their doctor. No one should be forced by Joe Biden to be fired or get jabbed. The Keeping Our COVID-19 Heroes Employed Act is critical to protect our essential workers. Thank you, Representative Tim Burchett, for bringing my fight for America's essential workers to the House of Representatives.\"\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-price-portman-and-carper-introduce-legislation-ensure-safety", "Miller-Meeks, Price, Portman, and Carper Introduce Legislation to Ensure Safety of Unaccompanied Children at HHS Facilities", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 4th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and David Price (NC-04), along with Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Tom Carper (D-DE), introduced the Safeguarding Homes by Ensuring Licensing and Transparency with Eligibility Requirements (SHELTER) Act of 2021. This bipartisan and bicameral bill would ensure shelters operated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) that house unaccompanied children are thoroughly vetted and licensed by the state in which they operate.\n\n\u201cWhen I heard reports of the lack of oversight at ORR shelters, I knew that action was needed. Ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our care is simply the right thing to do,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cWe need to work on increasing transparency and accountability at these facilities, and our bipartisan SHELTER Act is a step in the right direction. I am proud to partner with Congressman Price, and Senators Carper and Portman on this important issue.\u201d\n\n\u201cAfter being alerted to a troubling situation in my home state of North Carolina, I learned that a larger problem existed in how ORR was awarding shelter grant funding,\u201d said Price. \u201cIt is a question of fiscal responsibility and a larger question about our nation\u2019s immigration policy and the way people are being treated. I was troubled that our federal government would contract with an outfit whose license had been suspended by the state, and that this was part of a larger pattern. Unaccompanied children are some of the most vulnerable individuals in our care, and they deserve to be safely housed. While I am pleased that HHS has taken steps towards strengthening their grant application process, I think that we can do more. The SHELTER Act is a significant step forward, and I am proud to introduce this legislation today alongside Senators Carper and Portman and Representative Miller-Meeks.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure that shelters that care for unaccompanied children are fully licensed and that HHS makes better use of taxpayer funds,\u201d said Portman. \u201cAs Chairman and Ranking Member of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, last year Senator Carper and I investigated the circumstances that led to HHS awarding millions of dollars in grants to care for unaccompanied children to organizations that had histories of child abuse or that could not get state licenses to care for children. We learned that HHS did not appropriately vet grant applicants, potentially endangering vulnerable children and wasting taxpayer dollars. HHS has voluntarily taken steps to improve their processes based on our report, but it\u2019s important to codify these important reforms so these problems never happen again. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this common-sense legislation to address our findings and protect these vulnerable children and safeguard taxpayer funds.\u201d\n\n\u201cAlmost one year ago, Senator Portman and I released a troubling report detailing the lack of proper federal government oversight of for-profit ORR shelter grant recipients \u2013 putting the safety of vulnerable migrant children at risk. Put simply: we have a moral obligation to ensure the safety of children in our care as they wait to be placed with a sponsor,\u201d said Carper. \u201cOur legislation ensures adequate steps are taken to protect these children by ensuring the facilities they are ultimately housed in do not have a history of adverse criminal or regulatory actions against them. I am encouraged to hear that HHS has started taking proactive steps to require more information from grant applicants, and I look forward to continuing working with the Administration on this critical issue and encourage my Senate colleagues to join us in this effort.\u201d\n\nTo read full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe legislation stems from a bipartisan December 2020 report Senators Carper and Portman released as Ranking Member and Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) that identified HHS\u2019s failures to conduct adequate oversight of companies seeking to operate shelters for unaccompanied children. The report found that HHS awarded ORR shelter grants to two companies with a documented history of failing to provide adequate care of children. As a result of their previous failures in caring for children and other regulatory issues, the two companies will never open their facilities, which they received over $32 million in funding from HHS.\n\nThis bicameral and bipartisan legislation would require facilities seeking a shelter grant from the ORR, an agency within HHS that is responsible for the care and placement of unaccompanied children, to be licensed by the state they are operating in and require grant applicants to disclose any adverse actions taken against them by a federal, state, or local government. Additionally, the legislation requires HHS to do their due diligence and collaborate with the appropriate state agencies and search respective state databases for any potential adverse actions taken against the applicant seeking a grant from HHS.\n\nEarlier this year, Miller-Meeks introduced the Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act, bipartisan legislation to require HHS to provide additional protections for, keep better track of, and care for unaccompanied alien children (UACs).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-iowa-field-hockey-star-anthe-nijziel", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Iowa Field Hockey Star Anthe Nijziel", "2021-11-04", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 4th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Hawkeye Field Hockey star Anthe Nijziel.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young woman from my district for making University of Iowa and Big Ten sports history.\n\nRecently, University of Iowa field hockey star Anthe Nijziel was awarded both Big Ten Co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the Hawkeyes to an impressive 16-1 regular season.\n\nThough each of these honors are an impressive feat on their own, Anthe has raised the bar, becoming the first Iowa student-athlete to win both awards in the same season and the third person in Big Ten history to win the Player of the Year title in more than one season.\n\nI would like to congratulate the entire Iowa field hockey team for a great season, and Head Coach Lisa Cellucci, who was named unanimous Big Ten Coach of the Year after being awarded Co-Coach of the Year last season.\n\nCongratulations to Anthe, Coach Cellucci, and the rest of the Iowa field hockey team and good luck as you head into the Big Ten tournament.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-solon-girls-cross-country-team", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes the Solon Girls\u2019 Cross-Country Team", "2021-11-03", "2021", "2021-11", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, November 3rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the Solon girls\u2019 cross-country team for winning the Iowa 3A State Championship.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of young women who have made history in a small town in my district.\n\nLast Friday, the Solon High School girls' cross-country team defied the odds at the 3A Iowa State Championship and brought home their first girls cross country title after upsetting last year\u2019s champion; Ballard High School.\n\nLed by top ten finishers Kayla Young and Emma Bock, every Solon Spartan finished in the top 54 in a crowded 133-member field, earning a total score of 77 points.\n\nCongratulations to Kayla Young, Emma Bock, Anna Quillin, Meghan O\u2019Neill, Mara Duster, Grace Federspiel, and Kaia Holtkamp.\n\nThis is a great achievement for both Solon and the Second District, and I could not be prouder to represent all these young women in Congress.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:30:49Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-letter-slamming-administrations-plan-compensate-illegal", "Miller-Meeks Joins Letter Slamming Administration's Plan to Compensate Illegal Immigrants $450,000", "2021-10-29", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 29th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 40 of her colleagues, led by Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03), in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding reports that their agencies are in discussions to offer illegal immigrants that unlawfully crossed the border in 2018 roughly $450,000 per person in compensation.\n\n\u201cThese reports are a slap in the face to hard-working and law-abiding Americans across the country. Iowans should not be paying more at the pump and in the store while watching as their tax dollars are being sent to individuals who willingly broke the law,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThis Administration repeatedly drops the ball and ignores the very real border, energy, and inflation crises that Americans are enduring every day. This is an unacceptable use of taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-ottumwas-walk-end-alz", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Ottumwa's Walk to End Alz", "2021-10-28", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 28th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Ottumwa\u2019s Walk to End Alz.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of people from my hometown of Ottumwa for taking part in a great event for an even greater cause.\n\nOn October 23rd, 170 participants on 37 teams took part in the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer's in my hometown of Ottumwa.\n\nThe annual walk, led by The Alzheimer's Association, is held in over 600 communities across the United States to raise awareness of and funds for research for a disease that currently affects 5.8 million Americans.\n\nThis year, I am proud to announce that the Walk to End Alzheimer\u2019s in Ottumwa raised $27,636 thus far with donations still coming in, exceeding their initial goal of $26,000.\n\nThank you to the residents of Ottumwa and the over 600 communities across the United States who have stepped up and stepped forward to put an end to this deadly disease.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-legislation-block-sex-criminals-entering-us", "Miller-Meeks Joins Legislation to Block Sex Criminals from Entering the U.S.", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 27th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over fifty House members, led by Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), in introducing the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act. This bicameral legislation would block individuals convicted of violent sexual crimes or sexual assault from entering the United States.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 2945, introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) earlier this month.\n\n\u201cOur CBP agents and officers are working hard to keep our border secure in the face of a seemingly never-ending crisis that the Administration has failed to address. We should immediately provide law enforcement the authority to identify and deport convicted sex criminals,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cWe are introducing the BE GONE Act to ensure that individuals convicted of violent sexual crimes or sexual assault may not come to the U.S at any time. I am proud to help introduce the House companion to Senator Ernst\u2019s commonsense legislation and continue to work on reasonable fixes to our broken immigration system.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe are witnessing a border crisis of historic proportions,\u201d said Stefanik. \u201cThe Biden Administration\u2019s open-border policies are allowing the highest number of illegal border crossings through our Southern Border in over 30 years. We must work to ensure sex criminals are stopped and deported immediately for the safety of our citizens. Border security is national security, and I am proud to work to keep our communities safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur nation is facing a border and immigration crisis of historic proportions, whether President Biden and Democrats would like to admit it or not. It\u2019s far past time the Biden Administration steps up to address the reality of the crisis at our border, and one easy fix is to ensure sexual predators and criminals are identified, stopped, and deported,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cMy BE GONE Act is gaining support and momentum because it is exactly the commonsense solution we need right now to modernize the immigration system and combat sexual violence and those seeking to exploit our laws.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad to see support for the BE GONE Act throughout the halls of Congress,\u201d saidSenator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). \u201cUnfortunately, in recent months the Biden Administration has let many folks into our country who have not been properly vetted. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this commonsense legislation to help keep predators off our streets.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Biden Administration's lax border policies have incentivized illegal immigrants, including dangerous criminals, to come into our country. The BE GONE Act would help ensure that law enforcement is empowered to find and deport convicted sex criminals\u2014we should all be able to agree that sex offenders should not be welcomed into the United States,\u201d said Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01). \u201cWhile the Administration keeps our Southern Border open and incentivizes illegal immigration, I will continue pursuing common sense solutions to keep families safe.\u201d\n\n\u201cUnder no circumstances should migrants convicted of sexual assault or aggravated sexual violence be allowed to enter or stay in the United States. We recently saw the horrific outcome of this loophole when a man \u2014 who was previously convicted of sexual abuse and was supposed to be deported \u2014 assaulted a woman in Philadelphia,\u201d said Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04). \u201cSimilar to Sarah\u2019s Law, we must close these loopholes to prevent devastating and avoidable tragedies. I applaud Senator Ernst and Congresswoman Stefanik for introducing the BE GONE Act, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on this commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis legislation would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include sexual assault, aggravated sexual violence, and sexual abuse as crimes that are defined as \"aggravated felonies\", which make immigrants inadmissible and deportable.\n\nThe bill also gives law enforcement the ability to deport those who have been convicted of sexually violent crimes or sexual assault and who are trying to immigrate. Specifically, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 to include sexual assault and other forms of aggravated sexual violence as a disqualifying crime for foreign applicants for residence in the United States, and deportable for non-citizen resident immigrants.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-private-first-class-taylor-patterson", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Private First Class Taylor Patterson", "2021-10-27", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 27th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Private First Class Taylor Patterson.\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for deliver below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today as a veteran to recognize an amazing achievement of a fellow servicewoman in Iowa.\n\nLast month, Private First Class Taylor Patterson, a student at Iowa State University, became the first female enlisted infantry soldier in the Iowa National Guard after being the first Iowa woman to complete the rigorous 22-week training program at Fort Benning, Georgia.\n\nFive years ago, the U.S. Army began to allow women to serve in combat positions given that they can pass the same base physical requirement for all combat personnel. Through determination and the support of her family and team at Fort Benning, Private First Class Patterson blazed a trail for generations of Iowa women.\n\nFor over 183 years, the Iowa National Guard have been an excellent example of service above self by always answering their call to duty. Whether it is assisting communities in disaster relief efforts like we saw with last year\u2019s derecho in Iowa or being deployed to Afghanistan this year to aid in the refugee crisis, Iowa\u2019s National Guard has always gone above and beyond in their service to our state and country.\n\nCongratulations Private First Class Patterson for your service and for being a trailblazer for women everywhere.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-life-ottumwas-doris-wilz", "Miller-Meeks Honors the Life of Ottumwa\u2019s Doris Wilz", "2021-10-26", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 26th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of Ottumwa\u2019s Doris Wilz.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for deliver below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, small business owner, and a dear friend to many in my hometown of Ottumwa.\n\nOn October 20th, Doris Wilz passed away at the age of 93.\n\nBorn and raised in Ottumwa, Doris was known by many as the one who always went above and beyond for the betterment of the community. As a young widow she met Carl Wilz, a small business owner, and also recently widowed with four small children, the youngest of whom was around three.\n\nThey got married, and she went forward to help him conduct two small businesses in two towns thirty miles apart.\n\nWhether it was through serving customers at one of the family small businesses or volunteering at the Ottumwa Regional Health Center comforting patients and making cookies for the families in the McCreery Cancer Center, Doris always loved to put a smile on the face of others.\n\nBut when asked what her greatest passion in life is, Doris would say her four children, twelve grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her gentle smile, melodious laugh, and encouragement meant so much to so many, and drew people to her, including myself, and I am honored she considered me a friend.\n\nThank you, Doris, for contributing to our community, and I will keep you, your family, and your loved ones in my prayers.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-continues-push-block-irs-invading-americans-privacy", "Miller-Meeks Continues Push to Block IRS From Invading Americans\u2019 Privacy", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 200 of her colleagues in a letter, led by Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-06), to the Secretary of the United States Department of Treasury, Janet Yellen, reiterating their concerns with the Biden Administration\u2019s proposal to expand the data collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on Americans\u2019 bank accounts.\n\n\u201cThe Administration\u2019s continued push to invade Americans\u2019 privacy should concern everyone. Raising the reporting threshold from $600 to $10,000 still means the overwhelming majority of Americans will be targeted by the IRS,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe Treasury Department\u2019s response to our September 13 letter was unacceptable and I am proud to join this second letter to show the Administration that we will not back down. I will continue to fight to ensure that all Americans\u2019 right to privacy is protected.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click here.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn September 13th, 2021, Miller-Meeks joined a letter, also led by Rep. Emmer, with 142 of her colleagues expressing concern with the Administration\u2019s plan to require financial institutions and other financial services providers to report to the IRS a range of new data points on accounts with annual gross inflows and outflows totaling more than $600.\n\nFollowing that letter, the Department of Treasury responded on September 29th, attempting to justify their actions as an effort to \u201cclose the tax gap\u201d. However, they failed to address the privacy implications of their proposal. Recently, the Administration and the majorities in Congress have begun considering increasing the threshold from $600 to $10,000 (or an even higher amount). Arbitrarily increasing the threshold to $10,000, as most recently proposed, will still apply to individuals at every rung of the income ladder.\n\nMiller-Meeks recently co-sponsored two pieces of legislation that would prevent the IRS from invading Americans\u2019 privacy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-clarke-community-high-school-football-team", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Clarke Community High School Football Team", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the Clarke Community High School football team.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the recent success of a high school football team in Iowa\u2019s Second District.\n\nFor the first time in thirty-one years, the Clarke Community High School Indians are headed to the playoffs. The team finished the regular season with a five and three record, which is also a first in thirty-one years.\n\nAlthough their season had plenty of ups and downs, the team persevered and worked hard to make their community proud.\n\nThey will be traveling up to Williamsburg, Iowa, tomorrow, October 22, to take on the Raiders in the first round of playoffs. I am confident that Clarke will make the Second District proud.\n\nCongratulations to Coach Quinlan and his staff, all of the players, and the entire Clarke County community on their success, and good luck tomorrow night!", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-speaks-save-our-servicemembers-sos-act", "Miller-Meeks Speaks on Save Our Servicemembers (SOS) Act", "2021-10-21", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives speak on her recently introduced Save Our Servicemembers (SOS) Act.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an issue that has become a national crisis that must be immediately addressed.\n\nServing in the Army for 24-years as a nurse and physician from the Vietnam era to the first Gulf War, I have seen many of my fellow veterans suffering from anxiety, depression, survivors\u2019 guilt, and PTSD. Many veterans are still living with those scars, and without proper care and treatment, mental health crises can make everyday life a struggle or even life-threatening.\n\nYesterday, I partnered with my fellow veterans, Congressman Ruben Gallego, a Corporal in the Marine Corps, Senator Joni Ernst, a fellow Iowan, and a fellow Army Lt. Colonel, and Senator Mark Kelly, a Captain in the Navy, to introduce the Save Our Servicemembers Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct the Pentagon to evaluate the effectiveness of its suicide prevention efforts and to improve its data collection, reduce bureaucratic duplication, and strengthen collaboration between its offices.\n\nI am heartbroken at the continued rise in suicides in the veteran community. It is no secret that our servicemembers often face invisible challenges when they return to civilian life, and we must do a better job of addressing their needs. We need to look into all of our mental health and suicide prevention programs to better service our heroes, and I am proud to partner with an incredible group of veterans in Congress on this legislation.\n\nI want you to know that you are not alone and that there are people who care and are trained to help you in any mental health crisis you might face. I encourage everyone to check in on your family and friends because sometimes the deepest wounds are the ones that you cannot see.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-gallego-introduce-legislation-address-uptick-military-suicides", "Miller-Meeks & Gallego Introduce Legislation to Address Uptick in Military Suicides", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 20th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), both veterans, introduced the Save Our Servicemembers (SOS) Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct the Pentagon to evaluate the effectiveness of their suicide prevention efforts and to improve its data collection, reduce bureaucratic duplication, and strengthen collaboration between its offices.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), who are both combat veterans.\n\n\u201cI am heartbroken at the continued rise in suicides in the veteran community. It is no secret that our servicemembers often face invisible challenges when they return to civilian life, and we must do a better job of addressing their needs,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cAs a 24-year Army veteran and physician, I have seen the toll that war takes on many members of our military. We need to look into all of our mental health and suicide prevention programs to better service our heroes, and I am proud to partner with an incredible group of veterans in Congress on this legislation.\"\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that the Pentagon is doing everything it can to protect servicemembers\u2019 mental health and wellness long before their transition to civilian life. I know firsthand the trauma and stress servicemembers can face, especially when deployed in combat situations. These struggles have contributed to unacceptable increases in military and veteran deaths by suicide,\u201d said Gallego. \u201cTo overcome this crisis, we need the Pentagon to take a serious look at its data and the programs it has in place to make sure servicemembers get the help and resources they need. That\u2019s why I\u2019m proud to join my fellow veterans in Congress on this legislation that I know will help save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur servicemembers carry out selfless duties every day to protect our nation and oftentimes they face serious and unique challenges. We cannot fail them,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cWe need to put out the S.O.S. and get to the root of this alarming and disturbing trend. That starts with this straightforward, bipartisan measure directing the Pentagon to streamline their prevention efforts and to clean up collaboration within its own offices. These are simple steps that will save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cMilitary suicides are rising, and we have to confront this issue head-on. The Save Our Servicemembers Act takes important steps to prevent military suicides and would help ensure that servicemembers\u2014our heroes in uniform\u2014can access the support and mental health care they need,\u201d said Kelly.\n\nBackground:\n\nAccording to a 2020 Department of Defense (DoD) report, 580 servicemembers took their lives. This number represents a fifteen percent increase from the prior year. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review DOD\u2019s suicide prevention programs.\n\nGAO identified three areas that should be addressed to improve suicide prevention efforts:\n\nNon-clinical prevention efforts need to be assessed to determine effectiveness\n\nInconsistent definitions could be impeding the ability to access and improve prevention programs\n\nA lack of proper coordination between offices is resulting in duplication and inefficient use of staff and resources\n\nThe SOS Act would require the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to improve suicide prevention efforts by implementing the GAO recommendations, specifically:\n\nDirecting the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO) to collaborate with the military services to develop and implement a process to ensure that individual non-clinical suicide prevention efforts are assessed for effectiveness in the military population; and\n\nRequiring DSPO to collaborate with the military services to develop consistent suicide-related definitions to be used department-wide and require them to be used in the updated DOD and military service policies; and\n\nImproving collaboration between DSPO and the Psychological Health Center of Excellence on the production of the annual suicide reports to minimize duplication of efforts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-effort-provide-pricing-leverage-cattle-producers", "Miller-Meeks Joins Effort to Provide Pricing Leverage to Cattle Producers", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over a dozen House members in introducing H.R. 5609, the Cattle Contract Library Act. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (SD-At Large), would create a library for cattle contracts within the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA\u2019s) Agriculture Marketing Service Department.\n\n\u201cFor months, I have been calling for increased transparency in our cattle markets to help both producers and consumers. I was proud to introduce the bipartisan Meat Packing Special Investigator Act earlier this year to take on anticompetitive practices and give producers a fair shake, and the Cattle Contract Library Act is another step towards increased accountability and transparency,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cCattle businesses need access to the most accurate data to make the best decisions possible. I would like to thank Representative Johnson for his work on important legislation to support Iowa\u2019s farmers and ranchers.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCurrently, cattlemen are unaware of contract terms being offered by packers, leading to a decline in leverage for smaller producers during price negotiations. USDA maintains a pork contract library, and following significant volatility in the cattle market and the release of the July 2020 Boxed Beef & Fed Cattle Price Spread Investigation Report, the creation of a library was recommended by experts and stakeholders.\n\nH.R. 5609 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to ensure this information is reported and published along with other ongoing reports authorized by the Act. The bill would also instruct the USDA to regularly update the library in a user-friendly format and provide weekly or monthly reports as applicable. Additionally, the bill authorizes the USDA to issue grants to universities, associations, or other institutions that can work directly with producers to disseminate and analyze data to drive marketing decisions.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-bettendorfs-sara-russell-iowa-teacher-year", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Bettendorf\u2019s Sara Russell as Iowa Teacher of the Year", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floorof the House of Representatives to recognize Bettendorf\u2019s Sara Russell as the Iowa Teacher of the Year.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a teacher from my district who recently received a prestigious Iowa award for her work to inspire the next generation.\n\nLast week, Sara Russell, who has been teaching social studies for nearly 20-years at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, was awarded the Department of Education's 2022 Teacher of the Year Award by Governor Kim Reynolds.\n\nThe Iowa Teacher of the Year award was established in 1958 to recognize educators who go above and beyond to motivate and inspire students to achieve at their highest levels.\n\nSara was selected for this award for her leadership in helping students build necessary life skills while also being a mentor for new teachers in the Pleasant Valley School District.\n\nThank you, Sara, and all the educators who work to inspire the next generation of American leaders and make Iowa the best place, to live, work, and raise a family.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-bras-cause", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Bras for a Cause", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Bras for a Cause.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.\n\nI would like to take the time to recognize an extraordinary group that has found a creative way to help underserved women in the Ottumwa community receive annual mammogram screenings and breast ultrasounds.\n\nFounded in 2011 by two-time breast cancer survivor and River Hills Community Health Center Nurse, Laurie Hornback, \u201cBras for a Cause\u201d is an annual fundraising event held in Hendrick, Iowa, where donated and decorated bras are modeled by local firemen and auctioned off. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised a total of $174,000 to help women receive breast cancer screenings or treatment.\n\nThis year, Bras for a Cause raised a total of $27,000, and they will be donating $15,000 to help Ottumwa women receive breast cancer screenings at River Hills Community Health Center in Ottumwa. Additionally, a portion of the remaining funds were donated to Mahaska Health Partnership, while the rest is being saved to help women currently diagnosed with breast cancer undergo treatment.\n\nThank you, Laurie, and Bras for a Cause for coming together to put on this fantastic event, and for your service to our community.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-newtons-eric-vander-velden", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Newton's Eric Vander Velden", "2021-10-20", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the faculty of Newton School Districts in Jasper County.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, today I rise to share a story about educators in my district literally going the extra mile to ensure their students\u2019 success.\n\nFor the last few months, the Newton School District in Jasper County has reported a shortage of bus drivers, leaving many parents and students uncertain about how they would be able to make it to school each morning.\n\nWith the importance of education and safety in mind, Eric Vander Velden, a physical education teacher in the Newton School District, answered the call for help by driving a school bus when needed. This is part of a larger effort by Newton staff to do whatever they can to help their students succeed.\n\nIt is stories like these that remind us that our educators are the backbone of this country, and I couldn\u2019t be more confident in our future knowing that the next generation is in their capable hands.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-university-iowas-dr-stuart-weinstein", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes the University of Iowa\u2019s Dr. Stuart Weinstein", "2021-10-19", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 19th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the University of Iowa\u2019s Dr. Stuart Weinstein.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of an exceptional healthcare professional in my district.\n\nRecently, Dr. Stuart Weinstein, the Ignacio V. Ponseti Chair and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa, was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Scoliosis Research Society for his incredible work studying pediatric spinal deformity.\n\nSince joining the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Iowa in 1976, Stu has worked to make our community, and the whole world a better place.\n\nStu has published over 250 scientific articles in some of the most well-known and prestigious peer-reviewed journals. His research has focused on spinal deformity in children and the natural history and long-term outcome of pediatric musculoskeletal conditions.\n\nListing and discussing all of Stu\u2019s achievements would take much longer than one minute, so I will close by saying how grateful I am to have people like Stu living in Iowa\u2019s Second District. I always tell anyone I meet that Iowa is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. And with outstanding citizens like Stu, we will continue to hold that title.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-efforts-block-irs-invading-americans-privacy", "Miller-Meeks Joins Efforts to Block IRS From Invading Americans\u2019 Privacy", "2021-10-15", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 15th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined two pieces of legislation that would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from invading Americans\u2019 privacy.\n\nThe Protecting Financial Privacy Act, introduced by Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), and would prevent the IRS from monitoring Americans' financial transactions by blocking the provision in the reconciliation package that would allow the IRS to monitor transactions of $600 or more.\n\nThe Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act was introduced by Rep. Drew Ferguson (GA-03) and would ban the IRS from implementing any new reporting requirements for banks or other financial institutions.\n\n\u201cThis new IRS surveillance program is an invasion of privacy and unacceptable. This overreach by the majority would infringe upon the rights of Iowans and average Americans,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI am proud to co-sponsor two pieces of legislation to address this issue and I thank my colleagues for their work to protect our constituents\u2019 financial privacy from even more government surveillance.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAs part of its \u201cBuild Back Better\u201d plan, the Biden Administration proposed implementing a surveillance system requiring banks and other financial institutions to provide the IRS details on their customers and data for accounts with deposits or withdrawals worth more than $600.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-bost-introduce-legislation-expand-reach-veterans-justice-programs", "Miller-Meeks & Bost Introduce Legislation to Expand Reach of Veterans Justice Programs", "2021-10-08", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 8th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and the Republican Leader of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), introduced the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act. This legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand outreach about the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) program to ensure that every veteran who could be eligible for VJO is aware of the program.\n\n\u201cThe VJO program is incredibly important to supporting our veterans, and there is much work to be done to make sure it reaches every veteran it can help. It is no secret that veterans who have ever a had even a limited involvement in our criminal justice system are more likely to experience homelessness, depression, and addiction,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cEnsuring our veterans have access to the benefits and services they have earned is a top priority of mine in Congress. I am proud to partner with a fellow veteran, Congressman Bost, to help our veterans access available resources and services.\u201d\n\n\u201cVA\u2019s Veteran Justice Outreach program does vitally important work to support veterans who have been arrested or incarcerated and are at-risk,\u201d said Ranking Member Bost. \u201cWe must do everything we can to make sure every veteran who can benefit from the program is aware of it. That\u2019s why I am proud to join my friend and fellow veteran, Dr. Miller-Meeks, in introducing the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act. This bill will bolster VA\u2019s ability to work with stakeholders in criminal justice communities across the country to deliver veterans the help they need.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nJustice-involved veterans who have been arrested and/or incarcerated are at an increased risk for homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness, and suicide. In 2009, the VA established the VJO program to help support justice-involved veterans. Through VJO, specialists at each VA medical center work with local courts, jails, and law enforcement offices \u2013 including those in veteran-specific treatment courts - to identify justice-involved veterans, assess their needs, and connect them with VA benefits and services. In 2020, 36,365 veterans were served through VJO.\n\nIn 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report entitled, \u201cFurther Actions to Identify and Address Barriers to Participation Would Promote Access to Services,\u201d which found that VJO had certain deficiencies, including with regard to the identification of and outreach to justice-involved veterans and the training of VJO specialists. As a result, not all veterans who could benefit from VJO seek it.\n\nIn addition to requiring improved outreach, the Veterans Justice Outreach Improvement Act would require the VA to increase the number of VJO specialists in rural, remote, and underserved areas and to improve training and establish performance goals, measures, and timelines for VJO specialists. The VA would further be required to report to Congress on the availability and efficacy of veteran treatment courts.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-preserve-unused-visas", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Preserve Unused Visas", "2021-10-05", "2021", "2021-10", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, October 5th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Preserving Employment Visas Act. This legislation would allow the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to preserve unused employment-based visas for use in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021 (FY20 and FY21).\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 2828, introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) in September.\n\n\u201cEnsuring that our immigration system is fair and orderly is one of my top priorities in Congress. These visas are already authorized by Congress and would have been used if not for the COVID-19 pandemic,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cMy legislation would fuel the American recovery from COVID-19, contribute to long-term economic growth, and provide relief for healthcare providers by reducing the green card backlog. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I look forward to working with USCIS to make sure that our immigration system works for everyone.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nDuring FY20, 122,000 family-preference visas went unused. This caused the number of employment-based visas available in FY21 to rise to 226,000. This dramatic increase in employment-based visas represents a unique opportunity to reduce the green card backlog and improve American competitiveness through legal immigration.\n\nProcessing delays at USCIS could put these much-needed employment-based visas to waste. According to recent court filings, USCIS is currently at risk of wasting almost 83,000 employment-based visas which expired on October 1st, 2021. This is in addition to 9,100 unused employment-based visas from FY20.\n\nWasting these visas would be a major loss to American economic competitiveness and to the healthcare industry. American businesses and healthcare providers were already struggling to fill both skilled and unskilled jobs before COVID-19 and continue to face labor shortages during our recovery from the pandemic.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:24:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-life-former-iowa-state-representative-jim-van-engelenhoven", "Miller-Meeks Honors the Life of Former Iowa State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 30th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of former Iowa State Representative Jim Van Engelenhoven.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMadame Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a man from my district, whose legacy of serving his community will continue to resonate for generations.\n\nLast Monday, Jim Van Engelenhoven, a former Iowa State Representative from Mahaska County, passed away. Jim began his career in public service by serving in Iowa\u2019s Air National Guard. In 1993, James was elected to Mahaska County\u2019s Board of Supervisors, where he served until 1998, when he began serving as an Iowa State Representative.\n\nJim was loved by many in the Mahaska County community and across the State of Iowa for his compassion and willingness to go the extra mile to serve his community. My heart and prayers go out to Jim\u2019s wife, Carol, his son, Jeff, and the rest of his loved ones. May he rest in peace.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-resolution-stand-women-and-girls-afghanistan", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Resolution to Stand Up for Women and Girls in Afghanistan", "2021-09-30", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Last week, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) introduced H.Res. 694, a resolution in the House of Representatives condemning the human rights violations targeted toward women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.\n\n\u201cThe brave men and women serving in Afghanistan over the last 20 years did not sacrifice so much to see all of their hard work and progress collapse in a matter of weeks. It should come as no surprise that the Taliban has begun to infringe on the rights of Afghan women and girls,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cAll women and girls should have the right to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression, and employment and Congress should immediately work to preserve these rights.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday I urge Congress to officially condemn the recent oppression of women, girls, and religious minority groups in Afghanistan,\u201d said Norman. \u201cI maintain that the safety of Afghan civilians, especially those who are most vulnerable, remain a critical concern. Congress should condemn the Taliban\u2019s actions and be devoted to preserving the dignity of all Afghan citizens.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is heartbreaking to witness the violence and oppression Afghan women and girls endure under Taliban control,\u201d said Bice. \u201cWe must do all that we can to protect them during this extremely volatile time.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Taliban has publicly claimed a more \u201cprogressive\u201d view toward women's rights, but the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has received credible reports of serious violations of international human law and human rights taking place in many areas under Taliban control. These violations include executions of civilians and members of the Afghan national security forces, restricting the rights of women and girls to move around freely and attend schools, recruitment of child soldiers, and repression.\n\nH.Res. 694 would:\n\nCondemn any actions taken by any terrorist organization or form of government in Afghanistan to oppress women and girls.\n\nDemand the Taliban regime preserve and advance the right to liberty, freedom of movement, education, self-expression, and employment for all women and girls, guided by international human rights principles.\n\nRecognize that the protection of civilians, especially women and girls, and religious minority groups in Afghanistan remains of paramount concern both domestically and internationally.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-demands-removal-red-flag-laws-ndaa", "Miller-Meeks Demands Removal of Red Flag Laws from NDAA", "2021-09-29", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 29th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, demanding the full removal of a \u201cred flag\u201d provision in H.R. 4350, the House National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), during the conference committee process.\n\n\u201cI am strongly opposed to \u201cred flag laws,\u201d which are unconstitutional laws that violate the due-process rights of gun owners. I am opposed to the inclusion of these provisions in the NDAA and it is imperative that we remove them from the NDAA before the House votes on this legislation again,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI voted for the NDAA with the understanding that any possible \u201cred flag\u201d provisions will be removed from the final version of the bill. If they are not removed, I will not vote for the bill when it returns to the House for final passage. I fully expect that the red flag provisions will be eliminated in the final version of the NDAA, and I look forward to voting on a final version of the bill that funds our military and protects the due-process rights of our servicemembers.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe letter expresses deep concern that if Sec. 529 of the NDAA were to be enacted, the Second Amendment rights of U.S. military servicemembers would be violated by allowing military judges and magistrates to issue military court gun confiscation orders. Such orders could be issued on an ex parte basis, without the servicemember even being present in court to defend themselves.\n\nThe members wrote: \u201c\u2026Even more concerning, under this provision, such an order could be issued by a military court on an ex parte basis \u2013 meaning the order could be issued without the servicemember even being present in court to defend themselves. We believe this is a serious breach of due process that demands your full attention.\n\nThey continued: \u201c\u2026Every single day, brave American servicemembers serve in harm\u2019s way to defend our nation, our way of life, and the very constitutional rights that Sec. 529 would erode. This dangerous provision must be excluded from the final package.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-hills-elementary-school", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Hills Elementary School", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 28th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Hills Elementary School.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the importance of childhood education, and how a school in my district is taking extra strides to ensure their students\u2019 success.\n\nAt Hills Elementary School in Hills, Iowa, one out of four students are in the process of learning English as their second language, this is far higher than the average rate in Iowa being 12%. Though many might see this language disparity as a barrier to student achievement, this year, Hills Elementary was selected as one of 325 schools to win a National Blue Ribbon School Award from the U.S. Department of Education, with 81% of students at the school showing improvement in their academics.\n\nBeginning in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon School Award has been used to recognize American schools for academic excellence. I couldn\u2019t be prouder of both the students and faculty at Hills Elementary, and I wish the best for them as they continue their journey of academic achievement.\n\nThank you, and I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-iowa-citys-alan-johnson", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Iowa City\u2019s Alan Johnson", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 28th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Iowa City\u2019s Alan Johnson.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual from my district for his work to keep both Iowans and Americans healthy.\n\nAlan Johnson, a professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa has been selected for the 2021 Excellence Award for Hypertension Research by the American Heart Association\u2019s Council on Hypertension.\n\nThis award by the American Heart Association is given to members of the scientific community who have had a \u201cmajor impact\u201d in research that has contributed to better understanding the causes and effects of hypertension.\n\nHypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common cardiovascular condition that affects millions of Americans a year.\n\nI am proud of Professor Johnson for his decades of research into the effects, causes and treatments into this condition, and I congratulate him for earning this prestigious award.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-university-iowa-stead-family-childrens-hospital", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes University of Iowa Stead Family Children\u2019s Hospital", "2021-09-28", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 28th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the University of Iowa Stead Family Children\u2019s Hospital.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and I would like to take a moment to thank my district for their work in treating and researching childhood cancer.\n\nA staple in my district and to the Iowa City community is the University of Iowa Stead Family Children\u2019s Hospital, located right across the street from Kinnick Stadium. You might know it well from the \u201cwave\u201d, one of college football\u2019s greatest traditions.\n\nThe Stead Family Children\u2019s Hospital specializes in treating pediatric patients, winning several awards for their specialties in pediatric cancer, orthopedics, and cardiology, among others.\n\nOur gratitude for helping these children extends beyond the staff at Stead Family Children\u2019s Hospital, many University of Iowa students and members of the Iowa City Community use their free time to volunteer just to brighten a child\u2019s day.\n\nThank you to the men and women in Iowa who are working to treat, and research childhood cancer, and those who use their time to comfort children that are currently battling it.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-announces-additional-federal-grant-second-district-fire", "Miller-Meeks Announces Additional Federal Grant for Second District Fire Department", "2021-09-27", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, September 27th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) announced a federal grant has been awarded to a fire department in Iowa\u2019s Second District.\n\nThe Jefferson-Monroe Fire Department for the city of Swisher, Iowa, was recently awarded a grant from the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s (DHS) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program for the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20). This program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.\n\nThrough the grant, the Jefferson-Monroe Fire Department will receive $394,266.00 for recruitment and retention.\n\n\u201cI am pleased to see that FEMA has awarded additional grants to a deserving fire department in our community. This grant will specifically work to assist the department with recruitment and retention of firefighters,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI encourage DHS and FEMA to continue allocating these grants to support local fire departments. I will work with my colleagues on the Homeland Security Committee to support this mission any way that I can.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSAFER Grant Program is one of three grant programs that constitute FEMA\u2019s focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and related hazards. The FY20 SAFER Program will award $355 million to an estimated 300 eligible fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to assist fire departments in increasing the number of firefighters to meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards.\n\nUsing a competitive process that is informed by fire service subject matter experts, grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the FY 2020 SAFER Program.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-bettendorfs-joe-stewart-and-quad-cities-bicycle-club", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Bettendorf's Joe Stewart and the Quad Cities Bicycle Club", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Joe Stewart of Bettendorf and the Quad Cities Bicycle Club.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to share an Iowa nice story about looking out for one of our own.\n\nJoe Stewart, a resident of Bettendorf in Scott County, relied on his bicycle for years to make his three-mile round-trip commute to work every day, but after his bike broke, the time of his daily commute would double. For over a month after losing his only means of transportation, Joe would walk in between the highway and railroad tracks to make it to work, not missing a single day of work. This is when Quad Cities Bicycle Club member Kathy Storm noticed Joe walking \u201cwith a big smile on his face\u201d despite his circumstances.\n\nThe Quad Cities Bicycle Club is known for their generosity, with members donating bikes to share their love of cycling with other members of the community. After talking, Kathy learned of Joe\u2019s situation and later showed up to his place of employment with a big surprise: a new bike that was donated to the club. It\u2019s stories like these that make us smile and inspire others to help their own neighbors.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-new-sharon-disaster-team", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes the New Sharon Disaster Team", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize the New Sharon Disaster Team.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of good Samaritans who recently brought Iowa nice to Louisiana.\n\nEarlier this month, the New Sharon Fire Department of Mahaska County joined dozens of recovery teams from across the nation to perform disaster relief efforts and assist in search and rescue operations in Louisiana after Hurricane Ida. Thanks to the generosity of the New Sharon and Mahaska County community, the New Sharon Fire Department has aided in recovery efforts both in the Hawkeye State and elsewhere across the country for 16 years.\n\nIn 2018, the New Sharon Fire Department assisted local Texas recovery teams in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and last year they traveled to help local communities that were devastated by Hurricanes Laura and Sally. Thank you to the New Sharon Fire Department and the citizens of Mahaska County for answering the call to serve and being incredible examples of the generosity and selflessness of Iowans.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-speaks-support-fully-funding-iron-dome", "Miller-Meeks Speaks in Support of Fully Funding the Iron Dome", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to stress the importance of fully funding the Iron Dome missile defense system.\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the importance of the United States continuing to support our allies, specifically Israel.\n\nIsrael has long been a key strategic ally for the United States. Our relationship is mutually beneficial, and it is important that we work to support them whenever we can. That means fully funding the Iron Dome missile defense system must be a top priority of this Congress.\n\nThe Iron Dome is a mobile all-weather air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells whose trajectory would take them to an Israeli populated area. This system is purely defensive and designed to protect civilians. Innocent bystanders of all ethnicities, nationalities, and faiths rely on the Iron Dome for protection and safety.\n\nWhen terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah fire thousands of rockets into Israel, the Iron Dome system quickly destroys them and saves countless lives.\n\nUnfortunately, the majority wants to play games with this vital program.\n\nEarlier this week, the funding for the Iron Dome was stripped from the majority\u2019s continuing resolution amid protests from progressive members. For years, the United States has consistently funded the Iron Dome on a strong bipartisan basis to help Israel defend itself against rocket attacks from terrorist organizations.\n\nThere has never been a situation where military aid for Israel was held up because of objections from members of Congress.\n\nIt is disgraceful that the majority removed the $1 billion in funding for the Iron Dome to appease the far left that seems to have taken over their agenda. Not funding the Iron Dome puts lives at risk for absolutely no reason. And while I appreciate the majority introducing stand-alone legislation to fully fund the system, it should not have to come to this to ensure the safety of our allies.\n\nAfter a summer that saw two weeks of fighting between Israel and Palestine, it is beyond clear to me that we must support Israel. Israel has long been a strong U.S. ally in a region marked by decades of conflict and turmoil. They are a strong democracy and share our views on many issues.\n\nI am proud to say what many in the majority will not, that I firmly stand in support of Israel and continuing to build our partnership for years to come.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-ndaa", "Miller-Meeks Statement on NDAA", "2021-09-23", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting YES on H.R. 4350, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022:\n\n\u201cEnsuring that our military is properly equipped is one of Congress\u2019 top priorities. This bipartisan bill provides top-of-the-line weapons and equipment, increases servicemember pay by 2.7%, and provides $25 billion more in funding over the President\u2019s budget request,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI was pleased to see provisions I fought for were included in this package, including my bipartisan Veterans in Parks Act, my DHS Medical Countermeasures Act, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act, continuing to investigate the origins of COVID-19, and holding the Administration accountable for the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-urges-president-biden-keep-promises-biofuels-producers", "Miller-Meeks Urges President Biden to Keep Promises to Biofuels Producers", "2021-09-22", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 22nd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to keep his promises on upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by not decimating the demand for billions of gallons of ethanol.\n\n\u201cThen-candidate Biden made numerous promises to biofuels producers that he would support their livelihoods and uphold the RFS. I am disappointed to see his Administration has begun to make decisions that would be counter to his previous commitments,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cBiofuels are incredibly important to Iowa\u2019s economy, putting money in the pockets of our producers and creating countless jobs across our state. My colleagues and I in the bipartisan Biofuels Caucus will continue to fight to ensure that our energy sector continues to use biofuels to end our dependence on foreign energy, diversify our energy usage, become more environmentally friendly, and create good-paying jobs.\u201d\n\nIn their letter, the members highlighted that while running for President, President Biden stated that President Trump\u2019s RFS waivers were \u201charmful\u201d and called for \u201csetting strong (Renewable Volumes Obligation) levels for 2021.\u201d Now, it is again being reported that President Biden\u2019s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is \u201cconsidering big cuts to biofuel blending mandates for 2020, 2021, and 2022.\u201d This past June, it was reported the Biden Administration was \u201cconsidering ways to provide relief to U.S. oil refiners from biofuel blending mandates.\u201d\n\nThis letter was signed by Reps. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Dusty Johnson (SD-00), Ashely Hinson (IA-01), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Darin LaHood (IL-18), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Jim Hagedorn (MN-01), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), James Comer (KY-01), Ron Estes (KS-04), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Jim Baird (IN-04), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Sam Graves (MO-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), and Mike Bost (IL-12).\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-life-davis-countys-dennis-anderson", "Miller-Meeks Honors the Life of Davis County's Dennis Anderson", "2021-09-20", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, September 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of Davis County\u2019s Dennis Anderson.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMadame Speaker, today I rise to remember the life of a beloved member of the Davis County community.\n\nLast Wednesday, Hall-of-Fame Davis County coach Dennis Anderson passed away after a battle with stage-4 cancer. Dennis Anderson began his career in Davis County athletics in 1968 when he started as a physical education teacher and varsity track coach.\n\nUnder his 50 years of leadership, Mr. Anderson coached 22 state champions and was named Regional Coach of the Year in 1979, 1980, and 1992 before being hired as the school\u2019s athletic director. After his retirement from Davis County Schools in 2000, Mr. Anderson spent seven years as a zone chief at Iowa State track meets, and was named Southeast Director of the Iowa Track Officials Association\n\nThank you, Dennis, for your long-time service to the Davis County Community and for making Iowa a better place through being a mentor and role model to countless young men and women.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-announces-federal-grants-second-district-fire-departments", "Miller-Meeks Announces Federal Grants for Second District Fire Departments", "2021-09-02", "2021", "2021-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, September 2nd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) announced that two federal grants have been awarded to fire departments in Iowa\u2019s Second District.\n\nThe fire departments for the cities of Burlington and Osceola were recently awarded grants from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant program. This program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.\n\nThrough the grants, the City of Burlington will receive $91,883.64, and the City of Osceola will receive $180,223.33 to support fire prevention and safety.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to see FEMA award grants to two deserving Iowa fire departments. These grants will go a long way to supporting the fire departments in Burlington and Osceola,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI applaud DHS and FEMA for working to assist our local fire companies. As a member of the Homeland Security Committee, with jurisdiction over DHS and FEMA, I look forward to continuing to work to support Iowans wherever I can.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe FP&S Grant Program is one of three grant programs administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and related hazards. The fiscal year 2020 FP&S Program will award $35.5 million to an estimated 100 eligible first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.\n\nThe purpose of the FP&S Program is to award grants directly to fire departments and non-profit organizations for fire prevention programs and supporting firefighter health and safety research and development. Using a competitive process that is informed by fire service subject-matter experts, grants are awarded to applicants whose requests best address the priorities of the FY 2020 FP&S Program.\n\nIn FY 2020, the DHS Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. No. 116-93) appropriated a total of $35.51 million to carry out the activities of the FP&S Program.\n\nUnder the FY 2020 FP&S Program, eligible organizations may apply for grants under the following activities:\n\nCommunity Risk Reduction\n\nSmoke Alarms, including addressing the needs of the disabled in the community (i.e., deaf/hard of hearing smoke alarms)\n\nSprinkler Awareness\n\nPublic Education\n\nTraining\n\nGeneral Prevention/Awareness\n\nRisk Assessments\n\nWildfire Risk Reduction\n\nCode Enforcement/Awareness\n\nFire and Arson Investigation\n\nResearch and Development (R&D) Activity\n\nClinical Studies\n\nTechnology and Product Development\n\nDissemination and Implementation Research\n\nDatabase System Development\n\nEarly Career Investigators\n\nPreliminary Studies", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:17:01Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-legislation-award-congressional-gold-medals-fallen-soldiers", "Miller-Meeks Joins Legislation to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Fallen Soldiers", "2021-08-31", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, August 31st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 150 House members in introducing legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to the thirteen U.S. military servicemembers who were killed in Afghanistan last week.\n\n\u201cMy heart breaks for the thirteen new Gold Star Families across our country. These soldiers gave their lives in service to our country, and we cannot forget them,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cA Congressional Gold Medal is the least we can do to honor these heroes. We will never forget their sacrifice.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe legislation will posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole Gee, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan Page, Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, Cpl. David Lee Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, Corpsman Maxton Soviak, and Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-push-hold-hearing-veteran-mental-health", "Miller-Meeks Joins Push to Hold Hearing on Veteran Mental Health", "2021-08-31", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, August 31st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined a letter to Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), the Chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, urging him to immediately hold a full committee hearing on veteran mental health following recent events in Afghanistan.\n\n\u201cMental health in our veteran community has always been a challenge. For decades we have worked to improve mental health access and services for our veterans,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cOver the last few weeks, the world has watched Afghanistan become a true crisis. I have spoken to many veterans and active-duty soldiers who served in Afghanistan and they need to know that we support them and their sacrifice to our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs the world bears witness to the Biden Administration\u2019s failure in Afghanistan, the VA Committee must be laser-focused on supporting the veterans who served there,\u201d said Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), the Republican Leader of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. \u201cWe know this continued crisis is already taking a toll on veterans\u2019 mental health. That\u2019s why I joined my colleagues in calling on Chairman Takano to hold a hearing to ensure the men and women who served have what they need to cope. We should have no higher priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a physician of more than 30 years, I am deeply concerned about the psychological impact that President Biden\u2019s failed withdrawal is having on veterans and active-duty service members across the country,\u201d said Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03). \u201cI represent over 89,000 veterans in North Carolina\u2019s Third District, which includes Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Every day I am hearing from veterans and their loved ones who express serious concern regarding ongoing events in Afghanistan. As members of HVAC, we have an obligation to provide resources for our veterans and assure them that they are not alone. There is never any shame in asking for help. I urge Chairman Takano to call our committee back to Washington immediately so we can hear from experts and discuss much-needed veteran mental health services in the wake of this crisis -- we simply cannot afford to wait.\u201d\n\n\"Those who honorably served in Afghanistan deserve our appreciation and support,\u201d said Rep. Jake Ellzey (TX-06). \u201cThey did not fail our country. Washington did. The untold impact that this withdrawal will have on our service members must be addressed.\"\n\n\u201cThe American people owe a great debt to our veterans, and Congress cannot let them down during this extremely emotional and painful period,\u201d said Rep. Barry Moore (AL-02). \u201cThe House Veterans Affairs Committee must reconvene immediately to examine the impacts of our failed Afghanistan retreat on the mental health of our veterans. Congress must send the clear message to all those who served that their sacrifices will never be forgotten and our joint resolve to support them is unshaken.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-block-taxpayer-dollars-afghanistan", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Block Taxpayer Dollars to Afghanistan", "2021-08-27", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, August 27th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Ensuring Evacuation from Afghanistan Act. This legislation would prohibit the distribution of federal funds to Afghanistan until all Americans and our allies have been fully evacuated.\n\n\u201cWe have an obligation to work around the clock to bring home all American soldiers and citizens from Afghanistan. We also have a moral obligation to help Afghans who assisted American operations during our twenty years there,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cGiven the events over the last few days, I am introducing the Ensuring Evacuation from Afghanistan Act to prevent taxpayer dollars from going to Afghanistan until President Biden certifies that all Americans and our partners are safely out. We have no time to waste, and I hope we can act quickly before more lives are lost.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of this legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Ensuring Evacuation from Afghanistan Act would:\n\nPrevent federal funds from being made available to the Government of Afghanistan until the President of the United States certifies a full evacuation.\n\nThe President of the United States would be required to submit to Congress that all United States citizens, legal permanent residents, coalition partners, and Afghan allies who would like to leave Afghanistan have been evacuated.\n\nThe President of the United States would be required to exercise all of the powers granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to ensure that Afghan government assets in the U.S. are also frozen until such a certification is made.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-delgado-mann-sherrill-introduce-bipartisan-and-bicameral", "Miller-Meeks, Delgado, Mann, Sherrill Introduce Bipartisan and Bicameral Legislation to Improve Veterans Crisis Line", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, August 26th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) announced bipartisan legislation to improve the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). The Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline (REACH) for Veterans Act would implement key improvements in staff training and management. The bill also facilitates the VCL\u2019s transition to 9-8-8 as part of the national suicide prevention hotline.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to legislation introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee.\n\n\u201cOur veterans deserve the highest quality care at all times. The Veterans Crisis Line is a critical tool to helping our veterans in their time of need,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cBeing able to work with the amazing Veterans Service Organizations and other stakeholders around the country to develop updated training guidelines will better serve all of our veterans. I am proud to partner with Representatives Delgado, Mann, and Sherrill to revamp this important resource for our veterans.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongress has made meaningful improvements to the Veterans Crisis Line in recent years, but more can be done. Our brave veterans deserve the highest level of support,\u201d said Delgado. \u201cThis bipartisan and bicameral legislation would implement critical recommendations made by the Office of Inspector General to better serve veterans, servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve, and their families. I am proud to lead this effort alongside Senators Tester and Moran and my colleagues in the House. Let's get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur military veterans dedicated their lives to protecting our country, and they deserve first-rate resources,\u201d said Mann. \u201cThe REACH for Veterans Act would improve the Veterans Crisis Line \u2013 enhancing staff training, establishing new response programs, and evaluating process management. I\u2019m pleased to join Representative Delgado, my Kansas colleague Senator Moran, and many other colleagues on this bipartisan, bicameral effort. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I will continue to advocate for the highest quality of care for our nation\u2019s heroes.\u201d\n\n\u201cNever has veteran mental health support been more critical than today,\u201d said Sherrill. \u201cIn addition to the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, our withdrawal from Afghanistan and the subsequent struggle to safely evacuate our fellow citizens and Afghan allies has been a real challenge to process for many of our veterans. It\u2019s exacerbated a struggle that is very real for too many of them every, single day. The Veterans Crisis Line acts as both the first and last line of defense to save veterans in crisis, and the improvements included in the REACH for Veterans Act ensures they get the highest quality of service possible.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe REACH for Veterans Act would:\n\nRequire an outside evaluation of VCL\u2019s current training curriculum\n\nDirect the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue re-training guidance for call responders\n\nIncrease the quality review and management over VCL calls and processes\n\nImprove responder guidance for high-risk callers\n\nEstablish pilot programs to improve VCL services.\n\nThe bill would also facilitate the transition to 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline, with more guidance from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and other stakeholders. These changes are based on recommendations made by the VA\u2019s Inspector General in a series of reports published over the previous 12 months.\n\nThe REACH for Veterans Act is endorsed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, National Board for Certified Counselors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project.\n\n\u201cVeteran suicide prevention must be a national priority,\u201d said Laurel Stine, J.D., Senior Vice President for Public Policy of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). \u201cAFSP applauds Representatives Delgado, Mann, Sherrill, and Miller-Meeks for ensuring the Veterans Crisis Line has the capacity to respond to callers as effectively as possible. When Veterans call 9-8-8, they should receive quick, appropriate crisis care, and we urge Congress to pass the Revising and Expediting Actions for the Crisis Hotline (REACH) for Veterans Act.\u201d\n\n\u201cAddressing veteran mental health through preventative action is vital to decreasing the veteran suicide rate,\u201d said Chanin Nuntavong, Executive Director of The American Legion. \u201cThe Veteran Crisis Line serves as a tool for suicidal veterans to get the mental health assistance they need. Unfortunately, bureaucratic inadequacies have made the VCL ineffective at times. This is why The American Legion supports the REACH for Veterans Act. This legislation strengthens the transition to 9-8-8 as the national suicide prevention hotline by requiring VA to issue re-training guidance for VCL responders and mandating VA get feedback from VSOs on VA outreach during the move to 9-8-8.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Veterans Crisis Line has helped hundreds of thousands of veterans access mental health services and mitigate suicide risk and is an incredibly important tool for veterans who are struggling,\u201d said Andrew Marshall, National Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). \u201cDAV is proud to support the REACH for Veterans Act, which aims to further improve the effectiveness of the VCL through systematic review, training, and ongoing monitoring. Veterans need and deserve a safe, accessible means of seeking immediate help in times of crisis, and we thank Representatives Delgado, Mann, Sherrill, and Miller-Meeks for sponsoring this legislation and making a steadfast commitment in the fight against veteran suicide.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn 2007, VA established the Veterans Crisis Line,\u201d said Tammy Barlet, the National Legislative Service Associate Director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). \u201cThis hotline provides 24/7 confidential call, text, or chat crisis intervention and suicide prevention for veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve, and their families. Eliminating suicide among our nation\u2019s veterans is a priority of the VFW, which is why we support H.R. 5073, REACH for Veterans Act of 2021. This bill would provide oversight of VCL staffing, training, and processes, an extended safety planning pilot program, and research funding for improvements. In addition, the VFW looks forward to working with Congress and VA in the rollout of the upcoming national 3-digit suicide and mental health crisis hotline\u2013\u20139-8-8.\u201d\n\n\u201cWounded Warrior Project was pleased to work with Congress last year on passage of legislation that makes 9-8-8 the universal telephone number for national suicide prevention,\u201d said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for the Wounded Warrior Project. \u201cAs 9-8-8 will make lifesaving resources more accessible for veterans in crisis, it is vital the Veterans Crisis Line is prepared to meet the transition. That\u2019s why the Wounded Warrior Project supports the REACH for Veterans Act, which would make improvements to staff training, quality review and management, and guidance for high-risk calls. We applaud Reps. Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-02) for their leadership and look forward to working with the Committee to see it passed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-attacks-kabul-airport", "Miller-Meeks Statement on Attacks at Kabul Airport", "2021-08-26", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, August 26th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after reports of American soldiers being killed outside Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan:\n\n\u201cMy heart is broken at the loss of our servicemembers in Afghanistan. I am praying for the safety of everyone in the immediate area and that we can get them all out of Afghanistan quickly and safely.\n\nThis Administration has mishandled the withdrawal since the beginning. For months, I worked with a bipartisan group of members pushing President Biden to begin immediately evacuating American soldiers and citizens, as well as our Afghan partners. We were stonewalled. This withdrawal has been an operational and possible intelligence failure at every step.It is important to separate our need to bring troops home or \u201cend a war\u201d from how this withdrawal was executed. We should not have advertised our withdrawal strategy to the entire world just to fit an arbitrary and symbolic timeline.\n\nI want to tell every single American who served and worked in Afghanistan that their service and sacrifices are acknowledged, appreciated, and we are forever in their debt. Even during this withdrawal, our military has performed in an exemplary fashion. They have kept our country safe for the last twenty years through their brave actions. Now we must do right by them and work to get every single American out of Afghanistan before there are more lives lost.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-speaks-afghanistan-crisis", "Miller-Meeks Speaks on Afghanistan Crisis", "2021-08-23", "2021", "2021-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, August 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to speak on the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.\n\nAs a Vietnam-era veteran, I have seen the outcome of a poorly executed withdrawal, with tragic images of our allies hanging off of aircraft.\n\nThe scene that unfolded at Hamid Karzai Airport in Kabul last week is a betrayal to American civilians and soldiers, our Afghan partners who aided American troops in the Global War on Terror, and the Afghan people.\n\nThe catastrophe that we have seen over the last few days was completely avoidable. We watched as the Taliban quickly took control of the country, released terrorists from prison, and began implementing Sharia law on those we left behind.\n\nOne of the most basic things you learn in the military is to never give your enemy the upper hand. We gave the Taliban the upper hand when we broadcast our withdrawal plans to the world. The arbitrary and symbolic timeline the Biden Administration gave to get our troops out is during the peak of the \u2018fighting season\u2019.\n\nThe Biden Administration needs to take full responsibility for this disaster. They are making the decisions and need to be accountable for those decisions. President Biden said that the buck stops with him but he has continued to point fingers and blame others.\n\nWe need more answers regarding the decision-making process, and more answers on how the Biden Administration plans to extricate those left behind. It is our moral obligation to help them, and we must act now.\n\nI yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:11:17Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-veterans-parks-act-unanimously-passes-house", "Miller-Meeks' Veterans in Parks Act Unanimously Passes House", "2021-07-29", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 29th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks\u2019 (IA-02) Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act unanimously passed the House of Representatives. This legislation would give veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime access to national parks and public federal lands and give active-duty military free annual passes.\n\n\u201cI am thrilled to see my bipartisan Alexander Lofgren VIP Act overwhelmingly pass the House today. We often say that we support the physical and mental health of our veterans, and it is great to see legislation pass that will do great things for the health of our heroes,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cGiving our veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime access to our incredible national parks will do wonders. I was proud to partner with a fellow veteran, Congressman Gallego, on this legislation and look forward to working to see this bill reach the President\u2019s desk.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe America the Beautiful Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. This includes some of the country's most iconic natural treasures, ranging from Acadia National Park to the Redwood National Forest.\n\nThe Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act would allow all veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and Gold Star Families to visit all national parks and public lands free of charge. In 2020, the America the Beautiful annual pass became free for veterans and Gold Star Families; however, this change for veterans has never been put into law and could be undone in future years.\n\nThe Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act protects these passes by codifying them and making them lifetime passes instead of annual passes. Finally, the VIP Act also creates annual passes for current servicemembers, which can be converted into lifetime passes once they leave the military.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-dump-opioids-act-unanimously-passes-house-heads-potus", "Miller-Meeks DUMP Opioids Act Unanimously Passes the House, Heads to POTUS", "2021-07-27", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 27th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks\u2019 (IA-02) Dispose Unused Medications and Prescription (DUMP) Opioids Act passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 424-0. This bipartisan legislation would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that certain medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have physical locations for the disposal of controlled substances medications.\n\n\u201cI am happy to see the DUMP Opioids Act pass the House today. This commonsense legislation will expand access to opioid disposal sites at VA facilities to all Americans,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThis is a simple change to existing law that will do a lot of good and help combat the ongoing opioid crisis. I appreciate the partnership of Sen. John Kennedy and Rep. David Trone in getting this legislation passed in both chambers and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign it into law.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn January 2021, H.R. 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, was signed into law. Under this law, which takes effect on January 1st, 2022, the VA is required to set up prescription drop boxes on VA campuses so that patients can safely dispose of unused and excess controlled substances medications.\n\nThe DUMP Opioids Act would expand this law so that anyone, not just patients, can dispose of controlled substances medications at VA centers. Under this bill, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would be required to designate periods during which any individual may dispose of controlled substance medications at a covered VA facility.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-solons-erin-kerkhoff", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Solon\u2019s Erin Kerkhoff", "2021-07-26", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 26th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Solon Paralympian Erin Kerkhoff.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young woman in my district who has become an inspiration to women and athletes everywhere.\n\nErin Kerkhoff, a University of Northern Iowa sophomore and track star from Solon High School, earned a position on Team USA for the Paralympics in Tokyo.\n\nKerkhoff, who has 20/400 vision due to optic-nerve degeneration in both eyes, is ranked fifth in the world in the 400-meter dash after achieving a personal record of 58.23 seconds in the qualifying trials earlier this month, finishing second overall in both the 400- and 100-meter dashes.\n\nThe Second District and the State of Iowa are lucky to be represented by stellar athletes like Erin, Thomas Gilman, and Kenny Bednarek competing in this year\u2019s summer Olympics. I could not be prouder to represent these three in Congress. Good luck Erin, Thomas, and Kenny, and bring home the gold!\n\nThank you and I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-encourages-vaccines", "Miller-Meeks Encourages Vaccines", "2021-07-21", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 21st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to encourage Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 remarks, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMadame Speaker, I rise today to discuss the issue of vaccinations, vaccine hesitancy, and the rising rates of the COVID-19 Delta variant.\n\nFor the last few months, I have traveled across my district administrating vaccines to Iowans.\n\nIt has been a pleasure to see constituents in the entire country have a new sense of freedom and begin to return to normal. But fully engaged living is being threatened by the Delta variant, which is causing increased hospitalizations and deaths, especially among the unvaccinated.\n\nIt is miraculous to have three safe and effective vaccines for COVID-19 so rapidly; however, the speed of development may give some Americans pause. Therefore, it is critical to emphasize that no safety shortcuts were taken and reassure our constituents that the vaccines are safe and effective. Decades of research informed the development of these breakthrough vaccines, and millions have been vaccinated with incredibly low risk.\n\nGiven the rise in the Delta variant, I once again encourage everyone to get a vaccine as soon as possible so that we continue our path to normalcy. This vaccine IS how we get our lives back. If you have questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.\n\nThank you, and I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-bill-support-dhs-workforce-passes-house", "Miller-Meeks Bill to Support DHS Workforce Passes House", "2021-07-20", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks\u2019 (IA-02)DHS Medical Countermeasures Act passed the House of Representatives. This legislation would support and protect the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) workforce and Department mission continuity by requiring the Secretary to establish a medical countermeasures program to protect employees and working animals in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive attack; or naturally occurring disease outbreaks or pandemics.\n\n\u201cThe brave men and women at DHS put their lives at risk every day; this has been especially true over the last year. My legislation would protect the health and safety of the DHS workforce and ensure successful continuity of operations,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI am thrilled to see my DHS Medical Countermeasures Act pass the House today. Passing this legislation shows that the House cares about the DHS workforce and understands the vital role they play in keeping our country safe.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nMiller-Meeks first introduced this legislation in May.\n\nThis legislation would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a medical countermeasures program in DHS. Oversight of the countermeasures program would be under the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) who would be required to: maintain a stockpile of medical countermeasures, develop Department-wide standards for storage, security, placement, dispensing, and documentation of countermeasures; preposition countermeasures in strategic locations; ensure rapid deployment and dispensing of countermeasures; and support dispensing exercises.\n\nThe bill requires the establishment of a medical countermeasures working group comprised of representatives from relevant DHS components and offices to ensure medical countermeasures standards are maintained and guidance is consistent. Finally, the CMO would be required to develop an integrated logistics support plan for medical countermeasures that includes a methodology for determining types and quantities of countermeasures, inventory tracking, and a replenishment plan for existing stockpiles.\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security has over 240,000 employees tasked with jobs ranging from border and aviation security to emergency response and cybersecurity with one, common goal: keeping America safe.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-brownley-introduce-legislation-support-women-veterans", "Miller-Meeks & Brownley Introduce Legislation to Support Women Veterans", "2021-07-20", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 20th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mammogram screening for female veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposure.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 2102, which was introduced in June by Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\n\n\u201cOur veterans risked their lives and their health in service to our country. Many veterans who were exposed to toxins and burn pits need treatment and screening to prevent long-term health issues,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cFemale veterans are especially at risk for several types of cancer, especially breast cancer. As a doctor, I have always told my patients that early detection is the key to successfully treating all types of cancer, and the SERVICE Act will give female veterans access to more screenings to stay ahead of this terrible disease. I thank Congresswoman Brownley for her partnership on this important issue to help those who served.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen veterans who served in areas with high toxic exposures should not have to wait until they start showing symptoms or reach a certain age to access preventative mammography screenings,\u201d said Brownley, Chair of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Subcommittee on Health. \u201cThat is why I am proud to join Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in introducing this life-saving legislation. I look forward to working with our colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure women veterans have access to timely, quality care and services.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. In the United States alone, it is estimated there will be over 280,000 new cases of breast cancer by the end of 2021 \u2013 about 43,600 women are expected to die from this cancer. The SERVICE Act would require the VA to submit a report to both the Senate and House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committees two years after enactment that compares the instances of breast cancer among members of the Armed Forces.\n\nThe incidence of breast cancer in female veterans and military populations is estimated to be 20-40% higher than the risk of the general population. Breast cancer diagnoses are also higher among female servicemembers with exposure to toxic substances than those with low or no exposure. Under current law, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national policy on breast cancer mammogram screening for veterans advises screening on the basis of age, symptoms, or family history. This bill revises the current guidance to include female veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposures.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-university-iowa-olympian-thomas-gilman", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes University of Iowa Olympian Thomas Gilman", "2021-07-20", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 20th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize University of Iowa Olympian Thomas Gilman.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMadame Speaker, I rise today to recognize a young man in my district who will represent Iowa on the world stage.\n\nThomas Gilman, a University of Iowa alumni, has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team for freestyle wrestling and will be competing in this summer\u2019s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.\n\nAs a former Hawkeye, Thomas was a force to be reckoned with in the 125-pound weight division, finishing his career in Iowa City with an impressive record of 107 wins and 12 losses, a Big 10 Conference Title, and was also named the Outstanding Wrestler of the 2017 Midland Championships.\n\nHis other athletic accomplishments include a silver medal at the World Wrestling Championships in Paris in 2017 and another silver medal at the US National Championships in Las Vegas in 2019.\n\nThomas, I wish you the best of luck as you go on to represent the great state of Iowa and the United States in the Olympic Games. Bring home the gold!\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-newhouse-ernst-daines-demand-answers-biden-administration-plans", "Miller-Meeks, Newhouse, Ernst, Daines Demand Answers From Biden Administration on Plans to Reopen NWPR", "2021-07-12", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 12th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04), the Chair of the House Western Caucus, joined Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), the Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham to express serious concerns with the Biden Administration\u2019s decision to reopen the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) and reopen the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese steps demonstrate a misguided and out of touch approach toward addressing the needs of local communities across the country,\u201d wrote the lawmakers. \u201cThe NWPR was an immense step forward in rectifying the regulatory overreach that was attempted in 2015, and your agencies\u2019 vague announcement and opaque process fails to ensure our communities will not \u2013 once again \u2013 be subject to further uncertainty and government overreach.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers outline the unprecedented overreach of the failed Obama-era 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and highlight the impacts that returning to a drastic expansion of federal jurisdiction over non-navigable waters will have on rural communities across the United States.\n\n\u201cOur farmers, ranchers, landowners, and small businesses have demonstrated a deep commitment to stewarding our waterways and lands, which is why this radical overreach was met with bipartisan opposition and concern that was even echoed by Administrator Regan during his confirmation process,\u201d they wrote.\n\nThey continued, \u201cConfusion, regulatory uncertainty, and litigation have surrounded the scope of federal authority of our nation\u2019s navigable waterways for decades. With your recent actions, the Biden Administration is trampling upon this progress and further jeopardizing rural Americans\u2019 confidence that this Administration is working in their best interest\u2026 Rural communities in the West and across the country are dedicated to clean water and do not deserve to be punished by far-reaching, burdensome federal regulations.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe letter, which includes a list of questions for Administrator Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary Pinkham, underscores Miller-Meeks\u2019 legislation, introduced with the support of 114 Members of Congress, expressing the sense of the House that clean water is a national priority and that the NWPR should not be withdrawn or vacated.\n\nIn June, Miller-Meeks and Newhouse issued a joint statement following the EPA announced its intent to revise the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d and rescind the NWPR.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-cuellar-introduce-bill-improve-care-unaccompanied-children", "Miller-Meeks & Cuellar Introduce Bill to Improve Care for Unaccompanied Children", "2021-07-09", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 9th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) introduced the Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act. This bicameral and bipartisan legislation would clarify the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and require them to provide additional protections and keep better track of and care for unaccompanied alien children (UACs).\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 772, which was introduced in March by Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), James Lankford (R-OK), and Tom Carper (D-DE).\n\n\u201cOur border patrol agents and law enforcement officers are struggling to deal with the current surge of UACs crossing our southern border. Holding facilities and immigration courts are overwhelmed, and the number of UACs crossing remains at crisis levels,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation would protect vulnerable children from traffickers and ensure that they appear for their court proceedings. We have to work to make sure that these children are safe, healthy, and protected.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs I have continuously said, there is a humanitarian crisis at our southern border. The children who have made this journey are alone and vulnerable\u2014facing the threat of murder, kidnapping, rape, sexual slavery, and forced labor at the hands of violent criminal organizations. It is the responsibility of HHS to ensure that these children have protection from criminals and other potential violent actors, such as abusive parents and guardians,\u201d said Cuellar. \u201cThat is why I have supported legislation that provides monetary and personnel resources to border communities and federal agencies based at our southern border. We need more immigration judges and better facilities to ensure that we efficiently process children arriving in the United States seeking asylum in a human manner consistent with American ideals.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nHHS denies that it has legal responsibility for UACs once they are placed with sponsors. If sponsors abuse the children or fail to ensure they show up for their immigration court proceedings, HHS denies that it has authority to remove the children from those sponsors\u2019 care and relies entirely on state and local welfare agencies to respond to reports of problems. The Responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors Act clarifies that HHS has ongoing authority to care for UACs until the child\u2019s immigration proceedings conclude. It mandates that HHS must do background checks on all potential sponsors and other adults in the household. If a sponsor neglects a UAC or fails to ensure the child appears at their immigration proceedings, HHS does not rescind the sponsorship agreement automatically. This legislation requires HHS to terminate sponsorship and reassume physical custody of the UAC if a non-parental sponsor fails to comply with his sponsorship agreement. It also requires sponsors to accept post-release services when offered by HHS.\n\nAdditionally, HHS does not currently notify states or localities when it places UACs with sponsors in a state. This bill would require HHS to notify state welfare agencies before it releases UACs to sponsors within a state. Notification will help states better prepare for UACs living in their states and help legal service providers gain better access to UACs. Finally, with a nearly 1.3 million case backlog in U.S. immigration courts\u2014103,872 of which are UAC cases\u2014this legislation provides 225 additional immigration judge teams to help reduce the backlog.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-honor-american-flag", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Honor the American Flag", "2021-07-09", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 9th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Flag Standardization Act. This legislation would specify the types of flags that may be flown on federal property.\n\n\u201cThe American flag is more than just a flag; it is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The stars and stripes stand as a reminder to never forget the men and women who gave their lives defending the values we hold dear,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cFor 24 years, I served under the American flag as an enlisted servicemember and an officer, as active duty and a reservist, and retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel. Every time I face the flag with my hand over my heart, I remember all of my fellow servicemembers who have fought to protect our way of life and keep the American Dream alive. I am proud to introduce the Flag Standardization Act to honor the flag that means so much to this country.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis legislation states that only the following flags may be flown on federal property, including embassies and military bases:\n\nUnited States flag\n\nState flags (including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia)\n\nTribal flags\n\nFlags of the U.S. Armed Forces\n\nPrisoner of War-Missing in Action flag\n\nThe bill clarifies that these limitations do not apply to military housing, located on federal property.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-letter-all-women-veterans-congress-preserve-dacowits", "Miller-Meeks Joins Letter of All Women Veterans In Congress To Preserve DACOWITS", "2021-07-05", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 5th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), a retired Army Lt. Colonel, joined a bipartisan and bicameral letter signed by all women veterans serving in Congress calling on Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to restore the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS). The letter is also signed by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Reps. Elaine Luria (VA-02), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06).\n\n\u201cWe are the faces of what DACOWITS has meant for women in the military,\u201d the letter states. \u201cAs women veterans in Congress, we know the value of expanding opportunities within the services for women and the value that, in turn, has brought to our Armed Forces. Eliminating DACOWITS or subsuming it within another organization is contrary to its intent, history, and success. We do not believe its work is complete, as evidenced by so many issues we are currently addressing as a nation and a military.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe letter comes in the wake of reports that the Secretary of Defense has disbanded DACOWITS, and all 42 Department of Defense Advisory committees, pending a cost and efficiency review.\n\nEstablished in 1951, DACOWITS provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Defense on matters and policies relating to the recruitment, retention, employment, integration, well-being, and treatment of servicewomen in the Armed Forces. Roughly 97 percent of its more than 1,000 recommendations have been fully or partially adopted.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-gallego-lead-bipartisan-effort-honor-american-heroes-ahead", "Miller-Meeks & Gallego Lead Bipartisan Effort to Honor American Heroes Ahead of Independence Day", "2021-07-01", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 1st, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), both veterans, led a bipartisan group of 131 members in introducing H.R. 4300, theVeterans in Parks (VIP) Act. This legislation would give veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime access to national parks and public federal lands and give active-duty military free annual passes.\n\n\u201cAs a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by our military and their loved ones,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cWe owe so much to our amazing servicemembers, veterans, and their families; my Veterans In Parks Act is the least we can do. Our legislation would give servicemembers, veterans, and our Gold Star families free passes to all of our beautiful national parks and federal lands for life. I am proud to work with such a great bipartisan group of members on this commonsense issue to support those who sacrifice so much for our freedoms.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a veteran, I know firsthand the importance of national parks as a place of connection and healing when dealing with the visible and invisible wounds of war,\u201d said Gallego. \u201cThe VIP Act is an important step in ensuring that veterans, service members, and Gold Star families have access to the public lands they and their loved ones fought to protect. I am proud to co-lead this bill and I will continue to fight for veteran accessibility and support on our nation\u2019s public lands.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe can never fully repay our veterans for their service and sacrifice, but we want to show our gratitude by giving them lifetime access to America's most beautiful natural landscapes,\u201d said Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Republican Leader of the House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cThe VIP Act is also a testament to bipartisanship in action and proof that party lines don't need to interfere with our ability to honor American heroes who sacrificed so much to keep us free. I thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this bill and look forward to working with Chairman Grijalva to move it quickly through our committee.\u201d\n\n\u201cVeterans and active-duty service members find solace, refuge, and connection in our national parks and public lands,\u201d said Rep. Ra\u00fal Grijalva (AZ-03), Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. \u201cThese treasured landscapes, monuments, and memorials are healing spaces and iconic symbols that unite our nation and represent the best of what it means to be American. Providing the military community with free access is appropriate and recognizing how public lands help our veterans heal is a good reminder that our parks and public lands deserve attention, investment, and care. I look forward to working with my colleagues to increase public lands access and interest in conserving our shared heritage for future generations.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we celebrate our country\u2019s freedom this weekend, it is important to remember the immense sacrifices that our veterans, active-duty servicemembers, and military families make every single day for the betterment of our nation,\u201d said Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), House Republican Leader. \u201cI applaud Rep. Miller-Meeks for her efforts to ensure that the law reflects our gratitude for our heroes and their families.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe America the Beautiful Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. This includes some of the country's most iconic natural treasures, ranging from Acadia National Park to the Redwood National Forest.\n\nThe VIP Act would allow all veterans, active duty servicemembers, and Gold Star Families to visit all national parks and public lands free of charge. In 2020, the America the Beautiful annual pass became free for veterans and Gold Star Families; however, this change for veterans has never been put into law and could be undone in future years.\n\nThe VIP Act protects these for veterans passes by codifying them and making them lifetime passes instead of annual passes. Finally, the VIP Act also creates annual passes for current servicemembers, which can be converted into lifetime passes once they leave the military.\n\nOriginal Cosponsors (133): Amodei, Armstrong, Balderson, Barr, Bentz, Bergman, Bost, Brooks, Brown, Brownley, Buchanan, Buck, Calvert, Carbajal, Carl, Carter (GA), Cawthorn, Chabot, Cheney, Clyde, Cole, Crawford, Crow, Curtis, Rodney Davis, DeGette, Diaz-Balart, Duncan, Dunn, Emmer, Fitzpatrick, Fleischmann, Fortenberry, Foxx, Fulcher, Gallego, Garbarino, Garcia (IL), Garcia (CA), Gibbs, Gimenez, Gohmert, Gonzales, Gonzalez-Colon, Granger, Graves (LA), Graves (MO), Grijalva, Hagedorn, Harris, Hartzler, Herrell, Herrera Beutler, Hice, Hill, Hinson, Hollingsworth, Hudson, Huizenga, Issa, Johnson (LA), Johnson (OH), Joyce (OH), Kelly (PA), Kelly (MS), Kim (CA), Kinzinger, LaHood, LaMalfa, Lamb, Leger Fernandez, Lesko, Letlow, Levin (CA), Lieu, Long, Lucas, Luetkemeyer, Luria, Mann, Mast, McCarthy, McClintock, McKinley, Meijer, Miller (WV), Moore (AL), Moore (UT), Murphy (NC), Napolitano, Newhouse, Norman, Obernolte, Owens, Palazzo, Pence, Radewagen, Rice (SC), Rodgers, Rogers (KY), Rouzer, Sablan, Salazar, Scalise, Schrader, Schweikert, Sessions, Sherrill, Simpson, Smith (MO), Soto, Spartz, Stauber, Steel, Steube, Takano, Thompson (PA), Tiffany, Timmons, Tlaib, Van Drew, Vel\u00e1zquez, Wagner, Walorski, Waltz, Weber, Webster, Wenstrup, Westerman, Williams, Wittman, Womack, Young.\n\nSupporting Organizations: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vista Outdoor, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Parks Hospitality Association, the National Association of Counties, Outdoor Industry Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Evangelical Environmental Network, Wildlife Mississippi, Mississippi River Trust, American Sportfishing Association, American Cultural Resources Association, VoteVets, The Mission Continues, American Battlefield Trust, Congressional Sportsmen\u2019s Foundation, National Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds (ARVC), Delaware North, Trout Unlimited, National RV Dealers Association (RVDA), American Trails, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Boone and Crockett Club, Rugged Range, Bell Helmets, Blackburn, Blackhawk, Bushnell, CamelBak, Camp Chef, CCI, Eagle Industries, Federal Ammunition, Giro, HEVI-Shot, Primos, Remington, BPC Action, American Hiking Society, ConservAmerica, Southeast Tourism Society, The Corps Network, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, REI Co-op, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, Audubon, U.S. Travel Association, American Conservation Coalition, America Outdoors, Student Conservation Association, Association of Marina Industries, Archery Trade Association, International Inbound Travel Association, Wildlife Management Institute.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-support-nursing-mothers", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation in Support of Nursing Mothers", "2021-07-01", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 1st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced H.R. 4297, the Supporting Working Mothers Act. This legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to expand access to nursing accommodations in the workplace, without placing one-size-fits-all mandates on all employers.\n\n\u201cNursing mothers deserve reasonable accommodations in the workplace. I have two children and I worked full time when they were infants,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cMy Supporting Working Mothers Act would provide reasonable break time and accommodations for breastfeeding mothers, without burdening businesses. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Supporting Working Mothers Act would maintain current-law protections for hourly workers while extending those same nursing accommodations to \u201cwhite-collar\u201d executive, administrative, and professional employees, including academic personnel and teachers in elementary and secondary schools.\n\nThis legislation will guarantee that executive, administrative, and professional employees are granted the same nursing accommodations that hourly workers enjoy under current law while rejecting the Democrats\u2019 sweeping and punitive scheme that would burden job creators and violate women\u2019s privacy.\n\nThe legislation clarifies that nursing breaks are compensable if an employer requires that work is actively performed, which ensures women are paid for their work and that their privacy is protected. The bill also maintains penalties for failure to provide the required accommodations, preserves the ability of the Department of Labor to ensure compliance with the required accommodations, and creates an alternative dispute process to allow employers a limited time to correct any violations before enforcement proceedings begin.\n\nFinally, the bill ensures that small businesses are safeguarded by maintaining the current law undue hardship exemption for businesses with fewer than 50 employees.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-indian-hills-olympian-kenny-bednarek", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Indian Hills Olympian Kenny Bednarek", "2021-07-01", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 1st, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Indian Hills Kenny Bednarek, who recently earned a place on Team USA for the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will kick off in less than a month, and I would be remiss not to mention a young track star from a college in my district who is making his first Olympic appearance.\n\nKenny Bednarek, a 22-year-old sprinter who hails from Indian Hills Community College in my hometown of Ottumwa, earned a spot on the USA Olympic Team when he finished second in the men\u2019s 200-meter dash with an impressive time of 19.78 seconds, becoming the first Iowa community college athlete to qualify for the Olympic games.\n\nThough COVID-19 might have delayed the 2020 Summer Olympics, we are all glad to see that it is back on schedule, and the Second District is proud to be represented by such a stellar athlete on Team USA.\n\nI wish you the best Kenny, and I know you will do great as you go on to Tokyo to represent both the United States and Iowa in the Summer Olympic games!\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-ross-kim-krishnamoorthi-introduce-bipartisan-americas-children", "Miller-Meeks, Ross, Kim, Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan America\u2019s CHILDREN Act", "2021-07-01", "2021", "2021-07", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, July 1st, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Young Kim (CA-39), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) introduced the America\u2019s Cultivation of Hope and Inclusion for Long-Term Dependents Raised and Educated Natively (CHILDREN) Act. This bipartisan legislation protects Documented Dreamers, who are dependents of long-term non-immigrant visa holders, from aging out of the system when they turn 21, forcing them to self-deport.\n\n\u201cWe must ensure that our immigration system protects those who come here legally and supports them as they work to contribute to and improve our country. When I met with University of Iowa student Pareen Mhatre, we discussed the importance of having young people like her in this country,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cOur America\u2019s CHILDREN Actwould protect individuals who are the children of long-term non-immigrant visa holders from aging out of the visa system at the age of 21. These students grew up here, attended school here, and want to continue to make our country a better place. I am proud to support them.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy Wake County community is one of many across the country that has flourished because of immigrant workers, who spend years growing our economy and raising their children as Americans,\u201d said Ross. \u201cIt is unconscionable that when these children, known as Documented Dreamers, reach the age of 21, they can be forced to self-deport to countries they might not even remember, splitting their families apart. I\u2019m grateful to my colleagues, Rep. Miller-Meeks, Rep. Krishnamoorthi, and Rep. Kim for joining me in working to keep our nation strong and competitive by protecting the dignity of these families and ensuring Documented Dreamers have access to the American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cDocumented dreamers, or children of long-term immigrant workers, came to our nation legally as children and have made positive contributions to our country. Unfortunately, their legal status is in limbo because at age 21 they must self-deport, despite only knowing this country as their home,\u201d said Kim. \u201cI am proud to introduce the bipartisan America\u2019s CHILDREN Act with Reps. Ross, Miller-Meeks, and Krishnamoorthi to support these individuals making our nation a better place. As an immigrant who came here legally, I am committed to creating a fair, legal immigration system that allows immigrant children to achieve their American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe children of long-term visa holders have grown up in the United States, embracing the American Dream as their own, but the current failures of our immigration system forces them to leave before they have the chance to start their own careers and families here,\u201d said Krishnamoorthi. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to provide a pathway for these young people to continue contributing to our nation while building their own American success stories.\u201d\n\n\u201cMembers of Improve The Dream are extremely grateful for the introduction of the America's CHILDREN Act. For the first time, we have legislation which will permanently end aging out and provide a mechanism for a pathway to citizenship for every child who grows up in the United States with a documented status. For too long, young immigrants like us, who have been raised and educated here as Americans, have been forced to leave the country we call home,\u201d said Dip Patel, Founder of Improve the Dream. \u201cOver 200,000 Documented Dreamers who had felt hopeless now have hope for being recognized as something we have long felt: Americans. We are America's Children and this bill will recognize us as such. Thank you, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, for championing this cause. This legislation will improve the dream for all children of long-term visa holders and allow us to fully contribute our skills to this country. We urge Congress to pass the America's CHILDREN Act swiftly.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend Representatives Deborah Ross, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Young Kim for their efforts on the America\u2019s Children Act. This bill would provide a real opportunity for the children of long-term visa holders who have grown up in the U.S. to remain in the country and apply their talents,\u201d said Josselin Castillo, Federal Liaison, Americans for Prosperity. \u201cFor too long, our system has kept out thousands of individuals from contributing to our society when they age out of the green card backlog. This legislation would right that wrong by allowing dependents of long-term visa holders to remain in the country with their families after turning 21.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe America\u2019s CHILDREN Act would honor family unity and protect immigrant children who have grown up legally in the U.S. These children know only America as their home, and yet many \u2018age out\u2019 and face deportation even as their parents remain in the U.S. with legal status,\u201d said Laurence Benenson, Interim Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the National Immigration Forum. \u201cWe should not let shortcomings in our immigration system prevent children who grew up here from realizing their full potential as Americans.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a civil rights organization, we are very concerned about any group of people living and working in the U.S. for long periods of time without access to citizenship and full participation in our democracy. Children who were raised and educated in the U.S. deserve Congressional action and a path to citizenship,\u201d said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC. \u201cAs such, Advancing Justice | AAJC applauds the introduction of the America\u2019s CHILDREN Act, which addresses a group of young people who are victims of our outdated and broken immigration system.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nOver 200,000 children and young adults are living in the United States as dependents of long-term non-immigrant visa holders (including H-1B, L-1, E-1, and E-2 workers). These individuals grow up in the United States, attend American schools, and graduate from American universities. Because they have maintained legal status, Documented Dreamers are not eligible for protection under DACA or the work authorization that comes with it.\n\nThe America\u2019s CHILDREN Act aims to close gaps in our immigration system by providing a permanent solution for Documented Dreamers. Specifically, the bill would provide a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who were brought to the United States as dependent children of workers admitted under approved employer petitions, have maintained status in the United States for 10 years (including four years as a dependent), and have graduated from an institution of higher education.\n\nThis bill would also establish age-out protections that lock in a child\u2019s age on the date on which they file for a green card rather than the final action date. Finally, the legislation would provide work authorization for Documented Dreamers over the age of 16 whose green card applications are pending.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T20:03:51Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-honors-life-former-clinton-mayor-lametta-wynn", "Miller-Meeks Honors the Life of Former Clinton Mayor LaMetta Wynn", "2021-06-30", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 30th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor the life of former Clinton Mayor LaMetta Wynn.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of an Iowa trailblazer from my district.\n\nLaMetta Wynn, Iowa\u2019s first African American female mayor, passed away last week at the age of 87 in Lincoln, Nebraska.\n\nLaMetta was an incredible woman who spent her life in service to her community of Clinton, Iowa. For 30 years, she worked night shifts as a registered nurse and days as a laborer at the Rock Island Arsenal.\n\nHer service as an elected official began when she ran for Clinton School Board in 1983. For 12 years, she served on the school board, eventually becoming board president, all while raising 10 children.\n\nIn 1995, LaMetta was elected Mayor of Clinton, a position she held for 12 years before retiring in 2007. In 1996, Newsweek picked LaMetta as one of the 25 most dynamic mayors in the country.\n\nThank you, LaMetta for your service to the State of Iowa and I will keep your loved ones in my prayers.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-incentivize-employers-paid-leave-programs", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Incentivize Employers for Paid Leave Programs", "2021-06-30", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 30th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced H.R. 4248, the Workflex in the 21st Century Act. This legislation encourages and allows employers to implement paid leave programs and flexible work arrangements voluntarily without the need for a burdensome and inflexible one-size-fits-all federal mandate.\n\nMiller-Meeks introduced this legislation with Reps. Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Tim Walberg (MI-07), and Glenn Thompson (PA-15).\n\n\u201cIn this day and age, hard-working Americans across the country should have access to work scheduling options to better help them meet their family and work needs. Employers and employees need flexibility, not mandates and regulations,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cMy Workflex in the 21st Century Act would ensure that American workers have access to flexible paid leave policies, while providing certainty to businesses. This bill would provide more paid leave for employees than all state paid leave laws, and I am proud to introduce it today.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s workers rely on flexible work opportunities to maintain a healthy balance of work and family life. We are offering the American people a path toward increased workplace freedom without spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars or forcing unfunded, unworkable mandates on small businesses,\u201d said Foxx, Republican Leader of the Education and Labor Committee. \u201cDemocrats\u2019 idea of workplace flexibility is either a taxpayer handout to fund a sweeping new entitlement program, or a rigid mandate that cannot bend to meet workers\u2019 or business owners\u2019 unique needs and circumstances. Our plan does what the federal government is supposed to do \u2013 remove barriers to workplace success so job creators and employees can thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe 21st-century workforce values flexibility. Whether it\u2019s the single mom trying to make her son\u2019s baseball game, or the dad trying to leave work on time to drive across town to his daughter's dance recital, workplace flexibility measures help families juggle their busy lives,\u201d said McMorris Rodgers. \u201cThe future of work is changing, and this legislation recognizes that our workplace rules are outdated and limit the flexible options people seek today.\u201d\n\n\u201cHardworking moms and dads know how challenging it can be to juggle all the commitments that come at home and on the job. As the workplace continues to evolve, employees are increasingly looking for flexible work arrangements that strike the right work-life balance,\u201d said Walberg. \u201cTo better meet the needs of the 21st-century workforce, our legislation encourages innovative reforms to promote family-friendly policies without resorting to more costly and burdensome mandates.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe modern workplace is constantly changing, and employers must adapt to stay competitive. The Workflex in the 21st Century Act provides an innovative solution for employers to develop paid leave and workplace flexibility plans that will best fit their workforce,\u201d said Thompson. \u201cFamily-friendly policies are crucial to attracting and retaining high-quality employees. Through this legislation we can help companies implement flexible working arrangements, without wasting taxpayer funds or burdening small businesses with additional federal mandates. This is a win-win for all.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis bill provides effective options for employers to meet workers\u2019 needs without burdening small businesses or forcing federal mandates that are irresponsive to the needs of workers and business owners.\n\nThe Workflex in the 21st Century Act creates a new type of benefit under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which provides a voluntary safe harbor from the growing patchwork of state and local laws by providing a plan that offers a minimum number of hours of paid leave, congruent with a company\u2019s size and employee\u2019s length of service, and a flexible work arrangement, including compressed work schedules, biweekly work programs, telework, job-sharing, flexible scheduling, or predictable scheduling.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-calls-full-investigation-origins-covid-second-time", "Miller-Meeks Calls for a Full Investigation into the Origins of COVID for the Second Time", "2021-06-29", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, June 29th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives for the second time to call for a full and thorough investigation into the origins of COVID-19.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a matter that is incredibly important to our national security, public health knowledge, and preparing for the next pandemic.\n\nIt has been well over a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our country closed down in the face of a public health crisis, the likes of which we had not seen in decades.\n\nAnd to this day, we still do not have a definitive answer regarding the origins of COVID-19. Getting to the bottom of how this virus originated and how it spread across the globe should be one of our top priorities in Congress.\n\nToday, the Republican members of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis will hold a forum to discuss the origins of this virus. Every member of this body should want to know where this virus came from, and every member of this Select Subcommittee should be in attendance.\n\nAs I said earlier, finding the origins is important to our national security, public health knowledge, and preparing for the next pandemic.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-urges-biden-hold-china-and-russia-accountable-cyberattacks", "Miller-Meeks Urges Biden to Hold China and Russia Accountable for Cyberattacks", "2021-06-29", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 29th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined a letter to President Biden urging accountability of foreign adversaries for recent cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and our food system, and to find a reasonable solution to prevent future attacks.\n\n\u201cAs a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have closely watched the recent cyberattacks that targeted JBS facilities across the country, including in my hometown of Ottumwa. Agriculture is one of the strongest drivers of Iowa\u2019s economy and threats like these are a real danger to the agricultural supply chain that affects farmers, producers, distributors, and consumers,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cAs the former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I have seen how critical cybersecurity is in protecting private health data, contact tracing, and keeping our hospitals and clinics up and running to serve our communities. It is incumbent upon all of us to take cybersecurity seriously and invest in increasing our cybersecurity infrastructure.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the letter, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nJBS USA is America\u2019s largest meatpacker. Over Memorial Day weekend they were hacked with a ransomware attack that shut down the company\u2019s operations across North America until they paid the Russian hacking group REvil a ransom of $11 million. Just like the similar recent attacks on the Colonia Pipeline, NYC Subway system, and countless hospital systems across the country, these attacks on America\u2019s essential infrastructure are unacceptable attacks on our national security, and President Biden must hold these adversaries accountable.\n\nThese attacks have the ability to collapse markets, stir panic among Americans, and to steal intellectual property or sensitive information. When unchecked by the nations they originate from, these attacks are thinly veiled acts of aggression by our adversaries seeking to weaken our economy, create civil unrest, and corrupt our critical infrastructure. These attacks on our food system have a long-lasting distorting impact on agricultural markets and our food security.\n\nThe stability of the U.S. domestic food system is critical, not only as a foundation of the American economy and a means to avoid the devastations of famine, but also as a necessary tool in resourcing the nutritional needs of our citizenry and military personnel. As the Biden Administration and the federal government continue to investigate and respond to these attacks, it\u2019s critical that they recognize any future attacks on segments of the food supply chain as the national security threats they really are.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-ptsd-awareness-day", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes PTSD Awareness Day", "2021-06-25", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 25th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, which falls on Sunday, June 27th, 2021.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks, as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, Sunday is National PTSD Awareness Day, a day to bring attention to a disorder that affects countless of my fellow veterans.\n\nPTSD is a disorder that tens of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with every year. Sadly, our veterans and active-duty servicemembers are among those that face the toughest challenge.\n\nAs a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I was proud to work together with my colleagues across the aisle in addressing PTSD by introducing two pieces of legislation to help veterans get the mental healthcare they deserve. The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act, which will expand VA mental healthcare for veterans in rural areas, and I am now proud to co-sponsor the recently re-introduced Brandon Act, that will make it easier for veterans and servicemembers to seek confidential mental health resources.\n\nAs members of Congress, we have the ability to take action and I urge all of my colleagues to support the mental health of our veterans and servicemembers through passing the Brandon Act.\n\nThank you, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-scanlon-introduce-legislation-support-trauma-victims", "Miller-Meeks & Scanlon Introduce Legislation to Support Trauma Victims", "2021-06-24", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 24th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) introduced the bipartisan Courtroom Dogs Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would grant the Department of Justice (DOJ) the authority to develop best practice guidelines for the use of specially trained dogs in federal courts to support trauma victims during testimony.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 2121, which was introduced earlier this month by Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).\n\n\u201cTestifying and appearing in court can be a difficult and stressful endeavor, particularly when discussing traumatic events. We should aid witnesses to be calm and comfortable during testimony, especially when they may be face-to-face with their assailant,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe Courtroom Dogs Act is an excellent step to support witnesses while in court. I appreciate Rep. Scanlon for partnering with me on this issue, and I look forward to working with her, as well as Senators Cornyn and Feinstein, to see this legislation become law.\u201d\n\n\u201cBefore I came to Congress, I spent 30 years as a public interest lawyer, representing women, families, and children. One of the challenges of representing victims of crime and abuse, particularly children, is that testifying in court can be scary and inflict additional trauma,\u201d said Scanlon. \u201cAllowing a witness to have the comfort of a therapy dog is one small step we can take to ensure our most vulnerable victims have the support they need when testifying. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleague Rep. Miller-Meeks and grateful to Senators Cornyn and Feinstein for their work on this bipartisan, bicameral bill.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Courtroom Dogs Actwould require the DOJ to issue guidelines for consistent practice when using dogs in court. These guidelines would ensure more witnesses have access to therapy dogs, there is no prejudice or risk to legal proceeding participants, and court proceedings function well.\n\nThe use of certified courthouse dogs in the courtroom as a mechanism for calming and supporting individuals involved in court proceedings has expanded rapidly in the United States. The scientific evidence for the physical and mental calming effects of appropriately bred and trained dogs is overwhelming.\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-reform-broken-military-justice", "Miller-Meeks Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Reform Broken Military Justice System", "2021-06-23", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 23rd, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), a retired Army Lt. Colonel, joined Reps. Jackie Speier (CA-14), Mike Turner (OH-10), Anthony Brown (MD-04), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Elaine Luria (VA-02), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Richard Hudson (NC-09), and Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), to introduce the bipartisan Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act. This legislation moves the decision to prosecute serious crimes in the military from the chain of command to independent, trained, and professional military prosecutors.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S.1520, which was introduced in April by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and has a total of 65 co-sponsors.\n\n\u201cAs a 24-year Army veteran, I understand the trauma that too many of our servicemembers have endured. What happened to Vanessa, and has happened to so many others, is tragic, and we must do more to keep our servicemembers safe and get them the justice they deserve,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI am proud to join such a large and bipartisan group of members to introduce the Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act to reform our military justice system for the better. This system has been broken for too long, and the time to act is now.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a former combat commander and a survivor of sexual assault, I understand the traumatic experiences too many of our servicemembers have faced. Sexual assault has no place in our military, and it\u2019s far past time we take more steps toward preventing and reducing these heart-wrenching crimes,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cThis new, bipartisan bill will bolster prevention programs, education, and training; improve how we hold perpetrators accountable while ensuring commanders still have visibility of what\u2019s going on in their unit; and equip military prosecutors with the skills necessary to handle sexual and domestic violence cases. I\u2019m grateful to my fellow Iowan and veteran Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for helping lead this effort. With the support of so many in the House, and over sixty of my fellow senators, it\u2019s clear the time to pass this legislation is now.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor eight years, we\u2019ve been pushing for real change in the military justice system to ensure justice for survivors of sexual assault and abuse,\u201d said Grassley. \u201cIt\u2019s utterly unacceptable that so many of those who serve our country in uniform have dealt with a system that\u2019s broken. Alongside our counterparts in the House of Representatives, I hope this is finally the year we can deliver the necessary change through this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cSurvivors have been calling for reform to the military justice system for over a decade, Congress has finally heard that call for help and will act this year. We now have broad, bipartisan support in both the House and Senate to take major non-military felonies, including sexual assault, out of the chain of command and empower independent military prosecutors with the crucial decision on whether to try a servicemember,\u201d said Speier. \u201cRemoving this longstanding and obvious conflict of interest will give more victims the confidence to come forward and result in greater accountability for perpetrators. This is a crucial first step for delivering justice to America\u2019s brave servicemembers and ensuring that SPC Guill\u00e9n\u2019s name and spirit live on in that quest for justice. Congress must pass this crucial legislation without delay.\u201d\n\n\"Sexual assault is a violent crime that violates a person\u2019s basic human rights. As Co-Chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Caucus, I join Congresswoman Jackie Speier to introduce this landmark, bipartisan legislation in the House,\" said Turner. \"I want to congratulate Senator Gillibrand on the profound support she\u2019s achieved for this bill. This bipartisan, bicameral coalition shows how this legislation has evolved over the years to protect our men and women in uniform. By moving the decision to prosecute felony-level, complex criminal cases away from the unit commander, this bill will allow sexual assault cases to be fairly prosecuted, hold offenders accountable and protect victims, while allowing commanders to focus on mission success. I look forward to these critical bipartisan reforms becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cOur military justice system is failing servicemembers of color and survivors of sexual assault. The young women and men who wear the uniform and protect our country deserve a system that provides fairness and equal justice. It\u2019s time for comprehensive reform,\u201d said Brown. \u201cThis legislation is an important step forward in tackling the serious systemic disparities and disproportionate rate of punishment against servicemembers of color. We need to create a culture in our military and its justice system that protects all those who answer the call to serve and reflects our values. We owe it to our servicemembers to get this done.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill named in honor of Vanessa Guill\u00e9n, seeks to empower military attorneys to make prosecutorial decisions, improve the chain of command's ability to maintain unit readiness and cohesion, and ensure every Servicemember is equipped to prevent what happened to Vanessa Guill\u00e9n,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cThis bill will establish systemic procedures for leaders, soldiers, and military attorneys that will decrease bias, expand training, and accountability. The military is nothing without its servicemembers. This bill will ensure the military is equipped to bring the same amount of disciplined execution it devotes to training people to protect our military workforce.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe it to the military members who are victims of violent crimes and sexual assault to update a system that for too long has failed to deliver justice,\u201d said Luria. \u201cAs a 20-year Navy veteran, this bipartisan legislation will strengthen accountability in military justice. I am proud to stand with my colleagues, and with the brave survivors, in support of these needed changes.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe issue of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military isn\u2019t a Democrat or Republican issue \u2013 it\u2019s an American issue. We must strengthen the military\u2019s ability to protect its most important resource, which is the people who willingly sign-up to protect all Americans,\u201d said Mullin. \u201cThe Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act will also encourage survivors to come forward to report sexual assaults and sexual harassment and to provide justice. This is about protecting our men and women in uniform and I will keep fighting so no family has to go through what the Guill\u00e9n family has gone through.\u201d\n\n\u201cPFC Vanessa Guill\u00e9n\u2019s murder shocked our nation and shed new light on the rising epidemic of unchecked harassment, assault, and retaliation throughout our military,\u201d said Escobar. \u201cVanessa\u2019s memory sparked a movement, and I am honored to co-lead the introduction of the Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act to deliver justice for survivors and protect those who bravely put their lives on the line for our country.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs Fort Bragg\u2019s Congressman, I am proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation that seeks to end sexual assault in the military, hold violators accountable, and support survivors,\u201d said Hudson. \u201cSexual assault is an affront to the values of our military the nation they defend. We must accept that what we have tried in the past has not worked. We owe it to the victims like Vanessa Guill\u00e9n to do everything we can to end this culture of sexual assault. Our men and women in uniform sacrifice every day to keep us safe and we have a responsibility to ensure all service members are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe will honor Vanessa\u2019s memory today and always by working together to bring justice for her and other soldiers\u2019 victim of sexual assault. I am proud to join Chairwoman Speier and Senator Gillibrand on this bipartisan and bicameral effort that would decrease bias and address impunity to achieve justice,\u201d said Garcia. \u201cWe need to keep pushing for reform and improvement of the accountability mechanisms we are offering our soldiers to overcome abuse that shouldn\u2019t happen in the first place. Our soldiers and their families, like the Guill\u00e9n\u2019s, are the force behind this change. We can\u2019t fail them.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder current law, commanders who do not have legal training make the decision on whether to prosecute a servicemember for major crimes, such as murder and rape, under the military justice system.\n\nThe Vanessa Guill\u00e9n Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act would transfer this responsibility to military attorneys with significant trial experience, offering victims and their loved ones the confidence that a professional military prosecutor who is independent\u2014outside of the chain of command of the victim and the alleged perpetrator\u2014is making crucial decisions on whether to pursue a trial. Commanders would retain discretion to prosecute servicemembers for military-specific offenses, such as desertion, and for crimes with a maximum punishment of less than one year of confinement.\n\nThe legislation also includes provisions to improve training on the prevention of sexual assault, requires notice to Congress if the Defense Department changes policies related to sexual assault prevention and response, increases training for military prosecutors, and improves the physical security of lodging and living spaces on military installations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-spanberger-introduce-legislation-combat-anticompetitive-practices", "Miller-Meeks & Spanberger Introduce Legislation to Combat Anticompetitive Practices in Meat Processing Industry", "2021-06-23", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 23rd, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) introduced the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act. This bipartisan and bicameral bill would tackle anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries that threaten the American food supply and U.S. national security.\n\nThis legislation is the House companion to S. 2036, which was introduced earlier this month by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Mike Rounds (R-SD).\n\n\u201cAnticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry are a threat to both our food supply and national security. Iowa producers are losing money even though consumers are paying higher prices at the store,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cThe Packers and Stockyards Act must be strictly enforced to address the rampant anticompetitive practices in our meat and poultry industries, and our Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act will do just that. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral legislation with Congresswoman Spanberger to support Iowa\u2019s farmers, ranchers, and producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn a matter of minutes, the recent cyberattack directed against JBS shed light on just how precarious the security of our meat and poultry processing industry truly is \u2014 and it underscored how continued consolidation within this industry is jeopardizing the stability of our nation\u2019s food supply. Not only is anticompetitive behavior in the meat industry threatening the security of food on the shelves, but it is posing a significant risk to our overall national security,\u201d said Spanberger. \u201cThe Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act would give USDA additional tools to crack down on bad actors and push for fair competition within the marketplace. By enforcing antitrust laws already on the books and protecting Central Virginia producers and consumers alike from unfair or deceptive practices, this bicameral bill is a commonsense step towards strengthening the resilience of the American meat industry. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort alongside Congresswoman Miller-Meeks \u2014 and I thank Senators Tester, Grassley, and Rounds for their leadership in the U.S. Senate as we work to protect the strength and security of our food supply.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act \u2014 introduced in the wake of the recent ransomware attack on JBS, America\u2019s largest meat supplier \u2014 would establish a new \u201cOffice of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters\u201d within the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s (USDA) Packers and Stockyards Division. This new USDA special investigator would focus on preventing and addressing anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industry, allowing the USDA to both investigate difficult issues facing American producers and hold bad actors in the industry accountable.\n\nUnder the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, the new USDA special investigator would have access to a team of investigators \u2014 with subpoena power \u2014 focused on enforcing the nation\u2019s antitrust laws. Specifically, this investigator would coordinate and act in consultation with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as build a channel of communication between the USDA and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to protect the security of the nation\u2019s food supply and address potential threats.\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-fischbach-introduce-resolution-protect-us-vaccine-intellectual", "Miller-Meeks & Fischbach Introduce Resolution to Protect U.S. Vaccine Intellectual Property", "2021-06-17", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 17th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Michelle Fischbach (MN-07) introduced a resolution to protect the intellectual property (IP) of COVID-19 vaccines. This resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that the U.S. should not waive IP rights relating to COVID-19 vaccines or treatments.\n\n\u201cWaiving the IP for the COVID-19 vaccine would destroy billions of dollars in U.S. IP by handing it over to countries like Russia and China. Giving away our IP will also set a precedent for future pandemics and deter pharmaceutical investment,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cIf we have learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that we now understand the importance of having our private sector partners working with us to prepare for future emergencies. As a doctor and member of both the Homeland Security Committee and Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, I understand the importance of protecting our IP to support our healthcare system and bolster our domestic supply chains.\u201d\n\n\u201cThanks to Operation Warp Speed and its unprecedented public-private partnership, the United States led the rest of the world in developing safe and highly effective COVID-19 vaccines in record time. As a direct result of that American ingenuity, the United States is well on its way to recovery and is able to lead the effort to deliver vaccines around the world,\u201d said Fischbach. \u201cWaiving the intellectual property rights for these vaccines will not only upend our ongoing pandemic response domestically and abroad, it will also discourage the innovation and investment required to develop such lifesaving treatments in the future.\u201d\n\nTo read the full text of the resolution, click HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nBuilding on decades of research and in conjunction with Operation Warp Speed, the United States pharmaceutical industry successfully developed three incredibly effective COVID\u201319 vaccines to date, with a fourth vaccine currently undergoing clinical trials. These vaccines are the most respected, most sought after vaccines in the world due to their exceptional efficacy and safety, which is due to both the painstaking work and investment during development as well as the diligent efforts of the United States pharmaceutical industry to qualify and oversee world-class manufacturing facilities to produce the vaccines.\n\nIn addition to protecting U.S. IP, this resolution would state the policy of the U.S. should not be to strip innovators of valid IP protections because it would undermine innovation, weaken the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, and damage our ability to respond to future pandemics.\n\nIP protections are vital to incentivize innovation, including the innovations that directly led to the COVID\u201319 vaccines and may revolutionize future vaccine development efforts. Additionally, we have seen that IP protections have not contributed significantly to shortages of COVID\u201319 vaccines or had a significant effect on the pace of vaccinations, both of which are predominantly dependent on logistical challenges, raw material shortages, and other factors.\n\nOriginal Cosponsors (19): Ted Budd (NC-13), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Liz Cheney (WY-At Large), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Tom Emmer (MN-06), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), Mark Green (TN-07), Jody Hice (GA-10), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Jim Jordan (OH-04), Nancy Mace (SC-01), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Burgess Owens (UT-04), John Rutherford (FL-04), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), and Ann Wagner (MO-02).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-muscatine-high-school", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes Muscatine High School", "2021-06-17", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 17th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Muscatine High School for its academic success.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a high school in my district that was recently recognized for its commitment to student success.\n\nFor over 15 years, Iowa has partnered with the ACT\u2019s College Application Campaign to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income households in applying for and pursuing higher education. I am proud to announce, in 2020, 176 Iowa schools participated in the College Application Campaign, and altogether, 504 students completed 1,578 college applications!\n\nOf the 176 Iowa schools that participated, Muscatine High School in my district was awarded the 2020 School of Excellence for Iowa from ACT. Muscatine was selected for this great award based on its commitment to student success and for serving as an \u2018exemplary model\u2019 for Iowa\u2019s college application campaign.\n\nCongratulations to the students and faculty at Muscatine for being leaders in academic achievement, and for serving as a great model for student success in Iowa and the entire nation!\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-calls-full-investigation-origins-covid", "Miller-Meeks Calls for a Full Investigation into the Origins of COVID", "2021-06-16", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 16th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to call for a full and thorough investigation into the origins of COVID-19.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks as prepared for delivery below:\n\nMr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is incredibly important to our national security.\n\nWe all know that Wuhan, China, where the COVID-19 virus originated, is home to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The WIV is China\u2019s only cellular level 4 biosafety super laboratory that researches human infectious diseases. This lab is only a few miles away from the wet market that is said to be the origin of COVID-19.\n\nLast year, Senator Tom Cotton was thoroughly dismissed for questioning the true origins of this virus, citing the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s duplicity and dishonesty from the very beginning. We all know the CCP lied to the world about the severity of COVID-19, how it is transmitted, and the associated dangers.\n\nThere needs to be a thorough and serious investigation into the origins of COVID-19, what the CCP knew and when, and what the World Health Organization knew and when. Uncovering the true origins of COVID-19 will be incredibly helpful to prepare for the next pandemic, which I think is something we can all agree on.\n\nThank you, Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-moulton-lesko-cramer-kelly-reintroduce-brandon-act-change-dod", "Miller-Meeks, Moulton, Lesko, Cramer, Kelly Reintroduce Brandon Act to Change DoD Mental Health Policy", "2021-06-16", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 16th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) joined Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to reintroduce the Brandon Act, legislation named in honor of fallen United States Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta. Brandon\u2019s parents, Teri and Patrick Caserta, joined lawmakers to announce the bill\u2019s reintroduction at a press conference in front of the United States Capitol Building.\n\nYou can find a clip of today\u2019s press conference here.\n\n\u201cBrandon had a smile that lit up a room. You couldn\u2019t help but smile when you saw him. He was always there for anyone who needed to talk or needed help. He was a very charismatic and upbeat young man. He made everyone's day better no matter what they were going through. Brandon has always helped everyone he could. The Brandon Act would do this for his fellow service members in his death,\u201d said Teri and Patrick Caserta. \u201cBrandon did not die in vain and his legacy for helping others will continue long after his death when The Brandon Act is passed.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt is heartbreaking that bullying and abuse in Brandon Caserta\u2019s squadron led to his suicide. In 2020, suicide by servicemembers rose to 571, a 13.5% increase from 2019,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cAs we have learned from the COVID pandemic, mental healthcare is extremely important, and we must ensure those who risk their lives for our country have the ability to get care when needed without undue burden. The Brandon Act can help prevent death by suicide for servicemembers by providing a confidential channel for them to self-report mental health issues and help remove the stigma from seeking mental health services.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery American, especially our heroes in uniform, deserves mental health support at work. Because of Teri\u2019s and Patrick\u2019s advocacy, the families of other servicemembers will not have to share their experience,\u201d said Moulton. \u201cBy passing this bill, Congress can empower servicemembers to quickly get help in an emergency as soon as they confide in someone else that they need it. If this were the case for Brandon, he would still be alive today. I will do my part to make sure his legacy lives on through his parents\u2019 life-saving bill.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am proud to once again be an original cosponsor of the Brandon Act to honor former 8th Congressional District resident, fallen U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Brandon Caserta,\u201d said Lesko. \u201cIt has been a privilege to get to know Brandon\u2019s parents, Patrick and Teri, who live in my district and work with them on this important legislation. We must ensure that our servicemembers have access to mental health services without fear of persecution or retaliation.\u201d\n\n\u201cMental health resources should be readily available for any active-duty servicemember who wants it, but the current system requires them to go through their chain of command, even if that leadership is part of the reason they are seeking help,\u201d said Cramer. \u201cOur bill pays tribute to fallen U.S. sailor Brandon Caserta, whose death by suicide prompted an investigation which found constant bullying and toxic leadership in his squadron were the reasons he decided to take his own life. It allows servicemembers to get the important assistance they need without fear of reprisal or an increased threat to their personal safety caused by rogue actors within the military.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs we approach the three-year mark of Brandon Caserta\u2019s death, I am proud to honor his service by introducing the Brandon Act, which would ensure that servicemembers can quickly access mental healthcare without fear of retaliation,\u201d said Kelly. \u201cWe owe it to our servicemembers, and to Brandon, to address the issue of military suicides head-on. With the help of the courageous Caserta family, and bipartisan support in Congress, this important legislation could save the lives of other young servicemembers who seek mental health assistance.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nBrandon Caserta died by suicide on June 25, 2018, on the flight line at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. After his death, his parents and friends discovered six notes in which Brandon attributed his suicide to persistent hazing and bullying from some members and leaders of his Navy helicopter squadron. Next week marks the three-year anniversary of his death.\n\nThe Brandon Act would allow servicemembers to confidentially seek mental health treatment by using a safe word, \u201cBrandon Act.\u201d It is designed to protect servicemembers who experience mental health emergencies. If the Brandon Act becomes law, it would allow Americans serving in uniform to seek help confidentially and, if necessary, outside of the chain of command.\n\nThe Brandon Act expands the existing law that regulates how servicemembers are referred for mental health evaluations, in order to provide a confidential channel for servicemembers to self-report mental health issues. The process would protect the confidentiality of servicemembers, similar to the restricted reporting option that protects victims of sexual assault.\n\nThe Veterans Crisis Hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be reached by calling (800) 273-8255, press 1. Services also are available online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or by text, 838255.\n\nThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Find more information about the Lifeline at suicidepreventionlifeline.org or call directly by dialing (800) 273-8255.\n\nYou can also text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-hinson-feenstra-urge-administration-uphold-2020-navigable-waters", "Miller-Meeks, Hinson, Feenstra, Urge Administration to Uphold 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule and Support Biofuels", "2021-06-15", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The lawmakers wrote: \u201cThe link between energy policy and agricultural policy is not only strong, but it is co-dependent. We ask that you please make a commitment to ensure these conversations about clean water and biofuels are not one-sided. Conversations and decisions need not only to come from both USDA and EPA together, but also from real farmers in rural America who understand the art and science of farming deeper than any of us are able to from behind our desks. To empower our farmers, the Administration needs to listen to their concerns, suggestions, and expertise to make an informed decision.\u201d\n\nTo read the full letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-140-members-calling-atf-withdraw-stabilizing-brace-guidance", "Miller-Meeks Joins 140 Members Calling on ATF to Withdraw Stabilizing Brace Guidance", "2021-06-15", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 15th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined 140 Members of the House of Representatives urging the Department of Justice to withdraw proposed guidance on Stabilizing Braces. In a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Acting Director Marvin Richardson, the Members warn that this guidance will make millions of law-abiding citizens, including disabled veterans, criminals overnight.\n\n\u201cThis proposed guidance is alarming and jeopardizes the rights of law-abiding gun owners and disabled combat veterans across the country,\u201d the Members write. \u201cShould this guidance go into effect, a disabled combat veteran who has chosen the best stabilizing brace for their disability is now a felon unless they turn in or destroy the firearm, destroy the brace, or pay a $200 tax. Furthermore, it could make millions of law-abiding citizens felons overnight. We urge you to take action to correct this injustice immediately by withdrawing this proposed guidance.\u201d\n\nRead the entire letter HERE.\n\nIn their letter, Members outline that the ATF has repeatedly stated, \u201cthe brace concept was inspired by the needs of disabled combat veterans who still enjoy recreational shooting but could not reliably control heavy pistols without assistance.\u201d As the ATF acknowledges there are legitimate uses for certain stabilizing braces, the letter points out that including a $200 tax in the ATF rule is not an attempt to curb gun violence as suggested, but a direct tax on disabled combat veterans.\n\nFurthermore, the Members highlight uncertainties in the ATF's proposed guidance and the troubling omission of a process for disabled veterans to report a disability exempting them from this rule.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-recognizes-100th-birthday-oskaloosas-clarissa-rozenboom", "Miller-Meeks Recognizes the 100th Birthday of Oskaloosa\u2019s Clarissa Rozenboom", "2021-06-15", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 15th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize Oskaloosa\u2019s Clarissa Rozenboom.\n\nImage\n\nTo watch Miller-Meeks\u2019 speech, click HERE, and read her remarks, as prepared for delivery, below:\n\nMdm. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a very special day for a woman in my district.\n\nLast week, on June 8th, Clarissa Rozenboom of Oskaloosa, Iowa celebrated her 100th birthday! Clarissa was born and raised on a farm in Mahaska County, Iowa, and is the oldest of five siblings.\n\nIn the 1930\u2019s many children who were raised on farms elected not to attend high school, but Clarissa was inspired by her aunt to attend not only high school but to continue her education through courses at William Penn University. In the early 40\u2019s her love for children and teaching led her to pursue a career in education at Bryan Country School, a small school south of New Sharon.\n\nOn August 14th, 1945, Clarissa married her husband Gerald, and together they had six children, Allan, Calvin, Norman, Kathleen, David, and Ken. Clarissa, I wish you all the joy in the world as you celebrate this with your loved ones.\n\nThank you, I yield back the balance of my time.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-axne-applaud-extension-relief-health-care-providers", "Miller-Meeks & Axne Applaud Extension of Relief for Health Care Providers", "2021-06-14", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 14th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Cindy Axne (IA-03) applauded the updated guidance issued late last week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gives healthcare providers more time and flexibility to use financial assistance provided by Congress.\n\nIn May, Miller-Meeks and Axne led a bipartisan group of 77 members urging HHS to extend the original June 30th deadline for hospitals and other health centers to use their portions of the $178 billion in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) relief approved by Congress in 2020.\n\n\u201cI applaud HHS for giving flexibility to healthcare providers who are still working hard to combat COVID-19. Ensuring that providers have access to these COVID-19 relief funds is critical for their financial well-being and ensuring they can continue to provide critical care to their communities,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cAs a doctor and the former Director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I know the challenges our providers are facing. We must support them as we come out of this pandemic so they can continue their work to keep us safe and healthy.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis past year has reminded us how critical access to healthcare is for our families \u2014 and how indispensable our health centers are to protecting our communities. I commend HHS for hearing the wide concerns that myself and my colleagues conveyed to them earlier this year, and for extending the deadline for the majority of our providers who are still navigating tough financial circumstances after a very demanding year,\u201d said Axne. \u201cWhile effective, widely available vaccines are protecting more and more Americans every day from COVID-19, our healthcare providers have been clear \u2013 the fight against COVID-19 is not over. These new guidelines from HHS will help ensure that assistance we made available to providers last year is not severed while they are still treating patients and facing higher prices for the equipment they need to keep Iowans safe.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nLast Friday, HHS announced updated Post-Payment Notice of Reporting Requirements for healthcare providers who received assistance from the PRF. The new guidance includes key changes that will ensure providers have at least a full year to use their award and more time to complete reporting requirements.\n\nThe new guidance will:\n\nBase the deadline to use funds on when payment is received while making sure providers have at least twelve months to use that payment.\n\nPreviously, all payments were required to be used by June 30, 2021, regardless of when they were received.\n\nUnder the new guidance, payment deadlines will depend on the time period the payment was made.\n\nRather than reporting cumulatively across all payments, direct recipients would report each payment received period in which they received total payments in excess of $10,000.\n\nExtend the window to complete reporting requirements from 30 days to 90 days.\n\nMiller Meeks is a co-sponsor of Axne\u2019s Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act, which would ensure that all healthcare providers, regardless of taxpaying status, will not be subject to taxes on aid provided through the PRF \u2013 and guarantees expenses attributable to the PRF are tax-deductible.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-completes-second-24-county-tour", "Miller-Meeks Completes Second 24 County Tour", "2021-06-09", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "OTTUMWA, I.A.\u2014Today, June 9th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) announced the completion of her second 24 County Tour, having now visited all 24 of the Second District\u2019s counties at least twice since being sworn in on January 3rd, 2021.\n\n\u201cOver the last few months I have had the absolute pleasure of crisscrossing the district I am fortunate enough to represent in the House of Representatives. From Decatur County to Clinton and everywhere in between, it has been amazing to meet with so many proud Iowans,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI have heard from business owners and workers about our local economy, listened to farmers discuss this year\u2019s crop season, and spoken with teachers about how they are molding the minds of our future leaders. My favorite part by far has been the numerous times I was able to help administer COVID-19 vaccines at our great health centers, pharmacies, and hospitals to do as much as I can to get Iowa back to normal. I will continue to travel across the Second District and listen to our communities about how I can best represent them as their Congresswoman.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-newhouse-statement-epa-plan-reverse-navigable-waters-protection", "Miller-Meeks & Newhouse Statement on EPA Plan to Reverse Navigable Waters Protection Rule", "2021-06-09", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today,June 9th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04), the Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus, released the following statements after the Biden Administration announced its intent to revise the definition of \u201cwaters of the United States\u201d and rescind the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR):\n\n\u201cI am incredibly disappointed with the EPA\u2019s plans to roll back the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. I have spoken with Iowans dozens of times about the issues created by the 2015 Waters of the United States Rule,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cWOTUS hurt American farmers, ranchers, landowners, and businesses, caused confusion, and hindered economic development. I proudly introduced a resolution to uphold the NWPR with Chairman Newhouse because this Rule is much more supportive of rural America and our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cJust as predicted, the Biden Administration announced its intent to dismantle the Navigable Waters Protection Rule \u2013 a move that threatens the livelihoods of many in rural America,\u201d said Newhouse. \u201cFurther, the Administration points to the arid West in its examples of areas where the federal government no longer has jurisdiction over local waters, yet they run to the urban northeast to seek court action. The Obama-era WOTUS rule they are seemingly trying to reinstate created uncertainty for farmers, ranchers, businesses, and landowners throughout rural communities, and they now face the same unpredictable future. I am proud to support Rep. Miller-Meeks\u2019 legislation to uphold the NWPR because rural communities throughout the United States are dedicated to clean water, and they don\u2019t deserve to be punished by burdensome federal regulations.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe 2015 Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rule significantly expanded the definition of \"waters of the United States\" and gave the federal government authority to regulate almost any waters; including streams, ditches, ponds, and creeks. The Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR), finalized by the Trump Administration in April 2020, revised the definition of WOTUS and reversed this overreach, bringing back a balance between federal and state jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.\n\nOn April 14th, 2021, Rep. Miller-Meeks introduced a resolution to uphold the NWPR, expressing the sense of the House that clean water is a national priority and that the NWPR should not be withdrawn or vacated. The resolution was introduced with the support of 114 Members of Congress, including 57 Members of the Congressional Western Caucus.\n\nReps. Miller-Meeks and Newhouse penned this op-ed for the Des Moines Register highlighting the legislation and rural America\u2019s dedication to clean water.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-bipartisan-effort-support-military-and-veteran-families", "Miller-Meeks Joins Bipartisan Effort to Support Military and Veteran Families", "2021-06-08", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 8th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined Reps. Chip Roy (TX-21), Mike Levin (CA-49), and Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) to introduce the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, bipartisan legislation to support military and veterans\u2019 families across the country by increasing the maximum coverage amount available under the Servicemember Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) policy.\n\nThe Supporting Families of the Fallen Act is a straightforward update to the antiquated SGLI/VGLI policy coverage options that haven\u2019t been changed since 2005. This legislation increases the SGLI/VGLI maximum coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000 to reflect inflation levels, giving families across the country peace of mind. This legislation supports military and veterans\u2019 families by giving them the option to increase their policy coverage to an amount that best fits their needs.\n\n\u201cWe need to make sure that our military members and veterans have access to quality life insurance. As a 24-year Army veteran, I know that many families rely on these programs for peace of mind,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cI am proud to support this commonsense legislation to raise the maximum life insurance coverage for servicemembers and veterans. We have to do more for our veterans, there is simply no other option.\u201d\n\n\u201cVeterans and active-duty servicemembers across the country should rest assured that if anything happens to them their families will be supported,\u201d said Roy. \u201cThat is why as the representative for thousands of military and veterans families across TX-21, I introduced the Supporting Families of the Fallen Act to update the decades-old life insurance policy and give families across the country peace of mind.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe owe it to our fallen service members to properly support the families these brave warriors leave behind,\u201d said Levin. \u201cThe bipartisan Supporting Families of the Fallen Act provides a long-overdue increase in death benefits to ease financial hardships for our Gold Star Families and other military families. I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Roy to expand monetary relief for the loved ones of those who give their lives for our nation. We must honor their service and sacrifice by passing this bill as soon as possible.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen we make the decision to send our men and women to fight for our country, we make the decision to support them and their families for the rest of their lives. But right now, too many military families are concerned about their financial security if they lose a loved one over the course of their service,\u201d said Slotkin. \u201cThe Supporting Families of the Fallen Act will help relieve that fear by raising the maximum coverage amount offered through the VA\u2019s Servicemembers\u2019 Group Life Insurance and Veterans\u2019 Group Life Insurance policies. Our military families make enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country, and this bill will help ensure they don\u2019t have to worry about their financial future if tragedy strikes.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nVeterans and active-duty servicemembers across the country should rest assured that if anything happens to them their families will be supported. Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs Servicemembers\u2019 Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans\u2019 Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage amounts have not been updated since 2005. Almost two decades later, this outdated policy leaves many military families and veterans worried about what will happen to their loved ones if tragedy strikes. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act is a straightforward solution that simply increases the SGLI/VGLI maximum coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000 to reflect inflation levels, giving families across the country peace of mind.\n\nThis legislation is supported by the Wounded Warriors Project.\n\nThe Department of Veterans Affairs administers and supervises the SGLI/VGLI programs, both of which are administered by the Office of Servicemembers\u2019 Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), a division of Prudential Insurance Company of America. Servicemembers may have their SGLI/VGLI process paid over the course of 36 months or in the form of a single check. A servicemember can reduce coverage in decrements of $50,000 to customize a policy that fits their needs. Free financial counseling is available to beneficiaries.\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-brownley-introduce-legislation-support-va-healthcare-workers", "Miller-Meeks & Brownley Introduce Legislation to Support VA Healthcare Workers", "2021-06-04", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 4th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Julia Brownley (CA-26) introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Modernization Act. This legislation would, for the first time in 30 years, increase the amount of money the VA is permitted to reimburse clinical employees for continuing professional education expenses.\n\n\u201cEnsuring that our veterans have the best treatment possible at the VA is one of my top priorities in Congress. For too long, the VA has lost out on talented medical staff because of inadequate stipends for those employees seeking to continue their professional development,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cBy increasing the reimbursement amount for clinical employees, we will be able to increase retention and recruitment of medical staff at VA facilities. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation with Congresswoman Brownley.\u201d\n\n\u201cProviding allowances to reimburse tuition, course fees, and travel expenses associated with CPE will help make the VA a more competitive employer, which is necessary to provide the best care for our veterans who deserve nothing less,\u201d said Brownley. \u201cIt is an astonishing disservice to VA healthcare workers, and ultimately to our veterans, that in the past thirty years the allowance for these necessary expenses has not been updated \u2013 we can and must do better.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe VA CPE Modernization Act would:\n\nExpand the program from only board-certified physicians and dentists to all types of VA clinicians\n\nIncrease the limit for physicians and dentists to $4,000 per year\n\nEstablish a limit of $2,000 per year for nurses, psychologists, physician assistants, and other types of VA clinicians\n\nInclude a mechanism to allow the Secretary of Veterans\u2019 Affairs to adjust the annual caps in the future, based on inflation\n\nTo read the full text of the bill, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-joins-bipartisan-effort-urging-white-house-keep-promise-afghan", "Miller-Meeks Joins Bipartisan Effort Urging the White House to Keep Promise to Afghan Partners", "2021-06-04", "2021", "2021-06", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, June 4th, 2021, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), a retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, joined the bipartisan Keeping Our Promises Working Group in a letter to President Joseph Biden. The members called on the White House to direct the United States government to evacuate the Afghans who have served as partners to the United States.\n\nIn the letter, the members wrote: \u201cAfter examining this situation through multiple hearings, briefings, and our own offices\u2019 research and outreach, our bipartisan working group has concluded that we must evacuate our Afghan friends and allies immediately. No U.S. entity\u2014to include the Department of Defense, Department of State, USAID, et al.\u2014has the ability or authority to protect them in Afghanistan after our withdrawal. It would be a moral failure to transfer the responsibility to protect our Afghan partners onto the shoulders of the Afghan Government. The time is now to honor our promise and evacuate Afghan SIV applicants.\u201d\n\nIn addition to Miller-Meeks, the following members signed the letter:Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03),Joe Courtney (CT-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Neal Dunn (FL-02), Bill Foster (IL-11), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Jared Golden (ME-02), Andrew Kim (NJ-03), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Peter Meijer (MI-03), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Stephanie Murphy (FL-07), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Michael Waltz (FL-06), Peter Welch (VT-At-Large), Brad Wenstrup (OH-02), and Del. Michael San Nicolas (GU-At Large).\n\nTo read the full letter, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:57:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-buchanan-introduce-bill-increase-accountability-child-care-funds", "Miller-Meeks & Buchanan Introduce Bill to Increase Accountability in Child Care Funds", "2021-05-28", "2021", "2021-05", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, May 28th, 2021, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) introduced the Child Care Funds Accountability Act. This legislation would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to monitor compliance with the requirements of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) relating to the use of funds for child care.\n\nUnder the Child Care Funds Accountability Act, HHS would be required to dedicate a portion of the $35 million provided for federal administrative costs in the ARP to monitoring compliance of the use of funds with regard to the ARP stabilization grant funds. Under this legislation, HHS must monitor compliance with non-supplantation requirements in the ARP, and HHS must monitor and ensure that there is no duplication with PPP loans received by child care providers.\n\n\u201cChild care services are too important to our working families to not have adequate oversight. Transparency is key to making sure our children are well taken care of,\u201d said Miller-Meeks. \u201cWe must ensure that taxpayer funds are spent appropriately and used as they are intended.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver the last 14 months, child care providers have been absolutely devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last summer, I was pleased to support record levels of funding to stabilize the industry and help providers safely reopen their doors,\u201d said Buchanan. \u201cNow, as the country works to return to normal, it is critical we ensure that those taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. This important legislation will do just that.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nAn unprecedented amount of federal funding has been provided for child care in a single year; the largest single pot of funding was the $24 billion child care stabilization fund. While the ARP included an additional $35 million for implementing child stabilization, it did not specify that there be critical oversight to ensure program integrity. Rather, it noted technical assistance and research. It is incumbent upon Congress to ensure taxpayer funds are spent responsibly. This legislation would require HHS to reserve a portion of the $35 million to ensure program integrity.\n\nTo read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:49:40Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 126, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "IA", "p2": "2021"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 126, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 126, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "IA", "label": "IA", "count": 126, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2021", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021", "results": [{"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 126, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2021-05-28,https~3A~2F~2Fmillermeeks~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmiller-meeks-buchanan-introduce-bill-increase-accountability-child-care-funds", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=IA&year=2021&_next=2021-05-28%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fmillermeeks~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia~2Fpress-releases~2Fmiller-meeks-buchanan-introduce-bill-increase-accountability-child-care-funds&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 176.34625919163227, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}