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337 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "IA" and year = 2019 sorted by date descending

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url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-1-million-federal-grant-peoples-community-health-clinic Finkenauer Announces $1 Million Federal Grant for Peoples Community Health Clinic 2019-12-30 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced Peoples Community Health Clinic will receive a $1,039,051 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. We must continue to move toward the goal of providing Iowans with access to high-quality, affordable health care, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand how Peoples Community Health Clinic is part of the solution, and I am happy to see them receive this meaningful grant that will help Iowans. Peoples Community Health Clinic, Inc.is a nonprofit health care clinic that provides care to patients regardless of financial situation and insurance status. Peoples Community Health Clinic has locations in Waterloo and Clarksville. Finkenauervisited the Waterloo locationon August 7th. Finkenauer also invited Peoples Community Health Clinic toparticipate in her Waterloo health fairon November 18th. Finkenauer also helped secure an extension for federal funding for community health centers, and sent a letter to House and Senate leadership in August urging a long-term bipartisan and bicameral funding solution. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-adds-400-million-iowa-flood-funding-tracker Rep. Axne Adds $400 Million to Iowa Flood Funding Tracker 2019-12-23 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Des Moines, IA Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) announced $408million has been added to her Iowa Flood Funding Tracker following new information from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on federal dollars spent in Iowa on flood recovery and other assistance efforts. In a letter to Rep. Axne, the USDA detailed $408,784,120 in funding obligated for projects and grants in Iowa. The full letter from the USDA is available here. I'm pleased to add more than $400 million to my Iowa Flood Funding Tracker thanks to new details from the USDA on how they're helping Iowa recover from devastating floods, said Rep. Cindy Axne.Iowans deserve transparency from their government while communities are still reporting they are not getting the assistance they need. I will continue to push the remaining agencies to explain how they are helping Iowa rebuild and recover. The USDA also provided information on a number of pending outlays and grant applications, with more than 480awards still pending final approval. The information from USDA is a response to Rep. Axne's requestlast monthfor eight federal agencies to provide specific updates on the disaster relief funding being spent in Iowa. Earlier this month, Rep. Axne launched her Iowa Flood Funding Tracker for constituents to track updates on disaster relief funding being spent in Iowa after disastrous flooding in Southwest Iowa and across the region.The Tracker now includes information for USDA, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Last week, Rep. Axne voted for a bipartisan appropriations package which made available an additional $1.5 billion in unspent 2017 disaster funds for 2019 agriculture disaster recovery programs. In November, the Housepassedbipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Axne to modernize federal disaster recovery programs, ensure funds appropriated by Congress are delivered to disaster victims in a timely manner, and protect taxpayer dollars by increasing safeguards against mi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-trump-signs-axne-supported-bills-included-year-end-spending President Trump Signs Axne-Supported Bills Included in Year-End Spending Legislation 2019-12-21 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Yesterday, President Donald Trump signed into law numerous measures supported by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) that will eliminate the threat of burdensome healthcare taxes, bring investment to Iowa's green economy and rural communities, help with disaster recovery and support local farmers, producers and small businesses. I'm happy to see measures that are critical for helping Iowa families and businesses in 2020 become law, said Rep. Axne. I'm thankful that the President has signed these bills that I supported this year, and I'm proud of the work we have done in the House to get them included in the final law. Biodiesel & Biofuel Tax Credits Provisions to extend the biodiesel tax credit through 2022 and the second-generation biofuel producer credit through 2020 were included in the appropriations package that was signed into law yesterday. Since coming to Congress, I have made it a priority to address these expired tax credits, Rep. Axne said.Farmers are taking it on the chin with the ongoing trade war and the EPA undermining the RFS at every turn. We have seen plants stall or shut down, causing folks to lose their jobs and farmers to lose their buyers. I am glad to see the provision signed into law to bring our farmers and producers some market certainty, create jobs, and set us on a path towards a cleaner environmental future. These critical tax credits expired at the end of 2017, leaving Iowa farmers and producers with significant uncertainty. Rep. Axne has consistently advocated for these provisions from the beginning of the year. Repeal of the Health Insurance Tax, Cadillac' Tax, and Medical Device Tax The new law includes a permanent repeal of a mandated health insurance tax (HIT), Cadillac' tax, and medical device tax. These repeals will protect middle class Iowans from higher health care costs and end the cycle of delays that have spread uncertainty in the health care markets. These taxes were looming over Iowans, waiting to see how much their health care will cost in 2020, said Rep. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397338 Loebsack Statement on the EPAs Final RFS Rule 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack, co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final rule for 2020 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) blending requirements. The final rule does nothing to address the misuse of Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) and reneges on the President's promise made to Iowa farmers in September to account for SREs using actual waived gallons, not DOE recommendations.The final RFS rule set forth by the EPA is another slap in the face to Iowa's farmers and ethanol producers. It does nothing to stop the vast misuse of the small refinery exemptions, which only serves to erode the RFS and destroy demand for clean, renewable fuel, like ethanol. From Trump's Twitter Trade War to his continuing to side with big oil over our farmers, this is just another in a long list of attacks on our rural communities by this administration. I will continue to stand up for our farmers and producers and fight to restore the integrity of the RFS.Background Representative Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of the RFS, ethanol and the biofuels industry. He has been leading the way in the House to increase oversight and transparency of the Small Refinery Exemption that the Administration has used to undermine the RFS, hurting our farmers and rural communities, while propping up Big Oil. As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, Loebsack helped lead the opposition of the excessive use of the SRE, including this August when the President and EPA granted 31 new waivers. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Loebsack secured an oversight hearing this fall examining the Trump Administration's abuse of SREs and considering legislation he helped introduce, H.R. 3006, the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, which would help bring greater transparency to the use of SREs. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-votes-advance-usmca-trade-agreement-tells-senate-pass-week Rep. Axne Votes to Advance USMCA Trade Agreement, Tells Senate to Pass This Week 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) voted with 384 of her Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House to advance the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Agreement. I'm proud of my vote today to approve the USMCA and get it one step closer to being ratified, said Rep. Axne. Trade is fundamental to the state of Iowa, and this finalized agreement will modernize our partnership with our two closest neighbors and provide market certainty for Iowa farmers and manufacturers by ending the threat of back-and-forth retaliatory tariffs. Rep. Axne spoke during debate on the House floor prior to final passage of the deal. Video of her remarks can be found here. The agreement reaffirms trade partnerships with two of America's most important markets and ensures access for exports from Iowa, the second largest agricultural exporting state in the country. Last year, Iowa exported $4.2 billion in goods to Canada, 30 percent of the state's total exports, and $2.3 billion to Mexico. The deal now heads to the United States Senate, which has already stated that it intends to hold on passing the deal until sometime after the beginning of next year. Earlier this week, Rep. Axne led a letter with six of her freshman colleagues in the House calling on the Senate to stay in town to finalize the deal. It is completely unacceptable that after months of negotiations and an agreement that both the President and the House agreed to, the Senate will still leave town without giving our farmers and families the Christmas gift they deserve, said Rep. Axne. I hope my friends in the Senate will reconsider their plans to start their holiday vacation without passing this deal and getting our constituents the certainty of having this deal done by the new year. Rep. Axne has been a leader in calling for action on USMCA. She repeatedly urged her colleagues on the House floor to work to finalize the agreement. Earlier this month, shesent a letterto Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer and called for action on the USMCA before the end of the ye… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-cindy-axne-fifth-circuit-court-ruling Statement from Rep. Cindy Axne on the Fifth Circuit Court Ruling 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Texas vs. United States: Yesterday's ruling by the Fifth Circuit is disastrous for Iowa. By continuing down a path that could lead to completely undoing the Affordable Care Act, this decision not only risks raising premiums in the short term, but it could also eliminate protections for the 1.2 million Iowans living with pre-existing conditions, undo Medicaid expansion, and send health care costs skyrocketing across our country. This campaign to undermine and eliminate health care coverage for Iowans has gone on too long. Since I've come to Congress, I've voted to lower prescription drug costs, protect those living with pre-existing conditions from losing their coverage, and supported legislation to improve care for seniors and children. We must focus on lowering costs and expanding access to health care, not eliminating coverage. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-federal-grants-economic-development-districts-iowas-first Finkenauer Announces Federal Grants for Economic Development Districts in Iowa's First Congressional District 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced the Region 6 Planning Commission and East Central Intergovernmental Association will each receive $17,500 federal grants from the Economic Development Administration. The goal of the grants is to encourage job creation by establishing an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy that supports capital investment by bringing public and private sectors together. I continue to push for more investment in our communities to ensure small businesses can begin, grow, and thrive, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, I am happy to see this federal investment in Northeast Iowa, and I will keep doing anything I can to ensure that hardworking families see a direct impact from these types of investments. Ensuring our communities have the tools they need to thrive is one of my top priorities. Kelly Dentmyer, Executive Director of the East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) said, ECIA has been a designated EDA District since 1978. We utilize the EDA planning grant to assist our member governments with vital economic development and community development projects in our region. ECIA matches the EDA grant dollar for dollar with local funding and this enables our staff to work on projects related to business retention and expansion; workforce recruitment and retention; workforce housing development; as well as infrastructure related projects. This funding is critical to our economic development activities throughout the region. Julie Winter, Planning Director of Region 6 Resource Partners said, We are thrilled to receive the $17,500 award for the EDA Planning Partnership Grant. Funds from this award will be used to help support planning efforts in the region like affordable housing, sewer improvements, water improvements, tornado recovery, and trail development. These investments in our region are crucial to healthy, thriving communities. These funds allow us to help communities secure grants and other outside funding sources that mainta… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-passage-us-mexico-canada-trade-agreement Finkenauer Statement on Passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)released the following statement on the House passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement: "I am happy to see and be a part of bipartisan passage of the UMSCA. This is a win for Iowa's farmers who will have certainty now that the president will not fulfill his reckless threat to pull out of NAFTA and cost us even more with our trading partners. With the new provisions included, this ensures we will stop bleeding American jobs to other countries and will work as well to start to bring these jobs back home." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-trump-administration-undercutting-renewable-fuel-standard Finkenauer Statement on Trump Administration Undercutting the Renewable Fuel Standard 2019-12-19 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's new rule regarding Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery waivers: "Iowa's biofuels producers and farmers have suffered enough this year from the president's trade war, to taking the side of big oil and refinery waivers. Today, we have a final rule from the administration that fails to take into account legitimate bipartisan concerns and feedback from our nation's actual ethanol and biodiesel producers. Once again we see the president has no intention of making good on the promises he has made to Iowans in the past to stop attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard. Iowans shouldn't be losing jobs because of the Trump administration's EPA policies and lack of leadership from the president." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-leads-freshman-democrats-calling-senate-pass-usmca-year Axne Leads Freshman Democrats in Calling on Senate to Pass USMCA This Year 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) called on the Senate to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) before the end of the year. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Rep. Axne joined six of her freshman House colleagues in demanding that the Leader bring up the deal as soon as the House passes it this week. We are deeply concerned by your statements that the Senate will not take up the USMCA this year, the lawmakers wrote. The Senate cannot leave for recess until you pass the USMCA. The letter highlighted the Senate's previous words of support for the agreement amid statements that now suggest the deal will not be brought up until February. Over the last year, many of our colleagues in the Senate have expressed support for USMCA and their desire to move this deal as quickly as possible, the lawmakers wrote. We have completed the heavy lifting of negotiations and compromise and will send you a bipartisan trade agreement that the President himself supports. USMCA cannot end up in the Senate's Legislative Graveyard. The letter was signed by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), Rep. Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC-01), Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Rep. Kenda Horn (OK-05), and Rep. Susan Wild (PA-07). The House is expected to pass the USMCA trade agreement on Thursday. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/hamburg-needs-our-help-rep-axne-introduces-legislation-cut-red-tape-provide Hamburg Needs Our Help: Rep. Axne Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape, Provide Greater Flexibility in Critical Levee Construction 2019-12-18 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Iowa's Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced legislation in both chambers of Congress to give communities and the Army Corps of Engineers greater flexibility in constructing permanent levees from temporary ones. The bipartisan legislation was jointly led by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). The Local Expertise is Vital for Effective Embankments (LEVEE) Act would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to begin preconstruction on levee improvements without waiting for congressional approval if a project is determined to be critical to flood prevention and cost less than $25 million. The legislation would also provide full federal funding for projects in flood-prone areas. No town should have to worry that federal red tape stands between them and a devastating flood, said Rep. Axne. What we saw in Hamburg earlier this year proves that we must do something to allow the Corps to act faster and provide full federal funding for flood-prone areas. Our local and on-the-ground experts need to be listened to. I'm proud that this bipartisan, bicameral legislation does just that and addresses this critical issue for Southwest Iowa. In 2011, residents of Hamburg, Iowa worked the Army Corps of Engineers to construct makeshift emergency additions to a levee to combat rising flood waters. The levee saved the town from floodwaters, but was determined to be not adequate enough to be made permanent without changes. After Hamburg could not come up with the funds to make the changes, the additions to the levee were removed. Last spring, Nebraska experienced the worst flooding since 2011," said Rep. Bacon. "Many homes, businesses, livestock and dreams were lost. Under this bill, the Army Corps would be allowed to evaluate repeated and potential areas of flooding and construct levees to prevent such disasters from occurring again. We must take the proper actions to protect communities from future floods and this legislation does just that. Since disastrous floodin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-votes-fund-our-military-increase-grants-local-police-invest-cancer Axne Votes to Fund our Military, Increase Grants for Local Police, Invest in Cancer Research, and Protect our Elections 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House in voting to pass a four-bill package of appropriations bills and provide funding certainty to support our national security for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020. The bill passed by the House today, H.R. 1158, provides funding for the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Commerce, and other key executive branch agencies tasked with protecting our nation and its citizens. I'm proud to have the backs of those Americans who work every single day to keep our country safe by voting today to keep their agencies open and increase investments in programs that are essential to the national defense, said Rep. Axne. This legislation will protect our elections, support our local law enforcement, and invest in our national security. A number of provisions in the final bill reflect priorities for Iowa and issues which Rep. Axne wrote to members of the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for: $65 million for the National Guard Counter-Drug Program, which the Iowa National AirGuard participates in $847 million for the Small Business Administration, including $261 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs and $135 million for Small Business Development Centers Allows Customs and Border Protection to hire an additional 240 Agriculture Specialists to help protect against the African Swine Fever $425 million for State Election Security Grants to improve election systems and protect our elections from interference $492.5 million for Department of Defense Cancer Research, including breast, kidney, ovarian, and rare cancer research $22.3 billion for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including $17.8 billion for disaster response and recovery efforts and $2.9 billion for state and local grants $3.28 billion in grants to local and state law enforcement, including the Byrne JAG program and funding to address blacklogs in sexual as… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-votes-invest-health-and-education-infrastructure-and-rural-communities Axne Votes to Invest in Health and Education, Infrastructure, and Rural Communities 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) voted to pass a package of appropriations bills and tax extenders, investing in key programs that help Iowans and provides funding certainty for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020. These investments in Iowa will be key to increasing access to health care and a quality education, investing in our rural communities, growing small business investments, helping our seniors, ensuring environmental protections and honoring our responsibilities to our veterans, said Rep. Axne. In addition, I'm happy to see much-needed tax provisions to extend critical biofuel tax credits and permanentlyrepeal health care taxes that would hurt Iowans. The bill includes a revival of the biodiesel tax credit until 2022 and an extension of the second generation biofuel tax credits until 2021, provisions that Rep. Axne has fought for since coming to Congress and which will create good-paying green jobs, support Iowa farmers and producers. The bill passed by the House today, H.R. 1865, provides funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and other key executive branch agencies and programs. A number of provisions in the final bill reflect priorities for Iowa and issues which Rep. Axne wrote to members of the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for: $3.4 billion for Community Development Block Grants to provide grants to cities, counties, and rural areas to help meet the needs of low-income families $1.5 billion in unspent 2017 funds for disaster relief, which can now go to those impacted by the 2019 flooding $2.8 billion for Alzheimer's disease research, $27 million for Diabetes Prevention Program, and $195 million for the Cancer Moonshot re… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-cindy-axne-statement-week-s-article-impeachment-vote Rep. Cindy Axne Statement on this Weeks Article of Impeachment Vote 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy I came to Congress to work for middle class Iowans getting people better health care and better-paying jobs while making the Federal government more accountable. When I took the oath of office, I swore to protect the Constitution and our democracy. After carefully reviewing the evidence presented from the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees, it's clear the President abused his power by using $400 million in taxpayer money for his own personal, political gain and obstructed Congress by ordering his administration to refuse to testify or provide subpoenaed documents. That's why today, I am announcing my support for the articles of impeachment. While the impeachment process continues, I will continue my work to lower health care and drug costs, increase access to job training programs, and help our neighbors affected by natural disasters. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-secures-child-care-and-rural-broadband-investments-iowa-s-first Finkenauer Secures Child Care and Rural Broadband Investments for Iowas First Congressional District in Appropriations Package 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)) voted to provide new investments in high-quality child care, rural broadband, registered skilled apprenticeship programs, as well as a historic five-year extension of the biodiesel tax credit. These Iowa priorities were secured as part of a legislative package to fund the government through Fiscal Year 2020. The package included both appropriations and tax provisions and passed with bipartisan support. "From day one, I have worked across the aisle to get this done for our district and state. From passing legislation through committee, to holding hearings with biodiesel producers testifying, it has been a bipartisan effort to get here,Finkenauer said.I came to Congress to make sure Iowa's voices and working families were heard. From constituents visiting the office to roundtables and town halls in the district, this package covers the priorities we heard and its effects and funding will be felt in homes across Iowa. Provisions included will help doctors serving patients in rural communities, invest in our crumbling infrastructure, expand access to high-quality child care, fund rural broadband projects, and provide certainty for our biofuel and soybean producers who work hard every day for a strong Iowa economy. Without a doubt, the package we passed today is a big win for Iowa. The House passed two separate appropriations packages today, both with significant bipartisan support. The packages fund federal departments and agencies, along with the nation's military. In addition, they include a package of tax provisions that are being extended and expired last year, like biodiesel and second-generation biofuels. Finkenauer Priorities Included in the Appropriations Package Early childhood programs get an increase of $1.1 billion, helping ensure that northeast Iowans can access child care and early education no matter where they live Provides $175 million for registered skilled apprenticeship programs, a $15 million increase over last fiscal year Repeals… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-articles-impeachment Finkenauer Statement on Articles of Impeachment 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the House's upcoming vote on Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump: On January 3rd of this year, I had the distinct honor and privilege to raise my right hand on behalf of my neighbors across Iowa's First Congressional District and swear I would support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I would bear true faith and allegiance to the same. I think of that oath, and my constituents who I'm grateful to serve, every day. Tomorrow, after reviewing months of testimony from national security experts, our intelligence community, and the words and actions of the President of the United States, I will continue to uphold that oath. I will be supporting both articles of impeachment and honor my duty to defend our constitution and democracy from abuse of power at the highest level. This decision is not, and was never about politics, and this shouldn't be about political parties or elections. It's about facts, dignity in public service, and honoring those who fought and continue to fight to protect our sacred democracy.I'll continue to do my job with the same values and respect I grew up with here in Iowa. It will soon be up to our US Senators if they choose to do the same. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-inclusion-biodiesel-tax-credit-extension-key-legislation Finkenauer Statement on Inclusion of Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension in Key Legislation 2019-12-17 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the inclusion of a five-year biodiesel tax credit extension in the year-end tax extenders legislative package: "From day one, I have worked across the aisle to get this done for our district and state. From passing legislation through committee, to holding hearings with biodiesel producers testifying, it has been a bipartisan effort to get here. While today is a good day for an industry that has been dealt so many unnecessary blows, we should have passed this earlier in the year so our biodiesel producers had the certainty they need to make investments and move the industry forward. No one should have to make plans for closures and layoffs because of Congress failing to do its job. I will keep fighting for our farmers, rural small business owners, and state to ensure we do not see this type of damage again with a common sense tax credit that helps Iowa's biofuels industry grow and helps employ hard-working Iowa families." Finkenauer's Work on Extending Biodiesel Tax Credit Monday, Finkenauer alsooffered an amendment to H.R. 5377 This is part of her efforts to make sure the biodiesel tax credit is extended before the end of the year. Congress had previously extended the tax credit retroactively for 2017, but left it expired for 2018 and beyond. This year, Finkenauer was joined by Senators Grassley and Ernst, as well as industry leaders, at a press conference supporting the legislation. Finkenauer testified before the Ways and Means Committee earlier this year, sharing the stories of Iowa producers and businesses that would benefit from the legislation. Reaction to Extending Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw said, We thank Congresswoman Finkenauer for impressing upon House leadership the importance of the biodiesel tax credit to supporting rural jobs and robust ag markets. She worked diligently drum up support among House members and to ensure the tax credit… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397337 Reps. Loebsack, Latta, Long and McEachin Praise House Passage of Legislation to Improve Broadband Data Maps 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Today, Representatives Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bob Latta (OH-05) authors of the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act (HR 4229), along with its cosponsors, Reps. Billy Long (MO-07) and Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statements praising the House passage of the bill. The Broadband DATA Act is bipartisan legislation that would improve the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps by changing the way broadband data is collected. The bill now heads to the Senate where similar legislation has been introduced Senators Amy Klobuchar (MN), Roger Wicker (MS), Gary Peters (MI) and John Thune (SD).In 2019, it is simply unacceptable that many families, small businesses, farmers, educators and healthcare providers in rural areas don't have the necessary access to high-speed internet. When this bill becomes law, we will finally begin to fix the bad broadband maps that for too long have often misstated speed and availability, said Congressman Dave Loebsack. I have often said there are two things needed to connect rural America to highspeed broadband and that is dollars and data. But without reliable data, the dollars do not matter. Garbage in, is garbage out. You have to have good data to know where the problems exist, otherwise it is a waste of taxpayer dollars. I am pleased that the Broadband DATA Act, which will help address those issues, has passed the House. I look forward to working with the Senate to get the Broadband DATA Act to the President's desk.Our country's technological capabilities are revolutionizing the way Americans communicate and work with each other, but due to inaccuracies in our maps that identify where people can and cannot access the internet, some people are being left behind. The passage of this bill means more Americans, whether they live in urban, suburban, or rural communities, will be able to participate in our 21st century economy, because we will be able to better pinpoint where internet access is lack… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/citing-end-year-tax-extender-uncertainty-rep-axne-introduces-amendment-revive Citing End-of-Year Tax Extender Uncertainty, Rep. Axne Introduces Amendment to Revive Biodiesel, Biofuel Tax Credits 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) submitted two amendments to H.R. 5377 that would revive the expired biodiesel tax credit and extend tax credits for Iowa's second generation biofuels. The amendments would support Iowa farmers, incentivize investment in green jobs, and finally revive essential tax credits after their expiration at the end of 2017. As the Congress considers bills this week to extend and adjust tax provisions, we are determined to fight for the investments that will support our farmers, rural communities, and good-paying green jobs, said Rep. Axne. At a time when Iowa farmers are facing hardship, Congress cannot ignore the importance of including these critical provisions. The biodiesel tax credit is important for Iowa farmers, producers, rural small businesses, and hard-working families, said Rep. Finkenauer. From day one, I've been working with colleagues on both sides for the aisle, and in both the House and Senate to get bring this credit back. I have stressed to House leadership how important this credit is to the First Congressional District, and to the entire state of Iowa. While I wish this is something that would've been resolved during the last Congress, I will keep working to make sure I get this done for Iowans. Today's amendments are another push to get that done. As a member of the Biofuel Caucus, Rep. Axne has been fighting for the biodiesel tax credit since coming to Congress. In her first full month representing Iowa, Rep. Axne joined the entire Iowa Democratic delegation to call for a multi-year extension of the biodiesel tax credit. In April, Rep. Axne introduced the Biofuel Tax Credit Bill to make the second generation biofuel producer tax credit permanent. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/three-axne-lead-bills-pass-house-help-modernize-grants-broadband Three Axne-lead bills pass the House to help modernize grants, broadband 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed three bipartisan bills backed by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03): the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency (GREAT) Act, the Mapping After Public Scrutiny (MAPS) Act, and the Broadband Data Act. With the passage of these bills, the House has now passed 66 bills that have been written or co-sponsored by Rep. Axne. In order to remove red-tape and modernize the process, the GREAT Act would establish uniform reporting requirements and create a single public website to publish grant data. By standardizing the process, the bill will make it easier and cheaper for Iowans to receive grants and increase transparency and accountability to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in federal grant spending. I've heard too many stories from Iowans struggling to navigate federal grant applications, said Rep. Axne. Often times, grants are just awarded to big organizations who can afford a professional grants writer, and I've talked to folks running a small business who have a great idea, but don't know how or where to apply for grants. H.R. 150, the GREAT Act, was one of Axne's first bills to pass the House in January 2019. The Senate held the bill until October, when it finally passed unanimously. Now, the House has approved the Senate's changes and will send the bill onto the White House for signature. The GREAT Act was one of the first bills I supported because Iowans need equal access to grant funding, just like any other state, said Rep. Axne. That's also why I've launched my Iowa Flood Funding Tracker, to show Iowans where disaster relief funds are being spent in Iowa. Iowans need equal access to grant funding, just like any other state. H.R. 4227, the MAPS Act, and H.R. 4229, the Broadband DATA Act, both work to improve the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mapping process for rural broadband and wireless service. The Broadband DATA Act, introduced by Rep. Loebsack (IA-02), would require the FCC to develop a new mapping process, with full, verifiable infor… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-3-million-grant-iowa-head-start-programs Finkenauer Announces $3 Million Grant for Iowa Head Start Programs 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) will receive a $3,079,374 federal grant for its Head Start programs. The grant will be distributed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Children in our communities deserve every opportunity to succeed, and that starts with proper early childhood education, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, This grant will ensure HACAP can keep serving kids in our community to give them the chance to thrive from the very start. I am thrilled to see such a worthy organization receive an investment like this. I will keep working to make sure the kids in our district are supported so they are not held back from following their dreams. Background on HACAP & Head Start HACAP is a community action agency serving 6 counties in Eastern Iowa. Its Head Start and Early Head Startare comprehensive early childhood development programs that serve children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families. As child-focused programs, they have the overall goal of increasing theschool readiness of young children in low-income families. In addition to center-based school readiness programs, Early Head Start provides a home program for pregnant women and children age birth-3. There are no fees for children & families enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start. All supplies and materials are provided for enrolled children. Head Start/Early Head Start program services are funded through grants. Awarded grants are from the federal, state and local levels. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-finkenauer-introduces-amendment-revive-biodiesel-biofuel-tax-credits Rep. Finkenauer Introduces Amendment to Revive Biodiesel, Biofuel Tax Credits 2019-12-16 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) submitted two amendments to H.R. 5377 that would revive the expired biodiesel tax credit and extend tax credits for Iowa's second generation biofuels. These two amendments would support Iowa farmers, incentivize investment in good-paying jobs, and finally revive essential tax credits after their expiration at the end of 2017. The biodiesel tax credit is important for Iowa farmers, producers, rural small businesses, and hard-working families. From day one, I've been working with colleagues on both sides for the aisle, and in both the House and Senate to get bring this credit back, Congresswoman Finkenauer said. I have stressed to House leadership how important this credit is to the First Congressional District, and to the entire state of Iowa. While I wish this is something that would've been resolved during the last Congress, I will keep working to make sure I get this done for Iowans. Today's amendments are another push to get that done. As the Congress considers bills this week to extend and adjust tax provisions, we are determined to fight for the investments that will support our farmers, rural communities, and good-paying green jobs, said Rep. Axne. At a time when Iowa farmers are facing hardship, Congress cannot ignore the importance of including these critical provisions. Finkenauer's Work on Extending Biodiesel Tax Credit Congress had previously extended the tax credit retroactively for 2017, but left it expired for 2018 and beyond. This year, Finkenauer was joined by Senators Grassley and Ernst, as well as industry leaders, at a press conference supporting the legislation. Finkenauer testified before the Ways and Means Committee earlier this year, sharing the stories of Iowa producers and businesses that would benefit from the legislation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/show-iowans-money-ahead-trip-flood-affected-counties-axne-unveils-iowa-flood Show Iowans the Money: Ahead of Trip to Flood-Affected Counties, Axne Unveils Iowa Flood Funding Tracker to Hold Government Accountable 2019-12-13 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Des Moines, IA Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) announced the creation of a new Iowa Flood Funding Tracker for constituents to track updates on disaster relief funding being spent in Iowa after disastrous flooding earlier this year. The tracker will boost transparency and hold our federal agencies accountable by allowing Iowans to see directly where the funding that was approved by Congress is being spent. The documents provided in the tracker are the first batch of updates from three federal agencies that Rep. Axne demanded last month provide specific updates on the disaster relief funding being spent in Iowa. I am pleased to launch the Iowa Flood Funding Tracker today to ensure transparency and allow Iowans to see where federal agencies are spending relief dollars in the flood-affected areas of Iowa, said Rep. Cindy Axne. While Congress has ensured this funding is available, I still hear from constituents that flood areas are not getting the assistance they need. I will continue to hold federal agencies accountable demanding they show Iowans the money' and update our tracker to ensure the information is public for all to see. The letters released on the tracker today include updates provided from the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The tracker is available on the Congresswoman's official website at: https://axne.house.gov/disaster Tomorrow, Rep. Cindy Axne will host two Connect with your Congresswoman (CWYC) town halls in Fremont and Pottawattamie counties, and will provide constituents at those town halls with updates on flooding recovery dollars being spent in their area. I look forward to hearing from my constituents directly tomorrow about their experience navigating this recovery process and providing them with this update, said Rep. Cindy Axne. As this recovery continues, I will continue working to get answers and make this process easier. In November, the House passed bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Axne to moder… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397336 Loebsack Praises House Passage of the Lower Drug Costs Now Act 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which will finally give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with drug companies and makes the lower prices negotiated by Medicare available to Americans with private insurance. In Iowa's Second Congressional District, there are 115,293 people enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan and 566,387 people enrolled in private health insurance all of whom stand to benefit from the passage of this legislation. Additionally, the cost savings from H.R. 3 will be reinvested back into both Medicare, to expand the benefits provided to include comprehensive dental, vision and hearing coverage for senior citizens, and for research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to accelerate the search for the next scientific breakthrough. It is past time that Medicare is able to negotiate with drug companies, similar to what the Veterans Administration has been doing for years. These negotiated prices will then be passed along to Iowans who have private healthcare insurance. I am also very pleased that the cost savings contained in this bill will be reinvested back into Medicare to give Iowa's seniors needed dental, vision and hearing coverage, and expand research at the NIH. No family should have to sit at their kitchen table and have to decide between putting food on the table and paying for their prescriptions. This historic legislation takes the necessary steps to ensure that conversation does not have to happen. Along with many other bills, it is time for the Senate to step up, debate and pass this legislation to help families across the country. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would lower drugs costs and expand benefits: - Give Medicare the power to negotiate directly with the drug companies to bring down prices and create powerful new tools to force drug companies to the table to agree to real price reductions. - Make the lower drug prices negotiated by Medicare available to A… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-introduces-legislation-fund-clean-energy-construction Axne Introduces Legislation to Fund Clean Energy Construction 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Rep. Cindy Axne joined Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), and Paul Tonko (NY-20), chair of the Environment and Climate Change subcommittee, in introducing the National Climate Bank Act, legislation that creates a federal bank to invest in clean energy and emissions reduction projects. The National Climate Bank will use $35 billion of public capital to support up to $1 trillion of private investment in renewable energy generation and projects to improve energy efficiency across the economy. "While serving at the Iowa statehouse, I worked under both Republican and Democratic governors to make Iowa a leader in wind energy," said Rep. Cindy Axne. "This not only gave Iowans cleaner, cheaper electricity, it also created thousands of jobs. Creating a National Climate Bank will spur investment in clean energy projects nationwide. Leveraging federal investment to partner with the private sector is an essential step in dealing with climate change, and will help make America a leader in green technology and infrastructure." The National Climate Bank would combat climate change by mobilizing private capital to increase access to clean energy and upgrade our existing energy infrastructure tomake the United States a world leader. The National Climate Bank will provide capital to encourage investment in a wide range of sectors, including renewables, storage, transportation, transmission, resiliency, efficiency, reforestation, agriculture, and industrial de-carbonization. The Bank will also explore new and innovative approaches to reduce emissions, in addition to funding state and local green banks. These banks have had success in supporting both large projects like utility-scale wind and solar farms and small scale upgrades like household solar and wind generation. A Senate version of the bill was introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Similar legislation, the Green Bank Act of 2019, was introduces by S… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-votes-lower-prescription-drugs-price-iowa-seniors-and-families-adds Rep. Axne Votes to Lower Prescription Drugs Price for Iowa Seniors and Families, Adds Amendment to Cut Red Tape 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington D.C. Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) voted for passage of H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, a measure that will lower prescription drug prices and improve the quality of health care for Iowa seniors and families. Prior to passage of the final bill, the House voted unanimously to add Rep. Axne's amendment to tackle excessive health care administrative costs to the final package. Every week, I hear from Iowa seniors and families in my district about their struggle to pay for their prescription drugs, said Rep. Cindy Axne. I've heard stories of Iowans skipping meals, rationing their drugs, and depleting their retirement saving just to afford the medications they need to live. I'm proud to vote today to cap Medicare drug costs, allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, and save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars to ensure that no Iowan ever has to decide again between buying medication and making ends meet. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would allow Medicare to negotiate prescription drugs every year, and extend those savings to Americans across the country. It will also create a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for seniors, while ensuring that drug companies can't charge Americans more than 20% higher prices that other countries, like Great Britain or Australia. It also increases investments into more innovative, affordable cures and treatments. It is endorsed by AARP, Protect Our Care Iowa, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. I am fed up with pharmaceutical lobbyists writing laws that benefit their bottom lines, said Rep. Axne. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act would lower prescription drug prices across the board, help our seniors keep their retirement savings. I know how important improving our health care system it it's literally life or death. I'm proud to support this bill, to improve it with my amendment, and to continue fighting for Iowans in Congress. Prior to final passage of the bill, the House voted by voice vote to adopt Rep. Axne's amendment to create a gra… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-successfully-amends-and-passes-historic-bill-lower-prescription-drug Finkenauer Successfully Amends and Passes Historic Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices and Expand Medicare Coverage for Iowans 2019-12-12 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) voted to pass H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and successfully offered a bipartisan amendment that would require TV advertisements for prescription drugs to include how much a 30-day supply or typical course of treatment would cost. Requiring drug companies to disclose pricing information in advertising is something that Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, President Trump, and members of both parties support. This is something I hear about in our district every time I go home and has been a top priority for me here in Congress. I've hosted prescription drug roundtables around our district to hear what Iowans are struggling with when it comes to prescription drug prices, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, We've got a major problem in this country and we need to fix it. The Lower Drug Costs Now Act gets at the heart of the problem - it puts people first, and it even expands Medicare for Iowans and ensures more transparency in drug costs through my amendment. I am proud of this bill and the work that has been done on it, and today we took a huge step forward in lowering the costs of prescription drugs and expanding Medicare. The legislation is expected to save nearly a half-trillion dollars over the next decade, and that savings would be invested to expand Medicare and provide dental, vision, and hearing services for seniors and conduct medical research at the National Institutes of Health. H.R. 3 will lower the cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies and lower costs for people who have Medicare as well as those with private insurance. Finkenauer's Floor Speech on Iowans' Rx Drug Stories and Amendment on Drug Cost Transparency While introducing her amendment on the House floor, Finkenauer shared stories from Iowans who are struggling to afford prescription drugs. After sharing those stories, Finkenauer said, These are the reasons that we are here today, that we fight for legislation like thi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397335 Iowa Reps Call on Administration to Uphold Integrity of RFS 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) sent a letter to Russell Vought, the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and President Trump, about the EPA's October supplemental proposed rule regarding the reallocation of Small Refinery Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). On Friday, December 6, 2019 the EPA sent their proposed rule to OMB for final review. The Members of Congress expressed serious concerns that the rule as drafted fails to keep the RFS whole, and called on Vought to ensure that the final rule upholds the Administration's guarantee of blending 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol on an annual basis, as is mandated by law. CLICK HERE to read the letter.As we travel through our districts in Iowa, we hear first-hand from farmers, renewable fuel producers, and rural communities about the harm caused by the explosion of small refinery exemption (SRE) applications that EPA has approved in recent years. These conditions have caused three ethanol facilities to close permanently and another fourteen to idle, affecting nearly 3,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of corn bushels on an annual basis, the Members wrote. The RFS promises our rural economies that 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol and increasing volumes of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel will be blended into the nation's transportation fuel supply. Without a binding commitment that EPA will account for exemptions granted by EPA, this rule fails to keep the RFS whole.The Members concluded, The Office of Management and Budget must ensure that the final rule upholds the integrity of the RFS, avoids further plant closures, and provides farmers and producers certainty going forward. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-reps-call-administration-uphold-integrity-rfs Iowa Reps Call on Administration to Uphold Integrity of RFS 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03), Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) sent a letter to Russell Vought, the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and President Trump, about the EPA's October supplemental proposed rule regarding the reallocation of Small Refinery Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). On Friday, December 6, 2019 the EPA sent their proposed rule to OMB for final review. The Members of Congress expressed serious concerns that the rule as drafted fails to keep the RFS whole, and called on Vought to ensure that the final rule upholds the Administration's guarantee of blending 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol on an annual basis, as is mandated by law. CLICK HERE to read the letter. As we travel through our districts in Iowa, we hear first-hand from farmers, renewable fuel producers, and rural communities about the harm caused by the explosion of small refinery exemption (SRE) applications that EPA has approved in recent years. These conditions have caused three ethanol facilities to close permanently and another fourteen to idle, affecting nearly 3,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of corn bushels on an annual basis, the Members wrote. The RFS promises our rural economies that 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol and increasing volumes of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel will be blended into the nation's transportation fuel supply. Without a binding commitment that EPA will account for exemptions granted by EPA, this rule fails to keep the RFS whole. The Members concluded, The Office of Management and Budget must ensure that the final rule upholds the integrity of the RFS, avoids further plant closures, and provides farmers and producers certainty going forward. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/opioid-detection-prevention-bills-pass-house Opioid Detection, Prevention Bills Pass the House 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills to improve detection and safe handling of opioids that will help ensure police officers, customs officials, and other Homeland Security safety personal are better protected from exposure while working to prevent the influx of opioids entering the United States. The House passed H.R. 4761, the DHS Opioid Detection Resilience Act of 2019, in a 393 - 1 vote and H.R. 4739, the Synthetic Opioid Exposure Prevention and Training Act, in a 393-0 vote. Police officers and customs officials work to keep our communities safe, but often they don't know what type of drugs they might come in contact with on the job. That's why these bills work to ensure they have adequate equipment to test and protect themselves against exposure, said Rep. Axne. I'm proud to have voted for these bills, and to see them pass overwhelmingly. Between 1999 and 2017, over 700,000 Americans died due to drug overdose, while countless more struggled with addiction. Tragically, 68% of drug overdose deaths involved opioids. At the peak of this epidemic, there were 81 active opioid prescriptions for every 100 people in American. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-and-bost-introduce-legislation-address-rural-teacher-shortages Finkenauer and Bost Introduce Legislation to Address Rural Teacher Shortages 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today,U.S. Reps. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) and Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat inadequate funding and teacher shortages in rural schools. The Rural Education Investment Act requires the Secretary of Education to determine the percentage of K-12 students living in rural areas and ensures it is equal to the percentage of Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant dollars going to schools in rural areas. The TQP Grant Program allows teachers to be placed in a full-time classroom clinical practice while completing Master's-level coursework. All Iowa students deserve access to a high-quality education wherever their home may be, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, From Grinnell, to Northwood, to Waukon, the Rural Education Investment Act will help ensure Iowa schools have a pipeline of great teachers. After attacks on our public school teachers in the Iowa state legislature, we must do everything we can in Congress to recruit and retain teachers in our state. I am proud to join Congressman Bost in pushing for this bipartisan bill to become law. We must continue to look at finding solutions to build up and support our teachers and our kids. All students deserve access to a quality education, regardless of where they live, said Congressman Bost. A major part of that comes by educating and training highly qualified teachers. While Southern Illinois is blessed with many amazing educational professionals, rural communities face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. I'm proud to lead this bipartisan effort to ensure that rural areas receive assistance and resources necessary to grow the next generation of America's leaders. Through establishing model residency programs, the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) program is essential in preparing educators of the 21st century, said Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations, National Education Association. NEA is proud to support the Rural Education Investment Act to ensure rural communities benefit from TQP and rec… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-small-business-bill-passes-house-part-defense-authorization-expected Finkenauer Small Business Bill Passes House as part of Defense Authorization, Expected to be Signed in to Law 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, the U.S. House of Representatives again passed Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer's (IA-01) first bill, HR 246, which will help bring investment to small businesses in Iowa. When originally passed on January 14, 2019 it was the first bill authored and passed by a freshman member of Congress, making her the youngest woman in history to pass a bill in Congress.Clickhere for a videoof Finkenauer speaking in support of HR 246 on the House floor. I always remember why I came to Congress, which is to always stand up for the future of Iowa, so I'm happy that my first bill to help Iowa's small businesses grow was again passed by the House and is on its way to becoming law, Finkenauer said. As Chairwoman of the Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee, I've been focused on ways we can grow Iowa's main streets and support our small businesses which are the backbone of our communities. To help put innovative small businesses on the map, Congress created the Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These initiatives provide capital and other support to allow small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the goal of commercialization. Thebill would help more small businesses access theSBIRand STTR programs, especially in rural communities. Specifically, the bill would require acquisition personnel to conduct outreach so more small firms can benefit from theSBIRand STTR programs. Finkenauer's bill passed today as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, S.1790 (NDAA). The NDAA is an important piece of must-pass, bipartisan legislation that Congress considers annually. It is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-votes-largest-pay-raise-military-members-decade Finkenauer Votes for Largest Pay Raise for Military Members in a Decade 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenuer (IA-01) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation will include a 3.1% pay raise for military service members, the largest pay increase approved by Congress in the last decade. Right now, there are many Iowans who are deployed and will spend the holidays away from their families, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, While I know this is a hard time to be apart, I hope that providing this pay raise will mean the holidays will be just a little brighter for our men and women who serve our country. I am also proud that my bill, which passed the House in the first two weeks of Congress, was included in the package and is now on its way to becoming law. It will directly help create more opportunity in Iowa. The legislation includes two provisions that Congresswoman Finkenauer introduced this year: The Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act Secures Military Asset Corrosion and Readiness Priority The NDAA also includes other key provisions that will help hard-working Iowans. It will authorize 12 weeks of paid parental leave to all federal workers. The legislation also includes several provisions strengthening protections and support for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors. Background on the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act The bipartisan bill helps small businesses apply for government technology grants and contracts. To help put innovative small firms on the map, Congress created the Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These initiatives provide capital and other support to allow small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the goal of commercialization. Thebill would help more small businesses access theSBIRand STTR programs, especially in rural communities. Specifically, the bill would require acquisition personnel to conduct outreach so more small firms can benefit from theSBIRand STTR programs. Congresswoman Finkenauer … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-reps-call-administration-uphold-integrity-rfs Iowa Reps Call on Administration to Uphold Integrity of RFS 2019-12-11 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01),Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) sent a letter to Russell Vought, the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and President Trump, about the EPA's October supplemental proposed rule regarding the reallocation of Small Refinery Exemptions (SRE) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). On Friday, December 6, 2019 the EPA sent their proposed rule to OMB for final review. The Members of Congress expressed serious concerns that the rule as drafted fails to keep the RFS whole, and called on Vought to ensure that the final rule upholds the Administration's guarantee of blending 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol on an annual basis, as is mandated by law. CLICK HERE to read the letter. As we travel through our districts in Iowa, we hear first-hand from farmers, renewable fuel producers, and rural communities about the harm caused by the explosion of small refinery exemption (SRE) applications that EPA has approved in recent years. These conditions have caused three ethanol facilities to close permanently and another fourteen to idle, affecting nearly 3,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of corn bushels on an annual basis,the Members wrote.The RFS promises our rural economies that 15-billion gallons of conventional ethanol and increasing volumes of advanced biofuels such as biodiesel will be blended into the nation's transportation fuel supply. Without a binding commitment that EPA will account for exemptions granted by EPA, this rule fails to keep the RFS whole. The Members concluded,The Office of Management and Budget must ensure that the final rule upholds the integrity of the RFS, avoids further plant closures, and provides farmers and producers certainty going forward. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397332 Loebsack Statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after a deal was reached on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).I am pleased that the negotiators have come to an agreement on a new trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Throughout this process, I have fought the offshoring of Iowa jobs and have been closely monitoring the negotiations to ensure Iowa's workers, farmers and manufacturing companies are protected. In the end, this agreement contains many components that I have said must be included, such as robust enforcement mechanisms, strong rights for workers, high standards for the environment and preserving Congress's power to improve access to affordable prescriptions. The President's Twitter Trade War has harmed farmers and manufactures, and I'm hopeful this agreement will finally provide them with the certainty they need. Now, it is critical that these provisions be accurately reflected in the final text and that Iowa's working families will be the ones benefitting from this deal." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-authors-amendments-bolster-hr-3 Axne Authors Amendments to Bolster H.R. 3 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) submitted four amendments to H.R. 3 to better serve Iowans she has met with over the past 12 months. H.R. 3 will cap out of pocket Medicare drug costs for seniors, allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and is expected to be voted on Thursday, December 12th. Axne's first amendment requires the FDA to report which prescription drugs only have one manufacturer, thus making them vulnerable to price increases. Currently vincristine, a pediatric cancer drug, is experiencing a shortage because the only drug company who made it had a manufacturing issue, resulting in the shortage. Axne, along with ten bipartisan Members of Congress, have already sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services requesting information about this shortage. The vincristine shortage puts children's lives at risk all because we placed our faith into one company without a backup plan. I know there are hundreds of vital drugs that face shortages any given year, which is why I'm calling on the FDA to provide a full list to Congress and outline their plan for improvement, said Rep. Axne. Parents need answers for their children, doctors need answers for their patients, and no American should worry their life saving medication is just going to up and vanish. Axne's second amendment will create a grant program to help reduce health care administrative costs and burdens, as well as reduce costs associated with health care administration by 50% at the federal level. In 2016, a study found that doctors are spending almost twice as much time on administrative work as they do seeing patients. Congresswoman Axne has met with doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and other health providers who are feeling burnt out by paperwork which only exacerbates the doctor shortage that's already occurring in rural America. Ask any health care professional about the excessive and laborious paperwork they have to do, and they'll tell you that it's burning them out on top of wasting time and mon… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-praises-deal-usmca Rep. Axne Praises Deal on the USMCA 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) released the following statement today after Speaker Pelosi's announcement on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). I am pleased that the USMCA is ready, Rep. Axne said. I have long been an advocate for getting this agreement done so our farmers and manufacturers can have certainty in our two largest markets. Farmers have had a tough few years, with a harmful trade war, devastating weather and a RFS being undermined by the EPA. This agreement would provide certainty for farmers and producers by ending the threat of back and forth retaliatory tariffs that this administration has pursued. I am thankful that the House Working Group and U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer worked in good faith and negotiated a better deal for all Americans and did so before the year end. Rep. Axne has been a leader in calling for action on USMCA. In October, Rep. Axne spoke on the House floor and urged her colleagues to continue to work to finalize the agreement. Last Thursday, Rep. Axne sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer and called for action on the USMCA before the end of the year. Trade is fundamental to the state of Iowa, Rep. Axne wrote. Iowa ranks first in the nation in exports of corn, pork, feed and other grains, and is number two in soybeans. Last year alone Iowa exported $4.2 billion in goods to Canada, 30 percent of the state's total exports, and $2.3 billion to Mexico. Overall, Iowa is the second largest agricultural exporting state in the country. Modernizing our trade agreement with our two closest neighbors is critical to ensuring market stability for Iowans. USMCA would modernize and build upon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which went into effect in 1994. The three countries signed USMCA in November of 2018 and on May 30, 2019 the administration submitted the text of the agreement to Congress. Speaker Pelosi then convened the House Working Group to review the text and negotiate with Ambassador Lighthizer over final provisions. Rep. Ax… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-new-trade-deal-canada-and-mexico Finkenauer Statement on New Trade Deal with Canada and Mexico 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the announcement of a new trade deal between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The deal that democrats secured today through the Trade Representative, working with Canada and Mexico, provides certainty to our farmers that the president won't pull out of NAFTA or close down the border, as he has dangerously threatened to do. It also ensures we can enforce labor and environmental standards that will protect Iowa jobs, and eliminates a provision in the original USMCA that would have locked in high prescription drug prices for years to come. While this is a historic update to an important trade deal with our largest trading partners, I will continue to focus on issues that are hurting our agriculture and manufacturing economy in Iowa. As we still lack any agreement or certainty in markets with China for our soybean farmers and manufacturers, and have seen the devastating effects of this administration siding with big oil over our corn growers, I remain as concerned as I was yesterday about the future of our economy in Iowa. I hope our Governor and Senators will join me in my urgency to the Trump administration to not ignore what we see happening on the ground and in our communities in Iowa from bankruptcy to ethanol plant closures, we cannot let up. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-urges-medicaid-reforms-letter-gov-reynolds-response-mental-health Finkenauer Urges Medicaid Reforms in Letter to Gov. Reynolds in Response to Mental Health Center Closure 2019-12-10 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to express deep concern over the recently announced closure of Hillcrest Family Services' Subacute Mental Health Services Program in Dubuque. Hillcrest's difficult decision to discontinue subacute services is largely credited to the state's system of privatized Medicaid and a lack of state investment in critical health services. This closure will mean less access to critical mental health care for people in Iowa's First Congressional District, and Finkenauer is asking for reform to prevent future closures. Finkenauer said,Medicaid managed care is causing heartbreaking situations in our district and state, and it's simply a failed policy. I have heard stories from my own constituents who were denied life-saving tube feedings. Every day this failed and devastating policy isn't fixed, more and more vulnerable Iowans and families will pay the price. The Branstad-Reynolds administration already ignored warnings about Medicaid managed care, and it's clear now Governor Reynoldscontinues to turn a blind eye to the pain being caused across Iowa. The stories and heartbreak continue. In my federal legislative role I'm encouraged by the ongoing federal investigation into managed care organizations, but continue to be concerned by inaction in Iowa. Iowa is my home and my constituents deserve more attention during this ongoing needless crisis. Access to mental health services dwindling in Iowa despite need: Iowa already ranks last in the nation when it comes to the availability of in-patient psychiatric treatment and is experiencing a shortage of mental health providers, including psychiatrists. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health: Approximately 600,000 Iowans are living with some type of mental illness 16.5% of young people experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people). For those living with mental illness, it takes an average of 11 years for them to get treatment from the first time … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-urges-action-usmca Axne Urges Action on USMCA 2019-12-05 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer urging action on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The agreement is in the final stages of negotiations between Congressional leadership and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizier. With only 9 legislative days remaining before the end of the year, Rep. Axne is calling for action. Trade is fundamental to the state of Iowa, Rep. Axne wrote. Iowa ranks first in the nation in exports of corn, pork, feed and other grains, and is number two in soybeans. Last year alone Iowa exported $4.2 billion in goods to Canada, 30 percent of the state's total exports, and $2.3 billion to Mexico. Overall, Iowa is the second largest agricultural exporting state in the country. Modernizing our trade agreement with our two closest neighbors is critical to ensuring market stability for Iowans. USMCA would modernize and build upon the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which went into effect in 1994. Rep. Axne has heard from many constituents across her district about the importance of ensuring market access for Iowa's agricultural and manufacturing products in Canada and Mexico, Iowa's top two trading partners. Iowa farmers are facing rising levels of farm debt and an EPA that is working to undermine the RFS, hurting demand for corn and soybeans, and are asking for certainty in this agreement. Iowa farmers have had a tough year with devastating weather across the state, ongoing trade wars harming export markets, and an EPA set on undermining the RFS and destroying demand for corn and soybeans, Rep. Axne wrote. A finalized trade agreement would provide certainty for farmers and producers by ending the threat of back and forth retaliatory tariffs that this administration has pursued. In October, Rep. Axne spoke on the House floor and urged her colleagues to continue to work to finalize the agreement. Also within the USMCA agreement are provisions dealing with labor standard protections and intellectual … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-helps-pass-bill-stop-predatory-robocalls Finkenauer Helps Pass Bill to Stop Predatory Robocalls 2019-12-04 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)voted to pass the bipartisan and bicameral Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence (TRACED) Act. The bill passed the House of Representatives Wednesday afternoon 417-3. I heard directly from folks in my district about how robocalls are impacting them, and since then, have been working to take action. It's heartbreaking to hear stories of people who handed over hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to a scammer,Congresswoman Finkenauer said,These con artists target vulnerable people in our communities to intimidate them into wiring money or giving up personal information that could lead to identity theft. We need to look out for our fellow Iowans and I'm happy to be taking additional action to stop these abusive practices. Since hearing directly from constituents in a Dubuque townhall, Finkenauer has been working across the aisle to try and stop Iowans from being targeted by robocalls. In July, shecosponsored and helped pass theStopping Bad Robocalls Act. While robocalls can be an annoying nuisance, they are becoming more harmful and predatory. Robocalls have been disguised as the IRS looking to collect a debt, local governments and police departments, and loved ones, in trouble, looking for help. Congress has even heard stories of scammers disrupting the operations of hospitals. 2018 saw a nearly 60% increase in the number of robocalls over the previous year and this disturbing trend continues. Approximately half of all calls made to US cell phones in 2019 will be spam, according to the FCC. The TRACED Act: Requires carriers to offer call-authentication technology to consumers and small businessesin rural and urban Americaat no additional charge; Requires Opt-in or opt-out robocall blocking be offered at no additional charge to consumers; Gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the ability to step up enforcement actions against unlawful robocalls with a longer statute of limitations and increased fines in certain cases… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-leads-oversight-small-business-administration-s-rural-office Finkenauer Leads Oversight of Small Business Administrations Rural Office 2019-12-03 2019 2019-12 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) Subcommittee, led an oversight effort focused on the Office of Rural Affairs at the Small Business Administration (SBA). The letter asks the Office's new director, Michelle Christian, how she plans to ensure the Office is established properly and how it will serve rural entrepreneurs, especially those in our agricultural communities. Finkenauer was joined on the letter by Rep. T.J. Cox (D-CA-21) and RATE Subcommittee members Reps. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS-AL) and Angie Craig (D-MN-02). We are glad that the Small Business Administration has chosen a director to lead its Office of Rural Affairs. However, we still have outstanding questions about the Office's mission and operations,Finkenauer and the members wrote,The Office of Rural Affairs is needed now more than ever, and we want to know that the Office will serve these agricultural operations and businesses. The purpose of Finkenauer's letter is to: Find out why the SBA decided to appoint a director to the Office of Rural Affairs despite the Office not being fully established for more than 25 years Find out what the strategic plan for the Office looks like, requesting information on the Office's size, scope, and budget Find out how the office will serve farmers and rural small business that face a wide range of challenges Find out how Congress can ensure a strong partnership with the Office to serve rural America Congresswoman Finkenauer has pushed for answers on the SBA's Office of Rural Affairs since May 2019. Only recently, Finkenauer's office discovered the SBA appointed Christian to direct the Office, but the SBA has failed to communicate about the Office's operations and services. The letter requests a response from Director Christian within 60 days. Background The Office of Rural Affairs was authorized in the Small Business Act in 1990 to help the SBA effectively serve farme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grant-new-disability-transport-vans Finkenauer Announces Grant for New Disability Transport Vans 2019-11-27 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced a $50,000 grant is being awarded to the Makoqueta-based Imagine the Possibilities, Inc. The grant is being distributed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office. Empowering those who empower others can have an incredible impact on our communities. This grant will go a long way to ensuring some of our friends and neighbors can lead fulfilling and independent lives,Congresswoman Finkenauer said,I am committed to elevating the needs and voices in our community, and work with anyone who is serious about improving lives for folks in our district. The grant will be used to purchase two transportation vans for individuals with disabilities in the community. The vehicles will be used in and around Maquoketa and will replace high-mileage vehicles. Imagine the Possibilities, Inc. provides community-based services to people with disabilities. The organization one of the largest in Iowa providing a variety of services and service locations to individuals with developmental disabilities. Congresswoman Finkenauer represents Iowa's First Congressional District which includes Makoqueta. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-visits-decorah-social-security-office Finkenauer Visits Decorah Social Security Office 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)visited the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Decorah. Finkenauer met with Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski and the Social Security Administration's Regional Public Affairs Office Communications Director, Jewell Colbert. Colbert informed Finkenauer and Borowski that the office will remain staffed with in-person services, confirming a letter Finkenauer received from the SSA last week. Mayor Borowski and the folks who rely on this facility raised their voices, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, They told Washington not to close down this office down, and we were happy to make sure the community was heard. I want to thank Mayor Borowski for sending me the first letter which raised the alarm on this issue, and I want to thank Jewell Colbert and his staff for working with my office to bring the community answers. I am happy Social Security beneficiaries in Decorah, and surrounding Iowa communities, will still have the services they can depend on. Last month,Finkenauer sent a letter to the Social Security Administrationpushing for answers on what the SSA planned to do with the Decorah office. In August, members of the community learned that the Social Security Administration might close the Decorah field office and explore ways to offer to services remotely through videoconferencing. After hearing from community members worried about the closure, Rep. Finkenauer decided to write to the Social Security Administration to express these concerns and get the facts for Social Security beneficiaries in Northeast Iowa. Mayor Lorraine Borowski said, "As mayor of Decorah and on behalf of the citizens of this rural northeast area corner of the state, I greatly appreciated Representative Finkenauer's due diligence in assuring that there will be a face to face social security representative for our office. In a letter to Finkenauer, theSSA Regional Commissioner Linda G. Kerr-Davis wrote,we currently do not plan to close the Decorah, IA resident station. Rathe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-visits-small-businesses-fayette Finkenauer Visits Small Businesses in Fayette 2019-11-26 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy Finkenauer Visits Small Businesses in Fayette WASHINGTON, DC Monday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) toured Main Street in Fayette, Iowa. Finkenauer was joined by Fayette Mayor Andrew Wenthe. Ensuring our rural small businesses have the tools they need to thrive is one of my top priorities, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, As we move closer to the holiday shopping season, it's important to remember our locally-owned family businesses are the backbone of our community. I will continue standing up for our local small business owners and hard-working families, like those that I met today. Monday's stop was an opportunity to hear from small business owner in downtown Fayette on what tools are most helpful to entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses in rural communities. Finkenauer stopped at six local businesses in Fayette: Poor Automotive Beauty Room Fayette Sweets Shrubb's Street Eatery Scott Pharmacy Driftless Area Guide Company Finkenauer also visited Upper Iowa University. Earlier this year, Finkenauer led a bipartisan effort that secured robust funding for programs that help entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses, including Small Business Development Centers, Microloan Technical Assistance, Women's Business Centers, State and Trade Export Promotion, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and SCORE, which connects budding entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who volunteer their assistance. The Trump Administration had previously proposed cuts to these programs but Finkenauer successfully worked with her Democratic and Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives, not only preventing the cuts but strengthening the programs that have been working for entrepreneurs across the state. Finknenauer is a member of the House Committee on Small Business and is the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE). 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-speaks-about-independence-iowa-mental-health-institute-attack-during Finkenauer Speaks about Independence, Iowa Mental Health Institute Attack during House Floor Speech 2019-11-22 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Thursday,Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) shared the story of Tina Suckow during a floor speech to the U.S. House of Representatives. Finkenauer was speaking in favor of House Resolution 1309, theWorkplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act. Finkenauer cosponsored and voted for the legislation, which passed 251-158 on Friday. Tina wants her story shared so that employees like her are protected. Finkenauer said,Today, I will be casting this vote this vote for Tina Suckow, who I know is watching at home today. This bill will require places, like the State of Iowa, to stop failing their employees by requiring workplace protections and is a first step in protecting Iowans on the front lines. I'm standing with our hard-working men and women, today, who ask for a safe workplace. Suckow was badly injured during a 2018 incident where she and her coworkers were trying to subdue an agitated patient. The patient hit Suckow repeatedly causing neurological damage and injuring her knee and shoulder. Suckow is still physically unable to return to work, and the State of Iowa kicked her off the payroll resulting in the loss of her health insurance. According to arecent reportby the Associated Press, Staffers at theIndependence Mental Health Institutestruggle to manage violent outbursts due to inadequate emergency response plans, low staffing levels, poor communication and ineffective safety shields that they're not trained to use, according to an inspection conducted by the IowaOccupational Safety and Health Administration. Finkenauer harshly criticized a 2017 state law which stripped collective bargaining rights from state employees and weakened requirements for workplace safety plans. H.R. 1309 would require the U.S. Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care and social service sectors.It would require certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for protecting health care workers, social service workers, and other personnel from workp… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397331 Loebsacks Legislation to Improve Broadband Availability Maps Passes House Committee 2019-11-21 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed his bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4229, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. Loebsack's legislation will help improve the accuracy of FCC broadband data maps by changing the way broadband data is collected. The legislation was cosponsored by Reps. Bob Latta (OH-05), Billy Long (MO-07) and Donald McEachin (VA-04) and now heads to the full House for its consideration. CLICK HERE for video of Loebsack discussing his Broadband DATA Act.I am very pleased that the House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed the Broadband DATA Act by unanimous vote. This bill is important to actually fixing the problem and getting highspeed broadband to where it is needed, especially in rural areas. Without the best data available, we cannot properly invest in building out broadband access. I look forward to getting this legislation passed in the House and on its way to the Senate, said Loebsack.Specifically, the Broadband DATA Act: Requires the FCC to collect granular service availability data from wired, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband providers Requires strong parameters for service availability data collected from mobile broadband providers to ensure accuracy. Asks the FCC to consider whether to collect verified coverage data from state, local, and tribal governments, as well as from other entities. Creates a process for consumers, state, local, and Tribal governments, and other groups to challenge FCC maps with their own data, and requires the FCC to determine how to structure the process without making it overly burdensome on challengers.A significant digital divide remains between urban and rural America. Congressman Loebsack is a leader in working to close this divide by promoting broadband deployment throughout rural America. Loebsack serves on the Communications and Technology subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over te… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-94-million-grant-iowa-bus-system-improvements Finkenauer Announces $9.4 Million Grant for Iowa Bus System Improvements 2019-11-21 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced the Iowa Department of Transportation will receive a $9,414,785.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Buses and Bus Facilities Program. This grant will help the State finance buses and bus facilities capital projects, including replacing, rehabilitating, purchasing or leasing buses or related equipment, and rehabilitating, purchasing, constructing or leasing bus-related facilities. Iowa has one of the oldest bus systems in the country, and ensuring it stays up and running is critical to ensuring Iowans can get to work, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, I am happy to see this significant investment being made in our state. I'm hopeful that this will result in direct and noticeable improvements for people in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque, and the rest our district and state. Whether it's our crumbling roads and bridges, or our public transportation systems, it is critical that we keep working to improve our infrastructure. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, the grant will be used to replace 107 of the oldest public transportation buses in the state.21 public transportation systems will receive funding. Earlier this year, Rep. Finkenauer urged the House Appropriations Committee to increase funding for this important program. Last year, Iowa received a $7,000,000 grant from the same U.S. DOT program which was meant to replace rural buses. Iowa has 23 rural public transit systems that provided 4.3 million trips in 2017. Congresswoman Finkenauer serves as Vice Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. She is committed to rebuilding Iowa's infrastructure, and ensuring it's done with quality American-made materials and by local, local hard-working skilled laborers. Finkenauer has championed the bipartisanRural Road Safety Act and Fixing America's Bridges Act. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-introduces-resolution-supporting-national-rural-health-day Finkenauer Introduces Resolution Supporting National Rural Health Day 2019-11-20 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)introduced a congressional resolution to recognize and support National Rural Health Day, which is tomorrow, November 21, 2019. Sixty million hardworking Americans live in rural communities and are increasingly facing barriers to accessing the health care services they need. This is because our rural health facilities face systemic challenges, including low reimbursements, physician workforce shortages, and difficulty accessing certain technologies like telehealth. National Rural Health Day was established in 2010 to emphasize the importance of rural America and recognize the efforts and contributions to address the unique challenges in rural health care. Finkenauer's National Rural Health Day Resolution expresses that Congress supports the goals and ideals of National Rural Health Day, celebrates rural health care providers and rural Americans, and commits to advancing policy to improve health care accessibility and affordability in rural America. High quality healthcare is important all across Iowa and deserves special attention to make sure that no matter where you live, you have access, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, I look forward to celebrating National Rural Health Day tomorrow. Our health care providers are doing amazing work serving rural America, but there's a lot of work to be done to increase health care access while lowering cost. Dr. Marygrace Elson, President of the Iowa Medical Society, said, RuralIowa faces significant and growinghealthaccess issues. In many corners of our state, patients must travel long distances for even basic medical care and manyruralfacilities are facing difficult decisions regarding the services they are able to continue to provide. We must do more to supportruralpractices andruralrecruitment efforts.NationalRuralHealthDay is an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges facingruralAmerica and the opportunities to address them. This includes common sense measures like expansion of the successful Conrad 30 prog… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-reps-call-mlb-halt-contraction-42-minor-league-teams Iowa Reps Call on MLB to Halt Contraction of 42 Minor League Teams 2019-11-20 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Congresswoman Cindy Axne (IA-03) released the following joint statement on Major League Baseball's proposal to strip MLB club affiliation from 42 Minor League Baseball teams, including three in Iowa: Iowa is a field of dreams for many rising professional baseball players, and as Iowans, we are proud to see the game's future stars play in our own backyards. Iowans have a deep love and passion for the game and minor league baseball teams offer Iowan families an incredible connection to America's pastime. We view Major League Baseball's proposal to eliminate some of Iowa's teams as a bad call, and we urge the league to overturn it.We will continue to stand up for the fans, players, and employees of the Burlington Bees, the Clinton LumberKings, and the Quad Cities River Bandits. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-decorah-social-security-office-will-remain-open Finkenauer Announces Decorah Social Security Office will Remain Open 2019-11-19 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Decorah, Iowa will remain open and staffed with in-person service. In a letter to Finkenauer, the SSA Regional Commissioner Linda G. Kerr-Davis wrote, we currently do not plan to close the Decorah, IA resident station. Rather, we plan to supplement our in-person service by offering an additional video service option and provide tailored public service through accessible community-based facilities. I heard from community members in Decorah, including Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski, about how serious a potential office closure would be, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, It was important to make sure the SSA was hearing the voices of our friends and neighbors that would be impacted. I am happy to hear that the SSA will keep the Decorah office open and will still offer in-person service. Last month, Finkenauer sent a letter to the Social Security Administration pushing for answers on what the SSA planned to do with the Decorah office. In August, members of the community learned that the Social Security Administration might close the Decorah field office and explore ways to offer to services remotely through videoconferencing. After hearing from community members worried about the closure, Rep. Finkenauer decided to write to the Social Security Administration to express these concerns and get the facts for Social Security beneficiaries in Northeast Iowa. The Decorah office serves beneficiaries from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, many of whom drive hours to for an in-person meeting with trained staff, as opposed to handling claims or appeals online. Congresswoman Finkenauer represents Iowa's First Congressional District, which includes Decorah and parts of the surrounding area, which is served by the Social Security field office. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-federal-grant-early-childhood-development-programs Finkenauer Announces Federal Grant for Early Childhood Development Programs 2019-11-15 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) will receive a $1,718,924 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. MICA primarily serves families in Hardin, Marshall, Poweshiek, Story, and Tama counties. The grant money can be applied to Head Start programs which help young children from low-income families be prepared to begin and succeed in school. Congresswoman Finkenauer recently visited Woodbury Elementary School in Marshalltown to talk with students there about the importance of education and leadership, and has been prioritizing ensuring Iowa's children and students have the support they need to be successful and contribute to Iowa's economic growth. We need to make sure our young kids have every opportunity to start on a level playing field. We know that early childhood development is an incredibly important, and has a direct link to success, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, This grant will mean more kids from our community get the chance to start school on the right foot, and I'm happy to see this type of investment. I will continue fighting to ensure all our young kids get opportunities to participate in early childhood development programs. Mid-Iowa Community Action, Inc. (MICA) is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and families in central Iowa. Established in 1965 to serve children and families affected by the conditions of poverty, MICA provides early childhood, health, family development and housing services as well as community enrichment programs. BACKGROUND ON HEAD START: Head Start promotes the school readiness of young children from low-income families through agencies in their local community. Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the comprehensive development of children from birth to age 5, in centers, child care partner locations, and in their own homes. Head Start services include early learning, health, and family well-being. Since Head Start was founded in 1965, Head Start has grown from a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397329 Loebsack Introduces Resolution Honoring the Importance of School Psychologists 2019-11-13 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack recently introduced a bipartisan resolution to recognize the week of November 11-15, 2019 as National School Psychology Week. H.Res.692 honors the work of school psychologists as an integral part of the dedicated team of professionals working in our schools to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve academic success and reach their full potential. The resolution is supported by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).When students have access to the support and resources they need to succeed, they learn more and live a healthier life. Every day, school psychologists work tirelessly to help provide students with those resources, said Rep. Loebsack. School psychologists play a critical role in our educational system and I am proud to again introduce this resolution to honor their hard work.School psychologists are uniquely qualified and critical members of school teams who support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach by applying their expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior. Now more than ever, we need the work that school psychologists do to keep schools safe and free of violence, and to improve the academic achievement of students. We greatly appreciate that Congressman Loebsack recognizes the important work that school psychologists do every day, and for his sponsorship of this Congressional resolution recognizing National School Psychology Week, said NASP Executive Director, Dr. Kathleen Minke. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/dubuque-receive-grant-us-department-transportation Dubuque to Receive Grant from U.S. Department of Transportation 2019-11-07 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)announced Dubuque County will receive a $5,452,023.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investment to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. The grant money is approved for use on several repairs and improvements in Dubuque. Our roads, highways, and bridges are critical to ensuring our communities continue to thrive, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, While a long term solution for repairing our infrastructure is needed, I am happy to see this type of investment in our district, and I know it will mean improvements that people will notice every day. The grant can be applied toward: - Roadway repairs, intersection improvements, and a trail extension on the northwest side of Dubuque - Resurfacing, rehabilitating, and, adding signalized intersections at W. John Deere Road and U.S. 52 and W. John Deere Road and S. John Deere Road - Reconstructing approximately 3.1 miles of the Northwest Arterial - Adding turn lanes at the Peru Road and S. John Deere Road intersection - Adding southbound lane on S. John Deere Road from W. John Deere to South of Peru road - Constructing a new multi-use trail to connect the John Deere factory with the Heritage Trail Congresswoman Finkenauer is committed to rebuilding Iowa's infrastructure, and ensuring it's done with quality American-made materials and by local, local hard-working skilled laborers. As a member of the House Transportation & Highway Committee, she has introduced the bipartisan Rural Road Safety Act. Finkenauer also serves as Vice-Chair of the Highways and Transit Subcommittee. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-and-horn-lead-letter-leadership-urging-extension-key-biofuels-tax Finkenauer and Horn Lead Letter to Leadership Urging Extension of Key Biofuels Tax Incentives 2019-11-06 2019 2019-11 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)and Congresswoman Kendra Horn (OK-05) led a Democratic caucus letter to House leadership urging action on extension of the biodiesel tax credit. Specifically, the lawmakers are asking for extensions of the biodiesel, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and second generation biofuel producer tax credits. In the letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal,the representatives wrote, we respectfully urge you to find a path forward for the expired clean energy tax incentives that have lapsed in recent years. Extending the biodiesel, alternative fuel vehicle refueling property, and second generation biofuel producer tax credits are especially important to the regions we represent. Their extension is not only a step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also would bring much-needed relief to those that counted on these incentives. Joining Finkenauer and Horn on the letter were representatives;Cindy Axne (IA-03), Angie Craig (MN-02), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Collin Peterson (MN-07), T.J. Cox (CT-21), Jim Himes (CT-04), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), David Cicilline (RI-01), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Ruben Gallego (AZ-07), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Jim Langevin (RI-02), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Max Rose (NY-11), Sean Casten (IL-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Jahana Hayes (CT-05), Ben McAdams (UT-04), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ann Kuster (NH-02), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Rick Larsen (WA-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Bobby Rush (IL-01), Ben Ray Lujn (NM-03), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), John Garamendi (CA-03), and Peter DeFazio (OR-04). The biodiesel tax credit has become vital to Iowa's economy by bringing down gas prices, creating opportunities for farmers and biofuel producers, and bringin… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397328 Loebsack Statement on Impeachment Inquiry Vote 2019-10-31 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to continue the impeachment inquiry. Today is a solemn day in the history of the U.S. House, but because of the serious allegations against the President, the House must continue its due diligence and move this investigation forward. Today's vote was a necessary step to move to the next stage of the investigation and get all the facts out in the open for the American people to see and make their own judgment. I continue to hold out hope that the administration will end its stonewalling to ensure Congress and the American people are able to follow the evidence where it may lead. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-ongoing-house-investigative-proceedings Finkenauer Statement on Ongoing House Investigative Proceedings 2019-10-31 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on House Resolution 660: With the new information and testimony coming out, it only reinforces the concerns around President Trump's conduct. We are now seeing more evidence that draws a clearer picture showing the president may have jeopardized national security for his own personal gain. It is important that Congress, and the American people, have more opportunities to learn the facts and understand the full scope of the president's actions. The ground rules laid out in today's resolution will make testimony and facts public. It will also give President Trump a more than fair opportunity to defend his actions, going beyond other modern impeachment proceedings. I continue to support the investigations of the congressional committees looking into this matter, and will always stand by and defend the Constitution of the United States. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-meets-iowa-biofuels-producer-after-testimony-sre-impact Finkenauer Meets with Iowa Biofuels Producer after Testimony on SRE Impact 2019-10-29 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer(IA-01)met with KellyNieuwenhuis,an Iowa family farmer andpresident of Iowa-basedand farmer-ownedSiouxland Energy Cooperative.Finkenauer andNieuwenhuisdiscussed how Iowans are being impacted by small refinery exemption(SRE)waivers, and other policyother policy proposals aimed at undercuttingthe Renewable Fuel Standard(RFS). Earlier Tuesday,Nieuwenhuistestified at the House Committee on Energy & Commerce's hearing titledProtecting the RFS: The Trump Administration's Abuse of Secret Waivers." Plain and simple, the EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency) abuse of small refinery exemptions under the RFS is crippling ruralAmerica...Nieuwenhuissaid,during his opening statement,Because of the EPA's actions to help the oil industry's bottom line, at the expense of farmers and biofuelsproducers, we had to make a hard decision to idle our plant and shut off a key market for hundreds of local farmers, including myself. Nieuwenhuiswas invited to testify by Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02). Congresswoman Finkenauer said,It was incredibly important that an Iowan impacted by this administration's attacks on the Renewable Fuel Standard was able to share his story. Mr.Nieuwenhuis'voice on this issue speaks for thousands of Iowans who are on the painful end of the president's broken promises. I am hopeful today's hearing moves us closer to holding the administration accountable for its attacks on the RFS, and that it pushes the administration to uphold its promises to Iowans. Earlier this summer,Finkenauer led a bipartisan callfor the Government Accountability Office to investigate the administration's secretive process for granting small refinery exemption waivers. Congresswoman Finkenauer and the representatives are asking for the GAO to investigate: The Environmental Protection Agency's approval process for small refinery exemption waivers The role of the Department of Energy in reviewing and scoring waiver applications What factors are being considering in the assessment … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-crawford-introduce-bill-help-new-and-beginning-farmers Finkenauer, Crawford Introduce Bill to Help New and Beginning Farmers 2019-10-28 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-01) and Congressman Rick Crawford (R-AR-01) introduced the Farmers' Access to Resources and Machinery (FARM) Act. The legislation builds on the success of the state-level Aggie Bond program and makes common-sense improvements that will increase beginning farmers' access to the financing they need. Specifically, the bill will increase the amount of financing that can be used towards farm improvements and equipment. It also updates the eligibility requirements for the program to make them more consistent with the standards used by US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. In order to ensure our farming heritage stays alive, we need to encourage our younger generation to carry on the tradition and make sure we're setting them up for success, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, Farmers are already dealing with expensive production costs and low prices, which are being made significantly worse by the ongoing trade war with China, so we need to knock down the barriers where we can. I'm grateful that my colleagues across the aisle are joining me to help ensure Iowa's young farmers have access to money that can help them get their start. Congressman Crawford said, Our farmers are critical to our national security, ensuring our nation can feed and clothe itself. Unfortunately, the American farmer is slowly becoming an endangered species, with the average producer age at 57.5 years. Aggie Bonds will enable young farmers to access needed financing, giving them a chance to build their own businesses and participate in the one of the world's oldest and most important vocations. Agriculture is the backbone of rural America and I will continue working to strengthenthis industry and ensure its longevity. The bipartisan FARM Act is supported by the National Young Farmers Coalition, Iowa Pork Producers, and Iowa Soybean Association. Land access and affordability are consistently ranked as among the top challenges for young farmers and ranchers, and aggie bonds are an im… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-presses-answers-decorah-social-security-office Finkenauer Presses for Answers on Decorah Social Security Office 2019-10-25 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Andrew Saul, to push for answers on the future of the Decorah, IA Social Security office. In August, members of the community learned that the Social Security Administration might close the Decorah field office and explore ways to offer to services remotely through videoconferencing. If the Social Security Administration moves forward with this approach, beneficiaries may no longer be able to have an in-person meeting with trained staff in Decorah, Iowa. After hearing from community members worried about the closure, Rep. Finkenauer decided to write to the Social Security Administration to express these concerns and get the facts for Social Security beneficiaries in Northeast Iowa. I not only ask that you provide additional information on the circumstances surrounding the closure but urge you to consider ways to ensure that the in-person services provided at this field office remain available in Northeast Iowa Finkenauer wrote to Saul, Social Security is a promise to the American people and part of that means ensuring that these critical services remain available to those who need them. The Decorah office serves beneficiaries from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, many of whom drive hours to for an in-person meeting with trained staff, as opposed to handling claims or appeals online. Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski said, While changing the service model at our local Social Security office may seem inconsequential on paper, it will have a deep impact on people in our community, and those who travel to our community, who rely on the office. I want to thank Congresswoman Finkenauer for calling attention to this issue and for pushing the federal government to act in the best interest of her constituents. I'm hoping this leads to the Social Security Administration committing to keep the Decorah office staffed so we can ease the anxiety many of our beneficiaries are feeling over poten… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-chairs-field-hearing-gettysburg-pa-rural-broadband-access Finkenauer Chairs Field Hearing in Gettysburg, PA on Rural Broadband Access 2019-10-22 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Monday, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)chaired a Rural, Agricultural, Trade and Entrepreneurial (RATE) subcommittee hearing in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to hear how a lack of access to reliable and affordable broadband impacts rural communities. The hearing was held in Ranking Member John Joyce's (PA-13) district. Field hearings play an important role in the work of our Committee. Traveling to Washington, DC and testifying before Congress can be hard for a lot of people, Finkenauer said, Congressman Joyce's district and my district share some similar challenges when it comes to deploying broadband in rural areas. Today's hearing reaffirmed what we already knew, a lack of access to high-speed broadband in rural America is hurting people regardless of the state they live in and the party they support. I'm happy the Congressman Joyce is committed to working on this bipartisan issue, and together, we can keep moving closer to a solution. Finkenauer serves on the Rural Broadband Taskforce and has introduced the Broadband Transparency and Accountability Act to address the digital divide through improved broadband mapping. Currently, inaccurate data on broadband services restricts competition and inflates prices in many rural areas, preventing the communities that need it most from accessing broadband. In the 21st century, access to technology is synonymous with success. In Pennsylvania, more than 800,000 people live without reliable access to the internet, said Congressman Joyce. Today's hearing was an important opportunity for Pennsylvanians to share their firsthand challenges to access rural broadband. This issue connects Americans in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and throughout our nation. As the Republican Leader of a subcommittee addressing rural development, I am committed to working alongside Chairwoman Finkenauer to develop bipartisan solutions that will never allow rural communities to fall behind." Local leaders and stakeholders testified during the hearing and explained how a lack of broadband i… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-engagement Finkenauer Announces Engagement 2019-10-21 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC The Office of Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) is pleased to announce the engagement of the Congresswoman to Mr. Daniel Wasta of Cedar Rapids, IA. The engagement occurred on Saturday, October 19, 2019 in Cedar Rapids, IA, with the wedding date forthcoming. The couple has been together for nearly two years and are excited to build their life and home together in Iowa where Rep. Finkenauer and Mr. Wasta both grew up and where their families still reside. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-passing-congressman-elijah-cummings Finkenauer Statement on Passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings 2019-10-17 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings: Congress feels emptier today without Congressman Elijah Cummings. His leadership in handling some of Congress' heaviest responsibilities, his passion for serving his district, and his voice on fighting for equality are things we should all aspire to match. My heart is with his wife, Maya, and their children. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397326 Loebsack Statement on the EPAs Supplemental SRE Rule 2019-10-15 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new supplemental proposed rule to account for gallons waived through Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) in the nation's biofuel mandate.It is outrageous that not even two weeks after the President and the EPA announced a deal' to offset the excessive number of SREs they granted to big, profitable oil companies, they fall back on their word. This proposed rule provides no assurance that the estimates used to offset the SREs would meet the actual volume of gallons exempted, leaving farmers and biofuel producers with no guarantee that the billions of gallons of biofuels exempted from the mandate would ever be restored, as has long been promised by the Trump Administration and EPA.The Administration's abuse of the SRE program has already destroyed billions of gallons of biofuel demand and led to the closure or idling of nearly 30 ethanol and biodiesel plants. This proposed rule is another in a long string of broken promises for our farmers and biofuel producers. I will continue to fight back against proposals that fall short of what was promised, and work to uphold the integrity of the RFS. It is past time our farmers and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to help provide our nation with clean, renewable fuel. BACKGROUND Representative Loebsack has been a longtime supporter of the RFS, ethanol and the biofuels industry. He has been leading the way in the House to increase oversight and transparency of the Small Refinery Exemption that the Administration has used to undermine the RFS, hurting our farmers and rural communities, while propping up Big Oil. As co-chair of the House Biofuels Caucus, Loebsack helped lead the opposition of the excessive use of the SRE, including this August when the President and EPA granted 31 new waivers. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Loebsack has continually pushed the EPA to be more transparent and called for the suspension of t… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-epas-broken-promise Axne on the EPA's Broken Promise 2019-10-15 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) released the following statement on today's Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement undermining the Administration's October 4thpromise to restore integrity' to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): This is insulting, deeply disappointing, but unfortunately, not surprising. Time and time again, this Administration comes to Iowa and pledges their support for farmers, only to go back to Washington to give hand-outs to big oil lobbyists at the expense of hardworking Iowa families and rural communities, said Rep. Axne. Let's be clear: the EPA answers to the President, not the other way around. Enough fancy press conferences and broken promises, Iowa farmers deserve action from this Administration. Today, I'm calling on the President to stand by his word and publicly demand the EPA put forth a new rule that ensures 15 billion gallons means 15 billion, said Rep. Axne. On October 4th, the Administration announced they would restore integrity' to the Renewable Fuel Standard by reallocating for all gallons lost due to biofuel waivers. The EPA today announced they would reallocate waived gallons based on recommendations made by the Department of Energy (DOE), which the EPA has consistently ignored. This bait and switch will significantly reduce market demand for ethanol and further risk the livelihood of Iowa farmers and producers. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-epas-supplemental-proposal-renewable-fuels-volumes Finkenauer Statement on EPA's Supplemental Proposal for Renewable Fuels Volumes 2019-10-15 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) announcement: Iowa's farmers and producers have been promised over and over that this administration will uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard. Just as many times, they've been let down by an administration that plays favorites with big oil. As the nation's corn growers have said, this announcement does not provide confidence that the EPA and Trump administration will follow through on promises to uphold the RFS. I will continue to fight for Iowa's growers and producers, especially as this administration keeps promising one thing and doing another. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-hosts-prescription-drug-listening-session Finkenauer Hosts Prescription Drug Listening Session 2019-10-09 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) held a listening session in Dubuque to hear how prescription drug prices are affecting constituents in Iowa's First Congressional District. Finkenauer hosted the event at Carnegie Stout Library with invited guests and shared how she is working with Democrats and Republicans on legislation to drive down the cost of prescription drugs. Participants included Mickey King from Dubuque and Heidi Lilibridge from Benton. Mickey King said, Lowering prescription costs is important to us as we are preparing our daughter for the transition to adulthood. We want to ensure that she will be able to afford insulin in order to live and have a family. By participating in this roundtable, we hope to have our voice heard and for people to understand the impact and concerns with prescription costs and insurance. "Thanks to Congresswoman Finkenauer for bringing this important issue of lowering prescription drug costs from individual families, like mine, to a national level. I appreciate her work across party lines to make this a priority, said Heidi Lillibridge. Lowering prescription drug costs is important to my family and me. Many people already have to decide between prescription drugs and food on their table. I don't want to have to make that decision." Lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans and Americans is one of my top priorities, Congresswoman Finenauer said, The stories we heard today show that our work to ease the unfair burden of high drug prices is far from done. I will keep working with anybody who is serious about common sense solutions. Iowans and Americans should not be forced to make the impossible choice between healthcare and quality of life. During the listening session, Finkenauer also heard feedback on the recently introduced drug pricing reform legislation, The Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3). The legislation aims to make prescription drugs cheaper by allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug companies and making those negotiated… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-pushes-iowa-priorities-during-visit-house-transportation Finkenauer Pushes Iowa Priorities during Visit from House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman 2019-10-07 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) hosted House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) in Iowa's First Congressional District. Finkenauer and DeFazio toured infrastructure in Buchanan County and heard from Iowans about the challenges they face while maintaining rural roads and bridges. Finkenauer and DeFazio heard from Buchanan County Engineer Brian Keierleber, then were led on a tour of two bridges in the county which were formerly deemed structurally deficient and improved under Keierleber's leadership while using non-traditional methods. The first, a bride on Lee Avenue in Independence which is made from a railroad car, and the Cedar Rock Bridge which is made from Gruen-Wald Engineered Laminate. Here in Buchanan County we're working to improve our structurally deficient bridges and ensure Iowans have safe infrastructure, said Buchanan County (IA) Engineer Brian Keierleber. I am happy Congresswoman Finkenauer invited the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to our community to see the challenges we're facing, and to see the creative methods we're using to try and address them. Still, we have a lot more work to do and these projects are expensive. I appreciate the congresswoman's efforts to raise awareness of the needs of communities like ours and the needs of local roads across the country. Finkenauer and DeFazio also heard from Iowa labor leaders during a roundtable discussion in Cedar Rapids. During the discussion, the Finkenauer and DeFazio heard about how federal fund-swapping could impact infrastructure projects and the need to expand skilled union apprenticeships and good-paying American jobs. Finkenauer recently called for an investigation into federal fund swapping practices. Monday's tour and roundtable discussion are key in ensuring Iowa's critical infrastructure needs and unique challenges are incorporated in Congress' upcoming work on a Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act. The Transportation and Infras… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-administrations-rfs-announcement Finkenauer Statement on Administration's RFS Announcement 2019-10-04 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the Trump administration's announcement regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): This is an important first step towards undoing some of the damage and chaos that the President has created for Iowa farmers and producers. I'm glad that the administration is finally stepping up to the plate, but three years of attacking the Renewable Fuel Standard has hurt our farmers, shut down plants, and killed good-paying jobs. There's still work to be done to make sure that Iowa farmers and producers get the relief they need, and I promise to keep up the pressure to make sure Washington follows through on delivering relief and making things right for the hard-working families in our district. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-sen-klobuchar-urge-usda-conduct-economic-impact-report-epa-biofuel Rep. Axne, Sen. Klobuchar Urge USDA to Conduct Economic Impact Report on EPA Biofuel 2019-10-03 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA-03) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conduct a study on the economic impact of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) abuse of biofuel waivers. In light of recent comments made by the EPA that there is zero evidence biofuel waivers are hurting our ethanol industry, Klobuchar and Axne requested the USDA specifically research and report on the impact these waivers are having on farm income, commodity prices and renewable fuel usage. The Members sent the letter ahead of a roundtable discussion, hosted by Rep. Axne and Sen. Klobuchar at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy this morning, to hear directly from farmers, producers and plant workers. Ethanol plants in states including Minnesota and Iowa have recently announced that they would temporarily close or reduce production, which has cost 2,500 rural jobs and impacted demand for more than 225 million bushels of corn, Klobuchar and Axne wrote. We strongly disagree and believe that a study from USDA on the impact to farm income, commodity prices, and renewable fuel usage for the small refinery waivers granted by the EPA will help inform the decision making process when the EPA evaluates future waiver petitions, the Members added. In the letter sent to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, the Members expressed concerns that the EPA continues to misuse small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to the detriment of farmers and rural communities. The Trump Administration recently approved 31 SREs, or so-called hardship waivers, which are intended to help small refineries by exempting them from the RFS. However, the EPA has issued dozens of waivers, including for some of the most profitable oil companies in the world, resulting in lost jobs in rural communities and lost markets for farmers at a time when they are already struggling with low commodity prices and ongoing trade di… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397325 Loebsack Statement on the EPA Halting Work on Potential Biofuels Deal 2019-10-01 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after reports surfaced that said President Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have halted work on drafting a deal with the biofuels industry.Once again, President Trump and the EPA have sided with Big Oil at the expense of America's farmers, who are already hurting from this administration's actions to sabotage the RFS by issuing an excessive number of Small Refinery Exemptions. If true, this report is a slap in the face to the farmers and rural communities who rely on a strong RFS to thrive. It is unacceptable that we are in this position in the first place, but we cannot allow President Trump and the EPA to run the biofuels industry into the ground while continuing to prop up Big Oil. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-introduces-bipartisan-fixing-america-s-bridges-act Finkenauer Introduces Bipartisan Fixing America’s Bridges Act 2019-10-01 2019 2019-10 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-01) and Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA-03) introduced the bipartisan Fixing America's Bridges Act. The bill reestablishes a federal funding program to help repair and replace structurally deficient local bridges, many of which are owned by municipalities that have trouble affording necessary maintenance. Iowa is home to more structurally deficient bridges than any other state with 5,067, which is nearly 20% of all Iowan bridges. Most of those are locally-owned and don't receive the same federal funding that goes to bridges that are part of the federal highway system. Having visited many of our local structurally deficient bridges, I know first-hand how big of an impact we can make by securing much-needed help for our communities,Congresswoman Finkenauer said.Our local engineers and communities are sending us a clear message they need help, and we can do that while making our infrastructure safer and supporting good paying American jobs. I thank Congressman Higgins for partnering with me as we deliver critical aid to our communities that desperately need their bridges to be fixed. Investing in safe and reliable infrastructure promotes economic growth and benefits our communities. This certainly includes America's bridges,said Congressman Higgins.Our legislation expands federal infrastructure resources and prioritizes bridge replacement based on structural integrity. Reestablishing the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program would greatly benefit many bridges in Louisiana, including the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. I want to thank Congresswoman Finkenauer for leading this bipartisan effort. The Fixing America's Bridges Act would reestablish the Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. The program would award federal grant money to states to repair or replace bridges that are found to be in poor condition by the Federal Highway Administration. The bill includes a set-aside to ensure communities get funding for their locally-owned … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-introduces-legislation-protect-against-african-swine-fever Axne Introduces Legislation to Protect Against African Swine Fever 2019-09-25 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Cindy Axne (IA-D) joined Reps. Filemon Vela (TX-34) and Collin Peterson (MN-7), chair of the House Agriculture Committee, in introducing the Protecting America's Food & Agricultural Act, legislation that would authorize U.S. Customs and Border protection (CBP) to hire more agriculture specialists in order to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the United States. While harmless to humans, ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease with no vaccine that affects hogs and would be devastating to Iowa's pork industry. Iowa leads the nation in pork production, raising nearly one-third of U.S. hogs. An outbreak here at home would be devastating to Iowa's pork industry, which is an economic driver and job creator across the state, said Congresswoman Axne. Our producers have taken steps to minimize risk wherever possible, but we need to ensure CBP has the resources they need to effectively prevent the introduction of this infectious disease in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and CBP work together to facilitate the safe and secure entry of agricultural goods into the country. According to the USDA, the U.S. imported $127.56 billion worth of agricultural products in FY2018. CBP Agriculture Specialists work to prevent introduction of harmful pests and animal diseases into the U.S. They intercept tens of thousands of harmful products each year but there are staff shortages. This legislation would allow CBP to hire 240 Agriculture Specialists per year until the shortages are filled so harmful diseases, such as ASF, will not slip through the cracks. Recent reports highlight that as many as half of China's breeding pigs have died or been slaughtered due to African swine fever. Ongoing outbreaks of ASF have also been reported in Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Cambodia, North Korea, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Africa. Last week, South Korea also confirmed they had their first outbreak of Swine Fever.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397324 Loebsack Statement on Recent Developments in the Whistle Blower Case Against President Trump 2019-09-24 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after recent developments in the whistle blower case regarding President Trump.I have felt the need to proceed judiciously given the high constitutional requirements of impeachment, but President Trump's actions and obstruction require this step of establishing an impeachment inquiry. It is unfortunate that we have ended up at this point. The American people deserve the full truth and it has reached the point where there is no other way to get the necessary information and an impeachment inquiry is justified. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-whistle-blower-complaint Rep. Axne on Whistle Blower Complaint 2019-09-24 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) released the following statement in response to the recently revealed whistle blower complaint made against President Trump: When I was sworn into office, I took an oath under God to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Using the Oval Office to pressure a foreign leader to investigate a political opponent is a clear abuse of power. Beyond an abuse of power, allegations that the President threatened to leverage U.S. taxpayer dollars to extort a foreign government, if true, constitute an unequivocal violation of our federal laws and the U.S. Constitution I swore to defend. For the sake of our national security and our democracy, these serious allegations require independent Congressional investigation unobstructed by this Administration. Congress has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and to take appropriate steps to open an impeachment inquiry. If the President, as he has said, has nothing to hide, then he shouldallow the whistle blower to provide the full complaint to House and Senate Intelligence Committees.I look forward to reviewing the full transcript of the President's call tomorrow and hearing from the Acting Director of National Intelligence later this week, where I expect him to provide all relevant information so Congress can make an informed decision. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-house-impeachment-inquiry Finkenauer Statement on House Impeachment Inquiry 2019-09-24 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the House's impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump: I have always supported Congress and our House committees in defending our democracy and Constitution. The impeachment inquiry requested today is needed to continue that work. It's imperative we stand up for our country and hold those accountable who hurt our democracy. Whether Republican or Democrat, there's no question that a president who threatens a foreign leader and our national security for their own personal gain, and uses taxpayer dollarsto do it, is not upholding their constitutional responsibilities. While the appropriate committees do their work, I will not be distracted from my top priorities of continuing to uplift the needs of Iowans, as we've been doing from day one, focusing on common sense solutions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, bringing much needed investment to our crumbling infrastructure, and having the backs of our farmers left behind by an administration that values big oil over renewable fuels. We must stay focused and we must continue to do our jobs to move our country forward. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397323 Loebsack Statement on the Whistle Blower Complaint Regarding President Trump and Ukraine 2019-09-23 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today in response to the recently revealed whistle blower complaint that was made against President Trump after his apparent attempt to pressure Ukraine into investigating the son of former Vice President Biden by threatening to withhold military support.The allegations surrounding President Trump's call with Ukrainian officials, if proven correct, are game changing regarding the President's abuse of power. Making a call to pressure a foreign leader to dig up dirt on a potential political rival, while threatening to withhold military assistance, is unacceptable. If the President, as he has said, has nothing to hide, then he should immediately release the transcript of the call and the whistle blower's full complaint should be immediately conveyed to Congress as laid out in statute. It is imperative that Congress and the American people have all of the facts surrounding the President's call. The rule of law requires no less.The President and his administration continue to stonewall any investigations, including refusing to release the full Mueller report on Russia's interference in our elections. I look forward to hearing from the Director of National Intelligence later this week. I remain hopeful he will provide all relevant information in order for Congress to make an informed decision. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-applauds-house-passage-forced-arbitration-act Axne Applauds House Passage of Forced Arbitration Act 2019-09-23 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) applauded House passage of the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act (the FAIR Act), legislation that prohibits the enforcement of mandatory, arbitration (forced arbitration) provisions in contracts that force employees or customers to waive their right to sue. This legislation, which Rep. Axne is a co-sponsor of, would restore access to justice for thousands of Iowans who are currently locked out of the court system and are forced to settle their disputes against companies in a private system of arbitration that often favors the company over the individual. Forced arbitration clauses allow corporations to side step our judicial process in order to take advantage of hardworking Iowans, said Rep. Axne. This secretive process strips away workers basic judicial rights and shields corporations from accountability when they harm or defraud people. These clauses which are often buried in contracts can quite literally give corporations the ability to play the role of the judge, the jury, and the law in resolving a dispute. This bill will end the legal nightmare of forced arbitration and restore access to justice for hardworking Iowans. I'm pleased to see the House of Representatives act on this legislation. In February 2018, I joined a bipartisan group of 56 state and territorial attorneys general to urge Congress to oppose mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment claims, said Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller. Access to the judicial system is a fundamental right of all Americans. These arbitration requirements often are buried in employment contracts. As a result, many employees will not even recognize that they are bound by them until they attempt to seek justice. For millions of consumers and employees, the pre-condition whether or not they are aware of obtaining a basic service or product, such as a bank account, a cell phone, a credit card, or even a job, is that they must agree to resolve any disputes in private arbitration. These clauses are designed to fav… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-delegation-bipartisan-members-send-letter-epa-biofuel-waivers Iowa Delegation, Bipartisan Members Send Letter to EPA on Biofuel Waivers 2019-09-23 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Reps. Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Cindy Axne (IA-03) and Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) and more than 20 members of the bipartisan Congressional Biofuels Caucus sent a letter Friday urging Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler to address damage to the nation's biofuels industry from EPA's use of Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs). In the letter, members outlined the damage caused by the SREs and called on EPA to ensure waived gallons are reallocated when setting Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs). "EPA's recently announced decision to grant 31 small refinery exemptions (SREs) continues to cast serious doubt on the agency's ability to administer the RFS consistent with Congressional intent, wrote the members in the letter. Since early 2018, EPA granted 85 blending exemptions to refineries which equals more than 4 billion ethanol-equivalent gallons of renewable fuel being taken out of the marketplace. These conditions have caused three ethanol facilities to close permanently and another fourteen to idle, affecting nearly 3,000 jobs and hundreds of millions of corn bushels on an annual basis. The letter also details damage caused by the SREs to the biodiesel industry, including nearly $7.7 billion in economic losses and the closure of at least eight biodiesel facilities have shut down this year, representing 6,800 jobs and 215 million gallons of annual production. Joining Loebsack, Axne and Finkenauer on signing the letter include Chair of the House Agriculture Committee Colin Peterson (MN-7), Reps. Roger Marshall (KS-1), Daniel Davis (Il-7), Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.), Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), James Comer (R-Ky.), Darin LaHood (R-Ill.), Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), Steve King (R-Iowa), Steve Watkins (R-Kan.), Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.), and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.), and Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.). A copy of the letter is available here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-federal-grant-hawkeye-community-college-commercial-truck Finkenauer Announces Federal Grant for Hawkeye Community College Commercial Truck Driver Program Expansion 2019-09-20 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced Hawkeye Community College will receive a $109,511 federal Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training Grant. The grant program aims to increase the number of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders who receive enhanced operator safety training, and to help current and former military members and their spouses and children to transition into commercial motor vehicles operating careers. I'm excited Hawkeye Community College will receive this funding to continue developing the truck driver workforce in Iowa while also helping out our military families, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, This is the third year Hawkeye has received this grant and I'm happy that it will help the college's program continue. Dr. Todd Holcomb, president of Hawkeye Community College, said, "Hawkeye Community College is excited about the opportunity this federal grantprovides to train our local veterans and help fill a driver shortage in a state with one ofthe lowest unemployment rates in the nation.Hawkeye will be able to expand our veteran services to serve 25 veterans and their spouse or children covering 100% of the program costs to obtain a commercial driver's license." Programs like those at Hawkeye Community College can provide career opportunities to Iowans while growing the truck driver workforce. According to the American Trucking Association, there were 60,800 fewer than needed truck drivers on the road in 2018. The group also estimates 160,000 driver vacancies will go unfilled over the next decade. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/funding-bill-includes-rep-axnes-request-tariff-aid Funding Bill Includes Rep. Axne's Request for Tariff Aid 2019-09-19 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Following her request to Leadership, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) today issued the following statement thanking House Democratic Leadership for including tariff aid funding in the continuing resolution (CR) the House is expected to vote on tonight. This trade aid is nothing short of a lifeline to farmers struggling to make ends meet because of an unnecessary trade war. I don't support this Administration's trade policies and I certainly don't support the unprecedented amount of biofuel waivers this Administration has granted to big oil companies, said Rep. Axne. But I will never allow Congress to use farmers as political pawns. I'm glad Leadership has added the necessary language to ensure USDA can continue to assist farmers hurting from retaliatory tariffs. The Market Facilitation Program (MFP) was created to provide support to farmers struggling due to the on-going trade war. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using its authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury to make these payments. Given that USDA is expected to reach the $30 billion cap this fall, Congressional action is required to continue making these payments on time. Last week, reports indicated that House Democrats were planning on blocking USDA from continuing these payments on time. On Monday, Rep. Axne broke with Democratic Leadership and urged House appropriators to include extensions for the commodity credit corporation (CCC) in the continuing resolution (CR) in order to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can continue Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments to struggling farmers. Last night, the CR bill was introduced with Rep. Axne's request. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-leads-freshman-democrats-protecting-americans-surprise-billing Axne Leads Freshman Democrats in Protecting Americans from Surprise Billing 2019-09-18 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) led a group of freshman Democrats, including U.S. Reps. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Susie Lee (NV-03), Susan Wild (PA-7), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Xochitl Torres Small (NM-2) and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-6), in introducing legislation to protect Americans from surprise bills due to out-of-date insurance directories. The UPDATE Act requires insurance companies to regularly update their provider directories to prevent patients from unknowingly receiving out-of-network care. Patients should be able to trust that when their insurance company tells them a provider is in network, they won't get hit with a surprise out-of-network bill, said Rep. Axne. Middle-class families can't afford to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in surprise medical bills because an insurance company didn't update their website. This common-sense legislation puts the onus on insurance companies to ensure patients are making medical decisions based on accurate information. Patients consult with insurance provider directories to confirm which doctors and services are in-network. Currently, insurance companies are not legally required to update their directories with accurate network information. As a result, patients across the country receive what they believe to be in-network care, only to be surprised with exorbitant out-of-network bills. The UPDATE Act will require insurance companies to check with a provider if they have not received a bill from them in the last six months in order to identify if that provider has gone out of network. If a provider has gone out of network, the legislation requires the insurance companies to update their directory information. No American should suffer a surprise medical bill, yet far too often patients are left with a surprise bill because a care provider may have been out of network. This can occur even when a patient has contacted their insurance company beforehand exactly to avoid a surprise bill as insurance plans often have out… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-introduces-bipartisan-bill-keep-teachers-classroom Finkenauer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Keep Teachers in the Classroom 2019-09-18 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA-01), Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and Congressman David B. McKinley P.E. (R-WV-1) announced introduction of the RETAIN Teachers Act, or the Reducing Extra Teaching Authentication Impacting New Teachers Act. The bill would help attract teachers and keep them in the classroom by streamlining burdensome paperwork requirements for programs designed to help teachers finance their education and repay student loans. TEACH Grants, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness help teachers afford the cost of college. After they graduate, new teachers must certify completion of service requirements to benefit from these programs. Unfortunately, these programs all have different paperwork, increasing burden for our educators. The RETAIN Teachers Act will require the Department of Education to study and recommend how to create a single electronic certification form for all these programs to streamline the process for teachers and let them focus on serving our students. From building lesson plans to grading papers, our hardworking teachers are already buried under piles of paper, Congresswoman Finkenauer said. Government should not add to the pile it should be easing the burden. I'm proud to partner with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to reduce the extra authentication and let our teachers get back to teaching. Time and energy spent filling out burdensome paperwork is time and energy not spent on the reasons people become teachers in the first place, which is to nurture children, cultivate a passion for learning, and help students realize their full potential, said Congresswoman Wilson. This bipartisan legislation will not only help retain teachers, but also will attract gifted educators to the field, and I am happy to be an original co-sponsor. Teaching is one of the most noble and selfless professions, and educators are worthy of our support for th… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-urges-democratic-leadership-include-tariff-aid-funding-bill Rep. Axne Urges Democratic Leadership to Include Tariff Aid in Funding Bill 2019-09-16 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) urged House Democratic Leadership to include extensions for the commodity credit corporation in the continuing resolution (CR) in order to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can continue Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments to struggling farmers. The Washington Post reported that House Democrats are attempting to block President Trump's farm bailout program in the CR that the House is expected to vote on later this week. On Friday, Rep. Axne tweeted her opposition to a CR that blocks the farm bailout program, stating, We cannot cut a lifeline to struggling farmers. I will not support a CR that doesn't include tariff aid. We need to fix this. In a letter sent today to Democratic leadership, Rep. Axne wrote, It is critical that Congress does not prevent the USDA from fulfilling its obligation to farmers. Partisan politics and political gamesmanship have no place at the table when generations of family farms are on the line. Background: The Market Facilitation Program (MFP) was created to provide support to farmers struggling due to the on-going trade war. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is using its authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act to borrow up to $30 billion from the U.S. Treasury to make these payments. Given that USDA is expected to reach the $30 billion cap this fall, Congressional action is required to continue making these payments on time. Full text of the letter is available below: September 16, 2019 Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer, I am writing to express my opposition to a continuing resolution (CR) that blocks the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from issuing Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments. We cannot cut off this valuable lifeline to our farmers. Farmers in Iowa and across the country are struggling to make ends meet due to President Trump's increasingly dangerous trade war. This trade war has resulted in China halting more than $23 billion in agricultural purchases. Farm… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-and-westerman-introduce-bipartisan-rural-road-safety-act Finkenauer and Westerman Introduce Bipartisan Rural Road Safety Act 2019-09-16 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) and Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introduced the Rural Road Safety Act, which would provide federal funding for communities to make critical safety improvements to their rural roads. A disproportionate number of traffic fatalities happen on America's rural roads. While carrying 30% of the county's traffic in 2017, 47.5% of fatalities happened on rural roads. That same year in Iowa, the state's rural roads accounted for: 56% of all fatal crashes 44% of fatal lane-departure crashes 65% of speed-related crashes 56% of crashes involving older drivers The data is clear: we can and must do more to make our rural roads safer for everyonewhether you're a driver, a state trooper on duty, or working to improve our roads, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, Congressman Westerman and I worked on this bill with the goal of saving lives. We looked at what previously worked, and we found that ensuring federal money gets invested into rural roads helped save lives. This bill is a return to what worked. Whenever I'm driving back in my district, I see the dangers of traveling on rural roads, Westerman said. This bipartisan bill will re-implement investments that worked in the past, with the ultimate goal of saving lives. Whether you are using a rural road for commuting, visiting friends or driving to the grocery store, these roads should be safe to drive on. As co-chair of the Road Safety Caucus, I'm glad to cosponsor this legislation with Rep. Finkenauer. The Rural Road Safety Act would ensure states are investing a portion of federal Highway Safety Improvement Program money into their high-risk rural roads by re-establishing a set-aside which existed from 2005 to 2012. After the set-aside was eliminated, rural road fatalities have declined at a far slower rate. The bill will also update the 2014 Rural Local and Tribal Roads Safety Toolkit to include new best practices for reducing fatalities on rural roads. This toolkit helps rural communities identify their safe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-anniversary-september-11th-terrorist-attacks Finkenauer Statement on Anniversary of September 11th Terrorist Attacks 2019-09-11 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)released the following statement on the 18-year anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Somerset County, Pennsylvania: "We will never forget those we lost on September 11th, 2001. Today, I join Iowans, Americans, and people all over the world in remembering each of the nearly 3,000 lives taken that day. We also remember and honor those who bravely risked their lives for others and our first responders. We will never forget, united we stand." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-axnes-affordable-rural-housing-bill House Passes Axne's Affordable Rural Housing Bill 2019-09-10 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), a member of the House Financial Services Committee, praised unanimous House passage of legislation to protect and expand access to affordable rental housing options in rural communities. The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act, co-sponsored by Rep. Axne, will restructure an existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural housing program in order to prevent the displacement of thousands of Americans in rural communities. We often hear about skyrocketing rents in metropolitan cities, but this housing crisis is impacting our rural communities just as hard. Housing options are simply unaffordable for many Iowans in rural communities, said Congresswoman Axne. Many Iowans in our rural communities rely on this USDA program in order to put a roof over their head. By preserving this program, this legislation will protect Iowans from displacement and expand access to affordable housing options in rural communities. USDA provides affordable rental housing options by making direct loans to developers to finance housing projects for low-income, elderly and disabled individuals in rural communities. As part of this program, USDA also provides Rental Assistance (RA) to tenants which caps their contribution at 30% of their income. However, as property owners pay off those loans in full, they are no longer required to offer affordable rental rates. Additionally, after the loan matures, tenants living in those properties are no longer eligible for USDA's Rental Assistance. In order to address these issues, the USDA created the Multifamily Housing Preservation and Revitalization (MPR) pilot program to restructure loans to extend the affordable use of these properties without displacing tenants and expand eligibility for Rental Assistance. The Strategy and Investment in Rural Housing Preservation Act will permanently authorize and provide $1 billion in funding for the MPR program, require USDA to come up with a plan to ensure the long-term preservation of … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-invites-iowan-biodiesel-producer-hearing-clean-energy-jobs Finkenauer Invites Iowan Biodiesel Producer to Hearing on Clean Energy Jobs 2019-09-10 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)led a hearing on growing the clean energy economy as Chairwoman of Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE).Finkenauer invited Iowan Tom Brooks to testify at the hearing, Brooks is the general manager of Western Dubuque Biodiesel in Farley, Iowa. Brooks focused his testimony on the biodiesel tax credit, which expired at the end of 2017. Congresswoman Finkenauer has authored bipartisan legislation to reinstate the credit, which was included in a broader tax extenders package passed by the House Ways and Means Committee earlier this year. I would like to emphasize that the biodiesel blender's tax incentive has helped achieve the desired goal of expanding domestic production of clean energy resources and jobs here at home,Tom Brooks said,In turn, the increased use of biodiesel has helped the United States realize economic and environmental benefits. These benefits, however, are in jeopardy without quick reinstatement of the biodiesel tax incentive and stable policy over the long term. I have been working hard on bipartisan legislation to renew the biodiesel tax credit.Congresswoman Finkenauer said,Iowa jobs are on the line and we must act now to extend these tax credits. While I am pleased that the Ways and Means Committee has marked up a package that includes a three-year extension of the tax credit, I call on House and Senate leadership to work together and extend the credit immediately. Iowa is a leader in the clean energy economy by producing more wind energy than any other state besides Texas, and by leading the nation in biofuel production. Congresswoman Finkenauer continues to support clean energy production in Iowa andstand up against policy decisionsthat undercut Iowa's successes. She also led an effort to extend the Second Generation Biofuels tax credit, and the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property tax credit, both of which were included in the Ways and Means tax package. The pur… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-seeks-info-army-corp-after-historic-flooding Rep. Axne Seeks Info from Army Corp After Historic Flooding 2019-09-09 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) requested information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the steps taken to notify communities immediately prior, during and after the historic flooding that devastated communities across Southwest Iowa in March. In a letter sent to Colonel John Hudson, Commander and District Engineer, Rep. Axne requested a specific timeline of events in order to help ensure that Army Corp has the proper procedures in place to ensure the public receives timely information to mitigate damages in future natural disasters. Many of my constituents feel they did not receive adequate warnings and notice about the 2019 March flooding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I have heard from residents that were given evacuation notices with no time to collect their belongings or prepare, fleeing their houses without shoes or a change of clothes. I respectfully request a written response with a timeline on when the Army Corp became aware of the eminent and immediate danger our communities faced, and what steps the Army Corps took to alert communities, wrote Rep. Axne. Rep. Axne requested written responses to the following six questions: What actions did the Army Corps take to prepare for the flooding? What actions did the Army Corps take during and after the flooding? Please provide a detailed explanation of the decision-making process behind releasing reservoir waters, and each levee that was compromised. Please provide a timeline of when the Army Corps notified communities regarding the flooding, and who was the point of contact. What actions were taken by the Omaha District to notify, and communicate with, local officials and residents of affected areas about the Midwestern flooding before and during the flooding? What can Army Corps do to improve communication with the public about flooding of the Missouri River, or tributary waters, in Iowa or Nebraska, and do you have any recommendations for any changes to statutory authorizations necessary to improve such communication? Fu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-seeks-info-army-corps-after-historic-flooding Rep. Axne Seeks Info from Army Corps After Historic Flooding 2019-09-09 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) requested information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the steps taken to notify communities immediately prior, during and after the historic flooding that devastated communities across Southwest Iowa in March. In a letter sent to Colonel John Hudson, Commander and District Engineer, Rep. Axne requested a specific timeline of events in order to help ensure that Army Corps has the proper procedures in place to ensure the public receives timely information to mitigate damages in future natural disasters. Many of my constituents feel they did not receive adequate warnings and notice about the 2019 March flooding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I have heard from residents that were given evacuation notices with no time to collect their belongings or prepare, fleeing their houses without shoes or a change of clothes. I respectfully request a written response with a timeline on when the Army Corps became aware of the eminent and immediate danger our communities faced, and what steps the Army Corps took to alert communities, wrote Rep. Axne. Rep. Axne requested written responses to the following six questions: What actions did the Army Corps take to prepare for the flooding? What actions did the Army Corps take during and after the flooding? Please provide a detailed explanation of the decision-making process behind releasing reservoir waters, and each levee that was compromised. Please provide a timeline of when the Army Corps notified communities regarding the flooding, and who was the point of contact. What actions were taken by the Omaha District to notify, and communicate with, local officials and residents of affected areas about the Midwestern flooding before and during the flooding? What can Army Corps do to improve communication with the public about flooding of the Missouri River, or tributary waters, in Iowa or Nebraska, and do you have any recommendations for any changes to statutory authorizations necessary to improve such communication? … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-finkenauer-introduces-legislation-improve-maternal-health-care Congresswoman Finkenauer Introduces Legislation to Improve Maternal Health Care for Iowans 2019-09-09 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)helped introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure Iowa's new and expectant mothers can get access to high quality health care no matter where they live. The Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (MOMS) Act introduced with Reps. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM), Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) will help increase access to maternal care in Iowa communities that have seen their hospitals' obstetric units close. Since 2000, 34 Iowa hospitals have closed obstetrics units and just 51 of Iowa's 99 counties have maternity care options. A 2018 American Medical Association study found decreasing access to obstetrics in rural areas led to more births happening outside of a hospital and more premature births. I want to make sure we're doing everything we can to help Iowa moms get the health care they need, Congresswoman Finkenauer said.In Congress, I've fought for legislation to keep our hospitals open and physicians serving patients. This bill would help ensure moms aren't driving hours just to get the care that they and their babies need. UnityPoint Health is encouraged to see this legislation to increase investment in rural maternal health, modernize these services through expanding the federal investment in telehealth, and improve the data around geographic inequities in our health care system, said Sabra Rosener, Vice President, Government & External Affairs, UnityPoint Health. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Finkenauer to pass this important bill and strengthen the foundation of health care for mothers in the Midwest. The Iowa section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is proud to support the Rural Maternal and Obstetric Modernization of Services (Rural MOMS) Act, said ACOG District VI Chair Thad Anderson, MD. Access to quality care shouldn't be dependent on zip code. Yet new and expecting moms living in rural … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=397321 Reps. Loebsack, Latta, Long and McEachin Introduce Legislation to Improve Broadband Data Maps 2019-09-06 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Today, Representatives Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bob Latta (OH-05) introduced bipartisan legislation that would improve the accuracy of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) broadband availability maps. The Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act (HR 4229)'' will improve the accuracy of FCC broadband data maps by changing the way broadband data is collected. The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Billy Long (MO-07) and Donald McEachin (VA-04). Legislation similar to the Broadband DATA Act has been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (MN), Roger Wicker (MS), Gary Peters (MI) and John Thune (SD).Additionally, Reps. McEachin and Long introduced today the Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act (HR 4227), which will help hold broadband providers accountable by making it against the law to knowingly provide inaccurate data to the FCC. Reps. Loebsack and Latta also cosponsored this bill. In 2019, it is unacceptable that many families, small businesses, farmers, educators and healthcare providers in rural areas don't have the necessary access to high-speed internet, said Congressman Dave Loebsack. In order to actually fix the problem and get high-speed broadband to rural areas, we must have the best data available. Without knowing where the high-speed broadband problem truly exists, we cannot properly invest in building out access. Folks simply can't compete in the 21st Century economy we live in without access to high-speed broadband internet. Rural communities like much of Ohio's 5th District often struggle with having access to fast, reliable broadband. Unfortunately, without this access it is difficult for them to do their jobs, finish their homework, and stay connected to friends and family. With this legislation, we'll be better able to pinpoint areas that are lacking coverage, and help ensure that unserved and underserved communities have better broadband availability, said Congressman Bob Latta. It is simple: we cannot expand broadband Internet to rural … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-finkenauer-announces-federal-investigation-fund-swapping-practice CONGRESSWOMAN FINKENAUER ANNOUNCES FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO "FUND SWAPPING" PRACTICE 2019-09-02 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced the Government Accountability Office will begin an investigation into federal fund swapping practices this month. Congresswoman Finkenauer was joined by Iowa labor leaders at a press conference in Cedar Rapids. Normally, when federal funding for transportation infrastructure is made available, the state will pass some of that funding on to cities and counties so they can fund and manage their own infrastructure projects. Under federal fund swapping, the states keeps all the federal dollars and instead gives state transportation funding to counties and cities meaning those local projects aren't subject to federal requirements like Buy American and Davis Bacon. I distinctly remember when Iowa decided to pass legislation to allow fund swapping, I was there to fight it and for good reason, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, I stood with working families and the fight for American jobs in the State House and I sure as heck stand with them now in Congress. My role as Vice Chair of Highways and Transit has given Iowans a literal seat at the table as we advocate for more investments in our communities, but also the jobs that those investments sustain. I'm happy to be working closely with Chairman DeFazio given the experience gained in Iowa on this issue working to right some wrongs and make sure we get some answers. We need to make sure that any federal investments in our infrastructure come with strong prevailing wage and Buy American requirements. This GAO investigation will be used to direct any further Congressional oversight that may be needed to achieve these goals. The GAO accepted Congresswoman Finkenauer's, and Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio's (OR-04), request to investigate the fund-swapping practice. In the request, Finkenauer and DeFazio ask the GAO to investigate: - How long have states have used fund swapping? - Does fund swapping reduce number of projects or lane miles subject to federal requirements… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-finkenauer-statement-labor-day CONGRESSWOMAN FINKENAUER STATEMENT ON LABOR DAY 2019-09-02 2019 2019-09 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)released the following statement on Labor Day: Today, we celebrate our hard-working Iowans who make up the backbone of our state and country. We celebrate the working class and our labor unions who helped build it. We celebrate the protections that keep our friends and neighbors safe while they're on the job, and that ensure they get paid a fair wage. Today is also a reminder that we must always stay vigilant as some policy makers say they're for our workers during election years, but then turn around and push an anti-worker agenda. I grew up in a union household, I'm standing up for workers who want to earn a fair wage and build a good life, that's one of the reasons I ran for Congress. Today is my first Labor Day as your congresswoman, and I couldn't be more honored to be your voice. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-finkenauer-hosts-bipartisan-roundtable-farmers-and-usda-under-secretary REP. FINKENAUER HOSTS BIPARTISAN ROUNDTABLE WITH FARMERS AND USDA UNDER SECRETARY BILL NORTHEY 2019-08-28 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)held a roundtable discussion with Iowa farmers at the County line Feed Mill to hear about important issues affecting Iowa agriculture. Finkenauer was joined by USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey. Finkenauer and Northey also toured and met with farmers at the Black Hawk County corn and soy bean test plot. I was happy to host Under Secretary Northey in Iowa's First Congressional District to hear what's important to Iowa's farmers and producers, Congresswoman Finkenauer said, This was an opportunity to listen and lift up the voices of farmers who are being impacted by the trade war and increasing number of small refinery waivers from the Renewable Fuel Standard. I'm committed to working with Northey and anyone who is serious about listening and taking action for Iowa. During the discussions, Congresswoman Finkenauer also unveiled her Fighting for Iowa's Farmers & Rural Way of Life plan. The plan is a roadmap to guide policy discussions and elevate Iowa's voices at the federal level to ensure Iowa's agriculture economy and rural comminutes remain strong for generations. The plan includes eight key points: Expand Markets Abroad and Reduce Barriers to Trade Support New and Beginning Farmers Invest in our Locks and Dams and other Critical Infrastructure Protect Crop Insurance and Support a Robust Farm Safety Net Ease Regulatory Burdens for Farmers and Producers Promote our Renewable Fuels Sector and other Domestic Markets Support Entrepreneurship and Revitalization in Rural Economies Secure a Strong Future for Agriculture This is a set of priorities that I have developed through my eight months of speaking with Iowans and bringing Iowans to Washington, D.C. to speak about their priorities, Finkenauer said, I look forward to continuing these conversations with Iowa farmers and producers in our district and in Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Finkenauer has taken a leading role in standing up for Iowa's producers impa… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-finkenauer-issues-statement-escalating-tariffs-china Congresswoman Finkenauer Issues Statement on Escalating Tariffs on China 2019-08-23 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01)released the following statement on President Trump's announcement of escalating tariffs on China: Rather than playing King on Twitter, and giving American companies orders, President Trump should be focused on cleaning up the painful mess he created. Iowans are hurting because he started a trade war with China for political reasons, not because he was serious about advocating for working families or dealing with China as a bad actor, which it is. Five days before the first Congressional special election in 2018 (Conor Lamb, PA-17) Trump announced steel and aluminum tariffs in hopes of keeping steel country red. China retaliated a month and a half after Trump's tweet. They focused directly on Iowa, my family and my neighbors, and they placed tariffs on corn, soybeans, and pork. It will take decades for us to recover. Since President Trump didn't have a plan to begin with, he continues to escalate, like he did today, and China keeps calling his bluff. Families in Iowa's rural towns and bigger cities are being devastated by tariffs. From plummeting corn and soybean prices to taxes on consumer goods. If President Trump actually cared about holding China accountable for stealing intellectual property and seeds, then he would've worked with our allies to take on China as one powerful group. Instead he went at it alone to score some cheap short-term political points -- allowing China to counter-punch the U.S. and Iowa. I have always promised to work with anyone if it helped Iowa and stand up to anyone who hurts us. I stand by that promise and hope for a brighter future for my state and my country with leadership who does the same. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-calls-investigation-epas-expansion-biofuel-waivers Rep. Axne Calls for Investigation Into EPA's Expansion of Biofuel Waivers 2019-08-21 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, called for a federal investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) expansion of refinery exemptions from blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). In a letter sent today to Charles J. Sheehan, Acting Inspector General (IG) of the EPA, Rep. Axne requested that the IG conduct an investigation into the highly questionable decision-making and misuse of the EPA's small refinery exemption (SRE) authority to benefit large or unqualified companies that may be exerting an undue amount of influence over the regulatory process. I have serious concerns that the EPA continues to ignore the boundaries of its authority under the law in its administration of this waiver authority. Relying on the veil of secrecy provided by claims of confidential business information conceals the EPA's highly questionable decision-making and misuse of its authority to benefit a small group of companies that may be exerting an undue amount of influence over the regulatory process, wrote Congresswoman Axne. Under the RFS, the EPA is able to grant waivers to small refineries who experience disproportionate economic hardship. The EPA recently announced an additional 31 exemptions for the 2018 RFS, bringing the total waivers issued in the last three years to 85 a drastic expansion from the 10 that were granted between the years 2008-2016. Exemptions have been granted to some of the world's largest and most profitable oil companies, including Andeavor, Chevron, Exxon, and Carl Ichan's CVR. Through the unprecedented use of small refinery exemptions, the EPA has waived more than 4 billion gallons of requirements for renewable fuel blending at the expense of Iowa farmers and rural communities, wrote Axne. Rep. Axne announced that she was calling for the investigation at a bipartisan press conference at Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy. In addition to Rep. Axne, Mike Jerke, CEO and President of Southwest Iowa Renewabl… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-finkenauer-leads-bipartisan-call-investigation-small-refinery-exemption Rep. Finkenauer Leads Bipartisan Call for Investigation into Small Refinery Exemption Waivers 2019-08-21 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) sent a bipartisan letter to the Government Accountability Office formally calling for an investigation into the Environmental Protection Agency's granting of small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Our concerns stem from the economic consequences to our rural communities created by exempting nearly 4 billion gallons of fuel from the RFS, a standard intended to expand the nation's renewable fuels sector, Congresswoman Finkenauer and the representatives wrote, By 2016, the ethanol industry has grown to support over 339,000 U.S. jobs and driven $41 billion in economic activity by supporting corn and soy markets and reducing gasoline prices. President of the American Soybean Association, Davie Stephens, said, The American Soybean Association appreciates Representative Finkenauer's leadership and efforts to scrutinize the large number of RFS exemptions being granted by EPA. ASA is very supportive of Rep. Finkenauer's request to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to analyze the EPA's refinery exemption approval process and the impacts the waivers are having on the U.S. biodiesel industry. Congresswoman Finkenauer and the representatives are asking for the GAO to investigate: The Environmental Protection Agency's approval process for small refinery exemption waivers; The role of the Department of Energy in reviewing and scoring waiver applications; What factors are being considering in the assessment and approval of these applications and whether changes have been made to the review process under the current Administration; Last week, the EPA announced it granted 31 new small refinery exemption waivers. Under the Trump administration, small refinery exemption waivers have more than quadrupled from the previous administration. Between 2013 and 2015, the EPA granted no more than 8 waivers for any given year. The current Administration retroactively approved 19 waivers for 2016, then proceeded to grant 35 waivers in 2017, a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-news-potus-approved-epa-biofuel-waivers Rep. Axne on News that POTUS Approved EPA Biofuel Waivers 2019-08-16 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Cynthia Axne A000378 axne.house.gov     legacy DES MOINES - Today, U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne released the following statement on the news, first reported by Reuters, that the President intervened and personally approved the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) biofuel waivers: "When President Trump came to Iowa in June, he promised to support Iowa farmers, producers and rural communities. Iowans asked specifically for one thingdon't approve any more unnecessary small refinery waivers. "It is extremely disappointing that not only did the EPA grant 31 out of 37 small refinery waivers, but the President personally approved these requests. These biofuel waivers are directly hurting Iowa farmers and producers who rely on demand for corn-based ethanol. "Despite the Administrator's promise for transparency, the EPA's closed-door decision making process regarding these waivers is not only deeply concerning, but jeopardizing Iowa's economy. I ran for Congress to hold Washington accountable and end the culture of corruption. Iowans deserve a responsive, open and transparent EPA. I plan to ensure that happens." In May, Rep. Axne led a group of 35 Republicans and Democrats on aletter requestingthe Administration's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stop issuing Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs) for large or unqualified refiners under the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) program. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, the Members highlighted that the expansion of biofuel waivers hurts farmers who rely on demand for corn-based ethanol and other biofuels and has increased our dependence on foreign oil. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-finkenauer-statement-rep-kings-rape-or-incest-comments Rep. Finkenauer Statement on Rep. King's "rape or incest" Comments 2019-08-14 2019 2019-08 Democrat House IA Abby Finkenauer F000467 finkenauer.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement in response to Congressman Steve King's (IA-04) "rape or incest" comments: I am appalled by Representative Steve King's cruel comments and his blatant disrespect for sexual assault survivors. As someone who strives for bipartisanship, I can tell you, this is not about Republicans or Democrats this is about King's pattern of disgracing Iowans with his rhetoric. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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