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://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/23/nunn-bill-expanding-parental-leave-military-families-signed-law/,Nunn Bill Expanding Parental Leave for Military Families Signed into Law,2023-12-23,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced his bipartisan legislation to expand parental leave eligibility for parents serving in the drilling Reserve or National Guard was signed into law. The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act, co-led with Representative Jeff Jackson (NC-14), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Joe Biden. “As a father and current Air Force Reserve member, I’ve experienced firsthand the sacrifices parents make to serve our country. I’m proud that our bipartisan bill has been included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to make life easier for military families,” Rep. Nunn said. “This law will ensure Reserve and National Guard parents have the same access to leave as their active duty counterparts. Any servicemember who serves our country deserves time with their new children.” The Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act addresses a disparity under current policies implemented in 2021 that expanded parental leave for fathers and adoptive parents in active duty but did not include drilling members of the Reserve and National Guard. Currently, leave policies for those servicemembers are offered to new mothers but not fathers or adoptive parents. This bill equalizes leave policies for all service members. The bill, which was originally introduced on April 13, 2023 at the American Legion in Bondurant, Iowa, passed the House of Representatives on December 14, 2023 and Senate on December 13, 2023 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The President signed the bill into law on Friday, December 22, 2023. ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND Rep. Nunn currently serves in the Air Force Reserve. With six children, including two recently adopted foster daughters, Rep. Nunn has experienced the policy disparity firsthand. Video from the press conference announcing the bill can be found here. Text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/my-weekly-column-supporting-our-police-officers-and-their-k9-partners,My Weekly Column: Supporting our police officers and their K9 partners,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Our police and law enforcement officers make incredible sacrifices to protect our families and communities and undertake many responsibilities outside of the public eye. That includes caring for police K9s – which assist officers in seizing drugs, tracking missing people, and detaining criminals – during their service and after their retirement. These police K9s are vital partners in ensuring public safety and spearheading the fight against crime and the fentanyl epidemic. In my conversations with police and sheriffs across the 4th Congressional District on my 36 County Tour, I have learned that officers themselves often cover the expenses of routine veterinary visits and assume other costs. According to some estimates, approximately 40% of the lifetime veterinary expenses for police dogs occur in the last two years of their lives, meaning the handler could expect $5,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years of a police dog’s life. That’s wrong and requires real solutions. At a time when our police forces are still struggling to hire new officers and our law enforcement officers already have enough on their plates, they shouldn’t be expected to spend their hard-earned paychecks on routine police dog care and checkups. That’s why I introduced legislation – the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act – to help our police cover the costs of maintaining K9s in their departments and ensure that police dogs receive the quality care and treatment that they deserve after a lifetime of service. More specifically, this initiative would establish a $5,000,000 authorization for a grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice to financially assist law enforcement officers with expenses incurred by active and retired K9s. The U.S. Attorney General would then award grants to eligible nonprofits that assist owners of former law enforcement K9s with costs associated with veterinary care, medication, or other medical expenses.Any grant recipient would further be required to deliver a detailed annual report to the U.S. Attorney General outlining how grant funds were deployed, and the Attorney General would then submit a joint report of all grant funds to Congress to ensure program accountability, efficacy, and transparency. I am also glad to report that this legislation enjoys wide support and endorsements from major police and law-enforcement organizations across the country. The National Police Dog Foundation, the National Police Association, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Union of Police Associations, and Major County Sheriffs of America have all expressed their strong support for this bill. They have specifically underscored how the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act will make a real difference in the lives of police K9s and alleviate financial stress for police departments so that they can focus on doing their jobs and protecting our communities. Our police and law enforcement officers – and their K9 partners – put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe. I am encouraged that my bill will give our police officers the resources and the peace of mind to protect our families and deliver the high-quality care that police dogs deserve on the job and during retirement. As a strong ally of our law enforcement community, I will always back the blue 100%, which includes our four-legged friends and heroes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-washington-examiner-china-capitalizing-hamas-terrorist-attacks,Hinson in the Washington Examiner: China is capitalizing on Hamas terrorist attacks,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Rep. Ashley Hinson The Washington Examiner December 22, 2023 Last year, I visited Israel with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. I met wonderful Israelis, including at Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which was savaged by Hamas on Oct. 7, and was struck by how they lived under constant fear of attack each day. That constant dread became reality earlier this year, when Hamas launched its brutal terrorist attacks against Israel. Following the horrific attacks on innocent Israeli citizens at the hands of Hamas terrorists, freedom-loving countries and moral people everywhere rightly condemned Hamas and shared their support for Israel. However, communist China did not let this crisis go to waste. The Chinese Communist Party capitalized on the death and destruction to prop up Hamas terrorists, gain favor from Iran and its proxies, and sow division within the United States. In its first statement following the strikes, China urged both sides to “exercise restraint” and “remain calm” without so much as mentioning the innocent Israelis who were brutalized and murdered by Hamas terrorists. This did not come as a shock, given the CCP’s genocide against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. China’s conciliatory tone toward Hamas is part of its larger strategy to displace and undermine American global leadership, particularly in the developing world. China’s growing engagement in the Middle East has been calculated. From its predatory lending practices in African countries struggling with jihadi insurgents and armed militias to building significant trade relationships with anti-democratic dictators, the CCP has long been working to tip the global geopolitical scales in its favor. Most concerning is the rising friendship between China and Iran, and both have a vested interest in seeing America’s foreign policy objectives fail. In true ""the enemy of my enemy is my friend” fashion, China and Iran’s relationship capitalizes on their shared anti-Western ideologies. China is the No. 1 buyer of Iranian oil, meaning Iran gets to sell its oil and avoid U.S. sanctions while China gets to buy it at a discount, saving billions. Chinese ports serve as major destinations for Iranian tankers conducting illicit trade, also in violation of U.S. sanctions. Shortly after Hamas’s terrorist attacks, the CCP dispatched diplomats across the Middle East. This was not only an attempt to cast itself as a peace broker on the world stage but to degrade America’s effective diplomacy in the region following the success of the Abraham Accords. Naturally, CCP diplomats discredited Hamas’s brutality and refused to condemn Iran, its major oil supplier and partner in chaos, and its influence and funding for Hamas. China’s opportunistic response is not confined to Iran and its proxies in the Middle East. The CCP has also attempted to sow discord here at home in the U.S. The CCP has intentionally promoted anti-Israel, pro-Hamas content on TikTok, targeting young people who get their news from this dangerous app. The People’s Forum, a “nonprofit” organization with dubious ties to the CCP, is reportedly backing pro-Hamas protests across the U.S. in support of a ceasefire that would undermine Israel’s necessary ground offensive and American efforts to bring hostages home safely. China has a vested interest in Iran, through its terrorist proxies, achieving its goal of destroying the Jewish state of Israel and eliminating America’s closest and most important ally in the region. We cannot allow the CCP to take the moral high ground publicly while actively supporting Hamas, meddling in American politics, and working to subvert U.S. diplomacy abroad. Standing with Israel means calling out the supporters and enablers of the Oct. 7 massacre — and anyone who refuses to denounce them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-attends-cop28-and-advocates-iowa-farmers,Miller-Meeks Attends COP28 and Advocates for Iowa Farmers,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) joined the bipartisan Energy and Commerce delegation to COP28 to advocate for Iowa and agriculture issues. This historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation (CODEL) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates was led by Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Kelly Armstrong (R-ND). “We have a story to tell, and I was honored to represent our district and our agricultural priorities at COP28,”said Miller-Meeks. “At COP, I had the opportunity to speak at the U.S. Pavilion to discuss how Iowa farmers help fuel the world with lower carbon, cleaner emissions liquid fuels. In Iowa, we are taking advantage of the geographic composition and natural attributes of our state to support the entire gamut of renewables, from wind to solar to ethanol, biodiesel, biomass, manure, and compressed renewable natural gas and hydropower. I was also able to mention how our farmers across Iowa and the United States are the backbone of this country and our economy. I highlighted how Iowa is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, pork, and eggs in the United States, even while reducing fertilizer and pesticide use with adoption of sustainable regenerative Ag practices. I am excited to continue to tell the story about how we are a role model creating energy systems to reduce emissions to secure a cleaner, healthier planet for generations to come. Click here for the top photos from the historic, bipartisan Congressional delegation. Click here to read Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ column on COP28 featured in the Iowa Torch.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-iowa-delegation-letter-calling-biden-mayorkas-stop-saddling-iowas-0/,"Nunn Leads Iowa Delegation in Letter Calling for Biden, Mayorkas to Stop Saddling Iowa’s Farmers with Results of Failed Border Policies",2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) led the Iowa congressional delegation in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to secure the border in response to a decision to suspend major rail crossings on the southern border. These rail crossings are critically important for transporting Iowa’s agricultural products, which support roughly one million U.S. jobs and 31 percent of American farm income. “Let us be clear: this punitive move to harm America’s farmers will exacerbate the pain already felt by families across the country because of the border crisis you caused,” said the legislators. “We, therefore, urge you to establish operational control of these passes to reopen the flow of legal goods as quickly as possible.” On Monday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection closed rail crossings between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. More than one third of the nation’s business with Mexico is exchanged between Eagle Pass and El Paso, Texas. For every day the railways are closed, 60 trains sit idle and 4,500 Union Pacific rail cars face delay, contributing to the embargo of grain and other goods. Since the beginning of the Biden Administration, more than 6.4 million illegal immigrants have poured over the southern border and into our country. Failed policies have allowed a flood of illegal immigrants to enter our country, creating a national security and humanitarian crisis. Taxpayers are funding assistance, transportation and other services for those illegally entering our country. Cartels are exploiting the open border to traffic vulnerable people and illicit drugs that impact communities across the country. Text of the letter can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/22/nunn-leads-letter-urging-year-round-e15-sales/,Nunn Leads Letter Urging for Year-Round E15 Sales,2023-12-22,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today led the Iowa Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in a letter urging President Joe Biden to allow for the expanded, year-round sale of E15. “Iowa leads the nation in the production of biofuels thanks to our hardworking farmers and biofuel producers,” said the representatives in the letter. “Any delays in securing permanent, year-round E15 sales punishes Americans and farmers who have already faced record inflation, fuel prices, and market uncertainty as a result of your Administration’s economic policies.” Nearly every other row of corn grown in Iowa is used to create biofuels. Each day, our farmers provide access to homegrown fuel across the nation and the world. The biofuels industry supports countless jobs, reduces prices at the pump, and provides billions of dollars in exports.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-lead-letter-biden-administration-over-railway-service,Feenstra Helps Lead Letter to Biden Administration Over Railway Service Suspensions at Southern Border,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped lead a letter – spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) – to President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas urging the Biden administration to secure the border and resume railway service routes in Eagle Pass, Texas and El Paso, Texas. “President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas have failed to uphold their constitutional duty to secure our border and protect our communities. Instead of finishing the border wall, destroying the drug cartels, and deporting illegal immigrants, the Biden administration opted to close major railway crossings that facilitate trade – including the sale of Iowa agricultural products – between the United States and Mexico. This is just another attack on American farmers who are already facing WOTUS regulations, inflation, and high energy costs,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Iowa farmers and producers rely on open markets and trade certainty to sell their high-quality goods worldwide and turn a profit. Alongside the entire Iowa congressional delegation, I call on President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to do their job, secure the border, and reopen these crucial railway crossings for the good of Iowa agriculture.” The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-release-hinson-recaps-work-iowans-2023,VIDEO RELEASE: Hinson Recaps Work for Iowans in 2023,2023-12-21,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""As 2023 comes to an end, I’m reflecting on all we have accomplished, together, for Iowans. I’ve been to all 22 counties in Iowa’s Second Congressional District at least four times this year, meeting with families, veterans, small businesses, and farmers to hear about their challenges and their successes, and learn how I can help. Transparency and accountability are at the heart of what I do, which is why I’ve held 14 in person town halls and 8 virtual town halls this year to hear directly from you. I’ve turned that feedback into action and introduced legislation like the: After Hours Child Care Act, to expand childcare services beyond 9 to 5 hours to fit real family schedules The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, to help end tragedy of stillbirth, the tragic loss of a child after 20 weeks, and ensure expecting women have access to care The EATS Act to stand up for Iowa pig farmers and overturn California’s Prop 12 bacon ban And the REAL Trucking Act, to get more Iowa truckers on the road and reduce costs across the board. I have also kept up my important work of improving quality of life for Iowa veterans, elevating the conversation around veterans’ mental health care and engaging TSA to help veterans with service dogs travel more easily. While many of my efforts in Congress are bipartisan, I have also held the Biden Administration accountable and pushed back on policies that are just plain wrong – from rejecting Biden’s student loan “cancelation” scheme, to standing firm against wasteful spending, and working to secure our Southern Border. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve been dedicated to slashing reckless spending while delivering investments for our district, including a $1.5 million grant for Dubuque to help restore daily commercial air service. And, we can be honest, there was a whole lot of chaos and dysfunction in Washington in 2023, which is why I redoubled my efforts to drain the swamp through my Make Washington Work Again package, which would force bureaucrats who have been “working from home” back into the office, move agency headquarters out of DC, and enact a federal lobbying ban. Our team closed 3,481 constituent cases this year – helping Iowans get back money they are owed by the IRS, collecting missing social security and veterans benefits, bringing Iowans home safely from Israel, and reuniting families by securing passports. We’ve responded to over 28,000 constituents who have written in to our team, and we are going to keep these conversations going in the new year. I’ve approached this year with one mission: make D.C. run more like Iowa and enact policies that connect rural communities, improve safety and security for Iowa families, and protect taxpayers – because it is your money, not the government’s money. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in 2023, and I can’t wait to build on these successes with you in the new year."" Background: Hinson and her team were able to deliver life-changing casework wins for Iowans. Hinson and her team solved 3,481 cases (and counting) for Iowans this year. Some of the most impactful casework outcomes included helping a small business obtain an IRS refund of over $1,000,000, delivering medals to families of veterans, helping veterans schedule appointments with specialists at the VA, and recovering missing Social Security benefits. Hinson continued to deliver on her promise to be transparent, accessible, and responsive to her constituents, embodying the mantra: ""whether we agree or disagree, you will always know where I stand."" Hinson held 14 in-person town halls and eight virtual town halls to connect with Iowans and answer questions. Hinson held press calls with the Iowa media each week where she discussed legislative initiatives, news of day, and took questions. Hinson and her team responded to over 28,000 constituents who wrote into our office with questions. Hinson has championed Iowans' priorities in Congress this year, working to hold the Biden Administration accountable while finding common ground to deliver for Iowa. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Hinson held Biden cabinet secretaries accountable, and crafted legislation that slashes funding for the woke Biden agenda while ensuring Iowa's priorities were funded. As a Member of the House Select Committee on Competition with China (SCC), Hinson has been working across the aisle to produce the policy blueprint to compete with China on the global stage. Hinson brought the SCC to Dysart, Iowa for a roundtable with Iowa farmers to discuss strategies to counter China's aggressive intellectual property theft and efforts to undermine Iowa agriculture. Hinson introduced 24 bills and co-sponsored 173 bills, 85 of which are bipartisan. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/20/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-bills-help-iowas-farmers-improve-environmental/,"Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bills to Help Iowa’s Farmers, Improve Environmental Conservation",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"Ottumwa, Iowa — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced two bipartisan bills to assist Iowa’s farmers in improving water quality, preventing soil erosion, and protecting critical wildlife habitat. The Conservation Innovation Act, introduced by Rep. Nunn and co-led by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), will establish an Office of Conservation Innovation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act, introduced by Rep. Spanberger and co-led by Rep. Nunn, will strengthen NRCS by providing for increased public input. “There is no better steward of our land than farmers,” said Rep. Nunn. “As producers prepare for the future, it’s important they have the tools and resources they need to succeed. No one understands the needs of their land better than farmers, so we must also ensure Iowa’s producers are in the driver’s seat as new conservation practices are developed.” According to the USDA, approximately 500,000 farmers across the United States work with the agency to implement conservation practices. Current conservation practices are determined through a process that starts with recommendations through state committees that are then sent to the USDA NRCS. The process allows for little engagement from stakeholders, such as Iowa’s farmers, and is overly cumbersome. Often, by the time new practices are implemented, the standards use outdated technology and do not keep up with the latest advancements. “As the only Virginian on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I’ve heard from farmers and producers across our Commonwealth who utilize voluntary conservation practices to improve their yields and boost their bottom lines,” said Rep. Spanberger. “Farmers are constantly innovating to find new best practices to further their conservation goals — but bureaucracy is delaying the approval of these practices that farmers and producers could use to their advantage. By cutting unnecessary red tape and making the process more transparent, our bipartisan bill would help make sure that farmers are able to benefit from the most up-to-date, efficient practice standards.”The two bipartisan bills from Reps. Nunn and Spanberger will address this issue to ensure the most cutting-edge technology is utilized and input from farmers is taken into account: The Conservation Innovation Act would establish an Office of Conservation Innovation within NRCS to ensure the utilization of the most effective new technology during the revision of current conservation standards and development of new standards. The Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to provide a process for stakeholder input on each conservation practice during the review process, review all conservation practice standards on a rolling basis every five years, and establish an expedited review process for new conservation practices. Text of the Streamlining Conservation Practice Standards Act can be found here. Text of the Conservation Innovation Act can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-issues-statement-worsening-border-crisis,Feenstra Issues Statement on Worsening Border Crisis,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after more than 12,600 illegal immigrants were apprehended at the southern border — the largest single-day number ever recorded in American history. “I’ve been to the border and the crisis is far worse than President Biden cares to admit. Terrorists, drug traffickers, and illegal immigrants are pouring over our open border with no vetting whatsoever. That’s why House Republicans passed our Secure the Border Act to end the lawlessness and fully fund our border patrol agents. I’ve also personally introduced legislation — the Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act and Sarah’s Law — to finish the border wall, keep deadly fentanyl out of our rural communities, and deport illegal immigrants who break our laws. We must secure our border to keep our families and communities safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/workforceinnovationandempowerment,Hinson Unveils Workforce Innovation & Empowerment Package,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 19, 2023 Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) unveiled her Workforce Innovation and Empowerment legislative package. This package is comprised of three bills that identify and address workforce gaps to help connect Iowans with career advancement opportunities, particularly in skilled trades, and provide pathways to continued success for workers without college degrees. ""America’s workers are our greatest asset as we work to strengthen our economy and compete with China, but outdated policies are holding everyone back. Rather than pushing four-year degrees, we should provide pathways to success in the trades and empower workers to excel in their chosen fields. My Workforce Innovation and Empowerment package will help the next generation of American workers gain the skills necessary for in-demand, high-paying jobs and foster meaningful opportunities in the 21st century economy."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background: The BEST Act provides a tax credit for employers that maintain a qualified training program for employees who are not seeking a college degree, empowering skilled workers to advance in their careers and strengthen our workforce. The Workforce Solutions Act identifies barriers to new career paths in the energy and manufacturing sectors to help workers prepare to take on new opportunities in these dynamic fields. This bill requires the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Energy to annually submit to Congress a joint economic analysis of occupations and career paths impacted by changes in the energy and critical manufacturing industries. The analysis will include information on growth, entry-level occupations, pre-requisites, living wage salaries, career paths, and barriers to success. The analysis will also include how digital technology advancements are impacting the critical manufacturing industry throughout the transition to Industry 4.0. The REAL Trucking Act enables 18-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses for interstate travel. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/19/nunn-announces-nominees-us-service-academy-appointments/,Nunn Announces Nominees for U.S. Service Academy Appointments,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he has nominated four remarkable young Iowans to the U.S. service academies. After completing a rigorous nomination process, four young people have been selected to receive nominations to continue their education at U.S. service academies. “As a 20-year member of our country’s military, one of the highest honors I have is the opportunity to nominate young Iowans to attend one of the U.S. Service Academies,” said Rep. Nunn. “My experience in the military has been transformative, and I’m grateful to be able to help other young people have the same experience. Each of these young men have shown commitment to our country and service over self through a challenging, competitive nomination process. I am proud to nominate them to represent Iowa at a Service Academy.” The following individuals from Iowa’s Third District will receive a nomination to a U.S. Service Academy: Colton Manock, Polk City Tobin McArthur, Atlantic Aidan Murphy, Chariton Mitchell Swarthout, Mount Ayr Nominees completed a rigorous application process conducted by a selection panel including Iowa veterans and community leaders. The U.S. service academies will inform the final nominees regarding their admission decision over the coming months.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-backs-legislation-protect-access-emergency-medical-services-rural,Feenstra Backs Legislation to Protect Access to Emergency Medical Services in Rural Communities,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) cosponsored legislation to protect and fund emergency medical services in rural communities. The Preserve Access to Rapid Ambulance Emergency Medical Treatment Act or the PARA–EMT Act for short would establish a grant program for rural communities to recruit, train, and retain paramedics and emergency medical technicians. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the United States will face a shortage of 42,000 emergency medical personnel by 2030. “As a former volunteer EMT with the Hull Ambulance Service for fifteen years, I know firsthand the importance of reliable emergency medical services in our rural communities. These folks – many of whom are volunteers – respond to medical emergencies, accidents, and many other life-threatening situations, administering professional, lifesaving care and expecting nothing in return,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support the PARA-EMT Act to ensure that our rural communities have the resources that they need to recruit qualified medical personnel, train new paramedics and EMTs, and retain these heroes who face higher levels of burnout and stress. I will continue to advocate for greater investments in our rural emergency medical services to keep our families and communities safe.” This legislation requires that at least 20% of the approved grants be deployed to rural communities. It would also call upon the U.S. Secretary of Labor and the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a survey on the state of emergency medical services nationwide and in rural communities and provide Congress with a full report. Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/18/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-support-survivors-domestic-abuse-sexual/,"Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Support Survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence",2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES – U. S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to support survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The Protecting Women and Children Act would increase access to resources and improve federal grants for organizations that provide safe environments and help those in need following domestic violence or sexual abuse. The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Representative Yadira Caraveo (CO-08). “In Iowa, we have work to do to end a pattern of domestic and sexual violence. We must do everything in our power to support the survivors of these terrible crimes,” said Rep. Nunn. “By improving support for the critical community programs that support survivors, we can ensure every woman and child experiencing this violence has a safe and comfortable respite from danger.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four women and one in seven men will experience physical violence by their partner at some point in their lifetime. Iowa ranks second in the nation for the percentage of women who have experienced domestic violence. Survivors of any violence from a partner are three times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health illnesses. Community organizations are critical for supporting survivors and fostering a safe haven to help those in unsafe situations. In 2021, all 21 of Iowa’s domestic violence programs participated in a 24-hour study through the National Network to End Domestic Violence. These programs assisted more than 1,000 victims seeking shelter and responded to hundreds of phone calls, chats, texts, and emails. “With domestic violence deaths in Colorado hitting a record high this year for the second year in a row, it’s clear we must do more to protect survivors and tackle the root causes of this crisis,” said Rep. Caraveo. “I’m proud to join Congressman Nunn in introducing the Protecting Women and Children Act. This crucial legislation directs the Justice Department to identify and close gaps in our domestic violence prevention infrastructure. By doing so, we can help survivors leave dangerous situations and move forward with their lives, while also enabling law enforcement to hold domestic abusers accountable.” The bipartisan Protecting Women and Children Act would increase prevention, protection, and long-term support for survivors by: Improving federal grants available to community organizations to increase protection and support for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking. Increasing access to federal resources by coordinating with state agencies, non-profits, and other eligible entities to get grants to those who need help the most. Prioritizing support in rural areas. Rep. Nunn introduced the Protecting Women and Children Act in Des Moines. Video of the press conference can be found here. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-legislation-certify-efficacy-legitimacy-and-safety-farm,"Feenstra Leads Legislation to Certify Efficacy, Legitimacy, and Safety of Farm Technology",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Farm Tech Act, which would have the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) establish a program to certify the efficacy, legitimacy, and safety of software that utilizes Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to support cutting-edge agricultural technology, products, and processes. The program would be based on the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology earlier this year. U.S. Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL) are original cosponsors. “From precision agriculture to veterinary software, the latest developments in agricultural technology – including artificial intelligence – have the power to lower input costs for farmers, protect the health of livestock and poultry, and make farming operations more efficient. However, we must be equally active in certifying that these new technologies, products, and processes work as they should and uphold the highest industry standards,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My Farm Tech Act protects our farmers from faulty or misleading technologies by requiring the USDA to verify the legitimacy and effectiveness of agricultural software and other technologies that are increasingly used on farms across Iowa and the United States. This is a commonsense approach that cements Iowa agriculture’s leading role in feeding and fueling the world and responsibly certifies the validity and efficacy of the latest tools in farm technology.” “Our farmers have always been on the cutting edge of implementing new technologies into their operations to increase production and streamline costs,” said Rep. Valadao. “As new technology like artificial intelligence becomes more common in our agriculture operations, we need to make sure these new tools are safe for consumers and producers alike. I’m proud to support the Farm Tech Act, which will support our farmers and ensure these important advancements in the industry are being used responsibly.” Innovation in rural America will create numerous opportunities for farmers and small business owners to begin using emergent technologies, such as A.I., in their businesses. There are already investments being made into pesticide application and veterinary care for livestock. The Farm Tech Act will open a pathway for these innovative technologies to help our rural communities feed and fuel the world. Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-letter-supporting-military-construction-projects-185th-air,Feenstra Leads Letter Supporting Military Construction Projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) led the entire congressional delegations from both Iowa and South Dakota in urging the U.S. Air National Guard and the U.S. Department of Defense to support and fund vital military construction projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Sioux City, Iowa. In part, the lawmakers urged that “the crucial Military Construction Projects requested by the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Sioux City be considered for inclusion in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) as they meet the design stage milestones required in the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation.” “The brave men and women who operate the 185th ARW reside in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The base and its nearly 1,000 Airmen, 300 of whom are full-time, are critical to the Tri-State region’s economic stability and provide area employers with a highly-skilled workforce. Our Tri-State Region is grateful for their service, and earlier this year, the Governors of all three states signed on to a letter…to support the needed investments in the 185th Air Refueling Wing,” the lawmakers continued. The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-statement-greet-model,Hinson Statement on GREET Model,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement on the Department of Treasury’s new guidance on the GREET model for sustainable aviation fuel. “I’m encouraged by the Department of Treasury’s guidance, which will utilize an updated version of the GREET model to recognize farmers’ good environmental stewardship and allow Iowa to play a leading role in the growth of the market for sustainable aviation fuel. This is an important step in the right direction, and I will continue to be a leading voice to expand the use of Iowa biofuels.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-urges-biden-administration-approve-governor-reynolds-request-year,Feenstra Urges Biden Administration to Approve Governor Reynolds’ Request for Year-Round Sales of E-15,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) joined his colleagues from across the Midwest in sending a letter – led by U.S. Reps. Brad Finstad (R-MN) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) – to the Administrator of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda D. Young, urging the Biden administration to approve a request by Governor Kim Reynolds and other Midwest governors to sell E-15 year-round. U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) are leading the letter in the U.S. Senate. “More than 500 days ago, Governor Reynolds asked the Biden administration to approve Iowa’s request to sell E-15 at gas stations year-round. As is typical with President Biden and his EPA, this request has been ignored and stalled. This lack of leadership has forced Iowa families to pay more at the pump and created uncertainty for Iowa farmers and ethanol producers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my Midwestern colleagues to urge the Biden administration to finally approve this request and allow for the year-round sale of low-cost E-15. By authorizing E-15 to be sold 365 days a year, we can support our agricultural community, lower gas prices for our families, and end our reliance on foreign countries for our energy needs.” The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-fully-fund-military-deliver-historic-pay-raise-troops,"Feenstra Votes to Fully Fund Military, Deliver Historic Pay Raise for Troops",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): “When I was elected to serve the people of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. That oath includes my unwavering commitment to our men and women in uniform who are willing to sacrifice their lives to protect our families and defend our freedoms. Upholding my commitment to our troops, I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation fully funds the deployment of the U.S. National Guard to help secure our southern border, allows states to use materials rusting at the border for construction of the wall, and delivers the largest pay raise for our troops in over twenty years. It also bans the teaching of critical race theory, reinstates servicemembers who were wrongfully terminated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and freezes hiring for DEI positions in the military. It further includes language from my Defend America’s Rural Energy Act, which bans China from buying American farmland suitable for homegrown Iowa ethanol and biodiesel production. This NDAA equips our troops with the resources they need to defend our nation from terrorists, drug traffickers, and our foreign enemies. While China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea make significant investments in their military capabilities, we cannot fall behind. With my vote, our military will remain the strongest, most feared fighting force the world has ever known.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-rubio-introduce-bill-help-pregnant-mothers,"Hinson, Rubio Introduce Bill to Help Pregnant Mothers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Last year, nearly 1.5 million children were born to single mothers. Many of these mothers cover costly medical expenses throughout the course of pregnancy, without support from their child’s biological father. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the bicameral Supporting Healthy Pregnancy Act, a pro-life bill to ensure biological fathers are equally involved in supporting a healthy pregnancy and delivery. “We are facing a devastating fatherhood crisis in this country. Infant mortality rates are nearly two times higher for infants of single mothers and children who grow up without fathers are more likely to have behavioral and development issues. Ensuring fathers are financially responsible for their child – both in the womb and once born – is an important step toward engaging fathers in family life so more children can grow up in happy and healthy homes and go on to be productive members of society.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson “Pro-life Americans must stand behind mothers, celebrating and providing for life at every stage. Families are the building blocks of society. Our communities should help mothers as they nurture and raise children, while also holding fathers accountable to stay involved in their child’s development.” - Senator Marco Rubio ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-supports-fy24-ndaa-counter-china-give-troops-raise,Hinson Supports FY24 NDAA to Counter China & Give Troops a Raise,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 14, 2023 Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement in support of the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). ""The FY24 NDAA provides our servicemembers with a well-deserved pay raise — the highest in 20 years —and expands our defense and deterrence capabilities to counter China's aggression and support our freedom-loving allies like Taiwan and Israel. Additionally, the NDAA eliminates wokeness from our military and invests in the cutting edge technologies to best equip our troops against growing global threats. I will continue advocating for a strong national defense, supporting our troops, and working to re-establish the peace through strength doctrine to keep America safe."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background: The FY24 NDAA authorizes $886.3 billion for national defense discretionary programs including: Enhancing U.S. deterrence and strengthening capabilities to counter the CCP’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening supply chains and reaffirming U.S. support for the defense of Taiwan and Pacific allies. Providing a 5.2% increase in basic pay for servicemembers. Enhancing DoD support for border security by fully funding the National Guard to support border deployment and combating illegal drug trafficking. Continuing to prohibit any COVID-19 vaccine requirement. The FY24 NDAA saves $40 billion by: Cutting inefficient defense programs, obsolete weapons systems, and unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy. Ending wokeness in our military by resetting the DoD’s mission and prohibiting funding for Critical Race Theory, ends Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), includes a Parents Bill of Rights to ensure parents of children in DoD schools are included in their child’s education, and prevents military Green New Deal. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-bera-bucshon-and-schrier-send-letter-house-and-senate-leadership,"Miller-Meeks, Bera, Bucshon, and Schrier Send Letter to House and Senate Leadership Urging Congressional Action to Prevent Cut in Medicare Reimbursement to Physicians",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), and Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) penned a letter to House and Senate leadership urging Congressional action to prevent the impending 3.37% cut in Medicare reimbursement to physicians. The letter was signed by 193 Members of Congress. In the letter, the physicians discuss the need to ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to quality care: “We write today as a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging you to act quickly to prevent a 3.37% cut to Medicare reimbursement payments that will occur on January 1, 2024. We in Congress must continue our partnership with the physician and provider community to ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to quality care. Physicians and other healthcare providers, who are confronting inflationary pressures and workforce shortages, need Congress to prevent this cut, which will add significant burdens to the healthcare infrastructure and the communities they serve.” The members also highlighted the impacts of the cuts on seniors and underserved areas: “The effects of these cuts will be exacerbated in rural and underserved areas, which continue to face significant healthcare access challenges. Medicare physicians and other providers do not receive inflationary updates in the Medicare program, which is partially why eliminating these potential cuts is so crucial. We as policymakers must ensure that physicians and other providers who treat Medicare patients continue to have the necessary financial support to care for our nation's seniors.” “We appreciate the bi-partisan efforts led by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (IA-01), Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08), and Kim Schrier, MD (WA-08) to convey to Congressional leadership the impact on patient care these looming 3.37% Medicare cuts will have,” said American Medical Group Association (AMGA) President and CEO Jerry Penso, M.D., M.B.A. “After three years of continuous reductions adding up to 6%, another 3.37% decrease is not sustainable. According to a recent survey, it is clear AMGA members will be forced to take further actions that will result in decreased access, longer wait times, and decreased investments in programs that address community health issues. We strongly encourage Congress to act to prevent this reduction so that AMGA members can continue to focus on patient care, not ways to cut cost.” “The Medicare payment rate is in freefall, and another 3.37 percent reduction will have devastating consequences; seniors will lose access to their physicians, practices will close, and rural and underserved areas will feel these effects first,” said American Medical Association (AMA) President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., MPH. “There is still a very small window to avert this crisis, and the AMA applauds Reps. Miller-Meeks and Bera for spearheading this robust, bipartisan effort to do just that. We urge Congress to heed their words and act swiftly to prevent these Medicare cuts.” The full text of the letter may be found below. Dear Speaker Johnson, Leader Schumer, Minority Leader Jeffries, and Minority Leader McConnell: We write today as a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging you to act quickly to prevent a 3.37% cut to Medicare reimbursement payments that will occur on January 1, 2024. We in Congress must continue our partnership with the physician and provider community to ensure that Medicare patients continue to have access to quality care. Physicians and other healthcare providers, who are confronting inflationary pressures and workforce shortages, need Congress to prevent this cut, which will add significant burdens to the healthcare infrastructure and the communities they serve. This potential 3.37% reduction comes after three years of consecutive cuts to Medicare services. If Congress does not act this year, Medicare payments will have been cut by almost 10% in four years, which is simply unsustainable for our nation's medical groups, physicians, and other health care providers. In fact, we have heard from physician and other provider organizations that due to these past cuts and the potential for additional Medicare cuts, medical groups and integrated systems of care have and will continue to eliminate services. This includes implementing hiring freezes, delaying system improvements and the implementation of care model changes such as transitioning to value-based care systems. The effects of these cuts will be exacerbated in rural and underserved areas, which continue to face significant healthcare access challenges. Medicare physicians and other providers do not receive inflationary updates in the Medicare program, which is partially why eliminating these potential cuts is so crucial. We as policymakers must ensure that physicians and other providers who treat Medicare patients continue to have the necessary financial support to care for our nation's seniors. We appreciate your attention to this critical issue and look forward to working together to ensure these cuts are prevented. Background: This potential 3.37% reduction comes after three years of consecutive cuts to Medicare services. If Congress does not act this year, Medicare payments will have been cut by almost 10% in four years, which is simply unsustainable for our nation's medical groups, physicians, and other health care providers. If these Medicare cuts are not prevented, medical groups and integrated systems of care will be forced to eliminate services, furlough staff, implement hiring freezes, and delay population health initiatives. Congress must ensure that Medicare providers continue to have the necessary financial support to care for our nation’s seniors who rely on Medicare.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-advance-formal-impeachment-inquiry-president-biden,Feenstra Votes to Advance Formal Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted to advance a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden. “The American people deserve accountability and transparency from their elected officials — and the president is no exception. While Republicans have upheld our constitutional duty to conduct oversight of the executive branch, President Biden has been uncooperative and evasive. That’s why I voted to advance a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his questionable conduct. We are now one step closer to uncovering his connection to his son’s sweetheart deal with the IRS and involvement in his foreign business dealings.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/13/nunn-bill-save-lives-opioid-overdoses-passes-house/,Nunn Bill to Save Lives from Opioid Overdoses Passes House,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Representatives Zach Nunn’s (IA-03) bipartisan bill, co-led with Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), to save lives by strengthening programs designed to prevent opioid overdoses by a vote of 386 to 37. The Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act would increase long-term recovery support for individuals with substance use disorders and associated mental health disorders by strengthening the Building Communities of Recovery program (BCOR), significantly increasing its ability to fund local community organizations or centers that champion the development, enhancement, expansion, and delivery of recovery support services. “Communities across the country continue to struggle with how to deal with the opioid epidemic. Too many Iowans know a family member or friend who is dealing with an addiction to opioids,” said Rep. Nunn. “We must do more to stop the flow of illegal drugs into this country, and we also need to help those suffering from addiction now. By passing this critical legislation, we will enhance support for community organizations that help people recover from addiction.” Fatal overdoses due to opioids are on the rise. In 2021, drug overdose deaths exceeded homicides by more than 300%. Each day, more than 150 people die from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. In 2021, there were 398 deaths due to overdose in Iowa. BCOR is a grant program administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that provides support to nonprofit recovery community organizations or centers that: Offer peer recovery support services designed and delivered by individuals with personal experience in addiction and recovery Deliver recovery support services that directly assist individuals and families to recover from alcohol or drug dependency Collaborate with current regional and local harm reduction community partner efforts that will encompass harm reduction The bipartisan Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act would more than triple funding for the BCOR program to $16,000,000 annually through 2028. The bill, which was originally introduced on June 16, 2023, passed the House of Representatives as part of the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. The legislation now awaits consideration by the Senate. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-hold-unelected-bureaucrats-accountable-iowa-families-farmers,"Feenstra Votes to Hold Unelected Bureaucrats Accountable to Iowa Families, Farmers, and Businesses",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act. This legislation would simply require the heads of federal agencies to personally sign off on every rule and regulation that they plan to impose on American families, farmers, and businesses. “Unelected bureaucrats – especially those at the EPA – have abused their power to impose costly rules and regulations on Iowa families, farmers, and small businesses. From electric-vehicle mandates to expanded WOTUS regulations, federal agencies have prioritized their political agenda over accountability to the American people. That’s not how government should work,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a limited-government conservative, I proudly voted to ensure transparency and accountability in the federal rulemaking process, which has consistently failed our rural communities. If agency heads want to saddle our families, farmers, and businesses with increased costs, more paperwork, and headaches, they should have to personally sign off on every rule that they impose on hardworking Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-eshoo-kiggans-burgess-kelly-preemie-act-passes-house,"Miller-Meeks, Eshoo, Kiggans, Burgess, Kelly PREEMIE Act Passes the House",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — H.R. 3226, the “Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023,” or the PREEMIE Act, legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Michael Burgess (TX-26), and Robin Kelly (IL-02). “Babies born prematurely already have a steep hill to climb. The ‘Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act,’ ensures that preterm babies have a better opportunity at a healthy start,” said Miller-Meeks. “I’m proud that this bipartisan effort to support research and educational programs to uncover the cause and impact of preterm births has passed the House and I look forward to getting it one step closer to becoming law.” “Every baby deserves a healthy start and reauthorizing the PREEMIE Act will help us toward that goal. Since it was first passed in 2006, the PREEMIE Act has helped researchers and doctors identify the causes of premature births and work to prevent them. Still, every day in the U.S. one in ten babies is born premature. We cannot allow the U.S. to have one of the highest prematurity rates in the developed world. I urge my colleagues to swiftly reauthorize this important program,” said Eshoo. “The PREEMIE Act has facilitated invaluable, life-saving research benefitting hundreds of thousands of expectant mothers and prematurely born infants,” said Kiggans, Vice-Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus. “As a primary care provider, I’m thankful for the positive strides that have been made in recent years to understand and prevent premature births. But there’s still work to be done. In 2021, one in ten babies in the U.S. was born preterm. I’m very proud that our House has passed this bill, which will ensure federal research on this issue continues!” “I served as an OBGYN in North Texas for nearly 30 years, so I know firsthand the importance of giving every baby a healthy start in life. That's why I strongly support the PREEMIE ACT, which provides critical support to make that a reality,” said Burgess. “By renewing the CDC's research and programs on preterm birth, improving national data tracking, promoting healthy pregnancies, and establishing a coordinated effort across federal agencies, we can take meaningful steps to prevent preterm birth and reduce infant mortality. This legislation is a crucial investment in the health of our nation's children, and we urge our colleagues to act swiftly to ensure its renewal.” “Babies born premature face significant and unique barriers to live full, healthy lives. I am proud to have helped lead the PREEMIE Act to ensure that premature babies have the resources they need to thrive,” said Kelly. “This bipartisan legislation will equip our medical providers and our communities with the best practices and resources to help produce better outcomes for premature babies and their mothers.” Read the full text of the bill here. Background: The PREEMIE Act reauthorizes critical federal research, education, and intervention activities to reduce preterm birth and infant mortality. The PREEMIE Act was first signed into law in 2006 to help reduce infant mortality. Specifically, the legislation reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s research and data collection on infants born premature and programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration aimed at improving the treatment and outcome of infants born premature. This includes grants to help doctors and the public understand the potential risk factors for having a preterm baby, such as smoking, and grants to screen and treat pregnant people for depression, and substance use disorders, including opioid use disorders. The legislation also authorizes a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options. In June, a bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers noted the growing support for the PREEMIE Act from 84 maternal and infant health organizations. In their letters to Senate and House lawmakers, the organizations express the importance of the legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/12/nunn-bill-combatting-china-protecting-iowa-small-businesses-passes-house/,"Nunn Bill Combatting China, Protecting Iowa Small Businesses Passes House",2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed Representative Zach Nunn’s (IA-03) bipartisan bill by a 420 to 1 vote to crack down on Chinese Communist Party shell companies in the United States and support real American small businesses. The Protect Small Businesses and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act will close loopholes allowing China’s shell companies to conceal their ownership while easing the burden of regulations on real American businesses. “The Chinese Communist Party has more than 40,000 shell companies currently operating in the United States that jeopardize our national security, steal our intellectual property, and undermine our economy,” Rep. Nunn said. “By passing this legislation, we’re fighting back against the Chinese Communist Party’s aggressive maneuvers to harm our national security while, at the same time, reducing the burden of red tape on Iowa’s small businesses.” In 2020, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act to root out these shell companies by establishing new reporting requirements for businesses; however, during implementation by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), several changes were made that deviated significantly from the bill passed by Congress. Most notably, companies were given an option to state that they were “unable to obtain” or “unable to identify” their true ownership. The inclusion of these options undermines the effectiveness of the law by allowing bad actors to obscure the identity of nefarious owners. Rep. Nunn’s bill, the Protect Small Businesses and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act, will fix this fatal flaw and make it easier for real American businesses to comply with the law by: Closing the loophole allowing reporting companies to omit information by selecting “unable to obtain” or “unable to identify” Requiring new entities to file a report within 90 days of formation or registration Extending the filing deadline for American businesses by 12 months while the Treasury Department fixes their flawed implementation of this new law to ensure small businesses are not overburdened with unclear and unnecessarily complicated new regulations The legislation now awaits consideration in the Senate. Text of the bill—which is co-led by Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Ranking Member Joyce Beatty (OH-03)—is available here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-introduces-legislation-help-police-departments-and-officers-cover,Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Help Police Departments and Officers Cover Expenses of Police Dog Care and Retirement,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act, which would help police departments and officers cover veterinary and other costly expenses related to the retirement and care of police K9s. “Our police and law enforcement officers make incredible sacrifices to protect our communities and undertake many responsibilities out of the public eye. That includes caring for police K9s – which assist officers in seizing drugs, tracking missing people, and detaining criminals – during their service and after their retirement,” said Rep. Feenstra. “In my conversations with police and sheriff’s departments across the 4th Congressional District, officers themselves often cover the expenses associated with veterinary visits and other costs. Our police forces are still struggling to hire new officers, and our law enforcement officers already have enough on their plates; they shouldn’t be expected to spend their paychecks on routine police dog care and checkups. That’s why I introduced legislation to create a grant program that would help our police cover the costs of maintaining K9s in their departments and ensure that police dogs receive the quality care and treatment that they deserve after a lifetime of service.” “Congressman Feenstra is a strong ally of law enforcement and an unwavering advocate for our priorities in Congress,” said Ida County Sheriff Wade Harriman. “His Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act represents his commitment to our police and will equip our law enforcement officers and departments in Ida County with the resources that we need to care for our police dogs and protect our communities. This legislation will ensure that our officers can focus on fighting crime and keeping drugs away from our kids without worrying about covering veterinary care and other expenses related to the wellbeing of our K9s. I thank Congressman Feenstra for his hard work and hope to see this bill be signed into law.” “Retired police dogs are at an increased risk for developing ailments like hip dysplasia, separation anxiety, and arthritis. Depending on the level of treatment needed, veterinary care can be cost prohibitive. Because K9s don’t receive pensions like their human counterparts, their caregivers are ultimately responsible for veterinary expenses,” said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director of the National Police Association. “It’s why we thank Rep. Randy Feenstra for introducing the Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act of 2023 (H.R. 5885), a bill that closes this gap by providing caregivers with a reliable stream of income for veterinary expenses. It’s a meaningful way to honor the police dogs who for years, have provided priceless services to our communities. And because most police dogs retire at home with their handlers, this bill also supports the men and women of law enforcement.” “Our police K9 partners who serve our communities across the country face countless dangerous situations during their careers including finding violent criminals, assisting in drug operations, and helping to bring closure to cases,” said Megan Noland, Executive Director of the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA). “After these incredible K9 partners finish their tour of service, the least we can do is ensure they receive proper care during their retirement. MCSA is proud to endorse this legislation which will not only support our retired K9s, but also their loyal handlers.” “We are pleased to stand alongside Congressman Feenstra in supporting this vital legislation,” said Sam A. Cabral, International President of the International Union of Police Associations. “The Act reflects a common-sense resolution to ensure the well-being of Law Enforcement Officers and their K-9 partners across the nation.” “Law enforcement at all levels rely heavily on our K9 colleagues when responding to high-stress, physically demanding situations. Just as the scars of service stay with law enforcement officers and agents well past retirement, our K9 colleagues often experience lifelong physical ailments from their service. This legislation will ensure the owners of retired police dogs have the resources to support their pet in a way that truly honors their service to this country. We applaud Congressman Feenstra for leading this effort,” said Mat Silverman, President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. “K9’s who help protect and serve throughout their lives deserve to be taken care of in retirement and communities need the resources to do so,” said Sheriff Troy Wellman of Moody County, South Dakota, Chair of the Animal Cruelty and Welfare Committee of the National Sheriffs’ Association. “We commend Rep. Feenstra for providing the capability to help care for those who served.” More specifically, this legislation would establish a $5,000,000 authorization for a grant program within the U.S. Department of Justice to financially assist law enforcement officers with expenses incurred by retired K9s. The Attorney General would award grants on a competitive basis to any 501(c)(3) that has a proven track record of successfully assisting the owners of former law enforcement K9s with costs associated with veterinary care, medication, antibiotics, or other medical expenses and the capacity to record and provide a detailed accounting of the purposes for which the grant amounts are expended. Any grant recipient would be required to deliver a detailed annual report to the U.S. Attorney General outlining how grant funds were deployed. The Attorney General would then submit a joint report of all grant funds to Congress. According to a police dog group, Paws of Honor, approximately 40% of the lifetime veterinary expenses for dogs occur in the last two years of their lives, meaning the handler could expect $5,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years. In addition to the groups above, the National Police Dog Foundation also supports this legislation. You can find legislative text HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-spearheads-condemnation-un-agency-trying-tell-americans-eat-less-meat,Hinson Spearheads Condemnation of UN Agency Trying to Tell Americans to Eat Less Meat,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - The U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization, led by top CCP official Qu Dongyu, is calling for America and other Western nations to consume less meat in the name of climate change. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) today joined Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) in introducing a resolution condemning the United Nations for calling on Americans to eat less meat. “It's laughable that a U.N. agency spearheaded by a top CCP official is calling on Americans to eat less meat in the name of climate change when China is the world's worst polluter. This is a thinly veiled attempt by China to undermine U.S. agriculture as well as the Iowa farmers who produce high quality meat. The impact of the CCP infiltrating the U.N. is clear: they can strongly call for Americans to stop eating meat, but can't strongly condemn Hamas for their human rights atrocities in Israel. I'm proud to lead the charge to condemn this nonsense from the U.N. alongside Representative Flood, stand up for U.S. agriculture, and set the record straight."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-diagnostic-lab-testing-transparency-act-passes-house,Miller-Meeks’ Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act Passes the House,2023-12-11,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-01) “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act,” legislation that was included in Section 102 of H.R. 5378, the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” package, passed the House. The “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act” would require diagnostic laboratories to disclose three data points for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests included on the list of shoppable services specified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “I am proud that the ‘Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act,’ passed the House,” said Miller-Meeks. “Currently, patients can only see the prices for labs conducted at hospitals and not the prices for diagnostic services offered by competing independent labs. The ‘Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act,’ supports consumer choice by expanding a patients’ ability to shop for diagnostic tests and therefore compare prices. I am encouraged by the support of my colleagues, and I look forward to moving this legislation one step closer to becoming law.” Read the full text of the bill here. Background: The “Diagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act” was introduced in May 2023. This section of the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” package extends certain price transparency requirements to diagnostic labs. Specifically, this section requires labs to make publicly available the cash price and publish cash prices as well as the de-identified minimum and maximum insurer-negotiated rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory tests offered by the lab that are included on the list of shoppable services specified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Additional Information on the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” Package: The “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” empowers patients and employers to shop for healthcare and make informed healthcare decisions by providing timely and accurate information about the cost of care, treatment, and services. The legislation lowers costs for patients and employers by requiring health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to disclose negotiated drug rebates and discounts, revealing the true costs of prescription drugs. The legislation lowers out-of-pocket costs for seniors who receive medication at a hospital-owned outpatient facility or doctor’s office. The legislation helps hospitals with Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments to ensure that they can continue to provide care for low-income communities.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-epa-500-days-late-key-biofuels-deadline,Hinson: The EPA is 500 Days Late on Key Biofuels Deadline,2023-12-09,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - On April 28, 2022, Governor Reynolds led seven other Midwestern governors in a formal petition to EPA requesting the year-round sale of E15. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to finalize regulations to grant the Governors' request within 90 days. As of today, December 9th, the EPA is 500 days late on their statutory deadline. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released the below statement on the EPA's delay. “The EPA is marking a sorry milestone today -- it is 500 days past the deadline to grant the request led by Governor Reynolds for the sale of year-round E15. If only Biden's EPA was as focused on actual solutions to strengthen America's energy independence, like expanding biofuels, as they are on mandating electric vehicles. The EPA shouldn't delay the Governor's request any longer, it is time to sell E15 year-round and provide Iowa biofuels producers and fuel retailers with the certainty they deserve."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Hinson has been a leading advocate for year-round access to E15 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Earlier this year, Hinson co-led a letter with Senator Joni Ernst urging the EPA to quickly act on Governor Reynolds’ request for year-round E15 in Iowa. Additionally, Hinson helped introduce the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to provide for the permanent nationwide sale of E15 year-round. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ashley-hinson-getting-iowa-truckers-road,Congresswoman Ashley Hinson: Getting Iowa Truckers on the Road,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"America’s truckers keep our supply chain and our economy moving. They bring products to market, keep our grocery shelves stocked, and get packages to their destinations. However, there is currently a shortage of interstate truckers and limitations on interstate Commercial Drivers Licenses are exacerbating this shortage. As I travel through the district and meet with Iowans, I constantly hear about the impacts of the trucking workforce shortage from trucking companies, farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers alike. For example, an 18-year-old truck driver is permitted to drive 300 miles from a project in Sioux City all the way to Dubuque County. Still, according to current regulations, the same driver is not allowed to drive a truck three miles across the Julien Dubuque Bridge for a project across the state line in Illinois. It makes no sense. That’s why I introduced the REAL Trucking Act. This legislation will codify the ability for 18-to-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses for interstate trucking to get more Iowa truckers on the road and able to move products across state lines. Bolstering our trucking workforce will strengthen our supply chain and stabilize interstate commerce. It will also support family farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers by ensuring they can get their products to market. The more truckers we have on the road, the more efficient our supply chain will be. The more efficient our supply chain is, the lower costs will be. As Iowa families continue to grapple with high prices, streamlining our supply chain is a vital step to lower inflation. This bill will also provide critical career opportunities for 18-to-20 year olds not interested in a four-year degree. Those who obtain their interstate trucking license will be able to kickstart their career and begin earning a living without the massive student debt associated with traditional higher education – by the way, these new truckers shouldn’t have to pay off the loans someone else took out for a gender studies degree. Ensuring students who complete trucking programs can obtain interstate Commercial Drivers Licenses following their courses will empower them to find success in trucking and fill one of the most important roles in our economy. By getting more truckers on the road, we can strengthen our supply chain, connect Iowans with great career opportunities, and get Iowa products where they need to go while reducing costs across the board. The REAL Trucking Act – inspired by countless conversations with Iowans – is a win-win-win. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-critical-infrastructure-manufacturing-feasibility-act-passes-out,Miller-Meeks’ Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act Passes Out of the Energy and Commerce Committee,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 5390, the “Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act,” out of committee. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), and Bill Johnson (OH-06). The legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the feasibility of manufacturing more goods in the United States, in particular, products that are key to our critical infrastructure sectors. “I am proud that my bipartisan bill ‘The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act’ passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee this week and moves one step closer to floor action and passage through the House. This important bill not only protects the United States from global supply chain issues, but it also determines which rural communities are best suited to manufacture products right here in America,” said Miller-Meeks. “I thank my colleagues for joining me in introducing this important legislation that ensures that we are manufacturing more goods in the United States.” “To strengthen our national security, we must eliminate our dependence on supply chains in China. I thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for her leadership on this bill, which will strengthen the American economy and enhance supply chain resiliency,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act. As we learned all too well during the Covid pandemic, having strong manufacturing supply chains is the best way to protect America from global supply disruptions. Importantly, this legislation includes feasibility studies for manufacturing products in rural communities and industrial parks – of which there are many in Eastern Ohio. This is an effort that will only be successful if every region of our country is involved,” said House Energy and Commerce Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials Subcommittee Chair Bill Johnson (OH-06). Read the full text of the bill here. Watch Rep. Miller-Meeks’ remarks here. Background: The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act was introduced in September. The legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study identifying critical infrastructure imported goods in high demand, costs of manufacturing those goods in the U.S., and includes feasibility studies for manufacturing these products in rural communities, industrial parks and industrial parks in rural areas. This must be reported to Congress within 18 months of the bill’s full passage.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-dmepos-relief-act-2023-passes-out-energy-and-commerce-committee,Miller-Meeks’ DMEPOS Relief Act of 2023 Passes Out of the Energy and Commerce Committee,2023-12-08,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 5555, the “Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act of 2023,” out of committee. This legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) and aims to guarantee that durable medical equipment suppliers can provide their products at an affordable rate. “The Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act of 2023 works to ensure that essential products like oxygen tanks, ankle orthotics, wheelchairs and walkers are available through local providers who provide education and support, not just delivery. Also, this legislation addresses supply chain issues and ensures that durable medical equipment is affordable and available for patients to use,” said Miller-Meeks. “I would like to thank my colleagues for their help in getting this bipartisan legislation through the Energy and Commerce Committee.” “We must strengthen Medicare to provide high-quality care to our seniors, and this bill will support that goal. Rep. Miller-Meeks is a great advocate for seniors, and I am proud to support her legislation, the DMEPOS Relief Act,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “I was pleased to see Rep. Miller-Meeks’ Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act of 2023 pass out of the full Energy and Commerce Committee. It is crucial that we ensure seniors’ access to affordable and potentially life-saving medical equipment, especially for those in rural communities. I look forward to working with my House colleagues to bring this bill to the President’s desk and I thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for her strong leadership on this issue,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Health Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02). Read the full text of the bill here. Watch Rep. Miller-Meeks’ remarks here. Background: The “Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act of 2023” was introduced in September. This legislation would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for certain adjustments to Medicare payments for items of durable medical equipment that were formerly included in round 2021 of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program. This bill will provide for a 75/25 blended rate (a blend of the 75% current competitive bid rates and 25% unadjusted Medicare fee schedule rates) for non-rural, non-Competitive Bidding Areas through the end of 2024. This legislation will also provide for a 90/10 blended payment rate (90% competitive bid rates/10% unadjusted Medicare fee schedule rates) for former Competitive Bidding Areas (CBAs) until the end of 2024.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-stop-president-bidens-latest-student-loan-bailout,Feenstra Votes to Stop President Biden’s Latest Student-Loan Bailout,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted to stop President Biden’s latest student-loan forgiveness scheme. “Iowans who never attended college, entered the workforce early, or helped put their kids through school should not be forced to pick up the tab for President Biden’s costly and unfair student-loan bailout. The Supreme Court already ruled his plans unconstitutional, and this effort is no different,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to join my Republican colleagues in overturning the Biden administration’s latest attempt to saddle American families with additional expenses as inflation and sky-high interest rates crush their budgets and purchasing power. This vote represents my commitment to Iowa taxpayers that I will continue to oppose President Biden’s blanket student-loan forgiveness plans and reckless spending policies.” President Biden’s SAVE plan would cost American taxpayers roughly $559 billion.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-applauds-passage-cars-act,Hinson Applauds Passage of CARS Act,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released the following statement following the passage of the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act of 2023, legislation that will prevent President Joe Biden's electric vehicle rule from taking effect. “Forcing American families to buy electric vehicles they don't want and can't afford is government overreach at its worst. Additionally, Biden's electric vehicle agenda boosts China's economy and enables slave labor while hurting American auto workers and dragging our economy down. Instead of forcing regular Americans to buy electric vehicles, maybe Biden should stop letting his 'climate czar' fly around the world on private jets while preaching about green fantasies. I was proud to co-sponsor and vote for the CARS Act to push back on the Biden Administration's out of touch electric vehicle obsession and preserve consumer choice."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-leads-legislation-bolster-trucking-workforce,Hinson Leads Legislation to Bolster Trucking Workforce,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) introduced the Reciprocity Efficiency and Age Limitation (REAL) Trucking Act to expand eligibility for 18-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs) for interstate travel. ""As I've traveled across Iowa, I've consistently heard about the negative impacts of the trucking workforce shortage, exacerbated by limitations with interstate licensing. The REAL Trucking Act is a commonsense solution to bolster the trucking workforce and strengthen our nation's supply chain, provide critical career opportunities for those not interested in pursuing a 4-year degree, and support family farmers, small businesses, and manufacturers by ensuring they can get their products to market."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background: The REAL Trucking Act helps to alleviate the current trucking workforce shortage by codifying the ability for 18-20-year-olds to obtain Commercial Drivers Licenses for interstate travel. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-recognizes-corporal-ron-slagle-dedicated-service-iowa-house-floor,Hinson Recognizes Corporal Ron Slagle for Dedicated Service to Iowa on House Floor,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) spoke on the House Floor today to recognize Corporal Ron Slagle for his 25 years of service at the Marion Police Department and congratulate him on his retirement. Watch the Full Remarks ""Today, I rise to honor U.S. Air Force veteran and Marion Police Officer, Corporal Ron Slagle, for his 25 years spent protecting our Iowa communities. ""Last month, Corporal Slagle signed off on his last shift with the Marion Police Department with a final “10-42” alongside family and friends. From his time in the Air Force, to his dedication at the Marion Police Department, and his advocacy to ensure law enforcement officers, first responders, and veterans have access to mental health resources, Corporal Slagle embodies what it means to be a public servant. It’s no surprise he has instilled the value of service in his children, who have also embraced careers to help others. He has a true servant’s heart and I wish him all the best in his retirement."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-garamendi-introduce-renewable-fuel-ocean-going-vessels-act,"Miller-Meeks, Garamendi Introduce the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act",2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and John Garamendi (CA-08) introduced the “Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act,” legislation that would allow companies to preserve RIN credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for renewable fuel used for ocean-going vessels. “Ocean-going cargo ships, tankers, and passenger vessels have a need for low-carbon, low-sulfur biodiesel and renewable diesel which provides an additional market for biofuels,” said Miller-Meeks. “This legislation allows for RINs to be generated for renewable marine fuel without requiring an obligation on any parties. I thank my colleagues for supporting this legislation which opens the door for communities, like farmers in Iowa, to engage, and be involved, in the marine fuel industry and conversation.” “Reducing emissions from cargo vessels and cruise ships means cleaner air and healthier communities near our ports and working waterfronts. I am thrilled to introduce this new, bipartisan bill with Representatives Miller-Meeks, Gimenez, and Budzinski to support the global maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, renewable fuels,”said Garamendi. “And that transition can start in California with the Bay Area’s skilled, union refinery workers I am honored to represent in Congress who are ready, willing, and able to produce renewable biofuel for ocean-going vessels.” “This legislation will help expand the use of biomass-based diesel in oceangoing vessels, which makes biofuels a low-cost, home-grown solution for the air, land and sea,” saidMonte Shaw,Executive Director of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). “IRFA members thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for pushing creative solutions that drive demand for biofuels while enhancing energy security, reducing emissions and supporting family farmers.” “We applaud Rep. Miller-Meeks for taking a leadership role in making this important, common-sense fix to the RFS,” said Grant Kimberley, Executive Director of Iowa Biodiesel Board (IBB). “The commitments to decarbonizing the transportation sector are the strongest we’ve ever seen, and that includes the marine industry. We all have an interest in encouraging ocean-going vessels to reduce the marine industry’s greenhouse gas impact through the use of biodiesel.” “By some estimates, sustainable marine fuel is poised to cross 325 billion dollars by 2036, and it’s in everyone’s interest that soybean farmers and biodiesel producers capture some of that the value,” said Suzanne Shirbroun, Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President and a soybean farmer from Farmersburg, Iowa. “When farmers participate in the energy market through greater demand for soybean oil, the farm economy becomes diversified and stronger. We thank Rep. Miller-Meeks for having the foresight to encourage the blue-water marine fleet to use biodiesel in its fuel, which will reduce GHG emissions and improve air quality around ports while strengthening the farm economy.” “International shipping companies and cruise lines are increasingly seeking low-carbon biodiesel and renewable diesel to meet climate goals and consumer demand,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels. “This commonsense legislation will remove a regulatory roadblock and enable biodiesel and renewable diesel producers to meet the low-carbon fuel needs of shipping companies at a competitive price. It will allow refiners and blenders to keep RINs for fuel used in ocean-going vessels that are currently being sacrificed.” Bill cosponsors at the time of introduction include: U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28)",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-stop-president-bidens-electric-vehicle-mandates-iowa-families,Feenstra Votes to Stop President Biden’s Electric-Vehicle Mandates on Iowa Families,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act. This legislation would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency administrator from implementing or enforcing a proposed EPA rule requiring 67% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2032. “President Biden’s obsession with electric vehicles is not only costly for Iowa families, but also beneficial for countries like China that produce the critical materials that we need to manufacture EVs. With the passage of this legislation, we rightfully remove power from the EPA and return it to American consumers who should be able to choose the type of car or truck they prefer to drive. The Biden administration’s preferences should have no influence,” said Rep. Feenstra. “If President Biden truly cares about reducing emissions, he must embrace Iowa biofuels – like ethanol and biodiesel – that can lower gas prices for our families, end our reliance on foreign supply chains, and protect our environment. I will continue to oppose President Biden’s misguided and hasty transition to electric vehicles and instead advocate for year-round E-15 and flex-fuel vehicles.” According to market data, electric vehicles accounted for only 5.8% of new vehicle sales in the United States in 2022. However, under the Biden administration’s arduous proposal, roughly 67% of new vehicles sold in the United States would be electric by 2032 – an unthinkable jump in just ten years’ time, especially considering that 93% of all new car sales were gas-powered last year. These mandates are even more out of touch as President Biden’s own Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm, admitted that 4 in 5 new vehicle sales will still be powered by liquid fuels in 2050.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-physician-fee-schedule-update-and-improvements-act-passes-out,Miller-Meeks’ Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act Passes Out of Energy and Commerce Committee,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 6545, the “Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act,” out of committee. The legislation makes improvements to the physician fee schedule under the Medicare program. The legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08), Kim Schrier (WA-08), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Brad Wenstrup (OH-2), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), and Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). “The current structure of the physician fee schedule does not provide sustainable, reliable and consistent payment rates for physicians who see Medicare beneficiaries,” said Miller-Meeks, M.D. “These cuts, especially when the costs to practice have markedly increased, further strain our nation’s doctors, limiting patient access to care. Each year, doctors routinely face harmful payment cuts making it increasingly difficult to remain in practice and accept Medicare patients, which is worsened in rural areas like Southeastern Iowa. I am proud to introduce the ‘Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act’ and will continue to work to stabilize adequate payment rates to keep providers in practice and increase access to quality care that seniors can afford.” “Patients and the health care providers who care for them are left to deal with the uncertainty of CMS cuts to provider reimbursement rates each year. These annual cuts have become a sad tradition from CMS and forces many providers who serve in rural areas where there is a large Medicare population to shutter their doors,” said Wenstrup, D.P.M. “As a physician, I am proud to co-lead this bill that addresses some of the upcoming cuts providers are facing while also providing long term solutions to bring more stability and certainty to physician reimbursement.” “The Physician Fee Schedule Updates and Improvement Act will allow doctors to keep their doors open to underserved and under resourced patients and ensure our seniors continue to receive the care they deserve,” said Ruiz, M.D. “The existing physician fee schedule structure fuels uncertainty for American doctors, creating significant challenges in practicing amidst soaring inflation. The imminent pay cuts further exacerbate the situation, causing small and independent practices to struggle to keep their doors open,” said Burgess, M.D. “The Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act is crucial for stabilizing payments and preserving the provider-patient relationship. This is the first time the Energy and Commerce Committee has marked up a short-term change to address physician payment along with a long-term structural update to budget neutrality. These changes modernize physician payment, vital for independent practitioners nationwide, balancing the need for immediate action with long-term solutions."" “Physicians across the country, who treat Medicare patients out of the goodness of their hearts, continue to be crushed by Medicare reimbursement cuts by bureaucrats in Washington. I am point-blank fed up with this nonsense” said Murphy, M.D. “Rural communities have been overwhelmingly impacted by these cuts over the years. This bipartisan legislation takes aim at some of the harmful cuts set to burden physicians come January 1st.” “There is a staffing crisis in our health care system that is a danger for patients,” said Cárdenas. “Cuts to resources that health care providers rely on limit a doctor’s ability to provide quality care, contribute to high burnout rates, and make it more difficult for Americans to find care in a timely manner. This bill prevents existential cuts and ensures practices are stable and doctors have the resources they need to keep seniors healthy.” Read the full text of the bill here. Background: The “Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act” was introduced in December. Increasing the budget neutrality from $20 million to $53 million would allow for greater flexibility in determining pricing adjustments for services without leading to harmful payment cuts for doctors. Because the payment structure is budget neutral, doctors regularly face cuts when certain services receive payment increases. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) did not update supply and equipment prices between 2005-2019 and also did not update clinical staff wage rates between 2002-2022. While CMS did eventually update payment rates, incremental increases would have allowed doctors to plan better. This bill brings needed stabilization to reimbursement and updates the formula to reflect accurate costs of running a medical practice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/06/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-combat-terrorist-money-laundering/,Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Terrorist Money Laundering,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent terrorist groups from disguising their digital location to circumvent laws designed to prevent money from funding terrorism. The bipartisan Stop Terrorism and Illicit Finance Location Exploitation (STIFLE) Act would direct the U.S. Department of Treasury to ensure the most accurate methods for location services in financial systems are being utilized. The bill is co-led by Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Ranking Member Joyce Beatty (OH-03). “With the development of new technologies, it’s become easier for terrorists to disguise their true location to evade sanctions and mask their sources of funding,” said Rep. Nunn. “The STIFLE Act is a commonsense, bipartisan approach to cut off terrorist funding sources.” Many financial technology platforms use Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, which were first created in 1974, as the primary indicator of a user’s location. Other location identifying technology—such as GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections—provide a far more accurate view of an individual’s location than IP addresses. By relying on the outdated IP address technology, terror groups like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Hezbollah, and others can use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other even more sophisticated location obfuscation techniques to hide their locations for the purpose of evading geographic sanctions. For example, in 2022, cellular, Wi-Fi, or GPS signals detected 30.3 million attempted transactions from countries like Iran, Cuba, and Syria with manipulated IP addresses. “Bad actors continue to develop advanced tools to covertly manipulate financial systems, evade sanctions, and carry out terrorism and corruption around the world,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “I joined my colleague, Rep. Zach Nunn, in introducing a bill that takes a critical first step towards identifying and disrupting the sophisticated location obfuscation techniques used by these bad actors. We must continue to protect the prosperity and security of both financial institutions and the American people.” The bipartisan STIFLE Act directs the U.S. Department of Treasury to develop a plan for more accurate methods of determining location services during financial transactions. Specifically, this bill will require the U.S. Department of Treasury to Convene a group of technology experts, national security experts, and law enforcement to combat illicit actors disguising their locations to manipulate financial technology systems. Develop a plan to combat money laundering through the implementation of more accurate location detection technology. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-supports-legislation-reduce-veteran-homelessness,Feenstra Supports Legislation to Reduce Veteran Homelessness,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for the Housing our Military Veterans Effectively (HOME) Act, which would help reduce homelessness among Iowa veterans. The HOME Act was originally sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) and passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 408 to 10. “No veteran should be homeless in the United States of America. The incredible men and women who answered the call to protect our nation at home and abroad deserve our deepest appreciation and the benefits that they were promised and have earned,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support the HOME Act to ensure that we uphold our commitment to our servicemembers and that every veteran has a place to call home. I will always do my part to support and honor our brave veterans.” The HOME Act would increase the per diem rate that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays nonprofit organizations that support homeless veterans. More specifically, this legislation increases the per diem rate – which would be adjusted for inflation every year – from 115% to as high as 200% for rural communities and other areas with a higher-than-average rate of veteran suicide. This bill would further ensure that the VA is using its resources to help feed, clothe, and find permanent homes for veterans while also establishing a stipend for homeless veterans to pay for food, clothes, personal hygiene items, transportation, and housing. Legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-urges-secretary-vilsack-protect-iowa-cattle-foot-and-mouth-disease,Feenstra Urges Secretary Vilsack to Protect Iowa Cattle from Foot-and-Mouth Disease,2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) signed a letter led by U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann (R-KS) urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to prevent the importation of Paraguayan beef into the United States given the proven existence of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Paraguay. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently published a final rule that will allow the importation of beef from Paraguay. “Iowa cattle producers raise the best beef in the world. By allowing countries like Paraguay – where foot-and-mouth disease remains prevalent – to sell their beef in the United States, we unnecessarily threaten our domestic herds with disease and jeopardize the financial wellbeing of cattle producers and their families,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I joined my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee in urging Secretary Vilsack to uphold the highest inspection standards of foreign beef and completely halt the import of beef that could potentially be infected with diseases like FMD. USDA should not rely on outdated and irrelevant data that fails to provide the adequate protections for American ranchers and consumers when making such impactful decisions. Protecting our producers and their livelihoods remains a top priority for me in Congress.” The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-wasserman-schultz-salazar-gottheimer-miller-moskowitz-introduce,"Miller-Meeks, Wasserman Schultz, Salazar, Gottheimer, Miller, Moskowitz Introduce the Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Max Miller (OH-07), and Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the bipartisan Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act, legislation that addresses the uptick of antisemitism in the United States, establishes a commission to investigate the causes of antisemitism, evaluates the evidence and circumstances, and reports the findings and recommendations to the President and Congress. “With the rise in antisemitic violence and brazen attacks on our Jewish communities in the United States, it is important, now more than ever, that we find the cause of these alarming acts of antisemitism and work to protect our communities and religious institutions,” said Miller-Meeks. “I am proud to introduce this legislation that would establish a commission to study the circumstances surrounding the uptick in heinous acts of antisemitism and work to find solutions to keep our communities safe.” “Before Oct. 7th, antisemitism was on a sharp rise, but now we’ve seen it skyrocket, especially online,” said Wasserman Schultz. “This bipartisan, bicameral inquiry, which is supported by Jewish civil society leaders and experts, will complement the implementation of President Biden's first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and inform key policy decisions in combatting this disturbing trend.” “Since the brutal Hamas terrorist attack of innocent Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, antisemitism has risen by an alarming rate of nearly 400% in the U.S.” said Salazar. “The U.S. must identify and report these acts of hate against the Jewish community to put an end to it immediately.” “Since Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack on Israel, there has been an explosion of antisemitism, violence, and intimidation at home and around the world — especially on our college campuses. As the only Jewish member of the New Jersey congressional delegation, I’m full of grief, anger, and disgust following the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,” said Gottheimer. “I’m proud to help lead this critical bipartisan, bicameral legislation to confront antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head. We have an obligation to teach future generations about this evil and protect Jewish students from violence and the virulent impact of all hate.” “Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, the world has seen a drastic increase in antisemitism that has brought fear to the lives of Jews across this country,” said Miller. “We must do everything in our power to combat this hatred.” Read the full text of the bill here. Bill cosponsors at the time of introduction include: Reps. Lance Gooden (TX-05), Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Mark Amodei (NV-02), Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02), Tracey Mann (KS-01), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), John Rose (TN-06), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Thomas Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), Michael Guest (MS-03), Rudy Yakym (IN-02), Brad Schneider (IL-10) ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/04/following-santos-expulsion-nunn-introduces-bill-eliminating-pensions-expelled/,"Following Santos Expulsion, Nunn Introduces Bill Eliminating Pensions for Expelled Members of Congress",2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to end pension benefits for Members expelled from Congress. The Congressional Pension Accountability Act – which is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Anthony D’Esposito, Angie Craig (MN-02), and Chris Pappas (NH-01) – ensures that a Member of Congress expelled from the House of Representatives is not able to collect a taxpayer-funded pension based on their Congressional service and revokes any government-funded match made to the Members’ Thrift Savings Plan account, which is the federal government’s equivalent of a 401(k) plan. “Thankfully, George Santos won’t be eligible to receive a pension because he didn’t hit the minimum term of service, but this episode exposed a major flaw that needs to be fixed: those who are unfit to serve in Congress are unfit to receive a pension,” Rep. Nunn said. “With the potential that the Senate could soon expel Robert Menendez, this legislation is a common-sense approach to ensure taxpayers aren’t on the hook for the pensions of crooks and con artists.” “It’s our job to use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and that’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to revoke retirement benefits for any Member who is expelled from Congress,” Rep. Craig said. “I’ll keep doing my part to get Congress working better for the American people.” Under current law, Members of Congress are eligible to receive a pension after five years of civilian federal service. The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, passed in 2007, eliminates pensions if the Member of Congress is “full convicted” of certain crimes; however, expelled Members who have not been convicted of one of these crimes are still eligible to receive a pension. Often, the appeals process for these crimes can stretch on for years during which time the expelled Member of Congress continues to receive a pension. “Members of Congress whose behavior rises to the high bar set for expulsion, particularly those who have been found to have defrauded their constituents and abused the privileges of their office, shouldn’t be able to retire on the taxpayer’s dime,” Rep. Pappas said. “I’m glad to introduce this legislation alongside Representatives Nunn, Craig, and D’Esposito, and continue our work together to ensure Congress remains accountable to the people.” The bipartisan Congressional Pension Accountability Act would close this loophole by ensuring that, if a Member is expelled from Congress, the individual’s years as a Member of Congress do not count towards eligibility or calculation of pension benefits. While former Representative George Santos, who Rep. Nunn voted to expel on December 1, 2023, is ineligible to receive a pension due to not meeting the five-year requirement, Senator Robert Menendez, who is currently under indictment for accepting bribes from foreign governments, has been in office since 2006. Rep. Nunn has also called on the Senate to expel Senator Menendez. Additionally, the federal government provides up to a five percent matching contribution to the Members’ Thrift Savings Plan account, which vests after two years of civilian federal service. The bill would claw back the government match for any member expelled from Congress. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-overturn-costly-mandate-iowa-small-businesses,Feenstra Votes to Overturn Costly Mandate on Iowa Small Businesses,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, a resolution nullifying the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s expanded enforcement of Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which would increase the cost of loans, restrict capital for businesses, and stall economic development in rural communities. A companion resolution has been approved by the U.S. Senate. “On my 36 County Tour, I have met with countless small business owners who are struggling from inflation, high interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Like I warned when President Biden and Democrats in Congress approved trillions in new expenditures, reckless government spending would hurt our families, farmers, and rural main streets. Those predictions have unfortunately come true,” said Rep. Feenstra. “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s small-business data-collection rule would only make matters worse for our main streets. This misguided rule would inundate business owners with mountains of paperwork and violate basic privacy protections by requiring community banks to report every detail of every loan they originate – ultimately forcing businesses to close for good. I’m proud to vote to overturn this costly mandate on our small businesses because it’s a recipe for disaster for affordable lending in rural areas and the vibrancy of our main streets.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-physician-fee-schedule-update-and-improvements-act,Miller-Meeks Introduces the Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the “Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act,” legislation that makes improvements to the physician fee schedule under the Medicare program. “The current structure of the physician fee schedule does not provide sustainable, reliable and consistent payment rates for physicians who see Medicare beneficiaries,” said Miller-Meeks. “These cuts, especially when the costs to practice have markedly increased, further strain our nation’s doctors, limiting patient access to care. Each year, doctors routinely face harmful payment cuts making it increasingly difficult to remain in practice and accept Medicare patients, which is worsened in rural areas like Southeastern Iowa. I am proud to introduce the ‘Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act’ and will continue to work to stabilize adequate payment rates to keep providers in practice and increase access to quality care that seniors can afford.” Read the full text of the bill here. Background: Increasing the budget neutrality from $20 million to $53 million would allow for greater flexibility in determining pricing adjustments for services without leading to harmful payment cuts for doctors. Because the payment structure is budget neutral, doctors regularly face cuts when certain services receive payment increases. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) did not update supply and equipment prices between 2005-2019 and also did not update clinical staff wage rates between 2002-2022. While CMS did eventually update payment rates, incremental increases would have allowed doctors to plan better. This bill brings needed stabilization to reimbursement and updates the formula to reflect accurate costs of running a medical practice.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/01/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-protect-iowa-jobs/,Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Iowa Jobs,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced legislation to protect Iowa’s jobs in the face of increasing automation in the workforce. The bipartisan Workforce DATA Act requires the U.S. Department of Labor to develop a plan to ensure that automation is a tool to make work easier, not an excuse to eliminate jobs. “Technological advancement is good for society, and if done right, will make all of our lives easier. At the same time, we must ensure that workforce changes don’t eliminate good paying jobs that Iowans rely on,” said Rep. Nunn. “Our bipartisan Workforce DATA Act will develop an action plan to protect Iowans’ jobs, ensuring that automation is a tool to make work easier and more productive, not a replacement for the skills of talented Americans.” Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) are already making lives easier and leading to new technological developments that will increase productivity in the workforce and grow the economy. A report published this year by Goldman Sachs, for example, found that generative AI could raise global GDP by 7 percent over a 10-year period. For all of the benefits of AI, however, Pew Research Center estimates that approximately one-fifth of all workers have high-exposure jobs that could results in jobs lost if not these issues go unaddressed. The bipartisan Workforce DATA Act tackles this issue by requiring the Department of Labor to develop a plan to prevent job displacement, promote job creation, ensure job retention, and address the shifting of skill in demand due to automation. Through the establishment of a new advisory board, the bill will ensure that stakeholders from state government, labor organizations, companies, and non-profits are all consulted. “At the end of the day, a job is about more than a paycheck,” said Rep. Davis. “In North Carolina’s First Congressional District, only about 130,000 workers, or 25 percent of the population, are four-year college graduates. These hard-working eastern North Carolinians are the most vulnerable to shifts in the labor market resulting from automation. In order to preserve their jobs, we must have a more concrete idea of how automation will affect the ratio of human to automated labor, which is why the Workforce DATA Act is an important step forward. In the 21st-century economy, workers are often at the mercy of rapid technological development. To ensure a robust workforce, we must use all tools at our disposal to protect workers in a changing landscape.” Specifically, the bipartisan Workforce DATA Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Labor to: Conduct a study on workforce automation using all available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to assess industry sectors and occupations significantly impacted by automation, jobs and occupations created or changed as a result of automation, and occupational shifts in labor demand; Publish this plan to address the impact of automation on the workforce no later than 2-years after the enactment of the bill; and Establish an advisory board to provide recommendations on addressing the impact of automation on the workforce made up of state representatives, labor organizations, industry representatives, and non-profit organizations. “Technological change has always been a hallmark of the transportation sector, but the rapid pace of advancements in emerging tech presents unique challenges,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “To ensure new transportation technologies align with our national workforce needs, we must have high-quality data and better coordination among stakeholders to track, analyze, and respond to the impacts of tech on current and future jobs, including their potential for job creation, displacement, wage degradation, and skills gaps due to new technologies. The Workforce DATA Act would be an invaluable tool in helping to meet this challenge, and we commend Representative Davis for his leadership on this urgent issue.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/12/01/nunn-votes-expel-george-santos-house-representatives/,Nunn Votes To Expel George Santos From House of Representatives,2023-12-01,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement after voting to expel Representative George Santos from the House of Representatives: “Those who serve in elected office should be held to the highest possible ethical standard. George Santos probably couldn’t even find the word ethics in a dictionary. He has repeatedly proven to be a con man, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he should be in prison, not the House of Representatives. While he will continue to receive due process in a court of law for his criminal liability, the Constitution dictates that the House of Representatives is responsible for determining the fitness to serve of its own Members. To that end, George Santos has received lengthy due process through the House Ethics Committee and the results are clear: he is unfit to serve. “The bottom line is that the American people are sick and tired of Washington, D.C. backroom deals that protect crooks and liars. Expelling George Santos is the right move, but it is not the only step that must be taken to restore the American people’s trust in our government. The Senate must now follow the lead of the House of Representatives and immediately expel Robert Menendez for his egregious ethical lapses, including accepting bribes from foreign governments while serving as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.” “To serve the American people, both Republicans and Democrats must put the best interests of our country ahead of political expediency.” BACKGROUND On May 17, 2023, Rep. Nunn voted to refer Rep. Santos to the Ethics committee “so that he can be held accountable for his pathological lying.” The Ethics Committee released the report of that investigation on November 14, 2023. The same day, Rep. Nunn announced that he would vote to expel Rep. Santos from the House of Representatives based on the findings of the report.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-secure-border-combat-human-trafficking,"Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Secure the Border, Combat Human Trafficking",2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce two pieces of legislation – originally sponsored by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) – to secure the southern border and combat human trafficking. “Thanks to President Biden’s failed open-border policies, he has empowered human traffickers, drug cartels, and criminals to exploit children for their own personal and financial gain. His radical agenda has also allowed millions of illegal immigrants to cross our border and overwhelm our border patrol agents with no consequences whatsoever. This chaos must end,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support two pieces of legislation that will help us stop illegal immigration and protect vulnerable children from human trafficking. Since President Biden refuses to uphold his oath of office and secure our border, I am doing everything in my power to keep our families and communities safe.” The Southern Border Transparency Act would require the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to report the accurate number of illegal immigrants both apprehended and paroled at any point of entry (POE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection sector along the border. The Preventing the Recycling of Immigrants is Necessary for Trafficking Suspension (PRINTS) Act would authorize U.S. Customs and Border Protection to fingerprint children under the age of 14 to determine if a child is being trafficked and combat this heinous crime accordingly.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-joins-amicus-brief-defend-law-abiding-gun-owners-unconstitutional-atf,Hinson Joins Amicus Brief to Defend Law Abiding Gun Owners from Unconstitutional ATF Overreach,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) joined Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and a group of bicameral lawmakers in an amicus brief to uphold the Second Amendment. The amicus brief follows a court ruling allowing the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to reclassify pistols with stabilizing braces, a mechanism often used by disabled veterans, as short-barreled rifles. This rule change was not approved by Congress and would potentially turn law abiding gun owners into criminals for exercising their Second Amendment rights. ""The Second Amendment isn't a suggestion, it is a Constitutional right that must be upheld. The ATF's overreach impacts millions of gun owners across the country, particularly disabled veterans, and unravels over a decade of legal precedent. While those on the Left continue to push gun control measures that demonize gun owners, and even turn law abiding citizens into felons, I’ll continue defending Iowans' right to keep and bear arms."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Hinson recently penned an opinion piece arguing against the ATF's unconstitutional rule. Read it here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-leads-border-security-bills-house,Hinson Leads Border Security Bills in House,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) today introduced two border security measures with robust support from her Republican colleagues. The PRINTS Act allows Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 to combat ""child recycling"" at the Southern Border and strengthens protections against human trafficking. The Southern Border Transparency Act will require the Biden Administration to release detailed information on the total number of illegal immigrants they have released into the U.S. under their expanded catch and release policies. “The Biden Administration continues to turn a blind eye to the devastating border crisis their policies have created – allowing children to be trafficked, endangering Americans, and jeopardizing our national security. Meanwhile, they’ve deceived the American people about the extent to which they’ve widened asylum loopholes and expanded catch and release. Enough is enough. I’m proud these bills have robust support in both the House and Senate as Republicans continue to offer commonsense solutions to end the Biden Border Crisis.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background on the PRINTS Act: Federal law currently prohibits Border Patrol agents from fingerprinting children under the age of 14, leaving young children susceptible to repeated trafficking and abuse. The PRINTS Act: Gives CBP the authority to fingerprint non-citizens under the age of 14 in order to combat trafficking and child recycling; Requires DHS to publicly report the number of apprehensions in a given month involving child traffickers who falsely claimed that an accompanying child was a relative; Requires DHS to submit an annual report to Congress identifying the number of minors who were fingerprinted pursuant to this Act; Removes the Attorney General’s authority to waive fingerprinting requirements for those illegally crossing the southern border; and Criminalizes child recycling. Senator Marsha Blackburn introduced the Senate companion of the PRINTS Act. Original cosponsors of the PRINTS Act in the House are Representatives Lance Gooden, Doug Lamborn, Mary Miller, Michael Burgess, Harriet Hageman, Dan Crenshaw, John Moolenaar, Jake LaTurner, Clay Higgins, Chuck Edwards, Monica De La Cruz, David Kustoff, Elise Stefanik, Zach Nunn, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Juan Ciscomani, Anna Paulina Luna, Jeff Van Drew, Rick Crawford, Glenn Grothman, Dusty Johnson, Chuck Fleischmann, Virginia Foxx, Kat Cammack, Randy Feenstra, Matt Rosendale, Wesley Hunt, Burgess Owens, Erin Houchin, Pete Sessions, and Randy Weber. Background on the Southern Border Transparency Act: This legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue reports detailing the total number of illegal immigrants encountered at the Southern Border and released into the country through their expanded catch and release policies. This legislation would require DHS to report: Number of migrants paroled at each Point of Entry (POE) and each Border Patrol sector, broken down by nationality and demographics. Number of migrants apprehended at each POE and each Border Patrol sector, and how many were granted voluntary departure, placed into expedited removal, or entered another process (likely humanitarian release). For each POE and Border Patrol sector: the number of migrants that entered into expedited removal, how many claimed a fear of persecution, credible fear of persecution, and were either removed, detained, or entered another process (likely release). The number of petitions for parole received and granted by USCIS. The total number of aliens paroled into the US, broken down by nationality and demographics, and of these for each fiscal year— How many granted employment authorization; How many still had a valid employment authorization; How many have not had parole expire; How many had status adjusted or parole extended; How many had parole expire, and of these, how many exited the United States; How many were returned to DHS custody from which they were paroled. Senator John Cornyn introduced the Senate companion of the Southern Border Transparency Act. Original cosponsors of the Southern Border Transparency Act in the House are Representatives Michael Burgess, Dan Crenshaw, John Moolenaar, Tony Gonzales, Chuck Edwards, Monica De La Cruz, David Kustoff, Zach Nunn, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Tim Walberg, Juan Ciscomani, Stephanie Bice, Jeff Van Drew, Rick Crawford, Dusty Johnson, Chuck Fleischmann, Virginia Foxx, Randy Feenstra, Wesley Hunt, Erin Houchin, Pete Sessions, and Randy Weber. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-legislation-protect-taxpayer-dollars-preventing-overpayment,Feenstra Leads Legislation to Protect Taxpayer Dollars By Preventing Overpayment of SNAP Benefits,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Mike Bost (R-IL) introduced the Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act, which would strengthen the integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – commonly referred to as SNAP – by cutting down on overpayments of SNAP benefits. This legislation would increase the accuracy of SNAP payment error rate (PER) calculations by amending the tolerance level from $54 to $0. Currently, USDA only counts overpayments or underpayments that are more than $54 as an error. This bill would also increase the liability that states will face if they have a comparatively high payment error rate, incentivizing states to improve processes to ensure SNAP is running properly at the state level. Companion legislation has been introduced by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). “As a strong, fiscal conservative, I believe that Congress must do everything possible to protect taxpayer dollars from being wasted or fraudulently disbursed. The sad reality is that waste, fraud, and abuse have become commonplace in our federal bureaucracy, weakening our already poor fiscal health and forcing American taxpayers to pick up the tab. That’s wrong and it’s why we need accountability,” said Rep. Feenstra. “SNAP is no exception. Every month, SNAP overpayments account for nearly $1 billion in federal spending. I’m proud to lead the Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act to help eliminate waste and promote fiscal responsibility by preventing overpayment of SNAP benefits and safeguarding precious dollars for families in need.” “We owe it to the American people to be responsible stewards of their taxpayer dollars; and part of that is ensuring that funding for nutrition assistance is going to families who truly need help. We must hold the bureaucrats accountable for reducing spending errors that have contributed to a less effective and efficient SNAP program,” said Rep. Bost. “I’m proud to help lead this legislation because it’s a step forward in restoring good governance.” “The Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act is a straightforward solution to a $1 billion per month problem. When federal agencies give taxpayer funds to those who don't qualify, trust in government erodes and the reliability of the safety net crumbles,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for Government Accountability. “I applaud Rep. Feenstra and Sen. Ernst for working to protect resources for the truly needy by forcing state and federal bureaucrats to restore integrity to this area of the food stamp program.” “The efficacy of SNAP is a literal dinner-table issue and central to the health of many families – it’s the last place we can allow waste, fraud and abuse to linger.Thanks to Rep. Feenstra’s leadership in the U.S. House, this bill is an opportunity to change course and deliver aid where it’s truly needed,” said Adam Andrzejewski, Chief Executive Officer of OpenTheBooks. “The federal government admits it has wasted at least $3 trillion in improper payments since 2004. It’s a stunning amount — and SNAP is a particularly worthy place for reforms because it provides critical nutrition to those in need of assistance. There are tens of thousands of hungry families, yet the feds hand out roughly $1 billion per month in ineligible payments. We cannot stand by and let government bureaucrats mishandle this program while other Americans go hungry.” As reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, national overpayments of SNAP benefits occurred at a rate of 9.84% and underpayments at a rate of 1.70% in Fiscal Year 2022, for a total error rate of 11.54%. Since Fiscal Year 2019, overpayments have increased by 3.66% in just three years’ time. You can find legislative text HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-craig-introduce-flex-fuel-fairness-act-2023,"Miller-Meeks, Craig Introduce the Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023",2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Angie Craig (MN-02) introduced the Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023, legislation that will level the playing field for vehicles running on low-carbon liquid fuels, like ethanol. “As we look toward a cleaner energy future with options to lower carbon emissions, it’s imperative to amplify solutions like flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) and ensure that they are included as a low-carbon option,” said Miller-Meeks. “FFVs provide more options for consumers and the U.S. supply chain and unlock increased use of lower-carbon liquid fuel blends containing higher levels of ethanol, like E30 and E85. I am proud to lead the ‘Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023,’ and level the playing field for FFVs as a practical alternative to Electric Vehicles.” “Renewable fuels are a solution we can implement to combat climate change right now, and we know that flex fuel vehicles help Minnesotans save money at the pump, support family farmers and producers and help protect the environment,” said Craig. “That’s why I introduced this bipartisan bill with my colleague Rep. Miller-Meeks to expand flex-fuel vehicle production – and I’ll keep working to get our bill passed.” “We thank Reps. Miller-Meeks, Craig and all the co-sponsors for introducing the Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023, which acknowledges the important emissions benefits of flex fuel vehicles and promotes the continued production of these popular automobiles,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This legislation would provide more clean vehicle options for consumers and give automakers more ways to comply with increasingly stringent vehicle emissions standards. By leveling the playing field for all clean vehicle technologies, this bill allows low-carbon liquid fuels like ethanol to work alongside clean electricity, electric vehicles, and other technologies to reduce emissions from transportation.” Bill cosponsors at the time of introduction include: Representatives Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Randy Feenstra (IA-04), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), and Brad Finstad (MN-01) Read the full text of the bill here. Background: The EPA recently proposed tailpipe CO2 emissions standards for 2027-2032 light-duty vehicles that would require up to two-thirds of cars and trucks in the U.S. to be electric in just eight years and threaten the availability of gas-powered vehicles necessary in agriculture and rural communities like southeast Iowa. The new emissions standards require automakers to meet certain tailpipe CO2 emissions values, on average, across their fleet of new vehicles. The EPA’s proposed approach for EVs (i.e., using a value of 0 grams/mile) assumes every EV produced by automakers will only use zero-carbon renewable electricity. However, the EPA’s proposed approach ignores the significant CO2 emissions associated with critical mineral extraction, EV battery production, and the production and transmission of electricity used to recharge EV batteries. Meanwhile, the EPA’s proposal does not recognize or account for the meaningful CO2 emissions savings that can be achieved through expanding biofuels use in vehicles designed to accommodate higher blends, including flex fuel vehicles. For the purposes of determining CO2 tailpipe emissions compliance performance values, flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable of operating on E85 should be assumed to operate on E85 all of the time, just as EVs are assumed to operate on zero-carbon electricity all of the time. Automakers who manufacture FFVs should be allowed to use a compliance tailpipe CO2 emissions value that reflects the lifecycle CO2 savings from using E85. The Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023 would ensure that, for purposes of determining fleet average CO2 standards, manufacturers may use a gram per mile CO2 value for FFVs that is 31% lower than the gram per mile CO2 value or the same vehicle model that is not a flexible fuel vehicle.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/28/nunn-announces-mobile-office-house-serve-iowans-their-communities/,Nunn Announces Mobile Office House to Serve Iowans in Their Communities,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"I know just how frustrating government bureaucracy can be to navigate. That’s why, as your representative in Congress, I’m working daily to help you cut through the red tape to get the help you need. If you are having an issue or need assistance with benefits, federal grants, or other federal government issues, I wanted to make you aware of some upcoming mobile office hours that our team will be holding across Iowa’s Third District: Decatur County Decatur County Courthouse First Floor NE Corner Office 207 North Main Street Leon, IA 50144 Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:00am to 3:00pm Adair County Stuart Public Library 111 Font Street Stuart, IA 50250 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 12:00pm to 4:00pm Greene County Grand Junction Public Library 106 Main Street E Grand Junction, IA 50107 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 1:00pm to 4:00pm Page County Essex Public Library 508 Iowa Avenue Essex, IA 51638 Thursday, December 7, 2023 10:00am to 1:00pm Guthrie County Casey Public Library 604 McPherson Street Casey, IA 50048 Friday, December 8, 2023 1:00pm to 4:00pm Wapello County Eldon City Hall* 421 W Elm St Eldon, IA 52554 Wednesday, December 13, 2023 12:30pm to 4:00pm *Please note: Address is subject to change as the Eldon City Hall plans to transition into a new building. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-davis-honor-american-education-week-introducing-legislation,"Feenstra, Davis Honor American Education Week by Introducing Legislation to Strengthen Education Assistance Programs for Workers and Employers",2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL) introduced the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act and the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act to modernize the tax code to help lower the cost of education for workers and help employers recruit and train a skilled workforce. “To strengthen our workforce and grow our economy, we must connect education with concrete skills that prepare young people for careers in a wide array of industries and support continuing education and skills development for folks who have been in the workforce for decades. We can achieve those goals by making it easier for businesses to invest in their employees’ education through a simpler, more efficient tax code,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my colleague on the House Ways and Means Committee – Rep. Danny Davis – to modernize our educational tax incentives and ensure that America continues to produce the best workforce in the world.” “We should use all the tools in our toolbox to lower the cost of education and help employers recruit and train a skilled workforce,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud to join with Rep. Randy Feenstra and Senators Maggie Hassan, Todd Young, Catherine Cortez-Masto, and Tim Scott to modernize the educational tax assistance program that we know gives workers important educational opportunities while helping employers attract and develop a skilled workforce. Workers win. Employers win. America wins.” A recent report from the National Federation of Independent Business found that, of the 59% of business owners who reported hiring or trying to hire in August 2023, 92% of them found few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. Recognizing the role that employers play in education and retraining opportunities, the tax code allows employers to pay up to $5,250 for educational programs for their workers without it counting toward the workers’ taxable income or employment taxes (such as Social Security and Medicare). These programs result in increased worker enrollment, higher retention rates, and a more skilled workforce. This tax provision helps lower the cost of education for workers and helps employers recruit and retain workers. Unfortunately, this tax provision currently is far below the cost of most higher education programs and does not cover many costs of tools and technology. These two bills would modernize the education assistance tax provision to ensure that workers and their employers can fully benefit. Expanding the education assistance program is a win-win. It gives employers an important tool to hire and retrain workers, and it helps workers develop the skills to expand employment opportunities. Both bills would make two important changes to broaden the use of educational program assistance: more than double the tax exclusion from $5,250 to $12,000 and expand the tax exclusion to cover the expenses from more types of education and training programs. The Upskilling and Retraining Act would adjust these provisions for two years to address the current workforce shortage, and the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act would permanently modernize this education tax assistance program to meet the long-term needs of workers and employers. Both bills are supported by over one dozen organizations, including: American Council on Education; American Mold Builders Association; Chegg; Forging Industry Association; Guild; HR Policy Association; National Association of College and University Business Officers; National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; National Association of Professional Employer Organizations; North American Die Casting Association; Precision Machined Products Association; Precision Metalforming Association; Society for Human Resource Management; and the University of Pennsylvania. “The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) would like to thank Rep. Feenstra and Rep. Davis for your leadership on important legislation that will more than double the annual tax-free benefit employers can provide employees to assist with tuition or student loan repayment expenses under Sec. 127 of the IRC. We overwhelmingly support the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act and the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act that will increase the annual benefit amount from $5,250 to $12,000. This increase is long overdue and is important for working students pursuing their educational goals, and for employees repaying student loans. Expanding Sec. 127 will also help employers attract the best employees and position the U.S. economy to compete globally by building a skilled workforce,” saidKarin Johns, Director of Tax Policy for the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. “We applaud Congressman Davis and Congressman Feenstra for their leadership on this important issue. SHRM has long championed policies that allow employers to offer education assistance programs relevant to the modern workforce. The world of work is in a state of transformation, and our reskilling and upskilling programs must keep pace. SHRM fully supports this bipartisan effort as a powerful tool to expand skills training opportunities, and we will do all we can to help move this legislation forward. Congress can send a clear signal that the US government backs American employers and employees by passing this legislation and making these changes permanent,” saidEmily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Affairs of the Society for Human Resource Management. “HR Policy Association expresses its gratitude to Representatives Feenstra and Davis for their commendable leadership in introducing legislation aimed at enhancing the annual tax-free benefit that employers can offer to assist employees with tuition or student loan repayment expenses under Sec. 127 of the IRC. We endorse the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act and the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act, which propose raising the annual benefit amount from $5,250 to $12,000. This overdue increase holds significant importance for working students pursuing their educational aspirations and for employees managing student loan repayments. The expansion of Sec. 127 will bolster working individuals and empower employers to draw in top-tier talent, strategically positioning the U.S. economy to compete globally by fostering the growth of a highly skilled workforce,” saidChatrane Birbal, Vice President of Policy and Government Relations for HR Policy Association. Legislative text for the Upward Mobility Enhancement Act can be found HERE and legislative text for the Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-passage-continuing-resolution,Miller-Meeks Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement after voting YES on H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024to fund the government until mid-January: “I am proud that the House came together and voted to responsibly pass a two-step stopgap funding continuing resolution to avoid a costly government shutdown. The appropriations bills included in this CR, prevent a ‘Christmas omnibus’ spending debacle, but most importantly, the bills ensure that Americans don’t face the real costs and pains associated with a government shutdown, especially so close to Christmas. I applaud my colleagues on our work this evening, but we must remember that we still have work to do. The House must continue to work to pass the remaining single-subject appropriation bills and avert a shutdown in January.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/15/nunn-passes-bipartisan-legislation-reduce-veterans-suicide/,Nunn Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Reduce Veterans Suicide,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today passed bipartisan legislation through the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. The Daniel J. Harvey and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act is named in memory of two Marines who served in Afghanistan together, Iowa’s Corporal Adam Lambert from Adel and Rhode Island’s Lance Corporal Daniel J. Harvey of Johnston. Both men tragically lost their lives to suicide within a year of leaving the military. “Iowa’s Cpl. Adam Lambert was a proud Marine and a brave serviceman who raised his hand to serve our country. America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of people like Adam,” said Rep. Nunn. “Unfortunately, the transition back to civilian life is harder than it should be. In Adam’s memory, I’m proud to work with his parents on this legislation to make that transition easier by improving mental health services.” The suicide rate triples for veterans in the first 12 months following their separation from the military. In Iowa, the veteran suicide rate is four times higher than the national average. Often times, veterans are unaware of the support offered to them through Department of Veteran Affairs. “We miss Adam so much and are proud to see his legacy live on as we fight alongside Congressman Nunn to help other veterans,” said Dean and Jill Lambert, Adam’s parents. “We are so grateful to see this progress in the fight to save lives.” The bipartisan legislation—co-led by Representatives Seth Magaziner (RI-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Don Davis (NC-01), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02)—reforms the existing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to provide transitioning veterans with tools to better their mental health, resolve service-related mental health issues, and get the help they need. Specifically, the bill: Adds provisions to TAP to combat PTSD, depression, substance abuse, loneliness, and other mental health related conditions. Strengthens the existing Solid Start Program to increase education for veterans about mental health programs that are available to them.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-praises-march-israel-washington-dc,"Feenstra Praises March for Israel in Washington, D.C.",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement praising the March for Israel in Washington, D.C. “I applaud the thousands of proud Americans who gathered in our nation’s capital today to condemn antisemitism and peacefully express their support for Israel. In the face of terrorist violence by Hamas, we cannot waver in our promise to the people of Israel. That’s why I’ve voted to deploy military assistance to Israel, condemn antisemitism on college campuses, and freeze the $6 billion that President Biden authorized to Iran. As our closest ally in the Middle East, the United States will always stand with Israel. The fight to defeat Hamas and protect innocent lives is too important.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-statement-government-funding-0,Hinson Statement on Government Funding,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released the following statement on government funding. “I voted for today's legislation to keep the government open as House Republicans continue our work on single-subject appropriations bills that cut spending and defund President Biden's wasteful and out of touch agenda. ""U.S. troops have been attacked by Iran-backed militant groups in the Middle East over 50 times in the past month and over 240,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended at the Southern Border in October. If the government shut down, our brave troops and Border Patrol wouldn't have the tools to protect us and wouldn't get paid. That is a nonstarter. ""In the coming months, I will work around the clock to advance legislation that funds the government in a conservative, fiscally responsible manner, protects our national security and troops, and delivers on Iowans' priorities."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/14/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-lower-energy-costs-increase-access/,"Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Energy Costs, Increase Access to Biofuels",2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced bipartisan legislation today to increase biofuel production and drive down energy costs for Iowa families. The Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act would increase funding for loans to support innovation in the biofuels industry and cut red tape that drives up energy costs for Iowa families. “The biofuels industry drives Iowa’s economy and is critical to our nation’s energy security,” said Rep. Nunn. “The bipartisan Ag BIO Act will eliminate bureaucratic red tape that is driving up energy costs by making it harder for biofuels producers to innovate and expand their manufacturing capacity.” Iowa is the top producer of biofuels nationally, contributing more than $7.2 billion to Iowa’s GDP and $3.5 billion in income to Iowa households. The industry supports 57,000 Iowa jobs with nearly every other row of corn in Iowa used to produce ethanol. “The University of Illinois is a national leader in biomanufacturing and is the proud home to the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab – where students and faculty drive world-class innovation every day,” said Rep. Budzinski. “Today, I’m proud to join my friend and colleague, Zach Nunn, to introduce bipartisan legislation supporting the critical agricultural research happening at places like my alma mater. By investing in our bioeconomy, we can spur innovation and expand markets for family farmers throughout the Heartland.” Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance program offers loans for development, construction, and implementation of new technologies in biobased manufacturing; however, the program is underutilized due to bureaucratic red tape preventing businesses from accessing funding. The bipartisan Ag BIO Act improves the USDA Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance program by: Creating a grant within the program for the construction and expansion of new or existing biorefineries. Expanding the types of biofuels that are eligible for funding, including ultra-low carbon bioethanol and zero-carbon bioethanol. Eliminating bureaucratic red tape that is impeding access to the funding, including a requirement for duplicative feasibility studies on already proven and commercially available technologies. To ensure the program has sufficient funding to meet increased demand with these changes, the Ag BIO Act also increases funding for the grant and loan program to $100 million annually over five years. The Ag BIO Act was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jerry Moran (KS) and Amy Klobuchar (MN). The bill has been endorsed by the Corn Refiners Association, Plant Based Products Council, Ag Bioeconomy Coalition, and the Ag Energy Coalition: “The corn refining industry applauds Representatives Zach Nunn and Nikki Budzinski for introducing the Ag BIO Act,” said John Bode, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO. “The advancement of this House bill marks an important step in strengthening the U.S. biomanufacturing sector, spurring industry-wide innovation, and investing in rural communities and economies. We are excited to work with Representatives Nunn and Budzinski as they champion this legislation to enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global bioeconomy and create opportunities for the millions of farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs in rural America. We look forward to seeing this bipartisan bill pass in both chambers of Congress.” “The Plant Based Products Council is thrilled by the introduction of the Ag BIO Act,” said James Glueck, Plant Based Products Council Executive Director. “This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will bolster investments in sustainable biomanufacturing, help the U.S. develop new and emerging technologies, and create opportunities for the millions of Americans working in the plant-based products industry.” “The Ag Bioeconomy Coalition applauds the introduction of the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity Act. This legislation will advance the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program,” said Robin Bowen, Ag Bioeconomy Coalition. “The U.S. has the feedstock diversity and abundance to be a world leader in the advanced bioproducts space. Now is the time to leverage our strengths and invest in critical infrastructure, as this legislation does. Like the Senate version of the Ag BIO Act, this legislation will improve the scalability of American bioproducts and speed up bringing new innovations to market.” “The Ag Energy Coalition applauds Representatives Zach Nunn and Nikki Budzinski for introducing bipartisan legislation to improve and expand USDA’s Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program,” said Lloyd Ritter, Ag Energy Coalition Director. “Biorefineries are a crucial source of economic opportunities and good-paying jobs for rural communities. Modernizing the program will help build and expand facilities for advanced biofuels, biobased products, and renewable chemicals. This legislation will secure America’s leadership in developing innovative, environmentally friendly biomanufacturing technologies and will speed the nation’s energy and bioeconomy transformation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/14/nunn-passes-bipartisan-legislation-prevent-irans-illicit-financing-global/,Nunn Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Prevent Iran’s Illicit Financing of Global Terrorism,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) today passed bipartisan legislation sanctioning Iran for their funding of terrorists through the House Financial Services Committee. The Revoke Iranian Funding Act would permanently freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets and increase transparency to ensure Iran is unable to access funds to perpetrate terrorist attacks against Israel or any other nation. “The terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israel were barbaric and demand a strong response. Iran must be held responsible for their role in funding and supporting these acts,” said Rep. Nunn. “The last thing we should be doing is allowing Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, access to $6 billion that could be used to finance future terrorism. The United States must be unwavering in our support for Israel and permanently freeze Iran’s access to these funds.” In September, the Biden Administration announced the trade of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for the safe return of five U.S. hostages being held in Tehran. Those funds have not yet been dispersed to Iran and are currently held in the Qatar Central Bank. The Revoke Iranian Funding Act permanently freezes and prevents the future transfer of the $6 billion in Iranian assets being held in Qatar. This bill also directs the U.S. Department of Treasury to produce a report to Congress detailing high-value Iranian assets to enhance transparency. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Tim Scott (SC). The legislation now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/14/nunn-secures-passage-critical-agricultural-programs-iowans/,Nunn Secures Passage of Critical Agricultural Programs For Iowans,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement after voting to support Iowa farmers and rural communities by passing a full year extension of critical agricultural programs: “Iowa’s farmers are critical to the American economy, providing the essential service of feeding and fueling our country. With input costs up and inflation driving profits down, producers are facing enough difficulties without worrying about D.C. hurting their business. They deserve far better than to be saddled with the consequences of politicians not doing their job. That’s why, today, I voted to extend funding for critical farm programs for a year so Iowa’s producers can have the certainty they need to continue running their operations after a busy harvest season. I’m also continuing to aggressively fight for a five-year Farm Bill that includes the priorities shared with us during our Farm Bill Listening Tours.” BACKGROUND The House of Representatives today passed the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, which extends Farm Bill programs through September 30, 2024. The extension of the Farm Bill ensures the continuation of all critical programs that the more than 84,000 Iowa farmers rely on, including: Fully funding the farm safety net through commodity programs and crop insurance Continued support for conservation programs Support for rural development, including infrastructure and health care services Expansion of rural broadband Investment in agricultural innovation and security Backing for robust production of biofuels to lower energy costs for Americans",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-legislation-expand-behavioral-health-resources-iowa-farmers-and,Feenstra Leads Legislation to Expand Behavioral Health Resources for Iowa Farmers and Producers,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Farmers First Act, which would expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect those in times of crisis with trained medical professionals to receive the personalized care that they need. This legislation would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), increase funding to a total of $15,000,000 annually over the next five years, and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals, and rural health centers. “Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa and the livelihood of farmers, their families, and rural communities across my district. Farming can be a lonely endeavor, and it can also be a stressful industry when the economy takes a turn for the worse, tornadoes and derechos devastate farmland, and animal diseases infect flocks and livestock – all of which impact the wellbeing of our producers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a strong voice for our farmers in Congress, I am proud to lead legislation to expand behavioral health resources in our rural communities and connect our farmers with medical professionals who can provide the care that our producers deserve. I thank my colleagues – Reps. Mike Bost, Zach Nunn, Jim Costa, and Angie Craig – for joining me on this worthy mission to ensure that our hardworking farmers have access to the resources that they need to continue their selfless work feeding and fueling our country and the world.” “Our farmers and producers are the backbone of our nation’s economy; and their job isn’t easy. It’s a stressful business where livelihoods can be impacted by outside – and sometimes uncontrollable – factors, like market conditions, financial pressures, and the weather,” said Rep. Mike Bost. “It’s important that they have somewhere to turn in times of need. I’m proud to help lead this legislation to expand access to mental health services for our hardworking Americans in rural communities. They need to know they are not alone, and that help is available.” “Farmers and farm workers are some of the toughest, hardest working people I know, but farming is a uniquely stressful job and we’ve got to get them the support they need,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’m working across the aisle to ensure that farmers and rural Americans know that there are resources available to them to help deal with stress and mental health challenges.” “More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. Congress cannot continue to ignore the mental health crisis in America. Rural farming communities have limited or no access to mental health services - making it difficult for farmers, farmworkers, and their families to get the support they need,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to expand vital, life-saving mental health services here at home and across rural America.” “Iowa’s farmers are critical to the American economy, providing the essential service of feeding and fueling our country. Sadly, farmers are also three and a half times more likely to commit suicide than the general population, which is exactly why the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is so important,” said Rep. Zach Nunn. “We’re introducing the bipartisan Farmers First Act to ensure farmers have the help, care, and services they need to thrive.” “Farming and ranching are stressful jobs, with so many factors impacting how we run our businesses. From natural disasters to labor shortages, uncertainty is almost always present for farmers and ranchers which is why resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are so critical in rural communities. AFBF appreciates Rep. Fenestra for his leadership on this important legislation, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their longstanding commitment to supporting access to mental health resources for farmers and ranchers across the country,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Representatives Feenstra, Costa, Bost, Craig, and Nunn for their leadership on ensuring access to mental health care for rural agricultural communities. The Farmers First Act of 2023 supports the continuation of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, expanding the network of rural providers to deliver critical services to farming and ranching populations,” saidAlan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association. “A challenging environment this year has created both economic and emotional stress for dairy producers. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides important resources that can support farmers and their families during times of crisis. We commend Reps. Feenstra, Costa, Bost, Craig, and Nunn for authoring the bipartisan Farmers First Act to continue and enhance FRSAN for the betterment of all farmers and rural communities,” saidJim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “Access to mental health services continues to pose a serious challenge to many rural communities,” saidArthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association. “The stressors and barriers facing each community are unique, and the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program gives rural and frontier communities the flexibility they need to meet their mental health needs. We send our thanks to Congressman Feenstra for his leadership in introducing this bill in the House, and we urge Congress to pass the Farmers First Act soon.” “Farmers and people living in rural areas face unique challenges to their mental health, made worse by a lack of convenient access to comprehensive care and services. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) helps expand access to high-quality care through partnerships with Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which offer free 24/7 access to mental health and crisis services, reduced wait times, and innovative programs designed to be available when and where people need them. Increased funding for FRSAN will connect more people to care, reduce stigma, and help save lives,” saidReyna Taylor, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy, National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “Farming is a physical taxing and, at times, exceptionally stressful line of work,” said Harold Wolle, President of the National Corn Growers Association. “Ensuring that farmers have access to good mental health care is essential and at times lifesaving. That is why we are deeply appreciative of these policymakers for sponsoring legislation that will help farmers access the mental health care resources they need.” “Farming and the financial insecurity associated with farming can be very stressful. Farmers dealing with stress-related mental health challenges often feel stigmatized if they seek help, which only compounds the problem,” said Steve Etka, Policy Director for Midwest Dairy Coalition. “We applaud Representatives Feenstra (R-IA), Costa (D-CA), Bost (R-IL), Craig (D-MN), and Nunn (R-IA) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Farmers First Act to increase resources available to farmers and rural communities to address mental health challenges.” “The Farmers First Act of 2023, championed by Representatives Feenstra, Costa, Craig, Bost, and Nunn, continues the important work of bolstering mental health resources for farmers through the reauthorization of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and increased resource allocation. U.S. soy farmers have faced multiple challenges in recent years, including a trade war with China, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased international pressures leading to higher operational costs. The American Soybean Association launched the #SoyHelp campaign in 2020 to address the often-overlooked issue of farmers' mental health. While ongoing support programs like ASA's are valuable to increase awareness of mental health issues, additional federal support is crucial. We appreciate this strong bipartisan, bicameral effort to increase mental health support for U.S. farmers,” said Daryl Cates, President of the American Soybean Association and soy farmer from Columbia, Illinois. “The up-and-down nature of agricultural markets, combined with factors out of our control like extreme weather events, can severely impact the mental health and well-being of producers. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides access to helplines and hotlines, stress management techniques, support groups, and more for producers experiencing a tough season in life. USCA supports these resources, but also encourages Rep. Feenstra’s colleagues to join him in addressing the underlying market conditions that cause and create stress in the U.S. cattle industry in the first place,” saidJustin Tupper, President of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. “Since it was funded in the 2018 Farm Bill, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) has been an essential lifeline for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, who face increased levels of stress and often lack access to mental health support services. Farm Aid enthusiastically supports the Farmers First Act of 2023, which continues the crucial work of the FRSAN to support and strengthen the agricultural workers we all depend upon. We are especially pleased that this bill increases funding to deepen support networks and increase outreach, as well as expand services to underserved farmers and agricultural workers,” saidHannah Tremblay, Policy & Advocacy Manager at Farm Aid. “Farming is a highly stressful line of work and rural communities suffer from significant mental health professional shortages,” saidRob Larew, President of the National Farmers Union. “The Farmers First Act will help connect our communities with essential support and services to address farm stress and improve wellbeing. We thank Representative Feenstra and cosponsors for their dedication to this issue and we urge Congress to reauthorize a strengthened FRSAN in the next farm bill.” “Farm Credit commends Representatives Feenstra, Costa, Bost, Craig and Nunn for their leadership on this important issue,” said Todd Van Hoose, President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council. “The Farmers First Act brings valuable stress assistance services and expertise to the farm and ranch communities most in need of resources. Farming is a stressful job, even in good times, and rural residents often face unique barriers to seeking mental health care.” The Farmers First Act is supported by National Farmers Union, National Rural Health Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Agricultural Retailers Association, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative, National Young Farmers Coalition, Organic Trade Association, American Psychological Association Services, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Rural & Agriculture Council of America, NCBA CLUSA, Farm Credit Council, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Organic Farmers Association, National Pork Producers Council, American Soybean Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Farm Aid, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association, Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, Sustainable Food Policy Alliance (SFPA), National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, National Organic Coalition, Farmer Veteran Coalition, and American Farm Bureau Federation. Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-hinson-completes-fourth-22-county-tour-2023,VIDEO: Hinson Completes Fourth 22 County Tour of 2023,2023-11-13,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""I just completed my fourth 22 County Tour of this year. I've held town halls, walked town rural Main Streets, and heard from Iowans of all walks of life about the issues most important to them. If there’s one message I’ve heard loud and clear, it’s that we need to make D.C. run more like the great state of Iowa. It is my honor to tell Iowans’ stories in Washington and be your voice. I’ll continue working to bring a dose of Iowa commonsense to Congress."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-joins-letter-urging-biden-administration-protect-american-families,Feenstra Joins Letter Urging Biden Administration to Protect American Families from Surprise Medical Bills,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) joined a letter – led by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) – urging Secretary of Labor Julie Su, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to implement the No Surprises Act in accordance with congressional intent and the letter of the law. “On top of inflation, high gas prices, and economic uncertainty, surprise medical bills can be devastating for our families and completely drain savings accounts. That’s why Congress passed the No Surprises Act, which was signed into law in December of 2020 to protect American families from costly and unexpected medical bills. However, the Biden administration has completely failed to fully implement this law,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee to urge the Biden administration to right this wrong and implement the law as intended. As a father of four, I will continue to advocate for solutions that lower healthcare costs and secure the financial wellbeing of our families.” The full letter can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-legislation-support-agriculture-education-iowa,Feenstra Leads Legislation to Support Agriculture Education in Iowa,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced – alongside U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-CO) – the Future Funding for Agricultural Research, Mentorship, and Education Reauthorization (Future FARMER) Act. This legislation reauthorizes the Food and Agricultural Sciences Education account in the Farm Bill, which includes secondary education, two-year postsecondary education, and several other important educational programs. It also funds the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) program, which currently supports agriculture education initiatives for five million students and 60,000 teachers nationwide, including approximately 160,000 students and 3,000 teachers across Iowa. “Education – especially agriculture education – is vital to the long-term success of our economy, rural communities, and our country. On my Feenstra Agriculture Tour, I have met with agriculture students at Morningside University in Sioux City, toured the student-operated farm at Iowa Lakes Community College in Emmetsburg, and spoke to FFA students at Akron-Westfield High School. The bottom line is – we must invest in educating the next generation and supporting our teachers so that we can maintain Iowa’s status as the breadbasket to our country and the world,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my colleague, Rep. Yadira Caraveo, to reauthorize agriculture education programs that have helped our students develop their interests, learn important skills, and pursue a career in agriculture. In the United States, and specifically in Iowa, we have been blessed with the most fertile soil in the world, and over the last 100 years, we have witnessed a revolution in agricultural production when we combined the ingenuity of rural America with proper agricultural education and research. As fewer people know where their food comes from and fewer young people are getting involved in agriculture, we are introducing this bill to continue our tradition of agricultural excellence and literacy in Iowa. Hailing from the same state as Norman Borlaug and representing the second-largest agriculture-producing district in the nation, I will continue to be a strong voice for agriculture, our hardworking farmers, and the next generation of producers.” “Farming and ranching are time-honored professions for families in my District, so I am committed to ensuring young Coloradans have the educational opportunities to pursue agriculture careers and carry on this proud tradition,” said Rep. Caraveo. “I am glad to work on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Feenstra to support food and agricultural science programs to teach the next generation of ag workers and business owners.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-barragan-chavez-deremer-manning-malliotakis-schneider-kean-and,"Miller-Meeks, Barragán, Chavez-DeRemer, Manning, Malliotakis, Schneider, Kean, and Spanberger Introduce the DRUG Act",2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Kathy Manning (NC-06), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) introduced the “Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Act” or the “DRUG Act,” legislation that bans spread pricing, patient steering, and implements de-linking policies in the commercial insurance market. “Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have excessive influence over the prices patients pay at the pharmacy counter,” said Miller-Meeks. “The DRUG Act puts downward pressure on prescription drug prices and insurance premiums by removing the incentive for PBMs to drive up the list price of a medication. Additionally, this legislation protects independent pharmacies and a patient’s right to choose the pharmacy of his or her choice without pressure from the PBM.” “The rapidly rising cost of prescription drugs has forced patients to choose between lifesaving medication and other basic needs,” said Barragán. “Low-income communities and those with multiple, chronic health conditions suffer most from unmet prescription drug needs. Pharmacy Benefit Managers are incentivized to engage in anticompetitive behavior that results in higher costs for consumers. The DRUG Act would reign in these PBM practices that spike prices, and lead to increased access to affordable medication.” “Pharmacy benefit managers manipulate the current payment model by creating an environment that favors more expensive prescription medications, which ultimately drives up health care costs for patients,” said Chavez-DeRemer. “By implementing a flat-fee compensation system, the DRUG Act would streamline drug price negotiations – lowering costs by improving transparency and reducing administrative burdens. I’ll continue working in a bipartisan manner to bolster transparency and accountability in the health insurance industry to make health care more affordable for Oregon seniors and families.” “North Carolina families shouldn’t have to struggle to afford the medications they need to stay healthy. But Pharmacy Benefit Managers are incentivized to give preference to high-cost drugs, so they can earn more on service fees, and then those costs are passed down to families. This dishonest practice must be put to rest,” said Manning. “I’m co-leading this bipartisan bill to put a stop to pharmaceutical price gouging and bring down the cost of prescription medications for all.” “When it comes to PBMs, there’s little to no transparency on their practices, and they’re making a lot of money by dictating what their competitors are able to make,” said Malliotakis. “Because of this, ‘Mom & Pop’ pharmacies in my district are being crushed, and the costs are being passed down to consumers. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this critical piece of legislation which cracks down on the exploitative pricing techniques of PBMs and works to make pharmaceuticals more affordable.” “When one in four Americans say they have difficulty affording their medicine, we have a problem. Too often I hear constituents telling me they are rationing the medicines, or cutting their pills in half, or foregoing their medication all together, due to skyrocketing costs. Part of the solution to the drug affordability crisis in America must be addressing the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). These middlemen build their drug formularies and negotiate inflated list prices from manufacturers all at the great expense of patients. We need to fix the broken incentive structures that unfairly reward PBMs for choosing costly drugs and limiting access to critical medications,” said Schneider. “I am proud to support the DRUG Act, which will remove the incentives which drive PBMs to favor expensive drugs for patient plans, increase costs for payers, and steer patients to their affiliated pharmacies. This legislation will instead build incentives to lower drug costs and deliver better access to medication for patients across the country. I thank my colleagues for their work on this important legislation.” “While Virginians and Americans across the country are spending more and more of their money on lifesaving medication, PBMs are playing a behind-the-scenes role in driving up prescription drug costs,” said Spanberger. “These third-party middlemen should not receive a cash reward for steering patients toward overpriced medications. This bipartisan bill would help lower drug costs by reforming the pharmaceutical industry’s murky rebate system and removing the incentive for PBMs to favor expensive drugs over drugs Americans can actually afford.” For the full bill text, please click here. For the one-pager about the bill, please click here. Background: PBMs are a growing faction in the distribution and payment ecosystem for prescription medicines. As the entity between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, PBMs initially played a key role in reducing prescription medicine costs and increasing access and affordability for Americans. Unfortunately, PBMs have grown and vertically integrated to the point where the three largest PBMs control over 80% of prescriptions, up from 30% in 2010. Their modern-day practices of driving up list prices in order to extract higher rebates for formulary placement are occurring at the expense of patients in the form of higher insurance premiums and higher prescription drug costs. PBMs often bill patients more than what they pay to the pharmacy for medicines and keep the difference, enriching themselves instead of the patients they are supposed to benefit. This business practice, known as spread pricing, adds opacity to a supply chain that needs transparency. PBMs have attempted to rebrand spread pricing, calling it “risk mitigation pricing,” and contending that it provides predictability for plan sponsors and lowers drug cost. However, a 2020 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office found that prohibiting the use of spread pricing contracts just in Medicaid alone would save approximately $929 million over 10 years. Additionally, the DRUG Act includes several other reforms to address PBM abuses: Implements de-linking policies, which allows PBMs to only charge a flat fee for drug placement versus letting them continue to charge a percentage of the drug. Bans ‘spread pricing,’ which is when a PBM pays a pharmacy less for a drug than what they receive from the insurer. Prohibits PBMs from paying affiliated pharmacies more than independent community pharmacies for the same services; and Bans ‘patient steering,’ when a PBM encourages or requires patients to use its affiliated pharmacies instead of a pharmacy that is most convenient for the patient.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/08/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-combat-critical-chinese-national/,Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Combat Critical Chinese National Security Threat,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to combat China, prevent cyberattacks, and protect U.S. intellectual property. The Creating Legal Accountability for Rogue Innovators and Technology (CLARITY) Act would prohibit the federal government from utilizing blockchain technology developed by China and other foreign adversaries to ensure these countries do not have a backdoor to access critical national security intelligence and Americans’ private information. The bill is co-led by U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). “Within the next decade, every American will have sensitive, private data stored using blockchain technology. China’s heavy investment in this infrastructure poses a colossal national security and data privacy problem. If we don’t act now, this will be a disaster 1,000 times worse than China’s ownership of TikTok,” said Rep. Nunn. “Our bipartisan bill ensures that the federal government is not giving China a backdoor to access critical national security intelligence and Americans’ private information. We must pass this bill now before it’s too late.” The Chinese Communist Party has been investing heavily in the development of new, world-altering technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G, hypersonic weapons, blockchain, distributed ledger technology, cloud computing, and more. Specifically, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that his country should “seize the opportunities” presented by blockchain technology, and China is investing heavily towards that end by developing the Blockchain-based Service Network (BSN). While blockchain is currently most known for its affiliation with cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, the technology is poised to radically reshape data privacy with broad adoption across cloud storage platforms over the next decade as a way to increase security and decrease costs. U.S. utilization of the BSN, however, would expose information stored on cloud platforms to Chinese surveillance, including social security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords, photos, and other sensitive information. On the government level, the vulnerabilities are even more alarming with critical national security information and Americans’ most sensitive data potentially at risk. “As a former CIA case officer, I understand that the Chinese Communist Party’s investment in a state-controlled blockchain network poses significant risks to U.S. data security. Xi Jinping has made blockchain a national priority — as well as maintaining control of the information hosted on their network,” said Rep. Spanberger. “The United States must have a plan in place to keep U.S. data out of the hands of our adversaries. I’m proud to join Representative Nunn in leading the bipartisan CLARITY Act to maintain a firewall between CCP-owned blockchain and the federal government, counter the Chinese Communist Party’s influence in the global economy, and keep our nation competitive.” The CLARITY Act will protect American intellectual property, sensitive data, and national security by ensuring that the federal government takes this threat seriously and acts now with a coordinated response to counter the vulnerability before it’s too late. In short, the bill ensures that the U.S. government is not creating security risks by utilizing technological infrastructure developed by foreign adversaries. Specifically, the CLARITY Act would: Prevent the government from utilizing blockchain network infrastructure, blockchain service providers, and distributed ledger technology developed by China and other foreign adversaries. Direct the U.S. Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence to develop a plan to prevent the risks posed by China’s and other foreign adversaries’ development of these technologies. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-promote-and-advance-sustainable-aviation,Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Promote and Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce legislation to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and promote the role that Iowa agriculture plays in developing this future fuel. The Farm to Fly Act­ – led by U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) – would add a definition of SAF to USDA programs, advance SAF research and development, and promote the use of the GREET model. It would also direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work collaboratively within USDA and with other federal agencies to find ways to promote the commercial adoption of SAF. “Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the future of air travel. By converting agricultural biomass into airplane fuel, we can support Iowa farmers, reduce emissions by up to 94% compared to standard jet fuels, and use American energy – instead of foreign oil – to power our planes and safely transport passengers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m excited to help introduce the Farm to Fly Act with my Midwestern colleagues to include SAF in USDA bio-energy programs, enhance public-private partnerships to advance SAF adoption and research, and utilize the GREET model to accurately measure the emissions reductions of SAF. Representing the top biofuels-producing district in Congress, I know that Iowa has the unlimited potential to grow and produce our world’s future fuels, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal.” “SAF represents the largest potential new market in the history of US agriculture. The only way SAF takes off is with the ample agricultural feedstocks available in the U.S. and the only way that happens is with the GREET model,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “This legislation will ensure that U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market. IRFA members thank Rep. Feenstra for delivering once again for Iowa biofuels.” “Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) strongly supports the Farm to Fly Act. We applaud the determined efforts of Rep. Miller – along with cosponsors Reps. Flood, Craig, Finstad, Budzinski, Crockett, Hinson, and Feenstra – to introduce this important legislation, which creates more clarity and stability around the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made from U.S. crops,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “By ensuring the best available science and modeling tools are used to calculate the carbon benefits of homegrown renewable fuels, this bill helps position SAF for takeoff.” Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-sponsored-legislation-included-national-quantum-initiative,Feenstra-sponsored legislation included in National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) was included in the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act. “Quantum computing has the power to lower input costs for our farmers, improve energy storage and battery technologies, produce safer medications for patients, and support American agriculture and manufacturing. But, Main Street America has yet to reap the benefits of this cutting-edge science,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud that my Quantum in Practice Act is included in this comprehensive quantum initiative package to find real solutions that benefit our rural communities and ensure American manufacturing leads the world. With the inclusion of my bill, we can harness the full potential of quantum simulations to increase domestic fertilizer production and end our reliance on foreign countries for the resources that our farmers and producers depend on to feed and fuel our country and the world. In Congress, I will continue to work with my colleagues to invest in rural America, support our family farmers, and encourage cutting-edge research that protects the productivity and competitiveness of American agriculture and manufacturing.” Among many provisions, this legislation would direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a strategy to advance quantum computing, authorize the Department of Energy to establish quantum foundries to support the quantum supply chain, and require the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to author a strategic plan to compete against China and Russia in the quantum field. Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-introduces-defend-our-networks-act,Hinson Introduces the Defend Our Networks Act,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) introduced the Defend Our Networks Act alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman, Mike Gallagher (R-WI), and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), as well as Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA). It is estimated that there are 24,000 pieces of Chinese-made communications equipment embedded in U.S. networks. Discarding this compromised equipment is critical to protecting Americans' privacy, as well as our national security, from CCP spying. The Defend Our Networks Act uses unobligated COVID-19 funds to replace Chinese-made telecommunications products with secure equipment to ensure Americans have reliable and private connectivity. Read more in Fox News and access the bill text here. “Chinese technology is embedded in communications networks across the United States, giving the Chinese Communist Party backdoor access to Americans’ personal information and sensitive data. If communication flows through Huawei or ZTE equipment, it should be treated as if it is being downloaded back to a server in Beijing with a full access pass for the CCP regime. The Defend Our Networks Act will ensure compromised Chinese telecom equipment is replaced with secure systems so that Americans, especially those in rural areas, have secure, reliable, and private connectivity.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson “The COVID-19 pandemic is over, but the threats posed by Chinese telecommunications companies like Huawei and ZTE are not. There are thousands of pieces of risky Chinese telecommunications equipment in U.S. networks and it’s imperative we act with a sense of urgency to remove them. The bipartisan Defend Our Networks Act is a common-sense way to protect Americans from national security risks in our telecom networks and ensure small telecom providers have the resources they need to replace this dangerous equipment.” - Chairman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) “I’m proud to my colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Defend Our Networks Act to safeguard our communications infrastructure from potential vulnerabilities to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Communications equipment produced by companies under the influence of the CCP pose a serious risk to our national security, and fully funding efforts to replace the vulnerable components with secure ones is a vital step forward in safeguarding our technological infrastructure.” - Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) ""This year, the Federal Communications Commission said they can only cover less than half of the costs to remove dangerous Chinese technology from American telecommunications networks. That is simply unacceptable. I am proud to co-lead the Defend Our Networks Act alongside a strong coalition of bipartisan partners. This bill would strengthen the FCC's ability to safeguard our technology, ensuring that Americans can be confident, knowing that none of our telecommunications systems are vulnerable to attacks because they contain Chinese software."" - Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) ""Chinese-supplied equipment can pose security risks to our nation’s communications infrastructure. The FCC has now banned the purchase of this equipment, which is why we must invest to replace the older equipment still being used. I’m joining my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to protect rural wireless networks and defend our country against national security threats.” - Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) Background: Due to their close ties to the Chinese government, Huawei and ZTE equipment presents significant risks to U.S. national security and domestic communications networks. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already prohibited the purchase of Huawei and ZTE products and banned the use of FCC funds to expand or maintain networks containing any Huawei or ZTE equipment, and ordered telecom carriers to tear out telecom equipment made by Huawei and ZTE. However, this equipment is still embedded throughout U.S. networks. In 2020, Congress passed the bipartisan Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act, which created the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program at the FCC. Also known as the Rip and Replace program, this effort reimburses smaller communications providers for costs associated with removing, replacing, and disposing of this at-risk equipment. However, the FCC confirmed that the program faces a $3.08 billion shortfall. This shortfall means carriers will continue using compromised equipment or ""rip and not replace,"" leaving Americans without communications service. This would disproportionately impact rural areas, where many communities only have one carrier, leading to a loss of service. Rep. Hinson’s Defend Our Networks Act identifies the funding needed to close the budget shortfall in the FCC’s Rip and Replace program and transfers $3.08 billion in unobligated emergency COVID-relief funds to this program. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/06/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-save-lives-overdoses/,Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Legislation To Save Lives From Overdoses,2023-11-06,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES – U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) today announced bipartisan legislation to expand access to overdose reversal medication and save lives. The Overdose Reversal Medication Act will expand grant opportunities to assist with acquiring naloxone and provide training for using it to local businesses, individuals, and community organizations. “The fentanyl crisis is impacting Iowans in every neighborhood,” said Rep. Nunn. “We can and must save lives from overdoses. Expanding access to reversal medication is critical to ensure life saving care is available in the event of an overdose.” Each day, more than 150 people die from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. In 2021, there were 398 deaths due to overdose in Iowa. A lethal dosage of fentanyl is less than two milligrams – a level that you cannot see taste or smell – making it impossible to detect without testing. “Arizona’s fentanyl crisis has touched every community across our state,” said Rep. Gallego. “The deadly drug is tearing our community apart, and Congress must do all we can to save lives. That’s why I’m proud to introduce our bipartisan bill to ensure Arizona’s businesses are equipped to provide the lifesaving care needed in the event of an overdose. It shouldn’t have to be this way, and that’s why I won’t stop pushing for solutions that end the fentanyl epidemic.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all fatal overdoses had at least one opportunity for a bystander to intervene. Naloxone is a lifesaving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids when given in time. In March of this year, the FDA approved Narcan nasal spray, a name brand of Naloxone, for over-the-counter use. “These medications are like a real life miracle happening before your eyes,” said Dr. Clint Hawthorne, Medical Director of UnityPoint Des Moines Emergency Department. “With them, patients go from the brink of death to sitting up and talking in seconds. They are not only lifesaving but also life changing; providing many with a chance at recovery from dependency.” Specifically, the bipartisan Overdose Reversal Medication Act would: Expand the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program to include local businesses, individuals, and community entities so that they can acquire opioid overdose reversal medication and provide training. Direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to publish a standard for employers to maintain opioid overdose reversal medication onsite and provide training for employees. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-sponsored-amendment-protect-american-farmland-burdensome-regulations,Feenstra-sponsored Amendment to Protect American Farmland from Burdensome Regulations Passes U.S. House of Representatives,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation included a Feenstra-sponsored amendment that would require congressional approval of any rule or regulation proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that would impact over 50% of American farmland. “President Biden and his EPA have weaponized the power of the pen to impose burdensome mandates on our farmers and rural communities. From expanding the size and scope of WOTUS to banning pest control tools like rodenticide, the Biden administration has repeatedly demonstrated that it is out-of-touch with the needs and concerns of rural America,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My amendment to the Department of the Interior appropriations bill – which passed by voice – would require explicit congressional approval of any regulation that would impact over 50% of American farmland. This would rightfully prevent President Biden from enforcing his WOTUS rule that would subject 97% of Iowa farmland to more burdensome federal regulations. As a constitutional conservative, I believe that we must put an end to blatant overreach by unelected bureaucrats within federal agencies – especially the EPA – and my amendment does just that.” Feenstra also supported amendments to prevent taxpayer dollars from enforcing President Biden’s executive orders to destroy American energy production, require the EPA to unclog the backlog of pesticide registration requests, and prohibit appropriated funds from supporting new rules and regulations deemed inflationary or detrimental to the economy by the Office of Management and Budget.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-submits-written-testimony-house-judiciary-committee-encouraging,Feenstra Submits Written Testimony to House Judiciary Committee Encouraging Passage of His Border Legislation,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Committee – including directly to Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) – encouraging the committee to pass two pieces of legislation that Feenstra introduced this year to address the border crisis. The bills include Feenstra’s Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act and Sarah’s Law. In part,Feenstra wrote, “Currently, two pieces of legislation that I have introduced – H.R. 4904, the Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act,and H.R. 661, Sarah’s Law – have been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration. I believe that these bills can help restore order at our border, keep deadly fentanyl out of our communities, and hold illegal immigrants accountable for breaking our laws.” “My Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act represents a straightforward and commonsense solution to the border crisis. This legislation would use money confiscated from the drug cartels by our brave border patrol agents to finish construction on the border wall and fund fentanyl treatment services for our families and communities,” Feenstra noted. Feenstra further emphasized that “Sarah’s Law would also achieve our shared goal of protecting lives and defending our families. Nearly eight years ago, an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk struck and killed 21-year-old Sarah Root. Instead of being prosecuted for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from custody, and never seen again. This legislation closes this awful loophole and ensures that illegal immigrants are held fully accountable for their actions and that those who break our laws are swiftly detained, punished, and deported.” Background: More specifically, Feenstra’s Build the Wall and Fight Fentanyl Act would create two separate funds – the “Southern Border Wall Fulfillment Fund” and the “Combating The Fentanyl Epidemic Fund” – at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to deploy half of the confiscated funds to support the construction of the border wall and activate the other half of the funds to establish a grant program for fentanyl recovery services. Eligible organizations that can receive funds to fight the fentanyl crisis include state and local law enforcement agencies, state and local health and human services agencies, rehabilitation facilities, and drug-use prevention advocacy groups. Sarah’s Law – which Feenstra introduced alongside Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) – would amend the mandatory detention provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. The full letter can be read HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-applauds-house-passage-interior-appropriations-bill,Hinson Applauds House Passage of Interior Appropriations Bill,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released the following statement on House passage of the FY24 Interior and Environment appropriations bill. ""The House is continuing our work to pass single-subject spending bills to fund the government in a fiscally conservative, transparent manner. I was proud to help craft the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill that reduces Biden's EPA by 39% and prohibits funding to enforce Biden's WOTUS rule, while also pushing the EPA to finalize Governor Reynolds' request for E15 to be sold year-round in Iowa. I also secured direct investments in clean drinking water infrastructure for Iowans and ensured continued access to crop protection tools for our farmers. I will continue working to pass conservative legislation that reins in the Biden Administration's bureaucratic overreach and cuts wasteful spending while delivering on Iowa's priorities."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-announces-community-project-funding-iowas-first-congressional,"Miller-Meeks Announces Community Project Funding for Iowa’s First Congressional District in the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2024",2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement about the three community projects included in the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2024: “The Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2024 contains three community projects that greatly impact the quality of water in Iowa’s First Congressional District. The proposed funding would be used to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities and reduce contaminants. Thank you to the countless local leaders for advocating for improvements to water conditions and compliance.” The Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2024 includes the following three community projects submitted by Rep. Miller-Meeks: $1.75 million for Fort Madison, IA, for the Combined Sewer Separation Project. $1 million for Winfield, IA, for the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. $1 million for Morning Sun, IA, for the Wastewater Treatment Project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-condemning-antisemitic-actions-and-statements,Miller-Meeks Statement Condemning the Antisemitic Actions and Statements of Representative Rashida Tlaib,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) released the following statement condemning the antisemitic actions and statements of Representative Rashida Tlaib (MI-12): “Representative Rashida Tlaib has a long history of making antisemitic remarks since becoming a Member of Congress. The Congresswoman has made multiple dangerous comments erroneously referring to Israel as an ‘apartheid’ and ‘racist’ state, accusing the Government of Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing’ against Palestinians, and she has claimed that Israel is ‘promoting racism and dehumanization.’ I condemn Representative Tlaib’s repulsive actions and remarks and wholeheartedly believe that they are contributing to the rise in violent actions against American Jewish communities. The Ethics Committee should urgently address her conduct, which is why I have cosponsored multiple resolutions condemning her speech and calling for censure. It’s essential that the House bring up these resolutions for consideration that point to the facts of Representative Tlaib’s harmful behavior. We must condemn these actions in a Constitutionally correct manner, and I urge my colleagues to support these bills and our Jewish communities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-supports-legislation-allow-clergy-receive-social-security-benefits,Feenstra Supports Legislation to Allow Clergy to Receive Social Security Benefits,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a House Ways and Means Committee markup, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the full Committee passed, the Clergy Act. This legislation would provide more flexibility for religious ministers to plan for their retirement by creating a time-restricted, voluntary open season – much like that utilized for healthcare coverage – for members of the clergy to choose to receive Social Security. Under current law, members of the clergy can apply for an exemption to Social Security taxes on their ministerial work, but they cannot reverse that decision. It is permanent. “Bureaucratic red tape should not prevent members of the clergy who wish to receive Social Security benefits from changing their preferences. This bipartisan legislation creates an open season for clergy to update or change their tax status as it relates to Social Security benefits,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a Christian, I am proud to support this commonsense legislation that will allow our pastors and ministers to decide whether they would like to contribute to Social Security and plan for their retirement. Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to advocate for policies that eliminate headaches for our families, cut red tape, and ensure that every American can make the decisions that are best for them.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-deploy-military-assistance-israel-mission-defeat-hamas,"Feenstra Votes to Deploy Military Assistance to Israel in Mission to Defeat Hamas, Replenish U.S. Military Stockpiles",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This legislation would provide $14.3 billion – of which $4.4 billion would help replenish U.S. military stockpiles – to support Israel’s efforts to protect their families and defeat the Hamas terrorists. “Hamas terrorists senselessly murdered innocent Americans and Israelis with no remorse whatsoever. As our strongest ally in the Middle East, we must do everything in our power to support Israel and help them completely defeat and destroy Hamas,” said Rep. Feenstra. “By deploying vital military assistance to the strong people of Israel and replenishing our military stockpiles, we send a clear message to the world that terrorists who dare attack a free nation will be held accountable for their actions. I will continue to support Israel in their fight to defeat Hamas and restore peace in the region.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-stands-israel,Hinson Stands with Israel,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released the following statement after voting for the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act. This legislation provides military assistance to Israel, replenishes U.S. stockpiles to preserve our military readiness, ensures the safe return of American citizens impacted by the terrorist attacks, and is fully offset by re-allocating unused IRS funding. Hinson is an original co-sponsor of this legislation. “Hamas’s terrorist attacks on Israel are horrific – over 1,000 Israelis were slaughtered, 30 Americans were murdered, and more are still being held hostage. Today’s package reallocates unused IRS funds to support Israel’s Iron Dome and Iron Beam defense systems, as well as funds the advanced weapons and technology necessary for Israel to not only defend itself from the current terrorist siege, but to eradicate Hamas for good. These evil terrorists deserve no mercy and must be brought to their knees. Importantly, this bill also provides funding to replenish our military stockpiles and protect U.S. military readiness. In addition to military support, it is vital the Biden Administration bring every American held hostage by Hamas home immediately and return to maximum pressure sanctions against Iran. I will continue to stand with Israel.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/11/02/nunn-bacon-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-help-runaway-and-homeless-youth/,"Nunn, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Runaway and Homeless Youth",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03), Don Bacon (NE-02), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation to help homeless young people nationwide. The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023 will increase funding for grants providing services aimed at preventing youth from running away or becoming homeless with a special emphasis on rural areas. “Every young person deserves a safe and secure environment to grow up in,” said Rep. Nunn. “This bipartisan legislation ensures young people in vulnerable situations can receive the help they need to sleep, eat, study, and develop.” The landmark Runaway and Homeless Youth Act was first passed by Congress in 1974, providing nationwide support to address youth and young adult homelessness. The bipartisan Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2023 would reauthorize and expand these critical programs, including efforts to prevent human trafficking and support rural communities. “As the number of homeless and runaway youth increases, we must increase our federal efforts to assist and protect these youth who are particularly susceptible to trafficking,” said Rep. Bacon. “This bill provides agencies with the means to support youth who are in vulnerable positions and gives them the resources to address these problems.” “Young people thrive when they have a safe and stable home,” said Rep. Bonamici. “We must help and protect youth experiencing homelessness and survivors of trafficking in their time of need. This bipartisan update to the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act will expand and improve the services many youth need when they do not have a place to call home, and it strengthens programs that can empower them to transition out of homelessness.” Specifically, the bipartisan Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act would: Reauthorize, modernize, and increase funding for programs under the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act; Create a new Prevention Services Program that would make additional resources available to organizations providing counseling, mediation, and other services aimed at preventing youth from running away or becoming homeless; Increase annual grants to support rural youth; Require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national estimate of the prevalence of homeless youth every three years; and Increase the allowable length of stay in the Basic Center Program. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Susan Collins (ME) and Dick Durbin (IL). The legislation is supported by youth advocacy organizations, including the National Network for Youth. Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-requiring-environmental-protection-agency,Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation Requiring Environmental Protection Agency to Use GREET Model to Measure Emissions Reductions of Iowa Biofuels,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce – alongside U.S. Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) – the Adopt GREET Act. This legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to use the GREET model when calculating comprehensive emissions reductions and the environmental impact of Iowa ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). “The GREET model has proven to be the most accurate and reliable tool for measuring the emissions reductions and environmental impact of Iowa ethanol, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel. Time and time again, this model confirms that homegrown ethanol and biodiesel help cut emissions, lower gas prices, and restore American energy independence,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I fully endorse the use of the GREET model to accurately assess and convey the benefits of biofuels – including sustainable aviation fuel – for our economy, our energy security, and our environment. I am proud to work with my Midwestern colleagues to require the Biden administration to adopt the GREET model, which would be a major victory for our families, farmers, biofuels industry, and rural communities.” “The future of Iowa’s biofuels industry relies on adoption of the GREET model. By reducing the carbon-intensity score of liquid fuels – including sustainable aviation fuel – Iowa can help lower gas prices for American families and end our reliance on foreign oil,” said Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a corn grower from Primghar, Iowa. “I appreciate Congressman Feenstra’s unwavering commitment to our farmers and biofuels producers and thank him for supporting legislation to make the GREET model the law of the land.” The Adopt GREET Act would further require that the EPA modernize its modeling every five years or issue a report to Congress outlining efforts to adhere to the latest science and technology. Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-supports-resolution-condemning-nuclear-iran,Feenstra Supports Resolution Condemning A Nuclear Iran,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) supported a congressional resolution unequivocally stating that official U.S. policy condemns a nuclear Iran. “Iran has financed death and destruction around the globe, including the recent attacks against the innocent people of Israel. We must work diligently to prevent the corrupt Iranian regime from developing its nuclear arsenal and weaponizing its munitions against free people,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to support a resolution making clear that the United States strongly condemns a nuclear Iran. It is the right and moral thing to do.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-sherrill-introduce-recycling-infrastructure-and-accessibility-act,"Miller-Meeks, Sherrill Introduce the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act",2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Vice Chair of the Conservative Climate Caucus, and Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a pilot program to improve recycling accessibility in communities where there is not more than one recycling materials recovery facility within a 75-mile radius of that community. “Recycling in rural America is no small feat,” said Miller-Meeks. “In many cases, recycling in rural communities can require driving long distances to reach facilities that can process recycled materials. However, the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act rethinks rural recycling programs, works with states and local governments to support partnerships to process recyclable materials, and creates good-paying jobs for our rural and underserved communities. I urge my colleagues to expand access to recycling for all communities and pass the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act.” “Reducing waste and lowering our carbon footprint are paramount in our shared responsibility to protect our planet – and the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will help us do just that,” said Sherrill. “I’m proud to help lead this legislation that will give communities an opportunity to develop innovative recycling programs that will strengthen sustainability efforts and expand recycling access in historically underserved areas.” “As the world’s largest recycler of aluminum, Novelis applauds Congresswoman Miller-Meeks’ introduction of the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act,” said Chris Cerone, VP, Public Affairs and Communications, Novelis INC. “Expanding recycling access through the creation of public-private partnerships in underserved recycling communities, especially for critical materials like aluminum, is good for the economy and environment. Novelis appreciates the legislation’s proactive, market-oriented approach to enhancing recycling across the country. Novelis believes the Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act will spur unique recycling partnerships and serve as a catalyst for additional policies that advance American recycling and expand the circular economy. The company fully supports this legislation and looks forward to working with the Congresswoman to ensure its passage.” “As we aim to make our packaging more recyclable, reusable and compostable, we recognize that it isn’t just about designing the right packaging,” said Robert Scott, President of R&D, North America at Kraft Heinz. “We must also focus on expanding recycling access to help divert more recyclables from the landfill. This piece of legislation is critical to making recycling a social norm, strengthening access where it is currently lacking, and helping build a more circular economy.” “America’s fragmented recycling system leaves many underserved communities behind,” said John Campbell, Vice President Government Relations, Ball Corporation. “The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act provides underserved communities access to recycling and is a critical first step to improving recycling rates in the U.S. and capturing the approximately $1 billion worth of recyclable aluminum packaging that ends up in landfills each year.” “Expanding access to recycling for underserved communities will help us build a more sustainable, circular economy,” said Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Reps. Miller Meeks and Sherrill are showing bipartisan leadership by proposing the creation of opportunities for many small and disadvantaged communities across our nation to access to collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure. This legislation will help catalyze public-private partnerships and reduce costs so that communities and companies alike can utilize the benefits of more circular materials and assist us in reaching our ambitious climate goals.” For full bill text, please click here. For the one-pager about the bill, please click here. Background: As part of the program, the EPA will award grants to eligible entities—states, local governments, Indian tribes, and public-private partnerships—to improve access to recycling systems in underserved areas, including rural communities. The following projects would be eligible for funding: (1) Increasing the number of transfer stations; (2) expanding curbside recycling collection programs where appropriate; (3) leveraging public-private partnerships to reduce the costs associated with collecting and transporting recyclable materials in underserved communities. Full list of supportive organizations: Ball Corporation, Kraft Heinz, Can Manufacturers Institute, Aluminum Association, American Chemistry Council, Consumer Brands Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Forest and Paper Association, International Bottled Water Association, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, National Association of Manufacturers",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-lead-legislation-allow-disabled-veterans-contribute-tax-free,Feenstra Helps Lead Legislation to Allow Disabled Veterans to Contribute to Tax-Free Health Savings Accounts,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last month, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce – alongside U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) – the Veterans HSA Access Act of 2023. This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow disabled veterans who were injured in a non-service-related incident to continue to contribute to a tax-free health savings account (HSA) alongside receiving their earned VA benefits. Under current law, veterans with a non-service-related disability or injury must wait three months before contributing to an HSA. “Our veterans are brave heroes who deserve our deepest appreciation for their service to our nation, their unthinkable sacrifices, and their commitment to freedom. Bureaucratic red tape should never prevent our veterans from receiving the quality care that they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to help lead the Veterans HSA Access Act to allow veterans who suffered injuries to contribute to tax-free health savings accounts. This is a commonsense amendment to current law that will expand healthcare access, promote care flexibility, and lower costs for our veterans.” Full legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-congressman-randy-feenstra-hold-november-traveling-office-hours,Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra to Hold November Traveling Office Hours,2023-10-31,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office will hold fall traveling office hours this November. Representatives from Feenstra’s office will be in 18 counties to help constituents with casework relating to passports, veterans’ benefits, IRS issues, and other federal programs. Traveling office hours were also held this past spring. “When I was elected to serve Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, I promised that my office would be responsive to the needs of Iowans and helpful in resolving casework requests and other issues with the federal government,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My team stands ready to assist anyone who needs help securing their tax return, accessing VA benefits, acquiring a new passport, and much more. I will always be accountable to my constituents and continue my work in Congress to deliver for our families, farmers, small businesses, and rural communities.” Iowans in the 4th District can also stop by Congressman Feenstra’s district offices Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM CT in Fort Dodge, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City or visit Feenstra.House.Gov to submit a casework request. Below is the full list of times and locations organized alphabetically by county: *Rep. Feenstra will not be at traveling office hours* Buena Vista County Wednesday, November 8th, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Storm Lake Public Library 609 Cayuga Street Storm Lake, IA 50588 Crawford County Monday, November 6th, 1 PM – 2 PM CT Denison Public Library Conference Room 1403 1st Avenue S Denison, IA 51442 Dickinson County Wednesday, November 8th, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT Spirit Lake Library 702 16th Street Spirit Lake, IA 51360 Emmet County Monday, November 6th, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CT Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce 620 1st Avenue South Estherville, IA 51334 Humboldt County Wednesday, November 8th, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM CT Humboldt City Hall Council Chambers 29 5th Street South Humboldt, IA 50548 Ida County Wednesday, November 8th, 2 PM – 3 PM CT Holstein Public Library 207 E 2nd Street Holstein, IA 51025 Lyon County Thursday, November 9th, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Rock Rapids Public Library 102 South Greene Street Rock Rapids, IA 51246 Marshall County Wednesday, November 8th, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Marshalltown Public Library 105 West Boone Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 Monona County Monday, November 6th, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Mapleton Community Center 513 Main Street Mapleton, IA 51034 O’Brien County Wednesday, November 8th, 2 PM – 3 PM CT Sheldon City Hall 416 9th Street Sheldon, IA 51201 Pocahontas County Wednesday, November 8th, 12 PM – 1 PM CT Pocahontas County Public Library 14 2nd Avenue NW Pocahontas, IA 50574 Pottawattamie County Wednesday, November 8th, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Walnut City Hall Council Chambers 229 Antique City Drive Walnut, IA 51577 Shelby County Wednesday, November 8th, 11 AM – 12PM CT Harlan Public Library 718 Court Street Harlan, IA 51537 Story County Monday, November 6th, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM CT Huxley City Hall Council Chambers 515 N Main Avenue Huxley, IA 50124 Webster County Tuesday, November 7th, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Fort Dodge Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra 723 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Winnebago County Monday, November 6th, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT Buffalo Center City Hall 201 2nd Avenue SW Buffalo Center, IA 50424 Woodbury County Monday, November 6th, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Sioux City Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra Federal Building Room 112 320 6th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 Wright County Wednesday, November 8th, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Iowa Central Community College North Central Career Academy 216 South Park Avenue Eagle Grove, IA 50533",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-lead-legislation-bolster-national-weather-service-enhance,"Feenstra Helps Lead Legislation to Bolster National Weather Service, Enhance Weather Forecasting for Iowa Agriculture",2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023. This comprehensive weather legislation includes two bills – the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation (WING) Act and the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act – both of which were originally sponsored by Feenstra and passed the U.S. House of Representatives last Congress. “Building on my work to secure relief for Iowa farmers and producers following the devastating 2020 derecho and to make derecho damage expenses eligible under the WHIP+ program, I am proud to help lead the Weather Act reauthorization. This legislation will enhance our national weather forecasting capabilities to ensure that our communities receive timely updates when severe weather strikes and that our farmers can count on reliable weather information,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I am also excited that this comprehensive package includes two of my bills, both of which passed the House last Congress – the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act and the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act – to improve weather radar detection and modernize the National Weather Service’s outdated communications network. Born and raised in rural Iowa, I know the importance of accurate forecasts and timely warnings during tornadoes and derechos. This important legislation will safeguard our communities, support our farmers, protect property, and save lives.” Inspired by a 2019 U.S. Air Force report to Congress on the impact of wind farms on weather radar accuracy, the WING Act requires the National Weather Service to coordinate with the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and establish an R&D program to improve weather radar detection and prediction capabilities when physical structures like wind turbines obstruct radar line of sight. The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act would modernize the National Weather Service’s (NWS) outdated communications network – NWS Chat – which disseminates critical, time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events. As part of its Integrated Dissemination Program update, NWS has identified several systematic upgrades critical to its emergency communications operation, including the need to replace NWS Chat. Full legislative text of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023 can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/10/30/nunn-announces-mobile-office-hours-serve-iowans-their-communities/,Nunn Announces Mobile Office Hours to Serve Iowans in Their Communities,2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES – U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced mobile office hours across Iowa’s Third District to assist constituents who may not be able to travel to one of the Third District Congressional offices in Creston, Des Moines, and Ottumwa. At these mobile office hours, Iowans will be able to get help from their Congressional office with Social Security, Medicare, passports, visas, veterans’ benefits, military records, tax returns, and other issues with federal government agencies. “My top priority is providing exceptional services and support to Iowans,” said Rep. Nunn. “My hope is that these mobile office hours will ensure ease of access for all Iowans to receive assistance from my office regardless of where they live in the 3rd district.” Mobile office hours will begin Wednesday, November 1. The schedule for November is below: Decatur County Lamoni Public Library 301 West Main Street Lamoni, IA 50140 November 1, 2023 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wapello County Eldon City Hall 421 W Elm St Eldon, IA 52554 November 1, 2023 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Greene County Paton Library 105 S Main Street Paton, IA 50217 November 3, 2023 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Lucas County Chariton City Library 803 Braden Ave Chariton, IA 50049 November 8, 2023 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Clarke County Osceola Public Library 300 S. Fillmore Street Osceola, IA 50213 November 8, 2023 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Guthrie County Panora Public Library 102 N 1st Street Panora, 50216 November 9, 2023 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Appanoose County Drake Public Library 115 Drake Ave Centerville, IA 52544 November 15, 2023 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Additional dates and locations will be announced in the future. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-lahood-smith-johnson-issue-statement-meeting-chief-agricultural,"Feenstra, LaHood, Smith, Johnson Issue Statement on Meeting with Chief Agricultural Negotiator in Office of United States Trade Representative",2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) issued the following statement after meeting with Doug McKalip, who serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, on Wednesday October 25th. “This week, we had a productive conversation with Ambassador McKalip, who serves as Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, about Brazil’s unfair tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American ethanol, as well as Mexico’s unfounded ban on American corn exports. As we made clear, our farmers and ethanol producers depend on open markets and fair-trade agreements to sell their goods across the globe and remain profitable. It is our hope that Trade Representative Katherine Tai and her team keep up the pressure on Brazil and Mexico and continue to advocate for American interests in every corner of the world. Representing producers across the Midwest, we continue to urge the Biden administration to hold our trading partners accountable to our laws, eliminate trade barriers, and negotiate agreements that benefit American agriculture.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-signs-letter-speaker-mike-johnson-conveying-importance-swift-farm,Feenstra Signs Letter to Speaker Mike Johnson Conveying Importance of Swift Farm Bill Passage,2023-10-27,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) signed a letter led by U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) – alongside 60 of his Republican colleagues – conveying to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) the importance of the Farm Bill to rural communities and advocating for its swift passage. “The Farm Bill is must-pass legislation that supports our producers, protects our food security, and benefits our rural communities. From strengthening crop insurance and opening new export markets to defending our farms from animal disease outbreaks and equipping our farmers with cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies, I am working to include priorities vital to Iowa’s agricultural community in the Farm Bill,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud to work with my Republican colleagues to convey to Speaker Johnson the importance of the Farm Bill – and its swift passage – to rural America. Representing the second-largest agriculture-producing district in the nation, I remain committed to passing a strong Farm Bill for Iowa and delivering for American agriculture.” In part, the lawmakers wrote, “Simply put, farm and food security is national security. For a mere one-fifth of one percent of federal spending, the farm safety net, including commodity support programs and crop insurance, provides farmers and ranchers the foundation they need to manage risk, pass their farm or ranch down to the next generation, and continue producing the highest quality, lowest cost food, fuel, fiber, and forestry products in the world.” “The Farm Bill is a critical agenda item that must be addressed this Congress. We urge you and the Conference at-large to be united in ensuring swift passage of a strong Farm Bill that is written by farmers, for farmers, and by rural communities, for rural communities – supporting the farm, ranch, and forester families we represent,” the lawmakers continued. The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-applauds-passage-energy-water-appropriations-bill,Hinson Applauds Passage of Energy & Water Appropriations Bill,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Congresswoman Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement on House passage of the FY24 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill. “The House is passing conservative, single-subject appropriations bills as we work to fund the government in a fiscally responsible manner. As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I helped craft this legislation to clawback Biden's wasteful spending in his so-called 'Inflation Reduction Act,' defund Biden's woke diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives, and hold rogue bureaucratic agencies accountable. ""Additionally, this legislation terminates Biden's overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and prevents oil from our strategic petroleum reserve from being sold to any entity controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. It also includes $1 million I requested to improve flood resiliency in Northeast Iowa, invests in critical materials research happening in Iowa, supports biofuels by promoting the GREET model for sustainable aviation fuel, and shores up U.S. cybersecurity efforts for our energy infrastructure. ""While the Biden Administration continues to throw together massive spending packages with no regard for your taxpayer dollars, we will continue advancing conservative bills that rein in wasteful spending while investing in key priorities for Iowa and America."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://nunn.house.gov/2023/10/26/nunn-announces-bipartisan-legislation-address-nursing-shortage/,Nunn Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Address Nursing Shortage,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Dina Titus (NV-01) today introduced bipartisan legislation to address the nursing shortage impacting healthcare nationwide. The Train More Nurses Act requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to increase capacity at nursing schools. “The nationwide shortage of nurses is hurting Iowa families’ ability to get the care they need,” said Rep. Nunn. “We urgently need to improve the nursing pipeline, and that starts with addressing the need for more nursing faculty, especially in rural and underserved communities.” In 2020, the State of Iowa released its Nursing Demand Survey and found that nearly 70 percent of medical facilities were struggling to fill open nursing positions due to a shortage of qualified job applicants. The problem stems in part from the fact that nursing schools are limited in the number of students they can take on to help grow the workforce due to a shortage of nursing school faculty. In 2021, U.S. nursing schools had to turn away nearly 100,000 qualified applicants due to a lack of teachers. “As the demand for quality healthcare across the state continues, Nevada faces a shortage of 4,000 nurses,” said Rep. Titus. “The Train More Nurses Act is a critical step toward ensuring we can leverage tools to meet this demand and provide the necessary support at the federal level for our healthcare workers. By enhancing career pathways, addressing shortages in underserved areas, and facilitating the transition from LPNs to RNs, we are taking important strides towards bolstering our healthcare workforce and meeting the needs of patients.” “We are facing acute and long-standing workforce challenges in healthcare, and so it’s imperative that we find ways to grow our workforce, especially in underserved areas of Iowa,” said Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer of the Iowa Primary Care Association. “Nurses are essential members to our healthcare teams and helping Iowans reach their health potential. We are grateful to Representative Nunn for his work to identify solutions to pressing workforce needs.” “Nursing homes nationwide, including those in Iowa, are grappling with severe staffing shortages, worsened by the pandemic,” said Brent Willett, President and CEO of the Iowa Health Care Association. “In Iowa, nursing homes have experienced a 10% workforce reduction since 2020. The impending retirements of experienced registered nurses (RNs) and insufficient nursing program enrollment compound this issue, with over 50% of RNs over 50 years old and meager 1.2% annual RN growth predicted in Iowa. Additionally, RN program graduation rates in Iowa have decreased by 1.5% over a decade. Amid these challenges, a proposed federal staffing mandate from the Biden Administration is not in contact with reality and fails seniors across the country, who will see their access to long-term care severely limited if enacted. The Iowa Health Care Association genuinely appreciates Congressman Nunn’s support in protecting access for our state’s most vulnerable citizens.” The bipartisan Train More Nurses Act will help address the nursing workforce shortage by requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a plan utilizing grant programs to address the nursing faculty shortage, which will in turn help train more nurses to fill critical healthcare positions. A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (NV), Susan Collins (ME), and Mike Braun (IN). Text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-congratulates-representative-mike-johnson-becoming-56th-speaker-house,Feenstra Congratulates Representative Mike Johnson on Becoming 56th Speaker of the House,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after the U.S. House Republican Conference voted to officially confirm U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) as the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives: “Today, I proudly voted for Mike Johnson to serve as the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Mike is a strong conservative who will guide our Republican majority and support our work to hold the Biden administration accountable, rebuild our economy, secure our border, and stand up to China. I have full confidence that, under Speaker Johnson, we will continue to uphold our Commitment to America and deliver for our families, farmers, main street businesses, and rural communities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-affirm-american-support-israel-and-condemn-hamas-terrorists,Feenstra Votes to Affirm American Support for Israel and Condemn Hamas Terrorists,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, a congressional resolution reaffirming unwavering American support for Israel and condemning the Hamas terrorists who have murdered innocent American and Israeli citizens. “Hamas’ all-out assault on Israel is nothing short of reprehensible. These terrorists have murdered entire families, senselessly killed innocent people, and destroyed homes and property with no remorse whatsoever,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Today, I proudly supported a congressional resolution reaffirming unwavering American support for Israel and expressing our strongest condemnation of Hamas. As the people of Israel bravely fight to protect their homeland, the United States will continue to stand with them every step of the way.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-congratulates-speaker-mike-johnson,Hinson Congratulates Speaker Mike Johnson,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC - Congresswoman Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement congratulating Speaker Mike Johnson and laying out a path to advance Iowans' priorities. ""Congratulations to our new Speaker, Mike Johnson of Louisiana. He has united our Conference around a plan to advance our conservative agenda by moving single-subject appropriations bills, supporting Israel, securing the border, and continuing serious oversight of the Biden Administration. ""Mike is a Constitutional conservative, devout family man, and is dedicated to our conservative cause and principles and I look forward to working with him to advance Iowans' priorities. ""The recent chaos and dysfunction is inexcusable, but it is time to move forward and focus on our legislative agenda. If there is a silver lining to the past few weeks, it is the thoughtful ideas put forward by Speaker candidates to help Washington work better for the Americans we are lucky to serve. I am committed to delivering conservative results for Iowans and will work tirelessly to do so. Let’s get back to work.” - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-statement-speaker-house-election-0,Miller-Meeks Statement on Speaker of the House Election,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks today issued the following statement after Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected to serve as the 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives: “Speaker Mike Johnson is a humble servant leader that I trust to carefully guide our Republican Conference. Now it’s time resume our efforts to fortify our border, keep parents involved in educational decisions, make meaningful steps towards energy independence, regain global leadership over China, affirm our support for Israel and most importantly continue to work for the American people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-calls-doj-probe-pro-hamas-activity-protect-jewish-community-amid-rising,"Hinson Calls for DOJ to Probe Pro-Hamas Activity, Protect Jewish Community Amid Rising Anti-Semitism",2023-10-24,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) joined 34 Republicans in sending a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland calling on the Department of Justice to probe pro-Hamas groups and protect Jewish communities amid a surge of anti-Semitic threats and calls for violence. “It has been disturbing to witness pro-Hamas demonstrations across the United States, and even in Cedar Rapids, following Hamas's horrific terrorist attacks on Israel. We must call out anti-Semitism in every form and I condemn the recent rise in blatant anti-Semitic rhetoric – whether it is in the halls of Congress, at pro-Hamas rallies, or from student groups at elite universities. While the Department of Justice was quick to target concerned parents at school board meetings, they have not shown the same urgency here, despite a planned ""Day of Rage"" and other sickening calls for violence against Jewish Americans."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson In the letter, lawmakers wrote: ""These are alarming incidents. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of our nation, but coordinated activities supporting Hamas, and intimidating and endangering other citizens have no place in our lawful society. Your department plays a critical role in enforcing the equal application of the law and safeguarding our nation's security. In that regard, we want to know what steps are being taken by the Department of Justice to investigate Hamas supporters in the United States, as well as the perpetrators of anti-Semitic violence in cities and school campuses across the nation. ""However, since Hamas’s recent attack on Israel, you have not issued a similar memo about the increase of anti-Semitic violence, the threats of intimidation being made against supporters of Israel, or the public rallies being held in support of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Your inaction in the face of these threats is alarming and requires us to ask the following questions to ensure you are being held accountable to the American people and the Constitution you have sworn to uphold."" Read the full letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-repurpose-billions-frozen-iranian-assets,Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Repurpose Billions in Frozen Iranian Assets for Delivery to Israel,2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 11, 2023, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduced – alongside U.S. Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) – the Fortify Israel Act. This legislation would repurpose the $6 billion that President Biden recently authorized for delivery to Iran and instead deploy these funds to Israel in their fight to protect their families and defend their homeland. This proposal would also redirect any current or future assets seized from Iran by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to financially support Israel. “In light of Hamas’ barbaric attacks on the innocent people of Israel, it’s critical that we deliver military and humanitarian aid to Israel. That’s why I helped introduce the Fortify Israel Act to repurpose the $6 billion that President Biden recently authorized for Iran and instead redirect those funds to Israel,” said Rep. Feenstra. “In Congress, I will continue to support policies that help Israel defeat Hamas and safeguard their national security.” Legislative text can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z