This week, we got some very important news for Dubuque! The Office of Management and Budget announced the agency would not be moving forward with its proposal to change the statistical definition of a Metropolitan Statistical Area from 50,000 to 100,000. If this proposal had moved forward, Dubuque would have lost its status as a metropolitan area.

This is more than just a definition – having metropolitan status qualifies communities for federal dollars and other critical resources. It is also a key part of attracting businesses and economic development opportunities to the region.

I fought this proposed change tooth and nail since I’ve been in office, and I am so glad to have secured Dubuque's metropolitan status. I will continue fighting to ensure Dubuque, and our entire district, can grow and thrive.

Learn more about my efforts on this issue here and read on for additional information on what I'm doing for IA-01.

Best,

Amid the worst illegal immigration crisis in modern history, House Democrats on the Appropriations Committee are working to slash funding for our immigration enforcement agencies. Under their bill, both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement would lose the resources they need to manage the illegal immigration surge and protect our country against threats stemming from our open border.

On my recent trip to the border, law enforcement told me they needed more resources and more boots on the ground to handle the current crisis conditions they are facing. Illegal border crossings continue to surge at record levels. Our officers don’t have the manpower or tools necessary to combat the cartels, smugglers, and human traffickers using sophisticated techniques to push dangerous drugs and people across our border every day — and this bill inexplicably provides no funding for additional Border Patrol agents to counter this surge.

📺 Hinson Amendment to Save $100 Million in Funds Cut From CBP Budget

📺 Hinson Amendment to Support ICE & CBP

📺 Hinson Amendment to Prevent Taxpayer Funded Legal Services for Illegal Immigrants

📰Hinson in The Washington Examiner: Back law enforcement in our communities and at our border

This week, I helped introduce the bipartisan Year-Round Fuel Choice Act of 2021, legislation that will allow for year round sales of E15. This legislation reacts to the recent D.C. Circuit Court ruling that rescinded the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to allow the sale of E15 during summer months.

This is all the more important as gas prices are the highest they've been in 7 years. Allowing for the widespread use of higher ethanol blends would help bring down prices at the pump, promote American energy independence from foreign fuel, and create jobs here at home.

As a result of the government spending trillions of dollars we don't have, prices are rising at their fastest rate in 13 years. Despite this, the Biden Administration is doubling down on its big spending agenda. This will continue to drive up costs for working class families in Iowa and across the country. Life is, and will continue to be, less affordable for Iowans as long as the Biden Administration and Democrats in Congress keep recklessly spending far outside of our means.

I'm working hard in Congress to protect your hard-earned taxpayer dollars and get our economy back on track. I am honored to serve on the newly formed Republican task force on jobs and economy. On this task force, I'll work to advance pro-growth policies that boost our economy and help workers, families, and small businesses.

Click HERE to apply for a fall internship in my D.C. office! Feel free to contact my office with any questions regarding internships.