My New Bill

Weekly Wrap-up

The Bottom Line

I spent time with elected officials in Des Moines this week--strong state and federal partnerships are critical to delivering results for Iowans.

As soon as I saw leaked footage of federally funded flights transporting illegal immigrants into the U.S., I took action immediately by introducing the Stop the Betrayal Act. This legislation is simple--it prevents your hard-earned paycheck from funding these flights.

Friend,

It was great to be back in Des Moines this week! I had productive conversations with elected officials about how we can continue working together to make Iowa the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Strong federal and state partnerships are key to delivering results for Iowans.

Governor Kim Reynolds and I discussed a variety of issues we can work together on to improve the lives of Iowans, including improving access to child care, ensuring parents have a say in their kids’ education, helping working families keep more of their paychecks, and supporting Iowa’s agriculture industry.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig and I had a meaningful conversation about the current issues facing Iowa's family farmers. We talked about the importance of our biofuels industry and prioritizing investment in precision agriculture technologies and reliable broadband. We also discussed the need to push back against overregulation from Washington bureaucrats who have never stepped foot on a farm--this will continue to be a priority for me in Congress.

I also had the opportunity to join both Iowa House Republicans and Iowa Senate Republicans for their caucus meetings. I provided an update on my work in Congress and answered questions on federal policy.

Washington, DC, could learn a thing or two from how we govern and treat taxpayers in Iowa. As your voice in Congress, I'll continue pushing for common sense, conservative policies that will improve the lives of all Iowans.

Read on for more about my work on behalf of Iowans this week!

Best,

Des Moines Photo Gallery

All Over Iowa's First Congressional District

Jones County Town Hall

On Wednesday, we held our first in-person town hall of the year in Jones County! I took unfiltered questions on ensuring parents remain involved in their kids' schooling, setting the next generation up for success, the need to prevent government overreach, and our work to protect election integrity.

There is nothing more valuable to me than hearing from Iowans—I’ll continue bringing your stories with me to Washington as I fight for our communities in Congress. I’m so grateful to everyone who, despite the cold, took the time to attend our town hall and join the discussion!

Visit to Potter's Mill (Jackson County)

I had the opportunity to visit Potter's Mill in Bellevue this week. We talked about issues they are currently facing, including the worker shortage and rising prices--their food costs have increased 30% this year alone.

Despite these challenges, Potter’s Mill has kept their doors open and they continue to innovate and persevere. They are an incredible part of the small business community in Jackson County!

Stop the Betrayal Act

Iowans were appalled by leaked video footage showing federal contractors flying illegal immigrants from the border into our country in the dead of night--all on the taxpayers' dime.

As soon as I saw these disturbing reports, I took action. Within 24 hours, I introduced the Stop the Betrayal Act. This legislation is simple: it prevents your paycheck from funding flights transporting illegal immigrants into the U.S.

The border crisis is a problem that has a solution. The Administration should enforce the Remain in Mexico policy, give border patrol agents the resources they need, and complete the border wall. Instead, they are pursuing a "catch and release" policy and secretly flying illegal immigrants into the country with no way to track them.

I'll continue to hold the Administration accountable for failing to secure our border and jeopardizing the safety of our communities.

📰 Fox News: Rep. Hinson introduces bill to block taxpayer funds being used for migrant flights

Advocating for Our Veterans

Ensuring veterans receive the support and benefits they deserve is a top priority for me in Congress. Unfortunately, federal agencies that serve our veterans are still shuttered or are only offering assistance over the phone. As a result, our veterans are facing long delays in receiving the benefits.

That’s why I’m helping lead an effort to ensure veterans in Iowa and across the country can access federal services and aren’t left in the lurch waiting for benefits they rely upon.

The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) is responsible for maintaining military personnel and medical records. Veterans require access to these records when applying for certain service-related benefits, including medical care, unemployment assistance, emergency housing, and more.

Despite most of the country being back at work, NPRC is currently operating at 25 percent of its normal in-person capacity. Since a majority of the records veterans need are in physical format, limited in-person staff have been unable to manage the volume of incoming requests. As a result, thousands of record requests remain unanswered, leaving veterans unable to receive their benefits.

Those who served our country have earned these benefits and shouldn’t be facing long delays in receiving them. That’s why I recently asked the Administration to reopen NPRC and restore in-person staffing to 100 percent capacity. I'll continue working to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve.

Read the full letter HERE.

Religious Freedom Over Mandates Act

This week, Representative Ralph Norman (R-SC-05) and I introduced legislation prohibiting any federal funding from being used to track those who opt for a religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccine. Any form of database tracking flies in the face of our First Amendment—U.S. citizens are guaranteed the right to make their own medical decisions without fear of government reprisal.