Friend,
There’s nothing more valuable to me than being out in our community and meeting with folks from all walks of life and in a variety of professions to hear what is on their mind and how I can help. Before heading back to Washington this week, I heard from folks all across Linn County this week.
At International Paper in Cedar Rapids, I heard more about the workforce and supply chain issues they have faced over the past few years, and how they are overcoming those challenges. I also volunteered with Horizon's Meals on Wheels where we packed and delivered meals to the elderly and those in need in our communities. The rising cost of everything has made it harder for folks to put food on the table, and it’s been especially hard for those on fixed incomes. Meals on Wheels continues to go above and beyond to ensure everyone has a warm meal to eat.
During my tour of Kirkwood Community College, I learned more about their nurse training programs and met with current students. I continue to hear from health care professionals across our district about the impact of the nursing shortage – nurses are burnt out, hospitals are short-staffed, and we simply need more people to join the health care workforce. I was so impressed by the students I met, and Kirkwood’s programs will help more people gain the skills they need to start their careers as nurses.
Ensuring our neighborhoods are safe is a top priority for me in Congress. I participated in a ride along with the Linn County Sheriff’s Department so that I could see the public safety issues in our community firsthand and see what our law enforcement officers are facing on the ground. I’m so grateful to all of our law enforcement officers for keeping us safe and protecting our communities.
I’ll continue to travel all over our district and collect stories that I can use in Washington to fight for policies that Iowans care about.
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Photo Gallery: All Over Linn County |
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Horizon's Meals on Wheels |
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Kirkwood Community College Nursing Program |
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Linn County Sheriff's Department Ride Along |
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Bipartisan Resolution to Support those Reporting from Ukraine |
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This week, I joined Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL) in introducing bipartisan legislation to honor the journalists, reporters, and documentarians risking their safety and sacrificing their lives to document the atrocities happening in Ukraine.
Despite the danger, journalists and news staff are putting their life on the line on a daily basis to reveal the ongoing humanitarian crisis to the world. Dozens of members of the free press have been injured or killed by Russian forces, including multiple Americans.
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There is nothing dictators like Putin fear more than the free press revealing the truth to the world. Most of what we are seeing and hearing from Ukraine is thanks to brave journalists who are putting themselves in harm’s way to tell this important story. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Bustos to ensure members of the media who are reporting from Ukraine, including those who tragically lost their lives, receive the recognition they deserve. |
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President Zelenskyy's Address to Congress |
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President Zelenskyy gave a very moving address to Congress this week. President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have shown incredible bravery and determination amid Putin’s violent invasion.
President Zelenskyy told us that the humanitarian crisis on the ground in Ukraine is worsening--the Ukrainian people need our help. This moment demands American strength, unity, and leadership. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine in their fight for freedom.
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Keeping Iowans Safe During Natural Disasters |
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This week, Representative Cindy Axne (IA-03) and I sent a bipartisan letter to the Acting Director of the National Weather Service (NWS) asking the agency to explain why their communication system malfunctioned during the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Iowa on March 5, 2022, leading to delays in critical public safety warnings. |
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Every minute counts for saving lives, preventing injury, and mitigating property damage when severe weather strikes. As storms become increasingly unpredictable, quick and accurate weather alerts become even more critical. Delays in public notifications of severe weather are unacceptable and addressing them should be the highest priority. |
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Last night, I held a Facebook Live town hall to provide an update on my work in Congress, hear what Iowans' are concerned about, and answer your questions. I appreciate everyone who took the time out of their evening to join the conversation.
I've hosted 16 in-person town halls and eight virtual town halls to hear from Iowans. I'll continue to be accessible to you!
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The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond rooted in our shared values, security interests, and religious ideals. I recently joined a bipartisan congressional delegation in Israel to gain a deeper understanding of our relationship and work to strengthen our ties.
Throughout the trip, we saw firsthand why it is so important for Israel to be able to defend itself and how U.S.-Israel security cooperation is key to stability in the Middle East as well as our safety here at home.
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Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies |
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On Wednesday, I held a Facebook Live discussion with the Executive Director of Healthy Birth Day, Inc., Emily Price, to discuss the importance of preventing stillbirths and increasing access to maternal care in Iowa and across the country. |
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A stillbirth is the tragic and unexpected loss of a baby 20 weeks or more through a pregnancy. Sadly, 23,500 babies are stillborn each year. That’s 23,500 too many.
That’s why I joined Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC) to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act with Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) to prevent stillbirths and help expecting mothers and their babies receive the care they need. During our conversation, Emily and I discussed ways to improve maternal care access to help promote healthy moms and babies, regardless of zip code or income level. |
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I met with Dubuque Mayor Brad Cavanaugh and his family while they were in Washington this week. We discussed ways we can continue working together to keep Dubuque a great place to live, work, and raise a family. |
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It was great to have a former intern of mine, Ethan, and the whole Williams family from Cedar Rapids stop by my office in Washington this week! |
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Bonus Content: March Madness |
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My March Madness bracket was quickly busted after Iowa's loss yesterday, but we're still cheering on Iowa State and Iowa Women's Basketball! |
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Headline Highlights & Social Media |
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