Friend, 

President Trump hit the nail on the head at this week’s State of the Union. He made a clear, optimistic case for America: lower crime, secure borders, lower taxes, and respect for those who serve our country. He inherited a nation in crisis and, in record time, cut taxes for working families, unleashed American energy, and fostered opportunity for all Americans. 

But we have a lot more work to do to bring down health care costs, support our veterans and farmers, and make life more affordable for working families. The best is yet to come under President Trump’s leadership, and I’ll keep working with President Trump—and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle—to deliver bipartisan solutions for all Iowans. 



Sincerely,

The Quiet Strength Behind Our Military

Beyond the president’s address, I wanted to lift up America’s military families this week, who truly represent the quiet strength behind our military. Military families carry a heavy load that many Americans never see.

On December 13th, three American lives were taken in a fatal attack launched by an ISIS terrorist in Syria. Iowa families got the call that no loved one should ever have to receive. Staff Sgt. William “Nate” Howard and Staff Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This tragedy shook our state. It was a gut punch to every Iowan to lose two Iowa sons who so bravely served our country. And when a servicemember takes an oath to serve our country, their family serves, too.

Misty and Meskwaki Police Chief Jeff Bunn, parents of Staff Sgt. Nate Howard, have sacrificed more than most of us can ever imagine. Their other son, James, is also a national guardsman, who was serving in Kuwait at the time of Nate’s death. Their family truly embodies the best of Iowa and America, and it was my honor to have them as my guests to this year’s State of the Union.

When a family in our community is hurting, Iowa shows up. Iowans take pride in serving one another and investing in our communities. That is the Iowa way. We look out for each other. Having Misty and Jeff in Washington this week was our community’s chance to show up and say thank you.

At the dignified transfer, I told the moms of the fallen that we should never have to outlive our children. No words can fully capture the weight of that moment. I am grateful for the chance to honor this family and to remind Americans that freedom is never free.

Remembering Staff Sgt. Nate Howard

We had the chance to join Simon Conway's radio show on WHO before the president’s speech. I strongly encourage folks to stop what they are doing and listen to Gold Star parents, Jeff and Misty Bunn, speak with Simon about the remarkable life and character of her son, Staff Sgt. Nate Howard.

I can’t imagine what Gold Star families like theirs have been through. That’s why we have to keep asking ourselves, what more can we do to make sure families like theirs are supported, honored, and never forgotten.

Earlier that day, I shared their story and highlighted the sacrifices our military families make in interviews with WHO, KCRG, and some additional local outlets. I hope you’ll take a moment to watch and join me in honoring their sacrifice—links are here, here, and here.

In The News

The Gazette: Hinson urges Trump to focus on cost of living, tax cuts in high-stakes State of the Union

The Gazette: Families of Iowa Guard soldiers killed in Syria will be State of the Union guests of Iowa Congressional members

Times Republican: Family of Staff Sgt. William ‘Nate’ Howard attend State of the Union address

Radio Iowa: Families of Iowa soldiers killed in Syria to be guests at State of the Union address

KCRG: Why these Iowans are special guests for State of the Union Speech

KAAL: Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation to host families of slain Iowa National Guard soldiers at State of the Union

KCCI: Iowans attend State of the Union address

WHO13: Families of Iowa National Guardsmen killed in Syria to attend State of the Union address