Dear Friend,

After many recent conversations with Iowa veterans, I kept coming back to a simple question: how can the VA play a bigger role in helping veterans successfully transition to civilian life? 

We know that leaving military service is a major life change. Veterans are navigating new careers, new communities, and often a completely different way of life. At the same time, manufacturers across Iowa and the country are looking for skilled workers to fill good-paying, in-demand jobs. 

The reality is that many veterans already have the leadership, technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience employers are looking for. Too often, though, there isn't a clear pathway connecting those veterans to those opportunities.

Why aren't we doing more to connect the incredible skills our veterans already have with the employers, educators, and workforce partners looking for talent? That's why I’m proud to introduce the Veterans to Advanced Manufacturing Plan Act.

This bill directs the VA to work directly with manufacturers, educators, and workforce partners – in both the private and public sectors – to identify barriers, strengthen training and mentorship opportunities, and better connect veterans with careers in advanced manufacturing.

Our responsibility to veterans doesn't end when their military service does. We should be doing everything we can to help them turn the skills they gained in uniform into rewarding careers, financial stability, and the American Dream they fought to protect.

Sincerely,

Serving Iowa’s Second District

I was honored to receive the Congressional Champion Award from the American Foundry Society. Iowa is home to foundries that support domestic industries, from academic partnerships with University of Northern Iowa, to our defense industrial base – including many right in Iowa’s Second District! I’ll keep fighting to strengthen American manufacturing & support the workers who make it possible.

Enjoyed welcoming the Iowa Home Builders Association to my DC office! We all share the same goal of increasing housing supply and making the American dream of homeownership attainable again. Appreciate the work they're doing to help build strong communities across Iowa.

It was wonderful to also meet with community leaders and members of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce! We talked about some exciting projects in Dubuque that I secured federal funding for, workforce needs, and the opportunities ahead for businesses and families in northeast Iowa. Thanks for stopping by!

I had a productive meeting with Iowa Health Care Association about how we can strengthen care for Iowa seniors and support the providers who serve them. I'll continue fighting to improve access to care, hold big health insurance companies accountable, and support providers working to keep care close to home.

Team Hinson in Your Community

Team Hinson loved welcoming home the Cedar Valley Honor Flight, as more than 115 veterans returned from their visit to our nation's capital. Thank you to the volunteers, families, the Cedar Valley Big Band, and the Daughters of the American Revolution for showing up and making the day so special for these heroes.

My team was honored to attend the 18th Annual Foster Care Youth Celebration, recognizing young people who have shown resilience and strength in the face of difficult challenges. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees, and thank you to the families who support them every step of the way.