🚓 First Responders Day

Every day, Iowa’s first responders — police, firefighters, and EMTs — put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. They’re on the front lines, and the very least Washington can do is ensure a shutdown doesn’t make their jobs harder.

I’ve led bipartisan legislation to give Iowa’s first responders the funding and tools they need to hire, equip, and train their teams. But a government shutdown puts that support at risk. 

Why it matters: When D.C. shuts down, the critical funding we fought for to help local departments — from Earlham to Des Moines and everywhere in between — is put on hold. That leaves local departments without the resources they rely on to serve our communities. 

That’s why I visited with first responders in Creston, Osceola, and Johnston ahead of National First Responders Day — to thank them for their service and make sure they know we’re in their corner.

Despite the gridlock in Washington, we’re advancing bipartisan legislation to deliver the tools Iowa’s first responders need to do their jobs safely and effectively: 

✅ Our More Funding for COPS Act would boost hiring and resources for small and rural law enforcement departments. 

✅ Our PFAS Alternatives Act would fund research to make new, safer gear for firefighters. 

✅ Our Providing Childcare for Police Officers Act would increase access to childcare for first responders.

✅ Community Paramedicine Act would expand paramedicine programs in rural areas to provide preventive care, health education, and follow-up services.

Bottom Line: Iowa’s first responders run toward danger every day. Washington needs to respect that — and we’ll keep fighting to deliver the support they need to keep our communities safe.