This week, more than 5,000 Iowans joined me live from Washington, D.C., for another one of my listening sessions. We went rapid-fire, taking questions from moms, dads, farmers, seniors, and small business owners across Iowa. And once again, it reminded me why our 21-county listening session tours matter so much: the best ideas don’t start in Washington — they start right here in Iowa.
What’s new: I was joined by House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith to talk about the Working Families Tax Cuts, but more importantly, to hear directly from the hardworking Iowans these policies were designed to help.
Iowans told us they’re worried about the cost of groceries, whether their kids can afford a home, keeping family farms in family hands, and ensuring quality health care remains available in rural communities. Those are the kitchen-table issues driving every fight we take on in Congress.
That’s exactly why we passed the largest tax cut in U.S. history — and why we’re not done. Here’s what Iowans told us matters most:
💵 No tax on tips and overtime so hard work means a bigger paycheck, not a higher tax bill.
👨👩👧👦 A stronger Child Tax Credit and the new senior tax relief to help families and retirees keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
🌽 Passing year-round, nationwide E15 through the Senate to strengthen Iowa agriculture, support biofuels, and lower energy costs.
🏠 Making rural homeownership more attainable through our rural housing bill — already passed by the House — so young families can put down roots in the communities they call home.
🚑 Protecting rural health care and lowering everyday costs for communities across Iowa.
Why it matters: Every one of these priorities came from listening to Iowans. That’s what our 21-county tour is about — using Iowa’s ideas and best practices to drive the priorities we’re fighting to deliver in Washington.
Bottom Line: Your input helps shape the fights we take to Washington. I’ll keep listening, keep showing up, and keep fighting for the priorities you raised this week. And I look forward to seeing you at the next stop on our 21-county tour!