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Blog Posts

💊 Fighting Fentanyl

Fentanyl is now the number one killer of Americans — from my son’s high school classmates to parents my age. In 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized more than 20,000 pounds of fentanyl — enough to kill 4 billion people. Zoom in: We...

💈 Keep Tips in Iowa

Iowa’s service industry is powered by the hardworking folks who cut hair, serve meals, pour coffee, and keep Main Street moving. Zoom out: More than 150,000 Iowans — and 17 million Americans — earn their living serving others, working in...

🚓 Overtime Relief, Safer Streets

When a storm knocks out the lights, a fire threatens a family home, or crime strikes a  neighborhood, Iowa's first responders don’t hesitate. They show up, no matter the risk, to keep our families safe. For our officers in blue, that duty has...

🐾 Ending Dog Racing

In Iowa, dogs aren’t just man’s best friend — they are an essential part of our families. Whether it’s a farm dog keeping an eye on the livestock, a loyal companion waiting by the front door for the kids to come home, or a service animal standing...

📈 Permanent Relief, Lasting Growth

Main Street Iowa is powered by entrepreneurs who take risks, reinvest their profits locally, and work tirelessly to keep our economy strong.  For many small business owners, one thing makes a big difference between just staying afloat and growing:...

🇺🇸 Remembering Abbey Gate

Four years ago today, America’s longest war came to an end in a tragic and completely avoidable disaster. On August 26, 2021, during the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, a suicide bomber struck the Abbey Gate of Kabul Airport. Thirteen U.S....

🩺 Training More Nurses

There’s one challenge we’re hearing again and again from hospitals and healthcare providers across Iowa: we don’t have enough nurses.  From rural clinics to major hospitals, the shortage is making it harder for Iowans to get the timely care they...

🎙️ Iowa Ideas in Action

There’s something powerful about a conversation at the Iowa State Fair. It’s where Iowans come together each year — not just to celebrate our state’s history, but to talk ideas, ask tough questions, and expect real answers. It’s the kind of...

💵 No Tax on Tips

From the barista pouring your morning coffee to the server working a double at your local diner — Iowa’s service workers are the backbone of our Main Streets.  Zoom out: ➡️ More than 17 million Americans work in the service and hospitality...

🗣️ What They’re Saying

At the Iowa State Fair, I heard from so many of you about what matters most, and what you want to see fixed in D.C. One of the best parts of this job is listening to Iowans and bringing your ideas back to Washington. Whether it's tax relief,...

🚜 Future Farmers

In Iowa, farming is more than a livelihood — it’s a way of life that powers our economy, feeds the world, and keeps our communities strong. But it’s getting harder to keep that life going.  Young Iowans looking to farm — or take over the family...

🪖 Honoring Heroes

In August 2021, the Biden Administration withdrew all U.S. troops and personnel from Afghanistan in a chaotic operation that stranded American citizens, abandoned Afghan allies, handed control of the country to the Taliban, and caused the deaths of...

🕊️ Backing Peace Through Strength

Yesterday, the world watched as President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down in Alaska for a historic summit with one goal: securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. The message behind them said it all: Pursuing Peace. And while real...

🔒 Social Security Secured

This week marks 90 years since Social Security was signed into law — a program that’s delivered peace of mind, security, and dignity to generations of Americans. This week, I joined a bipartisan resolution in Congress honoring that milestone and...

🏠 More Houses

I hear from Iowans who’ve done everything right — they’ve worked hard, earned a degree, learned a trade — but still feel like owning a home is out of reach. That’s especially true in rural communities where families want to stay and put down roots,...

🎡 Best Fair in the Nation

The Iowa State Fair is one of my favorite traditions — a time when people from every corner of our  state come together to celebrate community, agriculture, and the Iowa way of life. Over the past few days, I’ve walked the fairgrounds, shaking...

🇺🇸 Honoring Iowa’s Heroes

There's nothing quite like an Iowa parade — flags waving, marching bands playing, and neighbors lining the street. Today at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, we celebrated the brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform. This year's Veterans...

🏬 Backing Main Street

On Main Streets across Iowa, small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They make up 99% of all Iowa businesses and employ nearly half of our workforce. Why it matters: In rural Iowa, jobs don’t just show up — they’re built from the ground...

💵 Fighting Back Against Scammers

Iowans work hard, live within their means, and plan for the future. They shouldn’t have to worry about scammers stealing their savings. But too often, that’s exactly what’s happening — and it’s putting families, especially seniors, at risk.  Why it...

🍎 Fresh Food, Stronger Iowa

Iowa farmers grow some of the highest-quality, most nutritious food in the world. But today, too many Iowa families struggle to access Iowa produce and too many small producers can’t sell directly to their own communities. The problem: We don’t...