Weekly Wrap Up
Telephone Town Hall Recap
Friend,

I appreciate everyone who was able to join my district-wide telephone town hall on Tuesday night. As I told everyone on the line, it is the greatest honor of my life to serve our district in Congress.

I'm working everyday to cut through the chaos and dysfunction in Washington to deliver for our families, workers, small businesses, and farmers. That means pushing back on harmful policies--like the big spending agenda we are seeing from the Administration and Speaker Pelosi--but finding common ground where possible to deliver for Iowans.

During the town hall, we had a great conversation on the need to rein in spending, as well as what's next for an infrastructure package, and I addressed issues facing out small business community and farmers right now.

I'll keep working and focusing on issues that Iowans are talking about around their kitchen tables every single night and working to solve them in Congress.

Read on below for more information and updates on IA-01.
 
Best,
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and I wrote an op-ed in The Telegraph Herald to explain the need to bring supply chains home and apply the lessons of Iowa’s food supply resilience to other critical industries to create jobs and bolster our national security.  

Record Spending = Record Inflation
Earlier today, I spoke at the House Republican Leadership News Conference to call out the Administration's wasteful spending that is causing Iowans to pay more for everyday goods and services. Inflation is a tax and a direct attack on middle and working class families. Life is, and will continue to be, more expensive for Americans as the Administration goes on their taxpayer funded spending spree. Republicans will continue fighting to rein in spending and make life more affordable for Iowans and Americans.
Accountability for the Border Crisis
The border crisis continues to worsen as a result of the Administration's open border policies. In June, over 180,00 illegal immigrants were encountered at the Southern Border—more people than the entire population of Cedar Rapids. Late last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced they will be canceling two border wall construction contracts. There is no justification for canceling border wall construction when we need to bolster border security by keeping Title 42 in place, ending catch-and-release, finishing the border wall, and supporting technology along the border.
 
On top of that, this week, news broke that over 50,000 illegal immigrants have been released into the country without a court date. This is completely unacceptable, it is far worse than catch-and-release. In May, I asked DHS Secretary Mayorkas about this very issue, the Administration releasing illegal immigrants into the country with no notice to appear. I have yet to hear back, but I will continue holding the Administration accountable until our border is secure. 
Bipartisan Solution for Crime Victims
Last week, President Biden signed legislation I cosponsored to ensure the Crime Victims Fund can stay afloat. The Crime Victims Fund provides critical services for those who have suffered from unthinkable crimes. With the near-depletion of these funds in Iowa, and nationwide, I am glad we could work in a bipartisan manner to ensure crime victims and their families have access to the resources they need.
Visiting Boomerang Construction in Anamosa
It was great to be out in Anamosa last week to stop by Boomerang Construction. We talked about the need for a targeted infrastructure package that invests in roads and bridges and locks and dams. I'll continue to advocate for these projects in Congress.
Standing with Cuba
I am proud to stand with the people of Cuba in their fight for freedom over socialism. Iowans stand with Cubans as they are waving our flag, pushing back against the socialist dictators who have oppressed them, and demanding freedom.
 
Wherever socialism has been tried, it has failed, and we will continue standing with the Cuban people and working to ensure these policies are never implemented in the United States. 
Max in D.C.!
It was so great to have Max in D.C. this week while he's on summer break!
Community Highlights
Passing of the Flag Ceremony in Dubuque
I was honored to participate in a ceremony to designate U.S. 20 as the Medal of Honor Highway over the weekend. While we will never be able to fully thank those who have served and sacrificed for our country, this is a small way to show our gratitude. I’m so glad I was able to bring my 10 year old, Max, along with me to show him how important it is to honor our veterans.
Honoring Deputy Halverson
My team was able to attend a ceremony in honor of Deputy Halverson, who was shot in the line of duty last month. We are so grateful he is home from the hospital and on his way to making a full recovery. Thank you to ALL our brave law enforcement officers who run toward danger to protect our communities.
RAGBRAI in Waterloo
My Waterloo office was happy to welcome RAGBRAI to the area! The riders stopped in Waterloo on Wednesday before heading out toward Anamosa--good luck on the rest of the ride!
ICYMI: Social Media & Headline Highlights
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