I try to remember to include a plea for dialogue at the end of this column each week. Well last night while I was in a tizzy about what to write today, I did receive an email from a thoughtful reader who had attended a “Hands Off” rally. Here is the last paragraph: “Your stories about your younger years are interesting. I hope you are being honest that you enjoy different points of view.”

Instead of my usual thoughts on policy debates or various pieces of legislation that I have either introduced or support, I decided that I wanted to share a week in my life representing our families, farmers, workers, and businesses on Capitol Hill. The week spanning from Monday April 7 th to Friday April 11 th encapsulates a good snapshot of what a typical week looks like for me representing Iowa in Congress.

The second legislative funnel at the Iowa statehouse came and went on April 4. That process winnowed down bills that are eligible for consideration so lawmakers can focus on legislation that has traction in both chambers in addition to spending bills.

The Franklin County Board of Supervisors held the public hearing on the proposed property tax levys for FY2026 on Monday March 24th, 2025, at 1:00PM.  We were pleasantly surprised to have 8 residents/landowners in attendance, and it was a great afternoon of conversation.  Those in attendance had great questions, the Supervisors & I offered answers.  Everyone was respectful and I feel everyone left with their questions answered and satisfie

Opening new export markets for Iowa farmers increases demand for our agricultural commodities and puts more money into the pockets of our producers. This is an especially important mission after four years of indifference and inaction under the Biden administration when President Biden failed to negotiate a single new trade agreement that would benefit agriculture.

With just under a month left in session, I’ve been hearing a lot of frustration from Iowans about the lack of progress in the Iowa Legislature this year. I couldn’t agree more.

There is a difference between Trump's tax and Hoover's tax. Trump's reciprocal taxes were imposed as if he were the legislative branch, declaring a national emergency. The Smoot-Hawley tariffs were passed by our representatives in the legislature. Isn't that quaint, a law passed by lawmakers? Well, we got over that antiquated idea. Requiring the legislative branch to write law was always getting in the way.

We know this young man, and contrary to a lot of public opinion about young folks today, he is ambitious and trustworthy. One day when he was in high school he stopped by on his way to prom to introduce us to his date. He had worked for us in the past but I was a little surprised and honored that he would take the time to do this.

You may receive important mailers in the coming weeks as part of the annual voter registration list maintenance and ongoing audit process.  Recently notices from the Iowa Secretary of State’s office were sent as part of the National Change of Address (NCOA) process as well as ‘No Activity” notices. Both mailers are expected to reach affected Iowa voters in late March or early April.

Beginning on March 24th, we observed Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa. Every year, this week serves as an important reminder of the precautions that we should all take to keep ourselves and our families safe. Stocking up on bottled water, keeping flashlights and batteries in accessible areas, and having an emergency plan are just a few examples of common safety measures.

I lucked out finding a parking place right by the courthouse. By the looks of the big city license plates, this was probably the most city slickers we've had visit Hampton in forty years. Once inside, I wove my way through the crowd to the treasurer's window to pay my property taxes and learned that I could read lips better than I thought.

Domestic energy production is a critical component of both our short- and long-term economic growth, bolsters our national security, and strengthens our international competitiveness. From getting to work and heating and cooling homes to keeping the lights on and growing crops, our families, farmers, businesses, manufacturers, and many other sectors of our economy rely on reliable, affordable, and abundant sources of energy.

When in high school I played golf after school where my folks belonged to a country club. The place was kinda out of our class but Dad was a stock broker so it was business. It was challenging and fun, and quiet. It may have led to my love of the quiet country life.

The Auditor's Office has mailed property taxpayer notification statements to Franklin County property owners containing state-specified information about proposed local government budgets and property tax rates. This is following the recent legislative change outlined in Iowa Code 24.2A.

As the only member of Congress serving on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, it is important to me that we support the next generation of Iowa farmers and producers. The volatile nature of input costs, insurance rates, regulations, and international affairs makes farming – an already challenging industry – even more difficult.