More than three years ago, the world watched in horror as President Biden – in conjunction with Vice President Harris and advisors on his national security team – orchestrated the botched and disorganized withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. This colossal failure of leadership cost the lives of 13 brave American servicemembers, portrayed weakness on the global stage, and left more than $7 billion in U.S.

For decades, China has threatened our national security through both overt and covert measures. 
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and affiliated individuals and entities have rapidly increased purchases of American farmland, stolen valuable intellectual property and other critical technologies, infiltrated our schools and universities, and violated our trade laws with impunity.

I didn't watch the debate. We were at an Iowa Cubs game with family which means way more to us than some phony attempt to prove our lives will change because of our votes.

It’s that time of year when we start seeing political campaign signs pop up around the countryside. It’s always a hot topic for people, so I thought I’d share some important information about signs and other election info!

In 2017, Congress passed, and President Trump signed into law, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) – the single largest and most comprehensive reform of the tax code in decades. As promised, this legislation boosted our economy, strengthened our global competitiveness, and let American families, farmers, and small businesses keep more of their hard-earned money.

Times sure have changed over the last several years thanks to technology. The COVID pandemic in 2020 definitely contributed to the advancement of technology, virtual meetings, etc and the Franklin County Board of Supervisors are not immune to it either.

I love getting together with my kids and grandkids for family meals. Passing dinner around the table, sharing stories and enjoying time with one another -- these are some of my favorite things to do.
 
Unfortunately, having enough money to pay for those meals is difficult for too many Iowa families. That’s why we need food assistance programs.
 

We’ve talked a couple times in past weeks about the services that we provide to the Community because they are required by the Iowa Code. But, did you know there are several that we offer just because they are good for our community?! There are several and while we believe in the importance of them, I would be lying if I also didn’t say that they are the first ones to be discussed when we talk about budget cuts, restrictions, etc.

When I was first elected to Congress, I promised that I would focus my energy on finding solutions to the challenges facing our families, farmers, businesses, and rural communities.

I don't throw spiders on my wife even though I would get a reaction. I'm kind. She's not like Mary Lou. Dawn likes snakes but not spiders. She once grabbed a fox snake off of the pitcher's mound at a Hansell Redlegs game so they could get underway. We both joke about how if you don't like snakes it's because you like mice. It's logical to like snakes if you don't live in the South.

Everywhere you look, you can tell it’s late summer in Iowa. The corn is coming along, beans are filling and the State Fair has just wrapped up. Our kids and teachers are heading back to classrooms and feeling all the hope, anticipation and joy that comes with a new school year.

Everywhere you look, you can tell it’s late summer in Iowa. The corn is coming along, beans are filling and the State Fair has just wrapped up. Our kids and teachers are heading back to classrooms and feeling all the hope, anticipation and joy that comes with a new school year.

About 55 years ago I went away to college.

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. As a husband and father of four, it is important to me that we advance policies that strengthen families and support children, especially those in need. That’s why – during my time in Congress – I have worked as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee to uplift our families and support our children.

We had the kids for a few days. Darby is 8 and Henry is 6. Darby is a girl, unlike the Darby in the essential Disney movie, “Darby O'Gill and the Little People.” Darby is named after Darby, Montana, where her dad lived upon his escape from mom and dad after high school. We gave him our old Dodge van but nothing else and he survived. (Every kid should do that upon graduation, by the way.