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.

In the library and banned book debate, parents are encouraged to edit their children's inputs so they don't get any weird ideas that they didn't already hear about on the bus or their phone. Kids need phones so they can plan their visits with friends on the spur of the moment or call the mortician or cops when some nut opens fire at the school (with nobody there who is prepared to defend them).

Nine years ago, on January 31st, 2016, tragedy struck the Root family. 21-year-old Sarah Root, who was driving home to celebrate with her family and friends after graduating from Bellevue University in Nebraska, was hit and killed by an egregiously drunk driver. Instead of answering for his crimes, Edwin Mejia—an illegal immigrant driving three times over the legal limit—posted bail, fled our country, and was not seen from again. 

March is finally here, and that means we’re chomping at the bit for planting season. On my farm and those around me, we’re making sure everything—and everyone—is ready to roll as soon as the weather and the crop insurance companies give us the green light. The seed is being delivered, the grease and oil applied, the fuel tanks filled. We’re gearing up. Spring is always a season of possibility and hope for farmers. We’re eternal optimists.

Last week it became shockingly evident that the nuts are running the asylum. Trump and Vance were bawling out Velodymyr Zelenskyy because he was begging for more weapons without showing enough gratitude. I haven't talked to our kids like that for 30 years.

The core principle of the American Republic is that it functions at the will of, and with the consent of, the people of the United States. This is outlined in the preamble of our Constitution. It’s a deeply American principle that the rest of the world has admired since our nation’s birth. In the 119th Congress, the people are making their voices heard.

I try to stay informed about public opinion. One way is through Facebook. Dawn posted over 600 songs on there for activity directors to share in the nursing homes that locked her out during Covid. That's what got me started. I think what I do is called “lurking.” I don't post anything unless it is a classified ad.

Like the rest of the Trump administration, our new EPA Administrator, Lee Zeldin, is already off to a roaring start. Last week, he announced the EPA’s newest initiative – “Powering the Great American Comeback.” The five pillars of this plan outline the administration’s intent over the first 100 days to restore American energy dominance, bolster our own domestic production, and reduce our reliance on foreign energy resources.
 

Week 4 of the 2025 legislative session began on a solemn note as Brigadier General (Retired) and Iowa Representative Martin L. Graber passed away suddenly on Jan. 31, 2025, at Fort Madison in southeast Iowa. He was laid to rest on Tuesday, so no Iowa House subcommittee or committee meetings were held on Feb. 4.