On the road again

Recently, I was back on the road, traveling around the state and meeting with folks to hear about what is going on in their area. While there are many issues that Congress should be working hard in Washington to address, like fixing healthcare, growing our economy and creating jobs, I am always glad to spend time back home, working in Iowa. I am proud to have held more than 150 meetings, roundtables, tours and constituent coffees so far this year. It is very important for me to meet face-to-face with as many Iowans as possible.

I started off the District Work Period by speaking at three different Memorial Day services. It was an honor to help pay tribute to the Americans who gave all so that we may live in peace here at home. We were also reminded that the fallen are the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and loved ones of families to whom our nation owes a debt that is impossible to repay. As a parent of two Marine children, I strongly believe we have no greater responsibility as a nation than to ensure our veterans are treated with the same dignity and honor with which they served.

Throughout the week, I stopped by a few small businesses, including Steffensmeier Welding & Manufacturing in Pilot Grove. It was great to learn about their small business and see firsthand all of the products made at their facility, which is 100 percent powered by solar energy.

Another stop I made was to meet with leaders from the Mt. Pleasant School District to discuss the negative impact proposed budget cuts would have on their students. The budget proposal released by the President includes a $2.4 billion cut in programs to train and prepare teachers as well as a $1.2 billion cut to afterschool and summer programs for kids. These cuts are unacceptable and would have a truly harmful effect on our students. This is why I wrote to the House Appropriations Committee earlier this year to urge them to provide strong funding for programs like these, including 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Head Start. I will continue to stand up and fight against misguided cuts to these vital programs.

As always, it is great to be on the ground in Iowa to hear firsthand about what Congress needs to be doing to help move our economy forward. Now it is time for Congress to get back to work on the many issues facing our state and nation. Going forward, I remain committed to hearing directly from Iowans about how I can best serve as their voice in Washington.