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Delivering for Iowa veterans, farmers, and students

Local Columns

In Congress, I’m focused on cutting through the noise in Washington, D.C. and working to advance real policy solutions that benefit Iowa. That’s what Iowans elected me to do and deserve from their representatives. Putting Iowans first and delivering legislative victories for our families, farmers, small businesses, and vibrant communities has always been my mission. The week of Nov. 17 was no different. With my strong support, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act. Our veterans are American heroes who have ...

Help Salvation Army by ringing bells

Editorial

Like Christmas trees and turkey dinners, the red kettles and bell ringers of The Salvation Army are a traditional element of the holiday season. Just about everyone has seen the kettles and heard the jingling bells over the years. And hopefully, just about everyone has put some donations in those kettles to help those less fortunate. Now, The Salvation Army needs some help to keep that fine tradition going. It is in need of people willing to stand next to a kettle and ring the bells. In recent years, recruiting bell ringers has proven to be a tough chore. However, it is not ...

Police chief defends Fort Dodge officers

Local Columns

The Fort Dodge Police Department and our members are very aware that social media plays a large role in how our community interacts and communicates with each other. At its best it can bring people together, support one another, and create positive connections. There are also ways to use it that create the opposite effect. While I respect every individual’s First Amendment right to record, speak, and express their own opinions about government agencies and those that work within them, we also have an obligation to address misinformation, its impact on our community and the toll it ...

Flu shots provide potentially lifesaving protection

Editorial

Just about everyone has called in sick at some point, saying they had the flu when they were sniffling, sneezing, maybe running a fever and generally feeling lousy. Those symptoms definitely add up to an illness, but the problem is not really the flu. Influenza, as it is properly known, is much, much worse. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, influenza is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Influenza and pneumonia are among the top 10 causes of death in the state. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent influenza. A yearly vaccine can protect a person ...

Q&A: Cameras in the courts

Local Columns

Q: Why are you continuing to push for cameras in federal courtrooms? A: Opening up the federal courthouse to cameras would help foster civic engagement and boost public confidence in our legal system. As a watchdog for good government, I’ve led a crusade for nearly three decades to let the sun shine on federal court proceedings so people can see the wheels of justice in action and better appreciate how the rule of law shapes prosperity, peace and justice in America. My legislative efforts align with the intent of the founding fathers who believed public trials would help prevent ...

Voting to end the Democrat shutdown

Local Columns

On Nov. 12, I voted to end the Democrat shutdown and reopen the federal government. For 43 days, Democrats forced our troops, Border Patrol agents, and air traffic controllers to work without pay and hurt our farmers during harvest season to push their out-of-touch agenda. This political stunt by the Democrats caused unnecessary harm to Iowa families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses — and I’m glad it’s finally over. But it never had to come to this point. On Sept. 19, I joined my Republican colleagues in voting for a clean funding bill that would have prevented this ...