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Lower fertilizer costs for Iowa farmers

Since coming to Congress, I have consistently heard a key concern from farmers: the rising cost of fertilizer. When input costs climb, farm profitability shrinks, making it harder for producers to invest in their operations, pass their land to the next generation, and continue feeding and fueling the world. That’s why I have remained committed to lowering fertilizer costs. This week, American agriculture received incredible news. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced executive action to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on certain ...

Reflections on America250

A letter written 250 years ago by John Adams to his wife Abigail reminds 21st century Americans about the bold sacrifice and binding covenant our nation’s founders made on behalf of generations to come. “...I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph...” On July 4th, Americans will celebrate 250 years of triumph ...

Five amigos — bonded in the ’60s by their school bus driving days

Charlotte Moeller tagged along one fall Fort Dodge afternoon on the school bus driven by her boyfriend, Joe Tjaden, filled with exuberant children anxious to get home, when she noticed a kindergarten girl right behind his driver’s seat, obviously smitten with her driver. “The little ...

Working to help rural hospitals

Rural healthcare is top-of-mind for many Iowans. Across our state, Iowans rely on rural hospitals for compassionate, personalized care close to home. Rural hospitals are also economic anchors that support local businesses, create jobs and help small towns thrive. That’s why we’re advancing policies that support rural healthcare and rural hospitals. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, the largest investment in rural health care in history. Under the law, Iowa will receive a minimum of $100 million annually from ...

Public health initiative aims to enhance cancer education and community engagement

For many of us, June marks the welcome arrival of summer — a season filled with family gatherings, time outdoors and the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from local gardens and farmers markets. It’s also a wonderful reminder of the importance of healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and nutritious eating, which play a key role in reducing cancer risk and supporting overall well-being. With that in mind, I invite you to join me for the upcoming Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project presentation at Iowa Central Community College’s Student Resource Center from 12 ...

A salute to Jim Lloyd for a life well-lived

It was May 2010 and veterans who flew to Washington on Fort Dodge’s first Honor Flight were gathered on a sunny morning at the World War II Memorial to pay respects to their fallen comrades. One of them was my dad, Walter Stevens, who served in the European Theater. He was accompanied ...