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Editorials

Q&A: Spotlight on Soaring Farm Input Costs

Q: Why did you hold a Judiciary Committee hearing to examine consolidation in the farm sector? A: As the only grain farmer in the United States Senate, I’m honored to advocate on behalf of family farmers who are wrapping up the harvest season and looking ahead to next year’s crop. Today ...

Building a grid to power future demand and economic opportunities

In recent years, the U.S. has shifted to using a wider mix of energy sources located across the country. These resources help make our electric grid stronger, keep power flowing during disruptions, and create new jobs and business opportunities. However, a sharp increase in energy demand is ...

Fightin’ in a phone booth

Among the many legendary boasts attributed to the great boxer Muhammad Ali (also known as “The Louisville Lip”), is a little-known taunt he made during his three-year exile from professional boxing after his refusal to serve in Vietnam on religious grounds: “That boy ain’t nothin’ to ...

District 53 Newsletter: Oct. 8, 2025

It’s been a while since I’ve issued a Legislative Newsletter. It’s been a busy summer. As Fall arrives, I am beginning to work on legislation for next session along with the usual constituent work. Of course, there are also the hot issues that arise at any time of the year, and I am ...

Building an Inclusive Community: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Month

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month! October is a time to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and all they bring to our world. It is also a reminder of the importance of inclusion and the beauty of embracing differences. Down Syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions, affecting one ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: Chickens coming home to roost

Our healthcare storm that’s been brewing on the horizon is getting a lot closer these days. And if Congress doesn’t get their act together soon, it could be a category 5 hurricane. As I write this, we’re about two weeks into the government shutdown. It’s shut down because Democrats ...

Serving Iowans During the Schumer Shutdown

The same Washington politicians who were whining about DOGE laying off unnecessary bureaucrats just a few months ago are now exposing who is and isn’t an essential employee by shutting down the government. The Schumer Shutdown has sent home 750,000 federal employees deemed non-essential, ...

Q&A: Red Flags in Farm Economy

Q: What red flags are catching your attention in the U.S. farm economy? A: As a lifelong family farmer, I understand Iowa farm families weather the storms of cyclical markets and natural disasters. Managing risk is central to the job. As harvest season gets into full swing, I’m keeping a ...

You Are What You Love

I just finished reading James Smith's work, "You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit." I reevaluated my life's actions to shape my spiritual habits. I was reminded of the old saying, “You are what you eat.” If I eat unhealthy foods, I cannot be surprised if I become unhealthy. ...