America is stronger than it was a year ago

As we look ahead to President Trump’s first State of the Union since returning to office, one thing is undeniable: America is stronger today than it was a year ago.

When President Trump returned to the White House, he inherited 40-year-high inflation, record border crossings, rising crime and families squeezed by the highest cost of living in decades. Under the previous administration, inflation soared to levels not seen in 40 years, driving up the price of groceries, gas, housing and everyday essentials.

In just one year, President Trump has helped steady the ship.

Inflation has slowed. Gas prices are the lowest since 2020. Wages are rising and GDP is growing. Border crossings are at their lowest levels in more than 50 years. Drug overdoses have fallen to their lowest levels in years. America is now experiencing the lowest murder rate ever recorded.

We have also delivered the largest tax cuts for working- and middle-class Americans in history.

Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, Americans are keeping more of their hard-earned money. We reduced taxes on tips and overtime, secured a $6,000 tax deduction for seniors, doubled the Child Tax Credit and delivered relief to small businesses that power Iowa’s economy.

This tax refund season is projected to be the largest ever, with the average family expected to get back roughly $1,000 more. That is real relief for families who have worked hard and deserve to see more in their paychecks.

President Trump has also made rural America a priority. Through the first-of-its-kind Rural Health Transformation Program, we secured $50 billion to strengthen rural hospitals nationwide, including $209 million already supporting Iowa communities.

These results are not accidental. They reflect a clear focus on lowering costs, including health care, restoring public safety, securing the border and putting American workers first.

But the work is not finished.

We will continue fighting to lower prescription drug costs, insurance premiums, expand access to affordable housing and reduce the overall cost of living. We will strengthen Made in America policies and secure dependable market access for Iowa farmers, manufacturers and small businesses.

President Trump has restored confidence at home and strength abroad. The State of the Union is a moment to recognize how far we’ve come and to recommit to the work ahead.

America is moving forward again. And we are just getting started.

Met with leaders from across the City of Newton to discuss local priorities and the $2.8 million in Community Project Funding I secured for the Newton YMCA.

We also talked about how the Working Families Tax Cuts are putting real money back into the pockets of Newton families, and how I can continue supporting the city’s growth and long-term success from the federal level.

Visited PharmaLogic in Davenport to see the innovative work they’re doing to produce the isotopes used in PET scans, early disease detection and therapeutics.

Incredible to see cutting-edge medical technology being developed right here in Iowa.

Visited the Hormel Foods Distribution Center in Eldridge to discuss Iowa agriculture, workforce needs, California’s Prop 12 and keeping affordable food on the shelves for our communities.

Proud to stand with the workers and producers who help feed Iowa every single day.

Honored to join leaders from across Iowa and Kosovo, including Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmeti, to mark 18 years of Kosovo’s independence.

Iowa is proud of our strong partnership through the Iowa National Guard’s State Partnership Program and our sister city relationships, which continue to deepen the friendship between our people and strengthen the bond between our communities.

I had a good conversation with Jon Diaz at WQAD, talking all things Iowa and the work I'm doing to deliver real results back home.

I stopped by a local Ford dealership in Davenport to check out some new Made in America models and talk about the new $10,000 tax deduction on auto loan interest we delivered through the Working Families Tax Cuts.

If it’s built here, you get the break.

Clinton’s downtown and riverfront are one step closer to being fully reconnected.

The $1 million in Community Project Funding I secured will help build the North End Connector, restoring direct access between downtown, the Lyons Business District and the Mississippi Riverfront.

This is about growth, access, and a stronger future for Clinton. Proud to have delivered.