Community Project funding starts with local leaders

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the privilege of traveling across Southeast Iowa to meet with mayors, county supervisors, small business owners and community leaders to celebrate something we worked incredibly hard to achieve: more than $24 million in Community Project Funding secured and signed into law.

These investments didn’t start in Washington. They started in city halls, county offices and community meetings right here at home.

Every Community Project Funding request begins with local leaders identifying a real need. My office then conducts in-depth interviews, reviews project plans, evaluates community impact and ensures each proposal is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

From there, we formally submit the requests to Congress and spend months advocating for them, making the case for why Southeast Iowa deserves these federal investments.

And this year, we delivered.

One of the most meaningful projects is the $6 million secured for the Cascade Bridge in Burlington. This historic bridge has not been operational for far too long. Built in 1896 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it represents more than infrastructure, it represents heritage, connectivity, and pride.

With this funding, Burlington can replace the deteriorated structure with a modern, safe bridge while preserving its historic character. This is about restoring access, improving safety and reconnecting neighborhoods.

Across the region, we’ve funded projects that pave rural roads, expand housing development, improve critical connectors between business districts, strengthen career training centers and modernize local infrastructure. These projects support emergency services, agriculture, small businesses, schools and workforce development.

But what makes these moments especially rewarding is not the vote in Congress, it’s the opportunity to come home and stand alongside the local leaders who championed these projects from day one. Celebrating these wins together is a reminder that when federal, state, and local partners work in sync, real results happen.

Community Project Funding is about putting Iowa priorities first. It’s about making sure our tax dollars come back home to strengthen the communities where we live, work, and raise our families.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m even more excited about what comes next.

Proud to announce I’ve secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for the Montgomery Drive Project in Tipton. I met with the mayor and city officials to share the good news and discuss how this investment will help address Tipton’s housing shortage.

This funding will turn a gravel access road into a fully developed residential street with a pedestrian and bike trail, opening 20 acres for new homes and growth. This is exactly the kind of local project that builds stronger communities and drives economic development across Cedar County.

Great to be with Lee County leaders and educators to highlight $1 million in Community Project Funding for the Lee County Career Center, which I was proud to secure. This investment will help build out and equip the center to serve high school students, adult learners, and the industries that power Southeast Iowa.

Workforce development starts locally, and I’m proud to help deliver it.

I was so inspired by the Iowa Special Olympics athletes I met with in D.C. Their stories, their drive, their spirit, it’s exactly why I’ll always support them and everything the Special Olympics stands for.

Had a great meeting with Southeastern Community College leadership to discuss growing student enrollment, expanding academic programs, and preparing Iowa’s future workforce. Grateful for their partnership as we work to strengthen higher education opportunities, especially in skilled trades and healthcare across our state.

Productive discussion with the Energy Workforce and Technology Council on delivering permitting certainty, unleashing American energy production, and expanding trade opportunities that put Iowa workers and producers first.

Great meeting with the Iowa Rural Health Association to discuss strengthening rural health care across our state.

We focused on workforce challenges, the Rural Health Care Transformation Program, and how technology can complement providers, improve efficiency and expand access to care for rural communities.

Met with Mitchell Hora, founder of Continuum Ag, to discuss implementation of the 45Z tax credit and how maximizing its impact can help strengthen Iowa’s agricultural economy.

I had a nice meeting with the University of Iowa’s Financial Aid Directors to discuss how we can lower the cost of higher education and ensure access to low-cost loans.

I joined a Veterans Affairs hearing to question drug manufacturers on the prescription drug supply chain and how best we can lower costs.

Patients don’t care which part of the supply chain is to blame. They just know they’re paying too much, all while seeing their premiums rise every year. My bill, the Lower Healthcare Premiums for All Americans Act, is designed to increase transparency, strengthen competition, and reduce the hidden cost drivers in the system.

Committee hearings

I joined a Veterans Affairs hearing to question drug manufacturers on the prescription drug supply chain and how best we can lower costs.

Patients don’t care which part of the supply chain is to blame. They just know they’re paying too much, all while seeing their premiums rise every year. My bill, the Lower Healthcare Premiums for All Americans Act, is designed to increase transparency, strengthen competition, and reduce the hidden cost drivers in the system.

I joined the Veterans Affairs hearing to discuss ways to ensure accountability and prevent underperforming employees in the VA's new reorganization plan.

I highlighted the new seniors tax credit that makes seniors now qualify for a $6,000 Social Security tax deduction, giving them real financial breathing room and long-overdue peace of mind. For most seniors this bill will effectively eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits.

I recently enjoyed spending time in Pella with Iowa seniors and their families, many of whom are thrilled to be saving this tax season.