Executive orders put patients first

President Trump recently announced several Executive Orders to put patients first and protect them from rising drug costs by accelerating competition, increasing transparency and re-evaluating the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers or PBMs.

These middlemen only serve themselves and drive up costs — and they profit off sick Americans and push independent pharmacies in rural communities out of business with their shady practices.

A fellow Iowan and President of the American Pharmacists Association, Dr. Randy McDonough, recently testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee that “in Iowa alone, more than 200 pharmacies have closed since 2014, and a record 31 pharmacies closed in 2024.”

At a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing, I asked the chair of the FTC about ways to stop anti-competitive practices that are driving these closures and prevent PBMs from imposing egregious markups on numerous specialty and generic drugs at their affiliated pharmacies, in turn, lowering costs for patients.

We must continue to hold bad actors accountable.

President Trump took this issue head-on in his first term, and he is building on these efforts now. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump to lower costs, improve transparency and ensure all Iowans can access affordable medications they need.

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As you know, I will always tell you where I stand. I enjoyed hearing from constituents at my in-person town halls and sharing more about my work with President Trump to secure the border and lower taxes for the middle-class. Thanks to everyone who came out. I’ll continue to be accessible and transparent to you every step of the way.

Access to health care services is a common concern I hear from folks in our rural communities. Whether it’s traveling long distances, dealing with layers of red tape or waiting weeks for an appointment, these challenges are real.

I’m thankful to the amazing providers and caregivers who participated in our rural health care roundtable this week in Fayette County. I will keep fighting to ensure community health care needs are met.

I had the honor of participating in the send-off ceremony in Cedar Falls for the 1st Battalion, 133rd Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard as they deploy to the Middle East to assist in Operation Inherent Resolve.

This is a significant moment, not only for the soldiers who are deploying but also for their families, friends and communities who stand firmly behind them.

Please keep them and their loved ones in your prayers as they carry out their mission.