Iowa County gets $2 million in federal funds for road project

I’m proud to have secured $2 million in Community Project Funding to improve Route W21 in Iowa County.

I met with county officials in Marengo to discuss how this funding will modernize a heavily used gravel road relied on by school buses, first responders, law enforcement, and local farmers.

This tax season, Iowa seniors are finally seeing meaningful relief that reflects a lifetime of hard work. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts, seniors now qualify for a $6,000 Social Security tax deduction, giving them real financial breathing room and long-overdue peace of mind.

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

While the visit was a great opportunity to connect, what mattered most was hearing directly how this new deduction will make a difference in everyday life. For seniors living on fixed incomes, every dollar counts, and this policy puts more of their own money back where it belongs.

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, seniors age 65 and older can now claim a $6,000 individual deduction, while married couples filing jointly can claim $12,000. This deduction significantly reduces, and for most seniors effectively eliminates, federal taxes on Social Security benefits.

After decades of paying into the system, seniors should not be penalized for relying on the benefits they earned.

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That extra money can now go toward groceries, prescriptions, utilities, or unexpected expenses. It means fewer tough choices and more stability. It means seniors can plan ahead instead of worrying about the next bill. And it means retirement can finally feel a little more secure.

During our discussion in Pella, it was encouraging to hear how this deduction will directly impact families across the district. Seniors asked thoughtful questions, shared personal stories, and spoke candidly about the challenges of rising costs. The message was clear: this relief is timely, necessary, and deeply appreciated.

Lowering costs and delivering tax relief for Iowans has been a top priority, and this $6,000 Social Security tax deduction is one of the most important steps we’ve taken to support seniors. I will continue fighting for policies that respect hard work, protect retirement security, and strengthen Iowa’s economy.

After a lifetime of contributing to our communities and our country, seniors deserve real peace of mind, and this deduction helps deliver exactly that.

I met with Jefferson County leaders in Fairfield this week to share some exciting news: I’ve secured $3 million for the 110th Street FDR and asphalt paving project. This funding has been signed into law by the President and is on its way to pave the road leading to the Pekin Community School District, improve safety during Iowa winters, support grain transport to Packwood, and strengthen the local economy.

Proud to announce I’ve secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for the U.S. Highway 6 and Deer Creek Road Intersection Project in Johnson County.

This week I drove over to Coralville to meet with city leaders and let them know the funding has been signed into law by the President and is fully secured. We discussed how this investment will improve traffic safety, reduce congestion, and support continued growth in the area.

Proud to announce I’ve secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for the Route G13 Pavement Improvement Project in Keokuk County.

I met with county officials to share the good news and discuss how resurfacing Route G13 between Keswick and North English will improve safety, support first responders and school bus routes, and strengthen the movement of agriculture and commerce across the county.

Had a great visit with the team at DaVita Dialysis in Pella to hear directly from providers about how we can lower health care costs through competition and transparency.

We discussed PBM reform, and the importance of the RESTORE Act in protecting patient access and affordability. I’ll continue fighting for policies that put patients and doctors first and deliver real cost savings for Iowa families

Loved being at the Iowa girls state wrestling tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville. Thanks to the Iowa City Area Sports Commission for the invite, and a huge congratulations to the amazing young women competing. The future of Iowa athletics is strong.

It was a pleasure meeting with the Iowa Farm Bureau to discuss my work on the newly formed E-15 Rural Domestic Energy Council and our efforts to pass year-round E-15. Our farmers want markets, new product lines, and trade, not handouts, and we must continue working to deliver lasting results for them.

Great to welcome the Iowa Rural Water Association to Washington, D.C. for a productive meeting to discuss my Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, bipartisan legislation that will strengthen cybersecurity protections for rural utilities and communities across Iowa and the country.

Honored to meet former Polish President Lech Walesa, who, alongside President Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, helped end the Cold War and liberate Poland and Eastern Europe from communism. Even in 2026, we continue the work of defeating communism, now confronting it closer to home.

Great meeting with Sheriff Gary Anderson and Patrick Waymire, Assistant Director at the Iowa Department of Public Safety, to discuss the importance of federal funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems Program.

The RISS Program helps law enforcement across Iowa share information across jurisdictions, combat drug trafficking like the program developed in Johnson County, reduce violent crime, tackle cyber scams and ensure officers have the tools they need to keep our communities safe.

Had a productive meeting with the Iowa Bankers Association where we discussed ways to strengthen Iowa banks, protect local decision-making, and ensure our communities have access to the capital they need to grow and thrive.