May 21st, 2023

WEEKLY SCIPT

Friends,


Thank you for taking time to read my weekly update. Below you'll learn more about what I'm doing in Washington to support Iowans in the first district.

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Iowa is the Future of Renewable Energy

Americans can all agree that we want cleaner environment and abundant, affordable energy. However, in recent years, the conversation about energy production and usage has been polarizing and partisan. As a result, we’re faced with a political landscape that prioritizes certain forms of renewable energy over others without considering cost, national security implications or the life cycle carbon footprint. We also have a confusing and frustrating regulatory environment for American energy producers who need a clear path to keep costs down, produce high quality energy, and innovate for the future. 

 

Iowa’s beautiful plains are home to some of the richest farmland and significant renewable energy resources. ­Iowa leads the nation in both corn and ethanol production, using more than 1.3 billion bushels of corn to produce over 4 billion gallons of ethanol annually. The ethanol industry in Iowa supports more than 48,000 jobs throughout the state, creating over $2 billion in income for households. 

 

This week, I introduced the Fuels Parity Actbipartisan legislation that would allow corn starch to qualify as an advanced biofuel, which will allow Iowa and the rest of the U.S. to benefit from full carbon-reducing power of corn ethanol. As we look toward a cleaner energy future, it’s imperative we take an “any of the above” approach to energy production. Removing legal barriers that limit the use of corn-based ethanol will bolster American energy production and support our agriculture industry—all while lowering carbon emissions. This bill will ensure the EPA accurately recognizes the emission reduction benefits of biofuels to make the system fairer for producers and keep prices lower for consumers. 

 

As the Biden administration continues its war on liquid fuels, the growing partnership between biofuels and traditional fuels is more important than ever. Allowing corn to qualify as an advanced biofuel allows combustion engine vehicles to compete with electric vehicles by incentivizing lower emissions from ethanol production, making the fuel that powers on-road vehicles cleaner. If ethanol can meet the scientific thresholds, then it should be allowed to qualify as an advanced biofuel. 

 

President Biden continues to cry for clean energy, but looks at electric vehicles as the only solution. But even without considering the energy required for electric vehicles, our nation is steadily outgrowing our power grid. Our collective goal should be to reduce carbon emissions, not necessarily to be 100 percent electric, yet this administration is ignoring reasonable and proven solutions to doing so, such as increasing the use of ethanol or biofuels. 

 

As Iowa continues to set the pace for ethanol production around the world, the Fuels Parity Act will support Iowa’s farmers and unleash the full power of our homegrown energy sources.

Iowans in DC


It is always great to meet with Iowans while they are in Washington! It truly is my favorite part of serving in Congress. Speaking to residents of the First District allows me to stay informed of what is going on in their communities and what I can do to help.

It was a pleasure to meet with student officers from the U.S. Army War College this week to discuss our strategic standing on the world stage. Thanks for stopping by!

I appreciate folks from NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association for taking the time to speak with me about the importance of expanding broadband in rural America and my bill, the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act.

I had a great meeting with the Iowa Community Bankers Association this week to discuss how we can reduce burdensome regulations on small banks.

I had a great time attending “Construction on the National Mall” with folks from John Deere and Vermeer Corporation! I even got to check out some of the equipment manufactured in Iowa.

It was great to meet with folks from the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration institute this week to discuss important issues impacting their industry.

It was a pleasure to meet with Iowa Hoteliers this week to talk about how we can work together to address labor and workforce issues.

I met with the Portland Cement Association this week to discuss regulatory barriers affecting the cement and concrete industries.

I wrapped up my week with the Iowa Egg Producers where we discussed their priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill. I’m committed to ensuring this piece of legislation protects our farmers and producers in Iowa.

In The News

This week, I joined John Solomon for his Special Report to talk about the importance of renewable energy sources and the future of nuclear energy production. The full interview may be found HERE.

Floor Speeches

It was great congratulate Backpocket Brewing for winning a gold medal at the 2023 World Beer Cup!

My Fuels Parity Act will bolster American energy production and support our agriculture industry - all while lowering carbon emissions.

I was honored to recognize National Police Week on the House Floor. Our officers put their lives on the line every single day to keep our communities safe, and I will always support them.

Congratulations to Hailey Whitters of Shueyville for being named the Academy of Country Music Award's New Female Artist of the Year!

It was a pleasure to recognize Thomas Gibson of Iowa City for winning a Congressional Bronze Medal!

Legislative Roundup

This week, I introduced the following legislation:


The Fuels Parity Act, legislation that would allow ethanol from corn starch to qualify as an advanced biofuel and require EPA to use the Argonne GREET model to determine the greenhouse gas emission profile of biofuels under the RFS.


The Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act of 2023, legislation to improve pregnancy outcomes and infant health by continuing research and education programs aimed at preventing preterm births. The legislation will also authorize a study to better understand the factors that lead to preterm birth and identify effective prevention and treatment options.


The Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act, legislation that would require National Telecommunications and Information Administration to periodically report to Congress on whether the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have established an online portal for the acceptance, processing, and disposal of the common form application to deploy a communications facility on federal property. This will help expedite and improve tracking of broadband deployment on federal lands.


Veteran Care Improvement Act, legislation to improve and expand VA health services. Most notably, the Veteran Care Improvement Act will incentivize partnerships between the VA and community providers.


This week, I voted in favor of the following legislation:


H.R. 2494, The POLICE act, legislation that would make the assault of a law enforcement officer a deportable offense.


H.R. 3091, the Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act, legislation to allow Federal law enforcement officers to purchase retired service weapons.


H.R. 3089, the NDO Fairness Act, to amend title 18, United States Code, to modify delayed notice requirements, and for other purposes.


H. Res. 363, a resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
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