Dear Friend,

In this week's roundup: The importance of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. That and more – remember to follow my Facebook page by clicking here and my Twitter page by clicking here to stay up-to-date throughout the week!

EXTENDING THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT IS VITAL

In 2017, during his first term, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a historic economic achievement and long-overdue reform of the U.S. tax code.

The TCJA — also known as the Trump Tax Cuts — had numerous benefits, with families, farmers, workers, and businesses receiving much-needed tax relief. 

However, absent congressional action, those financial benefits will soon expire on December 31st, 2025.

If the TCJA is allowed to sunset, virtually every American would face a tax hike, a consequence that Republicans are not willing to accept.

It's why I'm working with my colleagues on the House Ways and Means Committee to protect these tax cuts for our families, farmers, workers, and businesses.

Read my latest in the Washington Examiner below.

LEADING LEGISLATION TO HELP MORE FAMILIES ADOPT

As a father of four, I believe that every child deserves a loving home and that we should encourage families to adopt.

Iowans who want to adopt but do not have the financial resources to do so should not be prevented from making additions to their families – they should be supported.

I’m glad to work with a bipartisan group of my colleagues to make the Adoption Tax Credit fully refundable so that families can adopt without facing costly financial barriers.

To keep our communities strong, we need to invest in our families and help every child find a permanent, loving home.

NORTHWEST IOWA LEAGUE OF CITIES MEETING IN ORANGE CITY

On Tuesday, our Agriculture and Manufacturing Liaison, Wes, attended the Northwest Iowa League of Cities meeting in Orange City.

Tim Moerman, Director of Planning and Visioning from Beck Engineering and former Waukee City Administrator, covered the importance of strategic planning for cities and towns.

RESTORING FULL FUNDING FOR FEDERAL MANUFACTURING INVESTMENTS

On Tuesday, mere hours after I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and Acting Director of the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Craig Burkhart requesting renewal of the Center for Industrial Research and Service’s (CIRAS) cooperative agreement with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), NIST confirmed that CIRAS would receive continued federal funding for Fiscal Year 2025. 

This initiative supports manufacturing in Iowa, makes important contributions to our economy, and strengthens our strategic position against countries like China.

Growing our domestic manufacturing sector and bringing jobs back to the United States is a vital mission, and CIRAS helps achieve these critical goals.

By restoring full funding for CIRAS, we can continue to invest in our manufacturing might, sustain good-paying jobs in Iowa, and remain at the cusp of innovation and ingenuity, including in AI and other emerging technologies.

WE NEED PERMANENT, YEAR-ROUND ACCESS TO E-15 NATIONWIDE

Biofuels are the key to cheap gas and U.S. energy dominance.

That's why my House Ways and Means Committee colleague from Nebraska, Rep. Adrian Smith, and I are working to make E-15 permanently available year-round and nationwide to lower gas prices, support our farmers, and promote homegrown fuels.

Read our full op-ed in Agri-Pulse below.

WE MUST REPEAL THE DEATH TAX FOR GOOD!

The death tax is an egregious double tax that unfairly targets Iowa family farms and small businesses and directly threatens long-held farming traditions in rural Iowa and nationwide.

That's why I introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act to put an end to this costly tax for good.

VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER SPRING SCHOOL IN JOHNSTON

Earlier this week, our caseworker — Ann — attended Veteran Service Officer Spring School in Johnston.

County VSOs receive training and learn about new VA policies and procedures at the state and federal level.

I will always ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned.

BUILDING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN RURAL IOWA

In rural Iowa, access to affordable housing is critical for young families looking to plant their roots, local businesses attracting employees, and the long-term growth of our economy.

However, with housing costs consistently increasing and construction projects being more difficult to finance in rural areas, we need to enact smart and cost-effective strategies to expand the housing supply and bring down prices.

I’m glad to work with my Ways and Means Committee colleague, Rep. Darin LaHood, to introduce the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act to expand and improve incentives in the tax code to build more affordable housing.

URGING PRESIDENT TRUMP TO APPROVE GOVERNOR REYNOLDS' REQUEST FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

On Wednesday, I joined the entire Iowa congressional delegation in urging President Trump to approve Governor Reynolds' request for federal disaster relief following damaging storms that hit Iowa on March 19th.

My prayers are also with those impacted by last night's storms.

If our office can be of assistance, please contact us by phone at 202-225-4426 or online at Feenstra.House.Gov.

WORKING TO KEEP OUR RURAL HOSPITALS OPEN AND OPERATIONAL

We must make proactive investments in our healthcare infrastructure to reverse the alarming trend of hospital closures in rural areas.

I’m glad to support legislation to help keep rural hospitals open by promoting best practices, financial stability, and quality care for patients.

ONE LAST THING: RECOMMENDING AN IOWA FAMILY FOR THE ANGELS IN ADOPTION RECOGNITION

Last September, I had the pleasure of meeting with Brett and Tina Vande Hoef who were recognized as 2024 Angels in Adoption Honorees.

Iowans like Brett and Tina help ensure that every child can be part of a family and have a safe, loving place to call home.

Please contact our District Director, Emily Schwickerath, at [email protected] to recommend a family for the 2025 Angels in Adoption recognition.

MY WEEKLY COLUMN: FINDING A PERMANENT, LOVING HOME FOR EVERY CHILD

In the United States, there are approximately 370,000 children in the foster care system with about 117,000 waiting to be adopted.

While the number of kids in foster care has fortunately declined over the decades, there is still more work to be done to ensure that every child can find a permanent, loving home as quickly and safely as possible.

As a father of four, I know that children are one of life’s greatest blessings, and it’s why, throughout my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to help connect our nation’s most vulnerable children – those in the foster care system – with a caring family and loving home to call their own. 

Read my full weekly column below.

CLOSING POLL FOR THE DAY

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you support President Trump's energy policies?

Yes - 48%

No - 48%

Unsure/Indifferent - 4%

If you have more thoughts on this week's question, feel free to leave your comments on my official website HERE.

We are government together, and I am here to serve you. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to call (202) 225-4426 or visit my website at feenstra.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Rep. Randy Feenstra

Member of Congress