View as Webpage

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, a moment to pause, gather with loved ones, enjoy good food, and reflect on the blessings in our lives. It reminds us of what truly matters: family, faith, community, and gratitude.

This year, like every year, I am especially thankful for my family. My husband, Curt, and our two children, Jonathon and Taylor, have been my greatest source of strength and joy. Their encouragement, humor, and unconditional love mean more to me than words can express. I am also grateful for my extended family, whose support and closeness make every holiday memorable.

I am profoundly thankful for the people of Iowa’s First Congressional District. You open your homes, your businesses, and your hearts, sharing your stories and your hopes for the future. Your work ethic, generosity, and commitment to one another reflect the very best of who we are as Americans. Representing you is an incredible honor, and I carry that responsibility with gratitude every single day.

I am thankful to live in the greatest country on earth, a nation where freedom is cherished, opportunity is possible, and neighbors look out for one another. Our challenges are real, but so is the strength of the American spirit. Thanksgiving reminds us that even in difficult times, we have so much to be grateful for.

As you gather around the table this week, I hope you are surrounded by warmth, laughter, and the people who mean the most to you. Thank you for the privilege of serving you, and thank you for all you do to make Iowa such a remarkable place to call home.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving.

Representing Iowa's First District

Met with constituents from Iowa City and Davenport who are here with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association to discuss expanding access to audiology and hearing services. Ensuring Iowans of all ages can get timely evaluations and treatment is essential, and I’ll continue working to improve coverage and care.

Had a great time recording Beyond the Call with Veterans On Duty. This series spotlights veterans who continued their service in government, and I was grateful to share how my time in uniform shaped my commitment to serving the people of Iowa in Congress.

Had a productive discussion with Ryan Boone of Premier Communications on fully implementing the BEAD Act and ensuring affordable, sustainable, reliable internet for rural Iowa so every home, school, hospital, and business stays connected for years to come.

I met with Clean Fuels Alliance America to discuss the need for clear 45Z guidance and robust RVOs so producers have the certainty they need. We also talked about how my Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act will support Iowa farmers by opening new markets for American-grown clean fuels and strengthening our energy future.

Nice meeting with Dr. Cirillo, the new President of the American College of Emergency Physicians, about lowering ER wait times and ensuring Iowans, especially in rural communities, can access timely, high-quality emergency care.

Great meeting with fast-food franchise owners of McDonald’s to discuss how best to support Iowa’s franchise owners and the thousands of Iowans they employ and who work hard everyday to keep these restaurants running.

These businesses also support our local and state Ag economy purchasing beef, pork, chicken, eggs and other products.

Keep the fries hot!

Great meeting with Emily Domenech, Executive Director of the Federal Permitting Council. Their work is helping build things in America again and restore American energy dominance by speeding up permitting approvals and getting major projects built on time. More energy online sooner means lower electric rates for families sooner.

Congress will keep pushing for broader permitting reform, but thanks to the council, important energy projects are moving forward now.

Floor Speeches

Grateful to have secured $2.79 Million for Newton YMCA so they can expand childcare, upgrade their facilities, and grow programs that support kids, families, and seniors.

Reliable childcare helps working parents, strengthens local businesses, and keeps Jasper County moving forward. I’m proud to help support a project that will make a real difference for Iowa families.

Proud to announce I’ve secured $825,000 in federal funding to help Keokuk Area Hospital move closer to reopening for the first time since its closure in 2022. This investment will restore critical care, support families, and strengthen rural health care in Iowa.

Proud to have secured $2 million for Jones Regional Medical Center in federal community project funding to build their new, state-of-the-art advanced simulation lab.

This investment means more training space, more nursing graduates and other healthcare professionals each year, and stronger health care for every family in Jones County. Proud to support the nurses, providers, and medical professionals who keep our communities healthy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

###