Newsletter: A Government Agency that Cuts Its Own Budget

Statement

Friends,

Back in January of 2011 new leadership was granted power in the U.S. House of Representatives by the American people. Resolving spending issues was a top priority and House Republicans took immediate action - leading by example - doing what they said they would do.

In the very first week, the new leadership in the House of Representatives slashed $35 million from its own budget. I recall those days because I was working for Iowa in Senator Chuck Grassley's office and I remember thinking, this was an important step for Republicans to reinforce by action what is in our core belief. I believe this is the kind of leadership people are looking for, making the tough choices, doing what needs to be done. Cutting budgets is never easy, but it has been too common of a reality for hardworking families across Iowa, and so Congress should be doing the same. But the new leadership in the House wasn't finished - more cuts in spending by Congress were promised - and those promises were met.

Last week Congress had a week long work period, so I was back in Iowa, traveling throughout Iowa's Third Congressional District. Here are just a few of my stops:

MEETING WITH A DALLAS COUNTY FARMER

The Iowa Farm Bureau set up a great tour on Monday, July 6, with this Dallas County farmer. We talked about how the recent flooding has impacted his farm and what he is doing to meet this challenge. I am always so impressed with how resilient our farmers are in Iowa.

VISITING THE ANKENY NORTH HY-VEE

Hy-Vee Store Manager, Wes Snook and I meeting with Benjamin Gradoville owner of Iowa's Graddy's Tomatoes and Salsa. I chatted with Wes and corporate executives to discuss truth in labeling, store workings and more. I toured the store, talked with the Dieticians, the produce folks, the bakery department and spoke to the Pharmacists where I learned about various issues which will impact the industry - from health regulations to labeling of food products.

REFUGEE CENTER IN DES MOINES

In Des Moines I visited the Lutheran Services in Iowa Refugee Community Services Center. The worldwide pride for America is alive and local. We talked about how federal help has assisted them, and they explained how their organization works.

DELIVERING U.S. FLAGS TO KOREAN WAR VETERAN

Presenting Gerald LaBlanc, a remarkable 86 year old Korean War Veteran, with U.S. Flags flown over the U.S. Capitol. (You can order flags too from my website.) Gerald takes it upon himself to have the military grave markers at Glendale Cemetery steamed every 8 years so that they don't become unreadable.

TOURING LISLE CORPORATION IN CLARINDA

In Page County I met with the Mayor of Clarinda, the Chamber of Commerce President, along with Lisle Corp. company management to discuss taxes, exports/imports and trade. We then toured the facility and I got to meet the employees behind the scenes.

COFFEE WITH MY CONGRESSMAN COMES TO FARRAGUT

Had another great "Coffee With My Congressman" meeting, this time in Farragut at the Freedom Corner. We talked about agriculture, education, college, defense, international affairs, rural telephone services, trade, new regulations, Iran and more. Thanks to everyone that came out, stay tuned for the next one!

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