Wrapping up 2016

     We’ve had a busy few weeks in Congress as we wrap up our legislative work in Washington for the year – and for my first term as your Representative for the First District. As we enter the holiday season, I wanted to make sure to update you on the important legislation Congress has passed recently, as well as my travels in Northeast Iowa meeting with constituents.

     First, I want to let you know that if you are interested in attending the Inauguration of our President-elect Donald Trump, you can apply for tickets at https://blum.house.gov/2017-presidential-inauguration-tickets. Our office has a limited number of tickets, so please note that we cannot guarantee your request will be granted. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Kirby Richard in our D.C. office at 202-225-2911 or via e-mail at Kirby.richard@mail.house.gov.

In Washington

     The House of Representatives recently passed two especially important pieces of legislation that I supported: the 21^st Century Cures Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. The 21^st Century Cures Act makes an historic investment in research to cure diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and ALS – something I believe is one of the greatest goods our federal government can do. In addition to providing needed funding to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need when called to defend our country, the National Defense Authorization Act also includes a 2.1 percent pay raise for our troops, the largest increase in four years. I was proud to support both these measures and am glad that President Obama has signed them into law.

     I had the chance to sit down with the entire Iowa Congressional Delegation and our Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to discuss our legislative priorities as a state going into the New Year. I look forward to working with my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to make sure that Iowans are well represented in D.C.

     I also participated in two recent hearings with the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. First, our full committee investigated whether the federal government has learned from the hacking of the Office of Personnel Management. During my questioning, I discovered that the Social Security Administration wasted $340 million of YOUR money developing a system that was never even implemented!

     Additionally, I participated in an Information Technology Subcommittee hearing centered on the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act. The focus of the committee during this hearing was to find ways in which we can improve the accountability for bureaucrats when it comes to cyber security within the federal government.

In Iowa

     I’ve continued with my busy schedule on the road when I’m back home in Northeast Iowa. Visiting with Eastern Iowans is my favorite part of the job, and I truly enjoy each time I have the opportunity to meet new constituents and connect with familiar faces.

     I learn so much from meeting with people across Eastern Iowa and I look forward to continuing to travel the district in 2017 to listen to Iowans from all walks of life so I can represent you to the best of my ability.