Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Washington Community Theater. Last week, the Washington Chamber of Commerce marked this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Alive After 5 celebration, recognizing five decades of arts, culture, and community collaboration. Since opening in 1976, the theater has served as a home for community productions and regional events, thriving because of community initiative and generous local support. Led by President Mike Jewell, the anniversary celebration honored the theater's boards and volunteers for their contributions and welcomed Mark Fischer, an experienced arts leader, as the new manager and technical director. Showcasing local and regional Iowa talent, the Washington Community Theater has become an important part of the community. It is a place where Iowans come together to enjoy theater and put in the hard work behind every production. The Washington Community Theater's strong reputation and lasting legacy reflect the powerful impact the arts have on our communities. Tax Win for Seniors

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the historic win for Iowan and American seniors. This tax season, Iowa's seniors are finally seeing meaningful relief that reflects a lifetime of hard work. Thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, seniors now qualify for a $6,000 Social Security tax deduction, giving them real financial breathing room and long-overdue peace of mind after 4 years of high prices under the Biden administration. I recently enjoyed spending time in Pella with Iowa seniors and their families, many of whom are thrilled to be saving this tax season and were not aware of this provision. What mattered most was hearing directly how this new deduction will make everyday life better. For seniors living on fixed incomes, every dollar counts, and this policy puts more of their own money back where it belongs. Many seniors will be impacted by ending the double taxation of Social Security. These deductions to their Social Security taxation will benefit 88 percent of seniors. Under the Working Families Tax Cut Act, seniors age 65 and older can now claim a $6,000 individual deduction, while married couples filing jointly can claim $12,000, significantly reducing and for most seniors effectively eliminating Federal taxes on Social Security benefits. After a lifetime of contributing to our communities and our country, seniors deserve real peace of mind, and this deduction helps deliver exactly that.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce that through community project funding, my team and I have secured $3 million for southeast Iowa, delivering targeted investments in public safety, water infrastructure, and housing development. These investments include: $500,000 for the SAFECity Initiative in Oskaloosa, bringing advanced public safety technology to the community to help prevent crime, improve emergency response times, and keep Oskaloosa residents safe; $2 million for the Papoose Creek Redundant Force Main in Muscatine to support a critical water infrastructure upgrade. This will protect homes, improve flood control, support growth, and strengthen environmental safety for years to come. I also secured $750,000 for the Veterans District sewer project in Knoxville to help build a sanitary lift station and storm and sewer lines to serve more than 110 acres of future housing in the Veterans District. With these historic investments, I have now secured over $8 million for southeast Iowa and will continue fighting to secure all the Federal resources our communities need and deserve. Recognizing Haley DeGreve

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Haley DeGreve, founder and president of The Gray Matters Collective, and local leader Jon Zumkehr for their partnership in raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention among correctional officers and law enforcement officers. Their work became a lifeline for many after the tragic death by suicide of correctional officer Blake Schwarz who worked at Thomson Federal Prison but lived in Iowa, a loss that rocked our community and exposed the silent suffering of so many who serve behind the walls. In the aftermath, Jon Zumkehr, an 18-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, reached out to Haley and invited her to Thomson. She shared her own journey of survival and hope, speaking openly about her struggles and recovery and the realities that far too many correctional officers face in silence, many of whom are former military veterans. On August 28, Haley nearly became another statistic, believing suicide was her only way out of pain. Instead, she chose to fight and founded The Gray Matters Collective, a nonprofit with chapters for veterans and first responders. She has listened to hundreds of stories like her own and like Blake's, and she has made it her mission to break the stigma and offer real support. Jon and Haley's partnership has made a real difference. Together, they have sent 24 officers at Thomson to ASSIST training, organized suicide prevention walks, and led multiple staff recalls focused on mental health and resources. They have also created a law enforcement support group open to all staff with licensed counselors and free to anyone who needs it. After Blake's death, I was honored to sit down with Jon and work to introduce Correctional Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act, legislation aimed at providing the resources and recognition our correctional officers deserve. I thank Jon and Haley for their courage, compassion, and relentless advocacy bringing attention to this very important issue. Mr. Speaker, I want to wish a very happy birthday to my nephew, Andrew Martino. Happy birthday, Andrew.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my constituents, Jack Winslow and Charlie Winslow, on earning first place at the Iowa State Automotive Dealers Association High School Skills Contest in Des Moines. Jack and Charlie worked hard to represent Pleasant Valley High School and to show their skill and dedication to automotive technology and repair. These students advanced through two rigorous phases of competition, beginning with a written assessment focused on automotive repair, followed by a demanding hands-on evaluation. During the hands-on section of the competition, Jack and Charlie took measurements, diagnosed faults, and completed repair processes, earning the highest scores among Pleasant Valley competitors. As a result of their outstanding achievements, Jack and Charlie were awarded first place along with a new tool cart and a scholarship to Des Moines Area Community College's automotive program, helping them to continue the pursuit of their passion for automotive technology. Mr. Speaker, I could not be prouder to recognize Jack and Charlie for all of their hard work and for this amazing accomplishment. Recognizing Kate Giannini

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my constituent, Kate Giannini of Washington County, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Award to the Netherlands. Kate will complete a project at Deltares, a major technological institute in the Netherlands, focused on environmental science, knowledge sharing, and building lasting partnerships that benefit communities in the United States and abroad. Kate is 1 of over 400 Americans selected each year for this honor based on professional achievement, leadership, and commitment to international cooperation. Kate works full time at the Iowa Flood Center; co-owns a small business with her husband, Ryan; serves with Bur Oak Land Trust; is a mom of two; and is an active community volunteer. We are proud to have her representing Iowa and to recognize this amazing achievement and opportunity. Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dave Streb

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of a friend and pioneer in Iowa, Dave Streb. Dave was the co-owner of Streb Construction Company along with his brother, Steve, where for decades, they helped build the backbone of our communities by paving subdivisions, parking lots, city streets, county roads, interstates, and airports across our great State. Dave's legacy goes far beyond concrete and construction. He was a man who believed in hard work, craftsmanship, showing up every day to make Iowa stronger than it was the day before, and he was a proud Hawkeye. Through Dave's leadership, Streb Construction became a trusted name, supported good-paying jobs, and helped communities grow and connect. Dave Streb leaves behind a lasting imprint on Iowa's landscape and an even greater impact on the people who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will endure in every mile laid and every life connected. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend birthday greetings to my sister. Happy birthday, Marianne. Before I yield, I will raise the podium in memory of my great colleague, Representative Doug LaMalfa. Doug will be sorely missed.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 343. Stated against:

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a bill rightfully named because that is exactly what it does. Republicans want to lower healthcare costs and premiums for all Americans, all the Americans on commercial insurance, all the small businesses, all the people on the ACA exchanges, and all the self- insured, not just a select few, and not subsidizing profitable insurance companies. Insurance, especially bad insurance, is not care. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act offers commonsense solutions to America's broken healthcare system. It lowers premiums through choice and competition. By expanding association health plans, we give small businesses and self-employed workers the buying power of large employers, cutting premiums by as much as 30 percent. It gives families control over their dollars. We strengthen CHOICE arrangements, allowing defined contributions and pretax options so workers can choose the right plan for their needs, rather than being stuck in plans that cost too much and deliver too little care. It brings transparency transparent to drug pricing. We take on the pharmacy benefit managers, which have long operated behind the scenes as middlemen, collecting hidden fees while prescription prices climb. Our reforms force transparency so families can finally see where their healthcare dollars go and pay less at the pharmacy counter. It protects access to employer-sponsored insurance. By clarifying access to stop-loss insurance, we safeguard small businesses from being financially ruined by catastrophic health claims. It stabilizes premiums responsibly. We responsibly fund cost-sharing reduction payments, lowering ACA premium costs for all in the marketplace by 11 percent. This policy alone results in an average premium savings of $900 nationally, while reducing Federal spending, saving taxpayers $36 billion. Contrary to what we hear from my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, the premium tax credits continue and revert back to their 2021 levels. This bill delivers what Americans have been asking for: lower premiums, more choices, and a healthcare system that works for them, not against them. It is time to put all Americans and their doctors in the driver's seat and ahead of profitable insurance companies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a major milestone for Lee County in my district. With a critical $2.1 million grant in community project funding, the Meller Family Health Center and Lee County EMS facility became a reality and officially opened. I am proud to have secured these funds for the EMS bay improvement project, but also for the Lee County Public Health Department, which has its first independent base of operations in more than three decades and will save on rental income for the county. This new health center and EMS facility will strengthen our public health infrastructure and improve emergency response for families across the region. This project has long been important to both the community and to me, and I am grateful to support investments that restore, maintain, and enhance essential public health services, enhance emergency response capabilities, and help Lee County continue to grow. Mr. Speaker, the opening of the Meller Family Health Center marks a new chapter of progress and preparedness for our community. Recognizing Easton Valley High School

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Easton Valley High School team for earning first place at the 2025 Clinton Community College Academic Quiz Bowl. The team, led by Coach Jenny Knutsen, included Captain Tyson Tubbs, Lucas Kunde, Tyler Kunde, and Nizhonia Schmidt. Each year, high school teams compete by answering questions across a wide range of subjects, including math, history, science, language, literature, government, music, arts, sports, and current events, sort of like Trivial Pursuit. Clinton Community College awards a trophy to the winning school, and the Sharar Foundation further supports these students with a $1,200 scholarship for graduates who choose to attend Clinton Community College. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Easton Valley team on their dedication, hard work, and commitment to learning. They have made their school and community incredibly proud. Congratulating Executive Chef Tessa Cardoza

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tessa Cardoza on her impressive victory in the Iowa Restaurant Association culinary competition. Ms. Cardoza, the executive chef at Maxwell's On the River in Muscatine, Iowa, is known for her exceptional culinary skill and creativity. In collaboration with the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Choose Iowa, and Lola's Fine Hot Sauce, another entrepreneurial product made in Iowa, she crafted an outstanding entree featuring a locally sourced beef tri-tip roast that truly impressed the judges. Chef Cardoza plans to return to the competition next year as the defending champion, ready to showcase her talents once again. Her determination, passion, creativity, and expertise reflect a lifelong commitment to fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a chef. Iowa is fortunate to have such a talented and inspiring individual who turns the incredible ingredients produced in our State into award- winning dishes. I am going to have to make another trip to Maxwell's On the River. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Tessa Cardoza on her achievement that makes Muscatine and all of Iowa proud.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pella Marching Dutch for their outstanding 2025 season and their well-earned invitation to perform at the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday in Washington, D.C., next year. This remarkable ensemble consists of 226 students who represented their community with excellent success, competing across multiple prestigious competitions. The Marching Dutch delivered their strongest performance at the Band of America Regional Competition, where they claimed first place in Class 2A and earned the Outstanding General Effect award. They advanced to the open class finals and placed tenth overall. They celebrated competitive success in Iowa's largest class size for the first time in the program's history. Their invitation to perform on the 250th birthday of our great Nation is a tremendous honor. I am proud of all of the members of the Pella Marching Dutch and look forward to watching them represent Iowa at this historic celebration. Recognizing Marley Morris

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary young Iowan, 8-year-old Marley Morris, whose kindness and compassion are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children battling cancer. Marley has turned her passion for crafting handmade bracelets into a mission of hope and joy, donating 100 of her creations to young patients at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Marley began making bracelets at just 3 years old, and she continues today to use that talent to brighten the lives of others. Her generous spirit and heartfelt efforts reflect the very best of Iowa. Even at such a young age, Marley reminds all of us that one person, no matter how small, can have a powerful impact on their community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Marley Morris for her inspiring generosity, for leading by example, and showing what it means to serve others. Recognizing Corey Leonhard

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding Iowan, Corey Leonhard of Muscatine, on his induction into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. For more than four decades, Corey has been a proud representative of Iowa in athletic competitions at every level, from local meets to the world stage. Corey's accomplishments are remarkable. At the 2003 Special Olympics World Games in Dublin, Ireland, he earned a Bronze Medal in the 100- meter dash and a Silver Medal in softball. Mr. Speaker, 4 years later in Shanghai, China, he brought home a Gold Medal in the long jump, a Bronze Medal in the 400-meter dash, and placed fourth in the four-by-four relay. Mr. Speaker, Corey's impact extends beyond athletics. In 2015, he served as cocaptain for the United Relay Across America, helping carry the torch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. Today, he remains active in Special Olympics Muscatine, embodying the values of perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship. I congratulate Corey, who is an inspiration to all Iowans, and his legacy of excellence and determination is well deserving of this honor. Honoring Julie Humes

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Julie Humes of Donnellson, Iowa, a flight nurse with Air Evac Lifeteam and a recipient of the American Ambulance Association's prestigious Star of Life award. For over 30 years, this award has recognized the best of our EMS professionals, those who go above and beyond the call of duty. Julie was nominated by her peers for her heroism during a severe car accident, volunteering in dangerous icy conditions to help save the lives of multiple trauma victims. Thanks to her quick thinking and courageous actions, every victim survived. Julie's service is a shining example of the bravery and selflessness of our first responders, and they demonstrate this every day. It was an honor to meet Julie and hear about her incredible dedication firsthand. I congratulate Julie and thank her for her steadfast commitment to saving lives and protecting Iowans. Recognizing Georgia Clark

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Georgia Clark, a student from West Liberty, Iowa, who represented our State with pride and excellence at the 2025 National Civics Bee. Competing against top middle schoolers from across the country, Georgia placed in the top ten, a tremendous achievement. Held in Washington, D.C., on Veterans Day, the National Civics Bee celebrates civic knowledge and encourages young Americans to engage with their communities and understand their government. Georgia was 1 of only 39 State champions invited to participate, representing the West Liberty community school district. Georgia's dedication, leadership, and love of learning reflect the best of Iowa's youth. Her passion for civic engagement and understanding of our Nation's founding principles are truly inspiring. I thank Georgia for her commitment to excellence and for stepping up as a young leader with ideas that will strengthen our community and our country. Her achievement makes all of Iowa proud. Pearl Harbor Day

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I remark that Sunday, December 7, is the 84th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, the day that will live in infamy. Like 9/11, we must never forget. Always prepared, always ready. I ask for a moment of silence for those whose lives were lost on that fateful day.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, speaking of taxes, the tax on the economy and the detriment to the economy over the Democratic shutdown over the past 6 weeks makes me delighted to be back here in Congress, doing the work of Iowa and the American people. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a critical investment for Iowa families, the $2.78 million in community project funding I secured for the Newton YMCA childcare expansion. This funding will allow the Y to open 50 new childcare slots, giving working parents in Jasper County the reliability and support they urgently need. Access to childcare is not just a family issue. It is a workforce issue. When parents can't find childcare, they can't work, which hurts local businesses and the entire economy. The Newton YMCA is a pillar of its community, and this expansion will allow it to serve more families, strengthen the workforce, and keep Newton and Jasper County growing. I am proud to have secured this funding and will continue fighting for projects that support families and build a stronger future for Iowa's First District and Iowa. Highlighting Community Project Funding

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the $2 million in community project funding I secured for Jones Regional Medical Center in Iowa to build a permanent, state-of-the-art medical simulation lab. For the past several years, JRMC has trained nurses out of two temporary trailers. Despite those challenges, their program continues to produce highly skilled providers who are urgently needed across Iowa, especially nurses and EMTs. This funding will create a 1,700-square-foot advanced simulation center that will allow more students to graduate each year and expand training for high-demand medical fields. This investment strengthens Iowa's healthcare workforce, supports our rural hospitals, and ensures communities across Jones County have access to trained, qualified healthcare providers. I am proud to have secured this funding and remain committed to strengthening healthcare access and workforce training across Iowa. Recognizing Keokuk Area Hospital Project Funding

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the $825,000 in community project funding I secured to restore critical healthcare access in Lee County through the Keokuk Area Hospital project. Since Keokuk lost its hospital in 2022, residents have faced delays in emergency and specialty care. No community should be left without emergency services or forced to travel over an hour for lifesaving treatment. This funding will help reopen emergency services and create outpatient specialty care, closing a major gap in healthcare access and restoring the safety net that Lee County deserves. The CEO of Insight said that it was pivotal in establishing these services. This is about saving lives, strengthening rural healthcare, and giving families peace of mind. I am proud to have secured this investment and will continue working to ensure that rural Iowans receive the same quality care as any American, no matter their ZIP Code.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to highlight the $2 million in community project funding I secured for Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa to build a permanent, state-of-the-art medical simulation lab. For the past several years, JRMC has trained nurses out of two temporary trailers. Despite those challenges, their program continues to produce highly skilled providers who are urgently needed across Iowa. This funding will create a 1,700-square-foot advanced simulation center that will allow more students to graduate each year and expand training for high-demand medical fields. This investment strengthens Iowa's healthcare workforce, supports our rural hospitals, and ensures that communities across Jones County have access to trained, qualified providers. I am proud to have secured this funding and remain committed to strengthening healthcare access and training across Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday to Ambassador and Iowa's longest-serving Governor, Governor Terry Branstad. Happy birthday, Ambassador and Governor Branstad.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Michael Welsh, a University of Iowa professor of internal medicine, on winning the 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award. The Lasker Award is one of the most prestigious biomedical and clinical research awards. Dr. Welsh was recognized for his extraordinary research on cystic fibrosis, which is helping to pave the way to new therapies that are dramatically improving health and extending life for people with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic lung disease that primarily affects young people. Dr. Welsh's research has been instrumental in understanding the function of a critical CFTR protein and how it causes cystic fibrosis, which has led to the creation of lifesaving therapies. Aided by his medical team, Dr. Welsh created a triple drug combination that treats up to 90 percent of those affected by cystic fibrosis. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Welsh for all of his body of research and congratulations on the Lasker Award. Congratulating Kirk Ferentz, the Big Ten's Winningest Coach

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz for becoming the Big Ten's all-time winningest coach. With the Iowa Hawkeyes 47-7 win over UMass Minutemen on September 13, Coach Kirk Ferentz broke Woody Hayes' record. Coach Ferentz' career started as the first season head coach at the University of Iowa in 1999 and since then he has won two Big Ten titles and conference Coach of the Year four times. Coach Ferentz is in his 27th season as coach of the Hawkeyes, and he won his 206th game with the program to break the conference's all-time list milestone. He is the longest tenured active head coach in college football, with a 206-124 record at Iowa and a 217-145 career record. This achievement is a testament to Coach Ferentz' leadership and commitment to excellence within the Hawkeye organization. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Ferentz. Go Hawks. I would like to extend birthday wishes to my amazing husband and partner, Curt Meeks. Happy birthday, Curt.

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS

Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Suicide remains a critical issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide. Mr. Speaker, 2025's World Suicide Prevention Day is focusing on changing the narrative on suicide by shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of encouraging open and honest conversations to help provide support to prevent suicide. The suicide rate among veterans, especially those aged 18 to 34, remains stubbornly high. As a veteran myself, I have championed the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act and several other bills to help strengthen suicide prevention for veterans. I have also reintroduced the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act, legislation aimed at providing critical mental health support for corrections officers around the country. I will continue to advocate for policies that break the stigma around suicide and advocate for brain health awareness and suicide prevention. As a young college student, I actually was one of the people on a suicide hotline, so I know how tenuous it is and that people need support and help. This day reminds us that every life has value and every person deserves support. Let us work together to remind those who are struggling that they are not alone and that help is always within reach. Honoring LaVern Harvey