What Mariannette Miller-Meeks said, and what was done

“Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Burlison for yielding me time and for his support of this important legislation, H.R. 1722, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act. I also offer special thanks to my fellow Iowan, Senator Joni Ernst, who is leading this bill in the Senate.”

“Washington should be held to that very same standard, especially at a time when our national debt is inching toward $400 trillion. However, instead of accountability, we get boondoggles.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pella High School Marching Dutch on their trip to our Nation's Capital for the 250th National Independence Day celebration. Led by 21-year band director Dameon Place, the Pella Marching Dutch includes 225 talented high school students.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, Sheriff Robert Rotter, who was recently confirmed by the Senate to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream. Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Guthrie for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 7266, the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, a bipartisan bill I am proud to lead with Congresswoman McClellan, to help reauthorize and strengthen a critical program that helps rural and municipal electric utilities defend against growing cybersecurity threats to our Nation's energy grid.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Guthrie, who has done a fabulous job of shepherding this through the Committee on Energy and Commerce in a bipartisan manner. Protecting children and teens online is one of the most urgent responsibilities we face as policymakers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Bost for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, the Fisher House Availability Act. This life-changing bill would ease the burden on the families of veterans staying in Fisher Houses across the country by making lodging more accessible for veterans, servicemembers, and their families during treatment.”

“Mr. Speaker, I was unable to make it back to D.C. for votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 138 and YEA on Roll Call No. 139.”

“Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Gill for yielding me time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 4707, a bill renaming the post office in Fort Madison, Iowa, after Martin L.”

“Renaming the post office in Fort Madison in his honor is a small but everlasting gesture of appreciation for a man who spent his life serving his State and his Nation in the most decent and noble way possible, his service to our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize what is shaping up to be one of the most significant tax days in American history and to remind Americans to file on time and take full advantage of the relief available to them this year.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the urgent need to strengthen rural healthcare and expand access to care for communities across Iowa and our Nation. In too many rural areas, hospitals face workforce shortages, limited resources, and the constant threat of closure, putting patients at risk of losing care close to home.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the successful return of the Artemis II crew on April 10. Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen completed the historic 10-day mission, traveling around the far side of the Moon and farther from Earth than any humans in history.”

“Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to a good friend of our family, Rodolfo Maciel. Mr. Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday to my brother-in-law, Bob Branthoover.”

“Mr. Speaker, hardworking Americans deserve to keep more of what they earn. For millions of workers across our country, especially in restaurants and the service industry, tips are not extra income.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Davenport native Kevin McKee, who represented Team USA at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games in Italy and has now earned his fourth Paralympic Gold Medal.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Chief Jeff Bladel on his retirement after 31 years of dedicated service with the Davenport Police Department. Appointed chief in 2022, Chief Bladel followed in his father's footsteps, who served as Davenport's police chief from 2000 to 2008.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share that over $24 million in Community Project Funding is now coming home to southeast Iowa, funding that has been signed into law and will soon begin making a real difference on the ground.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of LaVern ``Vern'' Harvey. Vern passed away on August 8 at age 81 with his family by his side.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the spiritual leader and the ``primus inter pares''; ``first among equals'' of Greek Orthodox Christianity worldwide, a church of over 300 million people.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Iowa's Department of Physics and Astronomy for their critical role on the NASA TRACERS mission. On July 23, 2025, the Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites, also known as TRACERS, was successfully sent up from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable life of my aunt, Colleta ``Lettie'' Louise Hardebeck, who passed away August 16 at the age of 102. Her celebration of life is tomorrow on September 3.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce I am introducing legislation to designate the United States Postal Service facility located at 1019 Avenue H in Fort Madison, Iowa, as the Martin L.”

“Madam Chair, America's warfighters rely on more than courage and training. They rely on an uninterrupted supply of expertly manufactured weapons, parts, and ammunition. That lifeline begins with our Army arsenals.”

“My amendment to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act protects that lifeline by prohibiting any Federal funds from being used to reduce the workforce at Rock Island Arsenal, Joint Munitions Command, Army Sustainment Command, or any other active U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Norman Benjamin Schmeltzer, III, a proud son of Iowa and a remarkable American whose legacy of service and love continues to inspire.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Matt Harding, a dedicated physics teacher at Liberty High School in Iowa City and one of five Iowa finalists for the 2025 Presidential Awards in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the highest honor in his field.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Iowa National Guard Specialist Marin Michael Rose, a young man who, at just 19 years old, represented the very best of Iowa and the very best of our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievement of the Davenport Assumption girls' soccer team, who have once again made Iowa history. With a 2-0 victory over the number one ranked Denver Cyclones, the Knights captured their record-setting 12th Iowa State Championship.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an exceptional Iowan, Carla Eysink, who retired after 29 years of service as the executive director of the Marion County Development Commission.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today with urgency and determination to address the alarming rise in anti-Semitic violence that is sweeping across our Nation. In recent weeks, two young Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum here in Washington, D.C., by a radical Hamas supporter shouting: ``Free Palestine.'' These two young people were soon to be engaged.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. As a 24-year Army veteran who is married to a 30-year Army veteran, this moment hits close to home.”

“The Army isn't just celebrating a birthday. It is marking 250 years of grit, honor, service, and rolling along. Here is to those who came before us, those serving now, and those yet to wear the uniform.”

“Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to a very special person, the eldest of eight children, my brother, Richard Miller. Richard Miller served in the Army, served in the coal mines in Pennsylvania, joined the Secret Service, and guarded four Presidents during their Presidency and Ronald Reagan post-Presidency.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1969, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act. As an Army veteran of 24 years, a physician, and a Member of Congress, I have seen the toll that service can take on our veterans, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will respond that, once again, we hear myth after myth when we talk about reforms to Medicaid, which its greatest threat is $37 trillion in debt.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Chief Keith Kimball, who served the people of Bettendorf and the State of Iowa with distinction for 35 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of President Jay Byers, a proud Iowan and dedicated public servant who has led Simpson College at Indianola until his untimely passing on April 17.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Nurses Day to thank the women and men across our country who care for the sick, comfort the hurting, and keep our healthcare system running.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Bilirakis for yielding. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1721, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act. This bipartisan legislation that I co-lead with Representative Schrier directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a comprehensive study examining the feasibility of manufacturing critical infrastructure products here in the United States.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of World War II hero Henry Langrehr of Clinton, Iowa. Henry was the embodiment of the Greatest Generation: humble, courageous, and fiercely devoted to his country.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my firstborn child, Jonathon, of whom I am an incredibly proud mom, a very happy birthday. Happy birthday, Son. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my amazing nephew Joseph Martino a happy 18th birthday.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commissioning of the USS Iowa, the Navy's newest Virginia-class, nuclear-powered, fast-attack submarine. I had the honor this weekend to attend the ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London, alongside Governor Kim Reynolds, veterans, and the families of over 140 crew members.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the SAVE Act because American elections should only be decided by American citizens. That is not controversial. It is common sense.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to announce that I have officially joined the bipartisan Congressional Agricultural Trade Caucus. The State of Iowa leads the Nation in corn, pork, and soybean production.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Alvin ``Al'' Van Zee, a devoted veteran and public servant from Pella, Iowa. As the longest serving commissioner on the Marion County Commission of Veterans Affairs, Al dedicated more than 20 years to ensuring Iowa's veterans received care, support, and the recognition they deserved.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today after 5 minutes of fiction to bring a little Iowa reality to Washington, D.C. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Stephen Buchanan, who secured the 197-pound national wrestling title at the NCAA championships in Philadelphia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 33 outstanding nurses from Iowa's First Congressional District who have been named among the 2025 100 Great Iowa Nurses. These dedicated professionals are at the heart and soul of our healthcare system, showing up every day with compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to their patients.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a great Iowan, Glen Keppy. A lifelong resident of Eldridge, Glen dedicated his life to family, farming, and his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a dear friend and a former Iowa State Representative, James Fredrick Hahn. James was a public servant who dedicated his life to bettering his community and the State of Iowa.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding young Iowan, Will Ryan, for his nomination for the Big Ten's prestigious Jackie Robinson Community Service and Impact Award.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend President Donald Trump for the executive actions he has taken to secure our southern border. Thanks to his leadership, illegal crossings have dropped to the lowest level we have seen in decades.”

“Mr. Speaker, I should be standing here today celebrating the Senate's passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a bill that simply ensures fairness and common sense in athletics.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Dave Heaton, a beloved Iowan, whose passing on February 12 at age 84 has left his wife Carmen; daughter, Mary Elizabeth; the city of Mount Pleasant; and Iowa in mourning.”

“Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to remark on the outrage of my colleagues and others over the special government employee status granted to Elon Musk by the executive branch.”

“Mr. Speaker, from 712 to 205 to the Super Bowl, former Iowa Hawkeye and current Philadelphia Eagle Cooper DeJean is now a world champion. The rookie quarterback helped lead the Eagles to their second Super Bowl victory, returning his first professional career interception for a touchdown against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incredible work being done by Heidi Kaufman and the dedicated team at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center. Their innovative use of aromatherapy in the PACU, or post-anesthesia care unit, is transforming the recovery experience for our veterans.”

“Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to remark on the outrage of my colleagues and others over the special government employee status of Elon Musk from the executive branch and constant remarks that he is unelected and unaccountable.”

“Mr. Speaker, what you see next to me is a tiny speck of fentanyl, just a few milligrams, a dose so small it could fit on the ear of Lincoln on a penny, yet that speck is enough to take a life and destroy a family.”

“In 2023, over 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses or poisoning, with fentanyl responsible for nearly 75 percent of those deaths. As a State senator, I eliminated preauthorization for medicated assisted treatment for substance use disorder.”

“Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of a dear friend, a true servant of our State, and an extraordinary public servant, Representative Martin Graber.”

“War II. She proudly served in the Coast Guard, and the Iowa City VA Healthcare System honored her with a plaque to recognize her incredible dedication. Clara's humble spirit and sense of humor shine through as she fondly recalls her time in service, joking that she joined in 1945 to help get that darn war over with.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to protecting life and supporting both mothers and babies. Every life is precious, and it is our responsibility to defend the most vulnerable among us.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today, proud to announce that I have joined the bipartisan Congressional DOGE Caucus. This important initiative is focused on bringing much needed efficiency to the Federal Government and reducing wasteful spending that burdens taxpayers.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act which was introduced by Representative Steube. In the last term, the House passed this bill as well, but it was not taken up by the Senate.”

“Madam Speaker, I extend a warm welcome to the thousands of Iowans, including the hundreds from Iowa's First Congressional District, who are traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend President Trump's inauguration.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a true leader from my district, Mr. Decker Ploehn, Bettendorf's city administrator, who has recently been named the Quad Cities Most Influential Leader for 2024.”

“Whether he is emceeing a fundraiser, advising local leaders, or volunteering his time to nonprofits, Decker consistently proves that his success in leadership is rooted in service to others.”