TWO OF MY BILLS PASS THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two pieces of legislation that I introduced; the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act and the NOAA Chief Scientist Act. They both unanimously passed the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee – where I serve as Ranking Member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee – earlier this year.
The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act would modernize the National Weather Service’s (NWS) outdated communications network – NWS Chat – which disseminates critical, time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events. As part of its Integrated Dissemination Program update, NWS has identified several systematic upgrades critical to its emergency communications operation, including the need to replace NWS Chat.
The NOAA Chief Scientist Act would establish new minimum qualification requirements and outline new responsibilities for the position of Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
USDA RELEASES NEWS ON SPOT MARKET HOG PANDEMIC PROGRAM PAYMENTS
Last Tuesday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to get answers about why there have been payment delays for Iowa hog producers through the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP).
This week we heard from the USDA. I was glad to hear that the USDA is finally expediting and increasing payments for 4th District hog producers who have already been suffering from record inflation and energy costs.
MEETING WITH THE IOWA FARM BUREAU
Earlier this week, I had an excellent discussion with the Iowa Farm Bureau. The topics of our meetings included rising input costs, the Farm Bill, and free and fair cattle markets for 4th District cattle farmers.
Growing up in rural Iowa, I will always be a strong voice for our farmers and producers who feed and fuel our country and the world.
RECEIVING THE HERO OF MAIN STREET AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL RETAIL FEDERATION
Thursday, I was honored to be recognized as a 2022 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation.
Our main streets in the 4th District power our local economies and provide our families with good-paying jobs. I will always be a strong voice for our job creators and thriving main streets in Congress.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: REPUBLICANS WIN THE CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME 10-0!
Thursday night, I had a great time playing in the 2022 Congressional Baseball Game. This game is a bipartisan tradition in our nation’s capital that benefits several charities.
It also supports the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund in honor of the brave officers who responded to the Republican practice shooting in 2017.
We are government together, and I am here to serve you. Your thoughts, concerns, and comments are very important to me. Always feel free to call (202) 225-4426 or visit my website at feenstra.house.gov.
