Rep. Randy Feenstra

By Editor | May 23, 2022 |

Congressman Randy Feenstra

To keep up on the latest from Congressman Randy Feenstra and his staff, visit his Facebook page at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/RepFeenstra

April 24, 2024

Feenstra Opposes Biden’s Plan to Eliminate Trump Tax Cuts

HULL, IOWA —Today, in response to a social media post by Joe Biden stating that he would allow the Trump tax cuts to expire, Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement:

“Joe Biden’s honest admission that he would eliminate the Trump tax cuts contradicts his pledge to not raise taxes on our families, farmers, and small businesses. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a major success for our economy — creating jobs, bringing investment to the U.S., and cutting taxes for families and workers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I cut taxes in the Iowa Senate to let Iowans keep more of their hard-earned money and I strongly support legislation to make the Trump tax cuts permanent. Biden is wrong to raise taxes on Iowans when inflation, gas prices, and interest rates keep moving higher. This is just another reason why we must defeat Biden and grow our conservative majority in the House of Representatives.”

April 20, 2024

Feenstra Issues Statement on National Security Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement on his vote in favor of national security legislation.

“Because of Biden’s failed foreign policy, our enemies no longer fear us and our allies no longer trust us. While some want us to turn our back on our allies like Israel, I will not. We all witnessed Iran’s barbaric attacks on Israel just this week and they serve as a reminder of the importance of restoring the trust of America’s friends and the fear of our enemies around the world.”

April 18, 2024

Feenstra Supports Resolution Condemning Iranian Missile Strikes on Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, a resolution condemning Iranian missile strikes against Israel. Feenstra is an original cosponsor.

“Iran’s missile strikes against Israel are an unwarranted and life-threatening show of force that must be condemned by free nations across the globe. The United States will not tolerate the Iranian regime’s reign of terror,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I voted for this resolution denouncing Iran’s missile attacks against Israel because we must stand with our friends and allies in Israel — our closest partners in the Middle East. We must continue to do everything possible to thwart Iran’s terrorist operations and keep our country and our allies safe.”

April 16, 2024

Feenstra Votes to Expand Sanctions on Chinese Refiners of Iranian Oil

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act. This legislation would expand sanctions on Chinese oil refiners and Chinese financial institutions that purchase and process Iranian oil.

“China and Iran both support the destabilization and destruction of the United States. It’s extremely concerning that China is processing billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil, especially following Iran’s unprovoked missile attack on Israel,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I voted for the Iran-China Energy Sanctions Act to prevent Chinese oil companies from refining Iranian oil, which only enriches Iran and funds its terrorist operations against Israel and other free nations across the world. We must continue to increase American energy production to bolster our energy security and stop China from bankrolling Iranian-sponsored terrorism.”

April 5, 2024

STANDING UP FOR OUR FARMERS AND BIOFUELS PRODUCERS

The U.S. biofuels industry is a critical component of our economy, an important economic engine in rural America, and a vital source for good-paying jobs. These low-cost, low-carbon fuels support American energy independence, help our farmers, and lower prices at the pump for our families.

Regrettably, the Biden administration has failed to negotiate new free trade agreements that could expand opportunities for homegrown American biofuels in global markets, instead prioritizing electric-vehicle mandates on our families and burdensome WOTUS regulations on our farmers.

That’s why Rep. Darin LaHood and I sent two letters urging the Biden administration to hold our trading partners accountable for their actions and ensure American farmers have access to new and developing markets that will serve as new revenue sources for our producers.

March 29, 2024

SARAH’S LAW PASSES THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

For the first time ever, Sarah’s Law passed out of the House Judiciary Committee as a standalone bill!

This legislation — which I introduced alongside Senator Ernst — honors the memory of 21-year-old Sarah Root who was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk. However, instead of answering for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from jail, and was never seen again.

Sarah’s Law ensures that illegal immigrants who seriously harm or kill Americans are detained and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Feenstra Leads Legislation to Make Childcare More Affordable for Iowa Families

March 4, 2024

Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce legislation – the Combatting High Inflation Limiting Daycare (CHILD) Act – to help Iowa families cover the skyrocketing cost of childcare by doubling the annual contribution limit for tax-advantaged Dependent Care Flexible Savings Accounts (DCFSAs). The contribution limit would also be adjusted for inflation.

“When I’m traveling on my 36 County Tour, parents, daycare centers, and childcare providers all tell me that the cost of childcare is out of control and that we need real solutions to make life more affordable for our families. I completely agree,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I helped introduce the CHILD Act to double the amount of money that families are allowed to save tax-free to pay for childcare. This approach lets parents – not federal bureaucrats – decide how best to spend their hard-earned money when it comes to caring for their children while pursuing a career. While inflation refuses to quit, I’m encouraged that this legislation will help families save more money to put their children in daycare or after-school programs and keep more money in their pockets.”

Key provisions of the CHILD Act include:

Increased contribution limit: Under this legislation, the annual contribution limit for Dependent Care FSAs would be raised from $5,000 to $10,000 for joint tax filers and from $2,500 to $5,000 for independent filers.
Annual adjustment for inflation: Unlike Health FSAs, the maximum contribution for Dependent Care FSAs has remained stagnant since 1986, with a maximum contribution limit of $5,000 per household. The CHILD Act ensures that annual adjustments for inflation are implemented so that contribution limits reflect rises in prices.

Feenstra Supports Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas

On Tuesday, February 13, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives approved, the impeachment of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

“President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas must end the border crisis today by enforcing our nation’s immigration laws, restarting construction on the border wall, and stopping the flow of deadly fentanyl into our communities. It’s as simple as that.

Instead, under Secretary Mayorkas’ watch, over 10,000 illegal immigrants are crossing our border every day, our border patrol agents lack the support that they need to do their jobs, and fentanyl manufactured in China continues to flood our rural communities and take precious lives.

I regret that Secretary Mayorkas has failed to uphold his oath of office and protect our nation from foreign threats. For this reason and many more, I voted to impeach him for his dereliction of duty to the American people.”

January 31, 2024

Feenstra, Ernst Continue the Fight to Pass Sarah’s Law

On the 8^th anniversary of the tragic death of Sarah Root, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) continue their fight to pass Sarah’s Law amidst President Biden’s unprecedented border crisis.

On January 31, 2016, the night of her graduation from college, Sarah Root – a 21-year-old from Council Bluffs, Iowa – was struck and killed by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk – three times over the legal limit. Due to a loophole in federal law, the illegal immigrant was released from jail and never seen again.

“Eight years ago today, Scott and Michelle Root received a phone call that is every parent’s worst nightmare. Their 21-year-old daughter – Sarah – was killed in a car accident by an illegal immigrant who was driving while drunk. However, instead of being held in jail and prosecuted for his crimes, the illegal immigrant posted bail, was released from prison, and was never seen again,” said Rep. Feenstra. “In memory of Sarah, I’m working with Senator Ernst to pass Sarah’s Law so that illegal immigrants who seriously injure or kill American citizens are detained and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law – not released from jail without facing a jury. Our bill will make illegal immigrants answer for their crimes and deliver some semblance of justice for the Root family as we all continue to mourn Sarah’s premature and tragic death.”

“Sarah should be in her late twenties, enjoying life and chasing her dreams. Instead, eight years later, her loved ones are still mourning. No parent should have to endure the pain and injustice of losing a child like the Root family did. That’s why, since 2016, I’ve been working to pass Sarah’s Law,” said Sen. Ernst. “Under this bill, Sarah’s killer would have been detained by law enforcement and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As we witness illegal immigrants pour into the country under Biden, this commonsense bill will ensure that those who murder or recklessly cause harm to others are held accountable. Our laws should not prioritize illegal immigrants over the safety of Americans.”

Sarah’s Law amends the mandatory detention provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain illegal immigrants criminally charged with killing or seriously injuring another person. It also adds a requirement that upon encountering an illegal immigrant subject to mandatory detention, ICE makes reasonable efforts to identify victims and inform their families of certain information.

January 31, 2024

Feenstra Votes to Punish and Deport Illegal Immigrants who Defraud Social Security

Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act, which would ensure that illegal immigrants who defraud social security are punished accordingly and swiftly deported.

“Americans who have earned social security benefits through a lifetime of hard work deserve to receive their paycheck on time and in full. Unfortunately, President Biden’s wasteful spending and open-border policies jeopardize the long-term solvency of social security and wellbeing of our seniors and our families,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I voted for legislation to punish and deport illegal immigrants who defraud social security. I will not tolerate individuals who breaks our laws and steal from American taxpayers. As a strong advocate for border security and fiscal responsibility, this legislation will help us protect precious dollars for social security recipients while holding illegal immigrants accountable for committing fraud and other despicable crimes.”

January 26, 2024

Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Stop the Biden Administration from Tearing Down Texas’ Border Barriers

On January 25, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce – alongside U.S. Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) – legislation to prevent the Biden administration from dismantling barriers and fencing constructed by the state of Texas – or any other state – along the southern border.

“President Biden’s open-border policies have created the worst crisis at our southern border in generations. Terrorists, drug traffickers, illegal immigrants, and foreign nationals with ties to China have broken our laws, crossed our border, and been released into our country with no vetting at all. The lack of leadership from the Biden administration infuriates me,” said Rep. Feenstra. “In response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which authorized the Biden administration to destroy barriers that the Texas National Guard has constructed along the southern border, I helped introduce legislation to overturn this decision and confirm Texas’ right to defend itself and its borders. I’m equally grateful that Governor Reynolds has deployed the Iowa National Guard to the border to keep our families and rural communities safe. My message to President Biden is simple: we should be building the border wall, not tearing it down.”

January 23, 2024

Feenstra-led Legislation to Support Foster Families and Children Passes U.S. House of Representatives

Last week, legislation originally introduced by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would help states like Iowa connect more children in the foster care system with loving homes and families.

“As a father of four and a Christian, it is my firm belief that every child deserves a safe, loving home in our country. Unfortunately, many vulnerable children in our foster care system lack a family that they can call their own due to a shortage of foster families and a nationwide inability to retain generous families willing to foster. That must change,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m proud that my bill to support foster families and children passed the U.S. House of Representatives, demonstrating my commitment to uplifting our children and finding a home for every kid in the foster care system. With the right tools and resources, I am confident that we can end this crisis and ensure that every child can chase their dreams with a loving support system around them.”

This legislation would help states uphold and strengthen their diligent recruitment plans by improving their processes – with concrete facts and information – for identifying, recruiting, and retaining qualified foster homes.

It also establishes family advisory boards to disseminate best practices, highlight financial and emotional obstacles facing foster families, and keep foster families – who are the beating heart of the foster system – at the center of systematic changes and improvements.

January 19, 2024

My Weekly Column: Permanently repealing the death tax

It takes a tremendous amount of hard work to start a small business and run a farm. From balancing the books and maintaining inventory to paying employees and complying with burdensome rules and regulations, these enterprises require long hours and real commitment to be successful and profitable. In Iowa, many of our farms and small businesses are family-owned-and-operated, which is not only a testament to the grit and dedication of our families, but also a source of pride for our great state. This also means that a death in the family – which is tragic and heartbreaking – has serious ramifications for the future of a family farm or business.

Over 99% of our country’s two million farms and ranches and over 95% of our nation’s small businesses are owned and operated by individuals and families. In other words, the American economy is powered by mom-and-pop shops on main street and farms that have been in the family for generations. Naturally, the federal government only sees these incredible farms and small businesses as potential sources of tax revenue, completely ignoring the sacrifice and labor that made these enterprises successful.

Currently, when a family member passes away, the federal government imposes an unfair and costly tax on the transfer of property, land, and other assets from the deceased family member to heirs of family farms and small businesses. This tax – which is known as the estate tax or the death tax – represents double taxation at its worst. Iowa families grieving the loss of a loved one should not face an enormous tax bill from the federal government just to continue the family tradition of farming or keep their small business open and operational.

On my 36 County Tour, I have spoken to too many farmers and small business owners who are fearful that their children and grandchildren will not be able to uphold the family tradition because the death tax would require them to sell land, equipment, and other assets just to pay the enormous tax bill levied by the federal government. I’ve also had several conversations with members of my Agriculture Advisory Board who are concerned – like I am – that the next generation of Iowa farmers and producers face financial hurdles and other challenges when it comes to farming, which are only exacerbated by the death tax. It’s absolutely infuriating and unacceptable.

That’s why I recently led 162 of my colleagues in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act to permanently repeal the death tax, ensure that hardworking families, farmers, and small businesses keep more of their hard-earned money, and strengthen family-owned-and-operated enterprises in Iowa. My bill – which enjoys support from 194 organizations across the country – would enable these multigenerational businesses to continue to support their families without having to pay a devastating tax upon the death of a family member. It’s my belief that our families are already taxed enough as it is. President Biden doesn’t need to extract more money from hardworking farmers and businesses in rural America to fund his reckless spending policies and Green New Deal agenda.

By fully eliminating the death tax, we can keep China away from our farmland, allow family farms and small businesses to succeed, and encourage the next generation of Iowa farmers and business owners to plant their roots in rural Iowa, support our main streets, and contribute to our economy. Serving on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue to be a strong voice for Iowa farmers and small businesses who deserve lower taxes and peace of mind.

We are government together, and your thoughts and opinions matter to me. Please contact my office at Feenstra.House.Gov or by phone at 202-225-4426 if I can ever be of assistance. I am proud to represent our families, farmers, main street businesses, and rural communities in Congress.