Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Representative for Iowa · Republican · United States
“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.”
“However, instead of accountability, we get boondoggles. Take Governor Newsom's high-speed rail in California. It was supposed to cost $33 billion and connect Los Angeles to San Francisco by 2020. Today, it is more than $95 billion over budget and years behind schedule.”
“Air Force One is billions over budget and years behind. The VA's electronic health records system, meant to serve our veterans, tripled from $16 billion to nearly $50 billion. Madam Speaker, these are not rounding errors. These are betrayals of the people who have paid for them. That is why I introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act.”
“Every dollar Washington wastes is a dollar taken from a farmer in Iowa, a nurse working a double shift, or a young family trying to get ahead. I did not come to Washington to protect its comfortable habit of wasting taxpayer money. I came here to defend the people who pay the bills. This bill puts them front and center where they belong.”
“Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as a young captain in the Army at age 22. Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first- time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007. Iowa families feel this every single day.”
“Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as a young captain in the Army at age 22. Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first- time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007. Iowa families feel this every single day.”
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“Every dollar Washington wastes is a dollar taken from a farmer in Iowa, a nurse working a double shift, or a young family trying to get ahead. I did not come to Washington to protect its comfortable habit of wasting taxpayer money. I came here to defend the people who pay the bills. This bill puts them front and center where they belong. I thank Senator Ernst once again for her partnership, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation. The people of Iowa are watching. The people of America are watching. Let's give them the transparency they deserve.”
“Air Force One is billions over budget and years behind. The VA's electronic health records system, meant to serve our veterans, tripled from $16 billion to nearly $50 billion. Madam Speaker, these are not rounding errors. These are betrayals of the people who have paid for them. That is why I introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act. It is simple. It requires the Federal Government to publicly disclose any taxpayer-funded project that is more than $1 billion over budget or more than 5 years behind schedule. No more hiding and no more burying the failures where no one can find them. Sunlight, as they say, is the best disinfectant. Here is the truth: The American people have a right to know where their money goes.”
“However, instead of accountability, we get boondoggles. Take Governor Newsom's high-speed rail in California. It was supposed to cost $33 billion and connect Los Angeles to San Francisco by 2020. Today, it is more than $95 billion over budget and years behind schedule. After more than a decade and billions of taxpayer dollars, they are only now beginning to lay track, and the promised line between Los Angeles and San Francisco is nowhere in sight. What the people were promised and what they got are two very different things. However, it is not just California. In Honolulu, a rail project is $4.8 billion over budget, with its completion slipping from 2020 all the way to 2031. In Columbus, a corridor project is 19 years behind schedule. The Federal Reserve's renovation ballooned to nearly $2.5 billion.”
“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. She has been a true champion when it comes to exposing Washington's waste and protecting the hard- earned dollars of the American people. Madam Speaker, Washington's worst-kept secret is its prolific spending problem. Families in Iowa and all across this country have to balance their checkbooks every single month. They budget. They plan, and when money is tight, they make it work or they do without. [[Page H4664]] Washington should be held to that very same standard, especially at a time when our national debt is inching toward $400 trillion.”
“This is the most significant housing reform in a generation, and it is now law. To every Iowan chasing their first home, help is on the way. The American Dream is worth fighting for, and I will never stop fighting for my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a birthday greeting to the oldest of seven siblings, Richard Miller. Happy birthday, Richard. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to the youngest of my seven siblings, MariEleanor Martino. Happy birthday, MariEleanor. ____________________”
“Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as a young captain in the Army at age 22. Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first- time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007. Iowa families feel this every single day. Young couples work hard, save diligently, and still cannot afford a home in the communities they grew up in. Rental prices have increased, as well. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act changes that. It cuts the red tape strangling home construction, so we build more homes and lower costs for buyers and renters alike. It stops big Wall Street firms from buying up single-family homes because Iowa homes belong to Iowa families, not hedge funds.”
“As Iowa County Sheriff, he spearheaded a program to properly dispose of expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, preventing drugs from falling into the wrong hands. He also initiated a countywide active shooter program that helped train over 1,500 [[Page H4414]] students, teachers, and industrial and retail employees. Sheriff Rotter's hard work, leadership, and commitment to protecting others have earned him this amazing opportunity to continue serving our State and Nation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sheriff Rotter and thank him for his dedicated service to Iowa County and Iowa. Fighting for the American Dream Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream.”
“These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate the positive impact school music programs have on our youth. Recognizing Sheriff Robert Rotter Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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. Sheriff Rotter joined the Iowa County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and has dedicated more than three decades to public service. Before his nomination, Sheriff Rotter was serving his fifth term as the Iowa County Sheriff, earning a reputation for leadership, service, and commitment to the people of Iowa County and Iowa. Throughout his career, Sheriff Rotter has remained dedicated to keeping our communities safe.”
“Participation in the band gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well after graduation. I know this firsthand because my children participated in band and orchestra. While the Independence Day Parade was, unfortunately, canceled because of the extreme heat, the students made the most of their once- in-a-lifetime trip. They adapted and played a special popup performance at the Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience this talented Iowa band. They also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert and fireworks, visited our Nation's iconic monuments, and explored the Smithsonian museums. Our community in Pella is extremely supportive of its band program.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4413-H4414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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.”
“This is the most significant housing reform in a generation, and it is now law. To every Iowan chasing their first home, help is on the way. The American Dream is worth fighting for, and I will never stop fighting for my constituents. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a birthday greeting to the oldest of seven siblings, Richard Miller. Happy birthday, Richard. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to the youngest of my seven siblings, MariEleanor Martino. Happy birthday, MariEleanor. ____________________”
“Across this country, the average first-time home buyer is now 40 years old, an all-time high. In contrast, I purchased my first home as a young captain in the Army at age 22. Our Nation is short as many as 5.5 million homes. The share of first- time home buyers has fallen by one-half since 2007. Iowa families feel this every single day. Young couples work hard, save diligently, and still cannot afford a home in the communities they grew up in. Rental prices have increased, as well. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act changes that. It cuts the red tape strangling home construction, so we build more homes and lower costs for buyers and renters alike. It stops big Wall Street firms from buying up single-family homes because Iowa homes belong to Iowa families, not hedge funds.”
“As Iowa County Sheriff, he spearheaded a program to properly dispose of expired and unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, preventing drugs from falling into the wrong hands. He also initiated a countywide active shooter program that helped train over 1,500 [[Page H4414]] students, teachers, and industrial and retail employees. Sheriff Rotter's hard work, leadership, and commitment to protecting others have earned him this amazing opportunity to continue serving our State and Nation. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Sheriff Rotter and thank him for his dedicated service to Iowa County and Iowa. Fighting for the American Dream Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream.”
“These students work hard, represent Iowa with pride, and demonstrate the positive impact school music programs have on our youth. Recognizing Sheriff Robert Rotter Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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. Sheriff Rotter joined the Iowa County Sheriff's Office in 1990 and has dedicated more than three decades to public service. Before his nomination, Sheriff Rotter was serving his fifth term as the Iowa County Sheriff, earning a reputation for leadership, service, and commitment to the people of Iowa County and Iowa. Throughout his career, Sheriff Rotter has remained dedicated to keeping our communities safe.”
“Participation in the band gives students the opportunity to develop leadership, discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that will serve them well after graduation. I know this firsthand because my children participated in band and orchestra. While the Independence Day Parade was, unfortunately, canceled because of the extreme heat, the students made the most of their once- in-a-lifetime trip. They adapted and played a special popup performance at the Upper Senate Park, allowing visitors to experience this talented Iowa band. They also attended the National Symphony Orchestra's Fourth of July concert and fireworks, visited our Nation's iconic monuments, and explored the Smithsonian museums. Our community in Pella is extremely supportive of its band program.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [House] [Pages H4413-H4414] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING PELLA HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING DUTCH (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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.”
“I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense, bipartisan measure to strengthen America's critical infrastructure, create opportunities for American workers, and enhance our economic security.”
“We are creating a roadmap for revitalizing rural communities that have been sidelined for far too long while critical infrastructure components are manufactured overseas. This legislation not only shields America from global supply chain disruptions but also identifies which rural areas are well positioned to become manufacturing hubs. The strength of our Nation is enhanced when the materials used in our critical infrastructure and the products Americans purchase are produced domestically and American made. When manufacturing happens on American soil, we retain the innovation, the intellectual property, the economic benefits, and the long-term prosperity that comes with it in rebuilding the middle class.”
“These examples demonstrate with painful clarity that our Nation's critical infrastructure, spanning 16 designated sectors including energy, communications, transportation, healthcare, military, and more, cannot be dependent on foreign supply chains. This bill takes a measured, data-driven approach to addressing these vulnerabilities. Within one 1 year of enactment, the Secretary of Commerce would be required to identify high-demand critical infrastructure with manufacturing constraints, do a cost-benefit analysis of domestic production, and determine the feasibility of such production. By supporting this bill, we are taking an important step toward rebuilding American manufacturing capability in strategic sectors.”
“We cannot continue to allow foreign competitors, particularly China and the Chinese Communist Party, to control our supply chains and create economic vulnerabilities. Consider our infrastructure and emerging technologies. We have seen how foreign control of critical minerals needed for solar panels and battery production has created bottlenecks in our renewable energy transition and also in the manufacturing of vehicles. Similarly, the components required for data centers that power our artificial intelligence, or augmented intelligence capabilities, are largely manufactured overseas, creating significant vulnerabilities in these strategically important sectors.”
“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. At a time when we have a President who is going to make good on the promise to onshore manufacturing and have a resurgence of manufacturing in the United States, there is nothing more important we can do than to reauthorize the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and pass H.R. 1721. The challenges we face regarding our supply chains and manufacturing capabilities have been brought into sharp focus in recent years.”
“Captured by the Germans and sent to a work camp, Henry's indomitable spirit led him to escape, finding his way back to American forces almost 1 year later, still wearing his tattered D-day uniform. After the war, Henry returned home to build a business, raise a family, and serve his fellow veterans. He never stopped loving his country, once saying: ``Only America could do that.'' Henry Langrehr lived a life of service, sacrifice, and inspiration. We owe him and all like him a debt that can never be repaid. I had the pleasure of meeting his grandniece this weekend at the University of Iowa ROTC Military Ball. What a special event. May God bless his memory and comfort his family. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend birthday greetings to my younger sister, Mariette Stanson. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [House] [Page H1630] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WWII HERO HENRY LANGREHR OF CLINTON, IOWA (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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. On what should have been his high school graduation day, he instead jumped from a C-47 over France, crashing through a greenhouse during the D-day invasion.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)] [House] [Page H1428] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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. Happy birthday, Joseph. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish my incredibly talented nephew Matthew Martino a wonderful 18th birthday. Happy birthday, Matthew. Mr. Speaker, I think that is enough birthdays.”
“The USS Iowa is the third naval vessel to bear that name following a battleship that served with distinction in World War II, both in the Atlantic and the Pacific, in the Korean war and in the Gulf. That proud legacy now continues beneath the sea. The legacy of the Gray Ghost and the new USS Iowa nuclear-class submarine begins its mission. A new legend for the USS Iowa began on Saturday. It is indefatigable. It is undeterred. It is undetected, and it is unstoppable. To the crew, I thank them for their service and remember to be Iowa nice to one another. To all those who may cross her path and our adversaries, fear the Ghost. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 62 (Monday, April 7, 2025)] [House] [Page H1422] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE USS IOWA (Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. 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. It was a powerful moment marking the beginning of a new era.”