President Donald Trump speaks during a summer soiree on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In the 1800s, American settlements began appearing across Iowa’s sprawling prairies. Families, young and old, ventured out West, braving terrifying prairie fires, tornadoes, and uncertainty, in search of a better life. Early communities were often built around families coexisting and growing together. In 2025, not much has changed. Iowa’s landscape is dotted with small towns occupied by family names dating back generations. This is one of the things that I love most about Iowa.

That’s why I’m using my voice in Congress — in both the Ways and Means and Agriculture Committees — to stick up for our families and work for the generations of farmers who have tilled the land over and over again. The other week, my Republican colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives and I passed President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” This legislation contains numerous provisions to put more money back in the pockets of Iowa families.

In Iowa, family households make up nearly 65% of total households and about 30% of Iowa households have children under the age of 18. During the Biden administration, these families were crushed by rapidly rising costs on everyday goods and persistent inflation that ate away at paychecks. Insurance, childcare costs, and even packages of diapers and baby wipes became items that could cause a family financial stress. This is absolutely unacceptable if we want young families to continue to grow and invest in our communities.

President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” will finally give our families room to breathe again. Estimates suggest that families could see up to $13,300 more in take-home pay, with workers potentially gaining up to $11,600 in higher wages over four years. With provisions that end taxes on tips, overtime, and auto loan interest for American-made cars, working parents can be certain that the extra effort they’re putting in for their families will pay off.

Also included in this legislation is an expansion of the child tax credit, an increased standard deduction, and a partially refundable adoption tax credit up to $5,000. Biden-era inflation dramatically raised the cost of starting and raising a family. The increased child tax credit–raised to $2,500–and the increased standard deduction — raised to $16,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married couples–leave families with more money to spend on household necessities. This legislation also includes my legislation to help small businesses on Main Street offer paid family and medical leave to their employees at a more affordable cost.

Additionally, provisions in this legislation establish savings accounts — known as Trump Accounts — for newborns, with a $1,000 federal contribution. Families can add up to $5,000 annually, with funds accessible at age 18 for education, training, or home purchases, and fully accessible at age 30. Similarly, it expands 529 accounts to include qualified elementary, secondary, and homeschool costs, enhancing educational savings options and giving parents the ability to choose the best education option for their children.

Make no mistake. We will pass President Trump’s agenda to strengthen our communities and reward parents for starting families — not punish them. Unfortunately, Democrats voted in favor of the largest tax increase in American history on families, workers, and small businesses. This disconnect is what drove more than 77 million Americans to deliver a historic mandate for the Republican Party, demanding real change and real results. I am proud to say that we are delivering for American families, and I will continue to work to get President Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” across the finish line and signed into law.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the U.S. House.