Randy Feenstra

Families should never have to worry about whether their communities are safe, they should be confident that violent criminals will be held accountable, and that our nation is secure. Keeping Americans safe is one of the most important roles of the federal government and Republicans are helping deliver on that priority through the Working Families Tax Cuts.

This landmark legislation delivers meaningful investments to strengthen public safety, secure our border, support law enforcement, and modernize critical infrastructure that Americans rely on every day.

A safe nation starts with a secure border. For too long under the Biden administration, our country experienced the consequences of failed border policies that allowed criminals, drug traffickers, and cartels to exploit weaknesses in our immigration system which prioritized them over hardworking Americans. The Working Families Tax Cuts invest $46.5 billion to complete hundreds of miles of the border wall and deploy advanced surveillance technology alongside it. It also funds thousands of new Border Patrol agents, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, investigators, and immigration attorneys to strengthen enforcement and restore order at our southern border.

Just as importantly, this bill stands behind the brave men and women of law enforcement. It provides nearly $12 billion for the Department of Justice to ensure officers have the tools they need to protect our communities. Families should not have to fear their safety in their own communities, and this will ensure criminals are held accountable for breaking the law.

Republicans have been committed to ensuring public safety goes beyond this legislation. Every state is now a border state when deadly fentanyl, human trafficking, and cartel activity reach communities across America. Iowa alone has seen a 23% increase in fentanyl overdose deaths. That’s why Republicans introduced and President Trump signed into law the HALT Fentanyl Act, to permanently classify fentanyl as a Schedule I drug and strengthen efforts to stop dangerous drugs before they reach our neighborhoods.

President Trump also signed Sarah’s Law, which was included in the first bill passed by the 119th Congress. Named after Sarah Root, a young Iowan who had her entire life ahead of her until it was tragically cut short by a drunk driving illegal immigrant. This law closes a dangerous loophole that allowed illegal aliens charged with killing or seriously harming Americans to be released instead of detained.

Sarah’s family waited years for justice and pleaded with the federal government to act. While nothing can ever erase their loss, Sarah’s Law helps ensure that no other family endures the same heartbreaking circumstances, and that Sarah Root’s legacy is remembered. The law requires ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes and improves communication with victims’ families throughout the process.

Whether it is securing our border, supporting law enforcement, modernizing public safety systems, or ensuring criminals are held accountable, Republicans are delivering action instead of excuses to protect the American people. The safety of our communities cannot be an afterthought. It must remain a top priority, and I will continue fighting every day to keep Iowa families safe and secure.