Tax Day is April 15
Floor Speech
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize what is shaping up to be one of the most significant tax days in American history and to remind Americans to file on time and take full advantage of the relief available to them this year.
Thanks to the working families tax cuts, millions of Americans are seeking real relief, with average savings of nearly $4,000 for working- and middle-class families. This law delivers where it matters most: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, tax relief for seniors, support for small businesses, and new investment accounts to help the next generation get ahead.
It is already making a difference. As a matter of fact, last week, when I was traveling in my district and going into a gas station convenience store, a gentleman was coming out. He looked at me and said: ``Thank you very much. I got my refund back. It is bigger than I have ever had. I am a Democrat. I won't vote for you, but I appreciate the refund.''
This isn't just about tax policy, though. It is about giving more Americans freedom to pay their bills, save for their future, pay for prescription drugs, and provide for their families.
Tax day is April 15. If you haven't filed yet, now is the time. strengthening rural healthcare
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the urgent need to strengthen rural healthcare and expand access to care for communities across Iowa and our Nation.
In too many rural areas, hospitals face workforce shortages, limited resources, and the constant threat of closure, putting patients at risk of losing care close to home. That is why the first-of-its-kind $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is so important--an investment designed to stabilize rural hospitals, expand services, and bring back care to communities that need it most. I fought to include this program in the working families tax cuts because rural Americans deserve access to high-quality care regardless of their ZIP Code.
Iowa is already leading the way as the first State to tap into this program, receiving over $209 million to support rural hospitals. A supported workforce and modern technology are essential to outcomes and help expand access to care.
As a physician, I know that this is important to essential better health outcomes. That is why I recently convened my third rural healthcare roundtable, bringing together hospitals and our director of Medicaid to ensure this program is implemented in a way that meets the needs of patients and providers, especially in rural areas.
Expanding access to care means stronger communities, better outcomes, and ensuring that no one is left behind simply because of where they live. celebrating successful return of artemis ii
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the successful return of the Artemis II crew on April 10. Commander Reid Wiseman, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen completed the historic 10-day mission, traveling around the far side of the Moon and farther from Earth than any humans in history.
During their journey, they tested critical systems aboard the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future missions that will return Americans to the lunar surface. Their safe splashdown off the coast of California marks a major milestone in American space exploration.
This mission also highlights the contributions of institutions across our country, including the University of Iowa, whose researchers have played an important role in advancing radiation monitoring and astronaut safety, building on decades of leadership in space science. I am grateful for the dedication of the scientists, engineers, and mission teams who made this achievement possible.
Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Artemis II crew and NASA on this extraordinary accomplishment. May we continue to lead the world in exploration and innovation. God bless the Artemis II and NASA, and God bless America. birthday wishes
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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to a good friend of our family, Rodolfo Maciel.
Mr. Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday to my brother-in-law, Bob Branthoover.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish a happy birthday to my son, Jonathan.
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