Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Karen Pratte

To the Editor:

We all want leaders who put Iowa first. No matter our political party, we expect the people we elect to represent us, not any president, party, or special interest.

Sadly, Iowa’s U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators prioritize loyalty to Trump over addressing the needs of their constituents. These elected officials, who are of the same party as Trump and who control the House and Senate, voted for Trump’s  tariffs even though these raised the cost of groceries and essential goods.  They voted six times to support Trump’s war of choice in Iran even as the conflict has driven up fuel prices and farmers’ fertilizer costs with no end in sight.  They voted for Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires (H.R. 1) paid for on backs of ordinary Iowans, through cuts to healthcare, educational loans, food assistance, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security and programs that assist Iowa families.

Many Iowa families are struggling with the consequences of these policies.  However, our elected representatives and senators have proven their priority is to be Trump’s ally, not Iowa’s advocate. We deserve elected officials who put Iowans first, someone who listens to constituents, who stands up for our communities, and puts our interests ahead of any president or political agenda.

Karen Pratte
Waterville