Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the Iowa families who have been priced out of the American Dream. 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.
2026 MidtermsToss-Up SeatEVEND shift +7$4.3M raised
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Representative · Iowa · Republican
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
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.
Protecting children and teens online is one of the most urgent responsibilities we face as policymakers. As digital platforms become central to how young people learn, communicate, innovate, and navigate the world, we must ensure that these spaces are safe, transparent, and designed with their well-being as the driving priority.
Biography
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a former Army physician and ophthalmologist, brings medical expertise to her role as U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, first elected in 2020. She focuses on strengthening rural healthcare, supporting veterans, and expanding access to affordable medications. Miller-Meeks authored legislation to improve telehealth services and serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she advocates for public health initiatives. She approaches her work with a data-driven mindset, aiming to deliver practical solutions for her constituents in Iowa.
Education
- M.D., University of Texas Science Center, San Antonio, TX1986
- M.S., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA1980
- B.S.N., Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX1976
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2021-PresentRepresenting Iowa's 1st district
Member, Iowa Senate
2019–20Director, Iowa Department of Public Health
2010–13Assistant Professor, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Ia
1994–97Assistant Professor, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mi
1991–94Ophthalmologist
Policy Focus
Health18%
Armed Forces and National Security16%
Energy8%
Government Operations and Politics8%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Mariannette Miller-Meeks's record in Congress.
Veterans' Health Care
Co-sponsored and supported the PACT Act to expand health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances.
COVID-19 Response
Advocated for increased COVID-19 vaccine distribution and public health resources for Iowa communities.
Rural Broadband Expansion
Secured federal funding to improve broadband internet access in rural Iowa districts.
Agricultural Disaster Relief
Supported disaster aid for Iowa farmers impacted by the 2020 derecho and other severe weather events.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce
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