Bipartisanship in the era of partisan politics

By Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks

In today’s hyper-partisan political climate, it’s all too easy to get swept up in divisive tactics that prioritize personal or party agendas over the needs of the American people. As a serious legislator, my focus has always been on delivering tangible results for my constituents and championing the issues that matter most to them.

From my first day in Congress, I have made bipartisan cooperation an integral part of my approach to enacting meaningful change. When evaluating any piece of legislation, I ask myself two pivotal questions: How will this improve the lives of my constituents? And does it reflect the conservative values we hold dear?

A prime example of this commitment is the bipartisan DRUG Act, which I spearheaded to enhance transparency and lower prescription drug prices by reining in practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM). By addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs, we are making healthcare more accessible for families nationwide. This initiative exemplifies what we can achieve when we work across the aisle.

Another significant collaboration was with Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) on the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act. This bipartisan bill seeks to eliminate barriers faced by children with complex medical conditions, ensuring that families can access essential care, regardless of state lines. Our shared dedication to improving healthcare for our children transcends political boundaries and reflects our commitment to the next generation.

Recently, I rallied 232 House members to urge leadership to confront a looming 2.8% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians. This proposed reduction threatens to undermine patient care, particularly for those in rural communities. We must not allow bureaucratic decisions to jeopardize the health and well-being of our citizens.

Throughout my first term, even while serving in the minority, I successfully passed over a dozen key pieces of legislation. Now that we are in the majority, my dedication to advancing policies that benefit Iowans and all Americans remains unwavering.

Congress must prioritize the needs of our constituents. Our nation deserves a government that works tirelessly to uphold conservative values while delivering real results. I will continue to advocate for legislation that enhances lives and strengthens our communities here in Iowa, regardless of which party is in power.