D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers focus on bird flu, disaster aid, returning tribal land

Flooding such as the 2019 deluge shown here in Hamburg, Ia., could strain federal disaster resources. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Iowa lawmakers introduced bills this week to return tribal land to the Winnebago Tribe and provide greater tax relief to small businesses abiding by Paid Family and Medical Leave and victims of natural disasters.

The entire Iowa congressional delegation also signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking it to better compensate farmers impacted by bird flu as well as encouraging the department to streamline its processes.

Read all about it in this week’s D.C. Dispatch:

Iowa lawmakers send letter to USDA on avian flu

The whole Iowa congressional delegation penned a letter to the USDA asking officials to work with state leaders, compensate farmers impacted by bird flu and invest more resources into researching the disease.

There have been 13 dairy cattle herds, two turkey flocks and one chicken flock reported with bird flu in Iowa since May 27 as of Thursday.

“While our farmers have been grappling with the spread of HPAI among commercial poultry populations for some time, the recent developments of the virus infecting dairy cattle demand immediate and significant attention,” the letter said.

Iowa lawmakers asked the USDA to provide financial compensation to farmers at or near fair market value for culled cattle and milk production impacted by bird flu. Infected cows generally recover within two weeks and are not killed but their milk is discarded. 

The letter requested the USDA to reevaluate the value of poultry to factor in egg production in indemnity tables to better compensate poultry farmers impacted by bird flu.

“Preventing and mitigating animal disease is a team effort,” Sen. Joni Ernst said in a press release. “The livelihoods of our farmers, the stability of our local economies, and the broader food supply chain are all on the line, so we must have all hands-on deck in the fight against avian flu.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley said he’s been fielding lots of questions from Iowans about bird flu. “Most of the concerns I’m hearing from Iowans are around the unknown effects bird flu has on dairy herds, because farmers have seen its impacts on flocks before,” he said in a statement. “My colleagues and I are closely monitoring this issue to make sure USDA is doing everything it can to streamline its information-sharing and equip Iowa producers with the tools they need.”

State officials recently announced new testing requirements for dairy cattle participating exhibitions in an effort to reduce the spread of bird flu.

Among the other demands, Iowa lawmakers called on the USDA to streamline the process for assistance for farmers and accelerate research on mitigation strategies.

“We are grateful for the wildlife personnel working with Iowa farmers to mitigate interaction of wild birds with domestic turkeys,” Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation Gretta Irwin said. “To help protect the health of our turkeys, we encourage the swift approval of vaccines for all species.”

Winnebago Tribe celebrates having its land returned

After more than 50 years, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is back in possession of nearly 1,600 acres of land along the Iowa-Nebraska border.

The Winnebago Land Transfer Act, sponsored by every congressional representative from Nebraska and Iowa, passed Congress and is awaiting presidential approval.

“This is a truly historic moment for the Winnebago Tribe as lands that were taken from us over 50 years ago will soon be restored to the Tribe. Our ancestors, including the late Louis LaRose, fought tirelessly to secure and protect our homelands. We are honored to carry on their work and help send this bill to the President in their honor,” Winnebago Tribal Chairwoman Victoria Kitcheyan said in a press release.

The Treaty of 1865 established the Winnebago Reservation in northeastern Nebraska with changes in the river putting portions of the reservation in Iowa. In the 1970s, the Army Corp of Engineers originally seized Winnebago land through eminent domain for a proposed recreation project that was never developed

While the Nebraska portions of the land would be returned to the tribe following legal challenges, the Iowa portion remained in federal possession and is currently 

The land is currently run by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and following the transfer, it will remain as conservation land.

“The decision to condemn and seize land from the Winnebago Tribe was a classic case of the government failing to uphold its promises,” Ernst said in a press release. “I’m proud to be part of the effort to right this wrong and return this land to the Winnebago people.”

The Winnebago Tribal Council is planning to hold a recognition ceremony and blessing at the site. The time, date and location are yet to be announced.

Tax credit update for small businesses providing paid family medical leave

Rep. Randy Feenstra joined a bipartisan effort to make tax credits for small businesses offering paid family and medical leave both permanent and more accessible.

The bill will let small businesses access the credit if they offer paid family and medical leave through an insurance company or in a state mandating it.

Additionally, the bill reduces the amount of time an employee must have worked for the company from one year to six months for the company to receive the credit.

“By making this important tax credit permanent for our main-street employers, we can deliver certainty for our small businesses, keep our workers healthy and employed and strengthen our economy and rural communities,” Feenstra said in the news release.

HEART Act seeks tax relief for natural disaster victims

Rep. Zach Nunn introduced a bill Monday that would provide tax relief for victims of tornadoes, storms and straight-line winds.

Heartland Emergency Assistance Relief from Tax Act of 2024 (HEART Act) comes as President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration for large portions of Iowa from heavy storms and extreme flooding. 

The HEART Act, which is co-sponsored by the other Iowa House representatives, will exclude any amount received by an individual as compensation for damage caused by some natural disasters from their gross taxable income.

“Unfortunately, it’s costly to rebuild – these storms take an emotional toll and fixing the physical damage is pricey. We can provide some relief to these families by reducing the tax burden and helping their funds go a little further,” Nunn said in a joint press release.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said at a Sunday news conference about 1,900 properties were impacted by flooding with thousands of people needing to evacuate.

“When our families receive financial compensation for damages and losses from severe weather, that money should not be taxed,” Feenstra said in the joint press release. “In the aftermath of storms and disasters, every dollar counts.”

To be exempt, the president must declare a major disaster for the area.

Iowa lawmakers call debate for Trump

Biden and former President Donald Trump had their first debate in Georgia Thursday night. Topics of debate included immigration, abortion policy and the candidates golf skills.

Rep. Ashley Hinson released a statement following the debate claiming that Trump “dominated” the debate and that America would put Trump back in the White House.

“Biden’s presidency, and his debate performance, are both massive failures,” Feenstra posted on personal Twitter account.

Nunn, Ernst and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks all made posts about the debate on their personal accounts on Twitter, currently known as X.

The only Iowa lawmaker to not post about the debate was Grassley.

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