River Bend Times

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who represents Iowa’s 1st district in the U.S. Congress, hosted her third telephone town hall of the 119th Congress on October 15, 2025. The event drew participation from 10,700 Iowans and focused on the ongoing government shutdown.

Miller-Meeks, a 24-year Army veteran, addressed questions from constituents and provided updates on the shutdown. She stated, "I’m always grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from Iowans, answer their questions, and provide updates on the ongoing government shutdown. As a 24-year Army veteran, I voted to keep the government open because our troops, veterans, and working families deserve better. House Republicans have done our part by passing a clean, bipartisan funding bill that would reopen the government, it’s time for Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats to do their jobs, put the American people first, and vote to end this shutdown."

During the town hall, a poll was conducted regarding whether illegal immigrants should be eligible for Medicaid. According to Miller-Meeks’ office, 94% of callers responded that they do not believe illegal immigrants should be on Medicaid.

Miller-Meeks has served in Congress since 2021, following her previous tenure in the Iowa Senate from 2019 to 2021. She succeeded Dave Loebsack in representing Iowa’s 1st district. Miller-Meeks, born in Herlong, California in 1955, currently resides in Le Claire. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University in 1976.