Iowa
These Iowans will join their delegates for President Trump’s address to Congress
What to know ahead of President Trump’s joint session of Congress
This is what to know ahead of President Donald Trump’s first joint session of Congress.
A few Iowans are going to Washington D.C. to listen to President Donald Trump’s address to Congress on Tuesday evening.
All six of Iowa’s representatives and senators can bring a guest to the address.
This event is not considered an official State of the Union Address because Trump was only sworn into office less than two months ago. Many modern presidents have been invited to address Congress shortly after their inauguration, but official State of the Union addresses only occur after they’ve been in office for at least a year.
How to watch Trump’s address to Congress?
Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, March 4.
Multiple media outlets have announced plans to start live coverage of the address at 8 p.m. CT ABC, Fox News, NPR, PBS and more.
The Des Moines Register, in partnership with USA TODAY, will carry a livestream on its website and app.
Who is Sen. Joni Ernst bringing to Trump’s address to Congress? What to know about Iowan Scott Root
Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will be joined by Iowan Scott Root, the father of Sarah Root, for Trump’s address to Congress.
Sarah Root was killed on Jan. 31, 2016, by a drunk driver who wasn’t a U.S. citizen at the time of her death.
Ernst wrote and advocated for the passage of Sarah’s Law, which requires the detention of undocumented immigrants who are charged with serious crimes. It was added as an amendment to the Laken Riley Act in January and passed by Congress.
Who is Sen. Chuck Grassley bringing to Trump’s address to Congress?
Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley is bringing his wife, Barbara Grassley, his press secretary, David Bader, told the Register on Monday.
Who is Rep. Ashley Hinson bringing to Trump’s address to Congress?
Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson is bringing Emily Schmitt, the chair of Iowa’s DOGE Task Force, to Trump’s address to Congress.
“Together, we are highlighting the importance of an efficient government that is focused on saving taxpayer dollars, ending ridiculous regulations, and working for the people,” Hinson said, according to a spokesperson from her office. “Iowa was doing DOGE before it was cool, and with Emily’s help, we’re going to keep spreading Iowa commonsense in Washington.”
Who is Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks bringing to Trump’s address?
Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will bring Riley Gaines, a swimmer and conservative activist who has spoken against transgender people participating in women’s sports.
“I began speaking up about this issue in my first term in Congress after girls sports coaches in Iowa brought it to my attention,” Miller-Meeks said, according to an email from her office. “After we both attended President Trump’s Executive Order signing last month, I thought it was important to have Riley attend his Joint Address. I look forward to hearing from President Trump tomorrow and applaud his commonsense commitment to protecting women’s sports.”
Who is Rep. Zach Nunn bringing to Trump’s address to Congress?
Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn will be joined by Jeremy Lindquist, the mayor of Runnells. He is also a member of the local plumbers and pipefitters.
Who is Rep. Randy Feenstra bringing to Trump’s address to Congress?
Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra announced he will bring Brad Moline and his 16-year-old daughter, Ava, to the address to Congress. The Moline Family celebrated 100 years and four generations of raising turkeys in Calhoun County. Ave Moline is carrying on the family tradition, according to a social media post from Feenstra.
Reporting contributed by Natalie Neysa Alund.
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.