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China announced today that it will raise tariffs on $60 billion in U.S. goods in retaliation for the U.S. decision to hike duties on Chinese goods. President Donald Trump raised duties on $200 billion in Chinese products to 25% from 10%. The world’s two largest economies have struggled to sign a trade deal. Iowa’s 4thdistrict congressman Steve King says he is disappointed that the US and China couldn’t reach a deal and understands the distress of farmers. King says that’s why he is pushing hard for President Trump to approve the China trade deal.
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“I try to dial it down in public as much as I can, because I don’t want see the Chinese point and say ‘Well Steve King said this, that could theoretically weaken the president’s hand.”
King says he would also like to see the US-Mexico-Canada Trade deal finalized, because that would open up those North American markets for US corn, soybeans and pork.
Congressman Steve King also visited the 185th Air Refueling Wing and new commander Colonel Mark Muckey (Muck-ee).
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“It’s an opportunity to give him an update on the things we have going on. What we are supporting around the globe and give him an update and a strategic thought on where the 185TH is headed in the future.”
Colonel Muckey took over for outgoing commander Colonel Larry Christenson at a “change of command” ceremony in March.
The 185th recently returned from a medical mission providing free care to people in Puerto Rico. Currently, a civil engineering team is working on a new school for the U.S. territory. Plus, the refueling wing is constantly flying missions to the Middle East.
Next month, the 185th will hold a grand opening on a new building for the unit’s medical clinic, communications and food services.
An Indianola attorney who has never run for public office is the first Democrat to take on first-term Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst.
Kimberly Graham is planning to make a campaign announcement late tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon in Indianola.
She was raised in California, but came to Des Moines in the 1990s to attend Drake University.
Two-term state representative Ashley Hinson of Marion is the first Republican to officially announce a challenge to incumbent Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer in Iowa’s first district.
The former television news anchor turned lawmaker filed her candidacy papers today (Monday).
Former Congressman Rod Blum (bluhm) is also considering a run to take back the seat he lost to Finkenauer in 2018.
