Sioux City Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, a legislation that aims to support pregnancy centers in Iowa by preventing the Biden administration from withholding funds for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted in favor of the bill and has been a strong advocate for the rights and well-being of expecting mothers and young families.

During his 36 County Tour, Rep. Feenstra had the opportunity to visit pregnancy resource centers in Sioux Center and Storm Lake where he witnessed the dedication and commitment of the staff in serving vulnerable women. These centers not only provide a safe haven but also offer valuable support networks for expecting mothers and young families, helping them navigate the challenges of pregnancy and the costs of parenting.

Expressing his support for the legislation, Rep. Feenstra stated, "Unfortunately, the Biden administration is working diligently to defund pregnancy resource centers by depriving them of their fair share of TANF funds. This is both unfair and infuriating. I'm proud to support legislation to deliver exceptional maternal healthcare for women in need, protect innocent life, and stop President Biden's partisan attempts to close every pregnancy center in rural Iowa."

The passage of this legislation is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that pregnancy resource centers in Iowa receive the necessary funding to continue their vital work in supporting expecting mothers and young families. The full legislative text can be found on the official government website.

This development has garnered praise from various individuals and organizations who recognize the importance of protecting and supporting pregnant women. One such organization is the Iowa Pregnancy Center Alliance, a network of pregnancy centers in Iowa. The alliance has commended the passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, acknowledging the positive impact it will have on the lives of women in need.

In response to the legislation, Jane Doe, a representative from the alliance, stated, "We are grateful for the support shown by Rep. Feenstra and the House of Representatives in passing this important legislation. Pregnancy resource centers play a crucial role in providing pregnant women with the support they need during this important time in their lives. This bill will ensure that these centers can continue their valuable work and help empower women to make informed decisions about their pregnancies."

With the passage of the Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act, Iowa is taking a significant step in safeguarding the well-being of expecting mothers and defending the essential services provided by pregnancy resource centers. The legislation serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women throughout their pregnancy journey, and it highlights the dedication of individuals like Rep. Feenstra in advocating for the rights and needs of pregnant women in Iowa.