Rep. Ashley Hinson: “America First, Not America Alone”

By Michele Justic

With Iranian missile strikes abroad and airport chaos and rising fuel costs at home, NORPAC-LI was honored to host Rep. Ashley Hinson for an informative parlor meeting.

A former award-winning journalist, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) connects with audiences and communicates clearly. She proudly represents Northeast Iowa in Congress and is running to be Iowa’s next Senator in 2026.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Hinson has supported numerous pro-Israel measures including: HR5933: Defending Education Transparency and Ending Rogue Regimes Engaging in Nefarious Transactions (DETERRENT) Act, HR5961: No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, and HR8369: the “Israel Security Assistance Support Act” which seeks to prevent withholding delivery of critical weapons to Israel.

Congresswoman Hinson explains her stance on the US-Israel relationship, “I always think it’s really easy to do the right thing. And I’ve been there in person, I’ve seen the systems in place that we need to fund that actually advance America’s interests.”

In the larger scheme of American diplomacy, Congresswoman Hinson explains her approach as “America First, but not America alone.” She continues, “I think it makes us safer at home if we have stronger alliances and relationships around the world. And I think we’re seeing that play out right now, especially with what’s happening with Iran…It is absolutely critical that we see this through and Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.”

Congresswoman Hinson emphasizes her support for the current administration, “President Trump has been consistent in his foreign policy toward Iran, making sure again, we’re putting a stop to these terrorist proxies.” As living proof, she points to a lady in Iowa who was one of the hostages in 1980. “I can say they’ve literally been terrorizing Iowans and Americans and others around the world and killing people indiscriminately for decades. We can’t allow that to continue…I am backing the State Department, the Department of War and our fighters, and making sure we see this through.”

When faced with difficult decisions regarding military spending on the House Appropriations Committee, the Congresswoman notes, “I think even Republicans kind of balked at a $200 billion number. I look at the ROI [return on investment] on that. If it is to replenish a lot of our stock, which in many cases, it is, we need to be ready for the next conflict, and we need to focus on deterrence. We need to make sure that we have the energetics and the things that we need to make our weapons, and we need to scale up our defense manufacturing.” After receiving in depth briefings with Secretary Rubio, Hegseth, and General Caine, Republicans and Democrats asked questions to make sure that any conflict is justified. “After that briefing, I can tell you that I am very proud that I did not block the President’s war powers, that he has the latitude to be able to do what he needs to do.” Regarding allies in NATO, she thinks there is “a void in leadership in Europe. We don’t need another Chamberlain; we need another Churchill.”

Regarding the evident information war, Congresswoman Hinson proudly points to the fact that “The governor of Iowa tamped down [anti-semitic protests] very quickly. She made very clear, there’s a difference between hate speech and First Amendment and made sure our college campuses acted accordingly.” The Congresswoman suggests that online misinformation may be amplified by Iranian proxies and other foreign actors, possibly including China. “They love to create discord amongst Americans. And what’s the fastest way to do that? Pick a topic that’s sensitive and press, right?” She also suspects the “Tucker Carlson element… has gotten a good stronghold.” The Congresswoman “uses [anti-Israel questions based on misinformation] as an opportunity to correct the record and educate them as to why those things matter. …I think we absolutely need to be efficient, and every dollar we are spending should advance American interests, whether it’s here, at home or abroad. Value exists with our investments in Israel. It exists in making sure that Russia doesn’t win the war with Ukraine.” She relates that on a trip to that tumultuous region, Polish residents expressed fear that Communism could happen again based on proximity alone, similar to the threats Israel faces [from neighbors].”

NORPAC aims to fight the information war, through informational sessions as well as the upcoming Mission to Washington on May 13. Congresswoman Hinson, one of many representatives who will meet in small sessions with members of NORPAC, encourages everyone to attend. “It is important because I think we also need to know that there are people who have our back on the issues we’re fighting for. It’s one thing to know you’re doing the right thing. It’s another to see you’re doing the right thing. I always learn something new from every group that comes into my office.

NORPAC-LI copresident Stanley Stern agrees, “What makes us so effective is not just the support we give, but the relationships that we build, the consistency that we have in these relationships, and the credibility and trust that comes from showing up again and again on these issues with clarity and purpose. Members of Congress see average Americans who care deeply about these issues, not paid lobbyists. Those conversations are very impactful, and they stay with them.”

On May 13, join over 1,200 participants to advocate for Israel on Capitol Hill. Transportation and training are provided. Register today at https://norpac.net/mission-to-washington.