TFL’s Capitol Connection – Details, episodes & analysis

In this special recap episode, TFL's Capitol Team breaks down the top 3 wins from the legislative session—plus how a dangerous bill was defeated. We’re also pulling back the curtain on the big issues heading into 2026.

If you care about Iowa, families, or freedom—this is the one to hear.

The FAMiLY Leader's top #prolife priority this session has passed! PLUS: Praise and #prayer resound at the Iowa Capitol, and more ...

Legislators introduced an explosive new bill this week that defines sex as male and female — not "gender identity." 

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast to discuss the significance of the bill, plus: 

• The role YOU can play in restoring common sense on sex and gender
• A special election that could turn the tide in Iowa
• Good news on 3 of TFL's legislative priorities

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Ryan Benn and Josiah Oleson join the podcast after standing in gap for you, testifying before legislators on issues like:

• Doctors' rights to serve patients according to their conscience
• "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" at Iowa universities
• PLUS: A key, special election coming up in Iowa

The FAMiLY Leader’s Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast after an explosive week under the Golden Dome that included dueling rallies, protests, and arrests.

Today's topics:

• Protesters prompt Iowa police action
• Trump's continued stand on sex and gender
• Protecting the medical right of conscience
• A funeral for a sitting legislator

The FAMiLY Leader's Capitol insiders Chuck Hurley and Ryan Benn join the podcast after testifying on 20+ bills in the first two weeks of the Iowa legislative session, including:

• Life
• Protecting children online
• Pronouns in schools
• Homeschooling
• Paid parental leave

The halls of the Capitol have grown quiet. The gavel has sounded. It took until 4:30 in the morning on a Saturday, but the 2024 Iowa legislative session has adjourned.

So which bills passed? Which fell short? And how did The FAMiLY Leader do on the bills that matter most to family and biblical values?

Veteran lobbyists Chuck Hurley and Danny Carroll join the podcast to break it down, including announcing the "final score" in baseball terms!

Iowa first passed its Heartbeat Law - protecting children in the womb from the moment their heartbeats can be detected - back in 2018. But to this day, that law still has not gone into effect.

Why can't Iowa find a way to protect preborn children?

Well, just last week, a major abortion case was heard before the justices of the Iowa State Supreme Court, signaling a breakthrough may be coming soon.

The FAMiLY Leader's Drew Zahn and former State Supreme Court Clerk Ryan Benn break down where Iowa's abortion law currently stands, why it's "stuck," and why YOUR prayers are urgently needed for a key decision that might just change everything.

TFL's Director of Policy Ryan Benn joins the podcast today to talk about an exclusive event with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a HUGE win for religious liberty, two MORE pro-life wins for women and babies, and an urgent prayer request for one of the biggest Iowa Supreme Court cases of our lifetimes.

Listen today for one of the most significant and good news podcasts of the year!

Shocking truth: Tens of thousands of children suffer slavery and even death each and every year in Iowa - but the good news is, there's something YOU can do about it!

In today's episode, TFL's Capitol Connection urges you to contact your legislator about a bill that has already been demonstrated to protect thousands of children - as young as 8 or 10 years old - from being snared and enslaved by the pornography industry. And in a rare, double alert, we're asking you to contact your legislator about a separate bill that could save thousands more from the death in the abortion industry!

ALSO in today's episode: TFL's Greg Baker breaks down how TFL is having an impact around the country, even in states considered to be "deep blue":