Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) is utilizing his official office funds to promote the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” in his district. The 30-second ad, first previewed to The Hill, features waitress Erika Pirtle from Whisky River Bar & Grill in Ankeny, Iowa, discussing the benefits of the megalaw that exempts tips from being taxed. The ad highlights the relief that comes from the megalaw, as workers like Pirtle are no longer taxed on tips they earn. Nunn is spending $12,000 on the digital ad buy targeting his district, which comes from his official taxpayer-funded office funds, not campaign funds.
Lawmakers can use funds allocated to their office to distribute mass communications to their constituents on matters related to their representational duties that are not campaign-related and do not include a call to action. In recent years, members of the House have used franked communications on radio, television, and digital ads. Nunn is now using that tool to promote the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” as House Republicans face criticism for not doing enough to sell President Trump’s signature legislation. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has not seen a massive effort to sell the “big beautiful bill” and what it stands for.
