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WEEK IN REVIEW
After wrapping up my sixth annual 99 County Tour across Iowa last week, I brought the voices and ideas of Iowans back to Washington as I continue my work in the United States Senate.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
This week, I stressed what I heard from folks in every corner and county of the state: the importance of providing additional relief to Iowans to ensure they have the support they need during COVID-19.
Here are some of the highlights of additional items I’ve been working on this week.
Fighting for More COVID-19 Relief
Whether it’s our farmers, families, unemployed folks, small businesses, or child care providers, there’s no doubt about it – Iowans need more relief to get through this pandemic.
I supported the targeted COVID-19 relief package that included my provision for child care providers, access to a second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans for Iowa small businesses, additional support for farmers, unemployed Iowans, and much more.
At a time when Iowans and the American people needed us to step up, Senate Democrats once again let politics get in the way. This pandemic does not care about politics – our friends across the aisle need to work in good-faith, and help deliver relief to Iowans.
Honoring Our Heroes on 9/11
As our nation recognized the 19th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, I continued my bipartisan work to honor the servicemembers, fallen soldiers, their families, and all those impacted by the Global War on Terrorism.
Senator Maggie Hassan and I put forward the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act that builds on my ongoing work to help construct a memorial to honor the lives of those lost in and impacted by this war.
The Global War on Terrorism has impacted millions of Americans across our nation. While nothing will ever restore the lives we have lost, this memorial will serve as a tribute to the brave men and women, and their loved ones, who have sacrificed in defense of our freedom.
My bipartisan effort brings us one step closer to establishing a memorial to honor these heroes for generations to come.
Protecting Law Enforcement
Over the last several months, peaceful protesting has turned violent and ripped through our city streets from coast to coast. In the midst of the destruction and lawless behavior, attacks against law enforcement have increased and intensified.
That’s why I joined my Senate colleagues to urge Attorney General William Barr to consider whether the Department of Justice needs additional authorities, resources, and tools to combat these attacks against law enforcement.
By allowing anarchist jurisdictions to prevail, local leaders in these cities have failed their people by forbidding law enforcement and emergency responders from doing their jobs, resulting in the tragic loss of life. I’ve been pushing to ensure Iowans aren’t footing the bill for the destruction and reconstruction of these liberal cities.
After my urging, the president recently announced he is directing the White House Office of Management and Budget to begin the process of reviewing federal funding to five lawless jurisdictions. I’m glad the administration has listened to my call for action and taken steps to end taxpayer funding of anarchy.
More Derecho Relief
Iowa’s hardworking farmers and producers were hit hard by the August derecho, and I’ve been pushing to ensure they’re provided the relief they need. I joined Senator Chuck Grassley to urge the administration to lift Section 232 tariffs on steel our agriculture community needs to rebuild – especially machine sheds and grain bins.
As you know, the derecho devastated communities across our state, including the Meskwaki Nation, which is why I urged the administration to take action to provide them with critical relief. I was pleased the administration took action this week to support the Sac & Fox Tribe as they continue to rebuild.
Traveling Office Hours
Assisting Iowans with casework is one of my top priorities, and my office is continuing to help folks across our state during COVID-19 and derecho recovery.
My team of Regional Directors will be holding traveling office hours in all of Iowa’s 99 counties to assist Iowans in working with federal agencies.
Visit my website to see a list of locations where office hours will be held. If you’re unable to attend office hours in person, submit a casework request online here.
BONUS READ
On September 11, 2001, without warning, our nation was attacked. You probably remember where you were on that horrible day; I know I do. If we learned anything from the tragic events of 9/11, it’s that we should never take our nation and our freedoms for granted.
Click here or on the image above to read my column in The Gazette.
For more updates on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to ‘Like’ my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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