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Dear Friend –
Due to the challenges created by COVID-19, we know that Thanksgiving will look different this year, and the traditions we normally share with our friends, neighbors, and loved ones will be altered. Unfortunately, this virus won’t be taking a holiday – and the impacts of the pandemic continue to be felt across Iowa and the entire nation.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
That’s why I’m urging my colleagues to come to the table and pass additional COVID relief for Iowans – from our working families and child care providers, to our farmers and small businesses.
I’m also encouraging Iowans to stay safe and stay strong as we fight COVID-19. Let’s all continue to do our part by masking up, social distancing, and washing our hands, to help stop the spread of this virus.
Here’s a recap of what else I’ve been working on this week:
Honoring the Sacrifices of Our Military Families
At any given moment, thousands of men and women – moms and dads, brothers and sisters – are stationed around the world standing vigilant in the defense of freedom. Just like the brave men and women who are serving our nation in uniform, our military families are our nation’s heroes, too.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
As a combat veteran with over 23 years of service between the Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, I understand what many families are going through. And I have a deep sense of gratitude for the sacrifice our men and women in uniform make for the good of their neighbors.
During Military Family Appreciation Month, we honor all the sacrifices our military families make to support loved ones who are serving our nation in uniform.
Supporting Our Servicemembers Returning Home
When many of our servicemembers return from combat, they continue fighting an internal battle at home. In the Senate, one of my top priorities has been ensuring our veterans have the support they need to overcome mental health struggles.
I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation named to honor the memory of two Marines who died by suicide, including Iowan Cpl. Adam Lambert. The bill would help support the mental health needs of servicemembers and veterans as they return to their local communities.
U.S. Olympics Reform Legislation Signed Into Law
For decades, Larry Nassar perpetrated acts of sexual abuse against hundreds of young female athletes, and the U.S. Olympic system failed to take action. Since the news first broke, I’ve been working across the aisle to prevent this type of horrific abuse from ever happening again.
As a survivor of sexual assault, I was proud to support the bipartisan Empowering Olympic and Amateur Athletes Act that will help empower our athletes, improve the process for reporting abuse, and restore trust and integrity in the U.S. Olympic system. I’m grateful for my colleagues and the president in getting this important bill signed into law.
BONUS READ
This year—thousands of Americans in uniform will not be home to celebrate the holidays and countless special occasions with their families. As a nation, we also must recognize their loved ones at home. While our troops are away serving our nation, military families face unique challenges.
Click here or on the image above to read my column.
As we approach the holidays, I encourage Iowans, and all Americans, to take a moment and thank our servicemembers and their families for their service to our great country. We owe it to the soldiers thousands of miles away defending our freedoms to ensure that their loved ones are cared for here at home.
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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