On Wednesday, I was back on the road meeting with Iowans on my 39 County Tour with my first stop in Storm Lake.

I participated in a roundtable discussion with Power Up Iowa - a statewide energy coalition - and Buena Vista University President Brian Lenzmeier. We talked about my STUDENT Act, which helps students understand the full cost of their college education, the importance of expanding Pell grants, and investing in biofuels to power the future.

On my second stop of the day, I toured Rinker Materials, a member of the American Concrete Pipe Association, in Humboldt County.

They manufacture concrete pipes for many different construction projects, including concrete water pipes that run under our roads across Iowa. I will continue to be a strong partner for our businesses in the 4th District.

On my third stop, I met with Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener, and talked about efforts to ensure public safety and support our brave law enforcement officers.

He also told me that Fort Dodge can track fentanyl and other laced drugs back to our open southern border. We need to secure our border and keep our families and communities safe from the scourge of the opioid epidemic.

I wrapped up my first day of 39 County Tour stops in Forest City. I first toured the John V. Hanson Career Center affiliated with North Iowa Area Community College, which helps prepare high school students for careers in construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.

I then visited the Boman Fine Arts Center, which is a 600-seat theatre in town.

Rising input costs and unfair market practices by the Big Four Meatpackers are negatively impacting our independent producers.

As the second largest agricultural district in the country, I am working hard to help our farmers and rural communities thrive.

I kicked off the second day of my 39 County Tour at McKesson in Clear Lake.

At this facility, employees use state-of-the-art technologies to ensure that prescription drugs are delivered to hospitals and pharmacies as quickly and safely as possible.

On my second stop of the day, I toured McLaughlin Family Companies with my friend Senator Tom Cotton in Scranton.

We talked about my National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, our work to expand skills training, and the supply chain crisis impacting their daily operations.

I wrapped up my final stop of the week at Prestage Farms in Eagle Grove.

We discussed our thriving pork industry in Iowa and rural housing initiatives in the 4th District. Meeting with Iowans on my 39 County Tour is one of the best and most important parts of my job.

Earlier this week, Governor Reynolds issued a disaster declaration for Emmet, Hancock, O' Brien, and Winnebago Counties in response to the severe weather we experienced on Tuesday.

This declaration authorizes critical state resources to help our farms and communities rebuild. I am grateful for the Governor's swift action.

It's that time of the year again! Our county fairs in Iowa are the best in the country, and a large part of our rural traditions in the 4th District.

Check out the days and times for fairs all over Siouxland in the months ahead!