[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 130 (Wednesday, July 31, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5224-S5225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                                  Iowa

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, with August just around the corner, 
countless Iowans are preparing to fill up their gas tanks--many with 
Iowa-grown E15--and take to our scenic highways for one last summer 
road trip. I can tell you one thing: I will be hitting the Iowa 
roadways myself, and I really cannot wait, folks. Throughout the month, 
I will be continuing on what I call my 99 County Tour, an annual 
tradition where I visit each and every one of Iowa's 99 counties. I 
will be logging hundreds of miles and speaking with thousands of 
Iowans.
  It doesn't get any better than heading back home, getting out of this 
DC swamp, and talking with folks about the issues that matter most to 
them--like solutions to lower prescription drug prices, policies to 
help our farmers and small businesses thrive, and efforts to cut 
wasteful spending and to make them squeal here in Washington.
  So far, this year, my tour has brought me to over 50 Iowa counties, 
and I am aiming to visit another 30 or so before Labor Day. I will be 
crisscrossing the State, hosting townhalls and visiting the small 
businesses, farms, plants, and everyone else that are currently 
creating jobs and contributing to Iowa's current economic boom and 
record unemployment.
  Meeting with and hearing from my fellow Iowans is one of the best and 
most important parts of my job. Our elected officials should always be 
out there listening to the people we work for. It is our job, and it 
really does make us more effective lawmakers.
  For Iowans and folks across the Nation planning to hit the road this 
August, I hope you will take advantage of all that Iowa has to offer. 
With 99 counties, it means 99 unique communities for road warriors and 
families to visit and enjoy.
  There are national treasures like the Effigy Mounds National 
Monument, a sacred site that is located in Allamakee and Clayton 
Counties, featuring more than 200 American Indian mounds. There are 
historic gems like the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in Cedar 
County and Lewis and Clark State Park in Monona County.
  I am sure folks will be willing to fill their social media feeds with 
one-of-a-kind Iowa attractions like the American Gothic House in 
Wapello County, the world's largest concrete gnome, in Story County, 
and the famed Field of Dreams in Dubuque County.
  And who could forget the Iowa State Fair, truly the best State fair 
in North America and the crown jewel of Iowa attractions, with 
everything from the butter cow to peanut butter and jelly on a stick, 
hot beef sundaes, and, of course, good old-fashioned hotdogs. In fact, 
the Iowa State fair lists over 69 foods on a stick. That is right. It 
is on a stick, folks. You can try that at the fair this August.
  But while you are out on the road, there are a few things that you 
will not be able to avoid. First and foremost, it is Democrats running 
for President. Folks, they are everywhere in Iowa. You will not miss 
them. You also can't avoid Casey's Pizza. Why would you want to? That 
is my question.
  Now, inside the DC swamp, people may turn their nose up at gas 
station pizza--that is what it is, Casey's Pizza--but Iowans know it 
doesn't get any better than pizza from Casey's.
  One more thing Iowans will not be able to avoid on the roads this 
August is me. So, as I am out on my 99-county tour this August, if you 
happen to see me at a townhall or at a local business or organization 
or maybe even gassing up my Harley-Davidson at Casey's or waiting in 
line for a slice of pizza, please be sure to stop and say hello.

[[Page S5225]]

  So, folks, hit the roads this August. Make that one last trip with 
your family. Get out and see those sites, and for heaven's sake, swing 
through Iowa. Visit our Iowa-nice folks.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Perdue). The Senator from Montana.