[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CORONAVIRUS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. COVID-19, as we all know, has thrown a wrench into 
America's corners of commerce and manufacturing, in addition to 
threatening lives and the loss of lives. The unprecedented effort to 
stop the spread has shut down life as we know it, closing schools, 
movie theaters, gyms, salons, and restaurants in a hysterical approach 
to it.
  I always say we have had pandemics before, but never have we shut 
down the government, shut down Congress the way we have. Our moves have 
disrupted our food supply chain and pulled the rug out from underneath 
our economy. Yet, across my home State, Iowa businesses and industries 
stepped up to the plate. Ethanol plants, local distilleries, and others 
teamed up to produce hand sanitizers for hospitals, nursing homes, and 
local law enforcement. Others retooled their factories and redirected 
their workforce to sew masks and produce face shields and other 
supplies to replenish personal protective equipment for our frontline 
workers. Across Iowa, businesses have shown there is nothing halfway 
about the Iowa Way.
  I yield the floor.

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