[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 139 (Wednesday, August 5, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S4899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            COVID-19 HEROES

  Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I want to thank my colleagues today--the 
Senator from Mississippi, the Senator from Kansas, and so forth--for 
coming down and spending just a little bit of time talking about the 
wonderful heroes we have in our home States, and we really do have so, 
so many of them.
  While the country is anxiously awaiting Washington to come together 
and pass an updated COVID relief package, we are truly blessed to have 
everyday heroes back in our 50 States who are working around the clock 
to help out their neighbors.
  Essential workers haven't taken a break. They have been keeping our 
country running--and not just during this global pandemic but every 
single day. I have heard, time and again, stories of Iowans helping 
Iowans. Folks are volunteering their time and their talents to serve 
their communities and ensure no one feels alone during this time of 
social distancing.
  When my friend Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that there was a 
shortage of face masks to protect frontline workers, Iowans, including 
my own mother, started sewing.
  Deb Siggins of Lisbon, IA, has made more than 400 masks that she has 
donated to a local hospital, her friends, and coworkers, the local fire 
department, grocery store employees, and elderly patients. She has even 
turned a tree near her home into a ``giving tree'' decorated with her 
homemade masks for people to take, which she is constantly updating. 
Deb plans to keep making the masks until they are no longer needed 
because she believes that sewing is her gift from God, which she can 
use to help others.
  Mary Shotwell of Des Moines wanted to give back to those helping her 
during this pandemic. In ``i-sew-lation,'' as she describes it, Mary 
sewed masks for her entire neighborhood and healthcare workers at 
Broadlawns Medical Center.
  In addition to the demand for masks, there has also been an increased 
need for food, especially to feed our hungry kiddos. Linn-Mar teacher 
Carla Ironside, who hasn't seen her students in the classroom since 
March, now sees some of them when they pick up meals at Feeding Lunches 
to Youth in Marion and Cedar Rapids, where she volunteers. Carla says 
the opportunity to serve these meals helps calm her anxious mind, 
knowing her students are fed. She said: ``I get to see their smiles . . 
. and it helps me, and I think it helps them.''
  But it is not just our wonderful teachers; students are doing their 
part too. Allie Stutting of Princeton, IA, who is a University of Iowa 
student, launched an effort to mobilize her peers to serve and protect 
those at heightened risk. Worried about the threat COVID posed to her 
grandparents and the elderly, Allie set up a network of young people 
called the Iowa City Errand-ers to get groceries and food, pick up 
prescriptions, and run other errands for older folks and others in 
need. Allie's idea has inspired an army of over 400 volunteers--yes, 
400 volunteers, folks.
  The story of these everyday heroes continues. To keep those who are 
venturing out safe, ambassadors from Operation Downtown are walking 
around Des Moines, cleaning and sanitizing handrailings, door handles, 
parking meters, and other high-touch surfaces.
  Julie Skalberg, an Operation Downtown ambassador, explains that it is 
an effort to help folks feel secure during what can be a very scary 
time.
  Despite the potential risk, Cynthia Allen--another Operation Downtown 
ambassador--says she feels that it is an honor to give back to our 
community.
  Folks, the actions of these and many, many others like them who are 
pitching in and doing their part are examples of what I like to call 
``Iowa Nice.'' For each of them, serving others is not a chore but, 
rather, a gift greeted with gratitude.
  At a time filled with immeasurable uncertainty, these heartland 
heroes are bringing comfort to their communities, including complete 
strangers, many who are isolated and alone.
  Defeating this virus will require the development of an effective 
vaccine, and Iowa is helping to lead the way in this effort. Right now, 
the hard-working folks at the University of Iowa's Medical School are 
working with Pfizer to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. In the annual 
Defense bill that recently passed the Senate, I helped increase funding 
for these types of studies and developments.
  The efforts of our bright young Iowa college students, combined with 
the work of Operation Warp Speed and the administration, provide great 
hope for the future development of cures, treatments, and vaccines. 
Now, as we wait for the results, let's not forget the hope that the 
stories of our everyday COVID heroes bring. It is the Iowa way: 
stepping up and doing your part--meeting the needs of family, friends, 
and even strangers.
  Folks, I have said it before, and I will say it yet once again here 
today: We will get through these challenging times, and we will do it 
together.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Iowa.
  Ms. ERNST. I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered

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