[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 19, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING SECURITY DETAIL AND CAPITOL POLICE OFFICERS

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, as the most senior Republican Senator 
in the Republican majority, I have had the privilege to serve as Senate 
President pro tempore in the 116th Congress. The last time a Senator 
from Iowa served in this constitutional office was 100 years ago. For 
the last 2 years, it has been my great honor each day to open the 
business of the Senate, welcome Chaplain Barry C. Black to lead us in 
opening prayer and recite the Pledge of Allegiance with my colleagues 
and staff. It was a distinct honor to enroll bills with my signature 
before they left Capitol Hill for the President's desk to be signed 
into law.
  Today, I pay tribute to a group of selfless professionals who was 
assigned to serve as my security detail. As this body knows, the 
President pro tempore serves in the Presidential line of succession and 
receives 24-hour protection. Now, as most Americans might imagine, it 
took some time to get accustomed to having a security detail following 
my every step, around the clock, 365 days a year. These dedicated 
professionals made the transition as seamless as possible. They served 
with integrity, discretion, and professionalism. Some of them might not 
have known the journey in store when they embarked 2 years ago on this 
assignment. By journey, I refer of course to my heavy travel schedule. 
For starters, I return nearly every weekend to Iowa and whenever the 
Senate is not in session. And lest anyone imagine there is a nonstop 
commercial flight between the Nation's Capital and my farm in Butler 
County, I will disabuse anyone of that fairy tale.
  Agents on my security detail became frequent fliers and intimately 
familiar with the map of Iowa. My work schedule includes my annual 99 
county meetings across the State. Last year, I finished my 40th 
consecutive year holding meetings with Iowans in courthouses, schools, 
factory floors, hospitals, and service clubs. Typically, Iowa weather 
adds a bit of uncertainty to the schedule. Last year, the pandemic 
opened a whole new can of worms. I want to thank my security detail for 
doing an exceptional job these past 2 years. I can confirm none of the 
agents indulges in a treat from Dairy Queen as much as I do.
  My security detail also learned on day one of their assignment that I 
am an early bird. I like to wake up early and get my morning jog in 
before the sun crests the horizon. They learned every step of my route 
in northern Virginia and the country gravel roads in Butler County, IA. 
The agents showed an exemplary work ethic and respect for punctuality 
which, as my staff and many Iowans who attend my meetings know, is very 
important to me. I don't like to waste time or money, especially on the 
taxpayer dime.
  Today, I salute the following members of the U.S. Capitol Police 
Dignitary Protection Division: Supervisory Agent David Rib, Agent Eric 
Boggs, Agent Shane Powell, Agent John Brito, Agent Eric Love, Agent 
Zachary Madera, Agent Daniel Murphy, Agent Arnold Pierre, Agent Luis 
Pimentel, Agent Ryan Rayball, Agent Zachary Samson, Agent John Whittle, 
Agent Joseph Larue, Agent Justin Godfrey, Agent Michael Bell, Agent 
Caleb Horton, Agent Muhammed Khan, Agent Tobey Murray, Agent Robert 
Schultz, Agent Travis Scott, Agent Richard Dahl, Agent Brandon Exum, 
Agent Carlos Fonseca, Agent Louis Mannella, Agent Brooke Littlewood, 
Agent Nicholas Koffarnus, Agent Wayland Massengill, Agent Jesse Cole, 
Agent Todd Sindelar, Agent Cory Flere, Agent Gabriel Santos-Muniz, and 
Agent Nicholas Wirth.
  Barbara and I enjoyed teaching some of the agents about agriculture 
at the Iowa State Fair. Together, we rooted for UNI Panthers wrestling, 
basketball, and volleyball on many occasions. Many of them became fond 
of Iowa. They discovered the meaning of ``Iowa Nice.'' Iowa will 
welcome you back anytime for a visit.
  Barbara and I have enjoyed getting to know you and for giving the 
full measure of devotion to your job to keep me safe and sound. The 
Capitol riots on January 6 revealed how seriously you take your oaths 
of office and I sincerely thank you for putting yourselves in harm's 
way on my behalf. We wish you and your families all the best in the 
years ahead.
  Speaking about the violent attacks that took place in the U.S. 
Capitol, on the 6th of January, I also extend my appreciation to the 
legion of Capitol Police officers who protect this sacred civic space. 
They put their lives on the line every day to put the safety of others 
before their own. They keep watch over 535 members of Congress, the 
thousands of staffers who serve the American people here in the 
legislative branch, and the millions of people and youth groups who 
come every year to visit the U.S. Capitol. The riots serve as a stark 
reminder never to take law enforcement for granted. We mourn the loss 
of two Capitol Police officers--Officer Brian D. Sicknick and Officer 
Howard Liebengood--who lost their lives this month. Barbara and I 
continue to pray for them and the loved ones they leave behind.

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