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[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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