Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tireless advocate for the refugee community, Ms. Erin Bell, as Iowan of the Week.

Erin runs the non-profit organization ``Des Moines Refugee Support'' based in Des Moines and the metro area. Erin is known as someone who has a big heart and an even bigger vision for supporting thousands of refugees in central Iowa. Des Moines Refugee Support strives to serve as a voice, friend, and mentor for all refugees as they make a new home in Iowa. Their focus as an organization is on empowerment, and they strive to address shared issues and work together to uplift all communities.

Upon arrival in the United States, refugee families receive about 90 days of assistance from a caseworker to help them learn about their new home. That's not much time when there's so much to learn. Erin's goal is to fill the gaps when refugees arrive in Iowa.

One of the programs designed to help fill the gaps is their youth soccer sponsorship program. Erin saw the passion for soccer among many of the refugee children, and knew she had to find a way to bring their dream of playing organized soccer to life. Des Moines Refugee Support partnered with Des Moines Soccer club to raise money through the nonprofit to pay for the kids' cleats, shin guards, registration fees and other items associated with playing an organized sport. This has allowed the kids that are brand new to Iowa an opportunity to make new friends, get involved in their community, and of course play soccer.

Advocates like Erin, and organizations like Des Moines Refugee Support, are what makes our Iowa communities across the state such great places to live. I will always fight in Congress to be a voice for refugees, and to ensure Iowa is a welcoming place. It is my pleasure to name Erin Bell as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Diane and Robert Findlay as Iowans of the Week.

Every day, people of all ages and backgrounds read books for different reasons. Some read books to spark their imagination, and others read books for more insight on fascinating topics. For Diane and Robert Findlay, books are so much more than that. The Findlays started a book club in their community of Dallas Center, Iowa called Read & Serve. This group is not your average get-together to discuss the week's literature. The Read & Serve book club is made up of members of different faiths, like Baha'is, Christians, and free thinkers alike. While their faiths vary, they all share a common passion: community. Diane and Robert belong to the Baha'i faith, and they constantly look for opportunities to get involved in their local community, specifically through prayer, learning, and serving with neighbors and friends.

While the Read & Serve book club enjoys discussing their current readings, they also enjoy participating in service projects to further cultivate their collective sense of community. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Findlay's book club still wanted to find a project to get involved with that allowed them to give back, albeit in a safe manner. They heard of a project happening in New York where people were donating their used books to local and county jails for the incarcerated individuals to delve into. The Read & Serve book club connected with the Dallas County Sheriff and Dallas County Jail to see what they could do to get new books into the facility.

The Findlay's book club, with the help of the county jail, created a survey listing a multitude of genres to gauge the interest of the inmates. The survey showed they were interested in almost every genre imaginable. From westerns

to Shakespeare, thrillers to poetry, these individuals seemed eager to get their hands on the covers and their minds into the pages.

Since the Findlays have started this project, they have been sending new copies of used books to the Dallas County Jail every third Tuesday each month. After the local news covered their story, more and more people from across their community, even across the country, contacted the Findlays stating their desire to contribute books. Even an author from Texas contributed signed copies of books they have published all because they were inspired by the Findlay's story.

Diane and Robert have felt the most rewarding aspect of their project is seeing how much interest has been generated in their community and around the country. They have received many calls and emails expressing gratitude for their efforts to support a community within our country that is often forgotten. Many of these calls and emails are accompanied by requests to send the Findlays more books, or even requests for instructions as to how others can start similar projects in their own communities.

Books can make profound impacts on the lives of readers. Books inform us, captivate us, and allow us to grow through the stories and narratives laid out on the pages. I'm proud of the work constituents like Diane and Robert are doing, and I'm thrilled that their desire to serve their community has made an impact on communities across the Nation. I am honored to designate Diane and Robert Findlay as our Iowans of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Council Bluffs Police Officer Lt. Dan Flores as Iowan of the Week. Dan has lived in Council Bluffs since 1981 and has become a staple in his community. Dan has committed himself to helping others throughout his career with the Council Bluffs Police Department, through his work with Centro Latino advocacy, and during his continued service directing the Iowa Western Community College security force.

Dan knew he wanted to join law enforcement since middle school. He would go on to receive his Bachelor's Degree from Minnesota State at Mankato after completing a 2-year degree at North Iowa Community College. He was the first in his family to obtain a four-year degree. After his college graduation, he joined the Council Bluffs Police Department where he served for thirty-six years. During that time, Dan became a positive influence within the Police Department and the community at large. As a detective, Dan is proud to have worked on cases that made the community safer. Dan strengthened police programs such as the Chaplain Corp and the drug take-back program.

In addition to his police service, Dan sought out another way to give back to his community. In 2015, Dan joined the Board of Directors for Centro Latino in Council Bluffs, a non-profit organization focused on Hispanic/Latino community building. Dan was drawn to Centro Latino thinking about how his ancestors would have benefited from an organization like Centro Latino. During his time with the organization, Centro Latino has seen strong growth. With a larger operating budget and staff, Centro Latino continues to provide community resources for the Southwest Iowa Hispanic/Latino community. Next month Centro Latino is looking forward to an open house at their learning center, and hosting Latino Festival 2021 on September 25th. Dan is also looking forward to keeping up with Centro Latino's future successes.

After retiring from the police department in 2017, Dan looked for an opportunity to get involved with Iowa Western Community College where several members of his family had attended. He serves as Director of Safety and Security for the College, safeguarding the campus and students. His current involvement

with IWCC has additional meaning for Dan, as he took his police academy training at Iowa Western in 1982. Dan very much looks forward to continuing to assist students as they continue their education in the fall and beyond.

Dan's commitment to others through his service and advocacy deserves special recognition. It is my pleasure to honor Dan Flores as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pam Carmichael, a tireless advocate for stable, affordable, and quality housing, as Iowan of the Week.

Pam's passion for housing advocacy started while she was studying political science, sociology, and social work at the University of Iowa. In her time as a student, Pam counseled renters at a tenants' rights organization and worked on housing ordinances that later became law. In 1980, she started working as a housing counselor at HOME Inc., a nonprofit housing organization in Des Moines.

Pam served as the executive director of HOME Inc. from 1984 until her upcoming retirement this year, and she has participated in various advocacy efforts through this role. She has worked on multiple legislative projects, from pushing for infrastructure improvements, to creating Iowa's Shelter Assistance Fund. Pam also helped create the Polk County Housing Trust Fund and the Des Moines and Iowa Coalitions for the Homeless. Those are just a couple of examples of all the work Pam has done.

Her breadth of knowledge in housing issues spans from home buyer education to counseling, revitalization programs, landlord education and more. Pam's expertise has been incredibly valuable and helpful to thousands of people in Des Moines, and she said she feels very blessed to see the number of people she's helped.

Pam mentioned she's most proud of having worked with so many incredible colleagues who also believe everyone has a right to safe, affordable housing. She also appreciates the caring people in Des Moines, and the way that the community comes together in a crisis.

As for her post-retirement plans, Pam is taking at least one year to work on her own house for a change. After a year, she'll get back into helping people, whether that be in housing or mental health services.

I'd like to take a moment to congratulate Pam on her retirement and thank her for all the work she has done to help our families in Des Moines. Pam said: ``Home is a place we all need, and without it, we won't flourish,'' and I completely agree with her. That's why I will continue to fight in Congress to support affordable housing initiatives, just as Pam has done her whole career. It is my pleasure to recognize Pam Carmichael as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a tireless advocate, role model, leader, and the CEO of Children & Families of Iowa Janice Lane Schroeder as Iowan of the Week.

Janice is a leader in Iowa's statewide efforts to serve families harmed by substance abuse, mental health crises, domestic abuse, and other life circumstances. After starting her career working with chemically dependent adults, she now heads the hardworking team at Children & Families of Iowa.

This nonprofit is one of the top family services organizations in our state. Through its varied programs and services, the organization helps everyone from children who need a safe home to adults learning to cope with trauma. Children & Families of Iowa goes beyond offering solutions for families and children in crisis; the organization offers hope when it may seem like there is none. They offer a chance to build better futures and provide an opportunity to change lives.

The saying the apple doesn't fall far from the tree applies to Janice and her family. She learned through her own family's service to others, and that inspired her to become the leader and advocate she is today. Her father, Rev. Hardest Lane, founded the nonprofit H.E. Lane Center for Positive Change to assist men reentering the community from incarceration. Her mother, Janice O. Lane, a missionary and National Merit Scholarship Corp. administrator, led work establishing a family reunification center so women could be visited by their children.

With everything she's already accomplished in her career, Janice still has a few more projects on her bucket list. Some of those projects include: developing a multicultural, clinical team specializing in child welfare in marginalized communities, further establishing existing initiatives in early childhood education, and parent-child educational opportunities; developing more accessible mental health care treatments for survivors of domestic abuse; and improving employment education for youths.

It is Janice's passion for the work that she does that makes her such an effective leader and community advocate, and it is people like her who make Iowa such a great place. I will continue to fight in Congress to support organizations like Children & Families of Iowa and amplify the continued efforts of advocates like Janice. It is my pleasure to honor Janice Lane Schroeder as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Brigham Hoegh and Erin Lain, founders of Corn 4 a Cause, as our Iowans of the Week.

If you are from Iowa, have heard about Iowa, or have traveled through Iowa, you know that corn is not just part of our beautiful scenery, it's also part of our heritage and culture. This cherished crop symbolizes and fosters work, livelihoods, and communities across our great state. Even though Iowa has a rich agricultural industry producing bountiful crops like corn, many families here still struggle with access to fresh produce to put on their dinner tables. That's why Brigham and Erin have come in to help.

Brigham Hoegh and Erin Lain founded Corn 4 a Cause roughly four years ago after Brigham had a surplus of sweetcorn. She teamed up with Erin to start their nonprofit organization that aims to address the issue of fresh produce access in communities around Iowa.

Brigham's family farm is in Cass County, Iowa, just north of Atlantic. Each year since Brigham and Erin started Corn 4 a Cause, they have planted, grown, and harvested sweetcorn to sell and donate across western Iowa. What's amazing about their work is that for every dozen ears of com purchased, another dozen ears are donated to different food pantries and other nonprofits aiming to provide fresh produce to those without consistent access to it. This arrangement allows for those who are purchasing the com to gain valuable, eye-opening insight into food insecurity in their own communities. Not only do people get a sense of how prevalent the issue is, but they're also able to help immediately by purchasing a dozen ears of corn that will be matched by Corn 4 a Cause's donation to local families.

One acre of sweetcorn yields roughly 15,000 ears of corn. Brigham and Erin have planted two acres of sweetcorn this year, which provides roughly 30,000 ears of corn to be sold and donated.

Corn 4 a Cause started out serving communities and pantries primarily in western Iowa. However, Brigham and Erin quickly found more demand for their yields in other areas of the state and were harvesting so much sweetcorn that they needed to start getting more pantries and nonprofits involved. With more corn to go around, they have started expanding their donations to central Iowa.

Brigham and Erin focused on delivering fresh produce to those who need it. They are passionate about making fresh, Iowa-grown food accessible to more families in a socially conscious way. They state their values as: ``Full bellies. Summer fun. Local food. Equity first.'' Corn 4 a Cause partners with organizations that serve communities of color to cultivate a more equitable food system, and a more equitable society. Brigham and Erin also encourage anyone who loves to plant their own produce to plant some extra so it can be donated to food pantries and other nonprofits fighting to eliminate food insecurity in Iowa and America.

Reliable and equitable access to food, let alone fresh, healthy produce, is a major issue across our country and in our own backyard. Organizations like Corn 4 a Cause and individuals like Brigham and Erin are tackling these problems head-on at the ground level to make a difference for their neighbors. Because of their dedication and hard work, it is my honor to name Brigham Hoegh and Erin Lain of Corn 4 a Cause as our Iowans of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Aubrey Alvarez, the executive director of Eat Greater Des Moines, as Iowan of the Week. Since its founding in 2013, Aubrey and the Eat Greater Des Moines team have helped connect numerous nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders to work to strengthen the food system in Des Moines.

Aubrey, who holds a degree in health and wellness management from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Public Administration degree from Drake University, has worked in various health and wellness positions throughout her professional career. Now, Aubrey works with the Eat Greater Des

Moines team to make sure no food goes to waste. They emphasize the use of local foods and community gardens, and have a food rescue system to make sure restaurants and grocery stores don't throw away good food. Their work has also proved fruitful as they have supported 90 community, school, and faith based edible gardens.

One of the organization's biggest projects, Operation Fresh Produce Drop, started in April 2020 in response to the strains put on the food system due to unexpected closures and an increase in need for food. The Operation Fresh Produce Drop initiative began as a way to help move excess bulk products from wholesale distributors while also supporting organizations serving those affected by the pandemic. This evolved into distributing almost 90,000 food boxes through the USDA Farms to Families food box program. With a team of 3 full-time staff and no warehouse space or necessary equipment, Operation Fresh Produce Drop was only possible due to collaborations with local partners like Des Moines Public Schools and Forklifts of Des Moines.

Of the over 125 groups Eat Greater Des Moines worked with, 80 percent were not and are still not able to order or access food through the Feeding America food bank network or TEFAP, which makes the work Eat Greater Des Moines is doing to partner with trusted community members to get food to individuals and families even more important.

Aubrey is committed to not only making sure individuals and families in Des Moines don't go hungry, but that they also have access to fresh and healthy foods. It's impossible to tell how many people Aubrey's work has affected directly, but I do know that because of her families have and are still able to put delicious, fresh food on their tables. It is an honor to commemorate Aubrey and recognize her as the Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Karissa Schweizer, Cross Country Runner and Tokyo Olympian, as our Iowan of the Week.

Schweizer has been excited about the Olympics since she was a high school runner at Dowling Catholic High School. The Urbandale native had the opportunity to see Jenny Simpson, an Iowan and Olympic gold medalist, run her victory lap at Drake University's blue oval.

Schweizer spent much of her high school running career in the shadows of other high school athletes. Although Schweizer was talented, the attention was on the best-known runners in Dowling Catholic history, Katie, and Betsy Flood. She was only noticed by colleges she had reached out to, not by athletic recruiters who were interested in her.

During a fateful Subway stop, Schweizer and her father ran into Coach Brett Halter and his Missouri Tigers team. Schweizer's father, Mike, introduced himself to Coach Halter and encouraged him to watch his daughter run. The Missouri staff watched Schweizer run that day and then encouraged her to visit the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Schweizer quickly became a track star for Missouri's program. During her freshman year, she was honored as an SEC Freshman of the Year and set records for indoor track for the program. She continued to run faster and set even more records throughout her college career. She won two national titles during her time at Missouri and became the first woman from Missouri's program to qualify for the Olympics since 1996. Schweizer is the most decorated athlete in the school's history.

After Schweizers collegiate running career, she ran professionally for Bowerman Track Club in Portland, Oregon. She set a new American record in the indoor 3,000 meter by over seven seconds.

Karissa Schweizer will make her Olympic debut in Tokyo on Friday, July 30. She qualified for the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter runs. Karissa's Iowa roots, come across in the way she carries herself, trains, and represents our great country and it is my honor to name Karissa Schweizer as our Iowan of the Week. We are so proud of Karissa. We'll be cheering her on back home.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jennifer Carruthers as Iowan of the Week. Jen is a female LGBTQ entrepreneur, strong advocate, dedicated mentor and passionate community leader for Iowa.

Born and raised in Rock Island, IL, Jen studied at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management with a focus on Urban Economic Development. She then went on to make her home in Des Moines, spending the last decade advocating for marginalized communities. Through her business 11 Eleven Productions, she was pivotal in launching and developing the female-led barber shop, Dapper DSM. Jen also founded Drag King DSM, which draws top performers and sell-out crowds in a marginalized art form. Over the last 10 years at Girls Rock! Des Moines, she has developed programming which now offers two summer camps and year-round services including the second all-female-led recording studio in the country. Her outstanding leadership in Iowa has been deservedly recognized by multiple community organizations.

Jen has been instrumental organizing and leading Capital City Pride (CCP), which has become the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in Iowa and one of the fastest growing Pride's in the country.

During her time leading Capital City Pride, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way communities celebrate, but Jen knew the importance of celebrating Pride together. In 2020, she led the board in putting together some of their most beloved Pride Fest events virtually to ensure LGBTQ+ community-building continued. This programming engaged just shy of 30,000 people, providing critical connectivity during the height of the pandemic.

This June, Jen led the Capital City Pride board through 30 Days of Pride remaining cognizant of COVID-19. Events held across Des Moines included a mix of online and in person events allowing people to participate to their comfort level. Some popular additions this year included a Downtown Scavenger Hunt, the Rainbow Safari at Blank Park Zoo, Ride in Movie night at the Science Center and a Drive Thru Parade with Outdoor Concert at Waterworks Park. Favorites from year's past like the Silent Disco, Pet Parade and Pride Night with the I-Cubs brought people together in familiar ways.

As June and 30 Days of Pride ended this year, it culminated with another Drag King DSM production. But Jen is just getting started; started in another year of advocating, of educating, of learning, of uplifting others, and most of all, another year of celebrating Pride.

I look forward to 2022 and beyond to see what Jen will accomplish for the Iowa community, and it is my honor to name Jennifer Carruthers our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor DeMarko Walker as Iowan of the Week. Haircuts can make you feel refreshed, like a new and improved version of yourself. At East High School in Des Moines, it can also signify you're on the right path. DeMarko Walker has volunteered his time at the school since 2019 in order to reward select students who are showing initiative when it comes to their education with free haircuts.

DeMarko is a barber at a local barbershop in Des Moines, Universal Kutz. DeMarko was looking to use his passion for cutting hair as a way to give back to the community that has helped him to become the person he is today. Haircuts boost a lot of people's self-confidence and make everybody feel good, so he teamed up with East High School in Des Moines to create a program for students to get free haircuts.

DeMarko explained his pop-up barbershop was created for students who show progress in areas such as attendance, achievement, and social interactions. Since implementing this measure, East High School has seen improvements on a case-by-case basis: improved attendance for targeted classes, improved achievement for targeted classes, more connectivity with the school, and healthier interactions with both adults and peers.

Education is the foundation of so many of our communities and shapes our future as a nation. I want to thank DeMarko for everything he is doing in the community to make it a better place to live and learn. I commend his creative initiatives at East High School. I will continue to fight in Congress to support our youth and one of the best ways to do that is to support community members like DeMarko. It is my pleasure to recognize DeMarko Walker as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Olson, a community pharmacist at Montross Pharmacy, as this week's Iowan of the Week. Since 1995, Jeff has been the owner and operator of Montross Pharmacy in Winterset, Iowa, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

If you were to ask Jeff what it means to be a community pharmacist, he'd emphasize one word: community. Every day, Jeff works to make sure nobody goes without the care they need--whether that means fielding questions at the pharmacy counter, delivering prescriptions at home, or supporting local health as president of the Madison County Health Trust. Community pharmacies like Montross Pharmacy are mainstays and integral parts of the health care system in our small towns.

When COVID-19 forced us to adapt to different daily routines, Jeff and his staff at Montross Pharmacy redoubled their commitment to serving Winterset. They knew the pandemic presented a once-in-a- lifetime challenge, but they resolved to get through it together. Together, Montross Pharmacy kept its doors open, providing continued access to pharmacy services for residents in a safe setting. Jeff and his staff were on call 24/7. And, trust me, if there were more than 24 hours in a day to give, they'd have been there.

They also quickly added new services for the community, including thousands of COVID-19 tests and vaccinations. It wasn't always easy. When faced with a vaccine shortage, Jeff took it upon himself to drive six hours to secure more doses for his friends and neighbors. His hard work did not go unnoticed. In fact, one resident--an older woman who had been homebound during the pandemic--exclaimed to Jeff that the vaccine he administered was ``the best gift she could receive.''

Jeff and his family have made a lasting mark on Winterset. Decades ago, Jeff's grandfather left his mark by welding on the cupola of the Madison County Courthouse. Today, Jeff is leaving a different kind of mark. In each COVID-19 vaccination he delivers, Jeff sees the things that make Winterset his home--a summer day enjoyed at the pool, a youth sports game, and his kids laughing over lunch with friends.

Jeff's selflessness is truly infectious, and I know that Winterset will see the impact of his hard work for years to come. I am sincerely grateful for Jeff's commitment to his family, friends, and neighbors, and it is my honor to recognize Jeff Olson as Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dwana Bradley as Iowan of the Week. Dwana is a mother, a business owner, an educator, and a long-time community advocate. She believes education is the key to life, which speaks to her passion and career as a teacher.

Dwana received a bachelor's degree in child and family services from Iowa State University, a master's degree in elementary education and literacy from Drake University, and a specialist's degree in administration. She went on to graduate from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and for almost seven years she worked as a reading interventionist with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to help students reach their potential. In 2019, she was elected to the Des Moines School Board and currently serves as the chair of the board.

Dwana did not let the COVID-19 pandemic slow her drive to educate young Iowans. As chairwoman, she serves in an outreach role to help underserved communities attain higher education and is working to stem the negative impact of COVID-19 on students, especially those who were already struggling in school or falling behind.

Dwana also owns Iowa Urban Media, a community-focused publishing company, and is the editor-in-chief for the Urban Experience Magazine, a monthly publication that shares news in the African American community and seeks to empower voices through positivity. Her journalism promotes education, an open dialogue, and a space to have important conversations about issues affecting Iowans. She passionately believes that these conversations are a crucial step towards achieving justice.

In addition to her commendable career in education, Dwana is an active advocate. She is the executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chairs a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, volunteers on the DMPS attendance committee, and still makes time to direct the choir at True Bible Baptist Church.

As executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chair on a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, she helps put on events, educate the public, and celebrate with Iowans across the state for the annual commemoration of Juneteenth: the date the last enslaved African Americans were granted freedom in 1865, ending slavery in the United States. Just this week, Congress finally passed a bill to formally recognize Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday after decades of activism from Americans.

As we recently gathered to observe Juneteenth and join in community celebrations and educational events, let us thank Dwana and her team for their efforts to bring Iowans together to share stories, experiences, and history with one another. She is a fantastic educator, a proud voice in the community, and a fervent advocate for uplifting Iowans. Please join me in honoring Dwana Bradley as our Iowan of the Week.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brad and Carol Whitmore, two remarkable veterans, as Iowans of the Week. Over the Fourth of July weekend, I couldn't think of better honorees than two individuals who not only served our country for many years but have since continued their service to the country by doing incredible work to support and advocate for fellow veterans.

Carol Whitmore served in the U.S. Army, and has been honored with over 20 medals, ribbons, and badges from her 36 years of service. Following her service, Carol earned a Gold Legacy Life membership with the VFW Post 9127 in Des Moines. She has served in many leadership roles, ranging from the Post, District, and Department levels to the National stage. Carol is a member of the Governor's Veterans Council and sits on the National Council as a representative for the Iowa VFW. As a legislative advocate on both local and national levels, she continues to fight for veteran's rights.

Carol is particularly passionate about women's issues and helping homeless veterans at the Des Moines Homeless Shelter. When asked what she is especially proud of, Carol mentioned becoming a State Commander for the VFW and working with homeless veterans in the state.

Brad Whitmore, a native of Des Moines, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1970 and volunteered to go to Vietnam a year later. He then served one tour and volunteered again for a second tour, then received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1976. Brad reenlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988 and found employment in the civilian world as a surgical tech, later earning an associate degree from Des Moines Area Community College for Nursing in 1994. The same year, Brad changed his civilian job to become a surgical nurse and was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the Army. In 1999, he and Carol married, and Brad retired in 2005 after 26 years of service.

After his retirement, Brad was elected Quarter Master of his VFW post in Beaverdale in 2012 and was elected four years later as Quarter Master of Iowa's 5th District. Brad became Chairman of Iowa's National Legislative Committee, and he continues to do legislative work raising awareness about veteran's issues on the national level. His current project is working on the Richard Starr Act, which aims to protect medically discharged veterans. Brad said he is most proud of supporting his wife and admires all that she does to improve the lives of veterans.

I want to thank the Whitmores not only for the years they served in the Army, but for all the work they continue to do, and for the time they have dedicated to helping veterans. I am inspired by Brad and Carol's stories, and I am committed to supporting our nation's veterans, just as they both are. It is my pleasure to recognize Brad and Carol Whitmore as Iowans of the Week.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Waters for putting together such an important set of corporate governance reforms, one that absolutely supports investors in this country, like our teachers who are involved in institutional investment for their safety and a dignified retirement.

Mr. Speaker, this package will absolutely give everyone more information about how companies are investing for the long term, and that includes my bill, the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act.

Last year, 55 profitable U.S. corporations paid no Federal corporate income taxes. Let me repeat that. Last year, 55 profitable U.S. corporations paid no corporate income taxes--I can tell you, that is not what happened on Main Street back in my district in Iowa. They paid their taxes--and many more paid far below the statutory rate of 21 percent.

It is not hard to see why this happens. In 2018, U.S. multinationals booked hundreds of billions of dollars of tax havens where they basically paid no taxes, including $100 billion alone in Bermuda.

This costs the U.S. more than $50 billion per year in taxes. And beyond the damage that that does, which is extensive, it hurts all of the businesses who are doing the right thing, those that are on Main Street in all of our communities, including many small businesses across this country who don't have a subsidiary in Barbados just to avoid taxes.

That is why last weekend, seven of the world's largest economies agreed to end the race to the bottom and require a global minimum tax rate of 15 percent for our corporations. That is going to have a big impact on the corporations who have been using tax havens, but the investors and the public don't know which corporations are using these loopholes and where they are booking their profits.

My bill will fix that, by requiring disclosure of very basic information about a company's operations on a country-by-country basis, including revenue, profit, taxes paid, and number of employees they have. This would take information large multinational corporations already have and give us much-needed transparency into the international tax avoidance strategies companies use if they are shipping jobs overseas. It gives us the information that we need, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, in the last century, businesses have become much less reliant on physical assets and more reliant on their workers.

In fact, virtually every business that I talk to says that the people are their most important asset. Yet, we have minimal information about the employees and what we are doing to invest in our workers.

My amendment would address that by giving us more information from public companies about workforce training, pay, benefits, health and safety, and turnover and promotion rates. By the way, these are sets of data that are already being collected by most public companies.

The pandemic, though, has only driven home how important it is for companies to make sure that their workers stay safe and healthy for their company's success. It is obvious that companies with workers who are more engaged and invested will do better, which is why investors want this information.

My amendment would encourage better corporate practices by giving investors and the public the information they want about which companies are truly investing in their workers.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Olson, a community pharmacist at Montross Pharmacy, as this week's Iowan of the Week. Since 1995, Jeff has been the owner and operator of Montross Pharmacy in Winterset, Iowa, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

If you were to ask Jeff what it means to be a community pharmacist, he'd emphasize one word: community. Every day, Jeff works to make sure nobody goes without the care they need--whether that means fielding questions at the pharmacy counter, delivering prescriptions at home, or supporting local health as president of the Madison County Health Trust. Community pharmacies like Montross Pharmacy are mainstays and integral parts of the health care system in our small towns.

When COVID-19 forced us to adapt to different daily routines, Jeff and his staff at Montross Pharmacy redoubled their commitment to serving Winterset. They knew the pandemic presented a once-in-a- lifetime challenge, but they resolved to get through it together. Together, Montross Pharmacy kept its doors open, providing continued access to pharmacy services for residents in a safe setting. Jeff and his staff were on call 24/7. And, trust me, if there were more than 24 hours in a day to give, they'd have been there.

They also quickly added new services for the community, including thousands of COVID-19 tests and vaccinations. It wasn't always easy. When faced with a vaccine shortage, Jeff took it upon himself to drive six hours to secure more doses for his friends and neighbors. His hard work did not go unnoticed. In fact, one resident--an older woman who had been homebound during the pandemic--exclaimed to Jeff that the vaccine he administered was ``the best gift she could receive.''

Jeff and his family have made a lasting mark on Winterset. Decades ago, Jeff's grandfather left his mark by welding on the cupola of the Madison County Courthouse.

Today, Jeff is leaving a different kind of mark. In each COVID-19 vaccination he delivers, Jeff sees the things that make Winterset his home--a summer day enjoyed at the pool, a youth sports game, and his kids laughing over lunch with friends.

Jeff's selflessness is truly infectious, and I know that Winterset will see the impact of his hard work for years to come. I am sincerely grateful for Jeff's commitment to his family, friends, and neighbors, and it is my honor to recognize Jeff Olson as Iowan of the Week.