Floor Statements

Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Jones County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Jones County worth over $870,000 and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $5.6 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the community's work to secure funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency for programs I fought for to mitigate and prepare for natural disasters and provide safety equipment and training for firefighters.

Among the highlights:

Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Jones County has received over $2.9 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as the methamphetamine epidemic. During the mid-to-late 1990's, cities in Jones County received $311,465 in Community Oriented Policing Services grants. Also, since 2001, Jones County's fire departments have received over $985,443 for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Jones County has received $750,273 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Jones County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $82,973.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Jones County has received more than $687,000 from a variety of farm bill programs.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Jones County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Jones County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Jones County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its

vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Wayne County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Wayne County worth over $100,000 and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $23 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the great work that the Wayne County Public Health Department has done to secure wellness funding to improve the health and lives of its residents.

Among the highlights:

Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Wayne County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $100,000 for community wellness activities.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Wayne County has received $109,597 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Wayne County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $90,000.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Wayne County has received more than $20 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Wayne County's fire departments have received over $850,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Wayne County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Wayne County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Wayne County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

I am pleased to join with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and in both Chambers today in taking up the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act that is a reauthorization of what we always called the WIA bill, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

As the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I can say we have worked on this bill, the one that we have here now, for 5 years. This is the first reauthorization since 2003 of the Workforce Investment Act.

I especially express my appreciation to Senator Isakson, Senator Murray, and Senator Alexander for their great working relationship and sticking to it for all these years when we didn't know if we were ever going to make it.

I see that our former ranking member Senator Enzi is here, who started with it when he was ranking member. I thank him also for all of his work to get to this point.

What is that old saying? Slow cooking beats fast food any day.

This is kind of slow cooking, home cooking. It took a while but some of these things do take time. They take time to work out and get ironed out. I understand that.

But, again, I can't express my appreciation enough to my colleagues: Senator Isakson, Senator Enzi, Senator Murray, and Senator Alexander, for their stick-to-itiveness, never giving up, and making sure that we got to this point.

I also thank my House colleagues who worked closely with us over the last several months: Representatives Kline, Miller, Foxx, and Hinojosa. During those months of negotiations, we reached a compromise between the reauthorization bill the House had passed last year and the bill we passed out of committee in July of last year.

Again, with the great work of Senator Murray and Senator Isakson, working with our House colleagues, we have a very good bill. It has the broad support--broadly--from employers, to mayors, to Governors, to organized labor. Everybody is now supporting this bill. I suppose, as with any piece of legislation that comes through the Senate, each one of those entities probably didn't get everything they wanted, but that is the art of compromise

and the art of getting good legislation through.

It couldn't come at a better time and a more needed time for reauthorization. As our economy continues to recover from one of the worst economic recessions in our history, it is more critical than ever that we stand with our Nation's workers, our businesses, our young people, citizens with disabilities, and with a commitment to help them prosper in the new jobs of the future.

Our economy has undergone substantial changes since the first Workforce Investment Act bill of 1998. In fact, over the past 40 years, America's backbone--the middle class--has been finding it harder and harder to make ends meet as wages have stagnated and costs have risen.

Quite frankly, a lot of the jobs of the past are gone. A lot of those jobs aren't coming back. We have a new economy that we are now entering, and so a lot of people need to be trained, a lot of people need to be retrained, and skills upgraded for these new jobs of the future.

That is what this bill does. It is part of the solution to this challenge facing our middle class in America. Access to education, training, and employment services is critical to helping our workers secure good jobs, gain access to the middle class, and become economically self-sufficient.

This new bill includes provisions that support our State workforce development systems in providing employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth through State grant programs and the public employment service. It also supports disconnected youth through programs such as an updated youth program focused on out-of- school youth who need a second chance, such as Job Corps and YouthBuild.

It provides for employment and training activities for Native Americans, migrant, and seasonal farm workers. It supports adult learners through adult education and literacy programs, including services for English language learners.

This bill includes innovative approaches to providing workforce development activities, including industry and sector partnerships, on- the-job and incumbent worker training; transitional job strategies for those who have poor work histories, but who would like to have more steady and upgraded jobs; and workplace learning advisers who can help educate colleagues about services available in the workforce system.

One of the most important parts to me of this bill is a much-needed update to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

I am particularly pleased that the bill addresses the disproportionate burden of unemployment and underemployment experienced by people with disabilities in our country. Despite the enormous progress we have made in ensuring that disabled people have the same rights and opportunities as all Americans, the sad fact is that the unemployment rate among people with disabilities in America is twice as high as people without disabilities, and their workforce participation rate is less than half that of the general population.

We have, quite frankly, failed to ensure that people with disabilities meaningfully participate in the workforce. This bill makes major steps to correct this injustice. It will help a new generation of young people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and succeed in competitive integrated employment, not substandard subminimum wage dead-end jobs but in jobs in which people with disabilities can learn and grow to their maximum potential. That is what this bill would do, ensure that young people with disabilities, let's say, who are in high school and they have an IEP, Individualized Education Program, and they get through high school, are prepared for transition into the workplace.

This bill includes things which will give them those experiences, such as part-time work, summer jobs, internships, workplace skill development, and preparation for jobs that are in high demand. Basically, we are going to give persons with disabilities the same supports and experiences everyone else expects and receives and which they haven't had in the past.

Through school as part of the IDEA Program, they have their IEPs and as soon as they quit they are dropped. That is the end of it or maybe they go into subminimum wage jobs, and that is where they stay and they never get skills upgrading, but we know from experience that people with disabilities, whether it is intellectual or physical or a combination of both, can learn and train and their skills can be upgraded just like anybody else so they can perform at their maximum potential.

Again, this bill requires State vocational rehabilitation programs to work hand in hand with secondary schools, ensures that employers will have the information necessary to recruit, hire, and retain people with disabilities, and the bill focuses the efforts of State vocational rehabilitation on youth, requiring that 15 percent of their funds be dedicated to transitioning young people into competitive, integrated employment.

I hope these efforts will directly address the high unemployment rate among people with disabilities, smooth the transition of young people with disabilities into the competitive integrated workplace, and help employers to support their employees with disabilities.

I thank my colleagues for working to make this bill one that will address the outrageous status quo facing people with disabilities with regard to employment. More and more employers are finding that with a small bit of support or maybe a modification of the workplace, people with disabilities can do those jobs and sometimes do them better than people without disabilities. More and more employers are finding that out. In our former Workforce Investment Act bills, we didn't get to focus on it that much. This bill now puts a major focus on it, and that is why I am so proud of this bill and why I think this bill is such a major step forward in all its regards.

This bill represents the best of what Congress can accomplish when we work together. We have worked diligently to find areas of agreement in our committee where we can advance legislation on a bipartisan basis.

I heard Senator Alexander earlier mention this, and it is true that on our committee we probably have the widest divergence of philosophical views than any committee in the Senate, but we work together, both on a Senate level and on a staff level.

When this bill passes the Senate, it will mark the 18th bipartisan HELP Committee bill to successfully move to the Senate and this Congress, and--assuming the President will sign it--it will be the 14th bill passed out of our committee this Congress to be signed into law by the President.

The House leaders have indicated that if the Senate acts swiftly to pass this bipartisan, bicameral bill without substantial changes, they will do the same, and we will be able to advance this bill to the President's desk in very short order.

It is a major victory for our workers, our businesses, and our economy. I urge all my colleagues to join us in supporting this bill and in voting yes on final passage.

I yield the floor.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam President, I call up managers' amendment No. 3381.

Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

I ask unanimous consent that if the final vote on passage is successful, the statement of the managers for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act be printed in the Record immediately following the text of the Senate-passed bill.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

How much time remains on our side?

Sure, absolutely.

Mr. President, we worked very hard on this bill to make sure we had good, strong, independent evaluations and reporting requirements. Therefore, I am pleased to rise and speak in opposition to the amendment.

We included in the bill requirements for an independent evaluation to be conducted every 4 years, which includes what we call the gold standard impact evaluation, the first of which is due in 2019.

Our House colleagues on both sides of the aisle agreed with and supported these provisions in a bipartisan, bicameral process. What the Lee amendment would do would be to inappropriately penalize the Secretary of Labor if the Secretary does not submit a report by an arbitrary date.

I understand the intent of the amendment. We all want to see reports filed in a timely manner. However, the Lee amendment does not give any allowance for factors that might be outside of the Secretary's control and then would penalize the Secretary for the failure of others over whom the Secretary has absolutely no control--and that is why I oppose the amendment.

As the name suggests, independent evaluations are run by objective, independent third parties. Sometimes the evaluations encounter delays that are far beyond the control of the Department.

For example, data may not be available in a timely manner; alternatively, followup with States, local areas or programs participating in the evaluation may be necessary. On some occasions, legal challenges may arise. Any of these factors could delay a comprehensive report of this nature.

Then to say, however, we are going to penalize the Department for failing to meet an arbitrary deadline I think is inappropriate and inequitable, because they may not have control over that. So the Lee amendment would disregard any and all of these reasons a report might be delayed even by 1 day.

I wish to make it clear that all of us who worked on this bill believe in the value of independent evaluations and the information they can provide policymakers and consumers, but we also believe they should be done right, without undue pressure of arbitrary deadlines and no room for corrections.

I would also note the underlying bill does strengthen evaluations and reporting in the right way. This is something we all worked on and we have all worked on it in a bipartisan bicameral nature.

Again, the House has been very clear that we work this out. They would not be accepting of this amendment, so I hope all Senators would join with us who worked so hard on this bill in a bipartisan manner to oppose the Lee amendment.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, I thank all of the Senators for their strong affirmative vote for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, now called the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It is a great bill. A 95-to-3 vote I think indicates that people worked hard, put together a great bill that meets the needs of our country in training our new workforce for the future.

Again, I thank Senator Alexander, our ranking member, for a very close working relationship on our committee. I would note for the record that the passage of this bill marks the 14th bill reported out of our committee during this session of Congress, during this Congress, that will go to the President for his signature. Our committee met a little bit ago. We are now reporting another bill, the Autism Cures bill we hope to have again before the Senate very shortly also for passage. Our committee has worked very hard across party lines to reach these agreements.

Again, I thank Senator Alexander.

On this bill, especially, I thank Senator Isakson and Senator Murray for sticking with it. This bill took 5 years and a lot of ups and downs, a lot of knots to untangle. But they did it. They worked hard at it.

I think there is a lesson here for all of us, that if you stick to it and you focus on the areas in which you have agreement, not those where you do not have agreement, but you focus on the areas you have agreement and build from there, you can get good things done. So this is a good bill. I want to thank all of the Senators and their staffs.

I again thank my ranking member on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, HELP, Committee, Senator Alexander, and his staff. I appreciate their assistance in getting this bill through the floor, and I especially appreciate their partnership in the updates we made to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is title IV of the WIOA. My thanks to David Cleary, William Knudsen, Peter Oppenheim, and Patrick Murray on Senator Alexander's team.

I again thank the Democratic champion of reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act, WIA, Senator Murray. She and her staff have dedicated countless hours to advancing this bill. In particular, my thanks to Mike Spahn, Stacy Rich, Evan Schatz, and Scott Cheney.

My thanks as well to Senator Isakson and his team, who have been great partners in this bipartisan effort. I would especially like to thank Tommy Nguyen, Brett Layson, and Michael Black.

We absolutely could not have made it to the finish line in the Senate without the dedication and work of my House colleagues, Representatives Kline, Miller, Foxx, and Hinojosa. Working with them and their staff has been a pleasure, and I would like to take a moment to thank some of the key staff in their offices specifically.

For Representatives Kline and Foxx, my thanks to Amy Jones, Rosemary Lahasky, Brad Thomas, and James Bergeron who has since moved on to other professional endeavors.

For Representatives Miller and Hinojosa, my thanks to Megan O'Reilly, Leticia Mederos, Jamie Fasteau, Jacqueline Chevalier, Brian Kennedy, and Rosa Garcia. I also thank Michele Varnhagan and Jody Calemine, who have since moved on to other professional endeavors. I would also like to thank Kevin McDermott in Representative McDermott's office.

I also offer my appreciation to my own team for their work in advancing this bill. Specifically, I thank Brian Ahlberg, Derek Miller, Crystal Bridgeman, Michael Gamel-McCormick, Mildred Otero, Lauren McFerran, Lee Perselay, Liz Weiss, Michael Kreps, and Robin Juliano. I would also like to thank Andy Imparato, Pam Smith, David Johns and Thomas Showalter, former members of my staff who have since moved on to other professional endeavors.

Let me also express my appreciation to Senator Enzi and his former HELP Committee staff who dedicated many years to reauthorizing WIA. Specifically, I would like to express my appreciation to Beth Buehlmann and Kelly Hastings.

I also greatly appreciate the technical assistance we received from the Federal agencies and the Congressional Research Service.

Specifically, I thank the Department of Labor and the Department of Education for their technical assistance. Portia Wu, Gerri Fiala, Mark Morin, Sean Cartwright, Michelle Rose, Adri Jayaratne, Julia McKinney, and so many others at the Department played key roles in moving this legislation forward.

At the Department of Education, I extend my thanks to Gabriella Gomez, Lloyd Horwich, Brenda Dann-Messier, Jodie Fingland, and Johan Uvin.

I also thank the following staff at the Congressional Research Service for the expert assistance they provided during this process-- David Bradley, Benjamin Collins, Adrienne Fernandes-Alcantara, and Kate Manuel.

Finally, we could not do this work without the help of the Senate Legislative Counsel. Liz King, Kristin Romero, Amy Gaynor, and others on their team were instrumental in drafting this bill.

Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Henry County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Henry County worth over $2 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $8 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is our shared commitment to community wellness and their work to obtain wellness grants to promote physical exercise, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. I am also pleased with the community's success in obtaining funds through Main Street Iowa for the redevelopment of the historic Union Block building and other major renovations in downtown Mt. Pleasant.

Among the highlights:

Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Southeast Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Henry County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Henry County, I have fought for more than $3 million for National Guard facilities, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics; it is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Mount Pleasant to use that money to leverage other investments to jump-start change and renewal. I am so pleased that Henry County has earned $110,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Henry County has received $756,173 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Henry County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $74,980.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Henry County has received more than $3.7 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Henry County's fire departments have received over $1.2 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for

themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Henry County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $423,000 for community wellness activities.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Henry County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Henry County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Henry County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Iowa County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $6.6 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the county's use of farm bill dollars to develop local economic opportunity, like the funds used for the startup and marketing of the Fireside Winery.

Among the highlights:

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Iowa County has received $122,934 in Harkin grants.

Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 has provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Iowa County has received over $1.6 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Iowa County has received more than $6.3 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as the methamphetamine epidemic that hit Iowa. During the mid-to-late 1990s, cities in Iowa County received $199,635 in Community Oriented Policing Services grants. Also, since 2001, Iowa County's fire departments have received over $708,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Iowa County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Iowa County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Iowa County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire

from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that from my office Brianna Steirer, Grant Gregory, and Jasper Verhofste be granted floor privileges for the remainder of today's session.

Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Van Buren County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $13 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is the success that the Van Buren County Hospital has had in securing funds for wellness activities and facilities expansions through programs I fought for as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Among the highlights:

Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics. It is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Bonaparte to use that money to leverage other investments to jumpstart change and renewal. I am so pleased that Van Buren County has earned $55,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Van Buren County has received $2,722,823 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Van Buren County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $144,729.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Van Buren County has received more than $5 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Van Buren County's fire departments have received over $2,000,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Van Buren County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $350,000 in grants for community wellness activities.

Disability Rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. However, I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I

have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Van Buren County, both those with and without disabilities, and they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Van Buren County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Van Buren County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Floyd County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Floyd County worth over $600,000 and successfully acquire financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $9 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is their work to combine several issues I care deeply about by renovating a former Carnegie Library to serve the community as the Charles City Art Center, and by making it accessible to people with disabilities.

Among the highlights:

Main Street Iowa: One of the greatest challenges we face--in Iowa and all across America--is preserving the character and vitality of our small towns and rural communities. This isn't just about economics. It is also about maintaining our identity as Iowans. Main Street Iowa helps preserve Iowa's heart and soul by providing funds to revitalize downtown business districts. This program has allowed towns like Charles City and Hampton to use that money to leverage other investments to jumpstart change and renewal. I am so pleased that Floyd County has earned $72,000 through this program. These grants build much more than buildings. They build up the spirit and morale of people in our small towns and local communities.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Floyd County has received $538,648 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Floyd County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $55,000.

Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Floyd County has received over $2.8 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Floyd County has received more than $4.8 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Floyd County's fire departments have received over $500,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Floyd County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Floyd County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the

State and local level, including in Floyd County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

There being on objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.

There being on objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be

Mr. President, today I want to recognize an exceptional local leader in Iowa who has used her experience and expertise to help communities across America to become more resilient. Back home, we know Linda Langston as an effective and tireless county supervisor in Linn County. Over the past year, however, I have enjoyed partnering with Supervisor Langston in her role as president of the National Association of Counties.

In this capacity, Supervisor Langston served as the principal spokesperson for our Nation's 3,069 counties and their nearly 40,000 elected officials. This is an important and demanding leadership post. Think about it: County governments employ almost 3.3 million people and invest nearly $500 billion each year in our local communities, especially in the areas of transportation and infrastructure, justice and public safety, and health and human services.

As national president, Supervisor Langston has focused a tremendous amount of energy and attention this year on community, economic, and social resiliency, with a special focus on natural disaster preparedness and recovery. In addition, she has provided a local, midwestern perspective on national advisory committees with the National Academy of Sciences and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. She has also convened numerous national and regional forums with public, private, and nonprofit leaders to address the urgent issue of natural disaster preparedness and recovery.

Every day, it seems, we encounter news reports of extraordinary natural disasters, everything from droughts, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires, to hurricanes, ice storms and extreme temperatures. Thanks to Supervisor Langston's thoughtful and expert leadership at the National Association of Counties, we can be confident that America's counties are better prepared for the natural disasters that inevitably lie ahead.

Mr. President, I would like to take a few moments to recognize an innovative effort aimed at improving youth nutrition that took place at Muscatine High School in Iowa. Communities across the country are focusing on ways to build health and wellness into everyday life--in schools, workplaces, or elsewhere in the community--and this is one excellent example of just such an initiative.

In a collaboration between the University of Iowa and the parent-led Muscatine booster club--``Muskie Boosters''--researchers and booster club members added new healthy items such as apples, carrots, granola bars, and grilled chicken to the concession stand's menu during high school athletic events. They didn't stop there--they also modified the ingredients in other items to make them healthier. For example, they eliminated the use of trans fats in the nachos. These menu changes had one main goal: give the Muscatine High School community access to fresh and healthy food, where previously only junk food could be found.

And here is the really great news: The University of Iowa researchers who participated in this experiment found that selling healthier products had almost no impact on concession revenues and actually resulted in a slight increase in sales per football game with the introduction of healthier items and ingredient changes. Sales of some new items increased with each game, and--no surprise--parents were more satisfied with the healthier foods than they were with the less healthy food options.

The results of this study are further evidence that offering healthy food can be good for both our Nation's physical and our Nation's fiscal health. In fact, these results show us that selling healthier foods can actually increase profits and customer satisfaction. The study also provides an exemplary model of how academic institutions can work collaboratively with local communities to improve nutrition and health.

Given the alarming rates of childhood obesity, it is more important than ever that we continue to find creative and innovative solutions to confront the obesity epidemic. I commend the Muskie Boosters, the University of Iowa researchers, and other study authors who worked together to find innovative yet simple ways to improve

the quality of food being offered to our kids in the Muscatine community. I hope we can expand the great work they have done to other communities in Iowa and all across the Nation.

Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Marion County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Marion County worth over $5 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $95 million to the local economy.

Of course, one of my favorite memories of working together is working with Central College to provide $1.8 million for the Center for Math, Science, and Technology to expand its curriculum, increase technology training in teacher education, and provide distance learning for teachers in the field.

Among the highlights:

Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Central Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects, including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Marion County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Marion County, I have fought to resurrect the Des Moines River Greenbelt account which helped the Marion County Cordova Center on the Rock to build an environmental learning center, amphitheater, trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, as well as a 4-mile trail connecting the city of Pella with Cordova area. While there is more to do in the future, I am pleased that construction of the first phase of the project was complete in August 2013 at a cost of $3,100,000.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Marion County has received $319,444 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Marion County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $249,844.

Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster; it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical

support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Marion County has received over $5 billion to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Marion County has received more than $2.2 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Marion County's fire departments have received over $1.7 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment.

Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Marion County has recognized this important issue by securing $264,000 for worksite wellness programs.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Marion County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Marion County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Mr. President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Winneshiek County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Winneshiek County worth over $2.7 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $15.6 million to the local economy.

Of course my favorite memories of working together have to include working with community leaders to secure more than $22 million in federal funding for the Northeast Community College in recent years. The federal funding was directed towards various programs and renovations, including dairy research, farm safety, and renewable energy education.

Among the highlights:

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Winneshiek County has received $274,120 in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Winneshiek County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $35,000.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs; strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Winneshiek County has received more than $2.2 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Winneshiek County's fire departments have received over $743,000 for firefighter safety and operations equipment, $65,500 in Byrne Justice Assistance grants, and more than $692,000 in other programs through the Department of Justice to keep the community safe and drug free.

Wellness and health care: Improving the health and wellness of all Americans has been something I have been passionate about for decades. That is why I fought to dramatically increase funding for disease prevention, innovative medical research, and a whole range of initiatives to improve the health of individuals and families not only at the doctor's office but also in our communities, schools, and workplaces. I am so proud that Americans have better access to clinical preventive services, nutritious food, smoke-free environments, safe places to engage in physical activity, and information to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. These efforts not only save lives, they will also save money for generations to come thanks to the prevention of costly chronic diseases, which account for a whopping 75 percent of annual health care costs. I am pleased that Winneshiek County has recognized this important issue by securing more than $113,000 to promote wellness, nutrition, and mental health in the community.

Disability Rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank,

who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Winneshiek County, both those with and without disabilities. And they make us proud to be a part of a community and country that respects the worth and civil rights of all of our citizens.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Winneshiek County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Winneshiek County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.

Madam President, the strength of my State of Iowa lies in its vibrant local communities, where citizens come together to foster economic development, make smart investments to expand opportunity, and take the initiative to improve the health and well- being of residents. Over the decades, I have witnessed the growth and revitalization of so many communities across my State. And it has been deeply gratifying to see how my work in Congress has supported these local efforts.

I have always believed in accountability for public officials, and this, my final year in the Senate, is an appropriate time to give an accounting of my work across four decades representing Iowa in Congress. I take pride in accomplishments that have been national in scope--for instance, passing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and spearheading successful farm bills. But I take a very special pride in projects that have made a big difference in local communities across my State.

Today, I would like to give an accounting of my work with leaders and residents of Warren County to build a legacy of a stronger local economy, better schools and educational opportunities, and a healthier, safer community.

Between 2001 and 2013, the creative leadership in your community has worked with me to secure funding in Warren County worth over $6.8 million and successfully acquired financial assistance from programs I have fought hard to support, which have provided more than $9.5 million to the local economy.

Of course, my favorite memories of working together include my support of the great work done by public safety entities in the county, working to improve local transportation infrastructure, as well as a strong partnership with Simpson College.

Among the highlights:

Investing in Iowa's economic development through targeted community projects: In Central Iowa, we have worked together to grow the economy by making targeted investments in important economic development projects, including improved roads and bridges, modernized sewer and water systems, and better housing options for residents of Warren County. In many cases, I have secured Federal funding that has leveraged local investments and served as a catalyst for a whole ripple effect of positive, creative changes. For example, working with mayors, city council members, and local economic development officials in Warren County, I have fought for more than $1.4 million for improvements to Highway 92, helping to create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

School grants: Every child in Iowa deserves to be educated in a classroom that is safe, accessible, and modern. That is why, for the past decade and a half, I have secured funding for the innovative Iowa Demonstration Construction Grant Program--better known among educators in Iowa as Harkin grants for public schools construction and renovation. Across 15 years, Harkin grants worth more than $132 million have helped school districts to fund a range of renovation and repair efforts--everything from updating fire safety systems to building new schools. In many cases, these Federal dollars have served as the needed incentive to leverage local public and private dollars, so it often has a tremendous multiplier effect within a school district. Over the years, Warren County has received over $4.6 million in Harkin grants. Similarly, schools in Warren County have received funds that I designated for Iowa Star Schools for technology totaling $367,796.

Disaster mitigation and prevention: In 1993, when historic floods ripped through Iowa, it became clear to me that the national emergency- response infrastructure was woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Iowans in flood-ravaged communities. I went to work dramatically expanding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's hazard mitigation program, which helps communities reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters and enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery period. Disaster relief means more than helping people and businesses get back on their feet after a disaster, it means doing our best to prevent the same predictable flood or other catastrophe from recurring in the future. The hazard mitigation program that I helped create in 1993 provided critical support to Iowa communities impacted by the devastating floods of 2008. Warren County has received over $1.1 million to remediate and prevent widespread destruction from natural disasters.

Agricultural and rural development: Because I grew up in a small town in rural Iowa, I have always been a loyal friend and fierce advocate for family farmers and rural communities. I have been a member of the House or Senate Agriculture Committee for 40 years--including more than 10 years as chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Across the decades, I have championed farm policies for Iowans that include effective farm income protection and commodity programs;

strong, progressive conservation assistance for agricultural producers; renewable energy opportunities; and robust economic development in our rural communities. Since 1991, through various programs authorized through the farm bill, Warren County has received more than $1.4 million from a variety of farm bill programs.

Keeping Iowa communities safe: I also firmly believe that our first responders need to be appropriately trained and equipped, able to respond to both local emergencies and to statewide challenges such as, for instance, the methamphetamine epidemic. Since 2001, Warren County's fire departments have received over $1.1 million for firefighter safety and operations equipment and $175,000 in Department of Justice funding to support law enforcement efforts in the county.

Disability rights: Growing up, I loved and admired my brother Frank, who was deaf. But I was deeply disturbed by the discrimination and obstacles he faced every day. That is why I have always been a passionate advocate for full equality for people with disabilities. As the primary author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, and the ADA Amendments Act, I have had four guiding goals for our fellow citizens with disabilities: equal opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency. Nearly a quarter century since passage of the ADA, I see remarkable changes in communities everywhere I go in Iowa--not just in curb cuts or closed- captioned television, but in the full participation of people with disabilities in our society and economy, folks who at long last have the opportunity to contribute their talents and to be fully included. These changes have increased economic opportunities for all citizens of Warren County, both those with and without disabilities.

This is at least a partial accounting of my work on behalf of Iowa, and specifically Warren County, during my time in Congress. In every case, this work has been about partnerships, cooperation, and empowering folks at the State and local level, including in Warren County, to fulfill their own dreams and initiatives. And, of course, this work is never complete. Even after I retire from the Senate, I have no intention of retiring from the fight for a better, fairer, richer Iowa. I will always be profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Iowa as their Senator.