Q: What is the August Recess?
A: Every August, both houses of Congress take a one month recess from normal legislative business. While this is called a recess, I believe a more appropriate term is the August district work period. The Senate is generally in session Monday through Friday, leaving only the weekend for members to return home. Therefore many members of Congress use the August recess to go home to their districts and states to visit with constituents. Our form of representative democracy is a two way street which requires dialogue between elected officials and their constituents. During my 33 years in Congress I have found the most effective way to have this dialogue is to make myself available to those who put me into office. I use this extended recess to and visit churches, schools, businesses, and community centers to find out what you in Iowa are talking about. My travels this August will take me to over one-third of the counties in the state. If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to come share your concerns at any number of my county visits. I will take your invaluable common sense input and put it to work in Washington.
Q: What will you be doing during the August Recess?
A: I will take advantage of this break to complete my annual visit to all of Iowa’s 99 counties. Over the course of the month, I will hold 13 town hall meetings, visit local businesses, and speak to several groups across the state. This August also marks my 11th biennial Ambassadors Trade Tour. Every other year I invite each country with an Embassy in Washington D.C. to visit a different quadrant of Iowa. I first brought ambassadors to Iowa in 1986 to promote trade and overall economic collaboration between Iowa and other countries. The tour has grown exponentially since then. This year, I will bring representatives from more than 60 countries to showcase Iowa businesses, agriculture, education, and culture. The 2007 tour brings us to Southeast Iowa. Some of this year’s stops include tours of several businesses, a walking tour of Pella, dinner at Central College, a visit to a family farm, and a stop at the World Food Prize breakfast. The tour will culminate on Friday, August 17 with its final stop at the Iowa State Fair. I take pride in spotlighting Iowa’s growing industry but it is equally important to spotlight Iowa’s greatest asset, its generous and friendly people. It is my hope that our guests from around the world leave with better understanding of our state and a lasting impression of our hardworking people. To learn more about my August events, please visit my website at www.grassley.senate.gov.