Iowa House opens with prayer, student pledge and recesses for party caucuses

The Iowa House of Representatives opened its session with a prayer from Representative Kniff McCullough of Maryann and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Evan Cam, a student from Pella Middle School, then recessed on a voice vote so members could attend party caucuses.

Representative Kniff McCullough offered the opening prayer, asking for guidance and support for students and concluding, “Amen.” Afterward, Evan Cam led the chamber in the Pledge of Allegiance.

House business included brief recognitions and announcements. The chair invited members to welcome the eighth-grade choir from Pella Middle School and their music director, Joe Tungan. Representative Fisher introduced a visitor, Jonathan Meyer, described in the transcript as a reporter for the Tama-Toledo News-Herald and a Wartburg College student and student-body president, and asked members to give him a warm welcome.

In procedural announcements, Representative Meyer (from Polk) said, “Iowa House Democrats will caucus at 12 noon in Room 19.” Representative Kaufmann (from Cedar) said Republicans would caucus at the conclusion of the budget subcommittees and moved that the House recess until both party caucuses conclude. The motion was made on the floor by Representative Kaufmann: “And if there's no further business to come before the House, I move that the House recess until the conclusion of both party caucuses.” The chair called for a voice vote; members answered “Aye,” and the chair declared the motion approved. The transcript records a voice vote only and does not provide a roll-call tally.

The House recessed for party caucuses; no further legislative business or roll-call votes are recorded in the provided transcript.