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Representative Jennifer Conferst thanks colleagues and urges civility while pledging continued advocacy
Summary
After the House adopted a resolution honoring her, Representative Jennifer Conferst thanked colleagues for the honor, emphasized bipartisan engagement and said "2 things can be true" about fighting for causes while recognizing opponents' humanity.
Representative Jennifer Conferst addressed the chamber after a resolution honoring her was adopted.
Conferst thanked colleagues and reflected on working across the aisle. She said, "2 things can be true. And I believe very strongly that you can fight like heck for the things you care about and still see the humanity and the people you're fighting with and working with." She described the balance of vigorous advocacy and respect as central to effective public service.
Conferst recounted that she once ran an amendment as a freshman in 2019 and made a lighthearted reference to the give-and-take of legislative life. She emphasized that while she disagrees with many colleagues on policy, she believes in the institution's capacity to make a difference for Iowans.
The remarks were offered immediately after the formal adoption of the resolution honoring her service.
