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Lawmakers deliver farewell remarks as House adjourns
Summary
Three retiring representatives delivered personal speeches thanking staff, families and colleagues and urged continued work on bipartisan solutions; the House then took up several bills and adjourned to April 14.
Representative Scholten of Woodbury opened the floor’s retirement remarks, thanking voters of House District 1, staff members and colleagues and reflecting on local civic life. He criticized growing consolidation in the economy and said he worries about ‘‘an extractive economy’’ as out‑of‑state ownership displaces local businesses, and he closed by saying, "I love Sioux City. I love Iowa and I love this country."
Representative James of Dubuque delivered an emotional speech that highlighted bipartisan work and personal gratitude. She thanked family and staff, recalled working with Republican colleagues on mobile‑home protections and said she will continue advocacy after leaving the chamber. Representative Kurth urged colleagues to “keep learning” and listed policy areas she will continue to follow, including water quality, recycling and education.
All three were greeted with constrained floor recognition (applause and greetings were deferred until after the remarks); the House proceeded to its regular business and later adjourned for the day.
