Senator Grassley visits Allamakee County ...

Iowa’s longtime United States Senator Charles Grassley visited Allamakee County Tuesday, May 26 when he stopped at Allamakee-Clayton Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) as part of his annual meetings in all 99 Iowa counties. As threats associated with COVID-19 continue, those in attendance were seated socially distant from each other and handshaking was avoided. Among those in attendance were members of REC’s board of directors and general manager Hollee McCormick.

Much of the discussion centered around the Coronavirus and its effect on the state and the entire nation. Specifically, Grassley addressed how agriculture has been affected and how these issues are being dealt with. Rural broadband was also a topic of discussion, Grassley noting that the need for good internet service for all is even more evident during these uncertain times. McCormick commented, “We discussed how the FCC’s faulty reporting mechanisms claim some rural areas are being ‘adequately served’ when that is not the case.”

Grassley said, “The coronavirus has ‘sucked up’ most of the oxygen in Washington, D.C.” With the virus at the forefront, Grassley said he is still trying to maintain focus and momentum on a bill that aims to contain prescription drug costs. Another topic the veteran senator addressed was biofuels and the bi-partisan bill that he and Senator Amy Kobuchar (Democrat, MN) are co-sponsoring. Other northeast Iowa counties Grassley visited Tuesday included Winneshiek and Clayton. Photo submitted by Allamakee-Clayton REC. Article by Sharon Drahn, Postville Herald.