Day 4 - Capitol Hill Day!

 Wednesday, June 22, 2022

    Today started EARLY! Students had the opportunity to run with Senator Chuck Grassley on a 2 mile run. Start time? 4:15 A.M. 20 students and 3 chaperones took up the opportunity and are all were grateful that they did. While on the run students filtered to the front to run beside Grassley and ask him questions. Some of those questions included what his favorite food is, does he plan to run for re-election, and what his greatest accomplishment is.

    Breakfast again was at Crystal City Sports Pub. After eating we then headed to the White House where everyone had the chance to get a photo with it and made sure to get a large group photo of everyone as well. From there we went to Capitol Hill where students met with their state representatives and senators. Topics that were discussed included how the senators and representatives got started in their political career, what they're doing to solve the current skyrocketing gas prices, keeping children fed during the summer months, and what committees each of them serve on.  

Representative Randy Feenstra

Representative Cindy Axne

Senator Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley 

    A tour of the capitol then took place where students were able to see the crypt, rotunda, and sculpture rooms within the capitol. After the tour, lunch was then eaten at Coop Bank. After lunch American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, World War I Memorial, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was visited and students were able to gain a better understanding about each of the memorials and their purpose. The evening was finished off by visiting the interactive Spy Museum and then back to the hotel for an all-states dinner where students had a dance party and got to mingle with students from other states. 

- Hollie Nelson

  2022 Iowa Youth Tour Intern