Lawmakers pay tribute to former leader, welcome guests and recess for party caucuses

During the opening of the House session, several members used their time for introductions and remarks before the chamber recessed for party caucuses.

Representative Johnson (Polk County) introduced Duane Buchanan Sr., a reverend from Des Moines and a retired small-business owner, asking colleagues to welcome him to the Capitol. A representative from Mills County introduced the Marshall family (Terry, Vanessa and granddaughter Carrington) and noted they were visiting the chamber.

Representative Meyer announced the death of former Iowa Democratic leader Richard Myers, provided a brief account of his life and career, and requested a moment of silence. "I would ask all of you now for a moment of silence," Meyer said on the floor. Meyer also noted that House Democrats would caucus at recess.

Representative Young (Dallas County) read an excerpt attributed to George Washington—an historically cited passage read to troops before crossing the Delaware—and thanked colleagues for the time to present the liberty's legacy.

Finally, Representative Kaufman moved to recess the House until the conclusion of both party caucuses. The presiding officer called for the voice vote, the 'ayes' were recorded and the House recessed.

The session’s ceremonial and member-introduction items were followed immediately by the recess for caucuses; no floor-level policy votes or committee actions on the introduced bill were recorded in this excerpt.