Senator Whitver, the senator from Polk and a Senate Republican leader, used his opening remarks on the first day of the 90th General Assembly to outline conservative policy priorities for the 2025 session and to cite a list of bills the majority plans to advance.

In remarks recorded on the Senate floor, Whitver said his party would continue work to reduce taxes, expand ‘‘common sense’’ conservative policies, and protect children and agricultural interests. He listed multiple bills by file and number as examples of past and planned actions, saying, “We began in 02/2017 by reforming an taxpayers at a disadvantage. After passing house file 4 91, we were told that Iowans Iowa's public sector would fail. Those detractors were wrong.” He described the state’s fiscal reserves and recent tax cuts as proof of his approach.

Whitver named legislation he said the majority enacted in previous sessions and framed as priorities for protection and public safety: “Senate file 24 17,” “Senate file 4 96,” “House file 24 16,” “House file 4 30 and house file 24 87,” plus measures addressing farmland ownership and food labeling, which he identified by number: “Senate file 22 04,” “Senate file 23 91,” and others. He also cited workforce and regulatory reforms including “House file 24 58” (Future Ready Iowa and workforce training) and “House file 23 55,” and referenced efforts to expand broadband and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.

Whitver framed those actions as steps to protect Iowa agriculture, foster a business climate, lower property taxes and to “protect our children from the harms that await them,” referencing measures he described as protecting girls’ sports and school materials. He also referenced bills addressing immigration and election integrity by number, including “Senate file 4 81” and “Senate file 23 40.”

Quotes in context: Whitver told the chamber, “It’s common sense to protect our children from the harms that await them in the world ahead,” and later, “Iowans have spoken. They've spoken loud and clear. They demand common sense, and it is incumbent upon us to continue implementing those common sense solutions.”

Ending: Whitver closed by emphasizing a mandate from voters and urging senators to begin work on the majority’s policy agenda in the coming weeks.