Today, following his oath of office, Senate President Charles Schneider offered the remarks below, as prepared for delivery.

Fellow Senators,

I am honored and humbled to preside over this fine deliberative body. The Iowa Senate is the embodiment of the ideals of our founding and the principle of a representative, federal republic exists within these walls.

I’ve proudly served the 22^nd district for the last six years. Now, it is an absolute honor to not just be able serve my district, but all of you who represent the entirety of the state of Iowa. I am humbled that my colleagues have entrusted me to step into the crucial position of President of the Senate and I look forward to rising to the expectations placed upon me.

We each stand here today because our constituents have trusted us to be their voice in this chamber. Although members of this chamber have transitioned to new stations of leadership, the core of our leadership stays the same. We are here to lead on behalf of our constituents. The citizens of Iowa sent us here to make good on the promises we made to them during our elections and we have listened to them. Our agenda relies on our constituent’s commitment and support and because of this support we have been able to pass the legislation they expect.

Colleagues, our task here is simple: we must maintain the agenda we promised for our constituents. We will continue to pass legislation that helps instead of hinders. We will pass legislation that finds growth and opportunity in places where it was lacking before and we will pass legislation that sets the frame-work not only for this legislative body, but for the future generation of Iowans who will replace us. We need to remember that the history we make in this chamber does not just affect us in the moment, but will have resonating impact for generations to come.