During the 89th Iowa General Assembly, both the House and Senate were Republican controlled, along with the governor’s office, however, there were several times when Republican lawmakers in both chambers didn’t always see eye-to-eye.

House District 20 Representative Ray Sorensen says within the Republican Party, there are lawmakers on a wide political spectrum, from the ultraconservative to easy-moderates. He talks about the communication between the House and the Senate, regardless of one political party controlling both chambers.

“I think it’s encouraging actually that we’re not just both chambers rubber-stamping each other’s bills, and we’re all in lockstep. Government is not meant to be this smooth machine, it’s meant to be a bit of a battle. We’re meant to kind of provide these hurdles and to have this debate.”

Sorensen points out several bills included compromises.

“One of the things that’s often said in that building (at the statehouse) is: if neither side is happy, it’s probably the right bill. That kind of goes for, not just for Republicans and Democrats, but also the House versus the Senate, or however you want to look at it. It’s just, (you’ve) got to be willing to kind of meet in the middle and come to a compromise.”

Sorensen adds, despite some disagreements, he believes they fulfilled Iowans priorities this legislative session.