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Vice President Pence Headlines Roast And Ride

Sarah Boden
/
Iowa Public Radio
Motorcyclists arrive at the third annual Roast and Ride.

Vice President Mike Pence arrived by motorcycle to the third annual Roast and Ride in Iowa. Sen. Joni Ernst’s yearly fundraiser is a 49-mile motorcycle ride, followed by a barbecue meal and political speeches. 

While speaking to a friendly crowd, Pence didn't address any of the recent controversies surrounding the investigation into Russia's attempts to influence the 2016 election. Instead, he boasted of the administration’s accomplishments. 

"Since day one of this administration, President Trump has been fighting tirelessly to make America safe again. To make America prosperous again," said Pence. "In his first 100 days President Trump signed more legislation and executive orders, rolling back red tape and excessive regulation, than any president in American history."

Pence also highlighted Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, saying that the pledge to contain carbon emissions hurts U.S. economic growth.              

"How great is it to have a president that’s more concerned with Des Moines than Denmark?" the vice president asked a cheering crowd. "I couldn't have been more proud this week to be standing with a president who choose to put American workers and American jobs first."

Some economics say that leaving the Paris agreement actually hurts economic growth in technology and renewable energy sectors.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Chuck Grassley, Rep. Steve King, and South Carolina U.S . Sen. Tim Scott were also at the event.