National

Grassley presses SEC on whether fake filings allow market manipulation

Grassley presses SEC on whether fake filings allow market manipulation

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is pressing the Securities and Exchange Commission on whether its securities filing system is allowing market manipulation from fake firms at the expense of everyday investors.  Grassley’s inquiry comes after two incidents of possibly fake corporate takeover bids using the agency’s […]

by · May 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Foster youth, experts describe need for trauma informed care

Foster youth, experts describe need for trauma informed care

From Press Release   Foster youth face many challenges when they’re part of the foster care system, and most face complex issues even before entering care.  Being removed from their home and family and placed in an unfamiliar environment, on top of the trauma they may have already endured, can […]

by · May 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley, Ernst respond to EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule

Grassley, Ernst respond to EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule

By The Iowa Statesman   Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a final rule on the Waters of the United States.  Both of Iowa’s senators responded to the new rule. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an outspen critic of the EPA’s rulemaking in this […]

by · May 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee pens op-ed on pharmaceutical reimportation

Huckabee pens op-ed on pharmaceutical reimportation

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee composed an editorial published today in the Orlando Sentinel calling for federal reforms that would allow individuals, seniors and pharmacies to re-import pharmaceutical drugs from Canada. “As a country, we spend almost $375 billion filling prescriptions annually,” he wrote. […]

by · May 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley reacts to court ruling on executive amnesty

Grassley reacts to court ruling on executive amnesty

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa released the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling on the Obama administration’s request to begin implementing its deferred action plan.  The court denied the administration’s request. “The separation of powers laid out by the framers of […]

by · May 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley urges FTC to look into potentially deceptive online hotel booking practices

Grassley urges FTC to look into potentially deceptive online hotel booking practices

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinize the tactics of disreputable third-party on hotel reservation services. Recent news reports have highlighted possible abuses and the impact they have on consumers.  For example, these services use questionable practices […]

by · May 26, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst to visit Asia with Armed Services Committee members

Ernst to visit Asia with Armed Services Committee members

From Press Release   U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will lead a Senate egation visit to Vietnam and Singapore this week at a critical time for U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The egation visiting Vietnam, which is marking the 20th anniversary of […]

by · May 26, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley releases weekly video address

Grassley releases weekly video address

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley released his weekly video address today in which he honors America’s veterans. He spe about his recent visit with World War II veterans who participated in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, and also about the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. […]

by · May 25, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley, Leahy ask for costs incurred in FOIA litigation

Grassley, Leahy ask for costs incurred in FOIA litigation

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy of Vermont are calling for a detailed accounting of the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on lawsuits that stem from information wrongly withheld under the Freedom of Information Act.  The Senators requested the […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley makes floor statement regarding TPA

Grassley makes floor statement regarding TPA

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to to the floor of the Senate Thursday to out Trade Promotion Authority’s benefits to Iowans. In the speech, he said those who didn’t believe free trade was beneficial to our nation’s future prosperity was “in denial.” The following is […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum discusses bill to ban first-class travel

Blum discusses bill to ban first-class travel

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) has appeared with Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL 2) to discuss their proposed ban on congressional first-class travel with KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids. Scroll down to watch video of the entire discussion.  

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley has questions for DHS regarding camp counselor charged with child molestation

Grassley has questions for DHS regarding camp counselor charged with child molestation

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking how much the Department of Homeland Security knew about a camp counselor who allegedly was granted deferred deportation action under the President’s immigration executive order, and who is now charged with four felonies, including child molestation […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst introduces bill To modernize former presidential allowances

Ernst introduces bill To modernize former presidential allowances

From Press Release   Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2015, legislation to reform the system for providing former U.S. presidents certain benefits and perks.  Original co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). This is the companion […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley presses for scrutiny of payments to Medicare Advantage plans

Grassley presses for scrutiny of payments to Medicare Advantage plans

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing the Justice Department and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to describe any action they are taking to prevent fraud in federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans.  Grassley’s action comes amid findings that the federal government has overpaid the plans […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young’s legislation shuts down amnesty tax bonus loophole

Young’s legislation shuts down amnesty tax bonus loophole

From Press Release   Last Friday, U.S. Congressman David Young introduced legislation that would respect the rule of law and hardworking taxpayers by protecting the earned income tax credit (EITC) from exploitation from a tax bonus loophole created by President Obama’s recent executive amnesty actions. “The earned income tax credit […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Leahy, Grassley introduce legislation to encourage humanitarian work

Leahy, Grassley introduce legislation to encourage humanitarian work

From Press Release   Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage and reward the use of patented technology to address humanitarian needs.  The bipartisan introduction comes as the Judiciary Committee is poised to consider broader legislation to improve the patent system and […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses rape kit backlog

Grassley discusses rape kit backlog

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to part Wednesday in a Judiciary Committee hearing titled, “Taking Sexual Assault Seriously:  The Rape Kit Backlog and Human Rights.” The following are his prepared remarks at the onset of the hearing. •  •  • Today, the Judiciary Committee will hear […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young turns up heat on senior immigration official

Young turns up heat on senior immigration official

From Press Release   In mid-April Iowa Congressman David Young had a memorable exchange with Assistant Secretary Sarah Saldaña, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), when she was before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. At that congressional hearing, Congressman Young brought up accounts of ICE officials and Border […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
LIVE: Paul filibuster of Patriot Act begins

LIVE: Paul filibuster of Patriot Act begins

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), as promised, is begun filibustering renewal of the Patriot Act. Click here to watch live video of the speech.

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley asking why IRS employees aren’t punished for tax violations

Grassley asking why IRS employees aren’t punished for tax violations

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the IRS commissioner to explain how and why the agency uses discretion to avoid terminating employees for willful violations of tax law. “Willful violation of tax law is a serious offense and the presumption is an employee guilty of the offense […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley: biofuels causing food price hikes a myth

Grassley: biofuels causing food price hikes a myth

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to to the Senate floor to respond to an editorial in the Wall Street Journal last week that he said “smears biofuels.” The op-ed was written by the the leaders of the National Chicken Council and the National […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley: Audit shows government charge cards used at casinos, strip clubs

Grassley: Audit shows government charge cards used at casinos, strip clubs

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following comment on an audit released Tuesday that shows a number of Pentagon employees used their government charge cards at casinos and strip clubs.  The audit came about because of Grassley’s bill enacted in 2012 requiring federal agencies to beef […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst discusses importance of trade in Iowa

Ernst discusses importance of trade in Iowa

By The Iowa Statesman   Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and small business owners from Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky to discuss the need for Trade Promotion Authority and its importance to small businesses and industries across the country. […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks about police use of body cameras

Grassley speaks about police use of body cameras

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following statement Tuesday at a Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Body Cameras: Can Technology Increase Protection for Law Enforcement Officers and the Public?” The hearing was conducted by the Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. •  •  • Mr. Chairman, thank […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Victims of Trafficking Act heads to president for signature

Victims of Trafficking Act heads to president for signature

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley made the following comment after the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act passed the House of Representatives.  The Senate cleared the bill on April 22, by a vote of 99 to 0.  As Chairman, Grassley shepherded the bill through the […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses how to safely reduce reliance on foster care group homes

Grassley discusses how to safely reduce reliance on foster care group homes

From Press Release   Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following statement at the opening of a hearing titled “No Place to Grow Up: How to Safely Reduce Reliance on Foster Care Group Homes” held before the Senate Finance Committee. •  •  • Today, the Senate Finance Committee will […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
LIVE VIDEO: Ernst discusses trade with McConnell, Warner

LIVE VIDEO: Ernst discusses trade with McConnell, Warner

From The Iowa Statesman   At 1o a.m. Iowa time, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will take part in a press conference with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) during which they will be discussing trade, the importance of exports to American small businesses, and […]

by · May 19, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum offers ban on taxpayer-funded first-class flights

Blum offers ban on taxpayer-funded first-class flights

From Press Release   Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA), along with Reps. Gwen Graham (D-FL), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) offered an amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act which would prohibit funds from being used to pay for first class travel for Members of the House of Representatives. Rep. Blum will […]

by · May 18, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst announces meetings to discuss HPAI outbreak

Ernst announces meetings to discuss HPAI outbreak

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has announced she will host town meetings in Osceola, Lyon, and Sioux counties Saturday, May 23, to discuss the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 outbreak, in addition to other topics. These town meetings are open to the public. 9:30 a.m. Osceola […]

by · May 18, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst comments on completion of defense authorization markup

Ernst comments on completion of defense authorization markup

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after the Senate Armed Services Committee completed markup of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill will head to the Senate floor where it awaits further action. “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act prioritizes […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
King explains vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

King explains vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA 4) released the following video statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1191, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. Scroll down to see the entire video.  

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum discusses vote in favor of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Blum discusses vote in favor of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

From Press Release   This week, U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  If enacted, this legislation would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks – the time after which babies can feel pain […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Is he in? Santorum plans ‘major announcement’ for May 27

By The Iowa Statesman   Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), winner of the 2012 Iowa Caucus, has notified national media he plans to make a “major announcement” Wednesday, May 27, near his boyhood home. The announcement fuels speculation that he will announce his intention to again seek the GOP […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee makes ‘Pledge to People’

From Press Release Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee today announced he has signed a “Pledge to the People,” and will not sign any other pledges during his campaign for president. “Today I signed a ‘Pledge to the People,’ to defend our Constitution and founding principles, and not […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley in new effort to fight synthetic drugs

Grassley in new effort to fight synthetic drugs

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) joined a group of senators who have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help fight synthetic drugs. The Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances Act would make it easier to prosecute the sale and distribution of new synthetic drugs that are “analogues” […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley presses HHS on recommendations

Grassley presses HHS on recommendations

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing the Department of Health and Human Services to implement recommendations that would save taxpayer money and stop problems including Medicare payments to prisoners and safety risks to children in Head Start programs. “Agency watchdogs spend a lot of time and effort […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley comments on House proposal to eliminate juvenile justice intervention funding

Grassley comments on House proposal to eliminate juvenile justice intervention funding

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding a proposal being marked up Thursday by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science that would eliminate funding for juvenile justice intervention programs. “Juvenile justice intervention programs are important tools […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee assails resurrected Senate TPA bill

Huckabee assails resurrected Senate TPA bill

From Press Release   Former Arkansas Governor and 2016 GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee expressed his continued opposition to the Senate Trade Promotion Authority bill, which failed in the Senate on Tuesday but is expected to come to a vote this afternoon. “Republicans in Congress need to slam the brakes […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
King explains No vote on USA Freedom Act

King explains No vote on USA Freedom Act

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA 4) released the following statement after voting against H.R. 2048, the USA FREEDOM Act. “I voted against H.R. 2048, the USA FREEDOM Act, because it does not strike the right balance between privacy and security,” said King. “ISIS just attacked Americans […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley joins call for FCC to update broadband rules

Grassley joins call for FCC to update broadband rules

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley this week joined a bipartisan letter calling on the Federal Communications Commission to address outdated broadband rules that negatively impact rural consumers. The current rules prevent rural consumers from having access to choices that are available in urban areas.  In most cases, rural […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks on Senate floor about Police Week

Grassley speaks on Senate floor about Police Week

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to to the Senate floor Wednesday to speak about National Police Week. The following are his entire remarks. •  •  • Mr. President, this week, I introduced a bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Police Week, which this year began on […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley responds to Yates confirmation

Grassley responds to Yates confirmation

From Press Release   Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Sally Yates to be the Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice. Grassley’s full statement during the Judiciary Committee’s consideration of the nomination can be found […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley introduces legislation to combat nuclear terrorism, proliferation

Grassley introduces legislation to combat nuclear terrorism, proliferation

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today introduced bipartisan legislation that amends various provisions of the federal criminal code to implement several important multilateral treaties that modernize and strengthen the international and domestic counterterrorism and counter-proliferation legal frameworks. The Nuclear Terrorism Conventions Implementation and Safety of […]

by · May 14, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Cruz: Foreign policy ought to be dictated by vital national security interests

Cruz: Foreign policy ought to be dictated by vital national security interests

From Press Release   Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, appeared on the Kelly File where he discussed his approach to America’s foreign policy and . In particular, Sen. Cruz said: “I think foreign policy ought to be dictated by the vital national security interest of the United States. “If […]

by · May 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses protecting right to counsel

Grassley discusses protecting right to counsel

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, chaired by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), held a hearing titled “Protecting the Constitutional Right to Counsel for Indigents Charged with Misdemeanors.” Among the planned witnesses who were expected to testify was Chief Justice Mark Cady […]

by · May 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley, Ernst disappointed by TPA vote

Grassley, Ernst disappointed by TPA vote

By The Iowa Statesman   Tuesday, the U.S. Senate, led by Democrats and a small group of Republicans, prevented a debate and vote on the Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015, which restores Trade Promotion Authority. Both of Iowa’s senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, were in favor […]

by · May 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley to attend Caucus on Foster Youth panel on homelessness

Grassley to attend Caucus on Foster Youth panel on homelessness

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, leaders of the Caucus on Foster Youth, today announced a panel discussion on homelessness among foster youth.   Homelessness and unstable housing are serious problems for the approximately 23,000 youth who age out of the foster care system each year.   […]

by · May 13, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee: Why I oppose TPA

Huckabee: Why I oppose TPA

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee composed an op-ed titled “Why I oppose trade promotion authority for President Obama” posted today on The Daily Caller. “I support free, fair trade, but I’m sick of America’s workers getting punched in the gut. “I wouldn’t […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks in favor of TPA

Grassley speaks in favor of TPA

From Press Release   The Senate will vote this afternoon on whether to proceed with Trade Promotion Authority legislation.  This is a formal process for considering trade agreements in Congress once the agreements are signed by the United States and a trading partner. Trade Promotion Authority gives the United States […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley introduces Police Week resolution

Grassley introduces Police Week resolution

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced a Senate resolution declaring May 10 through May 16 as National Police Week, which passed in the Senate by unanimous consent Monday evening.  Grassley today issued the following statement commending law enforcement for their […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics