{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"IA\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-2024-policy-oversight-achievements", "Grassley Shares 2024 Policy, Oversight Achievements", "2024-12-27", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released an overview of his 2024 legislative and oversight work for Iowans.\n\n\u201cServing the people of Iowa is an honor I take very seriously. My constant mission is to advocate for our great state, while making the government more accountable and transparent.\n\n\u201cIn the New Year, I\u2019ll hit the ground running to advance legislative efforts to secure the border, lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and curb wasteful spending. Congress has a long to-do list. I encourage Iowans to keep in touch and share their views with me while I work on your behalf,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nRead Grassley's 2024 Year in Review:\n\nDownload PDF\n\nContents:\n\nWelcome\n\nHIStory\n\nKeeping in Touch with Iowans\n\nFarm Bill Priorities\n\nKeeping Foreign Adversaries Off U.S. Farmland\n\nExpanding Overseas Markets\n\nIowa Leads the Way\n\nYear Round E15\n\nWind Energy\n\nIowa Ethanol\n\nSky-High Possibilities\n\nInvesting in Iowa\n\nAirports\n\nRailroads\n\nRoads and Bridges\n\nClean Water\n\nBudget and the Economy\n\nA Costly Cover-Up\n\n\u201cTransparency Brings Accountability\u201d\n\nIt\u2019s the Budget Committee, Not the Climate Committee\n\nHealth Care\n\nA Dose of Sunshine\n\nPro-Family, Pro-Mother, Pro-Life\n\nSupporting Rural Pharmacies\n\nFighting the Opioid Epidemic\n\nGrassley Backs the Blue\n\nBad Actors and U.S. Planes\n\nThe History of the Juvenile Justice Program\n\nProtecting Kids Online\n\nGrassley Holds Big Tech\u2019s Feet to the Fire\n\nImmigration\n\nThe First Job of Government\n\nLeading the Charge to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Kids\n\nPeace Through Strength\n\nWatchdog for Veterans\n\nA Record Year\n\nProtecting Patients\n\nSupporting Crime Victims\n\nDefending Whistleblowers\n\nCleaning Up Government Waste and Abuse\n\nDid You Know?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-34-iowa-students-to-us-military-academies", "Grassley Nominates 34 Iowa Students to U.S. Military Academies", "2024-12-23", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing his support for 34 Iowa students seeking acceptance to U.S. military academies.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m honored to nominate these 34 extraordinary Iowans to our nation\u2019s prestigious military academies,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThese young men and women represent Iowa\u2019s best and brightest. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are commendable. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish going forward.\u201d\n\nEach year, Grassley nominates Iowa high school seniors for placements at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All service academies select at least one of Grassley\u2019s nominees.\n\nLearn more about service academy nominations HERE.\n\nGrassley\u2019s nominees for entrance during the 2025-2026 academic year follow:\n\nUnited States Air Force Academy\n\nTrenton Abel, Toddville\n\nEmmett Bartels, Runnells\n\nSean Bendinger, West Des Moines\n\nAlexis Bogardus, Granger\n\nBrayden Bohnsack, La Porte City\n\nGrant Dunn, Johnston\n\nBenjamin Green, West Des Moines\n\nEliana Hansen, Cedar Rapids\n\nShae Magley, Cedar Falls\n\nAmelia Porisch, St. Ansgar\n\nKy Wilkens, Dallas Center\n\nUnited States Military Academy at West Point\n\nEric Ding, Davenport\n\nMacKenzie Fah, Bettendorf\n\nTheodore Hartwig, Marion\n\nMacKenzie McClelland, Grinnell\n\nAiden Price, Davenport\n\nAbigail Sander, Polk City\n\nNaomi Templeman, Dallas Center\n\nJonah Zimmer, Sperry\n\nUnited States Naval Academy\n\nMadison Andrews, Maysville\n\nAva Blankenship, Ankeny\n\nElla Goodrich, Adel\n\nEllie Hance, Palo\n\nEvan Kohlsdorf, Des Moines\n\nRiley Kramer, Riverdale\n\nSolene MacLean, Polk City\n\nBrigid McGowan, Sioux City\n\nQuentin Moore, Des Moines\n\nOwen Powell, Blue Grass\n\nConnor Rash, Ames\n\nTyler Tingley, Council Bluffs\n\nRyan Traynor, Urbandale\n\nConrad Yates, West Des Moines\n\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\n\nSean Bendinger, West Des Moines\n\nElla Goodrich, Adel\n\nGage Holub, Mt. Vernon\n\nConrad Yates, West Des Moines\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-applauds-as-us-comes-out-on-top-in-mexico-corn-dispute", "VIDEO: Grassley Applauds as U.S. Comes Out on Top in Mexico Corn Dispute", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today welcomed a dispute panel\u2019s ruling under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to allow genetically-modified U.S. corn exports to Mexico. The panel sided with the U.S., confirming Mexico\u2019s restrictions on genetically-modified corn exports are not based in science and violate the USMCA. Mexico now has 45 days to bring its trade policies into compliance.\n\nDownload Grassley\u2019s video statement HERE.\n\nExcerpts from Grassley\u2019s statement follow:\n\n\u201cToday, the good news is this: the United States won the decision, before an independent board, that Mexico was violating the USMCA.\n\n\u201cThis is a tremendous victory for Iowa corn growers, and it\u2019s a tremendous victory for what we call decisions on international trade based on sound science, as opposed to political science.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2020, then-Mexican President Andr\u00e9s Manuel L\u00f3pez Obrador issued a decree to phase out Mexico\u2019s use of genetically-modified corn by 2024. Following Grassley\u2019s urging, the U.S. Trade Representative in 2023 officially challenged Mexico\u2019s proposed ban. Today\u2019s decision is the result of that challenge.\n\nIowa, the number one corn producer in the U.S., exports 16 million tons of corn to Mexico annually. Over 90 percent of all corn acreage in the U.S. is planted with genetically-engineered seeds.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cantwell-bill-to-fight-opioid-epidemic-through-data-collection-passes-senate", "Grassley, Cantwell Bill to Fight Opioid Epidemic Through Data Collection Passes Senate", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) secured Senate passage of their bipartisan Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act, which provides federal grants to communities that operate overdose data collection programs, including the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).\n\n\u201cBy expanding access to overdose data collection programs, Congress empowers local communities to face drug abuse trends head on and prevent future fatalities,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan legislation to identify and quickly respond to overdoses, and I urge the House to swiftly follow suit.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,\u201d Cantwell said. \u201cTracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events in near-real time. Local agencies can use ODMAP to identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in their communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is the favored platform, the Justice Department would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best suited for each applicant when administering grants.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-real-id", "Q&A: REAL ID", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What is REAL ID?\n\nA: Two decades ago, the 9/11 Commission issued recommendations to enhance ID verification systems following the horrific attacks in 2001 that killed thousands of Americans on U.S. soil. Its report underscored why Congress beefed up national standards, \u201cFor terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.\u201d The terrorists used multiple state-forms of identification to take flying lessons, board and hijack commercial aircraft used to fly into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Congress passed the REAL ID Act to protect Americans and prevent wrongdoers from exploiting weak identification systems. President George W. Bush signed the legislation into law on May 11, 2005, establishing minimum national standards for state-issued identification cards, including driver\u2019s licenses. The law prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting state-issued identification cards that don\u2019t satisfy REAL ID requirements. Iowa\u2019s authenticated IDs will have a gold star in the upper right corner for verification. To access certain federal government facilities, nuclear power plants and board commercial flights in the United States, individuals will need to show REAL ID-compliant forms of identification. Applicants must provide certain identification documents to the state or territory issuing the driver\u2019s license or ID card, including an identity document; Social Security document; residency documents; and, current driver\u2019s license or ID. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for air travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification was postponed from Oct. 1, 2020 to May 7, 2025.\n\nQ: What do Iowans need to know about REAL ID?\n\nA: As we approach the end of the year, many people look forward to a fresh start in the New Year. Before tax season kicks into high gear, now is a good time to take care of other housekeeping items on your to-do list, especially if you have travel plans in 2025. International travelers ought to check the expiration of their passports. Find tips on passport renewals here. Next, check to make sure your driver\u2019s license or state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. This December is the final holiday traveling season before the REAL ID deadline in 2025. If you plan to fly commercially after May 7, 2025, you need to make sure your state-issued ID or driver\u2019s license is REAL ID compliant for screening at TSA security checkpoints, unless you show a valid passport. Keep in mind, the Iowa Department of Transportation advises it can take up to 30 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail. Iowans do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for federal benefits.\n\nIt\u2019s advised to make an appointment in advance at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid long wait times. Iowans can book an appointment online. If your license expires on or after May 7, 2025, you can schedule to obtain a replacement license or ID that\u2019s marked REAL ID compliant. Follow a checklist created by the Iowa Department of Transportation to help assemble necessary source documents to bring with you to the DMV, such as an unexpired U.S. passport, certified copy of a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization; pay stub or W-2 containing your name and Social Security Number; two documents listing current address, such as utility bill or bank statement; and, current license or ID.\n\nIn the long run, it could simplify travel plans to go ahead and get REAL ID compliant the next time you renew your driver\u2019s license. It may seem like a hassle, but remember why the law was passed in the first place. REAL ID helps verify the identification of every person who boards a commercial aircraft to better protect the flying public. The federal law also enabled states to share data across state lines to thwart fraud from one jurisdiction to the next and prevent people from obtaining multiple licenses using different identities.\n\nTSA will require REAL ID compliant driver\u2019s licenses or other approved identification, such as a U.S. Passport or U.S. Military ID, to get through its security checkpoints, starting May 7, 2025.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-advances-grassley-backed-bill-to-invest-in-local-law-enforcement", "Senate Advances Grassley-Backed Bill to Invest in Local Law Enforcement", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the Senate\u2019s unanimous passage of their bipartisan Invest to Protect Act to boost local police departments\u2019 access to training, mental health support, recruitment and retention resources.\n\n\u201cMany Iowans have told me they\u2019re concerned about the low recruitment and retention rates of police officers in their communities,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThe Senate\u2019s unanimous support for this bill will bring us one step closer to unlocking local law enforcement\u2019s access to critical resources to strengthen and grow their forces. As always, I\u2019m proud to back the blue and I\u2019ll work to protect our state\u2019s courageous officers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe funding from this bill will help the vast majority of police departments across the country make meaningful investments in their officers and their communities,\u201d Cortez Masto said. \u201cOur police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe \u2013 and for law enforcement in small suburbs, Tribes and rural areas, that stress is compounded by a lack of funding and few full-time officers. It\u2019s time we gave them a leg up and delivered them the critical resources they need.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs\u2019 Association.\n\nBill text is available HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nMost police departments in the U.S. employ fewer than 200 full-time officers. In Iowa and across the country, these departments struggle to compete with larger law enforcement agencies for access to critical resources.\n\nThe Invest to Protect Act establishes a grant program through Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), setting aside $250 million to help local law enforcement agencies make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. The bill also simplifies the grant application process, reducing the application time to less than two hours so that small agencies without dedicated grant-writing staff can more easily access funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-secures-iowa-priorities-in-major-water-resources-package", "Grassley Secures Iowa Priorities in Major Water Resources Package", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today welcomed the Senate\u2019s overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), a legislative package that reauthorizes key infrastructure projects to improve ports and harbors, inland waterways navigation and flood and storm protection in Iowa and across the country. The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cIowa is blessed with mighty waterways that help move our world-class goods to market and feed the world. It\u2019s vital that we protect our natural water resources while ensuring sound infrastructure to keep Iowans safe from inclement weather and flooding,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cPassing WRDA is one of the best ways Congress can do this. This authorization will deliver regional and national economic benefits, strengthen Iowa\u2019s global competitiveness and supply chains, and directly benefit local communities.\u201d\n\nGrassley secured the following water resources for Iowa:\n\nUpdates to the Cedar River flood risk management project to protect Cedar Rapids from future flooding.\n\nExpanded protections for levee districts and navigators on the Missouri River to safeguard flood control measures and ease navigation.\n\nAuthorization of an Upper Mississippi River Flood Risk and Resiliency Study to improve community flood protection.\n\nImprovements to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process to ensure project efficiency.\n\nThis year\u2019s WRDA also included the Economic Development Reauthorization Act, which marks the first reauthorization of Economic Development Act (EDA) programs in twenty years. EDA programs in 2024 provided federal funding to several Iowa communities, including:\n\n$175,000 to drive local economic recovery efforts following severe storms in Southern Iowa;\n\n$681,000 to bolster regional manufacturing in Story City;\n\n$1.3 million to support infrastructure improvements and workforce growth in Cedar Rapids.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:07:19Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-supports-fiscal-year-2025-defense-authorization-bill", "Grassley Supports Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Authorization Bill", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today applauded Senate passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support our military and fund critical national security priorities. The legislation, which includes several Grassley-backed provisions, now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\n\u201cNational security is the number one responsibility of the federal government,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cFrom investing in Iowa\u2019s military installations, to ensuring U.S. dominance on the world stage, this bill prioritizes our country\u2019s ability to keep Americans safe.\u201d\n\nDownload video of Grassley discussing the NDAA HERE.\n\nGrassley secured the following priorities in the FY25 NDAA:\n\nThe Grassley-led Destruction Initiative for Stored Precursors Overseas and Safe Enforcement (DISPOSE) Act to boost precursor chemical destruction efforts and prevent illicit opioid manufacturing.\n\nThe Grassley-led Administrative False Claims Act to strengthen efforts to target smaller, and potentially more frequent, instances of fraud against the government.\n\nThe Grassley-backed Law Enforcement and Victim Support Act to protect victims and empower law enforcements\u2019 prosecution of child abusers.\n\nA provision to require the DOD identify parts for reverse engineering, which will save taxpayer dollars, boost competition in the defense industrial base and benefit small businesses around the country.\n\nAdditional NDAA highlights include:\n\nAuthorization of federal funds to support Iowa\u2019s military installations through:\n\nConstruction of a new field maintenance shop for the Sioux City Armory;\n\nSupport for the Rock Island Arsenal\u2019s Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program project to provide secure, self-sufficient energy.\n\nA 4.5 percent pay raise for all service members, 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted members and a 2 percent pay raise for civilian employees.\n\nFull funding for joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, David\u2019s Sling and Arrow. Grassley is a firm supporter of Israel\u2019s right to self-defense.\n\nA provision prohibiting universities with Chinese Communist Party-ties from receiving DOD funding. Grassley this Congress introduced similar legislation to ban federal funding for universities hosting CCP-backed Confucius Institutes.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-16-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 12-16-24", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: Lame duck priorities, Farm Bill extension, used cooking oil imports, Senate Judiciary hearing on sports betting, drones and Jim Leach.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-press-epa-on-used-cooking-oil-imports", "Grassley, Ernst Press EPA on Used Cooking Oil Imports", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and bipartisan colleagues in demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its process for verifying the authenticity of used cooking oil (UCO) imports.\n\nGrassley and colleagues in June first probed EPA, along with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), about the validity of UCO imports in light of a massive year-over-year imports increase. In response to Congress, Senior CBP official Troy Miller admitted CBP considers UCO as \u201cpure\u201d even when commingled with virgin vegetable oil, such as palm oil. Based on this admission, the senators are slamming EPA\u2019s existing verification process as \u201cmeaningless.\u201d\n\n\u201cWithout a robust verification process, the credibility of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is at risk, and American farmers are likely missing out on key market opportunities. For example, through August, the U.S. has imported a historic 3.2 billion pounds of UCO in 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This is enough product to displace approximately 270 million bushels of soybeans,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cAmerican farmers should not continue paying the price of an inadequate and incomplete foreign feedstock verification system,\u201d they concluded.\n\nThe letter was cosigned by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).\n\nRead the senators\u2019 letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs a longtime advocate of homegrown energy, Grassley is spearheading several additional initiatives to support U.S. biofuel feedstock producers, including:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-federal-disaster-tax-relief", "Q&A: Federal Disaster Tax Relief", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What tax relief measures will help Iowans impacted by natural disasters get back on their feet?\n\nA: Congress recently passed disaster tax relief legislation that will give eligible taxpayers a break on their federal tax bill. It allows for individuals impacted by a natural disaster in an area that received a major presidential disaster declaration \u2013 from December 2020 up to 60 days after enactment, as long as the disaster occurred on or before the date of enactment \u2013 to deduct personal casualty losses, to the extent they exceed $500 per casualty. The deduction is available to those who don\u2019t itemize their taxes and may be claimed in addition to the standard federal deduction. Impacted Iowans should consult their tax advisors about whether they qualify to take advantage of this relief. As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I was glad to support this tax relief proposal to help Iowans who suffered financial hardship through no fault of their own. In addition to visiting impacted communities, I keep in touch with residents, farmers, business owners and civic leaders as local communities across our state have worked hard to recover and rebuild from natural disasters.\n\nQ: Which impacted counties in Iowa qualify for the federal disaster tax relief credit?\n\nA: Iowans living in a county that received a major presidential disaster declaration from December 2020 up through 60 days after enactment, as long as the disaster occurred on or before the date of enactment of the law, will qualify for the federal disaster relief tax credit. To date, Iowa has received five major presidential disaster declarations during this time frame, including the following:\n\n\u2022 Winter 2021. The first-ever derecho in December anywhere in the U.S. delivered severe thunderstorms and the most EF-2/F-2 or stronger tornadoes in a single day in Iowa since 1950. The following counties were included in a qualified disaster area: Appanoose, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cass, Cherokee, Davis, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Howard, Humboldt, Mills, Mitchell, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Sac, Van Buren, Webster, Worth, and Wright.\n\n\u2022 Spring 2023. Major to moderate flooding impacted much of the Upper Mississippi River Valley from April 24 to May 13, 2023. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott.\n\n\u2022 Spring 2024. April 26-27, 2024. At least 19 tornadoes swept across several counties, damaging homes and business across the region. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Union.\n\n\u2022 May 20-31, 2024. Torrential rainfall, damaging winds and hail leading to widespread tree damage and power outages; EF-4 tornado damage in Greenfield; EF-3 damage in Adams County; EF-2 damage in Polk and Story Counties. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Shelby, Story, Tama, Wright.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-seek-to-shine-light-on-opioid-makers-financial-conflicts-of-interest", "Grassley, Hassan Seek to Shine Light on Opioid Makers\u2019 Financial Conflicts of Interest", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to make public pharmaceutical and device manufacturers\u2019 financial relationships with tax-exempt patient advocacy groups. The Open Payments Expansion Act builds on Grassley\u2019s 2020 investigative report, which found opioid and medical device manufacturers paid $65 million to tax-exempt entities that drove up sales and downplayed risks of addiction.\n\n\u201cPatient advocacy is a noble cause, but pharmaceutical donors can manipulate well-intentioned organizations into Trojan horses for bad policy and dishonest marketing. By requiring opioid manufacturers to disclose their payments to nonprofit organizations, our legislation provides much-needed accountability and transparency,\u201d said Grassley.\n\n\u201cOne of the many ways that Big Pharma fueled the opioid crisis was through secretly funneling money to nonprofit advocacy groups \u2013 and then those groups at times promoted the use of opioids, despite the increasingly clear risks of addiction,\u201d said Hassan. \u201cAt the very least, the American people deserve to know when Big Pharma tries to wield its influence through others. Passing our bipartisan bill would significantly improve transparency, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.\u201d\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs then-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) recommended expanding CMS\u2019s Open Payments database after exposing a decades-long trend of massive payments from opioid manufactures to nonprofit advocacy organizations. Grassley has also led legislation to require drug and medical device companies to disclose payments to nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care professionals, which was added in the 2018 SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-wray-resignation", "Grassley Statement on Wray Resignation", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding Christopher Wray\u2019s stated intention to resign as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), just two days after Grassley publicly urged Wray to \u201cmove on\u201d for the good of the country.\n\n\u201cWray\u2019s departure is an opportunity for a new era of transparency and accountability at the FBI. Future FBI Directors ought to learn a lesson from Wray\u2019s mistakes. Stonewalling Congress, breaking promises, applying double standards and turning your back on whistleblowers is no longer going to cut it.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-on-ig-review-of-doj-congressional-records-collection", "Grassley on IG Review of DOJ Congressional Records Collection", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), today issued a statement on the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ OIG) report regarding DOJ\u2019s covert collection of congressional members and staffers\u2019 communications records, including former members of his own investigative staff. Grassley last year urged DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz to \u201cleave no stone unturned\u201d in his review of DOJ congressional surveillance.\n\n\u201cHere we go again. As I warned years ago with DOJ\u2019s rampant FISA abuses during Crossfire Hurricane, DOJ\u2019s snooping has the real potential to chill congressional oversight and violate civil liberties. Today\u2019s OIG report proves my point and paints a clearer picture of DOJ\u2019s bad faith conduct. The report demonstrates how DOJ withheld information from individuals impacted by agency surveillance, without legitimate basis for doing so. It also demonstrates how DOJ used boilerplate language to renew these gag orders and, in one case, even after they had already determined the subject likely had nothing to do with the leaks in question. Lastly, it shows DOJ secured broad authorizations for records collections \u2013 allowing it to scoop up information from a wide range of bipartisan members, staffers and news media, while failing to comply with all internal policy.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s plain to see DOJ overstepped its authority here. The Justice Department ought to learn from its mistakes and accept accountability, because Congress won\u2019t accept any less. The incoming Trump administration must take steps to ensure these problems, which were driven by career attorneys at the Justice Department, are fixed.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-09-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 12-09-24", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: FBI\u2019s failures, presidential spending, nominee meetings, government appropriations, Farm Bill and the Senate calendar.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-expresses-vote-of-no-confidence-in-director-wray-deputy-director-abbates-continued-leadership-at-fbi", "Grassley Expresses \u2018Vote of No Confidence\u2019 in Director Wray, Deputy Director Abbate\u2019s Continued Leadership at FBI", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on FBI Director Christopher Wray, as well as Deputy Director Paul Abbate, to accept accountability for their failed leadership at the Bureau.\n\nIn a letter sent today to Director Wray, Grassley detailed how Wray has \u201cfailed in [the] fundamental duties as director.\u201d These failures include:\n\n\u201cThese failures,\u201d Grassley wrote, \u201care serious enough and their pattern widespread enough to have shattered my confidence in your leadership and the confidence and hope many others in Congress placed in you.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-meeting-with-kash-patel", "Grassley Statement on Meeting with Kash Patel", "2024-12-09", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding his meeting today with Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The meeting follows Grassley\u2019s letter this morning expressing his \u2018vote of no confidence\u2019 in current FBI Director Christopher Wray.\n\n\u201cTransparency ought to be the North Star of government. Over the past several years, that principle has been thrown out the window of the J. Edgar Hoover Building\u2019s seventh floor. Today I reminded Kash that transparency brings accountability, and it\u2019s badly needed at the FBI. As a former congressional investigator himself, Kash understands that cooperation with Congress is not optional and whistleblower protection is essential. Once formally nominated, I\u2019d look forward to holding a hearing on Kash\u2019s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee.\u201d\n\nDownload photo HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-presidential-nominations", "Q&A: Presidential Nominations", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: How does the nominations process work following a presidential election?\n\nA: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the power to nominate individuals to certain positions outlined in the Constitution or created by federal law. During the time between a presidential election in November and inauguration in January, a president-elect makes consequential decisions to assemble a team of advisors and high-level government officials. While a president can hire White House advisors on his own, key roles charged with implementing laws passed by Congress generally require Senate confirmation. Thousands of positions spanning federal departments and independent agencies are submitted to the U.S. Senate for its constitutional authority of Advice and Consent, a vital lever in our system of checks and balances. During the Eisenhower administration, a first-ever list of presidentially appointed positions was created to inform President-elect Eisenhower which positions he would be responsible for filling. While officially called the \u201cUnited States Government Policy and Supporting Positions,\u201d the directory is more commonly known as the Plum Book, so-called for the color of its book jacket. Since 1960, the book has been published after every presidential election. Beginning in 2012, the U.S. Government Publishing Office made the publication available online. Legislative updates designed to improve transparency and add search-friendly tools to the online federal directory were enacted in 2022 and maintained by the Office of Personnel Management.\n\nWhen the presidency changes political hands, the transition team has its work cut out to assemble and vet a lengthy list of nominees, starting with key Cabinet assignments across the executive branch; ambassadors; U.S. Attorneys; and, top jobs leading independent agencies, such as NASA; as well as regulatory entities, such as the Federal Trade Commission and Securities Exchange Commission. Presidential appointments that require the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate take extra elbow grease to thoroughly vet and prepare nominees for the confirmation process. The nominee must be able to withstand intense public scrutiny by the media and answer questions by committee members during confirmation hearings. Being asked to serve the American people on behalf of the president is among the nation\u2019s highest honors. It requires personal sacrifice, often earning less pay than in the private sector and setting privacy aside for public service.\n\nHaving a top-notch team of citizen-leaders in place enables the president to enact his agenda and keep promises made to the American people. In the first days of his presidency, Thomas Jefferson observed how the nominations process could make or break his administration: \u201cThere is nothing I am so anxious about as good nominations\u2026conscious that the merit as well as reputation of an administration depends as much on [nominations] as on its measures.\u201d In The Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton warned against the feeble execution of the government, \u201c...a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.\u201d The Founding Fathers appreciated the importance of having a talented team of highly qualified citizen-leaders to carry out the mission of the chief executive the American people elected. This practice stands the test of time, from the first to the 47th president in our nation\u2019s history.\n\nQ: What is your approach to the confirmation process?\n\nA: President-elect Trump and his transition team have been hard at work preparing to take office on Jan. 20, 2025. As one of 100 U.S. Senators, I\u2019ll roll up my sleeves to consider the slate of nominees he sends to the Senate for advice and consent. As incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will lead confirmation hearings for nominees who fall under the jurisdiction of this committee, such as the U.S. Attorney General. Being nominated by the president, particularly for a high-profile Cabinet position, requires nominees do their homework. Nominees often meet one-on-one with senators to become acquainted with individual members. Those meetings give me a chance to speak personally with them about their priorities while I advocate for our state and the needs of Iowans. Nominees also must fill out lengthy questionnaires and can expect tough questions at their confirmation hearings. I take the confirmation process one step at a time. Whether a Republican or Democrat administration, my policy is to withhold final judgment on nominees until after the confirmation hearings.\n\nOur constitutional process helps foster public confidence in government to help ensure top government positions are filled by qualified citizen-leaders. In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act to end political patronage and establish a merit-based system for federal workers. More than eight decades later, federal anti-nepotism laws were passed during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration to strengthen public confidence that top jobs are based on merit, not blood lines. Ultimately, presidential nominees must prove they\u2019re ready, able and willing to faithfully execute laws passed by Congress and effectively carry out government services on behalf of the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-04-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 12-04-24", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Department of Government Efficiency, Farm Bill extension, Director of FBI, U.S. corn exports to Colombia and 2025 legislative goals.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-meeting-with-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi", "Grassley Statement on Meeting with Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi", "2024-12-02", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), incoming Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding his meeting today with Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nominee to be the next Attorney General.\n\n\u201cPam Bondi is a well-qualified nominee with an impressive legal career, including eight years as Attorney General of the State of Florida and nearly two decades spent as a prosecutor. Bondi is prepared to refocus the Justice Department (DOJ)\u2019s attention where it ought to be: on enforcing the law and protecting Americans\u2019 safety.\n\n\u201cIn my years conducting oversight of government weaponization and abuse, I\u2019ve found that the Justice Department is often the first to stand in Congress\u2019 way when it\u2019s seeking answers. It\u2019s time the DOJ prioritize transparency and recommit itself to blind justice, unlike what we\u2019ve seen over the last four years. To achieve this, Bondi will need to show unfailing support for whistleblowers, demonstrate respect for the DOJ Office of Inspector General\u2019s independent oversight and commit to working with Congress to shed light on the Biden administration\u2019s weaponization of the DOJ.\n\n\u201cThe Judiciary Committee will move swiftly to consider her nomination when the 119th Congress convenes in January.\u201d\n\nDownload photos HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:13:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-lame-duck-session", "Q&A: Lame-Duck Session", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What is a lame-duck session of Congress?\n\nA: Each congressional term has two, one-year legislative sessions. A lame-duck session refers to a period of time when Congress meets after an election is held \u2013 prior to the end of its constitutional term \u2013 and before freshly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. The 20th amendment to the Constitution effectively narrowed the lame-duck window to the two months between an election and the beginning of the new Congress. It moved the start of each Congress from March to January. Ratified in 1933, the terms of members of Congress begin and end on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years. Since its implementation in the 74th Congress, federal lawmakers have met in lame-duck session 24 times to wrap up unfinished business. When Congress adjourns sine die, a Latin phrase that translates \u201cwithout a day\u201d to convene, lawmakers typically won\u2019t meet until Jan. 3 at the start of a new legislative session. However, Congress may decide to enter a conditional sine die adjournment to give either the upper or lower chamber the flexibility to reconvene to override a presidential veto. Since 2000, both the Senate and House of Representatives have reconvened after every federal election. This year, Congress will wrap up the second session of the 118th Congress in a lame-duck session.\n\nQ: What issues will Congress take up in the lame duck?\n\nA: In the last decade or so, Congress has returned post-election to tackle spending and revenue measures to keep the government open for business. With increasing frequency, Congress meets in lame-duck sessions right up to the new session that starts in January. For example, the most recent lame-duck session following the mid-term elections in 2022, Congress considered appropriations bills and disaster relief. Despite my efforts to rein in Washington\u2019s Wild West Ways and hold lawmakers to a timeline to complete the dozen annual appropriations bill by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, Congress once again is perched atop a fiscal cliff and operating under a continuing resolution that expires on Dec. 20. I\u2019d like to see Congress complete government funding bills and enter the New Year on a clean slate with a new Trump administration. At the very least, I expect Congress to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, extend certain rural health care programs, including telehealth flexibilities, and replenish disaster assistance funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-11-05-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 11-05-24", "2024-11-05", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: appropriations, USCIS citizen voter data requests, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, inflation, tariffs and priorities for the next president-elect.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-slam-uscis-failure-to-comply-with-federal-and-state-requests-forcitizenshipvoter-data", "Grassley, Ernst Slam USCIS Failure to Comply with Federal and State Requests for\u00a0Citizenship\u00a0Voter Data", "2024-11-02", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the below joint statement regarding the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services\u2019 (USCIS) failure to release citizenship information on 2,176 potential non-citizen Iowa voters. USCIS confirmed receipt of the senators\u2019 October 31 letter supporting Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate\u2019s request for the data, writing, \u201cA fulsome response to Secretary Pate\u2019s request is forthcoming.\u201d The agency neither provided the information Grassley and Ernst asked for by November 1, nor specified when or if it would do so.\n\n\u201cAnything short of the information Secretary Pate requested is unacceptable. Iowa has worked in good faith to secure its electoral process and safeguard Americans\u2019 cherished right to vote. Unfortunately, USCIS\u2019 stonewalling has led to more questions than answers. The Iowa Secretary of State has assured us protections are in place to ensure all legally registered voters\u2019 ballots are counted. It is paramount the federal government provide Iowa election officials the requested information so they can accurately discern which individuals ought to be casting provisional ballots.\n\n\"We reiterate our demand for USCIS to immediately release the requested information, to ensure all eligible citizens can participate in our elections. With Election Day right around the corner, there\u2019s no time for federal officials to waste.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-announces-cedar-rapids-veterans-history-project-event", "Grassley Announces Cedar Rapids Veterans History Project Event", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 In honor of Veterans Day, the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with students from Kirkwood Community College, will host its eighth annual Veterans History Project event to chronicle firsthand accounts of Iowa veterans.\n\n\u201cThe past informs the present and shapes the future. That\u2019s why the Veterans History Project is so valuable \u2013 it preserves our service members\u2019 stories for future generations to learn about their experiences and the sacrifices they made for our great nation,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI want to offer my deepest gratitude to all the veterans in Iowa for their selflessness, and many thanks to those participating in this year\u2019s event.\u201d\n\nEvent details follow:\n\nWHAT: Veterans History Project\n\nWHEN: Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m. CT\n\nWHERE: Veterans Memorial Building, 51 1st Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids\n\nWhile the event will run from 9 a.m. \u2013 4 p.m. CT, local media is encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m. CT. Members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP directly to Hannah_Akey@grassley.senate.gov.\n\n***Grassley participated in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session for Iowans about the Veterans History Project. The Q&A is for publication***\n\nQ&A: Veterans History Project\n\nWith U.S Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nQ: What is the Veterans History Project?\n\nA: Approved unanimously by Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project came about through a grassroots effort to preserve the oral histories of America\u2019s brave service men and women. The Library of Congress serves as the permanent repository for recorded veterans\u2019 interviews submitted from local communities across the United States. The project honors those who have served in uniform and helps ensure future generations understand military service and the realities of war. In addition to audio and video recordings, the mission to preserve the memories and memorabilia from America\u2019s veterans also includes letters, diaries, artwork and photographs. In 2016, Congress expanded the collection to include oral histories from family members memorializing loved ones who died as a result of their military service during war. To date, the collection includes firsthand narratives of U.S. military veterans from World War I through present day. The stories of more than 100,000 veterans are now part of the collection.\n\nAs a history enthusiast and U.S. Senator, I wanted to help preserve the stories of Iowa\u2019s brave heroes who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018, my office launched an annual event to interview hometown heroes for the Veterans History Project. Typically held the Friday before Veterans Day, my office invites local veterans to share their stories in a 30- to 60-minute interview. To date, my office has submitted 83 interviews from Iowa veterans at events held across the state, including those recorded at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in Johnston (2018); the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown (2019); the Veterans Post in Waverly (2020); 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City (2021); the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo (2022); and, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum (2023). It is my honor to provide a platform for Iowa veterans and their loved ones, so that their stories aren\u2019t lost to history. Listening to the voices of veterans sharing first-hand accounts of their military service and experiences during wartime is powerful testimony.\n\nQ: Where will your office hold interviews this year for the Veterans History Project?\n\nA: On Friday, Nov. 8, my office will host our eighth annual Veterans History Project in Cedar Rapids. I\u2019m pleased to have students from Kirkwood Community College joining us this year to help facilitate the recordings and provide technical support. Interviews will take place at the Veterans Memorial Building, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 51 1st Ave. Bridge, in Cedar Rapids. Iowans interested in participating should contact my office in Cedar Rapids, (319) 363-6832 to schedule their interview.\n\nAccording to the U.S. Census, veterans make up 6.5 percent of Iowa\u2019s population; the Department of Veterans Affairs calculates 193,861 Iowans are among approximately 18 million living veterans in the United States today. Of wartime veterans, Iowa is home to 3,716 World War II veterans; 16,246 from the Korean conflict; 64,900 during Vietnam era; and 65,926 from the Gulf War. Census Bureau data show a shrinking share of U.S. adults are veterans, from about 18 percent of the population in 1980 to six percent in 2022. As fewer people have a direct connection to an active duty service member, or serve in uniform themselves, it\u2019s important to preserve the stories of those who have served in the Armed Forces to ensure their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation is honored and remembered for generations to come. God bless our veterans and service members currently serving who have answered the call to protect and defend our cherished blessings of freedom.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cardin-lead-call-for-potus-to-engage-on-stalled-us-china-adoptions", "Grassley, Cardin Lead Call for POTUS to Engage on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Longtime adoption advocate Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today urged President Biden to stand up for families navigating the People\u2019s Republic of China's (PRC) decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties. Reps. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) are co-leading the bipartisan effort, which garnered a total of 103 bicameral signatories, in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cWe request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,\u201d the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC \u2013 some with various health conditions \u2013 are already paired with families in the United States.\n\n\u201cThe American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,\u201d they continued. \u201cMany of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.\u201d\n\nGrassley and his colleagues also acknowledged the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice last week. They called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too.\n\nRead the full letter HERE. Cosigners include Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe PRC terminated its intercountry adoption program on August 28, 2024. Shortly after, Grassley wrote the State Department and the Chinese Ambassador for information. He emphasized the uncertainty the PRC\u2019s announcement cast on Chinese children and American parents, including parents in Iowa. Some families have been stuck in the final stages of the adoption process for years.\n\nWhen China suspended its intercountry adoption program following the COVID-19 pandemic, despite opening its borders for business and other activities, Grassley shined light on the inconsistency. He pushed for stalled adoptions to resume, so children and families could finally unite.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shaheen-and-bipartisan-colleagues-call-on-meta-to-stop-peddling-illicit-drugs", "Grassley, Shaheen and Bipartisan Colleagues Call on Meta to Stop Peddling Illicit Drugs", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are calling on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to remove and prevent illicit drugs advertisements from Facebook and Instagram.\n\n\u201cThe United States is in the midst of a drug epidemic, with more than 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses last year, and an alarming amount of these drugs are sold online. It is crucial that everyone work to ensure these illegal drugs are found and taken off the streets. Therefore, we call on Meta to improve its human and automated advertising review and content moderation to address these failures that are placing lives at risk,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nPer a recent Wall Street Journal report, Meta ran and collected revenue from hundreds of advertisements marketing illicit drugs, including opioids, ecstasy and cocaine.\n\n\u201cWhen presented with these disturbing findings, Meta took down some advertisements off its platforms. However, Meta\u2019s refusal to prevent illicit drug advertisements, while accepting advertisement payments that are harming families and in clear violation of Meta\u2019s policies, is particularly alarming,\u201d they continued.\n\nThe lawmakers are urging Zuckerberg to support their bipartisan Cooper Davis Act- requiring social media companies report illicit drug activities on their platforms. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the bill in July.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nGrassley\u2019s Related Work:\n\nGrassley in February participated in a question-and-answer session after executives from Meta, Discord, Snap Inc., TikTok and X testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.\n\nIn addition to the Cooper Davis Act, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced three Grassley-backed bills to strengthen federal online safety statues, including the Project Safe Childhood Act, the EARN It Act and the STOP CSAM Act.\n\nThe Senate in July passed the Grassley co-backed Kids Online Safety Act to enhance tools for families to protect their children online and increase algorithmic transparency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T22:07:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-ernst-advocate-for-election-integrity-demand-uscis-respond-to-iowas-data-request-on-potential-non-citizen-voters", "Grassley and Ernst Advocate for Election Integrity, Demand USCIS Respond to Iowa\u2019s Data Request on Potential Non-Citizen Voters", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are calling on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediately respond to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate\u2019s request for information regarding the citizenship status of 2,176 registered Iowa voters who self-identified as non-citizens. USCIS\u2019 Des Moines Field Office has already completed a review of the 2,176 names at issue, yet USCIS headquarters refuses to make the information available to state officials.\n\nThe Iowa senators\u2019 push follows Pate\u2019s urgent request for federal intervention after USCIS \u201crefus[ed] to release this key information.\u201d\n\n\u201cTime is of the essence, as voting in Iowa has been underway since October 16 and Iowa election law requires absentee ballots be separated from their carrier envelopes on Monday, November 4,\u201d Grassley and Ernst noted in their letter to USCIS. \u201cWe expect a response to this letter and for the information to be released to Iowa's Secretary of State by end of day Friday, November 1. If that doesn't happen, you will be playing into the very serious concerns of Iowans that the Biden-Harris administration is not following federal law and not taking reasonable measures to ensure only citizens are voting in our federal elections.\u201d\n\nRead the Iowa senators\u2019 full letter HERE and below.\n\nMs. Ur M. Jaddou\n\nDirector\n\nU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services\n\n20 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor\n\nWashington, DC 20529\n\nDirector Jaddou:\n\nIt's come to our attention that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instructed USCIS' Des Moines, Iowa field office to withhold information regarding citizenship of voter roll data requested by Iowa's Secretary of State Paul Pate. The USCIS Iowa office has already manually reviewed every name that was provided to them. They have looked up and determined if the resident has naturalized or is a non-citizen. This data has been compiled since Monday, October 28. There is no excuse for withholding this information from the Secretary of State's office when non-citizens are ineligible to vote in federal elections in accordance with longstanding federal law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. \u00a7 611).\n\nTime is of the essence, as voting in Iowa has been underway since October 16 and Iowa election law requires absentee ballots be separated from their carrier envelopes on Monday, November 4. We expect a response to this letter and for the information to be released to Iowa's Secretary of State by end of day Friday, November 1. If that doesn't happen, you will be playing into the very serious concerns of Iowans that the Biden-Harris administration is not following federal law and not taking reasonable measures to ensure only citizens are voting in our federal elections.\n\nLet us be very clear, all votes lawfully cast ought to be counted. The Secretary of State has outlined how measures and safeguards would be in place to ensure this fundamental right is preserved. It's imperative for the federal government to provide this critical information to ensure Iowa can uphold this commitment to our citizens.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-bridges-will-benefit-from-44-million-grassley-backed-federal-investment", "Iowa Bridges Will Benefit from $44 Million Grassley-Backed Federal Investment", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today announced Iowa will receive $44,640,000 to replace eight bridges across seven counties, including Cedar Rapids\u2019 Arc of Justice bridge. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the resources through its Bridge Investment Program, which was established in the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cIowans consistently raise concerns about the safety of our bridges, and rightfully so \u2013 our bridges need upgrades. That\u2019s one of the reasons I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThese grants will improve commuter safety and flood resilience, and strengthen our regional supply chain to help get Iowa products to market.\u201d\n\nAward Details:\n\nWashington County will receive $38,640,000 to remove and replace seven bridges in Washington, Hamilton, Buchanan, Jones, Cedar and Monroe counties.\n\nThe City of Cedar Rapids will receive $6,000,000 to replace the 86-year-old Arc of Justice bridge with a new, cable-stayed design. This will help raise the bridge above potential flood waters and improve hydraulic flow, reducing the height of Cedar Rapids\u2019 upstream floodwall.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-29-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 10-29-24", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: U.S. military aid, Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, Farm Bill, election security, former President Trump's proposed policies and lead line replacement.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrates-decades-long-initiative-bringing-clean-water-to-iowa", "Grassley Celebrates Decades-Long Initiative Bringing Clean Water to Iowa", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "OSCEOLA COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today delivered remarks in Sibley at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. Grassley discussed his longtime support of the clean water initiative and thanked local leaders for their hard work and dedication to the project.\n\n\u201cOver 30 years ago, community leaders began dreaming of a way to provide safe, clean water to hundreds of thousands of Iowans and Midwesterners. After decades of perseverance, we\u2019re seeing that dream come to fruition,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cWhile today marks the final connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, you can be sure of my continued support through future construction and expansion projects.\u201d\n\nDownload photos HERE. Grassley\u2019s prepared remarks follow.\n\nLewis and Clark Regional Water System Ribbon Cutting\n\nSibley Meter Building, Sibley\n\nMonday, October 28, 2024\n\nGood morning, it\u2019s a pleasure to join you for this occasion.\n\nYou\u2019ve come a long way to bring reliable drinking water to rural communities in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota.\n\nI\u2019ve enjoyed witnessing your accomplishments and helping on the federal level.\n\nLet\u2019s talk about the beginning for a minute.\n\nWith a mission dedicated to bringing safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, I recall working with a group of senators on the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Act of 1999.\n\nThis bill came about to support the local efforts to ensure that folks had access to clean water.\n\nShallow wells and contamination were very real concerns for the water resources in this part of the state and country.\n\nMurray Hulstein of Sioux Center, Red Arndt of Minnesota, Troy and others may recall some of these early efforts and conversations.\n\nAs you know from my standing here today, the passage of that bill came in 2000. Now that\u2019s not to say that since 2000 the path to get towns connected to the water system was easy.\n\nHowever, the perseverance and dedication of many has led to this ribbon cutting to celebrate Sibley as the most recent town to get connected.\n\nIt has also provided hundreds of thousands of people access to clean and safe drinking water.\n\nSince the 2000s, I\u2019ve viewed my support for this initiative as an investment in our communities.\n\nThis investment was made possible because of the hard work of [those] here today and [those] who were champions for this effort in the past.\n\nSo, I\u2019d like to close with a comment of gratitude.\n\nThank you to those with Lewis and Clark that have been tirelessly committed to improving their communities. Your work has made a real impact.\n\nGod bless you.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-finstad-question-usda-grant-oversight-amid-pure-prairie-poultry-closure", "Grassley, Finstad Question USDA Grant Oversight amid Pure Prairie Poultry Closure", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) are leading a letter scrutinizing the Department of Agriculture (USDA)\u2019s loan and grant oversight practices after a recent awardee, Pure Prairie Poultry, shut down. Grassley and Finstad serve on the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, respectively.\n\n\u201cUSDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America\u2019s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie\u2019s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,\u201d Grassley said of the bicameral effort.\n\n\u201cUSDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,\u201d Finstad added. \u201cWhile expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation\u2019s food supply chain.\u201d\n\nMinnesota-based Pure Prairie Poultry received over $45 million in USDA funding to help smaller processors start or expand capacity. The company ceased operations earlier this month and shuttered its plant in Charles City, Iowa. As a result, up to 50 farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin were left without processing capacity or feed for more than 2 million chickens, and roughly 100 more Iowans lost their jobs.\n\nGrassley and Finstad are asking USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the agency\u2019s considerations for approving Pure Prairie Poultry\u2019s funding, its insights into the company\u2019s financial standing and the steps it took to assist stakeholders following the Charles City plant closure.\n\nAdditional signatories include Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) and Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.).\n\nRead the full letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-cybersecurity-is-national-security", "Q&A: Cybersecurity is National Security", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: Is the federal government doing enough to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks?\n\nA: Cybersecurity may not be top of mind for Iowans struggling to buy groceries, recover from historic flooding and storm damage or finish the fall harvest. However, as your senator, I\u2019m working to prevent serious disruption to daily life and protect national security from malicious cyberattacks. Cybercriminals pose risk to Americans\u2019 financial security, from identity theft to drained bank accounts siphoned by digital thieves. Malicious cyberattacks from terrorists and foreign adversaries also pose tremendous disruptions to utilities, transportation and communications that would bring daily life to a \u201cscreeching halt,\u201d according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In June, the GAO issued a comprehensive analysis that exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the federal government\u2019s cybersecurity preparedness. Its report calls for urgent action to address cybersecurity gaps facing critical infrastructure systems that impact life as we know it.\n\nEven before the recent GAO report, I called upon seven of nine federal agencies charged with shielding the U.S. from cyberattacks. The Departments of Treasury, Transportation, Homeland Security, Energy, Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency have been dragging their feet to implement recommendations to tighten up cybersecurity protocols and beef up risk management strategies. Keeping Americans safe is job number one for the federal government. If these federal agencies are asleep behind the wheel, the U.S. economy and critical corridors of American life are at serious risk of compromise.\n\nQ: Which specific concerns have you flagged to federal agencies?\n\nA: Let\u2019s start with energy. Safeguarding our energy grid is vital to daily life and national security. Energy powers our homes, businesses and farms. A cyberattack on the nation\u2019s energy grid would have catastrophic consequences to health care systems, financial services, transportation networks, municipal utilities and more. I\u2019ve pressed the Department of Interior to explain its cybersecurity strategies to safeguard our nation\u2019s offshore energy network on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. I\u2019ve also pressed federal agencies to strengthen frameworks in our food supply chains. A few years ago, an Iowa grain co-op was the target of a Russian cybercrime attack. The co-op narrowly managed to avert a crash in grain prices without paying the $5.9 million ransom. This attack and others reflect the serious risk to our nation\u2019s food security and farm economy. That\u2019s why I pushed to hold a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine how to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks. These kinds of crimes are surging, and as cybercriminals pocket ransomware payments from companies desperate to get access back to their operations, they are emboldened to continue more attacks and disrupt more businesses.\n\nThe federal government must step up its preparedness to prevent, curb and respond to cyberattacks, across the board. Earlier this year, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to examine cybersecurity defenses in the U.S. health care industry. I pressed for answers on how the private sector is collaborating with the federal government to protect patient data and thwart ransomware. More recently, I launched an inquiry into the sweeping AT&T hack in April that compromised customers\u2019 call and text history between May 1 and October 31, 2022. The massive data breach impacted 90 million Americans\u2019 data, including federal agencies. I demanded answers from 17 federal agencies to find out what government materials may have been stolen and what the agencies are doing to mitigate future risks. What\u2019s more, I\u2019ve repeatedly sounded the alarm with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) \u2013 our nation\u2019s top cyber defense agency \u2013 to ensure it is doing its job to protect critical infrastructure from bad actors. In August, I wrote CISA to learn more about a massive data breach at National Public Data, a data broker company that provides background checks and fraud prevention services. In that case, the hacker allegedly leaked personal data on the dark web for up to 170 million people. Through my oversight and legislative work, I\u2019m pushing to ensure private entities and the federal government are taking necessary steps to protect national security and prevent the personal information of the American people from falling into the wrong hands. In June, I joined bipartisan legislation to protect Americans\u2019 online presence from bad actors, by requiring websites and apps to disclose to users if their business operations are subject to the control of China, North Korea, Russia or Iran.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-risch-and-colleagues-back-israel-stand-up-to-un-antisemitism", "Grassley, Risch and Colleagues Back Israel, Stand Up to UN Antisemitism", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 26 Senate Republican colleagues will introduce legislation to support Israel\u2019s membership status in the United Nations (UN). The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend or otherwise restrict Israel\u2019s participation in the international organization. The senators will introduce the bill when Congress reconvenes in November. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cAs the historic homeland of the Jewish people, the only democracy in the Middle East and a cherished ally of the United States, Israel\u2019s membership status in the UN shouldn\u2019t be up for debate,\u201d said Grassley. \u201cThe United States is the UN\u2019s largest financial backer; any antisemitic attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status ought to be met with severe and immediate consequences by cutting off U.S. funding.\u201d\n\n\u201cAny attempt to alter Israel\u2019s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,\u201d said Risch. \u201cThat said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel\u2019s status will come with consequences.\u201d\n\nGrassley and Risch are joined by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nRecent reports indicate the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN. The effort comes after the UN upgraded the PA\u2019s status in May, granting them enhanced rights and privileges.\n\nGrassley has additionally condemned the UN for its inaction regarding Hamas\u2019 sexual violence against Israeli women and its consideration of a PA resolution to strip Israel\u2019s right to self defense. Learn more about Grassley\u2019s work to support Israel HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-tony-perkins-to-discuss-biden-harris-endangerment-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children", "ICYMI: Grassley Joins Tony Perkins to Discuss Biden-Harris Endangerment of Unaccompanied Migrant Children", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss his work to reform the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Unaccompanied Children program, which has lost track of tens-of-thousands of migrant kids and placed countless others in potentially dangerous homes. Grassley last week pressed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\u2019s Office of Refugee Resettlement regarding its failure to report to Congress on any of its immigration-related expenditures, policies or data since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office.\n\nGrassley said, in part:\n\n\u201cFederal law requires the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement to annually report. In these four years of the Biden-Harris administration, there\u2019s been no reports to Congress, and they\u2019re supposed to tell us how much money has been spent, how many kids are involved, the location of these kids and the status of them.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got bad actors that are capitalizing on the Biden-Harris open border policy and using kids as pawns. Once the kids are here, the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s not looking out for their welfare or safety.\u201d\n\nWatch the interview HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-22-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 10-22-24", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley\u2019s weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: Pure Prairie Poultry\u2019s closure, farm profitability under the Biden-Harris admin, housing affordability, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, early voting and priorities for the remainder of the 118th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-demands-explanation-from-biden-harris-admin-on-failure-to-vet-afghan-terrorist-requests-watchdog-review", "Grassley Demands Explanation from Biden-Harris Admin on Failure to Vet Afghan Terrorist, Requests Watchdog Review", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is pressing the Justice Department (DOJ), FBI and Homeland Security Department (DHS) for details on its vetting of an Afghan national arrested for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack.\n\nGrassley, who for years has raised concerns regarding Afghan vetting procedures, obtained and is following up on an unclassified I-94 immigration document revealing that derogatory information on the Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, was referred for further assessment. Grassley is calling on DOJ, FBI and DHS to explain what actions were taken to investigate this derogatory information, and when.\n\nGrassley additionally wrote the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) requesting it review the DOJ and FBI\u2019s assessment, investigation and tracking of Afghan evacuees allowed entry into the United States as part of Operation Allies Refuge and Operations Allies Welcome.\n\nGrassley this morning discussed his oversight push, saying: \u201cI hope you know I won\u2019t stop fighting to protect Americans and to pursue accountability.\u201d Listen to audio of Grassley HERE and read his letters below:\n\nGrassley to DOJ and FBI\n\nGrassley to DHS\n\nGrassley to DOJ OIG", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/major-iowa-airports-to-receive-over-87-million-in-grassley-backed-federal-funding", "Major Iowa Airports to Receive Over $8.7 Million in Grassley-Backed Federal Funding", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 Three Iowa airports will receive a total of more than $8.7 million to modernize and expand terminal areas and infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cIowa\u2019s airports facilitate high volume passenger travel and move our world-class products to market. Keeping our airports in top shape ensures travelers\u2019 safety and strengthens our local economy,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI supported the bipartisan infrastructure law with Iowans in mind, and I\u2019m glad our state continues to see significant returns on that investment.\u201d\n\nFederal awards will be disbursed as follows:\n\nDes Moines International Airport will receive $3,600,000 for the construction of four new terminal gates and holdrooms.\n\nEastern Iowa Airport will receive $3,600,000 for the construction of a new baggage handling control system for the expanded airport terminal.\n\nSioux Gateway Airport will receive $1,564,466 for the acquisition and installation of a new passenger boarding bridge.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/biden-harris-hhs-cant-account-to-congress-for-status-of-thousands-of-unaccompanied-minors", "Biden-Harris HHS Can\u2019t Account to Congress for Status of Thousands of Unaccompanied Minors", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is pressing the Biden-Harris administration to provide overdue reports to Congress regarding its Unaccompanied Children program and other refugee resettlement programs. The current administration\u2019s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\u2019s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) hasn\u2019t completed a single annual report on its immigration-related expenditures, policies or statistics since taking office.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris have left Congress in the dark for the entirety of their administration and lost track of tens of thousands of vulnerable migrant children in the process,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cHow can President Biden or Border Czar Harris claim to be addressing this crisis when they can\u2019t, or won\u2019t, provide Congress statutorily required information on their efforts to do so? I\u2019ve proposed reforms to address the glaring errors in this administration\u2019s Unaccompanied Children program. It\u2019s high time the Biden-Harris HHS let the sunshine in and show its work so that Congress can continue hammering out solutions based on the facts at hand.\u201d\n\nRead Grassley\u2019s full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration is failing to comply with Title 8, Section 1523 of the United States Code, which directs ORR to provide Congress annual reports on its refugee resettlement programs, including the location and status of unaccompanied migrant children in ORR\u2019s Unaccompanied Children program. Section 1523 additionally requires ORR report to Congress on:\n\nRefugee employment and labor force statistics;\n\nThe geographic location of refugees;\n\nThe activities, expenditures and policies of ORR;\n\nDescriptions of taxpayer-funded refugee assistance.\n\nGrassley has exposed the administration for losing and endangering thousands of unaccompanied migrant children and is seeking to address the dangerous policies in its Unaccompanied Children program that allow kids to be exploited.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-bipartisan-senators-advocate-for-veterans-by-pushing-for-candp-exam-improvements", "Grassley and Bipartisan Senators Advocate for Veterans by Pushing for C&P Exam Improvements", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demanding answers on the steps it is taking to ensure veterans\u2019 access to quality, timely compensation and pension examinations (C&P exams) amid allegations contracted services and insufficient federal oversight have negatively impacted veterans. Joining Grassley are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).\n\n\u201c[T]he overall management and oversight of VA vendors that provide C&P exams must improve. As the department relies more on contracted examiners, it should also remain committed to ensuring that veterans are properly looked after,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\n\u201cThe Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, requires the department to provide oversight of C&P exams and to apply standards of timeliness and quality performance for [Veterans Health Administration] examiners and your contracted vendors. It also requires a mechanism for veterans, such as the ones described in this correspondence, to lodge complaints with the [Veterans Benefits Administration] to provide for a resolution to the unnecessary barriers put in front of our veterans. As we await the report from the department, our concerns for veterans persist,\u201d they concluded.\n\nGrassley and his colleagues cited the following reported issues riddling C&P exam processes:\n\nVHA examiners are operating under limited capacity. A Jasper County, Iowa veteran said the VA expected him to travel 97 miles one way for a C&P exam rather than see a provider in nearby Des Moines.\n\nContracted vendors are mismanaging appointments. A contractor assigned a Rindge, New Hampshire veteran to an appointment in Maine. When the veteran explained he couldn\u2019t attend appointments there, the contractor suspended his claim.\n\nContracted vendors are not maintaining their facilities. The VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found some contractor facilities are noncompliant with the Americans Disabilities Act, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.\n\nThe VA is not conducting proper oversight of contracted employees. The VBA said it cannot verify subcontracts into which exam vendors enter. While the VA must at minimum verify the contractors, the VA OIG found the department has not complied with contractor vetting requirements.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-iowans-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-landmark-juvenile-justice-law", "Grassley Joins Iowans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Landmark Juvenile Justice Law", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "POLK COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, recognized the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) in remarks to Iowa advocates. Grassley was honored by Iowa youth for his work to champion the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. The Coalition for Family and Children\u2019s Services in Iowa hosted the event at Drake University amid Youth Justice Action Month.\n\n\u201cJJDPA for 50 years has brightened futures for youth who\u2019ve entered our justice system. By empowering local stakeholders and bolstering federal protections for minors, this program ensures better outcomes and gives kids the opportunities they need to get their lives back on track,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI welcome the chance to speak with grassroots advocates in Iowa. Today\u2019s event served as a reminder of this law\u2019s impact in local communities across Iowa, and how together we can continue building on its successes.\u201d\n\n\"We were deeply honored to have Senator Grassley join us in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) during Youth Justice Action Month. His steadfast leadership in reauthorizing this landmark legislation has had a profound and lasting impact on Iowa's youth and families. Through his advocacy, Senator Grassley has championed reforms that prioritize prevention, accountability, and the wellbeing of young people in our justice system. The power of this law goes beyond policy; it changes lives,\u201d Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children\u2019s Services in Iowa, said. \u201cAs we heard from youth affected by the system, the JJDPA not only provided the youth with critical services at a turning point in their lives, but it also created opportunities for youth to have a voice in shaping the very systems that serve them. The reauthorization of the JJDPA continues to open new doors for youth across Iowa, offering them the support and resources necessary to build brighter futures. We look forward to continuing this critical work together, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.\"\n\n\"As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, we are reminded of the critical importance of advocating for the rights and futures of our youth. This landmark legislation has had a profound impact on youth justice reform, ensuring that young people are given opportunities for rehabilitation, not just punishment. It was an honor to have Senator Grassley with us, whose leadership on youth justice issues has been instrumental in shaping policies that support and protect our youth. At Drake Law, through our Middleton Center for Children's Rights, we are committed to continuing this vital work, educating the next generation of lawyers and leaders to advocate for fairness, justice, and equity for all our young people,\" said Drake University Law School Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr.\n\nDownload photos HERE. Read Grassley\u2019s prepared remarks HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley is a leading advocate for juvenile justice reform. In 2018 as U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, he championed the first reauthorization of the JJDPA in nearly 16 years, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained minors access to adequate legal representation. Grassley, this year, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the program through 2029.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-breast-cancer_1-in-8-women-will-be-diagnosed-in-her-lifetime", "Q&A: Breast Cancer \u2013 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: Is early detection and treatment for breast cancer moving in the right direction?\n\nA: As a lead sponsor of the bipartisan Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act of 2000, I\u2019m glad to see measurable strides indicating early detection and breast screenings are helping to lower female death rates from breast cancer. The 24-year-old federal law expanded on earlier legislation that directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Our bill allowed states to offer patients diagnosed with cancer under this federal program to access treatment services through Medicaid. It provides a lifeline of hope for tens of thousands of patients who otherwise wouldn\u2019t be able to afford timely access to cancer screening, diagnostics and treatment. In 2023, the federal program provided cancer screening and diagnostic services to 273,989 women, diagnosing 1,761 invasive breast cancers. Although we\u2019ve made progress in the battle against breast cancer, more work remains. The National Cancer Institute estimates 310,720 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and 42,250 people will lose their battle to the disease. The CDC says breast cancer is still the second most common cancer among women in the United States, following skin cancer diagnoses. Breast cancer also is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, following only lung cancer. Raising public awareness is central to advancing strides for life-saving prevention, detection and treatment.\n\nLosing a beloved mother, wife, aunt or sister to breast cancer is a devastating loss to families in communities across the country. I encourage Iowans to check in with their loved ones. Take advantage of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to prompt a friend or family member to make their screening appointment. Non-invasive mammography screenings can alert health care providers long before symptoms arise. A recent FDA rule requires mammography facilities to include a breast density assessment as part of a patient\u2019s medical report. Having this information can help lead to better patient outcomes. My wife Barbara is a 37-year breast cancer survivor. She credits early detection for putting her on the road to healing and recovery.\n\nQ: What efforts have you led to help cancer patients survive and thrive?\n\nA: From my consistent support for breast cancer research, including the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, I also steered bipartisan legislation across the finish line to enact the Lymphedema Treatment Act that closes a coverage gap for Medicare patients for physician-prescribed compression therapy items, including for breast cancer survivors. I\u2019m a vocal champion for rural health care initiatives to ensure patients in Rural America aren\u2019t left behind, such as expanded medical residency positions to grow Iowa\u2019s health care workforce and efforts to strengthen stability and security for rural hospitals and clinics that are the safety net providers for millions of Americans. From the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal health care programs, I champion policies to help ensure rural hospitals, local pharmacies and health care clinics keep their doors open for the community. I also keep the spotlight shining on market-driven solutions to reduce drug costs and lower barriers to care, such as expanding telehealth services and cutting red tape for kids with complex medical needs. Oncology patients can avoid the expense and tiring experience of a long road trip by seeing health care providers via the convenience and flexibility provided by a telehealth appointment. The bipartisan infrastructure law I supported is helping expand internet access needed for rural health clinics to provide telehealth services, including diagnosis and prescribing medicine. I\u2019ve also joined a bipartisan effort to push for an expansion of Medicare coverage for telehealth services and make permanent pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. I\u2019ll continue pushing to lower barriers to care and raise awareness so that the one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer survives and thrives to enjoy a high quality of life for years to come.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-emphasizes-value-esops-bring-local-economies-at-ia-ceo-conference", "Grassley Emphasizes Value ESOPs Bring Local Economies at IA-CEO Conference", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "POLK COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today delivered a keynote address at the 2024 Iowa CEO Employee Ownership Conference in Ankeny.\n\nGrassley discussed the future of our nation\u2019s business landscape as the baby boomer generation enters retirement, as well as his longstanding support for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): \u201c[\u2026T]his tax-advantaged tool has helped boost productivity, create wealth among the workforce, expand prosperity and grow civic roots in communities across the country,\u201d he said.\n\nDownload photos HERE. Grassley\u2019s prepared remarks follow.\n\nIowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO)\n\nEmployee Ownership Conference\n\nFFA Enrichment Center/DMACC Campus, Ankeny\n\nWednesday, October 16, 2024\n\nGood morning. It\u2019s good to be here with all of you.\n\nThank you, Randy, for your work with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a school near and dear to my heart. And thank you for the invitation to speak about another subject near and dear to my heart: building prosperity for Iowans across our state.\n\nNow, typically, I wouldn\u2019t be able to join you in person on a weekday in the middle of October. But since we\u2019re in the thick of a presidential election year, Congress is out of session until after November 5th.\n\nAs you know, we\u2019re also in the thick of harvest season. This week, my son and grandson are on our family farm in New Hartford running the combine and hauling grain from the fields.\n\nI\u2019m the second generation of our fourth-generation family farm, so I understand what weighs on the minds of Iowans looking to pass on the reins of a farm or small business. Although, a farmer never really retires.\n\nLike most family farms in Iowa, a lion\u2019s share of our small- and medium-sized businesses are owned by baby boomers. These operations are expected to change ownership in the next five to 10 years. Finding the future stewards of these farms and businesses is top of mind for communities across Iowa.\n\nIt will have tremendous impact on the tax base, population, school enrollment, jobs, economic vitality and social capital of the local and regional community.\n\nThis year, I completed my 44th year holding question-and-answer sessions with Iowans in all 99 counties in our state. Two issues that regularly come up at my meetings with small businesses and manufacturers are workforce shortages and employee retention.\n\nThe workforce and succession planning are top of mind for so many small businesses in Iowa, including those of you here in this room. As the baby boom generation prepares to pass the torch, a sizeable segment of our state\u2019s economy will hinge on the strategic transition of farms and businesses.\n\nChanging ownership of a business the same family has owned and operated for decades is complicated. Potential buyers and sellers need to navigate a maze of issues, including complex family dynamics, taxes, financing and more.\n\nA decade or so ago, the impending demographic shift was often referred to as the Silver Tsunami. Since 2011, roughly 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. I would suggest the so-called tsunami has delivered rolling waves of changes, instead of catastrophic disruptions to health care, housing, transportation and community services. I attribute that to forward-thinkers, like those of you attending today\u2019s conference.\n\nWe\u2019ve seen across many sectors of the economy that not all of the demographic disruptions hit the fan at once.\n\nThat\u2019s partially because people are staying in the workforce longer, by choice or financial necessity.\n\nLike I said earlier, a farmer never really retires. The same often goes for a family-run business, perhaps due to the fact owners don\u2019t always have a viable succession plan or buyer. Having a succession plan can give families, landowners and small businesses much-needed peace of mind. After putting years of sweat and investments into their farm or business, many Iowans are what we call cash-poor and asset-rich.\n\nAs we look ahead to this era of transition in business ownership, it\u2019s important for leaders in government, business and academia to collaborate. Together, we can anticipate the challenges and embrace the economic opportunities this demographic shift will present.\n\nFrom that standpoint, I applaud the efforts of your organization, in partnership with my alma mater, UNI.\n\nI want to commend you for taking a proactive approach. You\u2019re grabbing the bull by the horns to identify the obstacles and possibilities that lie ahead. By engaging stakeholders and raising public awareness, your efforts can help expand local economic vitality and prosperity for generations to come.\n\nYou understand that a majority of the businesses owned by baby boomers will close for good if a viable buyer isn\u2019t found. Usually, a viable buyer is restricted by the sale price, or there simply isn\u2019t a buyer available at all.\n\nLet\u2019s not underestimate the benefits your efforts will bring workers and the community. Day in and day out, workers help build and grow a company. When workers are able to capture financial equity in their employing business, it fosters an ownership culture that strengthens morale and reinforces roots in the community.\n\nThese dynamics sow the seeds for broader advantages for nearby schools, civic clubs, volunteer fire departments, places of worship, and more.\n\nIf you think about it, your mission kills two birds with one stone. On the one hand, you provide an off-ramp for business owners to pull wealth from their business, monetizing the retirement nest egg they\u2019ve feathered for decades.\n\nOn the other hand, you\u2019re expanding ownership opportunity and offering a piece of the financial pie to the workforce, empowering employees to share in the fruits of their own labor.\n\nAs a former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, fostering economic growth is central to my philosophy on tax policy. That includes my support for federal tax advantages for Employee Stock Ownership Plans.\n\nEverything these days goes by an acronym, but \u201cESOPs\u201d have been around for decades.\n\nA century ago, big corporations like Proctor & Gamble, J.C. Penney and Sears Roebuck provided stock ownership through a tax vehicle Congress added to the federal tax code in 1921.\n\nThe iteration we have today sprang up in the 1950s, for the purpose of transitioning ownership of a company to its employees.\n\nESOPs were formally recognized in law in 1974 thanks to the efforts of Senator Russell Long - one of my predecessors at the helm of the Senate Finance Committee.\n\nAn ESOP allows companies to use IRS tax-qualified plans as a tool for business succession, and as a workplace empowerment tool to foster an ownership culture. They provide the seller better options to manage tax liabilities from the sale of the business rather than what many consider tax confiscation at the point of sale.\n\nSenator Long once declared ESOPs would be the perfect elixir to the economy. In fact, he used the term \u201cGeritol,\u201d if anyone here remembers that once-popular vitamin supplement.\n\nThe good news is ESOPs have outlasted Geritol. For decades, this tax-advantaged tool has helped boost productivity, create wealth among the workforce, expand prosperity and grow civic roots in communities across the country.\n\nWhen Congress passed the Tax Reform Act of 1984 that included tax-free, roll-over treatment, Washington cleared the path for privately held businesses to transfer ownership, unlocking a burst of economic activity and new ownership to the next generation of employees.\n\nA decade later, the Small Business and Jobs Protection Act of 1996 primed the pump for another wave of growth for employee ownership. In the act, Congress amended S corporation laws to permit ESOPs as eligible shareholders.\n\nTo this day, ESOPs are a preferred tool for business succession in America.\n\nFrom my platform on the Senate Finance Committee, once again, I will have a front row seat at the tax policymaking table in the new Congress. With 2025 will come a major tipping point for the U.S. economy, as lawmakers and a newly elected president confront a tax cliff. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that I helped shepherd into law in 2017 is set to expire at the end of next year.\n\nThis package enacted across-the-board tax cuts for every American taxpayer. As a result, businesses and families kept more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.\n\nThat means Iowans got to save, spend and invest more of their own money. If the 2017 Trump tax cuts expire, we will say good-bye to trillions of dollars in tax breaks.\n\nThe 2017 tax law also unlocked opportunities for small business across our state \u2013 the engines of the nation\u2019s economy. Whether a business was structured as a \u201cC\u201d corporation or subchapter \u201cS,\u201d the law lowered tax rates on their income. This tax cut applies to ESOPs with partial employee-ownership.\n\nThe law lowered the maximum corporate tax rate from 35 percent to a single marginal rate of 21 percent, empowering businesses to expand, hire more people or raise wages.\n\nJust as importantly, for pass-through businesses the law lowered tax rates across the board and created a new 20 percent business income deduction.\n\nTogether, those reforms shrunk the top federal income tax rate from 39.6 percent to 29.6 percent. Farmers and small businesses operate on tight margins. These tax breaks make a tremendous difference on the bottom line.\n\nI\u2019m always on the lookout for ways to continue to build on the success of ESOPs. A provision I\u2019ve long cosponsored to make ESOPs a more attractive option for S corporations was incorporated into the SECURE 2.0 Act, which Congress passed at the end of 2022.\n\nI\u2019ve written tax policy in the U.S. Senate for more than four decades and counting. I\u2019ll let you in on a secret: When you tax something \u2013 anything \u2013 you get less of it.\n\nTax laws influence purchase decisions on items ranging from cars and clothes to farm machinery and investments. Just consider back-to-school tax-free shopping weekends. Or how states with no state income tax attract people from high-tax states.\n\nOn the flip side, high taxes on cigarettes, gambling and alcohol aim to limit those behaviors. Tax incentives operate the same way, informing research and development, college savings and homeownership.\n\nI\u2019m sure many of you want to know what\u2019s going to happen on those expiring tax cuts in 2025. That crystal ball will get some clarity after November 5th.\n\nIn closing, I want you to know I agree ESOPs are a key instrument for communities to foster economic prosperity across our state.\n\nOwnership is a core principle in America\u2019s promise of prosperity -- and freedom itself -- that our nation\u2019s Founders enshrined in our Constitution.\n\nIn my 99 county meetings, I\u2019ve seen good things happening and economic vitality thriving in communities with ESOP-structured businesses.\n\nESOPs can provide that pathway to prosperity.\n\nBusiness owners preparing to retire can get tax-advantaged cash in their pockets, after many years of building their business.\n\nEmployees can build equity in the company and find greater satisfaction on the job.\n\nWith your advocacy, communities can realize more opportunities to keep valued businesses thriving and tap into the ownership culture that attracts a dynamic workforce.\n\nThank you again for inviting me to speak to you today. I look forward to continuing this conversation and welcome your feedback. I\u2019m happy now to open up the floor to questions.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-recognized-for-work-to-combat-sex-trafficking-crisis-the-only-person-in-a-position-of-power-who-cares", "ICYMI: Grassley Recognized for Work to Combat Sex-Trafficking Crisis: \u2018The Only Person in a Position of Power Who Cares\u2019", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Inside America\u2019s Fastest-Growing Criminal Enterprise: Sex Trafficking\n\n\u2018Washington\u2019s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley.\u2019\n\nBy Madeleine Rowley\n\nOctober 14, 2024\n\nThere is no question that the border crisis is the primary reason for the increase in the sex trafficking of migrants\u2026\n\nIn July, Republican senator Chuck Grassley hosted a roundtable on the trafficking crisis at the border. Tara Rodas, 55, a federal employee who in 2021 worked at an emergency intake shelter in California, testified that while she was there, a 13-year-old girl from El Salvador was released to a sponsor in Ohio who was affiliated with the MS-13 gang.\n\n\u2026\n\nWashington\u2019s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley\u2026\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been trying to protect unaccompanied children that are put in dangerous environments,\u201d he told me in an interview. \u201cThese are the most vulnerable people, and somebody\u2019s got to look out for them, and that\u2019s me.\u201d\n\nAs far back as 2014, when \u201cjust\u201d 57,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border\u2014less than half the current number\u2014Grassley sounded the alarm that the Office of Refugee Resettlement was having trouble accommodating so many migrant children.\n\nThe next year, he wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, saying that up to 3,400 unaccompanied children\u2019s sponsors had criminal histories. Two years later, he urged the ORR to take responsibility for unaccompanied children who had ties to the gang. \u201cYour agencies repeatedly pass the buck to each other. As a result, children are allowed to disappear. When these children disappear without any supervision, they are vulnerable to join dangerous gangs like MS-13,\u201d he said.\n\nGrassley reached across the aisle in 2019 and 2021, working with Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Ron Wyden, respectively, regarding allegations of sexual abuse and employee misconduct at ORR-funded shelters. Grassley and Wyden\u2019s investigation found that between 2016 and 2020, ORR received nearly 7,500 reports of sexual misconduct involving an unaccompanied child staying at a shelter\u2026\n\nWith the election of Joe Biden\u2014and the border crisis that ensued\u2014other Republicans have jumped on the trafficking bandwagon, but Grassley has continued to lead the charge, using his staff to conduct significant investigations. In January, for instance, he sent a detailed letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray, detailing evidence his staff had uncovered of unaccompanied children who were suspected of being in the hands of traffickers.\n\nDemocrats have been shamefully silent on the trafficking issue. At the roundtable Grassley held in July, not a single Democrat attended. Neither did Mayorkas. \u201cDemocrats didn\u2019t come because they\u2019re just too embarrassed to talk about the shortcomings of this administration on immigration,\u201d Grassley told me. \u201cEspecially when you have HHS sending kids to MS-13 gang-related sponsors in Ohio. It\u2019s hard to explain that.\u201d\n\nAs for the Office of Refugee Resettlement\u2026 It has yet to do anything to reduce the sex trafficking that is taking place under its nose. On the contrary, it has lately been pushing through rules that will minimize the vetting of sponsors\u2026This, of course, will allow the NGOs to push migrant children through the system even faster. But it will also make it easier for gangs and criminals to \u201csponsor\u201d migrant girls after they\u2019ve crossed the border. Grassley is trying to stop that from happening\u2026\n\nRead the full piece HERE.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-15-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 10-15-24", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: the Farm Bill, the Congressional Budget Office's estimate of the Fiscal Year 2024 deficit, election integrity and security and the consequences of a Harris presidency.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-demands-vp-harris-own-up-for-failures-as-border-czar", "Grassley Demands VP Harris Own Up for Failures as Border Czar", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote Vice President Kamala Harris asking questions about the policy decisions she has made in her role overseeing border issues for the Biden administration, as well as the dangerous consequences and crimes that have ensued as a result.\n\n\u201cEvery community is a border community because the Biden-Harris administration has refused to enforce our immigration laws,\u201d Grassley today said of his letter. \u201cThe federal government\u2019s number one job is to keep its citizens safe. By reversing the effective border security policies of the Trump administration, the Biden-Harris administration has done the very opposite of protecting American citizens.\u201d\n\nGrassley on a radio call this morning cited the following actions, among others, the Biden-Harris administration has taken that have weakened U.S. national security and made innocent Americans targets of otherwise preventable crimes:\n\nOrdering the Defense Department to stop building the southern border wall;\n\nBlocking $2 billion previously allocated for barrier construction; and\n\nEnding the Trump-era \u201cRemain in Mexico\u201d program.\n\nClick HERE for audio of Grassley discussing his letter to Vice President Harris. The full letter is available HERE and below.\n\nVice President Kamala D. Harris\n\nThe White House\n\nOffice of the Vice President\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear Vice President Harris:\n\nIn one of your first official public appearances, you joined President Biden in the Oval Office when he opined on the Trump administration\u2019s immigration and border policies. President Biden dismissed the previous administration\u2019s policies as \u201ccounterproductive to our security,\u201d \u201charmful,\u201d and a \u201cmoral and national shame.\u201d\n\nSince your first day in office, you and President Biden have worked to dismantle the Trump-era border policies and halted further construction of the border wall. The presidential proclamation terminating construction read, in part: \u201cIt shall be the policy of my Administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall.\u201d This initiated a so-called \u201ccareful review of all resources appropriated or redirected to construct a southern border wall.\u201d By April 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the cancellation of border barrier projects. In June of the same year, the Biden-Harris administration returned $2 billion to the DOD previously allocated for the purpose of border wall construction. Your administration also initiated a review of the Remain in Mexico policy, which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas subsequently ended in June 2021.\n\nMeanwhile, every fiscal year throughout your engagements, crossings from Mexico and the\n\nNorthern Triangle markedly exceeded any year of the Trump administration. Despite the stark increase from those nations and many others, deportations and returns overall have decreased as a share of crossings.\n\nNow, you are engaging in a numbers racket, telling Americans modest decreases in encounters from soaring, record highs is somehow proof that what your administration has been doing all along is working. It is not.\n\nPresident Biden\u2019s executive order\u2014more than three years after your administration\u2019s reckless reversal of key policies\u2014is an implicit admission that he and you bear ultimate responsibility for this crisis and this disastrous approach. As a result of these slow-walked changes, our national security has been undermined and the safety of our communities has been threatened all across the country.\n\nDue to the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failure to achieve adequate border security, illegal immigrants, including those entering from Mexico and the Northern Triangle, have been able to perpetrate heinous acts against innocent American citizens. For example:\n\nOn May 14, 2024, an 18-year-old Honduran national, who purportedly entered the United States illegally in April 2022, pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Waterloo, Iowa.\n\nOn April 2, 2024, a Honduran national, who was previously convicted of sexual assaulting a woman in Connecticut and deported, was charged for failing to register as a sex offender. He was reportedly able to re-enter the United States undetected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently was arrested twice before being charged.\n\nOn February 25, 2024, a 19-year-old Honduran national was arrested for the alleged rape and aggravated assault of a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint in Louisiana. He entered the United States illegally in October 2023.\n\nOn May 4, 2024, a Guatemalan national was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a van in Palm Beach County, Florida. He reportedly entered the United States illegally in January 2024, was given an immigration hearing date in 2027, and was released by DHS.\n\nOn June 26, 2024, a Guatemalan national was charged with alleged sexually battery of a 14-year-old girl in Okaloosa County, Florida. He was deported on February 9, 2024, before this incident, but was able to re-enter the United States untraced days later.\n\nOn May 8, 2024, an El Salvadoran migrant was arrested for allegedly murdering a woman and the malicious assault of two homeless individuals with a baseball bat in West Virginia. He had an extensive criminal history and was in prison in El Salvador for over twenty years for \u201cDUI [driving under the influence], sexual assault/murder, aggravated robbery, and narcotics related crimes.\u201d Law enforcement believes he illegally entered the United States shortly after his release from prison.\n\nThis is just a snapshot from this year alone of the sorts of preventable tragedies, which have become all too common across the United States.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s policies\u2014pulling resources, reversing Remain in Mexico, and stopping wall construction\u2014are largely to blame for our open and unsafe border over the last three-and-a-half years. Because of your actions and inactions, every state is now a border state and every community is a border community.\n\nGiven your role as the leader of engagement with this region, which the media has colloquially dubbed as \u201cBorder Czar\u201d or \u201cRoot Causes Czar,\u201d I ask that you provide answers to the following immigration and border policy questions by October 24, 2024.\n\nHave you engaged with your international counterparts regarding violence perpetrated against innocent Americans by citizens of their countries? Have you raised this concern with any counterpart(s)? If so, what concerns were raised and when? What was their response?\n\nIn light of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s ending of Remain in Mexico in 2021, what data can you provide suggesting migration from Mexico has been \u201cstemmed\u201d as you were tasked with accomplishing prior to 2024?\n\nIn February 2024, the Biden-Harris administration endorsed a proposal that, among other provisions, included a requirement that a few hundred million dollars in unspent funds be used specifically for border wall construction. As noted above, the Biden-Harris administration previously returned $2 billion allocated for the purpose of building a border wall. Did the Biden-Harris administration ever consider reversing course regarding this funding? If not, why not? If so, why has no discernable action been taken to that end?\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration has auctioned off some $300 million worth of unused border wall materials for mere pennies on the dollar. Why did the Biden-Harris administration endorse a proposal asking Congress to require them to use hundreds of millions of unspent dollars for border wall construction after deciding to sit on hundreds of millions of dollars\u2019 worth of unused supplies instead of building the wall?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-stands-up-for-iowa-farmers-calls-out-biden-harris-ag-failures", "Grassley Stands Up for Iowa Farmers, Calls Out Biden-Harris Ag Failures", "2024-10-15", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is sharing Iowa farmers\u2019 concerns regarding the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s approach to agriculture, energy and trade.\n\n\u201cFarmers are struggling to stay afloat thanks to falling profitability, sky high input costs and burdensome regulations,\u201d Grassley said of his letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris. \u201cIn order to forge a better future for farmers, Washington needs to listen to the real-world experience of those with dirt under their fingernails. I\u2019m demanding the Biden-Harris administration wake up to the challenges our farmers are facing.\u201d\n\nGrassley\u2019s letter shines light on President Biden and Vice President Harris\u2019 harmful ag and trade policies, including:\n\nExcessive and unconstitutional regulations, such as the failed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule;\n\nThe Biden-Harris Treasury Department\u2019s restrictive 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit guidelines; and\n\nFailure to establish a comprehensive trade strategy.\n\nGrassley is urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to prioritize agricultural issues and lend farmers a helping hand by issuing timely, science-backed guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuels tax credit and expanding market access.\n\nDownload audio of Grassley discussing his letter HERE. Read the full letter HERE and below.\n\nMonday, October 14, 2024\n\nThe Honorable Joseph R. Biden\n\nPresident of the United States\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW\n\nWashington, DC 20500\n\nDear President Biden and Vice President Harris,\n\nI am writing to express my concerns regarding the impact of your administration's policies on the agricultural community. As a lifelong family farmer, I know first-hand the decisions made at the federal level have far-reaching consequences. It is critical that these decisions support, rather than hinder, our farmers.\n\nMany aspects of farming have changed over the last four years of your administration. Unfortunately, the most important aspect of farming, profitability, has declined. In 2021, net farm cash income for the United States was around $176 billion. This year, 2024, net farm cash income is estimated to be down to $154 billion. As any farmer could tell you, if you aren't profitable, you won't be farming for long. I would like to take this opportunity to address areas where I believe your administration has fallen short in supporting the agriculture sector.\n\nFirst, under your administration the regulatory environment has become increasingly burdensome. Farmers and businesses alike have faced a host of new regulations that complicate their operations and drive up costs. For example, your changes to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, would have covered over 90 percent or the State of lowa and made the government involved in any land management decision for farmers, developers, and businesses such as golf courses. Thankfully, all nine Supreme Court justices agreed that the Environmental Protection Agency's expansive regulatory efforts violated the Clean Water Act.\n\nFrom electric vehicle mandates to overly complicated strategies for herbicides and insecticides, farmers are concerned that these regulations will impose additional compliance costs and restrictions on their ability to manage their land effectively. This is also seen clearly in the Department of Treasury's guidance for the 40B sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. Instead of enabling farmers to benefit from science-backed farming practices that work for them, your administration's guidance restricted American farmers and benefitted foreign feedstocks. While I understand the need for sustainable practices, pushing farmers to specific farming practices can undermine the autonomy of farmers to make decisions that best suit their unique circumstances, and edge them out of new markets.\n\nTrade policy is another area where your administration has missed the mark. The lack of new trade agreements and uncertainty around tariffs has left the United States agriculture sector with a record estimated $30.5 billion trade deficit this year. In March, I joined 21 of my Senate colleagues in a letter to Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack to ask if your administration intended to pursue any new free trade agreements. As my colleagues and I expressed at that time, the increased deficit is, \"exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade.\" Though your administration has acted in trade disputes and other areas, it has been based on previous trade agreements established before your administration. The lack of a comprehensive strategy to expand market access for American agricultural products has been frustrating for farmers who rely on exporting their products to sustain their livelihoods.\n\nLastly, I urge your administration to prioritize these important issues in the agricultural community. There are still important steps that you can take to support farmers. Issuing timely guidance on the 45Z clean fuels tax credit would help provide certainty to farmers looking to market the grain they are currently harvesting. Allowing farmers a seat at the table for 45Z guidance and reducing the complicated and unworkable structure from 40B would go a long way in ensuring farmers maintain their autonomy in farming practices.\n\nThank you for your attention to these important issues. I look forward to your response and hope that in the coming months you work to support our farmers who continue to contribute to the nation's food security, fuel independence, and economic stability.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-afghan-national-charged-with-election-day-terror-plot", "Q&A: Afghan National Charged With Election Day Terror Plot", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What concerns did you raise immediately after the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan?\n\nA: The Biden-Harris administration\u2019s disorganized and disastrous exit from Afghanistan three years ago resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. service members by a suicide bombing. The images of Afghan civilians jumping onto and falling from a departing U.S. military aircraft underscored sheer chaos at the airport in Kabul. Like many Americans, it reminded me of the desperate 1975 retreat in Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. The botched departure in Afghanistan left behind American citizens and sophisticated American military equipment. It left millions of Afghan women and girls under the thumb of a murderous, suppressive Taliban regime and left a stain on American leadership, sowing seeds of doubt among our allies and partners, and sending a message of weakness to aggressive dictators like Vladimir Putin. Then, the Biden-Harris administration made matters even worse by failing to take the time to thoroughly vet Afghans applying to come to the United States. This put more American lives at risk.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration was green-lighting evacuees in a matter of hours or days. While the U.S. has an obligation to protect thousands of Afghans who helped American forces, there are serious questions how those who were evacuated were selected. The screening process exists for a reason: to protect Americans from bad actors seeking to enter the United States. Within a day of the U.S. leaving Afghanistan, I wrote the Departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security to demand answers. For years, I\u2019ve pressed the Biden-Harris administration to do its job and come clean about deficient vetting of tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated by U.S. forces. According to a pair of internal watchdog reports from the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, the administration\u2019s failure to sufficiently screen Afghan evacuees raises serious public safety concerns. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve tirelessly pushed the Biden-Harris administration to tighten up the evacuee resettlement process and answer to independent congressional oversight inquiries, the linchpin of our system of checks and balances, on behalf of the American people. For the last three years, I\u2019ve sounded alarms that individuals who may pose serious threats to national security are setting up shop on American soil.\n\nQ: Who did the FBI arrest just one month before Election Day?\n\nA: According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal complaint, the FBI recently arrested an Afghan national who had secured a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to enter the United States during the same time as the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and is currently on parole status pending his immigration proceedings. Now in federal custody, the individual allegedly planned an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS). According to the DOJ\u2019s complaint, the FBI found pro-ISIS propaganda on the individual\u2019s devices and communications saying, \u201c[a]fter that we will begin our duty, God willing, with the help of God, we will get ready for the election day.\u201d\n\nThe good news is the FBI stopped this terrorist plot; the bad news is it exposes the clear and present danger created by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failure to follow proper screening processes that are in place to prevent terrorists from getting to America in the first place. Since the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 97,000 evacuees have been admitted into the United States. According to the Defense Department Inspector General, at least 50 Afghan evacuees paroled into the United States were later identified as having potentially significant security concerns that would disqualify them for parole or admission onto U.S. military bases used as temporary housing for evacuees. When I questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether the FBI knows where these evacuees are located, he admitted the FBI doesn\u2019t know where all of them are located at any given time.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s open border policies also have made communities across the country vulnerable to a terrorist attack. During this administration, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has encountered 382 individuals from the terror watch list. In fact, eight illegal immigrants from Tajikistan with alleged ties to terrorism are in the process of deportation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-investigation-into-fbi-sexual-misconduct-reveals-fox-is-guarding-the-hen-house", "Grassley Investigation into FBI Sexual Misconduct Reveals \u2018Fox is Guarding the Hen House\u2019", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is shining new light on the prevalence of sexual misconduct at the FBI, amid continued agency stonewalling and empty assurances from Director Christopher Wray that he would \u201cfollow up\u201d on Grassley\u2019s inquiries. Despite FBI\u2019s lack of cooperation, Grassley\u2019s ongoing oversight reveals the FBI is still not protecting its own employees from sexual harassment and is treating child sex abuse cases as a non-priority.\n\nGrassley today sent a pointed letter to the FBI and Justice Department (DOJ). In it, he urged the FBI to own up to its failures and provide the data he\u2019s requested for years. The information Grassley recently received via protected whistleblower disclosures suggests his oversight dating back to October 2022 is as timely as ever.\n\nSexual Misconduct Persists among FBI Employees:\n\nLatest records show the assistant director who requested a review of disciplinary patterns at the FBI \u2013 which found hundreds of senior officials voluntarily retired or resigned to evade accountability for sexual misconduct allegations \u2013 left the FBI while he, himself, was under investigation.\n\n\u201cApparently, one of the reasons DOJ and its component agencies can\u2019t straighten out their problems of workplace harassment is that the fox is guarding the hen house,\u201d Grassley wrote. \u201cThe supreme irony of [then-Executive Assistant Director of the Human Resources Branch, Jeffrey] Sallet requesting the [Office of Disciplinary Appeals] review of senior officials retiring or resigning to avoid disciplinary action is that \u2018Sallet left the FBI and federal service while this investigation was ongoing.\u2019\u201d\n\nFBI Moves Agents off Child Sex Abuse Cases, onto January 6 Cases:\n\nPer protected whistleblower disclosures, the FBI has reassigned personnel from high-volume child exploitation cases to January 6 cases. Grassley notes FBI\u2019s failure to dedicate adequate resources to child sex abuse cases is a decades-old problem politicization at the bureau is exacerbating. One reassigned whistleblower said they sat \u201cessentially idle for eight to nine months\u201d on January 6 cases while child sex abuse cases piled up. An Assistant Special Agent in Charge reportedly told that whistleblower, \u201cChild sexual abuse material investigations were no longer an FBI priority [\u2026].\u201d\n\n\u201cOne thing is certain,\u201d Grassley wrote, \u201cThe FBI will not be able to remedy its many failings in this area if it treats sexual abuse against children as a non-priority.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nDOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Congress have long pushed FBI to address sexual harassment across the bureau. In 2021, DOJ OIG issued the FBI two recommendations on its demonstrated failures to hold employees responsible for wrongdoing after they separate from the agency, particularly when they do so while under investigation. As of today, approximately three years later, the FBI has not closed either of those recommendations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ossoff-laud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-prison-contraband-bill", "Grassley, Ossoff Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Prison Contraband Bill", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) applauded the Senate\u2019s unanimous passage of their Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act. The bipartisan bill aims to increase the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prisons from a misdemeanor to a felony. It now awaits passage in the House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cContraband cellphones allow prisoners to coordinate illegal activity from behind bars. That\u2019s an obvious security risk to prison staff, other inmates and the public,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m glad the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to stiffen penalties for cellphone smuggling, and the House ought to follow suit.\u201d\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan investigations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct in the Federal prison system have revealed systemic challenges that allow for the dangerous flow of contraband, which is a threat to safety and security,\u201d Ossoff said. \u201cBringing Republicans and Democrats together, we\u2019ve passed our bipartisan bill to strengthen penalties for smuggling contraband into Federal prisons.\u201d\n\n\u201cA cell phone in a prison is a deadly weapon. Yet, as our investigative work continues to demonstrate, contraband cell phones have proven to be pervasive inside many federal prisons\u2014a reality that undermines the safety and security of these institutions for BOP staff, inmates, and the public,\u201d said Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz. \u201cLieutenant Albarati was a true hero, selflessly dedicated to making his community and MDC Guaynabo safer by preventing criminal activity inside the facility. I commend Senators Ossoff, Grassley, and Booker for honoring his memory by sponsoring this public safety reform and for recognizing the severity of this problem. By making the introduction of a cell phone into a prison a felony, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act will allow investigators and prosecutors to more effectively bring to justice those introducing cell phones into prisons, curb the flow of illicit cell phones into prisons, make our communities and prisons safer, and help to save lives. We look forward to working with the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis, as it considers this critical public safety reform.\u201d\n\nAdditional cosponsors include Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\n\nBill text is available HERE.\n\nLetters of support from the National Council of Prison Locals, Voices of Joe and the American Federation of Government Employees are available HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act builds on the Grassley-Feinstein Cell Phone Contraband Act, which became law in 2010, designating cellphones as contraband in federal prison.\n\nLieutenant Osvaldo Albarati, a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officer, was murdered in 2013 after completing his shift at a federal prison in Puerto Rico. Five men who plead guilty to the crime admitted they targeted Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband, including cellphones. The inmate who placed the hit on Albarati did so using a contraband cellphone.\n\nA recent DOJ report from Inspector General Horowitz found nearly a third of deaths in BOP custody have occurred as a result of contraband, drugs or weapons.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-colleagues-push-doj-to-investigate-requirements-for-hamas-linked-campus-orgs-to-register-as-foreign-agents", "Grassley, Colleagues Push DOJ to Investigate Requirements for Hamas-Linked Campus Orgs to Register as Foreign Agents", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley, a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote the Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI regarding Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) enforcement, raising concerns Hamas-linked entities are escaping FARA scrutiny as they seek to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes through partnerships with campus organizations. Joining Grassley on the effort are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).\n\nThe senators\u2019 inquiry hones in on the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) \u2013 which received backing from an organization whose associated entities the U.S. government has implicated for financing Hamas \u2013 and the hundreds of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters NSJP claims to support across the U.S. Their letter reads, in part:\n\n\u201cIt is incumbent upon all of us crack down on hidden foreign influence. [\u2026] The introduction of hostile foreign adversaries into domestic political discussion is especially of issue when it is fueling an alarming rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. The public reporting appears to indicate that NSJP and related chapters may fit into the FARA definition of \u2018publicity agent,\u2019 at minimum, and its conduct, among other activity, may constitute a public relations effort designed to impact U.S. public opinion in favor of a foreign principal, which would meet FARA\u2019s definition of political activities.\n\n\u201cTaken as a whole, these actions require further investigation from DOJ and the FBI to fully determine whether NSJP and SJP chapters should register as foreign agents under FARA and the extent of Hamas and Iran\u2019s potential involvement.\u201d\n\nGrassley and his colleagues cite numerous examples that signal NSJP and SJP chapters may have an obligation to register as agents under FARA. Several follow.\n\nFederal court filings from state Attorneys General assert NSJP\u2019s material support to Hamas.\n\nDozens of SJP chapters echoed NSJP\u2019s social media messages lauding Hamas\u2019 brutal October 7, 2023, attack on Israel; some \u201c[praised] the creativity\u201d of Hamas\u2019 surprise attacks on Israeli civilians.\n\nNSJP urged SJP chapters in the U.S. to publicly facilitate and join \u201carmed struggles, general strikes and popular demonstrations.\u201d\n\nNSJP launched a campaign against U.S. college administrators, pushing for divestments in Israel-connected assets.\n\nNSJP held a summer 2024 program for SJP participants to \u201cdeepen our understanding of our current political moment [\u2026] with the aim entrenching the frameworks necessary to sustain and grow the Student Intifada.\u201d\n\nNSJP has stated it \u201caim[s] to develop a student movement that is connected, disciplined, and equipped\u201d with tools toward fulfilling its mission.\n\nConsidering this evidence and more, the senators are asking DOJ and FBI pointed questions about the steps they have taken to assess NSJP and SJP\u2019s potential requirement to register as foreign agents.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nCongress passed FARA in 1938 to identify Nazi propaganda and other foreign efforts to sway U.S. policy and public opinion. The content-neutral law was designed not to prohibit activity, but rather, to ensure certain individuals who act as agents of a foreign government or enterprise register with DOJ.\n\nGrassley previously pressed for FARA enforcement as Confucius Institutes cropped up on college campuses, working to combat Chinese Communist Party influence in the U.S. education system. He has probed potential FARA violations in recent Congresses, including by Qatari media network Al Jazeera, a Ukrainian operative who consulted for the Democrat National Committee and a Russian lobbyist who attended a meeting with Donald Trump, Jr. Grassley questioned the Biden family\u2019s FARA compliance amid business dealings with a Chinese energy company and sought answers upon learning the top lobbying firm for Ukrainian energy company Burisma filed incomplete disclosures. A longtime advocate of enforcing FARA to the fullest extent, he is leading congressional oversight and legislative reforms to further strengthen the law.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-condemns-biden-harris-admin-for-ignoring-alarms-about-afghan-evacuee-vetting-resettlement-procedures", "Grassley Condemns Biden-Harris Admin for Ignoring Alarms about Afghan Evacuee Vetting, Resettlement Procedures", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the below statement on the FBI arresting an Afghan native who secured a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to enter the U.S. following the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s botched troop withdrawal from the region in 2021. The individual, now in federal custody, was plotting an ISIS-fueled terrorist attack on American soil in the coming weeks.\n\n\u201cI was highly vocal about the need to thoroughly vet SIV applicants during \u2013 and in the weeks, months and years following \u2013 the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. But the White House, executive agencies and many of my Democratic colleagues in Congress were quick to dismiss those glaring alarms,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThe number one job of our government is to protect its citizens. By hiding behind clerical excuses, refusing to take accountability and neglecting to address known vulnerabilities in vetting and resettlement processes, the Biden-Harris administration failed to prioritize Americans\u2019 safety and, once again, projected weakness on the global stage.\u201d\n\nGrassley\u2019s Related Oversight, Legislative Work\n\nJuly 1, 2024: Watchdog Report Corroborates Grassley Oversight of DHS, FBI Failures to Properly Vet Afghan Evacuees\n\nJuly 21, 2023: Grassley & Judiciary Committee Colleagues Introduce Bill To Protect Afghan Allies\n\nMay 12, 2023: Grassley Joins Thune, Risch, Colleagues To Introduce Bill To Release Afghanistan Dissent Cable\n\nSeptember 21, 2022: Grassley: Americans Deserve To Know How FBI Is Addressing Afghan Evacuee Vetting Failures\n\nSeptember 7, 2022: Grassley Statement On DHS Inspector General Finding Deficiencies With Vetting Of Afghan Parolees\n\nAugust 22, 2022: Senators Seek Transparency On Flagged Afghan Evacuees Amid Ongoing Concerns Of Vetting, Security Failures\n\nAugust 4, 2022: Grassley Statement At FBI Oversight Hearing\n\nMay 27, 2022: Grassley, Portman, Inhofe Demand Update From FBI On Afghan Evacuees Flagged For Security Concerns, Denounce DHS\u2019 Continued Failure To Use All Vetting Tools\n\nFebruary 17, 2022: Grassley Statement On Watchdog Warnings About Deficient Vetting Of Afghan Evacuees\n\nDecember 22, 2021: Portman, Grassley, Shelby, Risch, Inhofe & Capito Request Biden Administration Provide Overdue Report On Composition & Vetting Of Afghan Evacuees\n\nOctober 28, 2021: State Dept. AWOL As Americans, Allies Remain Stranded In Afghanistan\n\nSeptember 27, 2021: Grassley On Afghanistan Collapse Through The Lens Of The Inspector General\n\nSeptember 27, 2021: Grassley Presses Justice Dept., FBI On Terrorist Travel After Afghanistan Withdrawal\n\nSeptember 15, 2021: Grassley On President Biden's Afghanistan Failures\n\nAugust 31, 2021: Grassley To Biden Admin: Don\u2019t Let Bad Actors Take Advantage Of Chaotic Afghanistan Withdrawal\n\nAugust 26, 2021: Grassley Statement on Afghanistan", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/cbo-estimate-2024-deficit-reaches-18-trillion-under-biden-harris-spending", "CBO Estimate: 2024 Deficit Reaches $1.8 Trillion under Biden-Harris Spending", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today estimated the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 deficit was $1.8 trillion, double what the agency projected when the Biden-Harris administration took office. Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement on the need to reverse course.\n\n\u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris have ignored resounding messages from Iowans and Americans nationwide, as well as alarms from global credit ratings companies. By consistently choosing a spendthrift agenda over fiscal sanity, this administration has hamstrung our economy for generations to come,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cOur nation needs a change of pace from the one this administration has set. Vice President Harris\u2019 recent proposals, however, signal an unwillingness to meaningfully address Americans\u2019 concerns and a readiness to double down on policies that have caused major consequences, like prices rising over 20 percent in less than four years.\u201d\n\nPer CBO\u2019s report, in FY 2024:\n\nThe deficit totaled $1.8 trillion, up $139 billion from FY 2023 and double what CBO estimated when the Biden-Harris administration took office.\n\nSpending increased $617 billion (10 percent) from FY 2023, driven in part by costly executive actions and soaring interest payments.\n\nNet interest payments on the national debt totaled $950 billion, up $240 billion (34 percent) from FY 2023.\n\nBackground on the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s Irresponsible Economic Record:\n\nMoody\u2019s Investors Service downgraded the U.S. credit outlook last year, citing the deficit as a key factor in its decision. Independent experts, such as the Federal Reserve Chairman and CBO Director, have warned that our nation is on an \u201cunsustainable fiscal path.\u201d Even so, the Biden-Harris administration plowed full steam ahead with trillion-dollar student loan bailout schemes and a $21 billion Medicare cost-shifting plan \u2013 an attempt to cover up negative effects the so-called Inflation \u201cReduction\u201d Act is having on seniors, including hiking premiums and reducing plan options.\n\nFurther, high borrowing costs and mounting federal debt have increased spending on net interest payments, which now exceed discretionary outlays for national defense. In early 2021, when interest rates sat at a record low, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young claimed it would be a \u201chistoric missed opportunity\u201d to forego borrowing trillions of dollars. Grassley last week called out OMB for neglecting to provide CBO with enough information to fully analyze the fiscal impacts of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s 2025 budget, despite committing to doing so.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-and-gop-colleagues-stand-with-israel-condemn-iran-backed-hamas-one-year-after-terror-attacks", "Grassley, Ernst & GOP Colleagues Stand with Israel, Condemn Iran-Backed Hamas One Year After Terror Attacks", "2024-10-07", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, one year since terrorist group Hamas invaded Israel, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and all Senate Republicans in fully condemning Hamas, calling for American hostages\u2019 safe return home and reaffirming U.S. support for an enduring, prosperous Israel.\n\n\u201cFor the past 12 months, the Israeli military has taken necessary actions to preserve its homeland and neutralize the threat of horrific Iran-backed, Hamas terrorism. In the face of ongoing Iranian aggression and rising antisemitism, the United States remains unwavering in our resolve to stand with Israel \u2013 our strongest ally in the Middle East,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cThis time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage,\u201d Ernst said. \u201cI immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation\u2019s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its \u2018ironclad\u2019 commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\nRead the resolution HERE.\n\nGrassley Stands with Israel:\n\nGrassley has long worked to maintain and fortify the United States\u2019 partnership with Israel. Since October 7, 2023, Grassley has led legislative efforts to reaffirm Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, counter Iran\u2019s terrorist regime and seek justice for victims of antisemitism. Learn more HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-biden-harris-stonewalling-prevents-cbo-from-conducting-complete-analysis-of-presidents-2025-budget", "Grassley: Biden-Harris Stonewalling Prevents CBO from Conducting Complete Analysis of President\u2019s 2025 Budget", "2024-10-04", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)\u2019s report, \u201cAn Analysis of the President\u2019s 2025 Budget.\u201d\n\n\u201cBiden-Harris pie-in-the-sky policy proposals are so unrealistic CBO can\u2019t even calculate their budget impact. This administration's unprecedented lack of transparency and fiscal discipline is insulting to Congress and the taxpayer,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris shouldn\u2019t count on Congress to go along with their plan to stick Americans with the bill for a bunch of unclear initiatives \u2013 especially today, when households are facing 20 percent higher prices than they were four years ago.\u201d\n\nThe nonpartisan CBO has analyzed presidents\u2019 budget proposals since the 1970s. Due to limited detail in many Biden-Harris policies, CBO hasn\u2019t been able to estimate their budgetary effects as promptly or precisely as past administrations.\n\nGrassley in March asked White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young if she would give CBO all the information it needs for this year\u2019s report to Congress. In response, Director Young committed, \u201cWe will provide CBO what they need to do this independent assessment.\u201d Despite this promise, CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) did not have enough information from OMB to produce independent estimates for more than 60 Biden-Harris budget proposals. Notably:\n\nCBO could not determine the total spending, revenues, deficits and debt under the Biden-Harris budget.\n\nFor the tax and mandatory spending policies CBO and JCT could assess, they found the administration overstated expected savings by over $1 trillion.\n\nCBO projects Biden-Harris\u2019 base nondefense funding request exceeded the spending cap enacted in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/cbo-confirms-biden-harris-medicare-cost-shifting-policy-will-cost-taxpayers-billions", "CBO Confirms: Biden-Harris Medicare Cost-Shifting Policy Will Cost Taxpayers Billions", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its fiscal analysis of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program. Among other findings, CBO estimates the program \u2013 which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched to artificially lower seniors\u2019 premiums that have surged due to Democrat policymaking \u2013 could cost taxpayers more than $21 billion over three years if implemented as planned.\n\nCBO conducted its analysis at the request of Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), along with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).\n\n\u201cWhen Democrats unilaterally enacted major changes to Medicare two years ago, they set seniors up for new expenses and fewer options. This nonpartisan CBO analysis confirms CMS\u2019s cost-shifting plan is a dishonest election year gimmick to cover up those consequences,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cRather than coming to the table and legitimately addressing its partisan mistakes, the Biden-Harris administration threw taxpayer dollars at the problems it created, putting Americans on the hook for tens of billions more dollars.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs predicted, the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act not only quelled investment for new cures, but caused Medicare prescription drug plan premiums to skyrocket, and Democrats are scrambling to cover it up before the election. In July, the Biden-Harris CMS scrambled to create a new federal program that will send billions of tax dollars to large health insurance companies to cover up a massive flaw in their so-called Inflation Reduction Act,\u201d Arrington said. \u201cToday, CBO confirmed that the administration\u2019s election year Hail Mary will cost taxpayers an astounding $7 billion next year alone, and $21 billion over the planned three-year demo, adding to the more than $2 trillion in Biden-Harris executive spending.\u201d\n\nCBO findingsof note:\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressional Democrats in the Inflation Reduction Act significantly redesigned the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit at an estimated cost of nearly $30 billion over 10 years. PDP sponsors then moved to increase their plan bids and base beneficiary premiums, while reducing plan offerings for 2025.\n\nAs a reaction, CMS announced its Premium Stabilization Demonstration. This cost-shifting program artificially lowered the cost of seniors\u2019 Part D premiums by sending federal funds to large health insurance companies. It applies a uniform reduction of $15 to the base beneficiary premium, establishing a year-over-year limit of $35 on how much a plan\u2019s total Part D premium can increase. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board called the demonstration a \u201cMedicare election bribe for seniors.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hyde-smith-targeted-program-offers-rural-hospitals-financial-shot-in-the-arm-but-cms-isnt-maximizing-it", "Grassley, Hyde-Smith: Targeted Program Offers Rural Hospitals Financial \u2018Shot in the Arm,\u2019 but CMS Isn\u2019t Maximizing It", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) are pressing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its refusal to use the budget-neutral Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD), despite the program\u2019s proven efficacy for participating rural hospitals and qualifying facilities\u2019 interest in joining.\n\n\u201cCMS last solicited program applications in 2017 and has communicated to us that the agency is not planning any further solicitations. Current law allows up to 30 hospitals to participate in the RCHD, but for the past several years CMS has underutilized the program, leaving as many as eight spots vacant,\u201d the senators wrote CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure.\n\n\u201cA 2022 evaluation report found that new hospitals participating in the RCHD program saw their finances stabilize. The evaluation noted that hospitals joining the program saw a \u2018large, positive, and statistically significant increases in their Medicare inpatient and combined margins.\u2019 Rural stakeholders have called the RCHD a \u2018lifeline\u2019 and that has enabled struggling hospitals to expand health care services to seniors,\u201d they continued. \u201cThe RCHD program is supporting rural hospitals and it should be fully utilized. If CMS has the tools to help one rural hospital, then you should be doing something about it.\u201d\n\nRead Grassley and Hyde-Smith\u2019s full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe RCHD program improves financial viability for hospitals that are too large to be Critical Access Hospitals and too small to succeed under Medicare\u2019s hospital inpatient prospective payment system. Congress established the RCHD in 2003 and has reauthorized it three times since.\n\nGrassley\u2019s RCHD Efforts:\n\nGrassley is a lifelong resident of rural Iowa who, through his membership and leadership on the Senate Finance Committee, consistently works to improve patients\u2019 access to care and ensure their hospitals stay open, regardless of where they\u2019re located.\n\nLast year, Grassley secured a commitment from Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra that his agency would \u201cdo more\u201d to support rural hospitals in need. Grassley followed up shortly after, urging CMS to open RCHD spots. At Grassley\u2019s request, CMS spoke with Iowa facilities looking to participate in the RCHD program. However, after months sans action, Grassley at a March hearing questioned Secretary Becerra about his failure to fill program openings, asserting the agency should be wielding every tool in the toolbox to help rural hospitals.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-one-year-since-october-7-attacks", "Q&A: One Year Since October 7 Attacks", "2024-10-03", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: Are you surprised the conflict in the Middle East is escalating?\n\nA: It\u2019s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, when the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched its brutal assault killing 1,200 people, systematically raping women and taking 250 people hostage, including Americans. Among those taken hostage were elderly people and infants. At least ninety-seven hostages are still believed to be alive in captivity, including two children. Throughout the last year, I\u2019ve worked to keep up the public pressure for their safe return home. Tragically, a month ago, Hamas murdered six Israeli hostages, including an American with dual citizenship. In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic fourth appearance before a joint session of Congress. He spoke about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and underscored the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, the only democracy and our most trusted ally in the Middle East.\n\nFor 12 months, Israel has been fighting Hamas in the Gaza strip, where the terrorist group has embedded itself among the civilian population, urging Gazans not to comply with evacuation warnings, using schools and hospitals as military bases and a United Nations headquarters to provide power to its network of terror tunnels. In response to 11 months of constant missile attacks that have forced 68,000 Israelis to flee their homes, Israel recently launched military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both fronts underscore the danger of appeasement pushed by the Obama and Biden administrations. Iran\u2019s military and financial support for terrorist groups has one goal: to wipe the Jewish people and the State of Israel off the face of the Earth. Israel must be able to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its proxies and I have supported military aid to uphold U.S. leadership for peace in the world.\n\nEarlier this year, I condemned action by the Biden administration to block or restrict the supply of U.S. ammunition and weapons to Israel. Our commitment to Israel\u2019s security and long-term prosperity must be upheld. Terrorism has no place at home or abroad. That\u2019s also why I\u2019ve called upon the Biden-Harris administration to secure our southern border. The open border policies of this administration are putting national security at risk. Hamas and Hezbollah fighters could take advantage of the lax enforcement at our southern border to plan an attack on U.S. soil. The number one responsibility of the federal government is national security. Complacency is not an option. Peace through strength works. The United States must not bow to our adversaries, such as approving reckless nuclear agreements with Iran. Most recently, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues to condemn proposals that would strip Israel\u2019s right to self defense. As we observe the one-year anniversary of the barbaric attacks against Jewish civilians, America and the community of nations must stand shoulder to shoulder to support Israel\u2019s sovereignty and unite against terrorists plotting to destroy the historic homeland of the Jewish people.\n\nQ: How are you working to stop antisemitism surging on college campuses?\n\nA: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I shined a bright light on the rise of antisemitism in the United States during a congressional hearing convened in September. The hearing examined the rising tide of hate crimes in America. Shortly after the attacks last year, I called upon the Biden administration to enforce anti-discrimination laws and protect Jewish students on our college campuses. Since the Oct. 7 attacks, antisemitic threats have spiked, including violent protests, campus encampments and barricades inside of school buildings. Some schools canceled commencement ceremonies to protect public safety. Reports of antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses surged 700 percent in the last year. Enough is enough.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-colleagues-outline-stark-consequences-of-biden-harris-failure-to-follow-border-laws-protect-whistleblowers", "Grassley and Colleagues Outline Stark Consequences of Biden-Harris Failure to Follow Border Laws, Protect Whistleblowers", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led 32 Senate and House colleagues in demanding President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris collect DNA samples from every immigrant the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) encounters, per the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005.\n\nLegally protected whistleblowers to Grassley\u2019s office have exposed how DHS\u2019s failure to collect DNA hampers law enforcement efforts to stop violent crime. Notably, DHS missed three separate opportunities to gather DNA from the illegal immigrant who murdered Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five.\n\n\u201cIt is beyond heartbreaking to know that my daughter\u2019s brutal death could have been prevented. This isn\u2019t just a bureaucratic oversight; it\u2019s a deadly failure that turned a protective measure into a hollow promise,\u201d said Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin. \u201cPresident Biden and Vice President Harris\u2019 reckless disregard for border security puts every American family in imminent danger. How many more precious lives have to be lost before they decide to protect the people they were elected to serve?\u201d\n\n\u201cFollowing the law, protecting whistleblowers and ensuring the safety of American citizens like Rachel Morin shouldn\u2019t be controversial,\u201d Grassley and colleagues wrote to President Biden and Vice President Harris. \u201cThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s DHS must follow the law\u2014the consequences are stark when they don\u2019t.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 requires federal law enforcement to collect DNA from every individual Customs and Border Protections (CBP) arrests, charges, convicts or detains. Yet, per whistleblower disclosures to Grassley\u2019s office, DHS has collected DNA samples from fewer than approximately 40 percent of the more than 10 million known illegal immigrants who have entered the country during the Biden-Harris administration.\n\nWhistleblowers additionally revealed to Grassley that a CBP official who recently visited major border facilities in Arizona and California did not observe any DNA collection taking place. As a result of disclosing DHS\u2019s failures to Congress, whistleblowers have suffered long-term, severe retaliation.\n\nJoining Grassley on the letter are House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), as well as Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nAdditional House co-signers include Reps. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) Anthony D\u2019Esposito (R-N.Y.) and Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-introduce-bill-to-deport-illegal-migrants-convicted-of-sex-crimes", "Grassley, Ernst Introduce Bill to Deport Illegal Migrants Convicted of Sex Crimes", "2024-10-02", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in reintroducing bipartisan legislation to deport illegal immigrants convicted of sexual offenses. The legislation follows recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data revealing more than 15,000 illegal immigrants convicted of sexual assault currently reside in the U.S. outside of ICE custody.\n\n\u201cSexual violence has no place in America,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s open border policies have allowed criminals to enter our country and threaten the safety of our communities. I\u2019m fighting to uphold the law and protect American citizens.\u201d\n\n\u201cThese violent criminals never would have entered America in the first place if we had real border security, but now that they\u2019re in our communities, they need to BE GONE,\u201d Ernst said. \u201cSince Border Czar Kamala Harris won\u2019t protect this country, then I will. My legislation will combat sexual violence by ensuring predators are identified, stopped and deported.\u201d\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by Unnaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act would classify sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as \u201caggravated felonies\u201d under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Migrants convicted of \u201caggravated felonies\u201d are subject to immediate deportation and barred from reentering the U.S.\n\nGrassley continues to push back against the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s open border policies. He is cosponsoring legislation requiring ICE to arrest, detain and deport criminal migrants, and has also worked to root out abuse of the immigration parole program and reform the Biden-Harris program endangering migrant children. Further, he\u2019s sounded the alarm on the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s unlawful failures to collect DNA from illegal immigrants at the border.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-warren-colleagues-lead-legislation-to-limit-waste-and-paperwork-at-the-pentagon", "Grassley, Warren, Colleagues Lead Legislation to Limit Waste & Paperwork at the Pentagon", "2024-10-01", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced bipartisan legislation to reduce wasteful reporting burdens at the Department of Defense (DOD) and enhance congressional oversight of taxpayer dollars. Specifically, the Streamline Pentagon Spending Act would repeal a 2016 statute that requires military chiefs of staff and commandants to provide Congress a list of unfunded priorities on top of annual budget submissions.\n\n\u201cStrengthening national security ought to be our strict focus, and I\u2019m always working to support robust military capabilities. But my longtime oversight shows the Pentagon can\u2019t even balance its books, so why do our laws demand the Defense Department seek even more taxpayer dollars?\u201d Grassley said. \u201cOur bill strikes down the unfunded priorities mandate to help cut back on paperwork and wasteful spending.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe budget process is all about making tough decisions and setting clear priorities \u2013 requesting billions of dollars in vague \u2018unfunded priorities\u2019 undermines that process. We need to get rid of the requirement to provide these wish lists in order to cut down on wasteful spending,\u201d Warren said.\n\n\u201cOur crushing national debt is a national security threat. Defense is the most important thing we do, and if we\u2019re going to get our service members the best equipment, we need a stable budgeting process. Unfunded priority lists may have started with good intentions, but as Congress\u2019s budget dysfunction has gotten worse it has morphed into another budgeting gimmick with negative results such as non-necessities being included in the budget and critical necessities ended up on a wish list. The nation and our military deserve a stable budgeting process, which this legislation will be a step toward,\u201d Braun said.\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Streamline Pentagon Spending Act would repeal the unfunded priorities list requirement for: top military officers; combatant commanders; the Missile Defense Agency; the National Nuclear Security Administration; and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.\n\nUnlike agencies\u2019 annual budget submissions, unfunded priorities lists often fail to consider the long-term costs of these investments over the future years defense plan. DOD in 2023 supported getting rid of the lists, saying they have \u201cno necessary connection to the [Defense] Secretary\u2019s global priorities.\u201d\n\nGrassley\u2019s Work to Address DOD\u2019s Troubling Financial History:\n\nDOD is the only federal agency to have never passed a financial audit. Grassley has conducted oversight and led bipartisan legislation to improve the agency\u2019s controls. He has additionally spearheaded multi-year investigations into price gouging practices by DOD contractors. The Streamline the Pentagon Act complements Grassley\u2019s longstanding efforts to cut waste and abuse across DOD\u2019s financial systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:57:20Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-discusses-bipartisanship-and-bringing-iowans-messages-to-washington", "ICYMI: Grassley Discusses Bipartisanship & Bringing Iowans\u2019 Messages to Washington", "2024-09-30", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined the 13th and Park podcast to discuss bipartisanship, food security and more.\n\nWatch the full episode HERE. Subject-specific excerpts follow.\n\nOn the Top Concerns Iowans Raised at This Year\u2019s 99 County Meetings: \u201cIn two-thirds of the 99 counties, the Farm Bill came up \u2013 \u2018Why aren\u2019t we passing a five-year Farm Bill?\u2019 Beyond that, the irritation that Iowans have, and I think in the entire country, with Biden deciding to do different than Trump was doing, have an open border \u2013 having 10 million people illegally enter our country because, you know, you can\u2019t enter America without our permission, that\u2019s what the law says, but the president doesn\u2019t enforce the law. Then beyond that, and maybe even more so, is the high cost of living. For a family of four in Iowa, that\u2019s $7,500 more a year that they\u2019re spending, and that\u2019s burned into their budget for the rest of their life.\u201d\n\nOn Bipartisanship: \u201cPartisanship is greater now than it\u2019s ever been in the 44 years I\u2019ve been in the Senate, but I think people get the view that it\u2019s really bad \u2013 and so bad that Democrats don\u2019t talk to Republicans and vice versa. I like to explain to my constituents: to get to finality on an issue, you have to have bipartisanship.\u201d\n\n\u201cYou get an awkward view of it from the media, because they like to always talk about the fighting that\u2019s going on in Washington. So when people get together and get something done, you never read about it, because it isn\u2019t fighting. You\u2019ve got to have credibility. Journalism always emphasizing disagreement hurts the credibility of Congress.\u201d\n\nOn Amplifying Farmers\u2019 Voices in Washington: \u201cIt\u2019s important that the two percent of people that are actually family farmers speak up, so people know that food grows on farms and not in grocery stores, or milk comes out of a cow instead of out of a bottle. I think 98 percent of the people don\u2019t really realize that. So, speak up for it. In the United States Senate, those of us who are crop farmers have to speak up in the same way.\u201d\n\n\"I\u2019m not the only one that knows something about agriculture, but I think I\u2019m one of the few that have dirt under our fingernails, and that\u2019s what\u2019s so important \u2013 to get the word out. Because food security is a part of national security.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-whitehouse-seek-reauthorization-of-critical-juvenile-justice-program", "Grassley, Whitehouse Seek Reauthorization of Critical Juvenile Justice Program", "2024-09-27", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) this week introduced the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDPA) Reauthorization Act, renewing a yearslong bipartisan effort to protect and improve outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. The bill reauthorizes key delinquency prevention programs, empowers community stakeholders and bolsters federal protections for incarcerated minors. Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Whitehouse also serves as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee.\n\n\u201cKids in our juvenile justice system ought to receive safe, fair treatment that encourages respect for the law and, ultimately, smooths transitions back to their communities,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThe federal juvenile justice program ensures minors receive adequate protections from these centers operating on the taxpayer\u2019s dime. Our bipartisan bill builds off decades of work to strengthen the core tenets of this critical program, and I thank Senator Whitehouse for his continued partnership.\u201d\n\n\u201cSenator Grassley has been my stalwart partner over the years in strengthening protections for kids in the justice system. I\u2019m very pleased to launch our latest effort together to ensure that young people receive age-appropriate, community-centered support to stay out of the juvenile justice system and have a better chance to get their lives back on track after getting out,\u201d Whitehouse said.\n\nThe Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act:\n\nReauthorizes through 2029 the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. This program\n\nempowers local stakeholders to better meet the needs of their communities,\n\nimproves the effectiveness of State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups, and\n\nbolsters federal protections for kids in the justice system.\n\nRenews the Youth PROMISE Grants and the Tribal Youth Program to support at-risk or delinquent youth at the local level.\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley and Whitehouse in 2018 championed the first reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in nearly 16 years. Their landmark legislation made significant updates to the 1974 law, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained children access to adequate legal representation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-named-clean-energy-champion", "Grassley Named Clean Energy Champion", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) named Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) a 2024 Clean Energy Champion. Grassley delivered remarks upon receiving the award at a reception celebrating the eighth annual National Clean Energy Week.\n\nGrassley accepts 2024 Clean Energy Champion award from CRES President Heather Reams.\n\nDownload photos from the reception.\n\n\u201cEnergy security demands an all-the-above approach that taps innovators right here at home. Not to mention, diversifying our renewable energy portfolio supports good jobs and eases the pocketbook pinch for consumers,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019ve long championed legislation to build out our wind energy infrastructure, and I continue to be a fierce advocate for biofuels producers. It\u2019s an honor to receive this recognition \u2013 while the award acknowledges past efforts, you can bet it\u2019ll help fuel my future work, too.\u201d\n\n\"As a vocal advocate for wind energy, biofuels and innovation, Senator Grassley has been a trailblazer for clean energy in Iowa and across the country \u2013 recognizing that American-made energy not only reduces global emissions but strengthens our economy,\u201d said CRES President Heather Reams. \u201cHis work to promote clean energy is why CRES is proud to honor Senator Grassley as a 2024 CRES Clean Energy Champion.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nIowa\u2019s renewable energy industry directly employs over 13,000 Iowans and has garnered roughly $25 billion in private investment. Grassley\u2019s work to connect Iowa\u2019s rural and agricultural communities with clean energy opportunities spans decades.\n\nWind: Grassley in 1993 shepherded into law the first-ever wind energy tax credit. His leadership served as a catalyst for farmers to harvest wind, creating new revenue streams for Iowans and expanding energy sources. Today, wind energy powers approximately 62 percent of Iowa\u2019s net electricity generation, the highest of any state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced the industry is driving job growth nationwide.\n\nBiofuels: Grassley spearheaded key portions of the 2003 Energy Bill, which contained nearly $15.5 billion in tax incentives for Iowa energy. Two years later, he helped establish the Renewable Fuel Standard through the Energy Policy Act of 2005; he frequently conducts oversight to ensure the executive branch implements the law as intended. As a lifelong corn and soybean farmer, Grassley is quick to tout the geopolitical, economic and environmental benefits of embracing grain feedstocks. Learn more about his actions this Congress to expand markets for producers HERE.\n\nSolar: Grassley has sought solutions to ensure the U.S. continues to develop solar energy infrastructure, while simultaneously preserving land stewardship.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-risch-biden-harris-admin-should-work-with-western-hemisphere-partners-to-arrest-and-extradite-maduro", "Grassley, Risch: Biden-Harris Admin Should Work with Western Hemisphere Partners to Arrest and Extradite Maduro", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement on reports that Nicol\u00e1s Maduro has been invited to Mexico\u2019s presidential inauguration next week:\n\n\u201cFor nearly four years, the Biden-Harris administration has failed to do the bare minimum to hold indicted narco-terrorist Nicol\u00e1s Maduro accountable. We are encouraged to see Argentina and Ecuador join in the call to arrest Maduro. The Biden-Harris administration should follow suit and work with our democratic partners in the Western Hemisphere to seek the arrest and extradition of Maduro if he visits Mexico in the next few days.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley and Risch wrote Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in November requesting an explanation of what, if any, legal actions the Department of Justice and State Department have taken since 2021 to seek the arrest and extradition of Nicol\u00e1s Maduro.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-witness-insights-on-business-tax-considerations-in-a-post-wayfair-world", "Grassley Welcomes Witness Insights on Business Tax Considerations in a \u2018Post-Wayfair\u2019 World", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Growth, participated in a hearing titled \u201cProviding Small Business Relief from Remote Sales Tax Collection.\u201d\n\nGrassley in his opening remarks acknowledged challenges small online retailers have faced since South Dakota v. Wayfair. He additionally discussed Iowa\u2019s membership in the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement and its associated reforms to facilitate compliance with state tax laws.\n\nClick the corresponding links for:\n\nTranscript of Grassley\u2019s opening statement\n\nVideo of Grassley\u2019s opening statement\n\nVideo of Grassley\u2019s witnesses questioning\n\nExcerpts from Grassley's exchange with hearing witnesses follow.\n\nLowering Burdens in Non-Streamline States\n\nGrassley: \"Since the Wayfair decision, have states that aren\u2019t Streamlined members enacted reforms to limit burdens on interstate commerce or taken steps to join Streamlined?\"\n\nCraig Johnson, Executive Director, Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board: \u201cMost states have not done anything specifically, that I am aware of, to remove those undue burdens. Now, they have done what the Supreme Court noted in Wayfair: they did the no retroactive applications, they put in a small seller threshold. But the question is, did they do the third thing, which is, remove the undue burdens or join the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board? I think that\u2019s the question that still remains, and that\u2019s a question the Supreme Court did not answer.\u201d\n\nImpact of Simplification Requirements on Retailers Compliance with Sales Taxes\n\nGrassley: \u201cMr. Johnson, you note that more than 30,000 sellers have registered with Streamlined to collect and remit taxes to members. [... Another witness,] Mr. Bishop-Henchman, notes it is estimated that nearly 50,000 businesses are ignoring their obligation to collect and remit sales taxes and risking getting caught. In your view, would greater adoption of the simplification requirements implemented by Streamlined members increase the compliance rate of retailers with sales tax obligations \u2013 in other words, getting at those 50,000?\u201d\n\nJohnson: \u201cAs far as whether or not [greater adoption of Streamlined simplification requirements] would improve the compliance, I think the answer is yes, absolutely it would. I think our member states have recognized the simpler you make the laws for sellers to comply with, the greater the voluntary compliance. And you\u2019re going to recognize the revenues that are going to come along with it because you\u2019re going to make it easy for business to be able to calculate collect and remit the tax.\u201d\n\nStates Enforcing Pre-Wayfair Laws\n\nGrassley: \"Mr. Bishop-Henchman, you noted that multiple states have tried or are attempting to enforce pre-Wayfair laws. They are effectively seeking to retroactively collect sales taxes from retailers that had no legal obligation to collect such taxes at that time. Are individual states generally observing the Supreme Court\u2019s recognition of the need for simplification to avoid imposing an 'undue burden' on interstate commerce?\"\n\nJoseph Bishop-Henchman, Executive Vice President, National Taxpayers Union Foundation: \u201cUnfortunately, not enough.\u201d\n\nMr. Bishop-Henchman cited litigation as a potential tool in the toolbox to prevent one state from imposing burdens on the rest of the country but said the Supreme Court\u2019s National Pork Producers Council v. Ross decision \u201cundercut\u201d that possibility by punting to Congress for a fix.\n\nGrassley: Do you see more states voluntarily adopting simplification measures or becoming Streamlined members as more time passes after the Wayfair decision?\n\nBishop-Henchman: \u201cAt this point, my answer would be no, I don\u2019t see states joining unless there\u2019s some incentive for them to do so.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-passport-renewals", "Q&A: Passport Renewals", "2024-09-26", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What new option do Americans have to renew their passports?\n\nA: The U.S. Department of State announced in September a new service, enabling Americans to renew passports online. This is good news. Americans have enjoyed a robust return to international travel that contributed to a post-pandemic backlog for passport applications and renewals. More Americans have passports than at any time in U.S. history: 46 percent in 2023 compared to 30 percent a generation ago.\n\nWhether applying online or through postal mail, my advice for Iowans is to apply early. Double check the date your passport expires and get a head start on the renewal process. Also be aware certain countries will not allow entry if a traveler\u2019s passport is set to expire within six months of entering the country. Learn more about specific entry requirements for countries on your travel itinerary at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html\n\nI\u2019m glad the State Department is taking steps to provide better, more efficient service to the American people. After all, government is a service to the people. That\u2019s why I work to hold federal agencies accountable to help ensure they provide the most effective service for the taxpayer.\n\nNow, instead of printing a paper application and mailing in a check, eligible U.S. citizens may renew their passports online using a secure process through the State Department. To renew online go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html. Applications through postal mail are still available and must be used for those seeking expedited services, children under age 16, and citizens applying for a passport for the first time. Travelers with urgent, life-or-death emergencies, traveling in 14 days or less, or who need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days must make an in-person appointment at a passport agency. Call (877) 487-2778 to schedule an emergency appointment.\n\nQ: Who is eligible to renew passports online?\n\nA: The online renewal service is open to U.S. citizens age 25 or older who are renewing a passport that is or was valid for 10 years. Specifically, passports that were issued over 9 years ago, but less than 15 years from the date you submit your online application. Online renewal isn\u2019t available for applicants changing a name, gender, date of birth or place of birth. Keep in mind the online portal is not for expedited service, this is for routine processing times that are the same as renewing by mail. You don\u2019t need to mail in your most recent passport and can upload a current digital passport photo. Payment is made with a credit or debit card. Be aware infants also require a valid passport to travel abroad. Passports for those 16 and younger are valid for only five years and require parents and guardians to accompany the minor in person when making application at a passport acceptance facility, located at designated local government offices, post offices or libraries. Find a local passport acceptance facility here. (https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/) If both parents have custody, but only one can appear in person, you will need to show more documentation and submit a statement of consent. Learn more here.\n\nQ: What if a passport is needed sooner than the estimated 6-8 week processing period?\n\nA: The State Department offers expedited service requests for an extra $60, as well as a 1-2 day delivery of the completed passport for an additional $21.36. Mailing times are not included in the processing times. The expedited service turnaround is between 2-3 weeks and is not available online. The State Department offers an online fee calculator to help you figure out the cost and delivery of your passport at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/fees.html.\n\nAs always, Iowans having difficulty navigating the process or getting answers may contact my Senate office for assistance. To assist you, a consent form is required to look into your case. Fill out, sign and submit the online form. Go to Help With Federal Agencies | Senator Chuck Grassley (senate.gov).\n\nSeptember is National Passport Month.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-leverage-newly-obtained-records-on-atfs-unlawful-misclassification-scandal-to-seek-answers-accountability", "Grassley, Ernst Leverage Newly Obtained Records on ATF\u2019s Unlawful Misclassification Scandal to Seek Answers & Accountability", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Upon obtaining an unreleased report via protected whistleblower disclosures, Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst are raising additional questions about the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)\u2019s decision to reinstate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF)\u2019s position classification authority. The Office of Special Counsel previously substantiated whistleblower claims ATF repeatedly and illegally labeled administrative positions as \u201claw enforcement,\u201d costing the taxpayer at least $20 million.\n\nThe new records show the Justice Department (DOJ) Justice Management Division (JMD), which is supposed to determine whether DOJ is properly classifying law enforcement positions, requested the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) assess the agency\u2019s practices. The resulting report reveals far-reaching failures across DOJ and raises flags about findings in an ATF Human Capital Management Evaluation (HCME) audit OPM conducted but has yet to publish.\n\n\u201c[OPM] must fully explain, in detail, the actions taken by ATF, the Justice Department, and JMD to come into full compliance with the law, as well as the oversight mechanisms put in place to prevent millions of taxpayer dollars from being subjected to further \u2018substantial waste\u2019 due to the ATF\u2019s illegal misconduct,\u201d Grassley and Ernst wrote. \u201cFurther, the Justice Department must provide answers to the taxpayers about how those who were involved in or allowed ATF\u2019s illegal misclassification scheme to continue have been held accountable. The American public deserves transparency from the OPM.\u201d\n\nNotable excerpts from the NAPA report:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-introduce-bill-targeting-counterfeit-imports", "Grassley, Hassan Introduce Bill Targeting Counterfeit Imports", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) introduced legislation to detect and halt counterfeit imports. Specifically, the bipartisan bill authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to share suspected counterfeits\u2019 packaging and shipping information with intellectual property rights holders, e-commerce platforms and transportation carriers. The text of their legislation has been included as an amendment in the \u201cmanager\u2019s package\u201d of the committee-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.\n\n\u201cCounterfeits are an affront to consumers\u2019 well-being, economic vitality and common decency,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cOur bipartisan bill establishes a straightforward approach to cut back on counterfeits by boosting information sharing between CBP, rights holders and commerce professionals.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bipartisan bill gives Customs and Border Protection the tools that they need to more effectively stop counterfeit goods from crossing our borders,\u201d Hassan said. \u201cBy strengthening law enforcement efforts to identify and interdict counterfeit imports, we can better protect American businesses and create jobs.\u201d\n\nBackground\n\nGrassley is the co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Grassley\u2019s 2019 \u201cFight Against Fakes\u201d report, released during his time as Finance Chairman, detailed bad actors\u2019 efforts to exploit the marketplace at the expense of consumers\u2019 pocketbooks and personal safety. Building on the report, Grassley first introduced legislation in 2021 to enhance information sharing between CBP and private sector partners.\n\nThe Grassley-Hassan bill (S.5160) is supported by the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA), Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2), International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), The Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM), The Toy Association and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.\n\nDownload bill text HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-move-to-extend-fentanyl-analogue-scheduling-order", "Grassley, Hassan Move to Extend Fentanyl Analogue Scheduling Order", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Drug Caucus Co-Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and caucus member Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) are seeking to extend through December 31, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)\u2019s temporary order classifying fentanyl-related drugs as Schedule I. Congress has passed this extension multiple times since 2018; the current order is set to expire on December 31 of this year.\n\n\u201cPrior to 2018, it was near impossible to combat fentanyl look-a-likes. The DEA\u2019s emergency restrictions have helped law enforcement identify these deadly drugs and prevent them from reaching our communities. We can\u2019t afford to let our guard down by allowing these critical restrictions to sunset. Meanwhile, lawmakers, researchers and others will keep working towards permanent solutions,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cNew Hampshire knows all too well the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis on our communities,\u201d Hassan said. \u201cThis commonsense bipartisan bill will extend prohibitions against fentanyl-related substances so that law enforcement can continue to investigate and interdict these harmful substances as we continue to combat the fentanyl epidemic on all fronts.\u201d\n\nGrassley and Hassan are joined by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Kennedy (R-La.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nBackground:\n\nFentanyl is a controlled substance, meaning U.S. statute prohibits its use. However, illicit drug manufacturers and traffickers, often in China and Mexico, are sidestepping the law by producing fentanyl analogues \u2013 drugs that are substantially similar to fentanyl, but tweaked ever so slightly \u2013 to push potent substances that can slip into the U.S. on a technicality.\n\nTo keep pace with rapidly evolving drugs and combat opioid-related deaths, DEA in 2018 temporarily restricted all fentanyl analogues. This legislation would extend that 2018 restriction. Grassley and Hassan also teamed up on the SIMSA Act, a long-term solution that would stiffen criminal penalties against those who manufacture, export and import fentanyl analogues and equip law enforcement with effective tools to crack down on cartels and other drug threats.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/one-month-remaining-for-iowa-students-to-submit-academy-nominations", "One Month Remaining for Iowa Students to Submit Academy Nominations", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is accepting applications from Iowa high school students who wish to be considered for appointments to U.S. service academies. Students must submit their applications to Grassley\u2019s office by Friday, October 25. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Nominations will be finalized by December 31, 2024.\n\n\u201cU.S. service academies offer students the opportunity to receive a world-class education while serving our great nation,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cIt\u2019s a privilege to nominate Iowa\u2019s best and brightest to these prestigious academies. I encourage any interested student to apply.\u201d\n\nGrassley\u2019s academy nomination application can be found HERE. Students may hand-deliver their applications to any of Grassley\u2019s Iowa offices, or mail them to the following address:\n\nU.S. Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nAttn: Nominations Coordinator\n\n721 Federal Building\n\n210 Walnut Street\n\nDes Moines, Iowa 50309\n\nNOTE: Applicants must also submit preliminary applications to the academies of their choice and ask that a pre-candidate file be opened on their behalf.\n\nAdditional Information:\n\nThe U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point and U.S. Naval Academy each select at least one student from Grassley\u2019s nominations every year. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states\u2019 representation in Congress. Students are encouraged to apply to more than one service academy and seek additional recommendations from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and their federal representative in the House of Representatives.\n\nFor more information, please contact Grassley\u2019s Des Moines office at (515) 288-1145 or academy_nominations@grassley.senate.gov.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-presses-usda-to-act-now-to-protect-us-farmland", "VIDEO: Grassley Presses USDA to Act Now to Protect U.S. Farmland", "2024-09-25", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a Senate Agriculture Committee member, is urging the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to share with key national security agencies its data on foreign-owned farmland.\n\n\u201cUSDA is sitting on a treasure trove of data that federal partners could use to help protect American farmers.\u201d\n\nDownload video HERE.\n\nIn a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Grassley notes the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 \u2013 which he cosponsored as a member of the House of Representatives \u2013 requires USDA to \u201ccollect, track and report reliable data on foreign investments in U.S. agricultural land.\u201d To enhance transparency and curtail malign foreign investments, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a January 2024 report recommending USDA share this data with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) in a more timely fashion. While USDA agreed with GAO\u2019s recommendations, it has yet to take the necessary steps to address GAO\u2019s guidance and improve its data sharing standards.\n\n\u201cIt is crucial that USDA continue to improve its processes for collecting, tracking, and reporting data on foreign ownership and investment in U.S. agricultural land. Further, it is essential that USDA provide CFIUS and its member agencies with access to timely and detailed information on these transactions to ensure that all potential national security risks receive a thorough review,\u201d Grassley wrote to Vilsack.\n\nRead Grassley\u2019s full letter HERE.\n\nLearn more about Grassley\u2019s work to protect American farmland through his:\n\nLegislation to permanently add the Secretaries of USDA and Health and Human Services to CFIUS.\n\nLegislation to require shell companies to report their farmland assets.\n\nBipartisan push to address longstanding inaccuracies in USDA\u2019s foreign disclosure filing process.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-peters-demand-action-from-agency-that-missed-conflicts-of-interest-deadline", "Grassley, Peters Demand Action from Agency that Missed Conflicts of Interest Deadline", "2024-09-24", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) joined Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in demanding the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council implement their bipartisan 2022 law to prevent conflicts of interest in government contracting. The FAR Council failed to do so by the June 27, 2024, deadline.\n\n\u201cThe executive branch is slow walking its implementation of laws Congress passed to mitigate conflicts of interest. That\u2019s unacceptable. Taxpayers ought to rest assured their hard-earned dollars aren\u2019t going to contractors with potential conflicts. The FAR Council has had almost two years to make mandatory changes, which means it\u2019s high time Congress and the public see results,\u201d Grassley said of this bipartisan letter to the FAR Council.\n\nGrassley and his colleagues in their letter highlight conflict of interest cases, including one where a U.S.-based technology service simultaneously worked for a foreign adversary. Such circumstances put U.S. vulnerabilities at risk of falling into the wrong hands. The Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act aimed to address reported conflicts of interest between taxpayer-funded projects and contractors\u2019 other work. However, the FAR Council has neglected to institute congressional reforms.\n\nRead the senators\u2019 full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAmong other provisions, the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, now law, requires:\n\nFederal agencies to identify potential conflicts early in contracting processes.\n\nFederal contractors to disclose preexisting business relationships with entities that may conflict with the work an agency has hired them to do.\n\nPrivate companies under contract with the U.S. government to disclose new potential business that opposes any ongoing services they\u2019re providing the American people.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/09/23/2024/grassley-announces-staff-traveling-office-hours-across-iowa", "Grassley Announces Staff Traveling Office Hours Across Iowa", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\u2019s staff will hold traveling office hours in 14 Iowa counties from September 30 through October 4. Iowans seeking assistance with a federal agency or wishing to share their views may stop by during the scheduled hours listed below.\n\nNOTE: Grassley will not be in attendance. He will be represented by his regional directors: Noah Schrad of Des Moines and Matt Rector of Waterloo.\n\n\u201cIowans are my top priority. Traveling office hours ensure my constituents\u2019 concerns are heard and their problems are addressed,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cMy staff works year-round to help Iowans navigate federal agencies. I encourage anyone needing assistance to stop by my staff\u2019s upcoming office hours or contact my offices.\u201d\n\nThe schedule is as follows:\n\nWinnebago County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nLake Mills Public Library\n\n102 South Lake Street\n\nLake Mills\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nDecatur County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nLamoni Public Library\n\n301 West Main Street\n\nLamoni\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nHancock County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nBritt Public Library\n\n132 Main Avenue South\n\nBritt\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nWright County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nBelmond Public Library\n\n440 East Main Street\n\nBelmond\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nClarke County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nOsceola Public Library\n\n300 South Fillmore Street\n\nOsceola\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nButler County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nGreene Community Center\n\n202 West South Street\n\nGreene\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nUnion County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nGibson Memorial Library\n\nGenealogy Room\n\n200 West Howard Street\n\nCreston\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nFranklin County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nHampton Public Library\n\n4 South Federal Street\n\nHampton\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nHardin County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nRobert W. Barlow Memorial Library\n\n921 Washington Avenue\n\nIowa Falls\n\nRegional Director Matt Rector\n\nRinggold County\n\n2 \u2013 3 p.m.\n\nRinggold County Courthouse\n\n1st Floor Assembly Room\n\n109 West Madison Street #204\n\nMount Ayr\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nHamilton County\n\n2 \u2013 3 p.m.\n\nMontgomery Memorial Library\n\n711 Main Street\n\nJewell\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nBoone County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nMadrid Public Library\n\n100 West 3rd Street\n\nMadrid\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nDallas County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nWoodward Public Library\n\n118 South Main Street\n\nWoodward\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nAdair County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nStuart Public Library\n\n111 Front Street\n\nStuart\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-23-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-23-24", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: government funding, the Farm Bill, foreign conflicts, the attempted assassinations of former President Trump, China's decision to end intercountry adoptions, voting and clean energy.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-leads-bicameral-colleagues-in-calling-out-abuses-in-the-biden-harris-unaccompanied-migrant-children-program", "Grassley Leads Bicameral Colleagues in Calling Out Abuses in the Biden-Harris Unaccompanied Migrant Children Program", "2024-09-23", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 43 bicameral Republican colleagues in a letter urging President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to work with Congress to root out abuses in their administration\u2019s unaccompanied migrant children program and stop the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)\u2019s cover-up of the crisis. HHS has failed to comply with two out of three Department of Homeland Security (DHS) subpoenas and other information requests issued amid its investigation into more than 100 suspicious sponsors identified as a result of Grassley\u2019s oversight.\n\nProgram Abuse\n\nMore than 500,000 unaccompanied migrant children have crossed the southwest border under the Biden-Harris administration, while cartel trafficking activity surged an estimated 2,500 percent. Amid this crisis, the lawmakers note that the Biden-Harris administration limited background checks for sponsors of unaccompanied children, cut back on familial DNA testing at the border and decreased information sharing with law enforcement.\n\nIn addition to hampering DHS\u2019s child exploitation investigation, the Biden-Harris HHS attempted to obstruct Grassley\u2019s oversight of HHS contractors, including Southwest Key. HHS has also defied House Judiciary Committee subpoenas.\n\nSeeking Solutions\n\nThe lawmakers are urging Biden and Harris to \u201cmake changes to [their] policies and procedures\u201d in order to \u201cend this public safety crisis.\u201d They are specifically calling on the Biden-Harris administration to enhance information sharing with law enforcement and Congress, fully cooperate with DHS\u2019s child exploitation investigation and thoroughly respond to all congressional oversight requests.\n\n\u201c[The Biden-Harris HHS] must stop its cover-up and cooperate with law enforcement and Congress to end this crisis and protect unaccompanied children and the American people,\u201d the lawmakers concluded.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nJoining Grassley on the letter are Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), along with Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Kennedy (R-La.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.).\n\nAdditional co-signers in the House include Reps. Tom McLintock (R-Ca.), Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Ben Cline (R-Va.), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) and Michael Rulli (R-Ohio).", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cantwell-introduce-bill-to-drive-local-overdose-data-collection-efforts", "Grassley, Cantwell Introduce Bill to Drive Local Overdose Data Collection Efforts", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) introduced the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. The bill would direct the Justice Department (DOJ) to award grants to states, cities, law enforcement units or tribes that operate overdose data collection programs, such as the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP).\n\n\u201cThe fight to end addiction and drug abuse in our communities requires a robust understanding of the problem at hand. By investing in local partners, we empower communities to more effectively track drug abuse trends and prevent future overdoses,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m glad to support this cost-effective plan to expand this vital program.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,\u201d Cantwell said. \u201cTracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe commend the efforts of Senators Cantwell and Grassley for their work on the Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act. Developing a clear picture of where fatal and non-fatal drug poisonings and overdoses occur allows law enforcement and public health professionals to dedicate the needed resources to areas experiencing spikes in incidences,\u201d Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers\u2019 Associations\u2019 Coalition, said.\n\n\u201cThe National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director\u2019s Association (NHDA) would like to thank Senators Cantwell and Grassley, along with their colleagues in the Senate, for their strong commitment in getting the Opioid Overdose Data Enhancement Act drafted and introduced on the Senate floor. This act will increase the public awareness on the dangers of synthetic opioids and address the crisis negatively impacting communities across the country. Your sponsorship of this legislation provides both crucial resources to the 33 [High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) programs] across the country, law enforcement, treatment, prevention, and public health to fight against alarming increases in overdose deaths from fentanyl. The NHDA thanks you for your leadership on this important issue,\u201d F. Mike McDaniel, President of the National HIDTA Directors Association, said.\n\nGrassley and Cantwell are joined by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).\n\nDownload bill text HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports in near real-time suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events, as well as incidents where overdose reversal medications like Naloxone were administered. ODMAP helps local agencies identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is a widely favored platform, DOJ would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best for each grant applicant.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-dot-awarded-over-68-million-for-southwest-mixmaster-project", "Iowa DOT Awarded Over $68 Million for Southwest Mixmaster Project", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA - U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) secured $68,662,000 to reconstruct the I-80, I-35 and I-235 interchange in Des Moines. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Mega Grant Program, which is funded by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).\n\n\u201cThis interchange has held up for many decades under significant traffic volume. But it\u2019s past time for a revamp to enhance efficiency and ensure drivers\u2019 safety. These federal dollars will help get the millions of people who pass through our capital city each year where they want to go,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with Iowa\u2019s future in mind, and I\u2019m glad our state is seeing a return on that investment.\u201d\n\nThese federal resources will enable IDOT to reduce congestion and increase navigability at the interchange, where reports indicate nearly 1,000 crashes occurred between 2018 and 2022.\n\nSpecific construction projects include:\n\nNew flyover bridges from southbound I-25/80 to eastbound I-235 and to westbound I-80;\n\nA new bridge on westbound I-235; and\n\nAn additional lane on eastbound I-235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-healthy-moms-and-babies", "Q&A: Healthy Moms and Babies", "2024-09-20", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: How are you supporting families who are struggling with infertility?\n\nA: According to recent federal statistics, more than 13 percent of women under age 49 are affected by infertility. Coping with infertility, miscarriages and stillbirths takes a painful, emotional toll on families. I\u2019m co-sponsoring legislation that affirms support for those facing infertility and fosters solutions to make meaningful medical advances in reproductive care. The Reproductive Empowerment and Support through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act would expand access to restorative reproductive medicine within existing federal programs. Americans struggling with the anguish and uncertainty of infertility deserve better testing, diagnoses and treatment that a whole-of-government approach can bring. As a co-sponsor of the RESTORE Act, I support marshalling federal resources to promote research on the leading causes of infertility and provide training for medical professionals to learn how to diagnose and treat infertility. Let\u2019s do what\u2019s possible to ensure aspiring parents have information about evidence-based treatments to address underlying medical issues related to their fertility challenges.\n\nUnfortunately, the issue of reproductive health has been turned into a political football during this presidential election year. Specifically, the Democrat Majority Leader has scheduled votes twice in four months to manufacture a crisis about access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), which is not in question. Democrats intentionally loaded up their bill with poison pills like expensive programs and mandates that go well beyond simply protecting access to IVF while rejecting Republican alternatives to further support families utilizing IVF. The Democrat Majority is needlessly creating anxiety for people who already shoulder burdens of loss and despair. The RESTORE Act seeks to beef up the medical community\u2019s focus on underlying reproductive health issues, such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and more. Treating underlying conditions causing infertility is a common sense solution. Learning more about the causes of infertility will help find cures and answer the prayers of so many Americans who want to be called \u201cMom\u201d and \u201cDad.\u201d Although IVF is one example of the miracles of modern medicine, we also must pursue robust holistic approaches to reproductive care and infertility, including education, testing, diagnosis and treatment. Let\u2019s also be clear on one important fact: Access to IVF is not in jeopardy. It\u2019s legal in all 50 states. I know many families, including pro-life families, who have benefitted from IVF. I support IVF and am proud to advocate for pro-life, pro-family and pro-mother policies in the United States Senate.\n\nQ: What other priorities are you pushing to improve maternal health?\n\nA: This summer Rep. Ashley Hinson and I scored a victory for expectant moms across America when our bill to help reduce stillbirths was signed into law. Tragically, approximately 21,000 babies are stillborn every year in the United States. The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act paves the way for Title V funds of the Social Security Act to be used for stillbirth prevention activities and programs. It will help curb infant mortality by enabling evidence-based stillbirth initiatives to qualify for federal funding. The tragedy of losing a baby to stillbirth after 20 weeks of pregnancy delivers immeasurable pain and heartache to families. What\u2019s more, women who experience a stillbirth are more likely to die and have increased morbidity. Our bill will help improve maternal health and save babies by expanding resources for health care providers to proactively talk to their patients about stillbirth prevention strategies. I give a lot of credit to Iowa grassroots advocates for their leadership and commitment to help get this bill across the finish line. It\u2019s an example of government of, by and for the people. For the third consecutive year, I co-sponsored the bipartisan National Stillbirth Prevention Day resolution to recognize those who have endured loss through stillbirth. Raising public awareness will lend urgency to public health efforts to help save lives.\n\nAs an outspoken advocate for rural health care, I\u2019m aware of the challenges faced by expectant moms living in rural areas to access prenatal and OB care. A lack of obstetric services and shortages in the health care workforce put patients and quality of care in rural areas at risk. I\u2019ve introduced the Healthy Moms and Babies Act to address the maternal health crisis that particularly affects women of color and mothers living in rural America. In Iowa, more than 20 labor and delivery units have closed in the last decade. I\u2019ll continue working with stakeholders to push for community-driven solutions and supports, including expanding telehealth services. My Healthy Moms and Babies Act would expand telehealth access for expectant and postpartum mothers to help lower mortality rates and improve patient outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. I\u2019ll continue pushing at the federal level to improve access to high-quality care for moms and babies, including my long-time support for the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program.\n\nNational Stillbirth Prevention Day is September 19, 2024. Sen. Grassley delivered remarks at a reception hosted by Iowa-based Healthy Birth Day, Inc. to celebrate congressional progress on stillbirth awareness and prevention measures.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-hinson-introduce-bipartisan-bicameral-national-stillbirth-prevention-day-resolution", "Grassley & Hinson Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral National Stillbirth Prevention Day Resolution", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) teamed up with Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Rep. Alma Adams (D-N.C.) to introduce a resolution designating today, September 19th, as National Stillbirth Prevention Day. Grassley this morning delivered remarks at a reception Iowa-based Health Birth Day, Inc. hosted to celebrate congressional progress on stillbirth awareness and prevention measures.\n\n\u201cIowa has made strides towards reducing stillbirths in our state. This bipartisan resolution recognizes researchers like we have in Iowa, as well as care providers and advocates. It also reaffirms our goal to improve maternal care resources, particularly in rural areas,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cNo mom should know the heartbreak of a stillbirth. I\u2019m glad to be partnering on a number of federal legislative efforts to help target contributing factors and save babies\u2019 lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cOver 21,000 babies are stillborn in the U.S. each year. This rate is unacceptably high, and we must do more to ensure more women experience healthy pregnancies and have healthy babies. I am proud to lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort to recognize September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention Day to raise awareness about stillbirth prevention so we can help save more moms and babies,\u201d Hinson said.\n\n\u201cA single family affected by stillbirth is one too many. Yet this tragedy impacts thousands across America, upending the lives of individuals and families from all walks of life,\u201d Merkley said. \u201cGetting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was an important first step, but we must do more to reduce the alarming rate of stillbirth, which disproportionately impacts Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. This National Stillbirth Prevention Day we recommit to doing everything we can to end this public health crisis, so no one again ever has to experience the trauma of stillbirth.\u201d\n\n\u201cThousands of families grapple with the unimaginable pain of stillbirths, and, devastatingly, Black women and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by these tragedies,\u201d Booker said. \u201cBy designating September 19 as National Stillbirth Prevention Day, we will help raise awareness, promote research and develop solutions so all mothers and babies, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the care and support they deserve.\u201d\n\n\u201cI was proud to co-lead the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act and see it pass into law this year, which will increase awareness for families on how to prevent this painful, yet common experience. Today we recommit to ending stillbirth and to giving more families a chance to be whole. This is just the beginning, and I am committed to doing my part on behalf of all of America\u2019s families,\u201d Adams said.\n\nBackground:\n\nAn alarming 21,000 babies are stillborn every year in the United States. While the overall stillbirth rate has marginally declined in recent decades, racial disparities in birth outcomes persist. The National Stillbirth Prevention Day resolution recognizes families who\u2019ve endured stillbirths and calls attention to the medical community\u2019s work to tackle the crisis, supporting greater maternal health care access as part of the solution. This summer, the president signed into law their bill to make evidence-based stillbirth prevention projects eligible for federal funding.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-risch-introduce-strategic-act-to-counter-ccp-competition", "Grassley, Risch Introduce STRATEGIC Act to Counter CCP Competition", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing legislation to set up the United States and its allies for success in strategic competition with China. A key provision of the bill is based on Grassley\u2019s Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act.\n\n\u201cChina is leveraging every tool at its disposal in an attempt to leapfrog America as the world\u2019s leading superpower. This legislation takes a resolute stance against the Chinese Communist Party\u2019s global influence campaign and protects American interests. Critically, it also advances one of my major national security goals: adding teeth to FARA for the first time in almost 60 years. This will provide DOJ with the tools to more effectively and efficiently enforce the law, limiting the ability of the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign entities to secretly peddle their policy interests through public relations firms and lobbyists,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cDespite the significant threat China poses to the United States, the U.S. Congress has failed to enact legislation in a number of crucial areas that would set up the United States, its allies, and partners for success,\u201d Risch said. \u201cThis legislation takes strong positions to safeguard U.S. and allied interests and provides actionable provisions that will help us in our strategic competition with China. We cannot wait for more reports and studies \u2013 it is time to start implementing policies.\u201d\n\nThe STRATEGIC Act would:\n\nReform the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by removing certain exemptions for foreign adversaries and authorizing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue civil investigative demands.\n\nAddress predatory CCP economic practices through anti-trust reform and increased scrutiny of foreign investments in American farmland \u2013 a major Grassley priority.\n\nCounter CCP influence by enhancing think tank transparency, prohibiting certain foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. colleges, improving research security and exposing CCP\u2019s harassment and abuse of diplomats.\n\nAuthorize strategic infrastructure initiatives focused on digital, transport and energy sectors, while strengthening supply chain security and lowering trade barriers.\n\nStrengthen international security by countering the proliferation of Chinese unmanned aerial systems in the Middle East and modifying the Missile Technology Control Regime to increase AUKUS cooperation.\n\nBolster support for Taiwan and partner countries by establishing a task force to identify targets for sanctions, export controls and other economic measures.\n\nProtect U.S. interests in international organizations and support for human rights.\n\nIncrease oversight of U.S. funding for biological research in China.\n\nJoining Grassley and Risch are Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).\n\nDownload bill text HERE and a one-pager, HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Grassley-led Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act, included in the STRATEGIC Act, would strengthen FARA by shining light on foreign adversaries\u2019 efforts to influence American policy and public opinion. The bill stiffens penalties for foreign agents who do not register their status and provides DOJ with additional tools to investigate FARA violations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-sullivan-seek-to-hold-va-accountable-for-3-billion-budget-shortfall", "Grassley, Sullivan Seek to Hold VA Accountable for $3 Billion Budget Shortfall", "2024-09-19", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) on a bill to hold the Veterans Affairs Department (VA) accountable for running a $3 billion deficit on its 2024 fund for administering veterans\u2019 benefits.\n\n\u201cThe VA grossly mismanaged taxpayer dollars and put veterans\u2019 benefits at risk. We won\u2019t leave our nation\u2019s veterans in limbo, hard stop. The VA, on the other hand, has major explaining to do: Veterans, Congress and the public deserve answers to basic questions. Namely, what led to this egregious financial shortfall and how will the agency fix the mess it created,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cOur legislation institutes needed accountability measures to prevent the VA from squandering taxpayer dollars intended to benefit those who\u2019ve honorably served our nation.\u201d\n\n\u201cTelling Congress we have to provide $3 billion to the VA in a matter of days or our constituents won't get their benefits\u2014without any accountability or reforms\u2014is a shocking failure in leadership and management,\u201d Sullivan said. \u201cIt is incumbent upon the Secretary to appear before the committee and answer questions, but remarkably, he declined to do so. This is not a great victory as some are spinning it. The VA has a duty to provide congressional oversight committees with high-quality, in-person briefings explaining these shortfalls in the future\u2014earlier than just a month in advance. In light of this budgetary fiasco and the millions of dollars\u2019 worth of bonuses improperly distributed to VA executives, I\u2019ve put forward commonsense legislation to require the VA to abide by a basic level of accountability and oversight.\n\n\u201cLet me be clear: We will fund this shortfall. Our veterans deserve and rely upon their hard-earned benefits. But, going forward, our veterans also expect a much higher standard of accountability from VA leaders. I expect the Secretary and other VA leaders to come to the table with clear answers as to how these deficiencies keep happening and how they are going to prevent them in the future.\u201d\n\nThe Protecting Regular Order (PRO) for Veterans Act requires the VA for the next three years to submit quarterly, in-person budget reports to Congress, fostering greater financial oversight. Certain senior personnel from the VA and Office of Management and Budget would not receive their bonuses in the event of additional financial shortfalls.\n\nJoining Grassley and Sullivan are Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).\n\nDownload bill text HERE.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/democrats-block-grassley-effort-to-protect-unaccompanied-migrant-children-from-sexual-harm", "Democrats Block Grassley Effort to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children from Sexual Harm", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sought to cut off federal funds to entities the Justice Department (DOJ) has identified as facilitating sexual abuse and harassment against unaccompanied alien children (UACs). Democrats objected to Grassley\u2019s measure, instead proposing a bloated amendment that would cement the Biden-Harris policies that are putting thousands of migrant kids in harms\u2019 way.\n\n\u201cHow many more children have to endure abuse before Congress finally says enough is enough? I say it shouldn\u2019t be even one more,\u201d Grassley said on the Senate floor.\n\nGrassley noted Democrats\u2019 proposal:\n\nPrioritizes speed over safety by mandating the government determine a child\u2019s placement no later than seven days after the government receives a sponsor application;\n\nFails to require across-the-board post-release services for all children;\n\nRestricts information-sharing with law enforcement; and\n\nLeaves the door open for dangerous sponsors to obtain children. Specifically, it\n\nDoes not require sponsors to undergo fingerprint-based background checks,\n\nDoes not disqualify sponsors based on their criminal records,\n\nDoes not require sponsors to have a pre-existing relationship with a child, and\n\nDoes not require sponsors to return their proof-of-identity documents in a timely manner.\n\n\u201cI came to the floor to offer a commonsense solution to deny bad actors access to kids. My bill would put contractors on notice that they can\u2019t willfully blind themselves to child abuse in order to get rich off taxpayers\u2019 dollars. Democrats couldn\u2019t even take that blindness seriously,\u201d Grassley concluded.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-accepts-american-fraternal-alliance-award", "Grassley Accepts American Fraternal Alliance Award", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) accepted the American Fraternal Alliance\u2019s first-ever \u201cFraternal Ally Award\u201d for his work to support fraternal benefit societies. Grassley is a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.\n\n\u201cFraternal benefit societies are deeply rooted in the fabric of our nation. For centuries, they\u2019ve made an impact by living out their core principles of membership, community and volunteerism. I\u2019m glad to offer my continued support to this vital part of the financial sector and honored to accept this award,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cWe are honored to present Senator Grassley with our first-ever \u201cFraternal Ally\u201d award for his steadfast support of our sector,\u201d Allison Koppel, CEO of the American Fraternal Alliance, said. \u201cSenator Grassley\u2019s continued support allows fraternal benefit societies to continue enriching our communities, while providing financial protection for families in need.\u201d\n\nDownload photo HERE.\n\nGrassley in 1982 championed legislation to allow tax-deductible donations to fraternal organizations. This Congress, Grassley cosponsored a resolution acknowledging fraternal benefit societies for their work to provide critical benefits to people and communities across America.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-china-should-not-go-back-on-the-promises-it-made-to-children-and-families", "Grassley: China Should Not Go Back on the Promises It Made to Children and Families", "2024-09-18", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is seeking information on China\u2019s August 28, 2024, decision to end intercountry adoptions. In letters to the State Department and the Chinese Ambassador, he notes China\u2019s announcement has jeopardized adoption prospects for many American families \u2013 including in Iowa \u2013 who have been stuck in the final stages of the process.\n\nGrassley wrote, in part:\n\n\u201cParents have been left without instruction or clarity on if the children they have been paired with, named, and are growing a connection with will ever actually get placed in their home. I understand this decision to halt intercountry adoptions is within the [People\u2019s Republic of China]\u2019s purview. That said, China should not go back on the promises made to children and families and instead ought to allow for adoptions that have already been in the works to be finalized. Families should be united and children who were paired with a loving home should not be deceived and left in orphanages away from their adoptive parents.\u201d\n\nRead his full letters to the State Department and the Chinese Ambassador at the corresponding links. Click HERE to download broadcast-quality video of Grassley discussing this effort.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley co-chairs the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth and is a longtime adoption advocate. When China continued to suspend its intercountry adoption program following the COVID-19 pandemic, despite opening its borders for business and other activities, Grassley called out the inconsistency. He advocated for stalled adoption processes to resume, so children and families could finally unite.\n\n*Note: To protect Iowans\u2019 privacy, the enclosures transmitted with the letters are not publicly available.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-condemns-antisemitism-at-senate-judiciary-hearing", "Grassley Condemns Antisemitism at Senate Judiciary Hearing", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today participated in a hearing to shine light on the rise of antisemitism in America.\n\nAntisemitic incidents and threats in the U.S., particularly on college campuses, spiked following Hamas\u2019 October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Significant unrest this spring, including violent protests and campus encampments, resulted in disruption to class schedules, cancellation of commencement ceremonies and over 1,000 arrests.\n\nGrassley has called on the Biden-Harris administration to better protect Jewish and Israeli students by upholding and enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. He introduced bipartisan legislation instructing the Education Department to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance\u2019s working definition of antisemitism when enforcing anti-discrimination laws on campus. During questioning, Rabbi Dr. Mark Goldfeder, Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, reaffirmed the need for a clear definition of antisemitism to strengthen enforcement capabilities and protect Jewish individuals.\n\nVIDEO\n\nGrassley\u2019s questions of Rabbi Mark Goldfeder, Director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, follow.\n\nAntisemitism on College Campuses:\n\nAre some higher education institutions, either wittingly or unwittingly, shielding or even fostering antisemitism in the United States today?\n\nBiden-Harris Admin\u2019s Response to Antisemitism:\n\nHave the Department of Justice and the Department of Education, in this administration, done enough to address the epidemic of hate speech and antisemitism on college campuses?\n\nWhat more should this administration be doing?\n\nHamas Funding Collegiate Anti-Israel Protests:\n\nWhat have you discovered about Hamas\u2019 potential funding of college protests and what evidence have you relied on to form your opinion?\n\nForeign Actors Exploiting Civil Unrest:\n\nIn the same vein as my previous question, there have been media reports citing Iran, Russia and other international actors as taking advantage of and stoking recent civil unrest here.\n\nWhat do you think can be done to counter this malignant influence?\n\nThe Recent Rise of Antisemitism and Hate Speech:\n\nIn your assessment, what has allowed for the recent rise of antisemitism and hate in our communities?", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-spotlights-iras-unintended-health-care-consequences-obamacare-fraud-at-finance-committee", "Grassley Spotlights IRA\u2019s Unintended Health Care Consequences, Obamacare Fraud at Finance Committee", "2024-09-17", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 At today\u2019s Senate Finance Committee hearing on health care costs, former chairman and current senior member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) discussed his bipartisan work to bring transparency to opaque pharmaceutical industry middlemen. He asked about the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s program to mask how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has hiked seniors\u2019 premiums and reduced plan options, as well as fraudulent Obamacare subsidies.\n\nVIDEO\n\nExcerpts from Grassley\u2019s exchange with witness Mr. Theo Merkel, Senior Research Fellow at the Paragon Health Institute, follow.\n\nHolding pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable:\n\nGrassley: \u201cWe know PBMs are getting away with shady, anti-competitive practices that are costing patients more and taking a toll on rural drugstores. The [IRA] did nothing to address powerful prescription drug middlemen driving up drug costs. In this Congress alone, four Senate committees, including this committee, have advanced bipartisan PBM bills that have garnered the support or co-sponsorship of 68 senators. There\u2019s no reason these bills should not be advanced.\u201d\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration\u2019s Medicare Part D cost-shifting plan:\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration launched a demonstration program to artificially lower premium payments with taxpayer dollars, bailing out big health insurers and covering IRA flaws. Grassley requested the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analyze the fiscal implications.\n\nGrassley: \u201cWhy is the Biden administration establishing this cost-shifting policy, and how much money will this cost taxpayers?\u201d\n\nMerkel: \u201cThe IRA took a previously bipartisan idea \u2013 there was a lot of support for the out-of-pocket cap in Medicare Part D \u2013 but it moved away from bipartisan discussions to shift the proposal in a way that would cost more for taxpayers, and potentially cost more to beneficiaries and higher premiums.\n\n\u201cIn the underlying IRA, there was a program to artificially keep premiums low for about six years; it was going to cost around $40 billion. But even that wasn\u2019t enough. What the administration has done is, they saw there was a premium spike last year. They were very concerned about a premium spike this year. So they have created, as has been mentioned, a 402 demonstration project that basically just pays Part D plans, CMS is saying, around $5 billion in just one year to keep their premiums lower.\u201d\n\nFraudulent Obamacare subsidies:\n\nGrassley wrote the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) citing a study that found five million individuals may have falsely reported their income to qualify for Obamacare subsidies. He demanded information on HHS\u2019 controls to stop this abuse and the actions it\u2019s taking to address the issue. HHS had not responded as of September 17, 2024.\n\nGrassley: \u201cThis overestimate of income comes with a price tag of $20 billion just this year. HHS says it\u2019s working to combat unauthorized and fraudulent activity in Obamacare. Should we believe they\u2019re accomplishing that?\u201d\n\nMerkel: \u201c[\u2026] There is no sense, that I can tell, that they appreciate or are willing to be forthcoming about the potential magnitude of this. They have announced that they are going after 200 brokers. There absolutely is some activity where unscrupulous brokers are switching because of very, very lax program integrity controls \u2013 people into plans without their knowledge. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I appreciate your interest in pushing them for more answers on this. I think [HHS] likely announced that minor action in hope it blows over.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-16-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-16-24", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: Secret Service oversight, Chinese and Russian military aggression, government funding, Harris' proposal for a homebuyers grant, the Keeping Drugs Out of Schools Act and Ukraine's use of long-range weapons.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-announces-staff-traveling-office-hours-across-iowa", "Grassley Announces Staff Traveling Office Hours Across Iowa", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\u2019s staff will hold traveling office hours in 24 Iowa counties from September 23 to September 27. Iowans seeking assistance with a federal agency or wishing to share their views may stop by during the scheduled hours listed below.\n\nNOTE: Grassley will not be in attendance. He will be represented by his regional directors: Rochelle Fuller of Cedar Rapids, Penny Vacek of Davenport, Jonathan Bladt of Council Bluffs and Jacob Bossman of Sioux City.\n\nGrassley\u2019s state offices regularly assist constituents with issues regarding Social Security, military service, immigration, veterans\u2019 benefits, IRS challenges and other matters. Iowans can request help at any time via Grassley\u2019s website at www.grassley.senate.gov/services/help-with-federal-agencies.\n\n\u201cIowans are my number one priority. Traveling office hours ensure Iowans\u2019 concerns are heard and their problems are addressed,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cMy staff works year-round to help Iowans navigate federal agencies. I encourage anyone needing assistance to stop by my staff\u2019s upcoming office hours or contact my offices.\u201d\n\nThe schedule is as follows:\n\nScott County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nBlue Grass Public Safety Building\n\n606 West Mayne Street\n\nBlue Grass\n\nRegional Director Penny Vacek\n\nIda County\n\n9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\n\nLohff-Schumann Community Center\n\n301 Lohff-Schumann Drive\n\nHolstein\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nKeokuk County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nHedrick Community Center\n\n109 North Main Street\n\nHedrick\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nAdams County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nCorning Economic Development Office\n\n710 Davis Avenue\n\nCorning\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nWashington County\n\n1:30 \u2013 2:30 p.m.\n\nRiverside City Hall\n\n60 Greene Street\n\nRiverside\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nMontgomery County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nRed Oak Chamber of Commerce\n\n307 East Reed Street\n\nRed Oak\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nIowa County\n\n4 \u2013 5 p.m.\n\nHotel Millwright in Amana\n\n800 48th Avenue\n\nAmana\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nJefferson County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nFairfield City Hall, Council Chambers\n\n118 South Main Street\n\nFairfield\n\nRegional Director Penny Vacek\n\nSac County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nWall Lake City Hall\n\n108 Boyer Street\n\nWall Lake\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nDubuque County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nDyersville Social Center\n\n625 3rd Avenue SE\n\nDyersville\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nMills County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nMalvern Public Library\n\n502 Main Street\n\nMalvern\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nVan Buren County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nKeosauqua City Hall, Council Chambers\n\n201 Main Street\n\nKeosauqua\n\nRegional Director Penny Vacek\n\nCalhoun County\n\n11:30 \u2013 12:30 p.m.\n\nLake City City Hall, Council Chambers\n\n105 North Center Street\n\nLake City\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nFremont County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nFremont County Courthouse, Meeting Room\n\n506 Filmore Street\n\nSidney\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nDavis County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nBloomfield Public Library, Small Meeting Room\n\n107 North Columbia\n\nBloomfield\n\nRegional Director Penny Vacek\n\nWebster County\n\n1:30 \u2013 2:30 p.m.\n\nGowrie Community Civic Center\n\n1206 Market Street\n\nGowrie\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nBenton County\n\n1:30 \u2013 2:30 p.m.\n\nBlairstown Public Library\n\n305 Locust Street NE\n\nBlairstown\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nWapello County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nAgency City Hall\n\n104 East Main Street\n\nAgency\n\nRegional Director Penny Vacek\n\nPage County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nLied Public Library\n\n100 East Garfield Street\n\nClarinda\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nTaylor County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nTaylor County Farm Bureau Office\n\n607 Pollock Boulevard\n\nBedford\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nPalo Alto County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nPalo Alto County Courthouse, Board Room\n\n1010 Broadway Street\n\nEmmetsburg\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nEmmet County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nEmmet County Courthouse, Board of Supervisor\u2019s Room\n\n609 1st Avenue North\n\nEstherville\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nHumboldt County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nHumboldt City Hall, Council Chambers\n\n29 5th Street South\n\nHumboldt\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nKossuth County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nKossuth County Courthouse, Old Board Room\n\n114 West State Street\n\nAlgona\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-reintroduce-simsa-act-to-crack-down-on-illicit-analogues", "Grassley, Hassan Reintroduce SIMSA Act to Crack Down on Illicit Analogues", "2024-09-16", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Drug Caucus Co-Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and caucus member Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today led bipartisan colleagues in reintroducing the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues (SIMSA) Act. The legislation targets deadly drugs that are substantially similar to already-controlled substances but carefully engineered \u2013 often in China or Mexico \u2013 to slip into the U.S. undetected.\n\n\u201cInternational drug traffickers are taking advantage of a gap in our laws. This has created a lethal game of \u2018whack-a-mole.\u2019 The SIMSA Act sends an explicit message the U.S. is done playing,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cLaw enforcement is struggling to keep pace under the inefficient scheduling system we have, and communities are dealing with an unprecedented drug crisis as a result. Our legislation provides much-needed adaptability to get ahead of bad actors and their deadly synthetics.\u201d\n\n\u201cCommunities across New Hampshire have been devastated by fentanyl and other deadly drugs. Fentanyl analogues pose just as severe a threat as fentanyl itself, and criminals have deliberately engineered these drugs to circumvent our laws and evade bans,\u201d said Hassan. \u201cOur bipartisan legislation will provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to crack down on the criminals flooding our streets with these drug analogues. I urge my colleagues to support this effort to protect our communities and save lives, and I will keep working to combat the fentanyl crisis.\u201d\n\nJoining Grassley and Hassan are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).\n\n\u201cThe danger of lethal drugs and fentanyl pouring over our border and into our communities is too great to ignore. We have lost too many Iowans to rapidly evolving synthetic drugs that bypass the very federal laws meant to ban them,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m working across the aisle to ensure law enforcement officials have the tools they need to curb the influx of deadly synthetic drugs.\u201d\n\n\u201cAccording to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were involved in 76% of all drug overdoses in West Virginia in 2021,\u201d Senator Capito said. \u201cThese deadly substances are flowing into our communities from China and across our southern border, and criminals know that they can get around existing law by slightly changing the chemical makeup of a drug while still having the same negative effect on the human body. This legislation will allow for law enforcement to crack down on synthetic drugs and save lives.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen synthetic drugs, such as analogues to deadly drugs like fentanyl, can be quickly modified to evade federal laws designed to ban them, lives across our communities are put at risk,\u201d Shaheen said. \u201cWe must act with urgency to solve this crisis, which is why I\u2019m proud to help introduce the bipartisan Stop the Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act to stop dangerous drug traffickers, give law enforcement the authority they need to get these drugs out of communities and stem the spread of deadly synthetic opioids.\"\n\nThe bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations.\n\nBackground:\n\nU.S. law prohibits the unauthorized use of certain controlled substances. However, illicit drug makers and importers circumvent those laws by altering single atoms in controlled substances to create tweaked drugs that are not yet outlawed, but have similar effects on users. Currently, uncontrolled substances must undergo a time-consuming analysis before the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) can permanently schedule them.\n\nThe SIMSA Act allows DEA to assign substances as Schedule A if (1) their chemical structure is substantially similar to a controlled substance and (2) they are expected to have the same or greater effect on the human body. The bill subjects individuals who manufacture, export and import these uncontrolled substances to the criminal penalties associated with Schedule A. It also includes provisions to ensure legitimate research on substances added to Schedule A can continue. SIMSA gives law enforcement the tools they need to keep up with drug cartels and emerging drug threats. Grassley introduced the SIMSA Act in 2019 and 2021.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-recognized-for-biofuels-leadership", "Grassley Recognized for Biofuels Leadership", "2024-09-13", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) accepted Growth Energy\u2019s 2024 \u201cFueling Growth Award\u201d for his efforts to support biofuels producers. Grassley is a lifelong family farmer and senior member of the Agriculture and Finance Committees.\n\n\u201cAs an Iowa corn and soybean grower, I\u2019m well familiar with biofuels\u2019 many benefits. Homegrown biofuels are good for Americans\u2019 pocketbooks, the environment and our national security \u2013 in short, they\u2019re good, good and good,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cIowans\u2019 leadership and role in diversifying our energy portfolio, from the farm to the refinery, is unmatched. I\u2019ll keep my foot on the gas and continue working diligently to expand biofuels markets at the federal policymaking tables.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-farm-safety-week", "Q&A: Farm Safety Week", "2024-09-13", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What\u2019s the history behind Farm Safety Week?\n\nA: Since World War II, National Farm Safety Week is observed in September to boost public awareness before the harvest season gets fully underway. It\u2019s one of the most dangerous times of year in farming. President Franklin Roosevelt called America\u2019s farmers and ranchers \u201cthe source from which the reservoirs of our nation\u2019s strength are constantly renewed.\u201d America\u2019s farmers anchor the nation\u2019s breadbasket, keeping people nourished and society thriving. I often remind people in Washington that farmers make up only two percent of the population who feed the other 98 percent of Americans. When FDR signed the proclamation to declare National Farm Safety Week, it helped shine a spotlight on the sacrifices and noble work of Americans who grow, produce and process food. Farm sector jobs are among the most hazardous occupations in the economy. Too many people have suffered disabling injuries or death while putting in the work to put food on our plates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had 417 ag-related fatalities in 2022.\n\nAs a lifelong family farmer, I understand the daily push to get the chores done and squeeze every minute out of the day, especially during harvest season. Over the years, we\u2019ve had close calls on our fourth-generation family farm, and I\u2019ve heard too many stories of tragic accidents from neighbors and Iowans across the state that\u2019s led me to a rule of thumb on the farm. It\u2019s better to be safe, than sorry. Refuel with food and sleep to avoid fatigue in the tractor seat. Don\u2019t take risky shortcuts or skip safety checks. It could end up costing a life or limb. Always walk around equipment, particularly Power Take Off (PTO) shafts that can quickly entangle shoe laces, pant cuffs or shirt sleeves. During this time of year, extended members of farm families are pitching in to get the job done. I encourage Iowans to be mindful, especially of young children wandering behind wagons and tractors. Use common sense so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with loved ones during the upcoming holiday season and prepare for spring planting in 2025.\n\nQ: What safety measures should Iowans keep in mind during the harvest season?\n\nA: Awareness is the first step for safety. During this busy time of year, I encourage all Iowans to be extra vigilant on the roads. Be cautious when passing and give some grace to slow-moving farm machinery. The fluorescent red-orange triangle emblem indicates a slow moving vehicle of 35 mph or less. Farmers ought to ensure turn signals and brake lights are operating properly before hauling grain from the field to the farm or local elevator. A study by the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH) compared crashes across nine Midwest states, finding about 70 percent of crashes occurred in rural zip codes. One of 11 nationally-funded centers under the umbrella of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the ag research, education and prevention center is located within the University of Iowa\u2019s College of Public Health. Find additional resources by GPCAH on roadway safety, hearing loss prevention, manure gas safety, avian flu, skin cancer prevention and more, including a FarmSafe podcast.\n\nDid you know tractor roll-overs are the leading cause of fatalities on the farm? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 10 farmers will overturn a tractor in his or her lifetime. Older tractors can be fitted with rollover protection structures (ROPS), such as a roll bar, cage frame or crush-proof cab. Use caution around row ends, slopes, ditches and waterways.\n\nTake advantage of safety training classes available for farmers and first responders, such as grain engulfment and entrapment. Learn about additional rescue programs offered through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety located in Peosta, Iowa. Register for free online webinars during National Farm Safety and Health Week here. (https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/)\n\nFarm safety measures also must take mental health into account. From one year to the next, farmers manage high amounts of stress, from not having enough hours in the day, to low commodity prices, high interest rates, soaring input costs and natural disasters. In 2020, I supported legislation that created 988, the three-digit national hotline to help people in crisis. From my seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I also steered passage of bipartisan legislation to boost additional resources for suicide prevention and stress management for farmers. I continue to push federal agencies to ensure the law is implemented as intended to improve access to mental and behavioral health services in rural America. During Farm Safety Week and the other 51 weeks of the year, I\u2019m proud to be a voice for farmers and rural Americans in the U.S. Senate.\n\nNational Farm Safety and Health Week is September 15-21, 2024.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-bipartisan-colleagues-seek-to-prevent-youth-opioid-use-and-overdoses", "Grassley, Bipartisan Colleagues Seek to Prevent Youth Opioid Use and Overdoses", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) today introduced the Keeping Drugs out of Schools Act. The bipartisan bill would establish a new grant program for Drug-Free Communities (DFC) coalitions to partner with schools to educate students about the dangers of synthetic opioids.\n\n\u201cHalting drug abuse in our communities, and especially in our schools, demands an all-hands approach. One piece of the puzzle is standing up drug prevention programs to educate young people about the effects of synthetic opioids and the resources available. I\u2019m glad to join my colleagues in advancing this important, fiscally responsible bill to protect our next generation from a crisis that\u2019s hurting far too many Americans,\u201d said Grassley, co-chair of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control.\n\n\u201cIn New Hampshire, we\u2019ve lost too many Granite Staters\u2014and far too many young people\u2014to opioids. We can and must do more to bring an end to this epidemic and save lives,\u201d said Shaheen, chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. \u201cThe bipartisan Keeping Drugs out of Schools Act will help communities across New Hampshire and the nation stem opioid misuse in schools by educating kids about the dangers of opioid use and working to help prevent overdoses.\u201d\n\n\u201cIn recent years, far too many young Americans have lost their lives to opioid addiction and overdose. Just in my home state of California, fentanyl is responsible for 1 in every 5 deaths of young people between the age of 15 and 24,\u201d said Butler, who serves alongside Grassley on the Senate Judiciary Committee. \u201cI am proud to cosponsor the Keeping Drugs out of Schools Act to fund the community-based coalitions working within schools to prevent substance abuse, to decrease deadly overdoses, and to save lives.\u201d\n\nReps. Lori Chavez DeRemer (R-Ore.) and Linda S\u00e1nchez (D-Calif.) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.\n\nLegislative Information:\n\nThe Keeping Drugs out of Schools Act authorizes $7 million per year for a five-year grant program. The legislation would allow elementary, middle and high schools to apply for up to $75,000 in federal funding to plan, implement and evaluate effective drug prevention initiatives. Eligible schools could renew their resources for up to three more years.\n\nGrassley\u2019s DFC Leadership:\n\nGrassley helped create the DFC program in 1998, after establishing Iowa\u2019s \u201cFace It Together,\u201d or FIT \u2013 a first-of-its-kind, statewide anti-drug effort. Today, the DFC program serves 751 communities across the nation and supports 6.1 million middle and high school students.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-presents-congressional-adoption-award-to-jones-county-family", "Grassley Presents Congressional Adoption Award to Jones County Family", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, presented Chelsey\u2019s Dream Foundation with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute\u2019s (CCAI) Angels in Adoption award. Anamosa\u2019s Chuck and Carol Bildstein founded the non-profit to provide financial and emotional support to adoptive families.\n\n\u201cI was honored to nominate Chuck and Carol for their work to carry out their daughter\u2019s final wish. This family has changed countless lives for children and parents,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cChelsey\u2019s Dream Foundation is highly deserving of the 2024 Angels in Adoption award, and I look forward to seeing its many accomplishments still to come.\u201d\n\nChelsey\u2019s Dream Foundation is named after Chuck and Carol\u2019s daughter, who passed away from cancer in 2014. Chelsey lived a generous life; her dream was to help families with their adoption expenses. The Bildsteins\u2019 Iowa-based non-profit carries out Chelsey\u2019s aspirations and champions her legacy. It manages fundraisers and grants, pairs families with donors and engages with like-minded organizations.\n\nChelsey\u2019s brother, Chad, and his wife, Shantelle, accept the Angels in Adoption award from Senator Grassley. Download the photo HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Angels in Adoption Program recognizes individuals for their contributions to adoption, foster care and child welfare. CCAI invites Angel honorees to Washington to celebrate their efforts, participate in advocacy training and share their experiences with congressional representatives. Grassley was named a member of the Advisory Council of the CCAI in 2015 and is a longtime advocate for adoptive parents and children.\n\nLearn more about Grassley\u2019s work to support adoptive families:\n\nThe Adoption and Safe Families Act, signed into law in 1997, reduces barriers to adoption and helps increase the number of adoptions across the country.\n\nThe Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act, signed into law in 2008, ensures all special-needs children are eligible for federal adoption assistance.\n\nThe Recruiting Families Using Data Act, reintroduced this Congress, would strengthen state efforts to identify, recruit, screen, uplift and retain foster and adoptive families.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-schmitt-call-for-a-return-to-regular-order-enhanced-legislative-debate", "Grassley, Schmitt Call for a Return to Regular Order, Enhanced Legislative Debate", "2024-09-12", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) are urging a renewed emphasis on the Senate\u2019s debate and amendment processes. In a letter to the Senate Republican Conference, the senators request their colleagues adopt legislative procedures that guarantee every senator ample opportunity to make their constituents\u2019 voices and priorities heard when considering major pieces of legislation.\n\n\u201cIowans at my town meetings often wonder why those of us in Washington can\u2019t seem to get along,\u201d Grassley said of the letter. \u201cA lot of the dysfunction here in the Senate has to do with the slow disintegration of the deliberative process. For starters, it\u2019s hard to get much done when the Majority Leader only calls votes for two-and-a-half days a week. And, when the Senate is voting, the debate and amendments process are extremely limited, if not totally nonexistent. Our Founders did not intend this body to act as a rubber stamp. We in the Senate ought to return to regular order and start living up to the obligations assigned to us in the Constitution.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe role of the Senate is to serve as the world\u2019s most deliberative body, yet, under the leadership of Sen. Schumer, the Senate has become allergic to any sort of deliberation or debate on the Senate floor. I was elected by Missourians to fight for their best interests on the Senate floor \u2013 not to sit idly by and allow must-pass legislation to be crafted through backroom dealmaking with zero input from others,\u201d Schmitt said of the letter. \u201cReforming the Senate and moving away from this bureaucratic-style legislating process requires buy-in from Republicans. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this effort with Senator Grassley, who has pushed for important reforms like the Stop Cloture Abuse Resolution or reforms to add transparency to this chamber.\u201d\n\nGrassley and Schmitt suggest the Senate Republican Conference commit to abiding by the following procedural rules in the 119th Congress:\n\nAllow each senator to offer an amendment on any given piece of legislation;\n\nAllow each senator to amend legislation on the Senate floor and prevent the Senate from moving to a final vote on a piece of legislation until all senators\u2019 amendments have been offered and debated;\n\nAvoid procedures that inhibit senators\u2019 freedom to debate and amend, such as blocking consideration of certain amendments by filling the \u201camendment tree\u201d or reflexively objecting to colleagues\u2019 amendments.\n\nRead the senators\u2019 full letter HERE.\n\nBackground\n\nGrassley has defended Senate procedure for years. In the 111th Congress, he called for hearing witnesses to disclose outside affiliations and potential conflicts of interest before testifying to Congress. The Senate in the 112th Congress passed Grassley\u2019s resolution abolishing the secret placement of holds on legislation, necessitating a senator to make his or her opposition to a bill public. Grassley proposed the Stop Cloture Abuse Resolution in the 113th Congress to force publication of and deliberation on all amendments before ending debate and proceeding to a final vote on a bill. He has supported the Balanced Budget Amendment for several Congresses because, among other reasons, the measure would encourage a return to regular order legislating on annual appropriations.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-braun-push-for-increased-oversight-to-protect-american-agriculture-from-foreign-adversaries", "Grassley, Braun Push for Increased Oversight to Protect American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries", "2024-09-10", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today joined Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) to introduce the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. The legislation would increase scrutiny of foreign bids to purchase U.S. farmland, particularly from adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia and Iran, by adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).\n\n\u201cWhen adversarial foreign governments buy up U.S. farmland, it undermines economic opportunities for families across America\u2019s Heartland and presents obvious national security threats. The federal government\u2019s number one job is to protect its citizens. Our legislation would support that fundamental responsibility by taking commonsense actions to address current vulnerabilities,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cChinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade. The amount of American soil in the hands of our foreign adversaries will only go up if we do not implement restrictions and oversight, especially on nations that compromise our national security and agricultural supply chains. I\u2019m proud to lead this effort to protect American farms and food security,\u201d Braun said.\n\nThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act would:\n\nInclude the Secretary of Agriculture on CFIUS transactions involving agricultural land, biotech or product transport, storage and processing.\n\nAuthorize the Secretary of Agriculture to report agricultural land transactions involving foreign persons of China, North Korea, Russia or Iran, as well as those invoking the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA).\n\nJoining Grassley and Braun are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.). Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) leads the legislation in the House of Representatives.\n\nLearn more about Grassley\u2019s longstanding work to protect American farmland:\n\nGrassley cosponsored AFIDA as a member of the House of Representatives. The 1978 law requires foreigners who acquire, sell or hold interest in U.S. farmland to disclose their transactions and assets. Last year as part of Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) appropriations, Congress modernized AFIDA by creating an internet database for investors to submit disclosures electronically. USDA has yet to fully address the errors that resulted from the previous handwritten disclosure process.\n\nThe Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act is not Grassley\u2019s only legislative effort to give CFIUS more teeth on farm transactions: similarly, his bipartisan Food Security is National Security Act would ensure top U.S. agriculture and food officials have permanent CFIUS posts. Grassley\u2019s bipartisan Farmland Security Act would ensure all foreign investors, including shell companies, report their U.S. farmland holdings. It would also strengthen penalties for those who evade filing.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-09-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-09-24", "2024-09-09", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: the Farm Bill, an Iowan's disappearance in Mexico, the anniversary of 9/11, the upcoming presidential debate and Iran-backed assassination plots.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-new-oig-audit-of-fbi-littered-with-examples-of-no-action-and-delayed-action", "Grassley: New OIG Audit of FBI \u2018Littered with examples of no action and delayed action\u2019", "2024-09-09", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is demanding answers from the FBI on its failure to implement necessary changes to improve its practices regarding child sex offense cases. A recent Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audit (\u201cthe 2024 Audit\u201d) spurred this latest oversight push, which builds on Grassley\u2019s longtime work to strengthen FBI investigations into child sex abuse reports.\n\n\u201cThe chasm between the FBI\u2019s promises and performance undermines trust, raises sincere doubts about the FBI\u2019s handling of child sex abuse cases, and makes it difficult to take the FBI\u2019s acceptance of recent OIG recommendations seriously,\u201d Grassley wrote in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray.\n\nAfter its botched investigation into former USA Gymnastics Doctor Larry Nassar, the FBI committed to making meaningful reforms. However, the DOJ OIG\u2019s 2024 Audit reveals the FBI:\n\nDid not issue promised policy guidelines directing employees to report child sex abuse to State, Local, Tribal and Territorial authorities, regardless of whether the allegation fell within FBI jurisdiction. These very vulnerabilities prevented local law enforcement in Michigan from swiftly bringing Nassar to justice.\n\nStill heavily relies on the outdated Sentinel system it used during the Nassar investigation, as opposed to the updated Guardian system that consolidates case data in a central location and pushes alerts for timely reviews.\n\nHas yet to act on 83 percent of the 42 cases the OIG flagged as requiring an immediate response, despite confirming it would.\n\nThese discrepancies have unacceptably enabled reported child sex abuse to go uninvestigated, in one instance for up to 21 months. Grassley is seeking accountability from the FBI, progress updates on the 42 cases the OIG escalated during the audit, and information on why the agency is opting to use outdated case tracking technology over a more secure \u2013 and available \u2013 alternative. He\u2019s also digging into FBI Headquarters' apparent refusal to address staffing shortages in field offices.\n\nDownload Grassley\u2019s full letter HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAs Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, Grassley was the first in history to convene a congressional hearing on athlete protections. He additionally spearheaded oversight of the U.S. Olympic Committee and, as ranking member, welcomed athletes who survived Nassar\u2019s abuse to share their stories before Congress.\n\nGrassley has since worked hard to help prevent other young athletes from suffering similar abuse. Several Grassley-led measures to hold abusers accountable became law in 2020. Congress enacted as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act Grassley\u2019s bipartisan legislation to bolster federal sex tourism statutes that had been too weak to convict Nassar.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-after-9/11-vigilance-matters", "Q&A: After 9/11, Vigilance Matters", "2024-09-06", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What comes to mind with the 9/11 anniversary this month?\n\nA: After 23 years, the unprecedented terrorist attacks on U.S. soil serve as a solemn reminder to all Americans. We must never forget the tragic loss of approximately 3,000 people who woke up and went about their daily lives on that sunny September morning, never to see their loved ones again. Thousands more have passed in the years since from cancer and other illnesses brought on by the toxins generated in the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. On 9/11, observed as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, let\u2019s keep in mind how Americans throughout history pull together in unity, finding strength and resilience, no matter what comes our way. Remember the bravery of the first responders on 9/11 who rushed into deadly infernos; the heroes aboard United Flight #93 who prevented their hijacked plane from reaching its target; and the efforts by all those involved in the aftermath to search, rescue, recover and rebuild. Give thanks to the men and women who have answered the call to serve our country in uniform to fight terrorism and defend freedom around the world. Honor the lives lost and the burdens shouldered by survivors and loved ones left behind.\n\nFrom the U.S. Senate, I continue to push bipartisan legislation to strengthen the 9/11 victims law called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. Our bill would close loopholes in federal law to allow victims\u2019 families to seek financial compensation from foreign sponsors of terrorism in court. America must stand unequivocally against terrorism, and that includes holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable and allowing families to seek justice and closure in a court of law.\n\nMore recently, Hamas\u2019 horrific attacks on Oct. 7 in Israel delivered a wake-up call to the world: America and our allies must never let down our guard to threats of terrorism. As a nation, we must stand firm to rein in terrorists and plug the financial pipelines that underwrite their crimes. Reckless policies of appeasement are a slippery slope. Nearly a decade ago, I explained why the nuclear deal for Iran should be rejected. Lifting sanctions on Iran paves a path for arms trafficking and support for Hezbollah, Hamas and others, endangering innocent lives and emboldening adversaries. America must not flinch. Peace through strength makes America stronger, safer and more secure.\n\nQ: What national security risks have you flagged taking place at our southern border?\n\nA: For nearly four years, the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failure to secure our southern border has compromised national security. Millions of people have crossed the U.S. border without permission, including an untold number of violent criminals and individuals on the terrorist watch list. FBI Director Christopher Wray testified before Congress that \u201cwe\u2019ve seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole \u2018nother level after Oct. 7.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-puts-hhs-vetting-information-sharing-under-microscope-amid-biden-harris-admins-neglect-to-protect-migrant-children", "Grassley Puts HHS Vetting, Information-Sharing under Microscope amid Biden-Harris Admin\u2019s Neglect to Protect Migrant Children", "2024-09-04", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is seeking information from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Homeland Security (DHS) regarding their documented failure to protect over 291,000 unaccompanied migrant children (UCs). Grassley\u2019s oversight follows up on an August 19, 2024 watchdog report revealing DHS has not accounted for all UCs HHS released to sponsors, scheduled UCs\u2019 immigration court appearances or attempted to locate UCs who skipped scheduled proceedings.\n\n\u201c[The HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)]\u2019s lax vetting has placed migrant children in grave danger of exploitation and abuse and makes locating these children after placement difficult, something I fear hinders the work of DHS as well,\u201d Grassley wrote. \u201cI won\u2019t tire in my commitment to protect these children and bring about needed reforms to ensure they aren\u2019t placed in the hands of traffickers and those seeking to exploit them.\u201d\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration, as part of its open border agenda, terminated a Trump administration policy that enhanced critical HHS and DHS information-sharing. This action resulted in broken inter-agency communications channels and continues to contribute to the growing migrant children crisis. Specifically, the DHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) last month uncovered:\n\nUC entries into the U.S. have surged under the Biden-Harris administration. Of the 448,820 UCs in ORR custody from fiscal year (FY) 2019 to FY 2023, DHS placed roughly 366,000 of them \u2013 or 81 percent \u2013with ORR between FYs 2021 and 2023.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration is not keeping tabs on UCs in its custody. Between FYs 2019 and 2023, Immigration and Customs Enforcement neglected to issue notices to appear (NTAs) in immigration court for 65 percent of UCs transferred from DHS custody within that same period.\n\nThe Biden-Harris administration has lost track of thousands more UCs. Between FYs 2019 and 2023, over 32,000 UCs who received NTAs did not appear in court.\n\nGrassley\u2019s letters to HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas are available at the corresponding links.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley has a nearly decade-long history conducting oversight of the federal government\u2019s care for unaccompanied minors.\n\nThis Congress, he\u2019s sought to overturn a Biden-Harris HHS rule endangering UCs. Grassley in July held a roundtable to hear from whistleblowers who witnessed firsthand the rampant issues in the Biden administration\u2019s UC program. He launched an extensive review of federal contractors and grantees who are paid to provide UCs food, shelter and other basic services, as well as vet sponsors with whom they stay while they await their immigration proceedings. In January, Grassley alerted federal law enforcement to evidence of suspected child trafficking and sponsorship vetting shortfalls at HHS.\n\nGiven whistleblowers\u2019 pivotal role in rooting out wrongdoing in the executive branch, Grassley raised serious concerns HHS policies aim to prevent employees and contractors from making whistleblower disclosures to Congress or the HHS OIG. He called on the Office of the Special Counsel to examine HHS\u2019 deficient whistleblower protections.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-03-24", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-03-24", "2024-09-03", "2024", "2024-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE.\n\nTopics include: Grassley's 99 county tour, manufacturing, Medicare Part D, preserving Americans' constitutional rights, Israel-Hamas hostage negotiations and Vice President Harris' focus on price gouging controls.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T21:43:57Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 373, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "IA", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "IA", "label": "IA", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 373, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2024-09-03,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fcapitol-hill-report-09-03-24", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=IA&year=2024&_next=2024-09-03%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fcapitol-hill-report-09-03-24&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 170.75473093427718, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}