{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"IA\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/iowa-delegation-statement-15-billion-steel-plant-investment-coming-iowa", "Iowa Delegation Statement on $15 Billion Steel Plant Investment Coming to Iowa", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Zach Nunn, and Randy Feenstra, released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa\u2019s role in the future of American manufacturing.\n\n\u201cAs the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will generate over 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state.\n\n\u201cThe administration\u2019s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/28/nunn-welcomes-1700-jobs-and-15-billion-steel-investment-coming-to-iowa/", "Nunn Welcomes 1,700 Jobs and $15 Billion Steel Investment Coming to Iowa", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today welcomed Mesabi Metallics\u2019 announcement of a $15 billion steel manufacturing complex in Lee County, a project expected to create 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs. Rep. Nunn joined Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) in releasing the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa\u2019s role in the future of American manufacturing.\n\n\u201cAs the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will create approximately 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state.\n\n\u201cThe administration\u2019s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.\u201d\n\nExpanding pathways into skilled trades careers has been a top priority for Rep. Nunn in Congress, building the workforce that investments like this one need across all of Iowa. He has secured nearly $5 million in federal funding for workforce training at Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa Western Community College, and Indian Hills Community College, including renovated and expanded skilled trades labs at Iowa Western\u2019s Atlantic and Clarinda Rural Centers. He is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to expand apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-joins-president-trump-to-tout-transformative-15-billion-steel-investment-in-iowa", "Ernst Joins President Trump to Tout Transformative $15 Billion Steel Investment in Iowa", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined President Donald Trump at the White House to announce a $15 billion investment by Mesabi Metallics to build a new steel mill in eastern Iowa.\n\nWatch Senator Ernst\u2019s statement here.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to President Trump for securing this historic deal that will create thousands of jobs for Iowans,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cAs chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, I\u2019ve long advocated to make \u2018Made in America\u2019 the norm and not the exception. I am excited to see this project move forward and will continue working with the Trump administration to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nMesabi Metallics plans to invest $15 billion to build a major steel mill in eastern Iowa, with steel production expected to begin as soon as 2030.\n\nThe project is expected to support more than 1,700 jobs and initially produce 7.5 million tons of steel annually, with future development potentially increasing capacity to roughly 10 million tons per year.\n\nThe eastern Iowa location provides strategic access to the Mississippi River, allowing Mesabi to transport iron ore from its Minnesota mine directly to the facility.\n\nThe plant will process that iron ore for use in electric arc furnaces alongside recycled scrap steel, expanding domestic steel production and strengthening the American manufacturing supply chain.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-ludlows-steakhouse", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Ludlow\u2019s Steakhouse", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Ludlow\u2019s Steakhouse of Wayne County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s prime time to recognize Ludlow\u2019s Steakhouse,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cThrough their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to their employees and community, the Pershys have grown Ludlow\u2019s Steakhouse into a Wayne County staple \u2014 a job truly well done.\u201d\n\nFor more than two decades, Ludlow\u2019s Steakhouse has proudly served the people of Wayne County. Ron and Maureta Redmon opened Ludlow\u2019s in 2004 and operated the restaurant until 2013, when they sold the business to Craig and Brenda Onstot. Truett and Sheena Pershy took ownership in 2017 and have since expanded the menu, launched a catering business, and overseen a major renovation and relocation to better serve their customers and community. From custom-cut aged steaks and seafood to pasta, sandwiches, and more, Ludlow\u2019s offers something for everyone to enjoy.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-recognize-15-years-of-iowa-national-guard_kosovo-security-force-partnership", "Grassley, Ernst Recognize 15 Years of Iowa National Guard-Kosovo Security Force Partnership", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "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. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are introducing a resolution to recognize the 15-year partnership between the Iowa National Guard (IANG) and the Republic of Kosovo, highlighting its contributions to advancing peace, democracy, stability and mutual understanding.\n\nAs Russia, China and Iran seek to weaken Western institutions and undermine Euro-Atlantic integration, the IANG\u2013Kosovo partnership helps provide stability to the eastern European region. Last week, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited IANG Joint Force Headquarters in Johnston to highlight the partnership\u2019s benefits and recognize Iowa\u2019s longstanding relationship with Kosovo.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m very proud Iowa has such a close relationship with one of the most pro-American countries in the world. In those fifteen years, both our peoples have felt the benefit of this bond and strengthened our security postures. I\u2019m happy to partner with Senator Ernst in leading this resolution to honor Iowa\u2019s historic partnership with Kosovo and celebrate its enduring impact,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cHaving served in the Iowa National Guard and trained alongside the Kosovo Security Forces during my service, I know firsthand the value of the partnership between Iowa and the Kosovo Security Force that has been built over the past 15 years,\u201d Ernst said. \u201cDuring my recent visit, I saw firsthand the strength of this bond and the deep respect Kosovars have for Iowa and our men and women in uniform. Through joint training and operations, our forces advance a shared commitment to security and stability. I am proud to mark this milestone and look forward to this partnership growing even stronger.\u201d\n\nIn remarks on the Senate floor in February, Grassley marked the 18th anniversary of Kosovo\u2019s declaration of independence.\n\nText of the resolution can be found HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn 2011, the Iowa National Guard and the Kosovo Security Force were formally partnered through the National Guard Bureau\u2019s State Partnership Program, which was established to foster mutual interests and long-term relationships between National Guard units and partner countries.\n\nThe resolution notes Kosovo\u2019s Ministry of Defense is working to designate a military liaison officer, deployed to Iowa, to help foster continued cooperation.", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-iowa-congressional-delegation-applaud-historic-steel-investment-in-iowa", "Grassley, Iowa Congressional Delegation Applaud Historic Steel Investment in Iowa", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "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 Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) released the following statement:\n\n\u201cThis historic investment is a major win for Iowa workers and further cements Iowa\u2019s role in the future of American manufacturing.\n\n\u201cAs the largest steel plant investment in U.S. history, this project will generate over 1,700 good-paying Iowa jobs, create new opportunities for Iowa families, and drive economic growth. Iowa has the workforce, work ethic, resources, and business climate to compete with anyone, and we are proud to welcome this project to our state.\n\n\u201cThe administration\u2019s pro-American manufacturing policies are incentivizing companies to invest, build, and create jobs in the U.S. We thank Governor Reynolds for her leadership in making Iowa a great place to do business and ensuring our state benefits from these policies by attracting transformational investments like this one.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/25/nunn-delivers-2-million-minburn-water-investment-highlights-iowa-water-quality-record-with-usda-under-secretary-smith/", "Nunn Delivers $2 Million Minburn Water Investment, Highlights Iowa Water Quality Record with USDA Under Secretary Smith", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cWhether it\u2019s replacing 70-year-old water lines in Minburn or protecting the rivers and reservoirs our families depend on, every Iowan should be able to trust the water coming out of their tap,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cWe secured a $2 million federal investment to fix a problem Minburn families have dealt with for decades, and we\u2019re taking that same commonsense approach across Iowa. That means bringing our tax dollars home while giving Iowans the resources and flexibility to lead the solutions. That\u2019s why we secured real-time flood and drought monitoring for every county we serve and fought to protect Iowa\u2019s water supply from Saylorville to Rathbun Lake.\u201d\n\nMinburn\u2019s water system is more than 70 years old, with frequent line breaks leading to boil orders and limiting firefighters\u2019 ability to respond to emergencies. In 2024, Rep. Nunn fought to secure a $2 million federal investment that is now being distributed to replace the aging water lines and provide a long-term solution to infrastructure challenges that have affected the community for decades.\n\n\u201cAt USDA, we want to empower rural communities, create economic opportunities, and preserve our rural ways of life,\u201d said Under Secretary Smith. \u201cToday\u2019s investment in the city of Minburn demonstrates the Administration\u2019s clear vision to continue driving strategic infrastructure investments in Iowa and rural communities across the country. As a result, our nation becomes stronger and our people prosper.\u201d\n\n\u201cSmall, rural communities like Minburn often face many challenges, reliable and clean drinking water being one of them,\u201d said Mayor Joe Stuetelberg, City of Minburn. \u201cWith the recognition and support of Congressman Nunn and our partnership with the USDA Rural Development office, we can proudly say that Minburn will have one less challenge to deal with for many years to come. For a small community, partnerships like these are what make critical projects possible. On behalf of the Minburn community, thank you to everyone involved in helping make this happen.\u201d\n\n\u201cUSDA Rural Development is on a mission to strengthen rural Iowa communities,\u201d said Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton. \u201cThrough the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Rural Development is making vital investments in infrastructure to ensure folks have access to reliable water service.\u201d\n\n\u201cToday, limitations in Minburn\u2019s existing water system create challenges related to pressure and flow,\u201d said Gary Brons, Vice President of Water, McClure Engineering. \u201cWhile replacing and upsizing aging infrastructure may not be flashy, it\u2019s essential to protecting public health and safety. By improving capacity and reliability, this project will deliver the dependable drinking water service Minburn residents need now and for generations to come.\u201d\n\nToday\u2019s announcement builds on Rep. Nunn\u2019s broader efforts to tackle Iowa\u2019s water challenges:\n\nProtecting Iowa\u2019s Water Sources: Rep. Nunn secured four Iowa priorities in the House-passed Water Resources Development Act of 2026, including a study of Saylorville Reservoir to help Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Water Works continue providing reliable drinking water. The bill also expedites a wetland restoration to reduce the sediment and phosphorus reaching Rathbun Lake, the only water source for the Rathbun Regional Water Association, which serves more than 80,000 people.\n\nPromoting Iowa-led Water Quality Solutions: Rep. Nunn secured an amendment in the House-passed PERMIT Act establishing a voluntary, state-led pilot program to accelerate water quality projects in watersheds facing high nitrogen and phosphorus levels.\n\nEnhancing Districtwide Water Monitoring: Rep. Nunn secured funding to complete a real-time flood and drought monitoring network across all 21 counties in Iowa\u2019s Third District. The new hydrostations will track rainfall, soil moisture, and water levels, giving farmers, first responders, and local leaders better information to prepare for severe weather.\n\nStrengthening Watershed Resilience: Rep. Nunn secured provisions in the House-passed Farm Bill to increase federal cost-share assistance for watershed rehabilitation and allow damaged watershed infrastructure to be rebuilt stronger following natural disasters.\n\nState and local leaders welcomed the investment for the City of Minburn and highlighted Rep. Nunn\u2019s leadership in advancing clean water solutions for Iowa communities:\n\n\u201cClean water is non-negotiable. Our Farm to Faucet approach in Iowa recognizes that we must invest both upstream in agricultural conservation practices to reduce runoff and downstream by modernizing aging water infrastructure,\u201d said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. \u201cWe are seeing record progress on conservation adoption across the Greater Des Moines Watershed, and we must match that momentum with investments in the drinking water systems that serve our communities. I appreciate Congressman Nunn\u2019s leadership in helping make this impactful project in Minburn a reality, and I look forward to continuing our work together to deliver clean water for all Iowans.\u201d\n\n\u201dFederal investment is a win for Iowans. The federal government is a key partner since safe, reliable drinking water protects public health and supports communities and businesses across the state,\u201d said Tami Madsen, Executive Director, Central Iowa Water Works. \u201cA sustained federal partnership helps Iowa address water quality challenges, replace aging infrastructure, and prepare for future growth\u201d\n\n\u201cInfrastructure is the foundation for a strong economy. The USDA\u2019s investment secured by Congressman Nunn in Minburn will improve water reliability, strengthen the community\u2019s ability to support businesses and residents, and position the City to realize the growth coming their way,\u201d said Rachel Wacker, Executive Director, Greater Dallas County Development Alliance. \u201cLikewise, investments in water monitoring and resilience across Dallas County give our communities and their leaders the information necessary to plan for sustainable growth, protect resources, and remain competitive.\u201d\n\n\u201cClean, reliable water is fundamental to strong communities, and I\u2019m grateful to Congressman Nunn for continuing to deliver results for Dallas County,\u201d said Dallas County Supervisor Kim Chapman. \u201cThis investment in the City of Minburn will help strengthen critical infrastructure for families today while preparing the community for future growth. Just as importantly, I appreciate the focus on Iowa-led solutions that bring local, state, and federal partners together to improve water quality while respecting the needs of our farmers and rural communities. That kind of partnership is how we make lasting progress for Dallas County and all of Iowa.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-grassley-lead-resolution-honoring-iowan-ray-gaesser", "Ernst, Grassley Lead Resolution Honoring Iowan Ray Gaesser", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are leading the Ray Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week resolution to honor the life and legacy of Ray Gaesser. Gaesser was from Corning, Iowa, and a leading advocate for farmers. He tragically passed away on September 5, 2026, following a farming accident.\n\nThe resolution designates the week of September 21, 2026, as \u201cRay Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week\u201d to raise awareness about farm safety and honor Gaesser\u2019s lifelong commitment to Iowa\u2019s agricultural community. In the U.S., approximately 160 agricultural workers are injured every day while nearly 400 agricultural workers die each year as a result of farm-related accidents.\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser embodied the very best of Iowa agriculture\u2014a hardworking farmer, a strong advocate for our producers, and a friend to so many across our state,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cHis tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our farmers face every day while working to feed and fuel the world. As we honor Ray\u2019s remarkable life and legacy, I encourage every farmer to look out for one another and make safety a priority.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser was a friend, a family man, a farmer and a proud Iowan. His tireless advocacy for agriculture brought him on trade missions around the world and into high level meetings across the country,\u201d said Sen. Grassley. \u201cBy introducing our National Farm Safety and Health Week resolution in his name, we can honor his memory, raise awareness about the dangers family farmers face and promote education to prevent future tragedies.\u201d\n\nThe resolution was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and has been cosponsored by the entire Iowa delegation.\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser spent his life doing what he loved: farming, fighting for agriculture, and helping the next generation of producers continue Iowa\u2019s oldest tradition,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cRay was a trusted friend and advisor whose impact reached far beyond his own farm. We owe it to him, his wife Elaine, and every American farmer to honor his legacy and make sure every producer gets home safe this harvest.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay was a tireless champion for Iowa\u2019s farmers and a devoted steward of the land he loved,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cHis life was defined by his service to agriculture and his commitment to the farming community. We honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy and renewing our commitment to keeping our farmers and families safe. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray\u2019s family and loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m heartbroken that my friend and one of the most amazing Iowans I know, Ray Gaesser, is no longer with us. He put his heart and soul into advocating for Iowa agriculture and family farms. There was no stronger voice for farmers and agriculture,\u201d said Rep. Hinson. \u201cRay will be missed by so many who loved and knew him, and I\u2019m proud to join the Iowa delegation in introducing this resolution honoring his life and the contributions he made. My prayers continue to be with his wonderful wife, Elaine, and his entire family as we grieve this immense loss for Iowa.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser represented the very best of Iowa agriculture. He was a dedicated farmer, respected leader, and tireless advocate for our producers who devoted his life to strengthening agriculture and leaving the land better for the next generation. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that farmers and their families face every day,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cDuring National Farm Safety Week, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor Ray\u2019s remarkable life and legacy while reaffirming our commitment to keeping our farmers, families, and rural communities safe. My prayers remain with Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and the entire Gaesser family.\u201d\n\nRead the resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-iowa-congressional-delegation-introduce-resolution-honoring-iowan-ray-gaesser", "Grassley, Ernst, Iowa Congressional Delegation Introduce Resolution Honoring Iowan Ray Gaesser", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "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. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with the entire Iowa congressional delegation, introduced the Ray Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week resolution to honor the life and legacy of Ray Gaesser. Gaesser was a Corning farmer and a leading advocate for agriculture. He tragically passed away this month due to a farming accident.\n\nThe resolution designates the week of September 21, 2026, as \u201cRay Gaesser Memorial Farm Safety Week\u201d to raise awareness about farm safety and honor Gaesser\u2019s lifelong commitment to Iowa\u2019s agricultural community. In the U.S., approximately 160 agricultural workers are injured every day while nearly 400 agricultural workers die each year because of farm-related accidents.\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser was a friend, a family man, a farmer and a proud Iowan. His tireless advocacy for agriculture brought him on trade missions around the world and into high level meetings across the country. By introducing our National Farm Safety and Health Week resolution in his name, we can honor his memory, raise awareness about the dangers family farmers face and promote education to prevent future tragedies,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser embodied the very best of Iowa agriculture\u2014a hardworking farmer, a strong advocate for our producers, and a friend to so many across our state,\u201d Ernst said. \u201cHis tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers our farmers face every day while working to feed and fuel the world. As we honor Ray\u2019s remarkable life and legacy, I encourage every farmer to look out for one another and make safety a priority.\u201d\n\nIn the U.S. House of Representatives, the resolution was introduced by U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser spent his life doing what he loved: farming, fighting for agriculture, and helping the next generation of producers continue Iowa\u2019s oldest tradition,\u201d Nunn said. \u201cRay was a trusted friend and advisor whose impact reached far beyond his own farm. We owe it to him, his wife Elaine, and every American farmer to honor his legacy and make sure every producer gets home safe this harvest.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m heartbroken that my friend and one of the most amazing Iowans I know, Ray Gaesser, is no longer with us. He put his heart and soul into advocating for Iowa agriculture and family farms. There was no stronger voice for farmers and agriculture,\u201d Hinson said. \u201cRay will be missed by so many who loved and knew him, and I\u2019m proud to join the Iowa delegation in introducing this resolution honoring his life and the contributions he made. My prayers continue to be with his wonderful wife, Elaine, and his entire family as we grieve this immense loss for Iowa.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay was a tireless champion for Iowa\u2019s farmers and a devoted steward of the land he loved,\u201d Miller-Meeks said. \u201cHis life was defined by his service to agriculture and his commitment to the farming community. We honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy and renewing our commitment to keeping our farmers and families safe. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray\u2019s family and loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser represented the very best of Iowa agriculture. He was a dedicated farmer, respected leader, and tireless advocate for our producers who devoted his life to strengthening agriculture and leaving the land better for the next generation. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that farmers and their families face every day,\u201d Feenstra said. \u201cDuring National Farm Safety Week, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor Ray\u2019s remarkable life and legacy while reaffirming our commitment to keeping our farmers, families, and rural communities safe. My prayers remain with Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and the entire Gaesser family.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution HERE.", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-over-182-million-in-federal-funding-to-support-iowa-communities", "Grassley Welcomes Over $18.2 Million in Federal Funding to Support Iowa Communities", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "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) welcomed news from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that Iowa will receive over $18.2 million in federal funding to benefit Iowans across the state. This funding will impact Iowans in Linn, Polk, Cherokee, Lyon, Woodbury, Buena Vista, Sioux and Pottawattamie counties.\n\n\u201cIowans have worked tirelessly to repair and rebuild after terrible storms struck our state,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cIt\u2019s encouraging to see these federal dollars coming to support the Hawkeye State as Iowans continue to be resilient. In the Senate, I\u2019ll keep working to ensure Iowans get the support they need.\u201d\n\nDetails on the FEMA awards follow:", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-protecting-fairness-in-sports", "Q&A: Protecting Fairness in Sports", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: Why did you hold a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on women\u2019s sports?\n\nA: Fifty-four years ago, Congress passed legislation to ensure schools provide fair and equitable treatment for male and female student-athletes. Title IX opened the door for women to participate in sports at educational institutions that receive federal money, from elementary schools through college. In the last five decades, the law has revolutionized athletic opportunities for females in gyms, courts, tracks, fields, pools and mats across America. Nine times as many girls are participating in high school sports today than when President Nixon signed the law in 1972. More than a quarter million women competed in college athletics in the 2024-2025 season. These statistics are just the tip of the iceberg. Millions of girls in communities across the country are empowered with self-confidence, teamwork, resilience, physical fitness and more by participating in clubs, recreational leagues and local teams.\n\nHowever, the equal footing launched in 1972 has one foot on a banana peel. Common sense and sound science have been thrown out the window by allowing men to compete in women\u2019s sports. What\u2019s worse, the practice is reckless and endangers opportunity, fairness and safety for female athletes. Simply put, allowing men to play in women\u2019s sports breaks the promise of Title IX.\n\nThe committee hearing I led gave female athletes a platform to tell their stories and inform policymakers about the impact of men competing in women\u2019s sports. Witnesses explained the damaging consequences of prioritizing men over women and called upon lawmakers to recognize how young female athletes are getting sidelined and harmed by allowing men to compete in women\u2019s sports. The Supreme Court ruling this summer allowed states to bar boys and men from competing in girls\u2019 sports. To date, 27 states have laws and policies in place to protect girls sports. At least 66% of American adults favor a law or policy that would require athletes to compete on teams that match their sex at birth. And yet, none of the Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee fully participated at the hearing. Not a single one asked a question or called witnesses to testify. It\u2019s pretty ironic that the political party claiming to support women and science is the political party not backing science or girls\u2019 aspirations to compete.\n\nTestimony from a former professional women\u2019s soccer player pinpointed what\u2019s at stake for daughters and granddaughters across the country, \u201cWe are training girls to suppress their correct instincts and feelings to cater to the desires of boys. We are failing female athletes as a society, and we are raising girls who are punished for standing up for what is right and obvious.\u201d Women should not be asked to cede their opportunities just to make men comfortable.\n\nQ: What is the Protect College Sports Act?\n\nA: Sports is woven into the social fabric of America. From a young age, athletes aspire to succeed and put in the work and sacrifice to reach their full potential. Many Iowans plan their calendars around sporting events to cheer for their favorite teams. Barbara and I are lifelong Panther fans for our alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa. In recent years, collegiate sports have experienced quite a bit of turbulence navigating the ecosystem of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation rights, billion-dollar media contracts and the uncertainty of the transfer portal. Consensus has grown among fans, student athletes, coaches, and leaders of colleges and universities across the country to bring stability to college sports. A broad coalition supports the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. This legislation would help foster fair competition, promote transparency and bring certainty to the chaos that\u2019s disrupting collegiate sports in conferences across the country. It would establish a nationwide playbook so athletes, coaches, professional sports leagues and Olympic organizations are on the same page.\n\nHere\u2019s some key provisions in the bill:", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-delivers-159m-cancer-screenings-through-rural-health", "Miller-Meeks Delivers $15.9M for Cancer Screenings through the Rural Health Transformation Program", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) celebrated Iowa rural communities receiving $15.9 million in new funding she helped deliver to expand cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, helping more Iowans access high-quality care closer to home.\n\nThe $15.9 million will go towards radon mitigation, expanding telehealth availability and increasing access to cancer detection and screenings. Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation, making expanded access to prevention and early detection especially important.\n\n\u201cToo many Iowans, especially those living in rural communities, have to travel long distances to get the care they need,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cThis funding will help bring cancer screenings, prevention, and treatment closer to home, making it easier for Iowans to access high-quality care and detect cancer earlier. As a physician, I know how important early detection is, and I will continue working to make sure Iowa has the resources it needs to fight cancer.\u201d\n\nFor rural Iowans, telehealth and expanded screening services can help overcome geographical barriers and reduce the need to travel long distances for care. The goal is to make high-quality cancer care more accessible while allowing patients to receive more care in their own communities.\n\nThe funding comes through Iowa\u2019s Healthy Hometowns proposal, supported by the Rural Health Transformation Program, through which Iowa was awarded $209 million. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. has been a strong advocate for bringing these resources to Iowa and expanding access to care in rural communities.\n\nMiller-Meeks also raised the need for additional rural health resources directly with Dr. Mehmet Oz during his visit to Iowa. Iowa\u2019s timely and proactive implementation of its Rural Health Transformation Program could position the state to receive additional funding if other states do not utilize theirs.", 1, "2026-09-27T10:23:37Z", "2026-09-27T10:25:08Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-budd-kaine-urge-trump-administration-to-prioritize-securing-the-freedom-of-detained-pastors-and-people-of-faith-at-us-china-summit", "Grassley, Budd, Kaine Urge Trump Administration to Prioritize Securing the Freedom of Detained Pastors and People of Faith at U.S-China Summit", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "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 Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in sending a bipartisan letter to President Trump encouraging the administration to continue raising concerns with China at this week\u2019s meeting in Washington, D.C., on the persecution of religious groups in China, specifically including pastors and religious minorities being unjustly held because of their faith.\n\nThe letter highlights the persecution of ethnic and religious minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, Uyghur Muslims and Falun Gong practitioners. In May, President Trump successfully secured the release of Pastor Ezra Jin following conversations with President Xi Jinping at the U.S.-China Summit in Beijing. Jin was finally set free from Chinese captivity in July.\n\nThe senators are now urging President Trump to specifically raise the following cases at the U.S.-China Summit in Washington: Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu, and Pastor Tang Bingyi of Light of Zion Church and the eight remaining members of Zion Church\u2014Gao Yingjia, Wang Lin, Yin Huibin, Wang Zhong, Wang Cong, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng and Wu Qiuyu.\n\n\u201cThe United States should continue to promote international religious freedom by calling on the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China to end its harassment and persecution of members of religious organizations, unconditionally release all unjustly detained political prisoners imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religious belief, and ensure that detainees who have not yet been released are treated humanely,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nIn addition to Grassley, Budd and Kaine, the letter was signed by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas).\n\nRead the full letter HERE and below.\n\nSeptember 22, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nDear President Trump,\n\nThank you for raising Pastor Ezra Jin\u2019s case with President Xi earlier this year and working to secure his release. We were incredibly grateful to see him reunited with his family on July 3, right before we celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the United States.\n\nThe United States should continue to promote international religious freedom by calling on the Government of the People\u2019s Republic of China to end its harassment and persecution of members of religious organizations, unconditionally release all unjustly detained political prisoners imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religious belief, and ensure that detainees who have not yet been released are treated humanely.\n\nBuilding on your successful engagement leading to the release of Pastor Ezra Jin, we request that you continue keeping those persecuted for their faith in China, including ethnic and religious minority groups such as Tibetan Buddhists, Christians, Uyghur Muslims, and Falun Gong practitioners, top of mind in conversations with President Xi.\n\nSpecifically, we ask that in your meeting with him in Washington in late September you raise the cases of remaining pastors like Pastor Gao Quanfu and his wife Pang Yu and Pastor Tang Bingyi of Light of Zion Church in Xi\u2019an, Shaanxi Province and the remaining eight members of Zion Church in Beijing: Gao Yingjia, Wang Lin, Yin Huibin, Wang Zhong, Wang Cong, Liu Zhenbin, Lin Shucheng and Wu Qiuyu.\n\nThank you for your consideration,", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-judiciary-committee-advances-13-judicial-and-executive-nominees", "Senate Judiciary Committee Advances 13 Judicial and Executive Nominees", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Senate Judiciary Committee today advanced the following nominations:\n\nAnna St. John, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nGregory Carl Cook, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nAdam Candeub, to be an Assistant Attorney General, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nJohn Peter Cronan, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nJason Manion, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nClaire McCusker Murray, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission, by a vote of 15-7.\n\nLuis Felipe Restrepo, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission, by a vote of 22-0.\n\nJoy Lynne Pittman Thorp, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nSteven Weinhoeft, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, by a vote of 19-3.\n\nWilliam Gerald Hardy, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Alabama, by a vote of 16-6.\n\nPhilip Lewis III, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, by a vote of 15-7.\n\nSeth Reister, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Florida, by a vote of 18-4.\n\nJurgen Ryan Soekhoe, to be United States Marshal for the District of Columbia, by a vote of 12-10.\n\nWatch the executive business meeting HERE. Read Chairman Chuck Grassley\u2019s (R-Iowa) opening statement HERE.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-introduces-bill-improve-birth-control-access-rural-iowa", "Hinson Introduces Bill to Improve Birth Control Access in Rural Iowa", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) is continuing her work to expand access to safe and effective birth control for adult women. Today she introduced the LARC Access Expansion Act alongside Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05). This bill would help women in rural and underserved communities access long-lasting birth control options like arm implants or IUDs closer to home.\n\nHinson announced the new legislation during a roundtable at Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque while meeting with the Iowa Primary Care Association and Iowa community health center leaders.\n\n\u201cIowa adult women should have access to safe birth control options regardless of their zipcode. Ensuring safe birth control options are available over the counter at local pharmacies for adult women is common sense. So is ensuring women can access long-lasting birth control options like arm implants or IUDs safely and conveniently at a community health center. I will keep working to ensure Iowa women can access safe birth control.\u201d \u2013 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\n\"For many patients in rural communities, access to care often comes down to what\u2019s available the same day, in the same place. This legislation supports community health centers with the training, resources, and infrastructure needed to expand access to long-acting reversible contraception. We\u2019re grateful to Representative Hinson for advancing practical solutions that meet patients where they are.\u201d \u2013 Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Primary Care Association\n\nEarlier this year, Hinson introduced two bills focused on expanding access to FDA-approved, over-the-counter birth control at local pharmacies and identifying barriers that prevent women from accessing long-lasting options like IUDs and arm implants. The LARC Access Expansion Act builds on those efforts by giving eligible community health centers the grants needed to provide more of these options directly to patients.\n\nAdditional background on this effort:\n\nCommunity health centers that do not receive Title X funding may lack trained providers or the inventory necessary to offer long-lasting options like IUDs and arm implants onsite, forcing patients to schedule additional appointments and travel elsewhere for care. Specifically, the Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) Access Expansion Act would:\n\nProvide grants to eligible community health centers in rural and underserved areas to train at least two full-time providers to provide LARCs.\n\nHelp health centers procure and maintain an inventory of LARCs so patients can access these options the same day instead of being referred elsewhere or forced to make another trip.\n\nPrioritize health centers serving medically underserved populations, areas with high rates of maternal or infant mortality, and healthcare deserts.\n\nEstablish a telehealth demonstration grant to help women who live far from a provider discuss their options and connect with a physician who can provide the care that works best for them.\n\nRead the full text of the bill here.", 1, "2026-09-24T10:30:22Z", "2026-09-24T10:31:42Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-bill-bring-critical-manufacturing-back-iowa-heads-presidents-desk", "Miller-Meeks Bill to Bring Critical Manufacturing Back to Iowa Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. Senate today passed bipartisan legislation led by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to strengthen Iowa and American manufacturing, identify critical products currently being imported, and help bring more production and good-paying jobs back to the United States.\n\n\u201cIowa has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and strong communities America needs to lead the next generation of domestic manufacturing.\" said Miller-Meeks. \"For too long, critical production has moved overseas, leaving American workers behind and making our country dependent on foreign supply chains. This bipartisan bill gives us a roadmap to bring that production home, create more opportunities for Iowa workers, and strengthen our nation\u2019s economic and national security. I thank Senator Ernst for her leadership in the Senate, and look forward to President Trump signing this critical bill into law.\"\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan bill will identify vulnerabilities in our supply chains and help bring manufacturing back to rural America, where Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and once again make \u2018Made in America\u2019 the norm instead of the exception,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cI look forward to President Trump signing it into law.\u201d\n\nWhat the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act Does\n\nIdentifies critical products: Directs the Department of Commerce to identify high-demand products that America currently imports because of manufacturing, material, or supply chain constraints.\n\nFinds opportunities to manufacture in America: Examines the costs, benefits, jobs, and feasibility of producing those products domestically.\n\nCreates opportunities for rural Iowa: Specifically examines whether products can be manufactured in rural communities and industrial parks, helping identify opportunities to bring new manufacturing investment and jobs to places like Iowa.\n\nThe bill also strengthens national security by examining vulnerabilities created when critical infrastructure depends on foreign supply chains. The legislation covers all 16 federally designated critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, communications, transportation, health care, and defense.\n\nBackground\n\nThe Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act was originally introduced by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks in 2023 and reintroduced in the 119th Congress with bipartisan support. The House passed H.R. 1721 in April 2025. Senator Ernst and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester led the companion legislation in the Senate.\n\nClick HERE to read the bill text for H.R. 1721, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T10:30:22Z", "2026-09-24T10:31:42Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/23/ahead-of-xis-white-house-visit-nunn-urges-president-trump-to-hold-china-to-its-word/", "Ahead of Xi\u2019s White House Visit, Nunn Urges President Trump to Hold China to Its Word", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping\u2019s state visit to the White House, Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) is urging President Trump to use the meeting to hold Beijing accountable to its commitments to Iowa farmers and American workers and secure enforceable trade agreements that protect U.S. economic and national security interests.\n\n\u201cPresident Trump has leverage going into this meeting, and he should use it to demand real results for Iowa farmers and American workers,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cBeijing has a long record of making promises and failing to deliver on them. I pushed the Administration to secure China\u2019s commitment to reopen its market to American soybeans earlier this year, and that was an important win for Iowa farmers. But it\u2019s clear we can\u2019t take Beijing at its word. Any new trade agreement must be enforceable and open markets for American products without giving China more leverage over our farmers, manufacturers, or national security.\u201d\n\nRep. Nunn has one of the strongest records in Congress on holding China accountable, with efforts spanning across Iowa agriculture, economic security, and national defense:\n\nSecuring Fertilizer and Soybean Markets for Iowa Producers\n\nWorked with the Administration to secure potash and phosphate, two essential fertilizer inputs, on the U.S. Critical Minerals List, opening the door to greater domestic production of American-made fertilizer.\n\nLed a bipartisan effort urging Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to strengthen America\u2019s fertilizer supply chain and ensure Iowa farmers are not forced to compete with China for American-made inputs.\n\nPushed the administration, alongside Senator Joni Ernst, to restore access to China\u2019s soybean market after Beijing halted purchases of American soybeans, helping secure a commitment for China to purchase 25 million metric tons of U.S.-grown soybeans annually through 2028.\n\nProtecting Iowa Farmland and America\u2019s Food Supply\n\nPassed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 through the House with language to block foreign adversaries like China from buying American farmland.\n\nHelped lead the Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act to strengthen national security review of foreign adversary purchases of agricultural land and property near sensitive military sites.\n\nIntroduced the bipartisan PLANT Act to crack down on agroterrorism after Chinese nationals were charged with smuggling crop-destroying pathogens into the United States, with up to 20 years in prison for those acting on behalf of a foreign government.\n\nCountering Beijing\u2019s Economic and Military Threats\n\nLed the Neutralizing Unfair Chinese Export Subsidies Act to address state-backed Chinese export financing that can disadvantage Iowa manufacturers and American exporters.\n\nHelped lead the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, to sanction Chinese fentanyl producers.\n\nSecured provisions in the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 to establish a U.S.\u2013Taiwan Defense Technology Strategic Partnership, advance joint U.S.\u2013Taiwan drone development, and strengthen protections against Chinese-backed technology in U.S. defense systems.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/23/nunn-leads-bipartisan-beef-act-to-support-iowa-cattlemen-lower-costs-for-families/", "Nunn Leads Bipartisan BEEF Act to Support Iowa Cattlemen, Lower Costs for Families", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) introduced the Banning External Entry of Foreign Beef (BEEF) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at rebuilding America\u2019s cattle herd, increasing domestic beef production, and lowering grocery costs for families. The bill would also reverse the recent expansion of foreign beef imports and require congressional approval before similar increases can take effect in the future.\n\n\u201cLowering beef prices for Iowa families and supporting our cattle producers should go hand-in-hand,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cIf we want more affordable beef for the long term, we need more American beef being raised and produced here at home. After years of a shrinking cattle herd, that means giving our producers the stability and confidence to invest, rebuild, and grow. Our bipartisan bill puts producers at the table to develop a long-term plan to increase our domestic beef supply, while giving Congress a say before future decisions are made to expand foreign imports.\u201d\n\nEarlier this month, Rep. Nunn sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging the Administration to prioritize market stability and consult closely with cattle producers before making decisions that could disrupt livestock markets.\n\nThe BEEF Act builds on that effort by establishing a Beef Import and Domestic Supply Advisory Board at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The board would bring together cattle producers, processors, and industry experts to advise USDA and Congress on increasing the domestic beef supply, expanding processing capacity, improving competition, and ensuring producers have the tools and certainty needed to grow their herds. This approach complements USDA\u2019s recently announced Ranchers First Initiative to support cattle producers and rebuild the American beef herd.\n\n\u201cIf we want more affordable beef, the answer is to grow American production, strengthen competition, and make it easier for the next generation of ranchers to stay in business \u2013 not make our country more dependent on un-vetted foreign imports,\u201d said Rep. Vasquez. \u201cCattlegrowers in New Mexico and across the nation have made it clear \u2013 they want to reverse the President\u2019s foreign beef imports and they need more time, and more tools, to grow their herds and fix the domestic supply chain. My bipartisan BEEF Act does just that, and I hope that my colleagues from both sides of the aisle can join me in supporting American cattlegrowers and this commonsense proposal.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the BEEF Act would:\n\nEstablish a four-year Advisory Board within USDA to develop a strategy to rebuild the American cattle herd, increase domestic beef production, cut red tape for ranchers, and keep beef affordable for consumers.\n\nDirect the Board to advise the Secretary of Agriculture and Congress on retaining breeding cattle, expanding domestic processing capacity, improving competition in livestock markets, and increasing the domestic beef supply.\n\nRequire any executive action that would increase beef imports to be submitted to Congress and approved by law within 30 days before it can take effect.\n\nSuspend the proclamation allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef imports into the U.S.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-miller-meeks-bill-to-strengthen-us-manufacturing-heads-to-presidents-desk", "Ernst, Miller-Meeks Bill to Strengthen U.S. Manufacturing Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed U.S. Senator Joni Ernst\u2019s (R-Iowa) bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act to decrease our reliance on foreign adversaries for key materials and boost manufacturing in rural America.\n\nThe bill instructs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and industrial parks, boosting manufacturing here at home.\n\nThe bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nErnst spoke on the Senate floor ahead of its passage.\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan bill will identify vulnerabilities in our supply chains and help bring manufacturing back to rural America, where Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves, get to work, and once again make \u2018Made in America\u2019 the norm instead of the exception,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cI look forward to President Trump signing it into law.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowa has the skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and strong communities America needs to lead the next generation of domestic manufacturing. For too long, critical production has moved overseas, leaving American workers behind and making our country dependent on foreign supply chains,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cThis bipartisan bill gives us a roadmap to bring that production home, create more opportunities for Iowa workers, and strengthen our nation\u2019s economic and national security. I\u2019m proud to have led this effort with Senator Ernst and grateful for her partnership in getting it across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cSupply chains are critical to global competitiveness and our national security,\u201d said Sen. Blunt Rochester. \u201cI\u2019m proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass into law to help identify where we are over-reliant on foreign imports for critical infrastructure and explore how we can bring that manufacturing back to the United States. These investments will strengthen domestic production, secure our supply chains, and support good-paying jobs right here at home.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have become heavily dependent upon overseas supply chains, leaving us vulnerable to increased cybersecurity risks and price fluctuations,\u201d said Sen. Ossoff. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will take steps to mitigate those risks, while helping open the door to new manufacturing jobs in Georgia and across the nation.\u201d\n\nErnst\u2019s full remarks as delivered below:\n\n\u201cMr. President, I\u2019m here today to talk a little more about our national and economic security of the United States. This has really been the focus of my career, protecting that national and economic security.\n\n\u201cIn 1940, the United States became the \u2018Arsenal of Democracy,\u2019 and our country came together to quickly accelerate production of the weapons, vehicles, food, and supplies that enabled the Allies to defeat the Axis powers.\n\n\u201cAmericans in factories, farms, small businesses, and across the country did what was necessary to make what was needed.\n\n\u201cInstead of internalizing the lesson that our ability to make these critical items in the United States led to great success\u2026we spent much of the last 50 years offshoring our jobs and manufacturing capabilities.\n\n\u201cThis is something China, Russia, and other nefarious actors around the world have all been too happy to accommodate and take on themselves.\n\n\u201cToday, we have only ONE active facility producing cannon barrels.\n\n\u201cToday, we rely 100 percent on foreign sources for 12 critical minerals essential to our military and our economy.\n\n\u201cDuring COVID, we saw what happens when supply chains are strained.\n\n\u201cThere was a global shortage of microchips, which upended manufacturers\u2019 ability to make everything from cars to computers. At the same time, moms in the Midwest had to worry about finding baby formula due to supply chain issues at both the production and shipping levels.\n\n\u201cPut simply: we\u2019ve lost the ability to make what we need right here at home.\n\n\u201cIn the event of a conflict with one of our near-peer adversaries, supply chains will be challenged, and the United States will have to make what it needs.\n\n\u201cThank goodness President Trump, his administration, and Congress have been taking steps to put us on the right track and bring back the manufacturing capabilities we need right here at home.\n\n\u201cMy bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act builds on these efforts.\n\n\u201cMy bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously, directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in rural areas and shovel-ready industrial sites.\n\n\u201cRural Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves and build the factories and processing facilities we need to secure our supply chains.\n\n\u201cWe can and need to make things here.\n\n\u201cBut you can\u2019t fix vulnerabilities you can\u2019t see.\n\n\u201cWhich is why my bill gives Congress and the Executive Branch the visibility necessary to identify gaps and close them.\n\n\u201cI am grateful to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for introducing the House version of this bill, and for the House of Representatives passing the bill unanimously.\n\n\u201cNow it is time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President\u2019s desk. Thank you.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-leads-senate-judiciary-republicans-in-standing-with-female-athletes-against-biological-men-in-womens-sports", "ICYMI: Grassley Leads Senate Judiciary Republicans in Standing with Female Athletes Against Biological Men in Women\u2019s Sports", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) co-hosted a press conference alongside Senate Judiciary Republicans and female athletes and advocates following today\u2019s committee hearing on empowering and protecting women in sports.\n\nSixty-six percent of U.S. adults favor a law or policy that would require transgender athletes to compete on teams that match their sex at birth. Despite this overwhelming support from the American public, every Democrat member of the Judiciary Committee refused to fully participate in today\u2019s hearing. Democrats called no witnesses and asked no questions.\n\n\u201cDemocrats love to claim they are the party that supports women. But today they didn\u2019t bother to bring a single witness to listen and engage with the concerns that athletes and scientists are raising about men playing in women\u2019s sports. These women deserve to have their stories heard,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cFemale athletes need our support.\u201d\n\n\u201cWomen and girls deserve fair competition in their sports, and privacy in their locker rooms. It was a historic moment, to see this issue come to such a huge platform, but it was also incredibly distressing to see that the Democrat senators were so dismissive of young women who are suffering across the country today,\u201d said Marshi Smith, cofounder of the Independent Council on Women\u2019s Sports (ICONS). \u201cThere are huge threats to women\u2019s sports. Adults need to stand up in leadership positions and do something about it.\u201d\n\nGrassley was joined at the press conference by Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) and Darline Graham (R-S.C.), as well as the following athletes and advocates:\n\nMarshi Smith and Kim Jones, cofounders of ICONS\n\nCarly Smolak, a retired professional women\u2019s soccer player and U.S. Australian Football League national champion\n\nBriley Lechner, a high school volleyball player\n\nJeff Moravec, a father of an impacted female athlete\n\nMatt Sharp, Vice President of Public Policy at Alliance Defending Freedom\n\nLainey Armistead, a former NCAA soccer player and intervenor in the landmark Supreme Court victory for female athletes, Little v. Hecox\n\nKendall Kotzmacher, an NCAA softball player\n\nAngie Griffin, a U.S. Masters swimmer\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley\u2019s remarks follow.\n\nVIDEO\n\nI welcome you all to this press conference.\n\nAs you\u2019ve just heard at our hearing, the dangers biological men pose to women\u2019s sports are very real \u2013 very real dangers.\n\nFemale athletes need our support.\n\nWithout action, we\u2019re putting an entire generation of young women at risk.\n\nUltimately, this is an issue that comes down to safety and comes down to real commonsense.\n\nYou\u2019re in a part of our country, D.C., where it\u2019s surrounded by reality \u2013 if you wonder what\u2019s wrong with Washington, D.C.\n\nDemocrats love to claim they are the party that supports women.\n\nBut today they didn\u2019t even bother to bring a single witness to listen and engage with these concerned athletes that testified and were otherwise in attendance.\n\nThese witnesses and the people in attendance all raised the issue of men, and the dangers of men playing in women\u2019s sports, but mostly about the unfairness of it.\n\nThese women deserve to have their stories heard. That\u2019s why we\u2019re here today.\n\nI commend the brave athletes and advocates who often risk precious contracts and face public blowback for just simply speaking out and exercising their right under the first amendment of freedom of speech.\n\nSo, please know that you have this senator\u2019s support.", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-north-lumber-and-home-center", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, North Lumber & Home Center", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: North Lumber & Home Center of Decatur County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cNorth Lumber & Home Center has truly gotten to the root of what it means to be a hardworking, dedicated small business\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cFor more than four decades, this family-owned and operated business has continued to branch out by providing quality services and staying actively engaged in its community.\u201d\n\nIn 1980, current owner Sally Dykes and her family purchased North Lumber. As the family continued to expand their inventory and operations to better serve its customers, they renamed the business to North Lumber & Home Center. In 2002, they opened a second store in Lamoni, Iowa. Today, Sally continues to run the lumberyard and building materials supplier business alongside her son, Tony Dykes.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-22-26", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-22-26", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Audio from this afternoon\u2019s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Diesel prices, press access at the White House, the Farm Bill, Iran, the Improving Social Security\u2019s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act and the Kennedy Center.", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassleys-support-for-cancer-research-highlighted-in-new-nationwide-progress-report", "Grassley\u2019s Support for Cancer Research Highlighted in New Nationwide Progress Report", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "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), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, discussed his leadership and advocacy for cancer research in an interview featured in the American Association for Cancer Research\u2019s (AACR) 2026 progress report.\n\nThe report also highlighted Grassley\u2019s work to establish and reauthorize the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) program, which provides a lifeline for rural hospitals across the nation, including four RCHD participating hospitals in Iowa:\n\n\u201cInequities in access to screenings and follow-up care contribute to health disparities and reduced survival in some patient populations... Policymakers like Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) are continuing to work to support these rural medical services, investing in programs such as the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration.\u201d -- AACR Cancer Progress Report 2026\n\nRead Grassley\u2019s full interview HERE and below.\n\nQ&A With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley\n\nAmerican Association for Cancer Research\n\nQ: What are some current gaps in cancer care and what is the role of Congress in closing these gaps?\n\nA: As with any public policy, the role of every lawmaker in Congress is to listen to constituents and grassroots advocacy groups and gather the facts to make informed decisions, including addressing gaps in cancer care. As a farm state lawmaker, I bring unique perspective to the policymaking tables to advocate on behalf of families and healthcare providers living and working in rural communities. For example, I\u2019ve prioritized keeping the doors of hometown hospitals, clinics and pharmacies open through flexible federal funding measures, such as the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration and Rural Emergency Hospital programs, as well as enabling local pharmacists to be reimbursed for providing healthcare services.\n\nI\u2019m also working to address the gap in how patients access and navigate cancer screening recommendations. Too often screening guidance is difficult to understand, changes over time, and is not readily integrated into the technology that patients and providers use every day. This can result in missed opportunities for early detection and treatment, particularly in rural communities where cancer mortality rates remain higher. By making screening information more accessible, timely, and patient-centered, the federal government can help reduce barriers to early detection and improve cancer outcomes. I want to enable more apps and web tools to get cancer screening information to the patient and provider similar to the Decision Precision+ and Cancer Screen Iowa tools.\n\nQ: Why does cancer research and survivorship remain truly non-partisan?\n\nA: Cancer impacts American families across the country, regardless of one\u2019s political ideology. That means lawmakers from both sides of the aisle represent Americans battling a cancer diagnosis. As a member of the Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus and the Congressional Caucus on the Deadliest Cancers, I leverage my committee assignments in the U.S. Senate to raise public awareness and conduct oversight on federal investments in cancer research to help save lives. Through my policymaking and legislative work, I am committed to building bipartisan coalitions that push for robust research, prevention and treatment therapies to help cancer patients survive, thrive and lead healthy, high-quality lives. That includes reducing barriers to care, lowering costs to life-saving drugs, improving the pharmaceutical supply chain by boosting transparency and holding Pharmacy Benefit Managers accountable, expanding access to experimental treatments (such as those helping my former colleague Sen. Ben Sasse) and Right to Try laws, protecting the integrity of medical research and treating side effects of chemotherapy, such as my bipartisan success to enact the Lymphedema Treatment Act. I\u2019m also a champion for expanding access to cancer care in rural America, including my home state of Iowa that ranks second highest in the United States for new cancer cases. From expanding telehealth services to addressing provider shortages and securing the largest investment in rural health in history with passage of the Rural Health Transformation Fund, my advocacy for cancer prevention, treatment and cures will continue.\n\nQ: How have you worked to serve the cancer community?\n\nA: Since my first term in the U.S. Senate, my committee assignments have enabled me to roll up my sleeves at the policymaking table and shape federal policies on behalf of American families to improve delivery of care and health outcomes, from the \u201cKatie Beckett waiver\u201d to the Family Opportunity Act to the Accelerating Kids\u2019 Access to Care Act. My work on behalf of cancer patients includes raising public awareness and expanding access to early screening and detection. My wife Barbara is a 39-year breast cancer survivor and attributes early detection and surgery with saving her life. I\u2019m glad the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act was signed into law in February. It will help clear the way to revolutionize cancer detection and expand coverage for Medicare patients for lifesaving cancer screenings. Thanks to remarkable strides in research, therapeutics and oncology treatments, a cancer diagnosis is no longer considered a death sentence. Just consider the recent promising breakthrough therapy for pancreatic cancer, for example.\n\nThrough congressional oversight, I\u2019m committed to ensuring public health care programs and federal agencies are efficiently and effectively serving the American people. That includes my efforts to improve care and outcomes for pediatric cancer patients. With the support of grassroots-led advocacy organizations, I spearheaded the bipartisan Accelerating Kids\u2019 Access to Care Act (AKACA) through the Senate to help kids kick cancer to the curb and live long, healthy lives. Representative government is a two-way street. I listened to the issues brought to my attention from families, patient advocates and providers who explained how red tape got in the way for kids with complex medical needs to receive timely care or participate in a clinical trial out of state. More than half of this pediatric population is covered by Medicaid and the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program that restricted care provided outside the child\u2019s home state. State lines shouldn\u2019t dictate if a child in the U.S. receives timely, lifesaving care. Having the AKACA on the books paves the way for specialty pediatric providers to enroll in multiple state Medicaid programs and gives families much-needed peace of mind. Moms and Dads have enough on their plate to manage without dealing with cumbersome, bureaucratic red tape that\u2019s delaying care for their sick child. I\u2019ll continue my oversight work to ensure these laws work as Congress intended.", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-legislation-to-support-victims-of-identity-theft-heads-to-president-trumps-desk", "Grassley-Hassan Legislation to Support Victims of Identity Theft Heads to President Trump\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 The Improving Social Security\u2019s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act authored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), a fellow Finance Committee member, is heading to President Donald Trump\u2019s desk after the Senate unanimously approved the legislation on Thursday. The bipartisan legislation supports victims by strengthening and streamlining the process for Americans whose Social Security numbers have been stolen.\n\n\u201cMillions of Americans suffer from identity theft each year, and Social Security numbers are a top target. Unfortunately, when an identity theft victim calls up the Social Security Administration, they can be jerked around from one contact to another, having to reexplain the situation each time. By providing victims a single point of contact at the agency, our bill will help ease this frustrating and stressful process and make life easier for Iowans who may find themselves in this unfortunate situation. I want to thank my colleagues for their overwhelming support to get this legislation over the finish line,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cToo often, victims of identity theft are forced to navigate a long, confusing process to get support from the Social Security Administration. This process is frustrating to victims and unnecessarily drains the agency\u2019s resources. My bipartisan bill will help streamline support from SSA for so that victims of identity theft can get the help that they need more quickly. I worked with colleagues across the aisle to pass this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to seeing it being signed into law. I will continue pushing to make the government work more efficiently for victims of theft, fraud, and scams,\u201d Hassan said.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Grassley-Hassan Improving Social Security\u2019s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act provides a single, focal point of contact at the Social Security Administration to more efficiently resolve an identity-theft victim\u2019s issues.\n\nThe legislation is endorsed by numerous groups, including AARP, Social Security Works, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), Justice in Aging, and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-keeping-america-safe", "Q&A: Keeping America Safe", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What\u2019s driving lower crime rates across the country?\n\nA: In the first two years of the second Trump administration, promising new data show a historic decline in violent crime, particularly in urban areas. The downward trend is boosted by key policy victories to secure the border, lower taxes that strengthened small businesses and family take-home pay and deliver much-needed support for law enforcement. The Biden administration\u2019s disastrous open border policies gave criminal networks a green light to push their illicit drug and human trafficking operations into communities across the country. Turning the page on that chaotic chapter has restored U.S. sovereignty and returned law and order to America\u2019s streets to improve public safety across the country.\n\nAccording to the FBI, the historic drop marked the largest year-to-year decline in a century, delivering double-digit declines in violent crime across America. From 2024 to 2025, murder was down 18.1%; robbery lowered 18.5%, aggravated assault declined 7.2%; property crime fell 12.4% and motor vehicle theft dropped 22.7%. The downward crime trend is welcome news to families and businesses who benefit when law and order deliver safer streets. The surge in crime sprees and lawlessness during the previous administration was fueled by radical efforts to defund the police. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019ve worked to help fix the mess and advance President Trump\u2019s law-and-order judicial nominees at the fastest pace since the Reagan administration.\n\nAmericans deserve common sense crime-fighting laws and a justice system that enforces the law, investigates crimes and prosecutes offenders. That\u2019s why I take a hands-on approach with my congressional oversight responsibilities to keep check on the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to ensure they are doing their jobs, not weaponizing the government to go after political enemies.\n\nQ: What progress has been made to ensure the safety of children?\n\nA: When the FBI Director testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for an annual oversight hearing, I applauded his leadership for restoring the core mission of the nation\u2019s premiere law enforcement agency. During his two-year tenure, all ten of the FBI\u2019s Top 10 fugitives have been captured. What\u2019s more, the FBI has targeted child exploitation predators and helped to locate and identify more than 11,000 children who were victims of crime. That\u2019s up 21% from the previous 18 months. The FBI also has been involved in the arrest of more than 5,000 child predators and human traffickers. The men and women who helped bring online predators, sex traffickers, kidnappers and abusers to justice are bringing peace of mind to moms and dads across the country.\n\nFrom the helm of the Judiciary Committee, I led an investigation into eight major tech companies regarding their alleged failure to sufficiently report online child sexual exploitation. I\u2019m glad to learn from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that my inquiries led to a significant improvement of their reporting to the CyberTipline. All electronic service providers (ESPs) are required by law to report suspected cases of online child sexual exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline. These reports are critical for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute suspected predators.", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/17/nunn-secures-four-iowa-water-wins-in-house-passed-water-resources-bill/", "Nunn Secures Four Iowa Water Wins in House-Passed Water Resources Bill", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) secured passage of four Iowa water priorities through the U.S. House of Representatives in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026. The provisions authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to study central Iowa\u2019s long-term water supply and the condition of southern Iowa\u2019s watersheds, while also expediting a wetland project that reduces the sediment and phosphorus reaching a drinking water source serving more than 80,000 people.\n\n\u201cIowans are rightly concerned about nitrate levels in our rivers, and every family deserves peace of mind when they turn on the tap,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cClean water and a strong farm economy go together in Iowa. Every one of these requests came from Iowans who know the water issues our state faces better than Washington. My job is to deliver the air support they need to keep that work moving, and to make sure the federal government backs the solutions Iowa is already building.\u201d\n\nRep. Nunn\u2019s four provisions include:\n\nSaylorville Reservoir water supply and sediment study serving Polk and Dallas Counties. Authorizes the Corps to study improvements to Saylorville Reservoir that could strengthen the region\u2019s long-term water supply and help Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Water Works continue providing reliable drinking water to local communities.\n\nWalker Branch Wetland Project at Rathbun Lake serving Wayne County. Directs the Corps to expedite completion of a 125-acre wetland restoration to reduce the sediment and phosphorus reaching Rathbun Lake, the only source of water for the Rathbun Regional Water Association\u2019s two treatment plants, which serve more than 80,000 people in southern Iowa and northern Missouri.\n\nLower Des Moines River Watershed study serving Appanoose, Davis, Marion, Monroe, and Wapello Counties. Authorizes a feasibility study for flood risk management and ecosystem restoration across the full watershed instead of one county at a time.\n\nLittle Soap Creek Watershed study serving Appanoose and Davis Counties. Authorizes a feasibility study for flood risk management and ecosystem restoration in the Little Soap Creek Watershed.\n\nThe bill also creates a new Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation, and Drought Resiliency within Army Civil Works to coordinate the Corps\u2019 water supply studies, handle reservoir storage reallocation, assist local partners, and work down the backlog of studies.\n\nThese wins build on Rep. Nunn\u2019s broader efforts to tackle Iowa\u2019s water challenges with practical, Iowa-led solutions, including $500,000 he delivered to complete a 21-county monitoring network, a voluntary, state-led clean water pilot program he secured in the House-passed PERMIT Act, and provisions in the House-passed Farm Bill to strengthen federal flood response and improve watershed resilience.\n\nThe Water Resources Development Act of 2026 now awaits consideration by the U.S. Senate.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hinson-lead-bipartisan-push-for-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness", "Grassley, Hinson Lead Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Download audio HERE.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with Rep. Alma Adams, (D-N.C.) and others, to introduce a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing September 19, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.\n\nIn 2024, the bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, supported by Grassley and Hinson, was signed into law to help save the lives of mothers and babies across America.\n\nWith almost one-fourth of stillbirths being potentially preventable, this resolution stresses the importance of advancing evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts in the United States.\n\n\u201cNo family should have to endure the heartbreak of a stillbirth. While states like Iowa have made progress at reducing stillbirths, there\u2019s still much more to be done to strengthen maternal healthcare, especially in rural areas, to help prevent these tragedies. Our bipartisan resolution raises awareness and promotes research to help target contributing factors and save babies\u2019 lives,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cImproving prenatal education and access to maternal care\u2014especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider\u2014is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal deaths. Getting my Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth,\u201d Hinson said.\n\nIn addition to Grassley, Hinson, Merkley, Booker and Adams, the resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Angus King (I-Maine), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore) and by Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.).\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral resolution is supported by 46 organizations, including Healthy Birth Day, Inc.\n\nFull text of the resolution can be found HERE.\n\nDownload audio from the senator HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 183 births\u2014more than 20,000 per year\u2014tragically results in a stillbirth, which is more stillbirths annually than the number of babies who pass away during their first year of life. Parents who experience stillbirth are also at an increased risk for severe maternal morbidity, depression and mortality.", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-recognized-as-champion-for-biofuels", "Grassley Recognized as Champion for Biofuels", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "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 member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, accepted Growth Energy\u2019s 2026 \u201cFueling Growth Award\u201d for his leadership on biofuels and his ongoing support for America\u2019s family farmers and biofuel producers.\n\n\u201cAs a lifelong Iowa corn and soybean farmer, I know firsthand how important our homegrown biofuels are for our national security, our pocketbooks and our environment. Biofuels are good, good, good. That\u2019s why I\u2019m continuing to fight tirelessly to get year-round, nationwide E15 over the finish line,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m proud to be a strong voice for Iowa biofuels at the policymaking tables in Washington.\u201d\n\nSenator Grassley accepts the 2026 \"Fueling Growth Award\" from members of Growth Energy, including Iowa family farmer and biofuels advocate Bill Couser.\n\nDownload photo HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley helped establish the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and conducts oversight to ensure the executive branch appropriately implements the program.\n\nGrassley also met with the National Oilseed Association yesterday to discuss the RFS. The group presented Grassley with an award recognizing him as a Champion of Agriculture.\n\nGrassley has championed E15 in the Senate for over 15 years:\n\nApril 2026: Spoke on the Senate floor to support Iowa\u2019s Members of Congress for fighting for family farmers on E15 and the Farm Bill.\n\nMarch 2026: Spoke at an Agriculture Committee hearing in strong support of E15.\n\nJanuary 2026: Wrote an op-ed praising President Trump\u2019s support for legislation allowing for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15.\n\nSeptember 2025: Received Growth Energy\u2019s 2025 \u201cFueling Growth Award\u201d for his efforts to support biofuel production.\n\nOctober 2025: Called for any legislation that includes ad hoc payments to farmers to also include E15.\n\nAugust 2025: Introduced the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act to make it easier for Americans to fuel their vehicles with homegrown E15.\n\nApril 2025: Joined a bipartisan letter urging President Trump to permit the nationwide sale of E15 fuel through the 2025 summer driving season and beyond.\n\nFebruary 2025: Reintroduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a congressional proposal to allow for E15 sales year-round and nationwide.\n\nApril 2024: Welcomed the EPA\u2019s emergency fuel waiver permitting nationwide E15 sales for the summer 2024 driving season.\n\nFebruary 2024: Applauded the EPA\u2019s decision to approve a petition from eight Midwestern governors to permanently authorize year-round E-15 sales in their states.\n\nDecember 2023: Pushed the EPA to quickly finalize a summertime waiver, helping retailers prepare for summer 2024 sales.\n\nApril 2023: Issued a statement on the EPA\u2019s decision to permit nationwide E15 sales for the summer 2023 driving season.\n\nApril 2023: Sent a letter urging President Joe Biden to issue an emergency waiver allowing for the summertime sale of E15.\n\nMarch 2023: Reintroduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Fischer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.).\n\nNovember 2022: Introduced legislation to expand the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, extending the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above 10%.\n\nMarch 2022: Sent a letter urging President Biden to permit the year-round sale of E15 fuel to restore American energy independence.\n\nApril 2021: Introduced the Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Investment and Market Expansion Act requiring the EPA to finalize its proposed rule removing certain barriers to expanded sales of E15.\n\nJuly 2021: Reintroduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act with Fischer and Klobuchar.\n\nMay 2019: Led the effort to encourage the first Trump administration to approve year-round E15.\n\nMarch 2019: Praised the EPA\u2019s proposed rule allowing the year-round sale of E15.\n\nFebruary 2019: Reintroduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act.\n\nJanuary 2019: Received the E15 award from the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Alongside Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for championing year-round sales of E15.\n\nOctober 2018: Released a video statement in support of the EPA beginning the process of allowing year-round use of E15 gasoline.\n\nMarch 2017: Introduced the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.\n\nOctober 2018: Authored an op-ed with Ernst in support of year-round E15.\n\nMarch 2015: Introduced the Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act to remove the EPA\u2019s impediments to market competition and innovation in the transportation fuel market.\n\nJanuary 2011: Praised EPA\u2019s decision to expand eligibility for its E15 waiver.\n\nOctober 2010: Welcomed the EPA\u2019s decision first authorizing E15 usage.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-leads-bipartisan-push-stillbirth-prevention-and-awareness", "Hinson Leads Bipartisan Push for Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) partnered with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in reintroducing bipartisan legislation recognizing September 19th, 2026, as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day.\n\nLast Congress, Hinson\u2019s bipartisan bill, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, was signed into law by President Biden to help save lives of mothers and babies across America. With at least 25% of stillbirths being preventable, this resolution stresses the importance of advancing evidence-based stillbirth prevention efforts in the United States.\n\n\"Improving prenatal education and access to maternal care\u2014especially in rural areas where women may travel over an hour to see a provider\u2014is critical to protecting babies and reducing maternal mortality tragedies. Getting my bipartisan Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act signed into law was a major step, but more must be done to support expecting moms and prevent stillbirths. I\u2019m proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing September 19th as National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day and will continue working across the aisle to end the tragedy of stillbirth.\u201d \u2013 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\n\u201cIt has already taken way too long for Congress to wake up to the tragedy that is our country's stillbirth crisis. We have made some great progress, but there is so much more to be done. We already have many innovative solutions to reduce stillbirth \u2014 our country just hasn't invested in them at a national scale. We can, and we must do better for our moms.\u201d \u2013 Congresswoman Alma Adams\n\nAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every 175 births\u2014more than 20,000 per year\u2014tragically results in a stillbirth.\n\nThe bipartisan, bicameral resolution is supported by 46 organizations, including Healthy Birth Day, Inc., March of Dimes, and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. A full list of supporting organizations can be found by clicking here.\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-20T09:37:28Z", "2026-09-20T09:38:59Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-ernst-billion-dollar-boondoggle-act-passes-congress-heads", "Miller-Meeks, Ernst Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act Passes Congress, Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. House of Representatives has given final passage to the bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, legislation led by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) requiring public disclosure of taxpayer-funded projects that are more than $1 billion over budget or more than five years behind schedule.\n\nThe House originally passed H.R. 1722, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, in July 2026. Both Chambers have now given final approval, sending the bill to President Trump\u2019s desk.\n\n\u201cIowans work hard for their money, and they expect Washington to be a good steward of every taxpayer dollar,\u201d said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \u201cWhen billion-dollar projects go years over schedule and billions over budget, taxpayers deserve answers and accountability. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act will shine a light on these financial train wrecks and make sure Congress and the American people know where their money is going. I\u2019m proud to see this bill pass Congress and head to the President\u2019s desk, and I thank Senator Ernst for her partnership in getting this important legislation across the finish line.\u201d\n\n\u201cGoing a billion dollars over budget isn\u2019t a rounding error\u2014it\u2019s a financial trainwreck at taxpayers\u2019 expense,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cTaxpayers deserve transparency, and this legislation will shine a light on these boondoggles and hold Washington accountable for its out-of-control spending.\u201d\n\n\"Congress must ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent efficiently. Every year, there are government projects that are above cost projections or behind schedule. Congress has a duty to root out government waste and mismanagement to protect the American taxpayer. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act brings transparency to failing government projects to prevent waste of Americans\u2019 tax dollars. I thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for championing this legislation,\" said House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.).\n\nBackground:\n\nThe legislation follows a report from Senator Ernst exposingmore than a dozen government projects that collectively racked up $162 billion in cost overruns. Meanwhile, the national debt has surpassed$40 trillion, growing by over $2 trillion in the past year alone, and the Government Accountability Office has documented$2.7 trillion in improper payments by federal agencies since 2003.\n\nSome of the worst boondoggles this bill would expose:\n\nCalifornia High-Speed Rail \u2014 more than $150 billion over budget, from an original $33 billion estimate to as much as $231 billion.\n\nVA electronic health record system \u2014 tripled from $16.1 billion to $49.8 billion, with flaws that may have contributed to veteran deaths.\n\nHonolulu Rail Transit \u2014 $4.8 billion over budget, with completion slipping from 2020 to 2031.\n\nWashington Metro's Purple Line \u2014 $3.1 billion over budget and more than five years delayed.\n\nColumbus Crossroads corridor \u2014 19 years behind schedule, with costs more than double the original $801 million estimate.\n\nAir Force One replacements \u2014 billions over budget and years behind schedule.\n\nFederal Reserve renovation \u2014 up 34% from $1.9 billion to nearly $2.5 billion.\n\nCongresswoman Miller-Meeks has been a leading voice in the fight against government waste, fraud, and abuse. She first introduced the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act in the 118th Congress and reintroduced it in the 119th Congress alongside Senator Ernst.\n\nTo read the full bill text, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/16/nunn-bills-to-combat-payment-scams-cut-financial-red-tape-pass-financial-services-committee/", "Nunn Bills to Combat Payment Scams, Cut Financial Red Tape Pass Financial Services Committee", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, the House Financial Services Committee advanced two bipartisan bills introduced by Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) \u2014 the Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams (TRAPS) Act and the Consumer-Led Enhancement of Annuity and Insurance Registration Forms (CLEAR Forms) Act \u2014 aimed at stopping payment scams before they drain Iowans\u2019 life savings and simplifying the registration paperwork behind the life insurance and annuity products Iowa families rely on.\n\n\u201cOn Tuesday, the House passed our bipartisan GUARD Act, which would give law enforcement the tools to hunt down scammers and recover Iowans\u2019 stolen money. Today, we\u2019re advancing the TRAPS Act to stop these criminals before they ever get their hands on an Iowan\u2019s life savings,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cWe\u2019re going after fraud from every angle: bringing law enforcement, banks, regulators, and technology experts together to identify these scams earlier and hold the criminals behind them accountable. Iowans worked too hard for their money to lose it to a scammer hiding behind a screen.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan TRAPS Act, co-led by Representative Jim Himes (CT-04), would create a coordinated federal task force led by the U.S. Department of the Treasury dedicated to preventing scams. The task force would examine emerging fraud trends, including increasingly sophisticated romance and investment scams, identify effective prevention strategies, improve coordination across the public and private sectors, and recommend legislative and regulatory solutions to better protect consumers.\n\n\u201cScammers have always been a contemptible part of our financial reality, but AI-powered voice cloning and deepfakes have turbo-charged the tools they have at their disposal to swindle Americans \u2013 especially seniors \u2013 out of their hard-earned money,\u201d said Rep. Himes. \u201cI\u2019m ecstatic that the TRAPS Act passed out of committee with overwhelming bipartisan support as now, more than ever, we need to bring to bear a whole of government approach that combats financial schemes, protects our citizens, and supports victims of fraud. There\u2019s no time to waste: let\u2019s put this bill to a full vote.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentatives Jim Himes and Zach Nunn deserve credit for recognizing a simple truth: criminals share information, exploit gaps and constantly evolve and those working to stop them must be equally coordinated,\u201d said Early Warning CEO Cameron Fowler. \u201cThe TRAPS Act will help turn the collective expertise of regulators, law enforcement and industry into action. We have seen the impact of coordination: over the past four years, Early Warning has helped financial institutions stop approximately $16.4 billion in potential fraud. Extending that collaboration across the broader ecosystem will help identify emerging threats sooner and better protect American consumers and small businesses.\u201d\n\n\u201cDefeating today\u2019s sophisticated payment fraud and scams requires a cross-sector strategy,\u201d said Chris Sparks, Head of Card Fraud, Capital One. \u201cBy authorizing a dedicated task force, the TRAPS Act creates the public-private framework necessary to disrupt financial criminals and safeguard everyday consumers. Capital One commends Representatives Nunn and Himes for advancing their bipartisan bill through committee markup, and we look forward to supporting its passage on the House floor.\u201d\n\nThe committee also advanced Rep. Nunn\u2019s bipartisan CLEAR Forms Act, co-led by Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07).\n\n\u201cIowans shouldn\u2019t have to dig through hundreds of pages of Washington paperwork to make an informed decision about their financial future,\u201d continued Rep. Nunn. \u201cOur CLEAR Forms Act cuts unnecessary red tape, gives families the information they actually need in one place, and makes it easier to understand the financial products they\u2019re buying.\u201d\n\nThe bipartisan CLEAR Forms Act closes a gap in how the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) handles newer insurance products. With no tailored form available, issuers register those products on the same general-purpose forms built for corporate stock and debt offerings, burying the information that helps determine whether a product actually fits a family\u2019s situation. The legislation directs the SEC to develop tailored forms within 12 months that focus on the information consumers actually need to make informed decisions.\n\nWith today\u2019s committee passage, both bills now advance to the full House of Representatives for consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/16/nunn-honors-ray-gaesser-leads-resolution-promoting-farm-safety/", "Nunn Honors Ray Gaesser, Leads Resolution Promoting Farm Safety", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cRay Gaesser spent his life doing what he loved: farming, fighting for agriculture, and helping the next generation of producers continue Iowa\u2019s oldest tradition,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cRay was a trusted friend and advisor whose impact reached far beyond his own farm. We owe it to him, his wife Elaine, and every American farmer to honor his legacy and make sure every producer gets home safe this harvest.\u201d\n\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates agriculture as one of the nation\u2019s most dangerous industries, with an estimated 160 U.S. agricultural workers injured every day and nearly 400 killed in farm-related accidents each year.\n\nRep. Nunn\u2019s resolution recognizes the sacrifices farming families make to feed, fuel, and clothe the country, and the risks Iowa\u2019s farmers face in doing it. It promotes efforts to raise awareness, prevent farm accidents, and save lives.\n\n\u201cRay was a tireless champion for Iowa\u2019s farmers and a devoted steward of the land he loved,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cHis life was defined by his service to agriculture and his commitment to the farming community. We honor his memory by carrying forward his legacy and renewing our commitment to keeping our farmers and families safe. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray\u2019s family and loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m heartbroken that my friend and one of the most amazing Iowans I know, Ray Gaesser, is no longer with us. He put his heart and soul into advocating for Iowa agriculture and family farms. There was no stronger voice for farmers and agriculture,\u201d said Rep. Hinson. \u201cRay will be missed by so many who loved and knew him, and I\u2019m proud to join the Iowa delegation in introducing this resolution honoring his life and the contributions he made. My prayers continue to be with his wonderful wife, Elaine, and his entire family as we grieve this immense loss for Iowa.\u201d\n\n\u201cRay Gaesser represented the very best of Iowa agriculture. He was a dedicated farmer, respected leader, and tireless advocate for our producers who devoted his life to strengthening agriculture and leaving the land better for the next generation. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that farmers and their families face every day,\u201d said Rep. Feenstra. \u201cDuring National Farm Safety Week, I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to honor Ray\u2019s remarkable life and legacy while reaffirming our commitment to keeping our farmers, families, and rural communities safe. My prayers remain with Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and the entire Gaesser family.\u201d\n\nText of the resolution can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-earns-award-for-championing-iowa-pork-producers", "Ernst Earns Award for Championing Iowa Pork Producers", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, received the National Pork Producers Council\u2019s (NPPC) inaugural \u201cBringing Home the Bacon\u201d Congressional Award in recognition of her work supporting America\u2019s 60,000-plus pork producers.\n\nSenator Ernst receives the inaugural \u201cBringing Home the Bacon\u201d award from NPPC President and Iowa pork producer Rob Brenneman\n\nDownload more photos of Senator Ernst here.\n\n\u201cGrowing up feeding hogs and walking beans on my family farm in southwest Iowa, I learned early that agriculture is not just an industry in Iowa\u2014it is our way of life,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cIt has been the honor of a lifetime to fight for our pork producers, and I\u2019m grateful to be earning this award for my work. I will keep fighting to bring home the bacon by standing up to California\u2019s Proposition 12, protecting our herds from foreign animal disease, and opening new markets for Iowa farmers and producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cPork producers\u2014both in and outside Iowa\u2014benefit from Senator Ernst\u2019s pure grit and willingness to never back down from the good fight,\u201d said NPPC President Rob Brenneman, a pork producer from Washington County, Iowa. \u201cSenator Ernst always takes the time to hear our concerns and, most importantly, find solutions to help our industry thrive. We sincerely thank her for her years of service in the United States Senate.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-miller-meeks-applaud-house-passage-of-bipartisan-bill-to-expose-boondoggles", "Ernst, Miller-Meeks Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Expose Boondoggles", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives\u2019 unanimous passage of their bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act.\n\nThis legislation requires taxpayer-funded projects that are more than $1 billion over budget or more than five years behind schedule to be made public. The bill now heads to the president\u2019s desk, and it is expected to become law.\n\n\u201cGoing a billion dollars over budget isn\u2019t a rounding error\u2014it\u2019s a financial trainwreck at taxpayers\u2019 expense,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cTaxpayers deserve transparency, and this legislation will shine a light on these boondoggles and hold Washington accountable for its out-of-control spending.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowans work hard for their money, and they expect Washington to be a good steward of every taxpayer dollar,\u201d said Rep. Miller-Meeks. \u201cWhen billion-dollar projects go years over schedule and billions over budget, taxpayers deserve answers and accountability. The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act will shine a light on these financial train wrecks and make sure Congress and the American people know where their money is going. I\u2019m proud to see this bill pass Congress and head to the president\u2019s desk, and I thank Senator Ernst for her partnership in getting this important legislation across the finish line.\u201d\n\nFollowing a report released by Ernst that exposed more than a dozen projects that collectively experienced $162 billion in cost overruns, Ernst and Miller-Meeks have worked hand in hand to lead the fight to pass this bill to require the Office of Management and Budget to compile and publicly report information on federally funded projects that are over budget and behind schedule.\n\nRead the bill here.\n\nBackground\n\nErnst has spent years working to expose and eliminate wasteful government spending, including successfully advocating for the defunding of California\u2019s high-speed rail project, which she has highlighted as an example of a major government project plagued by cost overruns and delays.\n\nIn 2022, Ernst secured a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act requiring the Department of Transportation to track taxpayer-funded projects that were significantly over budget or behind schedule. She continued pushing for greater transparency through the introduction of the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act in 2023 to shine a light on costly and delayed federal projects.\n\nIn December 2025, Ernst successfully led the U.S. Senate to pass her bipartisan Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act.\n\nEarlier this year, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform passed the bill out of committee. With the national debt now exceeding $40 trillion, the boondoggle report will give Congress a list of failed projects to fix or cancel to save taxpayers billions of dollars every single year.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-welcomes-farm-bill-progress-more-work-needed", "Ernst Welcomes Farm Bill Progress, More Work Needed", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee successfully advanced the Farm Bill in a 12-11 vote:\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s vote moves the Farm Bill process forward and brings us closer to delivering certainty for Iowa farmers and rural communities. The bill includes important priorities I have fought for, from expanding access to year-round E15 and protecting American farmland from China to supporting farmer mental health,\u201d said Senator Ernst. \u201cThere is still work ahead to build the bipartisan support needed to get a strong five-year Farm Bill across the finish line. I am ready to work with my colleagues across the aisle on a fair path forward for SNAP that strengthens accountability and treats states equally. The final Farm Bill must also include a long-term solution to Proposition 12 that protects livestock producers from a costly future patchwork of conflicting state mandates. I will keep working to deliver a Farm Bill into law that meets the needs of Iowa agriculture.\u201d\n\nWatch Senator Ernst\u2019s remarks here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-votes-to-advance-the-senate-farm-bill", "VIDEO: Grassley Votes to Advance the Senate Farm Bill", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Click HERE for broadcast quality video.\n\nWASHINGTON \u2013 Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer, today voted to advance the Farm Bill in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The bill was favorably reported by a vote of 12-11, with all committee Democrats voting against the Farm Bill.\n\nThe Farm Bill builds on the Working Families Tax Cuts Act Republicans passed last summer by strengthening the farm safety net, investing in rural communities and boosting America\u2019s long-term competitiveness. The legislation will invest in Rural America and provide needed certainty for the ag economy. Importantly, the bill advanced by the committee today also authorizes the permanent, year-round sale of E15.\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley\u2019s remarks are below. Broadcast quality video can be found HERE.\n\nVIDEO\n\nI\u2019m pleased to report the Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced a new five-year Farm Bill.\n\nRepublicans made a number of updates to strengthen the farm safety net in last year\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nThe Farm Bill provides greater certainty for family farmers and would finally deliver year-round, nationwide E15, which lowers gas prices for consumers and increases domestic corn demand and would put $14 billion more into the corn economy.\n\nEvery Democrat on the Ag Committee voted against the Farm Bill, and every Republican voted for it.\n\nI\u2019ll be pushing Leader Thune to get the Farm Bill passed as soon as possible.\n\nIowans know that I\u2019ve fought hard for E15 and a new five-year Farm Bill, and I\u2019m not done working toward that goal.", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-miller-meeks-brace-act-strengthen-domestic-battery-recycling", "House Passes Miller-Meeks' BRACE Act to Strengthen Domestic Battery Recycling", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Battery Recycling for America's Competitive Economy Act (BRACE Act), bipartisan legislation authored by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) to modernize outdated federal regulations and strengthen America's domestic battery recycling industry.\n\nThe BRACE Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency to update decades-old hazardous waste regulations that predate the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries. The bill allows destination facilities to store lithium-ion batteries at the same location where they are recycled, cutting unnecessary costs and eliminating the need for complex, duplicative permits. As demand for lithium-ion batteries has grown across electric vehicles, energy storage, communications, and consumer products, the legislation is designed to keep more critical mineral recovery, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper, onshore rather than overseas.\n\n\"China dominates the global battery supply chain, and outdated federal rules have made it harder for American recyclers to compete. The BRACE Act fixes that by cutting red tape and letting our recyclers recover the critical minerals already sitting in used batteries right here at home. I'm grateful to my colleagues Representatives Menendez and Ruiz for partnering with me on this commonsense, bipartisan bill, and I'll keep working to strengthen America's critical mineral supply chains,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks.\n\n\u201cThe American Critical Minerals Association (ACMA) thanks Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for her leadership in advancing the BRACE Act, a meaningful step toward strengthening America's ability to recycle and recover lithium-ion batteries, materials essential to the nation's energy, manufacturing, and national security future,\u201d said Sarah Venuto, Executive Director of American Critical Minerals Association. \u201cBy directing the EPA to modernize and clarify regulatory standards for battery recycling, this legislation will expand domestic recovery pathways, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries, and strengthen America's supply chain resilience. The BRACE Act is an important component of the comprehensive policy framework needed to build a resilient, competitive U.S. critical minerals ecosystem. ACMA looks forward to continued collaboration with Congress as this legislation moves forward.\u201d\n\nThe BRACE Act now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/15/nunn-bill-to-protect-iowa-retirees-from-scams-passes-house/", "Nunn Bill to Protect Iowa Retirees from Scams Passes House", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "\u201cIowa retirees spent a lifetime building their savings, and scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to steal it out from under them,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cThe GUARD Act came directly from an Iowa sheriff\u2019s deputy who told me officers were watching criminals steal the life savings of hardworking Iowans but lacked the tools to track them down and recover the money. Today, the House voted to give state and local law enforcement the resources they need to pursue fraudsters, recover stolen funds, and deliver justice for victims. I urge the Senate to take it up without delay and get these protections to the Iowans who need them.\u201d\n\n\u201cEvery day, scammers are targeting our seniors \u2014 draining the hard-earned savings they spent a lifetime building, often with a single phone call or a fake investment scheme,\u201d said Rep. Gottheimer. \u201cThese criminals don\u2019t play it straight, and too often they hide behind overseas networks that make them nearly impossible to track. The GUARD Act gives our cops and investigators the tools and the resources to hunt these fraudsters down, claw back stolen money, and protect the people who built this country. Protecting our parents and grandparents is just common sense, and I\u2019m proud this bipartisan bill is one step closer to becoming law.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by criminals to defraud hardworking Americans. The House passage of the GUARD Act is an important step toward giving state and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat financial fraud and protect victims,\u201d said Rep. Fitzgerald. \u201cBy harnessing innovative technologies like blockchain, we can stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated scams and better protect Wisconsin seniors and families. I\u2019m proud to co-lead this effort, and I urge my Senate colleagues to take up the GUARD Act and pass it swiftly.\u201d\n\nAccording to the FBI, Iowans lost $96 million to fraud in 2025, an increase of more than 85 percent from the previous year. Scammers are using social media, email, text messages, and phone calls to lure retirees into fake investment schemes and clean out their accounts.\n\nThe bipartisan GUARD Act meets that threat by giving the investigators who handle these cases the resources to keep up. The bill would allow state, local, and Tribal law enforcement to use eligible federal grant funding to investigate financial fraud. It would also clarify that federal law enforcement can help those officers use blockchain tracing tools to follow stolen money and recover it.\n\nLaw enforcement, senior advocates, and consumer groups welcomed the bill\u2019s passage.\n\n\u201cFinancial fraud is a growing threat to Iowans, and criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the ways they target consumers, particularly older Americans. Iowa\u2019s credit unions play an important role in identifying and preventing fraud and protecting their members from financial harm,\u201d said Murray Williams, President and CEO, Iowa Credit Union League. \u201cThe GUARD Act strengthens that effort by giving state and local law enforcement additional resources to investigate financial crimes and hold those responsible accountable. We appreciate Congressman Nunn\u2019s leadership on this issue and his commitment to protecting Iowa families and communities from financial fraud.\u201d\n\n\u201cElder fraud and financial scams are robbing older Americans of their life savings at an alarming rate, and the 4,200 credit unions across the country see that firsthand,\u201d said Kathleen Coulombe, Chief Advocacy Officer, America\u2019s Credit Unions. \u201cAmerica\u2019s Credit Unions strongly supports the GUARD Act and measures like it, which take concrete steps to defend seniors and preserve the savings they spent a lifetime earning. By directing real investigative resources to local law enforcement and providing advanced tools to trace stolen funds, the GUARD Act strengthens our front lines against scammers. We thank Representative Nunn for championing this bill and urge Congress to quickly pass this legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe GUARD Act will help provide state and local law enforcement with necessary resources to combat fraud and the organized crime rings that are hurting retirees and communities,\u201d said Rodney Davis, Head of Government Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. \u201cThe U.S. Chamber is proud to support this legislation and thanks Rep. Nunn for his leadership in this critical battle against scammers.\u201d\n\n\u201cThe Crypto Council for Innovation supports the bipartisan GUARD Act. Strong consumer protection requires that law enforcement have the tools, training, and resources necessary to identify and pursue illicit activity in digital asset markets,\u201d said Ji Hun Kim, Chief Executive Officer, Crypto Council for Innovation. \u201cWe commend Representatives Nunn, Gottheimer, and Fitzgerald for their leadership and for their bipartisan work on this important legislation.\u201d\n\n\u201cRepresentative Nunn is a close partner on a number of fraud issues, especially the GUARD Act that directs federal grant money toward local law enforcement for the tools and training they need to fight fraud,\u201d said Iowa AARP. \u201cHe\u2019s been a champion in his district and across Washington, D.C., and we\u2019re proud to see the GUARD Act move through the House.\u201d\n\n\u201cProtecting consumers from sophisticated financial crime requires a united front across government, law enforcement, and the private sector,\u201d said Chris Sparks, Head of Card Fraud, Capital One. \u201cBy passing the GUARD Act today, the U.S. House of Representatives has taken a decisive step toward filling critical gaps to help stop criminal scammers before they strike. Capital One applauds Representatives Nunn, Fitzgerald, and Gottheimer for this bipartisan achievement in advancing legislation that will safeguard older Americans and reinforce trust in our financial system.\u201d\n\n\u201cOn behalf of the Iowa Bankers Association, we thank Congressman Zach Nunn for his leadership on the bipartisan GUARD Act and congratulate him on its recent passage. We appreciate Nunn\u2019s commitment to protecting seniors from incredibly sophisticated financial fraud and his dedication to holding bad actors accountable,\u201d said Adam Gregg, President and CEO, Iowa Bankers Association. \u201cThis legislation provides valuable resources to combat fraud, enhance security, and give Iowans confidence that their hard-earned money is protected.\u201d\n\nThe GUARD Act cleared the House Financial Services Committee unanimously earlier this year. With today\u2019s passage, the bill now advances to the Senate for consideration.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/15/nunn-votes-to-end-open-ended-combat-operations-against-iran/", "Nunn Votes to End Open-Ended Combat Operations Against Iran", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.Con.Res. 93, which directs the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran absent a congressional authorization for the use of military force, while preserving the President\u2019s authority to defend the United States and its allies from imminent attack.\n\n\u201cIran must be held accountable for killing Americans, supporting terrorism, threatening the Strait of Hormuz, and pursuing nuclear weapons. Iowa has already paid a devastating price, including three service members killed by an Iranian drone in Kuwait,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cCongress owes them, their families, and every American in uniform clear objectives and constitutional oversight. With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization. Having deployed multiple times and flown over 700 combat hours in the Middle East, I will not support another open-ended war. We can defend Americans, pressure Iran, and pursue peace while ensuring Congress fulfills its constitutional responsibility.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/washingtons-secret-spending-stops-today", "Washington\u2019s Secret Spending Stops Today!", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 After years of fighting to increase transparency around Washington spending, President Donald Trump signed U.S. Senator Joni Ernst\u2019s (R-Iowa) bipartisan bill, the Stop Secret Spending Act, into law to require public disclosure of previously hidden government expenditures.\n\nCurrent law requires most federal spending to be publicly reported on USAspending.gov, allowing taxpayers to see who receives federal funds and details about how, where, and why the money is spent. However, a loophole has allowed agencies to withhold thousands of spending arrangements known as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) from public disclosure \u2013 the Stop Secret Spending Act closes that loophole.\n\nThe law also requires the federal government to publish a summary of any spending that remains exempt from public disclosure, including the total amount withheld and the justification for doing so, increasing transparency and accountability across the federal government.\n\nBecause bureaucrats couldn\u2019t be trusted to fully enact the original law, the Stop Secret Spending Act includes several safeguards to guarantee full transparency:\n\nOver the next decade, the Inspectors General of government agencies and departments are required to conduct regular reviews to ensure spending information is being provided to taxpayers in a timely, complete, and accurate manner;\n\nThe Government Accountability Office will also conduct a review and make recommendations for improvements; and\n\nThe Treasury Department must issue an annual report providing the total amount spent on grants, contracts, and other awards not included in USAspending.gov along with the reason that data is not posted for the public.\n\n\u201cTaxpayers deserve the receipts. For years, I\u2019ve fought to drag Washington\u2019s secret spending into the sunlight, and I\u2019m grateful President Trump signed my bill into law,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cNow, bureaucrats won\u2019t be able to spend Americans\u2019 hard-earned money in the dark.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve to know how their hard-earned tax dollars are being used. Right now, federal agencies are able to hide billions of dollars in spending from public view through agreements that are not subject to normal government spending disclosure requirements,\u201d said Sen. Hassan. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to see this bipartisan bill to bring more transparency to government spending become law.\u201d\n\n\u201cWaste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer resources by the federal government remains a concern for all Americans,\u201d said Sen. Peters. \u201cThis commonsense legislation will let Americans see how their hard-earned dollars are used, so I\u2019m quite glad that this critical, bipartisan bill has become law.\u201d\n\n\u201cFor too long, billions of dollars in federal spending have gone unreported due to a loophole in the disclosure of other transaction agreements,\u201d said Rep. Panetta. \u201cI\u2019m proud that our bipartisan, bicameral Stop Secret Spending Act has been signed into law, closing that gap by ensuring these expenditures are accounted for on USAspending.gov. This is a commonsense step toward strengthening public trust, improving fiscal accountability, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.\u201d\n\n\u201cWashington has spent far too long operating behind closed doors, and the American people deserve better. That is why I introduced the Stop Secret Spending Act, and I am proud to see President Trump sign it into law,\u201d said Rep. Moore. \u201cI am grateful to Senator Joni Ernst and Congressman Jimmy Panetta for standing with me in this fight to bring greater transparency and accountability to federal spending. This law closes a loophole that allowed billions of taxpayer dollars to escape public scrutiny and makes clear that American taxpayers have a right to know how their money is being spent. This is an important step toward changing the way Washington does business and putting taxpayers first.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nSenator Ernst has long advocated for greater transparency in federal spending. She first introduced the bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act after raising concerns about billions of dollars in undisclosed federal spending through Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and has repeatedly pushed the legislation forward.\n\nOver the past five fiscal years (October 1, 2021, through September 14, 2026):\n\nThe Department of War has obligated $85 billion for thousands of OTAs, through over 30,000 hard-to-track contracts, of which 1,898 are unclassified contracts of $10-million-or-more (438 $10mil+ contracts in just this fiscal year alone).\n\nThe Department of Homeland Security has obligated $52.2 million for over 700 OTAs; and\n\nThe Department of the Interior has obligated $858.8 million for over 220 OTAs, with many of these actually paid out for the Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 ARPA-H biomedical research contracts.\n\nIn August, the Stop Secret Spending Act passed the U.S. Senate unanimously and was sent to the president\u2019s desk. Ernst has continued working across the aisle to advance the legislation and ensure taxpayers have greater visibility into how their hard-earned dollars are spent.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-15-26", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-15-26", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Audio from this afternoon\u2019s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: the Senate Judiciary Committee\u2019s FBI oversight hearing, diesel prices, Iran, whistleblower advocacy and the 2026 midterm elections.", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-questions-director-patel-at-senate-judiciary-committee-oversight-hearing", "Grassley Questions Director Patel at Senate Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel at today\u2019s FBI oversight hearing.\n\nGrassley pressed Patel on the FBI\u2019s work to root out suspected Afghan terrorists that entered the country through the Biden administration\u2019s Operation Allies Welcome program and the FBI\u2019s expansion of counter drone capabilities, as well as the FBI\u2019s efforts to combat whistleblower retaliation and shine light on Operation Round River and the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Patel thanked Grassley for his Big Tech oversight, which the director confirmed has resulted in \u201csignificantly improved\u201d child safety reporting.\n\nVideo and a transcript of Grassley and Patel\u2019s exchange follow.\n\nVIDEO\n\nProtecting Kids Online\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cIn April 2026, I wrote to eight major internet companies to ensure NCMEC received enough data to hold online child predators accountable. NCMEC informed me last month that several companies have \u2018significantly improved\u2019 their child safety reporting. The FBI has assigned personnel to NCMEC to review online reports.\n\n\u201cWhat improvements can these companies make so that the FBI can more effectively turn the tables and hunt these predators down?\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThese companies\u2026 [have] allowed us to gain access to their intelligence and their databases for the first time ever, in a secure fashion, specifically for the role of man-hunting child predators and finding missing and exploited children.\n\n\u201cAs I stated in my opening, we have found and located over 11,000 children \u2013 that's up 20%. That's never happened before. So, thank you for that jolt in the arm that was needed in the private sector. We're going to continue to expand those engagements and work with Congress...so that this continuous flow of data can come in legally and lawfully, and that law enforcement can use it.\u201d\n\nOversight of the Afghan Parole Program\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cThe Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has produced to my office letters of recommendation for two Afghan evacuees placed in the United States during the Biden administration. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed in writing that the government official who signed the letters was Morgan Killington. According to State Department emails, Killington is not a real person.\n\n\u201cThe Afghan evacuee charged with shooting two West Virginia National Guardsmen and the Afghan evacuee charged with funding ISIS-K received those letters of recommendation. Clearly, this is a sign of failed vetting.\n\n\u201cIs the FBI performing ongoing reviews to ensure known or suspected terrorists didn\u2019t slip into the country or otherwise should\u2019ve been barred from entry? What has the FBI found to date?\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cWe are working with our partners at DHS who lead this mission\u2026 the number of known or suspected terrorists encountered at the northern and southern border have dropped, thanks to the [security] of the southern border and thanks to the presence of law enforcement and DHS on the northern border\n\n\u201cWe're going to continue to work with our intel partners to reach back through and analyze Operation Allies Welcome after the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and we\u2019ll continue to vet those individuals to make sure we never have an event, a tragic terrorist attack, like we witnessed here in the heart of Washington, D.C., last year in Thanksgiving.\u201d\n\nUncovering Prohibited Access Files and Operation Round River\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cAt last year\u2019s oversight hearing, I raised concerns about FBI files being hidden in Prohibited Access and Restricted Access cases. You noted last year that you\u2019d produce records found in these types of cases, which you\u2019ve done a good job of.\n\n\u201cPlease update the committee on the steps you\u2019ve taken to ensure these types of records are discoverable and that records can\u2019t be hidden from Congress, the courts and the American people.\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThe prohibitive cases, Mr. Chairman, were created just for that purpose \u2013 to evade transparency [and] to evade promulgation of FBI records that should be made available under FOIA and constitutional oversight. So, we simply did the following: I eliminated prohibited cases\u2026 we will work with your committee to continue producing records for what used to be called prohibitive cases.\u201d\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cAs I noted in my opening statement, I have concerns about how Round River records were stored, managed and classified. Round River was the operation that shut down certain government sources regarding the Biden family with apparently no justification. For example, some records include banner markings with \u2018Round River\u2019 as a classification code. This is highly unusual, if not outright improper.\n\n\u201cWhat steps have you taken to investigate any improper classification of Round River records and hold people accountable?\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThanks to your referral, Mr. Chairman, and shedding light on this, we looked at the classification processes surrounding this \u2018creation\u2019 of a [classification] called Round River. We discovered that there was no FBI policy to substantiate such a classification, and that it was basically made up.\n\n\u201cSo now, working with you and your staff, we are committed to continue to produce [records], on top of the nearly 2,000 pages of documents on Round River that we've already produced\u2026 We are conducting an internal investigation through the Inspection Division on the individuals who launched and codified this false and fake [classification].\u201d\n\nCombating Whistleblower Retaliation\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cAccording to an August 2026 Justice Department Inspector General report, FBI officials during [former FBI Director] Wray's tenure retaliated against an FBI employee named Jacob Mercer. These FBI officials are still employed.\n\n\u201cAt your nomination hearing, you committed to ensuring whistleblowers are protected from retaliation. What steps has the FBI taken to hold the retaliators accountable for their violation of law, and if nothing's been done, will you commit to updating the committee on accountability measures?\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThat is in the middle of an internal investigation. As soon as I'm able to update the committee, after working with our Department of Justice partners, I will do so.\u201d\n\nExpanding FBI\u2019s Counter Drone Capacity\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cThe Safer Skies Act granted long overdue authority to state and local law enforcement agencies to protect their communities from malicious drones. As of July 1st, the FBI had certified 46 eligible agencies to conduct drone mitigation, training a maximum of 16 officers per month. We can\u2019t get our law enforcement agencies certified to use these authorities fast enough.\n\n\u201cWhat\u2019s the FBI doing to expand and expedite its counter drone training capacity for eligible state and local law enforcement agencies?\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThe FBI, under my leadership, stood up the first ever counter-UAS school, called NCUTC, down at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, where we've trained hundreds of law enforcement officers\u2026\n\n\u201cWhat we've asked Congress for is increased funding so that we can triple the size of that school, allowing more state and local officers to come in and work with us, and deploy them like we did during the World Cup on our ground intercept teams to cover 11 separate venues and take down 750 drones. We need more equipment, more tech and more bodies trained.\u201d\n\nExposing the Weaponized Crossfire Hurricane Investigation\n\nGRASSLEY: \u201cFor almost a decade, I\u2019ve exposed political weaponization during Crossfire Hurricane and so have you. President Trump issued an Executive Order in each of his administrations mandating declassification of Crossfire Hurricane records.\n\n\u201cPlease describe the steps you\u2019ve taken to ensure full declassification and whether other agencies, like the CIA, have created roadblocks to declassifying all records.\u201d\n\nPATEL: \u201cThe Crossfire Hurricane declassification at the FBI, at least what's under my control, Mr. Chairman, has been fully declassified. There is some information in there that I do not control because we do not own it, and we have vigorously worked with our intelligence community partners to declassify that. We've produced the largest amount of Crossfire Hurricane documentation to the Congress ever, and we're going to continue.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-five-sons-landscaping-and-design", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Five Sons Landscaping & Design", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "Throughout this Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa\u2019s 99 counties.\n\nRED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Five Sons Landscape & Design of Madison County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cFive Sons Landscape & Design has laid the groundwork for success through hard work, family values, and a commitment to serving their fellow Iowans,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cFrom a humble background, Brady started with a wheelbarrow and borrowed tools to build a full-service landscaping company alongside his family. Five Sons has continued to grow deep roots in the Winterset community through their dedication to their customers, conservation, veterans, and the next generation.\u201d\n\nFounded on a dream between father and son, Eric and Brady Pugh, Five Sons Landscaping began in 2013 after both returned from a military deployment to Afghanistan. Brady built the business from the ground up and named the company in honor of his family \u2013 Eric and Monica\u2019s five sons. Today, the Winterset-based company remains family-owned and operated and offers a variety of landscaping services, including paver patios and sidewalks, retaining walls, boulder walls, plantings, and property maintenance.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/during-national-truck-driver-appreciation-week-grassley-celebrates-efforts-to-deliver-safer-roads-for-families-and-industry", "During National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Grassley Celebrates Efforts to Deliver Safer Roads for Families and Industry", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "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 welcoming improvements to roadway safety amid National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (September 13-19).\n\nIn a response to a Grassley oversight letter, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) touted their recent actions to prevent drivers from violating Department of Transportation (DOT) and FMCSA regulations. Additionally, the Trump administration recently announced a historic crackdown on fraud in the trucking industry, including stronger enforcement of English language proficiency requirements. The announcement comes after Grassley and other elected officials pressed for action.\n\n\u201cTruck drivers put in the miles to keep our economy moving and bring Iowa\u2019s world-class goods to market. I appreciate the Trump administration taking this issue seriously and responding to my oversight letters. By cracking down on fraudsters trying to game the system, this administration is standing with our truckers and working to keep America\u2019s roads safe,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cThe state of Iowa is proud to support the truck drivers and motor carriers who build our economy,\u201d said Scott Marler, Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation. \u201cOur commercial driver licensing programs, truck parking facilities, and highway improvements provide an environment where truckers can deliver for Iowans and across the nation.\u201d\n\nHelping drivers get safely back on the road:\n\nIn April, Grassley pressed FMCSA regarding allegations that a network of scammers was abusing the Return-to-Duty (RTD) program to circumvent FMCSA\u2019s legally mandated recovery process and to fraudulently collect fees from truck drivers.\n\nIn its response to Grassley, FMCSA reported its recent actions to protect the integrity of the RTD program and hold fraudsters accountable for violating DOT and FMCSA regulations. This includes new identity verification requirements and plans to discontinue the self-certification process later this year.\n\nCurbing CDL fraud:\n\nGrassley and others pressed the Trump administration to prevent illegal immigrants and fraudsters from obtaining commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and ensure CDL holders meet English language proficiency requirements. Numerous news reports have shown dangerous illegal immigrant drivers causing serious accidents that leave Americans severely injured or killed.\n\nIn August, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin joined other federal partners to announce a historic interagency effort to crack down on fraud in the trucking industry. The coalition is launching a nationwide audit of CDL testing and is removing over 110 CDL schools associated with thousands of drivers who failed English proficiency tests.\n\nCombating organized retail crime:\n\nGrassley and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) are leading the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act to crack down on cargo theft and intricate retail theft schemes. Their bipartisan legislation strengthens the federal response to organized retail crime and establishes new tools to recover stolen goods and illicit proceeds. It\u2019s estimated that approximately $35 billion is lost to cargo theft each year.", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-marks-25-years-since-september-11-freedom-is-never-free", "Ernst Marks 25 Years Since September 11: Freedom Is Never Free", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, issued the following statement to reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001:\n\n\u201cTwenty-five years ago, America\u2019s strength was tested. September 11th changed our nation forever, but it also showed the world the resilience, courage, and unity of the American people,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cA quarter-century later, we remember the innocent lives taken from us and honor the extraordinary Americans who came together in the face of unimaginable tragedy to help our nation heal and rebuild. We must never forget that freedom is never free\u2014it is defended every day by the brave men and women who answer the call to serve. Today, we renew our promise to Never Forget and remain steadfast in protecting the freedoms that keep America a beacon of hope and liberty around the world.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-upholding-public-trust-in-government", "Q&A: Upholding Public Trust in Government", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What motivates you to hold meetings in every county across Iowa every year?\n\nA: When the Senate\u2019s not in session, I\u2019m home meeting with Iowans. Having dialogue with my constituents is the essence of representative government. As your senator, I bring your ideas and concerns back to Washington, D.C., to solve problems that are making it harder to get ahead and stay ahead. This year I completed my 99 county meetings for the 46th year in a row with more than 100 workers at Sub-Zero in Cedar Rapids. Holding Q&As at hospitals, manufacturing facilities and on the factory floor provides an additional benefit to keep on top of the challenges facing employers and the workforce, as well as learning about our high-quality products and services here in Iowa. I also make it a priority to foster civic engagement with younger generations and enjoy answering questions from students at schools across Iowa.\n\nI\u2019m often asked why I started my annual 99 county meetings. Before I was elected to the U.S. Senate, I was at a local restaurant and overheard someone say that \u201cit must be election time\u201d because politicians were in town. That remark stuck with me. That\u2019s when I decided to hold a meeting in every county, at least once, every year \u2013 not every six years. I\u2019m glad my approach to representative government has influenced presidential candidates and other elected officials to hold themselves accountable to the people with face-to-face meetings. Obviously, it\u2019s not possible to meet in person with more than three million Iowans, so I encourage people to share their opinions and concerns by calling my office or sending me an email at https://www.grassley.senate.gov/. Whether I interact in person at a county meeting, by email or in my office on Capitol Hill, feedback from Iowans informs my work at the policymaking tables.\n\nFor example, when Iowans told me about a steep price increase for their child\u2019s EpiPen that\u2019s used for emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions, I investigated the situation that led to bipartisan legislation to fix the problem. More recently, I\u2019ve led efforts to fix California\u2019s Prop 12 that\u2019s added a costly burden to Iowa pig farmers\u2019 operations and adversely impacts Iowa\u2019s economy, the number one pork producing state in the nation. I\u2019m also leading a bipartisan push for much-needed reforms in the pharmaceutical industry that\u2019s making it harder for rural pharmacies to keep their doors open. Based on feedback from local employers across Iowa, I supported tax relief to boost the engine of the U.S. economy in the Working Families Tax Cuts Actthat enable small businesses to invest in their operations, create new jobs, raise wages and boost benefits for their employees. As your senator, I remind Iowans that my door is always open.\n\nQ: Why did you cosponsor the Stop Insider Trading Act?\n\nA: My annual 99 county meetings keep my finger on the pulse of Iowans as I work to strengthen public confidence in government. Years ago, Iowans often would ask why Congress doesn\u2019t have to follow the same laws it applies to American society. Prior to 1995, Congress was exempt from a dozen workplace laws. My bipartisan Congressional Accountability Act delivered a reality check to the people who write the laws of the land so that lawmakers walk in the shoes of our constituents.\n\nThere\u2019s also growing concern among Americans that elected officeholders enrich themselves while serving in office. Under no circumstances should members of Congress profit from insider information while shaping public policy. Public service is a privilege, not a stepping stone to a fat bank account. Among my efforts to restore public trust in government, I led efforts to improve the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act enacted during the Obama administration to prohibit members of Congress and federal employees from profiting from nonpublic, insider information. Since its passage, I\u2019ve worked to close loopholes in the law.\n\nMost recently, I\u2019ve cosponsored the Stop Insider Trading Act. This legislation would prohibit members of Congress, their spouses and dependent children from purchasing publicly traded stocks. Moreover, members would be required to file a seven-day public notice prior to the sale of any stock they presently own. Violations of the bill\u2019s requirements would result in stiff penalties and the forfeiture of any gain realized from the transaction. With the support of Iowa Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Zach Nunn and Randy Feenstra, the House of Representatives passed the bill in July.\n\nVoters place their trust in elected representatives to do what\u2019s right and this bill establishes guardrails to do just that. After 46 years of holding Q&As in every county, every year across the state, it\u2019s an honor and a privilege to listen, learn and advocate on behalf of my fellow Iowans. Without a doubt, common sense runs rampant in Iowa and I\u2019m working as hard as ever to uphold the public trust in government by displacing Washington nonsense with Iowa common sense.", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-pipers-grocery-and-homemade-candies", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Piper\u2019s Grocery and Homemade Candies", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Piper\u2019s Grocery and Homemade Candies of Lucas County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cPiper\u2019s Grocery and Homemade Candies has sweetened the Chariton community for more than 120 years, preserving generations of tradition that make Iowans keep coming back,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cFrom handmade candies crafted with time-tested recipes to locally made products that support surrounding shops, Jill and her team have maintained a business that is truly a treat for Chariton.\u201d\n\nPiper\u2019s first opened in downtown Chariton in 1905 when Joe L. Piper began serving the community with fresh meats, bread, and everyday essentials. His son, Bob, later took over the business and introduced homemade candies using recipes and techniques that are still used today. After longtime employees Anne and Jim Kerns purchased Piper\u2019s in the 1980s, their daughter, Jill Kerns, took ownership in 1988. Today, Jill and her team continue making Piper\u2019s famous candies in small batches while offering deli meats and cheeses, fresh sandwiches, groceries, Iowa-made foods, and locally crafted products.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/what-theyre-saying-manufacturers-industry-leaders-back-hinson-bill-crack-down", "WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: Manufacturers, Industry Leaders Back Hinson Bill to Crack Down on China's Trade Crimes", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Following House passage of Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\u2019s (IA-02) bipartisan bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, manufacturers and industry leaders are applauding the legislation to strengthen enforcement of U.S. trade laws and protect American workers. The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration.\n\nUnited Steelworkers Union\n\n\u201cOur union welcomes the bipartisan [PAIL Act], which would empower the Department of Justice to clamp down on anti-dumping and countervailing duty order avoidance and help protect jobs.\u201d \u2013 United Steelworkers President Roxanne Brown\n\nKitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association\n\n\u201cThe PAIL Act enjoys broad, bipartisan support because it addresses a problem that affects manufacturers, farmers, and workers across every state and every industry\u2026We are especially grateful for Representative Ashley Hinson's consistent, sustained leadership on this issue. Her continued advocacy for American manufacturers and workers, and her willingness to champion enforcement measures that give federal agencies real teeth to combat customs fraud, has been instrumental in bringing this legislation forward and keeping trade enforcement a bipartisan priority in Congress.\u201d \u2013 Betsy Natz, CEO, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association\n\nAlliance for Trade EnforcementNOW\n\n\u201c...We are a coalition of companies and industry associations forced to compete against those that willfully and repeatedly violate U.S. trade laws with impunity\u2014too often without meaningful consequence. In 2026 alone, trade fraud has contributed to the closure of 13 U.S. metal casting foundries and dozens of cabinet manufacturers, costing thousands of jobs. These are but two examples of industries suffering the damage today\u2026It is a critical advance toward credible deterrence and consistent enforcement of U.S. trade law.\u201d \u2013 Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW\n\nMcWane Inc., Clow Valve Company\n\n\u201cFor nearly 150 years, McWane\u2019s division, Clow Valve, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, has been casting iron products for the nation\u2019s drinking water infrastructure. Our approximately 500 teammates are proud to manufacture the valves and fire hydrants incorporated into distribution systems across America. Almost as long as Clow\u2019s history in Iowa is our country's fight against unfairly traded imports that undercut U.S. producers\u2019 investments, steal jobs from U.S. workers, and deprive communities of local economic activity.\u201d\n\n\u201c...The United States must step up its trade rules enforcement if we are to protect the investments in U.S. productive capacity\u2026such as McWane\u2019s recent $75 million capital investment in Clow\u2019s Oskaloosa foundry and fabrication operations. We commend Congresswoman Hinson for her leadership in the passage of the PAIL Act and we look forward to its swift consideration in the Senate.\u201d \u2013 McWane Inc., Clow Valve Company\n\nCold Finished Steel Bar Institute\n\n\u201cThe Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute and its members \u2014 including Gerdau and Wilton Precision Steel, both in Wilton, Iowa \u2014 strongly support H.R. 1869, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act (PAIL Act). We applaud Congresswoman Hinson for leading this important legislation, which directs the establishment of a Department of Justice task force to investigate and prosecute trade crimes, including customs fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment. Unfortunately, our members are all too familiar with illegal trade practices, which have decimated our industry and eroded our domestic customer base. The CFSBI urges swift enactment of the PAIL Act to ensure effective enforcement of our trade laws and to deter trade cheats from continuing to undermine our manufacturing base.\u201d \u2013 Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute\n\nCoalition for a Prosperous America\n\n\u201cCPA member companies have proven trade fraud case after case, only to see the same bad actors reopen under a new name and continue cheating. That has to end. Trade fraud is not a paperwork violation; it is a crime that steals market share, investment, and jobs from American manufacturers and workers. Congresswoman Hinson\u2019s bill gives the Justice Department the dedicated personnel and resources needed to aggressively prosecute duty evasion, transshipment, and other schemes designed to circumvent U.S. trade laws. CPA proudly supported this legislation when it passed the House unanimously last Congress, and we are proud to support it again. Congress should finish the job and give our trade laws the enforcement they deserve.\u201d \u2013 Jon Toomey, President, Coalition for a Prosperous America\n\nEverRest US\n\n\u201cPassing the PAIL Act is an important step toward protecting American manufacturers. As a U.S. manufacturer of bedding products, we have watched illegal and unsafe imports flood our industry. A dedicated DOJ task force gives trade enforcement some of the teeth it has been missing.\u201d \u2013 Erin Byington, Chief Litigation Counsel, EverRest US\n\nAlliance for American Manufacturing\n\n\u201cThe Alliance for American Manufacturing applauds the House's passage of the bipartisan Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. Customs fraud, duty evasion, and other trade crimes harm domestic industries, destroy jobs, and put law-abiding manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage. [Yesterday\u2019s] vote is an important step toward holding trade criminals accountable and ensuring fair competition for American workers and manufacturers.\u201d \u2013 Scott Paul, President, Alliance for American Manufacturing\n\nSouthern Shrimp Alliance\n\n\u201cFor twenty-five years, we\u2019ve fought trade crime with one hand tied behind our back, watching fraudulent practices proliferate. The PAIL Act finally equips federal prosecutors to go after the trade criminals who\u2019ve cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year. We thank Congresswoman Hinson and the bill\u2019s bipartisan cosponsors for championing this legislation.\u201d \u2013 Blake Price, Executive Director, Southern Shrimp Alliance\n\nSteel Manufacturers Association\n\n\u201cSteelmakers are on the frontlines combating China's illegal trade practices. Strong, coordinated action from the federal government is necessary to push back on outright fraud that deprives American manufacturers and workers. We strongly support the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act led by Representative Hinson. By helping to focus the work of the Department of Justice on trade crimes, this bill is an important part of an overall strategy to revitalize American industry and national security.\u201d \u2013 Brandon Farris, Executive Vice President, Steel Manufacturers Association\n\nUnited States Oil Country Tubular Goods Manufacturers Association\n\n\u201cUSOMA and its member companies have filed more than a dozen petitions under the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) in recent years concerning the transshipment of Chinese OCTG and seamless pipe through third countries. These actions have resulted in U.S. Customs and Border Protection demanding more than half a billion dollars in additional duties. Congress should pass the PAIL Act to give the Department of Justice the tools it needs to investigate and hold accountable those who seek to evade U.S. trade laws and undermine critical relief for American manufacturers and their workers.\u201d \u2013 Jacky Massaglia, Vice Chair, United States Oil Country Tubular Goods Manufacturers Association, and Senior Vice President of North America, Vallourec\n\nAmerican Iron and Steel Institute\n\n\u201cAISI commends Representatives Hinson, Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi for their continued leadership on the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes, or PAIL Act. By directing the Department of Justice to establish a dedicated task force to prosecute trade crimes, the legislation will strengthen federal prosecutors' ability to hold bad actors who evade our customs and trade laws accountable. Full and vigorous enforcement of U.S. trade laws against unfairly traded steel \u2014 especially from China \u2014 is critical to the continued success of the domestic steel industry. AISI is pleased to support this important legislation.\u201d \u2013 Kevin Dempsey, CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute\n\nCommittee on Pipe and Tube Imports\n\nRecognizing the impact of chronic unfair trade and customs fraud practices, Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports Chairman Donnie Weber of Webco Industries urged the Senate to pass the PAIL Act and establish a permanent Department of Justice office dedicated to investigating and prosecuting trade fraud and customs evasion.\n\n\u201cAmerican manufacturers and workers deserve a level playing field and the full enforcement of our nation's trade laws.\u201d \u2013 Donnie Holder, Chairman, Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports\n\nAmerican Wire Producers Association\n\n\u201cThe American Wire Producers Association (AWPA) commends the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of H.R. 1869, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act (PAIL Act). As foreign competitors continue to exploit our trade laws and undermine our companies and workers, we welcome additional federal efforts to identify trade fraud and hold bad actors accountable. AWPA is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Hinson and Krishnamoorthi in introducing and advancing the bill through the House and we look forward to its swift consideration by the Senate.\u201d \u2013 American Wire Producers Association\n\nAmerican Medical Manufacturers Association\n\n\u201cThe American Medical Manufacturers Association (AMMA) commends Representative Ashley Hinson, Select Committee on the CCP Chairman John Moolenaar, and the bipartisan cosponsors for their leadership on this legislation. Domestic producers of essential medical equipment and protective gear face an uneven playing field. We are competing with foreign firms and adversarial governments that use increasingly inventive schemes to undercut prices and evade U.S. trade laws.\n\n\u201cThese bad actors routinely break trade rules, sidestep duties, and ship substandard goods that put American patients and workers at risk and create real national security and public health exposure. AMMA stands fully behind this legislation and calls on the Senate to take up and pass the bill without delay.\u201d \u2013 Eric Axel, Executive Director, American Medical Manufacturers Association\n\nCharlotte Pipe and Foundry Company\n\n\u201cCharlotte Pipe watched as the remedial trade orders it successfully sought in costly antidumping and countervailing duty trade litigation was promptly evaded by product transshipment and other forms of customs fraud. Charlotte Pipe commends the House passage of the PAIL Act, which, if enacted, will devote more resources to the Department of Justice\u2019s (DOJ) trade law enforcement prosecutions. Charlotte Pipe thanks Congresswoman Hinson and The House Select Committee for their leadership to advance this important legislation. \u2013 Bradford Muller, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shaheen-self-issue-statement-ahead-of-the-funeral-of-ratko-mladic", "Grassley, Shaheen, Self Issue Statement Ahead of the Funeral of Ratko Mladic", "2026-09-06", "2026", "2026-09", "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) joined U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, to issue the following statement ahead of Ratko Mladic's funeral.\n\n\u201cRatko Mladic was a war criminal and the architect of the Srebrenica genocide, in which more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were murdered. His forces were also responsible for the nearly four-year siege of Sarajevo, one of the longest in modern history. Together, his actions constitute some of the most inhumane atrocities committed on European soil since World War II.\n\n\u201cIt is a desecration\u2014to the memory of his victims and to a region still living with the consequences of his campaign of ethnic cleansing\u2014for any government to memorialize or glorify his death. It is already deeply troubling that Serbia has announced Mladic will be buried with state and military honors and that Milorad Dodik hailed Mladic as \u2018a fighter for Serbian freedom.\u2019\n\n\u201cAhead of Monday\u2019s funeral, we call on the Government of Serbia and the Government of Republika Srpska to refrain from any association with the planned ceremonies and to ensure that no public statement or official act memorializes Mladic as anything other than what he was: a convicted architect of genocide.\n\n\u201cThe coming days will be a test of whether Serbia and Republika Srpska are prepared to break from the past and advance toward EU accession and Euro-Atlantic integration\u2014or whether they will allow that past to once again stand in the way of a better future for their people.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/04/nunn-leads-bipartisan-bill-to-strip-pensions-from-disgraced-members-of-congress/", "Nunn Leads Bipartisan Bill to Strip Pensions from Disgraced Members of Congress", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Young Kim (CA-40), and Angie Craig (MN-02) today introduced the Congressional Pension Accountability Act, bipartisan legislation to end taxpayer-funded pension benefits for Members of Congress who are expelled \u2014 or who resign to avoid accountability \u2014 while facing serious ethics violations.\n\n\u201cI first introduced this bill after George Santos was expelled, because Members found unfit to serve are also unfit to receive a taxpayer-funded pension,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cSince then, we\u2019ve seen members resign in the middle of investigations into serious misconduct, exposing a serious loophole in the current system where resignation is the end of accountability. This bipartisan bill closes both loopholes, restoring accountability and ensuring taxpayers aren\u2019t on the hook for the pensions of politicians who break the public trust.\u201d\n\nThe bill comes amid a string of resignations and ethics investigations on Capitol Hill, including cases in which Members facing allegations of serious misconduct have stepped down before disciplinary proceedings could run their course. Under current law, a Member forfeits their congressional pension only after being convicted of certain crimes \u2014 a process that can stretch on for years, if it comes at all \u2014 meaning Representatives can leave office under an ethics cloud and still collect a taxpayer-funded pension for the rest of their life.\n\n\u201cMembers of Congress whose behavior rises to the high bar set for expulsion, particularly those who have been found to have defrauded their constituents and abused the privileges of their office, shouldn\u2019t be able to retire on the taxpayer\u2019s dime,\u201d said Rep. Pappas. \u201cOur government must always be accountable to the people.\u201d\n\n\u201cHardworking Californians across my state are stretching every dollar to afford groceries, housing and health care. Disgraced politicians should not get to glide into retirement on a taxpayer-funded golden parachute when they\u2019ve betrayed the public\u2019s trust,\u201d said Rep. Kim. \u201cI\u2019m proud to partner with Rep. Nunn on this commonsense bill to hold corrupt politicians accountable and strip them of taxpayer-funded benefits when they fail to uphold the basic standards of public service. The American people work hard and play by the rules. They deserve representation that does the same.\u201d\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s past time we start holding Members of Congress accountable for violating their oath of office,\u201d said Rep. Craig. \u201cMinnesota taxpayers shouldn\u2019t be paying disgraced Members of Congress even after they leave office. It\u2019s just common sense. I\u2019m proud to be partnering with Reps. Nunn, Pappas and Kim on a bill that will help clean up Washington and restore trust in our government.\u201d\n\nThe Congressional Pension Accountability Act is an update to legislation by the same name Rep. Nunn first introduced in 2023, following the expulsion of former Representative George Santos, to forfeit the taxpayer-funded pension and retirement match for any Member expelled from Congress. The updated bill strengthens and expands that effort.\n\nSpecifically, the Congressional Pension Accountability Act would:\n\nForfeit a Member\u2019s taxpayer-funded pension not only when they are expelled, but also when they resign after the House or Senate Ethics Committee has formally determined there is substantial reason to believe they committed a serious violation;\n\nApply consistently across all federal retirement systems available to Members of Congress, including the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP);\n\nPreserve the Ethics Committee\u2019s investigative records when a Member resigns while under investigation, so those records remain available if the individual later returns to Congress; and\n\nClarify that a presidential pardon or commutation does not restore retirement benefits that were forfeited due to misconduct.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/09/04/2026/grassley-announces-staff-traveling-office-hours-across-iowa", "Grassley Announces Staff Traveling Office Hours Across Iowa", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "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\u2019s (R-Iowa) staff will hold traveling office hours in 48 counties from Monday, September 14, to Thursday, September 24. Iowans seeking assistance with a federal agency or wishing to share their views may stop by during the scheduled hours listed below.\n\nNOTE: Senator Grassley will not be in attendance. He will be represented by his Deputy State Director Penny Vacek and Regional Directors, Rochelle Fuller, Jonathan Bladt, Noah Schrad, Jacob Bossman and Clayton Brown.\n\n\u201cAs I always say, dialogue is the essence of representative government. I make an effort to meet with as many Iowans as I can face-to-face each year to hear what\u2019s on their minds. While I can\u2019t meet personally with all three million Iowans, my staff holds traveling office hours as an additional way to ensure Iowans\u2019 voices are heard and their issues are addressed,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI encourage Iowans needing assistance to stop by during these upcoming traveling office hours to meet with my staff, or contact me anytime at grassley.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nLast month Grassley completed his annual 99 county meetings for the 46th year in a row, and will continue to hold question-and-answer sessions with Iowans throughout the remainder of the year.\n\nThe schedule for Grassley\u2019s staff traveling office hours is as follows:\n\nMonday, September 14\n\nHancock County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nGarner Chamber\n\n483 State Street\n\nGarner\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nWashington County\n\n9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\n\nWellman City Hall\n\n316 8th Avenue\n\nWellman\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nJefferson County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nFairfield City Hall\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n118 South Main Street\n\nFairfield\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nWinnebago County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nLake Mills Truman Helgeson Community Center\n\n227 West Main Street\n\nLake Mills\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nWorth County\n\n12 \u2013 1 p.m.\n\nWorth County Supervisors Room\n\n1000 Central Avenue\n\nNorthwood\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nWapello County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nOttumwa City Hall\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n105 East 3rd Street\n\nOttumwa\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nJohnson County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nJohnson County Extension Office\n\n3109 Old Highway 218 South\n\nIowa City\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nMills County\n\n1:30 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nSouthwest Iowa Technical Career Hub\n\n58962 380th Street\n\nHastings\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nCerro Gordo County\n\n2 \u2013 3 p.m.\n\nMason City Chamber Conference Room\n\n9 North Federal Avenue\n\nMason City\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nDavis County\n\n2:30 \u2013 3:30 p.m.\n\nBloomfield Public Library\n\nSmall Meeting Room\n\n107 North Columbia Street\n\nBloomfield\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nMontgomery County\n\n3:30 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nMontgomery County Economic Development Office\n\n307 East Reed Street\n\nRed Oak\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nTuesday, September 15\n\nFloyd County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nNora Springs City Hall\n\n45 North Hawkeye Avenue\n\nNora Springs\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nMarion County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nKnoxville Public Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n213 East Montgomery Street\n\nKnoxville\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nTaylor County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nTaylor County Farm Bureau Office\n\n607 Pollock Boulevard\n\nBedford\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nAllamakee County\n\n10:30 \u2013 11:30 a.m.\n\nMeehan Memorial Lansing Public Library\n\n515 Main Street\n\nLansing\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nFranklin County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nSheffield Public Library\n\n123 South 3rd Street\n\nSheffield\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nPage County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nLied Public Library\n\n100 East Garfield Street\n\nClarinda\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nWarren County\n\n12:30 \u2013 1:30 p.m.\n\nIndianola Public Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n207 North B Street\n\nIndianola\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nWright County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nBelmond City Hall Community Room\n\n112 2nd Avenue Northeast\n\nBelmond\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nAdams County\n\n2:30 \u2013 3:30 p.m.\n\nAdams County Economic Development Office\n\n710 Davis Avenue\n\nCorning\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nMadison County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nWinterset Public Library\n\nPublic Meeting Room\n\n123 North 2nd Street\n\nWinterset\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nWednesday, September 16\n\nBremer County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nTripoli City Hall Council Chambers\n\n303 South Main Street\n\nTripoli\n\nRegional Director Clayton Brown\n\nBoone County\n\n9 \u2013 10 a.m.\n\nEricson Public Library\n\n2nd Floor Library Meeting Room\n\n702 Greene Street\n\nBoone\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nO\u2019Brien County\n\n9:15 \u2013 10:15 a.m.\n\nO\u2019Brien County Courthouse\n\n1st Floor Assembly Room\n\n155 South Hayes Avenue\n\nPrimghar\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nAdams County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nAudubon County Economic Development Office\n\n800 Market Street\n\nAudubon\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nPlymouth County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nRemsen City Hall\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n008 West 2nd Street\n\nRemsen\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nGreene County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nGreene County Community Center\n\nNorth Room\n\n204 West Harrison Street\n\nJefferson\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nShelby County\n\n12 \u2013 1 p.m.\n\nShelby County Economic Development Office\n\nSuite 101\n\n1901 Hawkeye Avenue\n\nHarlan\n\nRegional Director Jonathan Bladt\n\nGuthrie County\n\n2 \u2013 3 p.m.\n\nMary J. Barnett Memorial Library\n\nSmall Meeting Room\n\n400 Grand Street\n\nGuthrie Center\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nThursday, September 17\n\nSac County\n\n9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\n\nSchaller City Building\n\nFire Department Meeting Room\n\n101 East 1st Street\n\nSchaller\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nDelaware County\n\n9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\n\nGreeley City Hall\n\n214 East 2nd Street\n\nGreeley\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nBuena Vista County\n\n11 a.m. \u2013 12 p.m.\n\nStorm Lake City Hall\n\nConference Room\n\n620 Erie Street\n\nStorm Lake\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nDubuque County\n\n5:30 \u2013 6:30 p.m.\n\nSherrill City Office\n\nSherrill City Park\n\n5098 Sherrill Road\n\nSherrill\n\nRegional Director Rochelle Fuller\n\nMonday, September 21\n\nHamilton County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nHamilton County Courthouse\n\nBasement Conference Room\n\n2300 Superior Street\n\nWebster City\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nStory County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nAmes Regional Economic Alliance\n\nMain Floor Boardroom\n\n304 Main Street\n\nAmes\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nMarshall County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nMarshalltown Public Library\n\nBrucklacher Conference Room\n\n105 West Boone Street\n\nMarshalltown\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nWednesday, September 23\n\nCalhoun County\n\n9:45 \u2013 10:45 a.m.\n\nRockwell City City Hall\n\n335 Main Street\n\nRockwell City\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nJasper County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nNewton Public Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n100 North 3rd Avenue West\n\nNewton\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nScott County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nBuffalo City Hall\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n329 Dodge Street\n\nBuffalo\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nWebster County\n\n11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\n\nBadger Community Center\n\n211 1st Avenue SE\n\nBadger\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nHumboldt County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nHumboldt County Courthouse\n\nBoard of Supervisors Room\n\n203 Main Street\n\nDakota City\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nPolk County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nAltoona Public Library\n\nMeeting Room B\n\n700 8th Street Southwest\n\nAltoona\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nDallas County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nWaukee Public Library\n\nManders Meeting Room\n\n950 South Warrior Lane\n\nWaukee\n\nRegional Director Noah Schrad\n\nPocahontas County\n\n3 \u2013 4 p.m.\n\nLaurens Public Library\n\n273 North 3rd Street\n\nLaurens\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nThursday, September 24\n\nHenry County\n\n9:30 \u2013 10:30 a.m.\n\nMount Pleasant City Hall\n\n307 East Monroe Street\n\nMount Pleasant\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nOsceola County\n\n10 \u2013 11 a.m.\n\nSibley Public Library\n\nMeeting Room\n\n406 9th Street\n\nSibley\n\nRegional Director Jacob Bossman\n\nLee County\n\n11:30 a.m. \u2013 12:30 p.m.\n\nFort Madison City Hall\n\nCouncil Chambers\n\n811 Avenue E\n\nFort Madison\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek\n\nVan Buren County\n\n1 \u2013 2 p.m.\n\nBonaparte Community Improvement Association Building (BCIA)\n\nCafeteria\n\n602 8th Street\n\nBonaparte\n\nDeputy State Director Penny Vacek", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-trump-administration-actions-to-support-american-beef-producers", "Grassley Welcomes Trump Administration Actions to Support American Beef Producers", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "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), a lifelong family farmer and member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, welcomed new actions from the Trump administration to stand with family farmers and deliver relief to beef producers across Rural America.\n\nThe executive orders signed by President Trump today build on longstanding Grassley priorities, including robust enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, more options for shipping inspected meat across state lines and a renewed focus on mandatory country-of-origin labeling.\n\n\u201cIowa family farmers are in need of some good news, and today the Trump administration delivered just that. For years, I\u2019ve sounded the alarm about anticompetitive practices in the meatpacking industry and the need to support domestic producers\u2019 cattle markets. It\u2019s good to see President Trump acting on policies that will directly benefit Iowans,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley introduced the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act to strengthen enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act in the meatpacking industry by adding a team of investigators with subpoena power within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).\n\nGrassley is a cosponsor of the bipartisan New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act to allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection programs to be sold across state lines.", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-beef_biofuels", "Q&A: Beef & Biofuels", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "UPDATE: Grassley welcomes Trump administration actions to support American beef producers\n\nLearn more HERE.\n\nQ: What can be done to help cattle producers grow their herds?\n\nA: Americans consume approximately 59 pounds of beef per person each year, a testament to this high-quality source of iron-and-protein-rich food known for its mouth-watering, nutritional value. In 2024, U.S. cattle production represented about 22 percent of the $515 billion in total cash receipts for agricultural commodities. During my annual county meetings, I\u2019ve discussed the hardship cattle farmers are facing to build back their herds and get a fair shake in the marketplace. I\u2019m glad U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche accepted my invitation to come to the Iowa State Fair and hear directly from Iowa farmers \u2013 who are among the two percent of the population raising food for the other 98 percent of the U.S. population \u2013 and feeling squeezed out of their livelihoods from anticompetitive practices of the Big Four meatpackers. During his confirmation hearing in July, I called upon the Attorney General to commit to enforcing federal competition laws with particular attention to the cattle markets.\n\nAmerica\u2019s cattle herd is at its lowest in about 75 years and still contracting after producers culled cow-calf operations due to natural disasters and other market conditions, including restrictions to mitigate the spread of New World Screwworm in the United States. It takes time to rebuild the cattle herd. I\u2019m working to ensure supply meets demand by supporting our domestic cattle markets and pushing the Trump administration to put America\u2019s cattle farmers and ranchers first. For example, I\u2019m sponsoring bipartisan legislation to look into the economic impact of livestock market consolidation on cattle producers and consumers. Cattle farmers sometimes earn pennies on the dollar in a marketplace where just four companies control 85% of the market. Farmers get less, and families pay more at the grocery store. That\u2019s why I\u2019m also sponsoring a bill to beef up enforcement of anticompetitive practices in the consolidated meatpacking industry. Most recently, I joined a letter calling upon the USDA and U.S. Department of Interior to keep working to expand grazing access for livestock producers and strengthen risk management tools that protect cattle producers from market volatility. I also joined a bicameral letter with more than 50 farm state lawmakers urging President Trump to build on his administration\u2019s successes with Australia and the United Kingdom to expand market access for high-quality, American-grown beef. Such trade agreements drive confidence in the market, giving cattle producers more certainty to expand and invest in rebuilding their herds.\n\nQ: How are you working to strengthen Iowa biofuels?", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-leads-bipartisan-push-cap-insulin-prices-35", "Miller-Meeks Leads Bipartisan Push to Cap Insulin Prices at $35", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) is leading efforts on the Improving Needed Safeguards for Users of Lifesaving Insulin Now (INSULIN) Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation that caps out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 a month for Americans on private insurance, building on the fight Miller-Meeks has led since 2022 to make insulin affordable.\n\n\"As a physician, I have watched patients ration a medicine that keeps them alive because they couldn't afford the bill,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"In 2022, I was one of only 12 Republicans to cross party lines and vote to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act, capping insulin at $35 a month for Medicare seniors. That fight isn't finished until every American with diabetes, not just seniors, has that same protection. This bill finishes the job.\"\n\n\u201cInsulin insecurity is not a partisan issue. It\u2019s a life-or-death issue,\u201d said Rep. DeGette (CO-01). \u201cI have fought for years to lower the price of insulin for the over 40 million Americans living with diabetes. I have met with too many Coloradans who have shared their painful experience of rationing their insulin so they could afford groceries. No one in America should be forced to choose between their life-saving medication or feeding their families.\u201d\n\n\u201cAs a doctor with Type 1 diabetes who depends on insulin, I understand the immediate need to bring down the cost of insulin \u2013 especially at a time when so many Americans are already struggling with high costs,\u201d said Congresswoman Schrier. \u201cI am proud to introduce this groundbreaking bipartisan legislation that will cap the price of insulin for all Americans and make a meaningful difference in the lives and the health of everyone in our districts.\u201d\n\n\u201cDiabetes stole the lives of 100,000 Americans last year. Tens of millions of Americans are living with diabetes, and for many, insulin is a matter of life and death,\u201d said Rep. Bresnahan. \u201cNo American should have to choose between paying the bills and getting the insulin they need, or risk their life rationing the doses they have left. This legislation isn\u2019t just a Band-Aid on the problem. It delivers immediate relief for patients and reforms that will increase competition and drive down prices over the long term. Lowering the cost of insulin puts money back where it belongs: in the pockets of working families who need every dollar they earn. Middlemen and big corporations shouldn\u2019t be making extra cash off the backs of working people who rely on insulin to survive.\u201d\n\nWhat the INSULIN Act of 2026 Does:\n\nCaps what you pay for insulin at $35 a month, with no deductible, if you have private health insurance, the same protection Medicare seniors already have.\n\nMakes sure insurance companies can't dodge the cap with paperwork, no more requiring special approval or extra hoops just to get your insulin at the capped price.\n\nRequires plans to cover the type of insulin you actually need, not just one product that may not work for you.\n\nHelps uninsured Americans find free or low-cost insulin through a new 24/7 hotline and resource center.\n\nSpeeds up FDA approval for more affordable insulin competitors when there aren't enough on the market, helping bring prices down over time, not just capping them.\n\nBackground:\n\nIn March 2022, Miller-Meeks was one of only 12 House Republicans to cross party lines and vote to pass the Affordable Insulin Now Act, capping insulin costs at $35 a month for Americans on Medicare. That bill passed the House but did not become law on its own. The $35 Medicare insulin cap was later enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, a nearly $740 billion package that Miller-Meeks opposed over its broader spending and tax provisions. The INSULIN Act of 2026 builds on the policy Miller-Meeks has supported since 2022, extending the same $35 cap to the millions of Americans covered by private insurance who were left out of the original protection.\n\nWhat Patient and Medical Groups Are Saying:\n\nThe American Diabetes Association (ADA): \u201cThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) appreciates and applauds the House\u2019s bipartisan introduction of the INSULIN Act, which would limit out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month. A recent survey, commissioned by ADA, showed that 40% of insulin users currently pay $150 each month, and there is widespread bipartisan support across the U.S. for making insulin affordable. The INSULIN Act would ensure no one has to choose between paying for insulin and other necessities. This bill puts people first and is a commonsense way to lower health care costs for Americans depending on insulin to live.\u201d\n\nBreakthrough T1D: \u201cFor the more than 1.5 million Americans with type one diabetes (T1D), insulin access is life-or-death,\u201d said Breakthrough T1D Chief Global Advocacy Officer Lynn Starr. \u201cBy capping out-of-pocket cost at $35, the INSULIN Act ensures that people have dependable, affordable access to the insulin they require to live. We applaud Representatives DeGette, Miller-Meeks, Schrier, and Bresnahan for introducing the House INSULIN Act and urge their colleagues to stand with them on the side of all those living with T1D. While there is still more work to be done, we are hopeful that, together with the Senate, we will finally have the access to affordable insulin the entire T1D community deserves and depends on.\u201d\n\nEndocrine Society: \u201cFor the millions of Americans who rely on insulin every day, no one should have to choose between paying for their medication and meeting other basic needs. The Endocrine Society applauds Representatives DeGette, Schrier, Miller-Meeks, and Bresnahan for introducing the INSULIN Act, which would help make insulin more affordable for people with private insurance while connecting uninsured patients to resources that can help them access this life saving medication. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward ensuring that all people who need insulin can obtain it and stay healthy.\u201d - Robert Lash, MD, Chief Medical Officer\n\nTo read the full bill text, click HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/03/nunn-introduces-bill-to-cut-red-tape-give-iowans-clearer-insurance-information/", "Nunn Introduces Bill to Cut Red Tape, Give Iowans Clearer Insurance Information", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Brittany Petterson (CO-07) today introduced the Consumer-Led Enhancement of Annuity and Insurance Registration Forms (CLEAR Forms) Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to create clear, tailored registration forms for certain life insurance and annuity products.\n\n\u201cPlanning for retirement is hard enough without forcing Iowans to dig through hundreds of pages of Washington paperwork,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cFederal disclosures should help Iowa families understand what they\u2019re buying, not bury the answers they need. Our bipartisan CLEAR Forms Act cuts the red tape, puts clear information front and center, and helps Iowans make the best decisions for their families and financial futures.\u201d\n\nThe SEC already maintains tailored registration forms for variable annuities and variable life insurance. No equivalent form exists for Registered Index-Linked Life Insurance, Contingent Deferred Annuities, or other registered non-variable insurance contracts, so issuers must register those products on the same general-purpose forms used for corporate stock and debt offerings. The result is disclosure built for the wrong reader. Consumers receive extensive detail about an insurer\u2019s business operations, while the terms that determine whether a product fits their situation, including gain and loss limits and early withdrawal rules, are hard to find and inconsistent from one product to the next. The same ill-fitting forms impose millions of dollars in compliance costs on smaller insurers, costs that often keep new products off the market entirely and leave consumers with fewer choices.\n\nThe CLEAR Forms Act directs the SEC to propose tailored forms within 12 months and finalize them within 30 months. The forms must focus on the information consumers need to make knowledgeable decisions, reduce duplicative disclosures, and include investor testing for Contingent Deferred Annuities. If the SEC misses the deadline, issuers may use existing forms designed for comparable insurance products. The legislation also preserves all state and territorial insurance laws.\n\nCongress previously used this approach through the bipartisan RILA Act of 2022, which directed the SEC to create tailored forms for Registered Index-Linked Annuities. The CLEAR Forms Act builds on that framework by extending clearer disclosures to additional insurance products.\n\n\u201cToo often American workers and families are being locked out of retirement savings and wealth-building opportunities because of a complex insurance policy structure. As families across the nation face a cost-of-living crisis, it is more important than ever we invest in policies that help make the American dream a reality,\u201d said Rep. Pettersen. \u201cThe bipartisan Consumer-Led Enhancement of Annuity and Insurance Registration (CLEAR) Forms Act will help simplify life insurance, so more families are equipped to make informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones.\u201d\n\n\u201cIRI strongly supports the CLEAR Forms Act, which is included in the 2026 Federal Retirement Security Blueprint. By promoting consistent, appropriate registration and disclosure requirements, this legislation will help foster product innovation while making it easier for consumers to find the relevant information they need to make informed financial decisions,\u201d said Wayne Chopus, President & CEO, Insured Retirement Institute. \u201cWe appreciate Reps. Nunn (R-IA) and Pettersen\u2019s (D-CO) bipartisan leadership to advance a common-sense approach that delivers meaningful benefits for retirement savers.\u201d\n\n\u201cConsumers should have clear, useful information when they\u2019re considering a financial product to address their needs,\u201d said David Chavern, President & CEO, American Council of Life Insurers. \u201cThe CLEAR Forms Act introduced by Reps. Nunn (R-IA) and Pettersen (D-CO) modernizes outdated disclosure requirements to give people what they actually need to know to make informed decisions before buying a life insurance policy or an annuity. It\u2019s a common-sense step that will strengthen consumer understanding, encourage innovation and expand choices that can help Americans build financial security.\u201d\n\nThe CLEAR Forms Act is supported by the American Council of Life Insurers and the Insured Retirement Institute.\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/03/nunn-presses-trump-administration-to-develop-plan-for-iowa-cattleman/", "Nunn Presses Trump Administration to Develop Plan for Iowa Cattleman", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) joined 51 members of Congress in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging the Administration to prioritize market stability for American cattle producers and to consult closely with them before enacting decisions that move livestock markets. The letter comes after the Administration moved to allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported beef into the United States over the next 90 days.\n\n\u201cIowa cattle producers raise the best beef in the world. We share the goal of bringing down prices for American families, but after seven straight years of a shrinking American cattle herd, flooding the market with foreign beef is the wrong answer at the wrong time,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cI\u2019m asking the President and the administration to work alongside us to find a path forward that delivers market stability and confidence for Iowa\u2019s cattle producers.\u201d\n\n\u201cLMA appreciates Congressman Nunn\u2019s support of this letter, which sends a strong signal that America\u2019s cattle producers, who raise the highest quality beef in the world, deserve and rely on policies that instill long-term confidence in the market,\u201d said Forrest Mangan, CEO, Livestock Marketing Association.\n\n\u201cCongressman Nunn understands that Iowa cattle producers don\u2019t need Washington picking winners and losers in the cattle market,\u201d said Craig Moss, President, Iowa Cattlemen\u2019s Association. \u201cThey need the confidence to invest, rebuild their herds and grow the supply of high-quality American beef. We appreciate Congressman Nunn standing with cattle producers and supporting a policy approach that strengthens demand, expands market access and provides the long-term certainty needed to grow the American cattle herd.\u201d\n\nText of the letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-moran-smith-50-colleagues-to-urge-expanded-markets-for-us-cattle-producers", "Grassley Joins Moran, Smith, 50 Colleagues to Urge Expanded Markets for U.S. Cattle Producers", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "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), a lifelong family farmer and member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and 50 of their colleagues in a letter urging President Trump to prioritize policies that expand trade market access and provide certainty for American cattle producers. Members of Iowa\u2019s congressional delegation also joined the letter, including U.S. Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa).\n\n\u201cAmerican ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cCattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.\u201d\n\nThe letter follows President Trump\u2019s recent proclamation to increase the \u201cother countries\u201d quota for lean beef trimmings by 300,000 metric tons for 90 days beginning on September 1, 2026, and indicated such imports will be sold at 25% below market price.\n\n\u201cAs you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders,\u201d the lawmakers concluded. \u201cWe are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef.\u201d\n\nA full list of cosigners can be found HERE.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE and below.\n\nSeptember 2, 2026\n\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\n\nPresident of the United States\n\nThe White House\n\n1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.\n\nWashington, D.C. 20500\n\nPresident Trump,\n\nWe appreciate your attention to the issues impacting American consumers, farmers, and ranchers. A strong American agriculture industry leads to greater efficiency, availability, affordability, and security in our food supply chain. American farmers and ranchers face significant headwinds, including years of prolonged drought, devastating natural disasters, animal disease and pest threats, market swings, and burdensome regulations.\n\nAs you know, the cattle industry is facing 75-year low inventory yet continues to efficiently raise cattle and produce beef that is unmatched in quality anywhere in the world. This does not happen by accident. American ranchers work diligently to do more with less, weather volatile markets, and provide a safe food supply. Cattle markets are cyclical, and ranchers use the upswings to prepare for the inevitable downturn. Any intervention in the natural system, especially at a time when producers are making marketing decisions, threatens to pick winners and losers and undermine the long-term viability of family-owned cattle operations throughout the supply chain.\n\nLong term certainty can be delivered by fostering existing domestic demand and continuing efforts to expand overseas markets for American beef products, building on the successful trade deals you have already secured. As proven through the deals you struck with the United Kingdom and Australia, there is significant opportunity for advancing market access for American beef around the world. These trade deals, coupled with the significant benefits of the Working Families Tax Cuts, will drive long-term confidence in the market and create a natural incentive for ranchers to rebuild and expand their herds. Additionally, your support for a modernized Farm Bill would strengthen access to capital and expand flexibility within grazing and conservation programs, providing producers with the tools they need to strengthen and expand the cattle herd.\n\nAs you consider policy changes which could impact American livestock producers, we urge you to prioritize proposals which deliver long-term market stability and confidence while consulting closely with impacted stakeholders. We are eager to work together to deliver certainty for American cattle producers while continuing to deliver safe, affordable, and high-quality American beef.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-to-host-seventh-federal-judiciary-youth-summit-in-des-moines-for-high-school-students", "Grassley to Host Seventh Federal Judiciary Youth Summit in Des Moines for High School Students", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "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. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will host his seventh Federal Judiciary Youth Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the U.S. District Courthouse in Des Moines.\n\n\u201cWhile the executive and legislative branches spend more time in the limelight, the federal judiciary\u2019s actions can impact decades, even centuries, of American life,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019m pleased to announce my seventh Federal Judiciary Youth Summit, which will provide Iowa high school students a behind-the-scenes look at the federal judiciary and a unique opportunity to speak with a U.S. district judge and a U.S. attorney about their work to uphold Americans\u2019 constitutional freedoms. I look forward to our discussion this fall.\u201d\n\nThe summit will feature speakers from both sides of the Southern District of Iowa\u2019s courtroom: U.S. District Judge Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and U.S. Attorney David Waterman. Grassley recommended both Ebinger and Waterman to their roles and helped secure their confirmations as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.\n\nThe event will start with a welcome reception followed by a question-and-answer session. Invitations have been sent to 78 area high schools. Each school is allowed to bring four juniors or seniors, accompanied by one teacher.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley has served on the Judiciary Committee since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate. He continually advocates for civic engagement and appreciation of the nation\u2019s system of checks and balances. Under Grassley\u2019s leadership in the 119th Congress, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced 141 of President Trump\u2019s nominees, including 11 circuit judges, 46 district judges, one Court of International Trade judge, 48 U.S. attorneys and 12 U.S. marshals. Among these 141 nominees, four are Iowans.\n\nLearn more about Grassley\u2019s role and responsibilities as Judiciary Chairman HERE.", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-applauds-5-million-in-disaster-relief-for-iowa-communities", "Ernst Applauds $5 Million in Disaster Relief for Iowa Communities", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) applauded President Trump for delivering $5 million in federal disaster relief funding following severe weather and heavy rainfall that impacted Iowa between July 1 and July 4.\n\nErnst joined U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and the entire Iowa delegation in urging the administration to expedite disaster assistance for Iowa communities affected by the storms, which caused significant damage to public infrastructure and private property.\n\n\u201cI am grateful for President Trump\u2019s steadfast support and leadership in quickly answering our call for expedited disaster relief following the devastating storms that struck communities across Iowa,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cThis critical funding will be a lifeline for Iowans working to rebuild their homes and vital infrastructure. I will continue fighting to ensure our communities have the resources they need to recover and come back stronger.\u201d\n\nIn addition to requesting statewide hazard mitigation assistance, Governor Reynolds requested funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Public Assistance Program to help repair damaged public infrastructure and facilities, as well as reimburse eligible emergency response and debris removal costs.\n\nThe FEMA Public Assistance request includes the following counties:\n\nJasper County\n\nPolk County\n\nStory County\n\nWarren County\n\nRead the Iowa delegation\u2019s full letter to the president HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nOn July 24, 2026, Governor Reynolds announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration approved her request to provide disaster assistance to eight counties impacted by the severe storms: Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story, and Warren counties. Read more HERE.\n\nDisaster loan applications can be submitted online at lending.sba.gov or in person at designated disaster assistance centers.\n\nIowans impacted by the severe storms who need assistance navigating available federal resources are encouraged to contact Senator Ernst\u2019s office or visit ernst.senate.gov.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marshall-barrasso-call-for-expanded-grazing-access-for-american-cattle-producers", "Grassley, Marshall, Barrasso Call for Expanded Grazing Access for American Cattle Producers", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "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), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, joined U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in a letter calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior to keep working to expand grazing access for livestock producers and strengthen risk management tools that protect cattle producers from market volatility. America\u2019s cattle herd is currently at its lowest level in roughly 75 years.\n\n\u201cThe United States\u2019 beef industry is the greatest in the world and one of the brightest spots of American agriculture, making up nearly a quarter of U.S. agriculture receipts. The federal government must remain laser-focused on partnering with the industry and state efforts for ranchers, expand grazing on public and private lands, and improve protein processing capacity,\u201d the senators wrote.\n\nThe senators are urging USDA and the Interior Department to prioritize the production of American beef through several mechanisms, including finalizing the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s grazing rule and reevaluating federal programs that limit grazing capacity. They are also pressing the agencies to strengthen livestock risk management tools and improve meat processing capacity.\n\n\u201cRecent legislation such as the Working Families Tax Cuts Act has strengthened American agriculture and the producers who sustain it. We stand ready to build on that record through the 2026 Farm Bill and other upcoming legislation to support our ranchers and keep beef an affordable, nutritious choice for American families. Through regulatory and statutory reforms, together we can help to rebuild the herd,\u201d the senators continued.\n\nFull text of the letter can be found HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley has worked to support American cattle producers through efforts to bolster market transparency and take on market consolidation in the meatpacking industry.\n\nIn March, Grassley and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) introduced the bipartisan Livestock Consolidation Research Act to support research into the economic impact of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers and consumers. A similar provision was included in the U.S. Senate version of the Farm Bill.\n\nLast year, he sponsored the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act to support cattle producers by beefing up enforcement of anticompetitive practices in the consolidated meatpacking industry.", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-china-shouldnt-be-allowed-cheat-our-trade-laws-expense-american-workers", "Hinson: \u201cChina Shouldn\u2019t Be Allowed to Cheat Our Trade Laws at the Expense of American Workers\"", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) delivered the following remarks on the House Floor in support of her bipartisan bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation, which passed the House last night unanimously, will strengthen the Department of Justice's ability to detect and prosecute international trade crimes and ensure that Communist China is held accountable for tariff evasion, transshipment, forced labor, and other trade violations that have harmed American industry and workers.\n\nWatch here\n\n\u2014 Remarks as Delivered \u2014\n\n\"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of my bill, The Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act.\n\n\"This bipartisan bill will finally hold China accountable for decades of evading U.S. trade laws through transshipment, duty evasion, and forced labor.\n\n\"The CCP\u2019s illicit practices are deliberately designed to take advantage of American workers and our businesses, undercutting American wages and gutting rural manufacturing towns that once thrived with good-paying jobs.\n\n\"The Select Committee on China uncovered trade fraud by Chinese auto manufacturer Qingdao Sunsong. Sunsong was using transnational shipment to evade our U.S. tariffs, forcing an Illinois company to lay off a quarter of its workforce.\n\n\"And just in May, a Canadian company\u2014or actually two of them\u2014paid the Justice Department $19 million after being caught evading customs duties for Chinese steel.\n\n\"So this is not an isolated event, but rather, it's part of a broader strategy by the CCP to dominate global markets, and they're doing it on the backs of American workers while perpetrating egregious slave labor violations.\n\n\"Despite the sheer volume of trade crime-related cases, the Department of Justice remains inadequately equipped to detect, investigate, and prosecute such offenses effectively.\n\n\"So my bill will give the DOJ real tools to stop these blatant violations and ensure that penalties are meaningfully enforced.\n\n\"American workers have felt pain for decades because of Communist China's malfeasance \u2013 now it\u2019s time for Communist China to face the consequences.\n\n\"This is a bipartisan opportunity to support American industry, reshore domestic manufacturing, and champion American workers.\n\n\"So I\u2019m proud to lead this commonsense legislation with tremendous support from both Republicans and Democrats, and I'm grateful to have the support of China Select Committee Chairman Moolenaar and Representative Krishnamoorthi on this bill \u2014 and I deeply appreciate their collaboration working to get this done.\n\n\"There should be nothing partisan about delivering accountability for those who blatantly violate our laws and manipulate American workers.\n\n\"We have seen good progress on reshoring domestic manufacturing, but it\u2019s clear that current enforcement mechanisms aren\u2019t strong enough and we have more work to do. So my bill will keep that momentum alive while fighting against the bad actors who will stop at nothing to undermine our country, our businesses, and our hardworking families.\n\n\"So I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation supported by union workers, steel workers, and American workers, and I support this bill.\n\n\"Thank you, I yield back.\"\n\nRead more about Rep. Hinson\u2019s legislation to crack down on international trade crimes here.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/09/01/nunn-presses-epa-to-protect-iowa-biofuel-demand-after-small-refinery-exemption-decision/", "Nunn Presses EPA to Protect Iowa Biofuel Demand After Small Refinery Exemption Decision", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday announced its 2025 Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) decisions along with a plan to reallocate the Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) from the exempted biofuel volumes \u2014 protecting the demand that Iowa\u2019s farmers and biofuel producers built rather than letting it disappear.\n\n\u201cIowa\u2019s farmers and biofuel producers built the most productive renewable fuel economy in the world, and I wasn\u2019t going to stand by while Washington let that demand vanish,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cI pushed the EPA to make sure the gallons exempted this year get reallocated instead of erased, because every gallon of ethanol and biodiesel starts as a bushel of Iowa corn or a row of Iowa soybeans, and every gallon we produce domestically is one American consumers don\u2019t have to pay a higher price for from a supplier overseas.\u201d\n\nFor years, these exemptions have allowed small refineries to avoid their renewable fuel obligations without fully accounting for the lost gallons, cutting directly into the market for Iowa-grown ethanol and biodiesel. Before Monday\u2019s decision, Rep. Nunn joined the Iowa delegation in pushing the EPA to protect the Renewable Fuel Standard and ensure any exemptions granted would not come at the expense of Iowa producers. While the proposed reallocation would protect Iowa\u2019s biofuel demand, Rep. Nunn made clear the work is not finished until EPA finalizes the rule and holds the Renewable Fuel Standard whole.\n\n\u201cWashington shouldn\u2019t give with one hand and take away with the other,\u201d continued Rep. Nunn. \u201cIf EPA grants refinery exemptions, those gallons need to be fully restored, and Congress needs to finish the job on permanent year-round E15. I\u2019ll keep pushing the administration and the Senate to deliver the certainty that Iowa producers deserve.\u201d\n\nIowa\u2019s agriculture and biofuel leaders praised the reallocation and Rep. Nunn\u2019s push to secure it:\n\n\u201cClean Fuels and our members greatly appreciate the swift and effective actions taken by Rep. Nunn and our other champions in Congress to stand up for the Renewable Fuel Standard,\u201d said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance. \u201cWithout their support, our fuel producers and farmer partners would have faced another wave of unaccounted-for small refiner exemptions and the demand destruction they bring. We look forward to working with Rep. Nunn and the Administration to quickly finalize the supplemental rule that will restore these gallons and maintain the biomass-based diesel industry\u2019s record-breaking production.\u201d\n\n\u201cCongressman Nunn and members of Congress from across the heartland were relentless in their efforts to protect a strong RFS for farmers and soybean processors across the country,\u201d said Corey McCray, Vice President of Government Relations, National Oilseed Processors Association. \u201cTheir leadership and persistence truly made a difference, and we are grateful for their unwavering support of American agriculture.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowa soybean farmers are fortunate to have strong advocates like Congressman Nunn in office who recognize that a strong RFS means a strong rural Iowa,\u201d said Matt Herman, Chief Officer of Advocacy and Demand, Iowa Soybean Association. \u201cThe Congressman and the entire Iowa delegation demonstrated yet again that they are tireless advocates for Iowa\u2019s soybean farmers. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire delegation to ensure the EPA finalizes their proposal to reallocate 100% of the lost volume.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-09-01-26", "Capitol Hill Report, 09-01-26", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Audio from this morning\u2019s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Defense spending, Sen. Grassley\u2019s recent meeting in Aplington, Venezuelan oil, protecting small businesses, government funding and Grassley\u2019s completion of his 46th year of 99 county meetings.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-applauds-eleventh-circuit-ruling-upholding-whistleblowers-ability-to-help-fight-government-fraud", "Grassley Applauds Eleventh Circuit Ruling Upholding Whistleblowers\u2019 Ability to Help Fight Government Fraud", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "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), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and author of the legislation that strengthened the False Claims Act, welcomed today\u2019s ruling from the United States Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the constitutionality of the law\u2019s qui tam provision, which allows whistleblowers to bring lawsuits against fraudsters on behalf of the federal government and share in any recoveries. Grassley submitted an amicus brief to the Eleventh Circuit last year backing the qui tam provision.\n\n\u201cThe Eleventh Circuit just delivered a major win for whistleblowers and taxpayers alike. The False Claims Act is the government\u2019s greatest fraud-fighting tool, and patriotic whistleblowers who use the qui tam provision often contribute to the lion\u2019s share of recoveries. It\u2019s not an exaggeration to say this court decision saves billions of taxpayer dollars from being lost to fraud and deters would-be fraudsters from wasting even more.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley in 1986 updated the False Claims Act, the law enabling the government to recover taxpayer dollars from entities that defrauded federal agencies. A key provision in that update, qui tam, allows whistleblowers to sue alleged fraudsters on behalf of the government and share in the recoveries. Since Grassley\u2019s 1986 updates, the False Claims Act has recovered approximately $85 billion in taxpayer dollars.\n\nFiscal year 2025 (FY2025) marked the largest single-year recovery in the history of the False Claims Act, with the government recouping over $6.8 billion in fraudulent payments. Whistleblowers helped recover over $5.3 billion of that sum.\n\nWhistleblowers filed 1,297 qui tam lawsuits in FY2025, the highest number in a single year.", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-hinson-bill-combat-chinas-trade-crimes-protect-american-workers", "House Passes Hinson Bill to Combat China\u2019s Trade Crimes, Protect American Workers", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Tonight, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson's (IA-02) bipartisan bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act, passed the House unanimously.\n\n\"China has spent decades finding ways to undermine American workers and our economy. My bill will finally give the DOJ real tools to stop these blatant violations and ensure penalties are meaningfully enforced. Today\u2019s bipartisan passage is a huge win for American workers and domestic manufacturing \u2014 let\u2019s make it the law of the land ASAP.\" \u2014 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s overwhelming bipartisan House passage of the PAIL Act is an important victory for American workers and manufacturers who have been forced to compete against companies based in the PRC that violate U.S. trade laws. Tariff evasion, illegal transshipment, forced-labor violations, and other trade crimes hurt American workers and undermine our industries. Our bipartisan bill gives the Justice Department dedicated resources and expertise to investigate and prosecute these crimes and hold repeat offenders accountable. The Senate should pass the PAIL Act without delay and send it to the President\u2019s desk.\u201d \u2014 Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi\n\n\"This bipartisan legislation will arm the Department of Justice with the tools to stop trade crimes often perpetrated by China-backed companies. These crimes devastate American manufacturing, and they are a threat to the prosperity of every single American. Thanks to Congresswoman Hinson for her partnership and leadership on this legislation to fight back and protect American workers, and to our colleagues for their support today. Stopping China\u2019s trade crimes and predatory trade practices is essential to the future of our country.\" \u2014 Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar\n\nHinson\u2019s bill would:\n\nEstablish a dedicated structure within the DOJ\u2019s Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes.\n\nStrengthen coordination and training among federal, state, and local law enforcement.\n\nSupport expanded investigations and prosecutions and allow for parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions.\n\nRequire the Attorney General to report annually to Congress on DOJ\u2019s efforts to combat trade crimes.\n\nThe legislation is strongly supported by various organizations, including: American Iron and Steel Institute, Coalition for a Prosperous America, American Medical Manufacturers Association, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Forging Industry Association, National Council of Textile Organizations, United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO, North American Die Casting Association, American Shrimp Processors Association, Southern Shrimp Alliance, American Mold Builders Association, Campaign for Uyghurs, America First Policy Institute, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Steel Manufacturers Association, Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW, Committee on Pipe and Tube Imports, United States Oil Country Tubular Goods Manufacturers Association, EverRest US, Cold Finished Steel Bar Institute, American Wire Producers Association, and the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company.\n\nHinson introduced the bill alongside Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI-02), Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Rep. Robert Wittman (R-VA-01), Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL-16), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Rep. Kevin Kiley (I-CA-03), Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC-02), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06), Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA-46), Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN-07), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-01), Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH-06), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA-03), Select Committee Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28), Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14), Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01), Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ-01), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY-15), and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02).\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-the-bread-board", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, The Bread Board", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: The Bread Board of Marion County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cThe Bread Board has risen to the occasion, growing from Heidi\u2019s passion for baking into a thriving Pella bakery that brings people together,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cFrom serving fresh sourdough and homemade meals to supporting local businesses, schools, and community events, Heidi and her team have proven they have the perfect recipe for success.\u201d\n\nHeidi Rozenboom grew up baking fresh bread alongside her grandmother, always using the same bread board that would eventually inspire her business\u2019 name. Years later, Heidi started selling fresh bread to local coffee shops and cafes. As demand grew, she opened her storefront in downtown Pella in 2021 and named her bakery the Bread Board. Today, the Bread Board serves fresh sourdough bread, pastries, homemade meals, and other baked goods.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-small-refinery-exemptions-and-biofuels-reallocation", "Grassley Statement on Small Refinery Exemptions and Biofuels Reallocation", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "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) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s (EPA) announcement on Small Refinery Exemptions (SREs).\n\n\u201cToday\u2019s announcement by President Trump is a significant improvement from what was originally rumored and recognizes the importance of biofuels production. I appreciate President Trump and his policy advisors working closely with me and many other leaders from ag states, particularly Iowa, to ensure any small refinery exemption announcement did not undercut family farmers and the ag economy.\n\n\u201cThe Trump administration and future administrations ought to follow today\u2019s precedent for full reallocation for 2026 and 2027. You can expect I will work to hold the White House to its commitment of full reallocation. President Trump\u2019s successful efforts to work with ag and biofuel leaders on this issue shows his ongoing commitment to America\u2019s farmers, rural communities and biofuels production and his continued focus on our fuel supply as Americans fill up their tanks.\u201d\n\nPer the EPA, the agency \u201cis exempting 1.76 billion [Renewable Fuel Standard] compliance credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), for 29 small refineries. EPA will propose to reallocate 100 percent of the difference between projected and actual exempted volumes for 2025 SREs into the 2026 and 2027 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) before the end of October 2026.\u201d", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-op-ed-republicans-are-leading-a-public-safety-revival-americans-are-better-off-because-of-it", "ICYMI: Grassley Op-Ed: Republicans are leading a public safety revival. Americans are better off because of it.", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 Amid a historic drop in violent crime, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) authored an op-ed in Fox News highlighting Republicans\u2019 successful efforts to safeguard American communities, as well as his public safety priorities for the remainder of the 119th Congress.\n\n\u201cRepublicans\u2019 renewed focus on fighting crime, championing law enforcement and protecting American families has coincided with the largest drop in violent crime ever recorded in the United States,\u201d Grassley wrote. \u201cAmerica is the safest it\u2019s been in a century.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE and below.\n\nRepublicans are making America safer by restoring law and order\n\nBy U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)\n\nMonday, August 31, 2026\n\nFox News\n\nThe 119th Congress will be remembered as a decisive turning point for American safety and security. By electing Republicans to the majority in 2024, voters rejected the leftist ideals of defunding the police, abolishing prisons and supporting violent criminals over victims. In turn, Republicans have led a resurgence in commonsense crime-fighting legislation, supported by the historic confirmation pace of judicial and executive nominees who interpret and enforce the law.\n\nNational security is the No. 1 responsibility of the federal government. The previous administration abdicated this duty by promoting soft-on-crime policies that left the American people with emboldened criminals, struggling police departments and Soros-backed district attorneys who refused to prosecute murderers, rapists and child abusers.\n\nBut where Democratic leadership failed, Republicans in the 119th Congress have delivered. Republicans\u2019 renewed focus on fighting crime, championing law enforcement and protecting American families has coincided with the largest drop in violent crime ever recorded in the United States.\n\nMurder and robbery declined approximately 20% from 2024 to 2025. And according to the Council on Criminal Justice\u2019s midyear report, 2026 is on track to meet, if not exceed, 2025\u2019s historic drop in crime.\n\nAmerica is the safest it\u2019s been in a century.\n\nThis Congress, the Senate Judiciary Committee has been at the epicenter of Republicans\u2019 crime-fighting agenda. As chairman, I\u2019m proud to have ushered major pieces of public safety legislation through the committee, including the passage of my HALT Fentanyl Act to crack down on deadly fentanyl knockoffs, the Secure America Act to fund law enforcement and border security measures, and numerous bills that back the blue.\n\nI\u2019ve also led the confirmation of key Department of Justice leaders who have refocused federal efforts on protecting Americans, including Attorney General Todd Blanche. At the same time, I\u2019ve processed and advanced President Donald Trump\u2019s law-and-order judicial nominees at the fastest pace since the Reagan administration.\n\nWith less than six months left in the 119th Congress, my work as Judiciary Committee chairman is moving full steam ahead. I\u2019m keeping my nose to the grindstone to continue confirming Trump\u2019s nominees to keep our streets safe.\n\nI\u2019m also pushing a landmark nationwide crime package to protect children from online exploitation, crack down on organized retail crime, combat the spread of illicit xylazine and stem the flow of contraband in federal prisons.\n\nThis bipartisan legislation has garnered widespread support from major child safety, law enforcement and technology groups, as well as the Trump administration. It\u2019s imperative that this package is signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nI\u2019ve approached my responsibilities this Congress as a husband, father and grandparent who wants every American family to be safe from crime. I\u2019ve worked hard to do just that, and I\u2019m proud of Republicans\u2019 achievements in delivering lasting security for generations to come.", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-welcomes-grant-to-expand-iowa-veterans-cemetery", "Grassley Welcomes Grant to Expand Iowa Veterans Cemetery", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "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) welcomed an announcement that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has awarded $1,358,525 in grant funding to the state of Iowa to expand the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in rural Dallas County.\n\nThe grant will fund 2,160 columbarium niches and landscaping. Grassley attended the cemetery\u2019s dedication on July 3, 2008.\n\n\u201cWe owe a deep debt of gratitude to our veterans, who sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and liberties. The Iowa Veterans Cemetery provides a peaceful and meaningful resting place for those who have served our country in uniform. This new funding will ensure the cemetery can continue its mission to honor these heroes and their families,\u201d Grassley said.\n\nBackground:\n\nSince 1980, the VA Veterans Cemetery Grants Program has awarded 525 grants totaling over $1.187 billion to establish, expand, improve, operate or maintain 125 veterans cemeteries.\n\nIn 2025, VA grant-funded cemeteries interred 44,705 veterans and eligible family members, which is approximately 25% of the total annual interments in all national, state, tribal and territory cemeteries (174,398).", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-completes-46th-annual-99-county-meetings", "Grassley Completes 46th Annual 99 County Meetings", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "LINN COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) concluded his 46th annual 99 county meetings across Iowa with a question-and-answer session with employees at Sub-Zero in Cedar Rapids. Earlier in the day, Grassley held a meeting with factory workers in Monticello. Grassley takes questions on any subject, and Iowans set the agenda.\n\n\u201cMeeting with Iowans face-to-face gives me the chance to meet with a cross section of people, which informs my work in Washington. Representative government is a two-way street, and having dialogue with constituents is what guides my policy priorities. Even though I\u2019d like to, I can\u2019t meet face-to-face with all three million Iowans. So, I always encourage people to get in touch with me by writing a letter, sending an email, or by calling or stopping by one of my offices,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cMy work to reach across the aisle in Washington, pass a five-year Farm Bill, make life more affordable for families and promote transparency and accountability in government are based on input I hear from my constituents in Iowa,\u201d Grassley continued. \u201cI look forward to many more question-and-answer sessions yet this year.\u201d\n\nIowans who attended this year\u2019s meetings raised comments on a variety of issues including pharmaceutical benefit managers, Social Security, foreign policy, election integrity, rural healthcare and the Farm Bill. They also shared support for bipartisanship in Washington, year-round E15 and the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nFor a full list of Grassley\u2019s county meetings this year, visit his website. To view his photos and posts from the meetings, search #99CountyMeetings on X and Instagram. Grassley also posts meeting recaps on Facebook.\n\nBackground:\n\nGrassley has held his annual county meetings since 1981, when he was first elected to the U.S. Senate. For the past 46 years, he has held at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa\u2019s 99 counties every year and invites local media to attend his meetings and ask questions.\n\nGrassley\u2019s 99 county meetings consist of town halls, meetings with small businesses, farmers, students, healthcare professionals, factory workers, service clubs and more. Through this process, he hears from a wide range of Iowans, including those who are unable to take time off from work to attend his town meetings. Grassley\u2019s tireless efforts to meet Iowans where they work, study and live continues to set the standard for representative government.", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-iowa-law-enforcement-officers-for-roundtable-discussion", "Grassley Joins Iowa Law Enforcement Officers for Roundtable Discussion", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "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. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined local and tribal law enforcement leaders from Poweshiek, Jasper, Iowa and Tama counties yesterday for a roundtable discussion in Toledo as part of Grassley\u2019s 99 county meetings. The group discussed community mental health resources, federal public safety investments, no tax on overtime and more.\n\n\u201cIowa\u2019s brave law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect our communities. All Iowans, including myself, owe them a great debt of gratitude,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI was honored to meet with local law enforcement leaders yesterday to discuss their successes, learn about challenges in their communities and answer their questions. I look forward to bringing these insights back to the policymaking tables in Washington.\u201d\n\nDownload photos HERE.\n\nSupporting law enforcement is one of Grassley\u2019s top priorities as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This Congress, Grassley has advanced several bipartisan bills to back the blue, including legislation to improve officers\u2019 access to mental health resources, speed up critical benefits determinations and stem the flow of contraband in federal prisons. He also spearheaded large sections of Republicans\u2019 Working Family Tax Cuts, which eliminated tax on overtime and provided major investments for local law enforcement.\n\nIn Iowa specifically, Grassley has worked alongside community leaders and the U.S. Department of Justice to secure over $37.5 million in federal funds this Congress for the state\u2019s law enforcement and public safety initiatives.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis is Grassley\u2019s 46th straight year holding Q&As in each of Iowa\u2019s 99 counties. Grassley has held at least one question-and-answer session in every county, every year since he was first elected to serve in the U.S. Senate. He takes questions on any subject; Iowans set the agenda.\n\nLinks to Grassley\u2019s social media posts from this meeting can be found HERE and HERE. Follow along using #99countymeetings.", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-to-receive-nearly-175-million-from-fema-to-support-critical-projects-across-the-state", "Iowa to Receive Nearly $17.5 Million from FEMA to Support Critical Projects Across the State", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "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) welcomed an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that dozens of projects in communities across Iowa will receive nearly $17.5 million in combined funding in response to severe storms in 2020, 2024 and 2025. The funding will benefit Iowans in the following counties: Cherokee, Clay, Jasper, Lyon, Monona, Polk, Poweshiek, Pottawattamie, Sioux, Story and Woodbury.\n\n\u201cFollowing multiple severe storms, the Hawkeye State has shown great resilience as Iowans continue to rebuild,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI'm glad to see FEMA move these funds out the door and into Iowa communities where they can be put to good use. In Washington, I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure our state gets the resources we need for continued recovery.\u201d\n\nThe FEMA awards are:\n\nGrinnell Regional Medical Center: $260,042.06 to fund repairs or replacements to building exteriors, building interiors and other related components as a result of severe storms.\n\nCity of Minden: $227,978.25 to fund building repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms.\n\nCity of Slater: $239,655.18 to fund repairs or the replacement of the wastewater treatment plant greenhouse as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nPolk County Conservation Board: $2,216,734.68 to fund permanent repairs as a result of severe storms, tornadoes and flooding which severely damaged the river intake pump with sediment and debris.\n\nCity of Newton: $622,204.80 to fund bridge repairs or replacement as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nSioux County Secondary Roads: $572,625.00 to fund the repair or replacement of bridge-related components as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.\n\nCity of Cherokee: $298,009.50 to fund the repair or replacement of road surfaces, base and embankments as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes.\n\nClay County Secondary Roads: $101,250 to fund the repair or replacement of bridge approaches, decks and guard rails as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $267,264.21 to fund the repair or replacement of culverts, pipes and other related components as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nHoney Creek Drainage District #6: $418,899.03 to fund embankment repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $809,812.50 to fund the repair or replacement of bridge-related components as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads \u2013 Riverside 13W Bridge 231150: $1,380,497.25 to fund permanent repairs due to severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that resulted in catastrophic damages to the bridge. As a result of high velocity flood water, the bridge superstructure and deck floated away.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $961,115.25 to fund bridge related repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $870,014.25 to fund bridge-related repair or replacement as a result severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $860,395.50 to fund bridge and other repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nHoney Creek Drainage District #6: $411,996.93 to address the water control facility levee breach with scour repair or replacement as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nPigeon Creek Drainage District #2: $316,766.44 to fund levee breach repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nCity of Sioux City \u2013 Wastewater Treatment Plant: $1,202,643.90 to fund permanent repairs as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds, and tornadoes. As a result of flooding and increased debris intake, the equipment of the wastewater treatment plant was severely damaged.\n\nCity of Rock Valley: $2,601,823.97 to cover eligible emergency response costs associated with volunteer labor and donated equipment used during the June 2024 severe storms and flooding, including sandbagging, evacuations, rescue operations and debris cleanup.\n\nLyon County Secondary Roads: $211,903.86 to fund bridge-related repairs or replacements as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nCity of Spencer: $1,030,125 to help remove properties substantially damaged by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes that posed a threat to public health and safety.\n\nRock Valley Community School District: $150,746.74 to fund protective measures to lessen the threat to public health, safety and property as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nHoney Creek Drainage District #6: $190,002.69 to fund the repair or replacement of slope scour damage and other related components as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nLyon County Fair Association: $515,431.57 to fund the repair or replacement of building exteriors, building interiors, contents, road surfaces and guard rails damaged by severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nSpencer Community School District: $613,809.42 to fund costs related to the management of Public Assistance grants as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nMonona County Secondary Roads: $143,919.32 to fund the repair or replacement of road surfaces and other related components as a result of a severe winter storm.\n\n-30-", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-to-receive-over-91-million-in-fema-funding-for-emergency-warning-systems-property-acquisitions", "Iowa to Receive Over $9.1 Million in FEMA Funding for Emergency Warning Systems, Property Acquisitions", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "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) welcomed an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that Iowa will receive over $9.1 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding to support local communities through property acquisitions, emergency warning systems and other projects. The funding will benefit Iowans in the following counties: Dallas, Emmet, Jasper, Polk, Sioux and Woodbury.\n\n\u201cIowans are no strangers to severe weather,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cThis new FEMA funding will help these communities continue to recover and be better prepared for future storms. In Washington, I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure Iowa gets the resources needed to rebuild and recover.\u201d\n\nThe awards are:\n\nDallas County Emergency Management Agency: $469,498.18 to fund warning and alert systems.\n\nJasper County: $433,851.10 to fund warning and alert systems.\n\nCity of Redfield: $193,800 to fund generators and emergency power.\n\nCity of Urbandale: $3,354,325.16 to fund the acquisition and demolition of six residential properties damaged by flooding.\n\nCity of Urbandale: $74,540.56 to fund the subrecipient management costs for the City of Urbandale to acquire and demolish six residential properties damaged by flooding.\n\nCity of Grimes: $357,695.25 to fund property acquisition as a result of severe storms, flooding, straight-line winds and tornadoes.\n\nCity of Estherville: $133,600 to fund property acquisitions, elevations, mitigation reconstruction and floodproofing.\n\nCity of Correctionville: $673,784.83 to fund property acquisition, elevations, mitigation reconstruction and floodproofing.\n\nSioux County: $1,645,275 to fund the acquisition of five residential structures that were substantially damaged by flooding.\n\nSioux County: $36,561.70 to fund the subrecipient management costs to acquire five residential structures.\n\nSioux County: $1,120,762.50 to fund the acquisition of two residential structures that were damaged by flooding.\n\nSioux County: $74,717.50 to fund subrecipient management costs to acquire two residential structures damaged by flooding.\n\nIowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management: $542,509.13 to fund management costs due to severe storms.", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-tax-law-boosts-workforce-and-small-business", "Q&A: Tax Law Boosts Workforce and Small Business", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: What is the Workforce Pell Grant?\n\nA: It\u2019s back to school season for families, students and teachers across the state. As students return to the classroom, schedules are filling up with homework and extracurricular activities and parents are off to the races juggling jobs, car pools and meal times. Many students are starting a new chapter with post-secondary education, including four-year colleges, community colleges and vocational programs. Studies show advanced training leads to job readiness, higher earnings and more opportunities.\n\nHowever, too many students are pushed into burdensome debt seeking a four-year degree that doesn\u2019t fit job market demands. For example, skilled trades are in growing demand and largely protected from artificial intelligence (AI) because the work can\u2019t be replaced by automation. That\u2019s where smart policymaking can help solve problems. I co-sponsored legislation to expand access to high-quality, short-term job training programs to help close the skills gap that I hear from employers at my annual 99 county meetings. During work on last year\u2019s tax bill, I pushed successfully to include my bill called Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act in the final package. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for Workforce Pell Grants that allow eligible students to use Pell Grants for short-term, accredited programs that provide workforce-focused credentials that meet employer needs.\n\nI\u2019m pleased Iowa is the very first recipient of the nation\u2019s first Workforce Pell Grant program. Eligible students at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge can use federal Pell Grant dollars to enroll in its Emergency Medical Technician Program. The 14-week program prepares students for public safety jobs that will fill a critical need in local communities across the state. These students will start their jobs with little to no debt and have the training credentials to launch good careers, provide for their families and serve their neighbors.\n\nQ: What are you hearing from small businesses at your county meetings?\n\nA: No matter the size of the community, small businesses make up the lion\u2019s share of employers across Iowa, and support nearly half the workforce. During my annual 99 county meetings, I regularly hold Q&As at small businesses, factories and manufacturing facilities so that I can hear directly from the workers and small business owners who can\u2019t take time off to come to an open town meeting. I want to hear about challenges they face and learn what\u2019s on their minds. From decades-old family-owned businesses to start-up businesses opening their doors, I\u2019m always impressed with the entrepreneurism and hard work that Iowa workers and employers put in each and every day to climb America\u2019s ladder of prosperity and serve their communities. I\u2019ve also come to the conclusion that Iowans don\u2019t brag enough about their high-quality products and services, so I\u2019m particularly glad to get a first-hand look at these businesses. Iowans set a high benchmark for a strong work ethic and it shows with workforce productivity and state-of-the-art manufacturing and technology.", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/27/nunn-subramanyam-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-modernize-reserve-organization-of-america-charter/", "Nunn, Subramanyam Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Reserve Organization of America Charter", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) today introduced the Reserve Organization of America Charter Amendments Act of 2026 to ensure federal law recognizes both enlisted servicemembers and commissioned officers serving in America\u2019s reserve forces.\n\nFounded in 1922, the Reserve Organization of America (ROA), formerly known as the Reserve Officers Association, is the only Congressionally chartered organization exclusively dedicated to advocating for America\u2019s Reserve and National Guard \u2014 across all ranks and services.\n\n\u201cAfter more than two decades in uniform, serving in both active duty and the Air Force Reserve, I\u2019ve seen firsthand how our Reserve forces have evolved to meet new challenges and keep our country safe,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cROA has evolved right alongside them, expanding to represent servicemembers of every rank, but its federal charter hasn\u2019t kept up. Our bipartisan bill brings that charter into the 21st century, cuts outdated red tape, and gives ROA greater flexibility to serve the men and women who defend our nation.\u201d\n\nThe legislation updates ROA\u2019s outdated federal charter to reflect the organization it is today, including its expansion to represent servicemembers of every rank and reserve component. Because ROA is Congressionally chartered, outdated requirements written into federal law can only be changed by Congress. This bipartisan bill gets that done by officially recognizing the Reserve Organization of America name, cutting decades-old red tape, and giving ROA greater control over its own governance, headquarters, and day-to-day operations.\n\nNearly 9,000 Iowans serve in the Army and Air National Guard, with thousands more answering the call in reserve components across the Armed Forces. Rep. Nunn currently serves alongside them as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, continuing more than two decades of military service that began as an airborne intelligence officer.\n\n\u201cModernizing ROA\u2019s charter will ensure that it can continue to advocate for reservists and their families for the next 75 years and beyond,\u201d said Rep. Subramanyam. \u201cI look forward to continuing to partner together on these efforts and championing impactful legislation to support our servicemembers.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the Reserve Organization of America Charter Amendments Act would:\n\nRecognize every rank that serves by officially changing ROA\u2019s name in federal law from the Reserve Officers Association to the Reserve Organization of America.\n\nModernize ROA\u2019s federal charter by giving the organization greater control over its own governing structure and headquarters, rather than locking those decisions into federal law.\n\nCut administrative red tape by replacing burdensome multi-state agent filing requirements with a single registered agent in Washington, D.C.\n\nMaintain strong accountability standards by prohibiting ROA from operating for profit, issuing stock, contributing to political campaigns, or making loans to its officers or governing body members.\n\nThe Reserve Organization of America Charter Amendments Act of 2025 is the House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).\n\nText of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassleys-big-tech-investigation-yields-child-safety-results", "Grassley\u2019s Big Tech Investigation Yields Child Safety Results", "2026-08-27", "2026", "2026-08", "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. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley\u2019s (R-Iowa) investigation into eight major tech companies has prompted \u201csignificantly improved\u201d and \u201cmore actionable\u201d reports of online child exploitation, according to a letter from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). These improvements have allowed law enforcement to better respond to instances of child abuse.\n\n\u201cFollowing your direct outreach to these platforms regarding these issues, NCMEC is pleased to share that each of the companies have constructively engaged with NCMEC to significantly improve their reporting to the CyberTipline\u2026 more actionable CyberTipline reports are being submitted, enabling law enforcement to better investigate offenders and safeguard children from sexual exploitation,\u201d NCMEC wrote in a letter to Grassley.\n\nIn April 2026, Grassley opened a congressional inquiry into Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Snapchat, Discord, X.AI, Grindr and Roblox regarding the companies\u2019 alleged failure to sufficiently report online child sexual exploitation. In June 2026, Grassley released responses from each of the companies, which explained their efforts to improve reporting processes. In August 2026, NCMEC informed Grassley that each platform had taken \u201csubstantive measures\u201d to address its reporting deficiencies as a direct result of Grassley\u2019s oversight.\n\n\u201cProtecting children online is a top legislative and oversight priority for me as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman. I\u2019m glad to see my investigation into child safety reporting yield real results, and I appreciate these companies for responding to my oversight. I also thank them for working with NCMEC to ensure every suspected incident of online child exploitation is detected, reported and addressed,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cI\u2019ll always work to hold Big Tech accountable to the American people, and I\u2019ll continue fighting for commonsense solutions to safeguard our nation\u2019s children.\u201d\n\nRead NCMEC\u2019s latest update HERE.\n\nGrassley\u2019s original inquiry can be found HERE, and the tech companies\u2019 responses can be found HERE. A summary of NCMEC\u2019s update can be found below:\n\nMeta\n\nAccording to NCMEC, Meta submitted nearly 11 million reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Meta has:\n\nImproved its reporting process to ensure reported conduct meets the legal threshold for CyberTipline reporting.\n\nIncreased its use of report annotations to provide additional context for law enforcement responding to incidents of child exploitation.\n\nResolved a technical issue that resulted in around 3,900 duplicate reports in 2025.\n\nUpdated its training and escalation protocols for reports involving suicidal ideation.\n\nTikTok\n\nTikTok submitted over 2.1 million reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline from January 2025 to June 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, TikTok has:\n\nSignificantly reduced reports of non-pertinent content.\n\nImplemented biweekly discussions with NCMEC to improve reporting quality and accuracy.\n\nAmazon\n\nAmazon AI Services submitted approximately 1.1 million reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025. After human review, Amazon determined 99.6% of the reports were false positives, and 4,376 were confirmed child sexual abuse material (CSAM).\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Amazon has:\n\nImplemented human review of public-web detections to confirm instances of child sexual exploitation before submitting reports.\n\nImproved its CyberTipline reporting process to include source URLs, file names, reported files and additional contextual information.\n\nConducted a comprehensive review of more than one million submitted reports and retracted false positives.\n\nSnapchat\n\nSnapchat submitted approximately 752,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Snapchat has:\n\nImplemented new report annotations to indicate minor-to-minor interactions, sextortion and sadistic online exploitation.\n\nExpanded use of reported incident types, including \u201cunsolicited obscene material sent to a child.\u201d\n\nRefined reporting to provide evidence of an offender\u2019s knowledge of a child\u2019s age.\n\nImproved its reporting process to include additional chat history to provide greater context for law enforcement.\n\nDiscord\n\nAccording to NCMEC, Discord submitted nearly 490,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Discord has:\n\nReduced reporting of non-pertinent content.\n\nImproved reporting procedures to ensure relevant user account and location information is included in CyberTipline reports or made available to law enforcement.\n\nImproved its reporting process to include port numbers.\n\nX.AI\n\nX.AI submitted over 135,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, X.AI has:\n\nResubmitted previous CyberTipline reports with more complete user and location information.\n\nImproved its reporting process to include key subscriber information, including name, date of birth, email address, screen name, user identifier, registration or login IP address and profile URL.\n\nImproved its reporting process to ensure location information is included in the majority of reports.\n\nImproved its reporting process to include image-generation prompt information, when applicable, to provide additional investigative context.\n\nGrindr\n\nAccording to NCMEC, Grindr submitted over 111,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Grindr has:\n\nSignificantly improved its reporting process to more frequently include user and location information as well as key subscriber information, including display name, user identifier, login IP address, port number, device ID, estimated location and profile bio when applicable.\n\nResubmitted approximately 7,000 reports with updated IP and location information.\n\nCommitted to resubmitting approximately 54,000 reports with additional location information.\n\nEstablished regular engagement with NCMEC and committed to participate in the 2026 CyberTipline Roundtable.\n\nRoblox\n\nAccording to NCMEC, Roblox submitted over 65,000 reports involving suspected online child exploitation to NCMEC\u2019s CyberTipline in 2025.\n\nFollowing Grassley\u2019s oversight, Roblox has:\n\nSignificantly improved its reporting process to better identify the child victim in incidents involving multiple children.\n\nConducted additional training for reporting personnel.\n\nIncreased its use of report annotations to provide additional context for law enforcement.\n\nWorked with NCMEC to improve identification and reporting of sadistic online exploitation.", 1, "2026-08-28T17:11:49Z", "2026-08-28T17:13:14Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-cracks-down-on-chinese-surveillance-of-us-military-shipments", "Ernst Cracks Down on Chinese Surveillance of U.S. Military Shipments", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Keeping China Off the Rails Act to strengthen national security by preventing cargo monitoring technology linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from being used to track sensitive military shipments.\n\nRail carriers rely on Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) tags and other cargo monitoring systems to identify and track rolling stock\u2014including boxcars, tankers, and other rail assets\u2014as they move throughout the rail network. The Department of Defense routinely relies on rail transportation to move heavy military equipment across the United States, making these tracking systems critical for military operational security.\n\nThe Keeping China Off the Rails Act would extend prohibitions in current law for new rail cars to existing ones by requiring rail carriers certify that cargo monitoring technologies or AEI tags linked to the CCP are not being used on trains carrying Department of Defense cargo. The legislation would provide the rail industry with a four-year schedule to comply with the restriction.\n\n\u201cNo foreign adversary\u2014especially one as hostile as Communist China\u2014should have access to information about sensitive military shipments or activities at some of our nation\u2019s highest-security facilities,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cAt a time of growing national security threats, it\u2019s essential that the United States protects critical military infrastructure and maintains our military edge. I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation to strengthen our national security, close this vulnerability, and help ensure our critical military equipment remains protected from hostile foreign adversaries.\u201d\n\nThe legislation provides a four-year transition period to allow rail carriers time to replace covered technologies, gives the Secretary of Defense waiver authority for national emergencies, and includes exemptions for smaller Department of Defense shipments.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-henningsens-meat-processing", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Henningsen\u2019s Meat Processing", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Henningsen\u2019s Meat Processing of Cass County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cHenningsen\u2019s Meat Processing has been a cut above the rest for nearly five decades, carrying on a proud family tradition of serving up high-quality, locally sourced meat to southwest Iowa,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cRandy and his team continue to raise the steaks by serving up quality products and giving back to the community they call home. It\u2019s clear that service is at the meat of their mission.\u201d\n\nHenningsen\u2019s Meat Processing began in 1978, when Randy Henningsen returned home to Atlantic to be closer to family. Randy\u2019s father had previously owned a meat locker that tragically burned down in 1972. Six years later, Randy, his father, and his brother carried on the family tradition by opening Henningsen\u2019s Meat Processing to provide Atlantic and the surrounding communities with high-quality, locally sourced meat. Randy later purchased his father\u2019s and brother\u2019s shares and continued building on the family legacy.\n\nToday, Henningsen\u2019s specializes in custom pork and beef processing and operates a full-service meat counter serving customers throughout southwest Iowa. Beyond its wide selection of meats, customers can find everything from fish and frog legs to locally made cheeses. Nearly 50 years after opening its doors, Henningsen\u2019s Meat Processing continues to honor its family tradition while proudly serving the community that has supported the business for generations.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-08-24-2026", "Capitol Hill Report, 08-24-2026", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Audio from this morning\u2019s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Beef imports, the farm economy, the 2028 election cycle, the national debt, the Iowa State Fair and Iran.", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-grassley-announce-service-academy-virtual-informational-nights", "Ernst, Grassley Announce Service Academy Virtual Informational Nights", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, IOWA \u2013 The offices of U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are hosting two virtual informational events for Iowans interested in applying to U.S. Military Service Academies. Every year, Ernst and Grassley each nominate 15 students to the academies.\n\nEVENT | U.S. Military Service Academy Virtual Information Nights\n\nDATE | Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1, from 6 - 8 p.m. CT\n\nAug. 31 session will be attended by representatives from the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and the Military Academy at West Point. Sept. 1 session will be attended by representatives from the Naval Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nIowans who wish to attend the virtual informational session must RSVP to receive a link to the event.\n\nTo contact Senator Ernst\u2019s office, please email Brenda_Safranski@ernst.senate.gov or academy@ernst.senate.gov or call (515) 284-4272. To contact Senator Grassley\u2019s office, please email academy_nominations@grassley.senate.gov or call (515) 288-1145.\n\nClick here to view the academy nomination application. The application deadline is October 23, 2026.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-announce-service-academy-virtual-informational-nights", "Grassley, Ernst Announce Service Academy Virtual Informational Nights", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 The offices of U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) will host two virtual informational events for Iowa students interested in applying to U.S. Military Service Academies in the fall of 2027 or 2028. The U.S. Service Academy Virtual Informational Nights will be held on Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1.\n\nRepresentatives from all five service academies will be available to answer questions about the application and nomination process. The Monday, August 31, session will be attended by representatives from the Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy and the Military Academy at West Point. The Tuesday, September 1, session will be attended by representatives from the Naval Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy.\n\nEach year, Grassley and Ernst nominate current and future Iowa high school graduates for a select few academy positions. The deadline to apply for admission to the academic year beginning in the fall of 2027 is October 23rd, 2026.\n\nWHAT: U.S. Military Service Academy Virtual Information Nights\n\nWHEN: Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1, from 6 - 8 p.m. CT\n\nWHO SHOULD ATTEND: High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors who would like more information about attending a U.S. military academy. Parents, guardians and high school guidance counselors are also welcome to attend.\n\nWHO IS PRESENTING: Academy Nomination Coordinators for Grassley and Ernst, and representatives from all five U.S. Service Academies\n\nIowans who wish to attend the virtual informational session must RSVP to receive a link to the event. Please RSVP directly to academy_nominations@grassley.senate.gov or by phone at 515-288-1145.\n\nIowans can contact Grassley\u2019s office at 515-288-1145 and Ernst\u2019s office at 515-284-4272 with any questions. Click HERE to view the Academy Nomination application and learn more.", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shaheen-mark-fentanyl-prevention-and-awareness-day", "Grassley, Shaheen Mark Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA \u2013 On Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are driving awareness of the dangers of fentanyl and continuing to educate Americans on how to best protect themselves from the deadly drug. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the senators\u2019 bipartisan resolution earlier this month, designating August 21, 2026, as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.\n\n\u201cFar too many American families know the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl,\u201d Grassley said. \u201cFentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the importance of local drug awareness and prevention efforts. As Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I\u2019ll continue working to put a stop to this public health crisis.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the Senate came together to unanimously pass our bipartisan resolution designating today, August 21, as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day and memorializing those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses,\u201d Shaheen said. \u201cThere\u2019s always more work to be done to address the substance use disorder crisis in New Hampshire, and driving more awareness in our communities around the dangers of fentanyl use is one important way we can prevent the loss of more lives.\u201d\n\nRead the full resolution HERE.\n\nBackground:\n\nThis Congress, Grassley has secured major victories in the fight against illicit fentanyl. His HALT Fentanyl Act, which permanently classified fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, became law after passing the U.S. Senate by an overwhelming majority of 84-16. Grassley also secured additional funding for federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and precursor chemicals, chaired a hearing on the dangers of fentanyl and introduced legislation to stem drug trafficking on social media.", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-fraud-drives-up-healthcare-costs", "Q&A: Fraud Drives Up Healthcare Costs", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: How would your fraud prevention bill recover tax dollars and improve healthcare?\n\nA: Americans work hard for their money. As a taxpayer watchdog, I take seriously the responsibility to ensure every tax dollar collected for government services is spent as intended. From the Pentagon to public healthcare programs, I lead efforts at the policymaking tables to sharpen fraud-fighting tools and protect taxpayer money. Starting with my decades-long crusade to empower whistleblowers, my updates to the False Claims Act have recouped more than $85 billion for taxpayers and saved tens of billions more by deterring would-be fraudsters. Notably, of the $6.8 billion in settlements and judgments in just the last fiscal year, the lion\u2019s share of the recoveries was from the healthcare industry. The Department of Justice lasered in on three areas of widespread fraud in the U.S. healthcare system: Medicare managed care, prescription drugs and medically unnecessary care.\n\nBuilding on this success, I recently joined forces with senators on the Senate Finance Committee to beef up resources to combat fraud, waste and abuse across federal health programs that serve families, kids and seniors. Federal healthcare spending is expected to exceed $24 trillion over the next decade. Every dollar lost to fraud, improper billing or neglect is another squandered tax dollar and one less dollar for patient care.\n\nAs a former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I\u2019m glad the committee\u2019s current chairman, Sen. Mike Crapo, and ranking member, Sen. Ron Wyden, teamed up with me and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto. Our bill, the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Act, would help ensure long-term, stable funding to prevent, detect and prosecute fraud and keep pace with evolving, sophisticated schemes. According to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, our bill would save taxpayers at least $45 billion.\n\nSpecifically, our bipartisan bill would improve the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control program to better scrutinize federal health programs and scrape fraud out of the taxpayer funding pipeline. Partners across multiple federal agencies will have more resources to coordinate and combat fraud in Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program, as well as related private insurance programs. Deploying better-equipped fraud fighters also put would-be fraudsters on notice that bilking taxpayers doesn\u2019t pay. The bill requires timely reporting to track the fraud and abuse control program\u2019s effectiveness and asks the Government Accountability Office to report on its performance for the first time in over a dozen years. The Trump administration has made fraud prevention, detection and prosecution a high priority, a mission I\u2019ve pursued throughout my time in Congress on behalf of the American people. I welcome this all-hands-on-deck effort and will continue working to ensure all the anti-fraud tools in the federal arsenal are razor sharp, including civil enforcement tools, such as my False Claims Act.\n\nQ: How will Iowa benefit from a new federal grant to target fraud and financial crimes?\n\nA: During his confirmation hearing, the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the Department of Justice said he is committed to \u201cprosecute criminals who exploit the generosity of a country by stealing from taxpayer-funded programs.\u201d That\u2019s music to the ears of Iowans who are absolutely fed up with their hard-earned money lining the pockets of scam artists, such as the outrageous Covid-era schemes in Minnesota and elsewhere. I supported Colin McDonald to fill this new role at the Justice Department, who is leading efforts to snuff out the unacceptable and pervasive crimes of federal program fraud.", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/20/nunn-leads-bipartisan-push-to-shield-iowa-farmers-from-china-driven-fertilizer-squeeze/", "Nunn Leads Bipartisan Push to Shield Iowa Farmers from China-Driven Fertilizer Squeeze", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Kathy Castor (FL-14) today sent a letter urging U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to protect American farmers and fertilizer producers from supply chain disruptions the Chinese Communist Party is using to gain leverage over American agriculture.\n\n\u201cIowa farmers shouldn\u2019t have to outbid Communist China for American-made inputs in their own backyard,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cAdding fertilizer minerals like phosphate and potash to the U.S. Critical Minerals list was the first step. Now, I\u2019m asking the Administration to work with us on a whole-of-government strategy to secure our fertilizer supply chain and give Iowa producers the certainty to plan for next season.\u201d\n\nThe Chinese Communist Party is using export controls and its position in global commodity markets to gain leverage over the inputs American agriculture depends on. Chinese-linked companies are buying up American-produced sulfur, a key ingredient in phosphate fertilizer, at elevated prices while Beijing bans exports of its own sulfuric acid. The result is greater pressure on domestic supplies and another potential vulnerability for American farmers already facing high input costs.\n\nIn the letter, the lawmakers called on Secretary Rollins and Trade Representative Greer to develop a fertilizer supply chain security strategy that treats domestic production as a strategic priority and confronts the geopolitical risk and commodity manipulation the CCP is using against American producers.\n\n\u201cHardworking American farmers, workers and families are depending on the Administration to ensure farmers can access the fertilizer they need, at prices they can afford,\u201d said Rep. Castor. \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party has demonstrated a willingness to exploit global commodity disruptions to advance its strategic interests at the expense of American producers and consumers. We need to act now to protect our supply chain from bad actors who send costs skyrocketing.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/20/watch-nunn-hosts-small-business-roundtable-discusses-cutting-costs-and-burdensome-red-tape/", "WATCH: Nunn Hosts Small Business Roundtable, Discusses Cutting Costs and Burdensome Red Tape", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WEST DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) yesterday joined Everett Woodel Jr., Acting Chief Counsel for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy, SBA Great Plains Regional Administrator Brad Zaun, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for a roundtable with Iowa small business owners focused on lowering costs, cutting red tape, and building on recent wins for Main Street.\n\nFull details on the roundtable are available here. B-roll is available here and below.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses should be focused on serving their customers, creating jobs, and growing the economy, not spending their time and money filling out paperwork for Washington,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cWe delivered permanent tax relief in the Working Families Tax Cuts and took burdensome reporting requirements off the backs of Main Street businesses, but there\u2019s more work to do. Today, we heard directly from the people signing the front of the paycheck about what\u2019s working and where Washington can get out of the way. I\u2019ll keep working with Iowa small business owners, Republicans and Democrats alike, to lower costs, cut red tape, and make it easier to build and grow a business here at home.\u201d\n\nB-roll from the roundtable is available here and photos are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-presents-squeal-award-to-the-shady-bunch-families-who-make-fraud-a-family-affair", "Ernst Presents Squeal Award to the Shady Bunch, Families Who Make Fraud a Family Affair", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced her August Squeal Award recipient: fraudster families who make a living scamming hardworking Americans.\n\nErnst is exposing 15 families who collectively stole $50 million taxpayer dollars and has introduced the No Cash for Cohabitating Kins of Crooks Act to prohibit government loans, contracts, grants, or other financial payments going to anyone living with a known fraudster or convicted criminal.\n\n\u201cCommitting fraud is literally all relative for these families of felons,\u201d said Ernst. \u201cWhile some families have a tradition of running 5Ks on holidays, fraud runs in these families\u2014they\u2019ll steal $5K or more and then make a run for it. My latest investigation found schemes sprouting from family trees across the country, with kin teaming up to rip off taxpayers to the tune of $50 million. That\u2019s why I\u2019m giving my August 2026 Squeal Award to the \u2018Shady Bunch,\u2019 families full of fraudsters who are chips off the old cell block. Their next scam-ily reunion will be in the slammer.\u201d\n\nSome of the most egregious examples include:\n\nThe now-infamous Mohamed family operating out of Minnesota stole more than $10 million from the Federal Child Nutrition Program. Instead of feeding hungry kids, the family of felons spent the money on themselves.\n\nOne California clan of crooks made off with $18 million in COVID relief, using fake names and stolen identities to obtain taxpayer money that funded luxury homes, gold coins, diamonds, designer goods and even a Harley-Davidson. After their convictions, several family members cut off their tracking devices and fled the country before eventually being caught.\n\nFour sisters fleeced the U.S. Department of Agriculture out of more than $11.5 million by submitting nearly 200 bogus discrimination claims from fake farmers. The daughter of one sister helped the scheme by notarizing fictitious witness statements.\n\nA Florida family used a sham ministry to obtain more than $8 million in pandemic aid, then attempted to use the money to buy a multi-million-mansion at Walt Disney World Resort. When authorities closed in, the family was caught in a Mercedes SUV packed with bags of shredded documents.\n\nRead the bill here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/19/nunn-hosts-small-business-roundtable-discusses-cutting-costs-and-burdensome-red-tape/", "Nunn Hosts Small Business Roundtable, Discusses Cutting Costs and Burdensome Red Tape", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "WEST DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today joined Everett Woodel Jr., Acting Chief Counsel for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy, SBA Great Plains Regional Administrator Brad Zaun, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for a roundtable with Iowa small business owners focused on lowering costs, cutting red tape, and building on recent wins for Main Street.\n\nThe roundtable was held at T12 Distillery in West Des Moines and brought together local business owners to discuss how permanent tax relief and regulatory reforms are giving small businesses more certainty to invest, hire, and grow, as well as opportunities to build on that progress.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses should be focused on serving their customers, creating jobs, and growing the economy, not spending their time and money filling out paperwork for Washington,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cWe delivered permanent tax relief in the Working Families Tax Cuts and took burdensome reporting requirements off the backs of Main Street businesses, but there\u2019s more work to do. Today, we heard directly from the people signing the front of the paycheck about what\u2019s working and where Washington can get out of the way. I\u2019ll keep working with Iowa small business owners, Republicans and Democrats alike, to lower costs, cut red tape, and make it easier to build and grow a business here at home.\u201d\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts made the 20% small business tax deduction and 100% bonus depreciation permanent, allowing small businesses to keep more of what they earn and immediately write off investments in new equipment and other business assets. These permanent provisions provide the long-term certainty Iowa employers need to invest, expand, and create jobs. Rep. Nunn also secured permanent relief from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, lifting another federal mandate from Main Street businesses.\n\nDuring the roundtable, the group also discussed how Washington can build on these wins by opening new opportunities for small businesses, keeping the cost of doing business down, and providing the certainty entrepreneurs need to compete and grow. Rep. Nunn has made cutting unnecessary red tape a priority, including passing his Protecting Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act, which earned unanimous support in the U.S. House and gives small businesses greater flexibility to meet federal reporting requirements without facing unnecessary penalties.\n\n\u201cSmall businesses are the backbone of our economy, which is why the small business perspective is so valuable to lawmakers in Des Moines and Washington, D.C.,\u201d said NFIB Iowa State Director Cody Carlson. \u201cRepresentative Nunn has been a great supporter of Main Street and today\u2019s event shows his commitment to addressing concerns like workforce development and inflation. We look forward to continuing our work with the congressman to ensure Iowa\u2019s small business community can grow and thrive.\u201d\n\n\u201cNot only is Iowa a national leader in agricultural output, but it also ranks in America\u2019s top five states for manufacturing intensity,\u201d said SBA Office of Advocacy Acting Chief Counsel Everett M. Woodel, Jr. \u201cIt was an honor to speak with and hear from so many inspiring Iowa small businesses, gain insight into the red tape they are facing, and share more about how the SBA Office of Advocacy is a resource for them as they navigate the regulatory environment. As Iowa leads the way, I look forward to continuing these conversations and elevating their voices to federal agencies in Washington, D.C.\u201d\n\n\u201cOpportunities to speak with lawmakers like Congressman Nunn are invaluable for small business owners like me,\u201d said Scott Turczynski, Founder of T12 Distillery. \u201cToday\u2019s discussion included issues like credit card swipe fees and overregulation. We also shared how Rep. Nunn\u2019s support of the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction benefits our businesses. I\u2019m hoping the Congressman will take what he learned at today\u2019s roundtable back to D.C. as he continues to fight on behalf of Iowa and Main Street.\u201d\n\n\u201cIowa\u2019s small businesses are creating jobs, investing in their communities, and driving our economy forward,\u201d said Brad Zaun, SBA Great Plains Regional Administrator. \u201cToday\u2019s conversation was a great opportunity to hear directly from entrepreneurs and what they need to take the next step, whether that\u2019s expanding their business, hiring another employee, or investing in new equipment. Congressman Nunn understands what Main Street needs to succeed, and the SBA will continue working alongside Iowa\u2019s small businesses to help turn opportunity into growth.\u201d\n\nPhotos from today\u2019s roundtable are available here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-recognized-as-most-bipartisan-senate-republican", "Grassley Recognized as Most Bipartisan Senate Republican", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "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 the most bipartisan Republican in the U.S. Senate, according to an independent study by the nonpartisan project Bridge Grades. Grassley earned a score of 96.9 out of 100 in the report, ranking fourth overall among all 100 senators.\n\n\u201cAt my annual 99 county meetings, Iowans ask me why Democrats and Republicans can\u2019t get along. I tell them bipartisanship is happening in Washington, but it doesn\u2019t always get reported in the news media. In the U.S. Senate, most bills need 60 votes to advance, which means successful legislation must be bipartisan. I\u2019ll work with anyone to get things done for Iowa, from lowering prescription drug costs to boosting E15. I\u2019m honored to be recognized for building effective partnerships with my colleagues across the aisle, and you can bet I\u2019ll keep working with any of my fellow senators to make life better and more affordable for Iowans,\u201d Grassley said.\n\n\u201cOn behalf of constituents in Iowa who value representatives who govern with more collaboration and bipartisanship than their peers, we congratulate Sen. Grassley on being an A-rated bridge builder and encourage him to keep up the good grades,\u201d said Brad Porteus, Founder of Bridge Grades.\n\nBackground:\n\nBridge Grades\u2019 report uses objective third party data sources to measure whether members of Congress govern collaboratively or divisively. Grassley\u2019s score can be found HERE, and the full U.S. Senate Bridge Grades rankings for the 119th Congress can be found HERE.\n\nIn its most recent study, the nonpartisan Georgetown University\u2019s Lugar Center ranked Grassley tenth on its Bipartisan Index of all 100 senators, making him the fourth most bipartisan Senate Republican. The Lugar Bipartisan Index also ranked Grassley as the second-most bipartisan member among long-serving senators, behind only U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). In a lifetime score of all senators spanning 1993 through 2018, Grassley was the 14th most bipartisan senator of the 250 who served over those years.\n\nGrassley also was ranked within the top ten most effective senators in the 117th Congress by the University of Virginia\u2019s and Vanderbilt University\u2019s Center for Effective Lawmaking.\n\nRead a review of Grassley\u2019s bipartisan accomplishments from 2025 HERE.\n\nClick HERE for audio of Grassley discussing his 2026 Bridge Grades rating.", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-dubuque-priests-return-their-parishes-after-months-long-visa-delays", "ICYMI: Dubuque Priests Return to Their Parishes After Months-Long Visa Delays", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 After months of uncertainty, three priests serving the Archdiocese of Dubuque have received renewed visas, allowing them to return to serving their parishes and communities across Northeast Iowa.\n\nAmong them is Rev. Stephen Audu, a Nigerian priest who had been unable to serve at Church of the Nativity for seven months while waiting for his religious worker visa to be renewed. His absence was deeply felt by parishioners who had come to know and rely on him.\n\nAfter hearing about the delays, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\u2019s office worked closely with the priests and the Archdiocese of Dubuque over several months, repeatedly engaging with the federal government and pushing for answers until the cases were resolved. Audu\u2019s visa was approved last month, and two other priests serving the Archdiocese also received renewed visas.\n\n\u201cNow he can get back to doing what he\u2019s really great at, which is being a parish priest. He\u2019s very approachable. He cared for all of us at Nativity.\u201d\n\n\u2014 Perry Mason, head of the Church of the Nativity parish council\n\n\u201cWe are grateful and appreciate the advocacy of Representative Hinson and her staff.\u201d\n\n\u2014 Deacon John Robbins, spokesman for the Archdiocese of Dubuque\n\n\u201cThese priests mean so much to the parishes and people they serve, and months of bureaucratic delays meant communities were left without them. When we heard what was happening, we worked alongside the Archdiocese, kept pushing for answers, and didn\u2019t let up until we got this resolved. I\u2019m thrilled Father Audu and these priests can get back to doing what they do best \u2014 serving Iowans.\u201d\n\n\u2014 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\nRead the full story from the Telegraph Herald here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-introduces-bill-direct-millions-tobacco-imports-cancer-research", "Hinson Introduces Bill to Direct Millions from Tobacco Imports to Cancer Research", "2026-08-18", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2014 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Cancer Research Trust Fund Act, which would direct a portion of federal funds collected on imported tobacco products to fund cancer research, with a focus on pediatric and rare cancers.\n\n\u201cCancer has touched nearly every family in America. If the U.S. is already collecting millions of dollars on imported tobacco products, we should put it towards fighting cancer and saving lives. Last year alone, under my bill, that would have meant roughly $24 million for cancer research, investments in innovative treatments, and ultimately, more hope for families battling cancer. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense solution and for it to be considered on the floor as soon as possible.\" \u2014 Congresswoman Ashley Hinson\n\nThe Cancer Research Trust Fund Act would:\n\nDirect 10% of customs and duties already collected on tobacco imports into a dedicated Cancer Research Trust Fund.\n\nPrioritize pediatric and rare cancer research, including early detection, prevention, innovative treatments and therapies, and research and development.\n\nRequire collaboration between the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and Department of War through the Defense Health Program.\n\nIn fiscal year 2025, approximately $242.8 million in customs and duties were collected on imported tobacco and tobacco substitute products. Under Hinson\u2019s bill, approximately $24.3 million would have been directed toward cancer research. Hinson has made expanding cancer research and improving early detection a priority during her time in Congress. Her legislation builds on Iowa\u2019s recent investments in cancer research using revenue from the state\u2019s vape tax.\n\nThe full text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases/ernst-names-small-business-of-the-week-the-farmers-daughters", "Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, The Farmer\u2019s Daughters", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", "ernst", "https://www.ernst.senate.gov/news/press-releases", "scraper", "RED OAK, Iowa \u2013 U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: The Farmer\u2019s Daughters of Fremont County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in each of Iowa's 99 counties.\n\n\u201cThe Farmer\u2019s Daughters has decorated southwest Iowa with success, growing from a pop-up shop into a thriving family business serving Iowans,\u201d said Chair Ernst. \u201cWhether helping customers find the perfect piece for their home or creating arrangements for life\u2019s special moments, Stacy and Ron have made community service part of the perfect arrangement.\u201d\n\nThe Farmer\u2019s Daughters began in 2014 when Stacy Burgoin-Burge started selling vintage finds and home d\u00e9cor through small antique pop-up shops at events including Vintage & Made Fair and Junkstock. As the business grew in popularity, Stacy opened a storefront in Sidney and expanded into floral arrangements in 2017. Stacy\u2019s husband, Ron Burge, later joined the business full-time, and together they grew The Farmer\u2019s Daughters to include additional locations in Glenwood and Shenandoah.\n\nToday, The Farmer\u2019s Daughters offers carefully curated home d\u00e9cor, gifts, vintage items, locally made products, and personalized floral arrangements. The business also provides floral delivery and offers six- and twelve-month \u201cBloom of the Month\u201d subscriptions featuring fresh flowers and custom designs. The Farmer\u2019s Daughters gives back to southwest Iowa by supporting local fairs, youth programs, and educational initiatives.\n\nStay tuned as Chair Ernst continues to recognize outstanding Iowa small businesses with her Small Business of the Week award.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-08-17-26", "Capitol Hill Report, 08-17-26", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Audio from this morning\u2019s call is available HERE.\n\nTopics include: Rural healthcare, the Farm Bill, ag and trade policy, mail-in ballots, the national debt and the Iowa State Fair.", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-hosts-hhs-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-newton-promote-youth", "Miller-Meeks Hosts HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Newton to Promote Youth Fitness and the Return of the Presidential Fitness Test", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "NEWTON, IOWA \u2014 Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the Newton YMCA for a roundtable and demonstration promoting youth fitness and the reinstatement of the Presidential Fitness Test.\n\nSecretary Kennedy and Congresswoman Miller-Meeks discussed the urgent need to get children more active and improve youth health outcomes across the country. \"We have the sickest population, obesity rates in children up to 20 percent today, and we have the highest chronic disease burden of any nation in the world,\" said Secretary Kennedy. \"Seventy-seven percent of American youth cannot qualify for military service, and that should get everyone's attention.\"\n\nIowa recently passed a state law making the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test a required part of P.E. classes, and the HHS Department has partnered with YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America nationwide to roll out the test through summer programming ahead of its introduction in schools this fall.\n\n\"I can remember doing these,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"I'm not the biggest kid, so I wasn't the fastest kid, but nonetheless, it's emphasizing the fun of what you're doing and getting kids moving, and how that translates to other activities they may want to do.\"\n\nDuring the visit, Kennedy and Miller-Meeks met with children from the Newton YMCA's summer camp program who demonstrated several of the Presidential Fitness Test exercises. Congresswoman Miller-Meeks highlighted the Newton YMCA as a model for how public-private partnerships between community organizations, schools, and local leaders can drive real results for kids.\n\n\"Newton's YMCA provides a good example of how public-private partnerships between it, schools, and the broader community can bring success,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-19T05:29:02Z", "2026-08-19T05:30:24Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-visits-hinnah-family-farm-discuss-priorities-iowa-agriculture", "Miller-Meeks Visits Hinnah Family Farm to Discuss Priorities for Iowa Agriculture", "2026-08-15", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "IOWA - Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) visited the farm of Aaron Hinnah and his family, discussing trade markets, the Farm Bill, and the future of Iowa's family farms.\n\nThe Hinnah family operates a diversified farm raising hogs and row crops alongside a tree and timber service, representative of the hardworking, multi-generational operations that make up much of southeast Iowa's agricultural economy.\n\n\"Iowa's family farms are built through generations of hard work, and it's my job to make sure Washington protects that, not stands in the way of it,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"We talked trade, the Farm Bill, and year-round E15, and how the Working Families Tax Cuts, along with the death tax protections we passed, mean farms like the Hinnahs' can be passed down to the next generation instead of handed over to the IRS.\"\n\nDuring the visit, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and the Hinnah family also discussed concerns facing the next generation of farmers and the importance of maintaining strong trade markets for Iowa agriculture.\n\n\"I'll always stand with Iowa's family farms,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Conversations like this one with the Hinnah family are why I fight for rural Iowa every single day.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-visits-davenport-guns-shooting-club-shooting-sports-month", "Miller-Meeks Visits Davenport Guns & Shooting Club for Shooting Sports Month", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "DAVENPORT, IOWA \u2014 Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) visited Davenport Guns & Shooting Club to celebrate Shooting Sports Month, meeting with owner Jeanelle Westrom and local constituents.\n\n\"The Second Amendment isn't up for debate. It's one of our most fundamental rights, and I'll never stop defending it,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks.\n\nDuring the visit, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks discussed ATF policy, youth shooting sports programs, and gun safety with Westrom and range-goers, reaffirming her long-standing support for the Second Amendment.\n\n\"It's always great to spend time with Iowans who share a passion for our Second Amendment rights and the shooting sports tradition,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"I'll keep standing up for the rights of law-abiding gun owners across this district.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-russia-sanctions-pave-way-to-peace", "Q&A: Russia Sanctions Pave Way to Peace", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Chuck Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", "grassley", "https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases", "scraper", "Q: How would the Senate-passed sanctions bill help end the war in Ukraine?\n\nA: With an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 86-11, the U.S. Senate sent a clear message to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin: stop the killing and end the largestland war since World War II. The late Sen. Lindsey Graham, the bill\u2019s leading champion who led the congressional effort to bring peace to Ukraine, was the driving force to cut off financing of Russia\u2019s war machine. The bipartisan legislation would impose stiff financial sanctions and put Russia\u2019s energy sector in the crosshairs of an international dragnet by targeting countries that export or invest in Russian oil and gas. The bill would empower the president to impose 100 percent tariffs on the top five importers of Russian energy and those who enable Russian sanctions evasion. The bill also targets Russian officials, oligarchs, their family members and Russian banks and financial institutions to apply additional financial pressure to help end the war.\n\nThe Senate-passed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act takes a key step towards peace with a formidable recipe of sanctions and tariffs to leverage an end to the war that has killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers and tens of thousands of innocent civilians. As an original co-sponsor, I\u2019ll continue pushing to get this bill to the president\u2019s desk. History reminds us why Putin\u2019s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine cannot be ignored. Protecting America\u2019s national security and upholding sovereignty in Europe requires a resolute commitment to stop Putin\u2019s effort to resurrect the Soviet empire. I\u2019ll continue leading bipartisan efforts in the Senate to hold Russia accountable and put the brakes on Putin\u2019s violent scheme to trample freedom, persecute Christians and usurp sovereign territory through war and aggression. From the 2008 invasion of Georgia to the 2014 annexation of Crimea and now the full-scale, four-year war in Ukraine, Putin\u2019s diabolical obsession requires solidarity from the international community to nip it in the bud before more lives and territory are lost.\n\nQ: What is the status of your efforts to return kidnapped Ukrainian children?", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-ashley-hinson-theyll-come-baseball-theyll-remember-iowa", "Congresswoman Ashley Hinson: They\u2019ll Come for Baseball. They\u2019ll Remember Iowa.", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Ashley Hinson", "H001091", "hinson.house.gov", "hinson", "https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "**This column is for publication**\n\nThere is something pretty incredible about seeing the baseball world descend on a small Iowa town of just several thousand residents. Today, the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies will take the field in Dyersville for the return of the MLB at Field of Dreams.\n\nFor baseball fans, it\u2019s a chance to experience one of the most iconic places in the history of the game.\n\nFor rural Iowa, the impact goes well beyond baseball.\n\nVisitors coming to town will stay in nearby hotels, grab meals at a local restaurant, shop at small businesses, and experience Iowa hospitality firsthand.\n\nThis week\u2019s events are projected to generate at least $40 million in economic activity, supporting businesses and workers in Dyersville and communities across the region.\n\nBut what I love most about the Field of Dreams is that it gives millions of people a glimpse into our home and what makes rural Iowa special.\n\nThey\u2019ll see a small town capable of hosting one of the biggest events in sports. They\u2019ll see local business owners working overtime to welcome visitors. They\u2019ll see volunteers pitching in and Iowa hospitality on full display.\n\nI\u2019m proud to see Dyersville in the national spotlight and excited for people across the country to see what rural Iowa has to offer, both on and off the field.\n\nThe Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 300 businesses and organizations. Events like this bring thousands of visitors to the area, supporting the local restaurants, shops, hotels, and other small businesses that make up the community.\n\nAnd the impact doesn\u2019t necessarily end when the game does. Visitors who come for baseball may discover a place they want to visit again.\n\nMaybe they traveled to Dyersville because they grew up watching Field of Dreams with their dad. Maybe they came because their child is playing little league. Or maybe they just wanted to experience a piece of America they\u2019ve only seen on television.\n\nWhatever brings them here, we have the opportunity to show them what makes Iowa worth returning to.\n\nIt\u2019s about showcasing small-town America on one of sports\u2019 biggest stages. And it\u2019s about a game that still has the power to bring parents, kids, grandparents, and complete strangers together from every corner of the country right here in rural Iowa.\n\nMillions of people will tune in to see the Field of Dreams.\n\nAnd I think they\u2019ll come away seeing something even better: Iowa.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-completes-second-annual-made-america-manufacturing-tour", "Miller-Meeks Completes Second Annual Made in America Manufacturing Tour", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Mariannette Miller-Meeks", "M001215", "millermeeks.house.gov", "millermeeks", "https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "IOWA \u2014 Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) this past week completed her Second Annual Made in America Manufacturing Tour, a two-day, four-stop visit through southeast Iowa's manufacturing sector highlighting the workers and companies driving the district's economy.\n\n\"We need to stop shipping jobs overseas,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"Iowa workers can build anything this country needs, and it's Washington's job to make sure the policies reward companies that build here, not overseas.\"\n\nThe tour opened at Wilton Precision Steel, where Congresswoman Miller-Meeks toured the facility and met with company leadership and workers.\n\nAt Gerdau, which employs 240 Iowans, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks discussed the impact of pro-growth policies she has fought for, including No Tax on Overtime, which Gerdau leadership confirmed is already leading to increased overtime hours for the company's workforce. She also toured the facility's clean steel operations, which recycle 96% of steel from scrap and reuse 97% of process water.\n\n\"Manufacturing remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth. It creates high-quality jobs, supports local businesses, strengthens supply chains, and provides the materials that build our roads, bridges, schools, farms, and industries. Every day, the Gerdau Wilton team produces steel that supports critical infrastructure and manufacturing across North America. We are grateful for the trust and support of the Wilton community, and we remain committed to being a responsible neighbor, an employer of choice, and a long-term partner in the region\u2019s economic success. Together, we are helping build a stronger future for Wilton, Iowa, and for the communities that depend on American manufacturing. We thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for visiting us, for her active engagement in the Congressional Steel Caucus, and her work to support the Wilton community.\" - Ricardo Rodrigues, Vice President & General Manager of Gerdau\u2019s Wilton Mill.\n\nAt SSAB in Muscatine, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks met directly with employees, fielding questions on energy policy, data center growth, and the future of domestic manufacturing. SSAB leadership credited steel utilization rates above 80% in part to the work Miller-Meeks has done in Congress as a member of the Congressional Steel Caucus, including her support for the Working Families Tax Cuts.\n\n\u201cWe are proud of the steel SSAB makes in Iowa and the people who make it. Every day, hundreds of dedicated team members bring the skill, experience, and commitment that allow us to safely produce the highest-quality steel in the world. We appreciate Congresswoman Miller-Meeks taking the time to visit our facility and learn more about who we are and what we do. SSAB Iowa has been an important part of Iowa's manufacturing economy for decades, and we're proud of the jobs we provide, the investments we make, and the positive impact we have on our state and our local community.\" - Tom Cox, President of SSAB Americas\n\nThe tour concluded at Clow Valve Co. in Oskaloosa, a leading manufacturer of fire hydrants and part of the family-owned McWane companies. Congresswoman Miller-Meeks toured the facility, where iron and brass are melted and poured domestically in full compliance with Build America, Buy America standards, and discussed the company's apprenticeship program, developed with the local community college to train Iowa's next generation of skilled workers.\n\n\"From Wilton to Oskaloosa, this tour reminded me why I fight for Iowa manufacturing every single day,\" said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. \"These companies, and the Iowans who show up to build things every day, are proof that American manufacturing is alive, well, and worth defending.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://nunn.house.gov/2026/08/13/nunn-ranked-third-most-bipartisan-member-of-the-u-s-house-by-nonpartisan-scorecard/", "Nunn Ranked Third Most Bipartisan Member of the U.S. House by Nonpartisan Scorecard", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "House", "IA", "Zachary Nunn", "N000193", "nunn.house.gov", "nunn", "https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/", "scraper", "DES MOINES, IA \u2014 Bridge Grades, a nonpartisan project that scores members of the U.S. House on how often they legislate across party lines, ranked Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) third among the 424 House members, awarding him a score of 99.4 out of 100.\n\n\u201cIn the Air Force, I learned that no successful mission can be completed alone,\u201d said Rep. Nunn. \u201cThat\u2019s how I\u2019ve legislated in Washington, and it\u2019s why I\u2019ve been able to turn Iowa priorities into bipartisan legislation signed into law under both President Biden and President Trump. Good ideas don\u2019t have a party affiliation. I\u2019ll keep working with anyone, Republican or Democrat, willing to roll up their sleeves and deliver for Iowa.\u201d\n\nBridge Grades is a nonpartisan project that scores members using public congressional records, including bill sponsorship and co-sponsorship data.\n\nRep. Nunn was also ranked among the top 10 most bipartisan members of the House by The Lugar Center and Georgetown University\u2019s McCourt School of Public Policy.\n\nThe full Bridge Grades rankings can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-whitehouse-statement-on-treasury-departments-final-rule-dismantling-key-element-of-corporate-transparency-act", "Grassley, Whitehouse Statement on Treasury Department\u2019s Final Rule Dismantling Key Element of Corporate Transparency Act", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "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 Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) released the following statement on the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network\u2019s (FinCEN\u2019s) decision to permanently exempt over 99% of entities previously required to report their beneficial ownership information under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).\n\nCongress passed the CTA on a strongly bipartisan basis to clamp down on criminals and foreign enemies hiding assets from U.S. law enforcement, national security officials and tax authorities. The CTA is widely considered the most important anti-money laundering law in decades.\n\n\u201cThe Treasury Department\u2019s final rule exempting U.S. based companies from the Corporate Transparency Act\u2019s reporting requirements undermines the clear intent of the law. The Act gave the federal government needed tools to address criminal activity like human trafficking, terrorist financing, drug distribution, sanctions evasion and more without unduly burdening legitimate commercial entities. This decision is an unfortunate one that fails to use all available tools to protect Americans and crack down on illicit financial schemes,\u201d the senators said.\n\nBackground:\n\nThe CTA was designed to play an important role in protecting national security and public safety by providing law enforcement and national security officials with the names of the true owners (\u201cbeneficial ownership information\u201d) of U.S. corporations and other legal entities. This information facilitates the government\u2019s efforts to combat various forms of illicit finance carried out through shell and front companies.\n\nIn March 2025, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced that it would not enforce the CTA\u2019s beneficial ownership information reporting rule when it comes to U.S. citizens or domestic reporting companies. The department also stated it would issue new proposed rulemaking that would narrow the scope of the rule to foreign reporting companies only. A few weeks later, the department published an interim final rule eliminating reporting requirements for more than 99% of corporations and LLCs that were previously required to report, as directed by Congress. This week\u2019s final rule makes permanent the sweeping exemptions and deletes all beneficial ownership information data that domestic companies had already submitted.\n\nGrassley and Whitehouse were original sponsors of the TITLE Act, the precursor to the Corporate Transparency Act. The CTA passed as part of the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act after more than a decade of bipartisan congressional deliberation. It was supported by a wide range of government, anti-corruption groups, human rights organizations, faith communities, financial institutions and real estate organizations.", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 12279, "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 \"state\" = :p0 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "IA"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 11356, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 923, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 10719, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 1560, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA", "results": [{"value": "IA", "label": "IA", "count": 12279, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA", "results": [{"value": "2019", "label": "2019", "count": 1741, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2019", "selected": false}, {"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 1633, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2018", "label": "2018", "count": 1472, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2018", "selected": false}, {"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 1127, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2017", "selected": false}, {"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 1002, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2015", "label": "2015", "count": 893, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2015", "selected": false}, {"value": "2013", "label": "2013", "count": 739, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2013", "selected": false}, {"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 734, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2024", "selected": false}, {"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 733, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2014", "label": "2014", "count": 672, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2014", "selected": false}, {"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 667, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2016", "selected": false}, {"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 449, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2023", "selected": false}, {"value": "2022", "label": "2022", "count": 290, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2022", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 127, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2021", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-08-13,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fgrassley-whitehouse-statement-on-treasury-departments-final-rule-dismantling-key-element-of-corporate-transparency-act", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&_next=2026-08-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fgrassley-whitehouse-statement-on-treasury-departments-final-rule-dismantling-key-element-of-corporate-transparency-act&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 711.503978818655, "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"}