{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"IA\" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-legislation-to-refurbish-the-pillars-of-american", "King Introduces Legislation to Refurbish the Pillars of American Exceptionalism", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Steve King", "K000362", "steveking.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a significant, capstone piece of legislation, The Refurbishing the Pillars of American Exceptionalism Act. The legislation, if enacted, would amend and improve Federal law in the areas of immigration, health care, the Constitution, education, trade, veterans' affairs, welfare, and tax, among numerous other areas. This large, comprehensive Act contains many of the bills Congressman King has championed during his nearly quarter century in the public service of Iowans and all Americans, including:\n \n\t\tH.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act (the Heartbeat Bill)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 185, the ObamaCare Repeal Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 385, Sarah's Law\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 902, the Protect American IPR Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 904, the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (New IDEA)\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 1319, the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 1320, the Census Accuracy Act\n\t\n\t\n\t\tH.R. 4651, the American Future Healthcare Act\n\t\n King's legislation also includes the FAIR Tax, repeal of the 16th Amendment, and a prescription for substantive welfare reform, among many other important provisions.\nFrom the start of my service in elected office, I committed to my constituents that I would work tirelessly for them and stay true to my principles, said King. This legislation is a capstone of my legislative work to make good on those promises to my constituents, while always simultaneously endeavoring to refurbish the pillars of American Exceptionalism. It is significant because it not only includes a comprehensive selection of the most important bills I've worked on and spent countless hours advocating for, but moreover because I have no doubt that if enacted, this legislation would set the United States on a path of cultural and economic growth that perhaps is unparalleled in the life of our nation. I encourage new Members of Congress and leaders across our nation to never allow fear, opposition or lies to stop you from being a thought leader and standing on principle. Our nation is greatly in need of those leaders who would stay true to their convictions, no matter the cost.\nIn addition to this Act, Congressman King also introduced three other measures today, including a resolution nullifying the impeachment of President Trump, his No Sanctuary for Criminals Act, and a bill to require agencies of the Federal Government to define the term service animal in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Justice.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-introduces-resolution-to-nullify-the-sham-impeachment-of-president", "King Introduces Resolution to Nullify the Sham Impeachment of President Donald J. Trump", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Steve King", "K000362", "steveking.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Today, Congressman Steve King introduced a resolution which nullifies the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, as if such impeachment had not occurred, due to a lack of a constitutional basis, the House of Representatives having failed to substantiate its allegations of Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors, which is required by the U.S. Constitution.\nWith this resolution, I reiterate and emphasize my following statement from this past February, I commend the United States Senate for voting to acquit President Trump. The House impeachment effort was illegitimate from the outset, and President Trump was correct to describe it as a witch hunt' brought by bitter partisans who never accepted that Americans preferred him to Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Since the Senate rightly acquitted President Trump last winter, subsequently released information, such as documents demonstrating no substantive basis for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation into the Trump Campaign's very much nonexistent Russian collusion, has only reinforced the utter innocence of the President, his campaign staff and administration. \nAs I stated in the complaint I submitted to the Ethics Committee before Christmas, the Constitution does not allow the people's House to be used as a cover for party machines and bosses. Using power and position to manufacture and perpetrate dishonest political narratives, complete with distortions and outright lies camouflaged as facts under the cover of official congressional business, is a gross and repugnant violation of the American people who are the very constituent parts of this government.\nPresident Trump has made great personal and professional sacrifices to lead our nation at this pivotal point in history when every objective standard, even truth itself, is being attacked, by those who continually seek to consolidate their own power and control through the devices of division, manipulation, fraud and outright lies. In his pursuit to provide the strong and bold leadership our nation needs, Congressional Democrats and Never Trumpers, bankrolled and spurred on by their billionaire class donors, repaid him with a rapid succession of deceitful attacks, perhaps none more baseless than the sham impeachment.\nHe has been exonerated in fact, and now this scourge on our Constitutional Republic needs to be nullified, as if it had never happened, because in a Constitutional body, committed to the Rule of Law, it never would have happened.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-counterfeit-vaccines-and-pandemic-fraud", "Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud", "2020-12-31", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A: Counterfeit Vaccines and Pandemic Fraud With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q: What are you doing to protect taxpayer dollars included in the pandemic relief laws?   A: Iowans work hard for their money. I work hard to protect hard-earned tax dollars from waste, fraud and abuse. In times of emergency, such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provides urgently needed support and resources to help Americans who have lost homes, farms, livelihoods and paychecks. 2020 has produced one crisis after another. The virus has killed more than 300,000 Americans. Too many families are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Congress approved $4 trillion this year to accelerate vaccine production and send emergency assistance to help health care professionals, unemployed workers, student borrowers, foster youth, farmers, households and small businesses struggling to stay afloat. This historic federal spending will add to the nation's $27 trillion debt. As a fiscal conservative, it's a tough pill to swallow. Iowans don't want to pass the buck on to our children and grandchildren. Borrowing money means every dollar consumed by interest payments means one less dollar for national security, infrastructure, health care and tax relief. The same goes for money lost to waste, fraud and abuse. For example, in the most recent $900 billion pandemic relief package, Congress approved $26 billion to help fight hunger and replenish food assistance programs. Starting Jan. 1, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will get a 15 percent bump in benefits. Lawmakers owe it to taxpayers to ensure this money is spent to feed hungry kids and their families who have fallen on hard times. Rooting out corruption, theft and fraud tied to pandemic spending is as important as ever. When Congress passed the CARES Act in March, I worked to sharpen the federal government's anti-fraud and oversight tools. I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the federal watchdog tasked to oversee pandemic spending could hit the ground running. The good news is Congress approved a Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery in the CARES Act. The bad news is my bill that would allow this office to get fully staffed and operational as quickly as possible wasn't included in the most recent pandemic package. Taxpayers don't want a dog and pony show in charge of oversight. Taxpayers deserve a watchdog with teeth and a bite to match. From my leadership posts in the U.S. Senate, I'll keep tabs on the public purse and exercise my constitutional oversight responsibilities as rigorously as ever.  Q: Do you have pandemic fraud on your radar that Iowans ought to be watching out for?  A: It's no secret that bad actors and fraudsters troll federal spending at every turn to take advantage of bloated bureaucracies and pluck the golden goose. My crusade against wasteful spending began at the Department of Defense four decades ago. I soon discovered the Pentagon was only the tip of the iceberg. More lawmakers need to join the oversight bandwagon and invest time and effort to cut fat and fraud from the federal ledgers. In December, I led a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers with Sens. Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis and Chris Coons to commend the Department of Homeland Security and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their pro-active efforts to combat pandemic-related fraud, including scams targeting unemployment benefits, illicit personal protective equipment and counterfeit vaccines. Operation Stolen Promise was launched in April by HSI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to combat fraud and criminal trafficking of COVID-19 goods. In the first eight months, the anti-fraud operation seized 1,654 items, such as counterfeit test kits, counterfeit masks and banned pharmaceuticals, netting $27.8 million in illicit proceeds. As Americans await their turn to get immunized and roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine, it's vital to reinforce confidence in the safety and integrity of the vaccine. That means the federal government must take decisive steps to stop the spread of misinformation about counterfeit vaccines and stop the sale of fake vaccines in the United States. I'll continue robust oversight throughout the New Year to ensure America puts its best foot forward in the pandemic recovery and that the public health is protected. I advise Iowans to be wary of scams and fraud. Always consult your health care provider and listen to public health officials so that you and your loved ones get immunized with the vaccines authorized by the FDA when it's your turn.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=F6699444-A32D-4656-8087-B6B30C56D44D", "Joni Ernst: As we head into the New Year, I will always put Iowa first.", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2020 has presented unique challenges for folks all across our state. The global pandemic coupled with a devastating derecho has been tough, but through it all we've witnessed the resilient spirit of Iowans.\r\nAs I safely and responsibly traveled Iowa on my sixth annual 99 County Tour  visiting every county in our beautiful state  I continued to listen to your stories, challenges, and successes to take your voices back to Washington.\r\nCOVID-19 was certainly top of mind for so many, and that's why I prioritized getting relief to families, workers, small businesses, farmers, and folks in all walks of life. I worked swiftly with Democrats and Republicans to secure billions in relief for more than 60,000 of our small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). And in the newest COVID-19 relief package, I again worked across the aisle to bolster the PPP.\r\nI've continued to be a strong advocate for our families; fighting to expand access to child care services, provide financial relief for family caregivers, crackdown on scammers targeting our seniors, and support our nursing homes and senior care facilities. Through the bipartisan CARES Act, I helped secure nearly $32 million in relief for Iowa child care centers and pushed for more assistance for Iowa's diaper banks. In the newest aid package, I worked in a bipartisan way to make sure our child care industry continues to have support.\r\nWhen it comes to health care, I've also worked hard with Democrats and Republicans to support Iowa's hospitals and health care systems throughout this pandemic  including expanded telehealth and mental health treatment  to push for lower health care and drug costs, and to expand access to care, especially for rural Iowans.\r\nHaving grown up on a farm in rural Iowa, the same community I still live in to this day, I understand the challenges our hardworking farmers face. With the pandemic and devastating derecho, things were that much tougher this year. That's why I pushed to secure immediate COVID help for our pork producers and strengthen our food supply chain. I successfully helped provide support for Iowa's dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers  and in the newest COVID-19 aid package, deliver more agriculture support.\r\nIn the immediate aftermath of the derecho, I met directly with Iowans and local leaders on the ground to help ensure recovery resources were available, including assistance for farmers and cooperatives impacted by the storm. Most recently, my bipartisan bill to provide tax relief to communities, families, and businesses hurt by the derecho was signed into law.\r\nWhen it comes to trade, I helped finalize the USMCA, supported getting the Phase One trade deal with China done, and pushed for a new deal with the U.K. And, of course, I've kept up the fight for our biofuel producers  always pushing to uphold the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). I helped get the gap year small refinery waivers thrown out, secured a commitment from the president to allow E15 at E10 pumps, and helped push the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow ethanol to be used for hand sanitizer.And just recently, after pushing Congressional leadership, we successfully made COVID relief accessible to renewable fuel producers.\r\nWhile there was a significant portion of this year focused on pandemic and derecho recovery, there was also a lot of other really important work we were able to get done for Iowans. As a combat veteran, and subcommittee chair on the Armed Services Committee, I take very seriously my duty to support our servicemembers and veterans. Throughout the year, I've continued my work to combat sexual assault in our military and military academies, and have taken action to prevent abuse at the VA. I've also built on my bipartisan efforts to ensure quality care for our vets, combat veteran suicide, and help veterans transition to civilian life. Through the annual defense bill, I helped military women have proper-fitting body armor and equip our troops for the battlefield with modern technology, including military systems built and developed right here in Iowa.\r\nWhether it was securing critical COVID relief, working to rebuild from the derecho, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statein 2020 I never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans.\r\nAs we head into the New Year, I'll continue to be your voice in Washington and to always put Iowa first.\r\nJoni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-2020", "Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 2020", "2020-12-30", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments of 2020.  While this past year has been challenging for us all, serving the people of Iowa is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making the government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans, Grassley said. Grassley holds at least one question-and-answer session in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year to hear concerns and answer questions on any subject from Iowans. In 2020, Grassley completed his annual county meetings for the 40th year in a row. Grassley holds meetings in a variety of settings to ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, including businesses, schools, town hall meetings, hospitals and factory floors. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made some of Grassley's meetings look a little different this year, the format remained the same: Iowans set the agenda. Grassley moved forward with his meetings in a safe and responsible way while following public health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the state of Iowa. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including:  In 2020, Grassley continued his annual social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch. These give followers an inside look at farming operations and to track the progression of corn and soybean crops grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa, from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside at least eight 15-minute meetings every Monday through Thursday to meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. While there were limitations this year due to the pandemic, Grassley was able to meet with Iowans virtually. Throughout 2020, Grassley met with more than 800 groups of Iowans and discussed a variety of policy issues such as trade, tax reform, prescription drug pricing as well as the many issues that have arisen during the pandemic. Grassley also joined Iowa schools for Q&As via video conferencing and, as an avid fan of Iowa universities, cheered on dozens of student-athletes at sporting events. This year, Grassley became the 10th longest-serving U.S. Senator in history and continued his constitutional duty serving as the Senate president pro tempore, a position historically bestowed upon the most senior member of the majority party in the upper chamber of Congress. Upon his swearing in, Grassley became third in the line of presidential succession following the vice president and the speaker of the House of Representatives. An Iowan has not held this position since Senator Albert B. Cummins in 1919. In his capacity as president pro tempore, Grassley aided in the selection process of the new Architect of the Capitol and nominated an Iowan to the U.S. Senate Curatorial Advisory board. He also played a role in many historic events this year including welcoming President Donald Trump into the chamber of the House of Representatives for the 68th annual State of the Union address and signing the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. Highlights of Grassley's legislative and oversight work follow here:  Agriculture: This year was particularly tough on the farming industry due to commodity prices taking a hit from the novel coronavirus, drought across West Central Iowa and an intense windstorm known as a derecho that caused widespread damage across central Iowa. However, through it all, farmers continued to plow ahead and support their communities. As the senior senator of one of the top agricultural states in the country and a family farmer, Grassley has been an outspoken advocate for farmers and Rural America.Throughout the various spending negotiations in Congress, Grassley was a staunch defender of family farms. He led the Iowa Congressional delegation in urging Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to ensure funds for the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) were replenished in the next government funding bill. He exposed Democrats for blocking crucial coronavirus relief, which included billions of dollars in assistance for farmers and agribusiness employees.When COVID-19 began affecting our meat supply chain, Grassley immediately raised concerns with his colleagues. Grassley has long focused on consolidation in the meatpacking industry and pressed USDA to protect independent producers. In May, Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation that would foster efficient markets and improve competition and transparency among packers that purchase cattle. Grassley first introduced this bill in 2002. The bill will require a minimum of 50 percent of a packer's weekly volume of beef slaughter to come as a result of purchases made on the open or spot market.While many around the country noticed higher prices at the grocery store due to these market disruptions, many cattle producers across the country could not get a bid on their animals. Grassley was one of the first lawmakers to seek an investigation to bring more transparency to the cattle industry. He called on the Departments of Justice and Agriculture to investigate potential market manipulation and other illegal activity by large meat packing companies in the cattle industry. President Trump echoed this call for an investigation into possible anticompetitive behavior in the beef industry.In June, Grassley sent a letter to USDA Secretary Perdue relaying the frustration of farmers about the lack of enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, and called for the report on the Holcomb, Kansas, fire to be released by August 9, 2020, or he would seek an audit of the USDA's enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Division. USDA took this issue seriously and released its report echoing the need for more transparency in the industry. Additionally, he partnered with Sen. Tester in sending a letter to Secretary Perdue recommending the department clarify an ambiguous proposed rule regarding the undue and reasonable preferences provision of the Packers and Stockyards Act.This year, Grassley also joined Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and a bipartisan group of colleagues to introduce the Securing All Livestock Equitably (SALE) Act. Quick turnaround between the purchase and resale of cattle by a dealer often leaves the rancher who originally owned the cattle with little recourse if a dealer defaults on a purchase because the livestock has often already been resold. The SALE Act would establish dealer statutory trusts, mimicking existing packer statutory trusts, for the purpose of ensuring that cattle sellers receive payment should a livestock dealer become insolvent. Grassley joined 30 members of Congress on a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging USDA Secretary Perdue to take immediate action to assist pork producers and maintain the pork food supply chain. As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, Grassley led his colleagues in sending an additional letter to USDA to recommend additional funding for farmers being forced to depopulate their livestock herds. Farmers faced an animal welfare crisis due to overcrowding and the challenge of providing enough feed and water available to each animal. Grassley also joined Iowa leaders, Sen. Joni Ernst, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig in sending a letter to Vice President Mike Pence and requested additional support from the Administration for the state's pork producers.In addition to livestock farmers, Grassley urged his colleagues to support dairy farmers around the country. Additionally, he joined Sen. Ernst, Gov. Reynolds, and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Naig in requesting the USDA to include egg producers and turkey producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). In the second round of CFAP payments, both egg and turkey producers were eligible.To make sure tax dollars are spent as intended to benefit the farmers who actually work the land instead of managers or corporations, Grassley has been a longtime advocate for farm payment limitations. This year, USDA initially announced a final rule on the implementation of payment limitations and the definition of actively engaged in farming as part of the 2018 Farm Bill, which would have required additional family members to provide either 25 percent of the total management hours required by the operation on an annual basis or perform at least 500 hours of management annually. Unfortunately, USDA recently reversed this rule. Prior to this reversal, Grassley requested an additional GAO review of the program. The GAO report concluded that while USDA has improved its completion of eligibility compliance review, additional oversight is needed. Grassley will continue his fight to close loopholes that have allowed some operations to exploit federal farm payments at taxpayer expense.Grassley joined the only other farmer in the U.S. Senate, Jon Tester (D-Montana), to address farmer mental health. Grassley and Tester authored the Seeding Rural Resilience Act which aims to curb growing rates of suicide in Rural America by implementing a voluntary stress management training program, creating a public service announcement campaign to raise awareness and directing the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state and local groups to identify best practices when responding to farm mental stress. This bill was successfully voted out of the Senate this summer and later became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.Diseases like African swine fever have the potential to devastate entire sectors of U.S. agriculture. With that in mind, Grassley cosponsored the Protecting America's Food & Agriculture Act of 2019 to address the shortage of agricultural inspectors who protect the nation's food supply and agricultural industries at the border. This legislation was signed into law by President Trump earlier this year.This year, the Trump administration kept its promise and successfully rolled back the harmful Obama-era Waters of the United States or WOTUS rule and replaced it with a workable rule that clearly defines what waters fall under federal jurisdiction. Grassley was a steadfast opponent of the original rule, which would have regulated 97 percent of Iowa farmland as a navigable waterway. This regulatory certainty will continue to help spur economic growth in Iowa and around the country while also ensuring individual property rights are protected.Enhancing water quality is critical to meeting the goals of Iowa's Nutrient Reduction Strategy and making improvements to Iowa's river and stream health. With that in mind, Grassley joined Sen. Ernst and a bipartisan group of senators to urge the USDA to make several changes to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to maximize the program's ability for producers to use the program to enhance both soil health and water quality.  Antitrust: Grassley joined Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) to introduce the Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules (SMARTER) Act. This bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to go through the same procedures that the Department of Justice (DOJ) must go through when enforcing antitrust law, and would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue merger review decisions expeditiously.Grassley also partnered with Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) in introducing the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act which extends whistleblower protections for employees who provide information to DOJ related to criminal antitrust violations. The Senate unanimously passed a similar version of the legislation in 2013, 2015 and 2017. This year, the legislation passed in both the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Trump in December. COVID-19: In February, when the world was just learning about COVID-19, oversight and investigations staff for Grassley, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), received a classified briefing from the HHS Office of National Security (ONS) regarding the coronavirus threat and the status of U.S. government efforts to combat the spread of the deadly virus. Grassley also was named to the bipartisan task force focused on safely re-opening America following the public health crisis. The task force includes Democrat and Republican members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.Grassley was an original proponent of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill providing funding to combat the spread of COVID-19. The funding package amounts to an $8.3 billion surge in resources to combat COVID-19 and provides comprehensive funding for efforts on the local, state, national and international levels.In March, Governor Reynolds declared a State of Public Health Emergency as confirmed COVID-19 cases rose. Grassley sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking that he promptly grant the Governor's request for an expedited review of the major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa as a result of multiple cases of COVID-19 detected in the state.  Small businesses across the country were hit particularly hard by associated COVID-19 restrictions. To address this, Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the CARES Act to help keep workers on the payroll by providing small businesses forgivable loans to cover payroll expenses. As the pandemic worsened, Grassley worked with his colleagues to provide additional funding to this program. While the Senate Democrats originally tried to block it, the additional funding later successfully went through. Grassley also worked with the Department of Treasury and the Small Business Administration on clarifying terms and eligibility of the program for Iowa businesses and bankers.For example, Grassley partnered with Finance Committee Ranking Member, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) urging the Department of Treasury to allow small businesses to deduct expenses associated with PPP loans that are ultimately forgiven. Ultimately, Grassley and many of his colleagues disagreed with Treasury's final guidance.Grassley worked with his colleagues to ensure the rural economy reaped the benefits of the CARES Act including additional funding for rural health centers, providers, programs, telehealth services and related infrastructure. Grassley also worked to secure relief for American agriculture. He worked to include $23.5 billion in the CARES Act to send emergency temporary relief to farm country to help survive the fall-out caused by the pandemic. Specifically, it set aside $9.5 billion for the USDA to directly support farmers and ranchers. The CARES Act also replenishes the Commodity Credit Corporation with $14 billion. Grassley called upon USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to use some of these additional funds to help support the biofuels industry, including resources for higher blends infrastructure at filling stations and to leverage the purchasing power of the federal government to buy excess farm commodities and replenish food pantries and nutrition programs across the nation. He then introduced legislation with Sen. Amy Klobuchar to make this a requirement. On December 21, the Senate passed an additional large legislative package including COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus, tax and health care policy extensions and government funding. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley championed several provisions including expanding unemployment insurance benefits, additional economic impact payments for individuals and families and extension of certain expiring provisions for families as well as small- and medium-sized businesses around the country. Additionally, under the Senate Finance Committee's jurisdiction, this package extends a number of important Medicare, Medicaid and other health policies, including boosting payments to doctors in Iowa and other rural areas. It also provides permanent coverage for mental health telehealth visits, which are helpful during the pandemic and will remain critical for many Americans afterward. And, it extends the period over which state and local governments can use money from the Coronavirus Relief Fund provided under the CARES Act by one year, giving more flexibility to state and local governments as they face spending challenges caused by the pandemic. It also provides additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. Grassley's full statement on the legislative package and further details on what is included can be found HERE.Grassley joined Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to introduce the bipartisan State and Local Coronavirus Relief Fund Extension Act to extend the year-end deadline for states to use federal CARES Act assistance, as well as any future funding to state and local governments, through 2021. The goal of this bill is to provide flexibility in uses of Coronavirus Relief Fund resources by allowing spending by states, localities, territories, and tribes on coronavirus responses to be covered over a longer period of time. Throughout the funding negotiations, Grassley worked to ensure the COVID-19 relief funds would go to those who actually needed it. With that in mind, Grassley introduced the COVID-19 Funding Accountability Act. This legislation would impose strict congressional oversight over the implementation of various funding in the CARES Act as well as create bipartisan oversight boards.Grassley criticized his Democratic colleagues when they wanted to impose a quarter of a trillion dollar retroactive tax increase on businesses in need of cash to restart their operations as states began to lift shut-down orders.Grassley also worked with Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in introducing a bill to protect recovery payments provided in the recent CARES Act pandemic response legislation from garnishment by private debt collectors.Grassley has been a longtime watchdog of waste, fraud and abuse. Unfortunately, throughout this pandemic, fraudsters have taken advantage of the American public through a variety of scams. Grassley wrote to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) encouraging the IRS watchdog to engage in a public awareness and education campaign informing Americans of scams and frauds related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the federal government's response.Grassley also partnered with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to call on DOJ to take vigorous action to protect consumers from price gouging during the coronavirus pandemic and help prevent the hoarding of essential medical supplies. Although Grassley took all of the appropriate and recommended precautions, the senator tested positive for COVID-19 after learning of an earlier exposure. Grassley quarantined per CDC and local public health guidelines and at the recommendation of his doctors. Due to his quarantine, Grassley was unable to cast votes on the Senate floor for the first time in 27 years. Grassley has cast 8,927 consecutive votes and continues to hold the record for longest length of time without missing a vote in the history of the Senate. Ultimately, Grassley was asymptomatic throughout his quarantine and was cleared to return to work by his doctors. Crime and Criminal Justice: All Americans have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including inmates in the state and federal prison system. Grassley and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the lead authors of the bipartisan First Step Act (FSA), led 12 of their colleagues in a bipartisan letter pressing DOJ and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to take necessary steps to protect the health and wellbeing of federal prison staff and inmates in Federal custody. They urged the release or transfer of the most vulnerable inmates to home confinement as permitted under the FSA. The senators called on BOP and DOJ to review and expedite current cases where the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program would allow for an early transfer  where appropriate  of terminally ill and eligible elderly inmates to home confinement. In April, Grassley and Durbin sent a follow up letter to the DOJ Inspector General's (IG) regarding its decision to assess whether facilities housing BOP inmates are complying with available guidance and best practices regarding preventing, managing, and containing potential COVID-19 outbreaks and asked them to expand the probe. As a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley also participated in a hearing titled, Examining Best Practices for Incarceration and Detention During COVID-19, where he pressed DOJ and BOP officials on the use of home confinement and adherence to CDC guidelines on social distancing, use of personal protective equipment, and other risk mitigation efforts in correctional facilities.  Also, in an effort to protect the most vulnerable inmates in our society, Grassley and Durbin introduced the COVID-19 Safer Detention Act. This bill expands eligibility for and provides judicial review of the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, and also provides for the compassionate release of federal prisoners based on COVID-19 vulnerability and shortens the waiting period of judicial review during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Grassley also led a letter to the Justice Department about its handling of COVID-19 in juvenile detention facilities. Along with Sens. Whitehouse and Ernst, Grassley urged the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to equip the juvenile justice system with consistent, reliable, and transparent information to help mitigate the impact of the virus on vulnerable youth.Grassley continued his work to protect children from predators online through his co-sponsorship of the EARN IT Act. This bill creates incentives for the tech industry to address online child sexual exploitation, by removing blanket immunity in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. It also establishes a National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention that will be responsible for developing voluntary best practices.  Defense Oversight: Grassley's extensive oversight work throughout his career has included a dogged pursuit for answers from the Pentagon over decades of wasteful spending and its inability to produce a clean financial audit.Grassley has conducted oversight to hold the DoD accountable for over four decades. He continued to press the Department on the new Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) program, alleged conflicts of interest pertaining to those charged with creating its bid and reported disputes between bidders and the Department. This comes after the Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) completed a review and provided recommendations in response to Grassley and members of Congress raising concerns about the JEDI program. Last year, Grassley sent a letter to then Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, seeking information on Department policies intended to mitigate conflicts of interest and prevent the tailoring of procurement requests to match a specific vendor, as alleged in the JEDI program procurement process. Grassley and several of his colleagues sent a letter to GAO in July 2018 requesting the agency conduct an independent review of the reasons behind the DoD's failure to acquire modern financial information technology systems capable of generating reliable information and supporting credible financial statements. The report was released in September and reaffirmed Grassley's longtime concerns about financial mismanagement and waste at the DoD. The Department is working towards a clean audit and updating its financial management systems. However, it's clear from this report the Pentagon has a long way to go. Grassley, along with the other requestors of the GAO report and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), also sent a letter earlier this year to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, urging them to include in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 certain provisions that would make progress towards a clean audit, including more detailed reporting to Congress on DoD financial management systems. Both of the provisions were ultimately included in the final version of the NDAA.Earlier this year, Grassley renewed inquiries into potential wasteful and inappropriate travel spending at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), specifically seeking full and complete answers to prior questions about multiple trips to Hawaii.Grassley joined Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to reintroduce the Military Justice Improvement Act in response to reports of mishandling military sexual assaults.Grassley and Gillibrand also introduced bipartisan legislation to require the military to establish a Safe to Report policy. According to a Department of Defense report, in fiscal year 2018, only 30% of sexual assaults in the military were reported. Studies show more survivors are empowered to come forward without the threat of retaliation, and the Safe to Report Act empowers survivors of sexual violence to report these incidents without fear of collateral misconduct charges for minor offenses. This legislation was included in the final version of the NDAA.Also included in the NDAA was a provision that Grassley championed along with other members of the Iowa and Illinois delegation that seeks to improve Army real-estate management. The provision establishes a pilot program to create an online real-estate management system at several Army installations, with the goal of helping the military and federal government use existing resources more efficiently.Additionally, Grassley expanded his probe into the Department's Office of Net Assessment's (ONA) contract compliance after reviewing troubling documents related to contracts awarded to Professor Stefan Halper. Those documents call into question ONA's stewardship of taxpayer dollars as well as its contract management and internal controls. In early 2019, Grassley requested the DoD Inspector General (IG) review allegations of mismanagement by ONA contracts for political, improper or wasteful activities. Grassley later sought information about ONA contracting processes following a DoD IG audit of the program, which found ONA could not provide sufficient documentation that Halper conducted all of his work in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Pentagon issued a corrective action plan for ONA in August.On January 23, 2020, Grassley sought an inspector general investigation into the manufacturing practices of Lockheed Martin's C-130J aircraft after whistleblower reports alleged a lack of oversight by the DoD has resulted in significant health and safety concerns. On October 8, 2020, Grassley sought additional information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the manufacturing practices of Lockheed Martin's C-130J after learning of discrepancies in the initial investigation. Derecho Recovery: From year to year, natural disasters take place across the country. In August, many Iowans experienced a historic derecho. Immediately after the storm hit, Grassley visited Cedar Rapids to survey damage, meet with residents affected by the storm and visit a local nonprofit assisting in relief efforts. Grassley and Ernst also participated in a roundtable discussion with 20 nonprofit leaders and the Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The local nonprofits assisted with housing, case management, mental health, volunteer coordination, food access and legal assistance. Iowa's agricultural community faced significant damage and new challenges resulting from the storm. Grassley led the Iowa congressional delegation in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Perdue urging a prompt approval of Gov. Reynolds Secretarial Disaster Designation request for 57 Iowa counties that suffered losses as a result of the derecho. Following this request, Grassley and Ernst sent an additional letter to USDA requesting it provide additional support for Iowa farmers impacted by the derecho and severe drought. They also sent a letter requesting additional funding for Iowa agricultural cooperatives.In addition to tens of millions of acres of damaged crops, grain bins across the state were destroyed. Grassley and Ernst requested the U.S. Department of Commerce lift Section 232 tariffs on steel that will be used in Iowa's derecho recovery, especially on steel used for rebuilding grain bins and machine sheds. Grassley worked with Ernst to file legislation to provide tax relief to Iowans affected by the derecho. The legislation would provide certain employers a tax credit for retaining employees, enhance the tax deduction for disaster-related personal casualty losses, and facilitate enhanced access to tax-exempt retirement plans, among other benefits. Additionally, Grassley and Ernst worked to ensure Iowans affected by the derecho weren't victims of fraud. They sent a letter to the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate price-gouging scams. DOJ/FBI: Grassley and Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) continued their investigation into the fatal shooting of Bijan Ghaisar by U.S. Park Police in 2017. Grassley first contacted the FBI in December 2018 about its investigation into the shooting, and the FBI responded in March with little information, prompting a follow-up letter from Grassley. Since then the senators also have pressed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide details on specific reforms being implemented to avoid a repeat of its drawn-out and opaque investigation of U.S. Park Police's fatal shooting of Bijan Ghaisar.This legislative session, Grassley and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who chairs the Senate Homeland Security Committee, persistently contacted U.S. Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray to investigate the origins of the FBI's Russia investigation, code-named Crossfire Hurricane, to bring transparency to FBI mismanagement. Grassley has long been skeptical of the FBI's justification to spy on Carter Page, including its reliance on the debunked anti-Trump dossier, which was compiled by a former British spy, sub-sourced to Russian officials and paid for by then-candidate Trump's Democrat political opponents. The DOJ inspector general determined the dossier to be central and essential to the FBI's Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant application. The inspector general also determined the FBI's applications included at least 17 errors and omissions and over 50 errors and omissions in the Woods File. After further reviewing the DOJ OIG report on Crossfire Hurricane, Grassley and Johnson sent Barr a follow up letter requesting the declassification of four footnotes in the report on FISA abuses in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Those footnotes were later declassified and showed how Russian disinformation infected the Steele Dossier.On April 25, 2019, Grassley and Johnson wrote to the DOJ regarding the FBI and how it may have used a counterintelligence briefing to conduct surveillance on the Trump transition team during Crossfire Hurricane.In April, Grassley and Johnson requested additional Crossfire Hurricane records after the declassified footnotes revealed the Steele Dossier contained reported Russian disinformation.On May 12, 2020, Grassley and Johnson requested a list of Obama-era officials that unmasked Lt. Gen. Flynn. In response, the Intelligence Community provided a list that included then-Vice President Biden as one of the Obama-era officials that requested to unmask Flynn.In November, Grassley and Johnson also sent a letter to Barr requesting the full declassification of briefing notes for then-Director James Comey summarizing the FBI's investigative efforts regarding Crossfire Hurricane.On October 13, 2020, Grassley and Johnson also sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray warning the bureau's recent production of limited text messages from former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was unacceptable and the FBI must produce all records in compliance with previous requests.On October 15, 2020, Grassley and Johnson sent another letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe seeking an unredacted version of a spreadsheet created to attempt to corroborate allegations made in the discredited Steele Dossier.Grassley and Johnson also released a majority staff report detailing how the FBI and Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Office secretly sought and received access to the private records of Donald J. Trump's presidential transition team, Trump for America, Inc., despite an agreement between the Trump transition team and the General Services Administration that those records were the transition team's private property that would not be retained at the conclusion of the transition. Grassley also pressed DOJ for details on steps taken to recover material deleted from mobile devices assigned to Mueller's team, and investigate potential violations of federal record keeping laws. Many of those deletions occurred after the agency watchdog discovered anti-Trump texts on then-FBI agent Peter Strzok's government-issued phone, and after the DOJ IG began reviewing the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.On December 1, 2020, news broke that Barr had appointed U.S. Attorney John Durham to be special counsel in his ongoing review of the origins of the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Grassley praised this decision.On December 3, 2020, Grassley and Johnson released over 400 pages of records acquired from the DOJ, FBI and State Department during their investigation into the FBI's mishandling of the Crossfire Hurricane investigation. The production includes recently declassified material that illustrate the flawed decision-making process by federal officials during Crossfire Hurricane.As part of Grassley's ongoing FARA oversight, he called on the Justice Department to evaluate whether Hunter and James Biden should have registered as foreign agents for their business arrangements with the Chinese government-back energy company CEFC, in compliance with the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The company was actively seeking to build influence in the United States when it partnered with the Bidens. Drug Prices: Grassley has long raised concerns about lack of transparency in the pharmaceutical industry and the prescription drug supply chain. This year, he also highlighted high prescription drug prices and the concerning trend that the price of many medications are increasing faster than inflation.   As researchers around the world are racing to find a vaccine to combat COVID-19, Grassley welcomed news from Pfizer and Operation Warp Speed accelerating the response to end the pandemic.As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley and Wyden also partnered on a bipartisan investigation into insulin prices. They sent letters to leading insulin manufacturers, seeking information regarding recent price increases of up to 500% or more for insulin, a treatment available for diabetes for nearly 100 years. This year, they expanded that investigation and warned those companies that were not cooperating.Grassley also joined several of his colleagues in introducing the PRICE Transparency Act. This legislation would codify the two health care price transparency rules that came out of President Trump's Improving Price and Quality Transparency in American Healthcare Executive Order which requires hospitals and insurers to reveal their low, discounted cash prices and negotiated rates to consumers before they receive medical care. On June 2, 2020, Grassley chaired a hearing titled, COVID-19 and Beyond: Oversight of the FDA's Foreign Drug Manufacturing Inspection Process. The hearing was based on Grassley's oversight work on the FDA's foreign drug manufacturing facility inspection process and highlighted the risks associated with drugs manufactured in foreign countries, especially China, and imported to the United States. At the hearing, Grassley introduced into the Committee record thousands of pages of records that he acquired during his FDA investigation relating to China- and India-based drug manufacturing facilities.Over the years, Grassley has called on pharmaceutical companies to list prices of their prescription drugs in direct-to-consumer advertisements. In 2019, HHS made good on the promise and finalized a rule requiring price disclosure on TV ads for prescription drugs. However, that rule was challenged by pharmaceutical companies in court and recently overturned. Grassley will continue working to increase transparency from pharmaceutical companies. Education: Grassley continued to confront the issue of academic freedom this year. In 2019, he sent letters to the presidents of Duke University, Harvard University, Sarah Lawrence College and Villanova University, seeking information on the current culture of academic freedom on campus. This fall, Grassley followed up on that issue by sending a letter to his colleagues discussing the responses of those colleges and universities. In that letter, he stated the mission of colleges and universities should be to develop the character of young adults by challenging them with new ideas rather than making them feel safe. Grassley concluded his letter by stating, [O]ur colleges and universities must ensure that their professors can freely teach their students and that students are free to learn, without retribution. While working in Washington, Grassley highlighted Iowa's academic excellence for his colleagues. He praised the state's highest four-year graduation rate in Iowa's history, at 91.6 percent. He also applauded the University of Iowa's independent newspaper, The Daily Iowan, which was named the Best All-Around Daily Student Newspaper by the Society of Professional Journalists. Election Integrity: With another presidential election in 2020, the spotlight was once again on Iowa and the first in the nation caucuses. The Iowa caucuses are an example of grassroots democracy. While not every part of the caucus went according to plan this year, Grassley joined Ernst and Gov. Reynolds in supporting the integrity of the process and demonstrated the seriousness Iowans take in their civic duty.The COVID-19 pandemic presented many unique challenges in 2020. However, election officials around the country worked diligently to ensure a safe and secure election this November. In Iowa, Secretary of State Paul Pate mailed an absentee ballot request form to every registered Iowa voter for the November election and the state saw a record turnout. Congress in March unanimously approved a $10 billion loan for the U.S. Postal Service to respond to pandemic-related uncertainties. However, the USPS assured lawmakers that it had enough cash on hand to maintain operations through next year even without that loan. In fact, the USPS reported a record amount of cash on hand due to the increase in package deliveries during the pandemic. Even with this additional bipartisan funding, many Democrats continued to undermine faith in the electoral process. Grassley strongly condemned such statements on the Senate floor. Energy: As a champion of renewable fuels and an all-of-the-above American energy policy, Grassley continued his extensive work to enact responsible energy policies throughout 2020. Grassley was a leader in the effort to allow the sale of year-round E15.Grassley has continued to lead the fight to maintain a strong Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). He led efforts to pressure the EPA to stop issuing hardship waivers to obligated refiners as well as make the waiver process more transparent and highlighted the importance of the RFS to President Trump. Grassley joined Ernst in voting against Mark Menezes, nominated to be Deputy Secretary of Energy due to lack of transparency among the agencies.Much of Grassley's energy agenda focused on the RFS. Grassley worked extensively with Senate colleagues, President Trump and the EPA to expand renewable energy and fulfill congressional intent on the RFS. This year, Grassley slammed the proposed Zero-Emission Vehicles Act which would require 50 percent of sales for new passenger vehicles to be all electric by 2025 and mandate 100 percent of new sales for the U.S. passenger transportation fleet by 2035. Grassley joined his partner in the Senate, Ernst, in sending a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting clarification on its temporary policy for the manufacture of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than wait for the economy to rebound, biofuel producers across Iowa shifted production to manufacture hand sanitizer to help meet the needs of their communities across the state.Last year, Grassley and Ernst fought hard to include the biodiesel tax credit in the year-end funding package. In February, the two Iowa senators called on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to promptly process 2018-2019 biodiesel tax credit claims.In addition to ethanol and biodiesel, Grassley highlighted the importance of wind energy in Iowa and around the country.  Federal Judiciary: As a former chairman and senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassley rigorously vetted and reviewed judicial nominations to ensure our federal judges will interpret and apply the law as written, not legislate from the bench based on policy preferences.President Trump has made an effort to nominate constitutionalist and textualist judges who understand the role of the judiciary in our constitutional system. Under Grassley's leadership, the Judiciary Committee oversaw the confirmation of a record 30 circuit court judges, which is the most circuit court confirmations in the first two years of any presidency in history, and in 2020, the Senate has confirmed a record number of circuit court nominees. These confirmations will have an important impact on our country for decades to come.Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in September, leaving behind a historic legacy that will live on for generations. With an opening on the highest court in the land, Grassley supported Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in moving forward to fill the vacancy. In 2016, citing a divided government, then-Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley and his committee colleagues exercised their constitutional authority to withhold consent on any nominee prior to the completion of the election. The circumstances were different in 2020, where the American people elected a Republican President and Senate in 2016 and expanded the Republican Senate majority in 2018.Later that month, President Trump nominated Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court. Grassley met with Judge Barrett and vetted her credentials. Grassley strongly supported Judge Barrett in the hearings and urged his colleagues to support her in the final vote before the full senate. In late October, the Senate approved Judge Barrett's nomination by a vote of 52-48. As Senate President pro tempore, Grassley presided over the vote.Throughout Justice Barrett's confirmation process, he admonished Democrats who were threatening to pack the courts with partisan judges.Throughout the pandemic, the Supreme Court allowed live audio streams of oral arguments conducted via teleconference following pandemic-induced lockdowns. The unprecedented live audio feed broadened access to real-time proceedings far beyond the Court's limited seating capacity even in normal times. The move sparked widespread praise from transparency advocates and the general public. Grassley and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) renewed their push to allow live video coverage of court proceedings even after the pandemic restrictions are lifted. Foster youth, adoption, families and elder care: Throughout his congressional career, Grassley has advocated for children and families. He continued his work on these issues in 2020 by developing policies aimed at protecting special needs children, preventing elder abuse, encouraging elder independence and promoting funding for programs to improve family health.Grassley has long been a leader in the effort to protect older Americans, especially those living in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Grassley has helped lead congressional oversight of nursing homes and their response to the deadly pandemic.In April, Grassley wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and CMS Administrator Seema Verma regarding several issues related to the outbreak of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the country. Grassley expressed concerns about testing capacity, inconsistencies in data tracking, a lack of PPE and transparency in federal spending. Following Grassley's call on CMS to require nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to report all cases of COVID-19 to the federal government, the agency took such steps to ensure transparency and usable data.In July, Grassley and Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) introduced the Emergency Support for Nursing Homes and Elder Justice Reform Act of 2020, which would improve existing programs to protect older Americans and provide help to nursing homes and their staff providing care for vulnerable residents. The legislation includes several provisions to help nursing homes manage COVID-19 outbreaks, including the establishment of specialty regional strike teams and extends COVID-19 related reporting requirements through the end of 2020. The bill calls on states receiving federal relief assistance to devote some funding to tele-visitation programs so nursing home residents aren't isolated from family throughout the pandemic. It also renews and reauthorizes funding for several programs enacted in the Elder Justice Act of 2009 and boosts transparency and accountability measures for underperforming nursing homes.Following the Trump administration's announcement that it would require weekly testing of nursing home staffers and the disbursement of an additional $5 billion in funding to these facilities, Grassley praised the action as a big step in the right direction, which will help further protect the lives and health of both the residents of nursing facilities and the dedicated staff who care for them.As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley continued his oversight work and released a comprehensive report on care in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in the United States during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The report, titled COVID-19 and Nursing Homes: What Went Wrong and Next Steps, reviews U.S. nursing home performance during the first eight months of the pandemic.He also sent a letter to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at HHS requesting the OIG initiate an investigation into whether or not five states  California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania  violated federal guidance in pressuring nursing home facilities to accept patients who tested positive for COVID-19.  Grassley partnered with Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), to protect seniors with dementia from harm and exploitation. The Promoting Alzheimer's Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act successfully passed out of the Senate and would ensure the Department of Justice's elder abuse training materials take into account individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Grassley, in his capacity as Senate Finance Committee Chairman, convened a bipartisan working group to address federal paid family leave policies. The working group considered ideas and principles relating to the issue of paid family leave and reviewed existing legislation introduced by several senators on and off the committee and from both parties.In the year-end COVID-19 economic relief and funding legislative package, Grassley advocated for additional support for the elder community. This legislation included $100 million to support elder justice initiatives, including 50 million for state adult protective service agencies as they cope with unique challenges of serving vulnerable populations during the pandemic. Good Government and Transparency: Grassley has been a longtime advocate for inspectors general and government oversight regardless of political party and administration. On April 8, 2020, Grassley led a bipartisan group of lawmakers in calling on President Trump to provide a detailed written explanation for his decision to remove an inspector general. In the letter, the lawmakers underscore the important role inspectors general play in holding agencies accountable and outline the removal procedures, which are designed to prevent political interference. This comes after two inspectors generals were terminated this spring.On April 14, 2020, Grassley and Wyden wrote to Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in his role as chair of the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), regarding CIGIE's role in the inspector general nominating process. They inquired about the CIGIE recommendation process, the consistency of its advice to the White House, the rate at which its advice is taken by the White House and how often CIGIE has expressed concerns about IG vacancies.Following complaints from dozens of whistleblowers, Grassley and his colleagues also continued their investigation into whistleblower allegations of low morale and low productivity at the Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General. On October 6, 2020, Grassley led a bipartisan letter to the House and Senate Armed Services Committee Conference urging the protection of the work of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The Senate-passed version of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included language that would have limited SIGAR's jurisdiction to just six reconstruction funds and severely restricted SIGAR's oversight of reconstruction spending, to exclude oversight authority over internationally monitored trust funds like the World-Bank-administered Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, military construction, human rights and anti-corruption assistance, and certain counternarcotics programs. This section was removed from the House and Senate Conference NDAA, preserving SIGAR's oversight authority over crucial overseas funds.Grassley joined his colleagues, Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) to change the authority of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to conduct a thorough and rigorous review of independent agencies' regulations. Currently, independent agencies are not required to undergo a review by OIRA. They wrote, in part, Although these agencies have been created with certain protections designed to insulate them from the political process, they are not a fourth branch of government that is exempt from Congressional and Executive oversight.On February 5, 2020 Grassley and Johnson sought records of Hunter Biden's travel while he was under U.S. Secret Service protection as part of their investigation into potential conflicts of interest among the Biden family when Joe Biden was Vice President.Grassley and Johnson faced unhelpful challenges from their Democratic colleagues regarding their oversight work. In February they rebuked their colleagues who attempted to undermine legitimate oversight by selectively leaking information from their Biden investigation. In August, they urged their colleagues to stop falsely claiming the Ukraine/Biden investigation was subject to Russian disinformation.On September 23, 2020, Grassley and Johnson released a report that revealed millions of dollars in questionable financial transactions between Hunter Biden and his associates and foreign individuals, including individuals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. They later released a supplemental report with new information which confirmed connections between the Biden family and the communist Chinese government, as well as the links between Hunter Biden's business associates and the Russian government.In October, news broke referencing an alleged Hunter Biden laptop with additional pertinent information relating to Grassley and Johnson's investigation. They immediately sent a letter to United States Secret Service Director James Murray highlighting references to Hunter Biden's travel from recently published emails that appear to align with Secret Service records previously produced to the committees. The chairmen also requested records to verify whether the Secret Service traveled with Hunter Biden after he apparently discontinued his protective detail.Grassley joined Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal financial management by updating the Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990. The CFO Act created a new foundation for federal financial management and established a fiscal management reporting and leadership structure.Additionally, Grassley partnered with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) to introduce bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability within the federal government. The Oversight.gov Authorization Act would formally authorize the establishment and maintenance of a website to help the public more easily access reports that have been generated by the independent work of Inspectors General.Grassley, and Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) requested information about the federal government's ability to timely respond to public records requests in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to the Justice Department's Office of Information Policy (OIP), the senators, all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, noted reports of decreased capability to process Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and other concerning developments, including the FBI's decision to stop accepting electronic requests altogether. The senators also released the findings of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled Freedom of Information Act: Federal Agencies' Recent Implementation Efforts.Grassley continued his work to ensure Social Security remains strong for generations to come. Along with House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Grassley wrote to the Chief Actuary of Social Security regarding the use of his office for political purposes and pushed for public clarifications to recently published analysis that has allowed for partisan misinformation to be spread by Democrats. As the leading Republican tax writers, Grassley and Brady argued that Social Security's actuaries should not be used for political purposes. The Chief Actuary of Social Security promptly responded with a letter and affirmed that he was not aware that anyone has proposed legislation like Senate Democrats outlined in a recent request, which they subsequently used to spread false and misleading partisan messaging. Grassley took to the Senate floor to set the record straight and urged his Democratic colleagues to stop spreading misinformation to scare Social Security beneficiaries.In October, Grassley and Brady again reached out to request more information on how the Office of the Chief Actuary functions, particularly in responding to requests from outside groups, using taxpayer dollars. Given the finite resources available and the important services the SSA provides to Americans, it is essential that the agency's budget is used wisely. For that reason, we are seeking additional information regarding practices of the Office of the Chief Actuary for information, analysis, and/or technical assistance requested by non-government individuals and organizations, the members wrote.In December, Grassley and Brady requested that the Chief Actuary of Social Security explain misleading testimony that the actuary presented before a congressional committee in July. In that testimony, the Chief Actuary appeared to have been attempting to provide justification for lack of prior action on an important issue in Social Security by Congress. As the letter from Grassley and Brady to the Chief Actuary identified: It is not the job of anyone at the Social Security Administration to justify decisions made by Congress and we are concerned by your recent attempt to do so. Health Care: With the COVID-19 pandemic, families faced unique challenges accessing health care services. Recognizing this, Grassley introduced the bipartisan Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act to help families access life-saving care for children with complex medical conditions. The legislation aims to facilitate access to care while retaining program safeguards and reducing regulatory burdens on providers. This legislation builds off the Grassley-sponsored Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act, which was signed into law in 2019, which makes it easier for the many providers who treat children with complex conditions to coordinate care and improve outcomes.In September, Grassley fought to include the Medicare Part B Premium Adjustment provision in the Senate appropriations bill. This will protect Medicare beneficiaries from an expected spike in the Part B premium for 2021 caused by economic conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grassley also authored a provision to address concerns with the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. This provision delays the date on which hospitals and other providers must start to repay Medicare Accelerated and Advance payment loans and makes other changes to relax repayment terms, while protecting the Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund. Throughout the pandemic, Grassley worked with the Trump administration on a variety of health care policies. He praised the Administration's reforms to the Medicaid program which will allow more flexibility for states while they continue to care for and protect individual Americans and communities at most risk.Grassley also followed up with the FDA this year to ensure Americans can access over-the-counter hearing aids without delay. Grassley's Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which was signed into law in 2017 to remove outdated regulations blocking consumer access to affordable hearing aids, required the FDA to issue these proposed regulations no later than August 18, 2020, but the FDA has yet to do so.Grassley partnered with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to introduce a bipartisan resolution designating the week of October 5 through October 9 2020, as Malnutrition Awareness Week. The resolution recognizes the impact the pandemic has had on vulnerable populations and supports emergency funding for federal nutrition programs to combat malnutrition. Grassley also highlighted mental health awareness month and the services available to Iowans during this difficult time.Over the years, Congress has considered a number of initiatives aimed at addressing maternal health. Grassley and Ranking Member Wyden asked stakeholders to submit data and findings on factors contributing to poor maternal health outcomes in the United States. The Senate Finance Committee leaders also requested specific, evidence-based solutions to address those factors and improve maternal health. In addition, in June 2020, Grassley wrote a letter to every member of the Senate Finance Committee soliciting ideas for how to address racial and ethnic health disparities.Grassley also continued his oversight work into the nation's organ donation and procurement system. In October, he sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This probe comes after numerous inspector general audits and news reports raised questions about the adequacy of patient safety standards, suggested thousands of available organs are not being used and highlighted questionable financial practices of some organ procurement organizations (OPOs). This letter is part of the ongoing investigation into the conduct of the nation's organ procurement organizations, and the oversight gaps present in the U.S. organ donation and procurement system. In February, Grassley and Wyden jointly initiated this bipartisan investigation with Senators Young and Cardin when they sent an expansive request for information and data to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), which was contracted by Congress nearly four decades ago to oversee the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN). This investigation is ongoing.In April 2019, Grassley and Wyden jointly began investigations of organizations in their home states that provide services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This December, they released two investigative reports regarding the performance and efficacy of providers REM Iowa and MENTOR Oregon, which receive significant federal funding through Medicaid to provide care for individuals with I/DD. Grassley's review of REM Iowa found that the company has had and continues to face problems, including failures to report abuse or neglect, failures to follow an individual's particular care plan and failures to adhere to clients' medication schedules. Grassley's report makes three specific recommendations to REM Iowa: improve training practices for employees, improve access to data and establish a process to track and monitor critical incidents using electronic databases. Grassley's report also recommends that the federal and state governments improve oversight, outreach and support for facilities facing systemic issues.On December 2, 2020, Grassley wrote a letter to every member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees about the need for new attention to the tax laws governing non-profit hospitals. In late 2019, Grassley announced he was renewing his probe of non-profit, tax-exempt hospitals. It's time for Americans to have more financial information available to them when going to the hospital and working with their insurance companies. It's time for Congress to empower Americans to shop for healthcare in a competitive, functional market so as to reduce the costs of care and coverage, and save individuals and businesses hundreds of billions of dollars, Grassley wrote. Housing: Grassley joined a bipartisan group of senators to introduce legislation to protect property owners whose assets are seized by the federal government. An earlier version of the bill was introduced in 2016, following a Judiciary Committee hearing that examined several concerns associated with law enforcement asset seizure policies and practices. The hearing identified gaps in procedural protections for property owners whose assets were seized despite the absence of criminal charges or convictions. Additionally, many individuals whose assets are seized don't know their rights and don't know how to proceed to challenge the seizure. Illegal, illicit drugs, and opioids: In 2020, Grassley continued his longtime work addressing illegal and illicit drug manufacturing and addiction in the U.S. He joined Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) in introducing the Methamphetamine Response Act, a bill declaring methamphetamine an emerging drug threat which would require the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop, implement and make public a national plan to prevent methamphetamine addiction and overdoses from becoming a crisis. This bill passed the Senate on November 16, 2020 but wasn't considered for final passage in the House of Representatives.Grassley also cosponsored the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. President Trump signed this bill into law in February, which extends a Drug Enforcement Administration temporary scheduling order to proactively control deadly fentanyl analogues. Fentanyl-related overdose deaths continue to rise and sophisticated drug trafficking organizations manipulate dangerous substances to skirt the law, so this critical law placed fentanyl substances in Schedule I so that they can be better detected and criminals can be held accountable for their actions. This Grassley supported law sunsets in May of 2021. Grassley and Ernst once again urged Iowans to participate in National Drug Take-Back Day. Unused, unneeded and expired prescription medicines present risk for misuse and theft. Responsible disposal can help prevent accidental poisoning, addiction and overdose deaths.As Chairman of the Senate Finance Finance Committee, Grassley initiated a bipartisan investigation with Ranking Member Ron Wyden, and sent letters to 10 tax-exempt organizations requesting information about their financial relationship with opioid manufacturers. This is a continuation of the investigation Grassley started in 2012, when he was Ranking Member of Judiciary. This investigation requested payme", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0221051A-F1E6-43CF-B61D-00D023FE4CE3", "In 2020, Joni Keeps Fighting, Delivering for Iowa", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  From securing critical, bipartisan COVID relief for Iowa families, small businesses, hospitals, and farmers, to continuing to hear directly from and be accessible to Iowans across the state on her annual 99 County Tour, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) continued to fight relentlessly and deliver for her home state of Iowa in 2020.\r\n\r\nThis past year, we Iowans have experienced trying times, but we've also seen the resilient spirit of our state. Whether securing critical COVID relief, fighting tooth and nail to defend the RFS, or continuing to be accessible to Iowans across our statethroughout it all, I've never stopped fighting relentlessly and delivering for all Iowans. Of course, the work doesn't stop here, and as we head into the New Year, I'll continue fighting for our families, farmers, and small businesses, being your voice in Washington, and always putting Iowa first said Senator Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above to watch my video. \r\n  \r\n\r\nSome highlights of 2020:\r\n\r\n \r\nFighting for Iowa Small Businesses  Delivered billions of dollars of COVID relief to more than 60,000 Iowa small businesses through the first installment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP); pushed Congress and delivered additional support for Iowa small businesses.\r\nAccessibility and the 99 County Tour  Completed her sixth 99 County Tour; has held a public town hall or event in every county in Iowa  from the most populated county, Polk County, to the smallest, Adams County.\r\nStanding Up for Farmers, Securing Trade Deals  Fought tooth and nail for Iowa pork producers by securing immediate COVID assistance and strengthening the supply chain; successfully pushed for support for Iowa dairy, turkey, egg, and cattle producers; worked across the aisle to bolster support for farmers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC); and finalized the USMCA, supported the Phase One China trade deal, and pushed for a trade deal with the UK.\r\nDefending the RFS, Fighting for Biofuels  Delivered key provisions in the latest COVID relief package to provide support for Iowa biofuel producers; after blocking a key EPA nominee, Ernst successfully pushed EPA to throw out the gap year waivers; secured a commitment from the president to allow E15 at E10 pumps and, at her urging, applauded USDA's investment in renewable fuel infrastructure in Iowa; called for and commended the ethanol agreement with Brazil; and, earlier in the year, pushed for COVID relief for biofuel producers and pushed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow ethanol to be used for hand sanitizer.\r\nSupporting Iowans Hurt By the Derecho  Met directly with Iowans on the ground and with local leaders immediately after the storm hit and helped make resources available; called on USDA to provide assistance for farmers and cooperatives impacted by the storm; took action to go after scammers and price-gougers who were targeting Iowans; and pushed for tax relief for Iowans impacted by the storm.\r\nCaring for Veterans, Bolstering the Military  Demandedanswers about sexual misconduct at U.S. military academies, worked across the aisle to combat assault in the Coast Guard, and took action to prevent abuse at the VA; pushed for equipment and policies to better prevent traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pressed for answers about conditions leading to TBI in veterans; built on her bipartisan work for veterans to ensure quality care for our veterans, combat veteran suicide, and help veterans transition to civilian life; and fought the bureaucracy to get female servicemembers proper-fitting body armor.\r\nMaking em Squeal  Pushed back on Washington waste and frivolous spending with her monthly Squeal Award; called for unused government cash to go toward emergency PPE and medical equipment; worked to ban U.S. tax dollars from being spent at China's wet markets and the Wuhan lab; fought to eliminate a taxpayer-funded presidential campaign fund; and worked to ban taxpayer funding of anarchy in U.S. cities.\r\nSupporting Hospitals, Lowering Health Costs, Expanding Access to Care  Delivered vital relief for Iowa hospitals and rural health care providers in the latest COVID relief package; secured support for Iowa's hospitals, including those in rural areas, and pushed to ensure hospitals' access to the Paycheck Protection Program; continued her bipartisan work to lower health care costs for Iowans and increase transparency to reduce drug prices; called for expanded telehealth services; and continued working with Senator Grassley to drive down Rx drug costs.\r\nDelivering for Families, Seniors  Continued be a strong advocate for expanding child care services; secured $32 million in COVID relief for Iowa child care centers and additional funding for centers in the latest COVID package; called for additional support for diaper assistance amid COVID; continued supporting family caregivers; called for a crackdown on scammers targeting seniors during COVID; pushed for support for nursing homes and senior care facilities.\r\nPromoting Women, Conservative Values  Voted to confirm Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, who Ernst described as an inspiration for working moms and young girls across the country; was unanimously reelected to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference; led the effort to eliminate female genital mutilation and fully denounce it as a human rights violation; and helped create the law to safeguard the resources for investigating sexual abuses of Olympic and amateur athletes.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-leads-inquiry-use-debit-cards-next-round-economic-impact-payments", "Rep. Axne Leads Inquiry on Use of Debit Cards for Next Round of Economic Impact Payments", "2020-12-29", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) led a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking information about plans to use debit cards to distribute the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) approved by Congress last week.\nThe letter, signed by 10 of Rep. Axne's colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee, asks the Treasury Department to clarify if they plan to use debit cards to distribute this round of EIPs and urges changes to the program in the event that they are used again.\nNow that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, the members wrote. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses.\nRep. Axne and her colleagues seek three areas of improvement in the event that debit cards are used for the second round of EIPs:\n Better Communication:The members encouragesignificant improvements in communicatingthe plans for debit cards to the general public to avoid skepticism and potential disposal of cards, which was widely reportedafter the Treasury failed to tell people these cards were a possibilityin the first tranche of payments thisspring.\n\tComplete Elimination of Fees:As the debit cards are set up to provide Americans with the full amount of their EIP as approved by Congress and the President, Rep. Axne and her colleagues urge the Treasury Department and IRS to eliminate any fees associated with using or transferringa card'sbalance.\n\tSimplification of the Cardholder Agreement: The debit cards used in the first round of EIPs contained a dense and confusing cardholder agreement, including an arbitration clause that prevents card recipients from forming a class action suit in the case of similar problems with the card. The members demand that any potential second round of debit cards be given a revised cardholder agreement, without any arbitration clauses, that can be easily understood by card recipients.\n These and other concerns were raised by Iowa cardholders to Rep. Axne in the first round of EIP debit cards.\nRep. Axne sought similar changes to the first round of debit cards in May, including seeing the IRS and Treasury remove the fee for first-time replacements of the debit card after poor communication.\nThe letter was signed by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Bill Foster (IL-11), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Denny Heck (WA-10), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01), Al Lawson (FL-05), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)  andthe full text of the letter can be found here:\nDear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig,\nWe write to urge improvements as you distribute the upcoming second round of direct payments to Americans which was included in the Coronavirus relief package signed into law on Sunday.\nMany of us previously wrote in May to share concerns with how those direct payments were distributed by debit card, and to urge changes in that program. The direct payments from the CARES Act supported more than 150 million Americans1 who received them, but many of our constituents had concerns after receiving prepaid debit cards with their Economic Impact Payment (EIP). Since the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had not alerted the public that they would be sending stimulus payments via debit card, recipients were often surprised, confused, and some even threw these away, thinking it was a fraud. Those who did use them could be charged fees simply to get the aid Congress intended and were forced into agreeing to arbitration to resolve any issues.\nNow that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, and request the following improvements in the event of additional direct payments via debit card.\nCommunication about EIP cards must be improved\nWe recognize that having seen this in May, many people will be more aware of the possibility they'll receive their payment on a debit card. However, we ask that you also directly provide more clear information about the cards to those receiving them. That should include a clear explanation that this card is their direct payment, the amount of that rebate, and how to quickly transfer this to a bank account or receive a check. We hope better communication will reduce confusion and prevent people cutting up their debit cards again because they believed this was a scam.\nThe cards should come with no fees for the recipient\nThe debit cards sent in May could cost our constituents a significant amount to use.2 While in-network ATM withdrawals were free, those ATMs are almost exclusively in larger towns and metropolitan areas, forcing people to either pay a fee or drive more than an hour to access their EIP. Waiving fees on the first ATM withdrawal out of network ATM is a positive step, but does nothing for additional withdrawals, nor does it include any fees charged by the ATM owner, or fees to check your balance. In addition, the transaction size limits will make it difficult for a family to simply get their money off the card and into a bank account.\nThese cards are intended to provide support for Americans during COVID-19, and any fees are likely to simply add insult to injury. We recognize that the card provider needs to cover its costs, but believe that the people trying to receive these cards should not have to pay fees regardless of where they live. We appreciate you taking action to waive the fee for the first replacement card, and would encourage you to remove all costs to use these cards.\nIf you are unable or unwilling to fully eliminate the fees, we ask that the lengthy fee schedule be dramatically simplified, and that transaction size limits be adjusted to allow people to easily transfer the full amount of their rebate off of the card immediately.\nThe EIP card agreement should be simplified\nThe EIP card agreement which came with the first cards3 was more than 8 pages of dense text, which can be intimidating to Americans who were expecting a simple check. We heard from numerous constituents calling with complaints and questions, including being unsure of how to even find out how much money they had just received. This agreement should be simplified as much as possible or come with a summary document to better explain the terms for those who had no idea they were getting a credit card.\nFurther, the cardholder agreement included a mandatory arbitration clause, requiring that any disputes be resolved through individual (not class-action) arbitration. Americans in the most urgent need of this aid, who must immediately access their payment through the debit card will be forced into arbitration, often without even knowing the implications.\nIn addition, the arbitration clause prevents people with the same dispute from forming a class. Not only does this practice hurt those with less financial and legal resources in virtually all situations, it makes even less sense in this case. With 4 million people receiving very similar EIP cards, it is very likely that if there are issues, many people are having the same problem, making class action simply a more efficient way to resolve disputes.\nWe urge you to simplify the agreement for anyone receiving an EIP card to reduce confusion, and specifically request that you remove any mandatory arbitration clause from future agreements.\nWe appreciate the important work you did this spring in getting Economic Impact Payments out to Americans quickly. While we appreciate the value prepaid debit cards provide to those without checking accounts, and understand that sending these cards is a part of attempting to get payments out faster, we would urge additional consideration of how to ensure the cards are providing the benefits they are intended to.\nWe understand that no further cards were sent after our letter in May, but would request a written response to our letter, explaining whether you intend to send prepaid debit cards again. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-bipartisan-house-vote-override-veto-defense-policy-bill", "Rep. Axne, Bipartisan House Vote to Override Veto of Defense Policy Bill", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to override the presidential veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).\nThe bipartisan legislation, which includes a 3% pay raise for servicemembers and other provisions championed by Rep. Axne, passed with over 300 votes in the House and 84 votes in the Senate earlier this month.\nAfter months of bipartisan negotiation and cooperation, this defense policy bill represents the critical foundation on which all national security efforts will be built for the coming year. The men and women protecting our country need the support provided in this legislation a necessity reflected in the overwhelmingmajoritiesthat passedthis legislation a few weeks ago,said Rep. Axne.President Trump's veto of this bill abandons our troops, halts vital security programs, and deserts our nation's veterans. Today, I'm joining my colleagues in exercising ourconstitutionalright to overrule the President's shortsighted thinking on this vital measure.\nThe legislation includes the bipartisan Preventing Illicit Finance Act, which was introduced by Rep. Axne and Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) earlier this year, to create an advisory group of federal agencies and private sector experts to limit the use of the financial system by bad actors.\nThe FY21 NDAA also includes $18.5 million for the National Guard's RC-26aircraft, which is critical to domestic security and disaster assistance,and a priority for Rep. Axne.\nIn addition, the annual defense policy bill includes:\n a 3% pay increase for members of the military\n\tlong-overdue benefitsfor Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange\n\tan extension of paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilian workers\n\tan expansion of housing vouchers for veterans experiencing homelessness, an effort supported and co-sponsored by Rep. Axne\n\ta requirement that each federal agency establish a model Equal Employment Opportunity Program that is independent of the agency's Human Capital or General Counsel office and establishes requirements related to complaints of discrimination and retaliation in the workplace\n For the first time, ownership disclosure will be required for anonymous shell companies, which in addition to aiding tax avoidance can also be utilized by foreign adversaries and terrorists to dodge anti-money laundering laws.\nEarlier this year, Rep. Axne co-ledan amendment to the NDAA with former RC-26 pilotRep. Adam Kinzinger(IL-16) and Iowa Reps.Abby Finkenauer(IA-01) andDave Loebsack(IA-02) to ensure that the RC-26 remains in Iowa.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-joins-bipartisan-vote-legislation-increase-covid-19-direct-payments", "Rep. Axne Joins Bipartisan Vote on Legislation to Increase COVID-19 Direct Payments to $2,000", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation that would increase the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to $2,000 for individual adults and fix the definition of dependents in both rounds of payments.\nAfter10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, every Iowa family and community has felt the effects of this public health crisis and the economic turmoil that came with it. Since March, I've worked to craft and pass relief to help Iowa  but sadly the bipartisan spirit that enabled Congress to act quickly in March has faded,with arbitrary caps preventingmore substantial relief and delaying it unnecessarily,said Rep. Axne.$600 won't cover a month's rent and necessities in Iowa  but my Republican colleagues in the Senate have insisted that they will approve no more than that to put money in Iowans' pockets and hold off economic ruin. I hope that this bipartisan vote in the House today to raise payments to $2,000, an amount supported by President Trump, can change their minds and enable us to give more help to those who are struggling.\nThe Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 amends the coronavirus (COVID-19) relief deal approved by Congress last week to set new amounts for EIPs at $2,000 for individuals, $4,000 for joint filing couples, and $2,000 for dependents.\nThe CASH Act also changes the definition of a dependent to include children 17 or older who are still claimed as dependents on their parents' tax returns  as well as adult dependents that still rely on their relatives' care.\nThis change would apply to both rounds of EIPs, entitling families who missed a dependent payment in the first round of EIPs to apply for these credits on their 2020 tax return.\nThe current definition of dependents doesn't reflect the reality of need in Iowa. I've heard from Iowans with older dependents that were under just as much strain  if not more  as families with younger children, said Rep. Axne. I fought to see this definition changed in any COVID-19 relief legislation, and I'm proud to vote for a bill today that will make this fix and allow these families to access the payments they were entitled to last spring.\nThe COVID-19 relief deal signed by President Trump last night sets the amounts for the second round of EIPs at $600 for individuals and dependents, and $1,200 for couples.\nThe EIP is calculated using a person's 2019 or 2018 tax return. Those who made more than $75,000 as an individual or $150,000 as a couple on their most recent tax return will see their EIP phased down relative to that income.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned", "Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa  It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it.  No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits.  So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines.  Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delivers more help for the unemployed, small businesses, schools and vaccine distribution.   As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I used my leadership position to ensure rural America wasn't left behind in the nation's pandemic response. I worked to steer direct relief and assistance to households, hospitals, small businesses, unemployed workers, student borrowersand farmers, and to bring accountability for patient care in nursing homes.  Our health-care professionals and hospitals in Iowa are doing a heroic job to save lives and keep their doors open to serve their communities during the pandemic and beyond. I fought to boost payments for doctors, secure critical funding for rural hospitals and expand coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, including mental-health televisits and rolling unused Flexible Spending Account dollars into 2021.  Getting additional money into the pockets of unemployed workers through enhanced unemployment insurance helps people who lost their paychecks through no fault of their own. The direct economic impact payments help families struggling to pay their bills. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has delivered a $5 billion financial lifeline to more than 61,000 small businesses in Iowa to help the lifeblood of our communities retain their workers and save their livelihoods. Feedback from Iowa small businesses and local lenders prompted my efforts to loosen restrictions and empower businesses to get the most bang for the buck to suit their operations. I pushed successfully to expand the program and fix the misguided IRS directive that ignored congressional intent and barred borrowers from deducting expenses if they took a PPP loan. This would have created an unfair and costly tax liability for small businesses already struggling to survive.  As a taxpayer watchdog, I not only champion tax cuts and tax fairness, I keep close tabs on the federal tax-collecting agency. At an IRS oversight hearing this summer, I pressed the IRS commissioner about delayed refunds and missing stimulus payments Iowans were waiting to receive. My office continues to help Iowans track down answers from the IRS. Looking ahead, I'll fight to keep pro-growth tax cuts in place that I helped secure in 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unleashed historic economic expansion, job creation and wage growth across the country. It would be stunningly reckless fiscal policy to raise taxes in a post-pandemic recovery.  Trade, health care and retirement security occupied central lanes throughout my final two years steering the Senate Finance Committee. I've long worked to empower employers and workers to grow retirement savings plans. The SECURE Act, the 2019 federal law I helped develop as chairman of the Finance Committee, allows more businesses to participate and invest in the retirement security of their workforce. Building on my work over the past two years with Sen.Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I've introduced a comprehensive reform plan that would target assistance to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and provide long-term stability for retirees and protect taxpayers.  Leveraging my leadership for Iowa benefits the bread and butter of Iowa's economy and also recognizes that farming is pivotal to U.S. food and energy security. My advocacy for biofuels and American agriculture is heard loud and clear at the White House and congressional negotiating tables. From pandemic relief to international trade, I looked out for Iowa grain and livestock producers facing triple-whammy obstacles from natural disasters, pandemic disruptions and trade barriers. I fought for Iowa goods and services in the new USMCA trade deal with Mexico and Canada and supported President Trump's efforts to hold China's feet to the fire on intellectual property, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers.  Although my 99 county meetings were adapted to follow public-health guidelines, I continued my 40th consecutive year meeting face-to-face with Iowans. The pandemic dominated our conversations with one issue coming up at nearly every meeting: the soaring cost of prescription drugs.  The historic development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines underscore the urgent need to ensure life-saving pharmaceutical cures and treatments are affordable for all Americans. Our country is blessed with unparalleled investment and innovation that fosters health and prosperity for our families, farms and businesses. We owe a debt of gratitude for the legions of scientists, innovators and clinical trial participants, including those at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who unlocked miracles of modern medicine and scientific discovery. Nonetheless, a competitive marketplace doesn't give Big Pharma license to fleece American taxpayers or gouge consumers at the pharmacy counter. One of my highest priorities in the new year is steering my bipartisan drug-pricing bill across the finish line.  Looking ahead to my 41st year representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, I'm grateful to be as fit as a fiddle, working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowans.  U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, of New Hartford, is Senate president pro tempore and served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 116th Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alexander-introduce-multiemployer-pension-reform-plan-following-year", "Grassley, Alexander Introduce Multiemployer Pension Reform Plan Following Year of Stakeholder Feedback", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today introduced the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Act, legislation based on their 2019 proposal to avert the collapse of critically underfunded multiemployer pension plans and reform rules for these plans to prevent future funding shortfalls within these important pillars of the American retirement system.We believe this legislation would ensure that the PBGC's multiemployer insurance fund remains solvent over the long-term after the initial rescue of the currently failing plans. But, most importantly, this legislation would reform the system to prevent this from happening again, Grassley said on the Senate floor. I'd also note that the bill is named after Chris Allen, who was a dedicated member of my Finance Committee staff who passed away nearly one year ago. Chris poured thousands of hours of work into developing, drafting, and perfecting the Grassley-Alexander plan. I'm grateful for all the work he did, and I'm proud this legislation bears his name.This is a balanced proposal to help protect the benefits promised to about 1.5 million retirees by private sector employers and unions, Alexander said. Our legislation would shore up the PBGC's role as an insurance company with a limited infusion of taxpayer dollars instead of an open-ended bailout, and institute important structural reforms so this does not happen again.The Grassley-Alexander legislation is based on their 2019 proposal and incorporates a year's worth of improvements and stakeholder feedback. Grassley and Alexander earlier this week said the negotiations had reached the point where there was not enough time remaining for passage in the current Congress. The Grassley-Alexander legislation will serve as a basis for the next Congress to address the growing problem of insolvent multiemployer pension plans.Text of the legislation can be found HERE and a section-by-section of the legislation can be found HERE.Grassley delivered the below remarks following the introduction of the legislation.Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of IowaChairman, Senate Finance CommitteeIntroduction of the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform ActThursday, December 17, 2020In late June, I came to the floor to speak about the need to fix the failing multiemployer pension system. I spoke about the need to secure retirement benefits for the millions of Americans who will start to see plan failures and benefits cut in the coming years if Congress doesn't act to fix this problem. For the past two weeks, Chairman Alexander and I were negotiating with our Democratic colleagues to do just that.Those negotiations were constructive, and I believe both sides worked in good faith. While both sides agreed to make significant changes, in the end, we weren't able to find a compromise that satisfied our respective principles and objectives for resolving this situation. In the midst of year-end appropriations and COVID-relief negotiations, there simply wasn't enough time to reconcile our differences on how to fix this failing system. My hope had been to use the last eight months to negotiate a solution in a thoughtful and measured manner, instead of in the heat of a complex year-end bill. But sadly, that didn't happen.From the beginning we have agreed that federal funds will be needed to solve the crisis in the short term. But we have been equally resolute that reforms are essential to ensure the system can be self-sustaining in the long term. Otherwise, taxpayers will be perpetually subsidizing a private-sector system of employee-benefit promises.Last November, Chairman Alexander and I presented our comprehensive approach to rescue and reform the multiemployer pension system, which we have been working on and improving ever since. The product was improved with an amazing amount of input from workers, retirees, unions, employers, actuaries, academics, plan officials, and members of the general public. Today, Chairman Alexander and I will introduce a revised version of that plan  the Chris Allen Multiemployer Pension Recapitalization and Reform Act.This legislation served as the basis for our recent negotiations and is the product of years of work with Chairman Alexander to produce a serious, responsible plan that can provide relief to failing plans and protect retirees' benefits.It's also designed to ensure the long-term solvency of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's (PBGC) multiemployer insurance fund, based on the many comments and proposals we received to the original Grassley-Alexander plan released last November. We believe this legislation would ensure that the PBGC's multiemployer insurance fund remains solvent over the long-term after the initial rescue of the currently failing plans.But, most importantly, this legislation would reform the system to prevent this from happening again.I'd also note that the bill is named after Chris Allen, who was a dedicated member of my Finance Committee staff who passed away nearly one year ago. Chris poured thousands of hours of work into developing, drafting, and perfecting the Grassley-Alexander plan. I'm grateful for all the work he did, and I'm proud this legislation bears his name.  I'm also grateful to Andy Banducci, who helped us continue Chris' work while on detail to the Committee from the PBGC for several months earlier this year. His expertise and commitment, especially during the pandemic, were essential to bringing this legislation to completion.  Let me close by stressing two points for my Democratic colleagues. I appreciate your professional and good-faith efforts to try to find an agreement on this important issue. Although we were not able to reconcile our differences before the clock ran out, we need to carry that work forward, and I remain ready to continue the discussion. These issues are not simple, and as I said in June, delaying a solution is only going to make it more costly.  We should continue to work together to find a solution for the 10 million workers and retirees in multiemployer plans. America's retirees deserve it.  I yield the floor.   -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-op-ed-2020-gave-us-silver-linings-and-lessons-be-learned", "Grassley op-ed: 2020 gave us silver linings and lessons to be learned", "2020-12-28", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa  It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it.  No doubt, people are ready to put a divisive year of politics, protests and pandemic behind us. 2020 delivered lessons of sacrifice, hardship and loss wrapped in silver linings of resilience, gratitude and hope. Families missed graduations, weddings and funerals. Churches, schools and businesses closed. Consumers learned food and toilet paper don't grow on grocery store shelves. More people realized food scarcity is a First World problem and to never take essential workers for granted. Health-care professionals became real-life superheroes, putting their lives on the line to care for patients. Front-line workers and first responders answered the call to help their neighbors, stocking stores, delivering food and continuing to serve and protect their communities.  Personal protective equipment (PPE) became a ubiquitous acronym and high-speed internet access became more important than ever to connect and participate in e-commerce, remote learning, telecommuting and telehealth visits.  So far, more than 300,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. They will be mourned for years to come. For countless others, navigating unemployment and social isolation bears untold stories of domestic violence, mental-health crises, academic disparity and undiagnosed diseases. The pandemic will leave scars in the social fabric of American society even as promising threads of hope emerge from COVID-19 vaccines.  Congress this year passed historic bipartisan pandemic relief, approving four packages containing more than $4 trillion to boost the nation's response to the public-health crisis and economic fall-out. The $900 billion Congress approved this week delivers more help for the unemployed, small businesses, schools and vaccine distribution.   As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I used my leadership position to ensure rural America wasn't left behind in the nation's pandemic response. I worked to steer direct relief and assistance to households, hospitals, small businesses, unemployed workers, student borrowersand farmers, and to bring accountability for patient care in nursing homes.  Our health-care professionals and hospitals in Iowa are doing a heroic job to save lives and keep their doors open to serve their communities during the pandemic and beyond. I fought to boost payments for doctors, secure critical funding for rural hospitals and expand coverage for Medicare beneficiaries, including mental-health televisits and rolling unused Flexible Spending Account dollars into 2021.  Getting additional money into the pockets of unemployed workers through enhanced unemployment insurance helps people who lost their paychecks through no fault of their own. The direct economic impact payments help families struggling to pay their bills. The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has delivered a $5 billion financial lifeline to more than 61,000 small businesses in Iowa to help the lifeblood of our communities retain their workers and save their livelihoods. Feedback from Iowa small businesses and local lenders prompted my efforts to loosen restrictions and empower businesses to get the most bang for the buck to suit their operations. I pushed successfully to expand the program and fix the misguided IRS directive that ignored congressional intent and barred borrowers from deducting expenses if they took a PPP loan. This would have created an unfair and costly tax liability for small businesses already struggling to survive.  As a taxpayer watchdog, I not only champion tax cuts and tax fairness, I keep close tabs on the federal tax-collecting agency. At an IRS oversight hearing this summer, I pressed the IRS commissioner about delayed refunds and missing stimulus payments Iowans were waiting to receive. My office continues to help Iowans track down answers from the IRS. Looking ahead, I'll fight to keep pro-growth tax cuts in place that I helped secure in 2017. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unleashed historic economic expansion, job creation and wage growth across the country. It would be stunningly reckless fiscal policy to raise taxes in a post-pandemic recovery.  Trade, health care and retirement security occupied central lanes throughout my final two years steering the Senate Finance Committee. I've long worked to empower employers and workers to grow retirement savings plans. The SECURE Act, the 2019 federal law I helped develop as chairman of the Finance Committee, allows more businesses to participate and invest in the retirement security of their workforce. Building on my work over the past two years with Sen.Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I've introduced a comprehensive reform plan that would target assistance to severely underfunded multiemployer pension plans and provide long-term stability for retirees and protect taxpayers.  Leveraging my leadership for Iowa benefits the bread and butter of Iowa's economy and also recognizes that farming is pivotal to U.S. food and energy security. My advocacy for biofuels and American agriculture is heard loud and clear at the White House and congressional negotiating tables. From pandemic relief to international trade, I looked out for Iowa grain and livestock producers facing triple-whammy obstacles from natural disasters, pandemic disruptions and trade barriers. I fought for Iowa goods and services in the new USMCA trade deal with Mexico and Canada and supported President Trump's efforts to hold China's feet to the fire on intellectual property, tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers.  Although my 99 county meetings were adapted to follow public-health guidelines, I continued my 40th consecutive year meeting face-to-face with Iowans. The pandemic dominated our conversations with one issue coming up at nearly every meeting: the soaring cost of prescription drugs.  The historic development, production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines underscore the urgent need to ensure life-saving pharmaceutical cures and treatments are affordable for all Americans. Our country is blessed with unparalleled investment and innovation that fosters health and prosperity for our families, farms and businesses. We owe a debt of gratitude for the legions of scientists, innovators and clinical trial participants, including those at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who unlocked miracles of modern medicine and scientific discovery. Nonetheless, a competitive marketplace doesn't give Big Pharma license to fleece American taxpayers or gouge consumers at the pharmacy counter. One of my highest priorities in the new year is steering my bipartisan drug-pricing bill across the finish line.  Looking ahead to my 41st year representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, I'm grateful to be as fit as a fiddle, working as hard as ever on behalf of Iowans.  U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, of New Hartford, is Senate president pro tempore and served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 116th Congress. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-covid-19-vaccine-rolls-out", "Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out", "2020-12-24", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccine Rolls Out With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q:When can Iowans expect to be eligible for immunization? A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended states prioritize health care workers and long-term care residents during the initial rollout of the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization (EUA). It was an emotional and welcome day for Iowa health care providers who were among the first in the nation in mid-December to receive the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Within the first week more than 2.8 million doses were distributed and more than a half-million shots were given. Operation Warp Speed expects an additional 7.9 million vaccines to be distributed this week. The FDA delivered more good news last week when it gave the green light to a second COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna. Of course, the one question foremost on the minds of Americans across the country is: When is it my turn? The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for rolling out the next phase that would reach roughly 49 million people, about 15 percent of the U.S. population. Individuals who fall into this category include people age 75 years and older and frontline essential workers. The federal advisory panel recommended prioritizing workers employed in sectors essential to the functioning of society who are at substantially higher risk of exposure. That list includes firefighters, police officers, teachers, corrections officers, education staff, daycare workers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. postal service employees, public transit workers and grocery store workers. The panel also announced its recommendation for the group of individuals in the following phase that would reach 129 million people. For this group, it recommended people between ages 65 and 74; people between ages 16 and 64 who have high-risk underlying conditions; and remaining frontline essential workers, including transportation and logistics workers, food service workers, construction workers, finance workers, IT and communications workers, energy workers, media personnel, legal workers, engineers and wastewater workers. According to the panel, underlying health conditions that make an individual at increased risk for disease to be considered for inclusion in this third phase are obesity, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, heart condition, chronic kidney disease, immunocompromised status from organ transplant, and other personal risk factors for individuals based on consultation with a health care provider. Completion of this phase would reach more than one-third of the population. Until supply can meet demand, the CDC is tasked with the difficult decision prioritizing the rollout of the vaccine. Importantly, states and local public health departments will use the federal guidelines in their decision-making process to distribute the vaccine that best meets the needs of their residents. Find details on Iowa's vaccine distribution plan here. The states are responsible for the final decision for good reason. They are best able to identify the communities and vulnerable populations at highest risk for infection and spread in their respective states. The CDC projects the United States will have enough doses to reach 100 million Americans by February 2021. As we close the chapter on 2020, America is ready to put the coronavirus behind us. Operation Warp Speed will go down in history as one of the most remarkable scientific public-private achievements of the 21st century. Q: What's your message to Iowans as the vaccine rolls out across the country? A: When it's your turn, roll up your sleeve! The FDA's EUA indicate the vaccines are clinically safe and very effective. Widespread immunity is our only hope to save lives, restore the economy and get back our way of life. Too many families have lost loved ones. Too many small businesses are hanging on by a thread. Too many workers lost their jobs. Too many families struggled to put food on the table to feed their kids. The Class of 2020 was denied life milestones that generations of Americans have taken for granted. The coronavirus has killed more than 320,000 people in America, disrupted our way of life, caused untold human misery and wreaked havoc on the economy. Older Americans remember the medical miracle when Dr. Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine, saving countless children from death. Generations of families have been spared the tragic loss of life and immeasurable sorrow thanks to childhood immunizations. My message for Iowans is urgent and unequivocal. The only way to turn the page on the coronavirus is to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-stimulus-checks-covid-19-relief-deal", "Rep. Axne Statement on Stimulus Checks in COVID-19 Relief Deal", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep.Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on President Trump's recent remarks regarding the direct payments included in recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief agreement:\nI agree with the President's concern that the stimulus checks in the current bipartisan agreement are not adequate in the face of months of hardship facing Iowa families and would direct him to the members of his own party who just last weekblocked larger checks.\nI supported including larger stimulus checks, and stand ready to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress toincrease those amounts. \nWe cannot, however, lose sight of the fact that millions of Americans will lose their unemployment benefits and the government will shut down if an agreement is not signed soon.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-294", "Capitol Hill Report", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "721 Federal Building  210 Walnut Street  Des Moines, IA 50309\nPhone: 515-288-1145  Fax: 515-288-5097\n\n\n111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13  Suite 6800  Cedar Rapids, IA 52401\nPhone: 319-363-6832  Fax: 319-363-7179\n\n\n201 West 2nd Street  Suite 720  Davenport, IA 52801\nPhone: 563-322-4331  Fax: 563-322-8552\n\n\n210 Waterloo Building  531 Commercial Street  Waterloo, IA 50701\nPhone: 319-232-6657  Fax: 319-232-9965\n\n\n307 Federal Building  8 South 6th Street  Council Bluffs, IA 51501\nPhone: 712-322-7103  Fax: 712-322-7196\n\n\n120 Federal Building  320 6th Street  Sioux City, IA 51101\nPhone: 712-233-1860  Fax: 712-233-1634", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-presses-usaid-inspector-general-retaliation-allegations", "Grassley Presses USAID, Inspector General on Retaliation Allegations", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is pressing the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its respective watchdog agency about the suspension of a security clearance and eventual departure of Dr. Mark Moyar from his position at USAID based on still ambiguous claims of publishing classified information in a book he published in 2017.Moyar voluntarily resigned from his position in July 2019.  Grassley today wrote to USAID Acting Deputy Administrator John Barsa and Inspector General Ann Calveresi Barr seeking information about the circumstances surrounding Moyar's security clearance suspension and the lack of a thorough review of allegations Moyar made of whistleblower reprisal.  \"USAID must ensure that an individual's security clearance cannot be weaponized by anyone, either a supervisor or a subordinate, in an attempt to either silence or retaliate against those disclosing waste, fraud, or abuse... Security clearances must not be used as a tool of reprisal in a potential whistleblower's current role or to hinder future employment,\" Grassley wrote to Barsa.  Moyar, a former director at USAID, had his security clearance suspended after one or more officials at Special Operations Command (SOCOM) alleged that he had published classified information in a 2017 book. Because Moyar's work required an active security clearance, USAID informed him that he would no longer be able to perform the duties of his postleading to his voluntary resignation.  However, the Defense Department office charged with prepublication review of books never informed Moyar nor his publisher that his book allegedly contained classified information. This allegation only arose after Moyar had, on multiple occasions, reported several of his subordinates for wasteful, fraudulent, or abusive activities. In complaints submitted to both USAID OIG and DoD IG, Moyar alleged that a number of his subordinates worked with members of SOCOM to remove him for reporting their activities. One employee even told the inspector general's office that they had overheard a group stated they were going to get rid of Mark [Moyar], and that, people in the office wanted Moyar gone because he held them accountable and did not like it. This employee's statements were left out of USAID OIG's summary of its Report of Investigation.  Grassley concluded his letter to Inspector General Calvaresi Barr, saying, Retaliation of any form must not be tolerated by any federal agency, especially when it involves an individual's security clearance, which can have reverberating effects throughout that individual's career. And Inspectors General must take particular care to ensure investigations of reprisal in such cases are thorough and complete.  In his letters, Grassley asks about the policies governing security clearance suspensions at USAID, the number of suspensions at USAID, and the frequency of reinstatements of security clearances after suspension. He further presses the agency on the specifics of the process and the personnel involved in the handling of Moyar's case. Grassley also presses the inspector general's office on why so much of the apparently relevant information was left out of its Report of Investigation of Moyar's case, along with information about the IG's investigations involving security clearances over the last five years. Full text of Grassley's letter to USAID Acting Deputy Director Barsa, with appendices, can be found HERE.Full text of Grassley's letter to USAID Inspector General Calvaresi Barr, with appendices, can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-releases-results-investigation-world-vision-s-interactions-isra", "Grassley Releases Results of Investigation into World Vision\u2019s Interactions with ISRA, a Sanctioned Foreign Organization tied to Terrorism", "2020-12-23", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released the results of an investigation conducted by his staff into the relationship between World Vision, a non-profit humanitarian organization, and the Islamic Relief Agency (ISRA), an organization that has been sanctioned by the United States since 2004 for its funding of terrorist activities, including those of Osama bin Laden.  World Vision works to help people in need across the world, and that work is admirable. Though it may not have known that ISRA was on the sanctions list or that it was listed because of its affiliation with terrorism, it should have. Ignorance can't suffice as an excuse. World Vision's changes in vetting practices are a good first step, and I look forward to its continued progress, Grassley said.  Grassley's investigative staff began looking into reports of government funds ending up in the hands of a foreign organization with ties to terrorism through regular non-profit work in February 2019. The investigation found that World Vision United States did not have any knowledge of ISRA's sanction status at the time they engaged the group, but that lack of knowledge was a result of insufficient vetting practices. World Vision only discovered the sanctions issue when another non-profit aid group declined to work with them after doing their own due diligence and finding the affiliation between World Vision and the sanctioned ISRA. The full, detailed results of the inquiry can be found in a memorandum found HERE. And the 132-page appendix of exhibits can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AE1F37E4-E424-4B61-BEED-3DA0D9143CC9", "Ernst, Grassley Joint Statement on Iowas 2nd Congressional District", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released the following joint statement on Rita Hart's attempt to overturn the certified election result in Iowa's Second Congressional District.\r\nIowa's elections are free and fair. They are administered in a nonpartisan manner and both parties have a seat at the table when counting the votes. The election process, from the original count to the recounts, all found that Rita Hart lost and Mariannette Miller-Meeks won. State officials, both Republican and Democrat, certified this outcome. If Rita Hart had any legal objections, she could have presented her case to an independent Iowa judicial panel for a remedy. She chose not to. By going to Nancy Pelosi to fix her election loss, Rita Hart is seeking a partisan political solution to a nonpartisan democratic process. This is a direct attack on Iowa's elections system, to democracy in Iowa and on Iowans themselves. This decision rubs Iowans the wrong way and for good reason. It takes the decision out of Iowans' hands. If this certified election is overturned by politicians in Washington, the seat would have a cloud hanging over it that would undermine representation for Iowans in the Second Congressional District. Rita Hart should reconsider this undignified decision and allow the certified winner, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, to serve.\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BB2B7F6F-B6F8-4C7B-A8F6-FCD7F7B91835", "Ernst, Grassley on Findings of DOJ Investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "RED OAK, Iowa  U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the findings of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center:\r\n\r\n\r\nThe findings of this investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center are sickening and intolerable. Our hearts break for the families and loved ones who have been directly impacted by this tragic news. We appreciate Governor Reynolds' responsiveness to this situationat the state level, and in the Senate we will continue to work on behalf of all Iowans, including those with disabilities, to ensure folks have the care and support they need.\r\n\r\n\r\nLast year, Senator Ernstrequestedupdates from DOJ on this investigation, and last week Ernst and Grassleyrequestedmore information from DOJ after state inspectors reported yet another death at the facility.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-statement-iowa-s-second-congressional-district", "Axne Statement on Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Representative Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on the petition filed by Rita Hart to the Committee on House Administration concerning the election in Iowa's Second Congressional District:\nFirst and foremost, it is clear that no Iowan should ever be told again that their vote won't potentially make the difference in the outcome of an election. We've seen the margin of this race continue to tighten, and both candidates acknowledge that there are still votes left to be counted in what has become one of the closest federal elections of the past century.\nIt is critical that every Iowan's voice is heard in this election  and to that end, Rita Hart has Constitutional and legal grounds to pursue that goal at the federal level.\nI support a transparent process that ensures every properly-cast vote in this contest is counted. It is the only way to give Iowa voters full faith and confidence in the outcome of this historically-close election.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-joins-call-additional-child-care-support-working-families", "Rep. Axne Joins Call for Additional Child Care Support for Working Families", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Yesterday, Reps.Cindy Axne (IA-03),Katie Porter (CA-10), andLinda Sanchez (CA-38)sent a letter to urge the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue guidance expanding dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) to cover virtual child care.\nDCAPs are an annual use-it-or-lose it account that allow working families to set aside pre-tax income to help cover the rising costs of child care.\nDue to the COVID-19 pandemic, many child care facilities have had to close their doors or limit the number of children they serve  and others have moved online to continue offering care for working families. However, IRS guidance has not kept up with this shift to online child care.\nWhile DCAPs cover in-person child care programming, they do not cover virtual programming. As a result, families are facing growing challenges affording child care and keeping their children engaged.\nWith schools closed or only partially open, families face growing childcare costs, and many are struggling to find a way to keep kids engaged safely. Many programs have shifted to an online format, and it's time that we join them, allowing working parents to use [DCAP] funds to pay for online services,the members wrote.Taking this commonsense step will give working parents the flexibility they need to support their children's social, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing in a safe way during the pandemic.\nAs a mother who has personally experienced the difficulty of paying for child care, Rep. Axne has championed efforts to help families better afford child care during the current public health emergency.\nIn May, Rep. AxneintroducedtheCOVID-19 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangement Rollover Act of 2020, legislation that would allow DCAPs to roll over from 2020 to 2021. Allowing DCAPs to roll over would protect families from losing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars of their hard-earned contributions. Axne's proposal has garneredbipartisan support inbothchambersof Congress.\nRep. Axne has consistentlyadvocatedfor including her COVID-19 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangement Rollover Act of 2020 upcoming government funding legislation, and, following her efforts, secured language allowing for DCAPs to roll over into 2021 as part of alegislative package to provide COVID-19 relief and fund the government.\nThe full text of today's letter can be found below:\nDear Commissioner Rettig,\nWe write to you today to request additional flexibility for taxpayers who use Dependent Care Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs) to pay for child care and related services. With schools closed or only partially open, families face growing childcare costs, and many are struggling to find a way to keep kids engaged safely. Many programs have shifted to an online format, and it's time that we join them, allowing working parents to use FSA funds to pay for online services. Taking this commonsense step will give working parents the flexibility they need to support their children's social, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing in a safe way during the pandemic.\nDependent Care FSAs, also known as Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs), allow working parents to use pretax dollars for child care, babysitting and summer camp. These FSAs help families afford the exorbitant prices of child care programs and services, which in turn support parents struggling to manage the demands of being a working parent. The Internal Revenue Service, under your leadership, has already taken important measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide families the flexibility needed to continue to continue using DCAPs during this difficult time. We want to thank you for the action you have already taken to alter mid-year elections for the program and to extend reimbursement periods.\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced child care programs and summer camps to move online, but unfortunately, at this time, FSA funds cannot be used for virtual programming. Legal experts believe that this does not require a statutory solution. At this time, it's unclear if virtual day care would fall under the definition of household and dependent care services that qualify for the benefits, however simple guidance could provide this clarity. All the IRS needs to do is issue straightforward guidance initiating this change and providing further flexibilities for FSAs for the duration of the public health emergency.\nIt is our responsibility to support families as they fight for financial security during this difficult time. Working parents are struggling to balance child care and work, and taking away financial support for programs to care for and educate their children will only make this worse.6 We are excited that this issue has garnered bipartisan attention, and hope to join the chorus of voices urging you to make this change. Thank you for attention to this important issue, and we look forward to hearing from you.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-submits-complaint-to-the-house-ethics-committee-to-request-an", "King Submits Complaint to the House Ethics Committee to Request an Investigation into Kevin McCarthys Unprecedented Wrongdoing", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Steve King", "K000362", "steveking.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Steve King submitted a complaint to the House Ethics Committee, requesting an investigation into the overtly concerted effort to wrongly appropriate the authorities vested in the United States House of Representatives to deprive the Congressman and the constituents of the Fourth Congressional District of Iowa of equal representation in the House. Congressman King did not violate U.S. law, the Code of Official Conduct or congressional precedent, yet was removed from his committee assignments without even the feigned consideration of due process.\nCongressman King's letter to the Ethics Committee states in part as follows: Shortly before the release of the January 2019 New York Times hit piece on me, which was instantaneously used to justify the actions taken by the Republican Steering Committee, under the leadership of Minority Leader McCarthy, I was given a heads up by a trusted friend and professional connection that, having failed to defeat me in the recently passed November 2018 general election, my opponents were ready to take another shot, even before the new Congress assembled and nearly two years in advance of the 2020 election cycle.\nThe Constitution does not allow the people's House to be used as a cover for party machines and bosses. Using power and position to manufacture and perpetrate dishonest political narratives, complete with distortions and outright lies camouflaged as facts under the cover of official congressional business, is a gross and repugnant violation of the American people who are the very constituent parts of this government.\nFor these reasons, I have requested that after the House Committee on Ethics thoroughly investigates and makes its recommendations, it proceeds to make all appropriate referrals to the Department of Justice for further investigation, as appropriate.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-calls-biden-make-permanent-tax-cuts-jobs-act", "Grassley Calls on Biden to Make Permanent Tax Cuts & Jobs Act", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONOn the third anniversary of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law on December 22, 2017, by President Donald Trump, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on President-elect Joe Biden to commit to making permanent the many temporary tax provisions that helped create the strongest economy in generations and are helping rebuild the economy and get Americans back to work following the pandemic.   President-elect Biden ran on rebuilding the nation's economy that's been devastated by the pandemic. Families, small businesses and the American economy can't recover, rehire or grow to their full potential with higher taxes on the horizon. It's now President-elect Biden's responsibility to make sure this doesn't happen on his watch,Grassley said.I invite my Democratic colleagues in Congress to work with me and the tax-writing committees in 2021 to make permanent the lower, more affordable tax rates that led to the best and most competitive economy in generations before the pandemic took its toll. Just yesterday, Congress made permanent several temporary tax policies and provided certainty for businesses to grow and hire. President-elect Biden can build on this progress next year. There is more time to act on some provisions than others, but many will expire under the next administration. While the unemployment rate has continued to fall, it remains unacceptably high. Higher taxes would only make the problem worse. And U.S. businesses of all sizes should know they won't face a historic tax hike so they will have the certainty needed to rehire and reinvest in their workforces. President-elect Biden should commit to never returning to the days where American workers and companies can't compete with their foreign counterparts. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-findings-doj-investigation-glenwood-resource-center", "Grassley, Ernst on Findings of DOJ Investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA  U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding the findings of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center:  The findings of this investigation into the Glenwood Resource Center are sickening and intolerable. Our hearts break for the families and loved ones who have been directly impacted by this tragic news. We appreciate Governor Reynolds' responsiveness to this situation at the state level, and in the Senate we will continue to work on behalf of all Iowans, including those with disabilities, to ensure folks have the care and support they need.  Background:Last year, Senator Ernst requested updates from DOJ on this investigation, and last week Ernst and Grassley requested more information from DOJ after the state inspectors reported yet another death at the facility. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-joint-statement-iowa-s-2nd-congressional-district", "Grassley, Ernst Joint Statement on Iowa\u2019s 2nd Congressional District", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today released the following joint statement on Rita Hart's attempt to overturn the certified election result in Iowa's Second Congressional District.  Iowa's elections are free and fair. They are administered in a nonpartisan manner and both parties have a seat at the table when counting the votes. The election process, from the original count to the recounts, all found that Rita Hart lost and Mariannette Miller-Meeks won. State officials, both Republican and Democrat, certified this outcome. If Rita Hart had any legal objections, she could have presented her case to an independent Iowa judicial panel for a remedy. She chose not to. By going to Nancy Pelosi to fix her election loss, Rita Hart is seeking a partisan political solution to a nonpartisan democratic process. This is a direct attack on Iowa's elections system, to democracy in Iowa and on Iowans themselves. This decision rubs Iowans the wrong way and for good reason. It takes the decision out of Iowans' hands. If this certified election is overturned by politicians in Washington, the seat would have a cloud hanging over it that would undermine representation for Iowans in the Second Congressional District. Rita Hart should reconsider this undignified decision and allow the certified winner, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, to serve. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-praises-approval-water-resources-development-act-2020", "Grassley Praises Approval of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) praised the passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (WRDA) which was included in the year-end funding bill. WRDA addresses the civil works program of the Army Corps of Engineers. Grassley worked with the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works to include provisions that will specifically benefits Iowans.  Iowa saw catastrophic flooding on both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers once again in 2019. It seems that misguided decisions and misplaced priorities by the federal government sometimes eclipse the protection of life, safety, local communities, millions of bushels of grain and thousands of acres of farmland. Corps policies should be examined and updated to help prevent and recover from these devastating flood events, Grassley said. It's important that Congress pass a Water Resources Development Act every two years. This legislation will help communities move forward with projects critical for flood control, navigation, ports, locks and dams and other water resources infrastructure. Iowans depend on these reforms to help reduce the repetitive and destructive flooding we see so often and improve the navigability on our rivers.  Grassley advocated for a number of provisions that were incorporated in the final bill including the Inland Waterway Trust Fund Cost Share Program. This provision modifies the cost share for construction or major rehabilitation of a project on the inland waterways to 65 percent from the general fund of the Treasury and 35 percent from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. This cost share modification will specifically help the modernization of the locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River to move forward at a faster rate as they start the construction phase of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP). Grassley recently joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Corps asking for the inclusion of a new start for a construction project through the NESP in the Corps Fiscal Year 2021 Work Plan. Grassley also worked to include a provision that would make temporary flood control structures permanent. This provision creates a new authority for the Corps to review whether temporary flood control structures it has constructed should be made permanent, and allows the local cost-share for making them permanent to be waived for communities that are small, financially disadvantaged or at risk of recurring flooding.  In April 2019, Grassley along with Sens. Ernst, Gilibrand, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) participated in a field hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee in southwest Iowa in which local stakeholders including Mayor Crain of Hamburg, described the struggles communities have in keeping levee improvements made in face of flooding permanent. In 2011, the Corps raised the Ditch 6 levee by about eight feet to help protect the town against flood waters. This levee held the floodwaters back, but unfortunately, Corps policy told them they had to take down the additional protection or rebuild it to Corps specifications. Hamburg was unable to come up with the additional funds to rebuild the levee so they were forced to take it down. The same levee was overrun last year, contributing to the destructive flooding that left two-thirds of Hamburg under water.  The City of Hamburg, the State of Iowa and the Corps are building additional flood protection. Grassley and Ernst are communicating with all parties to make sure that this project moves forward as smoothly and efficiently as possible.  Grassley was also vocal to include a provision to update the Des Moines Birdland Levee. The Water Resources Development Act of 2007 authorized the Des Moines and Raccoon River project which was completed in 2012. However, due to design deficiencies by the Corps, approximately 1.7 miles of this levee does not meet the Corps' design criteria for under-seepage. This additional authorized funding will bring the deficient portion of the levee up to Corps standards.  The final bill also contains important provisions for Iowans including expanding work on a Lower Missouri River Basin Flood Risk Resiliency Plan, expedited completion of maintenance and repair activities for federally operated and maintained levees systems in the Lower Missouri River basin, expedited processing of permits and approvals of repairs of flood control infrastructure caused by flood in 2019, changes to the PL 84-99 non-federal levee program to enhance flood protections, further prohibitions of Interception-Rearing Complex's (IRc's), continuation of work on the Upper Mississippi River Comprehensive Plan along with several other provisions critical to flood control and navigation. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-pushes-dod-watchdog-dig-deeper-its-review-office-net-assessment", "Grassley Pushes DoD Watchdog to Dig Deeper in its Review of the Office of Net Assessment", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Office of Net Assessment hasn't performed formal net assessment since 2007    WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on the Pentagon's inspector general to build upon its announced review of the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) to determine why it failed to perform a formal net assessment since 2007 and whether its purpose is still necessary in light of its wayward performance.  I appreciate your efforts; however, generalized evaluations such as the one you plan to perform will do no good for the taxpayer unless you perform an aggressive evaluation of ONA's contract activities and compliance with both law and regulation. The failure to do so will result in work product less than what the taxpayer deserves, Grassley wrote in a letter to the Defense Department inspector general. ONA is tasked with researching and comparing trends in military capabilities to identify future threats and opportunities. However, its evaluations are long overdue and its opaque contracting practices raise questions about whether it is appropriately and efficiently using taxpayer dollars. In October, the DoD inspector general announced it would examine whether ONA had necessary procedures in place to conduct its mission. Grassley has scrutinized ONA's contracting practices since 2019, with a particular focus on contracts awarded to Stefan Halper. Halper has been identified as a confidential human source tasked by U.S. authorities to surreptitiously record members of President Trump's 2016 election campaign for the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation. Grassley's letter follows exchanges with the Director of the Office of Net Assessment regarding its contracting practices and Halper's questionable work for the office. In July, ONA Director James Baker provided responses to Grassley's inquiries from June of this year.   December 18, 2020  VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION  Mr. Sean O'Donnell Acting Inspector General Department of Defense Office of Inspector General  Dear Mr. O'Donnell: As you know, I have focused my oversight efforts on the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) since January 16, 2019, when I wrote to the Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (DoD IG) requesting a review of allegations that ONA contracts were potentially used to support political or other improper or wasteful activities, and had failed to produce progress reports on the whistleblower case of Mr. Adam Lovinger, which was the genesis of the alleged misuse of ONA contracts. Since then, I have written several letters to ONA requesting additional information related to Professor Stefan Halper's contracted work. ONA has thus far failed to respond in full.[1] Moreover, in light of my oversight work, in June 2020, I introduced legislation in the Senate that would require ONA to perform the mission that it was designed to do  a net assessment  and make it work better for the American taxpayer. That legislation included a requirement that the DoD IG perform a comprehensive assessment to determine ONA's failure to comply with the laws and regulations in contracting for research projects and performing a net assessment. On October 19, 2020, your office announced an evaluation to determine the extent to which the Office of Net Assessment has developed and implemented policies and procedures to conduct its assessment missions in accordance with DoD Directive 5111.11.[2] I appreciate your efforts; however, generalized evaluations such as the one you plan to perform will do no good for the taxpayer unless you perform an aggressive evaluation of ONA's contract activities and compliance with both law and regulation. The failure to do so will result in work product less than what the taxpayer deserves.For example, according to the Director of ONA, James Baker, ONA has not performed a net assessment since 2007.[3] One core question that DoD IG should ask is why ONA failed to perform a formal net assessment since 2007. In addition, since ONA failed to perform its core mission, the DoD IG must determine whether every ONA contract from 2007 to the date of this letter has complied with its intended scope and purpose  that is, to perform a net assessment. As it stands, there is a serious question as to whether or not millions of dollars in taxpayer funds have essentially been wasted on contracts that never advanced a net assessment. I would further note for purposes of your evaluation that after I began my oversight of ONA, DoD Directive 5111.11 was changed to provide cover for the unit's lackluster performance. For example, on April 14, 2020, after I began my inquiry, the word shall was removed from the December 23, 2009 version of the Directive that required ONA to produce net assessments. The new version also changed ONA's research scope to generic research seemingly untethered to a net assessment. This is yet another example of ONA's apparent lack of effort to perform its mission on behalf of the American taxpayer and an effort to cover-up its previous failures to do the job for which it was designed. ONA has operated with an average budget of roughly $17 million from fiscal years (FY) 2007-2019,[4] with ONA's lowest budget coming in FY 2014 for just about $9 million.[5] Yet, ONA has not performed a net assessment since 2007.[6] In order to ensure that proper oversight mechanisms are in place at ONA, financial waste is kept to a minimum, research contracts comport with the purpose of ONA's statutorily mandated net assessment, and that all contract documents are collected and recorded as required by all applicable federal law and regulation, I request that DoD IG expand its evaluation to answer the following questions and include the following analysis:  Why has ONA failed to perform net assessments since 2007?Are other offices within DoD performing net assessments separate from ONA? If so, please provide a complete list of those offices and the total cost of those assessments for each office for each of the past five years.Are other offices within DoD performing generic research as described in the new DoD Directive 5111.11? If so, please provide a complete list of those offices and the total cost of that research for each office for each of the past five years.Since ONA no longer performs net assessments, is ONA's existence duplicative and wasteful in light of other DoD offices performing the same work?A description and assessment of the extent to which ONA has failed to comply with laws and regulations in contracting for research projects during the five-year period ending on September 30, 2020.An assessment to determine whether all supporting documentation for ONA's contracting comports with the Statement of Work agreed to between the contractors and DoD during the five-year period ending on September 30, 2020.The steps ONA must take to ensure that all contract documents are collected and recorded as required by all relevant law and regulation.What is the total cost to perform an annual net assessment?An analysis as to whether or not an annual net assessment can be performed by ONA at a cost less than $10,000,000.  Should you have questions, please contact my Committee staff at (202) 224-4515. Thank you for your continued attention to this important matter.  Sincerely,   Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on Finance   [1] I have made repeated requests for information from ONA. ONA has provided documents, but has failed to produce all of them. Either ONA officials do not have possession of certain documentation required in Professor Halper's contracts, or they've failed to comply with congressional demands. See Letter from Chairman Charles Grassley, S. Comm. on Fin., to Mr. Glenn Fine, Principal Deputy Inspector General, Defense Department Inspector General (January 16, 2019); Letter from Chairman Charles Grassley, S. Comm. on Fin., to then-Acting Secretary of Def. Mark Esper, Dep't of Def, (July 12, 2019); Letter from Chairman Charles Grassley, S. Comm. on Fin., to James Baker, Dir. Off. Of Net Assessment, Dep't of Def. (Jan. 22, 2020); Letter from Chairman Charles Grassley, S. Comm. on Fin., to James Baker, Dir. Off. Of Net Assessment, Dep't of Def., (June 18, 2020). For example, Chairman Grassley has not received the unredacted emails pursuant to his June 18, 2020 letter. Letter from Chairman Charles Grassley, S. Comm. on Fin., to James Baker, Dir. Off. Of Net Assessment, Dep't of Def. (June 18, 2020) (Letter requested, among other things, the unredacted emails that were released on April 29, 2020 subsequent to a Judicial Watch Freedom of Information Act request, showing communications among DoD employees, including Director James Baker, with The Washington Post reporter David Ignatius. ONA provided the requested emails, but did not provide them in the unredacted format requested.).[2] Dep't of Def. Off. Of Inspector General, Project Announcement: Evaluation of the Office of Net Assessment (Project No. D2021-DEV0SA-0011.000), https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/2389005/project-announcement-evaluation-of-the-office-of-net-assessment-project-no-d202/.[3] Kerry Picket, Republicans eye Defense Department official in Flynn leaks case, Washington Examiner (June 24, 2020). https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/republicans-eye-defense-department-official-in-flynn-leaks-case.[4] Number derived from averaging estimated, and enacted, budgets as reported in Office of the Secretary of Defense Budget Estimates for fiscal years 2007-2019.[5] Fiscal Year 2016 President's Budget Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), https://comptroller.defense.gov/Portals/45/Documents/defbudget/fy2016/budget_justification/pdfs/01_Operation_and_Maintenance/O_M_VOL_1_PART_1/OSD_PB16.pdf?bcsi-ac-cde40c890bd19f3d=2719301D00000002ErseD0VKQqskhHFLM+MMiY+wQFfpHAAAAgAAAEOybACEAwAAVAAAADXNBwA=#page=5.[6] Kerry Picket, Republicans eye Defense Department official in Flynn leaks case, Washington Examiner (June 24, 2020). https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/republicans-eye-defense-department-official-in-flynn-leaks-case.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/neal-grassley-and-brady-statement-regarding-new-usitc-report-covid-related-supply", "Neal, Grassley, and Brady Statement Regarding New USITC Report on COVID-Related Supply Chains", "2020-12-22", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-TX) issued the following statement after the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released a report that the officials requested of the agency regarding U.S. industry sectors producing COVID-related goods:  Today, the U.S. International Trade Commission released its analysis of industry sectors producing COVID-related goods pursuant to a request we made in August. This request built upon another report that the USITC released in May, which identified import data of medical supplies and products relevant to COVID-19. Today's report includes a thorough analysis of U.S. industries producing these goods and conducts in-depth case studies of specific products within critical sectors and their supply chains.  We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Commission for its exemplary work, especially given the expedited timeline for our requests. The report demonstrates the Commission's expert, nonpartisan analysis, and its findings will be immensely useful as the Committees continue to grapple with supply chain issues.  The Commission's report highlights sectors where supply and demand have stabilized and others where challenges persist. This report provides further evidence of existing shortages and bottlenecks, the reliance on imports for certain products and components, the benefits of increasing domestic manufacturing capacity, and the need to ensure greater supply chain resiliency. The Commission's expert analysis will be invaluable for the Committees' work on these matters.  The USITC's report can be found HERE. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3232EDE6-3092-4020-A621-F6A89C5A92D0", "Ernst: More COVID-19 Relief is Soon Headed Iowans Way", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today supported and helped deliver additional COVID-19 relief for Iowans in the bipartisan package that passed the Senate.\r\n\r\nI've long been calling for Congress to provide additional relief to Iowans and all Americans who continue to suffer through this pandemic; and now, more COVID-19 relief is soon headed Iowans' way, said Senator Joni Ernst.\r\n\r\nWith this new bipartisan relief package, we are bolstering the Paycheck Protection Program for Iowa small businesses  including our local news outlets; supporting child care centers and working families; aiding Iowa farmers and biofuel producers; and helping make sure our health care systems  including those in Iowa's rural areascontinue to have what they need to fight this virus and distribute the vaccine. This bipartisan bill will bring much-needed aid to Iowans on the front lines of this pandemic, those who are facing unemployment, and families fighting to stay afloat.\r\n\r\nBelow are just some of the key measures that Senator Ernst helped deliver for Iowans through this COVID-19 relief package:\r\n\r\n \r\nProvides direct payments of up to $600 per person and $600 per child\r\nPermits USDA to make payments to producers for losses incurred from the depopulation of livestock and poultry due to insufficient processing access\r\nProvides assistance to agricultural producers, growers, processors, specialty crops, non-specialty crops, dairy, livestock, poultry, and contract livestock and poultry producers\r\nAllows for payments to producers of advanced biofuel, biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, conventional biofuel, or renewable fuel\r\nTemporarily increases monthly SNAP benefits by 15%\r\nIncreases broadband funding, including support for rural broadband and telehealth\r\nSupports grants to stabilize the child care sector and allow providers to safely reopen\r\nAllows for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for struggling businesses\r\nMakes local chambers of commerce and news outlets eligible for the PPP and improves loan access for farmers\r\nProvides for manufacturing and procurement of vaccines and therapeutics and for CDC to ensure broad-based distribution, access, and vaccine coverage to all Americans\r\nProvides resources to states and localities for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, containment, and mitigation\r\nSupports hospitals and health care providers with additional relief funds\r\nCreates a voluntary Medicare payment designation that allows struggling rural hospitals to convert to a Rural Emergency Hospital to preserve access to emergency medical care in rural areas\r\nFunds support for mental health and substance abuse services\r\nAllows all Medicare beneficiaries to receive mental health services through telehealth on a permanent basis\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=44C0AEAC-859F-40DD-81B4-75A8551DF7DF", "Ernst Nominates 31 Iowans for Admission to U.S. Service Academies", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, today announced United States Service Academy nominations for 31 young Iowans from across the state.\r\n\r\nAs a company commander who served over 23 years in our nation's military, and mother of a West Point cadet, I am honored to nominate these Iowa students for admittance to our U.S. Service Academies, said Senator Ernst. Each and every one of these outstanding young leaders has demonstrated tremendous skill and commitment to establishing a career in our military. This nomination is an important step in the admissions process, and I'm proud to support these students in their goal of serving our country in uniform.\r\n\r\nEvery year, Ernst nominates Iowa students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. To learn more about the service academy nomination process, clickhere.\r\n\r\nBelow is a complete list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2025.\r\n\r\nUnited States Air Force Academy\r\nLandon Adkins  Davenport\r\nRylie Anderson  Bondurant\r\nChloe David  Granger\r\nJacob Hrasky  Treynor\r\nAustin Kruzich  Nevada\r\nEmmaKay McClain  Bayard\r\nElizabeth Peters  Iowa City*\r\nJohn Schillinger  North Liberty\r\nMegan Sterbenz  Grimes\r\nKitty Walden  Sioux City\r\n\r\nUnited States Military Academy\r\nNicholas Bandy  Dubuque\r\nSophia Dykstra  Oskaloosa\r\nNoelle Grau  United Kingdom**\r\nEmma Holesinger  Dubuque\r\nLuke Jefferson  Le Claire*\r\nAlexander Meier  Le Mars\r\nCavan O'Hara  Robins\r\nAnthony Schmitz  Pella\r\nLuke South  Linden\r\nSam Wilson  Carlisle\r\n\r\nUnited States Merchant Marine Academy\r\nJoshua Davis  Dubuque*\r\nZayna Dickson  Urbandale\r\nSamantha Foht  Davenport*\r\nLuke Jefferson  Le Claire*\r\nElizabeth Peters  Iowa City*\r\n\r\nUnited States Naval Academy \r\nAshish Abraham  Bettendorf\r\nJulianne Berry-Stoelzle  Iowa City\r\nJoshua Davis  Dubuque*\r\nSamantha Foht  Davenport*\r\nNathan Ketelsen  Charlotte\r\nNicholas McGowan  Sioux City\r\nAndrew Riley  Des Moines\r\nNathan Sell  Council Bluffs\r\nBenjamin Toyne  Victor\r\nSophia Utsinger  Bettendorf\r\n\r\n*The admissions process to the service academies is highly competitive, and Senator Ernst encourages students to apply for more than one academy. This denotes students who are being nominated for both their first and second choice of service academy.\r\n\r\n**Originally from West Des Moines\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/key-axne-priorities-included-bipartisan-agreement-fund-critical-programs-and", "Key Axne Priorities Included in Bipartisan Agreement to Fund Critical Programs and Priorities, Secure New COVID-19 Relief", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a comprehensive package of legislation that includes a wide variety of priorities and provisions fought for by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) over the past year.\nThe bipartisan agreement, H.R. 133, includes a new round of coronavirus (COVID-19) relief for Iowa's families and communities, provisions to help crack down on surprise medical billing, and full funding for government programs through the end of Fiscal Year 2021.\nThis is a long-overdue measure that will help Iowans in need. From direct support for Iowa families to long-term protections provided by new federal law, this legislation does a great deal to not only provide the assistance needed in the midst of a dark winter of health and economic crises, but also invest in the success of our communities and businesses for years to come,said Rep. Axne.While this legislation is not perfect,I'm pleased to see key priorities that I have worked to secure this Congress included in the final agreement, such as an extension of unemployment benefits and another round of direct payments, rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium, authorization to roll over unused child care savings into 2021, and provisions to support expansion of broadband connectivity, assistance for our biofuels industry, and much more.\nThe COVID-19 relief sections of the legislation contain key priorities championed by Rep. Axne, including:\n $25 billion for the first-ever emergency federal rental assistance program to help families impacted by COVID-19 that are struggling to make rent or have past-due rent and utility payments, as well as an extension of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021.\n\tAn additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021.\n\tAn additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and $600 for each child dependent.\n\t$284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, with dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).\n\t$10 billion in emergency funds for the child care sector through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program to help stabilize the child care market and allow states to expand child care assistance to essential workers and working families who are in great need of child care services.\n\tEmergency provisions championed by Rep. Axne to allow unused savings in dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) from 2020 to roll over and be used through the end of 2021,which will save families from losing up to $5,000 at the end of the year.\n\tStatutory language to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide relief funding for biofuels producers and the ethanol industry.\n An extension of refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave, first approved by Congress earlier this year, through the end of March 2021.\nThe final agreement also includes other important items pushed by Rep. Axne, such as:\n Funding to improve broadband mapping  which has left many Iowa communities unable to get funding to build new broadband  and the ACCESS Broadband Act, legislation Rep. Axnecosponsoredthat will improve federal grant accessibility for smaller local providers.\n\tAn extension of FY19 BUILD grant deadlines to provide recipients, including the Central Iowa Water Trails Project, more time to meet deadlines due to delays caused by COVID-19.\n\tA bipartisan measure to protect patients from surprise medical bills and establish a fair framework to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and health insurance companies.\n\tMore than $4 billion tohard-hitfamilies by allowing them to use their 2019 income to determine how much they receive in the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.\n\tThe Energy Act of 2020, which invests in clean energy research and development, and includes four bills Rep. Axne cosponsored:\n\t\tTheWind Energy Research and Development Act, to research and develop wind technologies and their grid integration.\n\t\t\tTheSolar Energy Research and Development Act, to fund research and development of solar energy technologies.\n\t\t\tTheARPA-E Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes ARPA-E and expands its authority to work on projects relating to nuclear waste clean-up and management issues and projects to improve energy infrastructure, as well as to pursue scale-up and demonstration of transformational clean energy technologies.\n\t\t\tTheClean Industrial Technology Act, which creates a research, development, and demonstration program on technologies to reduce emissions from the manufacturing sector, including cement, steel, and chemicals manufacturing processes, high-temperature heat generation, alternative materials, and carbon capture for industrial processes.\n\t\t\n Although this agreement is expected to be the last comprehensive package passed by the 116th Congress, Rep. Axne is already emphasizing the additional work left to be done in the new year.\nWhile this is an important agreement that helps keep our government open and fund long-term investments that will help recovery and growth of our nation,the emergency COVID-19 provisions of this bill are still only short-term relief, said Rep. Axne. This cannot and should not be Congress' last act to help those suffering through dual health and economic crises and when the 117th Congress begins in just a few short weeks, I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to continue the important work of supporting our constituents. Just as we know that this virus will not disappear on January 1st, we should not think that our efforts to support families, businesses, and communities will end when the book closes on this session.\nH.R. 133 also includes important provisions to support Iowa's communities and critical programs that help Iowans:\n Essential funding for vaccine procurement and distribution $19 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for manufacturing and procurement of vaccines and therapeutics and $8.75 billion to the CDC to aid distribution and tracking of vaccines across state and local public health agencies.\n\tAn additional $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.\n\tStreamlines the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and expands outreach and awareness to make it easier for Iowans to apply and qualify for federal student aid.\n\tOver $11 billion to the Department of Agriculture to continue to support producers, growers, and processors affected by COVID-19 market disruptions.\n\tAn extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in nontraditional employment, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks offederally fundedunemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits.\n\tAn extension of Iowa's ability to use remaining funds inits$1.25 billionallocation from the Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31, 2021.\n\tReauthorization of the second generation biofuel tax credit, which was due to expire at the end of 2020. Rep. Axnesuccessfully foughtto renew the tax credit in the past.\n\t$13 billion for nutrition assistance, including a 15% increase in monthly SNAP benefits.\n In order to finalize the compromise agreement on necessary improvements to flood control measures, the agreement also includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-congress-convening-2021-session-sunday", "Grassley on Congress Convening 2021 Session on a Sunday", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "NOTE: Grassley's tweet on this can be found HERE. Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Congress Convening 2021 Session on a Sunday Delivered on Sunday, December 20, 2020  Never in Senate history has the Senate convened a Congress on a Sunday.  The Constitution mandates that Congress convene at noon on January 3, unless the preceding Congress by law designates a different day.  Of course, January 3rd has fallen on a Sunday over the last 232 years and each time, by unanimous consent, a new convening date has been agreed to.  For the first time in history, Senate Democrats won't agree to unanimous consent and instead are insisting the Senate start the 117th Congress on a partisan foot.  I'm not looking to get out of work.  I've proven that I have great respect for attendance in the Senate.  But, out of respect, the Senate usually does not have business on religious holidays observed by members of various faiths.  I also think the Lord's Day paired with the weight of starting a new Congress deserves reverence. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-democrats-undermining-our-elections", "Grassley on Democrats Undermining our Elections", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Democrats Undermining our Elections Delivered on Saturday, December 19, 2020  In this town, political arguments often change places quickly, causing observers whiplash.  Before this election, we had elected Democrats scaring voters with irresponsible conspiracy theories that President Trump was going to somehow use his office to interfere with state elections or was in cahoots with the Postal Service to not deliver ballots.  After 2016, the irresponsibly worded talking point was that Russia hacked the election, leading to polls two years later showing that 67 percent of Democrats believed, falsely, that \"Russia tampered with vote tallies in order to get Donald Trump elected.\"  Those same people are now earnestly warning of the dangers of Americans questioning certified election results.  Those who supported #resist should not lecture others about the need for faith in elections.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-33-iowa-students-us-service-academies-0", "Grassley Nominates 33 Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) nominated 33 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to the U.S. service academies.  These young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection of our state. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are exceptional, and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces,Grassley said. The academies offer some of the best options for higher education as well as an outstanding way to serve our country. It's a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in their future endeavors.  Each year, Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements. The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy all select at least one qualified student from Grassley's nominations. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states' representation in Congress.  Grassley encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. Iowa members serving in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa's U.S. senators. Students may receive more than one nomination.  Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school. Early application is encouraged. The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year. Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies. These students then choose whether to attend the academy. More information about service academy nominations can be foundhere. Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.  The list of Grassley's nominees for the 2021  2022 school year follows.  U.S. Military Academy at West Point Kaylah Ajram-Wright  Cedar Rapids Nicholas Bandy  Dubuque Emma Caster  Coralville Noelle Grau  West Des Moines Luke Jefferson  Le Claire Alexander Meier  Le Mars Cavan O'Hara- Robins Jason Renze  Madrid Andrew Riley  Des Moines Sam Wilson  Carlisle  U.S. Air Force Academy Chloe David  Granger Aleah Heims  Manchester Jacob Hrasky  Treynor Paden Ketter  Traer Kori Knox  Urbandale Noah Reznik  Cumming James Tormey  West Des Moines Alex Traynor  Urbandale Kitty Walden  Sioux City Daniel White  Ankeny  U.S. Naval Academy Ashish Abraham  Bettendorf Rylie Anderson  Bondurant Jackson Decker  Fairfax Zayna Dickson  Urbandale Anastasia Nguyen  Davenport Elizabeth Peters  Iowa City Benjamin Toyne  Victor Sophia Utsinger  Bettendorf Maria Vaaler  Bettendorf Julie Valenca  Le Claire  U.S. Merchant Marine Emerson Abbas  Altoona Joshua Davis  Dubuque Zayna Dickson  Urbandale Samantha Foht  Davenport Elizabeth Peters  Iowa City -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-year-end-funding-and-pandemic-relief-legislation", "Grassley Statement on Year-End Funding and Pandemic Relief Legislation", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement after Senate passage of the legislative package including COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus, tax and health care policy extensions and government funding.  On pandemic relief, Grassley said:   It's past time Congress acted to provide relief to the families, communities and small businesses suffering because of the pandemic. Senate Republicans have had multiple earlier attempts shot down and filibustered by Democrats. Today we overcame the division that had thus far stymied action.  I'm glad that major provisions within the Finance Committee's jurisdiction were part of this relief package. We will extend the federal enhancement to unemployment insurance. I secured important integrity measures to prevent more fraud in the UI benefits, and we included a careful phase out so beneficiaries won't face the same cliff that many were worried about at the end of this year. The funding granted to states and localities under the CARES Act also needed to be used by the end of the year, meaning many would not be able to take full advantage of these resources. This legislation will extend the deadline another full year, so those entities can fully plan and properly utilize those resources. I introduced this policy as a standalone bill last August. There will be another economic impact payment to help families cover expenses. In addition to the other tax policies, we extend the employee retention tax credit developed on a bipartisan basis and passed as part of the CARES Act, which has helped many small businesses keep their workers on the payroll. For months, I've worked with a bipartisan group of senators to push Treasury toward accepting the congressional intent of the CARES Act, allowing for small businesses to deduct expenses related to PPP loans. I introduced a bill to clarify this incorrect, bureaucratic interpretation of the law. In a big win for small businesses, we fixed this as part of this package. Even with the news of vaccine distribution and success, the pandemic is still far from over, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This legislation will help us reach that end. (Section by section summaries of the UI provisions can be found HERE and the COVID-related tax relief policieslike economic impact paymentscan be found HERE.) On tax policy extensions, Grassley said:   So many small- and medium-sized businesses critical to the economies of every state as well as individual Americans depend on the certainty of tax policy, especially in the uncertain times of a global pandemic. This is true for Iowans and their businesses.  We've made permanent several important policies that were poised to expire and that have regularly faced uncertain renewals. The medical expense deduction, beneficial for so many Iowa families and seniors, has been extended in perpetuity. Importantly for rural America, the tax benefit for maintaining short-line railroads is now permanent. Craft beverage producers, like the many in Iowa and across the country who employ thousands of workers, will also benefit from a permanent reduction of the excise tax on beer, wine and distilled spirits.  We've also extended several policies for a shorter period of time that should prove helpful to Americans as we round the corner on the public health crisis restrictions, like the work opportunity credit, the New Markets tax credit, the second generation biofuels production credit, the excise tax credit for alternative fuels and the employer credit for paid family and medical leave. I've long been a leading advocate for wind energy, and an extension for that production credit is in this legislation.  This legislation also includes tax relief for Iowans affected by the derecho that devastated so much of our state this past summer, including expanded access to retirement savings, deduction for casualty losses, and hiring incentives for businesses affected by the storm. We've also included additional low-income housing tax credits as requested by the Iowa Finance Authority. (Section by section summary of the tax extension provisions can be found HERE.) On health policy extensions incorporated into the legislative package, Grassley said:   This legislative package extends a number of important Medicare, Medicaid and other health policies, including boosting payments to doctors in Iowa and other rural areas. It also provides permanent coverage for mental health telehealth visits, which are helpful during the pandemic and will remain critical for many Americans afterward.  I worked to ensure rural America would not go overlooked. We've secured a rural emergency hospital designation, extending the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration that helps a number of Iowa hospitals, and comprehensive payment reform for Rural Health Clinics. These programs will have a direct impact for Iowa health care providers and the patients they serve.  Several provisions will also help Medicare beneficiaries, like allowing for coverage to start early for certain individuals and improved coverage for people who have had certain cancers or transplants. Rolling over unused Flexible Spending Account dollars into the coming year will help keep patients in control of their health care (Section by section summaries of the health policy extensions within the Finance Committee's jurisdiction can be found HERE.) On funding for critical new Elder Justice programs, Grassley said:  This legislation also includes $100 million to support elder justice initiatives, including 50 million for state adult protective service agencies as they cope with unique challenges of serving vulnerable populations during the pandemic. I led an effort in the Senate to make additional resources available for these programs to assist older Americans, after convening two hearings last year on elder justice initiatives and gaps in nursing home oversight. I previously introduced legislation to extend funding for Elder Justice Act programs and boost the response to COVID-19 in nursing homes.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-tillis-ernst-and-coons-lead-bipartisan-push-protect-americans", "Grassley, Tillis, Ernst and Coons Lead Bipartisan Push to Protect Americans from Counterfeit Vaccines", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Also Request Report About Fraud and Counterfeits During the COVID-19 Pandemic WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) in sending a bipartisan letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) commending the agency for its quick action to combat online fraud related to unemployment benefits, dangerous counterfeit personal protective equipment, and counterfeit vaccines. The Senators also expressed support for Operation Stolen Promise 2.0, an initiative to protect against counterfeit vaccines, and their added focus on the risk of counterfeit vaccines going into this next phase of recovery. Additionally, the Senators asked HSI to provide Congress with a report on the trends and observations of the types of crime they identified during the pandemic. In April U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) launched Operation Stolen Promise, the senators wrote. This operation is an impressive collaboration of federal agencies, business leaders, industry representatives, and international law enforcement partnerships. We are grateful for the quick and decisive actions HSI has taken to address the new challenges to public health and safety created by this pandemic. As of November 27, 2020, Operation Stolen Promise's efforts have led to 187 criminal arrests, 1,653 seizures of prohibited COVID-19 items, such as counterfeit test kits, counterfeit masks, and banned pharmaceuticals. Additionally, Operation Stolen Promise resulted in $ 27.8 million in illicit proceeds seized, $18.8 million in disrupted fraudulent transactions, and $21.6 million in Cares Act fraud seizures.  The senators continued, As Operation Stolen Promise 2.0 progresses, you must take any and all necessary actions to stop the spread of misinformation about counterfeit vaccines and to stop the sale of such fake vaccines in the United States. You also must regularly track new trends in counterfeit COVID-19 products, whether they be threats, disruptions, or potential threats. It is important that we look back on the challenges of this year to learn how to better prevent the same threats to public safety in the future.  Individuals should never attempt to purchase COVID-19 vaccines or treatments online. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-urges-iowans-get-covid-19-vaccine", "Grassley Urges Iowans to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine", "2020-12-21", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Urges Iowans to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Monday, December 21, 2020  History will look back at 2020 and find many lessons and silver linings to unpack.  The loss of more than 300,000 American lives will be mourned for years to come.  Operation Warp Speed launched a historic public-private partnership. It's delivered a lifesaving vaccine in record time, shattering scientific benchmarks along the way.  For the last nine months, Americans have pulled together in shared sacrifice to do their part.  As the COVID-19 vaccine make its way into communities across the country, I encourage Iowans to keep pulling together.  When public health officials say it's your turn to get the vaccine, roll up your sleeve.  I'll be doing the same when it's my turn.  Getting immunized is the only way we'll beat the virus and get back our way of life.  History will show America turned the page on the pandemic when all of us rolled up our sleeves. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=3D2F30F1-F646-4F71-B302-16520A294D1F", "Joni Ernst: For Our Servicemembers, Invisible Wounds Often Present the Greatest Challenges", "2020-12-19", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Iowan Brandon Lay was a heronot just as a Marine serving two tours in Afghanistanbut also as someone who dedicated his time and energy to helping fellow veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after he returned home.\r\n\r\nBecause of Brandon's efforts, countless veterans who faced mental health challenges are in a better place today. Sadly, like far too many of our nation's heroes, Brandon continued to struggle himself, and recently, tragically took his own life.\r\n\r\nLast weekend, I had the honor of attending and speaking at Brandon's memorial to celebrate his life of service. He was a veteran and a patriot. And, to all who knew him, Brandon was an inspiration, a friend, and a source of comfort and strength. It was an incredibly moving ceremony, and it was a stark reminder of the countless veterans who face similar invisible wounds after they return home from the battlefield.\r\n\r\nAs a former company commander in Iraq and Kuwait, I understand some of these challenges our veterans face. And now, as a United States Senator, one of my most important duties is ensuring that our servicemembers and veteranswho sacrifice to defend and uphold our freedoms and our way of lifeget the support they have earned.\r\n\r\nIn the Senate, I'm focused on keeping that commitment to our heroes. Just recently, a bipartisan bill I proudly supported was signed into law to allow loved ones and friends of veterans to access information about resources available to veterans who may be experiencing unseen challenges such as mental health battles. This is just one small piece of a larger effort to get our veterans critical help when they need it most.\r\n\r\nIn addition to this newlaw, last month, I helped introduce theDaniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert Improving Servicemember Transition to Reduce Veteran Suicide Act abillnamed after another Iowan, Cpl. Adam Lambert, who sadly died by suicide. The bill would establish a pilot program to counsel our servicemembers about the challenges they might face during their transition back to civilian life and how that might affect their mental health. It would also provide our war heroes with information about the services available to them at their local Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility.\r\n\r\nOn Tuesday, I was honored to host aconversationwith Cpl. Lambert's parents, Jill and Dean Lambert, about the importance of this bill and additional measures we can all take to support our heroes in need. Adam's family, like so many others who have faced similar situations, have honored their son's life and legacy by jumping into action and helping in the fight to end veteran suicide. McKenzie Lambert, Adam's sister, said this of the new bill named in honor of her brother:As my family and many others have learned in the most finite way, our military loved ones are trained to avoid burdening society for their individual selves. We must step up and take this burden from them, supplying mental healthcare upfront so they don't even have to think of asking.I couldn't agree more.\r\n\r\nJust like the care and treatment that many of our soldiers rely on when they have physical wounds, we must also address the invisible wounds that can have a profound impact on their wellbeing. In the Senate, I'll continue working with Democrats and Republicans to get our men and women in uniform the resources and support they need during and long after their military service.\r\n\r\nJoni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n  \r\n  \r\nClickhereor on the image above for an official portrait of Senator Ernst.\r\n  \r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7FE56742-7802-4790-B7A3-83041A007339", "Ernst, Grassley Request Update from Justice Department on Status of Investigation of Glenwood Resource Center", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are requesting an update from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on their investigation of the Glenwood Resource Center (GRC) and the Woodward Resource Center (WRC) in Iowa.\r\n\r\nIn their letter to DOJ, the senators request responses to two questions:\r\n\r\n \r\nPlease provide:\r\nA timeline of the Department's investigation into both GRC and WRC, and a status update, given the most recent allegations, which surfaced this month.\r\nAn explanation of the Department's investigation, with respect to whether the DOJ is actively collecting information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), given its respective oversight functions.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\nGiven the Department's ongoing investigation into both GRC and WRC, which we understand was initiated under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and Title H of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has the DOJ consulted with HHS and/or CMS regarding the operations and status of either Center? If so, please explain. If not, please explain why not.\r\n \r\n\r\nThe senators request responses to their letter by the end of the year.\r\n\r\nTo view the senators' full letter, click here.\r\n\r\nLast year, Senator Ernst requested DOJ provide updates and respond to questions regarding their investigation.\r\n\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-sixth-continuing-resolution-vote-116th-congress", "Rep. Axne Statement on Sixth Continuing Resolution Vote of the 116th Congress", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Rep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives passing a two-day continuing resolution:\nLast week, Congress decided it needed one more week to do its two most important jobs: wield the power of thepurse andhelp our constituents when they are in need.\nToday, we're saying we need two more days.\nThis continuing resolution, my sixth as a freshman member, should not allow us to thinkwe can continue to delaybefore finalizingthis deal. The time for this agreement was months ago.\nThe least we can do for families now, before the holidays, is to stop kicking the can down the road, throwing in last minute poison pills, and lingering any longer on aid that is desperately needed.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-advances-axne-bill-honor-mother-4-h-president-s-desk", "Senate Advances Axne Bill to Honor the \u2018Mother of 4-H\u2019 to President\u2019s Desk", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Democrat", "House", "IA", "Cynthia Axne", "A000378", "axne.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored byRep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) to rename the U.S. Post Office in Clarinda in honor of Jessie Field Shambaugh, the former school superintendent from Page County and longtime Iowa educator known to many as the Mother of 4-H.'\nI'm pleased that this bill is now headed to the President for signature, and I'm proud we're just one step away from permanently recognizing the legacy that Jessie Field Shambaugh left in Iowa and across America. Jessie Field Shambaugh was a pioneering vision, and I owe the values of leadership, engagement, and community that I hold to experiences as a 4-H kid, said Rep. Axne. I would also like to thank Senators Grassley and Ernst for their help advancing this bill through the Senate. \nShambaugh began teaching in Page County in 1901, and formed the Boys Corn Club and the Girls Home Club to teach students essential skills for the farm and home through extracurricular programs.To boost participationinthe Clubs, she created a clover pin with each leaf labeled with an H. Her designbecame the symbol of 4-H in 1914 when the Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative ExtensionSystem atthe USDA, formalizing 4-H clubs across the country.\nToday, over 6 million schoolchildren participate in 4-H activities  learning life skills, leadership, and cooperation through the same values of Head, Hands, Heart, and Health' that Shambaugh helpedpioneerover a century ago.\nShambaugh was also an author, radiocontributoron KFNF in Shenandoah, and the mother of two children. She was born in 1881 near Shenandoah, studied at Shenandoah's Western Normal College, graduated Tabor College in Fremont County, and was elected superintendent of schools in Page County in 1906. She died in 1971 inClarinda. In 1977, Shambaugh was named to the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.\nThe bill introduced by Rep. Axne to rename the post office at 101 S. 16thStreet is cosponsored by the other three members of the Iowa House delegation: Reps. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Steve King (IA-04).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-accepting-election-results-iowa-s-second-congressional-district", "Grassley on Accepting the Election Results in Iowa\u2019s Second Congressional District", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Accepting the Election Results in Iowa's Second Congressional District Friday, December 18, 2020  There's been a lot of finger wagging across the aisle by both Senate and House Democrats about accepting election results.  Most of that has been related to whether or not President Trump would concede the election to Joe Biden  But obviously there is somewhat of a double standard. Because these same Democrats are mum about the looming challenge to the certified result of the election in Iowa's Second Congressional District.  Representative-elect Miller-Meeks won by six votes after careful recounts conducted and certified on a bipartisan basis according to Iowa law.  On election night the Democratic candidate lost.  A few days later two counties were recounted and the Democratic candidate still lost.  And then the Democratic candidate asked for a recount of all 24 counties. And after that recount the Democratic candidate still lost.  A day later, the secretary of state of Iowa certified the election just like the secretaries of states in our 50 states certified their elections for the presidential election.  Now the Democratic opponent chose not to make a case under Iowa law before a judicial panel headed by the Chief Justice of Iowa, presumably because there is no legal case.  Now what happens?  The next step is that candidate, under a 1969 federal law, can ask the House of Representatives to set aside Iowa's election law and overturn Iowa's certified election results through a purely political process.  Which could presumably have a Democrat majority of 222 in the U.S. House overturn the votes of 400,000 Iowans.  Now getting back to what seems to be a double standard.  If Democrat leaders do not nip this in the bud now, they have no room to point fingers. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-request-information-justice-department-investigation-glenwood", "Grassley, Ernst Request Information from Justice Department on Investigation of Glenwood Resource Center in Iowa", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are requesting additional information from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding their investigation of the Glenwood Resource Center (GRC) and the Woodward Resource Center (WRC) in Iowa.  In their letter to DOJ, the senators request responses to two questions:  Please provide:A timeline of the Department's investigation into both GRC and WRC, and a status update, given the most recent allegations, which surfaced this month.An explanation of the Department's investigation, with respect to whether the DOJ is actively collecting information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), given its respective oversight functions.  Given the Department's ongoing investigation into both GRC and WRC, which we understand was initiated under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and Title H of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has the DOJ consulted with HHS and/or CMS regarding the operations and status of either Center? If so, please explain. If not, please explain why not.  The senators request responses to their letter by the end of the year. To view the senators' full letter, click here.Last year, Senator Ernst requested DOJ provide updates and respond to questions regarding their investigation. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-lankford-introduce-retirement-bill-give-small-businesses-more", "Grassley, Hassan, Lankford Introduce Retirement Bill to Give Small Businesses More Flexibility", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) along with Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) today introduced the Improving Access to Retirement Savings Act, S.5064. This bill will build off the successful implementation of the SECURE Act and make improvements so that more organizations and small businesses can participate in multiple employer plans (MEPs). This legislation will help more Americans save for their retirement while also giving our small businesses and nonprofits another avenue to invest in their employees' future financial security. Government should be doing everything it can to help Americans save more of their own hard-earned money so they can retire with peace of mind and independence, Grassley said.  Every Granite Stater and American deserves to retire with dignity. This bipartisan effort builds on a law we passed last year to make it easier to save for retirement, Hassan said. This commonsense bill will help expand retirement plan options for small businesses, nonprofits, and employees  and I will keep working across the aisle to strengthen retirement security.  Everyone knows that saving for retirement is important. These policies will make it easier for employers to offer retirement plans, improve accessibility, and encourageretirement saving for employees, Lankford said. By allowing more employers join together to offer retirement plans, and ensure employers have the resources and flexibility to begin and operate retirement plans, this proposal helps Oklahomans save more, sooner.  The Improving Access to Retirement Savings Act will allow more groups to participate in MEPs by allowing 403(b) plans, which are prevalent among tax-exempt organizations, to participate. It also clarifies that small employers that join a MEP may take the small employer pension plan start-up credit for their first three years in a MEP, regardless of how long the MEP has been in existence.  Additionally, this legislation allows for a grace period to correct reasonable errors in administering automatic enrollment and escalation features when groups are enrolling in a MEP, provided they are corrected within 9  months of the end of the year in which the mistakes were made.  Full text of the bill can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-johnson-release-recently-declassified-strzok-messages-about-fbi-s", "Grassley, Johnson Release Recently Declassified Strzok Messages about FBIs Midyear and Crossfire Hurricane Investigations", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today released recently declassified messages from former FBI agent Peter Strzok related to Crossfire Hurricane, the FBI's investigation of Trump campaign and administration officials, and the FBI's Midyear Exam investigation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server. Although some information remains redacted, highlights include:  7/28/16: The same day the FBI received the friendly foreign government information that served as the basis for opening Crossfire Hurricane, Strzok tells FBI counsel Lisa Page that he wants to discuss[o]ur open C[counter-]I[ntelligence] investigations relating to Trump's Russian connections  9/23/16: Regarding now-debunked allegations promoted by Christopher Steele and DNC law firm Perkins Coie that a Trump organization server was secretly communicating with Russian agents through Alfa Bank, Strzok is told that[t]his [Trump] email domain is no longer pointing to any active mail server.  9/27/16: Strzok is told,S[pecial]A[ccess]P[rogram] in HRC[linton]'s account  10/26/16: Strzok is told,27 confirmed classified TOTAL (26 to ClintonEmail, 1 to Yahoo): -6 of the 27 were SECRET then (4 of which remain SECRET now and 2 of which are CONFIDENTIAL)  21 of the 27 were CONFIDENTIAL then (16 of which remain CONFIDENTIAL now and 5 of which are UNCLASS or FOUO)  12/20/16: Strzok is told that DOJ's Office of Intelligence,made it clear [REDACTED] would not support even our discussions let alone a[] [FISA] app relating to Papadopoulos.  1/3/17: Strzok is told,We can't work the entire administration out of one unit (esp a unit that (1) is focused on the Russian side of things and (2) has no real prosecution or espionage experience))  1/3/17: Strzok told an unknown FBI official,I told him before Xmas I wanted to keep [REDACTED] and laid out all the reasons its bad to have a Trump Unit (which is what it would become) rather than a Russian influence one.  1/9/17: Strzok tells Page,Also Carl Bernstein (yes that Carl) called OPA, said he got a dossier' from McCain  1/12/17: Strzok is sent a copy of a message stating,typhoon [Papadopolous] got a call from the VP at Fox News yesterday, who advised that the government was conducting checks' on him a few months back. i haven't listened to the exact audio, but i'm guessing that's the FARA checks that we did with DOJ on our 4 main guys  1/30/17: Strzok is told,FYSA: [REDACTED] opened a [REDACTED] on MISFUD  2/2/17: Strzok states,W[hite]H[ouse] is ripsh*t about leak of contents of call between P[resident Trump] and foreign counterpart and are urgently asking process for media leak referral.  To the extent we have people sharing information of this nature with us, we need to be very cautious about it. Including reaching out to them now.  2/15/17: An unidentified FBI official tells Strzok,From where I'm sitting, it looks like the entire future credibility of the FBI is sitting on your shoulder.? Just my opinion, but I thought you should know.  3/27/17: Strzok tells Page,Greg mentioned wanting to talk because SSCI looking for guidance in their investigation.  D[irector Comey] provided update about convo with Warner on Friday about C[rossfire]H[urricane] matters  3/28/17: An unidentified FBI official tells Strzok,I just left a meeting with the current Fusion GPS client who wants to share their holdings  4/21/17: An unidentified FBI official tells Strzok,I just worry about having this as a CI case when we are really doing a criminal investigation. But we are working it out of CI due to the reporting The 21-page production can be viewedhere.The October 30, 2020 letter to Attorney General Barr and Director Wray can be viewedhere.The Chairmen's timeline on events related to the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation can be viewedhere.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-warner-portman-blumenthal-urge-lighthizer-not-include-tech-liability", "Grassley, Warner, Portman, Blumenthal Urge Lighthizer to Not Include Tech Liability Shield in U.S.-U.K. Trade Agreement", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) along with Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), today sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, urging the Trump administration to refrain from including sweeping liability protection language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 in a trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. We are optimistic that a new trade agreement with the United Kingdom will ensure fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade. But we want to note that we have concerns with the inclusion of safe harbor language modeled on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996,the senators wrote. Including a safe harbor clause in any future trade agreements will further allocate more power to companies at the expense of individuals.  They continued,Congress can and should debate about Section 230 and how it has enabled platforms to turn a blind eye as their platforms are used to facilitate discrimination, cyber-stalking, terrorism, online frauds, and more. We urge USTR to refrain from including this provision in this and future free trade agreements until that debate has concluded. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-fix-ppp-tax-glitch", "Q&A: Fix the PPP Tax Glitch", "2020-12-18", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A:Fix the PPP Tax Glitch With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q:How has the Paycheck Protection Program helped small businesses keep their workforce? A: When the COVID-19 pandemic led to severe economic fall-out for small businesses across the country, Congress provided a financial lifeline to help employers stay afloat and keep their workers on payroll. The CARES Act created the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a $349 billion fund to provide federally-guaranteed loans to small businesses administered by local lenders. The loans would be forgivable if borrowers applied at least 60 percent of the money towards payroll expenses, including employee vacation, parental, family, medical, and sick leave. Other qualifying PPP expenses included interest on mortgage, rent and utility payments. President Trump signed the CARES Act on March 27th and the Small Business Administration (SBA) acted swiftly to implement the program within a week. Across Iowa, more than 61,000 businesses received $5 billion in PPP funds to help retain their workers and meet financial obligations during the pandemic. According to the SBA, the overall average loan size was $101,000.As Congress finalizes agreement on a fourth pandemic relief package, I support extending additional PPP funding urgently needed to help small businesses survive, including first-time borrowers, enhancing flexibility for spending the funds and simplifying the paperwork process for lenders and borrowers while also keeping check on fraud. However, the IRS threw a wrench into the program's effectiveness and ignored congressional intent. The IRS issued a notice in May providing that small businesses who used their PPP loan to pay for expenses that typically qualify for a tax deduction would not be allowed to deduct these expenses if they are paid with a forgiven PPP loan. This would create a substantial tax burden and cash flow problem for businesses already struggling to stay afloat. I urged the Secretary of the Treasury to reverse this decision. Unfortunately, the Department of Treasury and the IRS doubled down on the guidance, reaffirming in November that PPP recipients may not deduct business expenses paid for with forgiven PPP loans. That means the expenses paid with PPP loans are included in income, effectively making the forgiven PPP loan taxable. This directive ignores congressional intent to exclude loan forgiveness from taxable income. Increasing the tax burden on small businesses already hanging on by a thread to survive is poppycock. For example, a small business that used a $150,000 PPP loan to help pay wages and benefits for their employees might now be required to pay approximately $55,500 in federal income taxes due to denied deductions for necessary business expenses. This is bad timing, bad policy and very bad for small businesses. Q: How are you trying to fix the PPP tax glitch? A: As chairman of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I'm leading a bipartisan legislative effort to reverse the Treasury Department's misguided decision and allow small businesses to deduct expenses paid for with PPP money. As Congress works to finalize negotiations on a fourth pandemic relief package before the end of the year, I'm pushing to include this legislative fix to give peace of mind and certainty to small businesses who have struggled to serve their customers, keep their workers and save their livelihoods in an unprecedented year of uncertainty and financial disruption. Small businesses are the economic backbone and lifeblood of communities across America. We can't allow the pandemic to force small business to buckle under through no fault of their own. Reducing unnecessary tax and regulatory burdens attached to PPP funding makes sense and is the right thing to do. Based upon feedback from Iowa businesses and their lenders shortly after implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program, I supported efforts in Congress to replenish funding with an additional $310 billion and to secure flexibility for borrowers to make the best use of this financial lifeline for their individual operations. Like any government program, Congress must pay close attention on how this money is spent to ensure tax dollars are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. In this case, that means applying common sense and cutting red tape that puts unnecessary burden on job creators and their workforce. The bottom line is simple. Congress enacted the PPP to give a financial lifeline to small businesses, not deliver a financial tax liability. The last thing small businesses deserve in 2020 is a lump of coal from the IRS in their stocking. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3C5E0471-A254-444B-A65D-7A0E656520F9", "Ernst, Hirono Bill to Protect the Legal Rights of Servicemembers and Their Families Passes Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONA bipartisan, bicameral bill led by U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) that would permanently establish the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) passed the Senate this week. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.\r\n\r\nAs a combat veteran, caring for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families is one of my top priorities. That's why I've helped lead this bipartisan effort to ensure the Department of Justice continues their work to protect the rights and legal interests of our nation's heroes during and long after their military careers. I'm glad this important legislation passed the Senate this week, and is now one step closer to being signed into law, said Senator Ernst.\r\n\r\nThe Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative has provided critical support for servicemembers and veterans over the last five years. This bipartisan legislation makes sure that the Department of Justice has the tools and direction to remain focused on supporting servicemembers, veterans, and their families. As a Senate Armed Services Committee member, I am proud that the Senate passed this legislation, and urge that it be swiftly signed into law, said Senator Hirono.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe SVI was created by the DOJ in 2015 to expand the Department's efforts to enforce the statutes created to protect the rights and legal interests of the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families.\r\n\r\nThe Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020 supports the critical work of the existing SVI by updating and formalizing the SVI's mandate. The bill specifies that the SVI:\r\n\r\n \r\nServes as a legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans\r\nServes as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments\r\nServes as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nThis bill has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, and Student Veterans of America.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B4E62FC4-FAA7-43C6-AE04-1390E3D86675", "Ernst: Amid COVID-19, Military Should Delay Collecting Troops Back Taxes", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Press Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHome\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNews\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPress Releases\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWASHINGTON  With troops facing potential pay cuts because of deferred back taxes due at the beginning of next year, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, is urging the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue an extension until October 2021 and to proactively notify military members and their families on exactly how much pay will be collected. Ernst also said that an extension would allow Congress time to consider legislative options to address the issue.\r\n\r\nIn her letter to DOD, Senator Ernst writes: The coronavirus pandemic has presented many challenges for military families across the country. There are troubling reports of record numbers of military families who are seeking help from food banks because of spousal unemployment or other reasons such as needing to assist other family members. Notably, military servicemembers were not allowed to opt out or to provide consent for this deferment of their payroll taxes. I request that the Department of Defense further delay the collection of these taxes until October 1, 2021 so that military troops do not see their pay cut at this time and so that Congress may consider legislative options to address this issue.\r\n\r\nIn August 2020, President Trump issued an executive order directing the temporary deferment of payroll taxes for military servicemembers, which is due to end after 2020. According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, servicemembers could lose 6-8% of their pay starting in January and continuing to the end of April 2021 as a result. For a young enlisted servicemember this may amount to over $300 per month being deducted from their pay. In her letter, Ernst is urging DOD to extend the deferment of payroll taxes for servicemembers through October 2021.\r\n\r\nSenator Ernst's full letter to DOD can be viewed by clicking HERE.\r\n\r\n###\r\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\r\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t730 Hart Senate Office Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWashington, DC 20510\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (202) 224-3254\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (202) 224-9369\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t733 Federal Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t210 Walnut Street\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDes Moines, IA  50309\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (515) 284-4574\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (515) 284-4937\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t201 West Second Street\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 806\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDavenport, IA  52801\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (563) 322-0677\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (563) 322-0854\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t111 Seventh Avenue SE\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSuite 480\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCedar Rapids, IA 52401\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (319) 365-4504\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (319) 365-4683\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t194 Federal Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t320 Sixth Street\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSioux City, IA 51101\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (712) 252-1550\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (712) 252-1638\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t221 Federal Building\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8 South Sixth Street\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCouncil Bluffs, IA 51501\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone: (712) 352-1167\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFax: (712) 352-0087", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-alexander-joint-statement-multiemployer-pension-relief-and-reform", "Grassley, Alexander Joint Statement on Multiemployer Pension Relief and Reform Negotiations", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today released the following joint statement on multiemployer pension relief and reform negotiations. Over a year ago, we released a proposal to avert the collapse of critically underfunded multiemployer pension plans, which are private-sector pensions sponsored by more than one employer and negotiated as part of a union collective bargaining agreement.Our proposal also reformed the rules for these plans to prevent future funding shortfalls within these important pillars of the American retirement system. For the past two weeks, we have engaged in intense negotiations with our Democratic colleagues in the Senate and House to seek a deal to resolve the impending multiemployer pension crisis.  Our objective has been to provide relief for the failing multiemployer pension plans that cover about 1.5 million retirees and help secure the retirement benefits of millions of other retirees that are at risk should the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's insurance fund start to run dry in2026, as currently projected.While we agree that significant federal funds will be needed to solve the current crisis, reforms are essential to ensure the multiemployer pension system can be self-sustaining and honor benefit promises over the long term instead of relying on taxpayers to bail out a private-sector system in perpetuity.  Since we introduced our multiemployer pension relief and reform plan last November, we have worked to strike that balance between relief for today's failing plans and reforms to ensure taxpayers don't have to bail out the system again in the coming years.The foundation of our reform plan is that all stakeholders have a role in fixing the system from the employers, unions and pension plans to the employees and retirees.  We have gone into the recent discussions in good faith and know that our colleagues have as well.While each side has agreed to make significant changes, we have yet to find an agreement that satisfies our respective principles and objectives for resolving this situation. We have reached the point where we are out of time to strike an agreement that can be scored by the Congressional Budget Office and reviewed by our Senate and House colleagues to include in an end-of-year package.However, we remain committed to finding a solution and will continue looking for a balanced, sensible approach to resolve this increasingly critical problem. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-discusses-biden-cabinet-nominees", "Grassley Discusses Biden Cabinet Nominees", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Discusses Biden Cabinet Nominees Thursday, December 17, 2020  Democrats are already lecturing Republican senators about approving future Biden cabinet nominees even if we don't agree with them.  That's rich. In other words, they are saying, Don't follow our example from the past four years.  They want two sets of rules for Republican and Democrat cabinet nominees, just like they want with judicial nominees.  President Obama had six cabinet secretaries approved by the Senate on his inauguration day without needing a roll call vote so he could hit the ground running.  President Trump had none by voice vote, and only two were approved by roll call votes.  Trump cabinet and subcabinet nominees, even ones that had been confirmed easily in previous Republican administrations, faced obstruction and partisan no votes.  Many Democrat senators who aspired to be president voted against virtually every single Trump nominee no matter how qualified.  My position has always been that a president should have the ability to choose for his own cabinet people he gets along with and who agree with him on policy, provided of course that they are qualified and will follow the law.  That's the way it should be. It is how I have approached nominees to date. But, how can Senate Republicans be sure that if we employ that standard, Democrats will play fair with the next Republican president?  I don't want retaliation for its own sake. But, the threat of holding Democrat senators to their own standards has been our only means of deterrence.  I want to hear from Democrats why we should not now adopt their standards and vote down nominees based on politics.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-request-immediate-irs-briefing-whether-taxpayer-data-was", "Grassley, Wyden Request Immediate IRS Briefing on Whether Taxpayer Data Was Compromised in SolarWinds Hack", "2020-12-17", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today requested IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig provide an immediate briefing on whether taxpayer data was compromised in the SolarWinds hack. The IRS appears to have been a customer of SolarWinds as recently as 2017. Given the extreme sensitivity of personal taxpayer information entrusted to the IRS, and the harm both to Americans' privacy and our national security that could result from the theft and exploitation of this data by our adversaries, it is imperative that we understand the extent to which the IRS may have been compromised, the senators wrote. It is also critical that we understand what actions the IRS is taking to mitigate any potential damage, ensure that hackers do not still have access to internal IRS systems, and prevent future hacks of taxpayer data.   We write to express our deep concern about recent reports that several federal government agencies have been compromised by sophisticated hackers. According to these reports, this hacking operation is historic in scope, and has seemingly affected not only the Treasury Department, of which the Internal Revenue Service is the largest bureau, but the Commerce Department, State Department, Department of Homeland Security, National Institutes of Health, and parts of the Pentagon.  On Sunday, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued Emergency Directive 21-01. According to CISA, SolarWinds Orion products are currently being exploited by malicious actors, presenting a high potential for compromise of agency information systems, and a successful compromise would have a grave impact on federal networks. Agencies have been instructed by CISA to immediately power down SolarWinds Orion products and then hunt for signs of further compromise  The IRS appears to have been a customer of SolarWinds as recently as 2017. Given the extreme sensitivity of personal taxpayer information entrusted to the IRS, and the harm both to Americans' privacy and our national security that could result from the theft and exploitation of this data by our adversaries, it is imperative that we understand the extent to which the IRS may have been compromised. It is also critical that we understand what actions the IRS is taking to mitigate any potential damage, ensure that hackers do not still have access to internal IRS systems, and prevent future hacks of taxpayer data.  We request an immediate briefing on the IRS' efforts to discover whether its systems were breached, and if they were, whether sensitive taxpayer information was stolen. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=3EB9F2F2-93ED-44A2-AFEE-C3D7BD01E079", "Ernst Calls on VA to Extend Freeze for Vets Medical Bill Payments Amid COVID-19", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  After hearing directly from Iowa veterans facing financial strains amid the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran herself, is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to extend its freeze on veterans' medical bill payments through July 2021. Ernst is also urging the VA to proactively notify veterans of payment plan options or any other assistance that may be available to them and to ensure that their call centers are fully staffed and operational.\r\n\r\nMany of our Iowa veterans have experienced serious financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the VA has acted to help relieve some of those financial burdens, it's critical we extend this relief and that our veterans are notified about the resources and medical bill payment plan options available to them. Our veterans sacrificed to defend our nation and our freedom, and it's vital that we make sure they get the support they need during these difficult times, said Senator Joni Ernst.\r\n\r\nIn April 2020, the VA made the decision to place veterans' monthly copay patient statements on hold through December 2020 due to the pandemic. In January 2021, veterans will receive statements that may include the total amount of copay chargesfor medical care and prescriptions received during the 8-month hold period, as well as unpaid copay chargesfor medical care and prescriptions received before April 2020. Iowa veterans have contacted Senator Ernst's office explaining that given the pandemic they are still simply not prepared to pay the accumulated charge. In addition, veterans have explained that they have not received information from the VA regarding what options may be available to those who are experiencing continued financial hardship.\r\n\r\nSenator Ernst's letter to the VA can be viewed by clicking HERE or in the text below:\r\n\r\nSecretary Wilkie,\r\n\r\nAs you know, it is one of my top priorities to improve processes at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to better ensure that our veterans receive the support and care they have earned and have been promised. Today, I am writing to inquire about how the VA may be able to further assist our veterans who may be facing financial strains due to the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n\r\nAs you know, COVID-19 has presented many challenges to our veterans across the country, many of whom have faced isolation, medical concerns, and economic uncertainty. It is my understanding the VA made a decision in April 2020 to place monthly patient billing statements for veterans' health care costs on hold until December 31, 2020. More recently, the VA announced that these statements would remain on hold until January 2021. Notably, veterans were not required to opt in or to provide consent for these holds, and instead had their bills delayed automatically by the VA.\r\n\r\nVeterans have now begun to receive notification of their statements for medical bills that accumulated over the eight-month hold period. While these statements do not require payment until 2021, many veterans who are receiving such statements have not experienced an improvement in their financial situations since April, and are simply not prepared to pay the accumulated charge. Additionally, I have heard concerns from veterans in Iowa who have not received information from the VA regarding what options may be available to those who are experiencing continued financial hardship.\r\n\r\nIn light of the direct impact this policy has on our veterans during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, I respectfully request that the VA further delay the payment hold for an additional six months, through July 2021. During these challenging times, I also urge your department to proactively notify veterans of payment plan options, or any other assistance that may be available to them, and ensure that all help call lines are fully staffed and operational.\r\n\r\nI look forward to receiving your response. I remain deeply committed to working with you and your Department to ensure that all veterans in Iowa and across the country have access to quality care and services.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nJoni K. Ernst\r\nUnited States Senator\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-feinstein-schatz-bill-expand-cannabidiol-marijuana-research-passes", "Grassley, Feinstein, Schatz Bill to Expand Cannabidiol, Marijuana Research Passes Senate", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) applauded the Senate passing their Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act, a bill to encourage scientific and medical research on marijuana and its compounds including cannabidiol, or CBD. I've been a strong supporter and lead Republican of this legislation since it was first introduced in 2016. This bipartisan bill is critical to better understanding the marijuana plant and its potential benefits and side effects. It will empower the FDA to analyze CBD and medical marijuana products in a safe and responsible way so that the American public can decide whether to utilize them in the future based on sound scientific data, Grassley said. Researching marijuana is widely supported by my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and it's a smart step forward in addressing this current schedule I drug.  Existing regulations make medical marijuana research difficult and have prevented us from understanding exactly how medical marijuana can be used safely and effectively to treat various conditions, Feinstein said. Our bill streamlines the research process and paves the way for marijuana-derived medications that are FDA-approved to treat serious medical conditions, like intractable epilepsy, in a way that will keep consumers safe.  Our bill will remove excessive barriers that make it difficult for researchers to study the effectiveness and safety of marijuana, and hopefully, give patients more treatment options, Schatz said. The medical community agrees that we need more research to learn about marijuana's potential health benefits, but our federal laws today are standing in the way.  This bill combines a bill previously introduced by Grassley and Feinstein (the Cannabidiol Research Expansion Act) with a bill previously introduced by Schatz (the Marijuana Effective Drug Studies Act.)  In addition to Grassley, Feinstein and Schatz, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).  Background:  Currently, both marijuana and CBD containing more than 0.3 percent delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as THC) are classified as Schedule I drugs. As a result, research is subject to stringent regulations that can pose an obstacle to medical research.  CBD is largely unregulated. But thousands of parents nationwide have used CBD oil to help their children who suffer from intractable epilepsy.  The bill requires HHS and NIH to submit a report to Congress within a year of the bills enactment into law on the potential harms and benefits of marijuana use.  Few marijuana-derived products have been FDA-approved, and there is little available information about their interactions with other medications, appropriate doses or delivery mechanisms.  The goal of the Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act is to ensure that research on CBD and other potentially beneficial marijuana-derived substances is based on sound science while simultaneously reducing the regulatory barriers associated with conducting research on marijuana. Full text of the bill is available HERE.A list of organizations that have endorsed this bill is available HERE.A one-page summary of the bill's provisions is available HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-looks-ahead-99-county-meetings-2021", "Grassley Looks Ahead to 99 County Meetings in 2021", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Looks Ahead to 99 County Meetings in 2021 Wednesday, December 16, 2020  There's no doubt 2020 has been a difficult year.  But for me, it was an important year to continue fighting for Iowans.  This year, I completed my 40th year of my 99 county meetings.  This annual tradition keeps me in touch with the grassroots of Iowa and allows me to bring their ideas to the policy-making tables in Washington, DC.  With all the twists and turns this year took, my county meetings were more beneficial than ever.  Through a derecho and a pandemic, one thing's for sure: Iowans are resilient.  I look forward to hearing from Iowans at my Q&As in 2021. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-urges-colleagues-pass-foreign-agents-disclosure-and-registration", "Grassley Urges Colleagues to Pass the Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Urges Colleagues to Pass the Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act Wednesday, December 16, 2020  Much ink has been spilled the past few years over the threat of foreign influence in our politics. It's a topic I've spoken about many times on this floor. This issue has become highly politicized, but it requires bipartisan agreement to address. It's increasingly clear that our adversaries will stop at nothing to influence our political discourse.  We can all agree that there's a real need to improve our nation's foreign influence laws. Fortunately, the Senate has a real opportunity today to finally do something about it.  In 1938, Congress passed theForeign Agents Registration Act(FARA) to expose Nazi propaganda and identify foreign attempts to influence policymakers and the American public. Last updated in 1966, FARA requires those who lobby on behalf of foreign governments and interests to register their affiliations and activities with the Justice Department.  FARA reflects the fundamental principle that transparency brings accountability. Until recently, however, the law had been seldom used  and few on K Street paid much attention to it.  Of course, that's not due to a lack of foreign influence efforts.  Given FARA's important transparency provisions, its lack of enforcement was shocking to me. I first raised concerns about lackluster FARA enforcement in April 2015 when a former Clinton White House staffer and a lawyer for a Georgian political party failed to register as foreign agents.  I also raised concerns about work for Ukrainians by Paul Manafort and the Podesta Group.  I raised concerns when the firm behind the discredited Steele Dossier failed to register for its lobbying work to repeal U.S. sanctions against Russia.  I even subpoenaed Manafort to testify at a Judiciary Committee hearing on lax FARA enforcement. I praised Mueller for dusting off the law that had been ignored for so long.  I've conducted FARA oversight without regard to power, party or privilege. Americans expect equal application of the law  no matter which political party someone is affiliated with. I'm an equal-opportunity overseer. FARA ought to be better enforced, and equally enforced. That's why my office worked thoroughly to expose holes in the existing FARA law and find ways to shore it up.  My bipartisan Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act is the product of years of oversight and policy work.  The bill requires the Justice Department  for the first time  to craft a comprehensive FARA enforcement strategy, and to release advisory opinions to promote transparency. It gives FARA investigators new tools  including civil investigative demand authority  to help identify violations.  The bill appropriately limits who in the Justice Department can use this authority, and provides essential due process protections. In fact, it's based on identical authorities in the False Claims Act, which for years has helped root out waste, fraud and abuse.  The bill also enhances penalties for FARA violations to deter future abuses. It requires foreign agents to immediately disclose their clients. That way, policymakers know the true source and can make the most informed decisions.  Finally, it requires a review of theLobbying Disclosure Actexemption to determine whether it's been abused to conceal foreign influence efforts.  Legitimate interests engaging in legitimate conduct shouldn't bear an unnecessary burden. That's why our bill strikes the right balance. But, we must also ensure that FARA's exemptions haven't created loopholes for foreign governments to hide their true intentions.  I'm pleased to have support from the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee.  We have bipartisan support on the Foreign Relations Committee, including from Senators Shaheen, Rubio, Murphy and Young  who've all worked to shine light on foreign influence. And, we now have the sign-off of the Chairman of that Committee, along with support from this administration.  Groups like the Project on Government Oversight and Issue One endorse the measure, saying it, directly addresses structural weaknesses of FARA.  This is a truly bipartisan bill, with common ground where it's usually tough to find it. The Senate should send a clear signal today that it's serious about shining a light on foreign influence by passing this bill. Opposing it, in fact, would only help our foreign adversaries continue to hide what they're really doing.  ***  So as if in legislative session, I request unanimous consent that the Foreign Relations Committee be discharged from further consideration of S.1762 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.  ***  Mr. President, it's disappointing that my Democratic colleagues  who've spent years lecturing this chamber and the American people about foreign influence  are unwilling to move forward today with this carefully crafted, broadly supported and strongly bipartisan bill. We have a real opportunity to peel back the curtain on foreign influence.  Senate Republicans, Democratic leadership in the Judiciary and Intelligence Committees and this Administration all agree that this bill is a real solution to a real problem. Apparently that's not good enough.  I hope we can work together in the next Congress to address these important issues instead of holding out just to score political points. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-call-greater-drug-industry-transparency-report-exposing-opioid", "Grassley, Wyden Call for Greater Drug Industry Transparency in Report Exposing Opioid Makers ties to Tax-Exempt Groups", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bipartisan Investigation Identifies $65 million in Payments Made to a Handful of Groups Focused on Pain Issues by Manufacturers of Opioids and Opioid-Related Products.    Finance Committee Leaders Release Hundreds of Pages of Documents and Data with Report  Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today issued a report to committee colleagues illuminating the extensive connections between opioid manufacturers and opioid-related products, and tax-exempt entities that have helped drive up sales while downplaying the risks of opioid addiction.  In June 2019, the senators sent letters requesting and collecting financial data including grant contracts, audits and IRS Form 990s from 10 tax-exempt groups working on pain issues, along with information about their advocacy activities, and the advocacy activities of their officers and board members. Using this data, the Finance Committee leaders exposed the financial relationships between opioid manufacturers and these organizations in a detailed letter to their committee colleagues that: Identified $65 million in payments from manufacturers of opioids and opioid-related products (for example, therapies to treat opioid use disorder, opioid overdoses, or opioid-induced constipation) to such groups since 1997, including nearly $30 million since 2012;Released hundreds of pages of internal documents demonstrating the business motivations of the donations companies made to tax-exempt groups, and the close relationships that were maintained between companies and the groups they funded;Provided detailed data showing payments the groups received from drug companies; andFurther explains the relationships with three case studies involving the American Chronic Pain Association, Americans for Patient Access, and the International Association for the Study of Pain, each of whose work appears to have echoed and amplified the business interests of their pharmaceutical donors.  Grassley and Wyden found that these opioid manufacturers viewed these tax-exempt organizations as helpful extensions of their sales and marketing efforts. Based on the investigation and their findings, the senators make two recommendations to improve transparency: Expand CMS's Open Payments database to require pharmaceutical manufacturers and device manufacturers to report payments made to tax-exempt organizations;Require the Secretary of HHS to develop guidelines and procedures to increase transparency among members of Federal task forces, as well as research groups and panels convened or contracted by HHS.  Tax-exempt advocacy organizations like the ones we looked at are created with good intentions. They can be forces for good, advocating and highlighting issues that might not otherwise receive the warranted attention. But we've found that the possibility of donor influence could and has undermined the efforts to develop and advocate good policy. When it comes to opioids, we need to make sure there is transparency and accountability to prevent what, in this case, led to serious public misunderstanding of the risks of these highly addictive drugs, Grassley said.  Our bipartisan investigation shows how pharmaceutical companies use tax-exempt groups to help seed the market for their products by shaping the views of patients, doctors and policymakers. The potential dangers presented by opioids makes this Trojan horse-style of marketing particularly troubling, but make no mistake that such practices are widespread across the pharmaceutical industry, and consumers are often left in the dark. I look forward to working with Senator Grassley and our Finance Committee colleagues to pass into law important reforms that provide consumers with more visibility of the financial relationships between drug companies and tax-exempt organizations, Wyden said. This inquiry builds on a previous bipartisan investigation in 2012 led by then-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and then-Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Grassley. That investigation likewise raised concerns about the millions of dollars opioid manufacturers paid to tax-exempt groups like the American Pain Foundation and American Pain Society. In the years leading up to that investigation, those groups made claims like most pain sufferers are under-medicated and many [physicians] are reluctant to prescribe opioids because they mistakenly think their patients will become addicted to the drug... Wyden has also repeatedly raised concerns regarding financial ties of pain groups with opioid manufacturers.Full text of the Grassley-Wyden report can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-daines-stabenow-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-end-abuse-conservation", "Grassley, Wyden, Daines, Stabenow Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to End Abuse of Conservation Easements", "2020-12-16", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bill protects program that promotes conservation, stopsscam artists from ripping off American taxpayers WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) along with Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) today reintroduced abipartisan bill, theCharitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act,tostop the abuse ofconservation easements, save taxpayers billions of dollars andpromote conservation in the U.S. The conservation easement program is an important tool for protecting and preserving our environment. But bad-faith scammers have taken advantage of the program through abusive schemes at the expense of American taxpayer. I investigated the growing number of these scams, and it's clear that they won't stop without legislative action. I'm glad to join Sen. Daines once again in introducing legislation that would stop these scams from undermining the good work of farmers, ranchers and conservationists, Grassley said.  Abuse of syndicated conservation easements by some bad actors is one of the most egregious tax shelters out there. Our bill would ensure IRS has the tools to crack down on these transactions. IRS has been battling these scams for years, and our bipartisan Finance Committee report exposed their fraudulent nature in detail. There's broad, bipartisan agreement on our bill, and Congress should pass it before we adjourn, Wyden said.  Our bipartisan bill will promote conservation in Montana, save taxpayers billions of dollars and stop scam artists from abusing a critical conservation program used across the country, Daines said. This will helpprotect Montana farmers and ranchers who want toconserve ourlands, and hold individualsaccountable who arelooking to game the system and pad their own wallets. It's time to pass this commonsense bipartisan bill.  Our bill preserves the integrity of the conservation easement program which plays an important role in protecting family farms, open land, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities across Michigan and our country. Republicans and Democrats came together to end this abuse and save taxpayer money, Stabenow said.  Despite increased enforcement from the IRS, recent IRS data shows the total amount of deductions claimed through these tax shelters increased from $6.8 billion in 2017 to $9.2 billion in 2018.  The Charitable Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act,whichtracks an IRS Listing Notice published in December 2016, would generally disallow a charitable deduction if it exceeds 2.5 times (250 percent) of a partner's original investment. The updated bill includes language concerning historic preservation deals, which are often more complicated and subject to greater oversight. The bill preserves this deduction for people with true charity and conservation in mind, including for family farms and ranches. Last year, Grassley and Wyden opened aninvestigation into the abuse of syndicated conservation-easement transactions, which may have allowed a number of taxpayers to profit from gaming the tax code and deprived the federal government of billions of dollars in revenue.The full report can be found HERE. Organizations that support this bipartisan legislation include: the Land Trust Alliance, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, The Appraisal Institute, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the Partnership of Rangeland Trusts, Trust for Public Land, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. Full text of the bill can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=81D5B49E-7BF6-4617-8396-7094E745D0EC", "Ernst Helps Lead Bipartisan Effort to Protect the Legal Rights of Servicemembers and Their Families", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, is helping lead a bipartisan effort to protect the rights and legal interests of servicemembers and their families by permanently establishing the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI) within the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ).\r\n\r\nAs a company commander who served over 23 years in military uniform, caring for our servicemembers, veterans, and military families is one of my top priorities in the Senate. This bipartisan bill will ensure the Department of Justice continues their work to protect their rights and legal interests during and long after their military careers, said Senator Ernst. \r\n\r\nBackground: \r\nThe SVI was created by the DOJ in 2015 to expand the Department's efforts to enforce the statutes created to protect the rights and legal interests of the men and women serving in the armed forces and their families.\r\n\r\nThe Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act of 2020, which was originally introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), supports the critical work of the existing SVI by updating and formalizing the SVI's mandate. The bill specifies that the SVI:\r\n\r\n \r\nServes as a legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans\r\nServes as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments\r\nServes as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nThis bill has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, and Student Veterans of America.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A06703B3-8DAE-45BC-BC67-DFE3231B828E", "Ernst Applauds COVID-19 Vaccine Progress, Continues Call for Additional Relief", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  After thanking both the cadets and midshipmen who competed in the annual Army-Navy football game, as well as all Americans who answer the call to serve their country, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)  an Army veteran  today applauded the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine. She noted that front line workers in Iowa's health care system are beginning to receive the vaccine and thanked everyone involved in its development and distribution.\r\n\r\nErnst continued to call on Congress to pass additional COVID relief before the end of the year, including resources for Iowa restaurants and small businesses. \r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks.  \r\n  \r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=A44024E2-6F10-4926-9F4E-3682BBA0D28F", "Members of Incoming Iowa Congressional Delegation Urge House to Reject Partisan Intervention in Iowa Second Congressional District Election", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led a letter sent today urging leaders of the House of Representatives and House Committee on Administration to reject Rita Hart's contest of election results in Iowa's second congressional district and the dangerous precedent it would set. The letter was also signed by Reps.-elect Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra, comprising all but one member of Iowa's incoming congressional delegation for the 117th Congress.\r\n\r\nMs. Hart is asking the House of Representatives to create a dangerous precedent... Iowans rightly have confidence in the integrity of our state's election officials and process. Any action to bypass or overturn a fair election conducted according to Iowa law would not be well received by the citizens of our state and would result in a cloud over the results of such efforts, the delegation wrote.\r\n\r\nIt was addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Committee Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter follows or can be found here.\r\n\r\nDear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairperson Lofgren, and Ranking Member Davis:\r\n\r\nWe write to express our deep concern with the effort of Rita Hart to contest her loss to Representativeelect Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa's Second Congressional District. As you know, Dr. Miller-Meeks was recently certified as the winner of this contest. Ms. Hart has stated publicly she intends to invoke the Federal Contested Elections Act (FCEA), 2 U.S.C.  381, et seq., to change the result of this election. In so doing, Ms. Hart chose to circumvent Iowa's established process and fair and impartial court system. Instead, she is choosing to circumvent Iowa election laws providing for a nonpartisan judicial process to seek a partisan-based judgment to overturn an outcome certified by a bipartisan state canvassing board. Her strategy displaces a nonpartisan process for a partisan one. That would create a dangerous precedent and should be rejected.\r\n\r\nIowa law provides a robust recount and contest procedure for federal candidates. There is an eight-day period following the election in which counties finalize and certify their election results. These results are then transmitted to the Iowa Secretary of State. This year, the finalized results were tallied statewide on November 10, 2020. Hart, as the losing candidate, exercised her right to request a recount of the election results but waited until the last possible day to do so, causing the process to start later than it could have.\r\n\r\nIowa law grants candidates substantial involvement in the recount procedures. The losing candidate designates a member of a recount board for each county in the district. The Miller-Meeks campaign then designated a representative. The two representatives then conferred to appoint a third member. In most cases the board members were able to agree on the third member. In a few counties, when the two campaigns could not agree, the chief judge of the judicial district appointed the third member when the two campaigns could not agree.\r\n\r\nThe recount boards had discretion to conduct a hand or machine recount of each precinct in the county. In 14 of the 24 counties in the district, the Hart campaign agreed to a full machine recount of that county's results, even though there was ample time to conduct a hand recount. The other counties proceeded with partial, or in the case of two counties, full hand recounts. Under Iowa law, a machine recount is conducted in the same manner as the Election Day tabulation of votes. A hand count, in contrast, allows the recount board members to examine each ballot to determine the intent of the voter.\r\n\r\nThe results of the recount of votes in the Second Congressional District were included in the finalized statewide tally that was unanimously certified by the bipartisan Iowa Executive Council on November 30, 2020, comprised of statewide elected officials from both parties. The final tally again showed that Dr. Miller-Meeks won the election.\r\n\r\nIowa law permitted Ms. Hart to contest this result if she had concerns about Iowa's election laws and procedures not being followed. The contest court is composed of the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court and four district court judges selected by the Iowa Supreme Court. This court would have immediately met to conduct a trial, if Ms. Hart had so requested. We are confident that Iowa's neutral and distinguished judiciary would have provided Ms. Hart with a speedy and just determination of any claim she would have raised.\r\n\r\nMs. Hart then announced on December 2, 2020, that she would bypass this process and instead contest her loss before the House of Representatives under the FCEA. She stated there was insufficient time for the Iowa contest court to resolve her claims about her loss and she alluded to her desire to conduct a full hand recount of all ballots. Ms. Hart did not and has not explained why it would be appropriate to conduct a hand recount overseen by the House of Representatives at this stage after her campaign passed up the opportunity afforded to it under Iowa election law, instead agreeing to a machine recount in a majority of the district's counties.\r\n\r\nMs. Hart is also wrong about the inability of the Iowa contest court to have heard her claims. And, in any event, it was incumbent upon Ms. Hart to have tried the procedure provided to her by Iowa law first. If the contest court had ignored her claims, or permitted an arbitrary deadline to prevent her from having a full hearing, she might have a better claim to invoke the FCEA. We reject the notion that a losing candidate for federal office can simply decide what parts of state election law she thinks are inconvenient and simply ask the House of Representatives to change the election results on its own.\r\n\r\nMs. Hart is asking the House of Representatives to create a dangerous precedent. We agree the House and Senate alike retain the ultimate power under the U.S. Constitution to determine the election and qualifications of its members. But the existence of this power does not imply the wisdom of using it without first requiring losing candidates to avail themselves of remedies under their own state's election laws. Iowans rightly have confidence in the integrity of our state's election officials and process. Any action to bypass or overturn a fair election conducted according to Iowa law would not be well received by the citizens of our state and would result in a cloud over the results of such efforts. The House of Representatives and the Senate have wisely in the past required losing candidates to exhaust their remedies under state law before contesting an election. The House of Representatives and the House Administration Committee should follow these precedents and dismiss any contest filed by Ms. Hart.\r\n\r\nIowa's election system is fair and thorough. It should not be replaced by an inherently partisan political process.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\n\r\nSen. Chuck Grassley\r\nSen. Joni Ernst\r\nRep.-elect Ashley Hinson\r\nRep.-elect Randy Feenstra\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-293", "Capitol Hill Report", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "721 Federal Building  210 Walnut Street  Des Moines, IA 50309\nPhone: 515-288-1145  Fax: 515-288-5097\n\n\n111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13  Suite 6800  Cedar Rapids, IA 52401\nPhone: 319-363-6832  Fax: 319-363-7179\n\n\n201 West 2nd Street  Suite 720  Davenport, IA 52801\nPhone: 563-322-4331  Fax: 563-322-8552\n\n\n210 Waterloo Building  531 Commercial Street  Waterloo, IA 50701\nPhone: 319-232-6657  Fax: 319-232-9965\n\n\n307 Federal Building  8 South 6th Street  Council Bluffs, IA 51501\nPhone: 712-322-7103  Fax: 712-322-7196\n\n\n120 Federal Building  320 6th Street  Sioux City, IA 51101\nPhone: 712-233-1860  Fax: 712-233-1634", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrates-accomplishments-first-step-act-2-year-anniversary", "Grassley Celebrates the Accomplishments of the First Step Act on 2 Year Anniversary", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Celebrates the Accomplishments of the First Step Act on 2 Year Anniversary Tuesday, December 15, 2020  As we approach the holiday season, many of us will be celebrating differently. COVID-19 may be limiting travel, the family members we see in person, or other holiday traditions. Yet, there's much to be grateful for.  For me, I'm thankful for my health, my family, my country and my staff. I'm also grateful to serve Iowans and work in the Senate to tackle legislation, conduct oversight and work to best serve the people of Iowa.  I'm also thankful to reflect upon previous accomplishments.  This time of year coincides with a milestone achievement: the anniversary of the passage of the First Step Act.  On December 18, 2018, the Senate passed the most significant criminal justice reform legislation in a generation. Three days later, President Trump signed the bill into law.  The First Step Act is an example of what the Senate can accomplish when we reach across the aisle to address our nation's most pressing problems. I'm proud that the First Step Act has been the law of the land for two years.  The past two years have been uniquely challenging. In the first year of the law's tenure, I worked with Senate partners to oversee implementation efforts. This included meeting with critical stakeholders in the Justice Department, reviewing the status of the law's implementation and ensuring that the law's application reflects Congressional intent.  In that first year, we accomplished a lot together.  Because of the First Step Act, thousands of inmates received the benefit of the retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act to resolve sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine.  The Justice Department released its Risk and Needs Assessment System, a tool used to individually review the recidivism risks of each federal inmate and place them in programming to prevent future criminal acts. The Bureau of Prisons also issued procedures for more efficient access and use of the home confinement program.  Implementation efforts have faced significant challenges, however, namely the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the First Step Act provided tools that the Administration has been able to use to help vulnerable inmates.  It's become apparent during the pandemic that inmates confined in federal prisons are among the most vulnerable populations in the United States. As they're in federal custody, the government has a duty to ensure that they're treated humanely.  To that end, Senator Durbin and I urged increased review of compassionate release and elderly home detention cases in light of COVID-19 cases in federal prisons. We also asked the Justice Department Inspector General to review the use of the home confinement authority, preventative safety measures, COVID-19 testing, screening and isolation measures and availability of access by inmates to electronic communication.  I'm pleased to say that the Administration responded to many of our requests, though more work needs to be done as we continue to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 in our prisons.   One of the most important issues we must address is a key provision of the First Step Act: the requirement for the Bureau of Prisons to make programming available to prisoners to help them to live productive lives once they leave prison, and that makes it less likely they will return to a life of crime.  The coronavirus has made it impossible for the Bureau of Prisons to provide this programming as the law intended and requires.Inmates must socially distance from each other to prevent the virus' spread, which flies in the face of meeting in person to participate in recidivism reduction programming. Therefore, as we move forward, balancing effective programming access with CDC-approved safety measures is critical.  As I return to leadership in the Judiciary Committee, I'll continue to make implementation of the First Step Act a priority, and will ensure the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons faithfully execute the law.  Lastly, as we embark on a new Congress and a new year, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to seek the middle ground on criminal justice issues. We've done it before and we can do it again.  The First Step Act has made a difference in the lives of thousands of prisoners, and will continue to impact many in the federal criminal justice system. It gives prisoners a better opportunity to leave their criminal past behind and become productive members of society.  It's remarkable what we were able to achieve two short years ago. I'm hopeful to carry that spirit into 2021 and beyond. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-delivers-six-iowa-veterans-stories-library-congress", "Grassley Delivers Six Iowa Veterans Stories to Library of Congress", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) delivered recorded interviews and documents comprising the stories of service from six Iowa veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces to the Library of Congress'Veterans History Project. Last month, Grassley's officeinterviewedveterans at the Waverly Area Veterans Post in Waverly to document their service to the nation. This is the third time Grassley has submitted interviews to the Library of Congress. A list of the records he has contributed to the project can be foundhere. Grassley also published anop-edon his experience participating in the program so far. These stories will be preserved in the permanent collection of the Library, making accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. This is one small way to honor our veterans and learn from different generations. I want to thank all our veterans who have sacrificed in defense of our freedoms. Their service ensures that all Americans will live in peace and prosperity for generations to come, Grassley said. Established by Congress in 2000, theVeterans History Projectof the Library of Congress collects, preserves and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. To date, more than 1,200 stories from Iowans have been recorded by the project. Iowa veterans who would like to have their story recorded can contact Grassley's Veterans Fellow atveterans_fellow@grassley.senate.govor call the senator's Des Moines office at 515-288-1145. The stories of the following veterans were presented by Grassley today:  Darrell BlasbergJim BrandauBrent SteereBill RectorZachory SchickGary Woods Grassley gave a speech on the Senate floor highlighting the Veterans History Project which can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-honors-troops-abroad-during-holidays", "Grassley Honors Troops Abroad During the Holidays", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Honors Troops Abroad During the Holidays Tuesday, December 15, 2020  During this time of year, it is especially difficult to be away from friends and family.  Right now there are almost 1,500 Iowans deployed overseas with the Iowa National Guard, including one of my own staff members.  We rely on our brave men and women in uniform to protect our way of life, our democracy and the liberties we cherish.  The sacrifices they make are not taken for granted, and won't be forgotten by future generations.  All of our nation's service members and their families will be in my prayers this holiday season.   -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-special-inspector-general-pandemic-recovery", "Grassley the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery Tuesday, December 15, 2020  As part of the CARES Act passed in March, Congress authorized the creation of a Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery to oversee the billions of dollars in new federal spending.  In the past, when Congress created a Special IG to fill a sudden need for new government oversight, it quickly followed with additional legislation to provide the IG expedited hiring authority to staff their new office and begin timely oversight operations.  In that tradition, this past May, I introduced S. 3751, a bipartisan piece of legislation modeled on past special IG expedited hiring authority language.  S. 3751 provides the IG a short six-month window to quickly hire the staff he needs to build his organization and begin carrying out the oversight mandated by Congress under the CARES Act.  However, as of today, my bill still hasn't passed, and IG Miller has been left to work with an office that is still highly understaffed.  That's an outcome that should concern everyone passionate about government oversight.  Whenever the government spends large sums of money, as we have in addressing this pandemic, there will always be bad actors out there lying in wait to test the system.  We need a fully staffed and fully functional IG in place to meet those bad actors head on  to serve as effective check on waste, fraud and abuse.  Despite broad support for my bill from both sides of the aisle, I have heard rumors that some of my colleagues across the aisle may be wary of granting expedited hiring authority to the IG simply because they don't agree with the personal politics of the individual confirmed to the position.   This amounts to an attempt to nullify the IG's confirmation by limiting his ability to conduct oversight.  Congress has already made the decision to establish this IG.Now we need to give the office the resources that it needs to succeed. Personal and political disagreements arenot reason to deny the American people oversight of how billions of their tax dollars are being spent.  Once the IG hires staff and has the ability to begin the substantive oversight work mandated by Congress, there will, as always, be an important place for Congressional oversight to ensure the IG is doing his job. I intend to conduct the same level of oversight of this IG that I have for others, and I expect my colleagues will do the same.  That's why I urge my colleagues, regardless of any personal differences they may have, to support this bipartisan legislation granting expedited hiring authority to the Special IG for Pandemic Recovery and include it in the forthcoming COVID legislation. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/members-incoming-iowa-congressional-delegation-urge-house-reject-partisan", "Members of Incoming Iowa Congressional Delegation Urge House to Reject Partisan Intervention in Iowa Second Congressional District Election", "2020-12-15", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) led a letter sent today urging leaders of the House of Representatives and House Committee on Administration to reject Rita Hart's contest of election results in Iowa's second congressional district and the dangerous precedent it would set. The letter was also signed by Reps.-elect Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra, comprising all but one member of Iowa's incoming congressional delegation for the 117th Congress.  Ms. Hart is asking the House of Representatives to create a dangerous precedent... Iowans rightly have confidence in the integrity of our state's election officials and process. Any action to bypass or overturn a fair election conducted according to Iowa law would not be well received by the citizens of our state and would result in a cloud over the results of such efforts, the delegation wrote.  It was addressed to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Committee Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) and Committee Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-Ill.). Full text of the letter follows or can be found HERE. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Chairperson Lofgren, and Ranking Member Davis:  We write to express our deep concern with the effort of Rita Hart to contest her loss to Representativeelect Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa's Second Congressional District. As you know, Dr. Miller-Meeks was recently certified as the winner of this contest. Ms. Hart has stated publicly she intends to invoke the Federal Contested Elections Act (FCEA), 2 U.S.C.  381, et seq., to change the result of this election. In so doing, Ms. Hart chose to circumvent Iowa's established process and fair and impartial court system. Instead, she is choosing to circumvent Iowa election laws providing for a nonpartisan judicial process to seek a partisan-based judgment to overturn an outcome certified by a bipartisan state canvassing board. Her strategy displaces a nonpartisan process for a partisan one. That would create a dangerous precedent and should be rejected.  Iowa law provides a robust recount and contest procedure for federal candidates. There is an eight-day period following the election in which counties finalize and certify their election results. These results are then transmitted to the Iowa Secretary of State. This year, the finalized results were tallied statewide on November 10, 2020. Hart, as the losing candidate, exercised her right to request a recount of the election results but waited until the last possible day to do so, causing the process to start later than it could have.  Iowa law grants candidates substantial involvement in the recount procedures. The losing candidate designates a member of a recount board for each county in the district. The Miller-Meeks campaign then designated a representative. The two representatives then conferred to appoint a third member. In most cases the board members were able to agree on the third member. In a few counties, when the two campaigns could not agree, the chief judge of the judicial district appointed the third member when the two campaigns could not agree.  The recount boards had discretion to conduct a hand or machine recount of each precinct in the county. In 14 of the 24 counties in the district, the Hart campaign agreed to a full machine recount of that county's results, even though there was ample time to conduct a hand recount. The other counties proceeded with partial, or in the case of two counties, full hand recounts. Under Iowa law, a machine recount is conducted in the same manner as the Election Day tabulation of votes. A hand count, in contrast, allows the recount board members to examine each ballot to determine the intent of the voter.  The results of the recount of votes in the Second Congressional District were included in the finalized statewide tally that was unanimously certified by the bipartisan Iowa Executive Council on November 30, 2020, comprised of statewide elected officials from both parties. The final tally again showed that Dr. Miller-Meeks won the election.  Iowa law permitted Ms. Hart to contest this result if she had concerns about Iowa's election laws and procedures not being followed. The contest court is composed of the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court and four district court judges selected by the Iowa Supreme Court. This court would have immediately met to conduct a trial, if Ms. Hart had so requested. We are confident that Iowa's neutral and distinguished judiciary would have provided Ms. Hart with a speedy and just determination of any claim she would have raised.  Ms. Hart then announced on December 2, 2020, that she would bypass this process and instead contest her loss before the House of Representatives under the FCEA. She stated there was insufficient time for the Iowa contest court to resolve her claims about her loss and she alluded to her desire to conduct a full hand recount of all ballots. Ms. Hart did not and has not explained why it would be appropriate to conduct a hand recount overseen by the House of Representatives at this stage after her campaign passed up the opportunity afforded to it under Iowa election law, instead agreeing to a machine recount in a majority of the district's counties.  Ms. Hart is also wrong about the inability of the Iowa contest court to have heard her claims. And, in any event, it was incumbent upon Ms. Hart to have tried the procedure provided to her by Iowa law first. If the contest court had ignored her claims, or permitted an arbitrary deadline to prevent her from having a full hearing, she might have a better claim to invoke the FCEA. We reject the notion that a losing candidate for federal office can simply decide what parts of state election law she thinks are inconvenient and simply ask the House of Representatives to change the election results on its own.  Ms. Hart is asking the House of Representatives to create a dangerous precedent. We agree the House and Senate alike retain the ultimate power under the U.S. Constitution to determine the election and qualifications of its members. But the existence of this power does not imply the wisdom of using it without first requiring losing candidates to avail themselves of remedies under their own state's election laws. Iowans rightly have confidence in the integrity of our state's election officials and process. Any action to bypass or overturn a fair election conducted according to Iowa law would not be well received by the citizens of our state and would result in a cloud over the results of such efforts. The House of Representatives and the Senate have wisely in the past required losing candidates to exhaust their remedies under state law before contesting an election. The House of Representatives and the House Administration Committee should follow these precedents and dismiss any contest filed by Ms. Hart.  Iowa's election system is fair and thorough. It should not be replaced by an inherently partisan political process.  Sincerely,  Sen. Chuck Grassley Sen. Joni Ernst Rep.-elect Ashley Hinson Rep.-elect Randy Feenstra -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrating-veterans-history-project", "Grassley Celebrating the Veterans History Project", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Celebrating the Veterans History Project Monday, December 14, 2020  Iowa has a rich history of veterans serving on behalf of our country.  Their service ensures that all Americans will live in peace and prosperity for generations to come.  Over the past two years, I've delivered 31 personal accounts to be stored at the Library of Congress as part of the Veterans History Project.   I'm proud to be a part of the Veterans History Project, preserving the stories of Iowa veteran's for future generations. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-explains-democratic-cover-hunter-biden-investigation", "Grassley Explains the Democratic Cover-up of the Hunter Biden Investigation", "2020-12-14", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Explains the Democratic Cover-up of the Hunter Biden Investigation Monday, December 14, 2020  For over a year, Senator Johnson and I investigated the Biden family's financial dealings.  For over a year, the liberal media and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle falsely said we were peddling Russian disinformation.  They ginned up any story they could to falsely portray our investigation in an effort to delegitimize its findings.  Even my colleague, Senator Wyden, whom I've worked with on many bipartisan investigations, said the following: This disinformation also became the basis of the Johnson-Grassley investigation. The political nature of this investigation has been clear all along. Bottom line: the Johnson-Grassley investigation is baseless. It is laundering Russian propaganda for circulation in the U.S.  It seems the liberal media and the Democrats have a nervous tick.  Any time a Republican gets close to the truth and is about to serve justice, the other side yells Russian disinformation!  That's a load of garbage.  As I've said on this floor several times before, our report was rooted in information from U.S. government agencies and a left-aligned U.S. lobby shop that represented a corrupt Ukrainian gas company.  And by now, the American people know that it's really the Democrats and liberal media that are connected to Russian disinformation.  See the Steele Dossier. It was infected with Russian disinformation and paid for by the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign.  The liberal media and those on the other side of the aisle were scared of the facts. They were scared that the American people would see the Biden family's deep and extensive links to foreign governments, including the communist Chinese government.  And once we publicly issued our findings, those same liberal outlets said the report repackaged old material and that there was nothing new to it.  They went into full Joe Biden protection mode. And they didn't even try to hide it.  One Washington Post columnist said: Even after accepting disinformation from Russian agents, Johnson and Grassley couldn't come up with anything new or interesting on Hunter Biden.  Politico ran a story with this headline: GOP Senators' anti-Biden report repackages old claims.  And NPR said about the New York Post Hunter Biden stories: We don't want to waste our time on stories that are not really stories, and we don't want to waste the listeners' and readers' time on stories that are just pure distractions.  Look at what Twitter and Facebook did to the Hunter Biden news.  Simply said, they interfered in the election and gave the Biden campaign a multi-million dollar in-kind donation courtesy of their blatant and unforgiveable censorship.  My fellow Americans, let us never forget what Twitter and Facebook did during the 2020 election.   Fast forward to today, now it's confirmed that Hunter Biden is under criminal investigation reportedly for his taxes and financial dealings  the very fact pattern that we described in our report.  It shouldn't take Hunter Biden to confirm that he's under criminal investigation before the main stream press gets permission to report the news.  It's a complete outrage at the way the liberal media used its power to cover up facts relating to Hunter Biden and the Biden family yet ran story after story with false information about the Russia investigation into Trump and the credibility of the Steele Dossier.  The recent news also shows that our report was not baseless and it didn't repackage old claims.  Quite the opposite. It was well-founded, ahead of the curve and right on the money  in more ways than one.  Our report teed up the facts, but the mainstream press never stepped up to the plate.  Some of the nation's supposedly leading press outlets with teams of investigative reporters were scooped by Congress. Now they are scrambling to chase the story they ignored.  It didn't have to be this way. We already did much of the heavy lifting before issuing our report.  The report made public information that hadn't been known before.  For example, it showed the following:  Hunter Biden and his associates and family members were connected to Chinese nationals and Chinese companies linked with the communist party and People's Liberation Army. This includes CEFC China Energy Company Limited and its subsidiaries.  Records show that a company linked to the communist regime sent Hunter Biden's law firm millions of dollars.  Other records show that Hunter Biden opened a line of credit with a Chinese national linked to the communist regime and funded it with approximately $100,000. Then he, James Biden and Sara Biden went on an extravagant global spending spree.  Still other records show that Hunter Biden, via his law firm, also sent over a million dollars to James Biden's consulting firm, the Lion Hall Group.  These transfers began less than one week after CEFC sent $5 million to a company called Hudson West III, a company linked to CEFC and Chinese nationals associated with the communist regime, which then sent money to Hunter Biden's law firm.  When the bank contacted Sara Biden, who was associated with the firm's bank account, she refused to answer their questions and provide additional documentation.  According to records we have on file, the bank submitted the account for closure.  Senator Johnson and I recently issued a supplemental to our report that showed Hunter Biden's close business associate, Rob Walker, received $6 million from a Chinese company linked to the communist regime. There's yet another link in the chain from the Biden family and their associates to the Chinese government.  The report also showed that State Department officials believed that Hunter Biden's Burisma board membership created the perception of a conflict of interest and was very awkward for all U.S. officials pushing an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine.  Secretary of State Kerry publicly denied knowing of Hunter Biden's role on Burisma's board.  We acquired evidence showing that he did, in fact, know about that role.  In December 2015, instead of following U.S. objectives of confronting oligarchs, Vice President Biden's staff advised him to avoid commenting on Burisma's oligarch and instead say, I'm not going to get into naming names or accusing individuals.  Joe Biden was running an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine and he pulled his punches while his son was on the board of Burisma.  Based on witness testimony, Burisma's owner allegedly paid a $7 million bribe to officials serving under Ukraine's prosecutor general to shut the case against him. When he allegedly paid that bribe, Hunter Biden was on the board. These examples are just a sampling from the report and the tip of the iceberg with respect to the Biden family's troubled ties to governments adverse to U.S. interests.  These associations, and the millions of dollars that passed between and among Hunter Biden, James Biden and others, create criminal financial, counterintelligence and extortion concerns.  That's why I've since written to the Justice Department about the risk that Hunter and James Biden essentially served as agents of the communist Chinese government for purposes of the Foreign Agents Registration Act.  After Hunter Biden publicly confirmed he was under criminal investigation, liberal news outlets reported on concerns that his financial associations could create criminal financial and counterintelligence problems.  That's what we said in September 2020 and we were roundly criticized for it.  And just over the weekend, a new email was made public that reportedly says Joe Biden and his brother were office mates with the very same Chinese nationals we wrote about in our report. Those same individuals were the ones with links to the communist regime and it's military.  Based on all the facts known to date, Joe Biden has a lot of explaining to do.  I've run many oversight operations and investigations during the course of my career. I'm interested in the facts, in the evidence, in the truth.  I learned a lesson long ago when I first started my oversight focus and that is: no matter how difficult the media or the other side of the aisle makes it to find the facts  never give up, keep working hard.  The American taxpayer deserves nothing less.  That's the attitude and approach I've had my entire career and it's what I will take with me as I continue to look into the Biden family matters and as I move back to lead the Senate Judiciary Committee. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=B69448B7-81D0-40A0-8F12-F93919522A3F", "Joni Ernst on the NDAA: Protecting troops, saving tax dollars, and maintaining our national defense.", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "On Monday, we recognized 79 years since the horrific attacks on Pearl Harbora day that will live in infamywhich led the United States to join the Allied forces in what would become the deadliest war in human history. But thanks to the brave Americans who answered the call to defend freedom around the globe, this nation was able to lead the effort to defeat Nazi Germany and the Axis powers.\r\n\r\nToday, our nation, and the world face different threats. But at all times, Americans across the globe stand ready to defend democracy and maintain world peace.\r\n\r\nHaving served over 23 years in military uniform, I am keenly aware of the sacrifices our servicemembers make every day to keep America safe and free. And now, in my position as a United States Senator, I take very seriously my responsibility to ensure our men and women in uniform have the support and resources they need.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I work with Democrats and Republicans on the annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year, I am proud that, with my efforts, this bipartisan package helps protect our troops, preserve Iowans' tax dollars, and prolong Iowa's role in helping maintain our national defense.\r\n\r\n Protecting Troops \r\n\r\nWomen serve in critical roles within our nation's military so we need to make sure our female servicemembers are properly equipped for the battlefield. Through my efforts, and that of my fellow Army combat veteran, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, this defense bill ensures female troops will have body armor that fits them properly and requires the Pentagon to regularly report to Congress their progress in getting this done.\r\n\r\nBut it's not just body armor. We're protecting troops in other areas as well. Through my provisions in the bill, we're also building on my efforts to combat sexual assault in the militaryspecifically by empowering survivors by making military courts handling criminal sexual assault cases more professional and lowering the barriers for servicemembers to report sexual assault.\r\n\r\nWe also provide our troops with a three percent, across the board pay raise and provide additional resources to military families.\r\n\r\n Preserving Tax Dollars \r\n\r\nWhen it comes to financial waste in our federal government, folks know that I call it like I see it. As a former member of our military, I'm not proud to say it, but the Department of Defense (DOD) oftentimes is responsible for some of our most egregious and wasteful spending. So, to protect Iowa's taxpayers, I made sure this NDAA includes a requirement that all DOD grant recipients that receive federal dollars include a price tag disclosing the cost for their projects.\r\n\r\nThe Comptroller General will also investigate the most expensive cost overruns in weapon systems and the Pentagon will tell Congress their top ten most expensive weapons to fix and maintain.\r\n\r\n Prolonging Iowa's Role  \r\n\r\nI'm also proud that this defense bill includes key initiatives for Iowa's economy and our state's role in helping maintain our national defense. The package will bolster Iowa defense manufacturing, including the latest equipment for our troops and militarylike organic light-emitting-diodes (OLEDs) for military pilotsmade right here in Iowa. We're also taking the much-needed step to better-secure America's national security supply chain from adversaries like Communist China by investing in manufacturing at home.\r\n\r\nIncluded in this defense bill is something important to Iowa agriculture. The NDAA will clarify the Food Ingredient Requirements for food or beverages provided by DOD, and require the Pentagon to seek input from Iowans and subject matter experts within the food supply chain before making a final determination about food ingredients that directly impact troops.\r\n\r\nThe National Defense Authorization Actone Congress has passed on a bipartisan basis for 60 yearsis vitally important to our warfighters around the globe who are sacrificing for our freedoms and defending our nation.\r\n\r\nWhile this NDAA is not perfect, the work we do on the bipartisan defense bill matters immensely to our troops. It is critical for our military men and women to be equipped for the battlefield of today and well into the future, and as a combat veteran, and mother of a West Point cadet, I will always fight to equip and support our servicemembers.\r\n\r\nJoni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above for an official portrait of Senator Ernst. \r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=71CDEBE8-F432-4646-BCEC-8DF65D35F3FE", "Ernst Secures Key Provisions in Annual Defense Bill", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, proudly supported the conference report of the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This year's bipartisan defense bill includes a number of Senator Ernst's priorities, including her work to support troops and their families with another three percent pay raise, prevent military sexual assault, ensure proper-fitting equipment for female servicemembers, and hold the Pentagon accountable.\r\n\r\nAs a former battalion commander and company commander, I understand just how critical it is for our military men and women to be equipped for the battlefield of today and well into the future, said Senator Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the United States Senate. With my efforts, this bipartisan package helps protect our troops, promote emerging technologies, preserve tax dollars, and prolong Iowa's role in helping maintain our national defense.\r\n\r\nWe're also taking the much-needed step to better secure America's national security supply chain from adversaries like Communist China, and provide military families with additional well-deserved resources. The annual defense bill  one Congress has passed on a bipartisan basis for more than 60 yearsis vitally important to our warfighters around the globe who are sacrificing for our freedoms and defending our nation.\r\n\r\nBelow are a few of Ernst's provisions that were included in the FY21 NDAA:\r\n\r\n \r\nFieldproper-fitting body armorfor female soldiers and hold the Pentagon accountable for equipment to ensure it protects all troops\r\nIncrease funding for safer, more survivable military combat vehicles\r\nMake military courts handling criminal sexual assault cases more professional\r\nLower the barriers for servicemembers to report sexual assault\r\nInclude the Coast Guard Academy as part of the Defense Advisory Committee on the Prevention of Sexual Assault\r\nEncourage American manufacturing by increasing funding limits for American manufacturers to receive more sole-source contracts from federal agencies\r\nEnsure grant recipients of the Pentagon getting millions of taxpayer dollars include a price tag disclosing the cost to taxpayers for their military research\r\nRequire every federal agency for the first time to provide a list of each of its programs along with regular updates on the costs and performance outcomes of each\r\nIncrease funding for the Iowa defense industry to bolster domestic manufacturing for the latest in microelectronics including organic light-emitting-diodes for military pilots\r\nClarify the Food Ingredient Requirements for food or beverages provided by DoD, and requires the Pentagon to seek comments from the public and subject matter experts within the food supply chain before making a final determination about food ingredients that directly impact servicemembers\r\nImprove foreign assistance programs for children in need by including the Global Child Thrive Act\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-amendments-included-national-defense-authorization-act", "Grassley Amendments Included in National Defense Authorization Act", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released the following statement on the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. The annual defense policy bill authorizes critical resources for national defense, military readiness, support for the nation's service members, green lights procurement of state of the art weaponry and establishes the proper size of each component of the military.  National defense is the number one responsibility of the federal government, and ensuring our military receives appropriate resources is critical to the safety of our country. I'm glad several provisions I supported were ultimately included in the final bill. I'll continue to conduct robust oversight to help cut wasteful military spending while also ensuring our men and women in uniform have everything that they need to perform their mission,Grassley said. This legislation included a bipartisan proposal led by Grassley and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) to require the military to establish a Safe to Report policy. According to a Department of Defense (DoD) report, in fiscal year 2018, only 30 percent of sexual assaults in the military were reported. Studies show more survivors are empowered to come forward without the threat of retaliation. TheSafe to Report Actempowers survivors of sexual violence to report these incidents without fear of collateral misconduct charges for minor offenses.Grassley also cosponsored an amendment and led a bipartisan letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committeesurging the protection of the work of the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in the FY 2021 NDAA. The Senate-passed version of the legislation included language that would have limited the oversight authority of SIGAR to just 6 accounts. However, it was removed in the final bill.Grassley, along with Sens. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent aletterto Government Accountability Office (GAO) in July 2018 requesting the agency conduct an independent review of the reasons behind the DoD's failure to acquire modern financial information technology systems capable of generating reliable data and supporting credible financial statements.The recently released report demonstrated that outdated financial management systems are a significant barrier to getting a clean audit opinion. Grassley led his colleagues in a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Armed Services Committeesurging them to include a requirement for the DoD to report on its spending on financial management systems, as well as a requirement for the DoD to establish incentives for each department to pass an audit. These provisions were ultimately included in the final FY 2021 NDAA.Grassley also joined a bipartisan effort to modernize the real-estate management of the Army's sprawling properties. The goal of the pilot program is to ensure that existing resources are being utilized well. Grassley has been a watchdog against waste, fraud and abuse at the DoD for nearly four decades. Grassley'sextensiveoversightworkthroughout his career has included a dogged pursuit for answers from the Pentagon over decades of wasteful spending and its inability to produce a clean financial audit.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-congratulating-iowan-astronaut-raja-chari", "Grassley Congratulating Iowan, Astronaut Raja Chari", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Congratulating Iowan, Astronaut Raja Chari Friday, December 11, 2020  This week, NASA announced that Raja Chari, from Cedar Falls, Iowa has been selected for a team of astronauts that will go to the moon as part of the Artemis mission.  The Artemis Mission will land astronauts on the moon in 2024, with the goal of establishing a long-term presence.  Raja Chari will be part of this effort that will ensure America's continued leadership and preeminence in space.  I congratulate Raja on his accomplishment and wish him and all of the astronauts that are part of this mission success.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-tester-bill-curb-rising-rate-rural-suicides-headed-president-s-desk", "Grassley, Tester Bill to Curb the Rising Rate of Rural Suicides Headed to the Presidents Desk", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  As the only farmers currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) have successfully included their Seeding Rural Resilience Act  a bill aimed at curbing the rising rate of suicide in rural areas  as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and is now headed to the President's desk.  I'm glad to see this bill so widely supported by my colleagues. This is a clear message to farmers across the country that we stand with you and support you during these trying times, Grassley said.This is a commonsense bill that continues important efforts to raise awareness about mental health and will provideadditional resources forfarmers and their families facing difficult situations.  Rising rates of suicide among farmers and ranchers is a crisis that's all too familiar to Montanans who have seen it devastate communities across our state, Tester said. Between stagnant commodity prices, market consolidation, natural disasters caused by climate change, and a lack of mental health care resources, the rate at which farmers and ranchers are taking their own lives is continuing to grow. This bill isn't a silver bullet, but it's a critical step towards breaking down the stigmas surrounding mental health care and providing rural communities with the resources they need to thrive so they can keep doing what they do bestfeeding the world. According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate is 45 percent higher in rural America than in urban areas. Americans in rural communities face isolation, distance from basic health care services, lack of broadband access,stigmas against receiving counseling, and financial burdens due to stagnant crop prices. These factors cause higher rates of stress for American farmers and ranchers, making it even harder for people in rural communities to get by. TheSeeding Rural Resilience Actcreates three initiatives aimed at curbing the growing rate of suicides in rural America:  Implements a Farmer-Facing Employee Training Program that requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide voluntary stress management training to Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and National Resources Conservation Service Employees;Forms a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services and USDA to create a $3 million public service announcement campaign to increase public awareness of farm and ranch stress and destigmatize mental health care in rural communities; andDirects the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state, local and nongovernmental stakeholders to collaborate and determine best practices for responding to farm and ranch mental stress.  Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK, or 1-800-273-8255. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-good-news-rural-broadband", "Q&A: Good News for Rural Broadband", "2020-12-11", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A:Good News for Rural Broadband With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q: Why is closing the digital divide so important for Rural America? A: Connecting every home and business to high-speed internet access will open the door of opportunity for rural residents to compete in the digital economy. Rural broadband is a critical piece of the puzzle for communities to foster economic development and productivity; empower students to attain top academic achievement; and, allow workers and families to enjoy a high quality of life with a lower cost of living available in the Midwest. From homework to health care, the disparity of access to high-speed internet puts too many rural Americans at an unfair disadvantage. The digital divide contributes to gaps in education, job creation, wage growth, economic development, civic engagement and public services. The pandemic has exacerbated the divide, especially among school-age children who transitioned to online instruction and didn't have access to reliable internet connections at home. Those without reliable, high-speed internet service face a disadvantage for remote learning, teleworking and telehealth visits. The digital divide also affects access to legal and social welfare services, such as foster care families and nursing home residents. As families spend more time at home, households have come to depend on high-speed internet access more than ever, from streaming content to online shopping, working from home and keeping in touch with loved ones. Input from Iowa families, civic leaders, educators and business people informs my work at the policymaking tables where lawmakers shape regulatory, tax, and spending policies, including efforts to build out this vital 21st century infrastructure across rural America. No matter your zip code, every Iowan deserves access to high-speed, high-quality internet service to help narrow opportunity and achievement gaps between rural and urban areas. In addition to education, economic development and entertainment, rural broadband connects Iowans to telehealth services, improves farmers' productivity with precision agriculture and expands sales and marketing opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to grow internet commerce. Q: How is the FCC helping narrow the digital divide in Iowa? A: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) leverages public-private partnerships to deploy rural broadband across America. These efforts are helping to pave the way for universal, high-speed internet access for millions of unserved farms and neighborhoods. The FCC partners with broadband providers, including cable operators, electric cooperatives, satellite and telephone companies and fixed wireless providers, to invest in the infrastructure and technology needed to connect rural communities to high-speed internet services. In December, the Trump administration announced the allocation of $9.2 billion through the Phase I Auction of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. According to the FCC, these competitive bids will expand broadband to more than 5 million rural residents in 49 states in phase one of this program. Last December, I wrote the FCC to ensure it implements limited resources, specifically the universal service fund (USF), with an eye towards ensuring broadband deployment is sustainable and can keep pace with consumer demand into the future as technology evolves. As Iowa's senior U.S. Senator, I'm glad to see providers competed successfully to build out rural broadband services in Iowa. Specifically, the FCC awarded 11 bidders more than $144 million to connect 53,819 assigned locations in Iowa. As a taxpayer watchdog and advocate for rural America, I'll continue my oversight work to ensure these dollars are used effectively to help connect Iowa households and businesses to the broadband grid so that rural residents aren't left behind and have the opportunity to achieve prosperity no matter where in America they choose to live. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7301F08E-4720-48D8-A291-6D406E67E094", "Ernst: Its clear that an additional round of assistance is needed for small businesses.", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTONAt a Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a champion of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), highlighted the importance of additional COVID-19 relief for small businesses in Iowa. Ernst noted that, in Iowa, the PPP provided over 61,000 small businesses with loans totaling over $5.1 billion dollars  saving hundreds of thousands of jobs.\r\n\r\nOn the urgent need for additional relief: \r\nIn her questioning, Ernst asked the witnesses to speak on the importance of immediately passing additional assistance for industries like restaurants, movie theaters, and others that are facing dire circumstances.\r\n\r\nOn PPP deductibility:\r\nShe also stated that she had heard from Iowans who participated in the PPP program about their frustration at the fact that business expenses paid for using PPP funds are taxable according to the IRS, and asked witnesses to discuss the importance of reversing this guidance and ensuring that these business expenses are deductible.\r\n  \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's questioning.  \r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-democrats-and-media-finally-acknowledging-hunter-biden-investigation", "Grassley on Democrats and the Media Finally Acknowledging the Hunter Biden Investigation", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Democrats and the Media Finally Acknowledging the Hunter Biden Investigation Thursday, December 10, 2020  For over a year, Senator Johnson and I investigated the Biden family financial dealings.  We found that they engaged in potential criminal financial deals across the globe, including China, which created counterintelligence concerns.  We showed our work and made our findings public, but the liberal media and Democrats chose to dismiss it.They even falsely claimed our work was Russian disinformation in order to protect the Biden's.  Those same liberal outlets that disparaged our investigation now report that Hunter Biden's financial deals in China raised counterintelligence concerns.  Yesterday, the Biden Transition Team confirmed that Hunter Biden is under criminal investigation for his taxes and financial dealings.  It's outrageous that the Fourth Estate would choose to ignore facts when they are uncovered by Republicans.  I don't do oversight for the fun of it. It's serious business. It shouldn't take subpoenas and confirmation from Hunter Biden himself to get the rest of the press to pay attention. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-ernst-baldwin-introduce-bill-preserve-reward-fund-cftc", "Grassley, Hassan, Ernst, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Preserve Reward Fund for CFTC Whistleblowers", "2020-12-10", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Success of whistleblower program risks depleting reward fund WASHINGTON  A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation to expand a whistleblower reward fund in danger of drying up due to the increasing success of a program that helps identify and address wrongdoing. The CFTC Fund Management Act, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), raises the ceiling of a fund used to reward whistleblowers, and secures the long-term success of the program without spending a single taxpayer dollar. Since the CFTC whistleblower program began in 2010, it's been instrumental in identifying wrongdoing and protecting investors, all without costing the taxpayer a dime. The program is at risk of becoming a victim of its own success, as reward pay-outs threaten to exceed the caps on the fund used to encourage whistleblower disclosures. Our bill raises those caps and ensures that this program can continue to protect investors and improve accountability in a self-sufficient manner, Grassley said.  Whistleblowers play an essential role in calling out fraud and abuse, and we must ensure that the incentives to report wrongdoing and protect taxpayers remain in place. Our bipartisan legislation would raise the cap on the reward fund for whistleblowers, which is in danger of becoming depleted, and allow this successful program to continue operating. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to move swiftly to pass this bipartisan legislation before the fund dries up, Hassan said.  The Customer Protection Fund was established in 2010 to reward whistleblowers for calling attention to wrongdoing that results in CFTC fines. It is funded from CFTC monetary collections resulting from whistleblower disclosures and is capped at $100 million. Operating expenses and educational initiatives are also paid out of the fund rather than taxpayer-funded appropriations. Any fines collected after the account reaches its cap are remitted to the Treasury general fund.  To date, the whistleblower office has collected more than $991 million in monetary sanctions. The increasing size and quantity of fines stemming from whistleblower disclosures have led to larger reward disbursements, which risks depleting the fund before it can be replenished with future fines. The CFTC Fund Management Act raises the fund cap to $250 million and establishes an account within the fund to house its operating and programming budget.   -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=1551225F-EF32-4ECA-B60D-8C17F1EB9EA2", "Ernst Joins Bipartisan Effort to Empower Survivors of Human Trafficking, Coerced Pornography", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined her colleagues in introducing the Survivors of Human Trafficking Fight Back Act, a bipartisan bill that would create a private right of action for victims of human trafficking and coerced pornography, allowing them to bring state claims to federal court. The legislation would also give survivors the power to sue websites that knowingly disseminate pornographic content produced through coercion or sexual assault, and privacy-invading images or videos on their platforms.\r\n\r\n\"In recent years, we've seen an uptick in human trafficking through pornography. Host websites that allow perpetrators to disseminate photos and video of sexual assaults or coerced sex acts on their platforms are evading the law while profiting directly from trafficking, said Senator Ernst. This bill will help empower victims of human trafficking to seek justice and put an end to the complex and heartbreaking cycle of exploitation.\"\r\n\r\nBackground \r\nThe Survivors of Human Trafficking Fight Back Act would:\r\n\r\n \r\nCriminalize the knowing distribution of visual depictions of forced or coerced sex acts.\r\nCriminalize the knowing, nonconsensual distribution of depictions of sex acts (revenge porn), as well as privacy-invading locker-room images.\r\nRequire all websites hosting pornography to create notice and takedown procedures ensuring that victims of coerced or privacy-invading videos can promptly have their images removed from the internet.\r\nAllow victims to sue websites that knowingly host depictions of forced sex acts or that distribute privacy-invading images and videos.\r\n \r\n\r\n\r\nErnst's latest efforts build on her work to combat human trafficking, including her support of legislation that would help ensure access to complete and accurate data on the scope of human trafficking in the United States.\r\n\r\nThe senator has also continued to hear from leaders and organizations across Iowa who are working to recognize and prevent human trafficking in communities throughout the state.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=6BB94327-403D-427C-843B-18F707C14AB8", "Ernst-Supported Veterans Mental Health Bill Signed Into Law", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The bipartisan Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act supported by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, was recently signed into law as part of the Veterans COMPACT Act. Ernst helped pass the legislation in the Senate to increase access to mental health support for veterans across Iowa and the nation.\r\n\r\nAfter selflessly serving our nation in combat, many of our veterans continue to fight an internal battle at home  including mental health issues and thoughts of suicide, said Senator Ernst. As a combat veteran, I understand the challenges some of our servicemembers face when transitioning to civilian life, and I've continued to work across the aisle to ensure our nation's heroes are provided with the support and care they deserve. I'm grateful for my colleagues and the president in getting this important bill signed into law.\r\n\r\nBackground: \r\nThe Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act creates a pilot program to allow active duty servicemembers transitioning to civilian life to designate up to 10 loved ones to receive information from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about benefits and services available to veterans through the VA and community partners. This bill was included in the larger Veterans COMPACT Act, which passed Congress and was recently signed into law by President Trump.\r\n\r\nLast month, Ernst helped introduce bipartisan legislation to support the mental health needs of servicemembers and veterans as they return to their local communities. The bill was named to honor the memory of two Marines who died by suicide, including Iowan Cpl. Adam Lambert.\r\n\r\nThe Iowa senator introduced a bipartisan bill that would designate one week per year as Buddy Check Week to organize outreach events and educate veterans on how to conduct peer wellness checks and recognize signs of suicide risk among fellow veterans.\r\n\r\nErnst also worked across the aisle to introduce a bill that would increase funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) program to help Iowans who are struggling with thoughts of suicide and mental health challenges, including veterans.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-congratulating-iowa-air-national-guard-s-185th-air-refueling-wing", "Grassley Congratulating the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Congratulating the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing Wednesday, December 9, 2020  On November 27th, it was announced that the Iowa Air National Guard's 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City has been awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  This award was earned for the wing's exceptional service to the Air Force in 2019, which included thousands of flying hours and humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico.  In addition, the 185th Wing has been working tirelessly to support cleanup efforts from the derecho and COVID-19 testing.  Congratulations to the 185th Wing and thank you for your dedication to serving our state and country.  -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-crapo-praise-trump-enforcement-usmca-dairy-access-provisions", "Grassley, Crapo Praise Trump Enforcement of USMCA Dairy Access Provisions", "2020-12-09", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Banking Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today issued the following statement after the U.S. Trade Representative announced that the United States would initiate enforcement action for Canada's failure to implement dairy market access provisions of the USMCA.  The Trump administration is taking the right step for American dairy producers and farmers. One of the biggest improvements in the new USMCA are the provisions providing access to Canada's dairy market, which had unfairly restricted equitable access to American dairy for years. We hope our Canadian partners can resolve this issue without going to arbitration, but we are supportive of Ambassador Lighthizer's efforts either way. Senator Crapo hadpreviously urgedthe Administration to enforce USMCA dairy provisions.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8A8F6FB4-486C-4979-9E48-36C1D5AB8622", "Ernst Stresses Need to Provide Additional COVID-19 Relief, Secure Supply Chain", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today continued to stress what she is hearing from Iowans: additional COVID-19 relief is needed during this pandemic. She encouraged both sides to cooperate to get a deal done. Ernst also highlighted the work she is doing to secure our supply chain and reduce dependency on Communist Chinasomething that has become clear duringthis pandemicincluding her latest effort, the Mobilize AMERICA Act, which would provide a significant incentive for the private sector to on-shore and increase domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks. \r\nThe Iowa senator, who served 23 years in the Army Reserves and Iowa Army National Guard, also noted that this week the football teams for the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy (Army) will play each other in the annual Army v. Navy football gamealso known as America's Game.\r\n\r\n ###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-salute-senator-sailor-tom-harkin-high-seas", "Grassley: A Salute to Senator-Sailor Tom Harkin on the High Seas", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa A Salute to Senator-Sailor Tom Harkin on the High Seas Tuesday, December 8, 2020    Long before he was sworn into the U.S. Senate, my former colleague Tom Harkin, served in the U.S. Navy in Vietnam.  We represented Iowans for 30 years together here in the Senate.  Six years ago, I came to the floor to wish my friend well in retirement, and to enjoy the blessings of hearth and home.  I'm not so sure he's taken my advice to heart.  I recently learned Tom has been moonlighting in retirement  as an intrepid crewmember sailing the icy waters of the Northern Atlantic.  In fact, he's joined the crew of 59 North Sailing for five voyages.  His most recent adventure found Tom aboard the Ice Bear,' navigating gale force winds in and around the rugged coastline of Newfoundland.  They say you can't take the farm out of an Iowa farm kid.  The same must be true of a lifelong sailor and the sea.  Tom recently celebrated his 81st birthday in November.  Barbara and I wish him many more trips around the sun and as many adventures at sea that his heart desires. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/house-passes-antitrust-whistleblower-protections-authored-grassley-leahy", "House Passes Antitrust Whistleblower Protections Authored by Grassley, Leahy", "2020-12-08", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) granting protections to whistleblowers who shine a light on violations of antitrust laws. The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act, which unanimously passed the Senate last year, must now be signed by the President to become law.  Competition is essential for a thriving, affordable and innovative marketplace. When our antitrust laws are violated, consumers are often left paying the price. The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act encourages and shields from reprisal private sector employees to shine a light on activities that violate our antitrust laws. This bipartisan bill is an important step to safeguarding fair marketplaces as well as the whistleblowers who support them. It's earned broad support in both chambers of Congress, and I urge President Trump to sign it into law without delay, Grassley said.  Our country has a proud history of protecting whistleblowers who expose wrongdoing, beginning when the Continental Congress unanimously passed the first whistleblower law 242 years ago. Today, Congress honors that longstanding tradition by unanimously passing the bipartisan Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act that I co-authored with Senator Grassley. In an era where dominant corporations aggressively seek to expand their profits and quash competitors, our laws should protect whistleblowers who take significant risks to report criminal antitrust violations like price fixing that undermine free and fair competition. That's exactly what our legislation would do. I urge President Trump to sign this commonsense, bipartisan bill into law without delay, Leahy said.  The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act extends whistleblower protections for employees who provide information to the Department of Justice related to criminal antitrust violations. The Senate unanimously passed a similar version of the legislation in 2013, 2015 and 2017. The Grassley-Leahy bill is based on recommendations from aGovernment Accountability Office reportreleased in July 2011. The bill allows an employee who believes he or she is the victim of retaliation to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor, and provides for that employee to be reinstated to their former status if the Secretary finds in their favor. Grassley and Leahy authored similar whistleblower statutes as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002. Additional original cosponsors of this bill include Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). Text of theCriminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Actis availablehere. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-292", "Capitol Hill Report", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "721 Federal Building  210 Walnut Street  Des Moines, IA 50309\nPhone: 515-288-1145  Fax: 515-288-5097\n\n\n111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13  Suite 6800  Cedar Rapids, IA 52401\nPhone: 319-363-6832  Fax: 319-363-7179\n\n\n201 West 2nd Street  Suite 720  Davenport, IA 52801\nPhone: 563-322-4331  Fax: 563-322-8552\n\n\n210 Waterloo Building  531 Commercial Street  Waterloo, IA 50701\nPhone: 319-232-6657  Fax: 319-232-9965\n\n\n307 Federal Building  8 South 6th Street  Council Bluffs, IA 51501\nPhone: 712-322-7103  Fax: 712-322-7196\n\n\n120 Federal Building  320 6th Street  Sioux City, IA 51101\nPhone: 712-233-1860  Fax: 712-233-1634", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-brady-press-social-security-actuary-correct-record-misleading-claim", "Grassley, Brady Press Social Security Actuary to Correct Record on Misleading Claim on Average Wage Index", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee Kevin Brady (R-Texas) today sent a letter to the Chief Actuary of the Social Security Administration Stephen Goss asking the Actuary to correct a misleading statement he made to Congress in a recent congressional hearing. Before the House Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Goss asserted that lawmakers decided not to act in response to benefit effects of a 2009 decline in the National Average Wage Index (AWI), because they somehow knew that a future cost-of-living-adjustment would be relatively large.  Mr. Goss told the Committee that \"policymakers did recognize\" that the AWI had fallen in 2009, but Congress chose not to make any changes to the law \"mainly because the reduction in the AWI and benefit levels was small and it was known that the first cost of living adjustment (COLA) applicable for those affected would be relatively large.\"  The testimony was in connection to the possibility that the AWI could decline this year as a result of economic effects of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, which would affect beneficiaries turning 60 this year. The extent to which the AWI as fallen in 2020, if at all, won't be known until late 2021.  Chairman Grassley and Rep. Brady told Mr. Goss in this letter,this was a \"misleading\" statement.  \"Given the importance of accurate representation of decisions by the 111th Congress, we are seeking clarification of this statement,\" Grassley and Brady wrote.  The Republican tax writers asked Mr. Goss to answer three questions:  What is the metric by which you ascertain whether a benefit reduction is small enough to justify lack of congressional action or large enough to justify action?Please explain what you meant by it was knownwhat the 2011 COLA was going to be at the time the 2009 AWI reduction was announced on October 15, 2010.When it was identified to you prior to the hearing that your above quoted statement was misleading, you declined to correct your testimony. Please explain why you chose to present misleading testimony to Congress.  \"The role of the Chief Actuary ought to be much like an umpire at a baseball game, whose job it is to call balls and strikes, and not like the broadcasters who provide commentary,\" Grassley and Brady stressed. \"It is not the job of anyone at the Social Security Administration to justify decisions made by Congress and we are concerned by your recent attempt to do so.\" Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrating-cyclone-football", "Grassley Celebrating Cyclone Football", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Celebrating Cyclone Football Monday, December 7, 2020  Over the weekend, the Iowa State football team completed their regular season play.  The Cyclones are having a noteworthy season.  They secured the first place rank in the Big 12 conference's regular season after winning five consecutive conference games and eight overall conference wins this season.  The good news doesn't stop there for the Iowa State football program.  The Cyclones finished first place in league play for the first time since 1912 when they won the Missouri Valley Conference.  This has earned the Cyclones their well-deserved spot in the Big 12 title game on December 19.  The first ever Big 12 championship appearance in program history.  I want to applaud the Cyclones for their historic season.  So many fans, including me, will be rooting them on for the Big 12 championship game. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-highlights-iowan-dan-gable-upon-receiving-presidential-medal-freedom", "Grassley Highlights Iowan Dan Gable Upon Receiving Presidential Medal of Freedom", "2020-12-07", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today highlighted Iowan Dan Gable. The renowned wrestling champion and coach received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor.  Dan Gable demonstrates that through hard work and determination you can accomplish great things. While he's famous for winning awards both as a wrestler and as a wrestling coach, he's also well-known and respected for his focus on family and giving back to his community and state. Congratulations on receiving this prestigious and well-deserved award,Grassley said. Grassley and Sen. Ernst (R-Iowa) were notified of President Trump's plans in October. The Iowa senators had contacted to the White House after hearing about grassroots support in Iowa for this award.Grassley's floor speech on the announcement can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=17FA8E64-04E4-4502-8C1C-F29AC66C8303", "Joni Ernst: Operation Warp Speed Demonstrates the Best of American Innovation", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Earlier this week, Moderna asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize use of its COVID-19 vaccine after reporting 94 percent efficacy in its trial. This comes on the heels of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca announcing that their respective coronavirus vaccines are 90 percent or more effective.\r\nShortly after the outbreak of COVID-19, my colleagues and I in the Senate got to work to enact bipartisan legislation to provide emergency support for American families, seniors, small businesses, health care workers and countless others in need. This also included nearly $10 billion in funding for research and development of vaccines and treatments through Operation Warp Speed (OWS), a partnership between the public and private sectors aimed at producing and delivering enough doses of safe, effective vaccines for every American. And I'm hopeful my Democratic colleagues will come back to the table and help us pass additional COVID-19 relief that will help fund the distribution of these vaccines across the country.\r\nBefore COVID-19, the fastest vaccine development to datefor the mumpstook four years. This week, Moncef Slaoui, the head of OWS, said he hopes most Americans will be immunized by the middle of next year.\r\nThanks to the swift and tireless work of the Trump Administration and the partners and medical professionals who rose to the challenge, Operation Warp Speed has been a tremendous success.\r\nOperation Warp Speed has demonstrated the best of American innovation. We've allowed for the private and public sectors to work hand-in-hand and to utilize our nation's full capabilities  including the brilliant American scientists and researchers who have worked so hard these past few months  to get the job done.\r\nI am particularly proud of the researchers, and hundreds of volunteers in Iowa who are contributing to the development of several of the promising vaccines. The University of Iowa is participating in the trial tests of the Pfizer vaccine, and Iowa State University is already working on a next generation COVID vaccine that would be delivered with a nasal spray. This effort is being supported with a $2 million grant provided by the CARES Act I helped pass earlier this year. But that's not all. The Des Moines-based Iowa Clinic has just been selected by AstraZeneca to conduct clinical trials of yet another vaccine.\r\nThese are exciting developments, but it's critical to remember that we're not out of the woods yetwe all need to continue to protect our most vulnerable populations and ensure the health and safety of our loved ones. We must heed the calls of our Governor Kim Reynolds and our public health experts to step up and do our partto stop the spread and help save lives.\r\nThis year has not been easy, but it has also shown the resilient spirit that makes our nation so great. Operation Warp Speed is no exception. As I've said throughout this pandemic, we're going to get through thistogether. So hang in there, Iowa; continue to do your part: wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your mask. And of course, please stay safe and stay strong.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-medicare-pandemic-relief", "Q&A: Medicare & Pandemic Relief", "2020-12-04", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Q&A:Medicare & Pandemic Relief  With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q:What should Iowans keep in mind during Medicare open enrollment? A: The coronavirus pandemic makes it more important than ever for Iowans to take care of their health and take charge of their health insurance decisions. Open enrollment for Medicare ends on Dec. 7. The federal agency that administers the public health insurance program advises seniors to become fully informed about Medicare coverage options and compare health and prescription drug plans for the upcoming year. Costs and coverage may change from one year to the next. For example, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reminds enrollees that new prescription drug plans now offer many types of insulin for no more than $35/month. Iowans may compare coverage options by using the online tool Medicare Plan Finder. Or, contact a customer service representative 24/7 at (800)MEDICARE or (800) 633-4227 to compare plans to best fit your needs. Throughout my years of policy work on health care issues, Iowans consistently say they want to keep their medical care sacrosanct between patient and doctor. I've worked hard to protect competition and choice in our health insurance system and to ensure rural America isn't left behind. Family budgets and patient care needs differ from one household to the next. In recent years, I've heard feedback from Iowans about the soaring out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicine. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I led a two-year bipartisan effort in the 116th Congress to cut prescription drug costs for Americans, including my ongoing investigation into insulin pricing. President Trump got the ball rolling early in his administration, laying out a blue print to put American patients first and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. Americans spend more per capita on prescription drugs than anywhere else in the world. My series of congressional hearings examined how the complex pricing regime between Big Pharma and pharmacy benefit managers contributes to higher prices Americans pay at the pharmacy counter. Convoluted price schemes and rebates aren't lowering costs for consumers. Looking ahead, I'll continue pushing to get my bipartisan Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act across the finish line. In the next Congress starting in January, I'll be the top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee. It's safe to say I'm chomping at the bit to rein in bad actors in the pharmaceutical industry. Iowans may recall my oversight work investigating the pricing shenanigans for EpiPens, the allergic reaction auto-injection devices, and the blockbuster Hepatitis C drugs, Sovaldi and Harvoni. Iowans can count on my work in this area to continue full-speed ahead. Q:What health care priorities are you working to enact before the end of the year? A: Congress is negotiating a fifth pandemic-relief package to follow more than $3 trillion lawmakers already approved earlier this year. Specifically, I'm working to extend policy priorities in the health care space. As Senate Finance Committee Chairman, I'm working to provide help for rural hospitals and our frontline health care professionals as they work to save lives and serve their communities in this unprecedented public health crisis and beyond. Specifically, I'm working to extend a financial lifeline for our rural health care providers. Years ago I secured a physician payment boost to help achieve financial equity for services provided to rural patients despite what Medicare perceives as wage disparities across different regions of the country. Our front line health care workers need additional resources now more than ever. I'm also working to add funding for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) that help lower-income Iowans with one-on-one counseling and assistance, including help in selecting coverage during the Medicare open enrollment period, and to extend federal dollars that help Medicaid patients transition from long-term care facilities to home settings. It's also important that we delay scheduled reductions in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments to help ensure these providers stay open to serve patients in their community during the pandemic. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-miller-meeks-won-her-election", "Grassley, Ernst: Miller-Meeks Won Her Election", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today released the following joint statement regarding the outcome of Iowa's 2nd Congressional District election as unanimously certified by Iowa's Secretary of State, 24 County Auditors from both parties and the bipartisan State Board of Canvass.  Both the original vote count and recount confirmed Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her election. There are legal avenues through which candidates can litigate election disputes if they believe there are specific election irregularities. Rita Hart declined to take legitimate legal action in Iowa courts and instead chose to appeal to Washington partisans who should have no say in who represents Iowans. That's an insult to Iowa voters and our nonpartisan election process. We are confident in the fairness and accuracy of Iowa's election system. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-highlighting-giving-tuesday", "Grassley Highlighting Giving Tuesday", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Highlighting Giving Tuesday Thursday, December 3, 2020  The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday.  This week, non-profits of all sizes appealed to Americans to give back this holiday season.  Like many sectors, the non-profit industry is hurting from COVID-19.  As part of the CARES Act, Congress enacted key tax provisions to encourage charitable giving to help support organizations that are being called upon more than ever to help Americans during this pandemic.  These charitable giving provisions apply both to people who itemize on their taxes and those who do not.  Iowa is blessed to have an extensive network of charitable organizations who are supported by incredible volunteers and fellow Iowans who open up their pocketbooks to support their neighbors in need.  This fall, Senator Ernst and I heard from at least 20 non-profits in the Cedar Rapids area about their challenges and successes this year.  The work Iowa non-profits do is inspiring and has a tremendous impact.  In this season of thanksgiving, I speak on behalf of my home state to thank these organizations and your employees and volunteers  for the hard work and services you deliver every day of the year to Iowans in need. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-wyden-issue-reports-developmental-disability-care-facilities-iowa-and", "Grassley, Wyden Issue Reports on Developmental Disability Care Facilities in Iowa and Oregon", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) today issued two investigative reports regarding the performance and efficacy of providers REM Iowa and MENTOR Oregon, which receive significant federal funding through Medicaid to provide care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Grassley's report found that REM Iowa continues to suffer from recurring critical incidents and provides recommendations to remediate these problems. Wyden's report found that despite increased scrutiny from its State regulator, a consistent pattern of substandard care persists by the direct care staff employed by MENTOR Oregon.  REM Iowa and MENTOR Oregon fall under the umbrella of The MENTOR Network and, as a whole, are responsible for ensuring that Iowans and Oregonians receive the highest quality care according to their individual needs.  Any entity that receives taxpayers dollars, but especially those charged with caring for our fellow Americans who may have an intellectual disability, ought to be doing everything under the sun to ensure quality care and continually improve. I greatly respect the work of these caregivers, but REM Iowa can be doing more to improve its operations, Grassley said.  It is clear that too many vulnerable Americans and their loved ones who count on caregivers to provide a safe and healthy living environment are being let down by those in a position of trust, Wyden said. This report shines a light on key shortfalls by MENTOR Oregon in failing to meet standard of care for Oregonians they were entrusted to help. Tragically, reports of neglect and substandard care are far too common across the country  organizations that care for these individuals must do more to protect them.  In April 2019, Chairman Grassley and Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) jointly began investigations of organizations in their home states that provide services to adults with I/DD.  Grassley's review of REM Iowa found that the company has had and continues to face problems, including failures to report abuse or neglect, failures to follow an individual's particular care plan and failures to adhere to clients' medication schedules.Grassley's report makes three specific recommendations to REM Iowa: improve training practices for employees, improve access to data and establish a process to track and monitor critical incidents using electronic databases. Grassley's report also recommends that the federal and state governments improve oversight, outreach and support for facilities facing systemic issues.  Wyden's review of MENTOR Oregon found that despite increased scrutiny of the companyincluding a settlement agreement with the Oregon Department of Human Services, which required MENTOR Oregon to hire a new executive director, establish a 5-day new hire program to improve training, conduct a statewide footprint evaluation of its operations, and standardize its recordkeeping systema consistent pattern of substandard care persists. The report identifies select residential facilities as case studies to illustrate this pattern and to shine a light on the difficult circumstances faced by this vulnerable adult population on a daily basis, especially during a national pandemic. Full text of Grassley's report can be found HERE. Full text of Wyden's report can be found HERE. Supporting documents referenced in Appendix C of Wyden's report can be found HERE. For additional documents provided by MENTOR Oregon, please click HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/johnson-grassley-release-fbi-doj-state-department-records-related-fbi-s-crossfire", "Johnson, Grassley release FBI, DOJ, State Department records related to the FBIs Crossfire Hurricane Investigation", "2020-12-03", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today released over 400 pages of documents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of State regarding the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation of the Trump campaign and administration. The Committees obtained these records through joint requests, as well as Chairman Johnson's August 6, 2020, subpoena to the FBI. The Chairmen also released a comprehensive timeline of key events related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation.  The Chairmen made the following statement:  For years, the American people have demanded answers to questions regarding the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane investigation and its targeting of the Trump campaign, the presidential transition, and the Trump administration.Our committees have sought to uncover and expose misconduct by calling on agencies to declassify and produce text messages, internal emails, and other investigative material, which in turn we have made public. Although agency bureaucrats have fought tooth and nail to keep records hidden, our commitment to transparency has never wavered.The documents we are releasing today are the product of our continued fight for transparency. These documents are far less than what we have requested, but we are making them public so the American people can decide for themselves what wrongdoing did and did not occur.  Recent Joint Letters from the Chairmen:   Key documents from each agency can be viewed below:DOJ documents can be foundhereFBI documents can be foundhere  Department of State documents can be foundhere. These include Jonathan Winer, Victoria Nuland, Kathleen Kavalec emails regarding Christopher Steele's Orbis reports.The Chairmen's Crossfire Hurricane timeline can be viewed here. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E72EA70-EF79-49C1-B600-FB57C7E5A9D8", "Ernst: Incentivize Manufacturing of Critical Medical Supplies in the U.S.", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Joni Ernst", "E000295", "www.ernst.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is introducing the Mobilize America to Manufacture Equipment Required for Independence from Communist Adversaries Act (Mobilize AMERICA Act), legislation that would incentivize medical manufacturers to on-shore their manufacturing operations to the United States.\r\n\r\nThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed significant vulnerabilities of our supply chain, and the United States has become far too dependent on other countries  including the Communist Party of China  for critical medical supplies, PPE, and pharmaceuticals, said Ernst. America must take bold action  in partnership with the private sector  to address these vulnerabilities in our medical supply chain and ensure we are prepared for future pandemics and public health emergencies.\r\n\r\nAs a leading provider of personal protective equipment and medical solutions for medical professionals, workers, and the public  and with 3M Forest City serving as a major distribution center for many of these products  3M supports efforts to provide robust economic incentives for the manufacturing of healthcare supplies in the United States, said John Geraci, 3M Forest City Distribution Center Manager. Accordingly, 3M strongly supports the Mobilize America Act and appreciates Senator Ernst's development and introduction of this important and timely legislation.\r\n\r\nClick here to read 3M Company's letter of support.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\nThe Mobilize AMERICA Act would provide a significant incentive for the private sector to on-shore and increase domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies, ensuring that the U.S. has the capacity to produce and acquire vital supplies necessary to combat public health emergencies without excessively relying on foreign countries.\r\n\r\nSpecifically, the bill would establish a grant program to allow manufacturers to expand domestic production of drugs, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies that are critical during a pandemic or public health emergency.\r\n\r\nFor a one-pager on the Mobilize AMERICA Act, click here.\r\n\r\nEarlier this year, Ernst helped introduce the Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements to Consumers Here In North America (BEAT CHINA) Act to incentivize pharmaceutical and medical device and supply manufacturers to relocate to the United States. Ernst also asked the Treasury Department to start calculating and disclosing to taxpayers the true price of our debt to China and other nations, including both the cost of the interest we pay and the revenues lost in a tax loophole.She also worked to improve the U.S. supply chain for rare earth metals and battery components in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-udall-nyt-op-ed-end-taxpayer-giveaway-big-oil-and-gas", "Grassley, Udall NYT op-ed: End the Taxpayer Giveaway to Big Oil and Gas", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress should raise the royalty rates on federal lands. By Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tom Udall of New Mexico  One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from the ground. In the century since, the royalties and rent that those corporations pay to the American people for access have remained essentially unchanged even as the scale of development and profits has grown hugely.  As senators from different parties, we have our share of policy differences. But we both believe in sticking up for the public interest and the taxpayer. In this case, we agree that oil and gas companies should pay fair market value for the public resources they extract and sell. They aren't doing that now  not even close  and the American public is the big loser.   The country's economy and the oil and gas industries have changed significantly since 1920. Automobiles had just started to replace the horse and buggy, and the oil industry was a relatively new enterprise dominated by the successors of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil. Yet, since then, the federal royalty rate for oil and gas on public lands has remained steady, at a bargain-basement 12.5 percent of the value of what's extracted. States in the West, meanwhile, lease their landwith higher royalty rates. Montana, Utah and Wyoming charge 16.67 percent; in Texas, the rate is 25 percent. The 12.5 percent federal rate amounts to an unnecessary subsidy to the oil and gas industries. Worse, the Interior Department agreed to lower even that paltry rate temporarily during the pandemic to anaverage of less than 1 percentfor companies that sought a reduction.The federal royalty rate for drilling in federal waters, at 18.75 percent, is 50 percent higher that it is on land. According a2015 studyby the Center for Western Priorities, if the onshore federal royalty rate were the same as the 18.75 percent offshore rate, the U.S. government and the affected states would have collected up to $730 million annually inadditionalrevenue.In the 2019 fiscal year, the United States received$2.931 billion in royaltiesfrom onshore oil and gas production on federal lands. The overall value of those resources computes to $23.4 billion at a 12.5 percent royalty rate.Our bill would set a uniform federal royalty at 18.75 percent, applied to new leases. TheCongressional Budget Office estimatedthat royalty would raise $200 million in federal revenue over the next 10 years as it is phased in, with an equivalent amount going to the states where the oil or gas is being extracted.And it isn't just the royalty rate that needs an update. The minimum bid for oil and gas companies that want to lease federal land for exploration and extraction has not increased in over 30 years. Today, they can lease federal land for a minimum of just $2 per acre  cheaper than a cup of coffee in many places. Over the past four years,over one million acreshave been leased at this minimum rate, meaning that nearly 20 percent of the 5.4 million acres leased since 2016 has produced only $2 million in rental revenue to taxpayers. That might have made sense in 1920  but in 2020, it's an outrageous giveaway.  Setting the minimum bid at auction at $10 per acre is one way to encourage oil and gas developers to more selectively purchase leases and clarify their intentions for the lands they lease. In addition, enacting a $15 per acre minimum fee for submitting an expression of interest to lease will also deter speculation. Such fees are already required on many state lands, including in Colorado, North Dakota and Texas.  It should be noted that the low rents and royalty rate represent only taxpayers' initial losses. When a company has finished extracting all the oil and gas it can get from the land, pocketing millions in profits, this broken federal system allows them to close up shop without setting aside sufficient funds for cleaning up the mess they created. This leaves taxpayers on the hook for cleanup costs.  Updating our oil and gas leasing laws is just the first step that the federal government should take to make sure taxpayers get a fair deal while protecting our public lands. We hope our colleagues in Congress agree and move expeditiously to pass our bill before this legislative session ends in January.  Senator Tom Udall is a Democrat of New Mexico. Senator Charles Grassley is a Republican of Iowa and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-colleagues-rules-non-profit-hospitals-need-scrutiny", "Grassley to Colleagues: Rules for Non-Profit Hospitals Need Scrutiny", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington  Following a year of inquiry, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote in a letter today to every member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees about the need for new attention to the tax laws governing non-profit hospitals.  In his letter to colleagues, Grassley outlines his correspondence with both hospitals from both before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the need to address the problems of billing, debt-collection and price transparency for patients.  ...the issue of how the Internal Revenue Code should deal with non-profit hospitals is likely to remain an important question. Since the enactment of Section 501(r) into law ten years ago, I have heard from the healthcare industry that Section 501(r)'s requirements are overly strenuous for non-profit hospitals. This inquiry unfortunately has shown that, if anything, the requirements of 501(r) need to be strengthened rather than softened. Stories about non-profit hospitals engaging in billing and debt-collection practices that defy the spirit of Section 501(r), at least, are not limited to the two hospitals discussed above, Grassley wrote.  Grassley concluded his letter by writing, It's time for Americans to have more financial information available to them when going to the hospital and working with their insurance companies. It's time for Congress to empower Americans to shop for healthcare in a competitive, functional market so as to reduce the costs of care and coverage, and save individuals and businesses hundreds of billions of dollars. In early 2019, Grassleyannouncedhe was renewing his probe of non-profit, tax-exempt hospitals. Grassleyhas been a leaderin Congress in the effort to lower health care costs, recentlyintroducingsweeping, bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug prices.In 2015, Grassleyconductedan investigation into the Mosaic Life Care hospital system, which was suing low-income patients to force them to pay their hospital bills even when those patients were eligible for financial assistance and discounted treatments. As aresult of that investigation, Mosaic Life Care established a three-month debt forgiveness period in which patients could apply or re-apply for financial assistance, forgave the debt of 3,342 patients totaling $16.9 million in debt relief, and hired more employees to help low-income patients apply for financial assistance.Full text of Grassley's letter to colleagues can be found HERE attachments to the letter can be found HERE.-30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-protecting-farm-safety-net", "Grassley on Protecting the Farm Safety Net", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Protecting the Farm Safety Net Wednesday, December 2, 2020  I've long fought to strengthen the farm safety net so that Iowa family farmers are protected from natural disasters or unforeseeable events like flooding and wind storms.  Family farmers work hard to make sure Americans have food on the table and operate on thin margins. They ought to qualify for help during tough times since losing these operations would risk the nation's food supply.  However, taxpayers and non-farm state lawmakers may stop supporting a federal farm safety net if spending programs aren't held accountable and are left unchecked.  That's why I'm deeply concerned about USDA's recent proposal to roll back rules that put teeth in the definition of actively engaged in farming.  Long-lost relatives  who've never lifted a finger on the farm should not get away with collecting farm payments.  USDA's decision to backtrack on their rule means more mega-farms will take advantage of this loophole.  Congress must close these loop holes in the next Farm Bill once and for all. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-udall-nyt-op-ed-end-taxpayer-giveaway-big-oil-and-gas", "Grassley, Udall NYT op-ed: End the Taxpayer Giveaway to Big Oil and Gas", "2020-12-02", "2020", "2020-12", "Republican", "Senate", "IA", "Charles Grassley", "G000386", "www.grassley.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congress should raise the royalty rates on federal lands. By Sens. Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Tom Udall of New Mexico  One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from the ground. In the century since, the royalties and rent that those corporations pay to the American people for access have remained essentially unchanged even as the scale of development and profits has grown hugely.  As senators from different parties, we have our share of policy differences. But we both believe in sticking up for the public interest and the taxpayer. In this case, we agree that oil and gas companies should pay fair market value for the public resources they extract and sell. They aren't doing that now  not even close  and the American public is the big loser.   The country's economy and the oil and gas industries have changed significantly since 1920. Automobiles had just started to replace the horse and buggy, and the oil industry was a relatively new enterprise dominated by the successors of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil. Yet, since then, the federal royalty rate for oil and gas on public lands has remained steady, at a bargain-basement 12.5 percent of the value of what's extracted. States in the West, meanwhile, lease their landwith higher royalty rates. Montana, Utah and Wyoming charge 16.67 percent; in Texas, the rate is 25 percent. The 12.5 percent federal rate amounts to an unnecessary subsidy to the oil and gas industries. Worse, the Interior Department agreed to lower even that paltry rate temporarily during the pandemic to anaverage of less than 1 percentfor companies that sought a reduction.The federal royalty rate for drilling in federal waters, at 18.75 percent, is 50 percent higher that it is on land. According a2015 studyby the Center for Western Priorities, if the onshore federal royalty rate were the same as the 18.75 percent offshore rate, the U.S. government and the affected states would have collected up to $730 million annually inadditionalrevenue.In the 2019 fiscal year, the United States received$2.931 billion in royaltiesfrom onshore oil and gas production on federal lands. The overall value of those resources computes to $23.4 billion at a 12.5 percent royalty rate.Our bill would set a uniform federal royalty at 18.75 percent, applied to new leases. TheCongressional Budget Office estimatedthat royalty would raise $200 million in federal revenue over the next 10 years as it is phased in, with an equivalent amount going to the states where the oil or gas is being extracted.And it isn't just the royalty rate that needs an update. The minimum bid for oil and gas companies that want to lease federal land for exploration and extraction has not increased in over 30 years. Today, they can lease federal land for a minimum of just $2 per acre  cheaper than a cup of coffee in many places. Over the past four years,over one million acreshave been leased at this minimum rate, meaning that nearly 20 percent of the 5.4 million acres leased since 2016 has produced only $2 million in rental revenue to taxpayers. That might have made sense in 1920  but in 2020, it's an outrageous giveaway.  Setting the minimum bid at auction at $10 per acre is one way to encourage oil and gas developers to more selectively purchase leases and clarify their intentions for the lands they lease. In addition, enacting a $15 per acre minimum fee for submitting an expression of interest to lease will also deter speculation. Such fees are already required on many state lands, including in Colorado, North Dakota and Texas.  It should be noted that the low rents and royalty rate represent only taxpayers' initial losses. When a company has finished extracting all the oil and gas it can get from the land, pocketing millions in profits, this broken federal system allows them to close up shop without setting aside sufficient funds for cleaning up the mess they created. This leaves taxpayers on the hook for cleanup costs.  Updating our oil and gas leasing laws is just the first step that the federal government should take to make sure taxpayers get a fair deal while protecting our public lands. We hope our colleagues in Congress agree and move expeditiously to pass our bill before this legislative session ends in January.  Senator Tom Udall is a Democrat of New Mexico. Senator Charles Grassley is a Republican of Iowa and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. -30-", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1633, "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 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "IA", "p1": "2020"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1258, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 375, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 1392, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020&chamber=House", "selected": false}, {"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 241, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020&chamber=Senate", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "IA", "label": "IA", "count": 1633, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2020", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020", "results": [{"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 1633, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2020-12-02,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fgrassley-udall-nyt-op-ed-end-taxpayer-giveaway-big-oil-and-gas", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=IA&year=2020&_next=2020-12-02%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Egrassley~2Esenate~2Egov~2Fnews~2Fnews-releases~2Fgrassley-udall-nyt-op-ed-end-taxpayer-giveaway-big-oil-and-gas&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 239.96705515310168, "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"}