Press releases
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241 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "IA" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| 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 | 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: H.R. 490, the Heartbeat Protection Act (the Heartbeat Bill) H.R. 140, the Birthright Citizenship Act H.R. 997, the English Language Unity Act H.R. 185, the ObamaCare Repeal Act H.R. 385, Sarah's Law H.R. 902, the Protect American IPR Act H.R. 904, the New Illegal Deduction Elimination Act (New IDEA) H.R. 1319, the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act H.R. 1320, the Census Accuracy Act H.R. 4651, the American Future Healthcare Act 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. From 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… | 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 | 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. With 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. As 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. President 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 … | 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 | 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 wa… | 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 | 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. As 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. COVID-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. I'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. When 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. Having 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 … | 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 | 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.… | 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 | 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. This 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. Click here or on the image above to watch my video. Some highlights of 2020: Fighting 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. Accessibility 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. Standing 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. Defending the RFS, Fig… | 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 | 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 delive… | 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 | 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 sectio… | 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 | 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, sch… | 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 | 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 wo… | 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 | legacy | 721 Federal Building 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-288-1145 Fax: 515-288-5097 111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13 Suite 6800 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone: 319-363-6832 Fax: 319-363-7179 201 West 2nd Street Suite 720 Davenport, IA 52801 Phone: 563-322-4331 Fax: 563-322-8552 210 Waterloo Building 531 Commercial Street Waterloo, IA 50701 Phone: 319-232-6657 Fax: 319-232-9965 307 Federal Building 8 South 6th Street Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-7103 Fax: 712-322-7196 120 Federal Building 320 6th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 Phone: 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 | 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 th… | 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’s 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 | 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 | 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. 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. ### | 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 | 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: 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 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. Last 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. ### | 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 | 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. Congressman 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. 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. For 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 | 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 | 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’s 2nd Congressional District | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | 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 | 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. Grassl… | 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 | 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 effort… | 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 | 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 | 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. I'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. With 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. Below are just some of the key measures that Senator Ernst helped deliver for Iowans through this COVID-19 relief package: Provides direct payments of up to $600 per person and $600 per child Permits USDA to make payments to producers for losses incurred from the depopulation of livestock and poultry due to insufficient processing access Provides assistance to agricultural producers, growers, processors, specialty crops, non-specialty crops, dairy, livestock, poultry, and contract livestock and poultry producers Allows for payments to producers of advanced biofuel, biomass-based diesel, cellulosic biofuel, conventional biofuel, or renewable fuel Temporarily increases monthly SNAP benefits by 15% Increases broadband funding, including support for rural broadband and telehealth Supports grants to stabilize the child care sector and allow providers to safely reopen Allows for a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for struggling businesses Makes local chambers of commerce and news outlets eligible for the PPP and improves lo… | 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 | 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. As 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. Every 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. Below is a complete list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2025. United States Air Force Academy Landon Adkins Davenport Rylie Anderson Bondurant Chloe David Granger Jacob Hrasky Treynor Austin Kruzich Nevada EmmaKay McClain Bayard Elizabeth Peters Iowa City* John Schillinger North Liberty Megan Sterbenz Grimes Kitty Walden Sioux City United States Military Academy Nicholas Bandy Dubuque Sophia Dykstra Oskaloosa Noelle Grau United Kingdom** Emma Holesinger Dubuque Luke Jefferson Le Claire* Alexander Meier Le Mars Cavan O'Hara Robins Anthony Schmitz Pella Luke South Linden Sam Wilson Carlisle United States Merchant Marine Academy Joshua Davis Dubuque* Zayna Dickson Urbandale Samantha Foht Davenport* Luke Jefferson Le Claire* Elizabeth Peters Iowa City* United States Naval Academy Ashish Abraham Bettendorf Julianne Berry-Stoelzle Iowa City Joshua Davis Dubuque* Samantha Foht Davenport* Nathan Ketelsen Charlotte Nicho… | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. … | 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 | 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 ne… | 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 | 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 r… | 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 | 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 | 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. Because 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. Last 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. As 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. In 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. In 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 t… | 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 | 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. 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. ### | 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’s Second Congressional District | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | 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 | 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 | 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 e… | 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 | 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 Tru… | 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 | 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 | 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 Depar… | 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 | 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. As 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. The 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. Background: The 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. The 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: Serves as a legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans Serves as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments Serves as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families … | 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 | legacy | Press Releases Home News Press Releases WASHINGTON 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. In 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. In 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. … | 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 | 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 m… | 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 | 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 | 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… | 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 | 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. Many 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. In 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. Senator Ernst's letter to the VA can be viewed by clicking HERE or in the text below: Secretary Wilkie, As 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 … | 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 | 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 Til… | 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 | 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 | 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 wit… | 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 | 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 ma… | 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 | 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 oppor… | 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 | 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). As 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. Background: The 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. The 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: Serves as a legal and policy advisor to the Attorney General on enforcing federal laws that protect servicemembers and veterans Serves as the liaison between DOJ and the military departments Serves as a liaison with the Criminal Division to coordinate the prosecution of fraud that targets servicemembers and their families This bill has been endorsed by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans Education Success, and Student Veterans of America. ### | 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 | 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. Ernst continued to call on Congress to pass additional COVID relief before the end of the year, including resources for Iowa restaurants and small businesses. Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks. ### | 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 | 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. 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 cre… | 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 | legacy | 721 Federal Building 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-288-1145 Fax: 515-288-5097 111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13 Suite 6800 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone: 319-363-6832 Fax: 319-363-7179 201 West 2nd Street Suite 720 Davenport, IA 52801 Phone: 563-322-4331 Fax: 563-322-8552 210 Waterloo Building 531 Commercial Street Waterloo, IA 50701 Phone: 319-232-6657 Fax: 319-232-9965 307 Federal Building 8 South 6th Street Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-7103 Fax: 712-322-7196 120 Federal Building 320 6th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 Phone: 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 | 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 efficie… | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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… | 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 | 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 dangerou… | 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 | 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 | 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 di… | 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 | 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. Today, 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. Having 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. As 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. Protecting Troops Women 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. But 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 fo… | 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 | 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. As 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. We'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. Below are a few of Ernst's provisions that were included in the FY21 NDAA: Fieldproper-fitting body armorfor female soldiers and hold the Pentagon accountable for equipment to ensure it protects all troops Increase funding for safer, more survivable military combat vehicles Make military courts handling criminal sexual assault cases more professional Lower the barriers for servicemembers to report sexual assault Include the Coast Guard Academy as part of the Defense Advisory Committee on the Prevention of Sexual Assault Encourage American manufacturing by increasing … | 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 | 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 request… | 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 | 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 | 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 … | 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 | 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 connec… | 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 | 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. On the urgent need for additional relief: In 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. On PPP deductibility: She 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. Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's questioning. ### | 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 | 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 | 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… | 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 | 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. "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." Background The Survivors of Human Trafficking Fight Back Act would: Criminalize the knowing distribution of visual depictions of forced or coerced sex acts. Criminalize the knowing, nonconsensual distribution of depictions of sex acts (revenge porn), as well as privacy-invading locker-room images. Require 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. Allow victims to sue websites that knowingly host depictions of forced sex acts or that distribute privacy-invading images and videos. Ernst'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. The 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. ### | 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 | 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. After 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. Background: The 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. Last 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. The 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. Ernst also worked across the aisle to introduce a bill that would increase funding for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) progr… | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks. The 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. ### | 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 | 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 | 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 recomme… | 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 | legacy | 721 Federal Building 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Phone: 515-288-1145 Fax: 515-288-5097 111 7th Avenue SE, Box 13 Suite 6800 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Phone: 319-363-6832 Fax: 319-363-7179 201 West 2nd Street Suite 720 Davenport, IA 52801 Phone: 563-322-4331 Fax: 563-322-8552 210 Waterloo Building 531 Commercial Street Waterloo, IA 50701 Phone: 319-232-6657 Fax: 319-232-9965 307 Federal Building 8 South 6th Street Council Bluffs, IA 51501 Phone: 712-322-7103 Fax: 712-322-7196 120 Federal Building 320 6th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 Phone: 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 | 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 … | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. Shortly 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. Before 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. Thanks 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. Operation 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. I 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 genera… | 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 | 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 be… | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 c… | 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 | 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 | 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. The 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. As 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. Click here to read 3M Company's letter of support. Background: The 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. Specifically, 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. For a one-pager on the Mobi… | 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 | 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 hav… | 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 | 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 el… | 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 | 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 | 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 hav… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/featured-posts?ContentRecord_id=BC3A8146-1F42-47B1-A474-51454FD4FD31 | Ernst Unanimously Re-elected to Senate Leadership | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) was unanimously re-elected to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference today. Following her re-election, Ernst vowed to continue bringing Iowans' voices, opportunities, and challenges to her colleagues. She also noted, as the only female Republican in Senate leadership, she will be a voice for young, conservative women across the country. Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=984D5265-96DB-42AE-963E-FC87759F5B45 | Ernst Welcomes Grassley Back to the Senate, Calls on Congress to Pass More COVID Relief, Defense Bill | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today welcomed Iowa's senior senator, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), back to the Senate. Ernst noted that whether he's in his office in DC, his farm in Iowa, or teleworking because of the virus, he never stops working for Iowans. Ernst also called on Congress to work together to complete important initiatives by the end of the yearpassing the annual defense bill (the National Defense Authorization Act) and additional COVID-19 relief to support families and businesses struggling during the ongoing pandemic. Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst's remarks. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-appointment-special-counsel-examine-origins-fbi-s-2016-russia | Grassley Statement on Appointment of Special Counsel to Examine Origins of FBIs 2016 Russia Collusion Probe | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a former chairman and senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today made the following comment regarding the appointment of U.S. Attorney John Durham to be special counsel in his ongoing review of the origins of the FBI's 2016 Russia Collusion investigation. John Durham has been hard at work for well over a year to get some clarity on the events that launched the FBI's flawed and debunked investigation into the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. Just as I said during the Mueller probe, this investigation should be allowed to continue unimpeded and without artificial timelines. Naming Durham as a special counsel ensures that a new administration can't pull the plug on an ongoing investigation and prevent needed transparency by simply cleaning house. Durham has been appointed under the same authority that established the Mueller investigation, and he should likewise be allowed to complete his important work, Grassley said. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-thanking-joe-morton-his-service-omaha-world-herald | Grassley Thanking Joe Morton for his Service at the Omaha World-Herald | 2020-12-01 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Thanking Joe Morton for his Service at the Omaha World-Herald Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Each week, without failure, a familiar voice opens one of my press calls with a thoughtful question on some matter of interest to folks in the heartland. For more than two decades at the Omaha World-Herald, Joe Morton has cut through the beltway noise to deliver real news to my constituents in Iowa and those in Nebraska. Sadly, his tenure at the paper ended just before Thanksgiving. I want to thank Joe for his decades of keeping Americans informed about the work of their elected leaders. Best of luck to Joe in wherever the future takes him. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrating-national-thanksgiving-turkeys-iowa | Grassley Celebrating National Thanksgiving Turkeys from Iowa | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Celebrating National Thanksgiving Turkeys from Iowa Monday, November 30, 2020 Like many Iowans, I wasn't able to share a meal with my family this Thanksgiving. I'm thankful for the essential workers of our country who have missed many Thanksgiving meals. Still, they continue to provide for and keep our country safe. An essential job that often gets overlooked is that of the 86,000 Iowa farm families. That's why I was proud to see Ron and Susie Kardel, from Walcott, Iowa, get well deserved recognition this past week. Ron and Susie, along with their two turkeys, Corn and Cob, participated in a time-honored tradition: the National Thanksgiving TurkeyPardoning Ceremony at the White House. This ceremony helps connect the dots for many Americans, showing them that the food they put on the Thanksgiving table isn't grown in a grocery store. I want to thank Ron, Susie, and President Trump for highlighting Iowa agriculture this Thanksgiving. In a year that has been so difficult for many Americans, it's nice to see traditions like this carry on. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-returns-senate-office-following-covid-19-quarantine | Grassley Returns to Senate Office Following COVID-19 Quarantine | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | Grassley Renews Calls on Congress to Pass Relief Legislation WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today returned to his Washington office after completing a quarantine due to testing positive for COVID-19. Grassley was asymptomatic throughout his quarantine and was cleared to return to the office by his doctors. Grassley released the following statement. While I continued working from home during my quarantine, I'm glad to be back in the office working for Iowans. During my quarantine, I heard from so many Iowans and Americans across the country. I'm thankful for their prayers and well wishes. This disease affects people differently. I did not experience symptoms, but more than a thousand Americans are dying every day and many more are hospitalized. That means we all have to do our part to help protect our friends, family and fellow Americans. I will continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Promising vaccine news means there is light at the end of the tunnel. That makes staying vigilant in the coming months all the more important. Congress must do its part and pass long overdue relief legislation to help families, businesses and communities get through this crisis. I hope my colleagues reach the same conclusion and a bipartisan bill can pass very soon. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-investigation-california-s-employment-development-department | Grassley Seeks Investigation into Californias Employment Development Department, Identity Theft and Rampant Unemployment Insurance Fraud | 2020-11-30 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today sent a letter to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor seeking an investigation into California's Employment Development Department (EDD), with particular attention to fraud and to EDD's practice of mailing documents that contain individuals' social security numbers (SSNs). Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 38 million items of mail sent by the EDD with claimants' full social security numbers were reported by the California State Auditor. This places Californians at risk of identity theft and provides easy opportunities for fraudsters to continue to rip off the unemployment insurance system, Grassley wrote. Fraud takes valuable resources away from those who truly need it. Fraudsters have been stealing resources from California's EDD by exploiting the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program created by the CARES Act, and some alleged fraudsters have been so brazen as to essentially advertise their exploits on YouTube. The actions of fraudsters serve to erode public support for unemployment benefits to workers and amplifies feelings of unfairness among our constituents. The CARES Act provided $25 million to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Labor for audits, investigations, and oversight of unemployment insurance programs. I ask that your office conduct an investigation of the failure of California's EDD to adequately address fraud, failure to remove SSNs from mailed documents, the evident reluctance of California's EDD to follow recommendations of California's State Auditor to protect citizens from identity theft and help prevent systemic fraud in unemployment insurance, including the PUA program provided under the CARES Act, and whether California's EDD is taking steps to address fraud identified by the Strike Team, Grassley 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/grassley-thanksgiving-message-iowans | Grassley Thanksgiving Message to Iowans | 2020-11-29 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IA | Charles Grassley | G000386 | www.grassley.senate.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today highlighted the significance of Thanksgiving in a video address to Iowans. I'm thankful that we had a bountiful harvest on our farm this year when a lot of farmers, particularly across central Iowa, from the Missouri to the Mississippi River, had that awful windstorm go through and about 800,000 acres of corn was damaged. I'm also thankful that we live in a country where we have the freedom that we have. We ought to thank god for all of these things, Grassley concluded. -30- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/columns?ContentRecord_id=76C9EF0D-801C-43FB-A262-6BB393A9B12A | Joni Ernst: This Small Business Saturday, Continue to Find Ways to #ShopLocal | 2020-11-27 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | IA | Joni Ernst | E000295 | www.ernst.senate.gov | legacy | For the past six yearssince Iowans first elected me to the United States SenateI've completed my annual tradition of visiting each and every one of Iowa's 99 counties. As a result, I've spent many Saturdays participating in what I call Main Street Tours, visiting mom and pop shops and hearing from small business owners in towns across our state. Stop after stop, I've always enjoyed hearing from many hard-working entrepreneurs who serve their communities and help grow our local economies in Iowa. Whether it's a coffee shop in Grundy Center, a women's clothing store in Boone, a bakery in Waverly, or a dairy production facility and retail store in Waukon, it's so important that I'm on the ground engaging with folks to ensure I understand the problems they face so I can best represent them in Washington. And during this challenging year, I've worked hard to connect with Iowa small businesses to ensure they're getting the support and relief they need. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was clear that our small businesses needed assistance. That's why, as a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, I quickly got to work to help provide relief to local employers in Iowa, and across the country. Along with my fellow members of the committeeRepublicans and DemocratsI helped create the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has helped mom and pop shops throughout the country stay afloat. In Iowa alone, over 61,000 small businesses have received support from this critical lifeline. But we know the pandemic is still ongoing. That's why I've continued to call on my colleagues to come together to find ways to make sure local businesses have the financial stability necessary to keep their doors open. With funds still left in the PPP, I've called for our hardest-hit small businesses to get a second pass at the program. While my friends across the aisle have twice chosen to block this commonsense relief, I'm not giving up. I remain committed to working with Democrats and Republicans to support the business ow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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