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1,472 rows where state = "IA" and year = 2018 sorted by date descending

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https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-115th-congress Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments of the 115th Congress 2018-12-28 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa marked a series of policy and oversight accomplishments in the 115th Congress. Serving the people of Iowa as their United States Senator is my first priority and it's an honor that I take seriously, Grassley said. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and through my extensive oversight efforts, my work focuses on making government more transparent, efficient and accountable to Iowans and all Americans. 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 fromIowans. In 2018, Grassleycompletedhisannual county meetings for the 38th year in a row. Grassley holdsmeetings in a variety of settingsto ensure that a broad cross-section of Iowans can participate, includingbusinesses, schools,townmeetings andfactory floors. Although the setting may differ from county to county, the format is the same: Iowans set the agenda. In addition to his annual meetings, Grassley attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: In 2018, Grassley created a social media series called #CornWatch that gave followers an insider look at farming operations and tracked the progression of the corn crop grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa from planting through harvest. When the Senate is in session, Grassley sets aside eight 15-minute meetings everyMondaythroughThursdayto meet with Iowans in Washington, D.C., including advocacy groups, associations, chambers of commerce and local business leaders, students and families. During the 115th Congress, Grassley metwith more than 2,000 groups of Iowans visiting the nation's capital and discussed a variety of policy issues affecting Iowans such as trade, tax reform and health care. Grassley also joined 26 Iowa schoolsfor Q&As via video conferencing and, as an avid fan of Iowa universities, attended dozens of sporting events. Highlights of Grassley's legislative and oversight work follow here: Agriculture: As the sen… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-passing-john-c-culver Grassley Statement on the Passing of John C. Culver 2018-12-27 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Sen. John C. Culver of Iowa. My wife Barbara and I were sorry to hear about Senator Culver's passing. He served his country in the Marine Corps and continued his devotion to public service throughout his life, representing Iowa in both chambers of Congress for 16 years Senator Culver was a tough competitor. He was proud of his record and defended it, not sacrificing his stands for political expediency, and that deserves to be recognized. Personally, I'll never forget his grace and good wishes after the election of 1980 and when we would cross paths over time afterward. My thoughts are with his friends and family as I join all Iowans in mourning the loss of a devoted public servant. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=9759FB17-E646-49B6-AB0A-3B655C2A4EE4 Radio Iowa: Ernst touts Pentagon requirement to track, treat soldiers brain injuries 2018-12-25 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, says one of her top legislative accomplishments this past year was a collaboration with one of the Senate's most liberal Democrats. That measure in the National Defense Authorization Act to raise awareness and to treat traumatic brain injury, that was done with my colleague Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Ernst says. The legislation directs the military to take steps to track, treat and prevent brain injuries among soldiers. The Pentagon is now required to include information about recognizing brain injuries in its regular training sessions for soldiers. That's one that was very important to me and we were able to see that through to fruition, Ernst says. Ernst has collaborated with other Democratic senators on military matters. In 2015, for example, Ernst and California Democrat Barbara Boxer sponsored legislation signed by President Obama that allowed female pilots from World War II to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2019, Ernst will for the first time be serving in a politically-divided legislative branch. It can be painted as very difficult and in some circumstances it will be difficult having a divided congress with Democrats taking majority in the House of Representatives, Ernst says, but, at the same time, there is still opportunity and a lot of the work that I do here in the United States Senate is done in a bipartisan manner. In August, Ernst and a Democratic senator from Delaware cosponsored legislation designed to help military veterans get college credit for their military training. Click here to read the full story from Radio Iowa. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeklyreport/115th-congress The 115th Congress 2018-12-24 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy The 115thCongress has been productive and I spent it working to deliver solutions to the issues facing Iowans. I've worked to make sure our countryand her people aresafe, Iowans have economic security and the ability to plan for the future, to protect our environment,and to ensure the liberties and freedoms laid out in our Constitution are protected. As a largely agriculture state, Iowanstake pride in their ability to feed and fuel the country.This Congress, I worked with my colleagues and the president to secure year-round E15sales so we bolster our rural economy, promote cleaner air, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. In the recently passed Farm Bill, my bill, the WATER Act, was included in the final package signed into law. The WATER Act helps improve conservation practices by streamlining access to grant funding and establishing a publicly accessible database which shows how conservation practices work on different soils and topographies. Iowans are also keeping more of their hard-earned money because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. You know how to spend your money better than the federal governmentand I've heard from Iowans across the Third District who are using their bigger paychecks to pay for groceries, a vacation, student loans, or saving for the future. It's your money you should decide how it's used. Our economy continues to grow and we see the lowest unemployment rates in decades. There are more job openings than there are people looking for jobs. I've heard from business owners who say they have to turn down work because they don't have enough employees to get it all done. We have started rebuilding our military after years of neglect. Our women and men in uniform need the resources to train, fight, win, and return home safely and the 115thCongress started to deliver those resources. We've invested in border security so we know who and what is coming into our country. A secure border will help stop criminals, drugs, illegal weapons, and human trafficking. Another of my bills, the Rural Call Q… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-partial-government-shutdown Grassley Statement on Partial Government Shutdown 2018-12-22 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding the partial shutdown of the federal government due to a lapse in funding for certain departments and agencies. We shouldn't have to choose between keeping the government open and protecting our national borders. There's no question that dangerous individuals, from drug traffickers to violent criminals, attempt to cross the border illegally every day. I support President Trump's request for $5 billion to fund border security. Additional wall on specific parts of the border like we've already seen in Yuma, El Paso and San Diego would go a long way in stopping those dangerous individuals from entering the country. Congress should fully fund the Department of Homeland Security to make security improvements on the border, including more strategic walling and fencing, but also with the proper personnel and 21st century technology needed to do the job. I hope Democrats come to the table and work with congressional Republicans and President Trump to arrive at a reasonable resolution. There's no reason we can't keep the government open and protect our nation's borders. In the meantime, Iowans should know that most of the federal government remains open. The military continues to defend our national security. The postal service continuesto function. Essential services during the holidays such as airport security will also continue. My office will work with the Administration to determine how the partial shutdown might affect Iowans, and I'll keep working with my colleagues to come to a resolution as soon as possible. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395212 Loebsack: Careless Actions by Republicans Lead to Needless Shutdown 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the President and Republicans in Congress forced a needless government shutdown.It is shameful that we are even in this position. There is a noncontroversial bipartisan deal that the White House had previously agreed to and has passed the Senate and would pass the House if brought up. Republicans must put aside the gimmicks and immediately vote on the only funding bill that is guaranteed to pass. Additionally, it is irresponsible that the House has adjourned just hours before the government will shutdown without passing a funding bill. It is unacceptable that Republican leaders have caved to political games and failed to pass a funding bill to keep the government open. The number one job of Congress is to ensure our government is serving the needs of the people. There is no good reason we are in this situation. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=E370752F-9137-4184-B3CD-763965BAD360 Ernst Questions the VA on Lackluster Performance in Suicide Prevention Outreach 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran, is calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide answers for the agency's lackluster performance when it comes to suicide prevention outreach. In a letter to VA Secretary Wilkie, Senator Ernst writes, With approximately 20 veteran suicides every day in the United States, this lack of outreach is simply unacceptable...I am profoundly disappointed to learn that the VA has fallen short in fulfilling this responsibility. We can and must do better for our veterans. This letter follows a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing a decrease in suicide prevention outreach services at the VA. The outreach fell from 339 in 2016 to 157 in 2017, and through October 2018, there were only 47 outreach efforts. The VA was appropriated $1.7 million for suicide prevention outreach, but has only used around eight percent of their allotment. Ernst asked Secretary Wilkie to respond to the following questions: Do you agree with the GAO's analysis? If so, do you have an explanation for why this lack of performance was able to continue? Why did the VA not use the full appropriation it was provided? Will the VA commit to increase its suicide prevention outreach efforts? What steps is it undertaking to do so? What safeguards do you have in place to ensure that the program functions better in the future? To read the full letter, click here. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/photos-grassleys-year-review Photos: Grassley's Year in Review 2018-12-21 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy met with-then Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey in January before he was confirmed to be the U.S. Department of Agriculture'sUnder Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service. In honor of the reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting program that I introduced with Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, I met with actress Jennifer Garner and other advocates to discuss the program's benefits for families across America. Ipaid tribute to 93 veterans from Eastern Iowa who were visiting the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice, including the World War II, Vietnam and Korean War memorials, as well as the Arlington National Cemetery, as part of the Honor Flight program. I greeted witnesses Amanda Nguyen and actor Terry Crews ahead of the Judiciary Committee hearing I chaired on the Survivors' Bill of Rights, a 2016 law I led that secured new rights for survivors of sexual assault. I visited the Iowa State Fair this year where I celebrated 4-H day by thanking volunteers. I greeted over 65Habitat for Humanity volunteers working to restore Marshalltown after it was devastated by a tornado. They helped Iowans rebuild after losing everything. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I led the confirmation process for Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was confirmed by the Senate on October 6, 2018. I had a great meeting with leaders of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. This year, I led efforts to put pressure on the EPA to stop issuing hardship waivers to obligated refiners as well as make the waiver process more transparent and highlight the importance of the RFS to President Trump. I gave my Instagram and Twitter followers an insider look at farming operations and tracked the progression of the corn crop grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa from planting through harvest. #CornWatch I completed my 38th annual #99CountyMeetings, with at least one Q&A in every county, every year. I began my 2018 meetings in Harrison County in January and fi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395210 Loebsack and Gianfortes Rural EMS Bill Now Law 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy President Trump today signed into law the Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act of 2018. Congressmen Loebsack and Gianforte's bipartisan law reauthorizes a federal grant program that helps rural communities and the EMS providers that serve them.Patients in rural areas have the same medical conditions requiring an emergency response as those in urban areas do, however many rural EMS agencies face unique challenges in delivering quality care, said Loebsack. I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Gianforte to get this bipartisan legislation signed into law to invest in our rural communities and ensure they have the tools necessary to treat patients no matter where they live. Our rural EMS providers are the first line of care for Americans in more remote areas who face a medical emergency, Gianforte said. The SIREN Act provides access to resources so that EMS providers in our rural areas have the training and equipment they need to get the job done. I appreciate working with Congressman Loebsack to get the SIREN Act signed into law.The SIREN Act creates a $10 million grant program for EMS agencies in rural areas to help address issues they face, including personnel recruitment and retention, providing continuing education and preparedness training, purchasing updated equipment, maintaining adequate coverage during prolonged transport times, and obtaining qualified medical oversight.The SIREN Act was included in the 2018 Farm Bill, which President Trump signed into law. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395211 With Signing of Farm Bill, Loebsack and Lattas Precision Ag Bill to Become Law 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Today, the President Donald Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill conference report, which contained the language from H.R. 4881, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act. Congressmen Loebsack and Latta have been working in a bipartisan fashion to get the bill signed into law. Earlier this year, the House passed H.R. 4881 on a standalone basis. I am proud to work with Rep. Latta to get the language of this bipartisan bill signed into law. It is important that our farmers have access to the technology necessary to assist in planting and monitoring their crops, said Loebsack. The task force established by this bill will help examine the broadband needs of farmers and rural communities to allow them to take advantage of these new technologies in order to increase crop yields. I've talked with farmers throughout Ohio's 5th Congressional District that are utilizing advanced technologies to improve farm productivity and sustainability, and it's making a big difference, said Latta. However, it's clear that the agricultural community is at a disadvantage compared to other sectors because they are in rural areas that often have limited access to high-speed Internet. It's critical that we close the Digital Divide' to ensure that the agricultural community can fully utilize this cutting-edge technology. I want to thank Congressman Loebsack for working together with me on the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act and helping get this important legislation to the President's desk.The Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act establishes a Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States, which will operate under the direction of the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) and in collaboration with US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Task Force must be comprised of agricultural producers, Internet service providers, broadband mapping experts, and representatives from the satellite industry, electric cooperatives, precision agriculture equipment manufacturers, a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/columns/farm-bill-meets-needs-of-rural-america Farm Bill Meets Needs of Rural America 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Steve King K000362 steveking.house.gov     legacy I couldn't be happier to make the following announcement: Congress has passed a Farm Bill that I fully support because this legislation meets rural America's most pressing needs. As I meet with my Agriculture Leadership Committees throughout the 4th District, they provide me with important first-hand accounts of the difficulties our producers face. They also provide me with invaluable insights into the solutions that would be the most beneficial for rural America. Armed with this knowledge, I have used my position on the House Agriculture Committee to ensure that the Farm Bill reflects the feedback I have received. And, for the most part, it surely does. Here are some of the important provisions I worked to include in the Farm Bill as a result of these consultations: The number one risk management tool for our producers is crop insurance. We were able to protect our essential federal crop insurance program. A top priority of my Ag Leadership Committees was to reform CRP payments. The Farm Bill does this, reducing payment amounts to 90% for continuous contracts and 85% for general contracts. This change makes putting the land to productive use more attractive, because rent is now priced more competitively with CRP contracts. Our producers have made one thing very clear: enhancing their ability to trade agricultural goods into foreign markets is one of the most significant things that we can do to help the farm economy. As I requested, the Farm Bill contained full combined funding of $255,000,000/yr for the Market Access Program, the Foreign Market Development, technical assistance for specialty crops, and Emerging Markets program. These programs are specifically designed to increase trade by opening new markets, and expanding existing markets, for Iowa's agricultural goods. Preserving our rural communities requires making farming an attractive option for younger people. The Farm Bill has increased the limits of loan guarantees that are now available through FSA's Beginning Farmer loan program. The new lo… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=0FF30B75-A905-4DC0-AA08-107551DF0953 Joni Ernst Incentives and Victories - 2018 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON From her efforts to secure $117 million in federal funding for the Cedar Rapids flood mitigation project to successfully getting E15 year-round to watching the President of the United States sign the VA MISSION Act into law, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) spent 2018 fighting for Iowa. 2018 was one for the books! I worked hard, day-in and day-out to deliver real solutions to Iowa. While it is hard to narrow down the year's work into a few words, watching the VA MISSION Act bipartisan legislation that improves veterans' access to health care services signed into law was one of my proudest moments as a U.S. Senator, said Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). Senator Joni Ernst's Top 2018 Accomplishments: Cedar Rapids: Secured $117 million in federal funds for Cedar Rapids flood mitigation. Regulatory Reforms: Held EPA to fulfilling President Trump's promise to provide E15 year-round, as well as repealing and replacing the 2015 waters of the United States rule (WOTUS). National Security: As a member of the conference committee, she secured a number of provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that help bolster our nation's security and support our military. Trade Deals: Pushed the administration to open up new markets and finalize trade deals, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement to ensure the success of Iowa and America's agricultural economy. Historic Opioid Legislation: Supported and helped pass historic opioid legislation that included her Access to Increased Drug Disposal Act, which will increase participation in federal prescription drug take-back programs, and her Education Disposal of Unused Opioid Act, which requires Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans to provide information on safe disposals. Making em Squeal: Successfully pushed Senate Leadership to cancel August recess and stay in session to work on our nation's budget and spending bills. Supporting Veterans: Helped secure final passage of the VA MISSION Act, a bi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=366CE232-2C95-40BC-97E1-20F5D7E213ED 2018 Farm Bill Signed Into Law 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) worked hard to get the 2018 Farm Bill, which was signed into law today by President Trump, across the finish line and to secure key provisions that will boost Iowa's agriculture industry. The 2018 Farm Bill was a must-do and a big-win for Iowa. The 2018 Farm Bill will strengthen conservation programs, provide critical mental health support to the agriculture community, support our nation's dairy farmers and maintain a robust crop insurance program, said Senator Ernst, a member of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee. This Farm Bill, along with the senator's efforts, are receiving praise from across the state: David Trowbridge, president, Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Farm Bill offers crucial certainty for Iowa's cattle producers and farmers. We are encouraged to see ICA's priorities addressed, including authorization and funding of a Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank, investment in trade promotion and market access, and reauthorization of key conservation programs. Iowa's cattlemen appreciate the hard work of Congress, especially our own Senator Joni Ernst, to get the Farm Bill over the finish line before the holidays. Curt Mether, president, Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA): Iowa Corn welcomes the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill before the start of the new year. ICGA is pleased to see there were no cuts to the current crop insurance program and a continuation of the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) All of these programs are crucial to the success of Iowa's corn growers and we thank our grower members for your efforts in urging lawmakers to reach a deal before the New Year. Mike Naig, secretary, Iowa Department of Agriculture: A new five-year Farm Bill will provide needed certainty and predictability for farmers in what has been a very volatile and challenging time. I commend the efforts by leaders in both the House and Senate, including Sen. Ernst who was a conferee, to finalize the agreement and get it passed. Craig Hill, preside… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=B08BA9BE-4F0F-4140-B7E3-E594A1480BBB Bipartisan Sentencing Reform Legislation Passes the Senate with Broad Support 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan First Step Act this week, legislation to reduce recidivism and improve fairness in sentencing of federal crimes. The First Step Act will reduce recidivism, improve fairness in federal sentencing and help low-risk inmates prepare to rejoin society. I also believe the First Step Act will help women, especially mothers, in our justice system by addressing their unique needs, said Senator Joni Ernst, an original cosponsor of the First Step Act. On Tuesday, December 18, 2018 the U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan First Step Act. The legislation was approved by a vote of 87-12. The First Step Act will now go to the United States House of Representatives for a vote, and then, if passed, to President Trump's desk for signature. The First Step Act aims to improve fairness by: recalibrating certain mandatory minimum sentences; providing greater discretion for judges in sentencing of low-level, nonviolent drug crimes; and, clarifying congressional intent on sentencing enhancements for certain crimes involving firearms. The comprehensive and bipartisan legislation provides opportunities for low-risk inmates to rejoin society, while ensuring that dangerous criminals stay behind bars.Under The First Step Act, each inmate is evaluated using data-driven risk and needs assessment tools and only those who are found to be low or minimum risk may benefit from earned time credits. Conviction for a number of serious offenses disqualifies inmates from earning time credits. Earned time credits created by the bill do not reduce an inmate's sentence. Rather, they allow the inmate to serve out a portion of the term in pre-release custody. Inmates that are eligible only receive the credits upon successful completion of the evidence-based recidivism reduction and professional development programs. These are created by the Attorney General, in conjunction with an independent review committee selected by the National Institute of Justice. There is an overwhelming trend over… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F11C5D14-70E7-479F-BDEB-9F274BB3294B Sens. Ernst, Graham, Shaheen, King, Cotton, Rubio Urge Trump Administration to Reconsider Withdrawing U.S. Forces from Syria 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), joined her colleagues, Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), Angus King (I-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) in sending a letter to President Donald Trump expressing their concern regarding the consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. If you decide to follow through with your decision to pull our troops out of Syria, any remnants of ISIS in Syria will surely renew and embolden their efforts in the region. However, ISIS is not the only threat. The brutal dictatorship of Bashar al Assad continues to weigh heavily upon the Syrian people, and we fear that a withdrawal of our troops may embolden Bashar al Assad to take further actions to solidify his power, the Senators wrote. They continued, The withdrawal of American presence from Syria also bolsters two other adversaries to the United States, Iran and Russia. As you are aware, both Iran and Russia have used the Syrian conflict as a stage to magnify their influence in the region. Any sign of weakness perceived by Iran or Russia will only result in their increased presence in the region and a decrease in the trust of our partners and allies. Your administration must not repeat the same mistakes that previous administrations have made and concede to these bad actors. The full text of the letter is below. December 19, 2018 The Honorable Donald J. Trump The President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We write today to express our concern regarding your Administration's consideration to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. We believe that such action at this time is a premature and costly mistake that not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, but also emboldens ISIS, Bashar al Assad, Iran, and Russia. The United States currently retains a small and limited military presence within Syria. The approximately 2,000 American troops stationed in Syria serve as a… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=F3E9FD5A-1898-4B60-B503-83D315E75A18 Senator Ernst Releases Strong Statement Against U.S. Withdraw from Syria 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, released the following statement following President Trump's statement that U.S. troops are being withdrawn from Syria and that ISIS has been defeated: I am deeply concerned with the administration's decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria. Our mission there is to defeat ISIS, and that is yet to be accomplished. We committed to our partners on the ground to see this fight to the end, and we are now turning our back on their good faith efforts and sacrifices. Our departure will only serve to encourage a reemergence of ISIS, embolden Russia, encourage Iran's malign activity, and deter partners in the Middle East from cooperating with the United States. I have been engaged with White House officials, and I will be seeking a meeting with President Trump to convey my strong opposition to the withdrawal, said Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). Background: On December 19, 2018, President Trump tweeted that We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency. Senator Ernst has reached out to the White House and requested an in-person meeting with President Trump to outline her concerns with a U.S. troop withdraw from Syria. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/qa-first-step-act-0 Q&A: First Step Act 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A: First Step Act With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What is the First Step Act A: The bipartisan First Step Act restructures federal criminal sentencing laws for the first time in decades. After years of listening, negotiating and reviewing reforms enacted at the state level, a broad coalition of lawmakers joined together with the White House to secure passage of the historic First Step Act. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I took the lead with Senator Durbin, of Illinois, to fix flaws in the federal sentencing system and improve rehabilitation programs. Taxpayers spend more than $7 billion a year on the federal prison population. That's a lot of money for a system with high rates of recidivism, racial disparity in sentencing, and not enough opportunity for rehabilitation and integration into society. The First Step Act will restore fairness and justice to a system overwhelmed by mass incarceration. The First Step Act will help low-risk, nonviolent offenders put a better foot forward when they re-enter society. More than 95 percent of federal inmates will be released at some point from federal prison. Our criminal justice system needs to do more to prevent them from committing another crime. Society benefits when prisoners who have been released from prison become productive contributors to their communities and families. With the president's strong support, the Senate voted 87-12 for this bill, and the House also passed it by an overwhelming margin of 358-36, reflecting the widespread support and efforts by advocates from across the ideological spectrum. The reforms in the First Step Act will reduce the tax burden, help law enforcement fight crime, stop the revolving prison door, and give nonviolent, low-risk inmates a head start on a fresh start. Q: How does the First Step Act change sentencing laws? A: It improves fairness in sentencing and preserves law enforcement tools to protect public safety. It reduces some mandatory minimums and expands the existing federal safety valve, giving fed… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-announces-health-policy-staff-116th-congress Grassley Announces Health Policy Staff for 116th Congress 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, presumptive chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for the 116 Congress, today announced his permanent health policy staff. Dr. Karen Summar, Director, Health Policy Evelyn Fortier, General Counsel, Health Policy and Director of Special Projects Erin Dempsey, Deputy Director, Health Policy Brett Baker, Senior Advisor, Health Policy Ryan Martin, Senior Advisor, Human Services Policy Stuart Portman, Advisor, Health Policy Iowans and the American people are fortunate to have an experienced and highly-qualified staff working on their behalf, Grassley said. My top priorities in health policy as chairman will include lowering health care costs, including prescription drug costs, improving access to affordable and quality health care, especially in rural America, and increasing competition, transparency and accountability in the public and private sectors of the health care industry. We have the chance to make real progress. I look forward to working with my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to get the job done. Summar currently serves as health policy director for Grassley in his personal office and prior to that served as a health policy assistant to Reps. Martha Blackburn and Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Before working on Capitol Hill, Summar served as director of the Jane and Richard Thomas Center for Down Syndrome and worked for thirteen years as a pediatric doctor in Nashville, Tennessee. After receiving her M.D. from the University of Tennessee Center for Health Services, Summar worked for five years as a medical officer in the United States Navy. Summar received her M.S. from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and her B.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. She completed her pediatric residency and developmental pediatric fellowship at Vanderbilt. Fortier currently serves as chief counsel for justice programs for the majority of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.She has worked in the House and Senate for 18 years in various capacities, including as majority co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-durbin-statements-first-step-act-passing-house Grassley, Durbin Statements on First Step Act Passing House 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, authors of the First Step Act, released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved the landmark criminal justice reform bill by a vote of 358-36. Today's overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives brings us one step closer to once-in-a-generation criminal justice reform. I commend my colleagues in the House, especially Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Member Jerry Nadler, as well as Congressman Doug Collins and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, for their leadership and engagement on the First Step Act, and for helping to get this bipartisan bill to President Trump. After years of hard work and dedication, Congress has notched a big victory for families, taxpayers, fairness and justice, Grassley said. By passing this legislation through Congress, we will now finally begin to make our justice system fairer, relieve our overcrowded prisons, redirect funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts, and make our communities safer. I commend my colleagues in the House of Representatives, especially Representatives Jerry Nadler, Sheila Jackson Lee, Hakeem Jeffries, Bob Goodlatte, and Doug Collins, for their spirit of cooperation on this important piece of legislation, and I look forward to it becoming the law of the land, Durbin said. The First Step Act was approved by the Senate on Tuesday, and now must be signed into law by President Trump, who has endorsed the bill. More on the First Step Act HERE. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-judiciary-committee-has-made-great-progress-behalf-american-people Grassley: Judiciary Committee Has Made Great Progress on behalf of the American People 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Achievements in the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday, December 20, 2018 VIDEO As Congress wraps up business for the 115th Congress, I come to the floor to reflect upon the work of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I've served on the Judiciary Committee for each of my 38 years in the Senate. Four years ago, I became chairman. Senator Leahy, my colleague from Vermont who served as chairman before I took the reins, marked the occasion by presenting me with a larger-than-life gavel. It was a light-hearted moment. And I appreciated his gesture of good will and collegiality. It's this spirit of camaraderie that sustains the United States Senate and has guided the bipartisan accomplishments of the Judiciary Committee. The work we do on the Judiciary Committee shapes our way of life in America. Its legislative jurisdiction includes constitutional amendments; bankruptcy laws; civil liberties; immigration; patents, copyrights and trademarks; antitrust laws; juvenile justice; criminal laws; and more. It conducts oversight of the Justice Department, including the FBI and sections of the Homeland Security Department. It also handles consideration of judicial nominations. As chairman, I put forth a number of legislative priorities. I wanted to increase oversight efforts to hold government accountable and advance judicial confirmations. I wanted to strengthen whistleblower protections and increase competition in the pharmaceutical market to lower the cost of prescription drugs. I wanted to enact juvenile justice reform and update our criminal justice system. I wanted to protect election integrity and bolster victims' rights. At the close of this Congress, I'm happy to report that this committee has made progress on all of these priorities. This week, the Senate passed the First Step Act a historic criminal justice reform bill that had overwhelming bipartisan support in Congress and the backing of the president. And earlier this month, the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-klobuchar-introduce-bipartisan-bill-crack-down-anticompetitive-pay-delay Grassley, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Anticompetitive Pay-for-Delay Deals 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa are introducing new bipartisan legislation to limit anticompetitive pay-for-delay deals that prevent or delay the introduction of affordable follow-on versions of branded pharmaceuticals. The bill extends the reach of their prior legislation the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act to cover pay-for-delay deals affecting biosimilar and interchangeable biologics, in addition to the generic drugs already covered under the prior bill. Biologics are a fast-growing class of medicines that are more expensive than traditional pharmaceutical products. The use of pay-for-delay dealsthe practice in which drug companies use pay-off agreements to delay the introduction of cheaper substitutes could make some critical prescriptions unaffordable for patients and impose significant costs on our healthcare system. When brand-name, generic and biologic drug makers enter into agreements to keep more affordable medicines out of the marketplace, all of us are left to pay the price, Grassley said. Competition is critical to keep prescription drug prices low. Generics and biosimilar drugs are critical to treating a variety of serious illnesses. Our bill will curb the anti-competitive, pay-for-delay tactics that artificially inflate prices for patients. Biologics play an important and growing role in treating many serious illnesses. Without competition, U.S. patients will likely see additional price increases on biologics in the years to come, Klobuchar said. This legislation will spur competition to drive down prices, helping to ensure patients can access the medications they need to improve their quality of life. Grassley and Klobuchar have long supported efforts to combat anti-competitive tactics in the pharmaceutical market. The senators are the lead sponsors of the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act, which would limit pay-for-delay deals in which brand-name and gen… 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 Grassley Nominates 33 Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley has 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 on our state, Grassley said. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are exceptional, and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces. 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 representatives 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. 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, Grassley said. Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies. The students then choose whether to attend the academy. More information about service academy nominations can be found here. Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans. The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley's nominees for the 2019 2020 school year. U.S. Military Academy at West Poi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-senate-finance-trade-priorities-116th-congress Grassley on Senate Finance Trade Priorities for 116th Congress 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Prepared Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Senate Finance Trade Priorities for the 116th Congress Thursday, December 20, 2018 VIDEO Mr. President, I want to speak on the topic of international trade. During the last two years, there has been more talk about international trade in this town than just about any other point since I have been in Washington. When I was elected to the Senate in 1980, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, known as GATT, was the main guiding document on international trade. GATT was signed by 23 nations in Geneva on October 30, 1947, a little more than two years after World War II ended in Europe. It remained the institutional foundation for global trade until January 1, 1995. That's when the World Trade Organization was born with 81 charter members, including the United States. The WTO has been in place for nearly 24 years, serving as the clearing house for our rules-based international trading system. Since the start of the WTO, international trade volumes have increased by 250 percent. Countries representing 98 percent of global merchandise trade are currently members of the WTO, with 22 more countries officially working toward joining. Overall, the WTO is moving global commerce forward. The rules-based trading system it promotes has been very successful integrating people across the world into the global economy. I also must acknowledge that international trade can be disruptive. There are regions of our country that have been disproportionately impacted by job losses, at least in part, to foreign competition over the last several decades. Those losses become especially problematic when they are the result of market forces being overwhelmed by foreign government intervention. President Trump has rightly pointed that out and is delivering on his promise to make trade fairer for workers across our country. For agriculture, international trade is the bridge to the world's customers. In Iowa, we export every third row of soybeans. Some people like to say God made I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-us-mexico-asylum-agreement Grassley Statement on U.S.-Mexico Asylum Agreement 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Earlier today, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen announced that the United States and Mexico will enter into a safe third country agreement that will help accommodate the steady stream of migrants traveling through Mexico seeking asylum in the United States. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Mike Lee of Utah called for such an agreement in October. Grassley made the following statement on today's announcement. I applaud today's announcement regarding the Migration Protection Protocols (MPP) agreement between the United States and Mexico. In October, Senator Lee and I wrote a letter to Secretaries Pompeo and Nielsen, urging the Trump Administration to pursue a safe third country agreement with Mexico. The MPP is a welcome first step in that direction. Under the MPP, migrants claiming asylum will wait in Mexico during the adjudication of their claims here in the United States. There, the Mexican government will provide these individuals with humanitarian visas, work authorization, and other protections. Additionally, applicants will have access to immigration attorneys and to the U.S. for their court hearings. This creates a safe and orderly process for handling thousands of asylum applications, and ensures that migrants are treated in a humane manner. This agreement also protects American sovereignty and provides overdue relief to our own immigration system. We can focus on quickly assisting legitimate and vulnerable asylum-seekers, while deterring fraudulent claimants from making the journey to our border. Most importantly, this agreement will allow us to address our staggering asylum backlog. I applaud the efforts of Secretaries Pompeo and Nielsen, as well as Mexican President Lpez Obrador. I'm hopeful this will prompt other countries in our hemisphere to adhere to Mexico's example and begin to help shoulder the responsibility for unprecedented levels of unsanctioned mass migration. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-first-step-act-0 Q&A: First Step Act 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A: First Step Act With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What is the First Step Act? A: The bipartisan First Step Act restructures federal criminal sentencing laws for the first time in decades. After years of listening, negotiating and reviewing reforms enacted at the state level, a broad coalition of lawmakers joined together with the White House to secure passage of the historic First Step Act. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I took the lead with Senator Durbin, of Illinois, to fix flaws in the federal sentencing system and improve rehabilitation programs. Taxpayers spend more than $7 billion a year on the federal prison population. That's a lot of money for a system with high rates of recidivism, racial disparity in sentencing, and not enough opportunity for rehabilitation and integration into society. The First Step Act will restore fairness and justice to a system overwhelmed by mass incarceration. The First Step Act will help low-risk, nonviolent offenders put a better foot forward when they re-enter society. More than 95 percent of federal inmates will be released at some point from federal prison. Our criminal justice system needs to do more to prevent them from committing another crime. Society benefits when prisoners who have been released from prison become productive contributors to their communities and families. With the president's strong support, the Senate voted 87-12 for this bill, and the House also passed it by an overwhelming margin of 358-36, reflecting the widespread support and efforts by advocates from across the ideological spectrum. The reforms in the First Step Act will reduce the tax burden, help law enforcement fight crime, stop the revolving prison door, and give nonviolent, low-risk inmates a head start on a fresh start. Q: How does the First Step Act change sentencing laws? A: It improves fairness in sentencing and preserves law enforcement tools to protect public safety. It reduces some mandatory minimums and expands the existing federal safety valve, giving fe… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/reviewing-oversight-judiciary-committee Reviewing Oversight by the Judiciary Committee 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Statement for the Senate Record by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Reviewing Oversight by the Judiciary Committee Thursday, December 20, 2018 Oversight is one of the most important responsibilities of this Legislative Branch. The Constitution requires it. Without oversight, the Members of this body cannot legislate in the best interests of their constituents. Nor can they ensure the government is accountable to the taxpayers. In whatever capacity I have served my own fellow citizens of Iowa over the years, I have always strived to faithfully carry out my duty to conduct oversight. The same is true of these last four years that I have been honored to serve as the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. The agencies under the Committee's jurisdiction are some of the most powerful, and most consequential, in the Executive Branch. Our nation's law enforcement agencies have the authority to seek to search and seize our property and review our communications. When warranted, they may bring charges that can result in disgorgement of financial resources or loss of personal liberty. That's because these agencies have the equally weighty responsibility to protect us from criminal and intelligence threats of all stripes. These agencies help protect the taxpayer from fraud, hunt down violent offenders and fugitives, protect our senior leaders and judges, and dismantle illicit networks that traffic in illegal drugs, endangered wildlife, and worst of all, human beings. They safeguard our borders, secure our transportation and cyber networks, and return kidnapped children to their families. That's just a fraction of the many responsibilities of the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. I am grateful for the faithful public service of thousands of law enforcement agents, analysts, lawyers, engineers, scientists, officers, managers, and other employees who make up these agencies. And that includes, especially, those individuals who have not only done their jobs, but have truly gone above … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-grassley-feinstein-bill-combat-human-trafficking-0 Senate Passes Grassley-Feinstein Bill to Combat Human Trafficking 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The U.S. Senate this week unanimously passed a bipartisan bill to aid in the fight against human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017, authored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and cosponsored by Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein of California, would renew existing programs that make federal resources available to human trafficking survivors and establish new prevention, prosecution and collaboration initiatives to help bring the perpetrators to justice. The bill was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year and now must be signed by President Trump before becoming law. We need a united approach to taking down human traffickers and bringing victims the justice they deserve. This bill takes meaningful steps to shed light on this terrible abuse of human rights by improving awareness and streamlining federal law enforcement's response. I'm grateful for the Senate's sweeping support of this bill to assist victims, and look forward to House action so we can get it to the President's desk and on the books, Grassley said. Sex trafficking is one of the most reprehensible crimes, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act builds on our bipartisan efforts to combat trafficking and help victims. The key to reducing demand is addressing the exploitation of young girls on the Internet.The bill provides the Justice Department with civil injunction authority to get court orders forcing traffickers to remove their ads for underage girls, Feinstein said. Education and public information is a critical first line of defense against human trafficking. This bill promotes the screening of human trafficking victims by ensuring that school resource officers and other school personnel receive training on how to identify and respond to victims. It also calls for advanced training of federal investigators who pursue human traffickers. The legislation also allows prosecutors to enjoin conduct that violates human trafficking statutes, and allows the U.S.… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/victims-rights-and-child-protection-measures-adopted-115th-congress Victims’ Rights and Child Protection Measures Adopted by 115th Congress 2018-12-20 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Senate Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Victims' Rights and Child Protection Measures Adopted by 115th Congress Wednesday, December 19, 2018 Mr. President, during my tenure as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I've made it a top priority to champion bipartisan initiatives to enhance victims' rights and protect our nation's at-risk children. In the 115th Congress, for example, I introduced and led the Senate in approving multiple bills to prevent crime, identify missing children, enhance services to crime victims, and reform our juvenile justice system. I'm proud of what we've achieved on the Judiciary Committee in this period, as we sent half a dozen of these measures to the President's desk after both chambers passed them unanimously. For example, last October, we passed and the President signed the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. This measure, which I sponsored with Senator Blumenthal, increases penalties for the fraudsters who target our senior citizens. It requires federal agencies to collect more data on financial exploitation of the elderlywhich is a terribly underreported crime. It also calls for specialized training of federal investigators and prosecutors who handle these cases. A second measure, which I also introduced and the President signed last January, is Kevin and Avonte's Law. This new law is named in honor of two boys with autism who tragically died after wandering away from their caregivers. It calls for the Justice Department to award grants to equip school personnel, caregivers, and first responders with training to help identify missing persons with autism or Alzheimer's disease. It also permits grant funds to be used for technologies that advance the search for missing children with developmental disabilities. This legislation is important because research suggests that at least a third of children with autism repeatedly wander away from safety. Since 2015, we've seen a doubling in the number of wandering-related d… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeklyreport/time-hope-capitol-solutions A time for hope: Capitol Solutions 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy The holiday season brings Iowans together with family and friends to celebrate and reconnect. As I gather with my family to celebrate Christmas, I findjoy, thankfulness,and faith. I also am filled with hope our communities will thrive with caring neighbors helping one another when times can be tough for some. It's a time for reflecting on the blessings I have had and doing my best to give back in any way I can. I'm inspired by the Iowans across the Third Districtwho give their time, talents, and treasures to serve their communities. Over the past four years, I have worked to serve Iowans in the Third District as their representative in Congress. I like toattack problems and deliver solutions to challenges Iowans are facing.I was able to combine that with mypassion for public service and give back by taking your voices to Washington. A lot of folks I have spoken with as I travel across the Third District share they have lost hope Congress can do anything productive that partisanship, name calling, and hypocrisy have overtaken the people's government. And rightfully so. After another partisan election season, politicians and pundits screaming on TV, and the lack of civility we see in some of our politics, itcan beeasy to become discouraged. But I have hope. I always have. And I always will. And the Iowans I talk and listen to have hope, too. Yes, we do have our challenges. And we have our differences. But we have more in common than that which separate us. Despite our political party affiliations or political philosophies, we pretty much all have the same goals. We all want a strong economy, great job opportunities for ourselves and loved ones, safer streets, a cleaner environment, better health care, a more peaceful world, and the list goes on. We just have different ways of approaching those issues. But these problems are solvable if we bring passion and civility to the table. We need to listen to one another and not talk at or over one another. By sitting down and talking to one another we find areas of agreeme… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=4E795D4F-D58D-43F9-B40C-7FF3B5343368 AUDIO NEWS RELEASE (ANR): Senator Ernst Reflects on 2018 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released audio of her year-end message highlighting her hard work for the people of Iowa over this past year. 2018 was one for the books! I worked hard, day-in and day-out to deliver real solutions to Iowa. I love our state, and I love the people in it. I'm truly blessed by the opportunity to serve as your United States Senator. While it is hard to narrow down the year's work, I've highlighted a number of my accomplishments from throughout the year. May God bless you and yours this holiday season, said Senator Ernst. To download the full audio recording, click here. The full script is below: Hi, this is your United States Senator, Joni Ernst. 2018 was one for the books! I worked hard, day-in and day-out to deliver real solutions to Iowa. While it is hard to narrow down the year's work, I'd like to take a moment to highlight some of my accomplishments from throughout the year. First off, I was able to help secure $117 million in federal funds for Cedar Rapids flood mitigation, something the people of Cedar Rapids had been waiting for, for over a decade. When it comes to regulatory reform, there were a number of big wins in 2018. I held the Environmental Protection Agency to fulfilling President Trump's promise of granting the sale of E15 year-round, as well as repealing and replacing the burdensome 2015 waters of the United States rule. Turning to national security, as a member of the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee, I secured a number of my provisions in this year's NDAA that will bolster our nation's security and support our military, like my legislation to treat and raise awareness of traumatic brain injuries among our servicemembers. On the trade front, as you all know, it's been a roller coaster ride. I have been pushing the Administration to open new markets and finalize trade deals, like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, to ensure we provide a pathway to su… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-new-york-times-op-ed-these-toilet-seats-aren-t-gold-plated-they-cost-14000 Grassley New York Times Op-ed: These Toilet Seats Arent Gold-Plated but They Cost $14,000 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy These Toilet Seats Aren't Gold-Plated but They Cost $14,000 By U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa In a July 21, 2017memo, the secretary of defense, James Mattis, made promising comments about his ambitions to end wasteful spending at the Pentagon. He wrote that he expected leaders at all levels in the department to exercise the utmost degree of stewardship over every penny spent and that only by instilling budget discipline, by establishing a culture of cost awareness, and by holding ourselves accountable, can we earn the trust and confidence of the Congress and the American people that we are the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars.I've spent more than three decades reviewing egregious spending at the Defense Department. The sentiments expressed in the memo were encouraging, so much so that I sent Secretary Mattis aletterof support. Since then, however, it seems the department has done very little to change its ways.Over the past few months alone, the Defense Department has had to explain why it's been paying $14,000 for individual 3-D printed toilet seat lids and purchasingcupsfor $1,280 each. These are just the latest examples on a long list of unacceptable purchases made by the department, including $436 forhammersin the 1980s, and $117soap dish coversand $999pliersin the 1990s. These wasteful expenditures reflect major underlying financial problems at the department, whose 2019 budget is more than$700 billion. If it had its financial house in order, overpriced parts and contracts might have been detected before ever being approved. Effective internal controls to catch and deter fraud, waste, abuse and theft serve as a firewall that would help prevent misuses of taxpayer dollars. In 1990, Congress passed theChief Financial Officers Act, which requires every federal agency toprepare a financial statementthat is subject to audit by either the inspector general or an independent accounting firm. The auditors review the statements and render an opinion: clean, incomplete or failure. The goal is to hold gover… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/audiovideo-grassley-christmas-and-new-year-messages AUDIO/VIDEO: Grassley Christmas and New Year Messages 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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/first-step-act-team-effort-years-making First Step Act: A Team Effort Years in the Making 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Statement Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Passage of the First Step Act of 2018 Wednesday, December 19, 2018 VIDEO M. President, today is a good day for representative government. A good day for the taxpayer. And a good day for safe streets and strong families. Last night, by a vote of 87-12, the Senate adopted the First Step Act. Today, the House is expected to send it to the President, who's waiting with a pen to enact once-in-a-generation criminal justice reform. The First Step Act will help keep our streets safe and it offers a fresh start to those who've put in the work to get right with the law while paying their debt to society. It also addresses unfairness in prison sentencing and revises policies that have led to overcrowded prisons and ballooning taxpayer expenses. Several decades ago, Congress passed well-intentioned laws imposing harsh mandatory sentences to stop the flow of drugs in our communities. I voted for those laws. But they've had some unintended consequences. Our prison population has exploded and the taxpayer burden to house inmates has followed suit. Today, taxpayers pay more than $7 billion a year on our federal prison population. However, despite that high cost, nearly half of the inmates released today are re-arrested. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the last 38 years, I consider myself a law and order Republican. I'm also a taxpayer watchdog. And I believe in the redemptive power of rehabilitation. So in 2015, I began to take a closer look at our prison and sentencing laws. We needed to make the system work better for the taxpayer, help law enforcement fight crime, and put a stopper in the revolving prison door. Roughly 95 percent of federal inmates will one day return to society. The bipartisan First Step Act creates recidivism reduction programs to help inmates spend their time in prison preparing for their eventual return to society. Several states across the country have deployed these education, treatment an… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-new-york-times-op-ed-these-toilet-seats-aren-t-gold-plated-they-cost Grassley New York Times Op-ed: These Toilet Seats Aren’t Gold-Plated but They Cost $14,000 2018-12-19 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy These Toilet Seats Aren't Gold-Plated but They Cost $14,000 By U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa In a July 21, 2017memo, the secretary of defense, James Mattis, made promising comments about his ambitions to end wasteful spending at the Pentagon. He wrote that he expected leaders at all levels in the department to exercise the utmost degree of stewardship over every penny spent and that only by instilling budget discipline, by establishing a culture of cost awareness, and by holding ourselves accountable, can we earn the trust and confidence of the Congress and the American people that we are the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I've spent more than three decades reviewing egregious spending at the Defense Department. The sentiments expressed in the memo were encouraging, so much so that I sent Secretary Mattis aletterof support. Since then, however, it seems the department has done very little to change its ways. Over the past few months alone, the Defense Department has had to explain why it's been paying $14,000 for individual 3-D printed toilet seat lids and purchasingcupsfor $1,280 each. These are just the latest examples on a long list of unacceptable purchases made by the department, including $436 forhammersin the 1980s, and $117soap dish coversand $999pliersin the 1990s. These wasteful expenditures reflect major underlying financial problems at the department, whose 2019 budget is more than$700 billion. If it had its financial house in order, overpriced parts and contracts might have been detected before ever being approved. Effective internal controls to catch and deter fraud, waste, abuse and theft serve as a firewall that would help prevent misuses of taxpayer dollars. In 1990, Congress passed theChief Financial Officers Act, which requires every federal agency toprepare a financial statementthat is subject to audit by either the inspector general or an independent accounting firm. The auditors review the statements and render an opinion: clean, incomplete or failure. The goal is to hold go… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-196 Capitol Hill Report 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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/audio/sen-grassley-christmas-message-18-seconds Sen. Grassley Christmas Message (18 seconds) 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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/audio/sen-grassley-christmas-message-27-seconds Sen. Grassley Christmas Message (27 seconds) 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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/audio/sen-grassley-new-year-message-20-seconds Sen. Grassley New Year Message (20 seconds) 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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/audio/sen-grassley-new-year-message-25-seconds Sen. Grassley New Year Message (25 seconds) 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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-durbin-statement-senate-s-consideration-first-step-act Grassley, Durbin Statement on Senate’s Consideration of the First Step Act 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois made the following statement on the Senate's 82-12 vote to hold debate and a final vote on the First Step Act this week. Tonight the Senate decided overwhelmingly to wrap up debate and hold a final vote on the bipartisan First Step Act this week. Years of negotiations and input from colleagues, stakeholders, advocates and law enforcement have finally culminated in a broadly bipartisan bill that is backed by President Trump as well as lawmakers and organizations from across the political spectrum. I look forward to a lively debate. This is a unique opportunity to pass once-in-a-generation reforms and to score a victory for the country and for American justice, Grassley said. I am glad that my colleagues have voted to advance this bipartisan legislation. It is the best chance in a generation to make meaningful changes in our federal drug sentencing laws. We cannot waste it. I look forward to debating this bill over the next day and sharing why Congress should pass this bipartisan legislation to begin relieving our overcrowded prisons, redirecting funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts, making our communities safer, and ensuring the integrity of our justice system, Durbin said. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-tribute-becky-weichland Grassley Tribute to Becky Weichland 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Statement for the Record by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Tribute to Becky Weichhand Executive Director, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute Tuesday, December 11, 2018 During this season of Advent, millions of Americans join Christians around the world to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ. A central tenet of Christianity is borne in the belief that Jesus is the Light of the World. On December 25, we celebrate the light, the hope and the joy our Lord and Savior brings into the world. Today, I pay tribute to a servant of Christ who dedicated her life to bring light, hope and joy to children and families around the world. Her name is Becky Weichhand. Becky blazed a trail of hope and love to spread joy to children, especially those awaiting adoption. To those who knew her best, Becky was an unconditional prayer warrior, who graciously shared love and loyalty to friends and strangers alike. By all accounts, Becky shared uncommon devotion in her advocacy for children, especially those in our nation's foster care system. Since 2014, Becky served as executive director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. Before that, she served as Director of Policy, where she shined light on the needs of children here in the United States and abroad, including the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Cambodia, Vietnam, South Korea, and Haiti. Since first joining the corps of dedicated professionals working to help the foster youth community, Becky had a plan. She had a plan for kids who went to bed each night praying for a forever home. She had a plan for young people who were growing up without a Mom or Dad. She had a plan to connect as many kids as possible with a forever family. Becky worked tirelessly to educate, organize and advocate here on Capitol Hill and at the grassroots. She devoted her life and career to making dreams come true for adoptive parents and their children. Among her priorities and achievements, I know that Becky was committed to growing the Foster Youth Internship program that connects… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-landmark-criminal-justice-reform Senate Passes Landmark Criminal Justice Reform 2018-12-18 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The Senate tonight passed once-in-a-generation reforms to America's prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save tax dollars and promote safe communities. The bipartisan First Step Act uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence. It also reduces some sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important law enforcement tools to tackle criminal enterprises. The bill was approved by a vote of 87-12. It's been several decades since Congress made significant reforms to our nation's criminal justice and prison policies. The First Step Act takes lessons from history and from states our laboratories of democracy to reduce crime, save taxpayer dollars and strengthen faith and fairness in our criminal justice system. Today's vote is an important victory in our years-long effort, which has resulted in a broad bipartisan recognition of the need for reforms. This bill is the product of careful deliberation and input from a wide range of stakeholders and law enforcement organizations. I'm grateful for the engagement from those who joined us to pass the bill and for President Trump's leadership. I look forward to the swift passage of the First Step Act by the House, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said Tonight, by a vote of 87-12 the members of the Senate proved that we can work together for the good of our nation. Passage of the First Step Act is the most significant change to our system of criminal justice in decades. It was supported by an amazing coalition of unlikely partners progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans, law enforcement groups and civil rights groups, business leaders and faith-based organizations. By passing this legislation, we will now begin to relieve our overcrowded prisons, redirect funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts, make our communities safer, and ensure the integrity of our justice system. I commend my colleagues for the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-urges-colleagues-support-revised-first-step-act Grassley Urges Colleagues to Support Revised First Step Act 2018-12-17 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Prepared Floor Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee On the Senate's consideration of the revised First Step Act Monday, December 17, 2018 VIDEO We're here today to begin debate on the First Step Act of 2018the most significant criminal justice reform bill in a generation. Our country is based on the rule of law. If someone commits a crime, they should be punished. And that punishment should be severe enough to deter others from committing crimes. But for our criminal justice system to serve our society well, it has to do more than punish and deter. Recidivism rates are far too high and drive crime rates up. In the federal system, 49 percent of prisoners are rearrested within eight years, and 32 percent are convicted of new crimes. We must better prepare prisoners to leave behind their criminal past and to become productive citizens when they leave prison. We also need to make sure that criminal sentences are tough enough to punish and deter, but not be unjustly harsh. Sentences should not destroy the opportunity of redemption for inmates willing to get right with the law. The First Step Act is tough on crime but fair. To tackle the high recidivism rates in our country, the bill establishes evidence-based programming that has reduced recidivism at the state level. The bill provides incentives for inmates willing to put in the work to complete these programs. Under this bill, a prisoner may earn 10 days of time credit for every 30 days of successful participation, which they can apply toward pre-release custody. However, access to these incentives is only available to those who pose little risk of committing new crimes. The First Step Act requires the Bureau of Prisons to implement a risk assessment system to determine an inmate's risk of returning to crime after prison. Access to the earned time credits is limited to those who pose a minimum or are low risk. The bill also makes clear that violent and high-risk criminals convicted of certain serious offenses are ineligib… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=8455DA3A-96A1-4582-931B-65F2FB79E235 Ernst: It is important that we protect people with pre-existing conditions, as we repeal and replace Obamacare. 2018-12-15 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON - Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement today after a federal judge in Texas ruled Obamacare unconstitutional: Too many Iowa families and businesses have been hurt by the painful effects of Obamacare from rising costs, to losing access to doctors, to hampering businesses' ability to hire new employees. Health care reform should be focused on choice, not mandates. Yet, it is important that we protect people with pre-existing conditions, as we repeal and replace Obamacare. To guarantee the availability of coverage in the individual or group market, including people with pre-existing conditions, I cosponsored legislation that would prohibit discrimination against beneficiaries based on health status. I urge my colleagues to join me, and Sen. Tillis, in protecting people with pre-existing conditions by helping us ensure this bill becomes law. Background: On December 14, 2018, a federal judge in Texas v. United States issued a declaratory judgement, stating that the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) is unconstitutional. His ruling is based on the elimination of the tax penalty for the Individual Mandate in the ACA that was included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which goes into effect in January 2019. The judge entered a declaratory judgement, not an injunction, which means that individuals are still able to purchase insurance through the health care exchange. Senator Ernst works to ensure that patients with pre-existing conditions are not penalized in our health insurance system, and to ensure that Iowans, especially those in rural communities, continue to have access to the services they need. Senator Ernst cosponsored Senator Thom Tillis' (R-NC) Ensuring Coverage for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions Act, legislation that guarantees the availability of coverage in the individual or group market, for all Americans, including those with pre-existing conditions, regardless of the outcome in Texas v. United States. The legislation prohibits discrimination against beneficia… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=62C6CBBD-FF79-4319-BD3B-5B7641D071C4 Sioux City Journal: Ernst sees farm bill, WOTUS rule change as good news 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Passage of an $867 billion, five-year farm bill and the EPA's proposed changes in the controversial Waters of the United States rule have made this a great week for Iowa agriculture, according to Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. The Iowa Republican, a member of the House-Senate conference committee on the farm bill, said [Thursday], I can tell you this is good news for Iowa. Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the certainty and predictability they deserve, Ernst said in a conference call with reporters. With their livelihoods dependent on factors largely out of their control, getting the farm bill done was a must-do and a big win. To read the article in full, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=910283E3-B2EB-440F-AECE-4A7221214751 Osceola Sentinel-Tribune: Letter to the Editor 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy President Trump has made clear he is committed to finally making year-round E15 a reality. E15 is a biofuel mix made with 15 percent ethanol. Unlocking E15 will deliver a much-needed jolt to rural economies throughout Iowa. For some years in the 1980s I helped design and oversee the development of a number of early ethanol plants. I know firsthand how homegrown biofuels can greatly benefit rural economies. This industry provides jobs, and drives demand for Iowa corn. One thing to keep in mind is that the production facilities have a co-product -- distillers grain -- that is highly valuable in the feeding of livestock and reduces the cost of our beef, pork and poultry. The corn is pre-digested in the fermentation process, with 19 pounds of distillers grain replacing 56 pounds of raw corn. So one added benefit is that there is less manure to spread! And are NOT using food for fuel! Also, when one looks it up it will be seen that it is certified that ethanol added to gasoline as an octane enhancer has kept gasoline prices at least 30 cents per gallon lower over the past decade while improving our air quality. And my experience is that I get increased MPG with an ethanol blend as opposed to regular gasoline. Check your mileage out for yourself. I'm thankful we have leaders such as Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley who are fighting for Iowa grown renewable fuels and improved livestock feeds. While President Trump has signaled the summertime sales restriction will be lifted, it's urgent our leaders in Washington continue working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the administration to swiftly implement year-round E15. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=CDEFDBE0-3FAB-4524-9FED-9E73C1D8222A Iowa's Joni Ernst sees farm bill, WOTUS rule change as good news 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Passage of an $867 billion, five-year farm bill and the EPA's proposed changes in the controversial Waters of the United States rule have made this a great week for Iowa agriculture, according to Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.The Iowa Republican, a member of the House-Senate conference committee on the farm bill, said, I can tell you this is good news for Iowa.Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the certainty and predictability they deserve, Ernst said in a conference call with reporters. With their livelihoods dependent on factors largely out of their control, getting the farm bill done was a must-do and a big win.Ernst was pleased her Farmers First language that addresses the incredibly high rate of suicide in the agricultural community was included in the final version, which now goes to President Donald Trump. It will provide mental health support and resources to farmers, she said. Other Ernst proposals in the bill included the GROW Act, which she said will revise and strengthen conservation programs, and another program to encourage food stamp recipients to use more dairy products. She called it a win-win for nutrition and dairy producers. Subscribe to Breaking News Another huge win was the EPA-proposed replacement for the burdensome Obama-era WOTUS rule. Since implemented in 2015, Ernst said, farmers have been in a state of regulatory limbo.However, the proposed rule will provide much-needed predictability and certainty by establishing clear and reasonable definitions as what qualifies as a WOTUS, Ernst said.That rule, she said, has been one of her top priorities since arriving in Congress in 2015. She sponsored legislation to nullify WOTUS, but President Barack Obama vetoed it.With this new proposed rule, she said, we are one step closer to finally ending egregious federal overreach. Subscribe to Breaking News 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=29A86CA4-4348-418A-9582-2160F460BE61 Ernst Statement on Holding Saudi Arabia Accountable and Finding a Diplomatic Solution to the War in Yemen 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, released the following statement about her vote against the Sanders-Lee Yemen Resolution that invokes the 1973 War Powers Resolution (Senate Joint Resolution 54) and her co-sponsorship of the Joint Resolution Supporting a Diplomatic Solution in Yemen and Condemning the Murder of Jamal Khashoggi (Senate Joint Resolution 69): I condemn the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and support a diplomatic solution to the war in Yemen. That is why I cosponsored a resolution that explicitly calls for a diplomatic solution to the war in Yemen, while also holding the Saudi Crown Prince responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder. By cosponsoring Resolution 69, I am supporting peace talks between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels in Sweden, which are showing significant promise including a ceasefire in the port city of Hodeidah, which was agreed to yesterday. Some of my colleagues pushed to make the Yemen resolution a referendum on Saudi Arabia's involvement in the killing of Mr. Khashoggi; however, invoking the War Powers Resolution when our troops are not engaged in hostilities sets a bad precedent and could hamstring U.S. strategic goals in the region. Background: S.J. Res. 54, the Sanders-Lee Yemen Resolution uses the War Powers Resolution to justify withdrawing support to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. In her statement about this resolution on November 30, 2018, Senator Ernst explained that she voted against this resolution because U.S. forces are not directly engaged in hostilities in Yemen, the premise of the resolution is flawed, and because members of the coalition in Yemen are strategic allies to the U.S. and greatly assist our counterterrorism and stability operations in the region. In addition to not directly citing Jamal Khashoggi, S.J. Res 54 also adopted an amendment which defined hostilities to include refueling Saudi aircraft, something that the United States is no longer doing; thanks in part, to Senator Ernst's engagement earlier this year wi… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=94D98F6D-F815-43B3-A6A3-1BD63CE61863 Ernst Nominates 33 Iowans for Admission to U.S. Service Academies 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced U.S. Service Academy nominations for 33 high school seniors from across the state of Iowa. As a combat veteran, and mother of a West Point plebe, it's truly an honor to nominate these qualified Iowa students for admittance to our U.S. Service Academies. Each of these students has exemplified strong leadership, dedication to academics and commitment to community service. This nomination is an important step in the admissions process, and I'm proud to assist these students in reaching their goal of serving our nation in uniform, said Senator Ernst. Each year, Senator 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, click here. Below is a complete list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2023. U.S. Air Force Academy: James Baker Bettendorf* Nathan Brush Clive Mitchell Clements North Liberty Josiah Cole Altoona Cory Critchlow Carlisle Charles Haefner Cedar Rapids Adam Laubenthal Davenport Michael McCurry Cedar Rapids William Rankin Hull Kassidy Rashid Burlington Britain Saluri Des Moines* Hunter Sherry Boone Josiah Stearns Windsor Heights Micah Treptau Lansing Olivia Wong Ames Gabriel Yingst Woodward U.S. Naval Academy: Faith Bonilla Bettendorf Daunte Burns Dyersville Aiden DeWitt Dubuque* Abram Dierickx Lowden Alex Hooker Webster City Dara Hulstein Cedar Falls Will Jefferson Le Claire* William Jones Council Bluffs* Allison Mitchell Clinton Kyle Otte Clive U.S. Military Academy at West Point: James Baker Bettendorf* Elias Brehm Dubuque Aiden DeWitt Dubuque* Jack Gehl Asbury Anders Grau United Kingdom Grace Greer Iowa City Williams Jones Council Bluffs* Cole Mabry Iowa City Carson Parker… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=D637AC6F-7233-442F-8D14-682AA2A565A9 Ernst: It is critical that Congress have a zero-tolerance policy 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), released the following statement following the Senate passage of a congressional anti-sexual harassment bill by unanimous consent: There is no place for sexual harassment in our schools, workplaces, military or anywhere else. It is critical that Congress have zero-tolerance for this type of behavior. The bipartisan anti-sexual harassment bill passed by the Senate today will ensure that members of Congress hold themselves to the same standards as the rest of the country, said Senator Joni Ernst. Background: This bipartisan Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) of 1995 Reform Act will ensure that members of Congress hold themselves to the same standards as businesses and individuals across the country. The legislation ensures that members of Congress, their staffs and all employees of the Legislative Branch are provided with the necessary training on prevention and reporting procedures to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. Additional details on the CAA Reform Act include: The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act would update and strengthen the procedures available to victims of harassment and discrimination and other violations of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. The legislation holds members of the Senate and the House personally accountable by requiring them to pay for acts of harassment, intimidation or reprisal they personally commit against an employee based on any protected class including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetic information, age, disability or veteran's status. The CAA ensures Members who leave office will still be responsible for repayment, including garnishing non- government wages and retirement annuities to ensure full accountability. The bill provides employees with immediate access to a dedicated advocate who will provide confidential consultation and assistance throughout any proceedings before the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, including assistance with drafting of a cla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/qa-new-farm-bill Q&A: New Farm Bill 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A:New Farm Bill With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: Why did you vote against the 2018 Farm Bill? A: For years I have worked to restore fiscal integrity to the farm safety net. Protecting the financial viability for America's farmers and ranchers strengthens U.S. food security and national security. Farm families are integral to the social fabric of Rural America. However, federal farm payments ought to provide a limited safety net that helps farmers weather the storms of natural disasters and the unpredictability of commodity markets. Federal farm payments should not be manipulated to help corporate farming operations get bigger and bigger at taxpayer expense. Iowa farmers tell me they want to earn their prosperity from the marketplace, not the federal treasury. As a taxpayer watchdog and outspoken advocate for the family farm, I worked to shut off the federal spigot to unlimited farm payments and enact reasonable, enforceable payment caps during debate on the last two farm bills. Despite my commonsense amendment approved by both houses of Congress to limit abuses of Title 1 subsidies in 2014, it was stripped during final negotiations. Five years later, I resurrected my bipartisan payment limits amendment. It was adopted by the Senate earlier this year in the new Farm Bill. Again, it would have restricted the number of non-farmers eligible for $125,000 in farm payments or $250,000 if they are married. As a lifelong family farmer, I know it takes a combination of sweat equity and financial equity to keep a farming operation productive and profitable. As far as I'm concerned, recipients cashing subsidy checks from the federal treasury ought to have farm dirt underneath their fingernails to qualify. To my disgust, the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill once again failed to include my payment limit reforms. Even worse, it expands eligibility to include nieces, nephews and first cousins. Make no mistake. Big operators will hire attorneys to structure their farming operation to maximize federal payments that eff… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-completes-his-2018-social-media-series-cornwatch Grassley Completes His 2018 Social Media Series #CornWatch 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy NEW HARTFORD, IOWA U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, a family farmer, created a social media series called #CornWatch that gave followers an insider look at farming operations and tracked the progression of the corn crop grown on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa from planting through harvest. The series concludes for the year this week. Food doesn't grow in supermarkets. It grows in the fields of Rural America by hardworking, dedicated farmers. The purpose of my #CornWatch series was to highlight how this small percentage of Americans does the work and is dedicated to feeding and also fueling the world. In Iowa, agriculture accounts for one out of every five jobs and makes up 33 percent of the state's economy. However, only two percent of all Americans work directly on farms. The process of seeing a crop through from beginning to end is one that many never have an opportunity to see, including most of my colleagues in Washington. My hope is that everyone was able to learn more about farming through the #CornWatch series and how important it is to the country's success. As one of only two farmers in the Senate and the senior senator of one of the top agricultural states in the country, Grassley has been an outspoken advocate for farmers and Rural America. He has consistently called for a new Farm Bill that would include commonsense reforms to ensure federal assistance only goes to farmers who truly need it instead of millionaire non-farmers gaming the system. Grassley has also been a proponent of reforms to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The program's intended purpose is to reduce land erosion, improve water quality and help wildlife populations. However, over the years it has put young and beginning farmers at a competitive disadvantage by allowing some landowners to receive more than $300 per acre from the federal government to enroll their entire farms in the program. To see the #CornWatch series in its entirety, click here. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-names-new-chief-staff Grassley Names New Chief of Staff 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that he will have a new Chief of Staff in the new year as longtime aide Jill Kozeny departs and a member of his current Judiciary Committee staff steps into the role. Aaron Cummings will begin the position on January 2. Others on Grassley's senior staff leadership team in Washington remain in place heading into the new year, including Penne Barton, Administrative Director; Jennifer Heins, Director of Scheduling; James Rice, Legislative Director; and Michael Zona, Communications Director. Carol Olson, based in Des Moines, serves as State Director. Cummings has been serving as Chief Constitution Counsel and Crime Counsel on the Chairman's Judiciary Committee staff. In addition to his legal background and management experience in public policy, litigation, investigations, and law and regulatory compliance, Cummings is a seasoned communicator who has worked on high-level initiatives with senior officials in all three branches of the federal government, including in the speechwriting department of President George W. Bush. Kozeny first joined Sen. Grassley's staff in 1989 as Assistant Press Secretary and served for many years as Communications Director before being tapped as his Chief of Staff in 2013. Kozeny served in this role on his personal office staff during Grassley's historic chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee and his continued, effective advocacy for rural America, renewable sources of energy, tax fairness and government accountability. During Kozeny's tenure as Chief of Staff, Grassley was re-elected to a seventh term in the United States Senate. Grassley's personal office staff is comprised of 25 employees in Washington handling legislative, administrative, and communications responsibilities. It also includes 15 employees in six offices in Iowa handling primarily constituent liaison and services responsibilities. In January, Grassley will move from chairing the Judiciary Committee to again chairing the Finance Committee, having led this tax, tr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-yemen-war-powers-resolution-jamal-khashoggi-resolution Grassley Statement on Yemen War Powers Resolution, Jamal Khashoggi Resolution 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding his vote against the Yemen War Powers Resolution, S. J. Res. 54, and his vote in favor of S. J. Res. 69, which calls for peace negotiations for Yemen and condemned the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and named the Crown Price of Saudi Arabia as responsible for his death. The Yemen Resolution adopted by the Senate purports to invoke the War Powers Act, which is designed to require the removal of U.S. troops from combat, in order to end U.S. support for Saudi-led coalition forces fighting the Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen. But U.S. forces are not in combat in Yemen and ending U.S. logistical support wouldn't end the war in Yemen. All withdrawing support would do is help Iran in its effort to take over a country and establish a foothold in the Arabian Peninsula. The ongoing civil war in Yemen is devastating. This brutal and gruesome conflict has killed thousands. The United States should support an immediate ceasefire and consider what can be done to achieve lasting peace. In the meantime, providing the coalition American technology and logistical support helps limit civilian casualties and reduce further unnecessary suffering. The resolution passed by the Senate invokes the War Powers Act to end U.S. involvement in the coalition that is opposing the attempt by the Iranian-backed Houthis to overthrow the government in Yemen. However, hostilities' has historically been interpreted to mean that U.S. soldiers are engaged in actual combat, which they are not. This could set an uncertain precedent that could have unforeseen implications well beyond this conflict. If Congress decides to limit any activity by the military in any part of the world, it could do so through the regular legislative process, such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Last night, the Senate passed a separate resolution, with Senator Grassley's support, backing the peace negotiations for Yemen under United Nations auspices. It also condemned the mu… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-new-farm-bill Q&A: New Farm Bill 2018-12-14 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A:New Farm Bill With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: Why did you vote against the 2018 Farm Bill? A: For years I have worked to restore fiscal integrity to the farm safety net. Protecting the financial viability for America's farmers and ranchers strengthens U.S. food security and national security. Farm families are integral to the social fabric of Rural America. However, federal farm payments ought to provide a limited safety net that helps farmers weather the storms of natural disasters and the unpredictability of commodity markets. Federal farm payments should not be manipulated to help corporate farming operations get bigger and bigger at taxpayer expense. Iowa farmers tell me they want to earn their prosperity from the marketplace, not the federal treasury. As a taxpayer watchdog and outspoken advocate for the family farm, I worked to shut off the federal spigot to unlimited farm payments and enact reasonable, enforceable payment caps during debate on the last two farm bills. Despite my commonsense amendment approved by both houses of Congress to limit abuses of Title 1 subsidies in 2014, it was stripped during final negotiations. Five years later, I resurrected my bipartisan payment limits amendment. It was adopted by the Senate earlier this year in the new Farm Bill. Again, it would have restricted the number of non-farmers eligible for $125,000 in farm payments or $250,000 if they are married. As a lifelong family farmer, I know it takes a combination of sweat equity and financial equity to keep a farming operation productive and profitable. As far as I'm concerned, recipients cashing subsidy checks from the federal treasury ought to have farm dirt underneath their fingernails to qualify. To my disgust, the final version of the 2018 Farm Bill once again failed to include my payment limit reforms. Even worse, it expands eligibility to include nieces, nephews and first cousins. Make no mistake. Big operators will hire attorneys to structure their farming operation to maximize federal payments that eff… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=03FF60D0-5561-4B56-A249-E9D843DA69D7 Iowa Public Radio: Iowa Senator Applauds New Water Rule 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Iowa's junior senator is celebrating the release of a new rule defining what is considered a water of the U.S. (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. The WOTUS rule dates to the Obama administration and has been held up in court because some people felt it would put too much land under federal oversight. Iowa's farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small businesses can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that going forward a tire track that collects rain water won't be regulated by the federal government, Republican Joni Ernst told reporters on a conference call. She says the EPA has revised the rule to reduce federal oversight. We certainly want clean water, we want clean soil and clean air, Ernst said, but this is something we feel that our states can handle on their own. But Neil Hamilton, director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center, says that was also true under the original rule. That's the type of just hyperbolic overstatements that the Farm Bureau and others made against the rule for years and years, Hamilton said, adding that the new rule still will require a decision about whether certain waterways fall under federal purview. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-thanks-law-enforcement-groups-continued-work-revised-first-step-act Grassley Thanks Law Enforcement Groups for Continued Work on Revised First Step Act Released 2018-12-13 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa issued the following statement with respect to the substantive input from certain law enforcement organizations in the revised First Step Act released. When we set out to update and reform our criminal justice system, we sought the expertise from a broad range of stakeholders and advocates. Our focus has always been to reduce crime and recidivism and improve fairness in a way that promotes safety and respect for the law. We could not have done this without the essential input from a number of key law enforcement organizations that partnered with us in this endeavor. The Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives played a formative role in the updated text we released. Their continued leadership and good faith engagement have cut a path forward on a once-in-a-generation chance to improve American justice. I'd also like to thank the National District Attorneys Association, the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration, who gave valuable input on this bill. Their engagement offered important law enforcement perspective in the initial stages of our work. While some groups have chosen to stay on the sidelines or even undermine our work, these organizations have provided us with critical feedback needed to refine and strengthen the First Step Act. They have helped to advance law enforcement priorities and the goals of reform. With President Trump's continued leadership, the wealth of input from voices across the political spectrum, and Senator McConnell's work in bringing this up for a vote, I look forward to getting this bill signed into law. The Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police also spoke to their work to further strengthen the First Step Act in a statement Friday. More information on the revised First Step Act: Law enforcement support for the First Step… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-passage-farm-bill Statement on passage of the Farm Bill 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy Iowa Congressman David Young said the following after voting to pass H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act: "After months of delays which have left our farmers and producers with uncertainty, we have finally voted to give them certainty to plan for the future. This legislation enhances conservation projects and continues a stable crop insurance program for those who need it. "I'm thankful my provisions, the WATER Act and the STRESS Act in the final bill. The WATER Act will help streamline conservation grant funding and create a publicly accessible conservation database so farmers and conservationists can see what practices work best on different types of soil. The STRESS Act will provide much needed mental health resources to agriculture workers who take their lives at a rate higher than workers in any other industry. "As a co-founder of the Food Waste Caucus, I was proud to support the creation of a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist in meeting the government's goal of reducing food waste by 50 percent by 2030. Currently, 40 percent of our food is lost somewhere along the food supply chain while millions of Americans go hungry and we must do better to get food to those in need. This liaison is one step in a long road to reducing waste and feeding those who go hungry." Read more about Congressman Young's WATER Act HERE. Read more about Congressman Young's STRESS Act HERE. Read more about Congressman Young's work as a co-founder of the Food Waste Caucus HERE. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/king-farm-bill-passage-is-a-victory-for-iowa-agriculture-and-biofuels King: Farm Bill Passage is a Victory for Iowa Agriculture and Biofuels 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Steve King K000362 steveking.house.gov     legacy Legislation contains important King initiatives Washington, D.C.- Congressman Steve King, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, releases this statement following House passage of the conference report accompanying H.R. 2, the Farm Bill. King voted in favor of the legislation, and it contains several important agriculture and biofuel initiatives successfully championed by King. The Farm Bill passed the House on a vote of 369-47, with King voting in favor of passage. The legislation will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. Iowa's farmers want a Farm Bill that provides predictability, while also enhancing our ability to trade in foreign markets, and this bill accomplishes both of these goals, said King. I am pleased that the final bill contains important provisions that I requested, including the Genome to Phenome' language that was a priority for Iowa State, vaccine bank language promoting the development and storage of GMO vaccines in the United States to deal with sudden outbreaks, and full funding for the Market Access Program which promotes foreign trade of our agricultural goods. This Farm Bill is a victory for our producers, it meets Rural America's immediate need for greater trade, and it's shameful that partisan politics prevented it from passing sooner. Congressman King was successful in getting the final version of the Farm Bill to include many of his proposals. Among the major King initiatives in the Farm Bill conference report are: Title 1 ARC payments for farmers will now be based on the physical location of the farm, a major win for 4th District farmers; CRP payments have been brought under control (now 90% for continuous contracts and 85% for general contracts). Reforming CRP payments is the number one change sought by Congressman King's Ag Leadership Committees; King-backed Genome to Phenome language will allow Iowa State to further its research into the impact on crops of weather, environmental, and production systems; Vaccine bank legislative language now allows for the pr… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-king-farm-bill-contains-good-things-for-iowa-agriculture Video- King: Farm Bill Contains Good Things for Iowa Agriculture 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Steve King K000362 steveking.house.gov     legacy Cites Iowa State's Genome to Phenome language; Full Funding for Trade Programs; FMD Vaccine Bank as key provisions in bill. Washington, D.C.- Congressman Steve King, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, releases this video of remarks he delivered on the House floor this afternoon in support of the Farm Bill conference report. During his remarks, King specifically mentioned several of the important provisions he worked to insert into the legislation that will be of great benefit to producers in the 4th District. This Farm Bill provides predictability. We owe that to our producers. (Full remarks: here). Among the items King's mentioned in his remarks as "good things" are the following items he worked to get included in the Farm Bill: 1) ARC Payments are now identified with the physical location of the farm; 2) $255,000,000 has been included for the Market Access Program and for Foreign Market Development, important programs which promote international trade; 3) The Farm Bill establishes a vaccine bank for Foot and Mouth Disease, and allows for the development and storage of GMO vaccines in the United States; 4) The Farm Bill increases the loan guarantee limits for young producers (Beginning Farmers) by substantial amounts; 5) The Farm Bill includes important "Genome to Phenome" research language which was a priority for Iowa State University. The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Farm Bill Conference Report today. ### 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-chinese-espionage-it-s-called-cheating-and-it-s-only-getting-worse Grassley on Chinese Espionage: It’s called cheating. And it’s only getting worse. 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Prepared Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on China's Non-Traditional Espionage Against the United States: The Threat and Potential Policy Responses Wednesday, December 12, 2018 VIDEO We've heard a constant drumbeat over the past two years about the national security threats posed by Russia. Attempts to sow discord and inflame partisan differences through social media, and attempts to interfere with our elections through cyber intrusions are real threats. They should not be underestimated. I've held seven hearings on election meddling. But the media hysteria over all things Russia has distracted attention from arguably a greater, more existential threat: China's efforts to overtake the United States as the world's preeminent superpower in all phases of society. China has made no bones about doing this through any and all means. Whether it be President Xi's stated goal of becoming the world's biggest superpower by 2050, or the Made in China 2025 initiative that called for a ten year overhaul of China's manufacturing and high-tech industries, the PRC's plans for superiority includes economic dominance. The United States remains the most creative, innovative society on earth. Although China has made significant strides in various sectors including technology, telecom, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, and scientific research one tool of economic advancement continues to be pervasive. That's economic and other forms of espionage. In simple terms, it's called cheating. And it's only getting worse. In the past nine months alone, DOJ has investigated, charged, or convicted at least 16 individuals and four corporate entities in eight separate cases involving theft of trade secrets. Over the past five years, six more individuals have been either investigated, charged or convicted by DOJ for stealing research from American universities. One case involves a Chinese intelligence officer who is a deputy division director from China's main spy agency. He's the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-senate-finance-committee-priorities-116th-congress Grassley on Senate Finance Committee Priorities for the 116th Congress 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On Senate Finance Committee Tax Priorities for the 116th Congress Wednesday, December 12, 2018 VIDEO Mr. President, As the 115th Congress winds down, I'd like to reflect on the enactment of historic tax legislation and what's ahead in the New Year. In December of 2017, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, the most comprehensive reforms to the nation's tax laws in more than three decades. For years, both sides of the aisle talked about the need for tax reform that would provide tax simplification, tax fairness and increase America's economic competiveness. With the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we finally made that a reality. Significant simplification was achieved for individuals by nearly doubling the standard deduction. This means people will be able to pay less and avoid the tedious task of itemizing their taxes. Overall, about 90 percent of taxpayers will file their taxes by simply taking the standard deduction. Moreover, thanks to a significantly higher alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption, millions of middle-class taxpayers will no longer be faced with figuring out their tax liability twice once to calculate their regular tax liability and again to calculate it under the AMT. It also provided tax fairness by reducing taxes across every income group. In fact, middle-income families experience the largest tax cuts by percentage. Additionally, the reforms made the tax code more progressive, with taxpayers earning more than $1 million shouldering a larger share of the tax burden than they did under previous law. In addition to nearly doubling the standard deduction, tax relief was targeted at middle-class families by doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. It also reduces the previous 15 percent tax bracket to 12 percent and the 25 percent tax bracket to 22 percent. As a result, a typical family of four earning $59,000 a year will see a tax cut of more than $1,600 in 2018. A key motivation for tax reform was to … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-juvenile-justice-reauthorization-0 Senate Passes Bipartisan Juvenile Justice Reauthorization 2018-12-12 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON The United States Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation, led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, to secure new protections for minors and improve accountability measures in the federal juvenile justice grant program. Kids in our juvenile justice system need safety, fairness and treatment that encourages respect for the law. That's why this bill deserved to be passed. There was one final hold on the Democratic side that finally relented, allowing this bill to pass the Senate unanimously. Thanks to Congressman Bobby Scott for his swift help to make that happen, Grassley said. This will be the first update to the law in over a decade. Our bill includes important new accountability measures that protect taxpayer dollars and prevent states from being rewarded when failing to provide the minimum standard of protections for minors. The legislation, called the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2018, takes steps to reduce the unnecessary incarceration of youth, improves safeguards for minors who encounter the justice system and strengthens services that encourage a smooth transition back into society. This bill is a bicameral compromise that blends the previous Senate and House versions. The original Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act was enacted in 1974 to ensure the safety of at-risk youth who enter the juvenile justice system, and assist states with delinquency prevention programs and activities. The program has not been updated since 2002 and is long overdue to be reauthorized. The bill improves the existing law by: Improving treatment for juvenile offenders with mental illness and substance abuse issues;Encouraging states to make efforts to identify, report and reduce racial and ethnic disparities for youth who enter the juvenile justice system;Supporting alternatives to incarceration, such as problem-solving courts; andStrengthening oversight of the federal grant program and holding states accountable for failing to meet … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://loebsack.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=395209 Loebsack Precision Ag Legislation, Rural EMS & Broadband Funding Included in Farm Bill 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Democrat House IA Dave Loebsack L000565 loebsack.house.gov     legacy Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the final Farm Bill Conference report was made public. This legislation represents the final compromise between the House and Senate and is scheduled to be voted on later this week. I am pleased that the House and Senate were finally able to put aside the partisan games and produce a Farm Bill that will provide Iowa's farmers and rural communities with the certainty that they need to be able to plan for the upcoming planting season, said Loebsack. I am especially pleased that this bill provides funding to build new broadband infrastructure to help expand access in rural areas. It also protects crop insurance that provides a safety net for beginning farmers against crop failures and natural disasters such as the droughts we've seen in Iowa the last few years. The 2018 Farm Bill contains two pieces of legislation that Loebsack has been championing, including the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act and the SIREN Act. The Precision Agriculture Act establishes a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) task force, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), to evaluate the best ways to meet the broadband connectivity and technological needs of precision agriculture. Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act creates a $10 million grant program for EMS agencies in rural areas to help address issues they face, including personnel recruitment and retention, providing continuing education and preparedness training, purchasing updated equipment, maintaining adequate coverage during prolonged transport times, and obtaining qualified medical oversight Additional highlights of the 2018 Farm Bill include: Rural Development: Authorizes $350 million per year for new broadband infrastructure. Reauthorizes rural water and sewer infrastructure programs.Commodities: Allows farmers to update program yields for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage as a way to boost their eligibility for support. … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeklyreport/there-s-still-work-do-capitol-solutions Theres still work to do: Capitol Solutions 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy With just about two weeks left in the 115thCongress, I remain determined to deliver solutions and results on the issues Iowans are facing. Still on the to-do list is finishing the Farm Bill and funding the people's government for Fiscal Year 2019. I've been working with my colleagues for months to help finalize the Farm Bill and ensure provisions I authored are included in the final version. My bill, the WATER Act, was included in therecently released Farm Bill - which is a compromise between the House and Senateversions.Itwill help improve soil health and further water quality practices by improving research and creating an easy to use andpubliclyaccessible database so farmers and conservationists can see what practices work best on various types of soil and topographies. Another one of my bills, the STRESS Act, was also included in theFarm Bill. Agriculture workers take their lives at a rate higher than any other occupation and the STRESS Act provides resources for those who are struggling. The Farm Bill also includes policies strengthening our rural communities which have been a priority of mine in Congress. It authorizes substantial funding for conservation practices, rural development, broadband and infrastructure. This is desperately needed so our rural areas have the communication tools and resources they need to help them thrive. Included in the Farm Bill was thecreation of a Food Loss and Waste Reduction Liaison at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The liaison is responsible for coordinatingfederal projects and goalsaimedat reducing food waste andeducating the publicabout effortstoreduce food waste. Currently, 40 percent of our food is wasted somewhere along the food supply chain and the liaisonwill work with those in the private and non-profit sectors already on the ground to help find solutions to this problem. Our farmers need certainty so they can plan for the future and make the right investments. I remain committed to working with anyone to finish the Farm Bill before the end of the year. Our Co… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://steveking.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/video-king-tells-google-politically-biased-search-results-may-lead-to VIDEO- King tells Google: Politically Biased Search Results may lead to "Teddy Roosevelt" style break-up. 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Steve King K000362 steveking.house.gov     legacy Congressman Steve King, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, releases this video of his questioning of Google CEO, Sundar Pichai, during today's hearing entitled "Transparency and Accountability: Examining Google and its Data Collection, Use, and Filtering Practices." In his questioning, King was particularly interested in discussing Google's lack of transparency concerning both the composition of its 1,000 member strong search team and also the search algorithms they work on. King made it clear to Google today: if the company continues to cloak its actions and its algorithms in a veil of secrecy to protect manipulating search results to reflect their political biases, they may very well find themselves moving on a path that leads to a Teddy Roosevelt style break-up. To watch Congressman King's questioning of Mr. Pichai click the image or here. An excerpt from Congressman King's statement: "If we don't know who the 1,000 are, and we can't look at their social media, and we can't see the algorithms to understand the results of the work they are doing behind closed doors, and yet the public believes it's an open forum with a balanced exchange and open access to information when, of course, it's not... We either need to know who they are and look at their social media, and if that doesn't stop this problem than the next step is to publish the algorithms, and if that doesn't happen, then the next step on the line is Section 230, the amendments to Section 230. And the step on the line beyond that is the Teddy Roosevelt step. . . I don't want to regulate anything, but neither do I want to see a society so polarized and so divided that the will of the American people can't be expressed at the ballot box." Background: The "Teddy Roosevelt" step is a shorthand reference to anti-monopoly Trust Busting, a hallmark of that President's administration. Congressman King has previously suggested that Social Media Companies engaged in the censorship of conservative views could find themselves subject to regulation as if the… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/featured-posts?ContentRecord_id=A287E83E-7840-4CE9-B969-A68A93856371 Click here to learn more 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON After months of hard-work and negotiation, the U.S. Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill today, with strong bipartisan support. The 2018 Farm Bill is farmer-focused and welcome news for Iowa. From strengthening conservation programs to providing critical mental health support through my FARMERS FIRST Act, the 2018 Farm Bill provides certainty for our farmers and strong support for our rural communities. I am proud to support the 2018 Farm Bill and would like to thank all the Iowans across the state who provided valuable information and feedback throughout this long process, said Senator Joni Ernst. Senator Joni Ernst is a member of the Conference Committee and is the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report on December 10, 2018 and the final bill passed the Senate today (December 11, 2018). The 2018 Farm Bill provides much-needed certainty and predictability for Iowa producers, and all of rural America, and is the result of years of bipartisan work across the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The 2018 Farm Bill includes many of Senator Ernst's priorities: Supporting Our Nation's Dairy Farmers: The 2018 Farm Bill includes a proposal for a pilot program that would encourage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase more milk to improve participants' diets, especially lower-income families with children. Protecting Farmers Against Adverse Changes in Market Conditions: Provisions from bipartisan legislation that strengthen and improve the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)-County Level program are included in the 2018 Farm Bill, specifically provisions that: require payments to be based on the physical location of a farm; prioritize the use of actual county yield data; encourage the Secretary to pro rate base acres and payments where appropriate; and, prioritize the yields compiled … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/featured-posts?ContentRecord_id=AC88B021-B962-40E3-BA8D-56E3C0956BCD Click here to learn more 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule, released today, to define waters of the United States (WOTUS). This rule replaces the Obama Administration's 2015 WOTUS rule, which gave the federal government authority to regulate water on 97 percent of the land in Iowa. For years, people impacted by Obama's WOTUS rule have been in a state of regulatory limbo. The proposed WOTUS rule, released by the Trump EPA, provides much needed predictability and certainty by establishing clear and reasonable definitions of what qualifies as a WOTUS.' Iowa's farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that, going forward, a tire track that collects rain water won't be regulated by the federal government. I want to thank the EPA, under Acting Administrator Wheeler's leadership, for ensuring this WOTUS replacement rule was released quickly, and properly, to provide much-needed regulatory certainty to the people of Iowa. Background: In 2015, the Obama Administration finalized a rule that expanded the definition of WOTUS, creating confusion and burdensome red tape for the agriculture industry and many others. This harmful rule was developed while former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture. Understanding the problems the expanded definition of WOTUS posed for Iowa's farmers and ranchers, Senator Ernst led the fight against this federal overreach in Congress. In September 2015, she introduced S.J.Res.22, a joint resolution of disapproval that would have nullified the Obama Administration's rule. After passing both the House and Senate, S.J.Res.22 was vetoed by President Obama. Soon after taking office in 2017, President Trump issued an executive order directing EPA and Army Corps to develop a replacement for the Obama Administration's WOTUS rule. New EPA WOTUS rule highlights: Outlines six clearly defined categories of waters that will be … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=3046637A-2725-4E71-8143-004CB4CEE431 The Gazette: As government shutdown looms, Sen. Joni Ernst not backing down on 'Make 'em Squeal' campaign 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Despite a setback in her efforts to reform the congressional budgeting process, Sen. Joni Ernst remains committed to her efforts to give the budget the force of law and save the process from CHIMPs. With the federal government facing its 21st shutdown since 1974, Ernst is calling for bold changes to hold members of Congress accountable for finishing the budget job on time and to end what she refers to as Washington's addiction to continuing resolutions. As many of you know, I was elected largely on my promise that I would make Washington squeal, the first-term Iowa Republican said, referring to her 2014 Make 'em Squeal campaign slogan. We need bold changes, and I will continue to call for those changes and continue to hold my colleagues accountable until that happens. To read the full article, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=9A0F07F3-8211-41BC-8CB1-64511E06F340 Ernst Applauds Rollback of Obama Administrations Overreaching WOTUS Rule 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposed rule, released today, to define waters of the United States (WOTUS). This rule replaces the Obama Administration's 2015 WOTUS rule, which gave the federal government authority to regulate water on 97 percent of the land in Iowa. For years, people impacted by Obama's WOTUS rule have been in a state of regulatory limbo. The proposed WOTUS rule, released by the Trump EPA, provides much needed predictability and certainty by establishing clear and reasonable definitions of what qualifies as a WOTUS.' Iowa's farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and small businesses can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that, going forward, a tire track that collects rain water won't be regulated by the federal government. I want to thank the EPA, under Acting Administrator Wheeler's leadership, for ensuring this WOTUS replacement rule was released quickly, and properly, to provide much-needed regulatory certainty to the people of Iowa. Background: In 2015, the Obama Administration finalized a rule that expanded the definition of WOTUS, creating confusion and burdensome red tape for the agriculture industry and many others. This harmful rule was developed while former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack served as President Obama's Secretary of Agriculture. Understanding the problems the expanded definition of WOTUS posed for Iowa's farmers and ranchers, Senator Ernst led the fight against this federal overreach in Congress. In September 2015, she introduced S.J.Res.22, a joint resolution of disapproval that would have nullified the Obama Administration's rule. After passing both the House and Senate, S.J.Res.22 was vetoed by President Obama. Soon after taking office in 2017, President Trump issued an executive order directing EPA and Army Corps to develop a replacement for the Obama Administration's WOTUS rule. New EPA WOTUS rule highlights: Outlines six clearly defined categories of waters that will be … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=FCECA42B-803E-4E49-B099-9A989FE38A99 Ernst: This Farm Bill is farmer-focused and welcome news for Iowans 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON After months of hard-work and negotiation, the U.S. Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill today, with strong bipartisan support. The 2018 Farm Bill is farmer-focused and welcome news for Iowa. From strengthening conservation programs to providing critical mental health support through my FARMERS FIRST Act, the 2018 Farm Bill provides certainty for our farmers and strong support for our rural communities. I am proud to support the 2018 Farm Bill and would like to thank all the Iowans across the state who provided valuable information and feedback throughout this long process, said Senator Joni Ernst. Senator Joni Ernst is a member of the Conference Committee and is the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy. The 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee released the final text of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report on December 10, 2018 and the final bill passed the Senate today (December 11, 2018). The 2018 Farm Bill provides much-needed certainty and predictability for Iowa producers, and all of rural America, and is the result of years of bipartisan work across the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. The 2018 Farm Bill includes many of Senator Ernst's priorities: Supporting Our Nation's Dairy Farmers: The 2018 Farm Bill includes a proposal for a pilot program that would encourage Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to purchase more milk to improve participants' diets, especially lower-income families with children. Protecting Farmers Against Adverse Changes in Market Conditions: Provisions from bipartisan legislation that strengthen and improve the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC)-County Level program are included in the 2018 Farm Bill, specifically provisions that: require payments to be based on the physical location of a farm; prioritize the use of actual county yield data; encourage the Secretary to pro rate base acres and payments where appropriate; and, prioritize the yields compiled … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-195 Capitol Hill Report 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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-remarks-hearing-oversight-us-customs-and-border-protection Grassley Remarks at Hearing on Oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Prepared Statement by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Tuesday, December 11, 2018 VIDEO Commissioner McAleenan, welcome. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be here for this oversight hearing. We have a lot to discuss today. At the outset, I'd like to respectfully remind my colleagues that this hearing is about the Customs and Border Protection agency. This is not a general Homeland Security oversight hearing and CBP is not the legislative body of the federal governmentthat's Congress. However, CBP is one of our premier federal law enforcement agencies. Its officers and agents are responsible for counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, border security, facilitating legitimate travel and trade, and processing both asylum seekers and unaccompanied alien children. All too often, the important work done by Customs and Border Protection officers gets lost in the current debate on immigration policy. Commissioner, when we met last week, I was pleased to hear how committed you are to securing our border, and ensuring the safety of our Customs and Border Protection agents, migrants and other travelers, and the American people. Today's hearing is an opportunity for this Committee to better understand the policies and actions of your agency. It's also an opportunity for you to explain to the American people the important role your agency plays in the day-to-day operations affecting our national security. Perhaps the timeliest issue before your agency is the ongoing conflict at the U.S.-Mexico border. We're long overdue for aggressive increases in resources, technology, infrastructure and personnel. For close to a decade now, we've seen record numbers of surges at the border. In FY18, over 396,000 individuals were apprehended at our southwestern border. And two months into FY19, there have already been over 102,000 apprehended. This year alone we've seen three separate instances of mass caravans make their way up … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-remarks-passage-2018-farm-bill Grassley Remarks on the Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Prepared Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On the Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill Tuesday, December 11, 2018 VIDEO I'd like to begin by thanking Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow for their hard work in putting together the 2018 Farm Bill. It was a long and difficult process and they negotiated in good faith. I also want to thank my friend and colleague from Iowa, Senator Joni Ernst, for her dedication to reforming the Conservation Reserve Program, known as CRP. The program's intent is to reduce land erosion, improve water quality and help wildlife populations. Over the years it has strayed from its intended focus. Some landowners have been receiving more than $300 per acre to enroll their entire farms in CRP. That puts young and beginning farmers at a competitive disadvantage. In fact, even well-established farmers have had rented land taken away from them because it was enrolled in the program at lucrative rates. Farmers can't and shouldn't have to compete with the government, especially with the current debt our country has. Senator Ernst has been an advocate for these reforms and I applaud her efforts. Unfortunately, the 2018 Farm Bill did not include another critical reform that would help young and beginning farmers my payment limitations amendment. To say I'm disappointed the bill makes more subsidies available to the wealthiest farmers and many non-farmers is a severe understatement. Especially when the impact of large farmers being allowed to manipulate the system is that young and beginning farmers face even larger hurdles. So far, the bill has not won much praise outside of the Washington lobby groups whose members will receive more taxpayer subsidies from a few select changes. At its core, farm policy should be a limited safety net that helps farmers weather the storm of natural disasters, unpredictable commodity markets and other unforeseen challenges. This bill goes well beyond that. Today, we have a Farm Bill that is intentionally written to help… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-rollback-wotus-rule Grassley Statement on the Rollback of WOTUS Rule 2018-12-11 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa released the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposal to replace a 2015 rule put in place by the Obama Administration that gave authority to the federal government to regulate on nearly all of the land in Iowa. I commend President Trump and his administration for stepping up to fix the mistakes of the out-of-touch Obama administration. The Waters of the U.S. rule was an ill-conceived overreach. The rule and its drafting process were flawed from the beginning. It would have defined 97 percent of Iowa as a waterway, meaning that if implemented, family farmers and other small business owners would have had to get permission from Washington bureaucrats to move soil on dry land. The move announced today by the Trump administration would set commonsense limits on state versus federal jurisdiction over waterways and make it simpler to comply with regulations aimed at improving water quality. I want to thank President Trump for his leadership, for keeping the promise he made to Rural America to repeal this rule and for providing commonsense regulatory relief to the people of Iowa and Americans across the country. Grassley haslong spoken outagainst the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule andvotedto defund the flawed rule. Grassley, along with Sen. Joni Ernst and members of the Iowa congressional delegationurgedthen-President-elect Trump to scrap the rule andpraisedEPA in June of 2017 for taking action to withdraw the rule. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeks-ahead/week-ahead-scheduled-votes-committee-action-and-other-important-notes-37 The Week Ahead - scheduled votes, committee action and other important notes for the week of December 10, 2018 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy EDITOR'S NOTE: The week ahead overview will be sent each week Congress is in session. All times are in Central Time. TOP LINE: CRESTON SCHOOLS RECEIVE $500,000 GRANT THROUGH PASSAGE OF STOP SCHOOL VIOLENCE ACT:Congressman Young supported the STOP School Violence Act which has helped Creston Schools secure $500,000 to make security enhancements. Learn moreHERE. 'FASTLANE' WINS CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE:Four Waukee students won the 2018 Congressional App Challenge with their app to help families track school busses. Learn about their appHERE. PRESS THIS WEEK:On Wednesday,Congressman Young is scheduled to join KCSI live at 7:18 a.m., and KMA's The Morning Line live at 7:35 a.m. Additional outlets may be added. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10TH On Monday, the House will meet at 11:00 a.m. for morning hour and 1:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 5:30 p.m. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1)H.R. 5513 Big Bear Land Exchange Act, as amended(Sponsored by Rep. Paul Cook / Natural Resources Committee) 2)H.R. 6108 Preserving America's Battlefields Act, as amended(Sponsored by Rep. Jody Hice / Natural Resources Committee) 3)H.R. 3008 George W. Bush Childhood Home Study Act(Sponsored by Rep. Michael Conaway / Natural Resources Committee) 4)H.R. 6118 To direct the Secretary of the Interior to annually designate at least one city in the United States as an American World War II Heritage City, and for other purposes, as amended(Sponsored by Rep. David Rouzer / Natural Resources Committee) 5)H.R. 6665 Offshore Wind for Territories Act, as amended(Sponsored by Rep. Madeleine Bordallo / Natural Resources Committee) 6)H.Res. 792 Urging the Secretary of the Interior to recognize the historical significance of Roberto Clemente's place of death near Piones in Loza, Puerto Rico, by adding it to the National Register of Historic Places, as amended(Sponsored by Rep. Jos Serrano / Natural Resources Committee) 7)S. 245 Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act Amendments of 20… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=BAA4D32C-45DE-43D2-ABDC-B85509318BB9 Week in Review: December 10-15, 2018 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WEEK IN REVIEW December 10 December 15, 2018 What a week for our farmers, ranchers and rural communities! The Senate and House passed the 2018 Farm Bill, and it's now on President Trump's desk for signature. And, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a replacement rule for the burdensome 2015 Obama-era waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. PROVIDING CERTAINTY FOR FARMERS Senator Ernst was a proud member of the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee, and through her position on the committee, was able to secure key provisions that greatly impact the people of Iowa. For example: Strengthening the Conservation Reserve and Regional Conservation Partnership Programs Providing critical mental health for our farmers through the senator's FARMERS FIRST Act Supporting our nation's dairy farmers through a Diary Incentive Pilot Program Protecting farmers against adverse changes in market conditions by strengthening the Agriculture Risk Coverage-County Level Program WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ON THE FARM BILL David Trowbridge, president, Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Farm Bill offers crucial certainty for Iowa's cattle producers and farmers. We are encouraged to see ICA's priorities addressed, including authorization and funding of a Foot and Mouth Disease vaccine bank, investment in trade promotion and market access, and reauthorization of key conservation programs. Iowa's cattlemen appreciate the hard work of Congress, especially our own Senator Joni Ernst, to get the Farm Bill over the finish line before the holidays." Lindsay Greiner, president, Iowa Soybean Association: Iowa soybean farmers congratulate members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and the Farm Bill Conference Committee for passing a new farm bill. We also recognize Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst for her leadership on the conference committee in helping craft this important legislation. Mike Naig, secretary, Iowa Department of Agriculture: A new five-year Farm Bill will provide nee… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/grassley-op-ed-iowans-inspired-legislation-hold-drug-manufacturers-accountable Grassley Op-ed: Iowans inspired legislation to hold drug manufacturers accountable 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Grassley Op-ed: Iowans inspired legislation to hold drug manufacturers accountable U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa A couple years ago, I received a letter from an Iowan whose son had a severe peanut allergy. She wrote about how the price of an EpiPen, a popular anti-allergy prescription drug device, had skyrocketed. Though she and her family couldn't afford the dramatic increase, she wrote that she would pay whatever it takes to keep her son healthy. Her letter was one of many I received about price hikes of the EpiPen. More than one hundred Iowans contacted me through letters, phone calls and in-person at my 99 county meetings about their concerns. Though the exorbitant price was more than they could afford, the majority of Iowans had the same feelings as the woman who wrote to me about her son. They would sacrifice other necessities to pay because the lives of their loved ones were more important. After Iowans raised their concerns about EpiPen, I looked into the issue and was stunned to learn that the price of the drug had increased more than 400 percent between 2006 and 2016. That was the catalyst for my years-long oversight effort to get to the bottom of EpiPen's extreme price hike. In cooperation with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues, I sought answers from Mylan, EpiPen's distributor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Inspector General for Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through letters and hearings. During my investigation, it came to light that Mylan had classified the EpiPen as a generic drug rather than a brand-name product in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. That incorrect classification allowed Mylan to pay significantly smaller rebates to states like Iowa and the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. It was also revealed that HHS and the HHS Inspector General didn't have adequate authorities to properly oversee the … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-op-ed-iowans-inspired-legislation-hold-drug-manufacturers-accountable Grassley Op-ed: Iowans inspired legislation to hold drug manufacturers accountable 2018-12-10 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Grassley Op-ed: Iowans inspired legislation to hold drug manufacturers accountable U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa A couple years ago, I received a letter from an Iowan whose son had a severe peanut allergy. She wrote about how the price of an EpiPen, a popular anti-allergy prescription drug device, had skyrocketed. Though she and her family couldn't afford the dramatic increase, she wrote that she would pay whatever it takes to keep her son healthy. Her letter was one of many I received about price hikes of the EpiPen. More than one hundred Iowans contacted me through letters, phone calls and in-person at my 99 county meetings about their concerns. Though the exorbitant price was more than they could afford, the majority of Iowans had the same feelings as the woman who wrote to me about her son. They would sacrifice other necessities to pay because the lives of their loved ones were more important. After Iowans raised their concerns about EpiPen, I looked into the issue and was stunned to learn that the price of the drug had increased more than 400 percent between 2006 and 2016. That was the catalyst for my years-long oversight effort to get to the bottom of EpiPen's extreme price hike. In cooperation with a bipartisan group of Senate colleagues, I sought answers from Mylan, EpiPen's distributor, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Inspector General for Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through letters and hearings. During my investigation, it came to light that Mylan had classified the EpiPen as a generic drug rather than a brand-name product in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. That incorrect classification allowed Mylan to pay significantly smaller rebates to states like Iowa and the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. It was also revealed that HHS and the HHS Inspector General didn't have adequate authorities to properly oversee the M… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=66DB46D3-DBEB-4F92-BAA0-54076DA687DE Fort Dodge Messenger: Sen. Joni Ernst shows leadership 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Passing a budget and the appropriations bills to fund the U.S. government are among the most important functions of the U.S. Congress. Anyone who has been paying even casual attention realizes, however, that getting that vital work done on time and in an orderly fashion almost never happens. ... The most essential role Congress has is to raise revenue and fund the federal government, Ernst said in a statement announcing that she was partnering with Perdue and Lankford to advance these recommendations. Yet, since 1974, Congress has passed all of its appropriations bills just four times. And, in the past 20 years, we have only passed a budget resolution 11 times! Congress can do better; we owe it to the American people to complete our work on time. If we fail to meet our deadlines, we should stay at work until we get the job done. The Messenger strongly agrees. In the real world, businesses and other organizations are expected to develop budgets and make spending decisions in an orderly fashion. Failing to get the work done on time just isn't tolerated. The same should be true for Congress. In her new role as part of the Republican leadership in the Senate for the 116th Congress (as vice chairwoman of the Senate Republican Conference) Ernst is well-positioned to champion these important reforms. We commend her for joining in this effort. Ernst is making her presence felt in the Senate. That is good for Iowa and for the nation. To read the article in full, click here. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=FCC8EE46-C1B0-4447-A896-C20438805FDF The Daily Nonpareil: Editorial: Federal budgeting changes needed 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Iowa's junior senator, Joni Ernst, pushed for what some termed bold changes to the federal government budgeting process last week with a series of amendments that would essentially prohibit senators from leaving Washington if they fail to pass a budget and spending bills on time. The notion of penalties for not meeting deadlines is commonplace for most in the working world, but in a gridlocked Congress the expectations are obviously different. During the Joint Select Committee for Budget and Appropriations Reform business meeting last Tuesday, Ernst offered four amendments similar to her No Budget, No Vacation Act. The committee is composed of 16 members of Congress: four Senate Republicans, four Senate Democrats, four House Republicans and four House Democrats. . . . Ernst's comments in the wake of that defeat are telling to a point: We had a real opportunity to make bold and much-needed changes to the way we do business in Congress. The amendments I put forward would hold Washington accountable and prevent the Senate from taking a break before our job of funding government is done. All Four of Ernst's amendments received nine votes in support and six votes in opposition. While that would seem, at first blush, to be a win for Ernst's common-sense amendments, they failed to receive support from a majority of each party, and therefore did not pass. But once again, here we are with no real fix to this broken process. I am very disappointed in my Democratic colleagues who chose to preserve their vacations and the dysfunctional status quo instead of working together to fund the government responsibly, Ernst added. She noted that since 1974, Congress has passed all of its appropriations bills just four times. In the past 20 years, Ernst added, Congress has only passed a budget resolution 11 times. Perdue, a member of the Senate Budget Committee, noted that in the real world you are held accountable to make tough decisions and complete the job. Unfortunately, Washington is locked in a cycle of continuing resol… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/commentary/qa-judiciary-finance Q&A: From Judiciary to Finance 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A: From Judiciary to Finance With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: Did you achieve what you set out to do in four years as chairman of the Judiciary Committee? A: Serving as chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee was a hard-earned privilege I was honored to fulfill after climbing the rungs of the seniority ladder. I first landed an assignment on this influential committee, one of the original standing committees in the U.S. Senate, when Iowans elected me to the Senate. I have served continuously here since being sworn in on January 3, 1981 for the 97th Congress. When I took over the judiciary gavel in 2015, I deployed 34 years of policymaking experience to advance bipartisan legislation that would make our streets safer and families stronger. On my watch, the committee passed 61 bipartisan bills, including key measures to address human trafficking and the opioid crisis that is dialing back life expectancy in America. With President Trump's endorsement, I'm also very hopeful to see criminal justice reform enacted by the end of the year. So far, 29 bills I steered through the committee have been signed into law. Many Iowans will recall the 2016 presidential election turned into a referendum on the direction of the federal judiciary. The electorate sent a message with the election of President Trump and Republican Senate majority. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I worked to confirm judges who appreciate the constitutional limits of the federal judiciary. It isn't authorized to legislate from the bench. That's the job of lawmakers who are held to account at the ballot box. So far, the Republican-led Senate has confirmed two Supreme Court justices, 29 federal circuit court judges and 53 federal district judges during this Congress. Those 84 lifetime appointments will have tremendous influence on the rule of law and our way of life for generations to come. I will continue to serve as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee in the next Congress. Iowans can count on my continued efforts to fix fla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-announcement-william-barr-nomination-be-attorney-general Grassley Statement on Announcement of William Barr Nomination to be Attorney General 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa issued the following statement on the President's intent to nominate William Barr to be the next United States Attorney General. I am pleased that the President has made the choice to nominate the next Attorney General of the United States. Bill Barr is a talented, well-respected lawyer who has been committed to public service over the course of his long career. His compelling credentials and experience, serving at the highest levels in both governmentincluding as a former attorney general under President George H.W. Bushand in the private sector, make him more than well-qualified to lead the Department of Justice again. I look forward to working with the President and Chairman Graham to move forward with former Attorney General Barr's nomination in the next Congress. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-reported-arrest-huawei-executive Grassley Statement on Reported Arrest of Huawei Executive 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa issued the following statement on the recently reported arrest of Huawei's Global Chief Financial Officer, Meng Wanzhou. The arrest of Meng Wanzhou underscores a troubling trend of Chinese companies and state actors flouting the rule of law and stealing from U.S. companies. Ms. Wanzhou's arrest comes on the heels of the October arrest of Yanjun Xu, an operative for the Chinese Ministry of State who allegedly targeted GE Aviation and other companies to recruit their employees in order to steal trade secrets. Two Chinese intelligence officers and a team of hackers were also charged in October in a separate case involving theft of commercial aviation technology. In November, the Justice Department announced charges against a Chinese state-owned enterprise for stealing trade secrets of an American semiconductor company. American intellectual property and trade secrets are basic ingredients for a strong and growing economy, and we must make every effort to protect them. I'm holding a hearing next week on non-traditional forms of espionage by Chinese government and private actors. I hope that this hearing sheds further light on how other countries are harming our national security and American ingenuity Reports indicate Ms. Wanzhou and Huawei are being charged with violating U.S. sanctions against Iran. In 2012, the House Intelligence Committee issued a report that concluded Huawei represented a national security threat. The report also concluded Huawei was possibly violating U.S. laws and, at minimum, not following international standards of business behavior. In 2013, reports linked Ms. Wanzhou to violations of sanctions against Iran. Huawei admitted having contracts with Iranian telecoms at the time but denied any violations of law. Huawei is China's largest telecoms company and among the biggest in the world. Without international respect for sanctions regimes and the rule of law, those measures are rendered ineffective. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-judiciary-finance Q&A: From Judiciary to Finance 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Q&A: From Judiciary to Finance With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: Did you achieve what you set out to do in four years as chairman of the Judiciary Committee? A: Serving as chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee was a hard-earned privilege I was honored to fulfill after climbing the rungs of the seniority ladder. I first landed an assignment on this influential committee, one of the original standing committees in the U.S. Senate, when Iowans elected me to the Senate. I have served continuously here since being sworn in on January 3, 1981 for the 97th Congress. When I took over the judiciary gavel in 2015, I deployed 34 years of policymaking experience to advance bipartisan legislation that would make our streets safer and families stronger. On my watch, the committee passed 61 bipartisan bills, including key measures to address human trafficking and the opioid crisis that is dialing back life expectancy in America. With President Trump's endorsement, I'm also very hopeful to see criminal justice reform enacted by the end of the year. So far, 29 bills I steered through the committee have been signed into law. Many Iowans will recall the 2016 presidential election turned into a referendum on the direction of the federal judiciary. The electorate sent a message with the election of President Trump and Republican Senate majority. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I worked to confirm judges who appreciate the constitutional limits of the federal judiciary. It isn't authorized to legislate from the bench. That's the job of lawmakers who are held to account at the ballot box. So far, the Republican-led Senate has confirmed two Supreme Court justices, 29 federal circuit court judges and 53 federal district judges during this Congress. Those 84 lifetime appointments will have tremendous influence on the rule of law and our way of life for generations to come. I will continue to serve as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee in the next Congress. Iowans can count on my continued efforts to fix fla… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/thirty-two-senators-now-cosponsoring-first-step-act Thirty-Two Senators Now Cosponsoring First Step Act 2018-12-07 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Steve Daines of Montana, Tina Smith of Minnesota, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Michael Bennet of Colorado have joined the growing list of cosponsors of the new First Step Act (S.3649). A balanced bipartisan crowd of 30 senators have now sponsored the legislationendorsed by the Presidentto reform America's criminal justice system. Meth use has skyrocketed in Montana. We need to make sure we have every tool available to fight against an epidemic that is tearing families apart and increasing violent crimes in our state. I'm glad to have worked to keep high level meth dealers and other hardened criminals off our streets. The First Step Act also uses proven tools to reduce recidivism to help protect Montana families and communities and save taxpayer dollars. I'm happy to cosponsor the bill, Daines said. I am proud to join my colleagues in cosponsoring the First Step Act, which will make meaningful changes to our federal criminal justice system to reduce disparities in sentencing, improve the fairness and effectiveness of our criminal justice system, and keep our communities safe. This bill represents a historic opportunity to implement evidence-based policy reforms and strengthen the public's faith in the integrity of our criminal justice system, Smith said. One of my proudest moments as Speaker of the House in North Carolina was passing the Justice Reinvestment Act, a landmark state law that implemented a number of commonsense, bipartisan reforms that resulted in reduced crime, fewer prisons, and lower recidivism rates in North Carolina. With the First Step Act, we now have the opportunity to implement similar, once in a generation criminal justice reforms at the federal level. These commonsense reforms will make our communities safer, modernize outdated and unfair sentencing laws and provide federal prisoners with the tools they need to return to society and become productive members of our communities. Chairman Grassley's leadership has been unparalleled, and his relentless efforts to… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-remarks-epipen-misclassification-legislative-fix Grassley Remarks on EpiPen Misclassification Legislative Fix 2018-12-06 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On EpiPen Misclassification Legislative Fix Thursday, December 6, 2018 VIDEO Mr. President: Today, I'd like to raise an important issue that has impacted many families in Iowa and throughout the country: the high cost of prescription drugs. One contributing factor that has played a part in how much money the government and taxpayer pays for some drugs is a government program called the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. On Tuesday, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Senator Wyden of Oregon. The bill, called the Right Rebate Act of 2018, would close a loophole in that program. As a condition for participation in Medicaid, drug companies must pay a rebate, or discount, to the federal government and states for the drugs they offer. Generally speaking, the rebate dollar amount is less for a generic drug than for a brand-name drug. The rebate program simply hasn't worked as designed. It turns out that some drug companies have been able to game the system to boost their bottom line at taxpayer expense. Some drug companies have paid smaller rebates to the government. And that means taxpayers are footing a bigger burden. There is one example in particular that highlights the main issues that we aim to solve with this legislation. During the Obama administration, Iowans regularly contacted me by phone, email and at my annual 99 county meetings about the difficulties they faced paying for the EpiPen. EpiPen is an emergency medicine used to treat severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. EpiPen is distributed by a company called Mylan. In 2007, a pack of two EpiPens cost $100. By 2016, the cost exploded to more than $600. That is a substantial price increase. Many would argue that it's an unjustified price increase. Especially considering the gut punch to taxpayers who foot the lion's share of the Medicaid bill for families in need. I listened to the concerns of my constituents and began to investigate how the drug rebate program was working. In a nutshell, Mylan had clas… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/weeklyreport/securing-our-border-capitol-solutions Securing our Border: Capitol Solutions 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy We are a nation of immigrants. We are a compassionate nation. And like every other country, we have borders and we have laws. One of our laws is for those who want to enter America, they must do so in a legal way. We welcome the legal immigrant. But illegality is just that - it is against the law. There are thousands of people fleeingoppression and persecution around the world to seek solace here in America. The United States continues to be the shiningbeaconon the hill which inspires people from around the world. However, we have a right way, and a wrong way,to come to America. We are a refuge for those seeking asylum from horrible circumstances. With thousands of asylum requests, our courts are backlogged. Many admitted and released to await an immigration hearing never come back for the hearing. Weneed to pass legislation to increase the number of immigration judges who process immigration cases so we can quickly - with due process - move through these legal proceedings. Beyond that, our immigration problems can be addressedthrough enforcing our laws and strengthening our immigration system. Earlier this year, Congress considered immigration legislation whichI voted for. The legislation authorized robust funding to secure our borders, ended the visa lottery program, limited chain migration, mandated e-verify on employers, kept families together, and created a permanent legal status for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals population - those illegally brought here or came here as children. Unfortunately, this good compromise bill did not pass. It would have helped solve some of our immigration problems. Doing nothing keeps us dealing with the same problems we are experiencing. Compromise doesn't mean you have to give up your principles, morals, or values. It means you just don't always get all you want, yet you gain ground in helping to solve the problem. Whentalkingabout border security, there are steps we can take to make sure we know who and what is coming across our southern and northern borders.I… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=64A90E11-8FE3-4F7C-A58D-EFEB69C7AD42 Senator Ernst Statement on China Trade Negotiations 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), today, released the following statement with regard to the ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and China, following President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G20 Summit in Argentina: Maintaining and creating new market access is vital to Iowa farmers. I hear from many Iowans about the importance of standing up to China's unfair trade practices, and making progress on rebalancing the trade imbalance between our two countries. While we are still waiting for more specifics, new purchases of agricultural products will help Iowa farmers and manufacturers. Background: During the G20 Summit in Argentina November 30-December 1, President Trump and President Xi Jinping discussed the ongoing trade negotiations with China. The U.S. agreed to delay tariff increases on $200 billion of Chinese goods, which were scheduled to rise from 10 percent to 25 percent on January 1. China now has 90 days to work with the U.S. to strike a deal on an array of issues, including: the large trade imbalance between the two countries, intellectual property concerns and forced technology transfers. According to President Trump, China has agreed to purchase more U.S. products, including a very substantial amount of agriculture, energy, industrial and other products from the U.S. to reduce the trade imbalance. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-seeks-information-about-fbi-raid-whistleblower-s-home Grassley Seeks Information about FBI Raid of Whistleblower’s Home 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa wrote separately to the Justice Department's Inspector General and the FBI Director seeking answers about the bureau's raid on the residence of a whistleblower who reportedly disclosed information about the Clinton Foundation and the Uranium One transaction. Grassley requested the documents provided to the Inspector General by the whistleblower. Grassley also asked about the FBI's awareness of the protected disclosures made by the whistleblower, the basis for the raid and whether any of the material seized during the raid was classified. Last month, Grassley also wrote in an unclassified cover letter to the FBI Director on a related matter and followed up with a similar letter to both the FBI and Justice Department about key portions of the classified annex to the Inspector General's report of earlier this year. Full text of Grassley's letter to Inspector General Horowitz can be found below and full text of Grassley's letter to FBI Director Wray follows. November 30, 2018 The Honorable Michael E. Horowitz Inspector General U.S. Department of Justice Dear Inspector General Horowitz, A recent news report has indicated that the FBI raided the home of a whistleblower, Mr. Dennis Nathan Cain, who provided documents regarding the Clinton Foundation and Uranium One transaction to your office.[1] The report also notes that after receiving the documents, you provided them to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. It appears, based on the reporting, that these documents were provided to your office under the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act. Further, it appears that the documents pertain to matters that fall within this Committee's jurisdiction and matters upon which this Committee has inquired. Accordingly, I request that you produce all documents to the Committee and provide an update with respect to the steps you have taken, or plan to take, regarding the FBI's treatment of Mr. Cain's disclosures no later than December 12… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/wyden-grassley-introduce-legislation-fix-prescription-drug-misclassification Wyden, Grassley Introduce Legislation to Fix Prescription Drug Misclassification 2018-12-04 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced the Right Rebate Act of 2018, which would close a loophole in Medicaid that has allowed pharmaceutical manufacturers to misclassify their drugs and overcharge taxpayers by billions of dollars and provide HHS with additional authorities to ensure drugs are properly classified. Misclassification of prescription drugs hurts millions of Americans whose lives depend on those medications, such as EpiPen, but can't afford them due to unnecessarily exorbitant pricing, Grassley said. This legislation is a significant step forward to fixing the problems in our health care system that have allowed pharmaceutical manufacturers to price gouge taxpayers and consumers for too long. The Right Rebate Act of 2018 would give the Secretary of Health and Human Services more authorities and tools to monitor drug manufacturers who participate in the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) and would allow the Secretary to require drug manufacturers to reclassify their drugs and impose civil monetary penalties when drugs are knowingly misclassified. With the introduction of this bill, Grassley has introduced legislation with every Democratic Member of the Senate Finance Committee during the 115th Congress. Grassley recently announced he would opt to serve as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in the 116th Congress. Grassley is a longtime advocate for lower prescription drug prices and has been a vocal critic of EpiPen's exorbitantly high cost. During the Obama administration, Iowans regularly contacted Grassley by phone, email and at his annual 99 county meetings about the difficulties they faced paying for the anti-allergy EpiPen device. After conducting oversight of the issue, Grassley learned that Mylan, EpiPen's distributor, classified its popular anti-allergy medicine as a generic instead of as a brand name product in the MDRP. That incorrect classification allowed Mylan to pay smaller rebates to States and government programs, such as the MDRP. Grassley's… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/creston-schools-receive-500000-grant-through-stop-school-violence-act Creston Schools receive $500,000 grant through STOP School Violence Act 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy Creston Community School District has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Department of Justice created by the STOP School Violence Act which became law earlier this year with Congressman David Young's support. The school will install a shooter detection system, key FOB access control, a wired and wireless panic button system, a paging system, a metal detector, 2-way radios, and lighting upgrades. The grant will fund 75% of all project costs. "Our communities know what is needed to secure our schools and the STOP School Violence Act was signed into law to fund projects like these. I'm proud to have worked to deliver the funding to make this grant program possible," said Congressman David Young. "It's my hope more schools in the Third District will take advantage of federal funding available to reduce violence in our communities." "This grant will allow us to build upon our thoroughly researched and collaboratively developed School Emergency and All Hazard Plan," said Creston Schools Superintendent Steve McDermont. "These funds will allow us to significantly upgrade our safety and security systems and to provide safe and secure learning environments for students and all other stakeholders in our schools." The STOP School Violence Actprovides funding for schools to purchase additional security measures to keep students and teachers safe, such as hiring a school resource officer or purchasing security equipment, such as locks, monitoring cameras, and metal detectors. The bill also provides funding for mental health and behavioral counseling for students. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/audio/capitol-hill-report-194 Capitol Hill Report 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Republican House 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-receives-response-hhs-foster-youth-recommendations Grassley Receives Response from HHS on Foster Youth Recommendations 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley received a letter from Assistant Secretary for Family Support Lynn Johnson in response to an October 15 inquiry urging Johnson to implement recommendations from a Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report that would help foster children who are prescribed psychotropic medications. Ensuring children in the foster care program are safe and receiving the proper treatments and support is critical. Iowa has a particularly high rate of foster children being treated with psychotropic medication and it's imperative the state and federal government monitor treatments to make sure they are receiving the proper care. I appreciate Assistant Secretary Johnson's timely response and will continue to closely monitor further actions taken. Iowa was one of five states studied by the OIG. More than 35 percent of Iowa's foster youth are being treated with psychotropic medication, one of the highest rates in the country. The OIG found that 30 percent of these children did not receive a treatment plan, which is required by law in Iowa. Additionally, 48 percent of children in foster care did not receive medication monitoring by a prescribing professional. Grassley is the co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth and has been working to improve the lives of foster children and families for more than two decades. In 2008, Grassley introduced theFostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act, which provided additional federal incentives for states to move children from foster care to adoptive homes. That legislation also made it easier for foster children to be permanently cared for by their own relatives, and to stay in their home communities. TheTax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed late last year, preserved the Adoption Tax Credit, making it easier for families who want to adopt children in foster care to do so. Also last year, Grassley introduced theStrong Families Act of 2017, legislation to prevent child abuse and improve maternal and… 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-china-s-announcement-crack-down-deadly-fentanyl Grassley Statement on China’s Announcement to Crack Down on Deadly Fentanyl 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Caucus on International Narcotics Control, made the following statement regarding China's announced plans to tighten controls on the production and export of Fentanyl, which has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the ongoing opioid epidemic. Fentanyl-laced heroin has fueled the deadly opioid epidemic and has been linked to the majority of opioid overdose deaths in recent years. China is the world's leading producer and exporter of this highly-potent drug and its chemical analogues. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Caucus on International Narcotics Control, I've worked to advance legislation to fight the opioid epidemic, including efforts to stem the flow of deadly drugs into the United States. I recently held a hearing to address this very issue. In October, we heard from government officials and experts from around the country who emphasized the need for China to legislate in this area. When China does so, the data shows that supply in the marketplace dramatically decreases. President Trump has also been a leader in combatting the epidemic. He and Chinese President Xi made real progress over the weekend to crack down on the illicit fentanyl and analogue market. This announcement is a welcomed development that could save an untold number of lives in the United States. I am pleased that we were able to draw attention to this issue through our hearing and other work. In 2017, 60 percent of U.S. opioid deaths involved fentanyl, which is an increase from 14 percent in 2010. Fentanyl is currently involved in more deaths than prescription opioids or heroin. Grassley recently chaired a hearing on the flow of illegal fentanyl from China. He also introduced legislation to aide law enforcement in targeting manufacturers and traffickers of synthetic drugs by closing legal loopholes that allow the sale of substances substantially similar to restricted drugs. This legislation would help stop the flow of synthetic analogues, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/support-first-step-act-keeps-building-senate Support for First Step Act Keeps Building in Senate 2018-12-03 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Ben Cardin of Maryland have joined the growing list of cosponsors of the new First Step Act (S.3649). A crowd of 28 senators, fourteen Republicans and fourteen Democrats, have now sponsored the legislationendorsed by the Presidentto reform America's criminal justice system. I agree with President Trump. This reform makes society safer. Equipping non-violent and low risk parolees to re-enter society, get a job and stay out of trouble can break the cycle of recidivism and crime. This also saves taxpayers money. Keeping geriatric inmates with Alzheimer's under guard is a waste of prison beds, Dr. Cassidy said. I strongly support the bipartisan First Step Act, which makes long overdue changes to our broken criminal justice system. It makes key sentencing and prison reform improvements and would create a more reasonable legal system as we strive to provide equal justice under the law to all Americans. Senator McConnell should bring this legislation to the floor without further delay. It is clear that our bill would garner overwhelming bipartisan approval in both the Senate and House, Sen. Cardin said. Cosponsors of the First Step Act include: Chuck Grassley of IowaDick Durbin of IllinoisMike Lee of UtahSheldon Whitehouse of Rhode IslandLindsey Graham of South CarolinaCory Booker of New JerseyTim Scott of South CarolinaPatrick Leahy of VermontJoni Ernst of IowaJerry Moran of KansasAmy Klobuchar of MinnesotaChris Coons of DelawareJeff Flake of ArizonaRichard Blumenthal of ConnecticutPat Roberts of KansasDoug Jones of AlabamaSusan Collins of MaineTammy Duckworth of IllinoisLamar Alexander of Tennessee Kirsten Gillibrand of New YorkRand Paul of KentuckyMazie Hirono of HawaiiRob Portman of OhioAngus King of MaineTodd Young of IndianaBrian Schatz of HawaiiBill Cassidy of LouisianaBen Cardin of Maryland Here is a full list of cosponsors and endorsements from other organizations. The First Step Act is backed by President Trump and endorsed by a number of law enforcement groups, … 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://davidyoung.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-death-president-george-hw-bush Statement on the death of President George H.W. Bush 2018-12-01 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA David Young Y000066 davidyoung.house.gov     legacy Iowa Congressman David Young issued the following statement on the death of President George H.W. Bush. "President George H.W. Bush defined public service. He selflessly dedicated his entire life to serving our country, and I am thankful for all he has done for the United States. We lost a brave, honest, steadfast, and compassionate statesman.I join so many others in the mourning of his passing, while remembering his earnest words about the importance of America being a kinder and gentler nation." 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=AA536EDD-CB3C-44B6-8F50-5AEEE7446DCA Senator Ernst Statement on the Passing of George H.W. Bush 2018-12-01 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) issued the following statement on the passing of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States: I join the nation today in honoring our nation's 41st president, George H.W. Bush. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a veteran and a true American leader. Like our forefathers who came before him, George H.W. Bush was committed to furthering the ideals that this country was built upon, in a way that will transcend his life. He showed us that relationships matter, people matter, freedom matters. When I was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom, all Kuwaitis, especially the police force, were so appreciative of Americans and viewed George H.W. Bush as their savior. His commitment to sharing the American value of freedom and democracy with the Kuwaiti people helped secure America's partnerships with the region ever since. We owe so much of our nation's enduring peace, security and prosperity to George H.W. Bush, and, I personally am ever grateful for his leadership and service to our country. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bush family during this time. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-passing-president-george-h-w-bush Grassley Statement on the Passing of President George H. W. Bush 2018-12-01 2018 2018-12 Republican House IA Charles Grassley G000386 www.grassley.senate.gov     legacy NEW HARTFORD, IOWA U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released the following statement regarding the passing of the 41st President of the United States of America, George Herbert Walker Bush. President George H. W. Bush led an incredible life. He served with distinction as a naval aviator in World War II, flying 58 combat missions. He represented his community and neighbors as a congressman. He built bridges as an American diplomat in China. He helped keep our nation safe as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency. He honorably served as vice president to President Ronald Reagan and then himself led our nation as America's 41st president. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but for the warmth and kindness he showed to his friends and political opponents alike. President Bush will be missed, but his life and service to our nation will be celebrated. My wife Barbara and I offer our condolences and respect to his family and everyone who mourns his loss. -30- 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.ernst.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/in-the-news?ContentRecord_id=C5D12A59-CDDE-4E6C-8CFA-B6F728AB1328 Radio Iowa: Ernst optimistic Farm Bill reaches president in December 2018-11-30 2018 2018-11 Republican House IA Joni Ernst E000295 www.ernst.senate.gov     legacy Senator Joni Ernst says there appears to be a breakthrough in negotiations on the Farm Bill. I am hopeful that the deal gets done by the end of the year,Ernst told Radio Iowa. I think we have reached an agreement in the conference committee, so that is really good news for our farmers and ranchers of Iowa. Ernst is the only Iowan on a conference committee that's been struggling for weeks to reconcile House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill. A provision championed by Iowa's other Senator, Chuck Grassley, is not in the final deal. It would have imposed limits on farm subsidy payments to non-farmers. Republicans in the House had been pressing for new work requirements for food stamp recipients. That's not in the final version either. That has been worked out between the House and the Senate and so I do believe that we will be able to move forward and get that bill on the floor of the Senate as soon as possible,Ernst said. Ernst indicated the Republican leader in the senate who decides which bills get debated has assured her a vote on the Farm Bill will happen in the Senate in December. So as we're laying out the road map for the rest of 2018 the lame duck' session the Farm Bill has been included in that mix,Ernst said. I believe that we will getthis done. We will get it to the president and he will get it signed and reauthorized. ... To read the article in full, clickhere. 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z

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