url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-leads-inquiry-use-debit-cards-next-round-economic-impact-payments,Rep. Axne Leads Inquiry on Use of Debit Cards for Next Round of Economic Impact Payments,2020-12-29,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) led a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking information about plans to use debit cards to distribute the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) approved by Congress last week.
The letter, signed by 10 of Rep. Axne's colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee, asks the Treasury Department to clarify if they plan to use debit cards to distribute this round of EIPs and urges changes to the program in the event that they are used again.
Now that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, the members wrote. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses.
Rep. Axne and her colleagues seek three areas of improvement in the event that debit cards are used for the second round of EIPs:
 Better Communication:The members encouragesignificant improvements in communicatingthe plans for debit cards to the general public to avoid skepticism and potential disposal of cards, which was widely reportedafter the Treasury failed to tell people these cards were a possibilityin the first tranche of payments thisspring.
	Complete Elimination of Fees:As the debit cards are set up to provide Americans with the full amount of their EIP as approved by Congress and the President, Rep. Axne and her colleagues urge the Treasury Department and IRS to eliminate any fees associated with using or transferringa card'sbalance.
	Simplification of the Cardholder Agreement: The debit cards used in the first round of EIPs contained a dense and confusing cardholder agreement, including an arbitration clause that prevents card recipients from forming a class action suit in the case of similar problems with the card. The members demand that any potential second round of debit cards be given a revised cardholder agreement, without any arbitration clauses, that can be easily understood by card recipients.
 These and other concerns were raised by Iowa cardholders to Rep. Axne in the first round of EIP debit cards.
Rep. Axne sought similar changes to the first round of debit cards in May, including seeing the IRS and Treasury remove the fee for first-time replacements of the debit card after poor communication.
The letter was signed by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Bill Foster (IL-11), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15), Denny Heck (WA-10), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO-01), Al Lawson (FL-05), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Jennifer Wexton (VA-10)  andthe full text of the letter can be found here:
Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Commissioner Rettig,
We write to urge improvements as you distribute the upcoming second round of direct payments to Americans which was included in the Coronavirus relief package signed into law on Sunday.
Many of us previously wrote in May to share concerns with how those direct payments were distributed by debit card, and to urge changes in that program. The direct payments from the CARES Act supported more than 150 million Americans1 who received them, but many of our constituents had concerns after receiving prepaid debit cards with their Economic Impact Payment (EIP). Since the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had not alerted the public that they would be sending stimulus payments via debit card, recipients were often surprised, confused, and some even threw these away, thinking it was a fraud. Those who did use them could be charged fees simply to get the aid Congress intended and were forced into agreeing to arbitration to resolve any issues.
Now that Congress has passed, and the President has signed into law, a second round of similar direct payments, we would like to know whether you plan on distributing some of these via debit card again, and request the following improvements in the event of additional direct payments via debit card.
Communication about EIP cards must be improved
We recognize that having seen this in May, many people will be more aware of the possibility they'll receive their payment on a debit card. However, we ask that you also directly provide more clear information about the cards to those receiving them. That should include a clear explanation that this card is their direct payment, the amount of that rebate, and how to quickly transfer this to a bank account or receive a check. We hope better communication will reduce confusion and prevent people cutting up their debit cards again because they believed this was a scam.
The cards should come with no fees for the recipient
The debit cards sent in May could cost our constituents a significant amount to use.2 While in-network ATM withdrawals were free, those ATMs are almost exclusively in larger towns and metropolitan areas, forcing people to either pay a fee or drive more than an hour to access their EIP. Waiving fees on the first ATM withdrawal out of network ATM is a positive step, but does nothing for additional withdrawals, nor does it include any fees charged by the ATM owner, or fees to check your balance. In addition, the transaction size limits will make it difficult for a family to simply get their money off the card and into a bank account.
These cards are intended to provide support for Americans during COVID-19, and any fees are likely to simply add insult to injury. We recognize that the card provider needs to cover its costs, but believe that the people trying to receive these cards should not have to pay fees regardless of where they live. We appreciate you taking action to waive the fee for the first replacement card, and would encourage you to remove all costs to use these cards.
If you are unable or unwilling to fully eliminate the fees, we ask that the lengthy fee schedule be dramatically simplified, and that transaction size limits be adjusted to allow people to easily transfer the full amount of their rebate off of the card immediately.
The EIP card agreement should be simplified
The EIP card agreement which came with the first cards3 was more than 8 pages of dense text, which can be intimidating to Americans who were expecting a simple check. We heard from numerous constituents calling with complaints and questions, including being unsure of how to even find out how much money they had just received. This agreement should be simplified as much as possible or come with a summary document to better explain the terms for those who had no idea they were getting a credit card.
Further, the cardholder agreement included a mandatory arbitration clause, requiring that any disputes be resolved through individual (not class-action) arbitration. Americans in the most urgent need of this aid, who must immediately access their payment through the debit card will be forced into arbitration, often without even knowing the implications.
In addition, the arbitration clause prevents people with the same dispute from forming a class. Not only does this practice hurt those with less financial and legal resources in virtually all situations, it makes even less sense in this case. With 4 million people receiving very similar EIP cards, it is very likely that if there are issues, many people are having the same problem, making class action simply a more efficient way to resolve disputes.
We urge you to simplify the agreement for anyone receiving an EIP card to reduce confusion, and specifically request that you remove any mandatory arbitration clause from future agreements.
We appreciate the important work you did this spring in getting Economic Impact Payments out to Americans quickly. While we appreciate the value prepaid debit cards provide to those without checking accounts, and understand that sending these cards is a part of attempting to get payments out faster, we would urge additional consideration of how to ensure the cards are providing the benefits they are intended to.
We understand that no further cards were sent after our letter in May, but would request a written response to our letter, explaining whether you intend to send prepaid debit cards again. If so, we ask that you explain how you plan to improve communication, ensure there are no fees for the user, and simplify the agreement they have to sign, removing any mandatory arbitration clauses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-bipartisan-house-vote-override-veto-defense-policy-bill,"Rep. Axne, Bipartisan House Vote to Override Veto of Defense Policy Bill",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to override the presidential veto of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21).
The bipartisan legislation, which includes a 3% pay raise for servicemembers and other provisions championed by Rep. Axne, passed with over 300 votes in the House and 84 votes in the Senate earlier this month.
After months of bipartisan negotiation and cooperation, this defense policy bill represents the critical foundation on which all national security efforts will be built for the coming year. The men and women protecting our country need the support provided in this legislation a necessity reflected in the overwhelmingmajoritiesthat passedthis legislation a few weeks ago,said Rep. Axne.President Trump's veto of this bill abandons our troops, halts vital security programs, and deserts our nation's veterans. Today, I'm joining my colleagues in exercising ourconstitutionalright to overrule the President's shortsighted thinking on this vital measure.
The legislation includes the bipartisan Preventing Illicit Finance Act, which was introduced by Rep. Axne and Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01) earlier this year, to create an advisory group of federal agencies and private sector experts to limit the use of the financial system by bad actors.
The FY21 NDAA also includes $18.5 million for the National Guard's RC-26aircraft, which is critical to domestic security and disaster assistance,and a priority for Rep. Axne.
In addition, the annual defense policy bill includes:
 a 3% pay increase for members of the military
	long-overdue benefitsfor Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange
	an extension of paid parental leave to approximately 100,000 federal civilian workers
	an expansion of housing vouchers for veterans experiencing homelessness, an effort supported and co-sponsored by Rep. Axne
	a requirement that each federal agency establish a model Equal Employment Opportunity Program that is independent of the agency's Human Capital or General Counsel office and establishes requirements related to complaints of discrimination and retaliation in the workplace
 For the first time, ownership disclosure will be required for anonymous shell companies, which in addition to aiding tax avoidance can also be utilized by foreign adversaries and terrorists to dodge anti-money laundering laws.
Earlier this year, Rep. Axne co-ledan amendment to the NDAA with former RC-26 pilotRep. Adam Kinzinger(IL-16) and Iowa Reps.Abby Finkenauer(IA-01) andDave Loebsack(IA-02) to ensure that the RC-26 remains in Iowa.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-joins-bipartisan-vote-legislation-increase-covid-19-direct-payments,"Rep. Axne Joins Bipartisan Vote on Legislation to Increase COVID-19 Direct Payments to $2,000",2020-12-28,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) joined a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation that would increase the second round of Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) to $2,000 for individual adults and fix the definition of dependents in both rounds of payments.
After10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, every Iowa family and community has felt the effects of this public health crisis and the economic turmoil that came with it. Since March, I've worked to craft and pass relief to help Iowa  but sadly the bipartisan spirit that enabled Congress to act quickly in March has faded,with arbitrary caps preventingmore substantial relief and delaying it unnecessarily,said Rep. Axne.$600 won't cover a month's rent and necessities in Iowa  but my Republican colleagues in the Senate have insisted that they will approve no more than that to put money in Iowans' pockets and hold off economic ruin. I hope that this bipartisan vote in the House today to raise payments to $2,000, an amount supported by President Trump, can change their minds and enable us to give more help to those who are struggling.
The Caring for Americans with Supplemental Help (CASH) Act of 2020 amends the coronavirus (COVID-19) relief deal approved by Congress last week to set new amounts for EIPs at $2,000 for individuals, $4,000 for joint filing couples, and $2,000 for dependents.
The CASH Act also changes the definition of a dependent to include children 17 or older who are still claimed as dependents on their parents' tax returns  as well as adult dependents that still rely on their relatives' care.
This change would apply to both rounds of EIPs, entitling families who missed a dependent payment in the first round of EIPs to apply for these credits on their 2020 tax return.
The current definition of dependents doesn't reflect the reality of need in Iowa. I've heard from Iowans with older dependents that were under just as much strain  if not more  as families with younger children, said Rep. Axne. I fought to see this definition changed in any COVID-19 relief legislation, and I'm proud to vote for a bill today that will make this fix and allow these families to access the payments they were entitled to last spring.
The COVID-19 relief deal signed by President Trump last night sets the amounts for the second round of EIPs at $600 for individuals and dependents, and $1,200 for couples.
The EIP is calculated using a person's 2019 or 2018 tax return. Those who made more than $75,000 as an individual or $150,000 as a couple on their most recent tax return will see their EIP phased down relative to that income.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-stimulus-checks-covid-19-relief-deal,Rep. Axne Statement on Stimulus Checks in COVID-19 Relief Deal,2020-12-23,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep.Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on President Trump's recent remarks regarding the direct payments included in recent bipartisan COVID-19 relief agreement:
I agree with the President's concern that the stimulus checks in the current bipartisan agreement are not adequate in the face of months of hardship facing Iowa families and would direct him to the members of his own party who just last weekblocked larger checks.
I supported including larger stimulus checks, and stand ready to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress toincrease those amounts. 
We cannot, however, lose sight of the fact that millions of Americans will lose their unemployment benefits and the government will shut down if an agreement is not signed soon.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-statement-iowa-s-second-congressional-district,Axne Statement on Iowa’s Second Congressional District,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Representative Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on the petition filed by Rita Hart to the Committee on House Administration concerning the election in Iowa's Second Congressional District:
First and foremost, it is clear that no Iowan should ever be told again that their vote won't potentially make the difference in the outcome of an election. We've seen the margin of this race continue to tighten, and both candidates acknowledge that there are still votes left to be counted in what has become one of the closest federal elections of the past century.
It is critical that every Iowan's voice is heard in this election  and to that end, Rita Hart has Constitutional and legal grounds to pursue that goal at the federal level.
I support a transparent process that ensures every properly-cast vote in this contest is counted. It is the only way to give Iowa voters full faith and confidence in the outcome of this historically-close election.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-joins-call-additional-child-care-support-working-families,Rep. Axne Joins Call for Additional Child Care Support for Working Families,2020-12-22,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday, Reps.Cindy Axne (IA-03),Katie Porter (CA-10), andLinda Sanchez (CA-38)sent a letter to urge the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue guidance expanding dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) to cover virtual child care.
DCAPs are an annual use-it-or-lose it account that allow working families to set aside pre-tax income to help cover the rising costs of child care.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many child care facilities have had to close their doors or limit the number of children they serve  and others have moved online to continue offering care for working families. However, IRS guidance has not kept up with this shift to online child care.
While DCAPs cover in-person child care programming, they do not cover virtual programming. As a result, families are facing growing challenges affording child care and keeping their children engaged.
With schools closed or only partially open, families face growing childcare costs, and many are struggling to find a way to keep kids engaged safely. Many programs have shifted to an online format, and it's time that we join them, allowing working parents to use [DCAP] funds to pay for online services,the members wrote.Taking this commonsense step will give working parents the flexibility they need to support their children's social, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing in a safe way during the pandemic.
As a mother who has personally experienced the difficulty of paying for child care, Rep. Axne has championed efforts to help families better afford child care during the current public health emergency.
In May, Rep. AxneintroducedtheCOVID-19 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangement Rollover Act of 2020, legislation that would allow DCAPs to roll over from 2020 to 2021. Allowing DCAPs to roll over would protect families from losing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars of their hard-earned contributions. Axne's proposal has garneredbipartisan support inbothchambersof Congress.
Rep. Axne has consistentlyadvocatedfor including her COVID-19 Dependent Care Flexible Spending Arrangement Rollover Act of 2020 upcoming government funding legislation, and, following her efforts, secured language allowing for DCAPs to roll over into 2021 as part of alegislative package to provide COVID-19 relief and fund the government.
The full text of today's letter can be found below:
Dear Commissioner Rettig,
We write to you today to request additional flexibility for taxpayers who use Dependent Care Flexible Savings Accounts (FSAs) to pay for child care and related services. With schools closed or only partially open, families face growing childcare costs, and many are struggling to find a way to keep kids engaged safely. Many programs have shifted to an online format, and it's time that we join them, allowing working parents to use FSA funds to pay for online services. Taking this commonsense step will give working parents the flexibility they need to support their children's social, emotional, and intellectual wellbeing in a safe way during the pandemic.
Dependent Care FSAs, also known as Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs), allow working parents to use pretax dollars for child care, babysitting and summer camp. These FSAs help families afford the exorbitant prices of child care programs and services, which in turn support parents struggling to manage the demands of being a working parent. The Internal Revenue Service, under your leadership, has already taken important measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide families the flexibility needed to continue to continue using DCAPs during this difficult time. We want to thank you for the action you have already taken to alter mid-year elections for the program and to extend reimbursement periods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced child care programs and summer camps to move online, but unfortunately, at this time, FSA funds cannot be used for virtual programming. Legal experts believe that this does not require a statutory solution. At this time, it's unclear if virtual day care would fall under the definition of household and dependent care services that qualify for the benefits, however simple guidance could provide this clarity. All the IRS needs to do is issue straightforward guidance initiating this change and providing further flexibilities for FSAs for the duration of the public health emergency.
It is our responsibility to support families as they fight for financial security during this difficult time. Working parents are struggling to balance child care and work, and taking away financial support for programs to care for and educate their children will only make this worse.6 We are excited that this issue has garnered bipartisan attention, and hope to join the chorus of voices urging you to make this change. Thank you for attention to this important issue, and we look forward to hearing from you.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/key-axne-priorities-included-bipartisan-agreement-fund-critical-programs-and,"Key Axne Priorities Included in Bipartisan Agreement to Fund Critical Programs and Priorities, Secure New COVID-19 Relief",2020-12-21,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a comprehensive package of legislation that includes a wide variety of priorities and provisions fought for by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) over the past year.
The bipartisan agreement, H.R. 133, includes a new round of coronavirus (COVID-19) relief for Iowa's families and communities, provisions to help crack down on surprise medical billing, and full funding for government programs through the end of Fiscal Year 2021.
This is a long-overdue measure that will help Iowans in need. From direct support for Iowa families to long-term protections provided by new federal law, this legislation does a great deal to not only provide the assistance needed in the midst of a dark winter of health and economic crises, but also invest in the success of our communities and businesses for years to come,said Rep. Axne.While this legislation is not perfect,I'm pleased to see key priorities that I have worked to secure this Congress included in the final agreement, such as an extension of unemployment benefits and another round of direct payments, rental assistance and an extension of the eviction moratorium, authorization to roll over unused child care savings into 2021, and provisions to support expansion of broadband connectivity, assistance for our biofuels industry, and much more.
The COVID-19 relief sections of the legislation contain key priorities championed by Rep. Axne, including:
 $25 billion for the first-ever emergency federal rental assistance program to help families impacted by COVID-19 that are struggling to make rent or have past-due rent and utility payments, as well as an extension of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021.
	An additional $300 per week for all workers receiving unemployment benefits through March 14, 2021.
	An additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year, $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, and $600 for each child dependent.
	$284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans, with dedicated set-asides for very small businesses and lending through community-based lenders like Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
	$10 billion in emergency funds for the child care sector through the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program to help stabilize the child care market and allow states to expand child care assistance to essential workers and working families who are in great need of child care services.
	Emergency provisions championed by Rep. Axne to allow unused savings in dependent care assistance plans (DCAPs) and health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) from 2020 to roll over and be used through the end of 2021,which will save families from losing up to $5,000 at the end of the year.
	Statutory language to allow the Department of Agriculture to provide relief funding for biofuels producers and the ethanol industry.
 An extension of refundable payroll tax credits for paid sick and family leave, first approved by Congress earlier this year, through the end of March 2021.
The final agreement also includes other important items pushed by Rep. Axne, such as:
 Funding to improve broadband mapping  which has left many Iowa communities unable to get funding to build new broadband  and the ACCESS Broadband Act, legislation Rep. Axnecosponsoredthat will improve federal grant accessibility for smaller local providers.
	An extension of FY19 BUILD grant deadlines to provide recipients, including the Central Iowa Water Trails Project, more time to meet deadlines due to delays caused by COVID-19.
	A bipartisan measure to protect patients from surprise medical bills and establish a fair framework to resolve payment disputes between health care providers and health insurance companies.
	More than $4 billion tohard-hitfamilies by allowing them to use their 2019 income to determine how much they receive in the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
	The Energy Act of 2020, which invests in clean energy research and development, and includes four bills Rep. Axne cosponsored:
		TheWind Energy Research and Development Act, to research and develop wind technologies and their grid integration.
			TheSolar Energy Research and Development Act, to fund research and development of solar energy technologies.
			TheARPA-E Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes ARPA-E and expands its authority to work on projects relating to nuclear waste clean-up and management issues and projects to improve energy infrastructure, as well as to pursue scale-up and demonstration of transformational clean energy technologies.
			TheClean Industrial Technology Act, which creates a research, development, and demonstration program on technologies to reduce emissions from the manufacturing sector, including cement, steel, and chemicals manufacturing processes, high-temperature heat generation, alternative materials, and carbon capture for industrial processes.
		
 Although this agreement is expected to be the last comprehensive package passed by the 116th Congress, Rep. Axne is already emphasizing the additional work left to be done in the new year.
While this is an important agreement that helps keep our government open and fund long-term investments that will help recovery and growth of our nation,the emergency COVID-19 provisions of this bill are still only short-term relief, said Rep. Axne. This cannot and should not be Congress' last act to help those suffering through dual health and economic crises and when the 117th Congress begins in just a few short weeks, I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to continue the important work of supporting our constituents. Just as we know that this virus will not disappear on January 1st, we should not think that our efforts to support families, businesses, and communities will end when the book closes on this session.
H.R. 133 also includes important provisions to support Iowa's communities and critical programs that help Iowans:
 Essential funding for vaccine procurement and distribution $19 billion for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for manufacturing and procurement of vaccines and therapeutics and $8.75 billion to the CDC to aid distribution and tracking of vaccines across state and local public health agencies.
	An additional $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and $22.7 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.
	Streamlines the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and expands outreach and awareness to make it easier for Iowans to apply and qualify for federal student aid.
	Over $11 billion to the Department of Agriculture to continue to support producers, growers, and processors affected by COVID-19 market disruptions.
	An extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which expanded coverage to the self-employed, gig workers, and others in nontraditional employment, and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which provides additional weeks offederally fundedunemployment benefits to individuals who exhaust their regular state benefits.
	An extension of Iowa's ability to use remaining funds inits$1.25 billionallocation from the Coronavirus Relief Fund until December 31, 2021.
	Reauthorization of the second generation biofuel tax credit, which was due to expire at the end of 2020. Rep. Axnesuccessfully foughtto renew the tax credit in the past.
	$13 billion for nutrition assistance, including a 15% increase in monthly SNAP benefits.
 In order to finalize the compromise agreement on necessary improvements to flood control measures, the agreement also includes the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-sixth-continuing-resolution-vote-116th-congress,Rep. Axne Statement on Sixth Continuing Resolution Vote of the 116th Congress,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives passing a two-day continuing resolution:
Last week, Congress decided it needed one more week to do its two most important jobs: wield the power of thepurse andhelp our constituents when they are in need.
Today, we're saying we need two more days.
This continuing resolution, my sixth as a freshman member, should not allow us to thinkwe can continue to delaybefore finalizingthis deal. The time for this agreement was months ago.
The least we can do for families now, before the holidays, is to stop kicking the can down the road, throwing in last minute poison pills, and lingering any longer on aid that is desperately needed.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/senate-advances-axne-bill-honor-mother-4-h-president-s-desk,Senate Advances Axne Bill to Honor the ‘Mother of 4-H’ to President’s Desk,2020-12-18,2020,2020-12,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation authored byRep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) to rename the U.S. Post Office in Clarinda in honor of Jessie Field Shambaugh, the former school superintendent from Page County and longtime Iowa educator known to many as the Mother of 4-H.'
I'm pleased that this bill is now headed to the President for signature, and I'm proud we're just one step away from permanently recognizing the legacy that Jessie Field Shambaugh left in Iowa and across America. Jessie Field Shambaugh was a pioneering vision, and I owe the values of leadership, engagement, and community that I hold to experiences as a 4-H kid, said Rep. Axne. I would also like to thank Senators Grassley and Ernst for their help advancing this bill through the Senate. 
Shambaugh began teaching in Page County in 1901, and formed the Boys Corn Club and the Girls Home Club to teach students essential skills for the farm and home through extracurricular programs.To boost participationinthe Clubs, she created a clover pin with each leaf labeled with an H. Her designbecame the symbol of 4-H in 1914 when the Smith-Lever Act established the Cooperative ExtensionSystem atthe USDA, formalizing 4-H clubs across the country.
Today, over 6 million schoolchildren participate in 4-H activities  learning life skills, leadership, and cooperation through the same values of Head, Hands, Heart, and Health' that Shambaugh helpedpioneerover a century ago.
Shambaugh was also an author, radiocontributoron KFNF in Shenandoah, and the mother of two children. She was born in 1881 near Shenandoah, studied at Shenandoah's Western Normal College, graduated Tabor College in Fremont County, and was elected superintendent of schools in Page County in 1906. She died in 1971 inClarinda. In 1977, Shambaugh was named to the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.
The bill introduced by Rep. Axne to rename the post office at 101 S. 16thStreet is cosponsored by the other three members of the Iowa House delegation: Reps. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Steve King (IA-04).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-finkenauer-s-bipartisan-child-care-economic-development-act,House Passes Finkenauer’s Bipartisan Child Care is Economic Development Act,2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  The U.S. House on Tuesday passed Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer's (IA-01) bipartisan Child Care is Economic Development Act of 2020. The legislation, cosponsored by Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-MN), passed the full House on a voice vote.
Too many hard-working families are being forced to pass on career opportunities simply because quality and affordable child care is impossible to come by, Congresswoman Abby Finknenauer said. The Child Care is Economic Development Act takes an important step in helping solve a problem that has been made significantly worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural Iowa.
I am happy to have found partners across the aisle, yet again, who are willing to help address the child care crisis, and who realize a full economic recovery includes ensuring working parents are able to go to work and feel comfortable their kids are in good hands, Finkenauer said.
The bipartisanChild Careis Economic Development Act of 2020would ensure plans to increase access to affordable, quality child care are included in federally supported Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), aiding local communities in planning for and building affordable child care into their local economic development projects.
Finkenauer's legislation addresses concerns that scarce child care options are hurting economic opportunities in Iowa. Iowan Dan Levi, co-chair of the Black Hawk County Child Care Coalition, expressed those concerns ina Small Business Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) subcommittee hearingchaired by Finkenauer earlier this year.
In September, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, under Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), advanced the legislation. DeFazio reiterated his support on Tuesday with the bill's passage.
Access to affordable child care is critical to economic development. More than half of American households live in child care deserts, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further limited child care opportunities,Chairman DeFazio said.I thank Congresswoman Finkenauer for recognizing this need and introducing H.R. 8326, bipartisan legislation that will ensure the accessibility of affordable, quality child care is considered in economic development plans. Congresswoman Finkenauer deserves all the credit for this legislation being passed by the full House today and making sure that the child care needs of working families are front and center.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/historic-8927-votes-behalf-iowans,"Historic: 8,927 Votes on Behalf of Iowans",2020-11-17,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley today released the following statement regarding his record vote streak of 8,927 uninterrupted votes since 1993.  I'm disappointed I wasn't able to vote today in the Senate, but the health of others is more important than any record. My voting streak reflects how seriously I take my commitment to represent Iowans. Choosing not to potentially expose others to this deadly virus is obviously the right and responsible thing to do, Grassley said. While I await the results of my coronavirus test, I'm continuing to work for Iowans from home. After my quarantine ends, I'll be back in the Senate to represent Iowans and vote on their behalf. I urge my fellow Iowans and all Americans to follow public health guidelines for their own sake and for the sake of their friends, families and communities. Grassley today announced that he would begin quarantining per CDC and local public health guidelines and at the recommendation of his doctors. Due to his quarantine, today marks the first votes Grassley has not cast in service to Iowans in more than 27 years. Grassley has cast 8,927 consecutive votes and continues to hold the record for longest length of time without missing a vote in the history of the Senate. Grassley broke this record in January 2016, which was previously held by the late Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire.  July 20, 1993 marks the date when Grassley's current consecutive voting streak began. The last vote Grassley missed occurred in 1993 when he was in Iowa with President Bill Clinton due to the terrible floods that ravaged the state. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-iowa-s-new-covid-19-mitigation-efforts,Rep. Axne Statement on Iowa’s New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on the announcement of new statewide measures in Iowa aimed to slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19):
The rapid uptick of new cases and staggering positivity rates in Iowa have put our state at the epicenter of this latest and deadliest surge of COVID-19 in the U.S.Our hospitals and health care workers are stretched to their limits, and the safety and prosperity of all Iowans are threatened by this outbreak.
These new mitigation measures announced by Governor Reynolds tonight are a step toward slowing the unsustainable spread of this virus, but nothing will improve in Iowa if Iowans don't take these new requirements seriously.
As we near 200,000 positive cases and mourn almost 2,000 Iowans lost to this devastating disease, we have to recognize that will take every single one of us doing our part wearing masks, foregoing large gatherings, and practicing social distancing  to reverse this alarming trend.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-encourages-iowans-do-their-part-fight-against-coronavirus,Grassley Encourages Iowans to Do Their Part in Fight against Coronavirus,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today encouraged Iowans to redouble their efforts in the fight against the coronavirus. His statement comes as Governor Kim Reynolds outlined new temporary measures to combat rising infections in the state.  Since the beginning of the pandemic, Gov. Reynolds has taken a data-driven approach to combating the coronavirus that respects the unique situations and needs throughout our state. As infections are on the rise in virtually all communities in the heartland, I join Gov. Reynolds in calling on all Iowans to double down on measures to help stop the spread in a responsible manner.  Everyone should consider what they can do in their own way to help keep their families and communities safe and healthy. For the Grassleys, this means we are not going to have our typical large Thanksgiving Day family gathering. We've been wearing masks and practicing social distancing when we do encounter others. We've also taken part in virtual events in lieu of in-person gatherings and stepped up efforts to sanitize often.  Gov. Reynolds knows the dangers posed by the coronavirus as well as the harm that comes from shutting down Iowa's economy. Commonsense steps like the ones announced today strike a good balance that encourages Iowans to go about their lives as safely and as normally as possible while keeping our state open for business.  I encourage all Iowans to join in this effort, Grassley said.   -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-let-s-work-together-stop-coronavirus-surge,Grassley: Lets Work Together to Stop the Coronavirus Surge,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Let's Work Together to Stop the Coronavirus Surge Monday, November 16, 2020  Although promising vaccines for the coronavirus are on the horizon; it's more important than ever to stop the surge.  Countries across the world are seeing cases explode.  It's critical for Iowans to step up their personal responsibility, to stay safe and healthy. For themselves and their loved ones.  That includes our tireless health care professionals on the front lines, working to save lives.  This virus is hitting rural and urban areas.  No community is immune.  I ask every Iowan to continue to do their part to keep their family and neighbors safe.  Wash your hands.  Limit your activity outside your household.  Social distance.  Wear a mask.  We're going to get through this together but we need everyone to do their part. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-paying-tribute-former-us-senator-roger-jepsen,Grassley Paying Tribute to Former U.S. Senator Roger Jepsen,2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Paying Tribute to Former U.S. Senator Roger Jepsen Monday, November 16, 2020  Today, I pay tribute to our former colleague and my friend, former U.S. Senator Roger Jepsen.  He passed away last Friday, at age 91, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, in the Quad-Cities.  An Iowa native and American patriot, Roger devoted his life in service to his family, faith and community.  He spent his youth on his family farm near Cedar Falls, about five miles from where I was born.  I wasn't acquainted with Roger until he represented Scott County in the Iowa Legislature. I wish I would've known him earlier when we were neighbors as children.  For 14 years, he served our country in the United States Army.  He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and later served in the Army Reserves.  Roger worked for 20 years in the life insurance business and was a member of the National Association of Life Underwriters.  Along the way, Roger answered the call to public service and civic leadership.  For more than two decades, he climbed the ranks of elected office in service to his community and the state of Iowa.  He started out as a county supervisor in Scott County and went on to represent his neighbors in Iowa Senate District 15.  An active grassroots leader in the Republican Party of Iowa, Roger served as a delegate to the National GOP Convention in 1972 and 1980.  In 1968, he was elected as Iowa's 39th Lieutenant Governor, where he served with Governor Bob Ray for two terms.  Until Iowa adopted reforms under a constitutional amendment in 1972, the office for governor and lieutenant governor were on the ballot every two years in my home state.  In 1978, when I won re-election to Iowa's then-third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, Roger Jepsen flipped Iowa's U.S. Senate seat.  He defeated the incumbent Senator Dick Clark. At the time, political observers gave Roger scant chance for a victory.  But on Election Day, he pulled off the upset, beating his opponent by more than 26,000 votes.  In that same election, Iowans returned both houses of the state legislature to Republican control for what would be Governor Ray's final term in office.  In the previous legislative session, Iowa expanded its historic right to work law. For decades, this instrumental policy has enhanced Iowa's ability to attract businesses, create jobs and grow wages across the state.  It was under attack in the last election. Iowa voters responded by expanding the Republican majority at the Iowa state house, under a Republican administration led by Governor Kim Reynolds.  During his six years here in the U.S. Senate, Roger solidified his pro-family, pro-life credentials.  A fiscal conservative, he flexed steadfast support for the military and worked to put money back in taxpayer pockets.  In 1981, he voted to end bracket creep by indexing for inflation across-the-board tax rate cuts.  An outspoken advocate for rural America, Senator Jepsen fought to boost the economic recovery across the farm belt.  He championed farm exports, expanded lending and tax relief for farmers.  He was chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and served on the Senate Agriculture and Armed Services Committees.  After losing his bid for re-election in 1984, President Reagan nominated him to serve as chairman of the National Credit Union Administration, where he served from 1985 to 1993.  Although he and his wife Dee retired to Florida, Scott County was always home.  Roger and Dee devoted considerable time and effort to end religious persecution and promote religious liberty.  Alongside Congressman Jack Kemp, they co-founded the Christian Rescue Effort for the Emancipation of Dissidents, known as CREED, to promote religious freedom as a human freedom around the world.  Each time I return home by way of Cedar Falls, I pass Jepsen Road.  In fact, it intersects with my street.  Over the years, Roger and my paths crossed many times in service to Iowans.  Seeing that street sign reminds me that no dream is too big for Iowa farm kids.  Roger and Dee celebrated 62 years of marriage in September.  Together, they raised six children. Barbara and I extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.  On behalf of the state of Iowa, we thank him for his service here on Earth as he's welcomed home into the hands of the Lord. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-warren-urge-fda-initiate-overdue-rulemaking-so-hearing-aids-can-be-made,"Grassley, Warren Urge FDA to Initiate Overdue Rulemaking So That Hearing Aids Can Be Made Available Over-the-Counter",2020-11-16,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Grassley and Warren's Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act was signed into law in 2017 and requires the FDA to issue draft rules by August 2020, but the FDA has yet to do soHearing loss continues to be a problem for millions of Americans, but only around 14 percent of Americans with hearing loss use hearing aidsWASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate its overdue rules for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without further delay. Warren and Grassley's Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which was signed into law in 2017 to remove outdated regulations blocking consumer access to affordable hearing aids, required the FDA to issue these proposed regulations no later than August 18, 2020.According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly one in three Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, and almost half of people over the age of 75, have difficulty hearing.Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older Americans, the senators wrote. Unfortunately, although hearing aids are considered prescription products, they are not generally covered by health insurance or original Medicare and can cost thousands of dollars. Only around 14 percent of Americans with hearing loss use hearing aids. The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act amends the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and allows the FDA to categorize certain hearing aids as over-the-counter.  The impact of the novel coronavirus on the agency's priorities and workload cannot be overstated, and we appreciate the FDA's continued efforts to respond to this global crisis that has profoundly affected so many Americans. However, despite the pandemic, hearing loss continues to be a problem for millions of Americans, and we believe that the FDA must also make issuing the OTC hearing aid regulations a priority, consistent with the law, the senators continued. Their latest letter follows a December 2019 letter in which they also urged the FDA to finalize rules for OTC hearing aids.Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-leads-charge-against-threats-340b-drug-discount-program,Rep. Axne Leads Charge Against Threats to 340B Drug Discount Program,2020-11-13,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Reps.Cindy Axne(IA-03), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), David B. McKinley, P.E. (WV-01) Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), John Katko (NY-24), and Doris Matsui (CA-06) led a bipartisan letter with 211 representatives to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service urging immediate action to protect prescription drug discounts for safety net providers provided through the 340B program.
The letter also requests information from HHS on attempts by drug manufacturers and third-party vendors to unilaterally shift the 340B program from a discount model to a rebate model.
The letter followsreports that Kalderos, a third-party vendor, is working with pharmaceutical companies to change how providers receive 340B drugs reportedly shifting from a discount to a rebate formula as part of a platform called 340B Pay, which was announcedin September.
340B program covered entities  including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinics, safety net hospitals, rural hospitals, and children's hospitals  help improve access to affordable prescription drugs and essential health services in underserved areas. Right now, these providers are also working to protect the health and safety of their patients as we combat COVID-19,the members wrote.We are deeply concerned that the use of a rebate model could threaten the ability of covered entities to access 340B savings and provide accessible, affordable prescription drugs and critical health care services to millions of low-income Americans the 340B program is intended to serve. To protect safety net providers and their patients, we urge you to make clear that manufacturers may not implement a 340B rebate model without approval from HRSA.
Background:
Rep. Axne has worked to ensure the 340B program continues to offer access to affordable medications and health care services for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured Iowans.
In September, Rep. Axneled a letterto HHS requesting they rescind or decline to enforce an Executive orderwhich would drive up the costs of insulin and epinephrine for patients atcommunity health centers(CHCs).
Rep. Axne also joined colleagues onmultiplelettersexpressing concern over moves by pharmaceutical manufacturers that threaten how 340B participants dispense drugs to patients in need.
Support for Letter:
Today's letter is supported by 340B Health, Ryan White Clinics for 340B Access, National Association of Community Health Centers, American Hospital Association, National Rural Health Association, Association of American Medical Colleges, America's Essential Hospitals, Children's Hospital Association, Catholic Health Association of the U.S., and AIDS United.
Overhauling the longstanding 340B discount model and replacing it with a rebate system will make it significantly more difficult and expensive for all 340B hospitals and community clinics to access 340B savings, and could result in denial of 340B pricing altogether,said Maureen Testoni, President and CEO, 340B Health.We appreciate the leadership of Rep. Axne and this large, bipartisan group of lawmakers standing up for 340B and urging Secretary Azar to take immediate action to protect 340B hospitals and the low-income patients who depend on them.
Thefull text of the letter can be found below:
Dear Secretary Azar,
We write to express our grave concern about measures being considered by drug manufacturers that threaten safety net providers' lawful access to discounted drugs through the 340B Program. It is doubly troubling that these actions, which threaten the needs of the most vulnerable patients and the integrity of the health care safety net, are occurring in the midst of a global pandemic. We urge you to take action to prevent significant changes to the program that could enable widespread noncompliance with manufacturers' statutory responsibility to provide discounted drugs to safety net providers.
Following the creation of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, Congress enacted the 340B Drug Pricing Program in 1992 with the intent to stretch scarce federal resources to reach more eligible patients and provide more comprehensive services. As you know, Section 340B of the Public Health Service Act requires drug manufacturers, in exchange for having their drugs covered by Medicaid and Medicare Part B, to enter into a pharmaceutical pricing agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) administers and oversees the program, including the authority to issue guidance and ensure compliance with 340B program requirements.
340B program covered entities  including Federally Qualified Health Centers, Ryan White HIV/AIDS Clinics, safety net hospitals, rural hospitals, and children's hospitals  help improve access to affordable prescription drugs and essential health services in underserved areas. Right now, these providers are also working to protect the health and safety of their patients as we combat COVID-19. The safety net providers in our districts have been good stewards of the 340B program, and it is critical they can continue to participate in the program to meet their communities' health care needs.
We are deeply concerned by reporting that Kalderos, a third-party vendor, is working with pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking to change how covered entities receive 340B drugs by shifting from a discount to a rebate formula. On September 8th, Kalderos announced the launch of 340B Pay, a software system it claims, allows manufacturers, covered entities and Medicaid agencies to work together to effectuate discounts compliantly and efficiently. However, unilaterally forcing 340B participants to purchase drugs at list price and then request rebates would give drug manufacturers tremendous leverage over covered entities.
This action is also inconsistent with HRSA's long-standing guidance that the 340B program is an up-front discount program. HRSA issued guidance in both 1993 and 1994 stating that discounts must be made available to 340B covered entities. In addition, HRSA has previously only allowed the use of a rebate model in a limited case, and only after issuing guidance through the notice-and-comment process and soliciting feedback from stakeholders.
This platform could make participation in 340B more difficult for covered entities, effectively reshaping the 340B program in a way that only serves manufacturers' and these third-party vendors' financial interests. These tactics open the door for significant compliance issues, threatening to put manufacturers in violation of their statutory obligation to provide 340B pricing.
With these concerns in mind, we request the following information by November 30, 2020:
 Has Kalderos, any other third-party vendor, or any drug company sought input from HHS regarding the use of a rebate model covered entities?
	What guidance has HHS provided to Kalderos, any other third-party vendors, or drug companies regarding the use of a rebate model for covered entities?
	What oversight, if any, would HRSA have into the operations of 340B Pay or similar third-party platforms that provide manufacturers with significantly more authority over the 340B program and jeopardize their compliance with 340B statutory requirements?
	What steps would be taken to ensure that drug companies not deny 340B pricing to covered entities and that covered entities would be able to access 340B pricing in a timely manner and without facing unnecessary administrative or financial burden?
 We are deeply concerned that the use of a rebate model could threaten the ability of covered entities to access 340B savings and provide accessible, affordable prescription drugs and critical health care services to millions of low-income Americans the 340B program is intended to serve. To protect safety net providers and their patients, we urge you to make clear that manufacturers may not implement a 340B rebate model without approval from HRSA. Further, we urge HRSA not to approve the use of a rebate model without first soliciting feedback and publishing guidance through the notice-and-comment process, consistent with past actions by HRSA.
Thank you for your prompt attention to these matters.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-applauds-three-central-iowa-businesses-recognized-hiring-iowa-s,Rep. Axne Applauds Three Central Iowa Businesses Recognized for Hiring Iowa’s Veterans,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03)applauded three central Iowa businesses recognized for their commitment to employing veterans through awards from the U.S. Department of Labor.
I know our Iowa veterans havethe grit, skills, and work ethic that can help any business grow and compete,said Rep. Axne.It is great to see we have three employers from central Iowa recognized for their commitment to hiring Iowa's veterans.
Earlier today,two Des Moines businesses and one Urbandale business received Gold level awards from the Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
The businesses recognized from Iowa's Third Congressional District are:
 Clarklift of Des Moines, Inc. of Des Moines
	Johnsrud Transport, Inc. of Des Moines
	Titan Roofing and Exteriors of Urbandale
 Established by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act), the HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the onlyfederalprogram that recognizes and honors job creators for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our Nation's veterans.
Rep. Axne is committed to making sure veterans and servicemembers can find employment after their service.
Earlier this year,she introduced bipartisan legislationto expand skills training and certifications for National Guard and Reserve members. The Transition for Success Act also helps connects veterans with some of the best employers in the country, which is why the legislation wassupportedby Amazon, Microsoft, and many more.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-congratulates-first-district-businesses-veteran-hiring-award,Finkenauer Congratulates First District Businesses for Veteran Hiring Award,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Tuesday congratulated Circle Computer Resources of Cedar Rapids and Marion Process Solutions of Marion for their recognition as Platinum Medallion awardees under the U.S. Department of Labor's HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
The companies earned the recognition for hiring or retaining military veterans as employees. They were honored on Tuesday afternoon in a virtual ceremony organized by the Department of Labor.
As we prepare to observe and celebrate Veterans Day, it's incredible to see local businesses earn this national recognition for their commitment to hiring military veterans, Congresswoman Finkenauer said. Veterans bring skill, commitment and valuable perspective to the workplace when they're given the opportunity. Congratulations to Circle Computer Resources and Marion Process Solutions for this recognition, and thank you for helping Iowa veterans succeed.
Circle Computer Resources received a platinum HIRE Vets Medallion awarded to medium-sized companies with 51-499 employees. Marion Process Solutions earned the platinum medallion for small businesses with under 50 employees. To meet the criteria for a platinum medallion, at least 10 percent of the companies' new hires in 2019 had to be veterans, or they had to retain at least 85 percent of veteran workers for at least a year and maintain a workforce comprised of at least 10 percent veterans.
Additional HIRE Vets Medallion Award criteria can be found here.
Background on the HIRE Vets Medallion Program:
Established by the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act), the HIRE Vets Medallion Program is the only federal program that recognizes and honors job creators for their investments in recruiting, employing, and retaining our Nation's veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-questions-doj-biden-family-fara-compliance-stemming-business-deals,Grassley Questions DOJ on Biden Family FARA Compliance Stemming from Business Deals with Chinese Communist-Backed Energy Tycoons,2020-11-10,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on the Justice Department to evaluate whether Hunter and James Biden should have registered as foreign agents for their business arrangements with the Chinese government-back energy company CEFC. The company was actively seeking to build influence in the United States when it partnered with the Bidens.  The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a content-neutral law that promotes transparency by requiring individuals to register with the Justice Department if they are acting as an agent of a foreign government or enterprise to influence U.S. policy or public opinion. In a letter to Attorney General William Barr, Grassley is seeking details on what steps, if any, the Justice Department has taken to determine whether the Bidens complied with FARA.  When the available evidence is taken as a whole, it is clear that CEFC intended to make inroads in the United States for the purpose of expanding its business and used Hunter Biden and his business associates to help effectuate that intent. In pursuit of its goals, it appears that CEFC may have taken action to influence U.S. policy and public opinion in its favor and gain access to several U.S. politicians in an attempt to curry favor for potential business transactions, Grassley wrote. Grassley has long raised concerns about the Justice Department's sparse and selective FARA enforcement, which is designed to aid policymakers in understanding the origins and beneficiaries of foreign influence campaigns. As then-Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Grassleyraised concernsabout lax FARA enforcement in 2015 regarding lobbying work by former Clinton administration officials for a Georgian political party, and again in 2016 regarding aRussian effortto overturn U.S. sanctions. Grassley alsoraised concernsabout work for Ukrainians by Paul Manafort and the Podesta Group. Grassley held a hearingon the issue where Paul Manafort wassubpoenaedto testify. Manafort was laterindictedfor FARA violations. Grassley also raised FARA concerns related to influence by Confucius Institutes on college campuses and reporting in the United States by foreign state-owned media outlets. In 2019, Grassley introduced the bipartisan Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act to strengthen FARA compliance and enforcement.  November 9, 2020  VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION  The Honorable William Barr Attorney General United States Department of Justice Washington, D.C. 20220  Dear Attorney General Barr: For several years, in both the Obama and Trump administrations, I have conducted oversight of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) lax and selective enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).[1] In April 2015, I began my FARA oversight activities and, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, I held a FARA oversight hearing in July 2017. Based on the findings of my oversight activities, I've also introduced the bipartisan Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act (S.1762) to shore up the law.[2] FARA is an important statute that was designed not to prohibit activity but rather to require individuals to register with the DOJ if they are acting as an agent of a foreign government or enterprise to influence U.S. policy or public opinion. This helps ensure transparency and accountability in the public policy arena. FARA is a content-neutral law and does not require any entity or individual to refrain from certain types of speech or activities.Proper enforcement of, and compliance with, FARA remains a top priority of mine as foreign governments and enterprises continue to use agents within the United States as conduits to lobby for policy changes and engage in public relations activity for the benefit of foreign principals.[3] Sometimes, however, certain relationships appear to operate outside of the transparency requirements and spirit of FARA. For example, based on recently released emails, texts, and my recent report with Senator Johnson on conflicts of interest relating to Hunter Biden's financial activities and those of his business associates, it appears that he and his uncle, James Biden, had significant connections to CEFC China Energy Co. Ltd. (CEFC).[4] The records also show that CEFC was an extension of the Chinese government and that CEFC intended to alter U.S. policy and public opinion to its benefit and that the Chinese government would be the principal beneficiary of those actions. The apparent relationships came to light not through proper FARA registration but only through the work of my oversight activities and through recent media revelations.Recently released emails relating to Hunter Biden, James Biden, and their business associates show their close financial and business relationship with CEFC and Ye Jianming. Ye Jianming is a Chinese national, chairman of CEFC, and a frequent figure in Hunter Biden's financial dealings in China. Based on public reports that were available in 2015, when his contact with Hunter Biden began to ramp up, Ye was a founder of CEFC and chairman of the board for its subsidiary, the China Energy Fund Committee.[5] Although CEFC reportedly remained a private company until state-owned enterprises assumed control of it in 2018, reporting in 2017 indicated that it received financing from the China Development Bank, hired a number of former top officials from state-owned energy companies, and had layers of Communist Party committees across its subsidiaries  more than at many private Chinese companies.[6] My recent report with Senator Johnson also showed that Ye had connections not just to the communist party in China, but also China's People's Liberation Army, the armed forces of the Chinese communist party.[7]In addition, recently released information shows that CEFC's corporate mission was, [t]o expand cooperation in the international energy economy and contribute to the national development.[8] Indeed, those same records state that CEFC is dedicating itself to serving China's national energy strategy, developing national strategic reserves [for oil], and [p]artnering with centrally-administered and state-owned enterprises[.][9] Those records also make clear that CEFC was an extension of the communist Chinese government:At the time, China was hungry for crude, but its state-backed companies were having difficulty closing some deals abroad. The optics of China's state-backed giants marching into a country to buy and extract oil weren't great for central Asian politicians. This paved the way for private firms like CEFC, which can strike oil deals in Europe and the Middle East where Chinese State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) could bring political liabilities.[10]That same document also states that CEFC is building an energy storage and logistics system in Europe to connect China, Europe and the Middle East which would then [serve] China's ambitions to have overseas storage locations connected with world markets.[11] CEFC was the perfect vehicle to bring financial benefits to the communist regime under the guise of a private sector company.[12] CEFC is clearly a foreign principal as defined by FARA and Hunter Biden's and James Biden's work for CEFC directly benefitted the communist Chinese government thereby making them potential agents of that government.Ye was not the only foreign agent that Hunter Biden associated with from CEFC. Chi Ping Patrick Ho, a business associate of Ye's and CEFC, was charged and convicted of international bribery and money laundering offenses stemming from his work for the CEFC-backed China Energy Fund Committee.[13] After his arrest, his first call was reportedly to James Biden.[14] Hunter Biden reportedly represented Patrick Ho for a period of time and received at least $1 million for his representation.[15] According to recent reporting, the federal government obtained at least one FISA warrant on Patrick Ho, indicating his potential counterintelligence threat to the United States.[16] Indeed, Hunter Biden was well aware of Patrick Ho's links to the communist Chinese government, specifically its intelligence services. According to records reportedly released from Hunter Biden's laptop, Hunter Biden said the following,  I have another New York Times reporter calling about my representation of Patrick Ho  the f***ing spy chief of China who started the company that my partner, who is worth $323 billion, founded and is now missing.[17]Hunter Biden's reference to his partner is an apparent reference to Ye. Before Ye disappeared, he and CEFC had been looking to do business in the United States and his efforts were in line with the communist Chinese government's goal to [prioritize] economic development as the central task' and the force that drives China's modernization across all areas, including its armed forces.[18] Hunter Biden's position of influence and connections to Chinese business interests, which were further strengthened while his father was vice president, most likely appealed to Ye, a man who The New York Times has since described as [wanting] access to the corridors of power in Washington.[19] It has also been reported that CEFC donated $100,000 to the Clinton Foundation, presumably as part of that public influence effort.[20]Based on recently released records, Ye and Hunter Biden formed a lucrative financial relationship that resulted in Hunter Biden receiving millions of dollars while Ye and CEFC gained inroads to lucrative U.S. investment opportunities.[21] For example, records show that Hunter Biden had an arrangement to receive a $10 million annual fee from Ye based on introductions alone.[22] As part of Hunter Biden's efforts to assist Ye, he reportedly began working on a deal for Ye that involved a $40 million investment in a natural gas project on Monkey Island in Louisiana that reportedly fell through in 2018.[23] On Aug. 8, 2017, CEFC Infrastructure Investment wired $5 million to the bank account for Hudson West III.[24] It is unclear whether Hunter Biden was half-owner of Hudson West III at that time. However, starting on Aug. 8, the same day the $5 million was received, and continuing through Sept. 25, 2018, Hudson West III sent frequent payments to Owasco, Hunter Biden's firm.[25] These payments, which were described as consulting fees, reached $4,790,375.25 in just over a year.[26] According to public comments by Mr. Bobulinski, the Chinese saw Hunter Biden as a political or influence investment.[27]Mr. Bobulinski's assessment is supported by an email reportedly sent by James Biden on May 15, 2017, to which Biden attached a list of contacts in the United States called Key domestic contacts for phase one target projects.[28] That list included influential Democratic politicians like New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris.[29] James Biden also reportedly sent a second list for overseas contacts called Foreign Contacts for development projects (mainly phase two).[30] This list included various world leaders like former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, former Argentinian President Mauricio Macri, and Mexico's Carlos Slim, considered to be one of the world's wealthiest individuals.[31]These lists of politicians were created as a way to focus the Bidens' efforts to create connections that would help them close deals for CEFC. A report by The New York Times quoted former President Carter's national security advisor about CEFC's financial efforts, [t]hey were looking to do business deals in the energy space and they were looking for connections to help them do that.[32] In order for Ye to succeed with future business in the United States, he had to, as The New York Times stated, build influence.[33] Based on the recently released records, that is exactly what Hunter Biden and James Biden were supposed to do for CEFC. Accordingly, it appears that Hunter and James Biden, based on their family name and political influence, were agents of CEFC, as both had planned roles with CEFC's investment vehicles and engaged in efforts to seal financial deals for Ye and CEFC, which would ultimately benefit the communist Chinese government. Based on additional emails and texts that have recently been made public, it appears that Hunter Biden had concerns about registering under FARA, as well as potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, based on his association with CEFC. On May 1, 2017, Hunter Biden reportedly said in reference to his work for CEFC, No matter what it will need to be a US company at some level in order for us to make bids on federal and state funded projects. Also We [sic] don't want to have to register as foreign agents under the FCPA which is much more expansive than people who should know choose not to know. James has very particular opinions about this so I would ask him about the foreign entity.[34] When the available evidence is taken as a whole, it is clear that CEFC intended to make inroads in the United States for the purpose of expanding its business and used Hunter Biden and his business associates to help effectuate that intent. In pursuit of its goals, it appears that CEFC may have taken action to influence U.S. policy and public opinion in its favor and gain access to several U.S. politicians in an attempt to curry favor for potential business transactions. The DOJ issued a press release when it required RT, a Russian state-owned broadcasting network, to register as a foreign agent and said the following: Americans have a right to know who is acting in the United States to influence the U.S. government or public on behalf of foreign principals. The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing FARA and expects compliance with the law by all entities engaged in specified activities on behalf of any foreign principal, regardless of its nationality.[35] Further, that same press release said: Congress passed FARA in 1938, intending to ensure that the American public and our lawmakers know the source of information that is provided at the behest of a foreign principal, where that information may be intended to influence U.S. public opinion, policy and laws.[36] Based on the information acquired to date, CEFC was controlled by a foreign government, received financial support therefrom, and may have engaged in activity to influence the U.S. Government and public for the benefit of the communist Chinese government. Accordingly, the actions by Hunter Biden and James Biden on behalf of CEFC, Ye Jianming, and other officers connected to CEFC, potentially make them agents of the Chinese government for purposes of longstanding public disclosure laws. The American public deserves to know when foreign entities are operating in and attempting to influence U.S. policy and public opinion.  Accordingly, I request that the DOJ review the evidence to determine if the actions undertaken by Hunter Biden and James Biden for CEFC, Ye Jianming, and other individuals linked to the communist Chinese government, constitute activity that requires registration under FARA. In addition, please answer the following no later than November 23, 2020: What actions has the DOJ taken to assess whether Hunter Biden, James Biden, and their corporate entities or employees should have registered under FARA for work on behalf of the Chinese government or other foreign governments or foreign principals?  Has the DOJ sent a letter of inquiry or letter of determination to Hunter Biden or James Biden? If so, please provide a copy. If not, why not?  Under 28 C.F.R.  5.2, any present or prospective agent of a foreign entity may request an advisory opinion from the Justice Department regarding the need to register. Did Hunter Biden, James Biden, or any of their employees or affiliates ever request an advisory opinion from DOJ on whether they would be required to register as foreign agents under FARA based on their activity related to CEFC, or with any other foreign entity? If so, please provide a copy of the request and opinion.  Please provide all prosecutorial memoranda, correspondence between DOJ, Hunter Biden, James Biden, and all reports and summaries of interviews relating to any potential obligations to register under FARA, or other criminal activity for which the DOJ and FBI are reviewing their conduct.  I anticipate that your written reply and most responsive documents will be unclassified. Please send all unclassified material directly to the Committee. In keeping with the requirements of Executive Order 13526, if any of the responsive documents do contain classified information, please segregate all unclassified material within the classified documents, provide all unclassified information directly to the Committee, and provide a classified addendum to the Office of Senate Security. Although the Committee complies with all laws and regulations governing the handling of classified information, it is not bound, absent its prior agreement, by any handling restrictions.  Thank you for your attention to this request. Should you have any questions, please contact Joshua Flynn-Brown of my Committee staff at 202-224-4515.  Sincerely,  Charles E. Grassley Chairman Committee on Finance  [1] The FARA requires individuals to register with the Department of Justice (DOJ) if they act, even through an intermediary, as an agent, representative, employee, or servant or in any other capacity at the behest of a foreign principal, including a foreign political party, government, or corporation, for purposes of engagement with a United States official to influence U.S. policy or the public. The registration applies to anyone who attempts to influence a U.S. government official on behalf of a foreign principal in an effort to formulat[e], adopt[], or chang[e] the domestic or foreign policies of the United States. Likewise, an individual whose activities are subject to registration under FARA and who sends informational material for or in the interest of [a] foreign principal with the intent or belief that such material will be circulated among at least two persons must transmit the material to the Attorney General no later than 48 hours after actual transmission. Notably, an ongoing failure to register with the DOJ is a continuing offense. See 22 U.S.C.  611.  The term foreign principal includes - (1) a government of a foreign country and a foreign political party; (2) a person outside of the United States, unless it is established that such person is an individual and a citizen of and domiciled within the United States, or that such person is not an individual and is organized under or created by the laws of the United States or of any State or other place subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and has its principal place of business within the United States; and (3) a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country.[2] See Foreign Agents Disclosure and Registration Enhancement Act of 2019, S. 1762, 116th Cong. (2019).[3] Dep't of Justice, Recent FARA cases, (Nov. 13, 2019), https://www.justice.gov/nsd-fara/recent-cases.[4] S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns (2020). https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/johnson-grassley-release-report-on-conflicts-of-interest-investigation.[5] See J. Michael Cole, Unstoppable: China's Secret Plan to Subvert Taiwan, The National Interest (Mar. 23, 2015), https://nationalinterest.org/feature/unstoppable-chinas-secret-plan-subvert-taiwan-12463. See, S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns (2020).[6] Chen Aizhu and Jan Lopatka, China's CEFC has big ambitions, but little known about ownership, funding, Reuters (Jan. 12, 2017), https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cefc-china/chinas-cefc-has-big-ambitions-but-little-known-about-ownership-funding-idUSKBN14X0B5; see Confidential Document 7 (on file with Comms.).[7] See S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns (2020).[8] Ye Jianming & CEFC China Energy Company Limited, An Introduction, at 2, Prepared by James A. Gilliar of EEI Group (emphasis added).[12] Andrew C. McCarthy, A Collusion Tale: China and the Bidens, National Review (Oct. 31, 2020), https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/10/a-collusion-tale-the-bidens-and-china/.[14] Alexandra Stevenson, David Barboza, Matthew Goldstein, and Paul Mozur, A Chinese Tycoon Sought Power and Influence. Washington Responded., The New York Times (Dec. 12, 2018), https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/business/cefc-biden-china-washington-ye-jianming.html.[15] S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns at 79 (2020).[16] Chuck Ross, Feds Obtained FISA Warrant Against Hunter Biden's Chinese Business Associate, Documents Show, Daily Caller (Oct. 27, 2020), https://dailycaller.com/2020/10/27/hunter-biden-patrick-ho-cefc-fara/.[18] Dep't of Def., Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China, (2020) https://media.defense.gov/2020/Sep/01/2002488689/-1/-1/1/2020-DOD-CHINA-MILITARY-POWER-REPORT-FINAL.PDF.[19] Alexandra Stevenson, David Barboza, Matthew Goldstein, and Paul Mozur, A Chinese Tycoon Sought Power and Influence. Washington Responded., The New York Times (Dec. 12, 2018), https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/business/cefc-biden-china-washington-ye-jianming.html.[21] James Biden also financially benefitted from his association with Hunter Biden and Gongwen Dong, a Ye business associate. As my joint report with Senator Johnson notes, Hunter Biden opened a line of credit with Gongwen Dong for approximately $100,000 and credit cards were issued to Hunter, James Biden, and his wife, Sara Biden, for a global shopping spree. CEFC entities also transferred approximately $4.8 million to Hunter Biden's law firm, Owasco and Owasco transferred approximately $1.4 million to James Biden's firm, the Lion Hall Group. Sara Biden refused to answer the bank's questions about the transaction and the bank submitted the account for closure. Gongwen Dong-linked Hudson West III LLC sent approximately $76,000 to the Lion Hall Group. See, S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns at 79 (2020).[22] Emma-Jo MorrisandGabrielle Fonrouge, Emails reveal how Hunter Biden tried to cash in big on behalf of family with Chinese firm, New York Post, (Oct. 15, 2020), https://nypost.com/2020/10/15/emails-reveal-how-hunter-biden-tried-to-cash-in-big-with-chinese-firm/.[23] See, S. Rep., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns, S. Comm. on Homeland Sec. and Governmental Aff. and S. Comm. on Fin., 116th Cong., Hunter Biden, Burisma, and Corruption: The Impact on U.S. Government Policy and Related Concerns at 76 (2020).[24] Confidential Document 7 (on file with Comm.).[25] Confidential Document 7 (on file with Comm.).[26] Confidential Document 7 (on file with Comm.); Confidential Document 11 (on file with Comms.).[27] Paul Sperry, Senate Panel Investigating Hunter Biden's Failure to Register as Foreign Agent, Real Clear Investigations (Oct. 27, 2020), https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2020/10/27/senate_probes_hunter_bidens_failure_to_register_as_foreign_agent_125798.html.[28] Email from Jim Biden to James Gilliar and cc'ing Hunter Biden, Tony Bobulinski, and Rob Walker (May 15, 2017).[30] Email from Jim Biden to James Gilliar and cc'ing Hunter Biden, Tony Bobulinski, and Rob Walker (May 15, 2017) with attached document dated May 15, 2017, titled Re: Foreign Contacts for development projects (mainly phase two).[32] Alexandra Stevenson, David Barboza, Matthew Goldstein, and Paul Mozur, A Chinese Tycoon Sought Power and Influence. Washington Responded., The New York Times (Dec. 12, 2018), https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/12/business/cefc-biden-china-washington-ye-jianming.html.[34] Joseph Simonson, Hunter Biden aimed to avoid violating Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in pursuit of Chinese business deal, Washington Examiner (Oc. 27, 2020). https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/hunter-biden-aimed-to-avoid-violating-foreign-corrupt-practices-act-in-pursuit-of-chinese-business-deal[35] Press Release, Dep't of Justice, Production Company Registers Under the Foreign Agent Registration Act as Agent for the Russian Government Entity Responsible for Broadcasting RT (Nov. 13, 2017). https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/production-company-registers-under-foreign-agent-registration-act-agent-russian-government-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-current-surge-covid-19-iowa,Rep. Axne Statement on Current Surge of COVID-19 in Iowa,2020-11-09,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on the spiking case counts and hospitalizations related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Iowa:
Over the past month,therepeatedly shattered records of new COVID-19 cases,thepositivity rates, hospitalizations, andoutbreaks in congregate living facilities have erased any ability for Iowans to think that this virus is under control in our state.
It is clear that current tactics aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Iowa are not sufficient to stop this latest and most deadly surge of the virus.
Urging personal responsibility is the job of every Iowan when speaking to their friends and neighbors but in the face of a 50% surge in total cases in the past month and a deeply disturbing spike in hospitalizations, real and direct action must be taken to reverse this trend.
Three weeks ago, when hospitalizations were at half of the current level, Rep. Axne called on Iowa's public health and emergency management leadership to provide information on contingency plans available in case of hospital bed shortages.
Rep. Axne has previously called for Iowa to follow recommendations of the White House Coronavirus Task Force and implement a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of COVID-19.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-urges-agreement-covid-19-relief-end-year,Axne Urges Agreement on COVID-19 Relief Before End of Year,2020-11-05,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) continued her efforts pushing leaders in Washington to finalize an agreement on coronavirus (COVID-19) relief and stimulus before the end of the year and the closing of the 116th Congress.
In a new letter to President Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Axne highlighted the continued strain facing Iowa's families and businesses and the rising case counts burdening Iowa's assisted living facilities.
With two months remaining in the 116th Congress, I urge you to act swiftly to reach a full agreement to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to Americans who are suffering from the economic fallout, wrote Rep. Axne. It has now been more than seven months since the CARES Act became law, and the lack of action on COVID relief since then has resulted in thousands of businesses closing their doors, millions of Americans worrying about their economic future, and has diminished our ability to effectively respond to this crisis. Now that campaigning has concluded, we must come together and pass a meaningful package of assistance for Americans.
In her letter, Rep. Axne also highlights additional provisions of federal coronavirus relief that will expire at the end of the year should additional action not be taken.
The public health risks that have ledthe CDC to issue eviction moratoriums during this crisis will only be exacerbated by the winter, and the CDC's moratorium also expires in December, wrote Rep. Axne. Families will need support to get through the winter and to prevent a wave of evictions in January. Anyone who has experienced the winter in Iowa knows that heat is not optional, and we must help pay heating and utility bills to save lives.
The full text of her letter can be found below here:
Dear President Trump, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McConnell,
With two months remaining in the 116th Congress, I urge you to act swiftly to reach a full agreement to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to Americans who are suffering from the economic fallout. Not only is a relief package desperately overdue to the American people, but we are seeing cases of COVID-19 rapidly rising around the country. With the coming winter confining folks inside more and more, we must be ready to support our hospitals, health care workers, small businesses, and all Americans in these upcoming times.
The Midwest, including my home state of Iowa, is seeing record numbers of cases of COVID-19 with no end in sight. Doctors and health experts have warned us for months that the winter season will only make things more difficult. There is concern that a flu outbreak could create dual epidemics that our health care systems cannot handle. The dramatic spikes in our assisted living and nursing home facilities are resulting in some of the highest infection and death rates across the country. The public health risks that have led Governors and the CDC to issue eviction moratoriums during this crisis will only be exacerbated by the winter, and the CDC's moratorium also expires in December. Families will need support to get through the winter and to prevent a wave of evictions in January. Anyone who has experienced the winter in Iowa knows that heat is not optional, and we must help pay heating and utility bills to save lives.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Congress was quick to act. However, it has now been more than seven months since the CARES Act became law, and the lack of action on COVID relief since then has resulted in thousands of businesses closing their doors, millions of Americans worrying about their economic future, and has diminished our ability to effectively respond to this crisis. Now that campaigning has concluded, we must come together and pass a meaningful package of assistance for Americans.
The vast majority of the aid from the CARES Act has already been distributed, and the support it provided is rapidly fading. Vital support for families - including the $1,200 rebates and enhanced unemployment benefits - have expired, leading to an estimated 8 million more Americans living in poverty in September than in May. The struggle those families are experiencing is especially tragic because it could have been avoided had we acted sooner to pass additional COVID relief, before the additional unemployment benefits expired. The expiration of enhanced unemployment benefits cut the incomes of more than 20 million Americans by $600 a week at a time when they desperately needed our support. We now face the December 31st expiration of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits that have allowed the self-employed and gig workers to receive aid during this crisis; that same expiration looms for the extended benefits which have offered continuing support for those who have been unemployed for more than 6 months.
Our small businesses are similarly struggling. While the Paycheck Protection Program provided critical aid to pay bills for 8 weeks, it's been clear for months now that more assistance is needed. More than 40% of restaurants may go out of business by March, and that forecast is likely to get worse as we enter the winter and outdoor dining ends. Further, the typical holiday travel and retail season which many businesses depend on will be weakened.
There is no campaigning left to distract and detract from negotiations; Americans cannot wait longer for aid. I urge you to finalize a COVID relief package expeditiously so that we can contain the spread of this virus and ensure that no American must fear homelessness, economic insecurity, job loss or business closure during this year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-announces-staff-fall-office-hours-36-counties,Grassley Announces Staff Fall Office Hours in 36 Counties,2020-11-04,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA  Sen. Chuck Grassley's (R-Iowa) regional directors based in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Davenport, Des Moines and Council Bluffs will hold traveling office hours in 36 counties around Iowa throughout November. Iowans seeking assistance regarding a personal issue with a federal agency or wishing to share concerns on matters of federal policy may stop by during the scheduled hours.  These meetings will follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the state of Iowa. Participants are encouraged to wear face masks or coverings and are required to follow all social distancing guidelines. Grassley is represented by his regional directors, Jacob Bossman, Rochelle Fuller, Penny Vacek, Donna Barry and Adam DoBraska, and he will not be in attendance.  Grassley's state offices regularly help constituents contact federal agencies to resolve problems with Social Security payments, military service matters, immigration cases and other issues.  My top priority is serving the people of Iowa. Traveling office hours is one way of doing that. My staff helps Iowans with issues they may have with the federal government, and I hope anyone experiencing problems will use this resource, Grassley said. Due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, some areas in the state may put in place new meeting requirements or restrictions. Please refer to our website for the most updated information regarding each meeting HERE. The schedule is as follows:  Thursday, November 5  Regional Director Jacob Bossman:   O'Brien County 9:30 a.m.  10:30 a.m. Paullina City Hall 127 S Main St. Paullina  Osceola County 11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m. Ashton State Bank 317 3rd St. Ashton  Lyon County 2 p.m.  3 p.m. Forster Community Center 405 S. 2nd Ave. Rock Rapids  Tuesday, November 10  Regional Director Jacob Bossman:   Ida County 9:15 a.m.  10:15 a.m. Galva City Hall 116 S. Main St. Galva  Sac County 11 a.m.  12 p.m. Lake View City Hall 305 Main St. Lake View  Buena Vista County 2 p.m.  3 p.m.  Newell City Hall 207 E. 2nd St. Newell  Regional Director Rochelle Fuller:  Clayton County 10 a.m.  11 a.m.  Strawberry Point Library 401 Commercial St. Strawberry Point  Allamakee County 2 p.m.  3 p.m.  Community Center 115 Main St. Waterville  Delaware County 4:45 p.m.  5:45 p.m.  Delhi Public Library 316 Franklin St. Delhi  Friday, November 13   Regional Director Rochelle Fuller:  Mahaska County 9 a.m.  10 a.m.  Fremont Community Center 215 E. Main St. Fremont  Keokuk County 2 p.m.  3 p.m.  Henshaw Memorial Shelter Across from City Hall Richland  Poweshiek County 4 p.m.  5 p.m.  Montezuma Public Library 500 Main St. Montezuma  Monday, November 16  Regional Director Rochelle Fuller:  Dubuque County 10 a.m.  11 a.m.  Cascade Public Library 301 1st. Ave. W. Cascade  Jones County 12:30 p.m.  1:30 p.m.  Martelle City Hall 210 Iowa St. Martelle  Regional Director Penny Vacek:  Jefferson County 9 a.m.  10 a.m.  Fairfield City Hall Council Chambers 118 S. Main St. Fairfield  Wapello County 11 a.m.  12 p.m. Ottumwa City Hall Council Chambers 105 3rd St. E. Ottumwa  Davis County 1 p.m.  2 p.m. Davis County Development Corporation Conference Room 110 E. Jefferson St. Bloomfield  Tuesday, November 17  Regional Director Adam DoBraska:  Boone County  8 a.m.  9 a.m. Boone County Courthouse 1st Floor Conference Room 201 State St. Boone  Story County  11 a.m.  12 p.m. Story County Administration Building 1st Floor Assessors Conference Room 900 6th St. Nevada  Regional Director Penny Vacek:  Lee County 10:30 a.m.  11:30 a.m. Fort Madison City Hall Council Chambers 811 Ave. E Fort Madison  Van Buren County 1 p.m.  2 p.m. Villages of Van Buren Conference Room 809 1st St. Keosauqua  Regional Director Rochelle Fuller:  Washington County 11 a.m.  12 p.m.  Kalona Public Library  510 C Ave. Kalona  Johnson County 2 p.m.  3 p.m.  The Depot Express 220 N. Augusta Ave. Oxford  Regional Director Donna Barry:  Harrison County 2 p.m.  3 p.m. Missouri Valley Public Library 420 E. Huron St. Missouri Valley  Monona County 4 p.m.  5 p.m. Onawa Public Library 707 Iowa Ave. Onawa  Wednesday, November 18  Regional Director Penny Vacek:  Clinton County 8:30 a.m.  9:30 a.m. Lost Nation Elwood Telephone Company Community Room 304 Long Ave. Lost Nation  Jackson County 10 a.m.  11 a.m. Maquoketa YMCA Multipurpose Room 500 East Summit St. Maquoketa  Regional Director Rochelle Fuller:  Tama County 9 a.m.  10 a.m.  Tama City Hall 305 Siegel St. Tama  Benton County 11 a.m.  12 p.m.  Belle Plaine City Hall 1207 8th Ave. Belle Plaine  Iowa County 1:30 p.m.  2:30 p.m.  Amana Convention & Visitors Bureau 622 46th Ave. Amana  Linn County 3:30 p.m.  4:30 p.m.  Ely Public Library 1595 Dows St. Ely  Thursday, November 19  Regional Director Adam DoBraska:  Union County 8:30 a.m.  9:30 a.m. Creston-Union County Law Enforcement Center Conference Room 302 N. Pine St. Creston  Madison County  11:30 a.m.  12:30 p.m. Madison County Annex Building Board of Supervisor's Office 201 W. Court Ave. Winterset  Regional Director Donna Barry:  Audubon County 9 a.m.  10 a.m. Audubon County Economic Development office 800 Market St. Audubon  Shelby County 11 a.m.  12 p.m. Shelby County Court House Meeting room 612 Court St. Harlan  Cass County 2 p.m.  3 p.m.  Cass County Court House Meeting room 5 W. 7th St. Atlantic  Friday, November 20  Regional Director Donna Barry:  Carroll County 11 a.m.  12 p.m. Carroll County Court House Meeting room 114 E. 6th St. Carroll  Crawford County 1 p.m.  2 p.m. Crawford County Court House 1st floor conference room 1202 Broadway St. Denison -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-rural-development-funds-three-northeastern-iowa,Finkenauer Announces Rural Development Funds for Three Northeastern Iowa Communities,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced on Monday three new USDA Rural Development Project loans to improve sewer and wastewater systems in Northeastern Iowa.
""Improving infrastructure in our communities is critical and we must continue to support the projects that will make a real difference, especially in rural Iowa, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. I am happy to see three important projects receiving support from the USDA and look forward to seeing the improvement in Iowans' daily lives and in economic development for these communities.""
The USDA Rural Development funds will be distributed as follows:
Eastern Iowa Regional Utilities Service (EIRUSS)
The Eastern Iowa Regional Utilities Service (EIRUSS) will receive a total of $1,863,000 ($700,000 loan and $1,163,000 grant) from the USDA to construct a community sewer system for the unsewered community of Petersburg.
City of North English
The City of North English will receive a $610,000 grant to help complete improvements already in progress to the City of North English's existing wastewater system. Project funds will help construct a 3-cell aerated lagoon to replace the existing treatment plant, add Ultraviolet disinfection, install new lining of the collection system, replace a lift station and replace deteriorated service lines that are contributing to infiltration and inflow.
Winneshiek County
Winneshiek County will receive a $76,000 loan to complete sewer system infrastructure improvements that are already in progress. Project funds will help to upgrade existing sewer system pumps, controls and the electrical system. These improvements will ensure proper system operation and meet peak demands and provide higher quality water pressure for the 166 residents of the surrounding community.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-usda-rural-development-grant-eastern-iowa,Finkenauer Announces USDA Rural Development Grant for Eastern Iowa,2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced on Monday a $180,000 USDA Rural Development grant for East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) in Dubuque, Iowa. The grant will help expand technical assistance and training in the ECIA service area.
""Providing access to training opens up more opportunity in our communities by ensuring Iowans are ready to be hired for good-paying jobs, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.""I'm happy to see this investment in Dubuque and excited for the new opportunities that will come from the training and assistance ECIA will provide.""
This Rural Development investment will be used to assist East Central Intergovernmental Association in providing technical assistance and training of 18 recipients in its service area. ECIA may provide assistance and training in education, health services, community services and access to global markets. All training will be one-on-one and group sessions.
The East Central Intergovernmental Association serves Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson counties.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-completes-2020-social-media-series-cornwatch-soybeanwatch,"Grassley Completes 2020 Social Media Series #CornWatch, #SoybeanWatch",2020-11-02,2020,2020-11,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a family farmer, completed his two social media series called #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch for 2020. The annual series gives followers an inside look at farming operations on the Grassley family farm in New Hartford, Iowa. Over the course of 28 weeks, he highlighted the progression, from planting to harvest, of the farm's corn and soybean crops.  Most people have never stepped foot on a family farm, let alone know about all the complexities that go into planting, growing and harvesting a bountiful crop. The purpose of my #CornWatch and #SoybeanWatch series is to highlight how only 2 percent of Americans do the work that feeds and fuels the world.  The process of seeing a crop from beginning to end is one that many wouldn't 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 my series and how important farming is to our country's success, Grassley said. As one of only two farmers in the United States 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. Grassley has been a steadfast proponent of theRenewable Fuel Standard. He's continued to act as a watchdog over the EPA and work with President Trump and his administration so the agency does not undercut ethanol and biodiesel production. Grassley's also been a champion for the biodiesel industry, ensuring that thebiodiesel tax creditwas guaranteed by Congress through 2022.Iowa farmers have had a particularly difficult year due to market disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the severe derecho storm that hit the state and drought. Grassley worked with his colleagues while crafting federal pandemic relief legislation to ensure farmers weren't left behind, including providing an additional $14 billion for the Commodity Credit Corporation and $9.5 billion specifically for agricultural producers.Following the derecho, Grassley visited Cedar Rapids to meet with residents affected by the storm and local officials to discuss their response. He then partnered with Senator Ernst (R-Iowa), Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Trump administration to ensure Iowa families, small businesses and farmers were getting support. This is the third year in a row that Grassley has featured his #CornWatch series and the second year in a row of the #SoybeanWatch series which he shared with his social media followers. Grassley created both of these series to help provide additional education about the important crops to Iowa. To see Grassley's #CornWatch series in its entirety, clickHERE.To see Grassley's #SoybeanWatch series in its entirety, clickHERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-social-security-0,Q&A: Social Security,2020-10-30,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Q&A: Social Security With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q: Is there a plan in Congress to defund Social Security? A: No. Every few years, almost like clockwork, there are claims that there are serious proposals to destroy the Social Security program that so many of our seniors and workers on disability have invested in and depend on to make ends meet. This year is no exception. Let me set the record straight. No legislation whatsoever exists to eliminate payroll taxes or defund Social Security. Any attempt to distort the truth to manipulate and scare seniors and American workers on disability is wrong. Thankfully, Iowans are an astute electorate who carry forward a strong legacy of civic engagement and informed views, so I don't expect that Iowans will be taken in by tactics like these. The reality is there is a strong commitment on both sides of the aisle  among Republicans and Democrats alike  to keep the Social Security program intact and on sound financial footing. When it comes to Social Security, I will always work to uphold the social contract that guarantees hard-earned benefits to seniors for generations to come.  Q: What is the solvency status of the Social Security trust funds? A: According to the most recent annual report released in April, the nonpartisan Social Security Board of Trustees calculated the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) and Disability Insurance (DI) trust funds had a surplus of $2.5 billion in 2019, ending with $2.9 trillion in reserves at the end of last year. Looking ahead, the board of trustees projects Social Security will draw down these asset reserves by 2035. That doesn't mean Social Security is broke in 15 years. At that time, according to the report, assets would be sufficient to pay 79 percent of monthly benefits. Currently about 64 million people receive monthly benefits; 54 million retirees, spouses and survivors from the OASI trust fund and 10 million individuals from the disability trust fund. Payroll taxes are collected to fund benefits. These taxes  FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act)  are withheld from workers' paychecks. Employees pay 6.2 percent of their earnings with an employer's match of 6.2 percent. The self-employed are responsible for the entire 12.4 percent. Roughly 80 cents of every dollar paid in to Social Security goes to the OASI fund. In 2019, the earnings of approximately 178 million workers were taxed and paid into Social Security. This is a critical distinction that connects the current workforce with current beneficiaries. From one generation to the next, earnings of U.S. workers are taxed while they're in the workforce. In turn, they count on benefits to be there for them when they're retired, widowed or disabled. These hard-earned benefits forge the social contract that has become part of the social fabric of America. So, when there are proposals to lift the lid on taxable earnings or target higher-income workers, they're proposing to unravel the threads of this tightly-knit social contract. It's not a welfare program, it's an earned benefit program. There are some proposals that would raise the payroll taxes for higher-income earners to 12.4 percent for all of their income. And yet, they wouldn't be entitled to anything extra in return for paying extra taxes. That breaks the earned benefit agreement FDR struck when he enacted his New Deal with the American people. Perhaps more importantly, an extra tax on higher-income workers would not fix Social Security's long-term insolvency issues. That's the real challenge before us at the policymaking tables  adequately fund the Social Security program while maintaining our commitment to seniors and American workers on disability who depend on it. Shoring up Social Security in the long-term will require lawmakers to worry less about scoring short-term political points and more about doing what's right for current and future generations of Americans. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-3-million-disaster-recovery-aid-iowa-counties-impacted,Finkenauer Announces up to $3 Million in Disaster Recovery Aid for Iowa Counties Impacted by August Derecho,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Thursday announced U.S. Department of Labor grants of up to $3 million to aid workers and communities impacted by the derecho storm that devastated much of eastern Iowa on Aug. 10.
An initial grant of $1 million will be used to create debris-cleanup and humanitarian assistance jobs in 16 counties affected by the storm  including Benton, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Poweshiek and Tama counties in the First District. Additional funds could be released, and additional counties may be added to the program at a later date.
The National Dislocated Worker grant is provided through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, and intended to expand worker training and employment opportunities to respond to disasters and economic events causing large job losses.
""This program is a win-win, providing immediate jobs for displaced workers, building long-term job skills and helping clean up and rebuild Iowa communities affected by this terrible disaster, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-new-federal-investment-high-speed-internet-osage-municipal,Finkenauer Announces New Federal Investment in High-Speed Internet for Osage Municipal Utilities,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Thursday announced a $368,845 grant for the expansion of broadband internet service in Mitchell County.
The grant, awarded to Osage Municipal Utilities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ReConnect program, will help fund a $491,793 project to deploy high-speed internet to 154 households  including 397 people, 27 farms, 14 businesses and a post office.
""High-speed internet is essential to the health, education and economic opportunity of families, small businesses and farmers in Iowa,""Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.""This grant and others like it from the ReConnect program expand broadband and help make our rural communities more vibrant, successful and inviting.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/bipartisan-due-process-act-aims-protect-americans-asset-forfeiture-abuse,Bipartisan DUE PROCESS Act Aims to Protect Americans from Asset Forfeiture Abuse,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  A bipartisan group of senators this week introduced legislation to protect property owners whose assets are seized by the federal government. The DUE PROCESS Act is sponsored by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)  all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Asset forfeiture laws are important and valuable tools for law enforcement to gain control over assets used to further terrorism and the drug trade, but as we've seen, they can also be abused. This bill is designed to protect the rights of people whose property has been seized without any judicial finding of wrongdoing. It's a step in the right direction to ensure that seizures happen in accordance with the law and that constitutional rights are protected, Grassley said.  Asset forfeiture authorities are effective tools for law enforcement, but we have seen time and again these tools are ripe for abuse. Too often Americans do not receive notice that their property was seized, or the civil seizure is never connected to any charged criminal conduct. This legislation would affirm our commitment to Americans' most fundamental constitutional rights, ensuring that due process never takes a back seat to expediency, Leahy said.  Requiring Americans to prove the government took their property improperly, rather than the government proving guilt, undermines our system of justice.Commonsense restraints on civil asset forfeiture are necessary for protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans. This legislation will provide needed safeguards for those whose assets have been unjustifiably seized without due cause or conviction, Crapo said.  Due process is one of the pillars of our democracy. Seizing property without convicting or even charging the owners with a crime runs contrary to our principles. Our bill would ensure that property rights are respected and that law enforcement cannot abuse the tools used to combat terrorism and organized crime, Feinstein said. An earlier version of the bill was introduced in 2016, following a Judiciary Committeehearingthat examined several concerns associated with law enforcement asset seizure policies and practices. The hearing identified gaps in procedural protections for property owners whose assets were seized despite the absence of criminal charges or convictions. Additionally, many individuals whose assets are seized don't know their rights and don't know how to proceed to challenge the seizure.  To address these issues, the DUE PROCESS Act: Creates a right to a hearing in which the court must explain to the person whose property was seized what their rights are;Provides that property owners challenging seizure of assets who cannot afford lawyers will have them provided;Extends time periods to make a challenge to property seizures;Codifies a new IRS practice restricting asset forfeiture in structuring cases by ensuring that forfeiture is available in structuring cases only where the failure to report large cash transfers to a bank is done in furtherance of another crime;Overturns a Supreme Court decision in Kaley v. United States, which concerns criminal forfeiture, where assets are frozen prior to trial in order to be subject to forfeiture upon conviction.Under the DUE PROCESS Act, defendants will be able to seek a hearing to show that assets they are using to hire an attorney of their choice that would otherwise be frozen pending trial were not derived from the proceeds of the charged criminal activities.  Legislative text of the DUE PROCESS Act is available HERE. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-feinstein-resolution-designates-national-substance-abuse-prevention,"Grassley, Feinstein Resolution Designates ‘National Substance Abuse Prevention Month’",2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) this week introduced a resolution designating October as National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, to help raise awareness about substance use and misuse in the United States. Substance abuse affects Americans from all walks of life. While we've done much to address addiction and abuse at the federal level, there is more work to be done. I'm glad to join this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues to raise awareness about substance abuse, the particular obstacles during the COVID pandemic, and the many negative impacts it has on individuals and families in our country, Grassley said.  In 2019, an estimated 72,000 American lives, including 6,000 Californians, were lost to drug overdoses that were largely preventable, Feinstein said. Communities nationwide are reporting higher levels of substance abuse, which are being exacerbated by the social isolation and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Congress has taken steps to address the nation's drug use epidemic, including enacting the SUPPORT Act in 2018, we must do more to support programs that help prevent substance abuse from ever starting. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this resolution and help raise awareness about our nation's drug use epidemic. Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-new-trump-administration-health-care-transparency-rule,Grassley Statement on New Trump Administration Health Care Transparency Rule,2020-10-29,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Grassley Statement on New Trump Administration Health Care Transparency Rule
                        
  
                
    
      
  
  
      
  
  
    Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the following statement after the Trump Administration issued a final rule requiring more transparency in health care pricing.Upfront transparency in the cost of care is critical information for patients as they make decisions. Requiring all health insurance companies to provide patients with an estimate of out-of-pocket costs before they receive care and disclose their previously secret negotiated prices will provide the 200 million Americans with private health insurance some real insight into the numbers behind their bills. This new rule will help curb some of the dysfunction that has hurt patients for years. This is a critical step for a better, more pro-patient system. I also hope we can codify some of these measures through Senator Braun's PRICE Transparency Act, which I've joined.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-loans-and-grants-water-infrastructure-projects-maquoketa,"Finkenauer Announces Loans and Grants for Water Infrastructure Projects in Maquoketa and Wyoming, Iowa",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Tuesday announced USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal aid totaling $6.8 million for the city of Maquoketa and the city of Wyoming to improve and ensure safe water and sanitary wastewater disposal.
The combination of federal grants and loans will fund the replacement of aging, undersized and corroded water mains in both cities.
The awards are as follows:
 Maquoketa: $6.2 million loan to replace the water main along the city's Platt Street Corridor and upgrade stormwater catch basins. An estimated 6,136 people will benefit from the project.
	Wyoming: $334,000 loan and $226,000 grant to replace city water mains. The city will contribute an additional $51,000 to the project, which will benefit an estimated 515 people.
 ""Upgrading and improving critical infrastructure improves the quality of life for Iowans and prepares our cities and towns for new economic growth, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. USDA grants and loans like these are critical to the health and wellbeing of Iowa's cities, towns and rural places.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-increase-transparency-and,"Grassley, Hassan Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Transparency and Accountability within the Federal Government",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Jody Hice (R-GA) Also Introduce Companion Legislation in the U.S. House  WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), along with U.S. Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) and Jody Hice (R-Ga.), are introducing bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability within the federal government. The Oversight.gov Authorization Act would formally authorize the establishment and maintenance of a website to help the public more easily access reports that have been generated by the independent work of Inspectors General (IGs).  A government of the people must be accountable to the people. Oversight.gov helps to bring together the great work of our Inspectors General from across the bureaucracy on one comprehensive website for the American people. This one-stop-shop for transparency is essential to improving accountability in the information age, Senator Grassley said.  Inspectors General play a critical role in ensuring that hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being put to good use, and it is important that their findings are easily accessible to the public, Senator Hassan said. I am pleased to join Senator Grassley and our colleagues in the House of Representatives in introducing this bipartisan legislation to support the independence and integrity of the IG community by codifying and authorizing funding for a website where the public can access IG reports and get more information on how federal dollars are being spent.  Our bill will allow for crucial improvements to be made to Oversight.gov, a central online location for all federal Inspectors General to publish their reports, Representative Lieu said. IGs are critical to rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in our government, and this website will make their findings more accessible to the American people. I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan bill to increase transparency in the IG community.  The inspector general community is on the frontlines in combatting waste, fraud, and abuse across federal agencies on behalf of the American taxpayer, Representative Hice said. TheOversight.gov Authorization Actis an important step in promoting and protecting the work of inspectors general, enabling the public to view firsthand the need for greater accountability and transparency in our government. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation is a commonsense measure that all of Congress can get behind, and I look forward to working with my colleague Rep. Ted Lieu, as well as Senators Chuck Grassley and Maggie Hassan, in seeing this bill across the finish line. In 2017, the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE), an independent government entity that oversees the Offices of Inspectors General, launched Oversight.gov, a website used to house public reports and data issued by IGs to improve government transparency. The bipartisan Oversight.gov Authorization Act would formally authorize the establishment and maintenance of this website to help improve the public's access to IG reports and other related material, as well as help whistleblowers report waste, fraud, and abuse. Additionally, the bill would improve accountability over funds related to COVID-19 federal spending and the work of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee by bolstering the webpage dedicated to housing this information as mandated under the CARES Act. The bill is endorsed by the Campaign for Accountability, R Street Institute, Common Cause, Government Accountability Project, and Project On Government Oversight. CIGIE was consulted during the bill's formation. Legislative text is availableHERE.Grassley and Hassan previously led their colleagues in introducing bipartisan legislation to help strengthen protections for IGs by requiring any administration to provide substantive rationale, including detailed and case-specific reasons prior to removing an IG.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-lee-tillis-introduce-smarter-antirust-reform,"Grassley Joins Lee, Tillis to Introduce SMARTER Antirust Reform",2020-10-27,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced the Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules (SMARTER) Act Monday, a bill that would require the Federal Trade Commission to go through the same procedures that the Department of Justice must go through when enforcing antitrust law, and would require the Federal Communications Commission to issue merger review decisions expeditiously.   Our antitrust laws are in place to protect consumers and promote competition. We ought to be consistent when determining whether proposed mergers meet these goals, regardless of the agency conducting the review. Our legislation creates a more uniform standard for the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission to ensure greater fairness and simplicity when reviewing proposed mergers and their impacts on consumers, Grassley said.   As I've said before, the only people that benefit from uncertainty in antitrust law are antitrust lawyers, Lee said. Both businesses and consumers deserve clarity and certainty when it comes to federal antitrust law enforcement and the SMARTER Act would create a simpler and more equal system.   The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice unnecessarily apply different procedures and standards for reviewing proposed mergers, Tillis said. This commonsense legislation will streamline the enforcement of our federal antitrust laws by creating a system of consistency that will benefit consumers and businesses.   The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission share concurrent jurisdiction to review proposed mergers for compliance with the antitrust laws but it is not always clear in advance which agency will review a particular merger.   Although the two antitrust agencies apply the same substantive law to the mergers they review, their procedures differ in important ways.   The SMARTER Act fixes this problem by requiring the Commission to satisfy the same standards that DOJ must meet in order to obtain a preliminary injunction to block a merger and requiring the Commission to litigate the merits of contested merger cases in federal court under the Clayton Actjust as DOJ doesrather than before its own administrative tribunals.   Separately, certain mergers also require approval of the Federal Communications Commission. However, the Federal Communications Commission's merger review procedures create an open-ended process that fuels uncertainty and is potentially insulated from judicial review. This invites regulatory mischief from both sides of the aisle that only leads to an imbalance in the implementation of regulatory policy. The current process results in an inconsistent merger review process that not only harms the businesses seeking to complete a transaction in a timely manner, but it also hurts workers and consumers alike. The SMARTER Act fixes this problem by requiring the Commission to issue a decision within 180 days of receiving a completed merger application. The merger review process should not invite Congress or a regulatory agency to put a thumb on the scale of a particular transaction, but instead it should enable a fair and timely system that affords due process.  -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-raises-alarm-emergency-covid-19-loan-fraud,Rep. Axne Raises Alarm on Emergency COVID-19 Loan Fraud,2020-10-26,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) is raising concerns with the Small Business Administration (SBA) after hearing from constituents that they received notice of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) borrowed fraudulently using their name and personal information.
Over the past week, Rep. Axne received confidential reports from her constituents that the SBA hadmailedpaymentnoticeson loans that were borrowed using their personal name and Social Security information without theborrower'sknowledge.
Rep. Axne sent a letter to the SBA Administrator today seeking answers for constituents that have discovered this fraud andinformation onhow others might be able to check to ensure this has not happened to them.
Those who are now the victims of this fraud and are potentially on the hook for thousands of dollars are rightfully concerned  especially during this pandemic and economic recession, Rep. Axne wrote. I seek answersin order to better help constituents get these problems cleared up, and also to better understand how many fraudulent loans were made by the SBA, for how much money, and how the SBA plans to go about identifying fraud in both EIDL and EIDL Advance distributionswhat can my constituents do to check if this happened to them? If a constituent discovers that a loan was taken out in their name, but they did not borrow this loan, what should they do?
Important Information for Iowans:
While the scope of potential fraud is not certain at this time, Rep. Axne urging Iowans to be on the lookout for any communications from the SBA that may indicate that they unknowingly had money borrowed in their name.
Iowans should be cautious, however, when disclosing their status as an EIDL or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) borrower, as this information could lead to further targeting by scammers attempting to take advantage of the financial vulnerabilities.
Iowans who believe they may be a victim of this or other COVID-19 related fraud can confidentially contact Rep. Axne's office here.
Background:
According to the SBA, over $1 billion in EIDL loans have been approved for Iowa borrowers, with over 16,000 loans approved as of last week.
Last month, Rep. Axne'sCOVID-19 Fraud Prevention Act, which would create a working group to help protect consumers and investors from fraud, passed the House unanimously.
The full text of Rep. Axne's letter to SBA can be found below:
Dear Administrator Carranza,
After hearing from my constituents, I am writing with concerns over fraudulent loans within the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Specifically, I have heard from Iowans who received notice that an EIDL loan was taken out in their name when in fact it is a case of stolen identity and fraud. Some did not even receive a notice but learned through other means that loans have been taken out under their name. I am writing to request information about how many Americans may have to deal with this issue and how SBA plans to address these fraudulent loans in cases of stolen identity.
Specifically, several of my constituents are receiving mailed notices from SBA for large loans, tens of thousands of dollars, under their name and/or social security number that they did not take out themselves. As expected, those who are now the victims of this fraud and are potentially on the hook for thousands of dollars are rightfully concerned  especially during this pandemic and economic recession. While it is unfortunately common to see scams and cases of fraud increase during a disaster or crisis, Iowans are already struggling with the challenges this year has presented: a derecho storm that devastated entire towns and millions of acres of crops, a drought that has further strained yields for farmers, and a pandemic that has forced small businesses in and out of shutdown, strained working families to the breaking point, and put our health and wellbeing in jeopardy. This is another blow Iowans simply cannot afford.
As you know, in July the SBA's own Inspector General raised concerns regarding potential fraud, and insufficient processes within SBA to prevent that from occurring. While the SBA does appear to have taken some steps to reduce the likelihood of fraud, that process continued well into August. As of August 14th, almost 3.5 million loans had been made through EIDL for more than $180 billion, all of which are at heightened risk of fraud. Billions more were provided as grants through the EIDL Advance program, including which is similarly at risk of fraud. One analysis found that at least $1.3 billion went to ineligible businesses.
My constituents and all Americans who have been the victims of this fraud need help here, and while I and my staff are ready to help, we'll need assistance from the SBA to actually resolve these problems. As you are likely aware, a common fraud perpetrated is one where a child's name and social security numbers are used. Given that a child is unlikely to check their credit for years, even a decade or more, this type of fraud is extremely damaging to their future and is often discovered only after that damage has been done. As you assist Americans, I request you make a special effort to ensure fraud against children is discovered.
I seek answers to the following questions in order to better help constituents get these problems cleared up, and also to better understand how many fraudulent loans were made by the SBA, for how much money, and how the SBA plans to go about identifying fraud in both EIDL and EIDL Advance distributions.
 What can my constituents do to check if this happened to them?
	If a constituent discovers that a loan was taken out in their name, but they did not borrow this loan, what should they do?
	What processes does SBA have in place to both prevent fraud in new loan applications and identify fraud with already distributed assistance?
	Public analyses have looked for categories of loans that are ineligible, like those to businesses that are newly formed and duplicate loans. Based on SBA's analysis, how many EIDL advances and loans does SBA believe were categorically fraudulent, and what methods has SBA used to identify any further fraudulent loans, like those made with another person's information?
	The SBA IG's report came out July 28th. Given that nearly $30 billion of loans have been made since then, and loans continue to be made, what improvements has SBA made to reduce ongoing fraud in the program.
	SBA has seen fraudulent loans made after prior disasters  how were people able to resolve issues in those cases, and how did SBA identify them in those situations?
 Given the time sensitive nature of this issue for those with these loans, please respond no later than 11/10. My office stands ready to help get information or assistance to our constituents, so please include any aid we can provide in your answers.
Sincerely,
Cindy Axne
Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-helps-lead-bipartisan-call-prevent-steep-medicare-reimbursement-cuts,Finkenauer Helps Lead Bipartisan Call to Prevent Steep Medicare Reimbursement Cuts to Specialty Health Providers,2020-10-23,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  This week, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) helped lead a bipartisan letter asking House leadership to quickly act to prevent significant cuts to Medicare reimbursement for many specialist physicians.
Should the scheduled cuts occur, specialty care providers like psychologists, physical therapists, and surgeons could face steep financial challenges in providing essential services to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On January 1, 2021, Medicare's new Physician Fee Schedule will take effect. The fee schedule is set by the administration's Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. While the new fee schedule provides much-needed reimbursement increases for office-based care, at issue is the current requirement that these beneficial increases are paid for with significant cuts to reimbursement of other medical services. 
We can't have health care providers taking steep cuts next year while providing their services during a pandemic. We have to preserve reimbursement increases for primary care and office visits while addressing cuts that will reduce access to services like mental health, physical therapy, and surgery in Iowa, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. With this effort, over 200 of my bipartisan colleagues and I made it clear that we have to act quickly and do right by all our doctors and the patients they serve.""
""If there ever were a time to protect our health care system, it is during a dangerous pandemic, Finkenauer said. Health care providers are already financially, and frankly, emotionally strained while helping save lives and keep folks healthy. It's time for us to help them help others.""
Finkenauer is one of eight bipartisan members to help lead the letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. In total, 229 House members joined the letter.
""In order to safeguard beneficiaries' access to care during this pandemic, we as Congress should examine possible bipartisan solutions to address excessively steep cuts. We encourage you to incorporate the resulting policy changes in any upcoming legislation moving through the House, the members wrote. Health care professionals across the spectrum are reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 emergency as they continue to serve patients during this global pandemic.
On September 24, Finkenauer joined over 160 members of Congress on a bipartisan letter asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to address the upcoming cuts.
According to an early October Telegraph-Herald article, the proposed reimbursement cut would severely impact physical therapists in northeast Iowa.
Iowa Support for Addressing Steep Medicare Reimbursement Cuts:
""I applaud Representative Finkenauer and her colleagues for addressing the proposed cuts that would lead to significant and potentially devastating losses for psychologists in Iowa and around the country. I fear if these cuts take place it will make it even more challenging for individuals in rural and underserved areas to receive essential mental health services.""
 Benjamin A. Tallman, PhD, Psychologist, Cedar Rapids

""Iowa's neurosurgeons appreciate the leadership of Representative Finkenauer to prevent steep and harmful Medicare cuts from going into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Neurosurgeons take care of critically ill patients who suffer from painful and life-threatening neurologic conditions such as traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, debilitating, degenerative spine disorders, and stroke. Without timely neurosurgical care, patients can face permanent neurologic damage or death. These cuts will further strain a health care system already stressed by the pandemic and must be stopped to preserve Medicare beneficiaries' access to care.""
 Russell I. Buchanan, MD, FAANS, Neurosurgeon, Waterloo

""Thank you, Congresswoman Finkenauer, for taking the lead on preventing the proposed 9-percent cut to Medicare physical therapy services. This reduction would be devastating to the physical therapy profession and the patients we serve  including here in Dubuque. This issue goes beyond politics and political affiliation; it's about providing care to folks who need it, and I appreciate your recognition and support.""
 Wesley J. Wedewer, PT, DPT, Physical Therapist, Dubuque

""While it is certainly a positive that CMS is acknowledging the value of primary providers with increased E/M reimbursement, it is shortsighted to do so at the expense of other physicians in specialty fields. Such a step adds strain to rural areas and regional hospital systems fighting to ensure both primary and specialty care for their communities. We applaud this bipartisan group, with leadership by Abby Finkenauer, working towards a goal of appropriate E/M reimbursement while still acknowledging the value and need for specialty care.""
 Matthew J. White, MD, OrthopedicSurgeon, Cedar Rapids

""As a physical therapist and professor of physical therapy, I know these cuts would devastate the future of my profession, and, more importantly, directly impact patients' ability to access physical therapy services as clinics would be forced to close or stop taking Medicare patients. I appreciate Congresswoman Finkenauer and her colleagues for taking this issue seriously, and taking steps to prevent these devastating cuts.""
 Brad Mensen, PT, DPT, ATC/L, Sports Physical Therapy, Dubuque",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-10-million-usda-rural-development-loan-electric,Finkenauer Announces $10 Million USDA Rural Development Loan for Electric Infrastructure in Eastern Iowa,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Thursday announced a $10 million USDA Rural Development loan for the Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative to expand electrical service and install smart grid technologies in northeast Iowa.
The $10 million, 35-year loan will fund investments to connect 88 consumers and build or improve more than 400 miles of electrical lines. $6.7 million of the loan will go toward investments in smart grid technologies.
The Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative serves about 16,000 members in a service area of more than 3,272 miles across Clinton, Delaware, Cedar, Dubuque, Linn, Clayton, Jones, Buchanan and Jackson counties.
""Upgrading our electric grid and extending service in rural areas is essential to making every Iowa community a welcoming place to live and work, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. I'm proud to see this investment into the Maquoketa Valley and excited for the new opportunities the electric cooperative will be able to offerIowa families and entrepreneurs.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-national-rural-health,Finkenauer Introduces Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Rural Health Day,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) introduced the bipartisan 2020 National Rural Health Day resolution on Thursday to ensure National Rural Health Day is recognized by Congress this year.
National Rural Health Day was established to emphasize the importance of rural America and recognize the efforts and contributions to address the unique challenges of providing affordable, accessible health care in rural places.
National Rural Health Day is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November, which this year is November 19.
""As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our communities  families all over the country are living through an incredibly difficult and worrisome time when it comes to their health, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. In our rural communities, the pandemic presents even greater challenges to the rural health systems that were stressed long before the arrival of COVID-19. The 2020 National Rural Health Day resolution is a chance to honor our amazing rural health care providers and affirm Congress' commitment to working on policy that will ensure affordable and quality health care in rural Iowa and all of rural America.""
Original cosponsors of the 2020 National Rural Health Day resolution are:Bob Latta (R-OH), Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ), Tom Cole (R-OK), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Ron Kind (D-WI), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Xochitl Torres-Small (D-NM), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), TJ Cox (D-CA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Mike Bost (R-IL), Angie Craig (D-MN), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Van Taylor (R-TX), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Don Young (R-AK), Fred Keller (R-PA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Collin Peterson (D-MN).
The 2020 National Rural Health Day resolution is supported by:American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, Federation of American Hospitals, GenesisHealthSystem, GundersenHealthSystem, Iowa Hospital Association, Iowa Medical Society, IowaRuralHealthAssociation, Marshfield ClinicHealthSystem, MercyOne, National Association of Counties, National Organization of State Offices ofRuralHealth, NationalRuralHealth Association, UnityPointHealthSystem
Support for the 2020 National Rural Health Day resolution:
""Rural hospitals must overcome many obstacles to meet the health care needs of their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic shined a bright light on challenges facing rural hospitals and the need for additional support. These facilities are often the sole care giver in their community and face unique issues, ranging from difficult geography and dangerous weather to an aging, at risk patient population. We appreciate Rep. Finkenauer introducing this resolution to put an exclamation point on the need for more support for the vital role rural hospitals play in the health care of millions of Americans.""
 Chip Kahn, President and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals.

""At GundersenHealthSystem, we know better patient connections to our providers and services removes barriers tohealthcare inruralareas. Locations closer to home, new virtual care options, and services to manage patients' care at home are all part of our system's focus on eliminatinghealthcare barriers. Congresswoman Finkenauer's resolution inspires further awareness and work onruralhealthcare.""
 Patrice Kuennen, Administrator of Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital & Clinics (West Union, Iowa)

""Rural health care providers are an asset to the communities they serve, providing access to a broad spectrum of high quality, essential health care services every day. Iowans know the critical importance of these providers and IHA is proud to stand with them by recognizing National Rural Health Day.""
 Kirk Norris, President and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association

""Rural Iowa faces significant and growing health access issues, which the COVID-19 pandemic has further amplified. In many corners of our state, patients must travel long distances for even basic medical care and the ongoing pandemic has forced many rural facilities to begin contemplating difficult decisions regarding the services they are able to continue to provide. We must do more to support rural practices and rural provider recruitment efforts. National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges facing rural America and the opportunities to address them. This includes common-sense measures like expansion of the successful Conrad 30 program to aid in physician recruitment efforts, increased support for telehealth infrastructure and services, and at long last taking action to address the Geographic Practice Cost Index that arbitrarily and unfairly reduces Medicare payment rates for practices in rural communities. We thank Congresswoman Finkenauer for her continued commitment to rural healthcare and helping to bring greater attention to this important issue.""   Brian Privett, MD, President of the Iowa Medical Society

""The IowaRuralHealthAssociation is pleased to support Rep. Finkenauer's resolution in support of NationalRuralHealthDay. It's an opportunity every year to draw attention to the importance ofruralhealthand those who care for residents of small towns and unincorporated areas. That's especially important right now as access is affected by declining numbers of hospitals, clinics andhealthcare professionals inruralAmerica.""
 Bill Menner, Executive Director of the IowaRuralHealthAssociation

""The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the fact that, as a country, our rural health care system is broken, and patients are the ones who suffer as a result. Despite major challenges, every day countless rural care providers go to work committed to serving those in need. These heroes make a difference in the lives of patients and families that is immeasurable. Investing in rural health care is investing in the future of rural America. I applaud Rep. Finkenauer and her colleagues for recognizing the crucial role health care plays in the vitality of rural communities across the country. Ensuring access to high-quality health care, no matter where patients live, will help rural communities and their residents grow and thrive.""
 Dr. Susan Turney, MD, CEO of Marshfield Clinic Health System

""We thank Congresswoman Finkenauer and her staff for the continued work they have done on the issue ofruralhealth. It is our hope that NationalRuralHealthDay highlights the importance and innovation inrural healthand we look forward to working alongside the Congresswoman to ensureruralhealthremains a priority in Congress throughout the year.""
 Teryl Eisinger, CEO of the National Organization of State Offices ofRuralHealth

""NRHA applauds Representative Finkenauer for leading the introduction of the Resolution Supporting NationalRuralHealthDay. The COVID-19 publichealthemergency has underscored the need for a strong, stablehealthcare systemespecially inruralAmerica. This resolution shines a light on the need for greater parity between urban andruralhealthcare and for continued relief and support to be provided torural America.""
 Alan Morgan, CEO of the NationalRuralHealthAssociation

""UnityPointHealthis proud to support Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer's resolution honoring NationalRuralHealthDay. UnityPointHealthhas a longstanding commitment to providing qualityhealthcare inrural communities where families trust us with theirhealthcare needs. In addition to our hospitals,ruralhealth clinics and homehealthagencies, we also use technology to ensure all Iowans have access to visit a provider using telehealthor connect with a psychiatrist over the phone, regardless of where they live. This resolution expresses a commitment to advancing policy to improvehealthcare accessibility and affordability inrural parts of the country, and UnityPointHealthshares that goal.""
 Cathy Simmons, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs at UnityPointHealth",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-democrats-refusal-move-forward-covid-19-relief-insistence-bailing-out,"Grassley on the Democrats’ Refusal to Move Forward on COVID-19 Relief, Insistence on Bailing Out Irresponsible State Governments",2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On the Democrats' Refusal to Move Forward on COVID-19 Relief, Insistence on Bailing Out Irresponsible State Governments Thursday, October 22, 2020  There is widespread agreement on the need for more COVID relief for families, small businesses, farms, schools and colleges and additional funding for testing and vaccines.  These non-controversial items are being held up by the Democrat leaders' all or nothing negotiating position.  One controversial item they insist on is bailing out irresponsible state governments.  Iowa's years of sound governance and fiscal responsibility, including a rainy day fund, has paid off in times like this.  A study for the Council of State Governments ranked every state's ability to weather the economic impact of the pandemic.  It found Iowa to be the most fiscally sound, most resilient state in the country. The CATO Institute ranked our governor's fiscal policy second out of all 50 states. Other states haven't made the same tough decisions and were in the red even before the pandemic.  Now Democrats want Iowans' federal tax money to bail out irresponsible state governments?  And this is worth holding up relief for struggling families?  Come on! -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-importance-renewable-fuels,Grassley on the Importance of Renewable Fuels,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On the Importance of Renewable Fuels Thursday, October 22, 2020  Throughout my tenure in the Senate, I have been a leader in promoting renewable energy sources.  This leads to a cleaner environment and increases America's energy independence.  But it is concerning to see legislation from progressive members of Congress that would eliminate internal combustion engine vehicles like the vast majority of us drive.  In other words, we will all have to buy electric cars. This is supposed to help the environment, but remember, most electrical generation is from fossil fuels.  There are more practical solutions available. Currently, renewable fuels can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent, but they would be totally eliminated under this extreme bill.  By adding more ethanol and biodiesel to our energy mix, we can reduce emissions while still keeping transportation costs low for working families.  I ask my colleagues across the aisle to abandon this radical scheme.If they want a cleaner environment then they should look to renewable fuels produced in our nation's heartland. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-voters-should-be-skeptical-bidens-pledge-not-raise-middle-class,ICYMI: Grassley: Voters should be skeptical of Biden's pledge to not raise middle class taxes,2020-10-22,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"NOTE: Grassley's floor speech on Biden's tax plan can be found HERE. ICYMI: Grassley: Voters should be skeptical of Biden's pledge to not raise middle class taxes By Naomi Jagoda Published October 21, 2020  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Wednesday criticized Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's tax plan, arguing that there are reasons to be skeptical of Biden's claim that he won't raise taxes on people making under $400,000 annually.  ""Who can blame taxpayers for being skeptical when Mr. Biden says that he won't raise their taxes? Every indication is that he will raise taxes on people below $400,000 a year income,"" Grassley said in a speech on the Senate floor.  Grassley argued that there are several reasons to doubt Biden's pledge. He said that former President Obama had pledged not to raise taxes on individuals making under $200,000 and married couples making under $250,000, but then broke that promise with taxes that were used to pay for ObamaCare.  Grassley also argued that business tax increases would get passed along to workers in the form of lower wages. The TPC and AEI analyses estimate that at least some income groups under $400,000 would see increases in their tax burdens in the long-run because of Biden's proposed business tax increases.  ""With the bulk of Mr. Biden's tax agenda targeted at hiking taxes on capital, the consequences then will be felt throughout the economy in the form of lower wages, fewer jobs and slower economic growth,"" Grassley said.  Additionally, Grassley said that Biden's tax plan doesn't include a proposal to make permanent or extend the middle-class tax cuts for individuals in Trump's 2017 tax law. Those cuts are set to expire after 2025. The 2017 tax law's individual provisions have been estimated to reduce taxes for all income groups on average in the near-term.  ""A top priority for President Trump and the Congressional Republicans has been to make permanent the middle-class tax cuts that were enacted in 2017,"" Grassley said. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/barbara-grassley-op-ed-don-t-let-covid-19-delay-breast-health-screenings,Barbara Grassley op-ed: Don’t Let COVID-19 Delay Breast Health Screenings,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"So many life events and celebrations, from graduations to birthdays and weddings have been impacted by the pandemic. Earlier this year, when schools shut down and entire sectors of the economy closed to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, it also put the brakes on routine screenings and life-saving check-ups with our health care providers.  As a 33-year breast cancer survivor, my message during Breast Cancer Awareness month carries more urgency than ever. Early detection saves lives. According to the National Cancer Institute, missed screenings and delayed care caused by across-the-board shutdowns in our health care delivery system may result in at least 10,000 unnecessary deaths from breast and colon cancer in the next decade. What's more, delayed clinical trials and research may slow advances in new cancer therapies.  Oncologists are reporting newly diagnosed cancer patients are starting treatment with advanced stages of disease compared to prior years. That hits close to home for me. My doc who performed my single mastectomy credited early detection for saving my life.  Treatment options have continued to improve in the three decades since I heard the four words many women have come to fear: You have breast cancer. After my surgery, I vowed to keep my annual screening appointment and do whatever I could to raise awareness so that more moms, sisters, aunts, and daughters would be empowered to beat their diagnosis and victoriously proclaim their own four words: I am a survivor.  Make no mistake, public health guidelines to contain COVID-19 and slow its transmission have saved lives and loved ones. However, it's also true that isolating nursing home residents, shutting down businesses, closing schools and delaying routine health care screenings have created untold consequences that society will reckon with for years to come. During the pandemic, cancer patients may have missed a diagnosis, delayed treatment or put off reconstructive surgery. Others have faced treatments alone, without loved ones to provide emotional support, due to restrictions on visitors in hospitals and clinics across the country.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. It's the second-leading cause of cancer death among women, and the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women. About 250,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women and 2,300 in men each year in the United States. Projections show more than 42,000 women and more than 500 men are expected to die in 2020 from breast cancer in the U.S.  All of these facts underscore my advocacy for early detection. Each represents a beloved friend or family member. Patients diagnosed with fast-growing, stage 4 breast cancer don't have time on their side. Don't let the pandemic be your excuse to put off your breast health screening. Known risk factors are aging and gender. Talk to your health care provider about other risks and family history. Delaying screening could delay a cancer diagnosis. That translates into deferred medical care, limited treatment choices and jeopardized outcomes.  Those who have studied U.S. health care statistics during the pandemic say mammograms dropped off dramatically this spring. New patient oncology visits are down. Biopsies are down. Medical professionals say there hasn't been a noticeable surge of screenings to narrow the gap. As a survivor, medical data like this raises all kinds of red flags. Quite simply, delayed detection reduces chances for effective treatment, healing, recovery and survival.  Trust your instincts. Don't convince yourself that a lump is harmless. Don't ignore warning signs. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor. Check it out to rule it out. The pandemic has put so much of our lives on hold this year. Don't let it take away your future.  A lifelong Iowan, Barbara Grassley is a member of the Prevent Cancer Foundation's Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program Advisory Committee and a 33-year breast cancer survivor. She and U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in August.  -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-biden-s-tax-plan-cold-comfort-middle-income-families,Grassley on Biden’s Tax Plan: Cold Comfort for Middle-income Families,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Chairman, Senate Finance Committee Wednesday, October 21, 2020  In about two weeks, the American people will go to the polls to determine the direction of our nation. There are many important issues voters will consider as they decide which way they'll vote. Their decisions will ultimately determine who's President and the makeup of their representatives in Congress.  One issue that's always front and center in any election is the economy and the economic policies of the respective candidates. This election is no different.   There are many differences in the economic policies that would be pursued by a Republican-led administration or Congress versus the path my Democrat colleagues would take if they're in charge. One particularly stark difference is the tax policies that both sides can be expected to pursue.  Over the past four years President Trump and Republicans in Congress have enacted historic tax cuts, particularly for middle-income Americans, as part of a long overdue revamp of our tax code. This included reducing tax rates across-the-board, significantly increasing the standard deduction, and doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000.  As a result of these changes, a typical family of four earning $70,000 saw their tax bill reduced by around $2,000.   While my Democrat colleagues have done their best to distort this reality, IRS tax-return data for 2018 confirms middle-income Americans saw significant tax reductions. In fact, taxpayers in the middle of the income distribution saw their tax bill reduced on average by more than 13 percent.  My Democratic colleagues and former Vice President Biden have made no bones about their plans for tax reform. If they prevail in the upcoming elections, they'll seek to undue the 2017 tax law and impose trillions of dollars in tax hikes on individuals and businesses.  The former Vice President has sought to deflect accusations that he would raise taxes on low- and middle-income taxpayers by promising he only plans to increase taxes on businesses and on individuals with annual income over $400,000.  There are many reasons to be skeptical of the Vice President's promise.  For one, a similar assurance was made by the Obama-Biden administration. Many will recall the Obama-Biden administration promised not to raise taxes on married couples earning less than $250,000 or $200,000 for single filers.  That promise was tossed out the window when a host of new taxes that fell directly or indirectly on middle-income Americans were enacted to pay for Obamacare. That included the individual-mandate penalty tax, 80 percent of which was paid by taxpayers earning less than $50,000. This is exactly why Republicans repealed it as part of the 2017 tax law.  A second reason low- and middle-income Americans should take little comfort in the former Vice President's promise only to tax the rich and businesses is that such taxes too often get passed along. There is a well-documented principle in tax policy that simply because the law imposes a tax directly on an individual or business entity doesn't mean the ultimate burden of that tax won't fall on others indirectly.  Every analysis of Mr. Biden's tax plan by independent third parties, from the liberal Tax Policy Center, to Penn Wharton, to the American Enterprise Institute, shows taxpayers earning less than $400,000 will shoulder at least a portion of Mr. Biden's proposed tax increases.   This largely reflects the economic consensus that a significant portion of the corporate income tax falls on workers in the form of reduced wages and benefits. Our non-partisan Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated that 25 percent of corporate tax increases are borne by workers.  Mr. Biden of course has promised to increase the corporate income tax from 21 percent to 28 percent. According to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, this business tax hike will mean that over 90 percent of households with income between $45,600 and $121,000 will see an increase in their total tax burden.  With the bulk of Mr. Biden's tax agenda targeted at hiking taxes on capital, the consequences will be felt throughout the economy in the form of lower wages, fewer jobs and slower economic growth.  According to a study out of the Hoover Institution this week, the Biden plan holds the promise of reducing per capita gross domestic product by more than 8 percent when compared to current law with the 2017 tax law made permanent.  And that raises an additional important issue: Taxpayers should take Mr. Biden's promise not to raise their taxes with a grain of salt because the vast majority of Americans will see a tax increase beginning in 2026 unless the 2017 tax cuts are made permanent.  A top priority for President Trump and Congressional Republicans has been to secure the middle-class tax cuts enacted in 2017. President Trump has called for making the tax cuts permanent as part of each of his budget submissions to Congress. However, Democrats have refused to work with Republicans to make that a reality.  And keep in mind that the middle-class tax cuts enacted in tax reform are not just about lower tax rates for middle-income workers and families. They are also about small business owners and the family farmers. For the millions of small family-owned businesses, tax reform provided the 20-percent deduction for qualified business income under section 199A.  According to the recently released 2018 IRS data, in Iowa alone, nearly 215,000 small businesses and farms across the state benefitted from the 199A deduction.  Republicans are committed to making that provision permanent as an important tool for those businesses to grow, invest and provide critically needed jobs in our communities.  However, Mr. Biden's tax plan doesn't include any proposal to make permanent, or even extend, the middle-class tax cuts enacted under President Trump. Indeed, every independent third-party review of his tax proposal assumes his intent is to allow the tax increases to come into effect. And with good reason.  On the campaign trail Mr. Biden has stated, On day one, I will move to eliminate Trump's tax cuts. It can't be both that he will only raise taxes on those with incomes over $400,000 and repeal the Trump tax cuts in their entirety.   So who can blame taxpayers for being skeptical when Mr. Biden says he won't raise their taxes? Every indication is that he will.  Under a Biden administration, middle-income individuals can expect the Biden plan that rolls back the Trump tax cuts. This means he will increase their tax rates, increase the amount of their income subject to tax and reduce tax benefits for families.  Similarly, small business owners and family farmers can also expect him to tax a larger share of their business income.  While Mr. Biden has tried to position himself as a centrist, his tax and economic agenda is not all that different from his far left opponents in the Democrat primaries.  His sales pitch may be different, but his agenda will have the same detrimental effects.  As the Wall Street Journal's editorial board summed it up, the problem with the Biden policies is, they will have a long-term corrosive impact by raising the cost of capital, reducing the incentive to work and invest, and reducing productivity across the economy. Americans will pay the price in a lower standard of living than they otherwise would  and that they deserve. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-importance-our-family-farms,Grassley on the Importance of our Family Farms,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley On the Importance of our Family Farms Wednesday, October 21, 2020  Iowa has a rich legacy in leading the nation and the world in agriculture production and innovation.  First in corn production, eggs, ethanol and pork, and second in soybeans.  Family farms are how many Iowans leave their mark on our world by passing their legacy to their children.  In the U.S. Senate, Senator Ernst and I have the great privilege of representing these farm families.  Senator Ernst and I have worked with the Trump Administration to make biofuels a priority.  We've secured E-15 year-round, 15 billion gallons of ethanol are blended annually, new infrastructure through USDA and secured an extension of the biodiesel tax credit.  We have secured and expanded trade agreements with our largest trading partners which add value to Iowa commodities.  We also helped put an end to the ridiculous Obama-era Waters of the US rule that would have regulated 97 percent of Iowa farmland as a navigable waterway.  But just as harvest puts an end to a farmer's year, our work will not stop in November.  Senator Ernst and I will continue to focus on Iowa farm families and ensuring their success for years to come. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-democrats-continued-obstruction-pandemic-relief,Grassley Statement on Democrats’ Continued Obstruction of Pandemic Relief,2020-10-21,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the following statement after Senate Democrats once again voted to block consideration of targeted pandemic response legislation that would have provided immediate relief for small businesses, struggling farmers and unemployed Americans while negotiations on more contentious issues continue.  Once again, Democrats are playing election year games by insisting on their all or nothing approach instead of working to provide immediate relief to millions of American families, small businesses and farmers while other issues remain unresolved.  Families across the country are trying to navigate this pandemic the best they can. This package would have delivered additional relief for schools and colleges to educate students safely and support parents by providing more funding for child care. It also would have provided a second round of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and additional help for the unemployed. Yet Democrats blocked it, even though they claim to support these bipartisan initiatives.  My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have also expressed concerns about the public health implications of this pandemic. Yet they blocked this relief package which would have provided $16 billion for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as well as $31 billion for vaccine, therapeutic, diagnostic development and vaccine distribution.  These are commonsense policies that we can all agree on. Unfortunately, my Democratic colleagues have wasted an opportunity to help Americans who are hurting just so they can try to score political points, Grassley said.  Background: Senate Republicans have continued to try to pass a targeted package of relief measures but Senate Democrats have declined to negotiate after rejecting Senate Republican's $1 trillion HEALS proposal. The targeted bill was voted down in the Senate today by a vote of 51-44, with every Senate Democrat voting against the package, just as they did last month when they obstructed a similar relief package. President Trump and Republicans have called for passing specific relief items where there is widespread support, but Speaker Pelosi has made clear that, ""there is no standalone bill without a bigger bill."" -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grant-winneshiek-county-brewery-operation,Finkenauer Announces Grant for Winneshiek County Brewery Operation,2020-10-20,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Wednesday announced a $49,990 USDA Rural Development grant for the Pivo Brewery in Calmar to expand hard cider production and sales using locally grown apples and pears.
The grant is part of a program that assists agricultural producers in establishing or expanding markets for value-added products. The $49,990 grant will be matched with an equal investment from the brewery.
""Dynamic small businesses are essential to the economic health of rural Iowa  especially when they're rooted in diversified, local agriculture, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. This grant is an investment not just in one small business, but in creative economic development that makes rural Iowa a more attractive place to visit and a more welcoming place to live.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-requests-iowa-s-contingency-plan-hospital-bed-shortages-covid-19-cases,Rep. Axne Requests Iowa’s Contingency Plan for Hospital Bed Shortages as COVID-19 Cases Spike,2020-10-19,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) wrote to Iowa's health and emergency management leaders requesting information on Iowa's contingency plans in the event of a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds as hospitalizations from coronavirus (COVID-19) infections rise across Iowa.
We all know that even in the best of scenarios, a Plan B' is always necessaryIowa's citizens deserve to know what Iowa's contingency plan is in the event that our hospital capacity is overwhelmed in the coming weeks and months, wrote Rep. Axne. No one plans to use a fire extinguisher, but you should know if it's under the sink. As a voice for my constituents, I ask you to confirm that similar preparation has been made for a worst-case scenario, even as we do everything to prevent us from needing to use it.
In recent weeks, hospitalizations for COVID-19 have hit all-time highs  and positivity rates have climbed statewide to double digits.
In her letter to Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) andIowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (IHSEMD),Rep. Axne specifically highlights the concern she has for rural counties in Iowa's Third Congressional Districtthathave zero ICU capacity.
I want to know how your Department plans to handle COVID-19 cases in our rural communities where there is limited or no ICU capacity,wrote Rep. Axne.Under the threat of COVID-19, I'm deeply concerned for our rural hospitals and health centers' ability to manage this global health pandemic. I represent a district where over half the counties have zero ICU bed capacity.
The full text of Rep. Axne's letter to IDPH andIHSEMDcan be found below:
Dear Director Garcia and Director Flinn,
As I've spoken to Iowans who are on the front lines of combating the spread of this novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, I have heard their concerns about the spiking number of cases and need for hospitalization. I write to you today requesting information on Iowa's plans in the event of a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds and the limited capacity of rural Iowa to handle cases in their area.
I want to know how your Department plans to handle COVID-19 cases in our rural communities where there is limited or no ICU capacity and what contingency plan the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (IHSEMD) has in the event hospitalizations exceed capacity. As you are aware, Iowa's COVID-19 positivity rate is now over 12%, and our hospitalizations are at an all-time high since this pandemic began.
One estimate I've seen approximates that Iowa has just under 12,500 hospital beds across the entire state, the majority of which are in our major urban areas such as Des Moines and Council Bluffs. Even before this outbreak, I've worked to ensure that the health of our rural communities is not ignored  and that all Iowans have access to affordable, quality health care. Under the threat of COVID-19, I'm deeply concerned for our rural hospitals and health centers' ability to manage this global health pandemic. I represent a district where over half the counties have zero ICU bed capacity.
In previous public comments, there has been reference to Iowa having one health system, but no specifics on if that means that COVID-19 cases requiring intensive care in rural areas will be transported to other facilities within Iowa. I have also not seen a comprehensive plan about how our public health system will serve those in our rural communities during this national health emergency.
While I understand that every necessary measure will be taken to treat these cases, I am seeking an understanding of what methods will be implemented that would help us better address the concerns of our rural health providers and confirm to rural Iowans that their care will not be limited in times of strained capacity.
We all know that even in the best of scenarios, a Plan B' is always necessary. Cities like Chicago have had contingency plans in place, while the State of Wisconsin recently began to build more temporary hospital capacity as their cases increase. Iowa's citizens deserve to know what Iowa's contingency plan is in the event that our hospital capacity is overwhelmed in the coming weeks and months. I am prepared to help secure federal assistance to ensure that IDPH and IHSEMD are supported in the case that we need additional hospital beds and rural hospital assistance.
I appreciate those measures of transparency and hope that you will treat this request with the same commitment. No one plans to use a fire extinguisher, but you should know if it's under the sink. As a voice for my constituents, I ask you to confirm that similar preparation has been made for a worst-case scenario, even as we do everything to prevent us from needing to use it.
Sincerely,
Cindy Axn",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-riggleman-introduce-bipartisan-bill-improve-housing-options-rural,"Finkenauer, Riggleman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Housing Options in Rural America",2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) and Congressman Denver Riggleman (R-VA) introduced the bipartisan Protect Rural Housing Act on Friday to improve housing stock, expand affordable housing options and support community revitalization in our rural areas.
More than 7 million rural households  three in 10  spend more than 30 percent of their monthly income on housing costs. Additionally, housing stock in rural areas is much more likely to be in poor condition and lack basic amenities like working plumbing. Federal affordable housing programs sometimes fail to meet the varied and unique problems that rural communities face when it comes to housing, and targeted incentives that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided decades ago to create affordable rental housing in rural areas are winding down.
The Protect Rural Housing Act would fill that gap by creating a three-year pilot program to provide flexible grants to states, localities, tribes, and non-profits to help small towns address urgent housing needs and catalyze long-term investments. The grants would be provided through the USDA Rural Housing Service.
The bill also lays the groundwork for critical reform within the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. Under this legislation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would be required to take steps to protect tenants and save taxpayer dollars by issuing recommendations to crack down on landlords who refuse to perform basic upkeep on their properties and put tenants' lives at risk.
""Safe, affordable housing isn't just an urban issue. Our small towns and rural places also face a housing crisis that makes it harder for families to settle down and get ahead, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. From bad landlords to condemned properties to an overall lack of affordable options, I have seen the challenges facing some of our rural communities firsthand and knew that something had to be done. The Protect Rural Housing Act will invest resources to help families immediately and make long-term improvements to make our small towns more attractive places to live.""
""I want to thank Congressman Riggleman for working with me on the Protect Rural Housing Act help ensure folks in rural Iowa, Virginia, and across the country have more quality and affordable housing options, Finkenauer said.
""I'm proud to be the Republican lead on the Protect Rural Housing Act. Access to safe and affordable housing can help communities grow and families prosper, Congressman Denver Riggleman said. Owning a home is part of many families' American dream and I can't stand by when so many rural communities are unable to provide that opportunity. This bill takes steps to ensure rural areas can provide more affordable housing options.""
Media reports have highlighted shortage of affordable housing as well as the poor rural rental housing conditions in Iowa's First Congressional District.
Only months after starting a new rental inspection program in 2019, Oelwein City Administrator Dylan Mulfinger told KCRG that 90% of the units inspected so far had failed the initial inspection. Earlier this year, the city took control of 37 rental properties due to unlivable conditions.
After learning about the issue during a visit to Oelwein in January 2020 and that local tax dollars would have to be used to cover the costs of demolition, Finkenauer started working on legislation to create more options through federal housing programs for communities like Oelwein.
She hopes to engage rural communities across Iowa's First District on this legislation and what actions must be taken to improve and expand housing in rural areas.
The Protect Rural Housing Act is endorsed by the NationalRural Housing Coalition and Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
""People living in rural communities have faced limited or subpar housing options for far too long. I am happy to see Congresswoman Finkenauer and Congressman Riggleman addressing this issue by targeting needed resources to local communities to improve the housing landscape. I believe this legislation could make a real and meaningful change forrural America by unlocking federal resources to help them meet their unique and varied needs when it comes to neighborhood revitalization.""
 Bob Rapoza, Executive Secretary, National Rural Housing Coalition

""Many rural areas are facing a housing crisis characterized by limited affordable units and higher rates of substandard housing. The covid-19 pandemic has magnified these housing challenges and the corresponding impacts on poorer, smaller communities. Often, low-income rural communities face more hurdles than urban areas tackling these issues due to limited access to affordable housing resources. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation thanks Rep. Finkenauer for recognizing the need for flexible federal resources to provide rural communities with the tools needed to meet their specific housing challenges.""
 Caitlin Cain, Vice President, Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Background on Iowa's Rural Housing Crisis:
According to a 2018 Des Moines Register article:
 ""More than half of all Iowans now live in 10 counties, all of them in metropolitan areas. Yet demand for housing in rural Iowa has only increased.""
	""nearly 150 Iowa towns have seen no new housing builtsince at least 2010, according to U.S. Census figures.""
 ""More than a quarter of Iowa's nearly 1.4 millionhousing units were built in 1939 or earlier. Nationally, that rate is 13 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And household sizes have shrunk over the years, so even communities with no growth need more homes to house the same population. In 1950, the census counted 3.25 people per Iowa household. By 2016, that number was down to 2.43.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-rural-broadband-0,Q&A: Rural Broadband,2020-10-16,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Q&A:Rural Broadband With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: How has COVID-19 intensified the need to bridge the digital divide in rural America? A: There's no question the pandemic has lent even greater urgency for expanded access to affordable, reliable and comprehensive high-speed internet services for communities across Iowa. As households adjust to distance learning, remote working and telehealth medical visits, spotty or non-existent access to broadband technology put many Iowans at a disadvantage. It also underscores the need to close the digital disparity from one neighborhood to the next. Home-based businesses, hybrid learning and home-bound families are testing the limits of internet services for schools, employers and households across the state. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 5 to 25 megabits per second (Mbps) of broadband download speed is needed to complete basic school or telework assignments. That benchmark increases if multiple users in a household are trying to stream, download and upload work at the same time. During my county meetings and communications with my office, Iowans have shared challenges they encounter accessing a provider, getting reliable service and obtaining affordable coverage. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I secured coverage for expanded access to telehealth services during the pandemic. Patients and providers have reported telehealth services are an effective and convenient way to deliver and receive care. I've also worked to expand televisits for residents in skilled nursing facilities. Many residents were isolated from family and friends for months on end due to mitigation efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Expanding access to video telecommunication services would provide immeasurable peace of mind to families and comfort to residents who are isolated during the pandemic and for those who live far away from their loved ones notwithstanding the public health emergency. The pandemic has accelerated efforts in Congress to help close the gap and address immediate needs for distance learning, telehealth and hybrid work arrangements. Many Iowa communities have used the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program to expand access to broadband in rural areas. Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion recently was awarded a grant to purchase telemedicine equipment to connect health care providers in six Iowa counties. These services will directly benefit patients by bringing the care closer to home and reducing travel burden on patients and their families. It's important to bridge the digital divide that leaves five percent of the U.S. population behind. Connecting unserved communities with broadband is vital to foster economic development and productivity, improve better work-life balance, boost workforce recruitment and expand opportunities across the board for entrepreneurism, commercial enterprise, education and entertainment. Q: What steps did Congress take this year to improve rural broadband? A: In March, Congress passed four comprehensive coronavirus relief bills that included financial lifelines for individuals, forgiveable loans for small businesses, money for schools and health care providers and funds for accelerated vaccine development. The largest one, the CARES Act, also distributed billions of dollars to states. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Iowa would use $50 million from this pot of money to enhance broadband services across the state and an additional $26.2 million for expanding internet services to schools and higher education. The CARES Act also appropriated $375 million in emergency spending to help Americans access broadband services. Specifically, Congress directed $200 million to the FCC to assist telehealth services in rural areas; $125 million to the Rural Utilities Services for its broadband deployment pilot program and telehealth and distance learning program; and $50 million to the Institute of Museum and Library Services to expand digital networks, purchase internet-accessible devices and provide technical support. What's more, Sen. Joni Ernst and I are working to ensure every neighborhood is properly assessed for internet coverage. Providers use FCC coverage maps to determine where to deploy broadband services and build out infrastructure for high-speed networks in unserved and under-served neighborhoods. Incorrect data leave households and farms off the grid. Emerging wireless technology is another asset to explore to reach remote consumers. President Trump in March signed into law the Broadband DATA Act that requires the FCC to improve its data collection to determine what's really available for both fixed and mobile broadband services. An accurate map will better inform providers where the gaps are and guide policymakers who distribute grants to help plug those gaps. The USDA administers federal programs to boost broadband in Rural America, such as the Community Connect Grants, and the ReConnect Program. Since the ReConnect Program launched in 2018, seven Iowa companies have applied and received over $46 million in funding to build out rural broadband and fiber-optic technology in unserved communities across the state, including a recent $5.4 million award that will connect nearly 2,000 people, 147 farms and 26 businesses to high-speed broadband internet services in Iowa and Johnson counties. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-martha-maccallum-discuss-supreme-court-hearing-democrats,"ICYMI: Grassley Joins Martha MacCallum to Discuss Supreme Court Hearing, Democrats’ Shenanigans",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), former chairman and current senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Martha MacCallum on Fox News Channel last night to discuss the ongoinghearing to consider the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Grassley predicted more shenanigans from the Senate Democrats as the Senate's advice and consent process moves forward. This morning, many of the Democratic committee members refused to show up and vote to hold over further action on the nominee next week.  Grassley also highlighted some of his ongoing oversight investigations.  -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senators-press-fbi-dni-more-information-failed-efforts-corroborate-steele-dossier,"Senators Press FBI, DNI for More Information on Failed Efforts to Corroborate Steele Dossier",2020-10-15,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the chairmen of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Senate Finance Committees, respectively, sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe seeking an unredacted version of a spreadsheet created to attempt to corroborate allegations made in the discredited Steele Dossier.  This spreadsheet clearly shows that the FBI failed to corroborate key information in the discredited, DNC-funded, Steele dossier yet continued to use it to justify surveillance against Carter Page, the senators wrote. The version of the document that has been made public contains redactions which raises questions about how the FBI interpreted some of the information in the Dossier. The full text of the senators' letter is below and can be found here. October 14, 2020  The Honorable John Ratcliffe Director of National Intelligence  The Honorable Christopher A. Wray Director Federal Bureau of Investigation  Dear Director Ratcliffe and Director Wray: As part of its Crossfire Hurricane investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) created a 94-page spreadsheet in an attempt to corroborate the allegations contained in the Christopher Steele dossier. The existence of this spreadsheet has been well-documented over the last two years.[1] Based on this spreadsheet and other information, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) determined in its December 2019 report that,the FBI concluded, among other things, that although consistent with known efforts by Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. elections, much of the material in the Steele election reports, including allegations about Donald Trump and members of the Trump campaign relied upon in the Carter Page FISA applications, could not be corroborated; that certain allegations were inaccurate or inconsistent with information gathered by the Crossfire Hurricane team; and that the limited information that was corroborated related to time, location, and title information, much of which was publicly available.[2] This spreadsheet clearly shows that the FBI failed to corroborate key information in the discredited, DNC-funded, Steele dossier yet continued to use it to justify surveillance against Carter Page. The version of the document that has been made public contains redactions which raises questions about how the FBI interpreted some of the information in the Dossier. Further, although this spreadsheet falls squarely within the scope of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's (HSGAC) August 6, 2020 records subpoena, the FBI has failed to produce the original version of the spreadsheet. Accordingly, we ask that you answer the following questions and produce the following information and material:  An unredacted version of the spreadsheet;  The names and positions of all individuals that worked on this spreadsheet; and  The dates for when this spreadsheet was created, edited, and finalized.  According to the spreadsheet, it appears that the FBI opened an investigation into Paul Manafort on January 13, 2016, regarding money laundering and tax evasion.[3] Did the FBI open a case against Manafort on that date? If not, on what date was it opened?  What steps, if any, did the FBI take to alert the Trump campaign about its investigation into Manafort when he joined the Trump campaign in March 2016?[4]  Did the FBI request information about Manafort from a Ukrainian delegation during meetings scheduled on January 19, 2016 and January 20, 2016 with Obama administration officials?[5] If so, what information did the FBI request and why?  We request that you provide this information no later than October 16, 2020. Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Sincerely,  Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Committee on Homeland Security  and Governmental Affairs   Charles E. Grassley  Chairman    Senate Finance Committee -30-   [2] IG Report at 172 (emphasis added).[3] SENATE-FISA2020-001644; see also Footnote 332 at SENATE-FISA2020-001676.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-urges-use-covid-19-testing-sites-offer-flu-vaccine,Axne Urges Use of COVID-19 Testing Sites to Offer Flu Vaccine,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03)urged federalhealthagencies to utilize established testing sites for coronavirus (COVID-19) to assist in distributing vaccines for the seasonal flu.
In a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Rep. Axne urged this expansion of flu vaccination offerings in the midst of concerns raised by nationalinfectious disease experts over concurrent COVID-19 and seasonalflu outbreaks.
Traditionally, flu vaccination is a simple process that is distributed at many of the health centers we engage with in our normal lives, wrote Rep. Axne.I am asking the CDC and CMS to offer a flu vaccine alongside a COVID-19 test this year. This would significantly increase general access to the vaccine while placing little administrative burden on our doctors, nurses, and trained medical professionals.
Earlier this month, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) DirectorDr. Anthony Fauci and other medical expertsemphasized the importance of getting a flu shotto prevent the potential for overlapping crises that would further burden hospital capacity and medical staffs across the U.S.
Despite these warnings,a recent national NFID surveyfound that only slightly more than half of Americans reported that theyintendto get a flu shot during the 2020-2021 flu season.
The surveyalso foundthat 1 in 4 Americans would be more likely to be vaccinated during the 2020-2021 flu season if flu vaccineswere availableinadditional settings like drive-thru clinics.
With existing COVID-19 testing infrastructure expanded across all corners of the U.S., Rep. Axne suggests in her letter that this pairing of offerings could help mitigate the declining visitstohealth clinicsbecause of COVID-19 transmission fears.
The full text of her letter can be found here:
Dear Director Redfield and Administer Verma,
I am writing to request that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) work to expand access to the flu vaccine this fall. I am offering my assistance to ensure that the flu vaccines can be administered at established COVID-19 testing locations as well as other central community locations throughout our nation.
The impact of COVID-19 on Iowa and this country has been crippling. COVID-19 cases continue to increase, hospitalizations are spiking and medical experts have raised concerns about a fall and winter COVID-19 increase. Traditionally, flu vaccination is a simple process that is distributed at many of the health centers we engage with in our normal lives. A vaccine can be offered during a checkup at the doctor's office or while filling a prescription at a pharmacy. However, COVID-19 has resulted in an underutilization of these health centers, as many Americans are avoiding them to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19.
I am asking the CDC and CMS to offer a flu vaccine alongside a COVID-19 test this year. This would significantly increase general access to the vaccine while placing little administrative burden on our doctors, nurses, and trained medical professionals. If you determine that the law prohibits this, I am offering to work with your agencies to craft legislation to ensure we can expand vaccine access as needed during this pandemic.
We must work together to meet the American public where they are in the new reality of COVID-19. Surveys show us that Americans are avoiding medical centers during COVID-19, which means they are not going to have easy access to a flu vaccine. Many individuals, especially our seniors, who are at high risk due to COVID-19 are also at high risk due to the flu. We cannot offer the same services in the same places in a year when everything has changed.
That is why I am asking you to expand flu vaccinations into new locations as part of your COVID-19 response authorities. I know we share the common goal of preventing illness  be that COVID-19 or the flu. I offer any support I can to ensure that we meet the challenge of a new flu season during a global pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-54-million-investment-high-speed-internet-rural-iowa,Finkenauer Announces $5.4 Million Investment in High-Speed Internet for Rural Iowa,2020-10-14,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Wednesday announced a $5.4 million broadband investment that will expand high-speed internet in eastern Iowa.
The award from USDA Rural Development includes a $2.7 million grant and a $2.7 million loan for the North Liberty-based South Slope Cooperative Telephone Company as part of USDA's ReConnect Program.
The project will extend fiber broadband service to 763 households over nearly 75 square miles, according to the USDA. The extension will connect 1,984 people, 147 farms and 26 businesses in Iowa and Johnson counties. South Slope serves customers in Benton, Iowa, Linn and Johnson counties, including the First District communities of Amana, Ely, Fairfax, Newhall, Norway, Watkins and Walford.
""Accessible high-speed internet is a major quality-of-life issue in rural Iowa, allowing families to access healthcare and education, making precision farming possible and connecting businesses and workers to customers and colleagues, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. Investments like this into broadband infrastructure make our rural communities more vibrant, successful and inviting.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-axne-push-sba-and-treasury-begin-approving-ppp-forgiveness-release,"Following Axne Push, SBA and Treasury Begin Approving PPP Forgiveness, Release Simpler Application",2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03)shared details on how Iowa small businesses can use the new simplified Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness application released by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The new applicationformis available for borrowers with PPP loans of $50,000 or less, including sole proprietors and independent contractors.
Two weeks ago, Rep. Axneleda letter to the SBA and Treasury Secretary asking them to begin those approvals and for an explanation of the delays. After her letter, the SBA announced it is nowapprovingPPP forgiveness applications.
I'm glad to see the SBA and Treasury taking steps to make it easier for small businesses to apply for loan forgiveness andbeginning to approvethe applications they've already gotten, much like I asked them to do,said Rep. Axne.For a business who took out a $25,000 loan, spending thousands of dollars preparing documentation to get that loan forgiven at a time like this is a cost they simply can't afford. More thantwo-thirdsof all PPP loans were for less than $50,000, so this will help get forgiveness to the smallest businesses who need it most.
The new form reduces the amount of paperwork required for most borrowers significantly.
Borrowers will now able to complete a simple certification for most requirements and submit documentation only for the expenses they're applying for forgiveness on. Since the eligible time period for PPP expenses has been extended to 24 weeks, most borrowers will only need to submit documentation of their payroll expenses.
Borrowers can apply for forgiveness after the covered period (24 weeks from when they received their PPP funds for most borrowers, but some can choose to use 8 weeks).
The updated applicationformandinstructionsare available on the SBA'swebsiteor through the PPPrecipient'slender. Borrowers should contact their lender to submit the forgiveness application.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-senators-colleagues-urge-epa-modernize-rulemaking-biogenic-carbon-emissions,"Iowa Senators, Colleagues Urge EPA to Modernize Rulemaking for Biogenic Carbon Emissions",2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Forcing EPA to be consistent with their treatment of biogenic CO2 will boost the U.S. bio economy which ultimately helps rural AmericaWASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and twelve of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modernize their rulemaking for biogenic carbon emissions. We write to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to take prompt action to promulgate a rulemaking that recognizes the de minimis character of biogenic carbon emissions from agricultural crops when they are used to make food, fuel, beverages, or bioproducts. This common-sense clarification would align EPA policy with the biogenic emissions standards applied by every other regulatory authority worldwide and acknowledge that biogenic carbon emissions from agricultural feedstocks are different than carbon from fossil fuels, the members wrote.  If afforded regulatory clarity by EPA, U.S. agribusinesses are positioned to make significant investments in facility modernization and improvements to support the development and production of renewable products and materials. This is particularly important to rural communities across the country that are dealing with the ravages of the global pandemic, the economic recession, and a growing financial crisis among farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses.  Joining Grassley and Ernst in sending this letter to the EPA are Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).  The U.S. agriculture industry is greatly appreciative of the leadership of Senators Ernst, Grassley, and their colleagues on this important issue. For many American farmers growing agricultural feedstocks, like corn, cotton, and hemp, the fast-growing bioeconomy offers an opportunity to meet growing consumer demand, enter new markets, and diversify their customer base, Thomas Parks, Biogenic CO2 Coalition spokesperson, said. Changing this regulatory burden based on scientifically-backed evidence offers a bright future for rural America, one that will bring more jobs and opportunities to the American heartland, offer American consumers more and better sustainable products, and bring much-needed support to America's farmers and ranchers. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/johnson-grassley-press-fbi-comply-subpoena-after-receiving-only-limited-subset,"Johnson, Grassley Press FBI to Comply with Subpoena After Receiving Only a Limited Subset of Andrew McCabe’s Text Messages",2020-10-13,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  U.S. Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter Monday to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray warning that the bureau's recent production of limited text messages from former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is unacceptable and that the FBI must produce all records in compliance with the HSGAC Aug. 6, 2020 subpoena. The senators wrote, On October 9, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) produced 24 pages of text messages from former-Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, some of which had already been produced to us years ago. This stands in stark contrast to the more than 300 pages of McCabe text messages that the FBI made available for review in a reading room at the Department of Justice. As you know, on August 6, 2020, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) subpoenaed the FBI for all records related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which requires that records actually be produced to the Committee, not merely made available for review in a reading room.  It is simply unacceptable that we have waited so long to receive so little. Full text of the letter can be found below and can be viewed here. October 12, 2020  The Honorable Christopher A. Wray Director Federal Bureau of Investigation 935 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20535  Dear Director Wray: On October 9, 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) produced 24 pages of text messages from former-Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, some of which had already been produced to us years ago.[1] This stands in stark contrast to the more than 300 pages of McCabe text messages that the FBI made available for review in a reading room at the Department of Justice. As you know, on August 6, 2020, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) subpoenaed the FBI for all records related to the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, which requires that records actually be produced to the Committee, not merely made available for review in a reading room. We have waited nearly 70 days to receive these text messages, and when records were actually produced, we received only eight percent of what we know exists. Moreover, on September 24, 2020, we requested the production of text and Lync messages for several other individuals involved in the Crossfire Hurricane investigation but, to date, we have not received a single message. It is simply unacceptable that we have waited so long to receive so little.The 24 pages of McCabe text messages that the FBI did produce include notable information that is highly relevant to several aspects of the Committees' oversight efforts. For example on July 28, 2016, a few days before Crossfire Hurricane was officially opened, Lisa Page texted McCabe about an article in Lawfare:[2] Lisa Page: You should read this  the D surely has by now. Some of the internal links are well worth your time as well. Is Trump a Russian Agent? A legal Analysis  Lawfare. [Page includes a link to the article]  Andrew McCabe: Thanks much[.] The CIA received intelligence reporting that indicated on July 26, 2016, two days before the above texts, Hillary Clinton had approved a plan concerning U.S. Presidential candidate Donald Trump and Russian hackers hampering U.S. elections as a means of distracting the public from her use of a private email server.[3] Then-Director Brennan eventually briefed President Obama on that intelligence reporting, which also included a referral to then-FBI Director Comey. According to Comey's recent testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, he has no recollection of receiving that referral.[4]On October 27, 2016, McCabe and Page exchanged a number of texts regarding whether McCabe would recuse himself from an investigative matterlikely the reopening of the Clinton casebecause of then-recent news reporting of his wife accepting campaign contributions from Clinton ally, Terry McAuliffe:[5] Lisa Page: Letter is not going to mention your recusal. Still waiting on Jim Baker.  Page: But it still doesn't change that if you are recused, it will undermine the workforce.  Andrew McCabe: Agree.  Page: Still waiting. He should be out at noon. I won't let him leave [sic] I have spoken to him.  McCabe: Strongly urge him to get me on the phone. Page: I will. I'm going in with CF matter as cover for action, assume he will tell me re MYE. If not I will go back to Pete and [Redacted].[6]On October 29, 2016, the day after then-FBI Director James Comey announced that the FBI was reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, McCabe received a message from a New York Times reporter:[7] Matt Apuzzo (NY Times reporter): Hey I know you don't want to field calls. But Goldman and I are together and really need to talk. This thing is spiraling out of control. The next day, October 30, 2016, a colleague of Apuzzo's reached out to McCabe:[8] Adam Goldman (NY Times reporter): Andy, matt and I are together. Can we chat briefly. I apologize. I know it is Sunday.  McCabe: Can't do it. I have no comments on anything.  Goldman: Understand. Thanks. Goldman once again texted McCabe on November 1, 2016:[9] Goldman: Hi. Matt and I have new information that puts a lot of stuff specifically in your world into context. Can you spare 10 minutes or a coffee. We think it is important. Also on November 1, 2016, McCabe and Page exchanged messages about press stories on a number of topics:[10] Lisa Page: Christ. A LOT of articles tonight. MJ published, lots about MYE, and an allegation about a PI on Manafort.  McCabe: MJ? Kelly File was really rough on me. Page: Mother Jones. Re western intel source reporting on trump.[11] Page: I didn't watch. Page: It's the first time you've really come up since last sunday. Thought Devlin's[12] piece was pretty benign.Page: And the alphabank(sic) story is in slate.[13] McCabe: Awesome. Recently, the New Yorker reported that U.S. Attorney John Durham is allegedly examining the fake origins of the Alfa Bank theory.[14] Indeed, the theory that the Trump campaign had a secret communication channel with the Russian government via Alfa Bank was also debunked by the Special Counsel's investigation.[15] We have made a public commitment to determine and reveal the full extent of official investigative and intelligence action taken by federal officials against the Trump campaign, its presidential transition, and into the administration. As we have noted before, the information that has already been made public reveals what might be the most outrageous abuse of power in U.S. history against a presidential candidate and sitting president. In pursuit of the facts, we have requested extensive information relating to Crossfire Hurricane and the Clinton investigation, in one form or another, over the past several years, and well before HSGAC's August 6, 2020 subpoena. The American people deserve full transparency, and they have waited entirely too longalmost four years in some instancesfor answers. In light of that history, it is astounding that the FBI can claim to need more time to identify and produce responsive records.  For these reasons, we ask that the FBI produce, in compliance with its subpoena obligations and our previous oversight requests, the remaining McCabe messages and all messages that the FBI identified last week for other custodians by October 16, 2020. Thank you for your attention to this matter.  Sincerely,  Ron Johnson Chairman Senate Committee on Homeland Security  and Governmental Affairs  Charles E. Grassley Chairman Senate Finance Committee  -30-   [1] Letter from Jill C. Tyson, Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, to Chairman Ron Johnson, Chairman, S. Comm, on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, (Oct. 9, 2020).[2] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003908.[3] Letter from the Honorable John Ratcliffe, Director, ODNI, to Senator Graham, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee (September 29, 2020).[4] Testimony of the Honorable James Comey, former Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation, to the Senate Judiciary Committee (September 30, 2020). https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/meetings/oversight-of-the-crossfire-hurricane-investigation-day-3[5] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003918; Devlin Barrett, Clinton Ally Aided Campaign of FBI Official's Wife, Wall St. Journal, Oct. 24, 2016, https://www.wsj.com/articles/clinton-ally-aids-campaign-of-fbi-officials-wife-1477266114. See also, Letter from Senator Grassley, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, to the Honorable James Comey, Director, FBI (October 28, 2016), Letter from Senator Grassley, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, to the Honorable Michael Horowitz, Inspector General, Justice Department (November 2, 2016), letter from Senator Grassley, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, to the Honorable Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General, Justice Department (May 2, 2017), letter from Senator Grassley, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, to the Honorable Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General, Justice Department, (June 28, 2017), letter from Senator Grassley, Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, to the Honorable Michael Horowitz, Inspector General, Justice Department (June 29, 2017).[6] MYE, or Midyear Exam, was the phrase the FBI used to refer to the Clinton investigation.[7] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003922.[8] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003923.[9] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003924.[10] Id. at Senate HSGAC_TransitionReq FBI003923-3924.[11] The Mother Jones story that Lisa Page most likely was A Veteran Spy Has Given the FBI Information Alleging a Russian Operation to Cultivate Donald Trump, which relied on information provided by Christopher Steele and was the impetus for the FBI to formally end its relationship with Steele. See U.S. Dep't of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Review of Four FISA Applications and Other Aspects of the FBI's Crossfire Hurricane Investigation 172-75 (Dec. 2019); see also https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/veteran-spy-gave-fbi-info-alleging-russian-operation-cultivate-donald-trump/.[12] Devlin's piece was most likely a reference to an article by Devlin Barrett, who was at that time a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and published the following article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/laptop-may-include-thousands-of-emails-linked-to-hillary-clintons-private-server-1477854957.[13] The Slate story that Lisa Page was most likely referencing was: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/cover_story/2016/10/was_a_server_registered_to_the_trump_organization_communicating_with_russia.html.[14] Dexter Filkins, The Contested Afterlife of the Trump-Alfa Bank Story, New Yorker, Oct. 7, 2020. https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-contested-afterlife-of-the-trump-alfa-bank-story.[15] Testimony of Robert S. Mueller, III, Special Counsel, before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (July 24, 2019).",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/army-corps-engineers-approves-bipartisan-finkenauer-led-request-special-port,Army Corps of Engineers Approves Bipartisan Finkenauer-led Request for Special Port Designation in Iowa,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) announced on Monday that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the creation of the three Port Statistical Areas (PSAs) in the Heart of the Corn Belt, which includes key ports in Iowa.
The Corps will collectively designate the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (MRPEIWI), the Mid-America Port and the Illinois Waterways Ports and Terminals as the Corn Belt Port Statistical Areas.
Approval of the statistical area designations will make it easier for the ports to attract business and investment, grow the local economy and create new jobs.
""I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for reviewing our request and quickly granting it, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. This designation from the Corps will mean an economic boost for Iowa, especially in Dubuque and Jackson Counties.""
""I also want to thank Reps. Loebsack, LaHood and Bustos for working with us to push for this designation, Finkenauer said.
""These port designations are historic for our region, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. This recognition from the Army Corps of Engineers will make clear to everyone what we in Northwest and Central Illinois already know: just how critical our inland waterways are to the nation's economy. I was proud to join my colleagues in urging the Corps to make these designations, and I am pleased with the Corps' decision, which will make the region even more competitive and drive our local economy moving forward.""
""Federal approval of the Corn Belt Ports is great news for our rural communities in central and west-central Illinois. Access to inland waterways is critical to the economic viability of our communities and allows small businesses, farmers and manufacturers to export commodities around the world, Congressman Darin LaHood said. Establishing the Corn Belt Ports as a statistical area in western Illinois and eastern Iowa will facilitate greater regional coordination that will raise the region's global profile and bolster economic development. I am proud that this bipartisan effort will strengthen economic opportunities along waterways in the Tri-State Region.""
""I am happy to see the approval for the creation of these three new Port Statistical Areas, including the Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Congressman Dave Loebsack said. This PSA designation recognizes Iowa's strength in inland waterway commerce and raises the profile and competitiveness of our riverfront counties, and the entire Tri-State region. I am proud to have worked with so many different partners to help secure this approval and bring the economic development and infrastructure investment that will help Iowa grow.""
In September, Finkenauer, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL)sent a bipartisan letterto the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday asking for expedited approval of a local request to improve economic opportunity at Iowa and Illinois ports along the Mississippi River.
Finkenauer serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and she is Co-chair of the Highways and Transit subcommittee.
Background onMississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois(MRPEIWI):
The purpose of creating a Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (MRPEIWI) Port Statistical Area is to highlight the importance of the region in transporting goods. If approved, the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center (WCSC) would report data for the MRPEIWI and demonstrate that it ranks in the top 100ports in the United States, by tonnage moved.
This recognition would improve awareness of the importance of MRPEIWI and promote usage of the Mississippi River for shipping goods. This would also raise awareness of the importance of investing in inland waterway infrastructure.
The proposed MRPEIWI consists of existing ports and terminals along the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois from river mile 361.5 in Keokuk, Iowa to river mile 580 in Dubuque, Iowa. MRPEIWI would encompass 50 existing Iowa barge terminals, and about 20 existing barge terminals in Illinois.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-lauds-corps-approval-three-port-statistical-areas-along-mississippi,Grassley Lauds Corps Approval of Three Port Statistical Areas Along Mississippi River,2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTONSen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today lauded the decision by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Navigation and Civil Works Decision Support Center, in coordination with the Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, to approve three Port Statistical Areas (PSAs) on the Mississippi River.This federal recognition as a multi-modal port region will be leveraged by local governments and businesses for marketing and economic development that will improve regional, national and global competitiveness.  Before this announcement, Iowa was the only state that didn't have a federally recognized port. This is a well-deserved recognition as Iowa serves as a major multimodal transportation center and the number one producer and exporter of corn. The inland waterway system on the Mississippi River is vital to connecting our agricultural and manufacturing goods with communities both around the country and the world, Grassley said.  The Mississippi River Ports of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (MRPEIWI), the Illinois Water way (ILWW) Ports and Terminals and the Mid-American PSAs include the core of the largest grain producing and exporting region in the United States.These three ports are now recognized on the U.S. federal ports ranking list of October 2020.  The MRPEIWI includes 221.5 river miles with 70 barge terminals as a PSA. The PSA will rank as a middle third Top 100 Port on the U.S. Ports List. 90 percent of Iowa's port infrastructure is in just 7.5 counties on the Mississippi River.  Grassley worked with Iowa stakeholders and the Army Corps of Engineers in getting these PSAs approved and has long been a federal champion of agriculture and the inland waterway system. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-cavuto-discuss-democrats-court-packing-scheme-debunk-false,"ICYMI: Grassley Joins Cavuto to Discuss Democrats’ Court Packing Scheme, Debunk False Claims that Barrett Would Take Away Health Care",2020-10-12,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News Channel to discuss the first day of the hearing to consider the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. They discussed the Democrats' false claims that Judge Barrett would take away access to health care and protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions, as well as Democrats' scheme to pack the Supreme Court with left-wing judges.  Watch | Download -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/axne-fitzpatrick-lead-call-expanded-telehealth-services-seniors-during-covid-19,"Axne, Fitzpatrick Lead Call for Expanded Telehealth Services for Seniors during COVID-19 Pandemic",2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03)andRep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01)leda letter with 32 other colleagues to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, urging her to expand Medicare telehealth coverage of valuable audiology and speech-language pathology during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
At a time when individuals with hearing, communication, and swallowing disorders face even higher risk for isolation and depression, Medicare beneficiaries must have access to appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services via telehealth to slow transmission of COVID-19 and ensure they receive medically necessary treatment to meet their functional goals,the members wrote.We strongly encourage you to issue such guidance to add further audiology and speech-language pathology codes to the authorized telehealth services list.
The letter was endorsed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Academy of Doctors of Audiology, American Academy of Audiology, and the ALS Association.
We appreciate Congress providing CMS the authority to remove barriers that have historically prevented Medicare beneficiaries from accessing audiology and speech-language pathology services safely and effectively through telehealth,said Theresa H. Rodgers, MA, CCC-SLP, 2020 president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).Unfortunately, the current list of approved audiology and speech-language pathology telehealth services does not adequately cover the full range of medical needs of America's seniors, including evaluation and treatment for common conditions such as hearing, balance, neurodegenerative and other conditions. ASHA applauds Representatives Axne and Fitzpatrick for their leadership in encouraging the agency to improve seniors' access to necessary telehealth services during the public health emergency.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Rep. Axne hasconsistentlyadvocatedfor allowing Iowans to access more medically necessary services through telehealth, which is critical to making sure Iowans can receive care while preventing transmission of COVID-19.
In April, Rep. Axneintroducedthe bipartisanEmergency COVID Telehealth Response Actto ensure that physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, audiologists, and clinical social workers can receive telehealth reimbursement rates from CMS.
Following Rep. Axne's push, CMSannouncedan expansion and clarification of telehealth coverage for four of these key therapeutic services.
In May, Rep. AxneunveiledtheKnowing the Efficiency and Efficacy of Permanent (KEEP) Telehealth Options Act of 2020,bipartisan legislation that would commission studies by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to gather information on telehealth use during COVID-19 in order to support making telehealth options and adjusted reimbursement rates permanent.
The full text of today's letter can be found below.
Dear Administrator Verma:
We are writing to share our support for allowing additional audiology and speech-language pathology services that are already covered under Medicare to be available to beneficiaries via telehealth for the duration of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency (PHE).
We appreciate that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided new authority and flexibility for Medicare beneficiaries to receive essential health care services via telehealth by utilizing Section 3703 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136), including enabling audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to provide Medicare Part B telehealth services during the PHE. Unfortunately, the current list of approved telehealth services does not adequately ensure Medicare beneficiaries have access to the range of clinically appropriate hearing, speech, language, cognition, and swallowing services they require.
There are a number of audiology and speech-language pathology services that can be provided under Medicare in-person that can also be provided remotely in a safe and effective manner. We recommend adding to the telehealth services list audiology codes representing core diagnostic tests for identifying the type, severity, and etiology of hearing loss or the need for further vestibular testing. We also recommend adding to the telehealth services list speech-language pathology codes representing evaluation and treatment of a broader range of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders, as well as those that relate to evaluating and treating individuals who need speech-generating devices.
At a time when individuals with hearing, communication, and swallowing disorders face even higher risk for isolation and depression, Medicare beneficiaries must have access to appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services via telehealth to slow transmission of COVID-19 and ensure they receive medically necessary treatment to meet their functional goals. We understand that CMS can issue sub-regulatory guidance to provide better access to telehealth services for Medicare beneficiaries who need the services of audiologists and SLPs. We strongly encourage you to issue such guidance to add further audiology and speech-language pathology codes to the authorized telehealth services list for its duration as soon as possible.
Again, thank you for your significant efforts to expand telehealth options for Medicare beneficiaries during the PHE. We look forward to the addition of all clinically appropriate audiology and speech-language pathology services to the telehealth services list as soon as possible to build on those efforts.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grants-expand-access-renewable-fuels-allamakee-delaware,"Finkenauer Announces Grants to Expand Access to Renewable Fuels in Allamakee, Delaware and Jones Counties",2020-10-09,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Friday announced USDA Rural Development grants totaling $258,393 to expand facilities for the sale of homegrown renewable fuels in Allamakee, Delaware and Jones counties.
The grants will help four fuel stations upgrade equipment for the storage and sale of E15 ethanol, leading to an expected increase of more than 1 million gallons of ethanol sold per year.
The grant recipients and awards are as follows:
 Expresso of Lansing, Inc in Allamakee County: $55,000 grant as part of a $160,000 project to replace two fuel dispensers and a storage tank.
	Three Rivers FS Co. in Delaware County: $45,000 grant as part of a $90,000 project to replace three fuel dispensers at two stations.
	Sundstop II, LLC, in Jones County: $158,393 grant as part of a $316,786 project to replace four fuel dispensers and one storage tank.
 ""These investments will expand access to higher blends of American-made renewable fuel, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. That's a win for our farmers and producers, small businesses in our communities, and Iowa motorists who will have more access to cleaner home-grown fuel.""
In April, Finkenauer introduced the bipartisanClean Fuels Deployment Act of 2020 with Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE) and Roger Marshall (R-KS). The legislation authorizes $600 million over six years to helpretailers offerhigher ethanol blends, expand the geographic area selling ethanol blends, support biodiesel, bioheat, and sustainable aviation fuel markets, and accelerate the deployment of fueling infrastructure.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-and-naig-visit-biodiesel-facility-mason-city-highlight-policy-wins,"Grassley, Ernst and Naig Visit Biodiesel Facility in Mason City, Highlight Policy Wins for Renewable Fuels and Farmers",2020-10-08,2020,2020-10,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"MASON CITY, IOWA  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined by fellow champions for Iowa's biofuel industry, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, visited the Renewable Energy Group in Mason City. During their stop at the biodiesel production facility, Grassley, Ernst and Naig met with and answered questions from employees, toured the plant and discussed recent wins the Iowa leaders helped secure for the biofuel industry. Click here or on the image above for a video from the stop.Click HERE for downloadable photos from the visit.Grassley's Instagram post from the event can be found HERE and tweet can be found HERE. I've long worked to support our renewable fuels workers and to ensure the RFS is faithfully implemented. I'm glad to have partnered with Senator Ernst this year to secure the biodiesel tax credit extension, reject gap-year SRE waivers and break down barriers to give consumers the option of E15 at the pump, Grassley said. I appreciated the opportunity to tour Renewable Energy Group and hear directly from Iowans on how these policies are affecting their industry. I'll continue to fight for our farmers and bring their voices to the policymaking tables in Washington.  From securing E15 year-round to extending the biodiesel tax credit, and getting rid of the gap year' waivers, I've been working relentlessly for our renewable fuel producers, Ernst, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said. Today in Mason City, we discussed these recent wins, and reaffirmed our commitment to advocating on behalf of Iowa's agriculture communitybecause the fight for our biofuel industry, and our farmers, is never over.  Renewable fuels are critical to Iowa's economy. They provide jobs in rural communities, additional markets for our crop producers, and give consumers greater access to affordable, cleaner-burning fuels, Naig said. I am proud to continue working alongside Senators Ernst and Grassley to advocate on behalf of Iowa's agriculture community.  We are so appreciative to Senator Ernst for being a tireless and effective advocate for Iowa biodiesel. She recognizes the tremendous benefits our fuel provides for agriculture, the environment, and the rural economy, CJ Warner, President & CEO, Renewable Energy Group, Inc., said. Last month, the Trump Administration announced they would deny so-called gap year petitions for small refinery exemptions (SREs) for past compliance years and clarify the ability of existing fuel infrastructure to support expanded E15 use. Since the gap year SREs were announced, Grassley and Ernst had been calling on the administration to deny the waivers. Grassley and Ernst also opposed the nominee to be the Deputy Administrator at EPA, Doug Benevento, over the gap year waiver issue.Grassley and Ernst fought hard to include the biodiesel tax credit in the year-end funding package last year. In December 2019, they successfully helped secure getting a 5 year extension of the biodiesel tax credit signed into law. They also urged the IRS to quickly process claims from 2018 and 2019.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-announces-new-7900000-flood-resiliency-grant-protect-hamburg,"Rep. Axne Announces New $7,900,000 Flood Resiliency Grant to Protect Hamburg Businesses",2020-10-07,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep.Cindy Axne (IA-03)announced a new $7,900,000 grant to the city of Hamburg to fund critical infrastructure improvements aimed at protecting businesses and neighborhoods at risk of flooding along the Missouri River.
The grant, which was providedby the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA), is funded through additional funding secured in last year's federal disaster aid bill  whichRep. Axne fought to expand in orderto cover flood recovery and repair projects after disastrous floodingalong the Missouri Riverlast March.
I ampleasedto see this economic investment coming into ourrural communities. After the devastating flooding in the spring of 2019, theHamburg communitycame together, rebuilt and repaired what was lost, and showed us all just how resilient Iowans are, said Rep. Axne. Not only will this moneyserve as a catalyst for the future growth of southwest Iowa but also it will helpcreate jobs while working to ensure such a tragic event doesn't happen again.
The grantwas made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO),and is projected to support nearly 350 jobs
After securing $3 billion for Midwest flood recovery in last year's federal disaster bill, Rep. Axne has been tracking funding provided to Iowa to help rebuild from last year's flooding with her Iowa Flood Funding Tracker.
With this new grant, the Tracker now accounts for $603 million in federal dollars spent in Iowa.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-colleagues-urge-sec-finalize-10-year-old-rule-improper-executive-pay,"Rep. Axne, Colleagues Urge the SEC to Finalize 10-Year-Old Rule on Improper Executive Pay",2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Reps.Cindy Axne (IA-03)and Brad Sherman(CA-30), Chairman of theSubcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship, and Capital Markets, led nine Financial Services Committee members in a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Jay Clayton asking the SEC to prioritize a rule requiring public companies to recoup unearned incentive-based compensation from executives.
TheDodd-FrankAct, signed into law in July 2010, called for a rulemaking to require that if executives received incentive-based compensation, and then the company restated their earnings, any incentive compensation that was not earned based on the corrected financials would automatically be clawed back. Although the SEC proposed a rule in June 2015, that rule has still not been finalized, and in fact did not appear in the SEC's last rulemaking agenda.
The logic behind clawbacks is simple: incentive-based compensation due to performance that was not actually justified by correct financial statements should be returned to the company,the members wrote.Unfortunately, despite being called for under Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act more than 10 years ago, and despite a proposed rule being issued more than five years ago, these rules have not only not been finalized, this required rulemaking was removed from the SEC's priority rulemaking agenda at the beginning of this administration.
The lack of action on this rule was highlighted by a recent settlement withBausch Health, formerly known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals. The company, which was a major part of the Senate Aging Committee's 2016 report on price gouging, settled with the SEC based on misleading disclosures and improper revenue recognition. Valeant had failed to disclose the extent to which drug price increases were responsible for earnings growth, as well as using a pharmacy named Philidor to shift earnings between quarters to meet targets. The settlement included reimbursement of some of their former CEO's compensation, which likely would have been covered by the clawbacks rule.
After information about Valeant's price gouging and information about their relationship with Philidor came to light in late 2015, Valeant's stock dropped more than 90%. Meanwhile, CEO Michael Pearson was forced out of Valeant in 2016, leaving with more than $150 million, including a severance package of $12 million, as compared to a total settlement of $700,000.
Given the extent of the wrongdoing at Valeant during this time, a $700,000 settlement for a CEO who walked away with more than $150 million is just a slap on the wrist, and does little to prevent this kind of behavior in the future,said Rep. Axne. Pharma CEOs getting rich by hiking prices of life-saving drugs makes me furious, and it's even worse to know the SEC should have done more to discourage executives from this kind of behavior. Instead of finalizing this rule to protect investors, this SEC has focused their attention on making management unaccountable to shareholders.
The letter was signed byReps. Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Bill Foster (IL-11), Carolyn Maloney (NY-12), Lacy Clay (MO-01), Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Sean Casten (IL-06).
Thefull text of the lettercan be found below:
Dear Chairman Clayton,
We write to express our dismay with the continued lack of any final rules regarding clawbacks of executive compensation more than 10 years after they were first required, and to ask that you prioritize completing them.
The logic behind clawbacks is simple: incentive-based compensation due to performance that was not actually justified by correct financial statements should be returned to the company. As part of Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC was directed to undertake rulemaking requiring public companies to have a policy for clawbacks. The SEC's failure to finalize this rule and meet its statutory obligation is of particular concern given the recent settlements with Bausch Health, formerly known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals, and three executives there, which included returning a portion of their incentive-based compensation.
As you know, Valeant Pharmaceuticals grew rapidly from the time J. Michael Pearson took over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2008 until 2015. This required first merging with the Canadian company Biovail in a tax inversion, reducing their corporate tax rate to less than 10% and allowing them to more easily shift intellectual property (and thus profits) to tax havens like Barbados and Bermuda.
Valeant then continued to grow with a strategy based largely on acquiring existing drugs or pharmaceutical corporations, rather than developing new ones of their own. The company typically followed acquisitions with a price gouging strategy  aggressively raising prices on existing drugs while also aggressively cutting investment in research and development (R&D). Their actions included raising the prices of two drugs which have been approved for the treatment of a rare disease known as Wilson disease for more than 30 years, Cuprimine and Syprine, from less than $700 to more than $20,000 per month, an increase of more than 3,000%.[1]These are far from the only drugs Valeant did this with  Nitropress and Isuprel saw price increases of 525% and 212% the day after Valeant purchased them. From 2011 to June 2014,[2]Valeant increased list prices for drugs by more than 20% 122 times.
In 2013, Valeant helped establish a mail order pharmacy named Philidor, which distributed primarily Valeant products and grew to become a significant part of Valeant's sales in 2014 and 2015. However, Valeant failed to properly disclose the relationship and its impact on Valeant's business, where it represented 14% of the entire company's U.S. organic growth. Valeant also likely used Philidor to shift sales into earlier quarters in order to meet revenue and earnings targets. Only when press attention began to focus on Philidor did Valeant disclose the relationship, followed days later by terminating the relationship with Philidor.[3]
Valeant's track record of growth and beating both company and analyst estimates for earnings and revenues over this time period was a major factor in it becoming a favorite stock of hedge funds and other investors, causing major increases in the stock price. From the date Michael Pearson became CEO in February 2008 through the end of July 2015, Valeant stock returned more than 2400%.
After information about Valeant's price gouging and information about their relationship with Philidor came to light in late 2015, Valeant's stock dropped more than 90%.On March 21, 2016, Valeant announced Mr. Pearson would resign, and on April 29, 2016, Valeant restated its financial statements for the full year of 2014 and the first three quarters of 2015. This restatement reduced revenue and income for 2014, which would also have likely reduced Valeant's stock price had it been public at the time.
As a result of Valeant and its executives' misconduct, the SEC recently announced a settlement with the company and its executives, which included a total settlement of $700,000 from Mr. Pearson, of which $450,000 was reimbursement for incentive-based compensation.
This settlement pales in comparison to the nearly $100 million of stock that Mr. Pearson sold in mid-2016[4]after his resignation, in addition to more than $70 million of stock he still held at the time. Further, he received cash compensation of $10 million in 2014 and a severance package worth almost $12 million in 2016,[5]despite the enormous damage he'd done to the company during this time.
While the SEC did not approve the excessive pay package Valeant provided to Mr. Pearson while he was CEO or the golden parachute he received, the enormous disparity between this settlement for serious misconduct while running Valeant and his pay there remains. For a man who left Valeant after 8 years with more than $150 million in compensation, losing $700,000 creates virtually no incentive against wrongdoing. This settlement draws our attention to the lack of any movement on SEC rules to require that companies have policies for recovery of incentive-based compensation, or clawbacks.
Unfortunately, despite being called for under Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act more than 10 years ago, and despite a proposed rule being issued more than five years ago, these rules have not only not been finalized, this required rulemaking was removed from the SEC's priority rulemaking agenda at the beginning of this administration.During this time, the Commission has also not issued any new proposed rule. That lack of action and attention at the SEC is extremely disappointing.
The SEC proposed a rule to address this problem in June of 2015, which would have required all listed companies to have a policy requiring clawbacks from executive officers.[6]While a number of stakeholder comments recommended improvements to the rule, especially with regard to increased disclosures, the proposed clawback requirement would have included both cash and equity compensation, as well as compensation from incentives based on shareholder return. While Valeant did (and Bausch does) have a clawback policy, that policy is significantly narrower than this proposal, and a stronger policy would have likely made it easier to achieve a significant settlement. Perhaps even more importantly, a better clawback policy creates a stronger disincentive against this kind of misconduct in the first place.
Had even just the SEC's proposed rule been in place, Valeant's shareholders would have been better protected from the malpractices of the CEO. This type of common-sense policy should never have been delayed this long, and a strong rule to protect investors should be finalized quickly. We urge your swift attention to this matter, and we ask for a written response no later than October 22, 2020.
Sincerely,",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-stimulus-negotiations,Rep. Axne Statement on Stimulus Negotiations,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep.Cindy Axne (IA-03)issued the following statement on President Trump's decision to suspend bipartisan negotiations over a coronavirus (COVID-19) relief bill:
With more than 210,000 lives lost to this pandemic, half of all restaurants at risk of closing in the next six months, millions of kids out of school, and thousands of Iowa families struggling to keep food on their tables and roofs over their head,we cannot afford to wait to come to an agreement.
By abruptly ending all bipartisan negotiations on our next coronavirus relief package, President Trump has condemnedpeople in communities across Iowa to suffer and wait until he's willing to return to the negotiating table.Itisunconscionable that he has done so over claiming that he is uninterested in supporting vital local services like our schools and first responders.
Over the past week, negotiations had resumed  working towards an agreement that could help those still in need  and I pushed for our full support and attention to be given to seeing those talks succeed. For the many Iowans that are still struggling in this crisis, I urge the President to reconsider his position so that we can resume talks as soon as possible.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-president-trump-calling-end-covid-19-relief-negotiations,Finkenauer Statement on President Trump Calling an End to COVID-19 Relief Negotiations,2020-10-06,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump instructing his administration end to negotiations on a new COVID-19 relief package:
""The President'sdecision today to walk away from negotiations on a desperately needed COVID-19relief package callously threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans  including Iowans in my district. ""In recent days I've met withsmall businessowners counting on additional aid to keep their doors open andtheir employees on the payroll. I've spoken with hospital administrators who need more resources for testing and treatment,and to support our frontline health care workers.Police and firefighters have told me their communities need additional support to adequately protect our friends and neighbors. And I've heard stories from Iowans all across my district facing challenges paying rent and even buying groceries. ""Last week, I helped pass a relief package that would address these needs. It's unbelievable and unforgivable that the Senate has refused to evenconsider this compromise and that the administration is now turning its back on Americans in need. Now, more than ever, is the time for us toput politics asideand come together and deliver for the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-introduces-bipartisan-bill-improve-agriculture-education,Finkenauer Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Agriculture Education Opportunities for Iowa Students,2020-10-05,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) introduced the bipartisanGrowing Opportunities in Agriculture (GO AG) Acton Monday to improve agriculture education opportunities in our schools.
The bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Congressman Glenn G.T. Thompson (R-PA) and cosponsored by Congressmen Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), and Anthony Brindisi (D-NY), would create grants available to high schools to cover the cost of starting an agriculture education program.
""Farming is an important tradition as well as an essential economic engine in our state. That's why it's incredibly important to recruit and educate the next generation of Iowa farmers,""Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.""I am proud to be joined by Congressman Thompson in introducing the GO AG Act to make sure that high schoolers are considering careers in agriculture and have access to the experiences and opportunities to do so.""
""Restoring a robust rural economy depends largely upon appealing to the next generation, saidRep. Glenn G.T.' Thompson. Investing in education is perhaps the most commonsense way to prepare individuals who are passionate about a career in agriculture for the workforce. The GO AG Act is not only an investment in agriculture education but also the future of our agricultural supply chain.""
TheGO AG Actwould create a $5 million grant program to help high schools cover the startup costs associated with agriculture education programs. Schools could apply for the competitive grants to cover classroom and laboratory instruction, teacher salaries and curriculum development.
The GO AG Act is endorsed by: National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), National Founding Farmers of America (FFA), Iowa FFA, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri FFA
Support for the GO AG Act:
""On behalf of the board of directors and the over 9,000 members of the National Association of Agricultural Educators, I am grateful to Representative Finkenauer for her support for school-based agricultural education in our schools, said Parker Bane, NAAE President and agriculture teacher at Normal Community West High School in Normal, Illinois. Opening agricultural education programs where they don't exist currently will expand opportunities for students to learn science, mathematics, and literacy skills in the applied context of agriculture, which is our nation's most important industry sector. Ag-related value chains provide excellent opportunities for high-demand, high-wage careers and school-based agricultural education programs are the beginning of the human capital pipeline for these careers.""
 Mr. Parker Bane, President of NAAE

""Agricultural education plays an important role not only in FFA but in developing a future generation of leaders. Through hands-on experiential learning, students in agricultural education develop skill-sets to help them succeed in life. The Finkenauer legislation enables more students to experience agricultural education and the opportunities it offers.""
 Dr. James Woodard,National FFA Advisor.

""On behalf of the National FFA Organization, I'd like to express my thanks to Congresswoman Finkenauer, Congressman Thompson, and Congressman Luetkemeyer for their leadership in ensuring support for school-based agricultural education programs. As National FFA works to grow the world's next generation of leaders, we recognize and realize that we are just one piece in this puzzle. This legislation provides opportunities for students to experience classroom instruction, a work or project-based experience (which we refer to as a Supervised Agricultural Experience) and of course the National FFA Organization. We look forward to the passing of this legislation and the impact it will provide to future students of agricultural education.""
 Mark Poeschl, CEO, National FFA Organization",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-president-and-first-lady-s-positive-covid-19-tests,Finkenauer Statement on President and First Lady’s Positive COVID-19 Tests,2020-10-02,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Today, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the announcement that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19:
""As we have seen firsthand in Iowa and around the country, this virus knows no ethnic, gender, or geographic boundaries and has now reached the President of the United States. I'm praying for the President and First Lady to make a fast and full recovery from COVID-19. I hope this difficult news serves as a call to action for everyone to protect themselves and our communities against the spread of his virus. Be safe and wear a mask.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-statement-updated-heroes-act,Rep. Axne Statement on Updated Heroes Act,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonight, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement on her vote on the updated Heroes Act:
Over the past two months, I repeatedly urged House leadership to bring up a simplified, straightforward COVID-19 aid package in order to meet the White House and Senate Republicans in the middle on a deal that could deliver critical assistance for Iowa's families, businesses, and communities.
This move toward compromise has demonstrably renewed momentum for a deal, and we are closer than we have been in months, but the only thing that will deliver the help my constituents need is a bill that will actually become law.
As negotiations between our two sides continue, we need to give these discussions our full attention and support. Millions of Americans cannot afford for us to fail in this effort  we must continue to work towards an agreement and vote when we know we have a deal in hand.
Rep. Axne has continued to push congressional leadership to move a new package of COVID-19 relief forward to help Iowa families.
Last week, Rep. Axne led a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging her to bring up a revised and streamlined relief package.
Previously, Rep. Axne had urged Speaker Pelosi to bring up a simplified COVID-19 aid package when the House returned to session two weeks ago.
Earlier this month, Rep. Axne wrote to Speaker Pelosi to urge her to put a revised COVID-19 aid package on the House's agenda for September.
Rep. Axne made a similar request of House leadership in August when the House returned to session to pass legislation to preserve the solvency and operational capacity of the U.S. Postal Service.
Rep. Axne also led a letter of Iowa and Illinois Representatives to the White House and congressional leadership highlighting the need for additional aid for state and local governments after a devastating derecho struck the region earlier last month.
In May, Rep. Axne rejected the original Heroes Act for its inclusion of superfluous provisions and unnecessary spending  while continuing to advocate for a package that could garner Senate and White House approval to deliver much-needed aid for Iowans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-passage-heroes-20-act,Finkenauer Statement on Passage of HEROES 2.0 Act,2020-10-01,2020,2020-10,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement regarding her vote on theHEROES 2.0 Act:
""While I remain hopeful that the Senate and the administration will come to the table and negotiate in good faith on a bipartisan coronavirus relief package, my constituents can no longer afford to wait. Today, I voted for the HEROES 2.0 Act to provide aid to the families and communities who need it.
""Although imperfect, this package includes the immediate relief our families need to pay rent and keep food on the table, and that our fire departments, community hospitals and small businesses need to continue serving Iowans.
""Among the many provisions included in this package that will provide direct, essential aid to Iowans, I'm especially glad to see an increase in the federal cost match for natural disasters  a step that will lower the local financial burden not only on the pandemic but also the ongoing derecho recovery facing communities across eastern Iowa.
""My vote today was a vote to put Iowa's hard working families, small businesses, and frontline workers first over political games  I encourage the Senate and the White House to do the same.""
Reaction from First Congressional District:
""The HEROES 2.0 Act provides critical assistance to individuals and business owners to help local economies recover, and to local governments to continue to provide critical services. It is especially important for cities like Cedar Rapids, who have also experienced devastating natural disasters on top of dealing with a pandemic.""
 Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart

""Our locally owned businesses, community nonprofits and essential public safety services need help through this pandemic and the economic crisis caused by it  in fact, they've needed help for months. Passage of the HEROES 2.0 Act  which includes support for schools, first responders and our smallest small businesses as well as emergency safety standards for frontline workers  couldn't come soon enough for the City of Waterloo. I commend Congresswoman Finkenauer for standing with our community and supporting her constituents with this vote.""
 Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart

""Keeping first responders on the job during this crisis is critically important to the health, safety and welfare of all communities. This legislation provides a necessary lifeline for communities struggling to manage the fiscal crisis COVID-19 has caused.""
 Marshalltown Chief of Police Michael W. Tupper
""While we deeply appreciate the assistance that Congress provided to airports through the CARES Act last spring, it's become increasingly clear that our industry will require additional assistance to survive the unprecedented challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic.The HEROES 2.0 Act provides that assistance, including critical funding to help airports and concessionaires offset the financial pressures caused by a historic downturn in air travel. Local, state and national economic recovery will depend on a strong aviation system, and we fully support this legislation to ensure we have it.""
 Dubuque Regional Airport Director Todd Dalsing

""As small, independent restaurant owners financially and personally invested in the success of our community's restaurant scene, we are in full support of the HEROES 2.0 Act. The Restaurants Act included in the legislation is a beacon of hope that could help save not only the 11 million jobs in our industry but countless additional jobs in distribution, advertising, farming, manufacturing and more. This bill won't just protect our industry, it will provide a lifeline to a huge and diverse group of folks who work extremely hard here in Cedar Rapids and across the country. HEROES 2.0 is essential to save the American Dream for Mom and Pops like us, and preserve our safe, communal gathering places.""
Sam & Phoebe Charles, owners of Rodina restaurant in Cedar Rapids

""The timing and importance of the HEROES 2.0 Act couldn't be any more crucial to saving our favorite independentrestaurants and bars. The Revitalization Fund included in the legislation will not only keep our restaurants open, but to ensure millions of Americans can stay employed within our communities. I am very grateful for the hard work of Congresswoman Finkenauer and the thousands of restaurant operators in the Independent Restaurant Coalition who worked night and day to protect our industry.""
Kevin Scharpf, chef and owner of Brazen Open Kitchen & Bar in Dubuque",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-announces-14500000-dot-flood-repair-grants-iowa,"Rep. Axne Announces $14,500,000 in DOT Flood Repair Grants for Iowa",2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) announced $14,491,169 in new federal grants to cover repair and reconstruction expenses of federal roads and highways that were damaged in 2019 floods across Iowa.
The new grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will cover repair costs for damage along major routes like I-29, I-680, and US-34 as well as federal roads maintained by theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
After last year's flooding, many of Iowa's road and highways were damaged  adding additional strain onto our already aging infrastructure, said Rep. Axne. These grants will help restore these roadways and allow traffic to resume at a pre-disaster level and help us keep Iowa on track to a full recovery.
The grants were awarded as follows:
 $13,978,130 for project sites across Iowa managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation
	$513,039 for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for projects along the Missouri River
 Rep. Axne fought to increase funding for this emergency relief program in last year's disaster supplemental bill. Her amendment to increase funding for the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Program by $500 million passed the House in May 2019.
After securing $3 billion for Midwest flood recovery in last year's federal disaster bill, Rep. Axne has been tracking funding provided to Iowa to help rebuild from last year's flooding with her Iowa Flood Funding Tracker.
With this new grant, the Tracker now accounts for $595.4 million in federal dollars spent in Iowa.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-colleagues-urge-expedited-review-and-approval-ppp-loan-forgiveness,"Rep. Axne, Colleagues Urge Expedited Review and Approval of PPP Loan Forgiveness Applications",2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) led her colleagues in a letter to the Department of Treasury and Small Business Administration (SBA) urging them to provide an update on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness applications.
As of the writing of this letter, Treasury and SBA have received nearly 100,000 applications for PPP loan forgiveness, with many more expected to file when updated guidance is provided to the lenders who have provided the five million PPP loans delivered nationwide.
We are disappointed in the complete lack of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness approvals and write to ask when small businesses will begin receiving loan forgiveness and for more information about these delays, the members wrote. While we appreciate the desire to ensure accurate information is provided, this is far too long for borrowers and lenders to be sitting waiting on updated information  and leaves them in an unnecessarily difficult position.
A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report published last week stated that, as of August 14, the SBA had still not formalized their loan forgiveness review process. Rep. Axne's letter lays out a series of questions for SBA and Treasury to respond to on the loan forgiveness process before October 15.
The letter was signed byReps. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Ed Case (HI-01), and Dave Loebsack (IA-02).
As of August 8th, over 13,000 PPP loans have been approved in Iowa's Third Congressional District  totaling over $1.3 billion supporting at least 120,000 jobs across central and southwest Iowa.
The full text of the letter can be found below:
Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza:
We are disappointed in the complete lack of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness approvals and write to ask when small businesses will begin receiving loan forgiveness and for more information about these delays.
As you know, the CARES Act created this program to make small business loans which are intended to be forgiven. While we realize most of the 5 million PPP loans have not had an application for loan forgiveness submitted by the lender, much of this is due to a lack of clarity from the Small Business Administration and Treasury with regard to how they should handle these applications. In addition, recent reporting indicates that not a single loan forgiveness application has been fully processed.
We urge both the SBA and Treasury to work on updated information to help lenders process applications to ensure that forgiveness applications can be submitted in a timely manner. The most recent guidance available on SBA's website appears to be from August 11th. While we appreciate the desire to ensure accurate information is provided, this is far too long for borrowers and lenders to be sitting waiting on updated information  and leaves them in an unnecessarily difficult position.
In addition, despite receiving nearly 100,000 applications for loan forgiveness since early August, not a single one has been either approved or rejected. We share your goal of using taxpayer funds appropriately, but this seems to go well beyond simply proper due diligence. A report last week from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that as of August 14th, SBA had not finalized its procedures for loan reviews. We hope this is no longer the reason for these delays, and that approvals will soon begin.
To better understand how this situation has developed and when it may be resolved, we seek answers to the following questions:
 Are SBA and/or Treasury working on updated guidance, either in the form of a new forgiveness application, application instructions, or frequently asked questions?
		If so, when is this expected to be publicly available and usable?
			If there are other relevant materials not posted on SBA.gov, please identify them so we can help ensure constituents have access to the latest materials.
		
	Why have there still not been any final decisions regarding the 100,000 loan forgiveness applications that have been submitted, and when can we expect those to begin?
		If, as the GAO report indicated, there were delays prior to SBA beginning to process these applications, we ask for a timeline of when that began, as well as estimates of how long the process is expected to take.
			If these delays are due to individual application review, please provide examples of the types of problems causing delays. While we understand some information may be confidential, we would urge you to share the kinds of problems you've seen so that we might be able to assist.
		
 We hope the SBA and Treasury will move swiftly to remedy the lack of information for borrowers and lenders about these applications and to correct the delays in forgiveness application review. Given the time sensitive nature of the issue, we request a response no later than October 15, 2020.
Sincerely,

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-passes-bipartisan-bills-committee-help-derecho-disaster-victims-and,Finkenauer Passes Bipartisan Bills in Committee to Help Derecho Disaster Victims and Improve Support for Childcare,2020-09-30,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Two bills supported by Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) won approval in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.
The committee passed Finkenauer and Chairman Peter DeFazio's (D-OR) FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020, to increase the Federal Emergency Management Agency's(FEMA)cost shareforrecovery efforts incommunities impacted by natural disasters in 2020, reducing the financial burden for local authorities and taxpayers.
The committee also passed Finkenauer's bipartisan Child Care is Economic Development Act of 2020 to ensure childcare options are part of certain federal grant-funded economic development strategies.
""I want to thank my colleagues on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for joining me in passing legislation that is so important to folks in Iowa's First Congressional District, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. Many in our community are still recovering from the August derecho, and we must keep doing all we can to help them.""
""As we look forward to long-term economic recovery from the derecho and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, child care must be part of the conversation, Finkenauer said. Our communities were already dealing with a lack of affordable and quality childcare before these crises, and now we've heard more providers will permanently shut their doors. Creating additional, affordable childcare options is essential to growing our economy and creating opportunity in Iowa and across the country.""
FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020:
The FEMA Assistance Relief Act of 2020 would help ease financial burdens on states, as well as local and tribal communities, that have been granted Stafford Act Emergency and Major Disaster declarations this year.
The bill is authored byHouse Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ChairmanPeter DeFazio (D-OR).Finkenauerserves asa member of thecommittee and is an original cosponsor of the legislation.
The legislation would:
 Adjust the FEMA cost share for all disasters declared incalendar year2020to not less than 90percent federaland10percentnon-federalup fromthe current75-percentfederalcost share;
	Adjust the FEMA cost share for all COVID-related declarations to 100 percent federal;and
	Clarify to FEMA that under the COVID declaration, Congress expects theagencytocover certain expenses for reimbursementincluding PPE,disinfectionand other servicesfor public schools, public transit and courts. This addresses criticism of FEMA's recent Public Assistance policy clarification from earlier this month, which excluded PPE and disinfecting for these groups.
 The legislation follows a letter in whichFinkenauerrequested that the administration waivethe 25percentlocal cost sharefor Iowa communities impacted by the derecho.
Child Careis Economic Development Act of 2020:
The bipartisanChild Careis Economic Development Act of 2020would help include plans to increase access to affordable, quality childcare in Community Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), making it easier for childcare to be part of the plan for local economic development projects.
Congressman Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) is a cosponsor of the legislation.
During remarks at Wednesday's committee markup, Finkenauer said, We've already seen, especially in rural districts like mine, how a lack of affordable and quality care limits growth. Sometimes that's a mom or dad turning down a promotion, or even leaving the workforce altogether because it's actually more affordable to stay home with the kids.""
Finkenauer's legislation addresses concerns that lack of childcare options are hurting economic opportunities in Iowa. Iowan Dan Levi, co-chair of the Black Hawk County Child Care Coalition, testified and expressed those concerns in a Small Business Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) subcommittee hearing held this February.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-advances-axne-backed-legislation-help-new-mothers,House Advances Axne-Backed Legislation to Help New Mothers,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation cosponsored by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) to expand Medicaid to help new mothers.
The Helping Medicaid Offer Maternity Services Act of 2019, or Helping MOMS Act,willallow states to provide one year of postpartum coverage for women under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The current law requires only 60 days of coverage for mothers.
Mothers across this country will tell you that twomonths is just the beginning of healing after childbirth,said Rep. AxneThis bill will help ensure that Iowa's moms have all the support they need for health care conditionslike depression, gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and countlessotherillnesses a new mother can experience.
Medical researchershaveshown that a woman's postpartum period lasts up to 12 months after the delivery ofababy.
While newborn babies are eligible for Medicaid or CHIPfor their first year oflifeto cover any complications that arise during this critical time, their mothers lose their health insurance coveragejust60 days after delivering their child.
One study showed that 70% of new moms will have at least one health complication within a year of giving birth.
The Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs (AMCHP) thanks Congresswoman Axne for cosponsoring the Helping MOMS Act and for her continued support to ensure this bill received a vote in the House,said Jonathan Webb, CEO of AMCHP.Iowa's own maternal mortality review committee recommends extending Medicaid for one full year postpartum instead of the current cut-off of 60 days in order to improve access to and continuity of care for women in that crucial window of time after giving birth. The Helping MOMS Act makes it easier for states to make that change and has great potential to improve maternal health outcomes for women in Iowa and across the United States.
""MomsRising applauds the House passage of the Helping MOMS Act, said Nadia Hussain, Maternal Justice Campaign Director for MomsRising Together. Too often moms lose their lives during the postpartum period. Expanding Medicaid to one year after birth will be critical for saving the lives of moms, helping to ensure that they can be there to watchtheir children grow and thrive.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-helps-advance-bipartisan-legislation-assist-schools-response-allergies,"Axne-Backed Legislation to Assist Schools with Response to Allergies, Asthma Attacks Passes House",2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passedbipartisanlegislation cosponsored by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) to encourage K-12 schools to have trained personnel in asthma and allergy management and emergency response. 
TheSchool-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Actwill help provideasthma and allergy grants from the Department of Health and Human Services to train school administrativestaffand school nurses in the use ofemergency medications to treat asthma and anaphylaxis.
Iowa parents who are sending their children into classrooms with peanuts, mold, and countless other triggers for allergies and asthma should haveconfidencethat someone on staff knows how to handle that kind of medical emergency.said Rep. Axne.With this bipartisan bill, we provide critical funding to offer trainings on how to manage and respond to these very commonconditionsfor school staff to ensure our students are protected.
The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that schools have comprehensive management plans in place to support children with asthma and serve allergies.
Unfortunately, most schools do not have such programs in place due to lack of funding, assistance, and trainings.
An asthma and allergy action plan and proper trainings ensure that if a child has a serious and life-threatening asthma or allergy attack, a school nurse or administrator is able to provide the correct medication response immediately.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-derecho-recovery-town-hall-during-visit-fema-center,"Finkenauer Announces Derecho Recovery Town Hall During Visit to FEMA Center in Marshalltown, Calls for Extension of Individual Assistance Deadline",2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) visited the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster recovery center in Marshalltown on Monday, and on Tuesday sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds urging that the State of Iowa seek an extension to the upcoming application deadline for individual disaster aid.
The recovery center was established by FEMA following the Aug. 10 derecho, which devastated a swath of eastern Iowa including Marshall, Tama, Benton and Linn counties. Residents may visit the drive-thru service until Saturday, when the center will close in Marshalltown and reopen in Tama County.
The deadline for Iowans to apply for Individual Assistance for damages caused by the derecho is October 19. During her visit on Monday, Finkenauer expressed concern to FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer DuWayne Tewes that the deadline may come too soon for storm-impacted Iowans, many of whom are still without access to reliable internet service or waiting on property damage assessments from their insurance companies.
In her letter to Reynolds, Finkenauer called on the state to formally seek an extension of the deadline.
""The storm left hundreds of thousands of Iowans with damaged homes and without power, internet, or communication capabilities for several days, even weeks, Finkenauer wrote in the letter. While families impacted by the derecho have tried their best to navigate the process of filing claims with their insurance companies, homeowners and insurers alike are still overwhelmed with the amount of claims and appeals they have had to file.""
""To make this process more complicated, due to public health concerns created by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA conducted damage assessments virtually, she wrote. This has stood to only further delay the process for households that did not have electric or phone/internet utility connections restored in the immediate aftermath of the derecho.""
""A 60-day extension would help Iowans access the resources provided by FEMA's Individual Assistance program and help us move closer toward recovery as a state, Finkenauer wrote. As outlined above, the situation in Iowa certainly fits the criteria for an extension and I hope you can work with FEMA to ensure aid reaches as many Iowans as possible.""
""Given the magnitude of this disaster and the complexity of the recovery, Iowans need more time to apply for federal disaster aid, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. Iowans have been working hard to help their communities recover, but I worry that October 19 will arrive too soon for many folks who need and deserve federal assistance with the losses they experienced. I hope the state makes this necessary request, and that FEMA accepts it.""
Monday's visit to Marshalltown also coincided with Finkenauer's announcement of a telephone town hall withFEMA Federal Coordinating Officer DuWayne Tewes for Iowans impacted by the derecho. The event is scheduled for Thursday at 5 p.m. CT.
Iowans who experienced property damage from the derecho should document the damage with photos and videos, file claims with any relevant private insurance and begin necessary repair projects  making sure to keep all work estimates and receipts.
To apply for FEMA individual assistance, please visit disasterassistance.gov.
For additional information on available assistance, visit our Derecho Recovery Resource Guide.
Finkenauer receives briefing on pandemic childcare, tours after-school program in Grinnell
Also on Monday, Finkenauer met with community leaders in Grinnell for a briefing on how the community has met the challenge of providing childcare during the pandemic.
She met with Chad Nath, the director of LINK Grinnell, to hear how the organization changed its procedures to accommodate community needs and safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were joined by Grinnell-Newburn Community Schools Superintendent Janet Stuzs, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce Director Rachael Kinnick and other community members.
After the meeting, Nath led Finkenauer on a tour of LINK's after-school program at Davis Elementary School demonstrating its COVID-19 protocols.
Earlier this month, Finkenauer passed the bipartisan Ensuring Children and Child Care Workers Are Safe Act to help childcare providers through the pandemic by requiring the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide states with educational materials and technical assistance on COVID-19 prevention, health and safety training and personal protective equipment.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grant-northeast-iowa-community-college,Finkenauer Announces Grant for Northeast Iowa Community College,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Tuesday announced a new federal grant to help Northeast Iowa Community College serve the needs of low-income students.
The $424,423 Strengthening Institutions Program grant provided by the U.S. Department of Education is meant to improve and strengthen recipients' academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability, and will fund the first year of an anticipated five-year program.
""Providing affordable, accessible higher-education to all Iowans  regardless of where they live or their income status  is essential to growing our economy and increasing opportunity. Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. This grant will help ensure Northeast Iowa Community College has the resources it needs to serve Iowa's low-income and first-generation students and set them on a path toward a bright future.""
Northeast Iowa Community College serves eight northeast Iowa counties, and operates campuses in Calmar and Peosta. It offers 30 different academic programs, 20 diploma programs and 7 certificate programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-memorial-black-revolutionary-war-patriots,Grassley on a Memorial for Black Revolutionary War Patriots,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On a Memorial for Black Revolutionary War Patriots Tuesday, September 29, 2020  I have been working for decades to establish a memorial on the National Mall to those Black Revolutionary War patriots who fought for the founding of our country. We are close to achieving this goal, which is needed now more than ever.  The rationale for the memorial was summarized in congressional testimony in 1985 by its founder, Maurice Barboza, The Patriots Memorial would serve an educational purpose in that it would remind Americans of the rich and meaningful contributions of blacks to the birth of America. It would illuminate the past so that the present generation would better understand the nation's history. In that sense it would serve a retrospective purpose.  The Patriots Memorial would serve a prospective purpose by helping future generations of Americans understand what it is that binds us together as a people.  He then quoted Rep. Nancy L. Johnson, the memorial's chief proponent in the House of Representatives, An American cannot be identified by simple physical, ethnic, racial, or religious characteristics. Even our cultural heritage is best defined by its rich diversity.  What ties us together as a nation is our commitment to individual freedom and to maintaining the rights and privileges guaranteed by the Constitution to assure the perpetuation of that freedom.  -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ukraine-investigation,Grassley on the Ukraine Investigation,2020-09-29,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa On the Ukraine Investigation Tuesday, September 29, 2020  Last week, Senator Johnson and I released our report about our investigation into potential conflicts of interest with respect to Ukraine policy during the Obama administration.  My Democratic colleagues have attacked this investigation with unsupported and inaccurate allegations that this investigation is rooted in a foreign-sourced influence campaign.  They've asserted that our oversight activities relating to the Obama administration are advancing a Russian disinformation campaign and have implied that we're wielding that disinformation as a political cudgel.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  My Democratic colleagues have publicly insinuated that I received records from a Ukrainian national, Andriy Derkach, a Russian agent that has taken actions to influence and interfere in the 2020 election.  I've praised the Treasury Department for sanctioning him.  I've neither received nor solicited information from Derkach.  The Democrats know it, yet they refuse to stop repeating their false insinuations.  And those false insinuations have resulted in Russia-based media repeating that Democrat disinformation, which is Exhibit A why they should've never created that false narrative in the first place.   In fact, during the course of this investigation, the minority introduced his disinformation into the record  not the majority.  Foreign election interference should have no quarter in this country and we must do everything we can to stop it.  If only the Democrats felt the same about the Steele Dossier, which is the very definition of Russian disinformation and election interference.  Our investigation is based on Obama administration government records and records from a Democrat lobby shop, Blue Star Strategies.  So, if my Democratic colleagues think those records amount to Russian disinformation, then that says more about the previous Obama administration than it does about our inquiry.   Do you think my Democratic colleagues would have attacked an investigation involving Donald Trump Jr.?  Remember, I interviewed the President's son years ago as part of our Russia investigation. I didn't hear any complaints about my investigative work at that time.  Funny how that is.  My Democratic colleagues have jammed up document productions from government agencies and engaged in questionable political media efforts.  We would've been done with this matter a while ago if all that hadn't occurred.  But, here we are and the American people can see our work and judge it for themselves.  I'd like to remind my Democratic colleagues that the first step in this investigation was a letter that I wrote on August 14, 2019.  That letter was about an Obama-era Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States transaction.  That transaction gave control over an American company that made anti-vibration technologies with military applications to a Chinese government-owned aviation company and China-based investment firm with established ties to the communist Chinese government.  Reports indicated that a firm formed by Hunter Biden and Chris Heinz, the step-son to John Kerry, later partnered with a Chinese based firm to purchase the American company.  Also at that time, Joe Biden was Vice President and John Kerry was Secretary of State.  The State Department is an approval agency on the Committee on Foreign Investment.  Clearly, this transaction presented conflicts of interest.  And that's exactly why I wrote the letter to the Treasury Department.  My Democratic colleagues like to say that we started this investigation as a result of impeachment.  Well, last time I checked August 14, 2019, was well before the impeachment investigation began.  That letter was also sent before Congress was notified of the Ukraine-related whistleblower complaint and before it was made public.  No matter how hard the Democrats try to say otherwise, this investigation is rooted in good government oversight.  Exactly the type of investigations I've run my entire career.  Then, after the August 2019 letter, news reporting picked up the pace about Hunter Biden's association with Burisma, the corrupt Ukrainian company, and the fact his father was in charge of the Obama administration's anticorruption policy in Ukraine.  Think about that for a second.  Vice President Biden was responsible for carrying an anticorruption message to Ukraine on behalf of the United States.  At the same time his son was making millions of dollars working on the board of a corrupt Ukrainian company.  To any reasonable observer, that's a very questionable fact pattern that deserves attention.  Documents made public as a result of Freedom of Information Act requests and investigative reporting, brought fresh public attention and scrutiny to this fact pattern.  Reporting showed additional potential conflicts of interest with respect to Hunter Biden's business dealings all over the world, not just in Ukraine.  Those financial dealings also exposed how Hunter Biden and his business associates sought to benefit financially from their relationship with Vice President Biden.  As our report shows, Hunter Biden and his business associates had extensive connections to Ukrainian nationals. Their business associations also extended to Russian nationals.  The report also shows that Hunter Biden, his family members and business associates had extensive connections to Chinese nationals.  The records acquired by the Committees show that Hunter Biden and his associates and family members were connected to Chinese nationals associated with the communist party and People's Liberation Army.  Those connections formed business links which resulted in millions of dollars passing through company after company.  Some of those companies were associated with Hunter Biden, his business partner Devon Archer, and James Biden.  The records show deep and complex financial relationships with Chinese nationals and how financially fruitful those relationships became.  As one example, records show that Hunter Biden opened a bank account with a Chinese national linked to the communist regime and funded it with approximately $100,000. Then he, James Biden and Sara Biden went on an extravagant global spending spree.  Records show that Hunter Biden, via his law firm, also sent over a million dollars to James Biden's consulting firm, the Lion Hall Group.  When the bank contacted Sara Biden, who was associated with the firm's bank account, she refused to answer their questions and provide additional documentation.  According to records we have on file, the bank submitted the account for closure.  What's clear is that Hunter Biden leveraged his name and his father's position for financial gain.  And his work for Burisma is just the tip of the iceberg.  These associations, and the millions of dollars that passed between and among Hunter Biden, Archer, James Biden and others, create criminal financial concerns.  Moreover, they create counterintelligence and extortion concerns.  The investigation also uncovered that the Obama administration was well aware of the problems that Hunter Biden's board position caused.  State Department officials testified that his board membership created the perception of a conflict of interest and was very awkward for all U.S. officials pushing an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine.  Secretary of State Kerry publicly denied knowing of Hunter Biden's role on Burisma's board. We've acquired evidence that he did, in fact, know about that role.  The owner of Burisma was viewed as an odious oligarch by State Department officials. However, in December 2015, instead of following U.S. objectives of confronting oligarchs, Vice President Biden's staff advised him to avoid commenting on the odious oligarch and instead say, I'm not going to get into naming names or accusing individuals.  Well, if you're running an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine and you pull your punches when it comes to Burisma while your son is on the board that goes to judgment  and here it looks like very bad judgment and weak leadership.  Based on witness testimony, Burisma's owner allegedly paid a $7 million bribe to officials serving under Ukraine's prosecutor general to shut the case against him. When he allegedly paid that bribe in December 2014, Hunter Biden was on the board and had been hired to assist with corporate governance and responsibility.  The facts show that the Obama administration was well aware of the problems that Hunter Biden being on Burisma's board caused.  The facts show that the Obama administration turned a blind-eye to it. Everyone knew about the problems it caused but nobody wanted to do anything about it.  So much for leadership.  At its core, this investigation is a good government oversight investigation. These are exactly the kinds of shady, back-room deals that the American public should know about.  The American people can judge the information for themselves.  As to next steps, we will continue to review the records that we possess and are able to acquire. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-honoring-small-businesses,Grassley Honoring Small Businesses,2020-09-28,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Prepared Floor Remarks by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Honoring Small Businesses Delivered on Thursday, September 24, 2020  This week marks the 57th anniversary of the National Small Business Week.  According to the most up-to-date government data, Iowa had 270,484 small businesses and 651,635 employees.  They account for 99.3 percent of businesses and 48.1 percent of the private workforce.  Small businesses create jobs and export products around the world.  Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and I know that this pandemic has hit many especially hard.  I honor these hard working Iowa entrepreneurs and employees in celebrating the week of September 20th as National Small Business Week. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-murphy-introduce-resolution-designating-malnutrition-awareness-week,"Grassley, Murphy Introduce Resolution Designating Malnutrition Awareness Week",2020-09-28,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating the week of October 5 through October 9 2020, as Malnutrition Awareness Week. Malnutrition is a significant problem in the United States and occurs when a person does not get enough nutrients due to food insufficiencies. The resolution recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, social workers and advocates for their efforts to advance awareness and to prevent malnutrition. The resolution also recognizes the impactthe coronavirus pandemic has had onvulnerable populations and supportsemergency funding forfederal nutrition programsto combatmalnutrition. Food insecurity and insufficiency affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. As a long-time champion for American agriculture, I don't hesitate to speak up for the family farm. As we recognize Malnutrition Awareness Week next month, I'll continue to stand strong for policies that allow farmers to be most productive, strengthen food security and ensure people across the nation have access to safe, affordable and nutritious food to eat, Grassley said.  It's important to realize how malnutrition and food insecurity contributes to poor health outcomesand this problem has only gotten worse with COVID-19. Millions of Americans are going hungry, including the most vulnerable among us  seniors and kids. Increasing access to healthy, affordable food through our federal nutrition programs is critical to reducing malnutrition and improving quality of life. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to help bring awareness to this serious problem we're facing, Murphy said.  Disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51,300,000,000 each year. Malnutrition alsodisproportionately impactschildren.13.9 million children live in a household characterized by child food insufficiency, and the rate of households with food insufficient children was more than five times as many as the rate in 2019.  The Defeat Malnutrition Coalition commends the introduction of S Res 716 officially recognizing Malnutrition Awareness Week next week. Once again through the leadership of Senators Grassley and Murphy we can focus national attention on malnutrition which poses a serious health threat to people of all ages but especially older adults. We are especially concerned about how the pandemic has led to dramatically higher rates of food insecurity which significantly increases the risk of malnutrition. We hope by raising public awareness through Malnutrition Awareness week we can advance bipartisan solutions to this growing problem, Bob Blancato, National Director at Defeat Malnutrition Today, said.  Joining Grassley and Murphy in introducing this bipartisan resolution are Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Susan Collins (R-Maine.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.). Full text of the resolution can be found HERE. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-axne-leads-colleagues-renewed-call-passage-new-covid-19-bill-house,Rep. Axne Leads Colleagues in Renewed Call for Passage of New COVID-19 Bill in House,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03)led a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seeking legislative action on a revised coronavirus (COVID-19) relief package next week when members return to Washington.
We write to you now to implore you to bring a revised and streamlined COVID-19 relief package to the floor next week. Americans are counting on us; they cannot wait any longer,the members wrote.We are asking you to bring up a bill that demonstrates our commitment to meeting [the White House and Senate] in the middle, as we have expressed our willingness to do, and advance it through the House with the haste this crisis demands.
The letter was signed by Reps. Angie Craig (MN-02), Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), Susie Lee (NV-03), Dave Loebsack (IA-02), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Michael San Nicolas (GU-AL), and Susan Wild (PA-07).
The letter highlights the growing need for relief to help unemployed Americans, small businesses, and those still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the waning effects of relief passed through bipartisan efforts last spring.
The returns of a onetime stimulus check of $1,200 are all but completely diminished  doing little at this point to stimulate the economy or ensure Americans can pay their bills,the members wrote.
The letter also acknowledges the state of the current stalemate in negotiations  including the Senate's failure to demonstrate interest in a compromise package over recent weeks.
Earlier this month,Rep. Axne wrote to Speaker Pelosito urge her to put a revised COVID-19 aid package on the House's agenda for September.
Rep. Axnemade a similar request of House leadershipin August when the House returned to session to pass legislation to preserve the solvency and operational capacity of the U.S. Postal Service.
The full text of the letter can be found below:
Dear Speaker Pelosi,
The House schedule has one week of legislative session left before the election. While we have all expressed our willingness to remain in Washington in order to push for an agreement, we write to you now to implore you to bring a revised and streamlined COVID-19 relief package to the floor next week. Americans are counting on us; they cannot wait any longer.
The pandemic has raged for six months with no signs of slowing down. Over 200,000 Americans have perished, leaving millions of grieving family members behind. Over 20 million Americans are on unemployment, with countless more who are barely making ends meet. We have no official estimate of how many Americans cannot pay their rent, how many parents are skipping meals so their children can eat, and countless other measures of wellness and safety. At this rate, we should expect that COVID-19 will remain a serious threat through Thanksgiving, the New Year, and into next spring.
Equally pressing, our businesses are still struggling and our economy teeters on the edge of recession into depression. Should COVID-19 worsen during the fall and winter months, as many experts warn it could, it would likely send our nation into economic freefall. The returns of a onetime stimulus check of $1,200 are all but completely diminished  doing little at this point to stimulate the economy or ensure Americans can pay their bills.
We know that the House of Representatives has led in offering solutions for months now. The only time the Senate offered a deal, it failed to even pass their own chamber, and continues to move farther away from a package that meets us halfway. We are aware that the White House has not offered serious negotiation terms and has effectively stopped offering any ideas for a solution. We are also aware that House Democrats have made clear, factual asks for tangible COVID relief to immediately help the American people and have been met with nothing but wishful thinking by the Senate and White House.
Knowing these conditions of our current stalemate, we are asking you to bring up a bill that demonstrates our commitment to meeting them in the middle, as we have expressed our willingness to do, and advance it through the House with the haste this crisis demands.
Americans are suffering. Every aspect of our lives and society has been impacted by this pandemic. The damage done by the pandemic will take years to fully recover from and we are still learning about the long-term health impacts from COVID-19. There is no question that Congress will have to provide economic relief, personal assistance, health care access, and so much more  long after the 116th Congress ends.
The political stalemate has gone too long. We demand a vote on a clean relief package that has direct assistance for those in need. Regardless if the White House or Senate agree, we must show the American people that the House of Representatives is open to negotiations and clear in our resolve to deliver aid for millions in need.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-aims-close-tax-loophole-big-pharma-and-crack-down-drug-ads,Finkenauer Aims to Close Tax Loophole for Big Pharma and Crack Down on Drug Ads,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) introduced theEnd Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Acton Friday to stop pharmaceutical companies from getting a tax break to advertise prescription drugs.
Over the last twenty years, pharmaceutical companies' spending on advertising and marketing prescription drugs has skyrocketed. In 2016, these companies spent $6 billion on direct-to-consumer marketing, including 663,000 television commercials. While patients should always have access to the information they need about the most appropriate medications from their doctors, these ads push what are often expensive, brand-name drugs that may not be the most effective treatment, and drive up health care spending.
Finkenauer's legislation would ensure that pharmaceutical companies can no longer claim a tax write off for these direct-to-consumer drug advertising expenses.
""Not only are Americans paying sky-high prices for our prescription drugs, we're also subsidizing Big Pharma with enormous tax write-offs for ads that push patients to seek out needlessly expensive drugs,""Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. We should rely on doctors for drug recommendations  not 30-second TV spots or glossy full-page magazine ads. Resources should go to research and the development of new treatments and cures, not Big Pharma's advertising budget.""
""I'm proud to introduce theEnd Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Actbecause we need more innovation, lower prescription drug prices, and fewer commercials from Big Pharma,""Finkenauer said.
The United States is one of just two countries that even permits direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. Prescription drug products are unique because they are sold to consumers based on medical need and the advice of medical professionals.
While Finkenauer's bill would not prohibit the advertising or marketing of prescription medications, the End Taxpayer Subsidies for Drug Ads Act would change the Internal Revenue Code to prevent pharmaceutical companies from taking a tax deduction for the expenses they incur in direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. This would apply to prescription drug advertisements in all formats, including print, radio, television, and digital. The legislation would not prohibit other industries from claiming the tax deduction.
""As patients suffer from skyrocketing prescriptiondrugprices, manufacturers take advantage of a rigged system that givesdrugcorporations billions of dollars in tax breaks on direct-to-consumerads,""said Sarah Kaminer Bourland, legislative director for Patients for Affordable Drugs Now. This legislation from Rep. Finkenauer will eliminate Big Pharma's tax loophole andendthe practice of patients andtaxpayers subsidizing the marketing budgets ofdrugcorporations.""
Rep. Elissa Slotkin joined Finkenauer as an original cosponsor of this legislation.
Finkenauer has made it a top priority to drive down the cost of prescription drug prices. She voted to help pass H.R. 3, which lowers the cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies for the benefit of both people with Medicare and with private insurance. She also passed a bipartisan transparency amendment to H.R. 3 requiring TV advertisements for prescription drugs to include how much a 30-day supply or typical course of treatment would cost.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qa-supreme-court-vacancy,Q&A: Supreme Court Vacancy,2020-09-25,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Q&A: Supreme Court Vacancy With U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q: What is the Senate's role to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court?   A: Article 2, Section 2, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution says the President, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall nominate judges to the U.S. Supreme Court. That means the president has the constitutional duty to make a nomination when a vacancy takes place. And the U.S. Senate has the constitutional authority to either grant or withhold consent on the nominee. The Senate historically confirms nominations made during election years when the White House and the Senate are held by the same party, as is the case today. Alternatively, the Senate historically does not confirm nominees when the White House and Senate are held by opposing parties, as was the case in 2016. This historical precedent has applied to presidents of any party throughout our nation's history.  Throughout my service in the U.S. Senate, 14 justices have been confirmed to serve lifetime appointments to the highest court in the land, including four women. In fact, the first nominee for whom I cast my vote was Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. On Sept. 18, 2020, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court, passed away after serving 40 consecutive years on the federal bench, including 13 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and 27 years on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Ginsburg has inspired generations of Americans to pursue their dreams.Her legacy for equality and justice will endure for generations to come.  During my time representing Iowans in the U.S. Senate, I've always taken seriously my oath to uphold the Constitution and exercise the authorities vested in my elected office. Handling vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court are exceptionally important to our constitutional republic. Nominees are considered for unelected, lifetime appointments. The framers intentionally divided this responsibility between the executive and legislative branches to provide a check on the federal judiciary. The separation of powers gives the Senate authority to determine how to proceed with court vacancies. Our system of checks and balances is instrumental to limited government, empowering self-government of, by and for the people.  Q: Is your position on filling a Supreme Court vacancy different in 2016 than 2020?  A: In 2016, Justice Antonin Scalia died in a presidential election year. Justice Ginsburg's passing in 2020 creates another vacancy during a presidential election year. It's important to put these vacancies in historical context. As I said in 2016, you'd have to go back to 1888 to find an election year nominee who was nominated and confirmed under divided government.  Throughout our nation's history, presidents have submitted 15 nominations during presidential election years to fill Supreme Court vacancies arising in the same year. Of the 15, seven occurred during a divided government, in which the presidency and the Senate were held by opposing political parties. In those seven instances, five nominees were rejected. The remaining eight of the 15 nominations took place when voters had placed the same political party in charge of the White House and the Senate. Of those, seven nominees were confirmed, including during the presidency of Iowa's native son President Herbert Hoover in 1932.  In 2016, when I served as then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, we had divided government between the White House and the Senate. It was a presidential election year during a divided government; the Senate Majority and I, as chairman of the committee, followed historical precedent to give voters the opportunity to use their voice at the ballot box and provide certainty with respect to the direction of the federal judiciary. Remember, the Scalia vacancy occurred during the final months of an outgoing Democratic president and when Republicans held the Senate Majority. According to exit polls, the vacancy became a central issue to voters in the 2016 election. President Trump won the 2016 election and voters expanded the Republican Senate Majority again in 2018. Justice Ginsburg's passing creates another presidential election-year vacancy. The difference is this time, we have unified government between the White House and the Senate. I am no longer chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and no longer have the authority to decide if the Senate should hold nomination hearings or wait until after the election. However, the current chairman and Senate Majority Leader have made the decision to move forward. Although I'm no longer chairman, I'm still a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. It's my responsibility to represent Iowans during this consequential period in history. I will consider the president's nominee based on her merits and qualifications, just as I always have during confirmation hearings. I haven't missed a vote in the U.S. Senate since 1993, in fact, I hold the longest consecutive voting streak in history. By that measure, when a nominee to the Supreme Court comes up for a vote in the United States Senate, I will cast my vote on behalf of Iowans.  -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-approves-axne-biofuels-amendment-energy-package,House Approves Axne Biofuels Amendment to Energy Package,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, the House approved an amendment authored by Rep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) to the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, a package of domestic energy policy reforms and investments under consideration this week.
Rep. Axne's amendment would expand funding eligibility for the legislation's Carbon Capture Program to include biofuels facilities. The funding provided by the program would support research and development efforts across Iowa's biofuels sector.
Our biofuels facilities provide clean, renewable fuel for the country and help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions while providing good-paying jobs in Iowa's rural communities,said Rep. Axne.We need to be investing in every solution to address the threat of climate change  and I'm pleased that the House voted to pass my amendment to ensure biofuels are a part of the pathway to a cleaner energy future. Many biofuels facilities already utilize carbon capture technology to make their product even more efficient, but further research and development will help build upon these successes.
The Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act reforms domestic energy policy and provides significant investments towards a transition to a low-carbon future.
The Carbon Capture Program expanded by the legislation would direct the Department of Energy to conduct research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities for carbon capture technologies.
The legislation also includes provisions similar tolegislation introduced byRep. Axne to create a National Climate Bank to support private investment in renewable energy and efficiency projects.
Additionally, provisions of theRenewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act legislation cosponsored by Rep. Axne  were included in the legislation. This would set an annual deadline for oil refineries to request an exemption from the RFS and require the EPA to publicly release the names of all refineries requesting an exemption, including the amount of gallons requested to be waived.
We are grateful to Representatives Cheri Bustos and Cindy Axne for introducing this amendment that would allow the biofuels industry access to critical research and development funding on carbon capture technologies, said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. The dynamic coproducts of biofuels production, including carbon dioxide, play an important role in the agricultural supply chain. This amendment allows the industry to keep innovating in the clean energy sector and driving progress nationwide as we work towards a low-carbon future.
Rep. Axne has been a strong supporter of biofuels since coming to Congress. In May, Axnesecured supportfor pandemic relief for biofuels in the last coronavirus relief package to pass the House.
Last year, Axne worked to includebiodiesel tax credit extensionsin year-end legislation that was signed into law by President Trump.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/new-letter-gov-reynolds-rep-axne-expresses-concern-over-testing-shortfall-long,"In New Letter to Gov. Reynolds, Rep. Axne Expresses Concern Over Testing Shortfall at Long-Term Care Facilities",2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressing concern over recent announcements from her administration about the inability of the State Hygienic Laboratory to meet federal testing requirements at Iowa's long-term care facilities.
It is unacceptable we are only just learning from your team that there is not enough testing capability to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable populations, wrote Rep. Axne. Our nursing and long-term care facilities are doing all they can to ensure patients have limited exposure, but they cannot do their jobs safely without adequate testing support.
Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) told Iowa's long-term care facilities that they cannot meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) standards for testing nurses, staff, and volunteers  and will be unable to provide the required amounts of routine testing for nursing staff and employees who work in skilled, nursing, and other long-term care and living facilities.
In her letter, Rep. Axne urged Governor Reynolds to share with her any federal investments her administration may require to meet the testing needs of Iowa's long-term care facilities  and implored her to pursue private laboratory capacity to bridge the gap in testing capacity. Additionally, Rep. Axne sought clarification on the financial impact this could have on senior living facilities if they are required to pay for their own private COVID-19 testing.
As of today, over half of Iowa's 1,300 COVID-19 related deaths have occurred at long-term care facilities. Polk County, which Rep. Axne represents in Congress, currently has the most active COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities of any county in Iowa.
Polk County has also lost the most residents of any county in Iowa  more than the next three counties combined.
In July, Rep. Axne wrote to Governor Reynolds seeking additional testing and improved data disclosure for Iowa's nursing, long-term care, and other assisted and congregate living facilities.
The full text of today's letter can be found below:
Dear Governor Reynolds,
I am writing to express my deepening concerns about access to COVID-19 testing for Iowans. Last week, the Iowa Department of Public Health State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) announced they can no longer provide routine testing for nursing staff and employees who work in skilled, nursing, and other long-term care and living facilities. The SHL stated they would not be able to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) standards for testing nurses, staff, and volunteers as a preventative measure against COVID-19. It is unacceptable we are only just learning from your team that there is not enough testing capability to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable populations.
The August 26th Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) interim final rule directed these long-term care facilities test to their residents and their staff in the case of an outbreak, testing anyone with symptoms, perform routine testing, as well as testing those who volunteer or otherwise provide contract work for these living facilities. It is deeply concerning that we do not have enough state capacity to test up to these standards for prevention. These testing requirements are meant to detect COVID-19 at the soonest possible moment to protect older Iowans. We are more than six months into this global health crisis, and yet these basic preventative requirements are still not able to be met.
We already know the stakes of not properly protecting these residences. Iowans aged 60 and above make up 89% of all recorded COVID-19 deaths in our state. More than half of all deaths in Iowa have occurred at long-term, nursing, and senior living facilities. And as of today, 677 deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities alone with over 900 positives cases.
In Polk County alone, there are six active outbreaks within senior living facilities. We have known since March 2020 that seniors are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19  especially if they have an underlying health issue. I wrote to you in July to remind that, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19. On coronavirus.iowa.gov, your Administration lists retired as the number one most likely occupation for those who have died due to COVID-19. It is a tragedy that the most dangerous job in Iowa is to be a grandparent.
I have heard from nursing, assisted, and long-term care facilities who are confused and concerned about what the CMS decision will mean for their ability to test residents and employees when they are unable to access testing through the SHL. There is uncertainty if these living facilities will be forced to pay for their own testing in order to abide by CMS guidelines, or if they will face violations and fines due to their inability to get COVID-19 testing done on a weekly basis. The costs of private testing would be financially impossible for many congregate living facilities in Iowa. I am requesting that the Iowa Department of Public Health provide clarity to long-term care facilities, seniors, and to my office about what financial and legal impacts this CMS rule and the SHL's inability to provide enough testing will have.
You are already aware that Iowa has a per capita rate (PCR) of 10.8% positive cases. We are ranked among the top ten states for growing outbreaks. I am writing to offer any and all assistance I can as a federal partner and elected official. If the SHL cannot process the number of tests needed, I also implore you to reach out to private labs. I was successfully able to advocate for UnityPoint to get increased Cephid testing equipment and capacity at its facilities with a couple of phone calls  there is no question your office could accomplish the same.
You must ensure that our nursing staff is receiving adequate testing once to twice per week to detect COVID-19. Our nursing and long-term case living facilities are doing all they can to ensure patients have limited exposure, but they cannot do their jobs safely without adequate testing support.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grants-support-water-and-waste-disposal-city-wyoming,Finkenauer Announces Grants to Support Water and Waste Disposal in City of Wyoming,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Thursday announced USDA Rural Development grants and loans totaling $560,000 for the improvement and replacement of water systems in the City of Wyoming in Jones County.
The $226,000 grant and $334,000 low-interest loan will help finance a $611,000 project to replace water mains and make other water-system improvements to correct inadequate water pressure and flow issues in the community. The project is estimated to benefit 515 city residents.
""Investments in key infrastructure are essential to making small towns like Wyoming welcoming places for families to live and businesses to grow, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said.""I appreciate this support from USDA Rural Development, and look forward to these projects contributing to an improved Wyoming community.""
Finkenauer serves as Vice Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and is Chairwoman of the Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade and Entrepreneurship (RATE) Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-corrects-record-dem-social-security-misinformation-again,"Grassley Corrects Record on Dem Social Security Misinformation, Again",2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Washington  Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today made the following comment to, once again, correct the record and call out misinformation spread by leading Congressional Democrats regarding payroll tax policy. It's confounding that I have to keep saying this, especially after the Washington Post gave these claims Four Pinocchios, but they're just not true. Senate Democrats fabricated a policy out of whole cloth, attributed it to the President and continue to claim it will undermine Social Security. To be clear, the policy doesn't exist, and if it did no one supports it. These false claims were repeated today in the House Ways and Means Committee, but shouldn't have been. My colleagues in the House and Senate know better.Grassley and House Ways and Means Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas) received affirmation from the Chief Actuary for Social Security that there is no actual proposal like the one Senate Democrats asked him to evaluate.The Washington Post fact checker also assigned the campaign of Democrat Presidential nominee Joe Bidenfour Pinocchiosfor spreading this misinformation in an ad, saying in reference to Biden's Senate allies, To make a long story short, Democrats ginned up a letter from the chief actuary to describe a plan that does not currently exist. At a recent Senate Budget Committee hearing, Grassley also asked the Director of the nonpartisan CBO, Phill Swagel, whether the employer-side payroll tax deferral in the CARES Act or the optional employee-side payroll tax deferral associated with a recent Executive Order would have any effects on revenue going into Social Security's trust funds. He affirmed they would notfurther clarifying the record on these false Democrat claims. -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-senators-call-usda-assist-agricultural-cooperatives-impacted-derecho,Iowa Senators Call on USDA to Assist Agricultural Cooperatives Impacted by Derecho,2020-09-24,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to provide Iowa agricultural cooperatives with additional support and relief as they continue to rebuild from the derecho. This letter comes following a request made last week led by the Iowa Institute of Cooperatives to the USDA for assistance. This devastating storm came at a difficult time for the cooperatives and their members. The current economic impact of the Coronavirus on the agriculture supply chain has lowered prices for Iowa's main commodities, corn and soybeans. Many Iowa farmers who make up the membership of Iowa cooperatives will be hurt by a combination of the Coronavirus, drought, and damage from the storm, the senators wrote.  We ask that you consider the needs of Iowa agricultural cooperatives as they recover from the storm. Iowa farmers rely on agricultural cooperatives to deliver grain for storage and drying, market their commodities, order feed for livestock, and buy their agricultural inputs. We look forward to hearing from you on how to best ensure cooperatives can bounce back to ensure the success of Iowa agriculture and Iowa's agricultural cooperatives into the future, the senators concluded.  Following the derecho, at least 71 grain elevators were either destroyed or heavily damaged at seven different cooperatives across the state, adding up to 57 million bushels of storage capacity that will not be available to farmers this fall. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-violence-prevent-grant-meskwaki-nation,Finkenauer Announces Violence-Prevent Grant for Meskwaki Nation,2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Wednesday announced that the Meskwaki Nation will receive a grant of more than $766,000 to prevent and respond to violence against Native women.
The Department of Justice's Resources for Indigenous Survivors and Empowerment (RISE) Program aims to decrease the incidence of violence against native women, strengthen tribes' capacity to respond to crimes against women and hold perpetrators accountable.
The three-year grant will allow the Meskwaki Nation to hire a full-time case manager who will assist survivors with employment, transportation and other needs; support a transitional housing and prevention specialist to assist clients with housing needs and provide domestic and sexual violence education; and recruit and hire a part-time police officer with specialized training on domestic violence and working with survivors.
""Everyone has a right to feel safe in their home and in their community, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. This RISE grant will provide essential support to ensure the Meskwaki Nation has the resources and expertise to fight violence against women, and that Native women have equal access to support services.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-s-bipartisan-veteran-caregiver-peer-support-bill-passes-house,Finkenauer’s Bipartisan Veteran Caregiver Peer Support Bill Passes House,2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer's bipartisan Peer Support for Veterans Families Act passed the U.S. House on Wednesday as part of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020.
The Peer Support for Veterans Families Act was introduced last month by Finkenauer and Congressman John Curtis (R-UT) to create a pilot program providing education and peer support for the families and caregivers of veterans who have received a mental health diagnosis. Congressman David McKinley (R-WV) was an original co-sponsor of the bill.
""Veterans facing a mental health diagnosis deserve the best care and all the necessary support  and so do their families and caregivers, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. I am proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House, and want to thank Congressmen Curtis and McKinley for working with me to provide these important services to veterans' families and caregivers.""
""I urge our colleagues in the Senate to quickly consider this legislation and advance it to the White House for the president's signature, Finkenauer said.
The Peer Support for Veterans Families Act directs the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to set up a pilot program in 10 medical facilities to offer education and peer support programs to veterans' caregivers and families. With the permission of the veteran, caregivers will receive training in understanding mental illness, coping with stress, and de-escalating crisis situations. The new initiative will allow caregivers to learn from and support each other as well as provide them the opportunity to lead trainings and peer support meetings.
The bill directs the VA to choose sites that lack other resources nearby and to contract with training organizations with expertise in evidence-based approaches and military/veteran cultural competence, and that can offer services online whenever possible.
The Peer Support for Veterans Families Act is endorsed by: the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA), the American Mental Health Counselors Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the American Association of Suicidology, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and The American Legion.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-seeking-answers-treasury-secretary-delays-iowans-economic-impact,Finkenauer Seeking Answers from Treasury Secretary on Delays to Iowans’ Economic Impact Payments,2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Wednesday seeking answers for the continued delay on Economic Impact Payments for Iowans.
In the letter, Finkenauer wrote, As I informed you when you appeared before the Small Business Committee hearing on July 17, 2020, our office has heard from over 700 Iowans with issues concerning their EIP. That number has increased to 827 since the hearing.""
Finkenauer also wrote, Through the hard work of our office's caseworkers as well as taxpayer advocates, economic impact payments continue to be recovered; however, there are persistent issues with the system for processing and distributing these payments that continue to prevent Iowans from receiving them.""
Finkenauer highlighted the most common issues and glitches in the Administration's system for distributing these payments which continue to block some Iowans from receiving their payments. Issues being encountered by constituents include: 
 The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)'s failure to communicate if delivery of the EIP was attempted but not completed.
	Challenges for constituents in getting the correct payment after returning payments made in the incorrect amount.
	Withholding EIPs from Iowans who have filed 2018 tax returns but whose 2019 tax returns are pending.
	Challenges with obtaining necessary IRS forms.
 ""Congress authorized Economic Impact Payments at the end of March, and here we are almost six months later, and Iowans have still not received direct help to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. This is simply unacceptable, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. I'm asking the Treasury Secretary to answer for why this is happening  and to actually fix the problem so that Iowans get the aid they need and deserve.""
""It's unconscionable that the number of Iowans experiencing problems has only increased since we raised this issue with Secretary Mnuchin in July, Finkenauer said. It's past time for the Treasury Department to solve these problems and ensure these Iowa families have the support they need to get through this crisis.""
Finkenauer asked Mnuchin to respond to her letter within 15 days. She also asked Mnuchin to support fixes to the payments program, and additional direct payments to families in the next COVID-19 recovery package.
Congresswoman Finkenauer's Ongoing Recovery Efforts:
On September 17, Finkenauersent a letteron Thursday to House and Senate leaders again urging them to put aside politics and find a bipartisan compromise on a new COVID-19 relief package.
On September 10, Finkenauerchaired a Rural, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) Subcommittee hearingon Thursday titled Kick Starting Entrepreneurship and Main Street Economic Recovery.""
On August 3, Finkenauersent a letterto House and Senate leaders on Monday to highlight the urgent need for a new COVID-19 relief package.
On July 21, Finkenauersent a letterto Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Tuesday seeking more information on her administration's recent decision to limit COVID-19 testing availability in Dubuque County.
On July 17,Finkenauer questioned Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchinconcerning emergency aid and direct payments for Iowans amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On July 17, Finkenauerintroduced the bipartisanExpanding Assistance to Farmers Act of 2020.The bill ensures farmers and agricultural producers can use their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to cover rental expenses related to equipment, land, and buildings. PPP is the forgivable federal loan program created earlier this year to aid small business affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
On July 2, Finkenauer introduced theRelief for Rural Development Borrowers Actto assist rural businesses, hospitals and schools through the Coronavirus pandemic by covering six months of payments on certain federal loans.
On June 25, Finkenauercalled on Frontier Airlinesto provide refundsfor travelers impacted by Coronavirus-related flight cancellations after receiving numerous complaints about Frontier'shandling of refunds.
On June 8, Finkenauercontinued bipartisan effortsto defend the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS),sending a letterto President Donald Trump demanding that his administration uphold the integrity of federal fuel standards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On June 2, Finkenauerannounced $24.5 million in federal grantsfor Northeastern Iowa airports, funding authorized by the CARES Act which Finkenauerhelped pass into law in March.
On May 28, Finkenauersent a lettertoTreasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday asking the department to waive all fees associated with replacement of Economic Impact Payment debit cards.
On May 28, Finkenauervoted to help pass a billproviding for flexibility for businesses receiving loans through the Paycheck Protection Program.
On May 27, Finkenauerhelped introduce legislationproviding new loans for teams to cover costs and hang on until next season. The legislation will help the Cedar Rapids Kernels and other minor league clubs keep up with lease and bond payments and pay employees even if stadiums go dark this year.
On May 27, Finkenauerintroduced theChild Care is Essential Actto improve childcare options for Iowans and ensure providers have the resources to weather the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
On May 22, Finkenauerintroduced the Protecting Paychecks and Employees (PPE) Act, which would allow small businesses to use funds from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on personal protective equipment for their employees.
On May 20, Finkenauerled a Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) subcommittee virtual forum, bringing together Iowa leaders and experts to discuss the economic challenges facing rural communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 19, Finkenauer joinedRep.Cindy Axne(IA-03), andRep.Dave Loebsack(IA-02) inwriting to Iowa Governor Kim Reynoldsto express concerns over the capability and expansion plans of the Test Iowa coronavirus (COVID-19) testing program.
On May 12,Finkenauer introduced theTenant Protection Notification Act of 2020to protectrenters, includingmobile and manufactured home park residents,from illegal evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 8,Finkenauer pledged to take additional legislative stepsto ensure the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) better serves truly small businesses in places like Waterloo  not big corporations and national chains.
On May 8,Finkenauerannounced nearly $1 million in additional grants for COVID-19 testing at three community health centers in the First District.
On May 6,Finkenauerannounced$8.1 million in grantsfor transit servicesin the City ofCedar Rapidsas part ofthe CARES ActCoronavirus relief package.
On May 1, Finkenauer, U.S. Reps. Dave Loebsack (IA-02), and Cindy Axne (IA-03)sent a letter to President Donald Trumpasking for the president to partner in safely reopening meat processing plants in Iowa by utilizing the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce the needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers, just as he has done to order the opening of the plants.
On April 29,Finkenauer met, via video conference, with letters carrierswho serve Iowa's First Congressional District. Finkenauer provided an update on potential aid amid the COVID-19 crisis, expressed her commitment to ensuring letter carriers have the resources they need to continue to serve during the crisis, and heard about potential areas where the federal government could assist employees.
On April 23, Finkenauervoted to help passadditional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, hospitals and healthcare providers, and increased funding for COVID-19 testing.
On April 21, Finkenauerhelped introducetheCOVID-19 Every Worker Protection Actto increase safety standards foressential workersand at-risk employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.The bill was introduced amid concerns over rising COVID-19 infections and reports of inadequate protections for employees at some Iowa meat processing plants.
On April 20, Finkenauersent a letterto Federal Trade Commission Chairman Joseph Simons urging the FTC to delay no further in investigating ongoing concerns about out-of-state investors and corporations buying mobile and manufactured home communities in Iowa and taking advantage of their residents with unfair business practices. This issue has been a top concern in Iowa for months, and become more pressing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 17, Finkenauersent letters to three federal agenciesasking forenforceablesafety standards, COVID-19 testing, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for employees at meat processing plants in Iowa. Finkenauer sentoversightletters to theU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Labor (DOL), and theCenters for Disease Control (CDC)to highlight the urgency of the situation facinghard-working Iowans at these plants, and request immediate assistance.USDA and the CDC latertook steps complying with Finkenauer's request.
On April 15, Finkenauer helped lead more than 40 Representatives and Senators in writinga letter to U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services Acting Director Ken Cuccinelliexpressing concern that regulations for visa programs are standing in the way of the strongest possible medical response to COVID-19.
On April 13, Finkenauer leda bipartisan letteraddressed to Jovita Carranza, Administratorof the U.S. Small Business Association, expressing concern that there is no longer a full-time Director for the Office of Rural Affairs and urgingtheSBA toprovide the Office of Rural Affairs with the necessary staff and resources to ensure that rural small businesses are able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 9,Finkenauer held telephone-town hallto discuss mental health impacts and resources around coronavirus.
On April 9,Finkenauer sent a letter to HHS Secretary Azarasking for information about how the $100 billion in the CARES Act for hospitals and health care providers will distributed, including information on Iowa's share of the funding.
On April 2, Finkenuer sent letters to 11 federal agencies seeking updates on aid programs authorized by recent legislation to address the COVID-19 crisis.
On March 27,Finkenauer sent a letter to Iowa Governor Kim Reynoldsurging her to issue a statewide stay-at-home' order.
On March 27,Finkenauer voted for theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)an emergency aid package to helphospitals, frontline workers, and working families across Iowa and the country.
On March 26, held a telephone town hall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Business and workforce leaders from around the district answered questions about personal financial impacts of coronavirus response.
On March 25, Finkenauer released her priorities she pushed to have included in the third coronavirus response supplemental -Preparing Iowa Communities & Protecting our Families.
On March 19, Finkenauer held a telephone town hall for constituents in the First Congressional District. Health officials from Black Hawk and Linn counties participated and answered questions, as well as the liaison for Dubuque City and County Emergency Health Response Team.
Finkenauer alsosent a letter to federal health officialson March 19,urging them to ensure Iowa medical professionals have the necessary protective equipment to treat patients.
Finkenauer joined a call for President Trump to use his authority under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to increase production of necessary medical supplies. On March18, President Trump announced he would use the authority to avoid supply shortages.
On March 17,Finkenauer reached out to community leaders in Iowaasking for theirconcerns, priorities and more info on how the outbreak is affected local economies.
On March 15,Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynoldsencouraging the state to create a more centralized location for key information, including consideration of school closures.
Finkenauer voted to pass an emergency packageto help Iowa families and health professionals impacted by coronavirus on March 14.
Taking early action,Finkenauer voted to approve a critical coronavirus funding packageto help expand testing and research.Finkenauer also sent an oversight letter to the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azarseeking specific answers on whether local health agencies and hospitals have the tools they need. On March 13,Finkenauer helped host a Small Business Committee hearing on Coronavirusand asked a witness about health and safety, and financial security for hard-working Iowans impacted by coronavirus.
Finkenauer followed upthat hearingwith an oversight letter asking the Small Business Administration (SBA)about their progress on providing information on small business assistance to Iowans along with what methods they will be doing outreach to Iowa businesses.Later that day,the SBA posted this information webpage. Finkenauer also published a coronavirus informational page to help Iowans access important information regarding the global pandemic. The page is available athttps://finkenauer.house.gov/coronavirus-information Finkenauer's office has been in contact with area hospitals, business organizations, schools and colleges with respect to the virus to understand any ongoing concerns. Finkenauer has also spoken with Governor Kim Reynolds for an update on Iowa's response to coronavirus.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-colleagues-push-improve-safety-navigability-lower-missouri-river,"Grassley, Colleagues Push to Improve Safety, Navigability on Lower Missouri River",2020-09-23,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON  Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Rep. Sam Graves (Mo.) and seven additional members of Congress to send a letter urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide additional funding for projects that will improve safety and navigation on the Lower Missouri River. The letter was cosigned by Sens. Josh Hawley (Mo.), Deb Fischer (Neb.) and Jerry Moran (Kan.), along with Reps. Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Vicky Hartzler (Mo.), Jason Smith (Mo.) and Ann Wagner (Mo.). Many farmers, industries and small businesses in the Midwest rely on the Missouri River to transport goods. High water levels and record flooding in 2019 have prevented the USACE from completing repairs on water infrastructure projects, which has led to dangerous accidents that have significantly disrupted commerce on the river.  Currently, there is a critically dire situation related to navigation challenges in several areas along the Missouri River where serious barge traffic accidents have occurred and commercial activity has nearly come to an abrupt halt as we enter harvest season in the Midwest, the members wrote.   We understand that the Kansas City District has received $20 million in emergency supplemental funds to conduct necessary work on the navigation channel. However, we understand that the need for resources between the Kansas City District and the Omaha District to fully address all the repairs is an estimated $200 million to ensure that the lower Missouri River is fully navigable. As this situation evolves, we request the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers utilize administrative flexibilities and direct additional resources to address these challenges along the Missouri River, the members concluded. Full text of the letter can be found HERE.-30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-axne-push-house-adds-farm-aid-funding-and-passes-continuing,"Following Axne Push, House Adds Farm Aid Funding and Passes Continuing Resolution",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, after Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) urged House leadership to reverse course and include an extension of funding for farm aid programs, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced a government funding resolution with vital aid for Iowa's family farmers.
Rep. Axne has been pushing House leadership to include language to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in a continuing resolution (CR) that will avoid a government shutdown at the end of September.
Also included in the House's continuing resolution is a restriction that prevents the U.S. Department of Agriculture from using CCC funds to provide payments to oil refiners and undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard.
While I am still frustrated that vital aid for Iowa's farmers was left out of this extension of government funding in the first place, I am glad that House leadership heard my concerns and reversed course on today's continuing resolution, said Rep. Axne. A continuing resolution is nothing to celebrate  it represents a failure of Congress to do its most basic duty and agree on funding for the coming year. While the House did its job and passed funding bills for more than 90% of our government, the Senate failed to introduce a single funding bill. I hope in the remaining time this session we can reach a bipartisan agreement that keeps the government open and vital programs funded to combat the ongoing national crisis.
On Monday, Rep. Axne joined all five other members of Iowa's congressional delegation to urge House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to include an extension for the CCC in this month's CR.
Funding for Fiscal Year 2020 expires at midnight on September 30th. The CR passed today extends
government funding until December 11th.
The Commodity Credit Corporation is expected to reach its borrowing limit later this fall, which would significantly delay farm bill program payments from going out. The CCC finances farm bill programs to support farm profitability and conservation, as well asprovidepandemic assistance for farmers.
The USDA has utilizedtheCCC, in addition to funds provided by Congress through the CARES Act, to provide pandemic assistance to farmers and producers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). To date, nearly $10 billion in CFAP payments have gone out toproducers,with Iowa farmers receiving nearly $1 billion of the support.

###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-147-million-iowa-rail-infrastructure-and-safety-grants,Finkenauer Announces $14.7 Million in Iowa Rail Infrastructure and Safety Grants,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Tuesday announced new grants totaling $14.7 million to improve rail lines in northeast Iowa and provide additional safety training for railroad employees.
The grants awarded through the Consolidated Rail and Infrastructure Safety Improvement (CRISI) Program will fund a $5.5 million project to replace a 118-year-old bridge over the Iowa River near Middle Amana in Iowa County as well as a $3.9 million project to replace 18 miles of track near Nora Springs, Rockford and Marble Rock in Floyd County. The grants also include $5.4 million for railroad safety training.
The awards follow letters of support that Finkenauer sent to the U.S. Department of Transportation in favor of the projects in June.
""Projects like these make our rail lines safer and more efficient and benefit Iowa's farmers and families with the movement of vital commodities to market  all while creating high-quality infrastructure jobs and supporting local communities, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. I'm proud to have fought to secure these grants and look forward to these projects' completion.""
The funding will be distributed to grant recipients in the following amounts:
 Cedar Rapids and City Railway Co: $5,464,793
	Iowa Northern Railway Company: $9,282,795
 Finkenauer serves as Vice Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and is Chairwoman of the Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade and Entrepreneurship (RATE) Subcommittee.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-announces-grants-aid-local-law-enforcement-marshalltown-dubuque-and,"Finkenauer Announces Grants to Aid Local Law Enforcement in Marshalltown, Dubuque and Linn County",2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) on Tuesday announced Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants totaling more than $77,000 for crime prevention efforts in Marshalltown, Dubuque and Linn County.
The grants may be used for a wide range of law enforcement initiatives including policing, prosecution and court programs, crime prevention and education, community corrections programs, drug treatment and enforcement programs, crime victim services and mental health programming, among others.
The grant recipients and awards are as follows:
 Linn County Sheriffs Office: $42,098
	The City of Dubuque: $19,563
	The City of Marshalltown: $16,027
 ""These grants provide welcome resources for local law enforcement to respond to the needs of our communities and ensure public safety and access to justice, Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. It's important that our communities and law enforcement have the right kind of support to protect and serve all Iowans.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://finkenauer.house.gov/media/press-releases/finkenauer-statement-deal-replenish-ccc-funding,Finkenauer Statement on Deal to Replenish CCC Funding,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Abby Finkenauer,F000467,finkenauer.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC  Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) released the following statement on the announcement of a legislative package that includes new funding for theCommodity Credit Corporation (CCC):
""We fought to include replenishment of the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) in the House appropriations bill  and today we got it. Iowa's farmers and producers are contending with forces beyond their control  from the administration's ongoing trade wars and inconsistent biofuels policy to natural disasters and the pandemic. This deal also includes key language to prevent the USDA from paying Big Oil with money meant to help our farmers.We must stand with our farmers and our neighbors through these challenges and ensure partisan games don't leave them stranded. ""Now, I am calling for the same urgency and bipartisan negotiations we saw today in funding the CCC to carry over to swift, bipartisan action on a new pandemic relief package. ""Every day that goes by without a pandemic relief package is another day of uncertainty and insecurity for Iowa families, front-line workers, small businesses and local governments.House and Senate leaders and the White House are fighting over politics while Iowans'lives and livelihoods remain at risk. As the U.S. hits the tragic milestone of 200,000 lives lost to COVID-19, we need bipartisan agreement more than ever on a new relief package  and Congress should not leave Washington until we get it done.""
Background:
On Tuesday, Finkenauerjoined colleagues in urgingHouse leadership to keep members in session until a new bipartisan COVID-19 relief package is passed.
Monday, Finkenauerjoined the Iowa federal delegationinsending a letterto House and Senate leadership urging full funding for the Commodity Credit Commission.
Also on Monday, Finkenaueroffered an amendmentto the Continuing Resolution that would replenish the CCC funding without delay and ensure payments to Iowa farmers are not interrupted.
On September 17, Finkenauerto House and Senate leaders again urging them to put aside politics and find a bipartisan compromise on a new COVID-19 relief package. The letter highlightedFinkenauer's recentRural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship Subcommittee hearing, which featured Iowa businesses discussingeconomic development and recovery from the pandemic.
On August 3, Finkenauersent a letterto House and Senate leaders on Monday to highlight the urgent need for a new COVID-19 relief package.The letter included stories from Iowans impacted by the pandemic.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-breaking-judicial-norms-history,ICYMI: Breaking Judicial Norms: A History,2020-09-22,2020,2020-09,Republican,House,IA,Charles Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,,,legacy,"A Democratic Senate pattern, from Bork to the filibuster rule  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is widely reported to have told his Democratic colleagues on Saturday that nothing is off the table for next year if Republicans confirm a Supreme Court nominee in this Congress. He means this as a threat that Democrats will break the filibuster and pack the Court with more Justices in 2021 if they take control of the Senate in November's election.  So what else is new? Democrats have a long history of breaking procedural norms on judges. While packing the Court would be their most radical decision to date, it would fit their escalating pattern. Let's review the modern historical lowlights to see which party has really been the political norm-breaker:  The Bork assault. When Ronald Reagan selected Robert Bork in 1987, the judge was among the most qualified ever nominated. No less than Joe Biden had previously said he might have to vote to confirm him. Then Ted Kennedy issued his demagogic assault from the Senate floor, complete with lies about women forced into back-alley abortions and blacks who would have to sit at segregated lunch counters. Democrats and the press then unleashed an unprecedented political assault. No Democratic nominee has been borked, to use the name that became a verb. Even Justice Sonia Sotomayor, whose left-wing legal views were obvious upon her nomination, received a respectful GOP hearing and was confirmed 68-31 with nine GOP votes. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was confirmed 96-3, Stephen Breyer 87-9, and Elena Kagan 63-37.  Democrats, meanwhile, have escalated to character assassination. Clarence Thomas was unfairly smeared on the eve of a Senate vote and barely confirmed. Democrats accused Samuel Alito of racism and sexism for belonging decades earlier to an obscure Princeton alumni group.  Democrats promoted the uncorroborated claims of women accusers against Brett Kavanaugh from his high school and college years. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse undertook a deep dive into Justice Kavanaugh's high-school yearbook. This treatment has become the real Democratic Party norm.  Filibustering appellate nominees. It's mostly forgotten now, but in George W. Bush's first term Senate Democrats pioneered the use of the filibuster to block nominees to the circuit courts. That was also unprecedented. Miguel Estrada was left hanging for 28 months before he withdrew, though he had support from 55 Senators. A 2001 Judiciary Committee memo to Sen. Dick Durbin was candid in urging opposition to Mr. Estrada because he is Latino and couldn't be allowed to reach the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals lest he later become a candidate for the Supreme Court.  Democrats also filibustered or otherwise blocked appellate nominees Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown, Charles Pickering Sr., Henry Saad, Carolyn Kuhl, William Pryor, David McKeague, Richard Griffin and William Myers, among others.  This violation of norms was stopped only after the GOP regained the majority and threatened to change Senate rules.  Breaking the filibuster for appellate nominees. That norm-breaker was executed by Democrats in 2013, led by then Majority Leader Harry Reid with the enthusiastic support of Barack Obama. Democrats rewrote Senate rules in mid-Congress, on a party-line vote, to add three seats to the D.C. Circuit. The goal was to stack that court with liberals who would rubber stamp Mr. Obama's pen and phone regulatory diktats.  Those liberals have done that numerous times, while sometimes blocking President Trump's deregulatory rule-makings. But the political cost has been high, as we warned at the time. Harry Reid's precedent allowed GOP leader Mitch McConnell to do the same when Democrats tried to filibuster Neil Gorsuch. The GOP majority can now confirm Mr. Trump's next nominee with 51 votes.  *** Urged on by the progressive media, Democrats are now vowing that they'll break the 60-vote legislative filibuster rule to add two, or even four, new Justices to the Supreme Court next year for a total of 11 or 13. But they have already been saying this for months.  Court packing would then become a sword hanging over the Justices if they rule contrary to the policy views of the Senate left. Leader Schumer won't resist because he is quaking at the prospect of a primary challenge from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2022.  Judges were also on the Senate ballot in 2018 after the Kavanaugh ugliness. The GOP gained two net seats. The use of their elected Senate power now to confirm a nominee would be a wholly legitimate use of their constitutional authority. They should not be cowed by Democratic threats from confirming a nominee. Democrats have shown they will do what they want with Senate power no matter what Republicans do now.    -30-",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://axne.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-unanimously-passes-rep-axne-s-legislation-protect-consumers-and-investors,House Unanimously Passes Rep. Axne’s Legislation to Protect Consumers and Investors From COVID-19 Fraud,2020-09-21,2020,2020-09,Democrat,House,IA,Cynthia Axne,A000378,axne.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today,the U.S. House of Representatives advanced legislation written byRep. Cindy Axne(IA-03) to help protect Americans from fraud during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
By a unanimous vote, the House passedRep. Axne'sCOVID-19 Fraud Prevention Act, which would create a new Consumer and Investor Fraud Working Group to help guard against counterfeit, deceptive, and malicious attempts to take advantage of Americans during the public health crisis, as well asassistthose who have been victims of fraud.
In uncertain times, many families and individuals can be unsure where to turn and what information to trust and unfortunately not everyone will have Iowans' best interests at heart. Any and all malicious attempts to mislead or rip off Iowans, some of whom may already be in dire financial situations, must be fought with every resource we have available,said Rep. Axne.With this legislation, we canprotect Americansandguard our families and communities from deception or financial ruin. I'm pleased to see unanimous support for this measure today, and will be pushing my Senate colleagues to advance it as soon as possible.
Rep. Axne, a member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Investor Protection,introduced the legislation in Maywith Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters.
The legislation mandates the Consumer and Investor Fraud Working Group be created as a joint collaboration between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB), and also directs them to coordinate with other federal and state agencies.
Support for the COVID-19 Fraud Prevention Act:
The legislation is supported by Credit Union National Association, Public Citizen, the National Consumer Law Center, the Consumer Federation of America, Center for Responsible Lending, and Americans for Financial Reform.
Background:
As of Sep. 17th, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recorded over100,000 reportsof coronavirus-related fraud, for a totalloss ofmore than$140million, including more than $300,000 in Iowa. These include attempts to collect financial information by pretending to be the government, market false medical cures or prescriptions, and promises to help reduce outstanding debt.
The SEC has also issued more than30 trading suspensionsfor stocks believed to have inaccurate or unreliable information in connection with COVID-19.
In the last six months, the CFPB hasalso receivedover220,000 consumer complaints,includingreports ofattemptedcollection ofdebtsnot owed, false statements, and other instances of scam or fraud.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z