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://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shares-2024-policy-oversight-achievements,"Grassley Shares 2024 Policy, Oversight Achievements",2024-12-27,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today released an overview of his 2024 legislative and oversight work for Iowans. “Serving the people of Iowa is an honor I take very seriously. My constant mission is to advocate for our great state, while making the government more accountable and transparent. “In the New Year, I’ll hit the ground running to advance legislative efforts to secure the border, lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and curb wasteful spending. Congress has a long to-do list. I encourage Iowans to keep in touch and share their views with me while I work on your behalf,” Grassley said. Read Grassley's 2024 Year in Review: Download PDF Contents: Welcome HIStory Keeping in Touch with Iowans Farm Bill Priorities Keeping Foreign Adversaries Off U.S. Farmland Expanding Overseas Markets Iowa Leads the Way Year Round E15 Wind Energy Iowa Ethanol Sky-High Possibilities Investing in Iowa Airports Railroads Roads and Bridges Clean Water Budget and the Economy A Costly Cover-Up “Transparency Brings Accountability” It’s the Budget Committee, Not the Climate Committee Health Care A Dose of Sunshine Pro-Family, Pro-Mother, Pro-Life Supporting Rural Pharmacies Fighting the Opioid Epidemic Grassley Backs the Blue Bad Actors and U.S. Planes The History of the Juvenile Justice Program Protecting Kids Online Grassley Holds Big Tech’s Feet to the Fire Immigration The First Job of Government Leading the Charge to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Kids Peace Through Strength Watchdog for Veterans A Record Year Protecting Patients Supporting Crime Victims Defending Whistleblowers Cleaning Up Government Waste and Abuse Did You Know?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-recognizes-7th-anniversary-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-becoming-law,Feenstra Recognizes 7th Anniversary of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Becoming Law,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement recognizing the 7-year anniversary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being signed into law: “Seven years ago, President Trump signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act — the single largest and most consequential reform of our tax code in decades. This law doubled the standard deduction for our families, cut taxes for our small businesses, helped our farmers grow and succeed, and returned investment back to the United States. Serving on the House Ways and Means Committee, I’m working to reauthorize these provisions before its 2025 expiration and include measures — like repealing the death tax and investing in paid family and medical leave — that are important to Iowa. As a strong, fiscal conservative, I will continue to advocate for sensible spending cuts and lower taxes to supercharge our economy, protect Iowa taxpayers, and restore American prosperity.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-nominates-34-iowa-students-to-us-military-academies,Grassley Nominates 34 Iowa Students to U.S. Military Academies,2024-12-23,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is announcing his support for 34 Iowa students seeking acceptance to U.S. military academies. “I’m honored to nominate these 34 extraordinary Iowans to our nation’s prestigious military academies,” Grassley said. “These young men and women represent Iowa’s best and brightest. Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are commendable. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish going forward.” Each year, Grassley nominates Iowa high school seniors for placements at the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. All service academies select at least one of Grassley’s nominees. Learn more about service academy nominations HERE. Grassley’s nominees for entrance during the 2025-2026 academic year follow: United States Air Force Academy Trenton Abel, Toddville Emmett Bartels, Runnells Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines Alexis Bogardus, Granger Brayden Bohnsack, La Porte City Grant Dunn, Johnston Benjamin Green, West Des Moines Eliana Hansen, Cedar Rapids Shae Magley, Cedar Falls Amelia Porisch, St. Ansgar Ky Wilkens, Dallas Center United States Military Academy at West Point Eric Ding, Davenport MacKenzie Fah, Bettendorf Theodore Hartwig, Marion MacKenzie McClelland, Grinnell Aiden Price, Davenport Abigail Sander, Polk City Naomi Templeman, Dallas Center Jonah Zimmer, Sperry United States Naval Academy Madison Andrews, Maysville Ava Blankenship, Ankeny Ella Goodrich, Adel Ellie Hance, Palo Evan Kohlsdorf, Des Moines Riley Kramer, Riverdale Solene MacLean, Polk City Brigid McGowan, Sioux City Quentin Moore, Des Moines Owen Powell, Blue Grass Connor Rash, Ames Tyler Tingley, Council Bluffs Ryan Traynor, Urbandale Conrad Yates, West Des Moines United States Merchant Marine Academy Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines Ella Goodrich, Adel Gage Holub, Mt. Vernon Conrad Yates, West Des Moines -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-deliver-relief-iowa-farmers-secures-disaster-assistance-storm,"Feenstra Votes to Deliver Relief to Iowa Farmers, Secures Disaster Assistance for Storm-Ravaged Communities",2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after voting to deliver relief for Iowa farmers and secure disaster assistance for storm-ravaged communities: “Today, I stood with President Trump to deliver relief for our farmers, extend the Farm Bill, and help our communities recover from this year’s devastating floods and tornadoes. On my 36 County Tour, I repeatedly heard from families, farmers, and small business owners who needed support to get back on their feet — and this legislation delivers that assistance. I look forward to working with President Trump to pass our conservative budget priorities, cut wasteful spending, and make government more efficient.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/video-grassley-applauds-as-us-comes-out-on-top-in-mexico-corn-dispute,VIDEO: Grassley Applauds as U.S. Comes Out on Top in Mexico Corn Dispute,2024-12-20,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today welcomed a dispute panel’s ruling under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to allow genetically-modified U.S. corn exports to Mexico. The panel sided with the U.S., confirming Mexico’s restrictions on genetically-modified corn exports are not based in science and violate the USMCA. Mexico now has 45 days to bring its trade policies into compliance. Download Grassley’s video statement HERE. Excerpts from Grassley’s statement follow: “Today, the good news is this: the United States won the decision, before an independent board, that Mexico was violating the USMCA. “This is a tremendous victory for Iowa corn growers, and it’s a tremendous victory for what we call decisions on international trade based on sound science, as opposed to political science.” Background: In 2020, then-Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador issued a decree to phase out Mexico’s use of genetically-modified corn by 2024. Following Grassley’s urging, the U.S. Trade Representative in 2023 officially challenged Mexico’s proposed ban. Today’s decision is the result of that challenge. Iowa, the number one corn producer in the U.S., exports 16 million tons of corn to Mexico annually. Over 90 percent of all corn acreage in the U.S. is planted with genetically-engineered seeds.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cantwell-bill-to-fight-opioid-epidemic-through-data-collection-passes-senate,"Grassley, Cantwell Bill to Fight Opioid Epidemic Through Data Collection Passes Senate",2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) secured Senate passage of their bipartisan Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act, which provides federal grants to communities that operate overdose data collection programs, including the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP). “By expanding access to overdose data collection programs, Congress empowers local communities to face drug abuse trends head on and prevent future fatalities,” Grassley said. “I’m proud to see the Senate unanimously pass our bipartisan legislation to identify and quickly respond to overdoses, and I urge the House to swiftly follow suit.” “When responding to fentanyl overdoses, an extra minute can save a life,” Cantwell said. “Tracking fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses will help our first responders, law enforcement, and public health professionals better target and prevent OD spikes and surge resources to communities that need them the most.” Additional cosponsors include Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). Download bill text HERE. Background: ODMAP is a free, web-based platform that reports suspected fatal and non-fatal overdose events in near-real time. Local agencies can use ODMAP to identify spikes and clusters of overdoses in their communities, neighboring communities and nationwide. While ODMAP is the favored platform, the Justice Department would retain discretion in determining which data collection program is best suited for each applicant when administering grants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-real-id,Q&A: REAL ID,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: What is REAL ID? A: Two decades ago, the 9/11 Commission issued recommendations to enhance ID verification systems following the horrific attacks in 2001 that killed thousands of Americans on U.S. soil. Its report underscored why Congress beefed up national standards, “For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.” The terrorists used multiple state-forms of identification to take flying lessons, board and hijack commercial aircraft used to fly into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Congress passed the REAL ID Act to protect Americans and prevent wrongdoers from exploiting weak identification systems. President George W. Bush signed the legislation into law on May 11, 2005, establishing minimum national standards for state-issued identification cards, including driver’s licenses. The law prohibits federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), from accepting state-issued identification cards that don’t satisfy REAL ID requirements. Iowa’s authenticated IDs will have a gold star in the upper right corner for verification. To access certain federal government facilities, nuclear power plants and board commercial flights in the United States, individuals will need to show REAL ID-compliant forms of identification. Applicants must provide certain identification documents to the state or territory issuing the driver’s license or ID card, including an identity document; Social Security document; residency documents; and, current driver’s license or ID. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the deadline for air travelers to have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification was postponed from Oct. 1, 2020 to May 7, 2025. Q: What do Iowans need to know about REAL ID? A: As we approach the end of the year, many people look forward to a fresh start in the New Year. Before tax season kicks into high gear, now is a good time to take care of other housekeeping items on your to-do list, especially if you have travel plans in 2025. International travelers ought to check the expiration of their passports. Find tips on passport renewals here. Next, check to make sure your driver’s license or state-issued ID is REAL ID compliant. This December is the final holiday traveling season before the REAL ID deadline in 2025. If you plan to fly commercially after May 7, 2025, you need to make sure your state-issued ID or driver’s license is REAL ID compliant for screening at TSA security checkpoints, unless you show a valid passport. Keep in mind, the Iowa Department of Transportation advises it can take up to 30 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail. Iowans do not need a REAL ID to drive, vote, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for federal benefits. It’s advised to make an appointment in advance at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to avoid long wait times. Iowans can book an appointment online. If your license expires on or after May 7, 2025, you can schedule to obtain a replacement license or ID that’s marked REAL ID compliant. Follow a checklist created by the Iowa Department of Transportation to help assemble necessary source documents to bring with you to the DMV, such as an unexpired U.S. passport, certified copy of a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization; pay stub or W-2 containing your name and Social Security Number; two documents listing current address, such as utility bill or bank statement; and, current license or ID. In the long run, it could simplify travel plans to go ahead and get REAL ID compliant the next time you renew your driver’s license. It may seem like a hassle, but remember why the law was passed in the first place. REAL ID helps verify the identification of every person who boards a commercial aircraft to better protect the flying public. The federal law also enabled states to share data across state lines to thwart fraud from one jurisdiction to the next and prevent people from obtaining multiple licenses using different identities. TSA will require REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses or other approved identification, such as a U.S. Passport or U.S. Military ID, to get through its security checkpoints, starting May 7, 2025.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/senate-advances-grassley-backed-bill-to-invest-in-local-law-enforcement,Senate Advances Grassley-Backed Bill to Invest in Local Law Enforcement,2024-12-19,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their bipartisan Invest to Protect Act to boost local police departments’ access to training, mental health support, recruitment and retention resources. “Many Iowans have told me they’re concerned about the low recruitment and retention rates of police officers in their communities,” Grassley said. “The Senate’s unanimous support for this bill will bring us one step closer to unlocking local law enforcement’s access to critical resources to strengthen and grow their forces. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and I’ll work to protect our state’s courageous officers.” “The funding from this bill will help the vast majority of police departments across the country make meaningful investments in their officers and their communities,” Cortez Masto said. “Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe – and for law enforcement in small suburbs, Tribes and rural areas, that stress is compounded by a lack of funding and few full-time officers. It’s time we gave them a leg up and delivered them the critical resources they need.” Additional cosponsors include Sens. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). The bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations and the National Sheriffs’ Association. Bill text is available HERE. Background: Most police departments in the U.S. employ fewer than 200 full-time officers. In Iowa and across the country, these departments struggle to compete with larger law enforcement agencies for access to critical resources. The Invest to Protect Act establishes a grant program through Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), setting aside $250 million to help local law enforcement agencies make meaningful investments in their officers and communities. The bill also simplifies the grant application process, reducing the application time to less than two hours so that small agencies without dedicated grant-writing staff can more easily access funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-fund-beagle-brigade-keep-foreign-animal-disease-out-united,Feenstra Votes to Fund Beagle Brigade to Keep Foreign Animal Disease out of the United States,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Beagle Brigade Act. “Keeping foreign animal diseases out of our country is critical to the security of Iowa agriculture and our food supply. As we’ve seen with bird flu, our farmers have faced serious financial losses and uncertainty over the spread of this disease, and African Swine Fever has the potential to seriously harm our hog industry. We must continue to do everything possible to monitor, prevent, and mitigate outbreaks,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I voted for legislation to have the National Detector Dog Training Center train dogs – including beagles – to inspect cargo, baggage, and vehicles at our borders and detect foreign diseases that pose a significant threat to agriculture. I’ll continue to work to keep foreign animal disease out of our country by passing the Farm Bill and investing in prevention and detection measures.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-secures-iowa-priorities-in-major-water-resources-package,Grassley Secures Iowa Priorities in Major Water Resources Package,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today welcomed the Senate’s overwhelmingly bipartisan passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA), a legislative package that reauthorizes key infrastructure projects to improve ports and harbors, inland waterways navigation and flood and storm protection in Iowa and across the country. The bill now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “Iowa is blessed with mighty waterways that help move our world-class goods to market and feed the world. It’s vital that we protect our natural water resources while ensuring sound infrastructure to keep Iowans safe from inclement weather and flooding,” Grassley said. “Passing WRDA is one of the best ways Congress can do this. This authorization will deliver regional and national economic benefits, strengthen Iowa’s global competitiveness and supply chains, and directly benefit local communities.” Grassley secured the following water resources for Iowa: Updates to the Cedar River flood risk management project to protect Cedar Rapids from future flooding. Expanded protections for levee districts and navigators on the Missouri River to safeguard flood control measures and ease navigation. Authorization of an Upper Mississippi River Flood Risk and Resiliency Study to improve community flood protection. Improvements to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process to ensure project efficiency. This year’s WRDA also included the Economic Development Reauthorization Act, which marks the first reauthorization of Economic Development Act (EDA) programs in twenty years. EDA programs in 2024 provided federal funding to several Iowa communities, including: $175,000 to drive local economic recovery efforts following severe storms in Southern Iowa; $681,000 to bolster regional manufacturing in Story City; $1.3 million to support infrastructure improvements and workforce growth in Cedar Rapids.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-supports-fiscal-year-2025-defense-authorization-bill,Grassley Supports Fiscal Year 2025 Defense Authorization Bill,2024-12-18,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today applauded Senate passage of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to support our military and fund critical national security priorities. The legislation, which includes several Grassley-backed provisions, now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law. “National security is the number one responsibility of the federal government,” Grassley said. “From investing in Iowa’s military installations, to ensuring U.S. dominance on the world stage, this bill prioritizes our country’s ability to keep Americans safe.” Download video of Grassley discussing the NDAA HERE. Grassley secured the following priorities in the FY25 NDAA: The Grassley-led Destruction Initiative for Stored Precursors Overseas and Safe Enforcement (DISPOSE) Act to boost precursor chemical destruction efforts and prevent illicit opioid manufacturing. The Grassley-led Administrative False Claims Act to strengthen efforts to target smaller, and potentially more frequent, instances of fraud against the government. The Grassley-backed Law Enforcement and Victim Support Act to protect victims and empower law enforcements’ prosecution of child abusers. A provision to require the DOD identify parts for reverse engineering, which will save taxpayer dollars, boost competition in the defense industrial base and benefit small businesses around the country. Additional NDAA highlights include: Authorization of federal funds to support Iowa’s military installations through: Construction of a new field maintenance shop for the Sioux City Armory; Support for the Rock Island Arsenal’s Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program project to provide secure, self-sufficient energy. A 4.5 percent pay raise for all service members, 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted members and a 2 percent pay raise for civilian employees. Full funding for joint U.S.-Israel cooperative missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. Grassley is a firm supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense. A provision prohibiting universities with Chinese Communist Party-ties from receiving DOD funding. Grassley this Congress introduced similar legislation to ban federal funding for universities hosting CCP-backed Confucius Institutes.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-reauthorize-programs-teach-horrors-holocaust,Feenstra Votes to Reauthorize Programs to Teach Horrors of the Holocaust,2024-12-17,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, the Never Again Education Reauthorization Act. This legislation which was signed into law by President Trump in 2020 and will now be extended through Fiscal Year 2030. “As antisemitism increases across our country and around the world, it is critical that we teach the next generation of Americans about the horrors of the Holocaust. The death and destruction that occurred at the hands of the Nazis must never be forgotten,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I was glad to vote for the Never Again Education Reauthorization Act to ensure that we educate our children about the Holocaust and honor the lives of the more than six million victims who faced unthinkable suffering. We must never forget the lives lost and never let such a tragedy happen again.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-congratulates-senator-chris-cournoyer-appointment-iowas-lieutenant,Feenstra Congratulates Senator Chris Cournoyer on Appointment as Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor,2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement congratulating State Senator Chris Cournoyer on her appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa: “I extend my congratulations to my friend — Chris Cournoyer — on her appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa. Lieutenant Governor Cournoyer and I worked closely in the Iowa Senate to grow our economy and advance our conservative values. I know that she will be a phenomenal partner to Governor Reynolds and advocate for Iowa’s families, farmers, businesses, and our communities.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:07:19Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-16-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 12-16-24",2024-12-16,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: Lame duck priorities, Farm Bill extension, used cooking oil imports, Senate Judiciary hearing on sports betting, drones and Jim Leach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-press-epa-on-used-cooking-oil-imports,"Grassley, Ernst Press EPA on Used Cooking Oil Imports",2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Finance and Agriculture Committees, joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and bipartisan colleagues in demanding answers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding its process for verifying the authenticity of used cooking oil (UCO) imports. Grassley and colleagues in June first probed EPA, along with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), about the validity of UCO imports in light of a massive year-over-year imports increase. In response to Congress, Senior CBP official Troy Miller admitted CBP considers UCO as “pure” even when commingled with virgin vegetable oil, such as palm oil. Based on this admission, the senators are slamming EPA’s existing verification process as “meaningless.” “Without a robust verification process, the credibility of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is at risk, and American farmers are likely missing out on key market opportunities. For example, through August, the U.S. has imported a historic 3.2 billion pounds of UCO in 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This is enough product to displace approximately 270 million bushels of soybeans,” the senators wrote. “American farmers should not continue paying the price of an inadequate and incomplete foreign feedstock verification system,” they concluded. The letter was cosigned by Sens. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.). Read the senators’ letter HERE. Background: As a longtime advocate of homegrown energy, Grassley is spearheading several additional initiatives to support U.S. biofuel feedstock producers, including:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-federal-disaster-tax-relief,Q&A: Federal Disaster Tax Relief,2024-12-13,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: What tax relief measures will help Iowans impacted by natural disasters get back on their feet? A: Congress recently passed disaster tax relief legislation that will give eligible taxpayers a break on their federal tax bill. It allows for individuals impacted by a natural disaster in an area that received a major presidential disaster declaration – from December 2020 up to 60 days after enactment, as long as the disaster occurred on or before the date of enactment – to deduct personal casualty losses, to the extent they exceed $500 per casualty. The deduction is available to those who don’t itemize their taxes and may be claimed in addition to the standard federal deduction. Impacted Iowans should consult their tax advisors about whether they qualify to take advantage of this relief. As a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I was glad to support this tax relief proposal to help Iowans who suffered financial hardship through no fault of their own. In addition to visiting impacted communities, I keep in touch with residents, farmers, business owners and civic leaders as local communities across our state have worked hard to recover and rebuild from natural disasters. Q: Which impacted counties in Iowa qualify for the federal disaster tax relief credit? A: Iowans living in a county that received a major presidential disaster declaration from December 2020 up through 60 days after enactment, as long as the disaster occurred on or before the date of enactment of the law, will qualify for the federal disaster relief tax credit. To date, Iowa has received five major presidential disaster declarations during this time frame, including the following: • Winter 2021. The first-ever derecho in December anywhere in the U.S. delivered severe thunderstorms and the most EF-2/F-2 or stronger tornadoes in a single day in Iowa since 1950. The following counties were included in a qualified disaster area: Appanoose, Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cass, Cherokee, Davis, Emmet, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Howard, Humboldt, Mills, Mitchell, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Sac, Van Buren, Webster, Worth, and Wright. • Spring 2023. Major to moderate flooding impacted much of the Upper Mississippi River Valley from April 24 to May 13, 2023. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Allamakee, Clayton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Jackson, Lee and Scott. • Spring 2024. April 26-27, 2024. At least 19 tornadoes swept across several counties, damaging homes and business across the region. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Union. • May 20-31, 2024. Torrential rainfall, damaging winds and hail leading to widespread tree damage and power outages; EF-4 tornado damage in Greenfield; EF-3 damage in Adams County; EF-2 damage in Polk and Story Counties. The following counties were in a qualified disaster area: Adair, Adams, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Cedar, Cherokee, Clay, Dallas, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Humboldt, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Muscatine, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Shelby, Story, Tama, Wright.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-joins-doge-caucus-cut-reckless-government-spending-and-restore-fiscal,Feenstra Joins DOGE Caucus to Cut Reckless Government Spending and Restore Fiscal Sanity,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) formally joined the Delivering Outstanding Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, which will work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cut reckless government spending, eliminate burdensome government regulations, and reduce our $36-trillion national debt. “For decades, the federal government has borrowed trillions of dollars and spent recklessly driving inflation through the roof and our country further into debt. To protect our children and grandchildren from inheriting an unstoppable debt crisis, we need to get serious about balancing our federal budget, cutting waste in government, and reversing the rapid growth of our national debt,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to join the DOGE Caucus to pinpoint savings for taxpayers and eliminate unnecessary regulations so that we can grow our economy and get our country on a path towards fiscal sanity. As a strong, fiscal conservative, I came to Congress to get our debt under control, lower costs for our families, and stop wasteful government spending – and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-hinson-presses-dc-mayor-bowser-house-appropriations-hearing,ICYMI: Hinson Presses DC Mayor Bowser in House Appropriations Hearing,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA-02) pressed D.C. Mayor, Muriel Bowser, on soft-on-crime policies in D.C., enforcing immigration laws, and the importance of ensuring federal bureaucrats return to work in-person. Watch highlights below, and listen to Rep. Hinson's interview on WMAL here. During her first line of questioning, Rep. Hinson pressed Mayor Bowser on how soft-on-crime policies negatively impact public safety and local law enforcement. Watch the full exchange here. During her second line of questioning, Rep. Hinson pressed Mayor Bowser on complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer orders. Bowser agreed to comply while under oath. Watch the full exchange here. Rep. Hinson closed with concerns that D.C. Statehood is a ploy by Democrats to gain full control of Congress, stack the Supreme Court, and enact a radical policy agenda. Watch her remarks here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://nunn.house.gov/2024/12/12/nunn-amendment-included-in-national-defense-package/,Nunn Amendment Included in National Defense Package,2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Representative Zach Nunn’s (IA-03) priorities to support military servicemembers and protect national security. “America is the land of the free and home of the brave because of the men and women who serve in uniform,” said Rep. Nunn. “As a twenty-year combat veteran and current Colonel in the Air Force, I’m committed to protecting our national security. That means securing our Southern Border, stopping China in its tracks, bolstering our allies, and supporting our men and women in uniform throughout their career. This bill is a win for national security, a win for our troops, and a win for the future of our nation.” The final package includes Rep. Nunn’s proposal to create a strategic partnership between the Defense Innovation Unit and the Israeli Ministry of Defense to streamline access to emerging technologies for the U.S. and our allies. The legislation also includes landmark investments in servicemember quality of life, border security, and deterring Chinese aggression: Provides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 14.5% pay raise. Supports the deployment of National Guard at our Southern Border to intercept illegal aliens and drugs. Includes dozens of sections that address PRC security threats and economic security issues. Prevents Chinese espionage in our military, supply chains, and research institutions. Expands U.S.-Israel military exercises and fully fund cooperative missile defense programs. Increases funding for U.S. defense initiatives in the Indo-Pacific to bolster Taiwan’s defense and support Indo-Pacific allies. Saves $31 billion by cutting inefficient programs, obsolete weapons, and bloated Pentagon bureaucracy. Counters antisemitism by prohibiting sale of goods at Department of Defense commissaries and exchanges from any entities that have or are engaged in a boycott of Israel. The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hassan-seek-to-shine-light-on-opioid-makers-financial-conflicts-of-interest,"Grassley, Hassan Seek to Shine Light on Opioid Makers’ Financial Conflicts of Interest",2024-12-12,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today introduced bipartisan legislation to make public pharmaceutical and device manufacturers’ financial relationships with tax-exempt patient advocacy groups. The Open Payments Expansion Act builds on Grassley’s 2020 investigative report, which found opioid and medical device manufacturers paid $65 million to tax-exempt entities that drove up sales and downplayed risks of addiction. “Patient advocacy is a noble cause, but pharmaceutical donors can manipulate well-intentioned organizations into Trojan horses for bad policy and dishonest marketing. By requiring opioid manufacturers to disclose their payments to nonprofit organizations, our legislation provides much-needed accountability and transparency,” said Grassley. “One of the many ways that Big Pharma fueled the opioid crisis was through secretly funneling money to nonprofit advocacy groups – and then those groups at times promoted the use of opioids, despite the increasingly clear risks of addiction,” said Hassan. “At the very least, the American people deserve to know when Big Pharma tries to wield its influence through others. Passing our bipartisan bill would significantly improve transparency, and I urge our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.” Download bill text HERE. Background: As then-Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Grassley and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) recommended expanding CMS’s Open Payments database after exposing a decades-long trend of massive payments from opioid manufactures to nonprofit advocacy organizations. Grassley has also led legislation to require drug and medical device companies to disclose payments to nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other health care professionals, which was added in the 2018 SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-votes-historic-pay-raise-us-troops,Feenstra Votes for Historic Pay Raise for U.S. Troops,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement after voting for the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which delivers a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops and a 4.5% for all other servicemembers: “In our increasingly dangerous world, we must always ensure that the U.S. military remains the most feared and lethal fighting force the world has ever known. China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, terrorist groups, and other evil forces will stop at nothing to destabilize our country and sow chaos across the globe. We can’t let them gain an inch. That’s why I voted for the National Defense Authorization Act to counter this new Axis of Evil, support our allies like Israel, and invest in our troops and their families. Among many provisions, this legislation delivers historic pay raises for our military – 14.5% for junior enlisted troops and 4.5% for all other servicemembers – and supports new military housing and childcare facilities. It also bans radical DEI initiatives in our military, prohibits the teaching of Critical Race Theory at military schools, and requires the Department of Defense to report to Congress on military cooperation between China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Our troops and their families make incredible sacrifices so that we can all enjoy the freedoms and liberties that make the United States the greatest country on Earth. As a proud American, I will always support our servicemembers and military families – working to ensure that they have the resources that they need to succeed.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-statement-fy25-ndaa,Hinson Statement on FY25 NDAA,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement in support of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). ""The FY25 NDAA invests in our national security and our servicemembers while cutting woke DEI initiatives and slashing unnecessary bureaucracy that wastes time and compromises our readiness. This legislation includes a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers and prioritizes deterrence amid increased aggression from adversaries like China and Iran under President Biden. I look forward to working with President Trump to further safeguard our national security, support our troops, and reinstate U.S. global leadership."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background: The FY25 NDAA: Authorizes a 4.5% increase in pay for all servicemembers – including a 14.5% raise for junior enlisted servicemembers – and additional quality of life improvements for servicemembers and their families. Enhances deterrence in the Indo-Pacific by authorizing $15.6 billion for defenses and reaffirming our support of our ally, Taiwan. Counters national security threats from our adversaries and fight state sponsors of terror including Iran, Afghanistan and the Taliban, North Korea, and Russia. Supports law enforcement operations at our southwest border and increasing funding by $10 million for DoD counter-narcotic activities. Cuts unnecessary Pentagon bureaucracy, reforms DoD's acquisition processes, and cuts underperforming military programs. Builds on efforts to dismantle the radical woke ideology within the DoD by gutting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-wray-resignation,Grassley Statement on Wray Resignation,2024-12-11,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding Christopher Wray’s stated intention to resign as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), just two days after Grassley publicly urged Wray to “move on” for the good of the country. “Wray’s departure is an opportunity for a new era of transparency and accountability at the FBI. Future FBI Directors ought to learn a lesson from Wray’s mistakes. Stonewalling Congress, breaking promises, applying double standards and turning your back on whistleblowers is no longer going to cut it.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-praises-passage-legislation-provide-disabled-veterans-free-tsa,Feenstra Praises Passage of Legislation to Provide Disabled Veterans with Free TSA PreCheck,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) praised passage of the VETS Safe Travel Act, which would make disabled veterans eligible for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck Program at no cost. “As grateful Americans, it is critical that we provide our veterans with the benefits that they have earned and deserve. From high-quality healthcare to other helpful resources, I believe that we should jump at every opportunity to give back to our nation’s heroes,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I’m glad that the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation to give our disabled veterans free TSA PreCheck – a well-deserved convenience when traveling through our airports. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices in defense of our nation, and this is just one small way that we can show our appreciation to these heroes and their families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-announces-new-chief-staff-0,Hinson Announces New Chief of Staff,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson announced that Sophie Seid, her current Deputy Chief of Staff, will take over the role of Chief of Staff for the 119th Congress. Sophie helped launch Hinson’s office in 2021 as Communications Director before serving as her Deputy Chief of Staff. Prior to working for Hinson, Sophie worked on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Hinson’s current Chief of Staff, Sam Pritchard, will remain in an advisory role throughout this transition. “I’m thrilled that Sophie will take on the new role of Chief of Staff and lead our team. She has been a trusted advisor for years, and shares my passion for serving Iowans. She will help me carry out my mission of restoring fiscal responsibility, improving safety and security, and advocating for rural Iowa while providing the best possible customer service to constituents.” -Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-introduces-va-bill-increasing-veterans-access-high-cost,Miller-Meeks Introduces VA Bill Increasing Veterans Access to High-Cost Medication,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced the Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act, legislation that increases access to costly medications out of reach for severely disabled veterans in State Veterans Homes. Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not pay State Veterans Homes for high-cost medications for severely disabled veterans, which are covered outside the facility. “As a 24-year veteran and physician, it is critical to increase access to life-saving medication for our veterans,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “Our bill would mandate the VA reimburse State Veterans Homes for the cost of expensive medications – or furnish them - so veterans can continue to receive the care they need and deserve.” Since the passage of the PACT act, there has been a significant increase in the number of veterans adjudicated as being severely disabled. For these veterans, VA pays a per diem but doesn’t pay the State Veterans Homes for the cost of extremely high-cost medications which often cost the homes more than VA is paying (sometimes more than $1000 a day). These high-cost medications are often revolutionary cancer drugs that help significantly lengthen the lives and quality of life of our nation’s most deserving. Background: The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act would fix this problem. When a severely disabled veteran requires high-cost medications, the bill would require VA to either pay for the medications or furnish them directly to the State Veterans Homes. The bill would encourage States Veterans Homes to grow and provide care to our most severely disabled veterans. Rep. Miller-Meeks has used her position as Chairwoman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Subcommittee on Health to hold hearings and spotlight critical issues such as substance use disorder, care coordination, and emerging mental health therapies, among many others. She has also sponsored pivotal legislation that would improve access to residential rehabilitation treatment programs, expand long-term care options, and increase the availability of non-opioid pain management medications. State Veterans Homes give states the opportunity to provide housing and medical care to our nation’s veterans while relieving pressure from an often-overwhelmed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. To help support these facilities, Congress has authorized programs that repay states for some of the care provided. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-on-ig-review-of-doj-congressional-records-collection,Grassley on IG Review of DOJ Congressional Records Collection,2024-12-10,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), today issued a statement on the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General (DOJ OIG) report regarding DOJ’s covert collection of congressional members and staffers’ communications records, including former members of his own investigative staff. Grassley last year urged DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz to “leave no stone unturned” in his review of DOJ congressional surveillance. “Here we go again. As I warned years ago with DOJ’s rampant FISA abuses during Crossfire Hurricane, DOJ’s snooping has the real potential to chill congressional oversight and violate civil liberties. Today’s OIG report proves my point and paints a clearer picture of DOJ’s bad faith conduct. The report demonstrates how DOJ withheld information from individuals impacted by agency surveillance, without legitimate basis for doing so. It also demonstrates how DOJ used boilerplate language to renew these gag orders and, in one case, even after they had already determined the subject likely had nothing to do with the leaks in question. Lastly, it shows DOJ secured broad authorizations for records collections – allowing it to scoop up information from a wide range of bipartisan members, staffers and news media, while failing to comply with all internal policy. “It’s plain to see DOJ overstepped its authority here. The Justice Department ought to learn from its mistakes and accept accountability, because Congress won’t accept any less. The incoming Trump administration must take steps to ensure these problems, which were driven by career attorneys at the Justice Department, are fixed.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-09-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 12-09-24",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: FBI’s failures, presidential spending, nominee meetings, government appropriations, Farm Bill and the Senate calendar.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-expresses-vote-of-no-confidence-in-director-wray-deputy-director-abbates-continued-leadership-at-fbi,"Grassley Expresses ‘Vote of No Confidence’ in Director Wray, Deputy Director Abbate’s Continued Leadership at FBI",2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is calling on FBI Director Christopher Wray, as well as Deputy Director Paul Abbate, to accept accountability for their failed leadership at the Bureau. In a letter sent today to Director Wray, Grassley detailed how Wray has “failed in [the] fundamental duties as director.” These failures include: “These failures,” Grassley wrote, “are serious enough and their pattern widespread enough to have shattered my confidence in your leadership and the confidence and hope many others in Congress placed in you.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-meeting-with-kash-patel,Grassley Statement on Meeting with Kash Patel,2024-12-09,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement regarding his meeting today with Kash Patel, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The meeting follows Grassley’s letter this morning expressing his ‘vote of no confidence’ in current FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Transparency ought to be the North Star of government. Over the past several years, that principle has been thrown out the window of the J. Edgar Hoover Building’s seventh floor. Today I reminded Kash that transparency brings accountability, and it’s badly needed at the FBI. As a former congressional investigator himself, Kash understands that cooperation with Congress is not optional and whistleblower protection is essential. Once formally nominated, I’d look forward to holding a hearing on Kash’s nomination in the Senate Judiciary Committee.” Download photo HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-honors-ernest-topness-65-years-service-cedar-rapids,Hinson Honors Ernest Topness for 65 Years of Service in Cedar Rapids,2024-12-07,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""I rise today to recognize Mr. Ernest Topness for his distinguished and impactful career serving both our nation and the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mr. Topness, known by many as Ernie, first joined the United States Postal Service in 1959 after serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Ernie delivered mail in Cedar Rapids for 65 years, making connections and building friendship with those on his route. Ernie’s dedication is unmatched. When others would sit out a snow day or call in sick, he was always known to show up. At the age of 91, Ernie recently retired as the second-longest-serving mail carrier in the United States. Mr. Topness, your legacy is one of unwavering dedication and inspiring service. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement."" ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-backs-legislation-teach-dangers-communism-classroom,Feenstra Backs Legislation to Teach Dangers of Communism in the Classroom,2024-12-06,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, which would direct the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to create a curriculum to educate high school students about the dangers and history of communism. “According to recent statistics, nearly one third of America’s youth hold a favorable opinion of communism and nearly twenty percent believe that communism is better than capitalism. These alarming findings cannot be the norm for future generations of Americans if we want our country to succeed and prosper,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I voted for the Crucial Communism Teaching Act to push back against the spread of this dangerous ideology in our schools and educate our children about communism’s ugly past.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-requests-runway-and-ramp-projects-185th-air-refueling-wing-be,Feenstra Requests Runway and Ramp Projects at 185th Air Refueling Wing Be Included in Future Years Defense Program,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) led a letter to Acting Director of the Air National Guard, Major General Duke Pirak, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin requesting that ongoing runway and ramp projects at the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Sioux City be included in the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP). House and Senate members representing Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota all cosigned Feenstra’s letter. This included all 6 members of Iowa’s congressional delegation. “The 185th Air Refueling Wing is critical to our economy, our region, and our national security. Nearly 900 airmen work around the clock to support our military and ensure that the KC-135 refueling tankers housed at the base operate properly,” said Rep. Feenstra. “The 185th is currently spearheading projects to strengthen runway and ramp resilience so that the KC-135s can take off and land more efficiently and safely. Alongside my colleagues in the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota delegations, I am leading the charge to request that the runway and ramp projects at the 185th be included in the Future Years Defense Program and make these initiatives eligible for needed funding through completion.” The full letter can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-presidential-nominations,Q&A: Presidential Nominations,2024-12-05,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: How does the nominations process work following a presidential election? A: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution grants the president the power to nominate individuals to certain positions outlined in the Constitution or created by federal law. During the time between a presidential election in November and inauguration in January, a president-elect makes consequential decisions to assemble a team of advisors and high-level government officials. While a president can hire White House advisors on his own, key roles charged with implementing laws passed by Congress generally require Senate confirmation. Thousands of positions spanning federal departments and independent agencies are submitted to the U.S. Senate for its constitutional authority of Advice and Consent, a vital lever in our system of checks and balances. During the Eisenhower administration, a first-ever list of presidentially appointed positions was created to inform President-elect Eisenhower which positions he would be responsible for filling. While officially called the “United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions,” the directory is more commonly known as the Plum Book, so-called for the color of its book jacket. Since 1960, the book has been published after every presidential election. Beginning in 2012, the U.S. Government Publishing Office made the publication available online. Legislative updates designed to improve transparency and add search-friendly tools to the online federal directory were enacted in 2022 and maintained by the Office of Personnel Management. When the presidency changes political hands, the transition team has its work cut out to assemble and vet a lengthy list of nominees, starting with key Cabinet assignments across the executive branch; ambassadors; U.S. Attorneys; and, top jobs leading independent agencies, such as NASA; as well as regulatory entities, such as the Federal Trade Commission and Securities Exchange Commission. Presidential appointments that require the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate take extra elbow grease to thoroughly vet and prepare nominees for the confirmation process. The nominee must be able to withstand intense public scrutiny by the media and answer questions by committee members during confirmation hearings. Being asked to serve the American people on behalf of the president is among the nation’s highest honors. It requires personal sacrifice, often earning less pay than in the private sector and setting privacy aside for public service. Having a top-notch team of citizen-leaders in place enables the president to enact his agenda and keep promises made to the American people. In the first days of his presidency, Thomas Jefferson observed how the nominations process could make or break his administration: “There is nothing I am so anxious about as good nominations…conscious that the merit as well as reputation of an administration depends as much on [nominations] as on its measures.” In The Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton warned against the feeble execution of the government, “...a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government.” The Founding Fathers appreciated the importance of having a talented team of highly qualified citizen-leaders to carry out the mission of the chief executive the American people elected. This practice stands the test of time, from the first to the 47th president in our nation’s history. Q: What is your approach to the confirmation process? A: President-elect Trump and his transition team have been hard at work preparing to take office on Jan. 20, 2025. As one of 100 U.S. Senators, I’ll roll up my sleeves to consider the slate of nominees he sends to the Senate for advice and consent. As incoming chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will lead confirmation hearings for nominees who fall under the jurisdiction of this committee, such as the U.S. Attorney General. Being nominated by the president, particularly for a high-profile Cabinet position, requires nominees do their homework. Nominees often meet one-on-one with senators to become acquainted with individual members. Those meetings give me a chance to speak personally with them about their priorities while I advocate for our state and the needs of Iowans. Nominees also must fill out lengthy questionnaires and can expect tough questions at their confirmation hearings. I take the confirmation process one step at a time. Whether a Republican or Democrat administration, my policy is to withhold final judgment on nominees until after the confirmation hearings. Our constitutional process helps foster public confidence in government to help ensure top government positions are filled by qualified citizen-leaders. In 1883, Congress passed the Pendleton Act to end political patronage and establish a merit-based system for federal workers. More than eight decades later, federal anti-nepotism laws were passed during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration to strengthen public confidence that top jobs are based on merit, not blood lines. Ultimately, presidential nominees must prove they’re ready, able and willing to faithfully execute laws passed by Congress and effectively carry out government services on behalf of the American people.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-leads-community-demanding-us-coast-guard-continue-investing-missouri,Feenstra Leads Community in Demanding the U.S. Coast Guard Continue Investing in the Missouri River,2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) led a letter to U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Captain Andrew Bender urging the USCG to reconsider its decision to remove 36 Aids to Navigation (ATONs) on the Missouri River north of Blencoe, Iowa and to continue infrastructure investments in the Missouri River. Eight lawmakers and 53 local businesses, organizations, and leaders supported Feenstra’s letter. “The Missouri River is critical to economic development across Western Iowa and supports the timely transportation of manufactured goods and agricultural products both within the United States and internationally. Iowa farmers, businesses, and manufacturers rely on the Missouri River to ship their goods and serve their customers. However, the U.S. Coast Guard’s decision to remove 36 ATONs on the Missouri River threatens our region’s economic vitality and cuts off trade along this important waterway,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Alongside eight of my colleagues, 53 supporting organizations, businesses, local leaders, and Governor Reynolds, I am calling on the USCG to keep these ATONs in place and continue investing in the Missouri River. Many projects are already in motion to improve utilization of the Missouri River – including the new barge terminal project in Sioux City – and this decision by the USCG ignores the economic growth already happening because of the Missouri River. We must maintain navigation up and down the Missouri River not just for the vitality of our businesses but for the future growth of our region and the long-term success of our communities. I am an avid supporter of our inland waterways, especially the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, because the ability to ship Iowa made products around the world relies on a functional river system.” The congressional letter can be found HERE and the local letter can be found HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-oskaloosa-pharmacist-call-passage-key-pbm-reforms,"Miller-Meeks, Oskaloosa Pharmacist Call for Passage of Key PBM Reforms",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Background: H.R. 6283 – DRUG Act • Bans ‘spread pricing,’ when a PBM charges the health plan more than they paid for a medicine; • Prohibits PBMs from paying affiliated pharmacies more than independent community pharmacies for the same services; and • Bans ‘patient steering,’ when a PBM encourages or requires patients to use its affiliated pharmacies instead of a pharmacy that is most convenient for them. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-12-04-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 12-04-24",2024-12-04,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Department of Government Efficiency, Farm Bill extension, Director of FBI, U.S. corn exports to Colombia and 2025 legislative goals.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-bill-combat-chinas-trade-crimes-protect-american-workers-passes-house,Hinson Bill to Combat China's Trade Crimes & Protect American Workers Passes House,2024-12-03,2024,2024-12,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""Thank you, M. Speaker: I rise today in support of my bill, the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act. This bill puts American industry, manufacturing, and workers first. For decades, companies operating under the control of the Chinese Communist Party in the People’s Republic of China have systematically violated U.S. trade laws. The CCP’s illicit trade practices, including duty evasion, transshipment, market flooding, forced labor, and fraud are deliberately designed to take advantage of American workers and businesses – lowering wages, forcing manufacturers to close their doors, and gutting rural manufacturing towns. For example, the Select Committee on China uncovered trade fraud by Chinese auto manufacturer, Qingdao Sunsong. Sunsong was using transshipment to evade U.S. tariffs, forcing an Illinois company to lay off a quarter of their workforce. Sunsong is far from the only Chinese company taking action to exploit our trade system to bolster China’s non-market economy, crippling American industry and manufacturing, threatening workers’ wages and livelihoods, and enabling slave labor. But despite the sheer volume of trade-related crime, the Department of Justice remains inadequately equipped to effectively detect, investigate, and prosecute such offenses. While tariffs are one tool in our toolkit to level the playing field, we also must enforce our trade laws and hold China accountable for repeated violations that have a catastrophic impact on American workers and industry. By strengthening the Trump’s DOJ’s ability to detect and prosecute international trade crimes, my bipartisan bill will ensure that Communist China and other perpetrators are criminally liable for illicit activity and that penalties are enforced. This will help reshore domestic manufacturing and provide opportunities for American workers. I am proud to have the support of China Select Committee Chairman Moolenaar and Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi on this bill and deeply appreciate their collaboration. I also want to thank Chairman Jim Jordan and Ranking Member Jerry Nadler for their support of this key bill. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and support American workers. Thank you, and I yield back."" Background: Companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) frequently commit crimes violating U.S. trade laws, including trade fraud, duty evasion, and transshipment, which benefit the PRC’s non-market economy and undermine U.S. companies and workers. Countless Americans have lost their jobs due to this criminal activity. Despite the large volume of trade crime-related cases, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has under-resourced its prosecution of these crimes. Hinson's Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act has garnered robust support and now awaits action in the Senate. This legislation will: Establish a new task force or similar structure within the DOJ’s Criminal Division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes. Enhance nationwide responses to trade-related offenses by providing training and technical assistance to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, expanding investigations and prosecutions, and allowing for parallel criminal and civil enforcement actions. Require the Attorney General to submit an annual report to Congress assessing the DOJ’s efforts, statistics on trade-related crimes, and fund utilization. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-statement-on-meeting-with-attorney-general-nominee-pam-bondi,Grassley Statement on Meeting with Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi,2024-12-02,2024,2024-12,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), incoming Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement regarding his meeting today with Pam Bondi, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be the next Attorney General. “Pam Bondi is a well-qualified nominee with an impressive legal career, including eight years as Attorney General of the State of Florida and nearly two decades spent as a prosecutor. Bondi is prepared to refocus the Justice Department (DOJ)’s attention where it ought to be: on enforcing the law and protecting Americans’ safety. “In my years conducting oversight of government weaponization and abuse, I’ve found that the Justice Department is often the first to stand in Congress’ way when it’s seeking answers. It’s time the DOJ prioritize transparency and recommit itself to blind justice, unlike what we’ve seen over the last four years. To achieve this, Bondi will need to show unfailing support for whistleblowers, demonstrate respect for the DOJ Office of Inspector General’s independent oversight and commit to working with Congress to shed light on the Biden administration’s weaponization of the DOJ. “The Judiciary Committee will move swiftly to consider her nomination when the 119th Congress convenes in January.” Download photos HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:13:55Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-miller-meeks-introduces-legislation-extend-biofuel-tax-credit-lower-energy,"Rep. Miller-Meeks Introduces Legislation to Extend Biofuel Tax Credit, Lower Energy Cost",2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington DC – U.S. Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced legislation to extend the Second-Generation Biofuel Producer Tax Credit, which will protect biofuels production in the Midwest and across the country. “Iowa’s biofuels production fuels the country and powers our economy,” said Rep. Miller -Meeks. “Iowa producers need market certainty to continue producing affordable, low-emissions forms of energy. I am thankful for Rep. David's collaboration on this commonsense, bipartisan bill which will lower energy costs and promote the production of biofuels right here in the Midwest, and I look forward to seeing this bill progress through the legislative process.” ""Federal incentives for biofuels are only good enough if our farmers and producers have certainty.” Said Rep. Sharice Davids. I’ve consistently urged the Biden administration to publish new rules for biofuel producers to take advantage of what Congress has passed into law, and I’ll continue to push for the guidance to be finalized. In the meantime, I’m proud to work across the aisle with Rep. Miller-Meeks to ensure stability in the biofuels market and keep costs low for Kansans.” “Cellulosic biofuel producers have been anxiously awaiting guidance from the Treasury Department on the new 45Z clean fuel producer tax credit that is supposed to take effect just two months from now. But with 2025 just around the corner, Treasury has not yet proposed regulations to implement the 45Z credit and there is no clarity on the timeline or path forward.” Said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association. “By extending the existing tax credit for second-generation biofuels by one year, this legislation provides marketplace certainty and allows for a smooth transition to the new tax credit regime. We applaud Reps. Miller-Meeks and Davids for taking bipartisan action to protect the market for cellulosic ethanol made from grain fiber, which is the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon liquid fuel available in the marketplace today.” Background: Certain second-generation biofuels producers who are registered with the IRS and meet the environmental standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be eligible for up to $1.01 per gallon tax credit for the fuel produced. The second-generation biofuel producer tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2024. The 45Z clean fuel production credit is a “technology-neutral” credit set to take effect in 2025. However, without issued guidance from the Treasury Department on eligibility requirements for claiming the credit, biofuels producers are lacking the market certainty they need to make critical investments. This one-year extension of the tax credit better bridges the gap between the current credit’s sunset date and the implementation of 45Z by creating a longer off-ramp and affording producers the flexibility needed to get the maximum value of the credit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-lame-duck-session,Q&A: Lame-Duck Session,2024-11-08,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: What is a lame-duck session of Congress? A: Each congressional term has two, one-year legislative sessions. A lame-duck session refers to a period of time when Congress meets after an election is held – prior to the end of its constitutional term – and before freshly elected lawmakers are sworn into office. The 20th amendment to the Constitution effectively narrowed the lame-duck window to the two months between an election and the beginning of the new Congress. It moved the start of each Congress from March to January. Ratified in 1933, the terms of members of Congress begin and end on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years. Since its implementation in the 74th Congress, federal lawmakers have met in lame-duck session 24 times to wrap up unfinished business. When Congress adjourns sine die, a Latin phrase that translates “without a day” to convene, lawmakers typically won’t meet until Jan. 3 at the start of a new legislative session. However, Congress may decide to enter a conditional sine die adjournment to give either the upper or lower chamber the flexibility to reconvene to override a presidential veto. Since 2000, both the Senate and House of Representatives have reconvened after every federal election. This year, Congress will wrap up the second session of the 118th Congress in a lame-duck session. Q: What issues will Congress take up in the lame duck? A: In the last decade or so, Congress has returned post-election to tackle spending and revenue measures to keep the government open for business. With increasing frequency, Congress meets in lame-duck sessions right up to the new session that starts in January. For example, the most recent lame-duck session following the mid-term elections in 2022, Congress considered appropriations bills and disaster relief. Despite my efforts to rein in Washington’s Wild West Ways and hold lawmakers to a timeline to complete the dozen annual appropriations bill by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30, Congress once again is perched atop a fiscal cliff and operating under a continuing resolution that expires on Dec. 20. I’d like to see Congress complete government funding bills and enter the New Year on a clean slate with a new Trump administration. At the very least, I expect Congress to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, extend certain rural health care programs, including telehealth flexibilities, and replenish disaster assistance funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-11-05-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 11-05-24",2024-11-05,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: appropriations, USCIS citizen voter data requests, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, inflation, tariffs and priorities for the next president-elect.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-slam-uscis-failure-to-comply-with-federal-and-state-requests-forcitizenshipvoter-data,"Grassley, Ernst Slam USCIS Failure to Comply with Federal and State Requests for Citizenship Voter Data",2024-11-02,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) released the below joint statement regarding the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) failure to release citizenship information on 2,176 potential non-citizen Iowa voters. USCIS confirmed receipt of the senators’ October 31 letter supporting Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s request for the data, writing, “A fulsome response to Secretary Pate’s request is forthcoming.” The agency neither provided the information Grassley and Ernst asked for by November 1, nor specified when or if it would do so. “Anything short of the information Secretary Pate requested is unacceptable. Iowa has worked in good faith to secure its electoral process and safeguard Americans’ cherished right to vote. Unfortunately, USCIS’ stonewalling has led to more questions than answers. The Iowa Secretary of State has assured us protections are in place to ensure all legally registered voters’ ballots are counted. It is paramount the federal government provide Iowa election officials the requested information so they can accurately discern which individuals ought to be casting provisional ballots. ""We reiterate our demand for USCIS to immediately release the requested information, to ensure all eligible citizens can participate in our elections. With Election Day right around the corner, there’s no time for federal officials to waste.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-announces-cedar-rapids-veterans-history-project-event,Grassley Announces Cedar Rapids Veterans History Project Event,2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – In honor of Veterans Day, the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with students from Kirkwood Community College, will host its eighth annual Veterans History Project event to chronicle firsthand accounts of Iowa veterans. “The past informs the present and shapes the future. That’s why the Veterans History Project is so valuable – it preserves our service members’ stories for future generations to learn about their experiences and the sacrifices they made for our great nation,” Grassley said. “I want to offer my deepest gratitude to all the veterans in Iowa for their selflessness, and many thanks to those participating in this year’s event.” Event details follow: WHAT: Veterans History Project WHEN: Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT WHERE: Veterans Memorial Building, 51 1st Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids While the event will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT, local media is encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT. Members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP directly to Hannah_Akey@grassley.senate.gov. ***Grassley participated in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session for Iowans about the Veterans History Project. The Q&A is for publication*** Q&A: Veterans History Project With U.S Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What is the Veterans History Project? A: Approved unanimously by Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project came about through a grassroots effort to preserve the oral histories of America’s brave service men and women. The Library of Congress serves as the permanent repository for recorded veterans’ interviews submitted from local communities across the United States. The project honors those who have served in uniform and helps ensure future generations understand military service and the realities of war. In addition to audio and video recordings, the mission to preserve the memories and memorabilia from America’s veterans also includes letters, diaries, artwork and photographs. In 2016, Congress expanded the collection to include oral histories from family members memorializing loved ones who died as a result of their military service during war. To date, the collection includes firsthand narratives of U.S. military veterans from World War I through present day. The stories of more than 100,000 veterans are now part of the collection. As a history enthusiast and U.S. Senator, I wanted to help preserve the stories of Iowa’s brave heroes who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018, my office launched an annual event to interview hometown heroes for the Veterans History Project. Typically held the Friday before Veterans Day, my office invites local veterans to share their stories in a 30- to 60-minute interview. To date, my office has submitted 83 interviews from Iowa veterans at events held across the state, including those recorded at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in Johnston (2018); the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown (2019); the Veterans Post in Waverly (2020); 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City (2021); the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo (2022); and, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum (2023). It is my honor to provide a platform for Iowa veterans and their loved ones, so that their stories aren’t lost to history. Listening to the voices of veterans sharing first-hand accounts of their military service and experiences during wartime is powerful testimony. Q: Where will your office hold interviews this year for the Veterans History Project? A: On Friday, Nov. 8, my office will host our eighth annual Veterans History Project in Cedar Rapids. I’m pleased to have students from Kirkwood Community College joining us this year to help facilitate the recordings and provide technical support. Interviews will take place at the Veterans Memorial Building, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 51 1st Ave. Bridge, in Cedar Rapids. Iowans interested in participating should contact my office in Cedar Rapids, (319) 363-6832 to schedule their interview. According to the U.S. Census, veterans make up 6.5 percent of Iowa’s population; the Department of Veterans Affairs calculates 193,861 Iowans are among approximately 18 million living veterans in the United States today. Of wartime veterans, Iowa is home to 3,716 World War II veterans; 16,246 from the Korean conflict; 64,900 during Vietnam era; and 65,926 from the Gulf War. Census Bureau data show a shrinking share of U.S. adults are veterans, from about 18 percent of the population in 1980 to six percent in 2022. As fewer people have a direct connection to an active duty service member, or serve in uniform themselves, it’s important to preserve the stories of those who have served in the Armed Forces to ensure their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation is honored and remembered for generations to come. God bless our veterans and service members currently serving who have answered the call to protect and defend our cherished blessings of freedom.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-cardin-lead-call-for-potus-to-engage-on-stalled-us-china-adoptions,"Grassley, Cardin Lead Call for POTUS to Engage on Stalled U.S.-China Adoptions",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Longtime adoption advocate Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today urged President Biden to stand up for families navigating the People’s Republic of China's (PRC) decision to end intercountry adoptions for those without Chinese familial ties. Reps. Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) and Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) are co-leading the bipartisan effort, which garnered a total of 103 bicameral signatories, in the House of Representatives. “We request that you act in the best interest of these children and families by urging the PRC to fulfill and uphold the commitment the country has made,” the lawmakers wrote, noting approximately 300 children in the PRC – some with various health conditions – are already paired with families in the United States. “The American families that have been matched with their adoptive children are prepared to meet their long-term medical and emotional needs, and to give them the love and nurturing they need,” they continued. “Many of these children know that they have a home, which in many cases have been prepared for their arrival since the families were notified that they were matched and moving forward with the adoption process.” Grassley and his colleagues also acknowledged the PRC may complete adoptions for families in some countries, per a State Department notice last week. They called on President Biden to ensure such an action would pertain to the United States, too. Read the full letter HERE. Cosigners include Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption. Background: The PRC terminated its intercountry adoption program on August 28, 2024. Shortly after, Grassley wrote the State Department and the Chinese Ambassador for information. He emphasized the uncertainty the PRC’s announcement cast on Chinese children and American parents, including parents in Iowa. Some families have been stuck in the final stages of the adoption process for years. When China suspended its intercountry adoption program following the COVID-19 pandemic, despite opening its borders for business and other activities, Grassley shined light on the inconsistency. He pushed for stalled adoptions to resume, so children and families could finally unite.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-shaheen-and-bipartisan-colleagues-call-on-meta-to-stop-peddling-illicit-drugs,"Grassley, Shaheen and Bipartisan Colleagues Call on Meta to Stop Peddling Illicit Drugs",2024-11-01,2024,2024-11,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) are calling on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to remove and prevent illicit drugs advertisements from Facebook and Instagram. “The United States is in the midst of a drug epidemic, with more than 100,000 Americans dying from overdoses last year, and an alarming amount of these drugs are sold online. It is crucial that everyone work to ensure these illegal drugs are found and taken off the streets. Therefore, we call on Meta to improve its human and automated advertising review and content moderation to address these failures that are placing lives at risk,” the senators wrote. Per a recent Wall Street Journal report, Meta ran and collected revenue from hundreds of advertisements marketing illicit drugs, including opioids, ecstasy and cocaine. “When presented with these disturbing findings, Meta took down some advertisements off its platforms. However, Meta’s refusal to prevent illicit drug advertisements, while accepting advertisement payments that are harming families and in clear violation of Meta’s policies, is particularly alarming,” they continued. The lawmakers are urging Zuckerberg to support their bipartisan Cooper Davis Act- requiring social media companies report illicit drug activities on their platforms. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the bill in July. Read the full letter HERE. Grassley’s Related Work: Grassley in February participated in a question-and-answer session after executives from Meta, Discord, Snap Inc., TikTok and X testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee. In addition to the Cooper Davis Act, the Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced three Grassley-backed bills to strengthen federal online safety statues, including the Project Safe Childhood Act, the EARN It Act and the STOP CSAM Act. The Senate in July passed the Grassley co-backed Kids Online Safety Act to enhance tools for families to protect their children online and increase algorithmic transparency.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T22:07:06Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-announces-2024-military-academy-selection-board,Feenstra Announces 2024 Military Academy Selection Board,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced the eight members who will serve on the 2024 Military Academy Selection Board for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. “I am glad to announce the eight members who will serve on our Military Academy Selection Board this year and be tasked with reviewing and recommending candidates for our nation’s military academies. I appreciate their willingness to participate in this important process,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Our national security depends on a strong military. I look forward to nominating stellar candidates to our nation’s military academies who will protect our freedoms and defend our country against our enemies.” The board members are as follows: Liz Doll of Council Bluffs, Iowa John Wills of Spirit Lake, Iowa Lexie Ruter of Estherville, Iowa Theresa Hildreth of Rockwell City, Iowa Jarret Heil of Haverhill, Iowa Chad Reece of Britt, Iowa Kattie Lewis of Hastings, Iowa Terry Seehusen of Humboldt, Iowa ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-ernst-advocate-for-election-integrity-demand-uscis-respond-to-iowas-data-request-on-potential-non-citizen-voters,"Grassley and Ernst Advocate for Election Integrity, Demand USCIS Respond to Iowa’s Data Request on Potential Non-Citizen Voters",2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) are calling on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediately respond to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s request for information regarding the citizenship status of 2,176 registered Iowa voters who self-identified as non-citizens. USCIS’ Des Moines Field Office has already completed a review of the 2,176 names at issue, yet USCIS headquarters refuses to make the information available to state officials. The Iowa senators’ push follows Pate’s urgent request for federal intervention after USCIS “refus[ed] to release this key information.” “Time is of the essence, as voting in Iowa has been underway since October 16 and Iowa election law requires absentee ballots be separated from their carrier envelopes on Monday, November 4,” Grassley and Ernst noted in their letter to USCIS. “We expect a response to this letter and for the information to be released to Iowa's Secretary of State by end of day Friday, November 1. If that doesn't happen, you will be playing into the very serious concerns of Iowans that the Biden-Harris administration is not following federal law and not taking reasonable measures to ensure only citizens are voting in our federal elections.” Read the Iowa senators’ full letter HERE and below. Ms. Ur M. Jaddou Director U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 20 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th Floor Washington, DC 20529 Director Jaddou: It's come to our attention that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has instructed USCIS' Des Moines, Iowa field office to withhold information regarding citizenship of voter roll data requested by Iowa's Secretary of State Paul Pate. The USCIS Iowa office has already manually reviewed every name that was provided to them. They have looked up and determined if the resident has naturalized or is a non-citizen. This data has been compiled since Monday, October 28. There is no excuse for withholding this information from the Secretary of State's office when non-citizens are ineligible to vote in federal elections in accordance with longstanding federal law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 611). Time is of the essence, as voting in Iowa has been underway since October 16 and Iowa election law requires absentee ballots be separated from their carrier envelopes on Monday, November 4. We expect a response to this letter and for the information to be released to Iowa's Secretary of State by end of day Friday, November 1. If that doesn't happen, you will be playing into the very serious concerns of Iowans that the Biden-Harris administration is not following federal law and not taking reasonable measures to ensure only citizens are voting in our federal elections. Let us be very clear, all votes lawfully cast ought to be counted. The Secretary of State has outlined how measures and safeguards would be in place to ensure this fundamental right is preserved. It's imperative for the federal government to provide this critical information to ensure Iowa can uphold this commitment to our citizens. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/iowa-bridges-will-benefit-from-44-million-grassley-backed-federal-investment,Iowa Bridges Will Benefit from $44 Million Grassley-Backed Federal Investment,2024-10-31,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today announced Iowa will receive $44,640,000 to replace eight bridges across seven counties, including Cedar Rapids’ Arc of Justice bridge. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the resources through its Bridge Investment Program, which was established in the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “Iowans consistently raise concerns about the safety of our bridges, and rightfully so – our bridges need upgrades. That’s one of the reasons I voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law,” Grassley said. “These grants will improve commuter safety and flood resilience, and strengthen our regional supply chain to help get Iowa products to market.” Award Details: Washington County will receive $38,640,000 to remove and replace seven bridges in Washington, Hamilton, Buchanan, Jones, Cedar and Monroe counties. The City of Cedar Rapids will receive $6,000,000 to replace the 86-year-old Arc of Justice bridge with a new, cable-stayed design. This will help raise the bridge above potential flood waters and improve hydraulic flow, reducing the height of Cedar Rapids’ upstream floodwall.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-deliver-financial-relief-iowa-farmers,Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Deliver Financial Relief for Iowa Farmers,2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce legislation – led by U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) – to help deliver financial relief to American farmers facing low commodity prices and high input costs this crop year. “President Biden and Vice President Harris approved trillions of dollars in reckless government spending that sent inflation skyrocketing and have completely failed to open new export markets for our producers. This one-two punch helped cause interest rates and input costs to rise significantly while a lack of demand for American-made agricultural products across the globe has exacerbated our low commodity prices,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I’m glad to support the FARM Act, which will deliver financial relief to our farmers and producers in the face of high operating costs and unrelenting inflation. We must pass this legislation in conjunction with the Farm Bill – which includes an increase in reference prices for commodities like corn and soybeans – to provide certainty and support for our farm families.” This legislation – dubbed the FARM Act – specifically directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make emergency assistance payments to farm producers to alleviate the financial imbalance between high input costs and low commodity prices.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-29-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 10-29-24",2024-10-29,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: U.S. military aid, Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, Farm Bill, election security, former President Trump's proposed policies and lead line replacement.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-lead-letter-demanding-answers-usda-over-pure-prairie-poultry,Feenstra Helps Lead Letter Demanding Answers from USDA over Pure Prairie Poultry Fiasco,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Last Friday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped lead a letter with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), U.S. Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), and U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack demanding answers about the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 approval of nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for Pure Prairie Poultry and its subsequent bankruptcy in late September. “Iowa taxpayers deserve to know the full story behind the Pure Prairie Poultry bankruptcy and how the USDA approved nearly $46 million in taxpayer dollars for a company that left millions of chickens uncared for. This serious lack of oversight is extremely concerning and has caused massive uncertainty for our growers who are already facing a harsh farm economy,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Our letter to USDA will help us get answers for our growers and address the federal government’s carelessness with taxpayer dollars. I commend Secretary Naig for responding quickly and professionally to this crisis.” “USDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,” said Rep. Finstad. “While expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation’s food supply chain.” “USDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America’s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie’s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,” said Sen. Grassley. Pure Prairie Poultry’s bankruptcy left approximately 1.3 million broiler chickens in Iowa without feed causing Secretary Naig and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship to take over care, custody, and control of the birds in Iowa. After several alternative efforts were made to sell the broilers, depopulation of the birds in Iowa concluded last Friday. The full letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-celebrates-decades-long-initiative-bringing-clean-water-to-iowa,Grassley Celebrates Decades-Long Initiative Bringing Clean Water to Iowa,2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"OSCEOLA COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today delivered remarks in Sibley at a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating its connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System. Grassley discussed his longtime support of the clean water initiative and thanked local leaders for their hard work and dedication to the project. “Over 30 years ago, community leaders began dreaming of a way to provide safe, clean water to hundreds of thousands of Iowans and Midwesterners. After decades of perseverance, we’re seeing that dream come to fruition,” Grassley said. “While today marks the final connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, you can be sure of my continued support through future construction and expansion projects.” Download photos HERE. Grassley’s prepared remarks follow. Lewis and Clark Regional Water System Ribbon Cutting Sibley Meter Building, Sibley Monday, October 28, 2024 Good morning, it’s a pleasure to join you for this occasion. You’ve come a long way to bring reliable drinking water to rural communities in Iowa, South Dakota and Minnesota. I’ve enjoyed witnessing your accomplishments and helping on the federal level. Let’s talk about the beginning for a minute. With a mission dedicated to bringing safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people, I recall working with a group of senators on the Lewis and Clark Rural Water System Act of 1999. This bill came about to support the local efforts to ensure that folks had access to clean water. Shallow wells and contamination were very real concerns for the water resources in this part of the state and country. Murray Hulstein of Sioux Center, Red Arndt of Minnesota, Troy and others may recall some of these early efforts and conversations. As you know from my standing here today, the passage of that bill came in 2000. Now that’s not to say that since 2000 the path to get towns connected to the water system was easy. However, the perseverance and dedication of many has led to this ribbon cutting to celebrate Sibley as the most recent town to get connected. It has also provided hundreds of thousands of people access to clean and safe drinking water. Since the 2000s, I’ve viewed my support for this initiative as an investment in our communities. This investment was made possible because of the hard work of [those] here today and [those] who were champions for this effort in the past. So, I’d like to close with a comment of gratitude. Thank you to those with Lewis and Clark that have been tirelessly committed to improving their communities. Your work has made a real impact. God bless you.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-finstad-question-usda-grant-oversight-amid-pure-prairie-poultry-closure,"Grassley, Finstad Question USDA Grant Oversight amid Pure Prairie Poultry Closure",2024-10-28,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Rep. Brad Finstad (R-Minn.) are leading a letter scrutinizing the Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s loan and grant oversight practices after a recent awardee, Pure Prairie Poultry, shut down. Grassley and Finstad serve on the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, respectively. “USDA is responsible for keeping tabs on the taxpayer-funded grants it administers, but it clearly dropped the ball with Pure Prairie. Iowans and others across America’s Heartland have lost their jobs and their poultry market as a result of Pure Prairie’s closure. USDA must explain to Congress and the public what went wrong to help prevent a repeat scenario,” Grassley said of the bicameral effort. “USDA has provided millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded loans and grants to meat and poultry processors across the country, which is why my colleagues and I are calling on USDA to provide answers,” Finstad added. “While expanding livestock markets and processing capacity is critical for farm country, the lack of oversight of these dollars by USDA harmed producers and caused a significant disruption to our nation’s food supply chain.” Minnesota-based Pure Prairie Poultry received over $45 million in USDA funding to help smaller processors start or expand capacity. The company ceased operations earlier this month and shuttered its plant in Charles City, Iowa. As a result, up to 50 farmers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin were left without processing capacity or feed for more than 2 million chickens, and roughly 100 more Iowans lost their jobs. Grassley and Finstad are asking USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the agency’s considerations for approving Pure Prairie Poultry’s funding, its insights into the company’s financial standing and the steps it took to assist stakeholders following the Charles City plant closure. Additional signatories include Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), along with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) and Reps. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.) and Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.). Read the full letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-ernst-work-ensure-rural-access-safe-contraception-0,"Hinson, Ernst Work to Ensure Rural Access to Safe Contraception",2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) requested information on the availability of birth control options to ensure Iowa families, especially in rural areas, have access to safe and effective contraception. After data from 2017 revealed just 24 percent of all Community Health Centers (CHCs) in the country provide a comprehensive list of contraception options for patients to review on-site, the lawmakers specifically inquired about options available through Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which serve rural areas. “Ensuring women, regardless of zip code, have access to safe birth control options is vital for women's health and family planning. Unfortunately, women in rural and underserved areas often have fewer contraception options. I’m working with Senator Ernst to expand access to safe birth control options for adult women who rely on Community Health Centers for care.""- Congresswoman Ashley Hinson “Families deserve access to safe and effective birth control when they visit their health care provider, regardless of where they live. To ensure rural areas are not overlooked, I’m working to identify the barriers that leave communities with fewer contraception options. We can build upon this fact-finding mission to address the real gaps in services that Iowa families are facing."" - Senator Joni Ernst In the letter, lawmakers wrote: “Increased access to family planning services has proven to reduce the rate of unintended pregnancies, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and reduce rates of infertility and maternal mortality. The limited information that is available also indicates that women in rural communities are facing a significant lack of access. With millions of women in the United States living in areas with limited contraceptive access, it’s imperative we understand the deficiencies and why they exist."" In the letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the lawmakers requested: An itemized inventory of available contraception, Annual family planning counseling appointment requests and rates of return, Expenditures of federal funds to reimburse facilities for contraception methods, Financial resources and contraceptive options offered, and Any additional barriers, including geographic, to those who wish to provide a wider range of contraceptive methods to patients. Background: Hinson has led legislation to propose commonsense solutions to improve women's health care access, including: The Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act: Enables women ages 18 and up to access FDA-approved, routine-use birth control pills over the counter. The Access to LARCs Act: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on long-acting reversible contraception access at community health centers (CHCs) in health care deserts. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://nunn.house.gov/2024/10/25/nunn-secures-more-than-2-million-for-new-dialysis-center/,Nunn Secures More Than $2 Million for New Dialysis Center,2024-10-25,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $2,011,000 federal investment to build a new dialysis facility at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon. “I’m incredibly excited to announce that we secured a more than $2 million federal investment to construct a new dialysis center at the Wayne County Hospital,” said Rep. Nunn. “This investment will help the Wayne County Hospital provide critically needed, state-of-the-art dialysis services to their six-county service area. This is exactly the kind of investment the federal government should make – one that does the most good for the most people.” Rep. Nunn secured the $2,011,000 investment through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 which was signed into law on Saturday, March 9, 2024. “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Nunn’s support in helping us secure this project for a new dialysis unit,” said Daren Relph, CEO of Wayne County Hospital. “This funding represents a significant step towards improving healthcare access in our region, ensuring that patients can receive the critical care they need close to home. We greatly appreciate his dedication in making this a possibility for our community.” Dialysis care is a life-saving service that individuals need access to in order to survive. Currently, Wayne County Hospital has the only dialysis care center in a six-county region but is unable to meet the needs of the patients in the area. This federal investment will help the hospital construct a new dialysis center to support the dialysis needs of the community. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstras-inquiry-helps-reopen-storm-lake-post-office-following-months-closure,Feenstra’s Inquiry Helps Reopen Storm Lake Post Office Following Months of Closure,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped reopen the Storm Lake Post Office after it was closed for roughly three months due to damage sustained from a car accident in July. After being contacted by a constituent, Feenstra’s team immediately reached out to the Consumer Affairs Manager and the Storm Lake Postmaster inquiring when the Post Office would reopen and how they are assisting elderly and disabled residents during construction. Following Feenstra’s inquiry, construction wrapped up and approval was given for the building to reopen. “Iowans – especially those in rural communities – rely on the post office to receive their mail, pay their bills, and get their prescription medications. For the post office in Storm Lake to be closed for months on end denies Iowans of this important service,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad the Storm Lake Post Office reopened and will allow residents to access their PO boxes and send mail in a safe atmosphere. I will continue to work to deliver for our communities.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-cybersecurity-is-national-security,Q&A: Cybersecurity is National Security,2024-10-24,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: Is the federal government doing enough to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks? A: Cybersecurity may not be top of mind for Iowans struggling to buy groceries, recover from historic flooding and storm damage or finish the fall harvest. However, as your senator, I’m working to prevent serious disruption to daily life and protect national security from malicious cyberattacks. Cybercriminals pose risk to Americans’ financial security, from identity theft to drained bank accounts siphoned by digital thieves. Malicious cyberattacks from terrorists and foreign adversaries also pose tremendous disruptions to utilities, transportation and communications that would bring daily life to a “screeching halt,” according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In June, the GAO issued a comprehensive analysis that exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the federal government’s cybersecurity preparedness. Its report calls for urgent action to address cybersecurity gaps facing critical infrastructure systems that impact life as we know it. Even before the recent GAO report, I called upon seven of nine federal agencies charged with shielding the U.S. from cyberattacks. The Departments of Treasury, Transportation, Homeland Security, Energy, Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency have been dragging their feet to implement recommendations to tighten up cybersecurity protocols and beef up risk management strategies. Keeping Americans safe is job number one for the federal government. If these federal agencies are asleep behind the wheel, the U.S. economy and critical corridors of American life are at serious risk of compromise. Q: Which specific concerns have you flagged to federal agencies? A: Let’s start with energy. Safeguarding our energy grid is vital to daily life and national security. Energy powers our homes, businesses and farms. A cyberattack on the nation’s energy grid would have catastrophic consequences to health care systems, financial services, transportation networks, municipal utilities and more. I’ve pressed the Department of Interior to explain its cybersecurity strategies to safeguard our nation’s offshore energy network on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf. I’ve also pressed federal agencies to strengthen frameworks in our food supply chains. A few years ago, an Iowa grain co-op was the target of a Russian cybercrime attack. The co-op narrowly managed to avert a crash in grain prices without paying the $5.9 million ransom. This attack and others reflect the serious risk to our nation’s food security and farm economy. That’s why I pushed to hold a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee to examine how to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks. These kinds of crimes are surging, and as cybercriminals pocket ransomware payments from companies desperate to get access back to their operations, they are emboldened to continue more attacks and disrupt more businesses. The federal government must step up its preparedness to prevent, curb and respond to cyberattacks, across the board. Earlier this year, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing to examine cybersecurity defenses in the U.S. health care industry. I pressed for answers on how the private sector is collaborating with the federal government to protect patient data and thwart ransomware. More recently, I launched an inquiry into the sweeping AT&T hack in April that compromised customers’ call and text history between May 1 and October 31, 2022. The massive data breach impacted 90 million Americans’ data, including federal agencies. I demanded answers from 17 federal agencies to find out what government materials may have been stolen and what the agencies are doing to mitigate future risks. What’s more, I’ve repeatedly sounded the alarm with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) – our nation’s top cyber defense agency – to ensure it is doing its job to protect critical infrastructure from bad actors. In August, I wrote CISA to learn more about a massive data breach at National Public Data, a data broker company that provides background checks and fraud prevention services. In that case, the hacker allegedly leaked personal data on the dark web for up to 170 million people. Through my oversight and legislative work, I’m pushing to ensure private entities and the federal government are taking necessary steps to protect national security and prevent the personal information of the American people from falling into the wrong hands. In June, I joined bipartisan legislation to protect Americans’ online presence from bad actors, by requiring websites and apps to disclose to users if their business operations are subject to the control of China, North Korea, Russia or Iran.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-statement-waterloo-post-office,Hinson Statement on Waterloo Post Office,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement on the USPS decision to retain certain postal operations in Waterloo. ""I personally advocated to the Postmaster General to prevent the outsourcing of all mail processing operations in Waterloo and to ensure there would be no job losses. While their decision to retain some mail processing in Waterloo and not cut any postal jobs is a positive step, this is not the end of the conversation. I will continue working to protect jobs and ensure reliable postal service for all Iowans."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-risch-and-colleagues-back-israel-stand-up-to-un-antisemitism,"Grassley, Risch and Colleagues Back Israel, Stand Up to UN Antisemitism",2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 26 Senate Republican colleagues will introduce legislation to support Israel’s membership status in the United Nations (UN). The Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend or otherwise restrict Israel’s participation in the international organization. The senators will introduce the bill when Congress reconvenes in November. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “As the historic homeland of the Jewish people, the only democracy in the Middle East and a cherished ally of the United States, Israel’s membership status in the UN shouldn’t be up for debate,” said Grassley. “The United States is the UN’s largest financial backer; any antisemitic attempt to downgrade Israel’s status ought to be met with severe and immediate consequences by cutting off U.S. funding.” “Any attempt to alter Israel’s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic,” said Risch. “That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all I can to ensure any changes to Israel’s status will come with consequences.” Grassley and Risch are joined by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), John Thune (R-S.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.). Download bill text HERE. Background: Recent reports indicate the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel’s status at the UN. The effort comes after the UN upgraded the PA’s status in May, granting them enhanced rights and privileges. Grassley has additionally condemned the UN for its inaction regarding Hamas’ sexual violence against Israeli women and its consideration of a PA resolution to strip Israel’s right to self defense. Learn more about Grassley’s work to support Israel HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-joins-tony-perkins-to-discuss-biden-harris-endangerment-of-unaccompanied-migrant-children,ICYMI: Grassley Joins Tony Perkins to Discuss Biden-Harris Endangerment of Unaccompanied Migrant Children,2024-10-23,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Washington Watch with Tony Perkins to discuss his work to reform the Biden-Harris administration’s Unaccompanied Children program, which has lost track of tens-of-thousands of migrant kids and placed countless others in potentially dangerous homes. Grassley last week pressed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Office of Refugee Resettlement regarding its failure to report to Congress on any of its immigration-related expenditures, policies or data since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office. Grassley said, in part: “Federal law requires the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement to annually report. In these four years of the Biden-Harris administration, there’s been no reports to Congress, and they’re supposed to tell us how much money has been spent, how many kids are involved, the location of these kids and the status of them. “We’ve got bad actors that are capitalizing on the Biden-Harris open border policy and using kids as pawns. Once the kids are here, the Biden-Harris administration’s not looking out for their welfare or safety.” Watch the interview HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-joins-benton-county-auditor-discussion-election-security,Hinson Joins Benton County Auditor for Discussion on Election Security,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Benton County, Iowa - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) was joined by Benton County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections, Hayley Rippel, for a live discussion on election security in Iowa. They covered early and absentee voting as well as Iowa's election integrity measures that make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. Watch the Full Conversation Here ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-22-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 10-22-24",2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley’s weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: Pure Prairie Poultry’s closure, farm profitability under the Biden-Harris admin, housing affordability, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, early voting and priorities for the remainder of the 118th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-demands-explanation-from-biden-harris-admin-on-failure-to-vet-afghan-terrorist-requests-watchdog-review,"Grassley Demands Explanation from Biden-Harris Admin on Failure to Vet Afghan Terrorist, Requests Watchdog Review",2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is pressing the Justice Department (DOJ), FBI and Homeland Security Department (DHS) for details on its vetting of an Afghan national arrested for plotting an Election Day terrorist attack. Grassley, who for years has raised concerns regarding Afghan vetting procedures, obtained and is following up on an unclassified I-94 immigration document revealing that derogatory information on the Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, was referred for further assessment. Grassley is calling on DOJ, FBI and DHS to explain what actions were taken to investigate this derogatory information, and when. Grassley additionally wrote the DOJ Office of Inspector General (OIG) requesting it review the DOJ and FBI’s assessment, investigation and tracking of Afghan evacuees allowed entry into the United States as part of Operation Allies Refuge and Operations Allies Welcome. Grassley this morning discussed his oversight push, saying: “I hope you know I won’t stop fighting to protect Americans and to pursue accountability.” Listen to audio of Grassley HERE and read his letters below: Grassley to DOJ and FBI Grassley to DHS Grassley to DOJ OIG",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/major-iowa-airports-to-receive-over-87-million-in-grassley-backed-federal-funding,Major Iowa Airports to Receive Over $8.7 Million in Grassley-Backed Federal Funding,2024-10-22,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – Three Iowa airports will receive a total of more than $8.7 million to modernize and expand terminal areas and infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation will administer the awards through its Airport Terminal Program, which was established by the Grassley-backed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “Iowa’s airports facilitate high volume passenger travel and move our world-class products to market. Keeping our airports in top shape ensures travelers’ safety and strengthens our local economy,” Grassley said. “I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law with Iowans in mind, and I’m glad our state continues to see significant returns on that investment.” Federal awards will be disbursed as follows: Des Moines International Airport will receive $3,600,000 for the construction of four new terminal gates and holdrooms. Eastern Iowa Airport will receive $3,600,000 for the construction of a new baggage handling control system for the expanded airport terminal. Sioux Gateway Airport will receive $1,564,466 for the acquisition and installation of a new passenger boarding bridge.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-encourages-seniors-and-eligible-iowans-enroll-medicare,Feenstra Encourages Seniors and Eligible Iowans to Enroll in Medicare,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — On October 15th, as the Medicare Open Enrollment period begins, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement encouraging eligible Iowans to enroll in a Medicare plan before the December 7th deadline: “Beginning today through Saturday December 7th, I encourage Iowans eligible for Medicare to enroll in a plan that fits their healthcare needs. Seniors and those eligible can enroll online at Medicare.gov, review various plans, and call my office at 202-225-4426 with any questions. In Congress, I will always protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-miller-meeks-letter-cms-approves-bettendorf-facility-seniors,"After Miller-Meeks Letter, CMS Approves Bettendorf Facility for Seniors",2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Davenport - Today, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. announced the Centers for the Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved UnityPoint Health’s application to open a new Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) facility in Bettendorf. The approval comes after Miller-Meeks led the Iowa delegation in urging CMS to approve UnityPoint Health’s application. Approval of the Bettendorf location is critical for Iowa seniors as UnityPoint Health plans to submit applications for additional PACE locations in Waterloo and Hiawatha. “I am thrilled CMS heeded our calls to approve UnityPoint Health’s Bettendorf location,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “PACE centers are a vital lifeline for Iowa seniors who wish to live on their own while still having access to nursing home and healthcare services. In Congress, I will continue to fight for Iowa seniors to ensure they receive the quality healthcare they deserve.” “We are thankful that CMS approved our application to open a new PACE facility in Bettendorf,” said Matt Swanstrom, Executive Director of UnityPoint Health PACE Senior Care. “We look forward to providing coordinated health and wellbeing care for eligible seniors living in the area to help them live at home for as long as safely possible.” Located at 2119 Kimberly Road in Bettendorf, the facility plans to have a medical clinic, day center, therapy gym, and other amenities for local seniors. UnityPoint Health PACE Senior Care – Bettendorf will begin serving eligible seniors on November 1. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/biden-harris-hhs-cant-account-to-congress-for-status-of-thousands-of-unaccompanied-minors,Biden-Harris HHS Can’t Account to Congress for Status of Thousands of Unaccompanied Minors,2024-10-18,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is pressing the Biden-Harris administration to provide overdue reports to Congress regarding its Unaccompanied Children program and other refugee resettlement programs. The current administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)’s Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) hasn’t completed a single annual report on its immigration-related expenditures, policies or statistics since taking office. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have left Congress in the dark for the entirety of their administration and lost track of tens of thousands of vulnerable migrant children in the process,” Grassley said. “How can President Biden or Border Czar Harris claim to be addressing this crisis when they can’t, or won’t, provide Congress statutorily required information on their efforts to do so? I’ve proposed reforms to address the glaring errors in this administration’s Unaccompanied Children program. It’s high time the Biden-Harris HHS let the sunshine in and show its work so that Congress can continue hammering out solutions based on the facts at hand.” Read Grassley’s full letter HERE. Background: The Biden-Harris administration is failing to comply with Title 8, Section 1523 of the United States Code, which directs ORR to provide Congress annual reports on its refugee resettlement programs, including the location and status of unaccompanied migrant children in ORR’s Unaccompanied Children program. Section 1523 additionally requires ORR report to Congress on: Refugee employment and labor force statistics; The geographic location of refugees; The activities, expenditures and policies of ORR; Descriptions of taxpayer-funded refugee assistance. Grassley has exposed the administration for losing and endangering thousands of unaccompanied migrant children and is seeking to address the dangerous policies in its Unaccompanied Children program that allow kids to be exploited.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-urges-iowans-impacted-summer-floods-apply-relief-october-22nd,Feenstra Urges Iowans Impacted by Summer Floods to Apply for Relief before October 22nd Deadline,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) released the following statement urging Iowa homeowners and renters impacted by the floods from June 16th through July 23rd to apply for disaster relief through FEMA before the October 22nd deadline: “Tuesday October 22nd is the last day that Iowans impacted by this summer’s devastating floods can apply for disaster assistance through the federal government. Resources are available to help families and homeowners rebuild their homes and replace damaged and destroyed personal property. I encourage anyone in need of support to visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 before the October 22nd deadline. Iowans can also go to my website at Feenstra.House.Gov and visit my Natural Disaster Resource Center for more information about recovery assistance.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-bipartisan-senators-advocate-for-veterans-by-pushing-for-candp-exam-improvements,Grassley and Bipartisan Senators Advocate for Veterans by Pushing for C&P Exam Improvements,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today led a bipartisan letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) demanding answers on the steps it is taking to ensure veterans’ access to quality, timely compensation and pension examinations (C&P exams) amid allegations contracted services and insufficient federal oversight have negatively impacted veterans. Joining Grassley are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.). “[T]he overall management and oversight of VA vendors that provide C&P exams must improve. As the department relies more on contracted examiners, it should also remain committed to ensuring that veterans are properly looked after,” the senators wrote. “The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, requires the department to provide oversight of C&P exams and to apply standards of timeliness and quality performance for [Veterans Health Administration] examiners and your contracted vendors. It also requires a mechanism for veterans, such as the ones described in this correspondence, to lodge complaints with the [Veterans Benefits Administration] to provide for a resolution to the unnecessary barriers put in front of our veterans. As we await the report from the department, our concerns for veterans persist,” they concluded. Grassley and his colleagues cited the following reported issues riddling C&P exam processes: VHA examiners are operating under limited capacity. A Jasper County, Iowa veteran said the VA expected him to travel 97 miles one way for a C&P exam rather than see a provider in nearby Des Moines. Contracted vendors are mismanaging appointments. A contractor assigned a Rindge, New Hampshire veteran to an appointment in Maine. When the veteran explained he couldn’t attend appointments there, the contractor suspended his claim. Contracted vendors are not maintaining their facilities. The VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found some contractor facilities are noncompliant with the Americans Disabilities Act, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. The VA is not conducting proper oversight of contracted employees. The VBA said it cannot verify subcontracts into which exam vendors enter. While the VA must at minimum verify the contractors, the VA OIG found the department has not complied with contractor vetting requirements. Read the full letter HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-joins-iowans-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-of-landmark-juvenile-justice-law,Grassley Joins Iowans to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Landmark Juvenile Justice Law,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"POLK COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, recognized the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) in remarks to Iowa advocates. Grassley was honored by Iowa youth for his work to champion the Charles Grassley Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program. The Coalition for Family and Children’s Services in Iowa hosted the event at Drake University amid Youth Justice Action Month. “JJDPA for 50 years has brightened futures for youth who’ve entered our justice system. By empowering local stakeholders and bolstering federal protections for minors, this program ensures better outcomes and gives kids the opportunities they need to get their lives back on track,” Grassley said. “I welcome the chance to speak with grassroots advocates in Iowa. Today’s event served as a reminder of this law’s impact in local communities across Iowa, and how together we can continue building on its successes.” ""We were deeply honored to have Senator Grassley join us in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) during Youth Justice Action Month. His steadfast leadership in reauthorizing this landmark legislation has had a profound and lasting impact on Iowa's youth and families. Through his advocacy, Senator Grassley has championed reforms that prioritize prevention, accountability, and the wellbeing of young people in our justice system. The power of this law goes beyond policy; it changes lives,” Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children’s Services in Iowa, said. “As we heard from youth affected by the system, the JJDPA not only provided the youth with critical services at a turning point in their lives, but it also created opportunities for youth to have a voice in shaping the very systems that serve them. The reauthorization of the JJDPA continues to open new doors for youth across Iowa, offering them the support and resources necessary to build brighter futures. We look forward to continuing this critical work together, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive."" ""As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, we are reminded of the critical importance of advocating for the rights and futures of our youth. This landmark legislation has had a profound impact on youth justice reform, ensuring that young people are given opportunities for rehabilitation, not just punishment. It was an honor to have Senator Grassley with us, whose leadership on youth justice issues has been instrumental in shaping policies that support and protect our youth. At Drake Law, through our Middleton Center for Children's Rights, we are committed to continuing this vital work, educating the next generation of lawyers and leaders to advocate for fairness, justice, and equity for all our young people,"" said Drake University Law School Dean Roscoe Jones, Jr. Download photos HERE. Read Grassley’s prepared remarks HERE. Background: Grassley is a leading advocate for juvenile justice reform. In 2018 as U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, he championed the first reauthorization of the JJDPA in nearly 16 years, including measures to expand program oversight, promote screening for mental illness and substance abuse, prohibit the shackling of pregnant youth in juvenile detention, ensure the separation of juvenile and adult offenders and provide detained minors access to adequate legal representation. Grassley, this year, introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen and reauthorize the program through 2029.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-breast-cancer_1-in-8-women-will-be-diagnosed-in-her-lifetime,Q&A: Breast Cancer – 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime,2024-10-17,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: Is early detection and treatment for breast cancer moving in the right direction? A: As a lead sponsor of the bipartisan Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act of 2000, I’m glad to see measurable strides indicating early detection and breast screenings are helping to lower female death rates from breast cancer. The 24-year-old federal law expanded on earlier legislation that directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). Our bill allowed states to offer patients diagnosed with cancer under this federal program to access treatment services through Medicaid. It provides a lifeline of hope for tens of thousands of patients who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford timely access to cancer screening, diagnostics and treatment. In 2023, the federal program provided cancer screening and diagnostic services to 273,989 women, diagnosing 1,761 invasive breast cancers. Although we’ve made progress in the battle against breast cancer, more work remains. The National Cancer Institute estimates 310,720 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and 42,250 people will lose their battle to the disease. The CDC says breast cancer is still the second most common cancer among women in the United States, following skin cancer diagnoses. Breast cancer also is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, following only lung cancer. Raising public awareness is central to advancing strides for life-saving prevention, detection and treatment. Losing a beloved mother, wife, aunt or sister to breast cancer is a devastating loss to families in communities across the country. I encourage Iowans to check in with their loved ones. Take advantage of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to prompt a friend or family member to make their screening appointment. Non-invasive mammography screenings can alert health care providers long before symptoms arise. A recent FDA rule requires mammography facilities to include a breast density assessment as part of a patient’s medical report. Having this information can help lead to better patient outcomes. My wife Barbara is a 37-year breast cancer survivor. She credits early detection for putting her on the road to healing and recovery. Q: What efforts have you led to help cancer patients survive and thrive? A: From my consistent support for breast cancer research, including the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, I also steered bipartisan legislation across the finish line to enact the Lymphedema Treatment Act that closes a coverage gap for Medicare patients for physician-prescribed compression therapy items, including for breast cancer survivors. I’m a vocal champion for rural health care initiatives to ensure patients in Rural America aren’t left behind, such as expanded medical residency positions to grow Iowa’s health care workforce and efforts to strengthen stability and security for rural hospitals and clinics that are the safety net providers for millions of Americans. From the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal health care programs, I champion policies to help ensure rural hospitals, local pharmacies and health care clinics keep their doors open for the community. I also keep the spotlight shining on market-driven solutions to reduce drug costs and lower barriers to care, such as expanding telehealth services and cutting red tape for kids with complex medical needs. Oncology patients can avoid the expense and tiring experience of a long road trip by seeing health care providers via the convenience and flexibility provided by a telehealth appointment. The bipartisan infrastructure law I supported is helping expand internet access needed for rural health clinics to provide telehealth services, including diagnosis and prescribing medicine. I’ve also joined a bipartisan effort to push for an expansion of Medicare coverage for telehealth services and make permanent pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities. I’ll continue pushing to lower barriers to care and raise awareness so that the one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer survives and thrives to enjoy a high quality of life for years to come.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-emphasizes-value-esops-bring-local-economies-at-ia-ceo-conference,Grassley Emphasizes Value ESOPs Bring Local Economies at IA-CEO Conference,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"POLK COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, today delivered a keynote address at the 2024 Iowa CEO Employee Ownership Conference in Ankeny. Grassley discussed the future of our nation’s business landscape as the baby boomer generation enters retirement, as well as his longstanding support for Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs): “[…T]his tax-advantaged tool has helped boost productivity, create wealth among the workforce, expand prosperity and grow civic roots in communities across the country,” he said. Download photos HERE. Grassley’s prepared remarks follow. Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) Employee Ownership Conference FFA Enrichment Center/DMACC Campus, Ankeny Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Good morning. It’s good to be here with all of you. Thank you, Randy, for your work with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a school near and dear to my heart. And thank you for the invitation to speak about another subject near and dear to my heart: building prosperity for Iowans across our state. Now, typically, I wouldn’t be able to join you in person on a weekday in the middle of October. But since we’re in the thick of a presidential election year, Congress is out of session until after November 5th. As you know, we’re also in the thick of harvest season. This week, my son and grandson are on our family farm in New Hartford running the combine and hauling grain from the fields. I’m the second generation of our fourth-generation family farm, so I understand what weighs on the minds of Iowans looking to pass on the reins of a farm or small business. Although, a farmer never really retires. Like most family farms in Iowa, a lion’s share of our small- and medium-sized businesses are owned by baby boomers. These operations are expected to change ownership in the next five to 10 years. Finding the future stewards of these farms and businesses is top of mind for communities across Iowa. It will have tremendous impact on the tax base, population, school enrollment, jobs, economic vitality and social capital of the local and regional community. This year, I completed my 44th year holding question-and-answer sessions with Iowans in all 99 counties in our state. Two issues that regularly come up at my meetings with small businesses and manufacturers are workforce shortages and employee retention. The workforce and succession planning are top of mind for so many small businesses in Iowa, including those of you here in this room. As the baby boom generation prepares to pass the torch, a sizeable segment of our state’s economy will hinge on the strategic transition of farms and businesses. Changing ownership of a business the same family has owned and operated for decades is complicated. Potential buyers and sellers need to navigate a maze of issues, including complex family dynamics, taxes, financing and more. A decade or so ago, the impending demographic shift was often referred to as the Silver Tsunami. Since 2011, roughly 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day. I would suggest the so-called tsunami has delivered rolling waves of changes, instead of catastrophic disruptions to health care, housing, transportation and community services. I attribute that to forward-thinkers, like those of you attending today’s conference. We’ve seen across many sectors of the economy that not all of the demographic disruptions hit the fan at once. That’s partially because people are staying in the workforce longer, by choice or financial necessity. Like I said earlier, a farmer never really retires. The same often goes for a family-run business, perhaps due to the fact owners don’t always have a viable succession plan or buyer. Having a succession plan can give families, landowners and small businesses much-needed peace of mind. After putting years of sweat and investments into their farm or business, many Iowans are what we call cash-poor and asset-rich. As we look ahead to this era of transition in business ownership, it’s important for leaders in government, business and academia to collaborate. Together, we can anticipate the challenges and embrace the economic opportunities this demographic shift will present. From that standpoint, I applaud the efforts of your organization, in partnership with my alma mater, UNI. I want to commend you for taking a proactive approach. You’re grabbing the bull by the horns to identify the obstacles and possibilities that lie ahead. By engaging stakeholders and raising public awareness, your efforts can help expand local economic vitality and prosperity for generations to come. You understand that a majority of the businesses owned by baby boomers will close for good if a viable buyer isn’t found. Usually, a viable buyer is restricted by the sale price, or there simply isn’t a buyer available at all. Let’s not underestimate the benefits your efforts will bring workers and the community. Day in and day out, workers help build and grow a company. When workers are able to capture financial equity in their employing business, it fosters an ownership culture that strengthens morale and reinforces roots in the community. These dynamics sow the seeds for broader advantages for nearby schools, civic clubs, volunteer fire departments, places of worship, and more. If you think about it, your mission kills two birds with one stone. On the one hand, you provide an off-ramp for business owners to pull wealth from their business, monetizing the retirement nest egg they’ve feathered for decades. On the other hand, you’re expanding ownership opportunity and offering a piece of the financial pie to the workforce, empowering employees to share in the fruits of their own labor. As a former chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, fostering economic growth is central to my philosophy on tax policy. That includes my support for federal tax advantages for Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Everything these days goes by an acronym, but “ESOPs” have been around for decades. A century ago, big corporations like Proctor & Gamble, J.C. Penney and Sears Roebuck provided stock ownership through a tax vehicle Congress added to the federal tax code in 1921. The iteration we have today sprang up in the 1950s, for the purpose of transitioning ownership of a company to its employees. ESOPs were formally recognized in law in 1974 thanks to the efforts of Senator Russell Long - one of my predecessors at the helm of the Senate Finance Committee. An ESOP allows companies to use IRS tax-qualified plans as a tool for business succession, and as a workplace empowerment tool to foster an ownership culture. They provide the seller better options to manage tax liabilities from the sale of the business rather than what many consider tax confiscation at the point of sale. Senator Long once declared ESOPs would be the perfect elixir to the economy. In fact, he used the term “Geritol,” if anyone here remembers that once-popular vitamin supplement. The good news is ESOPs have outlasted Geritol. For decades, this tax-advantaged tool has helped boost productivity, create wealth among the workforce, expand prosperity and grow civic roots in communities across the country. When Congress passed the Tax Reform Act of 1984 that included tax-free, roll-over treatment, Washington cleared the path for privately held businesses to transfer ownership, unlocking a burst of economic activity and new ownership to the next generation of employees. A decade later, the Small Business and Jobs Protection Act of 1996 primed the pump for another wave of growth for employee ownership. In the act, Congress amended S corporation laws to permit ESOPs as eligible shareholders. To this day, ESOPs are a preferred tool for business succession in America. From my platform on the Senate Finance Committee, once again, I will have a front row seat at the tax policymaking table in the new Congress. With 2025 will come a major tipping point for the U.S. economy, as lawmakers and a newly elected president confront a tax cliff. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that I helped shepherd into law in 2017 is set to expire at the end of next year. This package enacted across-the-board tax cuts for every American taxpayer. As a result, businesses and families kept more of their hard-earned money in their pockets. That means Iowans got to save, spend and invest more of their own money. If the 2017 Trump tax cuts expire, we will say good-bye to trillions of dollars in tax breaks. The 2017 tax law also unlocked opportunities for small business across our state – the engines of the nation’s economy. Whether a business was structured as a “C” corporation or subchapter “S,” the law lowered tax rates on their income. This tax cut applies to ESOPs with partial employee-ownership. The law lowered the maximum corporate tax rate from 35 percent to a single marginal rate of 21 percent, empowering businesses to expand, hire more people or raise wages. Just as importantly, for pass-through businesses the law lowered tax rates across the board and created a new 20 percent business income deduction. Together, those reforms shrunk the top federal income tax rate from 39.6 percent to 29.6 percent. Farmers and small businesses operate on tight margins. These tax breaks make a tremendous difference on the bottom line. I’m always on the lookout for ways to continue to build on the success of ESOPs. A provision I’ve long cosponsored to make ESOPs a more attractive option for S corporations was incorporated into the SECURE 2.0 Act, which Congress passed at the end of 2022. I’ve written tax policy in the U.S. Senate for more than four decades and counting. I’ll let you in on a secret: When you tax something – anything – you get less of it. Tax laws influence purchase decisions on items ranging from cars and clothes to farm machinery and investments. Just consider back-to-school tax-free shopping weekends. Or how states with no state income tax attract people from high-tax states. On the flip side, high taxes on cigarettes, gambling and alcohol aim to limit those behaviors. Tax incentives operate the same way, informing research and development, college savings and homeownership. I’m sure many of you want to know what’s going to happen on those expiring tax cuts in 2025. That crystal ball will get some clarity after November 5th. In closing, I want you to know I agree ESOPs are a key instrument for communities to foster economic prosperity across our state. Ownership is a core principle in America’s promise of prosperity -- and freedom itself -- that our nation’s Founders enshrined in our Constitution. In my 99 county meetings, I’ve seen good things happening and economic vitality thriving in communities with ESOP-structured businesses. ESOPs can provide that pathway to prosperity. Business owners preparing to retire can get tax-advantaged cash in their pockets, after many years of building their business. Employees can build equity in the company and find greater satisfaction on the job. With your advocacy, communities can realize more opportunities to keep valued businesses thriving and tap into the ownership culture that attracts a dynamic workforce. Thank you again for inviting me to speak to you today. I look forward to continuing this conversation and welcome your feedback. I’m happy now to open up the floor to questions. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/icymi-grassley-recognized-for-work-to-combat-sex-trafficking-crisis-the-only-person-in-a-position-of-power-who-cares,ICYMI: Grassley Recognized for Work to Combat Sex-Trafficking Crisis: ‘The Only Person in a Position of Power Who Cares’,2024-10-16,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Inside America’s Fastest-Growing Criminal Enterprise: Sex Trafficking ‘Washington’s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley.’ By Madeleine Rowley October 14, 2024 There is no question that the border crisis is the primary reason for the increase in the sex trafficking of migrants… In July, Republican senator Chuck Grassley hosted a roundtable on the trafficking crisis at the border. Tara Rodas, 55, a federal employee who in 2021 worked at an emergency intake shelter in California, testified that while she was there, a 13-year-old girl from El Salvador was released to a sponsor in Ohio who was affiliated with the MS-13 gang. … Washington’s lack of interest in the sex-trafficking crisis is stunning. Sometimes it seems as though the only person in a position of power who cares about the issue is 91-year-old Senator Grassley… “I’ve been trying to protect unaccompanied children that are put in dangerous environments,” he told me in an interview. “These are the most vulnerable people, and somebody’s got to look out for them, and that’s me.” As far back as 2014, when “just” 57,000 unaccompanied children crossed the border—less than half the current number—Grassley sounded the alarm that the Office of Refugee Resettlement was having trouble accommodating so many migrant children. The next year, he wrote a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, saying that up to 3,400 unaccompanied children’s sponsors had criminal histories. Two years later, he urged the ORR to take responsibility for unaccompanied children who had ties to the gang. “Your agencies repeatedly pass the buck to each other. As a result, children are allowed to disappear. When these children disappear without any supervision, they are vulnerable to join dangerous gangs like MS-13,” he said. Grassley reached across the aisle in 2019 and 2021, working with Democratic senators Dianne Feinstein and Ron Wyden, respectively, regarding allegations of sexual abuse and employee misconduct at ORR-funded shelters. Grassley and Wyden’s investigation found that between 2016 and 2020, ORR received nearly 7,500 reports of sexual misconduct involving an unaccompanied child staying at a shelter… With the election of Joe Biden—and the border crisis that ensued—other Republicans have jumped on the trafficking bandwagon, but Grassley has continued to lead the charge, using his staff to conduct significant investigations. In January, for instance, he sent a detailed letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FBI Director Christopher Wray, detailing evidence his staff had uncovered of unaccompanied children who were suspected of being in the hands of traffickers. Democrats have been shamefully silent on the trafficking issue. At the roundtable Grassley held in July, not a single Democrat attended. Neither did Mayorkas. “Democrats didn’t come because they’re just too embarrassed to talk about the shortcomings of this administration on immigration,” Grassley told me. “Especially when you have HHS sending kids to MS-13 gang-related sponsors in Ohio. It’s hard to explain that.” As for the Office of Refugee Resettlement… It has yet to do anything to reduce the sex trafficking that is taking place under its nose. On the contrary, it has lately been pushing through rules that will minimize the vetting of sponsors…This, of course, will allow the NGOs to push migrant children through the system even faster. But it will also make it easier for gangs and criminals to “sponsor” migrant girls after they’ve crossed the border. Grassley is trying to stop that from happening… Read the full piece HERE. -30-",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-meeks-leads-232-house-members-address-doc-cuts-2025,Miller-Meeks Leads 232 House Members to Address Doc Cuts Before 2025,2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Mariannette Miller-Meeks,M001215,millermeeks.house.gov,millermeeks,https://millermeeks.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Dear Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries: The undersigned bipartisan members of Congress write to urge you to expeditiously pass legislative fixes that not only stop another damaging round of cuts to Medicare payments, but also provide greater certainty and stability for clinicians serving Medicare beneficiaries. On July 10, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule, which includes provisions subjecting all physicians and other clinicians treating Medicare patients to a 2.8 percent payment cut. In lieu of these harmful cuts, which, absent federal legislation, will take effect on January 1, 2025, Congress must pass a bill providing physicians and other clinicians with a payment update that takes into account the cost of delivering care to patients. The scheduled 2.8 percent reduction represents the fifth consecutive year that CMS issued a fee schedule regulation lowering payments to physicians and other clinicians. While Congress has intervened in the past four years to mitigate portions of these cuts, the fact remains that the MPFS is inherently broken. Continued payment cuts undermine the ability of independent clinical practices—especially in rural and underserved areas—to care for their community, which reduces patient access to care. These ongoing cuts have forced medical groups and integrated systems of care to make difficult choices, such as imposing hiring freezes, delaying system improvements, postponing transitions to value-based care models, and potentially eliminating services. Because healthcare often comprises a large percentage of employment in rural areas, the closure of independent practices not only lessens patient access to care but also jeopardizes the livelihood of rural Americans. Over the last two decades, Medicare payment rates have fallen by 29 percent when adjusted for the costs of running a practice. Additionally, compliance with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) is both expensive and a flawed method of measuring quality and costs of care, resulting in steep and unfair penalties. These payment cuts and MIPS compliance costs also come on the heels of the extremely disruptive COVID-19 public health emergency and the Change Healthcare cyberattack. The CY 2025 MPFS Proposed Rule highlights that the estimated cost of running a practice—covering expenses like rent, staff compensation, and purchasing supplies and equipment—is expected to increase substantially next year. This widening gap between what Medicare pays and the cost of delivering quality care to patients demands Congressional intervention. Thankfully, bipartisan lawmakers have come together to propose several legislative solutions aimed at providing permanent relief from the long-term problems plaguing the Medicare payment system. We urge Congressional Leadership to move legislation that provides physicians and other clinicians with a permanent, annual inflationary update in Medicare equivalent to the Medicare Economic Index (MEI). We also request targeted reforms to statutory MPFS budget neutrality requirements, raising the current MPFS budget neutrality threshold to reflect 2024 dollars, requiring CMS to cross-check utilization assumptions associated with newly unbundled codes that trigger budget neutrality cuts, mandating CMS to review key elements of practice expense costs every five years, and limiting changes to the MPFS conversion factor to no more than 2.5 percent in a given year. Some of these legislative solutions have already passed the Energy and Commerce Committee in 2023 with strong bipartisan support. Moreover, we urge Congressional Leadership to utilize bipartisan offsets as we address all issues pertaining to Medicare payments to physicians and other clinicians. Increased instability in the healthcare sector due to looming cost hikes impacts the ability of physicians and clinicians to provide the highest quality of care and threatens patient access to affordable healthcare. Rural physicians and other clinicians, along with those treating underserved populations, are facing the most daunting challenge of trying to provide care in the wake of devastating reimbursement cuts. To prevent the very real scenario of insufficient access to physicians and other clinicians treating Medicare patients, Congress must stop the 2.8 percent payment cut from occurring in 2025, enact targeted reforms to statutory budget neutrality requirements, and provide physicians with a payment update reflective of inflationary pressures. We stand ready to work with you to pass crucial bipartisan legislative initiatives before the conclusion of the 118th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://nunn.house.gov/2024/10/15/nunn-secures-1-5-million-to-replace-bridge-in-madison-county/,Nunn Secures $1.5 Million to Replace Bridge in Madison County,2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $1.5 million federal investment to replace the Bevington Park Road Bridge over the Middle River in Madison County. “Iowans rely on safe bridges and roads to get to work, school, and spend time with family. We need to invest in our infrastructure so Iowans can continue to get from point A to point B,” said Rep. Nunn. “That’s why I’m proud to announce we secured $1.5 million to improve safety on Bevington Park Road in Madison County. This is exactly the kind of investment the federal government should make – one that does the most good for the most people.” Rep. Nunn secured the $1.5 million investment through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 which was signed into law on Saturday, March 9, 2024. “Bevington Park Road is traveled daily by many. The bridge is used for commuters, agricultural goods and services, fire and rescue, schools, and mail routes. Getting the bridge replaced over the Middle River is an important step in bringing our infrastructure up to par,” said Mike Hackett, Madison County Engineer. “I am thankful that Congressman Nunn was able to secure the $1.5 million and make a critical investment into Madison County infrastructure.” The funding will help replace a narrow, weight-restricted, 91-year-old iron bridge that is beyond its useful life. The new bridge will expand its width and allow heavier vehicles to pass normally. The new infrastructure is expected to be in place sometime in FY2026. Rep. Nunn announced the new funding investment following a meeting at the Bevington Park Road Bridge at Middle River alongside County Engineer Mike Hackett and other members of the County Maintenance and Secondary Roads Department. Video of the announcement can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://nunn.house.gov/2024/10/15/nunn-secures-2-million-for-minburn-infrastructure/,Nunn Secures $2 Million for Minburn Infrastructure,2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced that he secured a $2 million federal investment in improvements to water infrastructure in the City of Minburn. “I’m incredibly excited to announce that we secured a $2 million federal investment for much-needed improvements for the Minburn water system,” said Rep. Nunn. “This investment will help the Minburn Fire Department keep people safe and ensure Minburn residents have access to safe drinking water. This is exactly the kind of investment the federal government should make – one that does the most good for the most people.” Rep. Nunn secured the $2 million investment through the Community Project Funding process, which allows members to designate funding for critical initiatives. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 which was signed into law on Saturday, March 9, 2024. “As mayor, one of my highest priorities is ensuring the long-term well-being of our community, and a critical part of that is maintaining and improving our infrastructure,” said Mayor Joe Stuetelberg. “Today, we’re pleased to announce important improvements to our town’s water system. I would like to extend my gratitude to our city staff, engineers, contractors, and Congressman Nunn for working to spur economic growth within our community.” Minburn’s water system is more than seventy years old and experiences line breaks frequently, leading to boil orders. Additionally, the old system cannot be used by first responders to fight fires. This federal investment will support the Minburn Water Improvement Project in replacing water lines. Rep. Nunn announced the new funding investment during a press conference at the Minburn City Hall with Mayor Stuetelberg and other members of the Minburn City Council. Video from the press conference can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/capitol-hill-report-10-15-24,"Capitol Hill Report, 10-15-24",2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Senator Grassley's weekly Capitol Hill Report can be found HERE. Topics include: the Farm Bill, the Congressional Budget Office's estimate of the Fiscal Year 2024 deficit, election integrity and security and the consequences of a Harris presidency.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-demands-vp-harris-own-up-for-failures-as-border-czar,Grassley Demands VP Harris Own Up for Failures as Border Czar,2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) wrote Vice President Kamala Harris asking questions about the policy decisions she has made in her role overseeing border issues for the Biden administration, as well as the dangerous consequences and crimes that have ensued as a result. “Every community is a border community because the Biden-Harris administration has refused to enforce our immigration laws,” Grassley today said of his letter. “The federal government’s number one job is to keep its citizens safe. By reversing the effective border security policies of the Trump administration, the Biden-Harris administration has done the very opposite of protecting American citizens.” Grassley on a radio call this morning cited the following actions, among others, the Biden-Harris administration has taken that have weakened U.S. national security and made innocent Americans targets of otherwise preventable crimes: Ordering the Defense Department to stop building the southern border wall; Blocking $2 billion previously allocated for barrier construction; and Ending the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” program. Click HERE for audio of Grassley discussing his letter to Vice President Harris. The full letter is available HERE and below. Vice President Kamala D. Harris The White House Office of the Vice President 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Vice President Harris: In one of your first official public appearances, you joined President Biden in the Oval Office when he opined on the Trump administration’s immigration and border policies. President Biden dismissed the previous administration’s policies as “counterproductive to our security,” “harmful,” and a “moral and national shame.” Since your first day in office, you and President Biden have worked to dismantle the Trump-era border policies and halted further construction of the border wall. The presidential proclamation terminating construction read, in part: “It shall be the policy of my Administration that no more American taxpayer dollars be diverted to construct a border wall.” This initiated a so-called “careful review of all resources appropriated or redirected to construct a southern border wall.” By April 2021, the Department of Defense (DOD) announced the cancellation of border barrier projects. In June of the same year, the Biden-Harris administration returned $2 billion to the DOD previously allocated for the purpose of border wall construction. Your administration also initiated a review of the Remain in Mexico policy, which Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mayorkas subsequently ended in June 2021. Meanwhile, every fiscal year throughout your engagements, crossings from Mexico and the Northern Triangle markedly exceeded any year of the Trump administration. Despite the stark increase from those nations and many others, deportations and returns overall have decreased as a share of crossings. Now, you are engaging in a numbers racket, telling Americans modest decreases in encounters from soaring, record highs is somehow proof that what your administration has been doing all along is working. It is not. President Biden’s executive order—more than three years after your administration’s reckless reversal of key policies—is an implicit admission that he and you bear ultimate responsibility for this crisis and this disastrous approach. As a result of these slow-walked changes, our national security has been undermined and the safety of our communities has been threatened all across the country. Due to the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to achieve adequate border security, illegal immigrants, including those entering from Mexico and the Northern Triangle, have been able to perpetrate heinous acts against innocent American citizens. For example: On May 14, 2024, an 18-year-old Honduran national, who purportedly entered the United States illegally in April 2022, pled guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl in Waterloo, Iowa. On April 2, 2024, a Honduran national, who was previously convicted of sexual assaulting a woman in Connecticut and deported, was charged for failing to register as a sex offender. He was reportedly able to re-enter the United States undetected by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and subsequently was arrested twice before being charged. On February 25, 2024, a 19-year-old Honduran national was arrested for the alleged rape and aggravated assault of a 14-year-old girl at knifepoint in Louisiana. He entered the United States illegally in October 2023. On May 4, 2024, a Guatemalan national was arrested for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in a van in Palm Beach County, Florida. He reportedly entered the United States illegally in January 2024, was given an immigration hearing date in 2027, and was released by DHS. On June 26, 2024, a Guatemalan national was charged with alleged sexually battery of a 14-year-old girl in Okaloosa County, Florida. He was deported on February 9, 2024, before this incident, but was able to re-enter the United States untraced days later. On May 8, 2024, an El Salvadoran migrant was arrested for allegedly murdering a woman and the malicious assault of two homeless individuals with a baseball bat in West Virginia. He had an extensive criminal history and was in prison in El Salvador for over twenty years for “DUI [driving under the influence], sexual assault/murder, aggravated robbery, and narcotics related crimes.” Law enforcement believes he illegally entered the United States shortly after his release from prison. This is just a snapshot from this year alone of the sorts of preventable tragedies, which have become all too common across the United States. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies—pulling resources, reversing Remain in Mexico, and stopping wall construction—are largely to blame for our open and unsafe border over the last three-and-a-half years. Because of your actions and inactions, every state is now a border state and every community is a border community. Given your role as the leader of engagement with this region, which the media has colloquially dubbed as “Border Czar” or “Root Causes Czar,” I ask that you provide answers to the following immigration and border policy questions by October 24, 2024. Have you engaged with your international counterparts regarding violence perpetrated against innocent Americans by citizens of their countries? Have you raised this concern with any counterpart(s)? If so, what concerns were raised and when? What was their response? In light of the Biden-Harris administration’s ending of Remain in Mexico in 2021, what data can you provide suggesting migration from Mexico has been “stemmed” as you were tasked with accomplishing prior to 2024? In February 2024, the Biden-Harris administration endorsed a proposal that, among other provisions, included a requirement that a few hundred million dollars in unspent funds be used specifically for border wall construction. As noted above, the Biden-Harris administration previously returned $2 billion allocated for the purpose of building a border wall. Did the Biden-Harris administration ever consider reversing course regarding this funding? If not, why not? If so, why has no discernable action been taken to that end? The Biden-Harris administration has auctioned off some $300 million worth of unused border wall materials for mere pennies on the dollar. Why did the Biden-Harris administration endorse a proposal asking Congress to require them to use hundreds of millions of unspent dollars for border wall construction after deciding to sit on hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of unused supplies instead of building the wall?",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-stands-up-for-iowa-farmers-calls-out-biden-harris-ag-failures,"Grassley Stands Up for Iowa Farmers, Calls Out Biden-Harris Ag Failures",2024-10-15,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is sharing Iowa farmers’ concerns regarding the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to agriculture, energy and trade. “Farmers are struggling to stay afloat thanks to falling profitability, sky high input costs and burdensome regulations,” Grassley said of his letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris. “In order to forge a better future for farmers, Washington needs to listen to the real-world experience of those with dirt under their fingernails. I’m demanding the Biden-Harris administration wake up to the challenges our farmers are facing.” Grassley’s letter shines light on President Biden and Vice President Harris’ harmful ag and trade policies, including: Excessive and unconstitutional regulations, such as the failed Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule; The Biden-Harris Treasury Department’s restrictive 40B Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax credit guidelines; and Failure to establish a comprehensive trade strategy. Grassley is urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to prioritize agricultural issues and lend farmers a helping hand by issuing timely, science-backed guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuels tax credit and expanding market access. Download audio of Grassley discussing his letter HERE. Read the full letter HERE and below. Monday, October 14, 2024 The Honorable Joseph R. Biden President of the United States 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the impact of your administration's policies on the agricultural community. As a lifelong family farmer, I know first-hand the decisions made at the federal level have far-reaching consequences. It is critical that these decisions support, rather than hinder, our farmers. Many aspects of farming have changed over the last four years of your administration. Unfortunately, the most important aspect of farming, profitability, has declined. In 2021, net farm cash income for the United States was around $176 billion. This year, 2024, net farm cash income is estimated to be down to $154 billion. As any farmer could tell you, if you aren't profitable, you won't be farming for long. I would like to take this opportunity to address areas where I believe your administration has fallen short in supporting the agriculture sector. First, under your administration the regulatory environment has become increasingly burdensome. Farmers and businesses alike have faced a host of new regulations that complicate their operations and drive up costs. For example, your changes to the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, would have covered over 90 percent or the State of lowa and made the government involved in any land management decision for farmers, developers, and businesses such as golf courses. Thankfully, all nine Supreme Court justices agreed that the Environmental Protection Agency's expansive regulatory efforts violated the Clean Water Act. From electric vehicle mandates to overly complicated strategies for herbicides and insecticides, farmers are concerned that these regulations will impose additional compliance costs and restrictions on their ability to manage their land effectively. This is also seen clearly in the Department of Treasury's guidance for the 40B sustainable aviation fuel tax credit. Instead of enabling farmers to benefit from science-backed farming practices that work for them, your administration's guidance restricted American farmers and benefitted foreign feedstocks. While I understand the need for sustainable practices, pushing farmers to specific farming practices can undermine the autonomy of farmers to make decisions that best suit their unique circumstances, and edge them out of new markets. Trade policy is another area where your administration has missed the mark. The lack of new trade agreements and uncertainty around tariffs has left the United States agriculture sector with a record estimated $30.5 billion trade deficit this year. In March, I joined 21 of my Senate colleagues in a letter to Ambassador Tai and Secretary Vilsack to ask if your administration intended to pursue any new free trade agreements. As my colleagues and I expressed at that time, the increased deficit is, ""exacerbated by an unambitious U.S. trade strategy that is failing to meaningfully expand market access or reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade."" Though your administration has acted in trade disputes and other areas, it has been based on previous trade agreements established before your administration. The lack of a comprehensive strategy to expand market access for American agricultural products has been frustrating for farmers who rely on exporting their products to sustain their livelihoods. Lastly, I urge your administration to prioritize these important issues in the agricultural community. There are still important steps that you can take to support farmers. Issuing timely guidance on the 45Z clean fuels tax credit would help provide certainty to farmers looking to market the grain they are currently harvesting. Allowing farmers a seat at the table for 45Z guidance and reducing the complicated and unworkable structure from 40B would go a long way in ensuring farmers maintain their autonomy in farming practices. Thank you for your attention to these important issues. I look forward to your response and hope that in the coming months you work to support our farmers who continue to contribute to the nation's food security, fuel independence, and economic stability.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-afghan-national-charged-with-election-day-terror-plot,Q&A: Afghan National Charged With Election Day Terror Plot,2024-10-11,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: What concerns did you raise immediately after the Biden-Harris administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan? A: The Biden-Harris administration’s disorganized and disastrous exit from Afghanistan three years ago resulted in the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. service members by a suicide bombing. The images of Afghan civilians jumping onto and falling from a departing U.S. military aircraft underscored sheer chaos at the airport in Kabul. Like many Americans, it reminded me of the desperate 1975 retreat in Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. The botched departure in Afghanistan left behind American citizens and sophisticated American military equipment. It left millions of Afghan women and girls under the thumb of a murderous, suppressive Taliban regime and left a stain on American leadership, sowing seeds of doubt among our allies and partners, and sending a message of weakness to aggressive dictators like Vladimir Putin. Then, the Biden-Harris administration made matters even worse by failing to take the time to thoroughly vet Afghans applying to come to the United States. This put more American lives at risk. The Biden-Harris administration was green-lighting evacuees in a matter of hours or days. While the U.S. has an obligation to protect thousands of Afghans who helped American forces, there are serious questions how those who were evacuated were selected. The screening process exists for a reason: to protect Americans from bad actors seeking to enter the United States. Within a day of the U.S. leaving Afghanistan, I wrote the Departments of State, Defense and Homeland Security to demand answers. For years, I’ve pressed the Biden-Harris administration to do its job and come clean about deficient vetting of tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated by U.S. forces. According to a pair of internal watchdog reports from the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, the administration’s failure to sufficiently screen Afghan evacuees raises serious public safety concerns. That’s why I’ve tirelessly pushed the Biden-Harris administration to tighten up the evacuee resettlement process and answer to independent congressional oversight inquiries, the linchpin of our system of checks and balances, on behalf of the American people. For the last three years, I’ve sounded alarms that individuals who may pose serious threats to national security are setting up shop on American soil. Q: Who did the FBI arrest just one month before Election Day? A: According to a Department of Justice (DOJ) criminal complaint, the FBI recently arrested an Afghan national who had secured a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to enter the United States during the same time as the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan and is currently on parole status pending his immigration proceedings. Now in federal custody, the individual allegedly planned an Election Day terrorist attack in the United States on behalf of the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS). According to the DOJ’s complaint, the FBI found pro-ISIS propaganda on the individual’s devices and communications saying, “[a]fter that we will begin our duty, God willing, with the help of God, we will get ready for the election day.” The good news is the FBI stopped this terrorist plot; the bad news is it exposes the clear and present danger created by the Biden-Harris administration’s failure to follow proper screening processes that are in place to prevent terrorists from getting to America in the first place. Since the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, more than 97,000 evacuees have been admitted into the United States. According to the Defense Department Inspector General, at least 50 Afghan evacuees paroled into the United States were later identified as having potentially significant security concerns that would disqualify them for parole or admission onto U.S. military bases used as temporary housing for evacuees. When I questioned FBI Director Christopher Wray about whether the FBI knows where these evacuees are located, he admitted the FBI doesn’t know where all of them are located at any given time. The Biden-Harris administration’s open border policies also have made communities across the country vulnerable to a terrorist attack. During this administration, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has encountered 382 individuals from the terror watch list. In fact, eight illegal immigrants from Tajikistan with alleged ties to terrorism are in the process of deportation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/office-congressman-randy-feenstra-hold-october-traveling-office-hours,Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra to Hold October Traveling Office Hours,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office will hold fall traveling office hours this October. Representatives from Feenstra’s office will be in 18 counties to help constituents with casework relating to passports, veterans’ benefits, IRS issues, and other federal programs. Traveling office hours were also held this past spring. “Helping Iowans resolve issues with the federal government is a top priority for me and my office. We stand ready to assist seniors with receiving their Social Security checks, veterans with navigating the VA, and families with getting their passports renewed,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I encourage Iowans to attend traveling office hours at any of the 18 locations throughout the 4th Congressional District scheduled for October. As always, Iowans can also reach my office by visiting Feenstra.House.Gov or by calling us at 202-225-4426.” Iowans in the 4th District can also stop by Congressman Feenstra’s district offices Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM CT in Fort Dodge, Council Bluffs, and Sioux City or visit Feenstra.House.Gov to submit a casework request. Below is the full list of times and locations organized alphabetically by county: *Rep. Feenstra will not be at traveling office hours* Buena Vista County Monday, October 21st, 2 PM – 3 PM CT Alta Community Library 1009 South Main Street Alta, IA 51002 Crawford County Monday, October 21st, 3 PM – 4 PM CT Denison City Hall 111 North Main Street Denison, IA 51442 Dickinson County Tuesday, October 22nd, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT Lake Park City Hall 217 N. Market Street Lake Park, IA 51347 Emmet County Thursday, October 17th, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Estherville Area Chamber of Commerce 620 1st Avenue South Estherville, IA 51334 Humboldt County Wednesday, October 23rd, 11 AM – 12 PM CT Humboldt City Hall Council Chambers 29 5th Street South Humboldt, IA 50548 Ida County Wednesday, October 23rd, 1 PM – 2 PM CT Ida Grove Public Library 100 E 2nd Street Ida Grove, IA 51445 Lyon County Tuesday, October 22nd, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Inwood City Hall 103 South Main Street Inwood, IA 51240 Marshall County Wednesday, October 16th, 1 PM – 2 PM CT Marshalltown Public Library 105 West Boone Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 Monona County Tuesday, October 22nd, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Mapleton Community Center 513 Main Street Mapleton, IA 51034 O’Brien County Tuesday, October 22nd, 2 PM – 3 PM CT Hartley City Hall 11 South Central Avenue Hartley, IA 51346 Pocahontas County Thursday, October 17th, 12 PM – 1 PM CT Laurens City Hall Council Chambers 272 North 3rd Street Laurens, IA 50554 Pottawattamie County Monday, October 21st, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Treynor Community Center 11 West Main Street Post Treynor, IA 51575 Shelby County Monday, October 21st, 1 PM – 2 PM CT Harlan Public Library 718 Court Street Harlan, IA 51537 Story County Wednesday, October 16th, 11 AM – 12 PM CT Nevada Public Library 631 K Avenue Nevada, IA 50201 Webster County Wednesday, October 16th, 1 PM – 2 PM CT Gowrie Public Library 1204 Market Street Gowrie, IA 50543 Winnebago County Tuesday, October 22nd, 10 AM – 11 AM CT Forest City Economic Development Conference Room 145 South Clark Street Forest City, IA 50436 Woodbury County Monday, October 21st, 9 AM – 10 AM CT Sioux City Office of Congressman Randy Feenstra Federal Building Room 112 320 West 6th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 Wright County Wednesday, October 23rd, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM CT Wright County Courthouse Supervisors Room 115 North Main Street Clarion, IA 50525",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/larc,Hinson Introduces Legislation to Increase Safe Birth Control Options for Women in Rural Areas,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) introduced the Access to LARCs Act, legislation aimed at improving birth control options for adult women in rural areas. Clinics that receive Title X funding offer women the full range of pregnancy preventing contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), onsite at much higher rates than community clinics and CHCs that do not receive Title X funding. This inequality in access to the most effective FDA-approved pregnancy preventing contraception leaves many who live in “health care deserts” unable to receive long-acting birth control such as IUDs or arm implants. The Access to LARCs Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on contraceptive access at community health centers (CHCs) in health care deserts. ""Ensuring women, regardless of zip code, have access to safe birth control options is vital for women's health and family planning. This legislation will help expand access to safe birth control options for adult women in rural or underserved areas who rely on Community Health Centers for care. I've listened to women across Iowa, and will continue proposing commonsense solutions to improve women's health care access."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-investigation-into-fbi-sexual-misconduct-reveals-fox-is-guarding-the-hen-house,Grassley Investigation into FBI Sexual Misconduct Reveals ‘Fox is Guarding the Hen House’,2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is shining new light on the prevalence of sexual misconduct at the FBI, amid continued agency stonewalling and empty assurances from Director Christopher Wray that he would “follow up” on Grassley’s inquiries. Despite FBI’s lack of cooperation, Grassley’s ongoing oversight reveals the FBI is still not protecting its own employees from sexual harassment and is treating child sex abuse cases as a non-priority. Grassley today sent a pointed letter to the FBI and Justice Department (DOJ). In it, he urged the FBI to own up to its failures and provide the data he’s requested for years. The information Grassley recently received via protected whistleblower disclosures suggests his oversight dating back to October 2022 is as timely as ever. Sexual Misconduct Persists among FBI Employees: Latest records show the assistant director who requested a review of disciplinary patterns at the FBI – which found hundreds of senior officials voluntarily retired or resigned to evade accountability for sexual misconduct allegations – left the FBI while he, himself, was under investigation. “Apparently, one of the reasons DOJ and its component agencies can’t straighten out their problems of workplace harassment is that the fox is guarding the hen house,” Grassley wrote. “The supreme irony of [then-Executive Assistant Director of the Human Resources Branch, Jeffrey] Sallet requesting the [Office of Disciplinary Appeals] review of senior officials retiring or resigning to avoid disciplinary action is that ‘Sallet left the FBI and federal service while this investigation was ongoing.’” FBI Moves Agents off Child Sex Abuse Cases, onto January 6 Cases: Per protected whistleblower disclosures, the FBI has reassigned personnel from high-volume child exploitation cases to January 6 cases. Grassley notes FBI’s failure to dedicate adequate resources to child sex abuse cases is a decades-old problem politicization at the bureau is exacerbating. One reassigned whistleblower said they sat “essentially idle for eight to nine months” on January 6 cases while child sex abuse cases piled up. An Assistant Special Agent in Charge reportedly told that whistleblower, “Child sexual abuse material investigations were no longer an FBI priority […].” “One thing is certain,” Grassley wrote, “The FBI will not be able to remedy its many failings in this area if it treats sexual abuse against children as a non-priority.” Background: DOJ Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and Congress have long pushed FBI to address sexual harassment across the bureau. In 2021, DOJ OIG issued the FBI two recommendations on its demonstrated failures to hold employees responsible for wrongdoing after they separate from the agency, particularly when they do so while under investigation. As of today, approximately three years later, the FBI has not closed either of those recommendations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ossoff-laud-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-prison-contraband-bill,"Grassley, Ossoff Laud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Prison Contraband Bill",2024-10-10,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of their Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act. The bipartisan bill aims to increase the penalty for smuggling or possessing a contraband cellphone in federal prisons from a misdemeanor to a felony. It now awaits passage in the House of Representatives. “Contraband cellphones allow prisoners to coordinate illegal activity from behind bars. That’s an obvious security risk to prison staff, other inmates and the public,” Grassley said. “I’m glad the Senate passed our bipartisan legislation to stiffen penalties for cellphone smuggling, and the House ought to follow suit.” “My bipartisan investigations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct in the Federal prison system have revealed systemic challenges that allow for the dangerous flow of contraband, which is a threat to safety and security,” Ossoff said. “Bringing Republicans and Democrats together, we’ve passed our bipartisan bill to strengthen penalties for smuggling contraband into Federal prisons.” “A cell phone in a prison is a deadly weapon. Yet, as our investigative work continues to demonstrate, contraband cell phones have proven to be pervasive inside many federal prisons—a reality that undermines the safety and security of these institutions for BOP staff, inmates, and the public,” said Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz. “Lieutenant Albarati was a true hero, selflessly dedicated to making his community and MDC Guaynabo safer by preventing criminal activity inside the facility. I commend Senators Ossoff, Grassley, and Booker for honoring his memory by sponsoring this public safety reform and for recognizing the severity of this problem. By making the introduction of a cell phone into a prison a felony, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act will allow investigators and prosecutors to more effectively bring to justice those introducing cell phones into prisons, curb the flow of illicit cell phones into prisons, make our communities and prisons safer, and help to save lives. We look forward to working with the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis, as it considers this critical public safety reform.” Additional cosponsors include Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Bill text is available HERE. Letters of support from the National Council of Prison Locals, Voices of Joe and the American Federation of Government Employees are available HERE. Background: The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act builds on the Grassley-Feinstein Cell Phone Contraband Act, which became law in 2010, designating cellphones as contraband in federal prison. Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati, a Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officer, was murdered in 2013 after completing his shift at a federal prison in Puerto Rico. Five men who plead guilty to the crime admitted they targeted Albarati as a direct result of continuous seizures of contraband, including cellphones. The inmate who placed the hit on Albarati did so using a contraband cellphone. A recent DOJ report from Inspector General Horowitz found nearly a third of deaths in BOP custody have occurred as a result of contraband, drugs or weapons.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-recognizes-national-4-h-week,Feenstra Recognizes National 4-H Week,2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement recognizing National 4-H Week: “4-H is an incredible organization that helps our future leaders — especially the next generation of Iowa farmers and producers — develop lifelong skills and reach their full potential,” said Rep. Feenstra. “This week, we recognize the positive impact that 4-H has had on millions of young Americans and the importance of investing in the future of our nation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-colleagues-push-doj-to-investigate-requirements-for-hamas-linked-campus-orgs-to-register-as-foreign-agents,"Grassley, Colleagues Push DOJ to Investigate Requirements for Hamas-Linked Campus Orgs to Register as Foreign Agents",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, a senior member and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote the Justice Department (DOJ) and FBI regarding Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) enforcement, raising concerns Hamas-linked entities are escaping FARA scrutiny as they seek to shape U.S. public opinion and policy outcomes through partnerships with campus organizations. Joining Grassley on the effort are Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.). The senators’ inquiry hones in on the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP) – which received backing from an organization whose associated entities the U.S. government has implicated for financing Hamas – and the hundreds of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters NSJP claims to support across the U.S. Their letter reads, in part: “It is incumbent upon all of us crack down on hidden foreign influence. […] The introduction of hostile foreign adversaries into domestic political discussion is especially of issue when it is fueling an alarming rise in antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment. The public reporting appears to indicate that NSJP and related chapters may fit into the FARA definition of ‘publicity agent,’ at minimum, and its conduct, among other activity, may constitute a public relations effort designed to impact U.S. public opinion in favor of a foreign principal, which would meet FARA’s definition of political activities. “Taken as a whole, these actions require further investigation from DOJ and the FBI to fully determine whether NSJP and SJP chapters should register as foreign agents under FARA and the extent of Hamas and Iran’s potential involvement.” Grassley and his colleagues cite numerous examples that signal NSJP and SJP chapters may have an obligation to register as agents under FARA. Several follow. Federal court filings from state Attorneys General assert NSJP’s material support to Hamas. Dozens of SJP chapters echoed NSJP’s social media messages lauding Hamas’ brutal October 7, 2023, attack on Israel; some “[praised] the creativity” of Hamas’ surprise attacks on Israeli civilians. NSJP urged SJP chapters in the U.S. to publicly facilitate and join “armed struggles, general strikes and popular demonstrations.” NSJP launched a campaign against U.S. college administrators, pushing for divestments in Israel-connected assets. NSJP held a summer 2024 program for SJP participants to “deepen our understanding of our current political moment […] with the aim entrenching the frameworks necessary to sustain and grow the Student Intifada.” NSJP has stated it “aim[s] to develop a student movement that is connected, disciplined, and equipped” with tools toward fulfilling its mission. Considering this evidence and more, the senators are asking DOJ and FBI pointed questions about the steps they have taken to assess NSJP and SJP’s potential requirement to register as foreign agents. Read the full letter HERE. Background: Congress passed FARA in 1938 to identify Nazi propaganda and other foreign efforts to sway U.S. policy and public opinion. The content-neutral law was designed not to prohibit activity, but rather, to ensure certain individuals who act as agents of a foreign government or enterprise register with DOJ. Grassley previously pressed for FARA enforcement as Confucius Institutes cropped up on college campuses, working to combat Chinese Communist Party influence in the U.S. education system. He has probed potential FARA violations in recent Congresses, including by Qatari media network Al Jazeera, a Ukrainian operative who consulted for the Democrat National Committee and a Russian lobbyist who attended a meeting with Donald Trump, Jr. Grassley questioned the Biden family’s FARA compliance amid business dealings with a Chinese energy company and sought answers upon learning the top lobbying firm for Ukrainian energy company Burisma filed incomplete disclosures. A longtime advocate of enforcing FARA to the fullest extent, he is leading congressional oversight and legislative reforms to further strengthen the law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-condemns-biden-harris-admin-for-ignoring-alarms-about-afghan-evacuee-vetting-resettlement-procedures,"Grassley Condemns Biden-Harris Admin for Ignoring Alarms about Afghan Evacuee Vetting, Resettlement Procedures",2024-10-09,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the below statement on the FBI arresting an Afghan native who secured a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to enter the U.S. following the Biden-Harris administration’s botched troop withdrawal from the region in 2021. The individual, now in federal custody, was plotting an ISIS-fueled terrorist attack on American soil in the coming weeks. “I was highly vocal about the need to thoroughly vet SIV applicants during – and in the weeks, months and years following – the Biden-Harris administration’s chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. But the White House, executive agencies and many of my Democratic colleagues in Congress were quick to dismiss those glaring alarms,” Grassley said. “The number one job of our government is to protect its citizens. By hiding behind clerical excuses, refusing to take accountability and neglecting to address known vulnerabilities in vetting and resettlement processes, the Biden-Harris administration failed to prioritize Americans’ safety and, once again, projected weakness on the global stage.” Grassley’s Related Oversight, Legislative Work July 1, 2024: Watchdog Report Corroborates Grassley Oversight of DHS, FBI Failures to Properly Vet Afghan Evacuees July 21, 2023: Grassley & Judiciary Committee Colleagues Introduce Bill To Protect Afghan Allies May 12, 2023: Grassley Joins Thune, Risch, Colleagues To Introduce Bill To Release Afghanistan Dissent Cable September 21, 2022: Grassley: Americans Deserve To Know How FBI Is Addressing Afghan Evacuee Vetting Failures September 7, 2022: Grassley Statement On DHS Inspector General Finding Deficiencies With Vetting Of Afghan Parolees August 22, 2022: Senators Seek Transparency On Flagged Afghan Evacuees Amid Ongoing Concerns Of Vetting, Security Failures August 4, 2022: Grassley Statement At FBI Oversight Hearing May 27, 2022: Grassley, Portman, Inhofe Demand Update From FBI On Afghan Evacuees Flagged For Security Concerns, Denounce DHS’ Continued Failure To Use All Vetting Tools February 17, 2022: Grassley Statement On Watchdog Warnings About Deficient Vetting Of Afghan Evacuees December 22, 2021: Portman, Grassley, Shelby, Risch, Inhofe & Capito Request Biden Administration Provide Overdue Report On Composition & Vetting Of Afghan Evacuees October 28, 2021: State Dept. AWOL As Americans, Allies Remain Stranded In Afghanistan September 27, 2021: Grassley On Afghanistan Collapse Through The Lens Of The Inspector General September 27, 2021: Grassley Presses Justice Dept., FBI On Terrorist Travel After Afghanistan Withdrawal September 15, 2021: Grassley On President Biden's Afghanistan Failures August 31, 2021: Grassley To Biden Admin: Don’t Let Bad Actors Take Advantage Of Chaotic Afghanistan Withdrawal August 26, 2021: Grassley Statement on Afghanistan",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-helps-introduce-legislation-deport-illegal-immigrants-convicted-sex,Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Deport Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA – Last week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce the Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by Unnaturalized Emigrants (BE GONE) Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence as aggravated felonies, and thus, deportable offenses. U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced this legislation in the U.S. Senate. “According to data recently released by ICE, there are over 660,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records – including nearly 16,000 with sexual assault convictions – on the loose in our communities. These numbers are infuriating and are the result of the Biden-Harris administration’s dangerous, open-border policies,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to work with Senator Ernst and Senator Grassley to introduce legislation to deport illegal immigrants who have been convicted of sex crimes. It is just common sense to remove criminals from our communities so that we can keep our kids and families safe.” The data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/cbo-estimate-2024-deficit-reaches-18-trillion-under-biden-harris-spending,CBO Estimate: 2024 Deficit Reaches $1.8 Trillion under Biden-Harris Spending,2024-10-08,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) today estimated the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 deficit was $1.8 trillion, double what the agency projected when the Biden-Harris administration took office. Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued the following statement on the need to reverse course. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have ignored resounding messages from Iowans and Americans nationwide, as well as alarms from global credit ratings companies. By consistently choosing a spendthrift agenda over fiscal sanity, this administration has hamstrung our economy for generations to come,” Grassley said. “Our nation needs a change of pace from the one this administration has set. Vice President Harris’ recent proposals, however, signal an unwillingness to meaningfully address Americans’ concerns and a readiness to double down on policies that have caused major consequences, like prices rising over 20 percent in less than four years.” Per CBO’s report, in FY 2024: The deficit totaled $1.8 trillion, up $139 billion from FY 2023 and double what CBO estimated when the Biden-Harris administration took office. Spending increased $617 billion (10 percent) from FY 2023, driven in part by costly executive actions and soaring interest payments. Net interest payments on the national debt totaled $950 billion, up $240 billion (34 percent) from FY 2023. Background on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Irresponsible Economic Record: Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the U.S. credit outlook last year, citing the deficit as a key factor in its decision. Independent experts, such as the Federal Reserve Chairman and CBO Director, have warned that our nation is on an “unsustainable fiscal path.” Even so, the Biden-Harris administration plowed full steam ahead with trillion-dollar student loan bailout schemes and a $21 billion Medicare cost-shifting plan – an attempt to cover up negative effects the so-called Inflation “Reduction” Act is having on seniors, including hiking premiums and reducing plan options. Further, high borrowing costs and mounting federal debt have increased spending on net interest payments, which now exceed discretionary outlays for national defense. In early 2021, when interest rates sat at a record low, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young claimed it would be a “historic missed opportunity” to forego borrowing trillions of dollars. Grassley last week called out OMB for neglecting to provide CBO with enough information to fully analyze the fiscal impacts of the Biden-Harris administration’s 2025 budget, despite committing to doing so.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases/feenstra-issues-statement-one-year-anniversary-hamas-terror-attacks-israel,Feenstra Issues Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Hamas Terror Attacks in Israel,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Randy Feenstra,F000446,feenstra.house.gov,feenstra,https://feenstra.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7th terror attacks in Israel: “One year ago today, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered more than 1,200 people in the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust. To this day, Hamas continues to hold captive innocent civilians and escalate tensions in the region with the backing of Iran. The violence against Israel is horrific and must come to an end. As our strongest ally in the Middle East, the United States will always stand with Israel against vicious terrorists and evil regimes.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-hamas-terrorist-attacks-were-pure-evil,Hinson: Hamas Terrorist Attacks Were Pure Evil,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) released the following statement on the first anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack against Israel. “One year ago, the world witnessed pure evil when Hamas ended the ceasefire that was in place and brutally attacked Israel – slaughtering both Israeli and American civilians, and taking others hostage. The Harris-Biden doctrine of appeasement has emboldened Iran and its terrorist proxies, freeing up funding for their acts of terrorism and enabling the regime in Tehran to significantly advance its nuclear capacity without consequence. As Israel continues to fend off terrorist attacks and anti-Semitism continues to rise, I will continue standing with Israel and the Jewish community around the world. It is past time we return to peace through strength and bring every single hostage home."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson Background: Following the October 7th attacks, Rep. Hinson has supported legislation to condemn Hamas attacks on Israel, ensure Israel has robust military support, and freeze funds to Iran. Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act: Provides military assistance to Israel, replenishes U.S. stockpiles to preserve our military readiness, and ensures the safe return of American citizens impacted by the terrorist attacks. Israel Security Assistance Support Act: Reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense and enforces that the Biden Administration delivers defense articles and services and obligates funds appropriated for assistance to Israel. H.Res. 409: Condemns the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas against the people of the State of Israel. No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act: Immediately freezes the $6 billion of Iranian funds released as part of the Biden Administration’s 2023 hostage deal. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://nunn.house.gov/2024/10/07/nunn-stands-tirelessly-with-israel/,Nunn Stands Tirelessly with Israel,2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Zachary Nunn,N000193,nunn.house.gov,nunn,https://nunn.house.gov/category/news/press-releases/,scraper,"DES MOINES — U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) released the following statement in remembrance of the brutal terror attack on Israel by Hamas one year ago today: “Today marks one year since Hamas launched a barbaric and unprovoked terror attack on Israel, brutally killing hundreds of innocent people and taking many individuals as hostages, including U.S. citizens. Since then, the conflict has only escalated with Iran launching unprecedented missile strikes against Israel, and Hamas brutally murdering hostages, including an American. “Let me be clear: The United States must be unwavering in our commitment to support Israel’s right to defend herself. Congress must stand righteously against the Iranian regime of terror. We cannot abandon our strongest ally in the Middle East in her time of need.” BACKGROUND: While in Congress and especially since the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, Rep. Nunn has been resolute in his unyielding support of Israel by: Leading a bipartisan resolution immediately following the attack in 2023 on Israel to declare unwavering support and call for congressional action in response to this barbaric attack. Bringing home American citizens as the conflict in the Middle East escalated, assisting in the successful evacuation of Iowans from Gaza. Championing the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to replenish the Iron Dome and assist our strongest ally in the Middle East as they fight Hamas and other militant groups. Leading and passing an amendment to prevent Iran from funding acts of terrorism by Hamas, Hezbollah, and their proxies. Leading and passing a bipartisan amendment to establish a strategic partnership with Israel to bolster military defense with state-of-the-art U.S. technology. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-ernst-and-gop-colleagues-stand-with-israel-condemn-iran-backed-hamas-one-year-after-terror-attacks,"Grassley, Ernst & GOP Colleagues Stand with Israel, Condemn Iran-Backed Hamas One Year After Terror Attacks",2024-10-07,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, one year since terrorist group Hamas invaded Israel, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and all Senate Republicans in fully condemning Hamas, calling for American hostages’ safe return home and reaffirming U.S. support for an enduring, prosperous Israel. “For the past 12 months, the Israeli military has taken necessary actions to preserve its homeland and neutralize the threat of horrific Iran-backed, Hamas terrorism. In the face of ongoing Iranian aggression and rising antisemitism, the United States remains unwavering in our resolve to stand with Israel – our strongest ally in the Middle East,” Grassley said. “This time last year, I woke up in the Middle East to the unbearable news that Israel was under attack by Iran-backed terrorists and Americans were being killed and taken hostage,” Ernst said. “I immediately traveled into Israel to show that our nation’s friendship is unwavering, in good times and bad. Regardless of whether I have been in Jerusalem, Washington or Iowa, I have worked around the clock to hold the White House accountable to its ‘ironclad’ commitment, bring our hostages home, and cut off the source of terrorism in Tehran. One year since that day, as Israel remains under attack on all fronts, Senate Republicans stand united with our greatest ally in the Middle East.” Read the resolution HERE. Grassley Stands with Israel: Grassley has long worked to maintain and fortify the United States’ partnership with Israel. Since October 7, 2023, Grassley has led legislative efforts to reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense, counter Iran’s terrorist regime and seek justice for victims of antisemitism. Learn more HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases/hinson-recognized-protecting-second-amendment-rights,Hinson Recognized for Protecting Second Amendment Rights,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Republican,House,IA,Ashley Hinson,H001091,hinson.house.gov,hinson,https://hinson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"""The Harris-Biden Administration continues to target law-abiding gun owners and push thinly veiled attempts at gun control. I will continue working to protect the Second Amendment rights of law abiding gun owners, who care deeply about gun safety and combating violence, and should not be demonized by this Administration."" - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson ""The 2024 NSSF Congressional Report Card is a comprehensive analysis of our elected representatives’ positions on firearm and ammunition industry priorities in the 118th Congress. The Report Card’s grades are based on key votes, co-sponsorships, committee activity, floor speeches, and other official actions by Senators and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of our industry are grateful to have so many strong allies in the Halls of Congress. NSSF is proud to especially recognize Representative Hinson as a member of the new NSSF Congressional Dean’s List for her exemplary leadership in supporting the firearm and ammunition industry and the nearly 400,000 hardworking Americans employed in the industry. Making the Dean’s List is special recognition that Rep. Hinson has gone above and beyond to protect and preserve the Second Amendment rights of her constituents and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible. We applaud Rep. Hinson for her exemplary level of support.” - Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President for Government & Public Affairs and General Counsel. Background: Congresswoman Hinson's work to protect Second Amendment rights includes: Supporting the Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act to prevent the Biden Administration from using a public health emergency to enact federal gun control measures. Supporting the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act to expand reciprocity of state-issued concealed carry. Supporting the Home Defense and Competitive Shooting Act to remove short-barreled rifles from National Firearms Act regulation. Reining in the ATF by helping introduce legislation to rescind their unconstitutional effort to regulate firearms with stabilizing braces under the National Firearms Act. Introduced the RIFLE Act to remove burdensome taxes on firearms sold to law-abiding citizens. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-biden-harris-stonewalling-prevents-cbo-from-conducting-complete-analysis-of-presidents-2025-budget,Grassley: Biden-Harris Stonewalling Prevents CBO from Conducting Complete Analysis of President’s 2025 Budget,2024-10-04,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today issued the following statement on the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)’s report, “An Analysis of the President’s 2025 Budget.” “Biden-Harris pie-in-the-sky policy proposals are so unrealistic CBO can’t even calculate their budget impact. This administration's unprecedented lack of transparency and fiscal discipline is insulting to Congress and the taxpayer,” Grassley said. “President Biden and Vice President Harris shouldn’t count on Congress to go along with their plan to stick Americans with the bill for a bunch of unclear initiatives – especially today, when households are facing 20 percent higher prices than they were four years ago.” The nonpartisan CBO has analyzed presidents’ budget proposals since the 1970s. Due to limited detail in many Biden-Harris policies, CBO hasn’t been able to estimate their budgetary effects as promptly or precisely as past administrations. Grassley in March asked White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young if she would give CBO all the information it needs for this year’s report to Congress. In response, Director Young committed, “We will provide CBO what they need to do this independent assessment.” Despite this promise, CBO and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) did not have enough information from OMB to produce independent estimates for more than 60 Biden-Harris budget proposals. Notably: CBO could not determine the total spending, revenues, deficits and debt under the Biden-Harris budget. For the tax and mandatory spending policies CBO and JCT could assess, they found the administration overstated expected savings by over $1 trillion. CBO projects Biden-Harris’ base nondefense funding request exceeded the spending cap enacted in the Fiscal Responsibility Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/cbo-confirms-biden-harris-medicare-cost-shifting-policy-will-cost-taxpayers-billions,CBO Confirms: Biden-Harris Medicare Cost-Shifting Policy Will Cost Taxpayers Billions,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its fiscal analysis of the Biden-Harris administration’s Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program. Among other findings, CBO estimates the program – which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched to artificially lower seniors’ premiums that have surged due to Democrat policymaking – could cost taxpayers more than $21 billion over three years if implemented as planned. CBO conducted its analysis at the request of Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), along with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.). “When Democrats unilaterally enacted major changes to Medicare two years ago, they set seniors up for new expenses and fewer options. This nonpartisan CBO analysis confirms CMS’s cost-shifting plan is a dishonest election year gimmick to cover up those consequences,” Grassley said. “Rather than coming to the table and legitimately addressing its partisan mistakes, the Biden-Harris administration threw taxpayer dollars at the problems it created, putting Americans on the hook for tens of billions more dollars.” “As predicted, the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act not only quelled investment for new cures, but caused Medicare prescription drug plan premiums to skyrocket, and Democrats are scrambling to cover it up before the election. In July, the Biden-Harris CMS scrambled to create a new federal program that will send billions of tax dollars to large health insurance companies to cover up a massive flaw in their so-called Inflation Reduction Act,” Arrington said. “Today, CBO confirmed that the administration’s election year Hail Mary will cost taxpayers an astounding $7 billion next year alone, and $21 billion over the planned three-year demo, adding to the more than $2 trillion in Biden-Harris executive spending.” CBO findingsof note: Background: Congressional Democrats in the Inflation Reduction Act significantly redesigned the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit at an estimated cost of nearly $30 billion over 10 years. PDP sponsors then moved to increase their plan bids and base beneficiary premiums, while reducing plan offerings for 2025. As a reaction, CMS announced its Premium Stabilization Demonstration. This cost-shifting program artificially lowered the cost of seniors’ Part D premiums by sending federal funds to large health insurance companies. It applies a uniform reduction of $15 to the base beneficiary premium, establishing a year-over-year limit of $35 on how much a plan’s total Part D premium can increase. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board called the demonstration a “Medicare election bribe for seniors.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-hyde-smith-targeted-program-offers-rural-hospitals-financial-shot-in-the-arm-but-cms-isnt-maximizing-it,"Grassley, Hyde-Smith: Targeted Program Offers Rural Hospitals Financial ‘Shot in the Arm,’ but CMS Isn’t Maximizing It",2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) are pressing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on its refusal to use the budget-neutral Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD), despite the program’s proven efficacy for participating rural hospitals and qualifying facilities’ interest in joining. “CMS last solicited program applications in 2017 and has communicated to us that the agency is not planning any further solicitations. Current law allows up to 30 hospitals to participate in the RCHD, but for the past several years CMS has underutilized the program, leaving as many as eight spots vacant,” the senators wrote CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure. “A 2022 evaluation report found that new hospitals participating in the RCHD program saw their finances stabilize. The evaluation noted that hospitals joining the program saw a ‘large, positive, and statistically significant increases in their Medicare inpatient and combined margins.’ Rural stakeholders have called the RCHD a ‘lifeline’ and that has enabled struggling hospitals to expand health care services to seniors,” they continued. “The RCHD program is supporting rural hospitals and it should be fully utilized. If CMS has the tools to help one rural hospital, then you should be doing something about it.” Read Grassley and Hyde-Smith’s full letter HERE. Background: The RCHD program improves financial viability for hospitals that are too large to be Critical Access Hospitals and too small to succeed under Medicare’s hospital inpatient prospective payment system. Congress established the RCHD in 2003 and has reauthorized it three times since. Grassley’s RCHD Efforts: Grassley is a lifelong resident of rural Iowa who, through his membership and leadership on the Senate Finance Committee, consistently works to improve patients’ access to care and ensure their hospitals stay open, regardless of where they’re located. Last year, Grassley secured a commitment from Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra that his agency would “do more” to support rural hospitals in need. Grassley followed up shortly after, urging CMS to open RCHD spots. At Grassley’s request, CMS spoke with Iowa facilities looking to participate in the RCHD program. However, after months sans action, Grassley at a March hearing questioned Secretary Becerra about his failure to fill program openings, asserting the agency should be wielding every tool in the toolbox to help rural hospitals.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/qanda-one-year-since-october-7-attacks,Q&A: One Year Since October 7 Attacks,2024-10-03,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"Q: Are you surprised the conflict in the Middle East is escalating? A: It’s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel, when the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas launched its brutal assault killing 1,200 people, systematically raping women and taking 250 people hostage, including Americans. Among those taken hostage were elderly people and infants. At least ninety-seven hostages are still believed to be alive in captivity, including two children. Throughout the last year, I’ve worked to keep up the public pressure for their safe return home. Tragically, a month ago, Hamas murdered six Israeli hostages, including an American with dual citizenship. In July, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a historic fourth appearance before a joint session of Congress. He spoke about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and underscored the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel, the only democracy and our most trusted ally in the Middle East. For 12 months, Israel has been fighting Hamas in the Gaza strip, where the terrorist group has embedded itself among the civilian population, urging Gazans not to comply with evacuation warnings, using schools and hospitals as military bases and a United Nations headquarters to provide power to its network of terror tunnels. In response to 11 months of constant missile attacks that have forced 68,000 Israelis to flee their homes, Israel recently launched military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both fronts underscore the danger of appeasement pushed by the Obama and Biden administrations. Iran’s military and financial support for terrorist groups has one goal: to wipe the Jewish people and the State of Israel off the face of the Earth. Israel must be able to defend itself against attacks from Iran and its proxies and I have supported military aid to uphold U.S. leadership for peace in the world. Earlier this year, I condemned action by the Biden administration to block or restrict the supply of U.S. ammunition and weapons to Israel. Our commitment to Israel’s security and long-term prosperity must be upheld. Terrorism has no place at home or abroad. That’s also why I’ve called upon the Biden-Harris administration to secure our southern border. The open border policies of this administration are putting national security at risk. Hamas and Hezbollah fighters could take advantage of the lax enforcement at our southern border to plan an attack on U.S. soil. The number one responsibility of the federal government is national security. Complacency is not an option. Peace through strength works. The United States must not bow to our adversaries, such as approving reckless nuclear agreements with Iran. Most recently, I joined dozens of my Senate colleagues to condemn proposals that would strip Israel’s right to self defense. As we observe the one-year anniversary of the barbaric attacks against Jewish civilians, America and the community of nations must stand shoulder to shoulder to support Israel’s sovereignty and unite against terrorists plotting to destroy the historic homeland of the Jewish people. Q: How are you working to stop antisemitism surging on college campuses? A: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I shined a bright light on the rise of antisemitism in the United States during a congressional hearing convened in September. The hearing examined the rising tide of hate crimes in America. Shortly after the attacks last year, I called upon the Biden administration to enforce anti-discrimination laws and protect Jewish students on our college campuses. Since the Oct. 7 attacks, antisemitic threats have spiked, including violent protests, campus encampments and barricades inside of school buildings. Some schools canceled commencement ceremonies to protect public safety. Reports of antisemitic incidents on U.S. college campuses surged 700 percent in the last year. Enough is enough.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-and-colleagues-outline-stark-consequences-of-biden-harris-failure-to-follow-border-laws-protect-whistleblowers,"Grassley and Colleagues Outline Stark Consequences of Biden-Harris Failure to Follow Border Laws, Protect Whistleblowers",2024-10-02,2024,2024-10,Republican,Senate,IA,Chuck Grassley,G000386,www.grassley.senate.gov,grassley,https://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) led 32 Senate and House colleagues in demanding President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris collect DNA samples from every immigrant the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) encounters, per the DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005. Legally protected whistleblowers to Grassley’s office have exposed how DHS’s failure to collect DNA hampers law enforcement efforts to stop violent crime. Notably, DHS missed three separate opportunities to gather DNA from the illegal immigrant who murdered Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five. “It is beyond heartbreaking to know that my daughter’s brutal death could have been prevented. This isn’t just a bureaucratic oversight; it’s a deadly failure that turned a protective measure into a hollow promise,” said Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin. “President Biden and Vice President Harris’ reckless disregard for border security puts every American family in imminent danger. How many more precious lives have to be lost before they decide to protect the people they were elected to serve?” “Following the law, protecting whistleblowers and ensuring the safety of American citizens like Rachel Morin shouldn’t be controversial,” Grassley and colleagues wrote to President Biden and Vice President Harris. “The Biden-Harris administration’s DHS must follow the law—the consequences are stark when they don’t.” Read the full letter HERE. Background: The DNA Fingerprint Act of 2005 requires federal law enforcement to collect DNA from every individual Customs and Border Protections (CBP) arrests, charges, convicts or detains. Yet, per whistleblower disclosures to Grassley’s office, DHS has collected DNA samples from fewer than approximately 40 percent of the more than 10 million known illegal immigrants who have entered the country during the Biden-Harris administration. Whistleblowers additionally revealed to Grassley that a CBP official who recently visited major border facilities in Arizona and California did not observe any DNA collection taking place. As a result of disclosing DHS’s failures to Congress, whistleblowers have suffered long-term, severe retaliation. Joining Grassley on the letter are House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), as well as Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kans.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). Additional House co-signers include Reps. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Barry Moore (R-Ala.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Michael Rulli (R-Ohio), Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), Dan Bishop (R-N.C.), August Pfluger (R-Texas), Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) and Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T21:57:20Z