National

Senators probe plan to process DACA applications with legal immigration forms

Senators probe plan to process DACA applications with legal immigration forms

From Press Release   Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson are requesting an explanation for plans to process applications for deferred deportation in an electronic system that has been riddled with challenges and ballooning costs. The plan, issued by the U.S. […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
GAO report: 5 percent of Medicaid-only children account for nearly half of Medicaid-only spending

GAO report: 5 percent of Medicaid-only children account for nearly half of Medicaid-only spending

From Press Release   A new report from the Government Accountability Office finds that for the period studied, the most expensive 5 percent of Medicaid-only enrollees accounted for almost half of the expenditures for all Medicaid-only enrollees. U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) was one of the requesters of the report.  […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee pens op-ed for South Carolina paper

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee composed an economic opportunity editorial in the Greenville News in South Carolina that details his plans to reform Washington and criticizes the status quo. “For the first time in history, we have a president who celebrates government […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Fiorina campaign attacks Clinton for not answering questions

By The Iowa Statesman   Former Hewlett-Packard CEO and Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina’s deputy campaign manager, Sarah Isgur Flores, sent out a memo to media Monday deriding Democratic presidential candidate and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her evasiveness, thus far, on the campaign trail. The following […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley introduces Foster Youth Stamp Act

Grassley introduces Foster Youth Stamp Act

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), co-chair of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, has introduced the Families for Foster Youth Stamp Act.  This bipartisan legislation provides for the issuance and sale of a semi-postal stamp by the United States Postal Service to support effective programs targeted […]

by · May 12, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Cruz issues Mother’s Day video

Cruz issues Mother’s Day video

From Press Release   Today U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, released a video featuring his mother, Eleanor, and his wife, Heidi, in celebration of moms on this Mother’s Day. Scroll down to see the video.  

by · May 10, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee releases new campaign video

Huckabee releases new campaign video

By The Iowa Statesman   Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee released a video titled “Hope,” shot on the front porch of his boyhood home and in and around his hometown. In the video, Gov. Huckabee gives a tour of the small town he grew up in and talks about his […]

by · May 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Obama Administration grants extended work permits in spite of injunction

Obama Administration grants extended work permits in spite of injunction

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee made the following statement after the Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that it granted 2,000 extended work permits to undocumented immigrants despite being barred by a preliminary court injunction. “It’s remarkable that the Department of […]

by · May 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley rips Administration (again) over transparency

Grassley rips Administration (again) over transparency

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, last month sought answers from the Administration on why it reportedly won’t disclose documents regarding the decision by the Treasury Department and Federal Housing Finance Agency to amend the terms of the government’s ownership stake in Fannie Mae […]

by · May 9, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Justice to investigate USMS after Grassley probe

Justice to investigate USMS after Grassley probe

From Press Release   The Justice Department is requesting an independent investigation of the U.S. Marshals Service following a series of concerns raised by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. News of the investigation comes just two days after Grassley spe on the Senate floor […]

by · May 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley takes part in public affairs Q&A

Grassley takes part in public affairs Q&A

By The Iowa Statesman   Audio from Senator Grassley’s May 7 Capitol Hill Report is available here. Iowa reporters ask questions on any subject during this 10-minute Q&A program.  Participating this week was David Fannin of KMCD Radio. Topics included the U.S. Marshals Service, the avian flu, U.S. trade with […]

by · May 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst responds to passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

Ernst responds to passage of Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after voting for the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act: “Passage of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act is a critical step forward to ensure congressional review of any deal with Iran. It certifies that no congressional sanction […]

by · May 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley releases weekly video address

Grassley releases weekly video address

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has released his weekly video address, in which he discusses the need for greater openness in government. “A government of the people, by the people and for the people must be accountable to the people,” he said. “And as I […]

by · May 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huckabee announces national leadership team

Huckabee announces national leadership team

From Press Release   Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced his national campaign team today.  The group includes over 25 individuals who bring a wealth of experience at senior levels of the top Republican presidential campaigns of the last two decades, including the Bush, Romney, Huckabee and Santorum campaigns and […]

by · May 8, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley comments on reports of DoD credit card abuse

Grassley comments on reports of DoD credit card abuse

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sponsored the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act, enacted into law in 2012, after investigating instances of abuse of the cards for shopping, gambling and other purposes. The law mandates reforms and oversight to prevent and catch abuse. Grassley made the […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Paul applauds court decision on NSA program

From Press Release   A federal appeals court today deemed it illegal for the National Security Agency to collect bulk data without first obtaining a warrant.  In reaction to the decision, Sen. Paul issued the following statement: “This is a monumental decision for all rs of liberty. I commend the […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Bulletproof vest program reauthorization clears Senate

Bulletproof vest program reauthorization clears Senate

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa today said that the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program Reauthorization Act cleared the Senate.  As chairman, Grassley shepherded the bill through the committee.  The bill included measures proposed by Grassley to increase program accountability and efficient use of […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses Patent Act

Grassley discusses Patent Act

By The Iowa Statesman   Wednesday, the U.S. Sen. Judiciary Committee, chaired by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), held a hearing on S. 1137, also known as the Patent Act. In his opening remarks to the committee, Grassley said abusive patent litigation is having a serious impact on small companies, […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
USMS responses lead to more questions

USMS responses lead to more questions

From Press Release   Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called for a better explanation of certain spending practices within the U.S. Marshals Service’s Asset Forfeiture Division. The request follows incomplete and potentially misleading responses to questions Grassley raised in March surrounding the alleged […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Every year, 400,000 children enter the foster care system. Less well-known is the large number of children who are removed from their homes but informally placed with loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives. Wednesday, the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth hosted a panel discussion to hear from both advocates and former foster youth on how to promote kinship care. (Submitted photo)

Grassley promotes kinship care for foster youth

From Press Release   Every year, 400,000 children enter the foster care system.   Less well-known is the large number of children who are removed from their homes but informally placed with loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives. About 2.485 million children are raised in grandfamilies or kinship care. […]

by · May 7, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst stresses urgency to arm Kurds fighting ISIS

Ernst stresses urgency to arm Kurds fighting ISIS

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is adamant that the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Iraq’s Kurdistan region must be armed in their fight against ISIS. On the heels of introducing a bipartisan bill to provide temporary emergency authority for President Obama to provide weapons and training […]

by · May 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley Q&A: National Foster Care Month

Grassley Q&A: National Foster Care Month

From Press Release   Q:  Why is the month of May designated to observe the nation’s foster care system? A: It’s a good opportunity to highlight an important issue that affects 400,000 children in America.  Every year 255,000 kids enter the foster care system and the average stay lasts two […]

by · May 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley talks about government transparency

Grassley talks about government transparency

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on government transparency titled “Ensuring an Informed Citizenry: Examining the Administration’s Efforts to Improve Open Government.”At the onset of the hearing, committee chairman U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the following statement: Good […]

by · May 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks out about U.S. Marshals Service allegations

Grassley speaks out about U.S. Marshals Service allegations

By The Iowa Statesman   The following are the prepared remarks of a floor speech given yesterday by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) regarding the allegations of misconduct at the U.S. Marshals Service. Mr. President, the United States Marshals Service performs many important functions.  Marshals protect Federal Judges, they transport […]

by · May 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst votes for ‘balanced budget’

Ernst votes for ‘balanced budget’

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) issued the following statement after voting for the Congressional balanced budget: “This joint Senate-House budget agreement is a necessary roadmap to put Congress on the right path toward restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington. It sets the framework to balance the budget, […]

by · May 6, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst offers bipartisan bill to arm Kurds against ISIS

Ernst offers bipartisan bill to arm Kurds against ISIS

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide for a temporary, emergency authorization of defense articles, defense services, and related training directly to the Kurdistan Regional Government. Other cosponsors include Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Rand Paul (R-KY), and […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
The U.S. Air Force's A-10 "Warthog" is the only fixed wing close air support platform the U.S. military has at its disposal. U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is fighting efforts to retire the aircraft in the upcoming defense budget. (The Iowa Statesman photo/Bob Eschliman)

Ernst stresses importance of A-10

By The Iowa Statesman   Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Senate colleagues and close air support experts at a press conference to support the effort to prevent the premature divestment of the A-10. The Iowa Senator stressed the importance of the A-10 as a resource for American men and […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley continues to press about DEA detention of San Diego student

Grassley continues to press about DEA detention of San Diego student

From Press Release   Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today pressed the Drug Enforcement Administration to answer questions that have gone unanswered for nearly three years regarding the agency’s detention of Daniel Chong. Grassley began asking questions shortly after news reports surfaced that Mr. Chong was […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Huck’s In: Former Arkansas governor announces presidential bid

Huck’s In: Former Arkansas governor announces presidential bid

By The Iowa Statesman   Tony Orlando sang a rousing renditions of “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round the Ol’ Oak Tree” and “America is My Hometown,” his college roommate gave the invocation, and the local Boy Scout Troop from his hometown presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance, […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Cruz welcomes newcomers to GOP race

Cruz welcomes newcomers to GOP race

From Press Release   Today, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) released the following statement welcoming Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, and Gov. Mike Huckabee to the race for the Republican nomination for President of the United States: “The entry of three candidates into the 2016 GOP primary this week is […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley conducts hearing on controlled substance quotas process

Grassley conducts hearing on controlled substance quotas process

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, the U.S. Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control held a hearing on improving the management of the nation’s controlled substance quota process. At the beginning of the hearing, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) issued the following prepared statement: Today’s hearing addresses a timely […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley leads bipartisan effort to push for high prioritization of HPAI outbreak

Grassley leads bipartisan effort to push for high prioritization of HPAI outbreak

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today led a bipartisan group of senators pushing the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure the avian flu outbreak receives the highest prioritization for the department.  In a letter, Grassley and 14 other senators pressed leaders of the Senate Appropriations Committee […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley presses CMS for clarity on State Based Marketplaces

Grassley presses CMS for clarity on State Based Marketplaces

From Press Release   Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Acting Administrator Andrew Slavitt pressing the agency to further clarify guidance for how federal funds may be used to implement the […]

by · May 5, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Carson officially enters 2016 race

By The Iowa Statesman   Running the United States government might not be brain surgery, but a retired neurosurgeon from Detroit thinks he knows what it will take to get the country back on track. Dr. Ben Carson officially announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination today in his […]

by · May 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Fiorina to officially announce candidacy at 3 p.m.

By The Iowa Statesman   Leave it to former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina to take the high-tech approach in announcing her candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. The former tech businesswoman will make the announcement at 3 p.m. today during a special “town hall” event hosted on the application […]

by · May 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley praises passage of bill to create alert for threats targeting police

Grassley praises passage of bill to create alert for threats targeting police

From Press Release   Friday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, applauded the Senate’s passage of a measure that helps law enforcement agencies apprehend criminals who have injured or killed police officers. The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act also creates a […]

by · May 4, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley releases weekly video address

Grassley releases weekly video address

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has released his weekly video address, in which he discusses his bill to enhance “529” college savings programs. “This program has proven to be a successful tool to help families save for college,” he said. “I introduced legislation back in […]

by · May 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
King responds to Amnesty amendment added to NDAA

King responds to Amnesty amendment added to NDAA

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA 4) released the following statement after the House Armed Services Committee accepted an amnesty amendment during the markup of H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act: “I was disappointed to see that the House Armed Services Committee accepted an amnesty amendment […]

by · May 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley bill reauthorizes juvenile justice programs with improved accountability

Grassley bill reauthorizes juvenile justice programs with improved accountability

From Press Release   Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse today are introducing legislation to ensure that at-risk youth are fairly and effectively served by juvenile justice grant programs. Their legislation updates existing law by promoting improved transparency and accountability at the state and federal level.  It […]

by · May 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst seeks to strengthen State Partnership Program

Ernst seeks to strengthen State Partnership Program

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined a bipartisan group of legislators Thursday who introduced a bill to reauthorize and strengthen the National Guard State Partnership Program.  The State Partnership Program Enhancement Act of 2015, which has a corresponding bill in the House of Representatives, will permanently […]

by · May 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley sponsored bill on mental health clears Judiciary Committee

Grassley sponsored bill on mental health clears Judiciary Committee

From Press Release   A bill to help address the treatment of mentally ill offenders by the criminal justice system cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today, Chairman Chuck Grassley said.  The bill was sponsored by Senator Al Franken and was cosponsored by Grassley along with Senators John Cornyn, Patrick Leahy, […]

by · May 1, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Paul: Clinton now favors undoing ‘disastrous’ criminal justice laws enacted by husband

Paul: Clinton now favors undoing ‘disastrous’ criminal justice laws enacted by husband

From Press Release   Earlier today, Hillary Clinton proposed various criminal justice reform ideas in an attempt to undo some of Bill Clinton’s work– the same work she cheerfully supported as First Lady. According to Salon, the Clinton administration’s focus on the “War on Drugs” is responsible for increasing incarceration […]

by · April 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst: Congress must OK any deal with Iran

Ernst: Congress must OK any deal with Iran

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) spe yesterday on the Senate floor to call for congressional approval of any final deal with Iran. Senator Ernst emphasized the need to preserve U.S. national security interests, those of our allies, and the need to maintain stability in the […]

by · April 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley among senators seeking to end patent abuses

Grassley among senators seeking to end patent abuses

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, along with senior committee members John Cornyn and Chuck Schumer introduced legislation Wednesday that would make necessary and commonsense reforms to restore integrity to the U.S. patent system.  Judiciary Committee members Mike Lee, Orrin Hatch […]

by · April 30, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley receives award for work to support children

Grassley receives award for work to support children

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received the Congressional Advocate of the Year award from the Child Welfare League of America on Tuesday for his work to protect children and support of child welfare programs. “Working to improve the lives of underprivileged and vulnerable youth is something […]

by · April 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley-sponsored bill puts teeth behind Obama pledge to prioritize removal of alien gang members

Grassley-sponsored bill puts teeth behind Obama pledge to prioritize removal of alien gang members

From Press Release   Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with North Carolina senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, today introduced legislation prohibiting people with gang ties from receiving deferred deportation and other immigration benefits. The bill also makes gang members deportable and inadmissible […]

by · April 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Johnson confirms lapses in background checks led to deferred action for criminals

Johnson confirms lapses in background checks led to deferred action for criminals

From Press Release   At a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing chaired by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson acknowledged that a lapse in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ background check procedures led the agency to erroneously grant deferred deportation to a known gang member […]

by · April 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley questions VA about poor treatment of whistleblowers

Grassley questions VA about poor treatment of whistleblowers

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is pressing the Department of Veterans Affairs for answers on reported widespread mistreatment and punishment of whistleblowers.  Grassley called the reported mistreatment “beyond unacceptable” in a letter to the agency secretary and inspector general. “Improvement of veteran health care is dependent, […]

by · April 29, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks about need for more oversight of DHS

Grassley speaks about need for more oversight of DHS

By The Iowa Statesman   The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing today on the need for oversight of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In his opening remarks, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the committee, said congressional oversight of the Executive Branch is a “critical function […]

by · April 28, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
GOP Conservative Steering Committee to file pro-marriage amicus brief

GOP Conservative Steering Committee to file pro-marriage amicus brief

By The Iowa Statesman   The Republican Conservative Steering Committee is filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court tomorrow as it hears oral arguments on a case in which they will consider the constitutionality of state gay “marriage” bans. You can add your signature to the brief by […]

by · April 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics