Politics

Grassley reacts to court ruling on executive amnesty

Grassley reacts to court ruling on executive amnesty

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa released the following statement regarding the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling on the Obama administration’s request to begin implementing its deferred action plan.  The court denied the administration’s request. “The separation of powers laid out by the framers of […]

by · May 27, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley urges FTC to look into potentially deceptive online hotel booking practices

Grassley urges FTC to look into potentially deceptive online hotel booking practices

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking the Federal Trade Commission to scrutinize the tactics of disreputable third-party on hotel reservation services. Recent news reports have highlighted possible abuses and the impact they have on consumers.  For example, these services use questionable practices […]

by · May 26, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst to visit Asia with Armed Services Committee members

Ernst to visit Asia with Armed Services Committee members

From Press Release   U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will lead a Senate egation visit to Vietnam and Singapore this week at a critical time for U.S. interests in the Asia-Pacific region. The egation visiting Vietnam, which is marking the 20th anniversary of […]

by · May 26, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young to open three constituent service offices

Young to open three constituent service offices

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. David Young kicks off the formal opening of the three Constituent Service Offices in southwest and central Iowa. “These offices belong to the people of Iowa’s Third Congressional District,” he said. “While they have been open for months, I wanted to formally invite Iowans […]

by · May 26, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley releases weekly video address

Grassley releases weekly video address

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley released his weekly video address today in which he honors America’s veterans. He spe about his recent visit with World War II veterans who participated in the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, and also about the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. […]

by · May 25, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad signs four bills into law

Branstad signs four bills into law

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following four bills into law: • House File 504: an act relating to insurance, including electronic ivery and posting of insurance notices and documents and to certain duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of insurance producers. • House File 626: an […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley, Leahy ask for costs incurred in FOIA litigation

Grassley, Leahy ask for costs incurred in FOIA litigation

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy of Vermont are calling for a detailed accounting of the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on lawsuits that stem from information wrongly withheld under the Freedom of Information Act.  The Senators requested the […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad orders flags to fly at half-staff Tuesday in honor of fallen officer

Branstad orders flags to fly at half-staff Tuesday in honor of fallen officer

From Press Release   Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in honor of Omaha, Neb., Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, 29, who was a Walnut, Iowa, native and resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Orozco […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

Paul to make eastern Iowa swing next week

From Press Release   On Thursday, May 28, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) will bring his message of liberty and individual freedom to eastern Iowa. He will hold meet-and-greets in Clinton, Davenport, and Muscatine. Event details can be found below. TIME:                      […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Grassley makes floor statement regarding TPA

Grassley makes floor statement regarding TPA

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to to the floor of the Senate Thursday to out Trade Promotion Authority’s benefits to Iowans. In the speech, he said those who didn’t believe free trade was beneficial to our nation’s future prosperity was “in denial.” The following is […]

by · May 22, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Bird exhibitions prohibited due to HPAI outbreak

Bird exhibitions prohibited due to HPAI outbreak

From Press Release   The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today announced an order to cancel all live bird exhibitions at county fairs, the Iowa State Fair, and other gatherings of birds due to avian influenza. The Department’s order begins immediately, is effective through the end of 2015, […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Blum discusses bill to ban first-class travel

Blum discusses bill to ban first-class travel

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) has appeared with Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL 2) to discuss their proposed ban on congressional first-class travel with KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids. Scroll down to watch video of the entire discussion.  

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley has questions for DHS regarding camp counselor charged with child molestation

Grassley has questions for DHS regarding camp counselor charged with child molestation

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking how much the Department of Homeland Security knew about a camp counselor who allegedly was granted deferred deportation action under the President’s immigration executive order, and who is now charged with four felonies, including child molestation […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad, Reynolds respond to death of Iowa native

Branstad, Reynolds respond to death of Iowa native

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released the following statements on the death of Omaha, Neb., Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, 29, who was a Walnut, Iowa, native and resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Orozco was killed in the of duty yesterday, […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad to sign bill Friday

Branstad to sign bill Friday

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today announced that he will sign Senate File 501 at 9:45 a.m. Friday in the Governor’s Formal Office at the State Capitol. SF 501 is an act relating to interstate student tuition reciprocity agreements involving certain postsecondary educational institutions, creating a tuition […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Ernst introduces bill To modernize former presidential allowances

Ernst introduces bill To modernize former presidential allowances

From Press Release   Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2015, legislation to reform the system for providing former U.S. presidents certain benefits and perks.  Original co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL). This is the companion […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
‘Christmas tree’ bill likely headed to conference

‘Christmas tree’ bill likely headed to conference

By The Iowa Statesman   The standing appropriations bill — often referred to as “the standings bill,” or sometimes jingly as “the Christmas tree bill” (for all of the “goodies” lobbyists will find in it) — is usually the last piece of legislation tackled before the end of the legislative […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee to skip Straw Poll

From Press Release   In an op-ed published today, 2016 presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced his decision to forego the Iowa Straw Poll and invest his resources into running a well-funded and well-organized campaign for the Iowa caucuses. “It’s clear that pitting conservative candidates with limited […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley presses for scrutiny of payments to Medicare Advantage plans

Grassley presses for scrutiny of payments to Medicare Advantage plans

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing the Justice Department and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to describe any action they are taking to prevent fraud in federal payments to Medicare Advantage plans.  Grassley’s action comes amid findings that the federal government has overpaid the plans […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young’s legislation shuts down amnesty tax bonus loophole

Young’s legislation shuts down amnesty tax bonus loophole

From Press Release   Last Friday, U.S. Congressman David Young introduced legislation that would respect the rule of law and hardworking taxpayers by protecting the earned income tax credit (EITC) from exploitation from a tax bonus loophole created by President Obama’s recent executive amnesty actions. “The earned income tax credit […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
House adopts its own fireworks bill

House adopts its own fireworks bill

By The Iowa Statesman   The Iowa House of Representatives passed, largely along party s, a bill that would make consumer fireworks legal in Iowa for the first time in 85 years late Wednesday evening. House File 614 now goes to the Senate for consideration, but to get an up […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Branstad appoints new director of Iowa Civil Rights Commission

Branstad appoints new director of Iowa Civil Rights Commission

From Press Release   Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he has appointed Kristin Johnson as the executive director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. Johnson replaces former executive director Beth Townsend who is now the director of Iowa Workforce Development. Don Grove had been serving as acting […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Leahy, Grassley introduce legislation to encourage humanitarian work

Leahy, Grassley introduce legislation to encourage humanitarian work

From Press Release   Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) on Wednesday introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage and reward the use of patented technology to address humanitarian needs.  The bipartisan introduction comes as the Judiciary Committee is poised to consider broader legislation to improve the patent system and […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses rape kit backlog

Grassley discusses rape kit backlog

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to part Wednesday in a Judiciary Committee hearing titled, “Taking Sexual Assault Seriously:  The Rape Kit Backlog and Human Rights.” The following are his prepared remarks at the onset of the hearing. •  •  • Today, the Judiciary Committee will hear […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Young turns up heat on senior immigration official

Young turns up heat on senior immigration official

From Press Release   In mid-April Iowa Congressman David Young had a memorable exchange with Assistant Secretary Sarah Saldaña, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), when she was before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. At that congressional hearing, Congressman Young brought up accounts of ICE officials and Border […]

by · May 21, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
LIVE: Paul filibuster of Patriot Act begins

LIVE: Paul filibuster of Patriot Act begins

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), as promised, is begun filibustering renewal of the Patriot Act. Click here to watch live video of the speech.

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley asking why IRS employees aren’t punished for tax violations

Grassley asking why IRS employees aren’t punished for tax violations

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is asking the IRS commissioner to explain how and why the agency uses discretion to avoid terminating employees for willful violations of tax law. “Willful violation of tax law is a serious offense and the presumption is an employee guilty of the offense […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Trump to host ‘tele-town hall’ tonight

By The Iowa Statesman   According to Donald Trump’s speswoman, Hope Hicks, he will be conducting a second Iowa tele-town hall from 6:05 to 7 p.m. tonight. His first event garnered than 60,000 participants. During the tele-town hall, Trump will take questions from prospective voters and discuss his “Make […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Grassley: biofuels causing food price hikes a myth

Grassley: biofuels causing food price hikes a myth

By The Iowa Statesman   This morning, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to to the Senate floor to respond to an editorial in the Wall Street Journal last week that he said “smears biofuels.” The op-ed was written by the the leaders of the National Chicken Council and the National […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Reynolds to continue Stories of Women’s Lives tour

Reynolds to continue Stories of Women’s Lives tour

From Press Release   Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday that she will continue her “Stories of Women’s Lives” tour through the rest of 2015. Reynolds posted a video to her YouTube account expanding upon the announcement. In March, Reynolds announced her “Stories of Women’s Lives” tour to highlight Iowa […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Blum to host listening events

Blum to host listening events

From Press Release   Congressman Rod Blum will be hosting three constituent “Coffee with your Congressman” events this coming Saturday as part of his 20 County Listening Tour.  These events are designed to give constituents throughout the First District who may not have access to one of our district offices […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Grassley: Audit shows government charge cards used at casinos, strip clubs

Grassley: Audit shows government charge cards used at casinos, strip clubs

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following comment on an audit released Tuesday that shows a number of Pentagon employees used their government charge cards at casinos and strip clubs.  The audit came about because of Grassley’s bill enacted in 2012 requiring federal agencies to beef […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Ernst discusses importance of trade in Iowa

Ernst discusses importance of trade in Iowa

By The Iowa Statesman   Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and small business owners from Ohio, Wisconsin and Kentucky to discuss the need for Trade Promotion Authority and its importance to small businesses and industries across the country. […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley speaks about police use of body cameras

Grassley speaks about police use of body cameras

By The Iowa Statesman   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following statement Tuesday at a Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Body Cameras: Can Technology Increase Protection for Law Enforcement Officers and the Public?” The hearing was conducted by the Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism. •  •  • Mr. Chairman, thank […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Victims of Trafficking Act heads to president for signature

Victims of Trafficking Act heads to president for signature

From Press Release   Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley made the following comment after the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act passed the House of Representatives.  The Senate cleared the bill on April 22, by a vote of 99 to 0.  As Chairman, Grassley shepherded the bill through the […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley discusses how to safely reduce reliance on foster care group homes

Grassley discusses how to safely reduce reliance on foster care group homes

From Press Release   Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley made the following statement at the opening of a hearing titled “No Place to Grow Up: How to Safely Reduce Reliance on Foster Care Group Homes” held before the Senate Finance Committee. •  •  • Today, the Senate Finance Committee will […]

by · May 20, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
LIVE VIDEO: Ernst discusses trade with McConnell, Warner

LIVE VIDEO: Ernst discusses trade with McConnell, Warner

From The Iowa Statesman   At 1o a.m. Iowa time, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will take part in a press conference with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) during which they will be discussing trade, the importance of exports to American small businesses, and […]

by · May 19, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum offers ban on taxpayer-funded first-class flights

Blum offers ban on taxpayer-funded first-class flights

From Press Release   Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA), along with Reps. Gwen Graham (D-FL), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) offered an amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act which would prohibit funds from being used to pay for first class travel for Members of the House of Representatives. Rep. Blum will […]

by · May 18, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Administrative rules website launched to make process more open, accessible

Administrative rules website launched to make process more open, accessible

By The Iowa Statesman   During their weekly press conference this morning, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the launch of a new website aimed at making it easier for citizens to comment on proposed state administrative rules. The purpose of the site, Rules.Iowa.gov, which was […]

by · May 18, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Ernst announces meetings to discuss HPAI outbreak

Ernst announces meetings to discuss HPAI outbreak

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) has announced she will host town meetings in Osceola, Lyon, and Sioux counties Saturday, May 23, to discuss the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N2 outbreak, in addition to other topics. These town meetings are open to the public. 9:30 a.m. Osceola […]

by · May 18, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Branstad signs 10 bills into law

Branstad signs 10 bills into law

From Press Release   Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following ten bills into law: House File 229: an act relating to the regulation of free offers and buying club memberships. House File 630: an act appropriating federal funds made available from federal block grants and other nonstate sources, […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Politics, State
Huckabee announces Iowa tour

Huckabee announces Iowa tour

From Press Release   Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee will launch his “Hope to Higher Ground” tour through Iowa May 18 and 19.  The tour includes stops in Cedar Falls, Marshalltown, Story City and Johnston.  The following are details of his Iowa stops:   Monday, May 18 5:30 p.m.:         Gov. Huckabee ivers […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
Ernst comments on completion of defense authorization markup

Ernst comments on completion of defense authorization markup

From Press Release   U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement after the Senate Armed Services Committee completed markup of the Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill will head to the Senate floor where it awaits further action. “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act prioritizes […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
King explains vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

King explains vote on Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA 4) released the following video statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1191, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015. Scroll down to see the entire video.  

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Blum discusses vote in favor of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Blum discusses vote in favor of Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

From Press Release   This week, U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA 1) joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.  If enacted, this legislation would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks – the time after which babies can feel pain […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Is he in? Santorum plans ‘major announcement’ for May 27

By The Iowa Statesman   Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA), winner of the 2012 Iowa Caucus, has notified national media he plans to make a “major announcement” Wednesday, May 27, near his boyhood home. The announcement fuels speculation that he will announce his intention to again seek the GOP […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
(Prezography photo)

King to join Jindal at Story County GOP breakfast

From Press Release   U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA 4) will be joining potential Republican presidential candidate Governor Bobby Jindal this Saturday, May 16 in Ames, Iowa for a special breakfast at 10:00 a.m. with the Story County GOP at the Oakwood Road Church located at 2400 Oakwood Road in […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · Local, Politics
(Prezography photo)

Huckabee makes ‘Pledge to People’

From Press Release Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee today announced he has signed a “Pledge to the People,” and will not sign any other pledges during his campaign for president. “Today I signed a ‘Pledge to the People,’ to defend our Constitution and founding principles, and not […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley in new effort to fight synthetic drugs

Grassley in new effort to fight synthetic drugs

From Press Release   U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) joined a group of senators who have reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help fight synthetic drugs. The Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances Act would make it easier to prosecute the sale and distribution of new synthetic drugs that are “analogues” […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics
Grassley presses HHS on recommendations

Grassley presses HHS on recommendations

From Press Release   Sen. Chuck Grassley is pressing the Department of Health and Human Services to implement recommendations that would save taxpayer money and stop problems including Medicare payments to prisoners and safety risks to children in Head Start programs. “Agency watchdogs spend a lot of time and effort […]

by · May 15, 2015 · Comments are Disabled · National, Politics