Q: Why do we celebrate President's Day?
A: We celebrate President's Day to honor and remember the achievements of two of our greatest American presidents, President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln. Both presidents had a tremendous influence on the values and traditions of our country.
Q: What's the difference between President's Day and...
Q: Where should Iowans go if they have problems dealing with the federal government?
A: Iowans often come to my offices looking for guidance about how to navigate the federal bureaucracy. Unfortunately, many times it's after unsuccessful attempts they've made on their own to try to solve problems involving a federal government program. Problems range from...
Q: What is the Senate's role in Presidential cabinet nominations?
A: Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution provides that the President's power to appoint individuals to high government office can only be exercised with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate. While I generally defer to the President's prerogative to chose individuals for his cabinet...
As the 111th Congress gaveled to order in early January, lawmakers returned to Washington with a tall order: fix the sluggish economy.
Obviously that ’s easier said than done. The current economic downturn is considered to be the nation ’s worst since the Great Depression. The dismal holiday shopping season underscored shaky consumer confidence as...
Q: Will meth continue to be a threat in 2009?
A: The National Drug Intelligence Center recently released the National Drug Threat Assessment for 2009. The Assessment predicts that homegrown meth production will increase for 2009 to levels not seen since 2007. Any increase in domestic production would be the first since Congress and states enacted tough laws...
Q: How should Iowans choose where to give to charity this holiday season?
A: Iowans have very big hearts. That was shown with the outpouring of resources donated to help victims of the tornado and flooding disasters that hit our state this year. The holiday season is a great time to give to charity and provide both joy and comfort to those in need. As Iowans...
Q: What is the Capitol Visitor Center?
A: The Capitol Visitor Center is a newly opened, free-of- charge, informative place that now serves as the secure and seamless gateway to the United States Capitol. Iowans young and old, whether they have never visited Washington or have been there 100 times, will be delighted to see the newest historical treasure...
Iowans take seriously the privilege to serve as ground zero every four years on the presidential campaign trail. Asking tough questions and expecting thorough answers are the rule, not the exception, in the Hawkeye State.
As Iowa’s senior U.S. Senator, I appreciate the high expectations of my constituents. And, I extend those expectations to Washington, D.C....
Households in Iowa are trimming back spending and finding ways to save money. Triggered by meltdowns on Wall Street, job losses, housing foreclosures and tight credit, the crisis in consumer confidence is putting even more pressure on the U.S. economy.
In the year ahead, the White House and U.S. Congress will shoulder high expectations to get the economy...
Q: What are some tips for an Iowa winter?
A: Winter in Iowa can be pretty harsh for even the most seasoned Iowans. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is reporting that Iowa and other central parts of the United States should have a warmer than normal winter but I’ll still be layered up with a hat, gloves, scarf and a warm winter coat when I...
Q: How does the Senate get its work done?
A: Because of the large number of issues and tremendous amount of information with which the Senate is tasked, the work is divided into 20 committees and many more subcommittees. Most Senators become members of several committees and spend a great deal of time working on issues that pertain to those particular...
Q: What is Veterans Day?
A: Veterans Day is a day to honor the brave men and women who have worn the uniforms of America’s armed services. Veterans Day is held on the 11th of November of each year because in 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was reached between the Allied nations and Germany to end World War I. Veterans...
Q: How does the FDA oversee foreign manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and devices?
A: American companies are increasingly turning to foreign producers for prescription drugs and medical devices. The safety of imported drugs and devices is a growing concern. Earlier this year, a contaminated blood thinner made in China made its way into the U.S. market. A...
Q: What is the Electoral College?
A:Many people don't realize when they cast a vote for President and Vice President that they actually are casting a vote for electors to vote for the President and Vice President. The electors are chosen as directed by each state's legislature, and in most cases are selected by the political parties at their state party...
Q: What is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
A: October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is the 23rd year of promoting breast cancer awareness in October by providing information and promoting the importance of early detection to save lives. Early detection saved my wife Barbara’s life when she was diagnosed with this...
Q: What disaster aid is on the way for Iowa?
A: In an extremely welcome boost to Iowans who have been hurting since the disasters, nearly $23 billion in disaster aid for disasters across the nation has been included in a package of defense, veterans and homeland security appropriations and a continuing funding measure. This is in addition to the $2.65...
Q: Why did you draft the Adoption Assistance and Relative Guardianship Support Act?
A: The reason I wrote the bill is because there are too many kids that are in foster care that need the safety and stability of a permanent loving home. Adoption is a lifeline of support to some of the most vulnerable kids in the country. I think that was shown back in May...
Q: What is National Library Card Sign-Up Month?
A: National Library Card Sign-up Month began in September 1987 in response to a goal set by then Secretary of Education William Bennett of every child having and using a library card. Having a library card and visiting the local library gives access to books, magazines, newspapers, audio and videotapes,...
Q: What is your 99 county tour?
A: I have visited each of Iowa’s 99 counties each year since 1980, when I was first elected to the United States Senate. Every year in every county I hold town hall meetings, tour different kinds of businesses and talk with employees, speak at service clubs, and meet with high school students and teachers. I want to hear from...
Q: What is College Savings Month?
A: College Savings Month is designed to raise awareness and encourage Americans to save for educational expenses. It’s become increasingly important to save for college as increases in college tuition continue to exceed the rate of inflation, public assistance to students and family income. By saving for our children’s...
