Q: What is the Congressional Gold Medal?
A: The U.S. Congress bestows this distinguished award as its highest expression of national appreciation. At least two-thirds of federal lawmakers must sign on to support a nominee before his or her nomination is allowed to advance through committees in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate respectively....
Q: How will the new USDA animal research facility inAmeshelpIowaagriculture?
A:Iowaagriculture has long cultivated a global reputation for producing an abundance of high-quality, affordable food. The opening of a new state-of-the-art animal health center inAmeswill reinforceIowasagricultural leadership tradition to provide wholesome foods for generations to...
Q: What is Summer Sun Safety?
A: Summers inIowaoffer plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the weather. Whether it is a farmer working his field or a family enjoying the State Fair, millions of Iowans will be out in the sun. It is important to get out and enjoy these activities, but it is also important to make sure you are doing so safely. The most...
Something called Potomac Fever hits those who witness the Cherry Blossoms bloom each spring in the nation’s capital. It also signals peak tourism season that will last until a new school year starts in the fall. I always look forward to the steady stream of Iowa families who come to visit
Washington,D.C.
Students especially seem to appreciate when their book...
Q: What should I visit when I come to Washington D.C.?
A: A visit toWashingtonD.C.is a once in a lifetime experience.WashingtonD.C.is our nation’s capital, the seat of our federal government, and home to many cherished memorials and historical relics. Millions of Americans and thousands of Iowans visitWashingtoneach year. Some of the most popular sights...
With summer getting into full swing, Iowans hope to squeeze all of the goodness the season promises. Backyard grilling, festivals, small town centennials, family vacations, ball games, fishing, golf, farmers' markets and the Iowa State Fair are a few of summertime's rites of passage. Of course, keeping the lawn mowed comes with the territory, too.
The...
Q: What is Home Safety Month?
A: Americans often consider their homes a safe haven from other dangers they may face in the world. But accidents within the home result in close to 20,000 deaths and 21 million medical visits each year. The Home Safety Council hoped to draw attention to this serious issue by dedicating the month of June as Home Safety Month....
Q: What is the history behind Flag Day?
A: Americans unofficially began recognizing Flag Day in June of 1877, which marked the 100th anniversary of the adoption of theUnited Statesflag. In 1885, aWisconsinteacher named B.J. Cigrand asked his students to observe Flag Day. In the years to follow, Cigrand traveled the nation, preaching the importance of the...
On a recent weekend in May, a group of Iowans met in Central Iowa to celebrate a family member’s graduation from high school. It didn’t take long for the friends, relatives and neighbors gathered to compare notes on gas prices. When one person was asked what gas was bringing in his neck of the woods, he half-jokingly replied: “Well, three hours ago it was...
Q: What is National Foster Care Month?
A: Beginning with George H.W. Bush in 1989, the President of theUnited Stateshas designated the month of May as National Foster Care Month. Initially, National Foster Care Month offered Americans an opportunity to recognize the selfless contributions of foster care parents. National Foster Care Month still serves as...
Blessed with abundant natural resources, Iowa's rich agricultural landscape has helped anchor the state's economy and feed the world's growing population for generations.
Responsible environmental stewardship and a sterling work ethic practiced by generations of family farmers have helped earn Iowa-grown farm commodities a solid reputation for wholesome...
Q: What is the history behind Memorial Day?
A: The roots of Memorial Day date back to the years just after the Civil War. Following the Civil War, a group of Union Veterans known as the Grand Army of the Republic annually honored the fallen Union soldiers. Many of the veterans within the Grand Army of the Republic were also federal employees. Rather than...
Q: What is the Water Resource Development Act?
A: The Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) authorizes and reauthorizes projects undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers. Traditionally, Congress has passed a new WRDA bill every two years but right now, a Water Resources Development Act hasn’t passed since 2000. WRDA’s purpose is threefold. The bill approves...
The resolve of native Iowan Zach Johnson helped the 31-year-old Drake University alumnus secure a berth among an elite group of champions. A hard-won victory secured on Easter Sunday at the Masters revealed deep-seated Midwestern values. Zach Johnson credited hard work, tenacity and perseverance for his surprise upset over the likes of Tiger Woods and Retief...
Q: What is Older Americans Month?
A: Since 1963, the President has designated the month of May as Older Americans Month, to recognize the many contributions that older Americans make. The 60-plus group has changed significantly during the 44-year history of Older Americans Month. Today’s seniors are shattering the stereotypes of previous generations and...
Q: What is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week?
A: The Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Justice has recognized National Crime Victims’ Rights Week every April since 1981. This year it’s April 23-27, and the theme is Victims’ Rights: Every Victim, Every Time. Previous themes have been Strength in Unity, and Victims’ Rights: American Values....
Within a few days after the ratification of the 19th amendment in 1920, my mother exercised her right to vote, becoming one of the first four women inIowato visit the ballot box. Looking back now nearly 87 years later, my mother's civic-mindedness arguably secures her a spot in history.
Growing up on anIowafarm during the Great Depression and World War II...
Q: What is the telephone tax refund?
A: The federal government installed a “luxury tax” at the turn of the last century to apply to the wealthiest Americans who could afford long-distance telephone service. The federal excise tax on long-distance phone calls was enacted to help pay for the Spanish American War. It’s been nearly 109 years since Teddy...
Many people most likely know a fellow Iowan who finds great satisfaction in tracking down the cheapest fuel for sale when it comes time to fill up the gas tank. Saving pennies on the gallon keeps more money in your pocket and somehow yields a psychological boost to those of us bargain hunters behind the wheel.
During the congressional recess in February, I...
Q: Why does Daylight Saving Time start on March 11 this year?
A: During debate on the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Congress expanded incentives for renewable, home-grown energy and traditional, domestic energy supplies to lessenU.S.dependence on foreign oil and strengthen national economic, environmental and security interests. To bolster energy efficiency and...
