Some of my favorite visits with Iowans take place inside the local coffee shops and cafes where conversations turn lively when a matter of public policy hits close to home.
A few years ago older citizens and near retirees voiced significant concern about the lack of prescription drug coverage available to those insured by Medicare.
Prescription drugs have...
Q: Are you pushing to restore the federal deductibility of student loan interest?
A: Most definitely. From my position on the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, I have led the effort for almost 20 years to allow taxpayers to take an above-the-line tax deduction on their federal taxes for the interest paid on their student loans. The incentive helps make...
Americans place their trust in government. As Iowa’s senior U.S. Senator, I work to make sure the federal government earns the public’s trust.
As a U.S. Senator, part of my job includes making laws that govern the country.
Of equal or arguably greater importance, part of my Constitutional responsibility includes oversight authority to help ensure the laws...
Those in favor of resurrecting the federal death tax got their wish when the U.S. Senate failed in June to reach the necessary 60 votes. That was the number of votes necessary to move forward with Republican-led efforts to permanently repeal the federal death tax on the estates of deceased entrepreneurs who toiled a lifetime to build a prosperous family...
Some of my favorite visits with Iowans take place inside the local coffee shops and cafes where conversations turn lively when a matter of public policy hits close to home.
A few years ago older citizens and near retirees voiced significant concern about the lack of prescription drug coverage available to those insured by Medicare.
Prescription drugs have...
Q: What phone tax is the U.S. Treasury disconnecting?
A: The federal government enacted an excise tax on long distance phone calls more than a century ago to help pay for the Spanish American War. The three percent surcharge was considered a luxury tax at the time since only the wealthiest American could afford long distance calls. But 108 years after the...
Q: What phone tax is the U.S. Treasury disconnecting?
A: The federal government enacted an excise tax on long distance phone calls more than a century ago to help pay for the Spanish American War. The three percent surcharge was considered a luxury tax at the time since only the wealthiest American could afford long distance calls. But 108 years after the...
The media’s pet story to report upon these days is the president’s shrinking popularity. According to those who make a living polling Americans, the court of public opinion in recent weeks suggests unease about the direction the country is taking.
With soaring gas prices dipping into weekly budgets, lingering uncertainty about potential terrorist attacks,...
When it takes $3 to buy a gallon of gasoline, it doesn’t take long for Americans to start fuming. High prices at the pump bite consumers more than once, too. That’s because businesses all along the economic chain are paying more for fuel and those costs are eventually passed along to customers.
The experts attribute higher prices to rising world demand,...
Q: Can I still enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit?
A: Yes. The first enrollment period began last November and runs until May 15th. In most circumstances, beneficiaries who enroll after May 15 will have to pay higher premiums. Since January 1, millions of Americans have joined the program to take advantage of significant savings on their...
Soon the federal tax-filing deadline will come and go. On its heels, Iowa taxpayers will reach another milestone in the tax calendar year: tax freedom day.
According to an annual report issued by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, Iowa taxpayers will work on average until April 18 to fulfill all local, state and federal tax obligations. That makes Iowans fall...
Q: What advice do you have for last-minute tax filers?
A: Don’t panic. You obviously are not alone, according to IRS estimates. As of March 24, only 54 percent of the 135 million returns it expects for the 2005 tax year had been filed with the federal tax collection agency. But now it is crunch time for taxpayers who still need to complete and send their tax...
Q: What does a “secret hold” refer to in the U.S. Senate?
A: For nearly a decade, I have worked to end a bit of business-as-usual in the U.S. Senate. A longstanding policy has allowed lawmakers to anonymously place what’s known as a “hold” on a nomination or legislative item under consideration in the U.S. Senate. Once placed, the item essentially is held...
As a father of five grown children, I know the great joy it brings to watch the next generation reach life’s milestones. When my children reached parenthood, I understood the enormous responsibilities they would shoulder to feed, clothe, educate and shelter their children.
My wife and I also understood their long journey ahead. Childrearing takes...
Q: What’s your new proposal to promote fuel efficiency and alternative energy?
A: In keeping with my longstanding advocacy to pump up homegrown, renewable energy, I introduced a bipartisan bill in March that would encourage American businesses to buy fuel efficient, alternative energy vehicles. The driving force behind my bill parallels the president’s...
When Congress recessed in mid-February, I hit the road in Iowa. I come home when Congress is out of session. Holding face-to-face meetings with Iowans puts things in better perspective.
It gives me a first-hand account on what’s uppermost in the minds of Iowa workers, families and retirees. While visiting with Iowans in Hamilton County, I discussed federal...
A couple of big-dollar stories made big news in February. One tells a story of incredible triumph. The other reveals incredible loss.
In the first, a lottery player strikes it rich with a winning ticket purchased in Nebraska. The ticket holder qualifies for the largest-ever Powerball jackpot: a cool $365 million.
Of course, that prize is before taxes....
A trip to the local pharmacy to get a prescription filled is a routine errand for many people. Having a well-stocked medicine cabinet has become part of the American way of life.
That’s because pharmaceuticals have become an integral regimen of modern medicine that helps manage pain, curb life-threatening illnesses, treat diseases and heal what ails us in...
Q: How would you grade the first weeks of enrollment for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit?
A: It’s too early to issue a final mark. I do agree there have been some unacceptable problems since the drug benefit’s launch on January 1. These problems need to be fixed and fixed fast. By all accounts, everyone is working to do just that and good progress...
A great inventor known for his tireless pursuits to contribute to American society once said: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
The mastermind credited with lighting up the world epitomized a strong work ethic. Thomas Edison certainly would have found fundamental flaws with a federal Medicaid policy...