Q: What is the Congressional Accountability Act?
A: This landmark 10-year-old law applies a dozen federal civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of the federal government. Prior to the adoption of this bill in 1995, lawmakers were making the rules for the rest of the American workplace but weren't required...
Protecting the architectural heritage handed down to us in our hometown communities gives our generation the obligation and opportunity to preserve history for our children and grandchildren.
Whether renovating and restoring Main Street or preserving the charm of a riverfront community, Iowans across the state understand the economic and cultural benefits...
They say history repeats itself. Looking back, many will argue a breakdown in intelligence left America unprepared for an attack 63 years ago in Hawaii.
And 60 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, America tragically added another date 'which will live in infamy' in our nation’s history. The 9/11 terrorist attacks likewise strengthened the American...
Along with all the festive holiday preparations that come at the end of the year, taxpayers take stock of their annual earnings, investments, charitable contributions, depreciations and other financial transactions as they pertain to their 2004 federal tax returns.
Some taxpayers may rank Uncle Sam alongside the likes of Uncle Scrooge. It’s likely more than...
Q: What is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month?
A: Since 1981, each President has designated December to help raise awareness about the risks of drunk and drugged driving. It is appropriate during a month-long season of holiday gatherings and festive occasions to remind folks about the dangers of driving while under the influence. We’ve...
Q: What is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month?
A: Since 1981, each President has designated December to help raise awareness about the risks of drunk and drugged driving. It is appropriate during a month-long season of holiday gatherings and festive occasions to remind folks about the dangers of driving while under the influence. We’ve...
At the end of the year, most folks find their calendars filling up quickly. Iowans will travel near and far to spend time with friends and family over the holidays.
Most get-togethers find us gathering together over a holiday meal. We look forward to long-held traditions and a lot of good food.
As a federal lawmaker from rural America, I work in Washington...
At the end of the year, most folks find their calendars filling up quickly. Iowans will travel near and far to spend time with friends and family over the holidays.
Most get-togethers find us gathering together over a holiday meal. We look forward to long-held traditions and a lot of good food.
As a federal lawmaker from rural America, I work in Washington...
Q: Why does the IRS have $73 million in undelivered tax refunds?
A: The federal tax collecting agency announced in November it needs to find some 87,485 taxpayers, including more than 400 Iowans, whose 2003 tax refunds have not yet been delivered. Undeliverable refunds returned to the IRS average $836 per check. More than $300,000 belongs to Iowans. Checks...
With a fine-toothed comb, I make it my business to rummage through the federal bureaucracy. As a U.S. Senator, I take seriously my oath of office. That includes upholding Congress' constitutional oversight responsibilities. Our system of checks and balances helps clear out cobwebs that weave their way into overlooked corners.
Snooping around federal agencies...
Q: What is the new 'Meth Watch' program?
A: Deploying a community-wide effort to curb the trafficking, production and use of methamphetamine is a necessary approach to have long-term success. For a decade now, Iowa has fought the devastating aftermath wrought by the illegal drug in our places of employment, schools, homes and communities. Using an innovative...
Q: When is Veterans Day?
A: On November 11, the United States will honor the nation’s 25 million living veterans for their courage, sacrifice and love of country. Folks across America are called upon to celebrate the patriotism and sense of duty manifested by our hometown heroes who have selflessly served to protect our country and way of life. What...
A record-turn out on Election Day may reflect that voters learned a lesson from four years ago. That is, every single vote counts. With memories of a razor thin margin of victory in 2000, voters flocked to the polls to make their voices heard.
And George W. Bush earned a second-term. The president’s message to win the war on terror, simplify the tax code and...
The federal safety net designed to help disabled Americans and their families make ends meet while they are unable to work enough to support themselves has flunked a fundamental accountability test.
An audit conducted at my request by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office raises serious concerns about payments being made to folks who return to...
Hardworking taxpayers in Iowa may rest a little easier. Congress passed in October the most sweeping crackdown on corporate tax schemes in a generation. The hard-fought effort to close tax loopholes ought to generate tens of billions of dollars more in federal revenue during the next decade.
The business tax bill also addresses the so-called Euro tax that...
Q: Has the federal incentive for wind energy production been re-approved?
A: Yes. During a visit to Iowa in early October, the president signed into law a tax bill that extends the federal tax break for harnessing wind power to produce electricity. The renewal of the federal tax credit ought to breathe new life into a pipeline of proposed wind energy...
Q: How can workers set aside money tax-free for health care and dependent care expenses?
A: The federal tax code allows workers to take advantage of flexible savings accounts set up through their employer using tax-free earnings. On Jan. 1 each year, eligible workers may divert a designated amount from each paycheck, tax-free, to a savings account that may...
Working families can breathe a sigh of relief. The president visited Iowa in early October to sign into law key tax relief items aimed squarely at lower- and middle-income wage earners. For the fourth time in as many years, Congress continued its efforts to let workers pocket more of their hard-earned paychecks.
The Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004...
Iowa farmers may haul in a bumper crop this year. The USDA has predicted record-level harvests for the nation’s soybean and corn producers. The plentiful bounty reaped each year from the U.S. Grain Belt blankets America with food security, strengthens economic security and stands ready to provide homegrown energy security.
That’s right. America’s breadbasket...
Q: What is the monthly Medicare premium for 2005?
A: For the 463,000 older and disabled Iowans who choose to receive health care coverage through Medicare Part B, the monthly premium for their medical insurance will rise to $78.20. Part B provides coverage for physician services, outpatient hospital care, certain home health services and durable medical...
