with U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyQ: What is the “Dirty Dozen” list released by the IRS?A: Mark Twain often is credited for using a phrase that still resonates with many Americans in the 21st century, especially during this time of the year. He said the only two certainties in life are “death and...
By U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyWhen families need to make decisions about long-term care, many feel overwhelmed and unprepared. In addition to the significant financial burden, a number of factors weigh heavily on their hearts and minds when around-the-clock care in a nursing home is needed for a disabled or elderly family member. A primary...
This week the Senate began debate on legislation that would establish strong anti-trafficking measures that target predators who traffic innocent young people. It’s a debate that is too often shoved under the rug because we’re either embarrassed by the topic or in denial that human trafficking may be happening in our communities....
The controversy over then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of private email as a public figure is inspiring a debate over who conducts public business on private email and what that means for good government and accountability.It’s a debate we as a country need to have. A trend seems to be developing of government officials who use...
If you’re a military veteran in Iowa with recent service or know someone who is, I hope you’ll read this piece.Recognizing the outstanding military service of returning Iowa veterans and the challenges veterans can face after leaving military service, I wanted to offer an opportunity that taps into their civic-minded call to duty and helps...
It seems like whistleblowers face uphill battles in almost all circumstances. Now, a new report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that whistleblowers at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) face even higher hurdles than whistleblowers elsewhere, including limited protections and long delays in addressing retaliation...
This week the impact of human trafficking will be front and center for the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I’m the Chairman. I’ll be chairing a hearing on protecting the victims of human trafficking and the committee will also likely consider legislation to curb human trafficking.The hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary...
Iowa taxpayers are once again in the trenches during tax filing season. Now is a good time to take stock of the confusing pipeline of paperwork and documentation required by the IRS to achieve compliance with the sweeping size and scale of the federal tax code. Many taxpayers say it’s high time to simplify the maze of credits, exemptions, phase-outs...
After complaints and controversy, the IRS just gave some relief to small business owners facing steep fines under the President’s health care law for doing something helpful for their employees. Several Iowa small business owners contacted me in fear of this penalty. Like business owners all over the country, they didn’t know about it...
with U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyQ: What have you learned through your oversight of federal housing programs?A: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with state and local leaders across the country to address homelessness and foster vibrant...
with U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyQ: Why is tax season so vexing for so many taxpayers?A: No doubt many Iowans are in the trenches right now as tax season gets into full swing. Gathering tax forms, receipts and documentation for income, expenses, charitable contributions, itemized deductions and the...
The problems plaguing our broken immigration system are no secret to many Americans, but most people probably have never heard of one particular immigration program that may be a legal gateway into America for foreign criminals, spies and terrorists. The program, known as EB-5, allows foreign investors to purchase visas for a $500,000 or million dollar...
Technology has made it even faster and easier to keep in touch. I recently began using the smartphone app, Instagram, to share photos from my #99countymeetings, constituent visits, and other events. I’m excited to use this new platform to communicate with constituents and if you have a smartphone I hope you will follow me at...
By U.S. Sen. Chuck GrassleyBureaucratic stonewalling erects barriers to the public’s right to know. It also undermines our system of checks and balances and weakens the public’s trust in our institutions of government.Let’s remember the genesis of our republic. The government works for the people, not the other way around. Foot-dragging...
Education is the focus of two bipartisan bills I just introduced. One bill makes certain the needs of high ability students are included in federal education policy. Federal education policy tends to overlook high potential students, especially those from underserved communities, including rural areas, or disadvantaged backgrounds. ...
By U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyThe President released a nearly $4 trillion budget proposal to Congress in February that would grow the government. America needs to grow the economy.The President says that now is not the time to “trim his sails” but many Americans are asking for Washington to change course and stop sending federal spending...
Washington, D.C., is an island surrounded by reality. The latest example is new White House proposals on raising taxes. These proposals would cause significant harm to family farmers, a reality the White House should face before going any farther.Through his State of the Union speech, the President said he wants to increase the top tax rate on...
It’s been a busy few days for health care oversight. The health care co-op serving Iowa and Nebraska ran out of money and is on its way to formal liquidation. The state of Iowa is trying to re-assign health care coverage to the thousands of people affected. My role is to try to figure out the federal government’s role in...
By U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyVoters sent Washington a message in November. Lawmakers can make the most of the historic election in the new year by making fresh resolutions for the new Congress. Let’s listen, learn and lead.First, listen. Voters are fed up with business as usual. Partisanship makes average citizens tune out. Second, learn....
With U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyQ: Why did you spearhead passage of the Congressional Accountability Act?A: Lawmakers are elected to represent the people. It seemed to me rather disingenuous that the people’s branch wrote laws that applied to the men and women on Main Street but did not apply to the members of Congress who wrote them. For...
