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...
Q: What is a congressional “earmark?”
A: The term refers to the widely used, traditional practice lawmakers use to steer tax dollars towards specific projects or programs. The problem is that it’s common for earmarks to circumvent legislative and oversight channels in Congress. I’ve fought hard for Iowa’s fair share when it comes to allocating...
A new year often brings well-intentioned promises to turn a new leaf. Making a resolution to start the year off on the right foot is a ritual shared by many. The same goes for members of Congress.
On the first day of business I put calls for bipartisanship into action. Just as American taxpayers gear up for tax season, I introduced bipartisan legislation...
As a federal lawmaker licensed to steer tax and spending policy through the legislative branch of the federal government, I use my leadership assignments on the tax- and budget-writing committees to keep close tabs on hard-earned tax dollars sent in to the federal treasury.
Although ordinary household budgets pale in comparison to the sheer size of the $2.8...
Q: Why does the federal government impose a tariff on imported ethanol?
A: The import tariff on foreign ethanol sticks to solid principles of U.S. public policy designed to grow America’s energy security, reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and encourage the domestic production of renewable energy. As Iowa’s senior U.S. Senator, I strongly oppose...
Q: What is the Presidential $1 Coin?
A: Many Iowa families have made the U.S. Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® program an enjoyable learning tool for their children and grandchildren. As a life-long public servant, I’m tickled to observe genuine enthusiasm when kids show their parents a state quarter they haven’t yet seen. It offers a built-in civics lesson...
Q: When can Medicare beneficiaries enroll or change prescription drug providers?
A: From Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, Medicare patients may choose to change their current drug-coverage plans. Administrators are encouraging beneficiaries to enroll by Dec. 8 to ensure the smoothest transition when the new plans activate Jan. 1, 2007. Surveys indicate most...
America’s agricultural abundance launched an historic feast of thanksgiving in 1621 between the colonists and Native Americans. Giving thanks for a plentiful harvest foreshadowed America’s berth as breadbasket to the world. Eventually President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in 1863 a national day of thanksgiving to observe bountiful harvests and honor good...
The U.S. Constitution grants the power of the purse to federal lawmakers. Article 1, section 8 says Congress “shall have the power to lay and collect taxes…[to] pay the debts and provide for the Defense and general welfare of the United States.”
The federal budget exceeds $2.7 trillion dollars. That’s an astronomical figure compared to family household...
Q: Is assistance available through the USDA to help rural residents make improvements to their homes?
A: Yes. USDA Rural Development invests roughly $100 million annually to provide rural Iowa families with safe, decent and sanitary housing. This includes low-interest loans and grants available to families with modest means to help them make essential home...
For more than ten years, policymakers engaged in extended debate and compromise to forge a bipartisan consensus that would bring fairness and common sense to the nation’s bankruptcy system.
In the 1990s, despite robust economic times, personal bankruptcy filings soared because debtors – assisted by unscrupulous lawyers – could too easily game the system and...
As the calendar zeroes in on Election Day,Iowavoters soon will cast ballots for local officeholders and state legislators. Iowans also must decide on a candidate to fill the vacancy opening up at Terrace Hill.
At the federal level, voters inIowa’s five congressional districts will decide who will represent them in the U .S. House of Representatives for the...
Q: Why did you invite the EPA Administrator to your farm?
A: As the only working family farmer in the U.S. Senate, I make sure the voice of the American farmer is heard at the policymaking tables in Washington, D.C. After the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a final rule to regulate dust emissions, I turned up the volume to make sure...
Q: “What is Family Day: A day to eat dinner with your children?”
A: Launched by theNationalCenteron Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), this national initiative seeks to motivate parents to develop regular, open lines of communication early on with their children. Hectic family schedules in modernAmericamay seem to make a sit-down family meal...
