Q: How will Iraq’s announcement that it plans to suspend oil sales for 30 days affect summertime gas prices?
A: For those who wonder why the United States needs a long-term energy strategy that focuses on pumping up domestic production and homegrown renewable fuels, the Iraqi dictator once again rears his head to make it crystal clear. Our nation’s...
As Tax Day looms large for millions of Americans, those who skirt their tax obligations and the peddlers who aid and abet this unpatriotic class of tax evaders are forcing honest taxpayers to pick up the slack and shortchanging their home country.
As the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, which holds legislative and oversight responsibilities...
Every Iowan is a stakeholder when it comes to developing a responsible, stable and long-term energy policy. Since September 11, it’s obvious how important it is to enhance our energy independence. Energy security is a top priority. We can’t afford our dangerous reliance on foreign sources of oil with unstable regimes in the Middle East.
Energy shortages in...
Every Iowan is a stakeholder when it comes to developing a responsible, stable and long-term energy policy. Since September 11, it’s obvious how important it is to enhance our energy independence. Energy security is a top priority. We can’t afford our dangerous reliance on foreign sources of oil with unstable regimes in the Middle East.
Energy shortages in...
Fresh documentation compiled by congressional investigators shows physical and sexual abuse victimizing the U.S. nursing home population is not reported promptly to the proper authorities and rarely is prosecuted.
Revolting details of criminal abuse by fellow residents and nursing home employees was uncovered during an 18-month investigation by the General...
Q: Which line on the basic 2001 tax form is causing problems with some filers?
A: The IRS says many early filers have made an error regarding the only new line on the standard federal income tax forms: Line 47 of Form 1040; Line 30 of Form 1040A; or Line 7 of Form 1040EZ. Called the Rate Reduction Credit, the line applies to those taxpayers who did not...
The U.S. Senate passed a five-year farm bill in February, clearing the way for a bicameral conference committee to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of U.S. farm policy.
Some of my colleagues may believe I sound like a broken record when it comes to my advocacy for the nation's mid-section and its hard-working food producers. But...
Although many opt to procrastinate until the last possible moment, the 2002 tax filing season is well underway. As Iowa families, employers and small business owners organize and review their record-keeping from the year before, very few seem to look forward to filing their tax returns. Unless you’re anticipating a healthy tax refund, few taxpayers relish...
Q: What is VITA?
A: Authorized by the Internal Revenue Service, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax preparation services for older, disabled, low-income and non-English speaking persons. IRS trained and certified VITA volunteers have helped prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers unable to afford professional tax assistance for more...
Although many opt to procrastinate until the last possible moment, the 2002 tax filing season is well underway. As Iowa families, employers and small business owners organize and review their record-keeping from the year before, very few seem to look forward to filing their tax returns. Unless you’re anticipating a healthy tax refund, few taxpayers relish...
The president in January spoke with confidence and resolve during his first State of the Union message before Congress. Not known to mince words, President Bush readily acknowledged the United States is at war and struggling to shake an economic recession. But he immediately reassured America that the state of our union has never been stronger.
Even some of...
Q: As taxpayers gear up for another tax season, how is the IRS complying with its congressional mandate for better taxpayer service and accountability?
A: The IRS arguably is an easy target for politicians and taxpayers. But the federal tax collection agency often has itself to blame. Consider the annual report recently issued by the National Taxpayer...
When the nation’s seventh-largest company files the largest business bankruptcy proceedings in U.S. history, shockwaves are bound to reverberate through economic, political, financial and legal circles. But to the shareholders, workers and retirees who invested faithfully in the Enron Corp. stock, such a colossal collapse deals a devastating blow that for...
Q: What is Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)?
A: The Constitution grants Congress the authority to broker trade agreements involving international commerce. The Constitution also grants the President the authority to speak with foreign nations on behalf of the American people. So, the very nature of our Constitution requires a partnership between the executive...
Q: What is Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)?
A: The Constitution grants Congress the authority to broker trade agreements involving international commerce. The Constitution also grants the President the authority to speak with foreign nations on behalf of the American people. So, the very nature of our Constitution requires a partnership between the executive...
As a farmer-lawmaker, it’s always refreshing for me to meet with Iowa farmers in their hometown communities and talk 'shop.' With federal farm policy up for renewal this year, Iowa farmers and the state’s entire economy have a lot at stake with what gets included or excluded in the nation’s farm program.
During the break in the congressional calendar, I used...
Q: What is the National Writing Project?
A: A nonprofit, educational organization based in California, the National Writing Project launched a teacher-to-teacher training initiative in 1974 with the intent of creating a nationwide network of instructors committed to quality writing instruction from kindergarten through college levels. Its mission focuses on...
As a farmer-lawmaker, it’s always refreshing for me to meet with Iowa farmers in their hometown communities and talk 'shop.' With federal farm policy up for renewal this year, Iowa farmers and the state’s entire economy have a lot at stake with what gets included or excluded in the nation’s farm program.
During the break in the congressional calendar, I used...
Iowa public schools have earned a national reputation for educational excellence. Appropriately, Iowa educators, parents and administrators take pride in their hometown schools. And particularly in rural areas, where the public school often defines a community and in some cases helps anchor the local economy, setting and meeting high academic standards has...
Q: What is the Jacob K. Javits program?
A: Congress recognized an important need to encourage and develop challenging learning environments for school children in America who are blessed with unique gifts and extraordinary academic talents. In 1988, Congress enacted the 'Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act' to provide federal financial...
