Grassley Keeps in Touch with Iowans

In keeping with his annual pledge he has fulfilled for 20 years, Sen. Chuck Grassley said today that he will visit all of Iowa's 99 Counties in 2001.

"I appreciate that Iowans are always willing to share their concerns or give me their opinions on issues," Grassley said. "I gain a great deal of insight from my visits that I take back with me to Washington. It's really the process of representative government in action."

Grassley's role as incoming chairman of the Senate Finance Committee will give him a top seat at the table when issues important to Iowans are discussed on Capitol Hill. The committee oversees major issues such as tax relief, Social Security, international trade, Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition to his seat on the Finance Committee, Grassley will continue to serve on the Senate Agriculture, Judiciary and Budget Committees.

"Washington can use more of the common-sense advice that I get from Iowans during my county visits," Grassley said. "It's a good reality-check for me, too. I feel like I'm better prepared to fight the Washington nonsense."

Following is a list of Grassley's scheduled visits on Friday, Jan. 12 and Monday, Jan. 15.