"The President was both reassuring and realistic about the war. I think Iowans appreciate his candor. We need to be resolute in fighting terrorism. This fight will continue a long time after the headlines stop," Grassley said. "In addition to making Americans secure at home, President Bush showed his resolve in building economic security. Like he's said, that means jobs. Every job saved is another piece of the levee holding back the flood of economic disaster."
Grassley said he would continue to work to advance trade promotion authority for the President, noting free trade is key to creating jobs and increasing farm income. Grassley said he would use his position as ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee to advance pension reforms and his tripartisan bill to add a prescription drug benefit to a Medicare program that is strengthened and improved.
"In the Senate, I'm leading the legislative effort to tighten pension protections for working and retired Americans," Grassley said. "This initiative is a priority for me and the President. We're working together to make sure employees don't lose their retirement nest egg when their employer goes under."
Earlier this month, Grassley announced general areas of concern raised by the Enron collapse and said he was working to draft legislation to strengthen pension protections. He has been working with and encouraging the White House, the Departments of Treasury and Labor, and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. to address pension law shortcomings in the wake of Enron.
Grassley said he was glad to hear the President address prescription drug coverage and an improved Medicare program. "The President's clearly committed to helping Medicare beneficiaries afford prescription drugs. I look forward to working with him to advance our mutual interest in helping older Americans meet their prescription drug needs."