Treasury Department Responds to Grassley's Request on Health Flexible Spending Accounts
Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, last August asked the Treasury Department to improve the use-it-or-lose-it rule for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). He made the following comment today on the Treasury Department’s response.
"I’m glad the...
Word On: Tax Preparers
Q: What should taxpayers consider when searching for outside assistance with their income tax returns?
A: First, all taxpayers need to understand they ultimately are responsible and accountable for every line of information provided on their returns, even if a professional was hired to help prepare their tax forms. That's why...
Improving a Tool for Historic Preservation
by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
Protecting the architectural heritage handed down to us in our hometown communities gives our generation the obligation and opportunity to preserve history for our children and grandchildren.
Whether renovating and restoring Main Street or preserving the charm of a...
Word On: Playing by the Rules
Q: What is the Congressional Accountability Act?
A: This landmark 10-year-old law applies a dozen federal civil rights, labor, and workplace safety laws to the U.S. Congress and legislative branch of the federal government. Prior to the adoption of this bill in 1995, lawmakers were making the rules for the rest of the...
Kaiser Survey on Retiree Health Coverage
Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, today issued the following comment upon the release of the Kaiser Family Foundation/Hewitt Associates survey on retiree health coverage offered by employers.
"Employers offer a valuable source of prescription drug coverage for many of our nation’s...
Announcement of Health and Human Services Secretary Nominee
Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, today made the following comment on President Bush’s announcement that he will nominate Environmental Protection Agency chief Michael Leavitt to be secretary of Health and Human Services. The Finance Committee has primary jurisdiction over...
Medicare Improper Payments in Fiscal Year 2004
Today the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported a Medicare payment error rate for Fiscal Year 2004 of 9.3 percent, representing $19.9 billion in improper payments to providers. Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, made the following comment on today’s...
Historic Make-Over for Spy Community
By U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
They say history repeats itself. Looking back, many will argue a breakdown in intelligence left America unprepared for an attack 63 years ago in Hawaii.
And 60 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, America tragically added another date "which will live in infamy" in our...
‘Tis the Season
by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
Along with all the festive holiday preparations that come at the end of the year, taxpayers take stock of their annual earnings, investments, charitable contributions, depreciations and other financial transactions as they pertain to their 2004 federal tax returns.
Some taxpayers may rank...
Word On: Drive Safely
Q: What is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month?
A: Since 1981, each President has designated December to help raise awareness about the risks of drunk and drugged driving. It is appropriate during a month-long season of holiday gatherings and festive occasions to remind folks about the dangers of driving...
Grassley Conmments on President's Nominee to be Next Secretary of Agriculture
Senator Chuck Grassley, of Iowa, today made the following comment after President Bush announced that Governor Mike Johanns will be his nominee to be the next Secretary of Agriculture. Johanns called Grassley earlier this morning to talk about the nomination.
"Mike Johanns will...
Grassley, Baucus Preview New Car Donation Rules
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Committee on Finance, and Sen. Max Baucus, ranking member, today said taxpayers and charities can look forward to an easier process for determining the value of donated cars for tax deductions.
"Whether it’s the holiday season or not, Americans are generous...
Grassley: New Report Confirms Value of Medicare Cancer Treatment Changes
Today the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report regarding the adequacy of Medicare payments for chemotherapy-related drugs and chemotherapy administration services in 2004 and 2005. The report confirms that oncologists will see a net increase in revenues in 2004 and...
Town and Country Partnership
By U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
At the end of the year, most folks find their calendars filling up quickly. Iowans will travel near and far to spend time with friends and family over the holidays.
Most get-togethers find us gathering together over a holiday meal. We look forward to long-held traditions and a...
Word On: Tax Refunds
Q: Why does the IRS have $73 million in undelivered tax refunds?
A: The federal tax collecting agency announced in November it needs to find some 87,485 taxpayers, including more than 400 Iowans, whose 2003 tax refunds have not yet been delivered. Undeliverable refunds returned to the IRS average $836 per check. More than...
FISA Court Ruling
Sen. Chuck Grassley today issued the following statement after the special intelligence appeals court lifted restrictions placed on the sharing of information between law enforcement and intelligence officials. Grassley is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has been actively involved in the monitoring of the Department...
Word On: Meth Watch
Q: What is the new "Meth Watch" program?
A: Deploying a community-wide effort to curb the trafficking, production and use of methamphetamine is a necessary approach to have long-term success. For a decade now, Iowa has fought the devastating aftermath wrought by the illegal drug in our places of employment, schools, homes and...
Fix the Fumbling at the FDA
By U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley
With a fine-toothed comb, I make it my business to rummage through the federal bureaucracy. As a U.S. Senator, I take seriously my oath of office. That includes upholding Congress' constitutional oversight responsibilities. Our system of checks and balances helps clear out cobwebs that weave...
Alberto Gonzales Nominated by President Bush to be Next Attorney General
M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Reporters and Editors
RE: Alberto Gonzales Nominated by President Bush to be next Attorney General
DA: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2004
"Alberto Gonzales has been an able counselor and trusted advisor to the President. The Department of Justice has its work cut...
Grassley Praises Creation of "Meth Watch" Program
Program will Help Retailers in Iowa Identify Meth Precursors
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley, Chairman on the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, praised the Iowa "Meth Watch" program that was kicked off in Norwalk today. The program will provide tool kits to retailers in Iowa that sell any...
