Word On: Credit Reports
Q: What is the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act?
A: The new law empowers consumers with useful tools to help thwart identity theft, a fast-growing crime that struck seven million Americans in 2003. Beginning on March 1, Iowans will have the right to obtain for free their credit reports every year from each of the...
On the Road Again
By U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
In January I’ll begin my 25th annual road trip across Iowa. Since Iowans first elected me in 1980 to the U.S. Senate, I’ve pledged to stay in touch. Nearly every weekend and during breaks in the congressional calendar, I’m home in Iowa listening to Iowans.
At the start of every calendar...
Celebrate Self-Government
by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley
The 55th presidential inauguration celebrated American democracy and saluted those who serve selflessly to preserve our system of self-government.
For well over 200 years the United States has served as a beacon of hope, freedom and opportunity to generations of Americans. As the 43rd...
Baucus, Grassley, Thomas, and Rangel Announce Legislative Intent for Implementation of Tsunami Tax Relief
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today, leadership of Congress’ tax writing panels issued the following legislative intent governing the implementation of H.R. 241, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Relief Act. The measure passed the Senate and House on Thursday and was...
$20 Billion and Counting
by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, of Iowa
A familiar marketing tool touting the number of hamburgers served by a fast food chain came to mind recently when the federal government issued its annual performance survey for Medicare.
It’s obviously the restaurant’s strategy to remind Americans about the popularity of its...
Word On: Tsunami Aid
Q: What do taxpayers need to know about their charitable contributions donated for tsunami disaster relief in Southeast Asia?
A: The devastating damages inflicted by the powerful tsunami in the Indian Ocean basin by all accounts reach epic proportions. Claiming more than 155,000 lives, creating tens of thousands of orphans and...
Grassley to Begin 25th Annual Tour to Iowa's 99 Counties
Iowa Senator to Visit Nine Counties Next Week
WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley announced today that he will begin his annual visit to each of Iowa's 99 counties with meetings in nine counties on Jan. 10 and 11. This is the beginning of Grassley's 25th year visiting every Iowa county.
Grassley will be...
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...
