Grassley Direct

I spoke with Brian Fancher of KLMJ Radio in Hampton and Nick Johansen of the Red Oak Express about the Senate health care plan, the escalating crises in Syria and North Korea, infrastructure legislation, the congressional baseball practice shooting, trade with Mexico and the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election.

Q&A: Free Speech 101

Q. Why did you conduct a hearing to examine free speech on college campuses?
Q. What is your takeaway from the Judiciary Committee hearing?

Quick Links

Due to the way Obamacare is designed, Iowans face tremendous uncertainty and anxiety about having access to a health insurance plan in 2018. The Senate bill discussion draft is available for everyone to review. I’m studying it and looking at the ways it would help Iowans affected by Obamacare’s failures. I’m glad this process is moving forward, given the problems that continue to get worse with the current law.

A report from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction indicated the Pentagon wasted as much as $28 million on camouflage uniforms inappropriate for the Afghan landscape. This incident is embarrassing and an affront to U.S. taxpayers. Those who wasted money on the wrong camouflage uniforms seem to have lost sight of their common sense.

My colleagues and I introduced the Teachers Are Leaders Act, which would create partnerships between colleges and high-need schools to develop and support innovative teacher leader roles. This legislation will support efforts in states like Iowa to provide career advancement opportunities for teachers and improve student achievement by having the most successful teachers coach others.

Improving access to more affordable prescription medications has long been a priority of mine. I was encouraged that the new head of the Food and Drug Administration is also concerned about prescription drug costs. I encouraged him to consider two bipartisan bills I’ve introduced to end anti-competitive practices by drug makers that delay more affordable generic drugs from entering the market.

A lack of transparency in the investigation into Russian interference in our elections and allegations of collusion between the Russians and Trump campaign associates has fueled wild speculation and inaccurate news reports about senior government officials. This has sown distrust and cynicism in our government, which plays right into the Russians' hands as they seek to undermine our democracy. I spoke on the Senate floor about how we need more transparency to get the truth for the American people.

Post of the Week

Speech + Q&A at AEI on criminal justice reform. Qs on Second Chance Act, Bureau of Prisons, drug treatment programs

A photo posted by @senatorchuckgrassley on June 22, 2017