Grassley Direct

In the latest "Grassley Direct," I discuss Bill Northey's nomination to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act and the benefits Iowans are seeing from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Q&A: Transparency is the Right Cure for Wrongdoing

Q. What shapes your views as a champion for transparency in government?
Q. What are a few of your legislative priorities to let the sun shine in on the people’s business?
Q. How would better transparency reduce cost and improve quality in the U.S. health care system?

Quick Links

Senator Ernst and I attended several meetings regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard at the White House with President Trump and others. We are always willing to meet with our colleagues to engage in good faith discussions on any topic. I've made specific policy suggestions that would help biofuels and oil. Renewable sources of energy like biofuels aren't just important to Iowa. They're important to 14 other states in the Midwest, to our environment, the economy and to our national security.

Schools should be refuges for learning, not a setting for violent crime. Events like the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida, require that we come together in a bipartisan manner. The Senate Judiciary Committee, which I chair, will be holding an oversight hearing on March 14 to look into the systems designed to prevent troubled individuals like the Parkland shooter from engaging in violent acts. The systems failed miserably and we must hold the government accountable to prevent tragedies in the future.

My summer internship applications are available on my website. Interning in a congressional office is a good way for college students and new graduates to learn more about the legislative branch of the federal government while gaining valuable experience. Internships in my offices are available to students in many areas of study and I encourage Iowans to apply. 

I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues seeking feedback from the health care industry as we develop legislation to improve price transparency in the health care market and lower costs. Health care costs are too high and now is time to move toward a system that is more open, efficient and accountable to the needs of the modern patient.

Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and I raised concerns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding farm program payments that are made to the estates of deceased farmers. We must be careful stewards of taxpayer money and work to avoid wasteful spending, so we requested more information to clarify USDA's position on payments to estates after the death of a farmer. 

Post of the Week

Unsubscribe