Grassley Direct

On my weekly “Capitol Hill Report,” I spoke with Nikki Thunder of KCHE Radio in Cherokee and Terri Queck-Matzie of Successful Farming about trade negotiations, the benefits of tax reform and social media privacy. 

Q&A: Cancer Research Saves Lives

Q. Why did you join the effort to designate May as National Cancer Research month?
Q. What measures are you focusing on right now specific to cancer research?

Quick Links

In an op-ed I wrote this week for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, I discuss how Iowans are benefiting from tax reform. Media reports have detailed stories of Iowa-based companies investing resources back in their businesses and employees after the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax reform has spurred economic growth and optimism across the country. From big cities to small towns, workers are receiving higher wages and better benefits, and families are once again able to save and invest in their futures. 

It was an honor to help welcome French President Macron to speak before Congress. President Macron spoke about the future of U.S.-French relations based on our historical closeness. The United States and France are fortunate to have centuries of mutual friendship that continue today under President Trump and President Macron.

In a time when we are facing serious international challenges, from Russian meddling, to North Korean saber-rattling, to an increasingly assertive China, it is essential that the President have a qualified Secretary of State who he trusts on the job. I am happy that this week the Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo to fufill this role. Mr. Pompeo unquestionably understands the international challenges we face and will effectively carry out the duties of Secretary of State. 

The Lugar Center at Georgetown University conducted a study to determine how often members of Congress work across party lines. I was glad to see that the Bipartisan Index ranked me as among the most bipartisan senators. Recently, I’ve worked with my colleagues in both parties on legislation to lower prescription drug costs, promote school safety, protect senior citizens from fraud, reform the broken criminal justice system and hold the executive branch accountable. I always do my best to work with my colleagues to find areas where we can reach consensus, even when we disagree on other issues.

As we fight a new wave of drug crimes, we need a more strategic approach to drug sentencing that refocuses law enforcement resources on violent career criminals and drug kingpins. In an op-ed, I discuss how my bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act can help law enforcement officers do their job to keep communities safe while improving fairness in our justice system and saving tax dollars. 

The U.S. Secret Service has unique and unparalleled experience in identifying threats to safety and preventing tragedies, so it makes sense to leverage their skillset to improve school safetyI introduced the bipartisan EAGLES Act to expand Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center to help communities proactively mitigate threats of violence at schools. It’s the latest in a number of bipartisan efforts I’ve introduced or supported to improve school safety.

Post of the Week

This week I participated in the Senate's drug take-back day to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs. National Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 28. 

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