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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend,
I hope you had a good week. I wanted to be sure you saw a few updates on the work I’ve been doing for Iowans.
Fighting to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
At nearly every town hall or other stop I make on my 99 County Tour, and even in discussions around the kitchen table with my family members who depend on life-saving medications, Iowans from every corner of the state have made it clear that they want to see Congress address the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. This issue is a top priority for me and it’s why I’ve been working across the aisle on a number of proposals. While we’ve made some progress, there’s more work to do.
I’m encouraging Congress to come together on a solution to address this issue. This is too important to my fellow Iowans, so that’s why I’m supporting two more Senate proposals: one put forward by my fellow Iowan Senator Chuck Grassley, and another by Senator Mike Crapo from Idaho.
In a column in The Gazette, I outlined the work I’m doing to lower prescription drug costs for the hardworking people of this country. Bottom line: Congress must act to lower prescription drug costs, and I’m working hard to find a solution that can get across the finish line and be signed into law.
Calling for Prompt Biodiesel Tax Credit Processing
I’ve been a relentless advocate for Iowa’s biofuels producers, and I worked hard with Senator Grassley to include the biodiesel tax credit in the year-end funding package last year. Now, Chuck and I are calling on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to promptly process 2018-2019 biodiesel tax credit claims.
In a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig, we wrote: “With our strong support, Congress took action and renewed the tax incentive for five years in order to support this important industry and provide a positive market signal. Timely payment of claims for 2018 and 2019 is necessary for the recovery of the entire biodiesel industry, including producers, blenders and farmers.”
The Iowa Biodiesel Board, other Iowa farmers and producers, and the National Biodiesel Board applauded our strong support for the biodiesel community.
Demanding Answers: How did an al-Qaeda leader become a US Citizen?
How does a suspected al Qaeda leader wanted for murdering two Iraqi police officers become a U.S. citizen? That’s a great question. Senator Grassley and I are seeking answers on how Ali Yousif Ahmed Al-Nouri was admitted as a refugee in 2008 and ultimately obtained full U.S. citizenship.
In a letter to the State Department, FBI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, we requested a full briefing to better understand the circumstances surrounding Ahmed Al-Nouri. In addition, Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and I have asked the Department of Homeland Security for answers on this same issue. We need answers.
Townhall covered our efforts.
For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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