|
WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend –
As our nation continues to combat the coronavirus, Iowans in many of our counties have been faced with another challenge: recovering from the devastating derecho.
I’ve heard directly from folks across the state about the impacts of the severe storm. Back in Washington, I’ve been fighting to help secure additional relief for Iowans during these tough times.
Here are some of the highlights from what I’ve been working on this week:
More Derecho Relief
While the administration has helped provide assistance to Iowans impacted by the derecho, we should provide our families, communities, and businesses with more support by getting rid of burdensome taxes and penalties.
That’s why I joined my fellow Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to introduce the bipartisan Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020 to provide relief for Iowans impacted by the derecho.
I’m also calling on the administration to investigate price-gouging and scams targeting those impacted by the storm. These fraudulent actions further aggravate the suffering of Iowans and must stop.
Farmers across Iowa have been devastated by the derecho – and combined with the extreme drought conditions in large portions of Iowa – these folks are in need of more support. That’s why I’m urging the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide Iowa farmers with additional relief and aid so they can begin to rebuild and prepare for next year.
Certainty for Farmers
While our farmers have been recovering from the derecho, they’re also continuing to navigate the challenges created by the pandemic. Following my push, I applauded the USDA for providing additional support to our farmers and for heeding my calls to include Iowa’s turkey producers in this new round of relief.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks on the Senate floor.
This week, I also pushed for Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds to be replenished. These funds support the livestock programs, conservation efforts, and dairy supports that Iowa farmers depend on. For decades, ensuring that the CCC is fully funded has been bipartisan, and this year should be no different.
From speaking with our pork producers, members of our farming community, and biodiesel producers – to promoting the removal of burdensome red tape for farmers – this week was a continuation of my work to fight for Iowa agriculture.
Biofuel Wins
HUGE news from this week: the administration heeded my calls to deny the so-called “gap year” petitions for small refinery exemptions that threaten to undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard. The decision will provide more certainty for our biofuel producers, which is exactly what I’ve been fighting for.
In more good news for Iowa’s ag community, Brazil – our country’s largest export market for ethanol – announced they will allow duty-free imports of U.S. ethanol through the end of the year. Removing these barriers to U.S. ethanol is a good step by the administration toward a long term solution, and something I have been urging them to do.
Finally, for the sixth year in a row, I was honored to receive Growth Energy’s Fueling Growth Award for my tireless efforts to fight for the biofuel industry.
Protecting Our First Responders
We shouldn’t need federal authorities to tell local leaders that it’s a crime to prevent first responders from doing their job – but in the midst of anarchy taking place in streets across the country – it’s something that I’m fighting to address.
I joined an effort to ensure our medical professionals can continue to provide life-saving care to folks in need and hold accountable anyone who blocks someone from receiving essential services and medical attention.
Our first responders are our nation’s heroes, and I’m fighting to make certain that they’re able to do their job safely.
BONUS READ
There’s truly no better way to do my job than to hear from Iowans. For six years in a row, I’ve made it a priority to get out and listen to my fellow Iowans. Every stop, in every county.
Click here or on the image above to read my column.
My 99 County Tour reminds me what a privilege it is to be your senator and to fight day-in and day-out to put Iowa first.
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!
|
