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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend –
As we approach the end of the year, there are a number of important initiatives Congress needs to get done – from passing the annual defense bill to providing additional COVID relief to the American people.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
The National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 includes some really important priorities of mine, like making sure our female servicemembers have proper-fitting equipment and body armor.
I’ve also long been calling for an additional round of COVID relief for Iowans, and I’m continuing to urge my colleagues to come together and provide this critical support to folks across our state and the nation.
Iowans expect Congress to complete our work, and we need to do just that. Here’s a recap of what else I’ve been working on this week:
Welcoming Back Iowa’s Senior Senator
No matter if he’s in his office in Washington D.C., his farm in Iowa, or teleworking because of the virus, Senator Chuck Grassley never stops working for Iowans. I’m so proud to serve Iowans alongside my good friend and partner in the Senate, and it was great to welcome him back this week.
Addressing Vulnerabilities in Our Supply Chain
The United States has become far too dependent on other countries – including the Communist Party of China – for critical medical supplies. That’s why I’ve introduced the Mobilize AMERICA Act to help address these vulnerabilities in our medical supply chain and ensure we are prepared for future public health emergencies.
Specifically, my bill would establish a grant program to allow manufacturers to expand domestic production of drugs, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies that are critical during a public health emergency.
In case you missed it, the Globe Gazette reported on Iowans’ support for my bill, writing, “'As a leading provider of personal protective equipment and medical solutions for medical professionals, workers, and the public – and with 3M Forest City serving as a major distribution center for many of these products – 3M supports efforts to provide robust economic incentives for the manufacturing of healthcare supplies in the United States,’ said John Geraci, 3M Forest City Distribution Center Manager in the release. ‘Accordingly, 3M strongly supports the Mobilize America Act and appreciates Senator Ernst’s development and introduction of this important and timely legislation.'"
In the Senate, I’ll continue fighting to reduce our dependency on foreign countries, like Communist China, and bring our manufacturing back home.
Fighting for Iowa Businesses
Iowa is proudly home to incredible craft distillers, brewers, wineries, cideries, and meaderies. If Congress fails to take legislative action before the end of the year, these folks will face a significant increase in federal excise taxes on January 1, 2021.
That’s why I’m urging Senate leaders to pass the bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act that would make the current excise tax rate for beverage alcohol producers permanent.
Click here or on the image above to read more.
COVID-19 has created significant challenges for these producers, and it’s critical that we pass this important economic lifeline for businesses across Iowa and the country.
BONUS READ
Operation Warp Speed has demonstrated the best of American innovation. We’ve allowed for the private and public sectors to work hand-in-hand and to utilize our nation’s full capabilities – including the brilliant American scientists and researchers who have worked so hard these past few months – to get the job done.
Click here or on the image above to read my column.
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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