Grassley Direct
On my weekly "Capitol Hill Report," I spoke with Tom Williamson of KIIC in Albia and Erin Sommers of the Pocahontas Record Democrat about prescription drug pricing, Constitution Day and rural health care.
Q&A: Watchdog for U.S. Bomb-Sniffing Dogs
Q. Why does the United States train dogs for diplomatic service overseas?
Q. What prompted your oversight inquiry of the canine counterterrorism program?
Quick Links
Through letters, phone calls and at my annual 99 county meetings, Iowans with loved ones in nursing homes have approached me about concerns they’ve had regarding the treatment of their family members. Their concerns have inspired my decades-long work to preserve the dignity of older Americans. In March of this year, the Finance Committee held a hearing on abuse and neglect occurring in America’s nursing homes. Following the hearing, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced a five-part approach to guide its work to ensure safety and quality in America’s nursing homes. The approach will focus on strengthening oversight, enhancing compliance enforcement, increasing transparency, improving quality and putting patients first priorities I have advocated for over the past two decades. Read more in my op-ed here.
Last year, we on the Judiciary Committee conducted an incredibly thorough review of a nominee to the Supreme Court of the United States. We dug into Justice Kavanaugh’s personal and professional life and discussed concerns openly in front of the public. Allegations were raised against the Justice, but none could be corroborated or verified. Fast forward to this past weekend. The New York Times published a book excerpt about Justice Kavanaugh’s younger days that fueled a fresh rumor from someone whose friends claim contacted senators on the committee. This person did not reach out or provide information to the committee’s majority. Apparently, he also did not provide any information to these writers. The sad consequences of this article are a misinformed public, a greater divide in our discourse and a deeper lack of faith in our news media. Watch my speech on the Senate floor here.
This week, I released an informational guide for Iowans to learn more about a historic leadership position of the U.S. Senate. As the longest serving current Republican lawmaker in the U.S. Senate, in January I was sworn in as the 91st Senate President pro tem for the 116th Congress, a constitutional office third in line to the presidency. As only the second Iowan to serve in this constitutional office of the Senate, it’s a great honor to hold this position. This platform gives me another opportunity to elevate dialogue and civic education.
Post of the Week
As president pro tem I signed HR 1200 the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Act of 2019. Now to Pres Trump for signature
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