Grassley Marks Policy, Oversight Accomplishments in 114th Congress
"It's an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of representing Iowans in the
Grassley holds at least one meeting in each of
Outside of these annual county meetings, Grassley also attended or convened a variety of events and forums, including: an anti-human trafficking discussion, a foster youth roundtable, a taxpayer advocacy forum, an avian influenza roundtable with farmers and producers, a tax roundtable discussion with tax professionals and small business owners, a
Chairman Grassley's
The
Highlights of Grassley's legislative and oversight work follow here:
Accountability for sexual assaults. After hearing whistleblower accounts of inadequate procedures to assist victims of abuse at the
Grassley is leading an effort calling on federal agencies to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for employees who contribute to the demand for human trafficking by purchasing sex. He is also continuing to investigate sexual harassment claims from over 15 whistleblowers at the
Earlier this year, Grassley brought national and state anti-human trafficking experts together for an
Grassley joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and survivors of sexual assault urging the
In a resolution authored by Grassley, the
The
Agriculture. Avian flu hit
Grassley introduced the Family Farmer Bankruptcy Clarification Act to reverse a
Grassley and Senator
Grassley introduced legislation to ban packer ownership of livestock after seeing continued consolidation within the livestock industry.
Grassley introduced the Farm Payment Loophole Elimination Act to close the farm subsidy loophole that was intentionally included in the 2014 Farm Bill. The current law allows non-farming family members to receive farm subsidies at the expense of young farmers and the American taxpayers.
Grassley has been conducting oversight of mergers to ensure that increased consolidation does not adversely impact small businesses and rural America. Grassley led a hearing to provide transparency to the many mergers and acquisitions taking place in the agrochemical and seed industries. Grassley also sent a letter to
Grassley also introduced the Security American Food Equity (SAFE) Act to permanently add the
Grassley worked to help clear legislation to end the piecemeal labeling laws in individual states that have the potential to restrict commerce and discourage investments.
Grassley wrote to the
Grassley also wrote to the BOP regarding inspector general reports that indicate contract waste is occurring in private prison facilities because of a failure of BOP personnel to properly oversee costs. In addition, Grassley has performed oversight of private prisons regarding allegations that they and the BOP are not appropriately managing how beds are allocated between private prisons, which are more expensive, and BOP prisons, which are less expensive.
Grassley responded to whistleblower allegations that a
Defense oversight. As a long-time watchdog of
In
Grassley worked with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) to expose wasteful spending in
Grassley and Ernst introduced the bipartisan Arsenal Installation Reutilization Authority Act to reauthorize the leasing authority at
The
Education. A tax package given final approval in
The education bill given final approval in
Grassley authored the Need-based Educational Act, which extends an antitrust exemption that allows certain colleges and universities, like
Grassley helped lead a bipartisan, bicameral group in urging the
Grassley invited the director of the
Energy, including renewables. In
Exports. Grassley was part of a request to the
Grassley began investigating instances of alleged retaliation against
Federal judiciary. The
Grassley authored the Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act, which would establish the
Grassley is working to curb frivolous lawsuits that are clogging up the court system. He's the author of the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, which would impose mandatory sanctions for lawyers who file meritless suits in federal court.
Foster youth, adoption, missing children. As a founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Caucus on
The education bill given final approval in
Grassley led through the
Grassley joined a bipartisan group of colleagues to urge the
Grassley took part in a roundtable discussion on foster care prevention and child welfare with foster youth, parents and services providers in
The
The
Fraud fighting. In addition to his work to protect specific agency whistleblowers who come forward, Grassley launched the
Grassley is the author of reforms to the False Claims Act to encourage whistleblowers to come forward with information involving fraud against the government. Since the reforms were enacted, the government has recouped more than
The
Good government (paid leave,
In
In
Health care. Grassley continued his oversight of healthcare with the
Grassley also introduced the ACE Kids Act; the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act; the Rural Hospital Access Act; the Medicare Residential Care Coordination Act; the HELLPP Act covering podiatrists as physicians in
Grassley pressed the
Grassley introduced an updated version of bipartisan legislation allowing small businesses to resume helping their employees buy individual health insurance. A new version of the Small Business Health Care Relief Act makes improvements to ensure the bill will work as intended. Further, in order to address any cost concerns, the bill imposes a still-generous limit on the amount an employer may provide to their employee to purchase individual insurance or pay for other medical expenses. This limit is set at
Grassley pressed CMS on how much federal money it has given to each state health care exchange, how much money it has identified as misused, what it can do to recover money for unallowable activities, and how much money for unallowable activities it has recovered.
Grassley supported the CURES Act, citing the benefits of finding safe and innovative medical treatments, particularly for those diseases that currently have few options, such as Alzheimer's disease. The legislation also included his measures to help rural "tweener" hospitals and to restore the ability of small businesses to help their employees with health insurance premiums. The Cures Act includes Grassley's bipartisan legislation to strip an Obamacare penalty against small businesses that provided assistance to their employees to help with insurance premiums and health care expenses. Thanks to Grassley's work, the Cures Act does not include provisions to water down his Physician Payments Sunshine Act shedding light on drug and medical device company payments to doctors. Grassley fought the provisions, and bill sponsors removed them to secure his support. The legislation was signed into law by
Grassley introduced the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2016, which would make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter and remove unnecessary and burdensome requirements that would pose barriers for consumers who could benefit from hearing aids. Grassley also applauded a
Grassley is a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation that would help preserve
Following Grassley's bipartisan letter to the
While Zika funding was being debated in the
Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation, the Ensuring Access to General Surgery Act of 2016, that would produce high quality data on where general surgeons are in short supply around the country. The need for general surgeons is especially high in rural or other under-served communities.
Recognizing the tremendous physical, emotional and financial cost of Alzheimer's disease, Grassley co-sponsored the bipartisan Ensuring Useful Research Expenditures is Key for Alzheimer's Act or the EUREKA Act which would offer a financial award for a successful cure. EUREKA was signed into law in the CURES Act.
Grassley, along with Senator
In September, Grassley organized a briefing for the community to discuss issues related to patient wandering, including patients with Alzheimer's and autism. The event was well-attended and held at the
Housing. Grassley continued his oversight of the
The
Under pressure from Grassley, the
Grassley pressed the
Grassley asked the
Illicit drugs, cannabidiol. Grassley was among several senators who successfully urged the
The
Grassley convened a hearing to explore whether the
In addition to the
Grassley sought details on
Grassley and several of his colleagues wrote to Secretary of State
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), a sweeping addiction recovery bill aimed at addressing the nation's growing heroin and opioid addiction epidemic led through the
Immigration. Grassley led the effort on many immigration reform initiatives and has conducted thorough oversight of the executive branch's policies. He has focused attention on making sure Americans are given the first opportunity at high skilled jobs in
Grassley and Ernst introduced Sarah's Law, legislation to honor
Grassley secured
In 2015, the
Grassley fought against sanctuary city policies that allow criminal immigrants to stay in communities because of state or local policies that expressly prohibit law enforcement from working with federal immigration officials. Grassley pressed the
Grassley held a hearing where victims' families shared their stories and called for reforms to improve enforcement of immigration laws and prevent future crimes.
He continues to investigate concerns with the influx and placement of unaccompanied alien children who have traveled from Central and
Grassley raised concerns about the insufficient vetting process to ensure terrorists posing as refugees are not granted access to
Grassley is leading a bipartisan and bicameral effort to implement national security and anti-fraud safeguards in the EB-5 program following concerns of abuse raised by whistleblowers, independent watchdogs and agency leaders. The bill he introduced, the American
Grassley condemned efforts by the
Grassley and
Throughout the 114th
Grassley is seeking the immigration and criminal history of the man who launched an attack on
After repeated calls from Grassley to pressure nations to cooperate with
Grassley called on the
Grassley questioned the Obama administration's oversight of flight schools and their training of foreign nationals. Grassley reiterated concerns after a Jordanian national, who was reportedly in
Inspectors general. Grassley raised concerns about
Grassley introduced legislation to again restate
Grassley released a joint majority staff report between the Judiciary and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees, "Empowering Inspectors General: Supporting the IG Community Could Save Billions for American Taxpayers." The report was a result of information solicited from inspectors general across the federal government. The report identified
Intellectual property. Grassley led through the
At Grassley's request, the
Legislation introduced by Grassley to help ensure that historically significant films and sound recordings are preserved for the benefit of generations of Iowans was signed into law. Several
Grassley, co-chair of the
Even before the
Grassley introduced legislation to combat return theft by perpetrators who steal the identities of innocent Americans. The Tax Return Identity Theft Protection Act of 2016 strengthens penalties for identity thieves, establishes enhanced sentences for crimes against vulnerable and frequently targeted groups, and clarifies the state of mind proof requirement that has created an obstacle to holding some identity thieves accountable.
Jobs and the economy. Abusive patent litigation practices are undermining the patent system that has made
Grassley led a hearing on the need for a balanced budget amendment to help address America's fiscal crisis. At the hearing, Grassley said that balancing the budget will increase private investment and grow the economy, will help consumers by keeping interest rates low, and will reduce interest payments on the debt, freeing up valuable resources for important priorities, rather than wasting them on interest payments.
Several Grassley-supported provisions were included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, which passed the
Grassley and Ernst pressed the
Following Grassley's letter to
Grassley urged the
Law enforcement. Grassley guided through the
Grassley pressed several federal law enforcement agencies on their use of technology that can sweep up cell phone locations of innocent Americans. Following Grassley's inquiries, the
Grassley has made an effort to make sure that allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement are being pursued, including in the case of Iowan
Grassley sought information regarding the death of a
Grassley co-authored legislation with Senator
The
The Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act, which Grassley led out the
Inappropriate hiring practices and the misuse of funds at the
Grassley introduced the Criminal Antitrust Anti-retaliation Act to extend whistleblower protection for employees who provide information to the
The
National security. Grassley's efforts in preventing new attacks on the homeland have focused on balancing the federal government's core responsibility to ensure Americans' security with the fundamental privacy rights guaranteed in the
Grassley's bill to strengthen
Grassley has also been asking questions about the limited number of instances when
Given the increasing role that encryption has had in facilitating terrorism and other crime, Grassley held a hearing in the
Grassley has been dogged in finding more information about the detainees released from Guantanamo By. Grassley joined colleagues in requesting more information about three former
Grassley urged the
Grassley pressed
Grassley asked the
Prescription Drug Costs. Grassley co-authored legislation to help combat rising drug prices for Iowans by deterring brand-name pharmaceutical companies from blocking the ability of generic drug manufacturers to develop more affordable generic alternatives. The Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples Act addresses certain anticompetitive behaviors by giving generic companies an opportunity to obtain relief in a timely fashion rather than through lengthy antitrust litigation.
In a separate effort to address anti-competitive practices among prescription drug makers, Grassley co-authored the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act. The bill would increase drug competition by helping put an end to agreements between brand and generic drug manufacturers to delay entry of lower cost generics in the market.
Grassley asked the top administrator of
Grassley and Senator
Grassley was the lead Republican on a bipartisan investigative report that gives rare insight into how a company prices a landmark prescription drug. In this case, the company,
Grassley asked the manufacturer of the EpiPen, used for emergency treatment for life-threatening allergic reactions, to explain a steep price increase in the product in recent years. Grassley cited concerns expressed to him from Iowans, including a father in
Regulations. In an effort to rein in an overabundance of regulations that stifle innovation and job creation, Grassley is a cosponsor of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, which would require congressional approval before enacting regulatory proposals that carry an annual economic impact of
Grassley is the author of the Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015, which would shine a light on sue-and-settle litigation and help to restore the transparency, public participation and judicial review protections of the rulemaking process.
As Chairman of the
To illustrate the need to rein in regulations and executive overreach, the independent investigative arm of
Led by Grassley, all six members of the
Grassley cosponsored legislation to curb executive power grabs made through agencies' broad interpretation of congressional intent. The Separation of Powers Restoration Act clarifies that the courts, not agencies, have the authority to independently interpret the law.
Second Amendment. Grassley continued his efforts to ensure the Second Amendment rights of all Americans are protected. He requested that the
Grassley continued to work to correct a
In addition, Grassley wrote the
Sunshine. Grassley and Sen.
Since 2013, the Open Payments database created by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act covers 15.71 million published records and
Grassley introduced legislation to require political intelligence firms and political intelligence consultants to register and list their clients as lobbyists are required to do. The Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2016 would apply the requirements of the Lobbying Disclosure Act to political intelligence firms and political intelligence consultants. The firms and individuals would have to register with
Taxes. The 2015 year-end tax package passed by
It extends enhanced Section 179 expensing for equipment purchases, which is popular with farmers and small businesses. This allows farmers and small business owners to deduct the cost, up to a limit, of major equipment and property purchases that contribute to farm and business operations and job creation. The permanence is a major achievement because this provision has been temporary over the last several years.
Included is a bipartisan measure Grassley led to increase the alternative tax liability limitation for small property and casualty insurance companies. These small companies largely serve rural communities, which rely on this adjustment to provide additional surplus and cash flow used to pay customers' insurance claims.
The tax package adopts Grassley-led policy to ensure that those granted deferred action under the President's executive actions on immigration cannot retroactively get the Earned Income Tax Credit based on earnings from work performed illegally in
Grassley and 40 of his
Tax-exempt organizations. Responding to investigative reports, Grassley looked in-depth at the
Grassley asked questions of a tax-exempt hospital in
Grassley began an inquiry into the
Following an investigation into the practice of fetal tissue transfers and the federal laws governing the practice, Grassley referred several
Transparency. As a major champion for transparency and openness in government, Grassley has been investigating whether former Secretary of State
Grassley cosponsored and shepherded the FOIA Improvement Act out of the
Two of Grassley's long-standing initiatives, saving taxpayer money and transparency in government, came together this past year as he requested a GAO study on how much taxpayer money is spent on lawsuits stemming from the government's attempts to withhold information in violation of the Freedom of Information Act.
Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation to shield congressional employees from retaliation when they call attention to fraud, waste or mismanagement. The bill extends whistleblower protections in place at many executive branch agencies to the legislative branch of government.
Veterans. Grassley continued to keep tabs on beefed up accountability measures to help root out employee misconduct and a culture of corruption within the
Grassley set up a veterans fellowship program to help him reach out to
Grassley hired a new Veterans Fellow,
Grassley also hired a new Veterans Fellow,
Grassley, along with Senator
Grassley co-sponsored the Express Appeals Act of 2016, which would establish a new, voluntary five-year pilot program to help reduce the large backlog of appeals made by veterans to the
Grassley co-sponsored the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, introduced in response to the alarming increases in suicide among female veterans detailed in a recent
Grassley asked the inspector general of the
After pressing the
Grassley joined a bipartisan coalition of senators in introducing the American Law Enforcement Heroes Act, legislation that will prioritize the
Grassley asked the
Grassley introduced a bicameral resolution in support of Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans. The resolution expresses the sense of
Grassley signed on as a co-sponsor of a bipartisan bill that would create a pilot program allowing veterans to schedule their own appointments for treatment using the internet. The Faster Care for Veterans Act would test online appointment scheduling for
Grassley hosted a Purple Heart medal ceremony at his
Grassley wrote the
Victims reform. As Chairman of the
Grassley introduced legislation to address the perverse incentives that have nudged enforcement of civil asset forfeiture laws off kilter with basic fairness. These laws are important crime-fighting tools that enable law enforcement to seize cash or property that's considered linked to illicit activity. However, it seems this tool is increasingly being misused as a funding source for the government with thin regard for civil rights.
Grassley is looking at an area of the law to help indigent defendants who are not being provided with counsel as the
Grassley introduced the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2015 to ensure that at-risk youth are fairly and effectively served by juvenile justice grant programs. The bipartisan legislation unanimously cleared the
Grassley co-authored legislation to help states identify and respond to the needs of children who come into contact with both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The Childhood Outcomes Need New Efficient Community Teams (CONNECT) Act would authorize grants to improve cooperation between, and data collection by, the state agencies overseeing juvenile justice and child welfare programs.
Grassley led through the
Grassley shepherded through the
In a major accomplishment, Grassley led a bipartisan coalition of senators to introduce the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015. Grassley steered the bill through the
Grassley supported and led through the
Grassley introduced the State-owned entities Transparency and Accountability Reform (STAR) Act legislation. Consistent with the original purpose of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, the STAR Act would ensure that state-owned companies affecting American companies and consumers as market participants would have to respond to claims brought in American courts, just like any other foreign company that isn't owned by a government.
Under Grassley's leadership, the
Grassley continues to pursue solutions to the problem of social media posts of nursing home residents by nursing home workers. The news outlet ProPublica has documented 44 incidents across the country since 2012 in which nursing home workers posted photos of nursing home residents on social media. Three of the incidents were in
The
Grassley continued working with Sen.
Read this original document at: http://www.grassley.senate.gov/news/news-releases/grassley-marks-policy-oversight-accomplishments-114th-congress
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