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Pence calls for continued support for Ukraine
Former Vice President Mike Pence said Saturday in Des Moines that America should continue its support of Ukraine, despite growing reluctance from some members of the GOP. “I must tell you the war in Ukraine is not a territorial dispute. It is a Russian invasion,” Pence said. “And I believe the United States of America […]
Pence, in Iowa, characterizes potential Trump prosecution as ‘politically motivated’
Former Vice President Mike Pence, in Des Moines on Saturday, said “no one is above the law,” but he also characterized a potential indictment against former President Donald Trump as “politically motivated” and “troubling.” “Well, here we go again. Another politically charged prosecution of the former president of the United States,” Pence said. Pence spoke […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa’s Congress members introduce bipartisan transparency legislation during Sunshine Week
Iowa’s legislators marked Sunshine Week, a weeklong celebration of transparency and accountability in government, by introducing bills to enable whistleblowers and shine more light on federal spending and the courts. Legislators also proposed legislation focused on biochar, beagles, biofuels and babies. Sen. Chuck Grassley and Democratic Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren reintroduced a bill that would […]
D.C. Dispatch: Grassley bill on child sex abuse passes Senate
Iowa’s congressional delegation marked a victory this week with the Senate passage of a bipartisan bill on child sex abuse co-sponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley. Meanwhile Iowa Republicans proposed bills addressing technology on the farm and medical devices and pushed back at foreign ownership of the national debt and the means of renewable fuel production. […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa’s delegation introduces student loan legislation
Back in Washington after a week in their districts, members of Iowa’s congressional delegation focused this week on student loans. The Iowa Republicans also worked on issues dealing with first responders, transgender athletes, cattle pricing, parents’ rights, China and more. Sen. Chuck Grassley and Minnesota Democratic Sen. Tina Smith reintroduced a trio of bills in […]
Branstad says bans on Chinese investments must balance security and economic opportunity
Former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad said the Iowa Legislature must walk a “fine line” with bills that would restrict investments by Chinese and Iowa governmental entities. The Iowa House and Senate are moving to ban various forms of investment between the state and the People’s Republic of China. Examples of restrictions include the […]
Iowa House Democrats propose to legalize marijuana
Iowa House Democrats unveiled legislation Tuesday to legalize marijuana, citing competition from neighboring states. “With strong support from Iowans and neighboring states that have already approved, it’s time to legalize marijuana for adult use,” House Minority Whip Rep. Lindsay James of Dubuque said. “The comprehensive bill we are introducing today will keep Iowans safe, stop […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa senators take aim at student loans
College student loans were a target for Iowa’s U.S. senators this week, with Sen. Chuck Grassley working to abolish President Biden’s forgiveness program and joining with Sen. Joni Ernst to highlight interest costs. Meanwhile, Iowa’s U.S. House delegation worked on issues related to ethanol, tax cuts and stock trading. Grassley joined Republican Sens. John Thune […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers highlight immigration and the opioid crisis
Members of Iowa’s congressional delegation worked to spotlight immigration issues this week with a recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, while also addressing ethanol and livestock issues and the fentanyl crisis. Sen. Joni Ernst and Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Randy Feenstra made a trip to the southern border to tour enforcement facilities at San Ysidro […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers continue focus on China, immigration
The discovery of a Chinese surveillance satellite flying over the United States drew alarm from members of the Iowa congressional delegation, who were already moving on anti-China legislation. Rep. Ashley Hinson called the incident a “security failure” by the Biden administration. Add this to the list of national security failures by Biden. The Administration knowingly […]
D.C. Dispatch: Iowa lawmakers focus attention on China, agriculture
Iowa’s congressional delegation focused much of its attention on China and agriculture this week, while Rep. Ashley Hinson helped introduce legislation that that expands Pell Grant eligibility. Meanwhile, Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced multiple bills, including several addressing pharmaceutical costs, foreign lobbying and child sex abuse. Grassley introduced the Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act with Sen. […]
Rita Hart elected to lead Iowa Democrats
Former state senator Rita Hart was elected Saturday as the next chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. “As a teacher, a farmer, a state senator and lieutenant governor and congressional candidate, I’ve seen time and time again how the policies that our leaders implement affect everyday Iowans. My focus is squarely on helping our party […]