Grassley to Receive Award in Cedar Falls for Work to Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON?Sen. Chuck Grassley will receive the Guardian of Seniors' Rights award from the 60 Plus Association on Friday, November 20, for his work to create financial stability for seniors through tax reform.

The 60 Plus Association will present Grassley with the award at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.  Following the award presentation, Grassley will meet with Western Home Communities employees and answer questions.

"I'm honored to receive this award.  I've worked in the Senate to advance retirement security, going back to my work as chairman of the Aging Committee, continuing as Finance Committee chairman, where I led the committee's work on enacted provisions that improved qualified retirement accounts.  This included increasing and indexing to inflation the amounts that can be contributed to IRAs and employer defined contribution plans, such 401(k)s, as well as allowing individuals over the age of 50 to make 'catch-up' contributions to increase their retirement income security.  The catch-up provisions were designed to be especially helpful to women, whose time out of the workforce affected their employment-based retirement savings.  Pro-savings and pro-growth tax policy continue to be a high priority for me as a lawmaker. Going forward, the right kind of comprehensive tax reform would increase financial security for everyone by keeping tax rates low and fair and giving certainty to the tax code from year to year, so taxpayers know what to expect and can budget accordingly," Grassley said.  

Sen. Chuck Grassley today made the following comment on President Obama's nomination of Swati Dandekar of Marion, Iowa, as United States Executive Director, Asian Development Bank, with the Rank of Ambassador.  The White House announced the nomination today.

"Swati Dandekar has served Iowa in many ways over a long period of time and demonstrated a gift for building relationships that lead to productive dialogue and initiatives.  I've no doubt she will take on this new responsibility with the same sort of dedication and resourcefulness.  The President has made a good decision in selecting Swati Dandekar to represent the United States in this capacity."

Iowan receives White House nomination for Asian Development Bank

From the White House:

Swati A. Dandekar, Nominee for United States Executive Director, Asian Development Bank, with the Rank of Ambassador

Swati A. Dandekar is a former Iowa state legislator and member of the Iowa Utilities Board.  Ms. Dandekar served on the Iowa Utilities Board from 2011 to 2013.  Prior to joining the Utilities Board, Ms. Dandekar served in the Iowa State Senate from 2009 to 2011 and in the Iowa State House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008.  From 2000 to 2003, she was a member of the Vision Iowa Board of Directors.  Ms. Dandekar also served on the Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Education from 1996 to 2002 and was a member of the Iowa Association of School Boards from 2000 to 2002.  Ms. Dandekar received a B.S. from Nagpur University and a Post-Graduate Diploma from Bombay University.

Setting the Record Straight on Sourcing for State Department Inquiries

Nov. 20, 2015

Democratic staff for the Senate minority leader and Democratic operatives appear to be circulating a false, misleading timeline with reporters suggesting incorrectly that a former staffer for Sen. Chuck Grassley is the "confidential source" for one of many Grassley inquiries into State Department personnel practices.  The former Grassley staffer was not the source.  The source, in fact, was well-known to bipartisan, bicameral staff who met with him jointly, along with Grassley staff.  Redacted emails showing the extent of knowledge of the source's identity and attempts to schedule a joint interview with him are available here.  A comment from Grassley's office in response to comment from staff for the Senate minority leader about "fishy" coincidences regarding the former Grassley staffer follows.

"What's 'fishy' is that the minority leader is engaging in vague implications rather than gathering the facts directly from his colleagues.  Senator Grassley has been seeking answers from the State Department on its use of the Special Government Employee designation since June 2013.   The Special Government Employee designation is an exception to criminal conflict of interest statutes and can be used as a means of avoiding conflict of interest rules that normally apply.  How that specific designation has been used by the department is a matter of public interest, and the laws at issue are within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee.

"Senator Grassley has pressed the State Department for complete responses and added inquiries as new information came to light, such as whether the use of private email interferes with Freedom of Information Act compliance.  FOIA is also in the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction, and the flood of FOIA litigation created by former Secretary Clinton's unusual email arrangement demands the attention of the committee and the State Department's Office of Inspector General.

"The information in Senator Grassley's July 30, 2015, letter was based on a confidential source who is well-known to staff for senior Democrats in the House and the Senate, not from a former Grassley staffer. If the minority leader wants to know where the information came from, there is no need for public speculation.  He merely needs to speak to staff for Ranking Member Leahy or Ranking Member Cummings because their staff members were present for the meeting with the source.  The source's attorney was also present.  The attorney happens to be a former staffer for Senator Feinstein.  So there's no mystery.  Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill know exactly where the initial information came from, and they also know that it was later corroborated by documents provided by the State Department itself.

"Senator Grassley's relationship with the State Department inspector general's office is no different than that of any other inspector general's office.  He respects their independence, supports their work, and appropriately seeks information from them to assist in his oversight of the executive branch.

"Regarding State Department nominees, the Senate recently confirmed 652 State Department nominees, including 20 who had been subject to Grassley holds.  Senator Grassley retains his hold on only three nominees over the State Department's stonewalling of his inquiries since June 2013.  He was forced to escalate his holds to an under secretary nominee over the agency's poor responsiveness.   Senator Grassley has been completely transparent about his holds and the reason for them."

Grassley's Nov. 19 statement on his holds on State Department nominees is available here.  His previous hold statements are available here and here.  Grassley's response to the Senate minority leader's floor speech about his inquiry is available here.

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The blanket of white may be attractive from the inside, but eventually the snow must be moved.  Heavy snowfall is not an invitation to suddenly start a strenuous exercise program.

An estimated 1,200 people in the United States die each year of coronary artery disease during and after major snowfalls.

Moving heavy snow can also place additional stress and strain on backs and joints.

Shoveling can be made even more physically strenuous by cold air, which makes it harder to work and breathe. "People need to recognize that snow shoveling is a strenuous cardiovascular workout and they need to be cautious," said David Dierks, D.O., Genesis emergency department physician.

To prevent injury while clearing show, Dr. Dierks suggests the following tips:

Warm up first -- Be sure your muscles are warm before you start shoveling. Warm up a little by walking, doing a few squats or walking stairs a few times. Cold, tight muscles are more likely to sprain or strain than warm, relaxed muscles.

Warmed up your muscles? Then stretch -- "Once your muscles are warmed up, you'll want to stretch your quadriceps, hamstrings and the muscles in your calves and lower back,'' Dr. Dierks said.

To stretch your quadriceps (the muscle in the front of the thigh), stand on one foot, holding onto something stable and bend the other leg behind you. Bring your heel toward your butt with your hand. Repeat with the other leg.

Secretary Vilsack arrived in Japan today to meet with agricultural counterparts. The United States recently concluded negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) with Japan and 10 other nations. Countries in the Trans-Pacific Partnership currently account for up to 42 percent of all U.S. agricultural exports, totaling $63 billion. Thanks to this agreement and its removal of trade barriers, American agricultural exports to the region are poised to expand even further.

Japan as a Market. Japan is already an important market for U.S. agricultural products. In 2014, Japan ranked as our fifth largest market (behind China, Canada, Mexico and the European Union) accounting for over $13 billion in U.S. agricultural exports. With a population of 127 million, high per capita income, an affinity for U.S. products, and a well-developed marketing infrastructure, Japan is an attractive market for U.S. exporters. The total food and drink market in Japan is valued at over $650 billion.

Reducing tariffs in Japan has been a long-held U.S. trade policy objective, and we have not made progress toward this objective since the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement in 1995. Japan's average tariff on agricultural products is 14 percent. (For comparison, the average U.S. agriculture tariff is 5 percent.) Japan's average hides significant tariff peaks: for many products Japanese tariffs exceed 100 percent and significantly restrict trade.

FTA Negotiations. Japan has concluded free trade agreements (FTAs) with a number of other countries, including key U.S. competitors such as Chile, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia. In addition to the TPP, Japan is in the process of negotiating agreements with the European Union, Canada, and China. In these negotiations, Japan has agreed to tariff reductions on many agricultural products, putting U.S. exporters at a disadvantage. Japan has largely (but not completely) excluded from market opening its most import sensitive products, such as rice, pork, dairy, beef, wheat, and sugar.

TPP. Under the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, most agricultural tariffs in Japan will be eliminated. Tariff phase-outs vary by product: some tariffs will be eliminated immediately when the agreement comes into force, others will be phased out over a period of years. Tariff elimination will put U.S. exports on a level playing field in Japan with respect to Japanese and third-country products and well ahead of non-TPP competitors. The TPP will also significantly improve access opportunities for the most sensitive products in Japan through a mixture of tariff cuts and expansion of access under tariff-rate quotas. President Obama has notified the U.S. Congress of his intention to sign the TPP agreement after the legal text has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by each TPP country. The agreement will be eligible for a Congressional vote, under provisions of Trade Promotion Authority, in 2016.

TPP delivers benefits for all sectors of U.S. agriculture. New opportunities in Japan account for a significant share of these benefits. Opportunities by product group are summarized below.

Beef: Japan is the United States' top export market for beef and beef products, with sales totaling $1.6 billion in 2014. The TPP agreement will dramatically reduce tariffs on U.S. beef. Japan will eliminate duties on 74 percent of its beef and beef product imports within 16 years, with substantial cuts to the remaining tariffs.

Japan will reduce its tariff on fresh, chilled, and frozen beef cuts from the current applied tariff of 38.5 percent - which can be as high as 50 percent under WTO rules - to 9 percent in 16 years. Tariffs on beef offal (including livers and tongue), which are currently as high as 21.3 percent, will be eliminated in six to 16 years, in some cases with an immediate 50-percent cut in the tariff rate. Tariffs on processed beef products (including beef jerky and meat extracts), currently as high as 50 percent, will be eliminated in six to 16 years.

Pork: Japan is the top market for U.S. pork and pork products, with exports totaling $1.9 billion in 2014. For those products subject to Japan's "Gate Price" system, an ad valorem tariff is applied. A variable, specific duty is also charged on imports below a specified threshold, with the intention of bringing the price of Japan's pork imports up to the higher domestic price. Because Japan is highly protective of its pork industry, in previous bilateral trade agreements it has either excluded pork altogether or provided only minor tariff reductions and very small tariff-rate quotas. Under the TPP agreement, Japan will eliminate tariffs on more than 65 percent of its pork and pork product tariff lines within 11 years and on nearly 80 percent of tariff lines within 16 years. For those products on which the tariffs are not eliminated, the associated tariffs will be significantly reduced.

Japan's 20-percent tariff on ground seasoned pork and 10-percent tariff on sausages will be eliminated in six years. Japan's current 4.3-percent tariff on fresh, chilled, and frozen pork cuts will immediately be reduced by 50 percent, with the residual duty eliminated in 10 years. The "Gate Price" system will remain, but Japan will immediately reduce the specific duty on pork cuts from its previous maximum charge of 482 yen per kilogram to 125 yen per kilogram, with a further reduction to 50 yen per kilogram by year 10. This development could open up Japan's lucrative market for less expensive pork cuts to U.S. exporters.

Poultry and Eggs: The United States exported over $120 million of poultry and poultry products to Japan in 2014. Japan's tariffs are currently as high as 21.3 percent, or 48 yen per kilogram, whichever is greater (approximately 24.1 percent ad valorem equivalent). Under the TPP agreement, tariffs on all poultry, eggs, and egg products will be eliminated in six to 13 years.

Japan's 8.5-percent tariff on frozen poultry legs will be eliminated within 11 years. Tariffs on fresh and frozen cuts, as high as 11.9 percent, will be eliminated in six to 11 years. Japan will immediately eliminate the 3 percent tariff on turkey and turkey offal. For egg yolks, the most important category for the United States, tariffs that are as high as 24.1 percent will be eliminated within six years. Japan will immediately eliminate its current 8-percent tariff on egg albumin products, while tariffs on other egg products, as high as 21.3 percent, will be eliminated in 6-13 years. Japan's 21.3-percent tariff on dried eggs, other than yolks, will immediately be cut to 10.6 percent and eliminated in year 13. Japan's 17-percent tariff on fresh, chilled, and frozen eggs will immediately be cut to 13.6 percent and eliminated in year 13.

Dairy: Japan is the sixth-largest market for U.S. dairy exports, with shipments valued at $409 million in 2014. Most dairy imports are subject to high tariffs and WTO TRQs, where in-quota tariffs are as high as 35 percent and out-of-quota tariffs are much higher. With the exception of its recent trade agreement with Australia, Japan has excluded dairy products from its previous bilateral trade agreements. Under the TPP agreement, Japan will create new TRQs and reduce tariffs to significantly expand market access for dairy products.

Under the TPP agreement, many of Japan's cheese tariffs, currently ranging up to 40 percent, will be eliminated in 16 years. This includes tariffs on cream cheese, pizza cheese, powdered and grated cheese (parmesan), cheddar and many other ripened cheeses. All whey tariffs will be eliminated in 21 years or less, resulting in full liberalization of Japan's whey market. Tariffs on whey for food use are as high as 660.7 percent. These tariffs will be eliminated in 21 years. Japan will establish transitional CSQs for U.S. exports of mineral concentrated whey, prepared infant formula, and whey permeate that total a combined 5,000 tons in year one and increase to 9,000 tons by year 11. Japan will immediately eliminate its 8.5-percent tariffs on lactose and lactose syrup and its 2.9-percent tariff on milk albumin that includes whey proteins, which are often used in high-protein supplements. Tariffs on whipped cream, frozen yogurt, and various dairy- and cocoa-containing food preparations, as high as 29.8 percent, will fall to zero in six to 11 years. Tariffs on ice cream, yogurt, blue cheese, and whole milk powder, as high as 35 percent, will be reduced 50 to 90 percent, to duty levels ranging from 3 percent to just under 10 percent. For butter and milk powder, Japan will create two TPP-wide TRQs of 3,188 tons each. Over five years, both of these TRQs will grow to 3,719 tons. For evaporated milk, Japan will establish a 1,500-ton, duty-free TRQ, which will grow to 4,750 tons in six years, and for condensed milk, a duty-free TRQ of 750 tons. Both TRQs will be available to all TPP partners.

Fruit: Japan is the fifth-largest market for U.S. fruits and nuts (including prepared products and juices), with shipments valued at over $1 billion in 2014. Japan's tariff on fruits and nuts are as high as 68 percent. They will be eliminated for all products of interest to the United States.

The 8.5-percent tariff on fresh cherry imports will be cut in half as soon as the agreement enters into force, and then eliminated in six years. The 17-percent tariff for fresh apples will immediately fall by 25 percent and be eliminated in 11 years. The 4.8-percent tariff on fresh pears will be eliminated immediately. The 32-percent tariff on oranges will be eliminated over eight years. Japan's 43-percent tariff on orange juice will be eliminated in 11 years. The 30-percent tariff on grapefruit juice will be eliminated in eight years. The 6-percent tariff on lemon juice and 12-percent tariff on lime juice will be eliminated immediately. The 10-percent tariff on grapefruit will be eliminated in six years. For other fresh fruits, tariffs are as high as 17 percent. They will be immediately eliminated for many products, including grapes, avocados, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, kiwifruit, watermelon, pomegranates, and papaya. Tariffs for the vast majority of other fresh fruit products will be eliminated in 11 years. The 2.4-percent tariff on shelled and in-shell almonds will be eliminated immediately, as will the 10-percent tariff on shelled and in-shell walnuts, and the 4.5-percent tariff on pecans. The tariff on pistachios will be locked in at zero. Tariffs on processed fruit products are currently as high as 21.3 percent. They will be immediately eliminated for many products including grape juice, prune juice, dried cranberries, essential citrus fruit oils, dried plums, raisins, and fruit cocktail. Tariffs on a wide range of other processed fruit products will be eliminated over periods ranging up to 11 years.

Vegetables and pulses: Japan is the second-largest market for U.S. vegetables (including prepared products), with shipments valued at over $680 million in 2014. Japan's tariffs on vegetables and pulses are as high as 1,000-percent out-of-quota. They will be eliminated for all products of interest to the United States.

Tariffs will be eliminated immediately on many products, including fresh/chilled broccoli, frozen sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, fresh celery, fresh asparagus, cabbage, lettuce, chickpeas, garlic, and shallots. The 6-percent tariff on fresh sweet corn will be eliminated in four years. For fresh onions, the 8.5-percent and price-based variable tariffs will be eliminated in six years. Tariffs, currently as high as 17 percent, on vegetable juices and canned and other prepared vegetable products including canned and prepared sweet corn, tomatoes, and pickles will be eliminated immediately. The tariffs on carrot juice, tomato paste, and tomato juice, ranging from 7.2 to 29.8 percent, will be eliminated in six years. The 21.3-percent tariff on tomato ketchup and 17-percent tariff on tomato sauces will be eliminated in 11 years. Japan will immediately eliminate its current 10-percent tariff on adzuki, kidney, white pea, and other beans within its WTO dried leguminous vegetables tariff-rate quota. The 13.6-percent tariff on dried peas, beans, and lentils will be eliminated in 11 years.

Potatoes: Japan is an important market for U.S. potatoes and potato products, which will benefit significantly from the TPP agreement. The United States enjoys a 78 percent share of the Japanese market, with imports totaling more than $400 million in 2014.

Under the TPP agreement, the current 3-percent tariff on seed potatoes and 4.3-percent tariff on fresh/chilled potatoes (other than seed) will be eliminated immediately. The 8.5-percent tariff on frozen whole potatoes will be eliminated in six years. The 20-percent tariff on dehydrated potato flakes, granules, and pellets will be eliminated in six years. The 20-percent duty on flour, meal, and powder will be eliminated in 11 years. Japan's imports of frozen French fries from the United States totaled nearly $201 million in 2014. Under the agreement, Japan will eliminate its 8.5-percent duty in four years. In addition, the 9-percent tariff on "other prepared/preserved frozen potatoes" will be eliminated in six years.

Wheat: Japan is the largest export market for U.S. wheat, valued at $915 million in 2014. Japan currently imports wheat via a state-administered, 5.7 million-ton WTO TRQ. While wheat is imported at a zero tariff, Japan's state-trading entity, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), assesses a "mark-up" of 17 yen per kilogram (equivalent to $150 per ton) that is charged to the buyer (typically a miller) of the state-purchased wheat. Japan's out-of-quota duty for wheat is 55 yen per kilogram (up to 250 percent ad valorem equivalent). This TRQ accounts for 90 percent of Japanese wheat consumption, with the United States enjoying a market share of approximately 60 percent in recent years. Japan excluded wheat from its previous bilateral trade agreements, including with Australia.

Under the TPP agreement, Japan will establish a new 114,000-ton, CSQ for U.S. wheat that grows to 150,000 tons in seven years, an action that will create new export opportunities exclusive to U.S. wheat suppliers. Japan will provide duty-free access for feed wheat outside of the current WTO TRQ mechanism, which will have the secondary effect of creating additional space for duty-free imports of food wheat under the WTO quota. For imports under the WTO quota, Japan will reduce its current 17 yen per kilogram mark-up on imported wheat by 45 percent over nine years, from $150 per ton to approximately $83 per ton. This action is expected to lower the cost of imported wheat for Japan's millers and strengthen the market for imported wheat in the years ahead. For processed wheat products such as biscuits, cookies, crackers, and other bread products, Japan will eliminate the existing tariffs, as high as 26 percent, in six years. For uncooked spaghetti and macaroni, Japan will reduce the existing 30-percent tariff by 60 percent over nine years. Japan will establish a new, duty-free CSQ for processed wheat products imported from the United States, including mixes, doughs, and cake mix, with an initial volume of 10,500 tons that expands to 12,000 in six years. Additionally, the United States and other TPP partners will have access to four new duty-free TRQs for processed wheat products that initially total 27,600 tons and grow to 40,100 tons in six years.

Barley: Japan is the world's third-largest barley importer. Japan's 2014 barley imports totaled $362 million, of which more than $43 million came from the United States. Japan currently maintains a 1.37- million-ton WTO TRQ for barley and processed barley. This includes barley for feed, which is imported duty-free within the TRQ.

Under the TPP agreement, Japan will immediately eliminate its barley for feed tariff of 255 percent. Japan will create a new 25,000-ton, TPP-wide TRQ for barley not for feed that grows to 65,000 tons in nine years. Japan will reduce the mark-up on barley imports under the TRQ by 45 percent in nine years. Japan will also create two additional TPP-wide TRQs for barley flour, groats, pellet, and food preparation products, which will grow to 615 tons. Japan will establish a new CSQ for imports of U.S. unroasted malt, starting at 20,000 and growing to 32,000 tons in six years. Also, a new roasted malt CSQ for the United States will be created that starts at 700 tons and grows to 1,050 tons by year 11.

Corn: Japan is the leading market for U.S. corn exports, with shipments valued at $2.7 billion in 2014. The United States exported nearly $180 million of corn products to Japan in 2014 as well.

Under the TPP agreement, new export opportunities for livestock products, including beef, pork, poultry and dairy will expand demand for corn and other feed ingredients by U.S. livestock producers. Specifically for corn, Japan's zero duty on imports of U.S. corn for feed under its existing WTO TRQ will be maintained. Additionally, Japan will immediately eliminate an existing 3-percent tariff applied to a specific in-quota tariff line for corn other than feed. For starches, Japan will create a new, CSQ for U.S. corn and potato starch, starting at 2,500 tons and growing to 3,250 tons by year six, and a 200-ton inulin CSQ that grows to 250 tons over 11 years. Additionally, Japan will expand its current WTO starch TRQ by 7,500 tons for a number of starches including corn, potato, sago, and cassava.

Rice: In 2014, Japan was the second-largest export market for U.S. rice, valued at almost $240 million. As one of Japan's most sensitive agricultural sectors, domestic rice production is supported by high prices and a strictly controlled market. The Government of Japan controls all imports under an existing WTO TRQ, with imports outside the quota facing a trade prohibitive tariff level. Japan has excluded rice in all of its prior FTAs. The United States consistently accounts for roughly half of Japan's imports under the current 682,000 (milled rice basis) WTO TRQ.

Under the TPP agreement, Japan will establish a new, duty-free CSQ for U.S. rice. The quota will initially be set at 50,000 tons, and will grow to 70,000 in 13 years. Additionally, Japan will make important modifications to its quota administration that are designed to enhance the transparency and the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the new CSQ access for U.S. rice. Japan will immediately eliminate its 12.7-percent tariff on "other animal feeds, containing rice." Japan also announced its intention to re-designate 60,000 tons of medium grain rice currently under its WTO TRQ. This should enhance the ability of the United States to compete for this quantity.

Soybeans: Japan is the fifth-largest market for U.S. soybean exports, with shipments valued at $1 billion in 2014. Japan's WTO commitments provide duty-free treatment for soybeans and soybean oilcake imports, while tariffs on other soybean products are as high as 20 percent.

Japan has not included soybean oil in its previous trade agreements.

Under the TPP agreement, new export opportunities for livestock products, including beef, pork, poultry and dairy will expand demand for soybeans and other feed ingredients by U.S. livestock producers. Tariffs on soybean products such as soybean oil, as high as 21-percent, will be eliminated in six years. Japan will immediately eliminate its 4.2-percent tariff on soybean meal.

Peanuts: Japan has excluded peanuts from its previous free-trade agreements. Japan's imports of U.S. peanuts and peanut products reached $26 million in 2014. Japan maintains a 75,000-ton WTO TRQ for peanuts, with an out-of-quota duty of approximately 600 percent.

Under the TPP agreement, Japan will eliminate the 10-percent in-quota tariff on peanuts immediately and will eliminate the over-quota tariff in eight years. The duty for peanuts for oil extraction will remain at zero under the TPP agreement. Peanut oil tariffs, as high as 6 percent, will be eliminated in 11 years. Tariffs on prepared and preserved peanuts, as high as 24 percent, will be eliminated in eight years. Peanut butter tariffs, as high as 12 percent, will be eliminated in six years.

Tobacco: U.S. tobacco exports to Japan totaled more than $260 million in 2014. Under the TPP agreement, Japan will eliminate all tariffs on tobacco, currently as high as 30 percent, in 11 years.

Cotton: Japan imported $62 million of U.S. cotton in 2014. Under the TPP agreement, all of Japan's tariffs on cotton will remain at zero percent.

Processed Products: In 2014, the United States exported $2.6 billion of processed products to Japan.

Under the TPP agreement, Japan will immediately eliminate tariffs, as high as 26 percent, on numerous processed products, including flavored waters without sugar, mineral and aerated waters, vegetable proteins, roasted coffee, essential oils, planting seeds, and many spices. Tariffs on sauces and flavored waters with sugar added, as high as 13.4 percent, will be eliminated in four years. Tariffs, as high as 40 percent, will be eliminated in eight years or less for a range of products, including cookies, crackers, biscuits, nutritional supplements, carrot juice, and tomato paste. Tariffs, as high as 34 percent, will be eliminated in 11 years on other rice products such as breakfast cereals, infant formula, and other food preparatory items.

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576 long term services and support facility contracts, over 4,500 home and community based wavier provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies have signed contracts with a managed care organization

(DES MOINES) - Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announce over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st with managed care organizations for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan.  Iowa's Medicaid Modernization plan will improve quality, access, and health care outcomes and create a more predictable and sustainable Medicaid program that begins January 1, 2016.

"I am encouraged that over 12,000 provider contracts have been signed since November 1st," said Branstad. "576 long term services and support facility contracts have been signed with a managed care organization (MCO) along with over 4,500 home and community based waiver provider contracts and 99% of pharmacies in the current Iowa Medicaid network have signed contracts with a managed care organization. We are proud of our progress and we will keep working to serve Medicaid patients."

"We have taken a common sense approach by working together to serve our most vulnerable Iowans and I look forward to delivering our patient-centered Medicaid plan beginning on January 1, 2016," Lt. Gov. Reynolds said. "Iowa has learned best practices from 30 other states who have taken steps to modernize Medicaid. Iowa's phased-in approach ensures a smooth transition starting on day one for all Medicaid patients. On January 1st, Iowa's Medicaid patients will have access to 100% of the current Medicaid network demonstrating 100% network adequacy."

For the first two years, Medicaid patients who receive long-term care services and supports (LTSS) can keep those same services even if their provider is out-of-network.  Those services include HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) waiver services, nursing facilities, and Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled (ICF/ID).  Physical, behavioral, and mental health services can be kept for the first six months even if their provider is out-of-network.

The four managed care organizations have signed over 12,000 provider contracts since November 1st and will continue to build a robust provider network for Iowa's Medicaid Modernization program that begins January 1, 2016.

Key Provider Network Highlights:

  • 99% (740 out of the 747 in the existing Iowa Medicaid network) of pharmacies have signed contracts with a MCO.
  • 576 long term services and support facility (skilled facility, nursing facility, Intermediate Care Facilities for the Intellectually Disabled) provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 2,805 behavioral health provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 4,659 home and community based waiver provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
  • 2,571 MD and DO provider contracts have been signed with a MCO.
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DAVENPORT, IA - On November 19, 2015, James Everett Faler, 49, formerly of Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge John A. Jarvey to five life sentences for five counts of Production of Child Pornography, and five consecutive ten-year sentences for committing the offenses while being required to register as a sex offender, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin E. VanderSchel. Faler also was ordered to serve life on supervised release if he is ever released from prison, and to pay $1,000 towards the Crime Victims Fund.

On May 31, 2013, police in Louisville, Kentucky, encountered Faler at an apartment complex after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. During the encounter, the police learned that Faler was a registered sex offender from Davenport who had not complied with sex offender registration requirements, and they arrested him. After the arrest, the police found Faler's backpack which contained a thumbdrive with pornographic images of children, including five different minor boys, some of them engaging in sexual activity with Faler at a trailer park in Davenport. These images became the basis for federal charges in Iowa.

On July 13, 2015, Faler plead guilty to all charges. Because Faler has multiple prior convictions for sexual abuse of children, the mandatory federal sentence for each charge of production of child pornography is life in prison.

This case was investigated by the Louisville, Kentucky, Police Department and the Scott County, Iowa, Sheriff's Office, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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Weekly Video Address
Thursday, November 19, 2015

Video can be found here.

Every Child Deserves the Love of a Forever Family

On any given day, more than 400,000 children are living in foster care in the United States.  About one quarter of them are eligible for adoption, and anxiously wait for an adoptive family.

Many of these children are victims of trauma, abuse or neglect.  And every year, thousands of these kids age out of the system without ever knowing the stability, security and love of a forever family.

November is National Adoption month.  As co-chairman of the Senate Caucus on Foster Youth, I'm working to bring people together at the policymaking table to make a difference for foster youth and promote the importance of adoption.

This week, I held a hearing in the Judiciary Committee to celebrate the positive impact that adoption brings.  We also examined policies related to international adoptions.  A number of families shared their experiences and challenges with international adoption, including one family from Spencer, Iowa.

We highlighted the struggles that more than 400 families are currently facing in bringing home children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The adoptions have been finalized by the home country as well as the United States, yet, despite the fact that the parents must provide financially and emotionally for their children who are physically in the Congo, they cannot bring them home.

After the hearing, several of my colleagues and I met with the Congolese ambassador to the United States to discuss this issue.  We stressed the importance of finding a solution for these families, all of whom simply need immigration travel documents from the Congolese government to bring home the children.

The family is the foundation of American society.  Strong families make America strong.  This season of Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to count our blessings and give thanks for our own families, and to those who provide permanent, loving homes to children from around the world.
Davenport, Iowa - It was 1995. Jeri Leinen Moeller, CASI's founder and past President, approached a retired music teacher, Bob Gaston, to start a band for senior citizens. With no equipment or music library, he recruited six musicians to help put the word of the bands inception into the music community. What started as an opportunity for older musicians to gather and play their instruments, soon became only the second band in Iowa to become a part of the International New Horizons Band movement.
Fast forward 20 years, that small group of six has grown to more than 60 musicians with a full concert band instrumentation. The steady growth in membership and reputation is due largely to the twenty years of voluntary and able leadership from Bob Gaston.
Today, on November 19, Bob's hard work, perseverance and leadership have earned him the DAR Community Service Award for his dedicated service as the Director of CASI - The Center for Active Seniors, Inc., New Horizons Band. Presented by the Hannah Caldwell Chapter of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mr. Gaston proudly accepted the award in front of his band and the CASI Community today at the Center for Active Seniors.
"Bob Gaston has used his own money to buy music and found people to donate equipment throughout the years," said Bernadine McGuire, CASI band member.
Mr. Gaston has continued to direct the band, as a volunteer without pay for the past 20 years. Today the band has over 60 members and is in demand to play concerts all over the Quad Cities. Contributing to the culture and patriotism of the Quad Cities, the band regularly performs a variety of patriotic and popular music throughout the area. The band also enhances the lives of seniors who are able to share their musical talents by performing in the band. The CASI New Horizons Band celebrated its 20th anniversary in September with a free concert and reception at CASI in Davenport.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act of 2015.

"I have spent my time in Congress working to ensure the safety of the American people and the security of our homeland. This has been and continues to be my number one priority. But let me be clear: I fully support bringing in all those who are victims of terrorism in their own country that we safely can. The legislation that was voted on today does not stop that process, rather it simply asks our screening agencies to certify that those entering our country are not terrorists.

"It is reprehensible that those on the right have used this tragedy for fearmongering. It is time for that to stop. At the same time, while the Administration opposes this bill, it is their responsibility to certify to the American people that those entering our country will do us no harm. Going forward, we must work together to make sure our screening processes are strong and effective so we can welcome those who are truly seeking safety."

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November 26, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED

November 27, 2015    EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED

December 1, 2015    Scott County Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

December 2, 2015    Pest Control Operators, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

December 4, 2015    Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m.

December 14, 2015    Pest Control Operators -RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

December 14, 2015    Fumigation-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.

December 15, 2015    Certified Handlers-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

December 15, 2015    Mosquito and Public Health Pest Management-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.

December 15, 2015    Parenting Successful Kids, Scott County Extension Office, 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

December 16, 2015    Ornamental and Turf Applicators-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

December 16, 2015    Roadside, Forest, Aquatic Pest Management-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.

December 17, 2015    Commercial, Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

December 17, 2015    Seed Treatment-RESHOW, Scott County Extension Office, 1:00p.m.-3:30p.m.

December 18, 2015    Greenhouse Tape, Scott County Extension Office, 9:00a.m.-11:30a.m.

Springfield, Illinois - For many, retired Illinois National Guardsman Maj. Gen. Scott L. Thoele will be remembered as an empowering leader who put Soldiers first. Others will remember him for his leadership during the 2008 to 2009 historic deployment of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) to Afghanistan.

Thoele of Teutopolis, Illinois retired on Sept., 30 after a 21-year career in the Illinois National Guard. Thoele also served 14 years in the active duty Army.

Thoele received his commission in the U.S. Army in December 1980 from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In September 1994, Thoele joined the Illinois Army National Guard.

"Joining the Illinois National Guard was one of the best moves I ever made, the Illinois National Guard is a first-class organization," said Thoele. "I had some great mentors over the course of my career in the Illinois National Guard."

Thoele served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility as an active-duty officer and traditional Guardsman, culminating as the Deputy Commanding General-Army National Guard for the United States Army Forces Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina from August 2012 to August 2015.

Thoele said he was honored to serve as the Deputy Commanding General of the ARNG, but he views his time with 33rd IBCT as the highlight of his career.

Thoele deployed to Afghanistan as commander of the 33rd IBCT in 2008 as the Deputy Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII Commander, his Illinois Guard Soldiers directly trained the Afghan National Security Forces.

Thoele said this was not just his last assignment with the Illinois National Guard, but he considers commanding the 33rd to be his best assignment.

"A lot of people forget how hard that deployment was. It was really a team effort," said Thoele.

During the deployment 36 Americans from Combined Task Force Phoenix were killed during the 2008 to 2009 deployment, 18 of those were from Illinois.

"We knew it was going to be a tough year when we took three casualties and we hadn't even deployed the brigade (main body) to theater yet," said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Bowman, former Command Sergeant Major for the 33rd IBCT and current Land Component Command Sergeant Major for the Illinois National Guard. "Losing those Soldiers made it harder on every Soldier during the mobilization."

Bowman said despite the hardships the brigade endured, Thoele stayed focused and his guidance was always the right thing to do.

"He had a calm presence about him, but you always knew he was in charge," said Bowman.

Col. Eric Little, United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the Illinois National Guard, who served as the Logistics Task Force Commander for the 634th Brigade Support Battalion, 33rd IBCT said Thoele was a smart, influential and dynamic leader.

"His character and style brought empowerment to Soldiers and leaders and the overall Brigade together," said Little. "Soldiers and leaders strived to do everything they could do to serve him and the organization he represented. He was truly a leader that served the Soldier."

During that deployment, Thoele met with U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, of Alexandria, Virginia, the Commanding General of the Combined Security Transition Assistance Command - Afghanistan every Saturday morning in Kabul.

"I am proud to say that I served with the 33rd IBCT," said Formica now retired. "It has been six years, but what hasn't changed and what I haven't forgotten is the tremendous respect and admiration that I had for the courage, the tactical competence, the determination and the grit of the Soldiers of the 33rd IBCT."

Formica said he was very proud of the Soldiers and leaders of the 33rd.

"My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 33rd daily, and I will never forget their sacrifices," said Formica.

Later on in Thoele's career, he served as the Deputy Commanding General for United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and at many strategic-level positions for the Army National Guard Combined Arms Center. There he applied his Illinois National Guard experiences to implement national policies and programs.

"It is really amazing what Scott added to our military, the rest of this nation and to our Army through his influence in various positions throughout his career," said Maj. Gen. Richard Hayes, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "His work affected half a million people in the Guard and Reserves while serving in the positions he did."

Thoele graduated from Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, in 1980 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. In 1991, Thoele graduated the Graduate School of Banking from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.

He has attended numerous U.S. Army leadership courses including the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; Army Strategic Leadership Develop Program basic, intermediate and advanced levels; CAPSTONE, National Defense University in Washington, D.C. and Advanced Joint Professional Military, Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk Virginia.

Thoele has participated in Operation Urgent Fury at Grenada, Desert Storm Southwest Asia Cease Fire Campaign, Iraq, Hurricane Mitch Relief Operations, Operation Noble Eagle for the USA, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His most recent combat assignment was Commander, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, from September 2008 to November 2009.

Thoele's awards include Legion of Merits, Bronze Star Medals, Meritorious Service Medals, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NATO Afghanistan Service Medal, Bronze Medal of the Polish Army, French National Defense Medal, Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badges, and Combat Action Badge.

"I know its bittersweet for Scott to take off the uniform, but I know he will continue to serve our National Guard in other capacities," said Hayes.

Formica said he wishes the best for Thoele.

"Congratulations on a wonderful career and thanks to your family and to you for your service," said Formica.

In the civilian sector, Major General Thoele retired as, Senior Vice President and Senior Loan Officer for United States Bank, Lewistown, Missouri and Vice President, Compliance Officer and Credit Analyst for First Bankers Trust Company in Quincy, Illinois. Thoele and his wife Paula have four children and three grandchildren. The general and Paula reside in Quincy, Illinois.

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