Video can be found here.

This week the Senate is considering legislation that would repeal an expected cut in the cost-of living adjustment for military retired pay for retirees who are under age 62.

This cut was included in the federal budget bill that passed late last year.  No VA benefits are affected one way or the other.  But, retirement benefits for these retirees were partially cut in the budget agreement. This has caused quite an uproar, with many voicing concerns that this was not the right decision. Those voicing concern supported legislation to repeal it.

The issue is finding other savings somewhere to pay for the restoration of these benefits.  We need to find other places to save so that we don't add $5.7 billion to the deficit.

I support restoring the cost-of-living adjustment.  These retirees have honorably served their country.  They were made a promise years ago when they joined the military.  Changing the rules in the middle of the game like this is simply unfair.  We need to work to find other places within the budget to save so that we can keep our promise to these military retirees.

In a weekly video address, Senator Grassley discusses legislation that the Senate is considering that would repeal an expected cut in the cost-of living adjustment for military retired pay for retirees who are under age 62.

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Night Presented by 97X Returns Friday

Donate to Student Hunger Drive for Free Youth Tickets Friday

MOLINE, Ill. (February 12, 2014) - The First 1,000 fans through the doors for this Saturday night's 7:05 p.m. game between the Quad City Mallards and Rapid City Rush at the iWireless Center will receive free Terry Ruskowski bobblehead dolls.

The bobbleheads in the image of Ruskwoski- the Mallards' coach and general manager- will be given away at what will be the second of the Mallards' two home games in as many nights against Rapid City this weekend.

The Mallards will open the weekend Friday evening at 7:05 p.m. with the return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.  First intermission entertainment will, courtesy of 97X, follow the hot dog-themed spirit of the evening.

The Mallards have partnered with Metro, which provides earlier service on the Route 59 between Augustana College and downtown Moline during Friday home games this season.  The Route 59 will make one trip from campus to downtown Moline prior to the game (arriving at 5th Avenue and 15th Street at 6:30 p.m.) and will resume service from downtown to campus every 30 minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  Regular Metro fares are just $1 one-way or $2 round-trip.  As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.  

Friday will also see fans who donate three non-perishable food items to the Student Hunger Drive's corporate challenge at the iWireless Center receive a voucher good for a free youth (12 and under) ticket to Friday night's game.

The Student Hunger Drive helps feed area hungry while instilling a sense of volunteerism and community in area youth.  Community leaders partner with local food banks and area schools to host a 6 week challenge every year.  Currently, Student Hunger Drives are taking place in the Quad Cities, Charlotte, North Carolina and Northern Indiana.  Students are the power behind this mission creating fun and innovative ways to raise money, collect food and feed the hungry.

Saturday night's Ruskowski bobblehead giveaway honors the third winningest coach in Central Hockey League history.  Now in his second season behind the Mallard bench, Ruskowski is not only a highly successful coach but was also a fine player.  Ruskowski skated in 999 career games for six teams including the Chicago Blackhawks and is the only man in hockey history to have captained four different clubs.

Tickets for this weekend's games or any remaining Mallards regular season home game can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.