Friday, June 29, 2012

Grassley, Issa work to protect whistleblowers from retaliation at the ATF

Lawmakers ask Inspector General to take immediate action in response to job placement

WASHINGTON -Senator Chuck Grassley and Chairman Darrell Issa today asked the Inspector General for the Department of Justice to immediately investigate whether steps have been taken to prevent retaliation against whistleblowers in the Fast and Furious case by senior management of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in light of inflammatory comments by ATF personnel reported to the lawmakers' offices.

In a letter sent this afternoon to Michael E. Horowitz, Grassley and Issa detailed hostile and extremely negative comments that were made last year about two of the main whistleblowers who testified before Congress, according to a direct eyewitness account.  Grassley and Issa said they have just learned that the two whistleblowers have been placed under the supervision of the ATF official who reportedly made the comments, Scot Thomasson.

Grassley and Issa said the fact that these alleged comments have been in public documents since May, and since the Inspector General should be "a firm, independent voice within the Department to protect whistleblowers from retaliation," they're asking the Inspector General to investigate how the ATF official has been admonished, how the ATF official was elevated and given such supervisory duties, and what steps are being taken to protect the whistleblowers from the campaign of retaliation the ATF official expressed a desire to conduct in his comments.

Click here to read the letter of request from Grassley and Issa.

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Congressmen introduce Resolution recognizing 150th Anniversary of Rock Island Arsenal

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) today introduced a bipartisan Resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the 150th Anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal and its ongoing contributions to our nation's security and the Quad Cities economy.  On July 11, 1862, President Lincoln signed into law legislation that established the Arsenal.  Over the years, the workforce of the Rock Island Arsenal has equipped our men and women in uniform, and the Arsenal has long played a key role in job creation and economic development throughout the Quad Cities.

"The men and women who have worked at the Arsenal over the past 150 years have one thing in common- dedication to our nation's defense and providing for those who wear our nation's uniform," said Loebsack.  "Since it was first established, Rock Island Arsenal has played a critical role in our nation's defense and in job creation and economic development in the Quad Cities.  As we mark this historic occasion, I will continue to work with the Quad Cities community and the bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to ensure that Rock Island Arsenal continues its 150 year tradition of playing a central role for the Army, in equipping our troops, and in the Quad Cities."

"The Rock Island Arsenal and its hard working employees have made remarkable, vital contributions to our national security and our area's economy in the 150 years since its establishment," said Schilling. "As I've said before, the Arsenal is truly a national treasure that should be preserved and protected.  It's an honor to represent the Arsenal and the men and women it employs, and I will continue to be a strong advocate along with the folks from the Quad Cities area so that the Arsenal can be around for another 150 years."

A copy of the resolution can be found here.

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Approve bill that allows the I-74 Bridge project to advance

Washington, DC - Congressmen Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) today joined 371 of their colleagues in supporting H.R. 4348, legislation to reauthorize federal surface transportation programs.  The last transportation authorization expired in 2009, and since that time has operated on a series of nine short term extensions.  The reauthorization passed the House today in a bipartisan vote of 373-52.  

Schilling and Loebsack, representing the Quad Cities area, have worked in a bipartisan fashion to push for the longest possible transportation bill, and successfully called on the members in the House and Senate who negotiated the comprehensive highway legislation to include funding for large interstate bridge projects.  H.R. 4348 authorizes $500 million for Projects of National and Regional Significance, an important program to advance the Quad Cities' I-74 Bridge.  This provision provides the tools for the governors of Iowa and Illinois, the states' Departments of Transportation, and the states' bipartisan congressional delegation to make the case for the I-74 Bridge for inclusion in the Projects of Regional and National Significance report that will be put together by the United States Secretary of Transportation on projects to be included in this program.

"Today's transportation bill is a win for communities in Illinois and throughout America," Schilling said. "I'm pleased that the bill we voted on today provides certainty to states, communities, and the construction community of continued federal support for transportation projects, and am particularly pleased that it includes Programs of National and Regional Significance.  Dave and I have been working hard on this, and I'm hopeful that we can continue working across the river and across the aisle to move the I-74 Bridge project  and other transportation priorities forward.  Preserving our roads and bridges isn't a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, but a red, white and blue issue."

"Since the beginning of debate over the transportation bill, we have been working together to ensure a large projects initiative, which may help the I-74 bridge move toward completion, was included," said Loebsack. "Additionally, we have already started working together to best position I-74 to take advantage of this funding.  I am pleased a transportation bill has finally been passed and although it could have been done faster and it could have been longer, it will help create much needed jobs in Iowa and give Iowa communities certainty to invest in much needed infrastructure improvements and economic development initiatives."

Schilling and Loebsack in April sent letters in support of the I-74 Bridge to the Federal Highway Administration Administrator Victor Mendez and United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who in May joined the Congressmen in the Quad Cities to view the Bridge.  They sent a letter of support to House/Senate conferees in April, and reiterated their support for the longest-term bill possible and Projects of National and Regional Significance in a letter on Friday June 22.  

"The Quad Cities region has aggressively advocated for a federal transportation bill to fund nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as the new I-74 Bridge, that will strengthen the region's and nation's economic competitiveness," said Tara Barney, Quad Cities Chamber CEO. "The Chamber thanks our Congressional delegation for passing a transportation bill with bipartisan support.  We're optimistic this will result in a major federal investment to construct the new I-74 Bridge and maintain the Quad Cities' integrated transportation system, a competitive advantage that allows people and goods to move quickly and affordably by road, rail, air, water, and transit."  

In 2005, the I-74 Bridge became the most traveled bridge in the Quad Cities with an average of 77,800 vehicles crossing daily.  This is despite the fact that it was built for 48,000 such crossings.  The Bridge itself is functionally obsolete, however, and has never met Interstate standards.  The I-74 Bridge project would also spur economic growth, create construction jobs, reduce traffic backups, and improve air quality.

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Success in Peoria paves way for Jacksonville, statewide expansion

PEORIA - June 29, 2012. During a visit to a Peoria women's shelter today, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon announced a new pilot program that is connecting survivors of domestic violence with free legal experts using webcams and a high speed Internet connection.

Simon designed the Virtual Legal Clinic to link domestic violence survivors in underserved areas with attorneys across Illinois that specialize in family law. The survivors receive a single, free consultation via webcam using internet technology at a local shelter and learn about legal options and remedies to keep their families safe.

The Virtual Legal Clinic began at The Center for Prevention of Abuse in December and is expanding to the Crisis Center Foundation in Jacksonville this month. After the pilot program is complete with additional expansions elsewhere in the state, Simon will provide the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) with a packaged program it can use at agencies statewide.

Simon's pilot project comes at a time when funding for human services is being cut, but the Lieutenant Governor said the resource was developed in-house with materials funded by ICADV, and participating attorneys can receive free continuing education credits developed by Simon's legal staff.

"The Virtual Legal Clinic is a free, safe and ethical way to help victims of domestic violence become survivors of domestic violence," said Simon, a longtime legal advocate for domestic violence survivors. "The legal system can be overwhelming, and this service will help people take the next step toward safety and stability."

Sandra Quello Chiz is an attorney who consults with the Peoria clinic via webcam from her Manteno office. She immediately saw the benefit of the Virtual Legal Clinic in her first consultation.

"At the time of the consultation, my first client was involved in a legal battle and was fearful because she didn't understand what was happening," said Quello Chiz. "Not only did I explain to my client what was happening legally, but I was able to point her in the direction of other resources, too. The Virtual Legal Clinic is the best idea I've heard in a long time and I wish we could expand it faster."

Martha Herm, the executive director at The Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, said her agency is averaging two to three consultations per month, primarily women who are new to the shelter and need legal guidance after obtaining an order of protection. The center serves 3,500 domestic violence survivors each year in Peoria, Tazwell and Woodford counties.

"Survivors often face many legal challenges and they don't know where to turn," Herm said. "If we can offer survivors a starting point - a free and confidential legal consultation - they'll know their options before making any other decisions."

The project's second site in Jacksonville serves between 350 and 400 clients in Morgan, Scott, Cass and Greene counties each year, said executive director Dona Leanard.

"Domestic violence survivors are already facing a great deal of stress and pressure, before adding in legal issues," Leanard said. "These attorneys are trained to handle domestic violence situations and can be incredibly helpful to clients that can't find help anywhere else."

Nationally, one in four women has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime, and in Illinois, nearly 40 percent of women will experience domestic violence by an intimate partner.

The Virtual Legal Clinic turnkey program should be available to ICADV member agencies (all outside of Chicago) by 2014 to fill a gap in services, Simon said. Ideal agencies are those that serve rural or underserved communities, and likely users are survivors who cannot afford a legal consultation but do not qualify for legal aid, or survivors whose alleged abusers are represented by legal aid. Legal topics for consultation include child custody and visitation, marriage and divorce, elder abuse, immigration and property issues.

This is not Simon's first foray into legal representation of domestic violence survivors. She prosecuted battery cases as a Jackson County prosecutor and founded Southern Illinois University School of Law's domestic violence legal clinic, which now has a second location at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed bipartisan legislation to keep student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for an additional year.  The House passed the legislation by a vote of 373-52 and it now heads to the President, which he is expected to sign.  An estimated 7.4 million families nationwide and 255,404 Iowa students over the next year will save an average of nearly $1,000 over the life of their loan.

"Today's an important day for Iowa students and their families. I am relieved an agreement has finally been reached to help thousands of Iowa students that doesn't add to the deficit and stops the endless political posturing on this issue.  However, this extension should have occurred long before now, should never have been subject to brinksmanship, and should have provided longer term relief for students. Ensuring any student who chooses to can access an affordable college education to pursue a degree or certificate is one of my highest priorities and I will continue working to keep rates low in the future for Iowa families.

"I grew up in poverty, and I would not have been able to attend college and have such amazing opportunities without student aid. It's long past time that we ensure millions of families aren't harmed by Congress' inaction. Education is critical to securing a good job and economic security for families, and educating our future workforce is key to boosting our economy."

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Grassley asks US Attorney Machen about independence in handling contempt citation

Senator says Deputy AG response is invalid without review of executive privilege claim

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley is asking U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr. to explain whether he has had the opportunity to demonstrate the independence required of his position in handling the contempt resolution adopted yesterday by the House of Representatives, given that there has been no determination that every single document sought by the House subpoena is protected by the President's claim of executive privilege.  Ignoring the contempt citation before even seeing it or reviewing the particular circumstances of this case would be a sharp contrast to the independence and integrity for which Machen has been praised by many in his assignment to investigate national security leaks that may have been politically motivated.

Grassley raised these issues and asked for responses to specific questions in a letter this afternoon to Machen.  Grassley's inquiry follows last night's letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the Deputy Attorney General stating that the Department of Justice would take no action in response to the House resolution.

"The Deputy Attorney General's letter has put the cart before the horse," Grassley wrote today.  Grassley also said that without a particularized description of the documents being withheld or a description of the documents over which executive privilege has been asserted, the U.S. Attorney cannot reasonably make an intelligent judgment as to the validity of any privilege claim and his duty to present the citation to a grand jury.

Last week, Grassley wrote to President Obama asking for a description of the scope of the executive privilege claim he made for documents in the congressional investigation of the Fast and Furious program.  He has not received a response.

Urging independence by the U.S. Attorney as the law and accountability in government demand, Grassley also wrote, "Your independence and integrity were cited as the reason that there was supposedly no necessity to appoint a special prosecutor.  This matter [the congressional contempt citation] gives you an opportunity to live up to that high praise and prove your independence."

Click here to read the letter from Grassley to Machen.


(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today, issued statements commending Department of Public Safety Commissioner Larry Noble for stopping illegal farm inspections.

Commissioner Noble issued an order on June 22, 2012 making it clear that his department would not conduct farm inspections, except as required by Iowa law. Inspections of farm homes and farm buildings open to the public will continue as required by law.

On January 23rd of this year, Gov. Branstad formally objected to an overbearing rule by the Electrical Examining Board mandating farm inspections by regulation, even though Iowa law does not require them.

Governor Branstad released the following statement:

"The Electrical Examining Board went beyond their statutory authority. Their overreaching rule required a state inspection for any electrical work on farm buildings or structures, even though the legislature provided a common sense exception for farmers in the law. This rule is unnecessary and costly, and it was created by a board that did not have the authority to create it. This power-grab by the Electrical Examining Board hurts hard-working Iowa farmers and the Iowa economy," said Branstad.

"I am glad that that DPS has taken this action to stop this regulatory overreach that hurts hard-working Iowa farmers.  Iowa farmers have safely conducted electrical work on their barns, grain bins and outbuildings for years.  They've hired experienced electrical contractors and licensed professionals who don't need the state looking over their shoulders. Overreaching regulation by the Electrical Examining Board hasn't changed that.  Farmers still have qualified people do their electrical work.  But, the rule added another significant expense to farmers' projects and caused delays lasting days or weeks that are especially costly when livestock are involved?or during busy times of the crop year. Now, with the action by Commissioner Noble, it is clear that these overreaching inspections will no longer be forced on farmers."

Lt. Gov. Reynolds released the following statement:

"Over-reaching rules hurt economic opportunities in agriculture and job growth in Iowa. Our administration is committed to regulatory reform. We know that small businesses, including farmers, are the greatest generators of job growth and are also disproportionately burdened by regulations. I applaud today's action by Commissioner Noble."

The full text of the Governor's Objection can be found below:

January 23, 2012

Commissioner Larry Noble

Iowa Department of Public Safety

Department of Public Safety Headquarters Building

215 E . 7th Street

Des Moines, IA 50319

Dear Commissioner Noble:

I object to the portions of Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-551.2 and 661-552.1 which regulate electrical installations on farms as defined in Iowa Code §103.1.  These filings were adopted by the Electrical Examining Board and published as part of ARC 7346B in XXXI IAB 11 (11-19-2008) and ARC 8396B in XXXII IAB 13 (12-16-2009), respectively.

The Electrical Examining Board has gone beyond their statutory authority.  Iowa Code chapter 103 does not grant authority to the Electrical Examining Board to adopt rules to regulate electrical installations on farms by requiring a request for an inspection, a permit and/or an inspection. I find that the Electrical Examining Board went beyond the authority delegated to the agency when it included farm electrical installations within the definition of a "commercial installation" in Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-551.2.  I further object to that portion of the second sentence of exception 1 to Iowa Admin. Code r. 661-552.1(1) which requires a state electrical permit and/or an electrical inspection for a farm electrical installation as it is beyond the delegated authority of the agency.

The permit and inspection requirements for electrical installations on farms are unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for several reasons.  These rules increase the regulatory burden on farms and farmers.   This power-grab by the Electrical Examining Board hurts hard-working Iowa farmers.  It leads to unwanted government intrusion.  It imposes the very costs on farmers that the legislature intended to protect them from when it created common-sense exemption for farmers.  (2007 Iowa Acts, chapter 197).  This rule hurts the opportunity of hard-working Iowa farmers to earn a living, free from undue bureaucratic interference.  These over-reaching rules harm economic opportunities in agriculture and job growth in Iowa.

The portions of the Iowa Administrative Code r. 661-551.2 and 661-552.1 as described herein, are deemed to be unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, or otherwise beyond the authority delegated to the agency.  This letter constitutes notification of my objection to the above referenced rules as required by Iowa Code §17A.4(6).

Certified as a true and correct copy of my objection this 23rd day of January 2012, by:




Terry E. Branstad, Governor
Davenport, IA- Come spend a delightful hour in the library of one of the world's most famous storytellers! Wilhelm Grimm tells the classic fairy tales woven with traditional folk tunes sung in Deutsch and spiced with details from the enchanting life of this prolific author.

The German American Heritage Center will host Storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis of Peoria as he portrays Wilhelm Grimm for the Grand opening of the 200 Years of the Brothers Grimm exhibit on Saturday July 7th. Ellis, as Grimm, will tell the famous tales to children at the Center beginning at 2 pm. Later that evening at 6:30, GAHC will feature: 'Sweets and Stories' an Ice Cream Social and Grimm Tales for Adults performed by Brian Ellis. These  performances are part of a series on storytelling for the 200th Anniversary of the first publication of Childrens' and Household Tales by the Brothers Grimm. These events are sponsored by USBank. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children. Free for members. Call 563-322-8844 or visit www.gahc.org for more information!

Law instates furlough days, prohibits cost-of-living adjustments

CHICAGO - June 29, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law to help close Illinois' budget deficit by reducing state legislators' compensation. HB 3188 will instate furlough days and prohibit cost of living adjustments for legislators. Governor Quinn cut his own budget by nine percent this year. This is the fourth consecutive year the Illinois General Assembly has voted to cut its own salaries.ll

"We must continue our work to restore fiscal stability to Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Members of the General Assembly made the right decision to cut their own paycheck and share some of the burden that working families are facing around the state."

HB 3188, sponsored by Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Sen. Dan Kotowski (D-Mount Prospect), was introduced to the General Assembly as a cost saving measure. Under this law, legislators will have 12 furlough days a year, forfeiting one day of compensation each month during the first 6 months and second 6 months of the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012. These furloughs are equivalent to a nearly five percent pay cut, which is just over $3,000.

"This eliminates an unnecessary perk for politicians when everybody else in the state of Illinois has had to tighten their belts and do more with less," said Sen. Kotowski. "Thank you Governor Quinn for signing this legislation and taking another important step to changing business as usual in Springfield."

"As we hear from our constituents, people are struggling to do more with less," said Rep. Gabel. "And I feel it is important for the legislature to do the same."

The law also prohibits a fiscal year 2013 cost-of-living adjustment for lawmakers. This means that legislators' salaries for the upcoming fiscal year will not be increased to offset the effects of inflation.

After inheriting a budget deficit from decades of fiscal mismanagement by previous governors and legislatures, Governor Quinn has taken many key steps to restore fiscal stability to Illinois. The governor has reduced discretionary spending to below FY 2008 levels, and recently implemented new laws to reduce the Medicaid liability by $2.7B and save the program from collapse. HB 3188 is yet another cost-cutting measure that is projected to save the state around $1 million.

The law is effective immediately.

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The Supreme Court's landmark healthcare decision is dominating headlines across Iowa and the United States today.  Your attention is likely focused on the implications of this historic decision for Iowa and its effect on thousands of Iowans, and rightfully so.

But I wanted to take a break from healthcare for a brief moment to draw your attention to a remarkable series of accomplishments in recent days by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01).  Even for a representative recognized for his effectiveness, the previous two weeks have been some of the most productive in his Congressional career.

That this string of bipartisan achievements has come at a time of historically bitter division in Washington by a representative in the political minority in Congress makes it all the more impressive.  Simply put, Rep. Braley couldn't have found success on these measures without effectively bringing people together from both sides of the partisan divide.

They may not be accomplishments that will command bold headlines in newspapers or lead the evening news, but they represent the kind of real progress on issues we need to protect jobs in Iowa for middle class families and veterans, keep our kids safer, and create new economic opportunities.

In the words of our Vice President, it's is a big... well, you get the idea.

Without further ado, I bring you Braley's Big Six Bipartisan Accomplishments (of the last 10 days):

BRALEY'S BIG SIX BIPARTISAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS (OF THE LAST 10 DAYS)

1. Better Use of Refrigerator Regulations Amendment. Bipartisan bill introduced May 2012 by Braley and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (GA-03); amendment version unanimously adopted by the US House and added to HR 4480, the Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012, on 6/21/12.  Measure removes burdensome government regulations on refrigerated deli-style display cases that threaten the future of their manufacture in the United States.  Lennox Industries (facilities in Marshalltown, Iowa) makes the deli cases.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/wa8

·         Marshalltown T-R: Braley Helps Remove Red Tape Impeding Manufacturing

2. Kadyn's Amendment. Bipartisan amendment unanimously adopted by the US House and added to HR 5972, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, on 6/27/12.  Requires the federal government to devote at least $10 million to helping states enforce traffic laws that punish reckless drivers for illegally passing stopped school buses.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/wxe

·         Des Moines Register: Kadyn's Amendment passes US House

·         KCRG: Kadyn's Amendment included in Transportation Bill

·         Mason City Globe-Gazette: US House passes Kadyn's Amendment

3. HR 3524, Disabled Veterans Employment Protection Act. Bill introduced November 2011 by Braley was unanimously approved by the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/28/12.  Provides military and National Guard veterans up to 4 weeks of unpaid leave each calendar year for treatment for a service-related injury without fear of losing their jobs.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/vJ0

4. HR 5747, Military Veteran Home Protection Act. Introduced May 2012 by Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD-07).  Braley version introduced and unanimously adopted by Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/29/12 expands and improves protections from home foreclosures against military veterans and surviving spouses of servicemembers who died while serving our country.

5. HR 4057, Improving Transparency of Education Opportunities for Veterans Act. Introduced February 2012 by Rep. Gus Bilrakis (FL-09). Braley version introduced and unanimously adopted by Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on 6/29/12 targets aggressive and deceptive marketing to service members and veterans by some educational institutions and provides veterans with standard information about post-secondary institutions to help vets make more informed choices about college.

6. HR 3826, Keeping College Affordable Act. Co-introduced by Braley and others in January 2012, was the first legislative proposal to keep college student loan interest rates low.  Blocks the increase in student loan interest rates by indefinitely extending the low, 3.4 percent interest rate on subsidized federal student loans.  Today, the US House approved in a bipartisan vote a compromise version that keeps student loan interest rates at 3.4 percent for the next year.  More information: http://go.usa.gov/waf

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