Prepared Statement of Ranking Member Chuck Grassley

Senate Committee on the Judiciary

Executive Business Meeting

Thursday, October 6, 2011

 

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the judicial nominations, we are prepared to vote on the following nominations today:  Wallach, Christensen, Bencivengo, Groh, and Brodie.   We have a request on our side for a roll call vote on Wallach.  There are requests on our side to hold over the following nominees, who are appearing for the first time on our agenda:  Jordán, Gerrard, Phillips, Rice, Nuffer, Frank, Pane, and Webb.

 

We have a number of bills on the agenda today that appear for the first time.  We have a request on our side to hold over all of them for consideration next week.

On the legislation, I would like to say a few words about S.1301, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.  We held a hearing on this legislation just three weeks ago that focused on the administration of programs designed to help victims of trafficking.

It is my hope that that the administration will get back to us with the questions we submitted for the record so we can consider those as part of our discussion on the bill next week.

I am pleased to report that my staff and the Chairman's have been working together for the last few weeks to find common ground on this issue.  However, there are changes needed in the draft to ensure that we recognize the changing times and the current fiscal crisis.  We need to ensure that our resources are carefully spent and are only provided to programs that are working.

At the hearing, I raised my concerns with the Department of Justice about a number of audits that have been conducted showing shocking examples of waste and abuse of grants.  I highlighted how the Inspector General had pulled nine specific grants and reviewed them for compliance.  All nine of those audits found hundreds of thousands of dollars in questioned costs, unauthorized expenditures, failed matching requirements, questioned salaries and fringe benefits, and many other problems.

I raised these audits with the witness from the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs who admitted that one audit that questioned over $1.3 million of a $1.7 million grant, showed that the grant was a failure.  This is unacceptable and the American taxpayers deserve better.  These audits demand our attention and that is why we "reauthorize" these programs?to make sure the money isn't being wasted.

Yet, here, we have audits showing that money is being wasted.  So we have the opportunity and responsibility to fix this.  Our efforts to reauthorize this legislation need to fix this problem and ensure that grantees that commit violations like this never see another federal dollar.  We need transparency, accountability, and performance from grantees that are trusted with federal dollars.  Absent any of these three things, they should not receive any money.

Further, we need to hold accountable the Justice Department, State Department, and other federal agencies that award trafficking grants under the TVPA.  These bureaucracies often turn a blind eye to the waste, abuse, and mismanagement of these grants, leading up to these audits.

Too often, the agencies simply fail to conduct the oversight required of the grants and then plead ignorant when the Inspector General finds problems.  This too has to stop.  Both the grant managers and the grantees should be held accountable.  It starts at the top with the head of the agency and we need those in power at these agencies to question spending, not just push taxpayer dollars out the door.

Unfortunately, as the recent report on conference expenditures at the Justice Department points out, it's clear this Justice Department doesn't understand that.  We all heard about the infamous $16 muffins and all the hay the hotels and the Justice Department have raised to refute the finding.  Well, what they can't hide from is the fact that since President Obama took office, conference spending at the Justice Department has nearly doubled from the Bush administration.

In fiscal 2008, the Justice Department spent $47.8 million on conferences.  In President Obama's first year, Fiscal Year 2009, that increased to $73.3 million.  Last year, it increased further to $91.5 million.  That is not fiscal responsibility, that's excess and waste.

The point is, we are well past the time when we can reauthorize programs without giving them the scrutiny needed.  We have a Justice Department that is addicted to spending without control and we need to rein that in.  We need to use this opportunity to ensure that hard earned taxpayer dollars are going to the people we are trying to help, here that's the victims of trafficking.  If we continue to allow grants to be mismanaged, a victim who could have been helped goes without.

I hope the Chairman and I can continue our work and reach an agreement on this bill for next week.  Thank you.

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MILWAUKEE, WI - Spices and herbs can give a boost of flavor to any meal, but they also have health benefits.  With increasing interest in "functional food," herbs and spices have been receiving greater attention for their potential to decrease inflammation, reduce the risk of cancer, fight heart disease, and more.  TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, along with the International Food Information Council (IFIC), explains how different spices can benefit people who are on their own wellness journey.

Basil

Basil can give a fresh flavor to any pizza or pesto, but this spice is more than just a seasoning.  Basil has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent swelling and alleviate pain caused by arthritis.  It also contains the flavonoids orientin and vicenin that can shield a person's cells from radiation and other damage.  Have a cut or scrape?  Basil has strong antibacterial capabilities and can help prevent infections.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a subtle heat that is perfect for baked treats and warm beverages.  Significant attention is being directed toward its potential in diabetes management.  Research suggests that cinnamon may lower blood glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve lipid profiles.  Also, the sweet aroma of cinnamon has been shown to boost brain function.

Parsley

Parsley adds flavor and color to meals and is a source of vitamins A, C, and K.  It also has antioxidants and can aid heart and optimal health.

Mint

Found in tea, ice cream, toothpaste, and more, mint is a versatile flavor.  Containing vitamins A and C, mint has antioxidants and can help decrease the risk of cancer.  It can soothe an upset stomach, relieve heartburn, loosen congestion, and help calm.  Let's not forget that mint can also keep a person's breath fresh!

Cilantro

Cilantro is delicious in salsa, guacamole, and salads and has numerous health benefits.  It contains anti-inflammatory properties, is a good source of iron, magnesium, and manganese, and can control blood sugar and cholesterol.  Research shows that it also can help battle salmonella bacteria.

Garlic

Garlic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral capabilities.  It also can lower cholesterol and the risk of cancer and contains vitamins B6 and C, which fight heart disease.

Red and Chili Pepper

An increase in body temperature or heart rate upon ingestion of a pepper is believed to increase metabolism.  Red peppers contain capsaicin, which accelerates energy expenditure and increases lipid oxidation.  Studies also suggest that consuming capsaicin decreases fat intake.  Chili peppers can fight inflammation and help relieve pain.

Ginger

Ginger provides gastrointestinal and nausea relief.  Recent studies also suggest that ginger may play a role in preventing inflammation, which could be useful in alleviating pain caused by arthritis.  Ginger plays a potential role in cancer prevention with its antioxidant properties.  Its immunity boosting capabilities is another advantage.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Turmeric, a popular spice contained in curry powder, contains curcumin.  Curcumin gives turmeric its yellow pigment and may reduce the risk of cancer, osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.  It also has antioxidant properties.

TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the original, nonprofit weight-loss support and wellness education organization, was established more than 63 years ago to champion weight-loss support and success.  Founded and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, TOPS promotes successful, affordable weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness information, and support from others at weekly chapter meetings. TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today asked the top official of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider an appeal made by Governor Terry Branstad to make Iowans living in Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury counties eligible for individual disaster assistance.

"It's only fair that residents of these Iowa counties be eligible for individual assistance, especially considering the latest about the magnitude and severity of the Missouri River flooding," Grassley said.

In June, the President issued a major disaster declaration in response to the flooding.

Grassley has met personally with FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate this year and pressed for Iowans to receive assistance that is equitable to that provided elsewhere.

Here is the text of Grassley's October 6 letter to Fugate:

 

October 6, 2011

The Honorable W. Craig Fugate

Administrator

Federal Emergency Management Agency

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street SW

Washington, DC 20472

 

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I respectfully ask that you consider the appeal that Governor Branstad submitted today for Individual Assistance for Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, and Woodbury Counties.  On June 27, 2011, President Obama issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Iowa in response to the record amounts of rain and snowmelt which led to unprecedented runoff in the Missouri River basin during the months of May, June, and July.

It is my understanding that additional information has been gathered since the original request was submitted that clarifies the magnitude and severity of this disaster.  Individual Assistance will be vital in helping Iowans, who have endured prolonged hardship over the past four months, recover.

Thank you for your prompt consideration of this appeal.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

United States Senator

Runway Reconstruction Season Nears Completion

Six Month Project Was Part of $34 Million In Airfield Improvements

MOLINE, ILLINOIS         Rehabilitation of the main 10,000 ft. runway at the Quad City International Airport, known as 9/27 is just days away from final completion.  A ceremony today featuring Dr. Susan Shea, Director of Aeronautics for Illinois, Susan Schalk, Airports Division Manager, Great Lakes region for the FAA, a representative from Senator Durbin's office, and other area dignitaries will commemorate this milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:00 noon.  The ceremony will take place on the airfield near the "bulls-eye" where three of the airport runways intersect.  The rehabilitated runway 9/27 will feature 47,000 cubic yards of new concrete.  Paved asphalt shoulders on each side of 9/27 are an added safety enhancement.

Construction started in mid-April, and all three runways have been shut down for the past six months.  During this time a temporary runway of 6,500 feet in length was used (runway 10/28.)  The project remained on target throughout the season and will be completed one month ahead of schedule.  Planning for this major phase began in 2007, and encompassed $34 million in total airfield improvements.  Funding for the improvements has come from local, state and federal resources.  "The Quad City International Airport is a critical transportation link that is key to the region's economy," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL).  "This runway will help put the airport in the strongest possible position to compete for better air service and aviation development projects and contribute to the long term ability of the Quad City Airport to serve travelers safely, securely, and efficiently.  It is a great example of Recovery Act funding at work."

Bruce Carter, Director of Aviation says "Planning for this project started in 2007.  We are finishing the third stage of a four-stage plan and we are very pleased with the cooperation that was achieved through the efforts of the FAA, the Division of Aeronautics, the engineers and contractors.  Hundreds of jobs were created in the fields of concrete, asphalt, earthwork, electrical, and trucking.  This infrastructure improvement will take us well into the future." Carter adds, "While today is ceremonial in nature, we are ready to open all three of our runways to arrivals and departures next weekend.  This is an exciting time in history for the Quad City International Airport and for our travelers."

The fourth and final phase of the overall project will be completed next year, when the temporary runway used during the construction period converts to a taxiway, which will be called Taxiway P "Papa."  
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