Wednesday, December 22, 2010 

Sen. Chuck Grassley, ranking member of the Committee on Finance, with jurisdiction over international trade, made the following comment about today's passage of legislation to extend by six weeks the Andean Trade Preference Act and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program.

"This is a modest but welcome step that will preserve important benefits for U.S. workers and our allies in Colombia.  I regret that this Congress didn't do more.  We're ending the session with much unfinished business on the trade agenda.  I hope the 112th Congress will do a better job addressing these many items, beginning with the implementation of our three pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea."

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has asked the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to account for the way their departments allocate and utilize taxpayer monies aimed at health care fraud.  In his request, Grassley expressed concern about the stagnating number of criminal prosecutions for health care fraud, despite increased federal spending to fight fraud.

"The data raises all kinds of questions," Grassley said.  "Congress has been increasing appropriations for the anti-fraud program that's jointly run by Justice and HHS.  Administration leaders promote the value of a special fraud prevention and enforcement task force known as HEAT.  The health care law enacted this year dedicates even more federal dollars to these efforts.  Yet, despite the record number of defendants, actual criminal convictions for health care fraud violations are flat resulting in a falling conviction rate."

Grassley said that if the administration is focusing on civil prosecutions of health care fraud at the expense of criminal prosecutions, the risk may be that penalties simply become part of the cost of doing business for those engaged in fraud.

Grassley also said that HEAT criminal investigations grew from 30 in fiscal 2008 to 82 in fiscal 2009, yet the total nationwide number of criminal health care fraud convictions is down.  "This raises a question of whether the focus of the HEAT initiative is redirecting resources away from overall criminal enforcement of health care laws," Grassley said.

Grassley said of even greater concern is the plummeting conviction rate for criminal health care fraud cases.  Of the 803 criminal defendants charged in fiscal 2009, only 583 were convicted or plea bargained.  That represents a 72 percent conviction rate compared to past rates that topped 90 percent.

"Statistically speaking, the data shows that despite increased cases and defendants, fewer bad guys are going to jail for ripping off Medicare and Medicaid.  I want to know why the Justice Department is having a tougher time putting people behind bars when we're giving them millions more to do the job," Grassley said.

Grassley has long worked in Congress to strengthen efforts against health care fraud.  Legislation he co-authored in 1986 empowered citizen whistleblowers to file suit on behalf of the taxpayers against those who fraudulently claim federal funds, including Medicare, Medicaid, contract payments, disaster assistance, and other benefits, subsidies, grants and loans.  The amount recovered through the False Claims Act since the 1986 update was enacted is over $27 billion, which otherwise would be lost to fraud.  The whistleblower updates are a major force against health care fraud.

In the new year, Grassley will begin serving as Ranking Member of the Committee on Judiciary.  For the last ten years, Grassley has been either Ranking Member of Chairman of the Committee on Finance, which has jurisdiction over Medicare or Medicaid.  He will continue to serve as a senior member of the Finance Committee.

Click here to read Grassley's letter, including the data and analysis.

Contracts Will Create Green Jobs, Expand Use of Sustainable Energy

CHICAGO - December 22, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that long-term agreements have been executed to advance the state's ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy use, create green jobs and increase sustainability. The winning wind and solar energy vendors will supply Ameren and ComEd with renewable electricity to provide to consumers throughout the state. The 20-year agreements will help ensure long-term cost and rate stability for consumers across Illinois.

"Today's announcement means that we will be increasing our use of renewable energy in Illinois, which will boost our economy and put more people to work," said Governor Quinn. "Illinois is a leader in developing the green economy, and this support for renewable resources will keep us on the cutting-edge."

The long-term agreements will help Illinois meet the goals established in 2007 by the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS requires 25 percent of electricity provided to smaller customers by the state's major utilities to be generated from renewable resources by 2025, with incremental percentage increases each year leading up to 2025.

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) administered the vendor bidding process. By guaranteeing a lower rate over a longer period of time, the long-term contracts allow providers to mitigate financial risk and pass the benefit of lower rates on to consumers.

"ComEd supports the Renewable Power Standards passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2007," said Anne Pramaggiore, President and Chief Operating Officer of ComEd. "With the modifications made last year, the standards have served the state well by integrating wind and renewable resources and protecting consumers by balancing the need for clean energy supply with the impact on rates."

"We congratulate Governor Pat Quinn for his leadership in making the development of renewable energy resources a priority of his administration," said Scott Cisel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameren Illinois. "Illinois' continued leadership has been reinforced by IPA Director Mark Pruitt and the Illinois Commerce Commission, who have assured a long-term future supply of renewable power at fair prices."

"Investing in renewable energy will provide long-term economic benefits by creating good-paying jobs and attracting development to our communities," said Michael T. Carrigan, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO.  "Wind and solar development are good for the environment, good for Illinois workers, and should be a part of the state's energy plan now and into the future."

The winning wind projects:

  • Bishop Hill Energy
  • Blackstone Wind Farm
  • FPL Energy Illinois Wind
  • Grand Ridge Energy
  • Meadow Lake Wind Farm
  • TianRun Shady Oaks
  • New Harvest Wind Project

The winning solar projects:

  • Invenergy Illinois Solar
  • Rockford Solar Partners

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"I voted against the Treaty because it makes the United States give up more than Russia, it's silent on the major issue of tactical nuclear weapons, and the verification mechanism is weaker than START I, which I supported in 1992.  Amendments to make corrections were shot down in order to have the Treaty finalized by an arbitrary deadline and seemingly for a political victory.  Beyond that, the prospects of a nuclear war are far greater today with Iran and North Korea, so that's where U.S. national security concerns and work should be primarily focused."

In addition, the text of his extended statement follows here.

Floor Statement of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Vote Against the New START Treaty

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Mr. President.  Before I begin my remarks on the New START treaty, I'd like to point out to my colleagues that in 2002, I voted in favor of the Moscow Treaty.  I was also one of 93 Senators who voted in favor of START I in 1992.

I recognize the importance of maintaining a positive and cooperative relationship with Russia.  The proponents of the New START treaty argue that this treaty is necessary to continue the goodwill between our countries and the much-touted "reset" in our relations.  More importantly to me, however, are the merits of the treaty itself.  The Senate should not simply ratify this treaty to appease Russia or as a signal of cooperation with them.  The treaty should be considered based on its impact on our national security and the security of our allies.

A nuclear arms control treaty can be evaluated based on the level of parity it brings to the two parties.   In this regard, I believe this treaty falls short.  The fact is, while this treaty places new limits on warheads, as well as deployed and non-deployed delivery vehicles, Russia is already below the limit on delivery vehicles.  The treaty primarily imposes new limits on the U.S., while requiring modest, if any, reductions on the Russian side.  Also alarming is that this treaty is silent on the matter of tactical nuclear weapons.  It is believed that Russia has a ten-to-one advantage over the U.S. in terms of tactical nuclear weapons.

The Administration has argued that this treaty is necessary to provide strategic stability.  However, if we're reducing our strategic weapons without regard to Russia's overwhelming advantage on tactical nuclear weapons, I question whether this reduction isn't weakening strategic stability.  It should also be mentioned that some proponents of the New START treaty were critical of the 2002 Moscow Treaty for failing to reduce Russian tactical nuclear weapons.  I believe our leverage with the Russians to begin placing meaningful limits on tactical nuclear weapons existed with this treaty.  Now, I see no clear path to negotiating reductions in tactical nuclear weapons.

Like many of my colleagues, I have serious concerns about the inclusion of references to and limitations on U.S. plans for missile defense.  I don't believe there should be a connection between strategic nuclear weapons reductions and our plans for missile defense.   I'm equally troubled that Russia issued a unilateral statement at the treaty's signing stating that the treaty "may be effective and viable only in conditions where there is no qualitative or quantitative build-up in the missile defense system capabilities of the United States of America."

It's positive that the Resolution of Ratification makes a strong statement that the treaty does not limit the deployment of U.S. missile defense systems, other than those contained in Article Five.  It also says that the Russian statement on missile defense does not impose a legal obligation on the United States.  While I would have preferred that this treaty not contain any language on missile defense, I appreciate the work of the Foreign Relations Chairman and Ranking Member to include this language in the ratification resolution.  But the fact remains, this language is simply our opinion and is non-binding.

This treaty reverses the gains made in the Moscow Treaty which de-linked offensive and defensive capabilities.  Although a modified amendment on missile defense to the resolution of ratification was agreed to today, I'm disappointed that the Senate could not agree to the amendment offered by Senator McCain which would have stricken the language in the treaty's preamble that arguably gives Russia a say on our future missile defense plans.

Finally, Mr. President, I also share the serious concerns related to the issue of verification.  It has been the subject of much debate, and deservedly so.  I agree with the sentiment that as our deployed strategic nuclear weapons are reduced, it becomes more and more critical that the remaining weapons can be relied upon.  As the number of weapons is reduced, it becomes more important that we know that the Russians are abiding by the limits of the treaty.

After reviewing the classified material presented by Senator Bond, Ranking Member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, I have serious reservations about the new verification regime contained in the treaty.  Although Former Secretary of State James Baker supports ratification of the treaty, he stated that the verification mechanism in the New START treaty "does not appear as rigorous or extensive as the one that verified the numerous and diverse treaty obligations and prohibitions under START I."

I do regret that without a treaty in place that there is no verification regime, and no U.S. inspectors monitoring Russia's nuclear arms activities.  It's important to point out, however, that the Obama Administration had the ability to extend the verification regime for five years, as provided for in START I.  But the Obama Administration failed to act.   The Administration also insisted there would be a "bridging agreement" to continue verification until the entry into force of a successor agreement.  This agreement was never completed either.

I'm deeply disappointed that in these areas of concern, the Senate is simply being asked to be a "rubber stamp" rather than fulfill our constitutional obligation to provide our advice on these important matters.  Had the advice of the Senate on these important issues been incorporated into the treaty, I believe it would have gained overwhelming bipartisan support.  Without addressing these areas in a meaningful way, I am reluctantly unable to support it.

Finance Leaders Release GAO Report Indicating Better Guidelines for Budget Planning Are Needed

Washington, DC - Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) today called for new guidelines to be set for Medicare Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) so the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) can ensure QIO funds are spent properly.  QIOs are organizations within each state contracted by Medicare to, among other things, determine the quality of services delivered to Medicare beneficiaries through quality-of-care reviews.  Baucus and Grassley called for improved budget planning today after releasing a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which indicated that the methods QIOs use to determine and report the total costs of quality-of-care reviews currently vary among states.  The GAO found that clearer and more specific guidelines for the budget-writing process would better ensure that Medicare dollars are being well-used to improve quality of care for seniors.

"This report demonstrates the need for a sound budget development plan that guarantees that not one dollar of the Medicare Trust Fund goes to waste," said Baucus. "Reviewing the quality of care of health care providers plays a critical role in ensuring that seniors are treated fairly and have access to high quality care.  The money we spend to ensure quality health care should make people healthier and effective budget guidelines from Medicare will certainly contribute to making sure we meet that goal."

 

"There isn't a good system for the QIOs to keep track of what they find, meaning the value of their work cannot be determined," Grassley said. "It might be that CMS is overpaying for these services.  CMS has to do a better job of tracking this work so it can pay the appropriate amount and so taxpayers get what they're paying for, which is better quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.  Improving its oversight of Medicare contractors is something CMS needs to accomplish, and it's one of my long-time priorities."

Currently, QIOs inform CMS of the total cost of quality-of-care reviews conducted and calculate labor costs therein, but do not follow a standard set of guidelines on how to calculate or provide that information.  As a result, QIOs' reporting systems vary among states, and CMS is unable to guarantee that its three-year QIO budget is appropriate. GAO recommended that CMS create clear instructions specifying how QIOs should detail the volume and costs of their quality-of-care reviews.  Such a standard would allow CMS to develop accurate budgets for quality-of-care reviews.

CMS enters into three-year contracts with QIOs in every state to perform various reviews to help guarantee Medicare dollars are spent wisely and health care providers in each state are maintaining a high standard of care.  Quality-of-care reviews, just one of the reviews QIOs perform, gauge certain measures like the standard of treatment patients receive and Medicare providers' adherence to their patients' medication schedules.  CMS creates a budget to cover the total cost of reviews at each QIO.  The current amount budgeted for all reviews, including quality-of-care reviews, for QIOs in every state is approximately $208 million for the three-year period between 2008 through 2011.

The full text of the GAO report is available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11116r.pdf.

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Washington Needs to Get on Board and Tackle Deficit Spending by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

Taxpayers all across America can ring in the New Year with a sigh of relief. Thanks to a bipartisan agreement brokered between the White House and Republican congressional leaders, paychecks won't automatically see higher federal tax withholdings starting January 1.

For the last two years, the 111th Congress took a wait-and-see approach about taxes, causing considerable uncertainty for businesses that make investment and hiring decisions in part based on their tax burden. Many employers stockpiled cash instead of spending money on equipment upgrades or expanding their workforces. This uncertainty did not do the economic recovery any good.

Thankfully, the results of the mid-term elections delivered a crystal clear message in November. Washington went overboard. The federal spending spree and bailout binge added an even greater burden to taxpayers already on the hook for a $13.8 trillion national debt. Interest payments alone are eating up a growing percentage of the annual federal budget, including 414 billion tax dollars in fiscal year 2010.

A myth long used by big spenders inside the Beltway to justify raising taxes may at long last be on the chopping block. Raising taxes will not slay the deficit dragon. It does not cure the deficit problem; it serves as an invitation for big spenders to spend even more. Keeping the lid on tax hikes will force lawmakers to trim spending or keep borrowing. From my senior position in the U.S. Senate, I champion ways to keep the lid on spending. In 2010, I voted to reduce federal spending by $278 billion. America simply can't afford to keep borrowing more money.

Hopefully the bipartisan tax agreement signals a fresh start for the 112th Congress and the White House to tackle the national debt. As the report by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform concluded:  There's no easy way out. Shared sacrifice and tough choices must be made to get America's fiscal house in order.

Right now, the first order of business is to get the American economy back on the right track. A healthy economy will create new jobs and get more people back to work. More people bringing home a paycheck means fewer families will rely on social services paid for by the government.

The tax relief signed into law is a good step in the right direction.  Here's what it does:

  • extends the lower marginal tax rates on wages and income;
  • renews 51 tax incentives tailored to trigger economic growth and employment (including tax incentives for ethanol and biodiesel);
  • exempts family estates up to $5 million from a 35 percent federal death tax;
  • indexes alternative minimum tax for inflation;
  • extends refundable tax credits, including child tax credit and college tuition deduction created in the 2001 legislation I authored as Chairman of the Finance Committee;
  • spurs business investment by allowing a 100 percent tax deduction for equipment purchases in 2011; and,
  • boosts take-home pay by approving a two-percentage payroll tax holiday for workers in 2011, on wages up to 106,800. (Multiply your annual income by .02 to see how much more you can save, spend or invest in 2011 thanks to this tax break.)

Now Washington needs to get on the same page and tackle the looming fiscal crisis. Punting the ball down the field for another two years is a reckless, unacceptable choice. The voting public gets it. Washington needs to get on board.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

?December 21, 2010

Churches United of the Quad City Area is proud to announce that the ecumenical organization will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. Throughout the year, Churches United will be hosting an array of events and celebrations to recognize its accomplishments and its contributions to the community through its emergency assistance, hunger and shelter programs, special community worship events, interfaith dialogue on community and national issues and much more.

On January 22, 1961 both the Rock Island County and the Scott County Council of Churches merged to become one regional ecumenical organization thus named the Council of Churches of Scott and Rock Island Counties. It was one of the earliest bi - state organizations and still today is one of the few bi -state church councils in the country. Today, we represent over 136 faith groups and 24 religious denominations and work beyond the Christian community in a variety of interfaith special events.

Churches United will be hosting or participating in four major events that will be taking place throughout 2011 although many other activities will be taking place as well. Join us on April 28, 2011 when Kathleen Kennedy Townsend author of will speak on Failing the Faithful and her perspective on faith and the ecumenical movement as it relates to her book. Along with Ms. Townsend will be an original composition that was composed and will be performed by Mr. William Campbell and the Maia String Quartet. In July, Churches United will be participating in the July 4th parade as we focus on hunger as well as the special anniversary in October commemorating 40 years of hosting the Quad City CROP WALK. Lastly, Churches United will again bring the community together as we sponsor an interfaith prayer service representing 10 years since the horrible tragedy of September 11, 2001.

These and other events will be found on our website beginning January 1st.

For more information, please contact Anne Wachal at 563-332-5002 or contact Churches United at awachal@cuqca.org

Guests Can Now Enjoy Fresh, Delicious Seafood Entrees, Including New Affordably-Priced Menu Items

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2010) - Red Lobster today announced a plan to remodel all of its nearly 700 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada in a style reminiscent of the seaside village of Bar Harbor, Maine. Along with a fresh, updated look, Red Lobster is introducing new lunch and dinner menu items, inspired by the flavors of America, that range in price from $8.99 to $18.50. The updated setting and new entrees offer guests the chance to experience fresh, delicious, affordable seafood in a warm, welcoming environment.

The new Bar Harbor design was first developed in 2005 by an internal team of architects and designers, and was selected after a rigorous, multi-year process that included guest focus groups, qualitative surveys and market testing. New exterior features include a stone tower, ship lanterns, Adirondack-style chairs to encourage guest conversation and mingling, and unique window decals that spell out the types of seafood guests will find inside. Guests will also notice new signage, featuring a contemporized logo with an updated lobster icon and a new modifier highlighting Red Lobster's signature fresh fish and live lobster. Interiors now feature cozy booths, warm wood paneling, softer lighting and nautical décor such as signal flags and seaside-inspired artwork. Thirty-three percent of restaurants will be remodeled by June 2011, with the goal of all Red Lobster restaurants receiving a remodel by 2014.

"Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, and while their love for our delicious seafood and friendly service has never been stronger, they've expressed a desire for a more up-to-date atmosphere," said Red Lobster President Kim Lopdrup. "We listened to their feedback and are very proud to now offer guests this beautiful new setting in which to enjoy a refreshing seaside dining experience."

In addition to the restaurant's updated features, Red Lobster is debuting new lunch and dinner entrees, inspired by the flavors and regional tastes of America, that range in price from $8.99 - $18.50. Beginning Nov. 16, the dishes will be available in Red Lobster restaurants across North America.

New dishes include :

  • Maple-Glazed Salmon and Shrimp
  • Pecan-Crusted Jumbo Shrimp
  • Cedar Plank Salmon
  • Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
  • New England Lobster Rolls - (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Shrimp Flatbread and Grilled Shrimp Salad - (Lunch)

"As the place that introduced America to seafood, our menu takes inspiration from different flavors and regions throughout the country," said Red Lobster Senior Executive Chef Michael LaDuke. "I love being a part of Red Lobster because we continuously innovate and bring guests new dishes to please every taste and budget."

These initiatives are the latest in a string of recent additions to Red Lobster. Guests can still enjoy their favorite selections from the restaurant's signature Today's Fresh Fish Menu or a dish expertly prepared by Certified Grill Masters on the Wood-Fire Grill. No matter the dish, guests will always be treated to Red Lobster's friendly, attentive and personalized service, guaranteeing their dining experience is a memorable one.

ABOUT RED LOBSTER

Red Lobster is the world's largest casual dining seafood restaurant with nearly 700 locations and more than 63,000 employees delivering the highest-quality seafood to guests across North America. Guests can enjoy selections from Red Lobster's signature Wood-Fire Grill and Today's Fresh Fish menus in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Red Lobster is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI), the world's largest full-service restaurant operating company. For more information on Red Lobster's new dishes or to find a remodeled location, please visit www.RedLobster.com.

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PEORIA, IL (12/21/2010)(readMedia)-- Members of the Peoria-based Illinois Air National Guard's 182nd Airlift Wing are scheduled to return home Dec. 22 after serving in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Just over 35 members of the 182nd Civil Engineering Squadron were activated in May and deployed to Kuwait where they performed base sustainment and engineering support. The Airmen performed duties in civil engineering including project design and management, water, electrical, heating and air conditioning, pavements, generator maintenance and carpentry. Together the group maintained 441 facilities and 3,750 acres, executing over 40 construction projects totaling more than $2.7 million.

After the return of the Civil Engineering Squadron, the 182nd Airlift Wing will still have approximately 50 Airmen deployed in support of various operations overseas. The remaining Airmen specialize in small air terminal operations, combat communications and air support operations.

The Airmen are expected to return at approximately 11:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22nd, to the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria Ill. Media is welcome to attend the return and should contact Maj. Steve Thomas at (309) 633-5534 to be added to the entrance list and to be updated on any changes in the arrival time.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today nominated 46 Iowa students for appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy and Military Academy, West Point for the 2011 classes.  

"I would like to congratulate these students for their many outstanding achievements," Harkin said. "An academy nomination is a great honor because of the intense competition for these nominations across the state of Iowa."

In a typical year, Harkin receives more than 150 applications from young Iowans interested in pursuing a career as a military officer.   Students apply for admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; or the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

Academy nomination finalists are interviewed by Senator Harkin's Academy Selection Board, during which time their motivation, poise and self-expression are measured.  Harkin may nominate up to ten applicants to compete for each available vacancy.  From the Senator's nominees, the academy then selects the final candidate who will be offered an appointment.  
"In order for an individual to be nominated, he or she must demonstrate superior leadership, academic and athletic abilities," Harkin said. "Nominees also must exhibit the necessary motivation for serving in the demanding role of a career military officer and be of outstanding moral character."  

After March 1, 2011, men and women between the ages of 17 and 22 who are interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the academies for the class entering in 2011, should go to http://harkin.senate.gov and complete Senator Harkin's online Service Academy application, or they may contact Senator Harkin's Cedar Rapids Office at (319)365-4504.  

A list of this year's Quad Cities area nominees is below.

Bettendorf
Andrew Peterman has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Andrew is the son of Carolyn and George Peterman and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Blue Grass
Samual Godwin has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Samual is the son of Mary and Steve Godwin  and is a senior at Davenport West High School.

Davenport
Samuel Larson has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Samuel is the son of Cynthia and David Larson and is a senior at Bettendorf High School.

Maquoketa
Isaac Kinrade has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Isaac is the son of Julia and Steven Kinrade and is a senior at Maquoketa High School.

Muscatine
Tyler Husar has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy. Tyler is the son of Cindy and Mark Husar and is a senior at Muscatine High School.

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