Grassley Legislation to Ensure Preservation of Film and Sound Recordings Heads to President
WASHINGTON – Legislation pushed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley to help ensure that historically significant films and sound recordings are preserved for the benefit of generations of Americans has passed both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is headed to the President to be signed into law.
Grassley, along with Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, authored legislation to reauthorize the sound recording and film preservation programs of the Library of Congress, which are charged with collecting, archiving and preserving films and recordings that are rapidly disappearing and deteriorating with time.
“We want to continue to foster an environment that encourages the preservation of our nation’s historical and cultural resources. Many of these unique and rare works already have been lost and others are deteriorating rapidly,” Grassley said. “Importantly, these programs have placed a special emphasis on assisting small and local projects that would otherwise have been lost or overlooked. It’s important to safeguard these films and sound recordings so generations to come have the opportunity to learn from and appreciate these treasures.”
Congress created the National Film Preservation Board in 1988 and the National Film Preservation Foundation in 1996 to help save historically significant American films for the benefit of the public. In 2000, Congress created the National Recording Preservation Board and the National Recording Preservation Foundation to help save historically important American sound recordings.
The two Boards advise the Librarian of Congress on national preservation planning policy, helping the Library develop and disseminate preservation and production standards for at-risk works. In addition, the Film Board selects films of importance to cinema and America’s cultural and artistic history for the National Film Registry, while the Recording Board selects sound recordings which have been recognized for their cultural, artistic and/or historical significance to American society and the nation’s audio legacy for the National Recording Registry. The two Foundations raise funds and distribute them to archives throughout the United States. A requirement of the grants is that recipients make these works available to researchers, educators and the general public.
To date, the National Film Preservation Foundation has given grants in all 50 states. Iowa libraries participating in the grant program have received assistance to help preserve important films and recordings. The National Film Preservation Foundation has provided grants to preserve films held in Iowa institutions, including Coe College, Council Bluffs Public Library, Davenport Public Library, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, Iowa State University American Archives of the Factual Film, and the University of Iowa. In addition, a number of Iowa-related items are preserved in the Library of Congress Packard Campus audio-visual collection, including copies of Iowa Public Radio and Public Television items from the American Archive of Public Broadcasting.
Historical Films Must Be Preserved For Future Generations
· “We and other Iowa organizations have hundreds of other culturally and historically significant films that need preservation work to survive. These document the history of our state from its earliest years to present time.
“Thanks to the National Film Preservation Foundation we have made important progress on saving this important material. To date the NFPF has helped rescue more than 2,600 films from all 50 states and these aren’t Hollywood features but regional films and newsreels that document our history and culture.” David McCartney, University Archivist, University of Iowa
· “In 2012 Council Bluffs Public Library received a grant to preserve Man Power, a 1930 silent film created to boost the local economy by luring businesses to Council Bluffs. This historic film sat in our archives for over 80 years, unwatched and deteriorating over time. With the help of the NFPF, we were able to preserve and digitize this wonderful time capsule of our local history. Thanks to the NFPF, this lost piece of history has been viewed hundreds of times and is now safe from decay and available for the public.
“Did you know Council Bluffs Iowa had the first electric Streetcar system in the country? As a result of this grant we were able to see, for the first time, real, moving images of Council Bluffs from back when it was a major rail hub. 1 have no doubt that, without support from the NFPF, vital pieces of local history would be lost forever.” Ben Johnson, Support Services Librarian, Council Bluffs (Iowa) Public Library
· “Coe College received grants to preserve two films that depict campus life in the 1930s and 1960s. Once these historically rich films were preserved more than 170 people attended a screening of the films. Thanks to that event, the college was able to raise funds from alumni to preserve a third campus film from 1972. The public funding from the [National Film Preservation Foundation] helped us not only share our history with the public but also generated financial support from the community. Since posting the films on our website students, faculty and the public have viewed the films using them in academic and public history research.” Jill Jack, Director of Library Services, College Archivist and Associate Professor at Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
· “Thanks to the National Film Preservation Foundation (NFPF), Iowa State University was able to preserve and make accessible an important group of films documenting the Rath Packing Company of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Without support from the NFPF, these important visual documents of Iowa History would have been lost. The NFPF continues to help regional archives throughout the country, helping to save more than 2,230 films and collections in all 50 states. While most film preservation efforts focus on the Hollywood product, the NFPF is the only agency devoted to helping organizations like Iowa State University preserve films in their collections that would otherwise deteriorate and go unseen. These films provide important historical documentation depicting local and regional business, groups, and organizations of interest to both Iowa constituents and U.S. citizens.” Tanya Zanish-Belcher, Director of Special Collection & Archives at Wake Forest University, former Head of the Special Collections Department, Iowa State University
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Grassley Raises Awareness of Anti-Counterfeiting Efforts
Washington – Senator Chuck Grassley, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus, led the Senate in passing a resolution designating July as National Anti-Counterfeiting Consumer Education and Awareness Month. The resolution also recognizes the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Lanham Act which laid the foundation for modern trademark protection and to protect consumers from counterfeit products.
“Trademark-related crimes are growing rapidly and the devastating effects are far-reaching. These crimes impact not only whole industries, but economies as well where experts estimate that losses could be in the billions for any given industry. This is in addition to the health concerns with counterfeit products, and the financial boon that terrorists reap from selling imitation goods,” Grassley said. “Increased education and awareness efforts are critical to helping to put a stop to counterfeit activity.”
In April, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to explore how hazardous counterfeit products – like medicines, electronics, automotive, and military parts – can harm consumers.
The hearing panel warned that consumers unknowingly purchase counterfeits. In fact, consumers often pay the same as they would for legitimate goods, but receive potentially unsafe products. For example, consumers are purchasing fake chargers that may explode or medicines that may be manufactured with dangerous or contaminated substances. These types of counterfeits can result in severe injuries, including death.
In addition, the hearing panel discussed the exploitation by counterfeiters of e-commerce platforms with a business direct to consumer business model. Cyber-commerce, for-profit streaming, and ever-changing technologies have continued to present new challenges in combating counterfeiting activity. The panel discussed the changing tactics of counterfeiters, including small package delivery through the mail, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to go after these criminals.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Coons, of Delaware, who is a co-chair of the Congressional Trademark Caucus.
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Grassley Introduces Bill to Crack Down on Financial Crimes Targeting Seniors
“…one of the most comprehensive and meaningful bills ever developed to address the rapidly increasing problem of elder financial abuse in America.”
WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley introduced comprehensive legislation to combat the abuse and exploitation of America’s seniors. The bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act expands education, prevention and prosecution tools to reduce crimes against seniors and to bring perpetrators to justice.
“Financial exploitation of America’s seniors is so widespread, it has been called the crime of the 21st century. Some seniors have lost homes, farms and entire life savings because of fraud. Sadly these crimes often go unreported, and as we learned at a recent Judiciary Committee hearing I held, the government doesn’t even have a clear picture of the scope of this problem. My bill would help improve our understanding of these and other devastating crimes against seniors and how best to prevent them. It also sends a strong message through steeper penalties that crimes against vulnerable seniors will not be tolerated. Americans in their golden years have worked too hard for too long to be preyed upon by criminals who lack the same work ethic and moral compass,” Grassley said.
While financial exploitation is on the rise, and is expected to increase further as more Americans age, the Justice Department has admitted that prosecution of such crimes “remains relatively uncommon.” An estimated six million Americans over the age of 60 fall victim to abuse or exploitation each year, and many of those crimes go unreported. Financial crimes targeting seniors robs them of at least $2.9 billion annually. Half of all dementia patients will experience some form of abuse or neglect, and elderly victims of such physical or emotional abuse are three times more likely to die earlier than peers who are not abused.
The Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (S. 3270) expands data collection and information sharing to better prevent and respond to all forms of elder abuse and exploitation, including financial crimes against seniors. Specifically, the bill increases training for federal investigators and prosecutors and equips each judicial district with at least one prosecutor having expertise with elder abuse cases. It also establishes an elder justice coordinator within the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. Further, the bill improves information sharing among government agencies and between federal, state and local authorities to develop best practices in the fight against elder financial exploitation. Finally, the bill increases penalties for perpetrators of such crimes – including mandatory forfeiture – to deter future offences.
The bipartisan 3,000-member Elder Justice Coalition called the bill, “one of the most comprehensive and meaningful bills ever developed to address the rapidly increasing problem of elder financial abuse in America.”
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.).
Earlier this year, Grassley chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing to examine how best to protect older Americans from financial abuse. Grassley also launched several inquiries to combat crimes against seniors and worked to raise greater aware for such issues facing seniors.
· Summary
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Senate Unanimously Passes Autism, Alzheimer’s Bill Named for Iowa Boy
Grassley Co-Sponsored, Advanced Kevin and Avonte’s Law through Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate last night unanimously passed legislation to help families locate missing loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, autism and related conditions. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Charles Schumer collaborated on the legislation.
The bill, titled Kevin and Avonte’s Law, is named in honor of two boys with autism who died after wandering from safety. Nine-year-old Kevin Curtis Wills of Jefferson, Iowa, jumped into the Raccoon River and tragically drowned in 2008. Avonte Oquendo, 14, of New York City, wandered from school and drowned in the East River in 2014.
“The feeling of dread and helplessness families must feel when a loved one with Alzheimer’s or autism goes missing is unimaginable. But with the Senate’s approval of Kevin and Avonte’s Law, we are one important step closer to increasing the chances of a positive ending to many of these nightmares. This bipartisan bill applies proven community alert systems to help locate people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism and related disorders who may be susceptible to wandering away from safety. It also supports training for first responders and other community officials to better prevent and respond to these cases.
“By preventing similar tragedies in the future, we can honor the lives of Kevin, Avonte and others who lost their lives because a medical condition caused them to wander from safety. That’s exactly what this bill aims to do,” Grassley said.
“I want to express thanks for the help of everyone who was a part of this effort in Kevin’s honor, especially Senator Grassley. It’s been a difficult road for our family and this makes us smile when we think of Kevin,” Said Curtis Wills, father of Kevin Wills.
Kevin and Avonte’s Law would not only reauthorize the expired Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, but it also would make changes to the program to support people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Specifically, the bill would allow Justice Department grants to be used for state and local education and training programs to help prevent wandering and reunite caregivers with missing family members who have a condition that’s linked to wandering.
Under the bill, the grants can be used for the development of training and emergency protocols for school personnel, to supply first responders with additional information and resources, and for locative tracking technology programs to assist the families and caregivers of individuals who may wander from safety because of their condition. Grant funding may also be used to establish or enhance notification and communications systems for the recovery of missing children with autism.
The bill is supported by Autism Society of Iowa, Autism Society, Autism Speaks, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, The Arc, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society on Aging, Autism Safety Coalition, National Autism Association, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Safe Minds, The Color of Autism Foundation, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Society, National Association of State Directors of Special Education, Lutheran Services in America Disability Network, TACA, and ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources).
Along with Grassley and Schumer, Kevin and Avonte’s Law is also cosponsored by senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).
More information on Kevin and Avonte’s Law is available HERE.
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WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: CONGRESS PASSES CHUCK GRASSLEY-LED ANTI-OPIOID ABUSE BILL
“Landmark Legislation”; “Most Sweeping Drug Legislation in Years”; “Extraordinary Step Forward”; “A Very Big Deal”; “Crucial Policy Shift”
Iowa Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy: “Landmark Legislation…Good News For Iowans…Strong Bipartisan Support…Thanks To All Members Of Iowa’s Congressional Delegation …Including Senator Grassley Who, As Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman And A House-Senate Conference Committee Member, Helped Shape Parts Of The Legislation And Usher It Through Congress” “This landmark legislation is good news for Iowans and other Americans working to reduce opioid abuse, because of its comprehensive approach dealing with opioids and other drugs,” said Lukan, Director of the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy. “CARA will boost efforts in substance use disorder prevention, drug enforcement, evidence-based treatment, recovery support, and the reduction of drug overdoses.” “Strong bipartisan support for a wide-ranging response reflects the need to reverse the devastating impact opioid abuse is having on communities across the U.S., including right here in Iowa,” said Lukan. “Thanks to all members of Iowa’s congressional delegation who voted for this measure, including Senator Grassley who, as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman and a House-Senate Conference Committee member, helped shape parts of the legislation and usher it through Congress.” (Steve Lukan, "Iowa Drug Policy Chief Applauds Action by Congress to Curb Opioid Abuse," Governor's Office of Drug Control Policy, 7/14/16)
New York Times: “The Most Sweeping Drug Legislation In Years” “The Senate on Wednesday approved a bill to tackle the nation’s opioid crisis, sending to the president’s desk the most sweeping drug legislation in years...” (Emmarie Huetteman, “Senate Approves Bill to Combat Opioid Addiction Crisis,” The New York Times, 7/13/2016)
· “Empowering Medical Professionals And Law Enforcement Officials” “The measure, which passed, 92 to 2, would strengthen prevention, treatment and recovery efforts, largely by empowering medical professionals and law enforcement officials with more tools to help drug addicts.” (Emmarie Huetteman, “Senate Approves Bill to Combat Opioid Addiction Crisis,” The New York Times, 7/13/2016)
· “‘Extraordinary Step Forward’” “Marvin Ventrell, the executive director of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, said the measure was an ‘extraordinary’ step forward.” (Emmarie Huetteman, “Senate Approves Bill to Combat Opioid Addiction Crisis,” The New York Times, 7/13/2016)
Associated Press: “Creates Grants And Other Programs Aimed At Addressing…A Crippling Problem That Claims Victims Across Racial, Economic And Geographic Lines” “The legislation creates grants and other programs aimed at addressing drug abuse, especially heroin and opioids, a crippling problem that claims victims across racial, economic and geographic lines. There were more than 47,000 U.S. drug abuse fatalities in 2014 — double the death rate in 2000. Most of those deaths were from heroin or opioids, potentially addictive medications that are prescribed to kill pain. . . The government has estimated that more than 2 million Americans have opioid abuse problems, and nearly 500,000 more are heroin addicts.” (Matthew Daly, “Congress Sends Obama Compromise Drug-Abuse Bill,” The Associated Press, 7/13/2016)
NPR: “Legislation Allows More People To Have Access To Naloxone, The Drug That Can Reverse An Opioid Overdose” “[T]he legislation allows more people to have access to naloxone, the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose, reducing the risk of death. Access would be expanded for people working in schools and community centers.” (Alison Kodjak, “Congress Approves Bill To Address Addiction As A Health Problem,” NPR, 7/13/2016)
· “‘Helps Expand Treatment In Significant Ways…A Very Big Deal’” “[T]he bill helps expand treatment in significant ways. For example, it allows nurses and physician assistants to treat people with addictions using medications, which is considered the evidence-based standard. ‘Treatment capacity is really a crisis. There just isn't enough,’ [National Council for Behavioral Health President Linda] Rosenberg tells [NPR]. ‘But what this bill does to address that — it expands the kinds of people who can prescribe medications for addictions. And that's a very big deal.’” (Alison Kodjak, “Congress Approves Bill To Address Addiction As A Health Problem,” NPR, 7/13/2016)
· “Will Allow Police Departments To Send People With Addiction Problems To Treatment Rather Than To Jail” “The legislation also allows the Department of Health and Human Services to give grants to states and community organizations for improving or expanding treatment and recovery programs. It has several provisions that will allow police departments to send people with addiction problems to treatment rather than to jail.” (Alison Kodjak, “Congress Approves Bill To Address Addiction As A Health Problem,” NPR, 7/13/2016)
The Hill: “Crucial Policy Shift” “Public health advocates have lauded the bill as a crucial policy shift, recognizing addiction as a disease rather than a law enforcement problem.” (Sarah Ferris, “Congress Sends First Major Opioids Bill To Obama's Desk,” The Hill, 7/13/2016)
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