Senator Grassley's Votes in 111th Congress Show His Support for Economic Growth and Job Creation

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 27, 2011 - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence today in recognition of his consistent support of manufacturers and their employees across the United States. The Award was presented at an event sponsored by NAM member Vermeer Corporation at its facility in Pella, Iowa.

Members of Congress who maintained a voting record of 70 percent or higher during the 111^th Congress (2009-2010) received the Award. Senator Grassley received a 77-percent key vote rating.

"On behalf of Vermeer Corporation and our employees, I thank Senator Grassley for championing the causes that will help manufacturers thrive in Iowa and across the United States," said Vermeer President and CEO Mary Andringa. "We're fortunate to have Senator Grassley supporting the efforts of Iowa manufacturers, advocating policies that will enable us to grow, create jobs, expand internationally and stay ahead of our global competition."

"Senator Grassley supports common-sense policies that will enable manufacturers to create and maintain good high-paying jobs in Iowa and throughout America," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.  "A vibrant manufacturing base is vital to getting our economy turned around and ensuring quality of life for all Americans. It is critical to have lawmakers like Senator Grassley whose actions consistently match their words when it comes to a pro-manufacturing agenda for economic growth and job creation."

Each key vote was selected by an NAM member-led advisory committee comprised of executives from small, mid-sized and large manufacturing companies. Members of Congress are notified in advance when key votes are pending and why the key vote designation has been made.

Key manufacturing votes for the 111th Congress included energy policy, taxes, regulations and labor law reform, among others. These policies are important components of the NAM's "Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America," a comprehensive plan for supporting jobs and the U.S. economy. You can view the Strategy at www.nam.org.

"The Award is a non-partisan indicator to help manufacturers and their employees sort out the true allies of manufacturing based on their votes on key issues that affect the manufacturing economy, jobs and U.S. competitiveness," Timmons noted.

Voting records for all members of Congress are available at www.nam.org/votingrecord along with further details about NAM Key Manufacturing Votes.

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.  Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs.  For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

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Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is concerned that banks will use taxpayer money from the Small Business Lending Fund to repay their loans under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP.  Last month, he sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, asking for detailed information on the department's oversight plan for the Small Business Lending Fund and information on TARP recipients that have applied for Small Business Lending Fund money.   Last year, Grassley exposed the misleading nature of a General Motors and Treasury Department public relations effort over how General Motors had repaid its government loan.  Today, Grassley released the Treasury secretary's response to his inquiry on the Small Business Lending Fund and made the following comment on the response.

"This response confirms what I was afraid of.  It's okay with Treasury if banks use their small business lending funds to repay TARP because supposedly TARP already has made a profit.  That's not how the small business program was sold to the public.  This was supposed to get small businesses back on their feet and create jobs.  It sure seems like small businesses are getting left out again.  So far, this fund might only have created jobs for the banks shuffling public money around.  Well, we've been there, done that, and that approach has been rejected by the grass roots.

"Beyond that, it's disappointing that Treasury won't disclose the names of banks applying for these loans.  These banks are applying for tax dollars.  There's no reason why their names should be kept secret from the public.  And the Treasury Department doesn't name a single step to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in this $30 billion program.  From this response, it seems the Treasury Department is content to give the money out and let the inspector general and GAO try to police any abuse on the back end.  As we've learned with TARP and the stimulus program, especially in the weatherization program, it's nearly impossible to recoup wasted money after the fact."

Friday, April 15, 2011

As hundreds of millions of Americans zeroed in on highly publicized negotiations in Washington to avert a shutdown of the federal government, tens of millions of people from around the world were riveted by a live video stream coming out of Decorah, Iowa. Nestled 80 feet above ground in a cottonwood tree, three eaglets fascinated their online audience by hatching one-by-one under their parent's 24-hour supervision.

The close-up has fascinated classrooms of students and households across the country, enriching curriculum and showcasing the uncommon stateliness and regal beauty of America's national emblem.

While the hatchlings feasted on trout, carp and carrion brought to the nest by their parents in northeast Iowa, the budget debate ramped up in Washington.

How did Washington reach the brink in the first place? The Democratic-controlled Congress failed last year to pass a budget by the September 30 deadline. In the meantime, the federal government had been kept open with seven temporary spending bills.

So when the 112th Congress opened for business in January, it needed to hammer out a budget for the current fiscal year already underway before starting work on a budget for 2012.

After a week of showdowns, even a veto threat, that brought unnecessary uncertainty to hundreds of thousands of Americans, including military families and federal workers, the leadership in the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate reached a last-minute agreement with the White House. It will cut nearly $39 billion from the federal budget that will finance the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Although a relatively small victory for taxpayers considering the size of the deficit, the spending reduction represents a positive shift in the debate over the cost and size of the federal government. It's a victory for taxpayers because it established a new bottom line for future budget negotiations:  Washington needs to champion policies that grow the economy and create jobs, not defend ways that grow the government.

Although a resolution was achieved, the debate sets the stage for what is sure to be even more intense debate in the months ahead.

That's because the federal government still faces an unprecedented $14 trillion national debt. By mid-May, the United States will reach its legal debt ceiling.

For too long, the federal budget has ridden the rails of Washington's spending spree, picking up even more speed over the last two years with federal bailouts, stimulus handouts and new entitlement spending that have ratcheted up deficit spending and dug a bigger hole for American taxpayers to fill.

It's time for Washington to come clean with the American public. The federal government cannot borrow-and-spend our way to prosperity. The growing national debt poses serious risk to the long-term economic health of the United States.  It puts a heavy burden on taxpayers who will have less take-home pay to save, spend and invest if they have to send more money to Washington.

The recent budget stalemate is actually overshadowed by the much graver fiscal cliffhanger looming on the horizon. The national debt and unsustainable entitlements pose serious challenges to America's long-term prosperity.

Let's hope Washington gets serious about shutting down deficits and reforming entitlement spending. By doing so, Congress and the White House will go a long ways towards strengthening the U.S. economy and America's safety nets for retirees and the disabled.

Lawmakers and the President might find inspiration from the eagles nesting in Decorah. For 235 years, America has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity and for freedom and prosperity. Chosen by America's Founders to symbolize freedom, strength and longevity, the eagle graces the Seal of the United States. With widespread wings, the eagle carries a scroll in its beak inscribed with "E Pluribus Unum." The Latin phrase translates "Out of Many, One."

The president and 435 members of Congress collectively represent many different constituencies across the ideological, political, geographic and demographic spectrum. Although representing many, we all can work to make America an even better place for posterity. If we continue to live beyond our means, we'll push future generations over a fiscal cliff of no return. That's why Washington must clamp down on new spending and shrink the national debt.

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) invites Iowans from across the first Congressional district to attend a series of budget and deficit reduction town halls the week of April 25th. The town halls will be fully interactive and attendants will be able to decide how to balance the budget and reduce the deficit.

"It's long past due time for a serious, responsible conversation about our fiscal future - and that's why I want to bring the budget discussion directly to my constituents," said Rep. Braley. "These town halls will give Iowans an opportunity to see first-hand how the budget process works in Congress. Together, we can find the best ways to balance the budget and reduce our deficit. I look forward to hearing from my constituents and discussing these important issues with them."  

***The town halls will be open to all press.***

Attendants can RSVP on Rep. Braley's website at: http://go.usa.gov/TQa

Rep. Braley will hold four town halls over the week of April 25th:

Monday April 25th - Quad Cities
The Rogalski Center
St. Ambrose University Campus
Corner of Ripley and Lombard Street
Davenport, IA 52803
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tuesday April 26th - Cedar Valley
Commons Ballroom
University of Northern Iowa
1224 West 23rd Street
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Wednesday April 27th - Dubuque
Grand River Center
500 Bell Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wednesday April 27th - Fayette
Student Center Ballroom
Upper Iowa University Campus
East side of Washington Street in the middle of campus
Fayette, IA 52142
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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