Grassley Comment on Wasteful Spending at Public Housing Authorities

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been tracking wasteful spending at public housing authorities including those in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Puerto Rico.  He made the following comment on an audit released today, showing the Philadelphia Housing Authority wasted millions of dollars from the federal stimulus package.  The audit is available here.

"This audit is the latest example of the Philadelphia Housing Authority's, and ultimately HUD's, failure to protect residents and taxpayers.  The housing authority has been a Bermuda Triangle for tax dollars. The primary people being helped are shady developers and law firms.  It's frustrating to see such blatant abuse of tax dollars.  The stimulus act included $4 billion for public housing agencies nationwide.  The millions of stimulus dollars wasted in Philadelphia call into question whether the rest of the $4 billion was wasted just as badly.  The Philadelphia Housing Authority is the fourth-largest in the country, and it paid millions of dollars to outside law firms to obstruct inspector general audits.  If other housing agencies are as troubled, and with the Obama administration's requiring little accountability for spending, we might never know whether stimulus money for housing was spent as intended or how much went down the drain."

Grassley Presses Agency for Answers on Wireless Network Project

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is seeking disclosure and transparency from the Federal Communications Commission about a new wireless Internet network project that appears on a fast track for approval from the agency, despite concerns about the impact on other technologies and possible financial problems behind the operation.

"This project is controversial for two reasons.  One, there are questions about whether it will block GPS technology, which is important to agriculture and other industries.  Two, the principal behind this project is said to be under investigation by another agency for his financial dealings," Grassley said.  "The FCC's unusual fast-tracking of this project before its effects have been fully tested raises questions about whether the agency did its due diligence.   I'm looking for answers to these questions so taxpayers can be assured that the government is treating public property the way it ought to be treated.   So far, the FCC hasn't provided any of the information I've requested.  It should, in the interest of transparency in doing the public's business."

Grassley recently wrote to the FCC, asking for information related to the agency's consideration of the LightSquared project, which various industries warn would produce signals that could jam existing navigation systems used in farming, air travel, law enforcement, by the military and in general consumer navigation.  The head of the hedge fund behind the project told investors that his firm is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegations of market manipulation, according to media reports.  The firm has been the subject of considerable media attention for losing large amounts of money and other controversies including whether the firm should have told investors in a timely fashion about a $113 million loan it extended to the principal of the firm.

Grassley has not received the information he requested from the FCC.  "This is an agency with a lot of power over public air waves," Grassley said.  "I'll continue to ask for information in the public's interest."

This week, officials in the Las Vegas area say GPS could be unavailable as LightSquared technology is tested, causing concern for military operations and other non-commercial pilots.

The FCC has granted a conditional waiver for LightSquared to proceed with its wireless network.  A coalition of groups has objected to what it considers the unprecedented speed with which the FCC is allowing the company to move forward.

The text of Grassley's letter to the FCC is available here.

Grassley Urges Action for Keystone Pipeline with Canada

Senator Says the Decision is Important for American Consumers Paying High Gas Prices

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley is urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to make a prompt decision on the international Keystone XL pipeline project.

"Consumers need action on high gas prices, and we ought to move forward on this project." Grassley said about his letter to Clinton.  "Canada is a steady and reliable neighbor.  The pipeline needs to be built safely and responsibly.  And, whether or not the United States approves the project, the oil will be produced in Canada, and if it doesn't come to the United States, then China likely will get it.  So, this project is one thing the administration can be doing and should be doing to increase the supply of energy and thereby reduce prices at the pump for consumers."

The Keystone XL pipeline was approved more than a year ago by the Canadian National Energy Board.  It would provide 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day and help to counteract both insufficient domestic oil supplies in the United States and reduce dependence on less reliable foreign sources, including Venezuela, Libya or OPEC members.

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I'd like to thank the Chairman of the Immigration Subcommittee for holding today's hearing about security and commerce at the northern border.  Border security is a critical issue that this body needs to constantly assess and improve.  The number one responsibility of Congress is to protect the homeland, and we must not turn a blind eye to the realities of illegal activity that is seen every day along the southern and northern borders.

Before I delve into the issues, I want to take a moment to thank all those who serve our country every day to protect the borders.  We are saddened by the recent loss of Border Patrol Agents Eduardo Rojas, Jr., and Hector Clark, who were killed last Thursday near Gila Bend, Arizona.  We pray for every agent's safety as they put their lives on the line and we share our gratitude for their dedicated service to our country.

It's been five months since Special Agent Brian Terry was shot and killed while on duty in Arizona.  His family still has not fully received answers as to what happened in the shootout with a roving band of illegal immigrants, although a recent indictment issued in the case confirmed information I had previously received that two of the guns those criminals were using were a part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' Operation Fast and Furious.  The ATF failed to stop those weapons from being transferred to the bandits at the scene of the shootout with Agent Terry.  One thing is clear?our borders are far less safe with the ATF having allowed well over a thousand firearms to end up in the hands of straw purchasers.  These cartels make our borders an increasingly more and more dangerous place each day.

When you hear stories of Agents Rojas, Clark, Terry, and others, it's hard to accept Secretary Napolitano's word that the border is more secure today than ever.  The Border Patrol Council - the union that represents agents - even said the Secretary's statements are "wrong and give citizens a false sense of security."  And, the facts are against her.  An independent study from the Government Accountability Office says that only 873 of the 2,000 miles separating U.S. and Mexico are under "operational control."

I'm also concerned by a recent Government Accountability Office report that emphasizes the significant threat posed by illegal crossing on our federal lands.  Our national parks and forests are vulnerable because of the lack of law enforcement presence and because of their rugged terrain.  On the Northern Border, the Spokane sector is the primary entry point for air smugglers of high-potency marijuana.  Yet, there's insufficient agency coordination to share intelligence or to develop joint budget requests or strategies to address these threats.

We have more than drugs and guns crossing our borders. We have human smuggling and trafficking.  And, we have more than just Mexicans wanting to make a better life for themselves and their families.  So far in fiscal 2011, we have apprehended over tens of thousands of "Other Than Mexicans" at the southern and northern borders.  We cannot let down our guard.  Lest we forget that the so called "millennium bomber" who sought to unleash a terrorist attack at the Los Angeles Airport was captured at our northern border with a car full of high powered explosives.  This is just another example of why we must remain vigilant against terrorists plotting against all our borders and points of entry.

Congress passed a $600 million border security bill in 2010, but this investment is only a down payment on what we really need to do.  The funding, paid by fees from high tech companies, has only amounted to $61 million since August.  That means the executive branch is collecting about $6.8 million each month.  If that rate were to continue, we'll only have $325.4 million collected over four years.  That's just 54 percent of the $600 million investment that we promised the American people.  And, unfortunately, this funding does nothing to complete a double layer fence in badly needed areas.

The 2010 border bill also didn't address Operation Streamline, a program that charges individuals who have crossed the border illegally with a misdemeanor and those who re-enter after deportation with significant jail time.  Operation Streamline, a fast-track program, resolves a federal criminal case with prison and deportation consequences in approximately two days or less.  This program can serve as a deterrent against future illegal immigration in existing Border Patrol sectors.

Also ignored is the exit-entry control system that was mandated in 1996 to track every foreign national who arrives and departs the United States.  Since then, due in part to the recommendations put forth by the 9/11 Commission, Congress has called on the Department of Homeland Security to develop a system that matches biometric information of an alien against relevant watch lists and immigration information.  This biometric data is also supposed to be compared against manifest information collected by air carriers so that the federal government can confirm that foreign nationals have departed the country as required.  After fifteen years and several serious terrorist attacks against citizens of the United States, administration after administration has failed to fully implement a biometric air exit system.  It is unacceptable that progress on the exit portion of US-VISIT has stalled despite congressional funding and several pilot projects.

The President has touted the success of the previous administration's achievement in doubling the Border Patrol, and this Congress is committed to maintaining these levels of personnel.  But, I'm seriously concerned about the President's mixed message, saying that a legalization program is in the best interest of our economy and our security.  Secretary Napolitano touts this administration's record number of deportations, but even the Washington Post disputed these figures, alleging they cooked the books to make them appear enforcement-minded.  While I realize this is a hearing focused on border issues, I hope Mr. Morton will address the fuzzy math and so-called record statistics, and share with members the challenges his officers face in enforcing the laws on the books when aliens bypass our border patrol.

Again, thank you for holding this hearing today.  I look forward to hearing from our witnesses.

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WEST BRANCH, IOWA– This year two writers, M.S. Coe and Gaynell Gavin, will be Artists-in-Residence at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.  During their residencies Ms. Coe and Dr. Gavin will be available to interact with park visitors as they write in the park. Each will also present a public program. The Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site promotes creative means of communicating the park's national significance and its relevance to visitors.

Gaynell Gavin's prose and poetry has been published in many literary journals and anthologies. Her poetry chapbook, Intersections, was published by Main Street Rag Publishing. Her essay, "What We Have," published in Prairie Schooner, was included among "Notable Essays" in The Best American Essays 2009. This essay, like much of her work, is grounded in the Midwest. She is originally from Illinois and is a faculty member at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Dr. Gavin will be the Artist-in-Residence from May 28 through June 20.

M.S. Coe grew up in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts. She worked at the University of Arizona Poetry Center and as a reader for Sonora Review and is currently an assistant editor of Epoch literary magazine. She teaches English and creative writing at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where she will receive her MFA degree. Her fiction often explores the disassociation characters feel when placed into strange environments and how they reconcile with their surroundings. Ms. Coe will be the Artist-in-Residence from July 2 through July 20.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541. They are supported in part by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association. The Hoover Association's annual dinner is May 20. Those attending will have an opportunity to meet five of Herbert Hoover's secretaries. To make reservations by May 16, call (319) 643-5327 or 1-800-828-0475.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358

Washington, DC - May 11, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced the three winners of the 2011 annual Congressional Art Competition, "An Artistic Discovery".

Krista Stork, a junior from Dubuque Hempstead High School, won first place for herpiece "Why Poverty". Lisa Davis, a senior from Dubuque Wahlert Catholic High School, received second place for her piece "Individuality is the Movement". And Brock Cavett, a junior from Davenport North High School for his piece "The Hardest Thing in Life ".

"Each year, talented students from across Iowa submit great artwork to the Congressional Art Competition - and this year was no different," said Rep. Braley. "I'm proud to announce the winners of this year's competition and I extend my congratulations to the eight semi-finalists."

This year, Rep. Braley's office accepted submissions online and allowed constituents to vote for their favorite artwork. More than 1,500 people voted online. The full list of winners and semi-finalists, as well as the online gallery of submissions, is posted on Rep. Braley's website at: http://go.usa.gov/jrA

The winner of this year's competition will receive two roundtrip plane tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Capitol. The Congressional Art Competition, initiated by Congress in 1982, is a nation-wide high school arts competition sponsored by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. One piece from each Congressional district is displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. for a year.

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