17 Feb 2011

IG Needed for Judicial Branch Transparency, Accountability

By Grassley Press

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Representative F. James Sensenbrenner (WI-05) today introduced legislation in both the House and the Senate to create an Inspector General for the Judicial Branch.

The House bill would cover only the federal and appellate courts while the Senate bill would allow the Inspector General to also conduct oversight of the Supreme Court.  The bills put in place safeguards so inspectors general do not interfere with judicial decisions.  The legislation also includes whistleblower protections for individuals within the judicial branch.

Grassley and Sensenbrenner said that increased credibility within the judicial branch of government would be greatly enhanced with an independent watchdog shedding light on waste, fraud and abuse within the federal judiciary.  The 2006 Breyer Committee Report acknowledged problems with the enforcement of judicial discipline.

"Federal judges should live by the highest of standards.  When misconduct, waste, fraud and abuse occur, the public's confidence in the federal judiciary is eroded," Grassley said. "A good inspector general can detect, expose and deter problems and restore accountability with the American people."

Congressman Sensenbrenner said, "Creating an independent Inspector General for the Judicial Branch will help provide the American public with some peace of mind that there is oversight over those entrusted with the grave responsibility of interpreting the laws of the land."

Grassley is the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sensenbrenner is the Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security. He is the former Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Summary of The Judicial Transparency and Ethics Enhancement Act of 2011

·         Establishes the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch, who shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for a specific term of service of four years.  Gives the Chief Justice express authority to remove the Inspector General from office.

·         Specifies duties of the Inspector General, which include (1) to conduct investigations of alleged misconduct of judges in the judicial branch (Senate version includes the Supreme Court), that may require oversight or other action by Congress; (2) to conduct and supervise audits and investigations; (3) to prevent and detect waste, fraud and abuse; and (4) to recommend changes in laws or regulations governing the Judicial Branch.

·         Provides powers for the Inspector General, which include (1) to make investigations and reports; (2) to obtain information or assistance from any Federal, State or local agency, or other entity, or unit thereof, including all information kept in the course of business by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial council of circuits, the administrative office of United States courts, and the United States Sentencing Commission; (3) to require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance for the taking of testimony of any witnesses and the production of any documents, which shall be enforceable by civil action; (4) to administer or to take an oath or affirmation from any person; (5) to employ officers and employees; (6) to obtain all necessary services; and (7) to enter into contracts or other arrangements to obtain services as needed.

·         Requires the Inspector General to (1) to provide the Chief Justice and Congress with an annual report on the Inspector General's operations; (2) to make prompt reports to the Chief Justice and to Congress on matters which may require further action; and (3) to refer to the Department of Justice any matter that may constitute a criminal violation.

·         Prohibits the Inspector General from investigating or reviewing the merits of a judicial decision.  The investigatory powers of the Inspector General are limited to only alleged misconduct under the "Judicial Conduct and Disability Act of 1980."

·         Requires the Inspector General to commence an investigation only after the judiciary has conducted its review of an ethical complaint under the 1980 Act.

·         Establishes whistleblower protections for individuals within the Judicial Branch.

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14 Feb 2011

Animal Advocates Lobby Iowa Lawmakers for Animal Welfare Legislation

By Jordan Crump

(Feb. 11, 2011) - Citizens from across Iowa participating in Humane Lobby Day 2011 will meet with lawmakers Tuesday at the capitol to urge them to oppose SF 83, which would allow the shooting of mourning doves. The Humane Society of the United States, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Iowa Federation of Humane Societies are sponsoring Humane Lobby Day.

Attendees will urge their representatives to oppose SF 83, which is sponsored by Sen. Dick Dearden, D-Des Moines. This legislation would allow the shooting of mourning doves, which have been protected in Iowa since 1918.  If this legislation is passed the birds would essentially be shot for target practice, not for food or management.

Animal welfare advocates will also take this opportunity to introduce themselves to their representatives and discuss the importance of animal welfare in the state.

Rep. Jim Lykam, D-Davenport, and Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines will be on hand at the event to receive HSUS Humane Legislator awards for their work on the 2010 puppy mill bill.

WHO: Carol Griglione, The HSUS' Iowa State Director

Ann Church, senior director of ASPCA Government Relations

WHAT: Iowa citizens will meet with their state legislators to lobby for animal welfare legislation.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 15

11 a.m.

WHERE: State Capitol

1007 East Grand Avenue - Level 1

Des Moines, IA

 

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14 Feb 2011

Grassley asks enforcement agencies to explain top official's comment about helping defense counsel

By Rick Martin
WASHINGTON --- Thursday, February 10, 2011 --- Senator Chuck Grassley is asking for an explanation of the "big divide" between the stated policy of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Wall Street watchdog's actual practice in communicating and cooperating with the Justice Department on securities fraud cases.

Grassley said that recent comments by the SEC Director of Enforcement at a securities industry conference, "sound the alarm for anyone concerned about the SEC being overly cozy with those it should be investigating, to the point of not only committing to its own cooperation, but also providing information about the intentions of the Justice Department.

Grassley said the public deserves to know "what kind of arrangement there is between the SEC and the Justice Department on behalf of the securities industry."

In November, the SEC Director of Enforcement, Robert Khuzami, said "there is going to be earlier and more frequent collaboration between us and Justice" about whether there's criminal interest, "so defense counsel can have as much information as possible."

However, a new SEC enforcement manual says that "it is the general policy of the Commission not to comment on investigations conducted by law enforcement authorities responsible with enforcing criminal law."  The manual even instructs SEC staff to decline to identify which criminal authorities should be contacted to learn about a possible parallel criminal investigation.

"All the promises of financial regulatory reform ring hollow if the administration is allowing the top enforcement official at the SEC to relay to potential targets of an investigation exactly what the Justice Department has in store for them," Grassley said.

In letters to SEC Chairman Mary L. Schapiro and Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., Grassley asked for copies of written guidance on collaboration and communication between the SEC and the Justice Department, a detailed description of the nature and extent of communications between the agencies in the Goldman Sachs and Pequot matters, and written responses to additional questions.

In 2007, Grassley and Senator Arlen Specter spelled out in a comprehensive report the SEC Inspector General's failure to investigate credible allegations by former SEC attorney Gary Aguirre that his supervisor pulled punches in the investigation because of one witness' political clout.  The former SEC Inspector General left his position the same day the Grassley-Specter report was released.  Last year, the SEC finally obtained a $28 million dollar settlement from Pequot and paid Aguirre years of back pay in a settlement related to his termination.

The SEC drafted its enforcement manual response to the recommendations in the August 2007 Grassley-Specter report.

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10 Feb 2011

Grassley Works for Accountability with Government Charge Cards

By Grassley Press

February 8, 2011

Grassley works to stop abuse of government charge cards by federal employees

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today introduced a bill to require federal agencies to put new safeguards and controls on government charge cards used by federal employees.  The bill also would require penalties for violations.

"This bill is about accountability," Grassley said.  "The public trust has been violated by abusive use of government charge cards.  The federal bureaucracy needs to improve the way it manages the use of these cards."

Grassley said his bill responds to outrageous accounts of purchases made with government charge cards, as well as independent analysis which found inadequate and inconsistent controls within government agencies for these government charge cards.  Purchase cards are used by authorized federal employees for the small-scale items needed for official business, such as office supplies.  Travel cards are issued to federal employees to pay for official travel expenses.

Grassley has put the spotlight on problematic use of these cards for ten years, first at the Department of Defense and then also at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and elsewhere.

Over the years, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has documented fraudulent, questionable and overly expensive purchases made by federal workers with government purchase and travel cards, including kitchen appliances, jewelry, gambling, cruises, and even the tab at gentlemen's clubs and legalized brothels.

Below is a summary of the reform legislation that Grassley is reintroducing.  It is cosponsored by Senators Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins.  The Senate passed the measure in 2009, but it was not taken up by the House of Representatives during the last Congress.

Summary of the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act

The bill would require all federal agencies to establish certain safeguards and internal controls for government charge card programs, and to establish penalties for violations, including dismissal when circumstances warrant.  The bill would also increase oversight by providing that each agency Inspector General periodically conduct risk assessments and audits to identify fraud and improper use of government charge cards. These reforms are based on the experience of Senator Grassley and other members of Congress, the GAO, and agency Inspectors General in investigating the weaknesses in agency policies and procedures that have lead to instances of waste, fraud, and abuse in government charge card programs.

The required safeguards and internal controls include :

  • performing credit checks for travel card holders and issuing restricted cards for those with poor or no credit to reduce the potential for misuse
  • maintaining a record of each cardholder, including single transaction limits and total transaction limits so agencies can effectively manage their cardholders
  • implementing periodic reviews to determine if cardholders have a need for a card
  • properly recording rebates to the government based on prompt payment, sales volume, etc.
  • providing training for cardholders and managers
  • utilizing effective systems, techniques, and technologies to prevent or catch fraudulent purchases
  • establishing specific policies about the number of cards to be issued, the credit limits for certain categories of cardholders, and categories of employees eligible to be issued cards
  • invalidating cards when employees leave the agency or transfer
  • establishing an approving official other than the purchase card holder so employees cannot approve their own purchases
  • reconciling purchase card charges on the bill with receipts and supporting documentation
  • reconciling disputed purchase card charges and discrepancies with the bank according to the proper procedure
  • making purchase card payments promptly to avoid interest penalties
  • retaining records of purchase card transactions in accordance with standard government record keeping polices
  • utilizing direct payments to the bank when reimbursing employees for travel card purchases to ensure that travel card bills get paid
  • comparing items submitted on travel vouchers with items already paid for with centrally billed accounts to avoid reimbursing employees for items already paid for by the agency
  • submitting refund requests for unused airline tickets so the taxpayers don't pay for tickets that were not used
  • disputing unauthorized charges and tracking the status of disputed charges to proper resolution

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07 Feb 2011

Treasurer Fitzgerald has a Vault Full of Valentine's Day Treasurers

By Michael Fitzgerald

DES MOINES, IA (02/04/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is looking to reunite owners with a vault full of cherished treasures this Valentine's Day. "We have an assortment of sentimental items waiting to be reclaimed such as rings, necklaces, pocket watches, love letters and photos," Fitzgerald said. "You never know, some of these items may have been tokens of affection given from Grandpa to Grandma on a past Valentine's Day."

Treasurer Fitzgerald encourages all Iowans, past and present to check and see if they have unclaimed property waiting for them by visiting www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com. "We are constantly updating our website. Our goal is to get as many people as possible to check their names for any unclaimed property," Fitzgerald stated.

The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt program has returned over $122 million to more than 310,000 individuals since Fitzgerald started it in 1983. Companies and banks in Iowa and from across the nation report millions of dollars in unclaimed property to the State Treasurer each year. Common examples of unclaimed property include money in forgotten savings/checking accounts, uncashed insurance benefit and payroll checks, IRA funds, lost stock and dividends, abandoned safe deposit box contents, gift cards, utility refunds or deposits.

Treasurer seekers are encouraged to visit www.greatiowatreasurehunt.com and check to see if they have unclaimed assets waiting for them. Individuals may also send an email to foundit@iowa.gov. For those who prefer corresponding by mail, please write to State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald, Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please make sure to provide current name, previous names and addresses.

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07 Feb 2011

Harkin Commends Iowan Randy Frescoln for Work to Rebuild Agriculture in Afghanistan

By Sen. Tom Harkin
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today commended Norwalk native Randy Frescoln as he begins a one-year assignment in Afghanistan to help rebuild the agricultural sector there.  Frescoln is one of 56 USDA employees serving in Afghanistan, where the growth of the agricultural sector is considered a key piece of the U.S. government's strategy to stabilize the country.   

"Our mission in Afghanistan is about much more than our military operations, but also requires that we stabilize the country in hopes that it can chart a different path for the future.  Critical to this effort is rebuilding the nation's agriculture sector.  I commend Randy Frescoln and all the individuals who are taking time to help in this mission," said Harkin.  "Randy is a great example of a selfless Iowan serving his country. He has been an indispensable member of Iowa's Rural Development team and I wish him all the best in his new role.  We look forward to his safe return home upon completion of this important work."

Frescoln has most recently served as Business and Cooperative Program Director with USDA Rural Development in Des Moines.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in farm operations as well as a Master of Science degree in professional agriculture, both from Iowa State University in Ames.  Formerly, Frescoln served as a USDA agricultural expert in Afghanistan from 2004-2005, as well as in Iraq from 2006-2007.  In Iraq, Frescoln led a variety of programs in collaboration with the U.S. military, the Department of State and Iraqi agricultural officials and universities.  

According to USDA, since 2003, employees deployed to Afghanistan have served as agricultural experts within civilian-military units.  USDA agricultural experts work side by side with Afghans and U.S. government and international partners in 24 of Afghanistan's 34 rural provinces.  At the provincial and district levels, USDA agricultural experts train local government representatives and Afghan extension workers in plant and animal health, natural resources management, and improved cultivation and production methods.
02 Feb 2011

Visa Loophole Allows Terrorists to Stay in U.S.

By Grassley Press

Grassley Works to Close Loophole that Allows Terrorists to Stay in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today introduced legislation to close a loophole in U.S. visa policy that could allow foreign nationals remain in the United States after they have had their visa revoked.

Since 2001, the Government Accountability Office has repeatedly sounded the alarm about the weaknesses of the visa revocation process.  Their investigations revealed the extreme difficulty the United States has in deporting suspected terrorists already on U.S. soil if their visa is revoked on terrorism grounds.

"Current law handicaps our law enforcement and makes it nearly impossible to deport a potential terrorist if they are already in the United States," Grassley said.  "We shouldn't allow suspected terrorists to take advantage of our court system and exploit our laws.  Revocations can be a useful anti-terrorism tool that can better project the security of our borders and our nation."

Grassley said that a change in law is needed so that people who wish to do Americans harm are deported, and our nation's intelligence is protected.

If the federal government determines that a visa must be revoked for an individual already on U.S. soil, such individual could be allowed to block deportation using the United States court system.

The bill would treat visa revocations similar to visa denials because the right of that person to be in the United States is no longer valid.  If an individual is denied a visa by the consular officer, there's no judicial review of that decision.  The Grassley bill applies the same standard for individuals on U.S. soil who should not have been granted a visa, limiting their rights to judicial review of such a decision.

The legislation is cosponsored by Senators David Vitter of Louisiana, Orrin Hatch of Utah, John Cornyn of Texas, Jeff Sessions of Alabama and Pat Roberts of Kansas. 

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01 Feb 2011

Governor Quinn Signs Historic Law to Legalize Civil Unions in Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Law Makes Illinois One of Six States to Recognize Civil Unions

CHICAGO - January 31, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn was joined today by lawmakers, advocates and hundreds of Illinois residents as he signed a historic new law that makes Illinois one of just six states nationwide to legalize civil unions. Senate Bill 1716 ensures that for the first time in state history, couples united under a civil union - including same-sex couples - will have access to the full state legal rights and responsibilities enjoyed by couples that are married.

"Today is an important day in the history of our state because today we are showing the world that the people of Illinois believe in equality for all," said Governor Quinn. "We look forward to individuals and businesses from across the country choosing to move to Illinois where we believe that everyone is entitled to the same rights. I would like to thank Representative Harris and Senator Koehler for their hard work, and I am proud to sign this into law."

Senate Bill 1716, sponsored by Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), creates the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Under the new law, both heterosexual and same-sex couples are allowed to enter into a civil union. By entering into a civil union, couples are afforded the same state rights and protections already entitled to married couples.

"Not often in a legislator's career do you get a chance to make such a significant impact on our state's history, which this bill does by ensuring equality for tens of thousands of Illinois families," said Rep. Harris. "I am very grateful to Governor Quinn for his steadfast support and leadership."

In addition to Illinois, five other states and the District of Columbia have civil unions or similar laws on the books. Those states include California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.

"This bill is important for thousands of Illinoisans and for our state as a whole, and I am honored to have been part of this groundbreaking legislation," said Sen. Koehler.

Prior to Governor Quinn's signature on SB 1716, same-sex couples in Illinois had been denied many rights enjoyed by couples who are married. New rights for couples joined in civil union include : automatic hospital visitation rights and the ability to make emergency medical decisions for partners; ability to share a room in a nursing home; adoption and parental rights; pension benefits; inheritance rights; and the right to dispose of a partner's remains.

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act goes into effect June 1.

 

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31 Jan 2011

Show Your Love for the Iowa State Fair on Your Tax Return!

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (01/31/2011)(readMedia)-- There are thousands of things to love about the great Iowa State Fair, where "Nothing Compares!" From funnel cakes and Ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, art exhibits and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something for everyone. Again this year, Iowans can continue to show their love for the Fair on their tax returns and help the Fair continue the renovation and preservations of the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Look for the State Fairgrounds Renovation Check Off on line 58b of Iowa Tax Form 1040 or on line 14 of Iowa Tax Form 1040A and check off $1 (or more!) to help preserve the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds. Your gift is either deducted from your refund or added to the amount due. Contributions to the Corndog Checkoff are fully tax-deductible.

"The Corndog Checkoff is a simple way for Iowans to show their love for the Iowa State Fair. Funds raised through this program are an important part of the effort to preserve this great institution for future generations," said Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation Executive Director John Putney.

Every dollar donated to the Checkoff is directly allocated to capital improvements. The Corndog Checkoff has raised nearly $1.6 million and has supplemented restoration projects from the Grandstand to Ye Old Mill. In addition, funds generated by the Checkoff have helped improve the campgrounds, parking areas, sidewalks and restrooms.

The Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated over $80 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. For more information on the Corndog Tax Checkoff, please contact the Blue Ribbon Foundation at (800) 450-3732 or email bluerf@blueribbonfoundation.org.

31 Jan 2011

Harkin Announces Additional $8 Million Disaster Recovery Funding for Iowa

By Sen. Tom Harkin
Funding comes in addition to the more than $84 million in funding announced in August

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that the State of Iowa will receive an additional  $8,040,652 in 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) disaster dollars from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The funding can be used to assist Iowans still struggling to rebuild their homes and businesses, as well as for general economic recovery purposes in the wake of 2008's natural disasters. Today's funding comes in addition to the $84,126,989 that was announced in August, bringing the total CDBG dollars for Iowa to $92,167,641.  Nationwide a total of $311 million was allocated - close to 30 percent of which went to Iowa - based on mitigation efforts using CDBG disaster resources in various 2008 disaster impacted states.  As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, Harkin led the fight to have these funds appropriated in the months after the 2008 floods and tornados and he successfully worked to avoid having the whole $311 million pot of funds rescinded in mid 2010.  

"In the time since the floods of 2008, Iowans have shown their perseverance and have made great strides to rebuild our state. There is, however, still more to do," said Harkin.  "I am pleased that what seems like a technical recalculation at the federal level means real, tangible funding for Iowa's rebuilding efforts. With this kind of federal support and the 'can do' attitude of our state, we will rebuild an even brighter future for Iowa."

This additional funding became available because of a recalculation of the amount of CDBG resources allocated to mitigation, resulting in Iowa's proportion of the total mitigation effort increasing.  Of the $6.1 billion in CDBG disaster funding appropriated in September 2008 for 2008 disasters, $311 million was put aside by HUD for this mitigation allocation.

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