Washington, DC - April 29, 2010 - Today, the Populist Caucus applauds the passage of a resolution honoring America's workers. The Resolution, introduced by Reps. Bruce Braley (IA-01), Linda T. Sánchez (CA-39) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), honors the legacy of those who have suffered injury or death in the workplace. Braley and Sánchez are members of the Populist Caucus.

"This legislation recognizes the importance of ensuring safe and secure work environments for hardworking Americans," Braley said. "Each year, millions of Americans suffer work related injuries and thousands more lose their lives on the job. Our country has made tremendous strides to improve workplace safety, but our work is not complete until we can end preventable on-the-job injuries and deaths."

In the United States, 5,000 workers are killed each year because of workplace related injuries. Millions more suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. Worldwide, an estimated 2 million workers die in work-related incidents each year.

Highlights need to focus on visa security and protecting American workers

WASHINGTON - During an oversight hearing of the Department of Homeland Security, Chuck Grassley this week told Secretary Janet Napolitano that during his town hall meetings in March and April, Iowans were upset that federal immigration laws weren't being enforced.

Grassley also brought to Napolitano's attention legislation that he has introduced that would treat visa revocations similar to visa denials, because the right of that person to be in the United States is no longer valid.  Already, if an individual is denied a visa by the consular officer, there's no judicial review of that decision.  The Grassley bill would apply 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 Christmas Day bomber highlighted the need to review U.S. visa policies, especially how agencies handle visa revocations when alarming information is provided to authorities," Grassley said.  "The Secretary has the authority to revoke a visa to any individual who is a threat to the country, however if a foreign national is already on U.S. soil, there's concern about that person accessing the U.S. court system and challenging the revocation."

During his questioning of Napolitano, Grassley also continued to highlight abuses within the H-1B and L Visa programs.  He pointed out that some of the problems previously highlighted by congressional oversight of the H-1B Visa program have led applicants to use the L Visa program.  The L Visa program has no wage protections, no annual numerical limits, fewer obligations on employers, and fewer protections for American workers.

Grassley is the author of H-1B and L Visa reform legislation which would increase enforcement, modify wage requirements, and ensure protection for visa holders and American workers.  The bill would not eliminate the program or change the numerical cap of visas available to petitioning employers.

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Press Conference in the Capitol Building will Discuss Goals of the Muslim Community

(CHICAGO, 4/21/10) Over 1,200 Muslims from across Illinois will be assembling in Springfield tomorrow for the second annual Illinois Muslim ACTION! Day (IMAD). Muslim youth and adults will ride buses to the state capitol to meet with Governor Pat Quinn and legislators. Over 20 American Muslim high school students will also be serving as Senate Pages.

Participants will be advocating for policies that will help Illinois' families and most vulnerable residents. Illinois Muslim ACTION! Day aims to address four main issues:

1. Equitable Access to Healthy Food in the inner cities
2. Foreclosure Prevention and Counseling
3. Introduction of Arabic into the Illinois public schools
4. Preserving Immigrant Integration Services such as English and Citizenship classes

A press conference in the Capitol Building will discuss these goals in greater detail:

WHAT: Press Conference on Illinois Muslim Action! Day
WHERE: Mezzanine Press Room, Illinois Capitol Building
WHEN: Thursday, April 22nd, 2010, 10:00am

"All Politics is local. In order to affect policy we need to work locally first and build strong relationships with our legislators," said Dr. Zaher Sahloul, chair of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago - who are leading the effort. "We are encouraging Illinois Muslims to contact their legislators and ask for a meeting on April 22 to listen to our concerns. They are elected to serve all of us. They are accountable to their constituency. This is our chance to reflect the great values of unity, solidarity, advocating for good and abhorring evil."

"Being civically engaged is an important milestone the Muslim communities of Illinois have worked hard to reach" emphasized CAIR-Chicago Government Affairs Coordinator Reema Ahmad. "It is not only a need, but a responsibility for Muslim Americans to be active participants in the process of government that impacts our daily lives. Meeting with our elected officials to convey the issues we care about and exhibiting our willingness to work hard for these causes is a critical step towards greater civic involvement from current and future generations of Muslim Americans."

With its estimated over half a million Muslim residents, Illinois continues to serve as a crucial hub for mobilizing the emergent American Muslim community. Illinois Muslim ACTION! Day signifies the Muslim community's integration and increased participation in American politics. Through proactive initiatives such as this, the American Muslim community endeavors to move from the fringes of the American political narrative, to the forefront of the dialogue.

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Monday, April 5, 2010

Senator Chuck Grassley today made the following comment regarding the release of the first report on the President's Executive Order on Ethics.

On January 21, 2009, President Obama issued an Executive Order that prohibited former lobbyists from serving in his Administration, or recuse themselves from work they did as a lobbyist.  However, the Executive Order included a loophole that allowed former lobbyists to obtain a waiver or recusal allowing them to circumvent the revolving door ban.  White House staff said the use of the waiver or recusal would be limited and transparent.  After questions from Grassley, White House staff said that the waivers and recusals for lobbyists would be in a year-end report from the Office of Government Ethics.

A copy of the report can be found on the Office of Government Ethics' website:  http://www.usoge.gov/directors_corner/reports/rpt_exorder13490.pdf .

Here is Grassley's statement.

"This administration's promise that lobbyists would not have a place in the executive branch is losing credibility.  The report from the Office of Government Ethics shed some sunlight on how many lobbyists were appointed, contradicts the prior statements that lobbyists weren't welcome in the administration, and outlines that the administration has welcomed lobbyists through waiver, recusal and even no check at all.  It's this type of double-talk that breeds cynicism and distrust at the grassroots."