Senate GOP isn’t passing necessary legislation

Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst insist the U. S. House is spending all its time on impeachment rather than issues important to Iowans. I see the same implication in ads from the campaigns against U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer. Please read 'Votes in Congress” in The Gazette from the last 11 months, or look at Congress.gov or govtrack.us and you will see that the House is passing legislation on a wide variety of issues while the Senate is confirming judges, ambassadors, and executive branch appointees, including many replacements.

Mitch McConnell and the Senate have rarely taken up legislation passed by the House or passed Senate bills. Ernst blocked reauthorization of VAWA. Grassley keeps touting his efforts to lower drug prices, although I don't see results. Meanwhile Finkenauer introduced bills affecting Iowans-assistance for new farmers and new teachers, fixing bridges, improving rural roads, community investment in infrastructure, small business innovation, broadband access, keeping physicians in high need areas, military readiness. Bills she co-sponsored involve childcare, minimum wage, healthcare, mental health, senior support, education, voting rights, and many other issues. Compare the work of the U. S. House and Senate this year and draw your own conclusions.

Nancy Sauerman

Cedar Rapids