The President’s Executive Actions on Firearms and Other Common Myths.

·         Myth # 1: Firearm purchases at gun shows do not require a background check due to the “gun show loophole.”

WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley made the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement to use executive authority to tighten firearms controls:

“America’s response to recent traged...

In letters to the relevant federal agencies, Sen. Chuck Grassley has pressed for the removal of unnecessary barriers to scientific research into the medical risks and benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant that may help children with severe epileptic seizures and other conditions.  In June, at the request of Grassley and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agreed to eliminate an extra layer of review for non-government funded cannabidiol research that it previously required its Public Health Service to complete.  Also at that time, at the senators' request, the Justice Department and HHS agreed to evaluate cannabidiol to determine whether it can be classified on a lower schedule than the entire marijuana plant, which may make research on it proceed somewhat more easily.

Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it has agreed to a third request of the senators - to ease some of the regulatory requirements for those who are conducting Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical trials on cannabidiol by permitting waivers that will let research proceed seamlessly if the researcher requires more CBD than was initially approved by the DEA.  According to the DEA, "These modifications will streamline the research process regarding CBD's possible medicinal value and help foster ongoing scientific studies."

Grassley is Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control.  Grassley made the following comment on the DEA's announcement.

"This is good news toward the progress on scientific research on cannabidiol.  Removing more barriers will help allow scientists to determine its potential medicinal value.  Right now, parents who are desperate to help their children live in uncertainty over cannabidiol.  Federal agencies should do whatever they responsibly can to help research proceed so these families can get answers."

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has nominated 41 Iowa students for consideration for appointments to the U.S. service academies.

"Young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection on our state and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces.  These candidates' accomplishments and leadership are outstanding," Grassley said.

Each year Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements.  The Air Force, Military and Naval academies all select at least one qualified student from Grassley's nominations.  The Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states' representation in Congress.

Grassley said he encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions and seeking multiple nominations.  Iowa representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa's U.S. senators.  Students may receive more than one nomination.

Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school.  Early application is encouraged.  The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.

"The academies offer some of the best options for higher education, and they offer an outstanding way to serve our country.  It's a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans," Grassley said.

Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies.  The students then choose whether or not to attend the academy.  More information about service academy nominations can be found here.

Grassley said he will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.

The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley's nominees for the 2016-2017 school year.

U.S. Air Force Academy
Sidney Alsager, Jewell
Justin Ashley, Waukee
Emma Baller, Sioux City
Alan Chatfield, Muscatine
Abraham Fisher, Clinton
Brandon Gore, Bettendorf
Kaitlin Greene, Coralville
Daniel Holt, Cedar Rapids
Zane Johnson, Johnston
Olivia Ketron, Dixon
Nathan Leon, West Des Moines
Jared Logomarcino, West Des Moines
Riley Lowe, Swisher
Samuel Pisney, Cedar Rapids
Hannah Schwartz, Ames*
Patrick Schwartzhoff, Davenport
Corbyn Shumaker, Ankeny
Andrew Shumway, Des Moines
John Sullivan, Davenport
Thomas Treptau, Lansing

U.S. Military Academy at West Point
Jerry Bastin, Muscatine
Garrett Dunn, State Center
Christian Flege, Waverly
Zachary Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Alexander Gudenkauf, Coralville
Harrison Jones, Council Bluffs
Jonas Mason, Cedar Rapids
Katelyn Miller, Clear Lake
Patrick Ramirez, State Center
Joseph Zasadney, Walker

U.S. Naval Academy
Caroline Ascherl, Granville
Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf*
Michael Berry, Cedar Rapids
Evan Boss, Central City
John Buck, Dallas Center
Darek Garman, Corwith
Jason Nye, Urbandale
Ross Otte, Clive
Cole Patton, Des Moines
Hunter Wargo, West Branch

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf*
Meeghan Rodamaker, Mason City
Hannah Schwartz, Ames*

Students denoted with an asterisk (*) were also nominated for appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in addition to the Air Force, Military or Naval academies.