Wednesday was a difficult day for The American Independent News Network, which is the larger entity that operates The Iowa Independent. Our chief executive and founder announced two of our sister sites would close and their content would be moved to The American Independent.
A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin bridged the great political divide today to issue similar statements praising and honoring America’s veterans.
Grassley’s official statement:
America’s veterans put their lives on the line to defend freedom, protect national security and secure the safety of loved ones at home.
It’s important on Veterans Day to recognize the significant contributions made each and every day by our men and women in uniform. They put their own lives on hold in noble service to their country. We owe those who serve in uniform a debt of gratitude. Because of their sacrifices, future generations of Americans will continue to live under the blessings of freedom.
Harkin’s official statement:
Each year on Veterans Day we honor those soldiers who have served and protected our country. As we think of our loved ones now gone and salute those among us who have served in the nation’s armed forces, let us also remember to honor our veterans in practical ways, by ensuring that they receive the benefits and recognition that they have earned.
In Congress, we have worked to honor the service of our men and women in uniform by providing additional funding for traumatic brain injury treatment and psychological health care, passing a 21st Century GI Bill to improve access to quality education, and providing a much needed increase in benefits to keep pace with the rising cost-of-living. Soon, the Senate will pass the annual Veterans Appropriations bill, to expand benefits for caregivers of wounded veterans, and to improve access to health care for women who have served.
While our country may never be able to fully repay our veterans for their sacrifice, we can express our gratitude and pledge to always stand with them. We send our thoughts to all the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world and to the military families they leave behind here at home.
A contingent of World War II veterans from Iowa are currently visiting the nation’s capital as a part of the Honor Flight program.
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