U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley discussed federal infrastructure funding, Medicare oversight and legislative priorities during a Capitol Hill report interview focused on recent federal actions affecting Iowa.
During the interview, Grassley said long-standing infrastructure challenges, particularly aging bridges and limited broadband access, were key reasons he supported the legislation several years ago.
“One of the reasons I voted for the bill was to make sure that we can get our bridges enhanced, rebuilt or refurbished or strengthened, whatever it takes to get the job done. One other reason I voted for it was because of broadband and the amount of money that was in for broadband. And since rural America’s not covered by broadband the way it should be, I voted for it for that reason.”
Grassley said while he does not control how individual grants are allocated, the law was designed to address infrastructure gaps that had persisted for decades across Iowa.
The interview also followed the release of a Senate report examining Medicare Advantage billing practices involving UnitedHealth Group. Grassley said the investigation found billions of dollars in potential taxpayer waste tied to how patient diagnoses were used to increase federal reimbursements.
“And so we had billions and billions of taxpayers’ dollars wasted. And this report is being released today with the idea that we’ll get HHS to police United Health to a greater extent and not have this waste to taxpayer dollars.”
Grassley said stronger oversight by the Department of Health and Human Services will be necessary to protect taxpayers while preserving Medicare Advantage as an option for seniors.
