Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, shared updates from his ongoing #99countymeetings tour on August 12, 2025. Grassley reported on discussions with local groups about a range of issues, including energy demand, tax policies, and prescription drug prices.

During a session with Nishnabotna Valley REC in Harlan attended by 29 people, Grassley outlined the topics covered: "Q&A w Nishnabotna Valley REC in Harlan 29ppl issues: high energy demand FEMA tax on social security Apple investment in Iowa natl debt cost of Rx drugs insider trading Russia property tax tariffs China diesel emissions etc #99countymeetings" (August 12, 2025).

Later that day, he met with participants at Dunlap Community Pharmacy. Grassley posted: "Tour/Q&A at Dunlap Community Pharmacy 13ppl issues: tele pharmacy my PBM legislation/Rx drug prices tariffs social security Medicaid 340B STOCK Act etc #99countymeetings" (August 12, 2025).

Grassley also described a meeting at Barley's in Council Bluffs involving representatives from the Iowa restaurant association, Iowa hotel and lodging association, and the Iowa Latino hospitality council. He wrote: "Iowa workers are excited abt no tax on tips & no tax on overtime from the Big Beautiful Bill Mtg w Iowa restaurant association, Iowa hotel and lodging association and the Iowa Latino hospitality council at Barley’s in Council Bluffs 21ppl #99countymeetings" (August 12, 2025).

Grassley's #99countymeetings initiative is an annual tradition where he visits each of Iowa's counties to meet constituents and discuss local concerns. The meetings referenced included discussions on federal programs like Social Security and Medicaid as well as legislative efforts targeting issues such as pharmacy benefit manager reform and stock trading transparency for public officials.