Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a senior U.S. Senator from Iowa, used his social media platform to address several policy and community issues in early September 2025.

On September 4, Grassley commented on the impact of China’s decision to close its intercountry adoption program. He wrote, "A yr ago 2day families were notified that China wld close its intercountry adoption program American families who were previously matched w children in China hv been left in the lurch ever since China’s decision has caused much pain 4 families Matched fams deserve to be UNIFIED" (posted on September 4, 2025).

Later that day, Grassley announced bipartisan legislative action regarding transparency in pharmaceutical funding of advocacy groups. He stated, "Pharmaceutical donors can manipulate good-intentioned orgs into mouthpieces 4 dishonest marketing + bad policy Introd bipartisan bill 2day w Sen Hassan 2 require opioid manufacturers disclose their payments 2 these patient advocacy orgs" (posted on September 4, 2025).

On September 5, Grassley described a meeting with Jamie Haberl of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative about nutrition programs supporting local families. In his post he said, "Met w Jamie Haberl executive director of the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to discuss the Gus Schumaker Nutrition Incentive Program they use for the Double up Food Bucks program getting more fresh produce to Iowa families https://t.co/KNWgtAe6q9" (posted on September 5, 2025).

China's closure of its intercountry adoption program has affected many American families who had already been matched with children but have since faced uncertainty and emotional distress due to this abrupt halt. Efforts by lawmakers like Grassley reflect ongoing concerns about family unification and international adoption policies.

The issue of pharmaceutical influence over patient advocacy organizations has also drawn national attention. Bipartisan initiatives such as the one introduced by Senators Grassley and Maggie Hassan aim to increase transparency around financial relationships between opioid manufacturers and advocacy groups.

Grassley's engagement with local health initiatives highlights continuing efforts within Iowa to promote access to healthy foods through incentive programs like Double Up Food Bucks, which seek to make fresh produce more accessible for low-income residents.