By Hayden Douglas, KILJ News Director
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley faced pointed and emotional questions from constituents during a recent town hall in southeast Iowa, as attendees raised concerns about rural health care, veteran services, environmental oversight, and the future of key social safety net programs.
One speaker challenged the senator on his communication with fellow lawmakers and his role in upholding democratic institutions. “Congress will be the next branch Trump comes for,” the attendee warned, expressing frustration with what they saw as missed opportunities to hold former President Trump accountable. “If you’re not doing your job, we’re in trouble.”
Several attendees voiced opposition to potential changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and pandemic-era safety net policies. Concerns were also raised about implementing work requirements for aid. One person asked “Where are they going to work? What if there’s no transportation or childcare?.”
Many objected to the term “entitlements” being used to describe Social Security and Medicare. “Stop calling it an entitlement. We paid into it,” a woman said. “It’s not a handout—it’s earned.”
Throughout the forum, Grassley listened and responded, though some answers drew follow-up questions or visible frustration from the audience. Attendees asked for clarity on the senator’s stance on Medicare privatization, the future of the farm bill, and support for rural infrastructure.
“We’re tired of things not making sense. We’re tired of feeling ignored,” one attendee yelled out near the end of the town hall. “We’re not here for speeches. We’re here for solutions.”