Aug. 9--Immersed in such pressing national issues as health care reform and the nomination of a new Supreme Court justice, Sen. Charles Grassley still found some time to defend his home state's interests.

Grassley had said he would delay President Barack Obama's selection of Thomas Shannon as U.S. ambassador to Brazil, since the nominee said he advocated ending the U.S. tariff on ethanol imports.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved Shannon's nomination last week, which would normally set the stage for a full Senate vote. But Senate rules allow an individual senator to delay floor action on presidential nominations until their concerns are addressed, or until 60 votes are found in the chamber.

Enter Chuck Grassley.

"As a senator and as a presidential candidate, President Obama supported keeping the U.S. tariff on imported ethanol," Grassley said in a statement. "Now, the president's nominee for ambassador to Brazil says the removal of the tariff would be 'beneficial.' It's important to know whether the administration's position has changed before this nomination goes forward."

He wrote a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk to seek a clarification.

Grassley politely let his actions be known in the letter's conclusion.

"Please note that I expect a response to this letter before a confirmation vote on Mr. Shannon's nomination takes place. ..." Grassley wrote.

In return, Grassley got a letter from Clinton and Kirk promising "no plans" to change the tariff. Shannon's confirmation is back on track.

Even with the 54-cents-per-gallon tariff, Brazilian producers have had some success in the U.S. market. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, between 2004 and 2007, Brazil exported about 744 million gallons into the U.S. That includes a high of 434 million gallons in 2006.

A Washington Post editorial chastised Grassley for his "power play," claiming that the tariff "irritates" a strong relationship with Brazil.

We're more interested in the relationships between our federal government and the Midwestern states that are key in producing biomass energy sources which can lessen our dependence on foreign oil. It's a strong national issue that holds economic promise for Iowa and surrounding states.

In fact, Gov. Chet Culver was busy Wednesday touting Iowa's leadership in energy independence as he made stops in Ames and Riceville to tour renewable energy projects.

Grassley's stand probably looked like political posturing to many. To us, it was a strategy well played. We commend Grassley on his attention to detail and defense of Iowa's interests on this matter.

Thanks for getting the clarification.

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