Republican of Iowa who has led an inquiry into the matter, say they have faced obstacles in efforts to gather certain information about Ms. Abedin’s arrangement and about the rules the State Department applies in approving such arrangements. The questions Mr. Grassley and his staff are still seeking answers to include: who in the department specifically authorized the arrangement for Ms. Abedin; who in the department was aware of her outside consulting activities; copies of contracts Ms. Abedin signed with private clients; and the amount she earned from those contracts.” [New York Times, 8/9/13]