19 Sep 2011

News from Congressman Braley's Office

By Alexandra Krasov

Braley Congratulates Blue Ribbon Schools 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement congratulating Greene Elementary in Butler County, St. Columbkille in Dubuque and St. Paul in Davenport for being named Blue Ribbon Schools.

"I am honored to congratulate the faculty, students, staff and parents at Greene Elementary, St. Columbkille and St. Paul for this incredible achievement," Braley said. "These schools demonstrate the best of education in Iowa. They have set themselves apart by creating well-rounded students who excel in the classroom and are dedicated to having a positive impact on their communities."

The Department of Education, Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools that are either high performing or have dramatically improved student achievement levels.

 

Braley Statement on Constitution Day 

Washington, DC - September 16, 2011 - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on Constitution Day:

On Saturday, we will celebrate the 224th anniversary of our Founding Fathers' signing of the Constitution.  Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the past success of our founders in the forming of the Constitution, the two centuries of progress since, and the future promise of the United States under the guidance of the document given to us in 1787.

Constitution Day reminds us to review the whole document and what it means to our country, and shows that support for the Constitution requires more than chanting slogans at a political rally.  Calling yourself "strict constitutionalist" means nothing if you don't bother to read the entire Constitution and fight for everything it includes, not just the portions that fit neatly with your personal political philosophy.

As an Iowan, and a student of the Constitution for more than 30 years, I take pride in repeating our state's motto: "Our Liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain."  Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the document that prizes our personal liberties and preserves our rights in a system of laws that recognize the individual spirit of every American, and has made our nation a shining beacon in the world.  The development of the Constitution has recognized the rights of all men and women, and created a system of equality that has helped our nation move past prejudice and discrimination in some of our darkest hours.

Constitution Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the system of justice for all by creating an impartial judiciary and a system of law that recognizes the rights of every citizen to file a grievance against their government or fellow man.  It lets us reflect on the goals of a responsive executive, a representative legislature, and a responsible judiciary working on behalf of all citizens to preserve their rights, respect their liberties, and allow for progress.  It reminds us to all work harder to support the progress of the United States.

 

Populist Caucus Chair Braley Condemns Bill that Would Outsource American Jobs

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) called on members of Congress to vote against a bill that would outsource American jobs to other countries.  Current law gives the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) the ability to block companies from outsourcing or transferring their work to other countries.  The bill being voted on today would strip the NLRB of its authority to block the outsourcing of American jobs.

"It is irresponsible for Congress to be voting on this job killing bill today," said Rep. Braley.  "When our unemployment is still hovering around 9%, Congress needs to pass legislation that creates jobs.  This bill will send more American jobs overseas and put more Americans out of work.  I urge my colleagues to vote against this job-killing legislation."

Congressman Braley and the Populist Caucus have been strong supporters of proposals to create jobs in America.  The Caucus has supported various job creation legislation including bills that would reinvest in American manufacturing, rebuild our aging infrastructure and encourage more products to be made in America.

 

Braley Announces Over $6.5 Million for Lead-Based Paint Removal in Iowa Communities

Funds will make homes safer for Iowa families

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced $6,655,557 in grant money for Davenport, Waterloo and Polk County. These grants will provide funding for lead-based paint removal in homes and promote healthy homes initiatives.

"Every Iowan deserves to live in a safe and healthy home," Braley said. "It's critical that Iowa communities have the tools to help residents make this happen, and this money will ensure that many more Iowans have a safe place to raise their families."

These grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Grant program.

 

Braley Demands Answers from Post Office on Possible Closures

"Rain, snow and sleet haven't stopped postal workers, but bureaucrats in Washington want to." 

Washington, DC - September 15, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) demanded answers from the United States Postal Service (USPS) on the possible closure of four mail processing facilities in Iowa.  In a letter to the Postmaster General, Rep. Braley asked how many jobs would be lost as a result of these closures.  Rep. Braley also urged the USPS not to close any post office facilities until a full analysis of job losses are complete, and Iowans have had a chance for public comment.

"This action by the US Postal Service could mean hundreds of Iowans will soon be unemployed," Braley said.  "I have called on the Postal Service to provide an analysis of how many jobs will be lost and have asked that this decision not be made until Iowans have an opportunity to weigh in.  Now is not the time to lay off Iowa workers. I will fight this bad decision.  Rain, snow and sleet haven't stopped postal workers, but bureaucrats in Washington want to."

The USPS announced today that mail processing facilities in Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Carroll and Creston will be studied for possible closure.  Rep. Braley is a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has legislative authority over the USPS.

 

A copy of the letter is copied below and a link is available here: http://go.usa.gov/0FY

 

Braley Announces $240,000 for Eastern Iowa Housing

Washington, DC - September 14, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced $240,000 in grant money for the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority. This grant will provide funding for programming to help public housing residents work towards economic and housing independence through empowerment activities and support services.

"This money is crucial for many residents of Eastern Iowa," Braley said. "As we continue to rebuild our economy, it is critical Iowa's communities have the tools they need to help working families get back on their feet and provide necessary support services."

The grant is awarded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) ROSS Service Coordinators Program.

 

Braley Greets Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

Thanks World War II veterans for their service

Washington, DC - September 13, 2011 - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) welcomed the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight from Cedar Rapids. Braley greeted Iowa veterans at the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, a Cedar Rapids non-profit organization, is dedicated to sending local veterans to Washington D. C. to visit historical sites and war memorials. The organization serves  veterans of Linn, Jones, Benton, Tama, Iowa, Johnson, Washington, Marshall, Jasper and Poweshiek Counties.

HD video of the event can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9O-VdhcEeE

1080p HD Video can be downloaded here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/21501138/Eastern.Iowa.Honor.Flight.Braley.09.13.2011.mp4

Hi-Resolution photos of the event can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/repbraley/sets/72157627664043646/ 

 

Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

(F) 202.225.6666
02 Aug 2011

Braley Statement on Debt Ceiling Vote

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released thefollowing statement after the vote on the debt ceiling:

"The simple truth is, today's vote is a symbol of everything that's wrong in Washington: partisan brinksmanship, broken promises, backroom deal making, and kicking the can down the road. Enough is enough. I've been demanding a balanced approach of shared sacrifice from both the President and the Speaker since the beginning of the year. I've listened to my constituents at multiple town halls. Iowans know that when times are tough, families don't just tighten their belts, they also take on extra jobs to increase their income. Today's vote squarely places the burden of deficit reduction on middle class families, while demanding nothing of millionaires, billionaires and corporations making record profits. My constituents don't agree with that, and neither can I."

In recent months, Rep. Braley voted to cut nearly half a trillion dollars from the current budget:

He called for an immediate withdrawal of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, which would save over $1 trillion dollars.

He opposed the invasion of Libya, which has cost taxpayers over $700 million dollars in our 5 months of involvement.

He fought for legislation to end waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, which would save up to $700 billion.

He opposed the Bush tax cuts,which have already cost over $1.8 trillion dollars. And last December he opposed the extension of President Bush's tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans. By not ending tax cuts for the wealthiest, we will spend another $700 billion over the next decade.

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01 Aug 2011

Braley Urges Obama to ProvideDisaster Assistance in Iowa

By Alexandra Krasov

Pushes for Help in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama Counties

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and the IowaHouse delegation sent a letter to President Obama urging him to provide disaster assistance to Iowa following the severe storms earlier this month in Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama counties.

"These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and electricity and communications infrastructure," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge the President to provide assistance to help Iowa's families, communities, and businesses rebuild as quickly as possible."

A copy of the letter is available here and pasted below: http://go.usa.gov/Kcj

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

As you know, Governor Terry Branstad has requested that you declare a major disaster for the Iowa counties of Benton, Marshall, Story and Tama.  These counties were significantly impacted by severe weather earlier this month, which resulted in significant infrastructure and property damage.

The severe storms began on July 9, triggering a chain of damage-causing events, lasting through July 10, when 100 MPH winds caused the damage in the counties noted above.  Thereafter, on July 13th, heavy rainfall caused flooding in other counties (Dickinson and Clay), causing road closures, and extensive property damage.  Again, on July 15th, severe storms caused flash floods in Cerro Gordo, Floyd and Worth Counties.  Finally, on July 22, severe storms caused significant damage in Black Hawk, Butler, Grundy, Hardin, Jasper, Marion and Poweshiek Counties.

The toll from these storms includes damage to local schools, hospitals, emergency communications facilities and fire stations.  Moreover, electrical utility infrastructure damage remains a major concern over a broad area, as is the case for telecommunications infrastructure, agriculture infrastructure (including crop damage & livestock losses) and municipal water pumping stations.

Given the scope of the damage and losses in Iowa at this time, and the potential for realization of further losses, we strongly urge you to grant Governor Branstad's request for assistance under the Stafford Assistance Act.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley
Leonard Boswell
Dave Loebsack
Tom Latham
Steve King

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01 Aug 2011

Braley Fights for Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown

By Alexandra Krasov

Bill benefitting home passes unanimously

Washington, DC - Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) co-sponsored and championed a bill to help the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. With Rep.Braley's help, the bill passed unanimously out of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health. The bill will help the Iowa Veterans Home and similar veterans' homes across the country provide care to millions of elderly and disabled veterans.

"This bill will help us ensure that our veterans are getting the care they deserve - not just in Iowa, but all over the country," said Rep. Braley. "The men and women who served this nation deserve the best care we can possibly provide. That's why I'm proud to co-sponsor this bill which supports the veterans home in Marshalltown that cares for so many of our national heroes."

David Worley, who serves as Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home and oversees operations, said the bill is an important step for Iowa veterans.

"This bill will be a big boost for the Iowa Veterans Home," said Commandant Worley. "It'll give us the resources we need to care for our elderly veterans, and as we see many more young men and women coming back from battle, this bill will help us provide our returning veterans with the services they need."

Rep. Braley will continue fighting to pass the bill through the full Veterans' Affairs Committee.

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01 Aug 2011

Braley Statement on Branstad Veto of Tax Breaks for Iowans

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after Governor Terry Branstad vetoed a state bill that would have given taxbreaks to Iowans making $45,000 or less:

"I'm disappointed by Governor Branstad's veto, and I have to ask, "what are his priorities?" This bill was passed with bipartisan support and would have provided tax relief to thousands of hard-working Iowa families. This doesn't make sense to me, and I don't think it makes sense to middle class Iowans who are struggling."

# # #

01 Aug 2011

Braley Statement on Severe Storm Damage in Iowa

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after severe storms hit parts of Iowa:

"My staff and I are closely monitoring these storms and the reports of damage around Eastern Iowa. While officials are still assessing the full extent of the damage, my office is open and my staff is available to help any Iowans who need it."

# # #


28 Jul 2011

Braley Demands Answers from U.S. Postal Service

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to the U.S. Postmaster General demanding answers about the impact of almost 4,000 proposed post office closures across the country. Rep. Braley released the following statement after he saw the list of 178 post offices targeted in Iowa:

"I'm incredibly disappointed and concerned to see so many post offices in Eastern Iowa on this list. All Iowa communities depend on their post offices, and I know how much this service means to my constituents. Post offices are important community fixtures andprovide thousands of good-paying jobs to Iowans. That's why I'll keep fighting to protect these, and other post offices that are being considered for closure."

A copy of Rep. Braley's letter is available here and pasted below: http://go.usa.gov/BeC

July 27, 2011

Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe

Postmaster General Donahoe:

I'm writing regarding the recent announcement by the USPS on possible post office closures.  I was extremely disappointed to learn that the USPS may close up to 3,700 post offices across the country.

What is even more concerning is the potential loss of jobs that would go along with these closures.  Your list contains 178 post offices in Iowa that could potentially be closed.  Closing these post offices would lead to the loss of many jobs, both in Iowa and across the country.  As you know, we currently have an unemployment rate above 9%.  With unemployment this high, we simply cannot afford to lose more jobs.

That being said, I would like answers to the following questions:

·      Has the USPS analyzed the potential loss of jobs that would go along with closing almost 4,000 post offices?  

o   If so, please provide me withthat analysis.  

o   If not, why not, and when does the USPS intend to perform this analysis?

·      Finally, what steps is the USPS taking to ensure as little job loss as possible throughout this proposed process?

I'm strongly opposed to any plan that puts people out of work.  I ask that you reply to my request within 10 business days. Please feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley  

Member of Congress

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28 Jul 2011

Braley Statement on Injured Iowa Solider

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Army Reserve reported that Staff Sgt. Richard Billmeyer of Epworth was seriously injured in Afghanistan:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Richard and his family. As he begins his recovery, I hope he knows we're all pulling for him. My heart goes out to all the brave young men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country."

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26 Jul 2011

Braley Announces $242,655 for Davenport Veterans

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced a $242,655 grant award for Davenport, Iowa through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. The grant will go to the Humility of Mary Shelter to serve over 100 homeless and at-risk veteran families in Scott County.

"This grant is an important step towards making sure our veterans get the care and services they need," said Rep. Braley. "No veteran or their family should be out on the street - but right now, it's a tragic reality and one we must work to fix as quickly as possible. That's why I'm proud to announce this grant for the Humility of Mary Shelter - and that's why I'll keep fighting to make sure our veterans, and their families, get the care and services they need."

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26 Jul 2011

Braley Statement on Proposed Post Office Closure

By Alexandra Krasov

Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement after the U.S. Postal Service released a list of proposed post offices closures in Iowa:  

"I'm incredibly disappointed and concerned to see so many post offices in Eastern Iowa on this list. All Iowa communities depend on their post offices, and I know how much this service means to my constituents. Post offices are important community fixtures and provide thousands of good-paying jobs to Iowans. That's why I'll keep fighting to protect these, and other post offices that are being considered for closure."

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