Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold his weekly press conference call with Iowa reporters this morning at 10:30am CDT.

Braley will announce new steps he's taking to get the US House to hold an up-or-down vote on the Farm Bill.  House leaders have refused to schedule a vote on the Farm Bill, despite a number of disaster assistance programs from the 2008 Farm Bill expiring and Iowa farmers suffering through a worsening drought this summer.

WHAT: Bruce Braley's weekly press call with Iowa reporters

WHEN:  TODAY, Wednesday July 25, 2012

11:30am EDT // 10:30am CDT

Introduces legislation expanding tax deduction for small business startup expenses

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced legislation today that seeks to expand a popular tax deduction for small business startup expenses.

Current law allows entrepreneurs starting a small business to claim a $5,000 income tax deduction when total startup business costs do not exceed $50,000. Braley's Support Our Startups Act would expand that deduction to $10,000, and raise the cap on total startup expenses to $60,000.

Braley said, "Small businesses have generated 65 percent of new jobs in the United States over the last 17 years.  If our economy is going to create new jobs, it's going to start with small business growth.

Braley continued, "That's why we need to give potential small business owners the tools they need to turn their dreams into reality.  Economic uncertainty is keeping good ideas grounded on the launching pad.  The Support Our Startups Act will give entrepreneurs greater incentives to get their business ideas off the ground."

Christian Renaud, Principal at Startup City Des Moines, praised the bill, saying:  "Every day, I work with entrepreneurs  trying to get their big ideas off the ground," "In this economy, the difference between a startup making it and a startup failing is very narrow.  More than ever, entrepreneurs need to use every tool in their arsenal to make their business successful.  This expanded tax break could be a difference-maker for countless new startups.  It's an extra shot of adrenaline for entrepreneurs working to get their small business up and running."

The Support Our Startups Act limits benefits to small businesses entrepreneurs by capping the startup expenses eligible for the credit at $60,000.  Expenses over that amount reduce the potential deduction, meaning large businesses, big corporations, or major investors would likely be ineligible for the tax cut.

According to the US Small Business Administration, small businesses make up over 99 percent of all businesses in the United States and employ half of all private sector employees.

An annual report released by the nonprofit Kaufman Foundation in March showed that the national rate of small business startups dropped 5.9 percent between 2010 and 2011, from an estimated 565,000 new businesses opening per month to 543,000 new businesses opening per month.  The report also showed that Iowa has one of the lowest entrepreneurship rates in the country.

To download a copy of the Support Our Startups Act, click on the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fvh

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Tour of Drought-Impacted Farm Shows Importance of Farm Bill Passage

By: U.S. Representative Bruce Braley

Last Friday, I met with two farmers from Palo, Gary and Vicki Owens, to see their farm and discuss the drought conditions that are affecting crops across Iowa. I saw the dry ground and struggling corn and soybeans that the Owens are hoping will survive in the heat and dry weather. Gary and Vicki told me how concerned they are that sporadic rain during the month of July will doom their crops, but they continue to hope that wetter and cooler weather will grace their crops sooner rather than later. They are preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best.

The lack of rain along with the blistering heat are making farmers take a look at their insurance policies and what the federal government is doing to assist them if the weather causes a massive loss in crops.

Today, just as we saw in the 1920s, the federal government needs to take responsibility when farmers suffer from events outside of their control.  That's the reason why, last week, I joined Iowa's entire House delegation, Republicans and Democrats, to demand that Congressional leaders hold an immediate vote on the bipartisan Farm Bill.  Some disaster relief programs from the 2008 Farm Bill have already expired, and if Congress does not pass the farm bill by September, laws will revert back to the outdated 1949 Farm Bill.  We can't afford to go back to laws that are that outdated - let alone when we are suffering from such a difficult summer.

I will continue to work with the US Department of Agriculture to get farmers the help they need, and keep working to bring members of both parties together to ensure that the Farm Bill is passed as quickly as possible.  Iowa farmers and their families need some degree of certainty during such uncertain times.  The Farm Bill ensures a safety net and allows farmers a degree of financial security for the future.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Bruce Braley (IA-01) today announced that Hawkeye Rural Electric Cooperative #2 has been awarded $4,750,547 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Hawkeye REC #2, located in Cresco, is proposing to strengthen 142.7 miles of overhead electrical distribution lines. The funding comes after severe storms, tornadoes, and heavy rains caused destruction in 2008.

"I am pleased FEMA is providing funding to Iowa for the strengthening of our important electrical system after the 2008 storms," said Braley. "Continued efforts from FEMA to our small communities will help repair the weakened lines and provide strengthened electrical systems."

 

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Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after the US Department of Agriculture temporary changes to their major conservation programs to help livestock producers as this summer's drought intensifies.

"The efforts announced today by the USDA are good first steps to start helping Iowa farmers affected by this summer's drought.  If this drought continues, farmers will need more help.

 

"That's why I'll keep working with the USDA to ensure we're doing everything possible to stand behind farmers during this challenging time.  The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it will have incredible effects on Iowa's economy.  That's why it's so important we do everything we can to keep Iowa farmers on their feet.

 

"And with many of the disaster recovery programs from the 2008 Farm Bill already expired, it's more important than ever we quickly get a new Farm Bill passed into law."

The assistance announced today takes advantage of the Secretary of Agriculture's existing authority to help create and encourage flexibility within four USDA programs: the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

More details on the USDA steps announced today can be found at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/fEp

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Views impact of worsening drought on Iowa crops at farm near Palo, IA

Palo, IA - This afternoon, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) traveled to Gary and Vicki Owens' farm near Palo, Iowa, to see firsthand the impact of this summer's drought on Iowa corn and soybean crops.  Braley met with the family and toured the farm before calling on Congress to immediately consider and pass the 2012 Farm Bill.

"Iowa agriculture has been a bright spot in the economy," Braley said.  "The drought not only threatens the livelihood of countless Iowa farmers, it could have ripple effects for our economic recovery.

 

"If Congress allows the Farm Bill to expire on September 30th, it would only compound the problem.  Much of the disaster assistance funding in the 2008 Farm Bill has already expired, leaving many farmers without a safety net this year.  Farmers need certainty and confidence in the farm safety net they depend on, especially now.  We need to do everything we can to get Iowa agriculture producers the help they need to get through this, and that starts with passing the Farm Bill."

According to the US Drought Monitor, 59 percent of Iowa is currently considered to be experiencing "severe" drought conditions.

Braley held an emergency telephone town hall meeting last night on the worsening drought conditions, its impact on Iowa agriculture, and the Farm Bill.  This morning, Braley authored a bipartisan letter co-signed by all five members of Iowa's US House delegation asking House leaders to immediately bring the Farm Bill up for an immediate vote.

The House Agriculture Committee endorsed a version of the 2012 Farm Bill last week, but House leaders have not indicated when it will be considered for a vote.

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Failing to pass a Farm Bill will only make impact of drought worse

 

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today authored a letter so-signed by all five members of Iowa's Congressional delegation and sent to House leaders asking for an immediate vote on the bipartisan Farm Bill, especially in light of the worsening drought affecting Iowa and the Midwest.

 

Even though the House Agriculture Committee passed a version of the Farm Bill that earned bipartisan support last week, House Speaker John Boehner has not signaled when the bill will come to the full House for consideration.  The Senate passed their version of the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill last month.

 

"Iowa farmers are struggling through the worst drought in decades, and failing to pass a Farm Bill would only compound the problem they face," Braley said.  "Much of the disaster assistance funding in the 2008 Farm Bill has already expired, leaving many farmers without a safety net this year.  If Congress fails to act by September 30th, the Farm Bill will expire and revert to the outdated 1949 Farm Bill.

 

"Just like millions of small businesses around America, farmers need certainty and confidence in the farm safety net they depend on.  Now more than ever, getting the Farm Bill done is too important for political games."

 

Last night, Braley hosted a telephone town hall with Iowa farmers to discuss the Farm Bill and the impact of this year's drought.

 

Braley has hosted a dozen listening sessions on the Food, Farm and Job Bill across eastern Iowa this summer. The listening sessions have taken Braley to Grinnell, Independence, Manchester, Marengo, Marshalltown, Peosta, St. Ansgar, Strawberry Point, Toledo, and Vinton.  Also, Braley joined USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack at listening session events in Maquoketa and Cedar Rapids last month.

 

Text of the Iowa delegation's letter to House leaders follows:

 

--

 

July 20, 2012

 

The Honorable John Boehner                       

Speaker of the House                         

H-232, the Capitol                       

Washington, DC  20510                         

 

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi

Minority Leader

H-204, the Capitol

Washington, DC  20510

 

The Honorable Eric Cantor                        

Majority Leader                        

H-329, the Capitol                       

Washington, DC  20510                         

 

The Honorable Steny Hoyer

Minority Whip

H-148, the Capitol

Washington, DC  20510

 

Dear Speaker Boehner, Leader Pelosi, Majority Leader Cantor, and Minority Whip Hoyer,

 

We are writing today to request quick consideration of a multi-year farm bill on the House floor. As you know, the House Agriculture Committee favorably reported a bipartisan bill last week that is prepared for quick floor action. The need to extend assistance for farmers gets more urgent every day, given the worsening drought that is blanketing more than half the country.

 

Just like millions of small businesses across the country, farmers need certainty and confidence in the federal programs that affect their lives. In the United States some sixteen million jobs depend on the success of American agriculture, and the Farm Bill has a huge impact in our home state of Iowa. Agriculture and related industries account for one in six jobs in Iowa and contributes $72 billion into the state's economy annually. Failure to quickly pass a farm bill will have a devastating impact on our constituents and the agriculture industry across the country.

 

As the agriculture industry across the country faces the worst drought in decades, we're particularly concerned that failure to act on a farm bill quickly could only exacerbate the current challenges faced by thousands of farmers. Much of the disaster assistance funding in the 2008 Farm Bill has already expired, leaving many farmers without a safety net this year. Without action prior to September 30, the bill's remaining programs will expire reverting to laws passed under the outdated 1949 Farm Bill. It is vital that we get a Farm Bill passed out of the House prior to the August recess.

 

Farmers feed our nation, and we need to make sure to provide them the tools they need so that they can continue to deliver safe, affordable food to the table. Every American has a stake in this bill.

 

Please do what you can to bring forward the multi-year Farm Bill passed by the House Agriculture Committee. We stand prepared to work with you in a bipartisan manner to accomplish this goal.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Braley

Tom Latham

Leonard Boswell

Steve King

Dave Loebsack

 

 

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Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today after voting against a $607 billion defense spending bill:

View photo in message

"While there are parts of the Defense Appropriations Bill that I strongly support - a pay raise for our troops and a provision blocking cuts to the Iowa Air National Guard's 132nd Fighter Wing in Des Moines, for example - I cannot vote to spend nearly $90 billion to continue combat operations in Afghanistan that began over a decade ago.

 

"We have accomplished the objectives of our mission in Afghanistan.  Osama bin Laden is dead, al-Qaida has been marginalized, and the Afghan government has been stabilized. It's time to bring our brave men and women home to their families and focus on rebuilding America."

 

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At the request of the family, Rep. Braley contacts FBI Director Mueller 

 

Washington, DC - At the request of the family, Rep. Braley contacted FBI Director Mueller today to ask for additional assistance in the investigation to find Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10 and Elizabeth Collins, 8 from Evansdale, Iowa.  While the FBI has offered limited resources to assist in the search so far, Rep. Braley requests that "all available FBI resources are immediately utilized as part of the search for these girls."

The girls' bicycles were found near an Evansdale Lake, but there has not been a trace of the two since Friday, July 13. At this time, the Evansdale lake is being drained in an attempt to locate the girls, but with no current results, investigators are treating the investigation as a missing child case.

"I will do everything I can to help in the investigation and bring more attention and resources to finding the girls," said Braley. "I stand with the family, Evansdale community, and all Iowans and am praying for the safe return of the two young girls."

If you, or someone you know has information about Lyric Cook-Morrissey and Elizabeth Collins, please call the Evansdale Police Department at 319-323-6682.

Braley's letter to Director Mueller can be downloaded at the following link: the full text of the letter follows: http://go.usa.gov/fDq

 

The Honorable Robert S. Mueller

Director, Federal Bureau of Investigations

FBI Headquarters
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20535-0001

Dear Director Mueller:

I am writing to bring your attention to two missing girls from Evansdale, Iowa: Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10 and Elizabeth Collins, 8. Five days ago, the girls' bicycles were found near a local lake. Local officials are draining the lake in an attempt to find the girls, but thus far, no trace of the girls has been found. If the lake holds no new information, officials will treat this as a missing child investigation.

By request of the family, we are asking for your assistance in helping the local government in the investigation, and for you to ensure that all available FBI resources are immediately utilized as part of the search for these girls. The family and Evansdale community are grateful for your efforts and contribution in finding these two young girls.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley

Member of Congress (IA-1)

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Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold his weekly press conference call with Iowa reporters this morning at 10:30am CDT.

Braley will discuss the drought Iowa farmers are facing this summer and its impact on Iowa's agriculture economy, and take questions.

WHAT: Bruce Braley's weekly press call with Iowa reporters

WHEN:                 TODAY, Wednesday July 18th, 2012

11:30am EDT // 10:30am CDT

 

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