This October, we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reaffirm our dedication to strengthening domestic violence prevention initiatives and supporting domestic violence survivors.  As a father, I strongly believe that no one ever should have to face abuse or sexual violence at home.

I have visited many domestic violence shelters in Iowa and I know firsthand that with the right support they can save lives.  The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was first enacted in 1994 and strives to increase awareness, support prevention efforts and improve services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.  Last Congress, I championed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize VAWA, and this year, I urged the Appropriations Committee to maintain funding for programs serving domestic violence victims.

As we all know, legislation alone cannot solve the persistent problem of domestic violence.  If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of domestic violence, I encourage you to seek help immediately or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE for guidance.

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, announced he will resign at the end of the month.

"I commend Speaker Boehner for his service to the House of Representatives and to our nation. While I have not always agreed with him, I understand that the challenges of leading a fractured and ideological party must have been extremely difficult. I wish him the best as he moves on to the next phase of his life.

"Today's news also gives the Republican Party an opportunity to pick a leader who has a history of working across the aisle with Democrats to move our nation forward. It is my hope that the Republican Party will elect a Speaker who is able to stop the partisan games that have ruled Washington for far too long and start working for the American people. I stand ready to work with the new Speaker, along with anyone from either side of the aisle, to solve the critical problems facing our nation."

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that three organizations serving counties in Iowa's Second District will receive a total of $3,108,165.68 in funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program. This program aims to improve housing stability for very low-income Veteran families.

"I strongly believe that we need to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "We have a moral responsibility to end homelessness amongst our Veterans and Veteran families, and to help Veterans struggling in these tough economic times. I am pleased these three organizations will receive this funding to continue their important services."

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program grants can be used to offer Veterans and their family members outreach, case management, assistance in obtaining VA benefits and assistance in getting other public benefits. Community-based groups can offer temporary financial assistance on behalf of Veterans for rent payments, utility payments, security deposits and moving costs.

Details of the grantees are below.

·       Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc. - $280,024.68 Serving Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties in Iowa and Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties in Illinois

·       Primary Health Care, Inc. - $1,613,640 Serving Jasper, Dallas, Marshall, Polk, Story and Warren Counties

·       Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. - $1,214,501 Serving Cedar, Johnson, Washington, Benton, Iowa, Jones, Linn, Washington, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware and  Dubuque Counties

Iowa City, IA - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be touring River Bend Food Bank in Davenport on Thursday, September 3^rd to learn more about the services they provide to the community. While he is at the River Bend Food Bank, Loebsack will also take part in activities to honor the National Hunger Day of Action to raise awareness around the issue of food insecurity. Media are invited to attend.

DAVENPORT - Tour River Bend Food Bank

4010 Kimmel Dr.

11:30am