Original art pieces by local high school students due April 11th

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today reminded students and teachers in Iowa's Second District that the deadline to submit original artwork for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition is quickly approaching. All artwork MUST be received by 11:59pm on Friday, April 11th. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

"I am looking forward to seeing all of this year's great submissions," said Loebsack. "With the deadline quickly approaching, I encourage all students to start finalizing their art pieces. If any art teachers or parents in the Second District have questions, please call my Iowa City office for additional information."  

This year, to make submission of art work easier and to open the contest to as many students as possible, the winner of the contest will be chosen by the public through online voting. The submission process has also been streamlined. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, April, 11th at 11:59pm. For additional details about the competition, students should contact Dave Leshtz at 319-351-0789 or by email at david.leshtz@mail.house.gov.

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Production Tax Credit for wind energy expired at the end of 2013

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Steve King (IA-04) today led a bipartisan group of 118 Representatives in calling on the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, to bring up legislation to extend the current Production Tax Credit (PTC) for wind energy, as well as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Loebsack and King have both been strong supporters of the wind energy industry and have fought to renew the PTC. Senators Chuck Grassley (IA) and Mark Udall (CO) led a similar bipartisan letter signed by 26 Senators to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

"We are writing on behalf of the 80,000 Americans employed by the U.S. wind industry - representing jobs in all fifty states - to ask that you promptly extend the current law Production Tax Credit (PTC) and the Investment Tax Credit (ITC)," the Members wrote. "Like all businesses, the wind industry seeks certainty and predictability so that long term project decisions and investments can be made. Without that stability, we once again risk losing many of the jobs, infrastructure and investment that the wind industry has created.  We urge Congress to pass an extension of the PTC and ITC under current law as soon as possible to avoid further layoffs and divestment."

A copy of the full letter can be found here.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will be speaking at a groundbreaking event at the Rock Island Arsenal TODAY, March 19th at 9:00am to kickoff an energy efficiency project. The Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), which was awarded to Honeywell Federal Systems Group, will help increase energy efficiency in the Planting Department and result in a savings of $127 million over the next 20 years. As the only member of the Iowa delegation to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, Loebsack has worked to improve and strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal. Media are invited to attend.

Energy Savings Performance Contract Groundbreaking Ceremony

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

Colonel David J. Luders, Commander, Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center

COL Robert Ruch, Commander, U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center

Mr. Kevin Madden, Managing Director, Federal Systems Group

WHAT Dave will speak at the groundbreaking event to kickoff an energy efficiency program at the Arsenal

 

WHERE Weld Shop

Building 212

Rock Island Arsenal

 

TIME Program begins at 9:00am

 

NOTE:  All media must check-in at the main Arsenal gate and proceed directly to the Weld Shop

 

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today led the bi-state, bipartisan, bicameral delegation representing the Quad Cities in calling for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to designate the region as an Advanced Manufacturing Community. The Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois has long been a hub of manufacturing innovation and this designation would reinforce the regions efforts to be recognized as a world class manufacturer. Loebsack was joined by Senators Grassley and Harkin and Representative Braley from Iowa and Senators Durbin and Kirk and Representative Bustos from Illinois in sending a letter to Matt Erskine, EDA Deputy Assistant Administrator.

"We must continue to focus on growing the economy and putting folks back to work, especially in the manufacturing field," said Congressman Dave Loebsack. "This designation will help the Quad Cities region grow their efforts to attract and maintain manufacturing companies of all sizes. Along with the recently announced Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DMDI) Institute, being designated a Advanced Manufacturing Community will greatly benefit the Quad Cities region."

"Growing our economy, creating jobs and bolstering manufacturing has been my focus since taking office, and that is why I'm pleased to join with Congressman Loebsack in calling for our bi-state region to receive an Advanced Manufacturing Community designation," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "Our region's workforce is the best in the world and with this designation would be even better positioned to be home to more of the good-paying manufacturing jobs of the future."

A copy of the letter can be found here.

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Calls for coordination among federal and state agencies, governors

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate with relevant federal and state agencies and governors to establish an emergency response plan to address any future propane shortages like those faced in the Midwest this winter. At a hearing today entitled "Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure," Loebsack submitted testimony that calls on the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and governors to join together to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters.

"It is clear from the hodgepodge of steps taken to address the problem that no comprehensive plan exists for all parties to coordinate and to ensure that a fuel supply disaster that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Iowans never occurs again," wrote Loebsack. "I am asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate the development of an emergency response plan across all relevant federal agencies and state actors and governors to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters similar to what the Midwest is experiencing this winter."

The full text of Loebsack's statement is below.

Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02)

Statement for the record

Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure

March 6, 2014

"Chairman Upton and Ranking Member Waxman, thank you for the opportunity to submit a statement for today's hearing on the "Benefits of and Challenges to Energy Access in the 21st Century: Fuel Supply and Infrastructure."

"This winter, states across the Midwest have seen record high propane prices that have wreaked havoc on Iowan's pocketbooks and quality of life. While propane prices typically average $1 to $2 per gallon, Iowans have seen this skyrocket to over $4 per gallon, and even top $5 per gallon in some instances. This is unsustainable and unacceptable for Iowa families.  The doubling and tripling of propane prices is causing thousands of Iowans to struggle to make ends meet and to keep their heat on during the extreme cold temperatures experienced this winter. In Iowa, propane is a critical fuel that heats 13 percent of Iowa homes in addition to barns that keep thousands of livestock alive during the winter months.

"Throughout the propane crises in the Midwest, Governors, the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) have taken important steps to expedite the shipments of propane to the Midwest. These steps were critical to providing relief. However, it is clear from the hodgepodge of steps taken to address the problem that no comprehensive plan exists for all parties to coordinate and to ensure that a fuel supply disaster that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Iowans never occurs again.

"From the National Propane Gas Association's testimony, there is extreme cause for concern over pipeline infrastructure flows, rail capacity, and exports causing supply restrictions that must be addressed. Consumers who rely on fuels like propane to provide a basic need like heating their homes should not be held victim to the profits of the oil and gas industry. This winter has additionally brought together a storm of crop drying demand and extremely cold temperatures that has contributed to diminished propane supplies. However, with the supply constraints and exports facing the industry, there is no reason a similar fuel supply disaster could not happen again. I am asking the House Energy and Commerce Committee to coordinate the development of an emergency response plan across all relevant federal agencies and state actors including U.S. DOT, FERC, DOE, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, and governors to be able to quickly respond to home heating fuel shortage disasters similar to what the Midwest is experiencing this winter.

"Thank you again for allowing me to submit my statement today, and I look forward to working with the Committee to address this critically important issue."

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In response to a letter from Loebsack, House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearing on propane crisis

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on Congress to quickly pass legislation to help ease the propane crunch that Iowa and much of the Midwest are currently facing. Loebsack has been leading the charge to figure out the cause of the recent spike in propane costs as well as fighting to find a solution to the problem. This dramatic rise in propane costs has caused significant hardships for families and farmers. A vote on H.R. 4076, the HHEAT Act of 2014, is expected later today (Tuesday) in the House. After its anticipated passage, it will then head to the Senate for consideration. Also, in response to a letter Loebsack and a bipartisan coalition of Midwestern lawmakers sent last month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has scheduled a hearing this Thursday to look into the current propane shortage.

"The sudden increase in the price of propane, combined with an extremely cold winter continues to wreak havoc on many Iowans' pocketbooks. I am pleased this legislation is moving forward to provide some needed relief for folks who heat their homes with propane," said Loebsack. "This is another expense Iowans cannot afford. I will continue to push this legislation forward until it is signed into law by the President. These barriers must be removed to allow a necessary supply of propane to reach Iowans and help lower the price."

In response to the crisis, Loebsack also joined the Iowa delegation in calling on the Federal Trade Commission to review the spike in propane costs, as well as called on the President to take any necessary action to address the problem.

H.R. 4076, "Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation Act of 2014" will address the shortages and interruptions in the availability of propane by providing a blanket exemption from federal restrictions on deliveries of propane and other home heating fuels until May 31, 2014, in states where governors have declared emergencies. Doing so would eliminate the need for state governors to renew their emergency declarations.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today met with senior Army leaders, including General Dennis Via, Commanding General of Army Materiel Command which oversees Army arsenals, ammunition plans, and depots. Attendees also included Brigadier General John Wharton, Commanding General, Army Sustainment Command and Lieutenant General Patricia McQuistion, Deputy Commanding General, Army Material Command. They discussed the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base at the Rock Island Arsenal. The senior Army leaders joined a bipartisan group of Representatives at a breakfast meeting and discussion led by Loebsack and hosted by the House Military Depot, Arsenal, Ammunition Plant and Industrial Facilities Caucus. Loebsack, along with Congressman Walter Jones (NC-03), serve as Co-Chairmen of the Caucus.

"I was pleased to be able to host these key Army leaders this morning to continue our discussion about how to best position the Rock Island Arsenal and its critical role in equipping our troops and spurring economic development in the Quad Cities region. I will continue to advocate for the Arsenal and its workforce with Army leaders and continue to work to strengthen it for the future," said Congressman Loebsack.

Re-FUEL Act establishes grant program to promote domestic fuel sources, provide choices at the pump

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he introduced legislation that would establish a grant program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to invest in renewable and alternative fuel infrastructure. The Renewable Fuel Utilization, Expansion and Leadership (Re-FUEL) Act (HR 4051) will help create new and retrofit existing infrastructure, including pumps for biofuels and hydrogen, tanks, piping and electric vehicle chargers. The legislation is paid for and does not add to the deficit.

"I believe in making things in America and there is no reason our fuel sources shouldn't be made here as well. It's also important that consumers are able to choose where their fuel source comes from when they go to fill up. Too often, infrastructure constraints are cited as the reason for not giving consumers the choices they deserve. This holds back the development of our renewable and alternative energy sources that create jobs in Iowa and across the country.

"The Re-FUEL Act will help bridge that divide by making important investments in the infrastructure needed to provide consumers with choices at the pump. We must do more to decrease our dependence on foreign oil, expand our use of renewable energy sources that boost economic development in our rural areas, and promote homegrown fuel sources such as biofuels and wind power."

For additional details about the Re-FUEL Act, click here for the one-pager.

For the text of the legislation, click here.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack will have a member of his staff in Clinton County for open office hours. Henry Marquard, Loebsack's District Representative, will be at the following locations. Marquard will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for Dave, or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend. Marquard holds regular office hours throughout Eastern Iowa.

If residents are unable to attend but have a concern to share with the Congressman, please call our district office toll-free at 1-866-914-IOWA (4692)

Marquard's schedule is as follows.

 

Tuesday, Feb. 11

Camanche City Hall

917 Third Street

9:00 - 10:00 AM

 

Clinton City Hall

611 South Third Street, 1st Floor

11:00 AM - NOON

 

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Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Loebsack and a bipartisan coalition of Midwestern lawmakers today sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee leadership to request a hearing that would examine the current propane shortage crisis, the long term outlook of Midwestern supply and potential solutions to the problem. Propane prices have risen dramatically in the last month, causing significant hardships for families who use propane to heat their homes. Representatives who signed the letter include Walz (MN-01), Braley (IA-01), King (IA-04), Bustos (IL-17), Enyart (IL-12), McCollum (MN-04), Nolan (MN-08), Peterson (MN-07), Fortenberry (NE-01), Cramer (ND-00), Noem (SD-00), Ribble (WI-08), and Kind (WI-03).

"The sudden increase in the price of propane, combined with an extremely cold winter is wreaking havoc on many Iowans' pocketbooks this winter," said Congressman Loebsack. "I am very concerned about the surge in prices and the reason for such a great disparity in propane prices across the country. This is another expense Iowans cannot afford. The Energy and Commerce Committee needs to immediately look into the reason for this shortage and figure out a way to address the sure in price."

"As Members representing the Midwest, we respectfully write today to request a hearing into the current propane shortage, the long term outlook of Midwestern supply and potential solutions to the problem," the Members write in the letter. "As you may know, households and businesses across the Midwest have seen significant spikes in the price of propane fuels during the severe winter cold. Any further reduction in supply threatens to leave our constituents without the fuel necessary to heat their homes and to keep livestock and poultry barns warm."

Full text of the letter can be seen here.

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