Bill now heads to the President for his signature

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Senate passed the five-year, bipartisan farm bill sending it to the President for his signature. Loebsack has been fighting for over two years to get a long term, comprehensive farm bill passed and sent to the President in order to give Iowa farmers and rural communities the stability they need. Loebsack led the fight to ensure the bill would include robust funding for the Energy Title, which gives farmers and rural small businesses the ability to continue to create jobs and grow the rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way.

"I am pleased that the farmers and rural communities across Iowa and the nation will finally be able to have the stability they need to make decisions and investments that create jobs with confidence. This long-term bill will finally put an end to the year-to-year uncertainty. I am optimistic that the President will swiftly sign this bipartisan legislation into law."

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Durant Economic Development Tour

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will tour various businesses and meet with employees

WHERE Tour begin at Heinsite Fitness

107 5th St.

Durant

TIME 10:00am

 

Tour 1105 Project

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will tour the facility and meet with the staff of the local social service agencies based there

WHERE 1105 Project

1105 S. Gilbert Court

Iowa City

TIME 1:00pm

 

Attend Make-a-Wish Gala

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

WHAT Dave will attend the annual event

WHERE Waterfront Convention Center

2021 State St.

Bettendorf

TIME Dave will arrive at 7:00pm

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Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Loebsack along with Congressmen Tom Latham, Steve King, and Bruce Braley released the following statements after sending a letter to Chairwoman Edith Ramirez of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting the FTC review the current spike in propane costs in the Midwest:

Congressman Dave Loebsack: "The sudden increase in the price of propane, combined with an extremely cold winter is wreaking havoc on many Iowans' pocketbooks this winter.  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 and I'm doing everything I can to remove barriers to allow more propane supply to reach Iowa that will help lower prices."

Congressman Steve King: "The sudden surge in the cost of propane has forced families, farmers, and businesses into a tough spot. I am pleased the entire Iowa House delegation could come together in the interests of all Iowans. Each of us will closely monitor this situation and look for other opportunities to help."

Congressman Tom Latham: "Hardworking Iowa families, farmers and small businesses are feeling the real economic pain of the skyrocketing costs of propane.  It is hitting everyone's bottom line and there must be assurances that no additional burden is being passed onto Iowans through influences other than true free market forces."

 

Congressman Bruce Braley: "While enduring frigid temperatures, skyrocketing propane costs are forcing some Iowa families to decide between warming their homes and paying other critical bills. A thorough investigation of these extreme price increases by the FTC is essential to ensure Iowa families are not being unjustly burdened due to market manipulation or other unfair practices."

 

The letter to the FTC is available here.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed a five-year, bipartisan farm bill.  Loebsack has been fighting for over two years to get a long term, comprehensive farm bill passed in order to give Iowa farmers and rural communities the stability they need. Loebsack led the fight to ensure the bill would include robust funding for the Energy Title, which gives farmers and rural small businesses the ability to continue to create jobs and grow the rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way. The bill now heads to the Senate for their consideration.

"This day is more than two years overdue. I am pleased that the Farm Bill finally got to this point, but the fact it took so long is another black eye for Congress. Farmers across Iowa and the nation have been waiting for this new legislation to provide the stability they need and deserve to be able to plant crops, raise livestock, and make investments that create jobs with certainty.

"While this legislation does take steps in the right direction, in the true form of compromise, not everyone got what they wanted. I am pleased that this farm bill includes a robust investment in the Energy Title so we can continue to create good jobs, provides strong crop insurance options, and found an agreeable path forward on SNAP assistance. This bill also contains other much needed reforms along with lowering the deficit."

"I urge the Senate to take up this legislation quickly so it can be sent to the President and signed into law."

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Says RFS proposal would hurt Iowa's rural communities, cost thousands of jobs

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the unacceptable proposed renewable fuels volume obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Since the rule was first proposed last year, Loebsack has been leading the fight to highlight the importance of the RFS to Iowa's farmers, rural communities and economy. Loebsack has met with EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and led a delegation of his colleagues in calling for a meeting with the White House to personally deliver Iowans' message. He also joined Governor Branstad in hosting "Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard," which gave all Iowans an opportunity to have their voices heard. Today is the final day that the EPA is accepting comments. Any concerned Iowan is encouraged to submit comments online at www.regulations.gov or via email at a-and-r-docket@epa.gov. All comments should reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479.

"I've heard strong concerns from my constituents and from Iowans across the state about the proposed 2014 renewable fuel volume obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard," wrote Loebsack. "I strongly believe the RFS is working and is the right policy for Iowa, our country, our farmers, and our rural communities. [They] should not have to solely bear the costs of the inflexibility of Big Oil to control the market and consumer choices. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I once again urge you to reconsider the proposed 2014 RVOs."

A copy of Loebsack's comments can be found here.

 

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed a comprehensive budget package for Fiscal Year 2014. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (HR 3547) will now head to the Senate for consideration.

"I am pleased that Congress has finally come to a bipartisan budget agreement. While I don't support every provision included in the bill, it marks a step back from the manufactured budget crises that have hurt our economy and a step toward both sides coming together and working towards compromise. This is something that is sorely needed in Washington.

"I am also encouraged that this legislation makes direct investments that are important for Iowa's economy. Moving forward, I hope Congress can come together to boost our economy, create good jobs for Iowa families, address the long-term fiscal problems facing our nation, and complete the critical work that has been kicked down the road for too long. We must now work to complete a long-term farm bill and extend unemployment insurance for Iowans seeking a job."

Key provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, include :

·         Rock Island Arsenal: $150 million for Industrial Mobilization Capacity to be used by the three Army arsenals. These funds are meant to help arsenals keep their work rates competitive by reducing overhead costs for facility maintenance and upgrades.  Also directs the Army to provide enough work for the arsenals to keep them at efficient workload levels. These levels were determined by the Critical Manufacturing Capabilities and Capacity Study which was required by the FY13 NDAA.  These provisions build on the NDAA provisions that Loebsack authored to strengthen the Arsenal.

·         Wage Grade Employees: Provides wage grade employees with the same pay increase as the General Schedule workforce. Loebsack pushed for inclusion of this provision.

·         Meals on Wheels: $815 million, the same as FY13 enacted.  This allows for full restoration of Senior Nutrition Programs including Meals on Wheels.

·         Military Retirees COLA Change: A full repeal needs to take place but this is an important first step that repeals the reduction to COLAs for medically retired  military retirees and survivors.

·         Thomson Prison: Fully funds the account that provides for prison activations and construction. While it doesn't break out the funding to specifically allocate it for Thomson, the Administration's budget request included funding to begin activation of Thomson.  The full activation is expected to take two years and cost $25 million for upgrades and renovations as well as $170 million for equipment and staffing.  The President's budget request included $166 million to begin activation of Thomson plus two other prisons, acquire private contract beds, and expand a program to reduce recidivism rates.

·         Infrastructure: Takes important steps to invest in rebuilding our road and river infrastructure to create jobs and boost economic development for our local communities, state, and region.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed a comprehensive budget package for Fiscal Year 2014. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (HR 3547) will now head to the Senate for consideration.

"I am pleased that Congress has finally come to a bipartisan budget agreement. While I don't support every provision included in the bill, it marks a step back from the manufactured budget crises that have hurt our economy and a step toward both sides coming together and working towards compromise. This is something that is sorely needed in Washington.

"I am also encouraged that this legislation makes direct investments that are important for Iowa's economy. Moving forward, I hope Congress can come together to boost our economy, create good jobs for Iowa families, address the long-term fiscal problems facing our nation, and complete the critical work that has been kicked down the road for too long. We must now work to complete a long-term farm bill and extend unemployment insurance for Iowans seeking a job."

Key provisions included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, include :

·         Rock Island Arsenal: $150 million for Industrial Mobilization Capacity to be used by the three Army arsenals. These funds are meant to help arsenals keep their work rates competitive by reducing overhead costs for facility maintenance and upgrades.  Also directs the Army to provide enough work for the arsenals to keep them at efficient workload levels. These levels were determined by the Critical Manufacturing Capabilities and Capacity Study which was required by the FY13 NDAA.  These provisions build on the NDAA provisions that Loebsack authored to strengthen the Arsenal.

·         Wage Grade Employees: Provides wage grade employees with the same pay increase as the General Schedule workforce. Loebsack pushed for inclusion of this provision.

·         Meals on Wheels: $815 million, the same as FY13 enacted.  This allows for full restoration of Senior Nutrition Programs including Meals on Wheels.

·         Military Retirees COLA Change: A full repeal needs to take place but this is an important first step that repeals the reduction to COLAs for medically retired  military retirees and survivors.

·         Thomson Prison: Fully funds the account that provides for prison activations and construction. While it doesn't break out the funding to specifically allocate it for Thomson, the Administration's budget request included funding to begin activation of Thomson.  The full activation is expected to take two years and cost $25 million for upgrades and renovations as well as $170 million for equipment and staffing.  The President's budget request included $166 million to begin activation of Thomson plus two other prisons, acquire private contract beds, and expand a program to reduce recidivism rates.

·         Infrastructure: Takes important steps to invest in rebuilding our road and river infrastructure to create jobs and boost economic development for our local communities, state, and region.

Omnibus spending bill restores across the board cuts to Senior Nutrition Programs

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that the omnibus appropriations bill that was recently introduced contains funding to reverse the across the board cuts, known as sequestration, for Senior Nutrition Programs. Meals on Wheels and other nutrition assistance programs faced a $46 million cut in the past year due to sequestration. The spending bill will restore funding to the pre-sequester level.

Loebsack spearheaded efforts in the House of Representatives to secure this restoration of funding for Senior Nutrition Programs. He led a bipartisan group of nearly 50 members in urging the Budget Conference Committee to reverse the harmful sequestration related cuts and reinstate the lifeline to our elderly population.

"Millions of Americans depend on the lifeline these meals provide. The across the board cuts have had a direct impact on the well-being of our most vulnerable, frail and isolated seniors," said Congressman Dave Loebsack. "I was proud to spearhead this effort and pleased to see that these cuts were restored. We have to continue to meet the needs of our aging population and provide this important assistance so seniors can live with independence and dignity."

"Due in large part to Congressman Loebsack's tireless efforts to lead and advocate for our nation's most vulnerable and hungry seniors, the devastating sequester cuts to Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs may soon be fully restored," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of the Meals On Wheels Association of America "We are immensely grateful to the Congressman for being a champion for senior nutrition at a time when the need has never been greater, and for recognizing that Meals on Wheels not only improves lives and but it saves taxpayer dollars."

The text of the bipartisan letter can be found here.

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Extension cleared Senate procedural hurdle earlier today

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the Senate cleared a procedural hurdle and is set to vote on extending unemployment benefits that expired last month. Loebsack joined a number of his colleagues in calling on the Speaker of the House, John Boehner, to address the expiration of the benefits.

"At a time when many Iowans are still struggling to find work, I am pleased the Senate took this action to extend unemployment benefits. Now it is time for House leadership to do the same and bring this bipartisan legislation to the floor. It is beyond irresponsible that these working families have had to face the possibility of not being able to feed their families or keep the heat on this winter. These benefits provide a critical lifeline to individuals and families who have been hit hard by these difficult economic times. As someone who was raised in poverty, I know what it is like to sit around the table each month and wonder how my family would make ends meet. The House needs to act now."

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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, Jan. 14

Camanche
9:00 - 10:00 AM

Camanche City Hall

917 Third Street

 

Clinton

11:00 AM - NOON

Clinton City Hall

611 South Third Street, 1st Floor

 

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