Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that the Davenport Fire Department will receive a total of $611,727 for recruitment purposes. The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

"Ensuring our local fire departments have the proper staff to protect our homes, businesses and communities is very important," said Loebsack. "I congratulate the Davenport Fire Department on receiving this competitive grant. This funding will ensure they have the proper staffing to continue to safely serve the people of Davenport."

The SAFER program is designed to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness by supporting the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after the House voted on the Budget Act of 2013.

"The legislation that passed the House today is not perfect and certainly would not have been what I would have written. However, it serves as a compromise to finally break the cycle of lurching from budget crisis to budget crisis. I am pleased that this legislation takes steps to partially stop the irresponsible, across the board cuts, known as sequester that have hurt middle-class families, jobs, research, and economic development in Iowa. Though I do have serious concerns about several provisions, including extending sequestration for Medicare payments and changes to military retirement COLAs, voting against this proposal is ultimately a vote in favor of shutting down the government and allowing our economy to again be subjected to a manufactured crisis. It is my hope that this agreement is the beginning of the end for all the reckless gamesmanship and political posturing that have plagued Washington.

"Now that Congress has taken this first step, it must remain in session for as long as it takes to achieve bipartisan compromise on the farm bill, jobs initiatives, extension of unemployment benefits, and extension of critical tax credits for the wind industry, employers, and middle class families."

Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that his office is now accepting applications from Iowa college students to participate in a Congressional internship program in his Washington, D.C. office. The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major.

"As a former teacher, I have seen the benefits that internships can provide by giving students a firsthand look into the government process," said Loebsack. "I encourage all hardworking, motivated students and recent graduates to apply."

Interns will have the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and the federal government by working closely with the legislative, communications and constituent services staff members. Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to LoebsackInternship@mail.house.gov.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Dave Loebsack recently led a bipartisan group calling on the leaders of the Budget Conference Committee, who are currently working to craft a long-term budget agreement, to include strong funding for Meals on Wheels and other Senior Nutrition Programs in any compromise they reach. The letter, which was signed by a bipartisan group of 48 Members of Congress, called on the Budget Conference Committee to ensure that Senior Nutrition Programs authorized under the Older Americans Act (OAA) are not further reduced from current levels.

Due to cuts cause by sequestration earlier this year, Meals on Wheels and congregate programs across the country have been forced to cut meals served to seniors, eliminate staff positions, lower meal quality, reduce delivery days and/or close sites. The situation has been exacerbated by the economic downturn and increased numbers of seniors needing meals.

"Our constituents and Americans across the country who rely on Senior Nutrition Programs are already experiencing the real, daily effects of sequestration-related cuts to these benefits. These cuts directly affect the health and well-being of our most vulnerable, frail and isolated senior constituents and prevent programs from maintaining services, much less meeting the needs of an aging population," the Members of Congress wrote. "We urge you to do all you can to reverse sequestration-related cuts to the Senior Nutrition Programs that provide a lifeline to our elderly population. We must let congregate and home-delivered meal programs get back to work and allow those they serve to live with independence and dignity."

A copy of the letter can be found here.