22 Jul 2013

Loebsack: Republican Education Bill Shortchanges Iowa Students and Teachers

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House of Representatives voted on the Republican version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, formerly known as No Child Left Behind.  Congressman Loebsack serves on the House Education and the Workforce Committee and has fought to improve the legislation throughout the committee process.

"We can all agree that No Child Left Behind has left a lot to be desired. It's disappointing that Republicans did not take this opportunity to enact the meaningful reform that Iowa's students and teachers have long needed.  In order to move our state and nation forward, we must ensure all students graduate from high school with college and career-ready skills.  We need to invest in our children's education and our country's future economic growth, not shortchange them as this legislation does.

"As work continues we must provide increased flexibility to states and districts that is balanced with accountability to children and their families.  As a former educator, I understand the importance of supporting quality teacher and school leader evaluations and targeted professional development as well as improving supports and working conditions for educators.  Unfortunately, today's legislation is a step in the wrong direction, and was simply a vote to let our nation's students down."

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09 Jul 2013

Loebsack Statement on Beginning of Furloughs for Department of Defense Civilian Employees

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement as furlough days begin this week for most civilian employees, including Rock Island Arsenal employees, within the Department of Defense.  These employees will be furloughed for 11 days through September due to budget cuts that were created by sequestration and other budgetary factors. Loebsack has been opposed to these drastic cuts since they were created by the Budget Control Act, which he voted against.  He has repeatedly called on Congressional leaders to work to find a balanced, commonsense way to replace sequestration and responsibly deal with the fiscal situation facing the nation.

"The furlough days that begin this week are the result of Washington dysfunction hitting the men and women working at the Rock Island Arsenal. It is unconscionable that the workers who stand up for our country and support our troops day after day are being forced to take a pay cut because Congress and the Administration can't work together to replace the arbitrary cuts. Forcing middle class families and the Quad Cities economy to pay for Washington's dysfunction is reprehensible.

"Sequestration is an irresponsible and illogical way to deal with our nation's fiscal challenges.  It is inexcusable that Congress has so far refused to come back to the table and replace sequestration in a commonsense, balanced fashion.  We have to address our economic needs while more substantially reducing the deficit over the long-term.  I remain committed to working with anyone to address this issue and will continue to fight for the hardworking men and women at Rock Island Arsenal and the people who sequestration has affected most."

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02 Jul 2013

Loebsack to Host Veterans Roundtables Across the District

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced that he will host a series of Veterans Roundtables across the Second District next week.  These forums will give veterans and their families an opportunity to speak with Loebsack.  Staff will also be on hand for veterans to seek assistance if they are having issues with the Veterans Administration, or any Federal agency.  Roundtables will be held in Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Albia, Knoxville, Newton, Davenport and Clinton.  Veterans and media are invited to attend.

"As a military parent, I believe that we have no greater responsibility as a nation than to care for our veterans with the same dignity and honor with which they have served our country," said Loebsack.  "I look forward to this opportunity to speak directly with veterans and their families about issues that are important to them."

Veterans Roundtable Schedule

 

Monday, July 1

Oskaloosa

1:30pm

American Legion

302 High Ave. E.

 

Ottumwa

3:00pm

Hotel Ottumwa

Keokuk Room

107 East Second Street

 

Tuesday, July 2

Albia

9:30am

Monroe County Veterans Affairs Office Conference Room

1801 South B Street

 

Knoxville

11:15am

Knoxville VFW John Myers Post

413 S. Lincoln St.

 

Newton

3:30pm

American Legion

1101 W. 4th St., Newton

 

Wednesday, July 3

Davenport

10:00am

American Legion Post 26

702 W. 35th St.

 

Clinton

1:00pm

Clinton County Admin. Bldg.

Board Room

1900 N. 3rd St.

 

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01 Jul 2013

Loebsack, Braley, Bustos Introduce Senate Farm Bill in House

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that he has introduced the Senate farm bill in the House of Representatives.  He was joined by Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) as original cosponsors.  Last week, the House failed to pass a farm bill to go to a conference committee with the Senate.  On June 10th, the Senate passed a long-term, five year farm bill on a strong bipartisan basis.  The legislation introduced today (HR 2498) has the exact text as the Senate bill, which was supported by both Iowa Senators Grassley and Harkin.  Loebsack, Braley and Bustos supported the House legislation last week to move the bill forward.  The entire bipartisan Iowa delegation voted for the bill.

"After voting down the farm bill last week, the House must act quickly to move the farm bill process forward. The Senate voted in a strong bipartisan fashion to move the Farm Bill forward and it is time House leaders bring up this legislation and allow a vote on the bill," said Congressman Dave Loebsack. "I know the Farm Bill is critical for Iowa's farmers, rural communities and economy.  While the Senate legislation is not perfect, Congress must provide our farmers and rural communities some certainty.  Partisan bickering will only further delay enactment of a long-term Farm Bill."

"It's time for the House to do its job and pass a long-term extension of the Farm Bill. It's a necessity for rural America. Farmers and agricultural producers need the Farm Bill so they can have the assurance they need to continue to invest in the future, create jobs, and grow the economy," Congressman Bruce Braley said. "The Senate has passed a bipartisan Farm Bill and it's time the House does the same."

"Our entire region of Illinois has been thirsting for the certainty and predictability of a bipartisan, five-year Farm Bill," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.  "Our economy needs a Farm Bill, I fought to move this process forward, and partisanship sadly stood in the way of a House version.  We owe it to the American people to get this done, so I'm calling House leadership to swiftly schedule a vote on this bipartisan Senate-passed Farm Bill.  It may not be perfect, but Senate Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to get a bill passed, and the House should do the same."

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21 Jun 2013

Loebsack Amendment to Support Rural Energy Added to Farm Bill

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after his amendment to ensure farmers and rural businesses have continued access to an important energy and economic development tool was added to the farm bill that is being debated by the House.  Currently, the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports farmers and rural small businesses in pursuing energy project investments including windpower, biofuels, solar, and anaerobic digestion. Loebsack's amendment would allow farmers and rural small businesses to be able to continue to create jobs and grow our rural economy in a value-added and sustainable way.

"Investment in energy projects put people to work, create entrepreneurial opportunities, and generate new value-added opportunities for our farmers, rural small businesses, and communities," said Loebsack.  "In Iowa alone, over 1,600 rural energy projects were initiated between 2003 and 2012, many stemming from farm bill energy programs.  My amendment stresses the importance of farm bill energy programs to job creation and our rural economies, and allows one of our best resources - our farmers - to play a critical role in our domestic energy production."

Specifically, Loebsack's amendment reinstates feasibility studies under REAP in the Energy Title of the bill. Full text of the amendment can be found here.

Video of Loebsack speaking on the floor in support of his amendment can be seen here.

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21 Jun 2013

Loebsack, Bustos Call on Speaker Boehner to Allow Vote on Student Loan Bill Before Interest Rates Double on July 1

By Joe Hand

Student Loan Relief Act Supported By Loebsack & Bustos Would Prevent Stafford Student Loan Interest Rates From Doubling & Making College More Expensive

 

With Only Six Scheduled Legislative Days Before July 1, Loebsack & Bustos Urge Action On Common Sense Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor urging them to allow a vote on their bill to prevent student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st.  The Student Loan Relief Act of 2013 (H.R. 1595), supported by Loebsack and Bustos, is a common sense bill that would keep interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford student loans locked in place at 3.4 percent so that hardworking families across Illinois and Iowa are not burdened by higher costs for college come next school year.

Without action from Congress, interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford student loans will double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent on July 1st.  There are currently only six scheduled legislative days left before this rapidly approaching deadline

A copy of the letter from Loebsack and Bustos can be found HERE.

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14 Jun 2013

Loebsack Initiatives to Support RIA, National Guard Pass House

By Joe Hand

Legislation also takes steps to address military sexual assault crisis

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after provisions he authored to support the Rock Island Arsenal and the National Guard were passed by the full House.  Loebsack, the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, included these provisions in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

"The men and women who serve our nation deserve the best support, resources and care available.  While I do not support every provision in this bill, I am proud to have addressed many Iowa priorities.  From making the Rock Island Arsenal stronger, to requiring mental health and suicide prevention resources be provided to our National Guard and Reserve servicemembers, this legislation ensures our troops and military families have the resources they need, and at the same time, strengthening our economy here at home."

The legislation also includes language, which Loebsack supported and worked to include, to address the ongoing military sexual assault crisis. Loebsack cosponsored an amendment that would have removed prosecution of sexual assault crimes form the chain of command but the amendment was not allowed by the House Majority to be considered on the House Floor.

"While I pushed for stronger action to be taken in response to these disgusting crimes, I am pleased this legislation takes significant steps to address the ongoing sexual assault crisis that the military is facing.  As a military parent and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to take action to make sure this issue is not pushed to the side, as it has for far too long."

Specific details of the provisions Loebsack authored can be found here.

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14 Jun 2013

Loebsack Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the Floods of 2008

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today marking the fifth anniversary of the Floods of 2008.

"As we look back today on the Great Flood of 2008, we remember the homes that were destroyed and the businesses that were lost. But we also think about the neighbors who helped neighbors; the strangers who showed up with a shovel to help dig out a basement; and the first responders who worked around the clock and ensured no lives were lost. We saw Iowans come together and prove just how resilient we are. The rising rivers that were recently seen across our state tested our preparations and showed just how far Iowans and our communities have come.  It was a powerful reminder from Mother Nature about living with the threat of floods.

"While we can't predict what future floods will bring, we have seen time and again the importance of our state and communities being prepared for the uncertainties life near our rivers brings.  Remembering the 2008 floods is important to help make sure that we remain prepared for anything year after year, and to be proud of the progress we've made even as work on our recovery continues today.  No Iowan will ever forget the Great Flood of 2008 and I will make sure no one in Washington ever does either"

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06 Jun 2013

Key Loebsack Provisions Included in 2014 Defense Policy Bill

By Joe Hand

Committee-passed legislation includes support for RIA, National Guard

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after key provisions he authored to support the Rock Island Arsenal and the National Guard were passed by the House Armed Services Committee early this morning.  Loebsack, the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, offered these amendments to be included in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was passed by the full committee.  The legislation also includes language, which Loebsack supported and worked to include, to address the ongoing military sexual assault crisis. Additionally, it prohibits any new BRAC rounds, which Loebsack fought to include in the bill.

"Our men and women in uniform and our military families serve our country proudly and honorably.  As a military parent, I am proud to have worked to deliver the level of support and access to resources they deserve.  The legislation that now heads to the House floor includes language that I authored, which will make the Rock Island Arsenal stronger by helping to drive work there not just from the Army, but from across the Department of Defense.  This provision will help both the Arsenal and Quad Cities' economy remain strong.

"I am also proud that the legislation would require mental health and suicide prevention resources be provided to our National Guard and Reserve servicemembers.  At a time when we are continuing to see utterly unacceptable suicide rates in our Armed Forces and shortages of mental health providers in our communities, it is critical that all of our servicemembers have ready access to high-quality mental health services.

"While this legislation does not include every initiative I have pushed for to address military sexual assault, it takes multiple important steps forward to address this crisis, ensure victims have the support they need, and  prosecute perpetrators.  I will continue to work to address this issue with the urgency it deserves."

Specifically, amendments authored by Congressman Loebsack included in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act are:

·        Workload for Rock Island Arsenal - Drives workload from all of the military services and defense agencies to Rock Island Arsenal by requiring the Department of Defense to assess manufacturing work that can be performed there.  It also improves Rock Island Arsenal's ability to compete for work by requiring contracting officers to contact the arsenal with manufacturing requirements and allow them to submit bids for the work.  These provisions will provide critical workload support to Rock Island Arsenal and its workforce as the drawdown in Afghanistan continues.  By driving work to the Arsenal, they will support the highly skilled workforce there and improve Rock Island Arsenal's ability to support our servicemembers across the entire Department of Defense.

·        Mental Health Care for our National Guard and Reserve Troops - Requires the Department of Defense to provide specific resources to support mental health care and suicide prevention for our National Guard and Reserve troops.

·        National Guard and Reserve - Building on reauthorization of National Guard counter-drug schools that was included in the FY 2013 NDAA, Loebsack pushed continued support for the Midwest Counterdrug Training Center at Camp Dodge and included a provision requiring DOD to review the support for the National Guard's work at the school's to provide counter-drug training, including to local law enforcement who keep drugs off our streets.

 

In addition, Loebsack pushed to include many provisions important to our troops and their families, including.

·        A 1.8% pay raise for our troops, more than the 1% that was requested by the Department of Defense;

·        Rejects Department of Defense proposals to increase TRlCARE enrollment fees and pharmacy co-pays;

·        Allow military retirees in Iowa and elsewhere to elect to stay on TRICARE Prime instead of being forced to move to TRICARE Standard as the Department of Defense has proposed. Switching from TRICARE Prime to TRICARE Standard would increase out of pocket costs for retirees.  Loebsack has pushed for this in order to prevent health care cost increases for Iowa's military retirees;

·        Requires a minimum of 180 days notification for deployment of members of the National Guard and Reserve;

·        A number of important sexual assault prevention and prosecution provisions which Loeback has championed, including:

o   Stripping commanders of their authority to dismiss a finding by a court martial;

o   Prohibiting commanders from reducing guilty rulings;

o   Sets dismissal or dishonorable discharge dismissal as the mandatory minimum sentence for an assault conviction;

o   Removes the current five year statute of limitations on sexual assault under the UCMJ;

o   Requires victims be given access to qualified, specially trained lawyers to provide legal assistance

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06 Jun 2013

Loebsack Introduces Legislation to Connect the Classroom to the Community Through Volunteerism

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today introduced legislation that will help students apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to real world experiences by incorporating volunteerism and civic engagement in curriculum.  The Engaging Students Through Service-Learning Act aims to connect the classroom to the community by establishing a national center to expand opportunities for students to incorporate skills that are critical to success in the 21st century economy, such as critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration, with activities outside the classroom. The bill would also help teachers to provide students with this hands-on education.

"Iowans have a strong sense of community and have seen firsthand the difference dedicated volunteers can make.  The earlier we can start incorporating volunteerism and civic engagement in school settings, the more likely it is that students will continue to participate in their communities in meaningful ways throughout their adult lives," said Congressman Loebsack. "When students engage in this type of hands-on learning, it can boost their academic engagement and performance, which will help them secure good jobs and contribute to Iowa's economy in the future."

"We must make our schools better. We simply can't keep organizing our classrooms and using the same teaching approaches that have been used for decades if we want to improve outcomes that result in students who are truly college and career ready and internationally competitive," said Teri Dary, Co-Chair National Coalition for Academic Service-Learning.

Specifically, the Engaging Students Through Service-Learning Act will:

·         Ensure states have the resources and support needed to establish effective service-learning programs;

·         Strengthen a federal-state partnership to improve quality through creation of the National Center for K-12 Service Learning and ensure adequate oversight through effective evaluations;

·         Encourage states to grow professional development models for service-learning and provide resources to local education agencies and communities to apply service-learning in different content areas and in schools and communities with high percentages of struggling youth.

Examples of effective service-learning programs in Iowa include :

  • In 2012, the Reach Out Iowa program engaged over 4,000 youth between the ages of 5 and 17 in service-learning programs and activities. The youth provided more than $100,000 in volunteer hours to communities across the state, specifically targeting Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Marshalltown, Winterset, and Adair County.
  • 13,000 Iowans benefitted from the service learning projects.
  • Additionally, 50 partner organizations received training on effective service learning principles and practices.  Of these partners, more than 60% of the organizations now engage youth in leadership positions.
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