Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack, in response to the announcement that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries in 2013 will be 1.7 percent, called on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reform the way this adjustment is calculated.

"I was raised in poverty by my grandmother, who relied on Social Security survivors benefits to care for my brothers and me, so I understand how difficult it is for seniors to get by on fixed incomes," wrote Loebsack.  "Particularly in these difficult times, it is imperative that Social Security benefits keep up with inflation.  It is important to remember that the yearly COLA is not a benefits increase, but rather it is intended to ensure that monthly payments keep up with the rising costs of essential expenses."

The COLA in 2012 was 3.6 percent, after two years of no COLA in 2010 or 2011.  Loebsack urged the SSA to work with Congress to reform the way the adjustment is determined to ensure that benefits keep up with the increase in seniors' everyday expenses.

A copy of the letter sent by Loebsack can be found here.

Because of Republican inaction, farm policy reverts to 1949 law

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the 2008 farm bill was allowed to expire without being extended or renewed.  Because of the inaction by Congressional Republicans, farm policy now reverts back to laws written over 60 years ago.

"It was just another thumb in the eye to rural Iowans when Republicans closed up shop in Washington and gaveled down Congress until after the election without even considering an extension of a farm bill.  This is simply inexcusable to punt the issue down the road when Iowa farmers continue to deal with the worst drought in decades.

"I have shown my willingness to work across the aisle to help our farmers and actually get work done.  And I have called on Congress to come back in session to deal with this and many other critical issues that are just sitting on the table. Now is the time for leaders on both sides of the aisle to work together and find a way forward.  Our farmers, livestock producers and rural communities deserve nothing less."

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the Republican led Congress closed up shop until November to go home and campaign. From August 3^rd through November 13^th, the House leadership only scheduled a total of eight days of voting, while a mountain of critical work was left on the table.  Among the issues that have not been dealt with include :

• Farm bill,
• Middle class tax cuts,
• Wind energy production credit,
• Sequestration,
• Comprehensive jobs package,
• Research and development credit,
• Violence Against Women Act,
• Postal reform,
• Sustainable growth rate,
• Biodiesel credit,
• Unemployment insurance,
• National Defense Authorization Act, and
• Expiration of Midwestern Area Disaster Bonds, to name a few.

"When the Republicans came into Congress two years ago they made a lot of promises, but in the end, all the American people got was a lot of hot air.

"Iowa farmers are suffering from the worst drought in decades and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing.  Middle class families are facing a tax increase and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing.  Iowa's wind energy economy is facing uncertainty and instability and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing. Folks are still in need of finding work and what has the Republican Congress done? Nothing.  The list of inaction really does go on and on and on.

"The fact that Republican Leaders in Congress are putting the 'closed' sign on the door of the Capitol is just another one of the games they have continued to play, but frankly, it is just irresponsible.  There is too much critical work to get done before closing down.  I have been calling on Congress to remain in session since early this summer and I remain committed to getting done the work that Iowans are demanding."

Company was first joint partnership announced under Loebsack-Schilling Arsenal law

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after he met with the leadership of Mack Defense.  Earlier this year, the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (JMTC) and Mack Defense announced a public-private partnership.  The agreement was the first of its kind since provisions authored by Congressmen Loebsack and Bobby Schilling (IL-17) were included in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  This agreement will provide Mack Defense access to the only remaining U.S. Army foundry and the Army's only vertically integrated metal manufacturing facility and support good jobs at JMTC.

"I was pleased to meet with the leaders of Mack Defense today to get an update about the work they will be doing with the Arsenal.  I was proud to have worked with Congressman Schilling and the bipartisan delegation to give the Arsenal the ability to utilize these types of partnerships to support good jobs and strengthen the Arsenal. I will continue my work to ensure the Arsenal remains strong."