Congress punts on funding the government, looming 'fiscal cliff'

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today again called on the Speaker of the House to deal with the looming "fiscal cliff" in a substantive way instead of kicking it down the road for another six months. Press reports recently stated the Majority Party is planning on bringing up short-term extensions to deal with a range of pending issues instead of working toward compromise with Speaker Boehner stating he's "not confident at all" that Congress can reach a deal. Additionally, Moody's Investor Services announced they will again downgrade the U.S. credit rating if a budget deal cannot be reached.

The House leadership also missed another opportunity today by passing appropriations legislation for the upcoming year that continues current funding for six months rather than addressing any real issues.  Congress could have addressed the 2013 budget and responsibly done its job, but instead, faced with 17 days until a government shutdown, once again responded to its work by kicking it down the road and maintaining the status quo.

In a letter to Speaker Boehner, Loebsack wrote, "The American people are tired of Congress not doing the work they were sent here to do, likely why this Congress is the least popular in history.  This news comes after the decision to send the House of Representatives on vacation for the month of August a day early without action on critical looming issues like the Bush tax policies, sequestration, the wind energy production credit, the research and development credit, the sustainable growth rate, the biodiesel credit, and expiration of Midwestern Area Disaster Bonds to name a few."

He concluded, "I respectfully urge your attention to moving forward substantive proposals on the "fiscal cliff" and hope I can work in a bipartisan fashion to help move forward common-sense proposals."

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Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack was awarded the 2012 Fueling Growth award from Growth Energy, which is the top award given each year to leaders who support ethanol biofuels.  Growth Energy, led by Tom Buis and Jim Nussle, represents the producers and supporters of ethanol.  Loebsack has long been a supporter of green energy initiatives that create good-paying jobs and promote fuel production in Iowa, including ethanol and biodiesel.  He was also honored by Growth Energy in 2011 with this bipartisan award.

"Iowa is a leader in renewable energy production and job creation, and I am proud to receive this honor from Growth Energy," said Loebsack.  "Investments in homegrown biofuels create new jobs in our state, put us on a path towards energy independence, enhance our national security, and bring increased economic development to Iowa's rural areas.  I will continue to work to promote these clean, alternative energy sources and the good jobs they provide Iowans."

A high resolution photo of Loebsack and representatives of Growth energy can be seen here.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today joined the USO for a care package stuffing event to honor and thank members of our military on this National Day of Service.  Operation USO Care Package was initiated by the USO in 2001 as a response to 9/11 to provide our troops deployed overseas with much needed toiletries and entertainment items and international calling cards so they can stay in touch with loved ones here at home.

"I am honored to join the USO to give back to our troops who are protecting our freedom overseas, especially on this day as we participate in service activities to remember the victims of the 9/11 attack and honor the men and women who are serving our nation,"  said Loebsack.  "Our servicemembers devote themselves to our country each and every day with honor and distinction. Providing them with a care package is a simple but meaningful way we can thank them for their service and lift their spirits."

Washington, D.C. Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today in honor of the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and in observance of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.

"Today we join our families, neighbors and friends to stand together to remember and honor those whose lives were lost on this tragic day 11 years ago, the first responders who risked their own lives to save their fellow Americans, and our servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation.

"Today, we also stand together as Americans to honor our men and women in uniform defending our country overseas and all those who have worked tirelessly to keep our country safe so that we may live in peace here at home.  We are united in renewing our commitment to upholding the principles that make our nation the greatest on earth and in keeping our great nation strong and secure against those who seek to do us harm.

"We also come together in service to our communities in the same way that so many came together in the days following those horrific attacks.  It is my hope that today's National Day of Service effort is a living reminder of hope and gives comfort to those whose lives were forever changed.

"Eleven years ago, we were attacked by terrorists seeking to tear our country apart.   But just as the sun was shining bright that tragic morning 11 years ago, it continues to shine bright over our great nation."

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