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., Iowa City or Cedar Rapids offices.  The internship program is open to undergraduate students and recent graduates, regardless of major.

"As a former educator, 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 in the Washington, D.C. office 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.  Interns in the Iowa offices will have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about how a Congressional office provides constituent services and interacts with members of the community.

Interested candidates should email their cover letter, resume, a short writing sample and a letter of recommendation to LoebsackInternship@mail.house.gov.  Please indicate which location you are applying for in the subject line.

 

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on an insufficient agriculture disaster package instead of bringing up a bipartisan farm bill.  Loebsack has called on Congress to stay in session multiple times to get critical work done.

"The worst case scenario came true for Iowa farmers - Republicans are playing politics and leaving early for their summer vacation while there is a historic drought gripping our state. The Republican Majority has refused to pass the single most important piece of legislation for Iowa Farmers - the farm bill.  While I was hoping it would not come to this point, I was afraid it would, which is why I led the delegation in introducing a disaster relief package for farmers and livestock producers.

"The bottom line is - we need a new farm bill and we need disaster aid.  There are bipartisan bills to do both in the House and Senate, but Republicans would rather play politics and pack up and leave for vacation a day early than do the difficult work of actually getting a reformed farm bill done. Unfortunately, today we were forced to take a vote on a bill that is dead on arrival in the Senate to give the Majority Members cover for their August vacation while Iowa farmers suffer and the fields whither."

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after introducing the Middle Class and Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012.

"I am fighting for commonsense, fiscally responsible tax cuts for middle and low income families, small businesses, and family farms.  That's why I've introduced an initiative to allow them to keep their tax cut.  Growing up, my family wouldn't have been able to afford to put food on the table if taxes on working families went up.  I stand ready to work with anyone who will support commonsense compromise to get these tax cuts done.

"Washington is broken, and today is just more evidence of that.  There are too many people in Congress interested only in political ideology rather than actually helping Iowa families.  Last year the economy was taken to the brink by a group in Washington that is more concerned about rigid ideology than people's jobs. That is simply not me.  I am not willing to do that to Iowa families. Washington needs to learn how to compromise.  I have introduced commonsense legislation and am willing to work with anyone who is interested in putting the middle class, small businesses, and family farms ahead of politics.  I always have and always will fight for Iowans."

Loebsack's Middle Class and Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012 extends tax cuts for married joint filers making up to $250,000 and individual filers making up to $200,000.  Additionally, the bill:

  • Includes an exemption for small business and family farm income;
  • Extends for one-year the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and current capital gains and dividend rates;
  • Includes a one-year patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax;
  • Extends for one year the current Estate Tax rates.

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Decision cracks down on illegally traded foreign wind towers

Washington, D.C - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Commerce announced in a preliminary decision that it would place "anti-dumping" tariffs on utility scale wind towers made in China and Vietnam and sold in the United States.  Earlier this month, Loebsack urged the Department of Commerce to take this action, which would put wind towers manufactured in the United States on equal footing as illegally subsidized towers produced by Chinese and Vietnamese companies that push Iowa and American-made towers out of the US market.

"Iowa's wind tower industry creates good jobs and boosts economic development in our towns and rural communities.  Iowa workers are second to none and have shown time and again that they can outcompete the global competition.  However, they must be able to compete on a level playing field.  I pushed for this action because illegally subsided foreign wind towers cannot be allowed to hurt Iowa jobs and undercut American companies by pushing homemade products out of our own market.  I am pleased the Department of Commerce took these steps to ensure the hardworking men and women making these towers here in Iowa can compete on equal footing."

Earlier this year, Loebsack was an original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that was signed into law, which ensured that all tools are available to stop illegally subsidized foreign products from pushing American-made products out of our own market, including countervailing duties and anti-dumping duties, such as those imposed by Friday's Department of Commerce action.

Earlier this summer, Loebsack urged the Department of Commerce to support the petition filed by the Wind Tower Trade Coalition, which includes Trinity Structural Towers, with the Department of Commerce and the US International Trade Commission regarding illegal trade activities by Chinese and Vietnamese utility scale wind tower manufacturers.  In response, on Friday, the Department of Commerce announced a preliminary decision to place anti-dumping duties from 20.85 percent to 72.69 percent on Chinese-made utility-scale wind towers and 52.67 percent and 59.91 percent on Vietnamese-made utility scale wind towers.  A final decision is expected later this year.

 

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced a $1,350,000 grant for the Louisa Country Great River Road Bicycle Lane.  The funding comes from the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP), which provides funding for projects on highways designated as National Scenic Byways.  The NSBP supports projects that manage and protect outstanding historic, cultural, and recreational qualities along these roadways, as well as improve visitor facilities.

"The Mississippi River is one of eastern Iowa's greatest assets, and the Louisa County Great River Road Bicycle Lane will increase tourism to the area and allow more people to experience the scenic byway," said Loebsack.  "In addition to improving access and recreation for visitors and residents, this funding will improve economic development opportunities for the area."

The Louisa County Great River Road will run from Louisa County X99 near the Toolesboro Interpretive site and proceed north for about 14 miles, parallel to the Mississippi River.  The route also encompasses the Mississippi River Trail System, and local cities along the route include Wapello, Grandview, and Muscatine.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced a total of $1,073,514 for advanced biofuel producers in Iowa.  The funding is being provided through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.

"Investments in alternative energy sources, such as biofuels, help create jobs here in Iowa and pave the way to America's energy independence by reducing our dependence on foreign oil," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased this funding will go to producers that are on the cutting edge of these groundbreaking technologies."

Under the USDA Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch.  Examples of eligible materials include but are not limited to: crop residue; animal, food and yard waste material; vegetable oil; and animal fat.  The program supports the research, investment and infrastructure necessary to build a biofuels industry that creates jobs and broadens the range of materials used to produce renewable fuel.

Details of the funding are below.

·         Clinton County Bio Energy, LLC: $64,382 for biofuel from waste products

·         Iowa Renewable Energy, LLC in Washington: $135,510 for biofuel from waste products

·         Renewable Energy Group, Inc. based in Ames, and with facilities in Newton and Danville among others: $873,622 for biodiesel transesterification

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after reports that the House will bring up a one year extension of the current farm bill instead of a new, long-term bill.  Yesterday, Loebsack again called on the Speaker of the House to take action on a 5 year bill.

"Opting for a one year extension of the current farm bill is another example of the Majority's dysfunction and attempts to play politics instead of getting real work done for our economy.  There must be action on a reformed farm bill that will save money and also provide disaster assistance for farmers and livestock producers who are suffering from the current drought.  Congress is again kicking the can down the road.  Our farmers and rural communities deserve more to help provide certainty for the long-term."

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will host three law enforcement roundtables TODAY, July 27th.  Loebsack will visit Ottumwa, Keokuk and Muscatine to meet with city and county officials to discuss the importance of the Byrne JAG Grant awards they each recently received.  They will also discuss other issues that affect local law enforcement. Media is invited to attend.

The Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant (Byrne JAG) Program, is the only source of federal funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces that work to prevent, fight and prosecute drug-related and violent crime.  In 2008, Loebsack led the successful bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives to prevent Byrne JAG from being eliminated and has long been a strong supporter of this program.  That effort was supported by the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff's Association and the National District Attorney's Association, amongst others.

 

Loebsack Law Enforcement Roundtable Schedule

 

Ottumwa

Wapello County Law Enforcement Center

330 W. Second St.

Second Floor Training Room

10:30am

 

Keokuk

Keokuk Police Department

1222 Johnson Street

1:15pm

 

Muscatine

Muscatine City Hall

215 Sycamore Street

4:30pm

 

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Takes Part in Hearing with Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today continued his work to improve Veterans' services and benefits.  As the only member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) from Iowa, Loebsack took part in a joint hearing with the House Veterans Affairs Committee on how to ease the transition from military service to civilian life.  Earlier this month, Loebsack held a series of forums for Iowa Veterans across Eastern and Southeastern Iowa.  He then personally met with senior VA leadership to bring Iowa Veterans' concerns and idea directly to them.

"Our Veterans have proudly served our nation and it is our responsibility to support and care for them when they return home. I have helped Iowa Veterans secure VA benefits, and there is no greater honor I have than working on their behalf.  However, no Veteran should have to fight to find a job here at home or to receive the Veterans benefits they deserve.  Our nation has a moral responsibility to ensure they receive the care and benefits they deserve and to give them the tools they need to secure good job and successfully transition to civilian life.

"Today's hearing focused on an issue of concern to countless Iowa Veterans I have met.  There must be greater coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to help Veterans successfully transition to civilian life.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to stand up for our Veterans and work to ensure they receive the support, benefits, and care they need and deserve."

Loebsack has championed numerous initiatives to assist Veterans transitioning to civilian life, including introducing and successfully enacting legislation to increase Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for members of the National Guard.  This legislation resulted in increased benefits for over 1,300 Iowans and over 84,000 members of the National Guard nationwide.  Loebsack also championed the VOW to Hire Veterans Act, which was signed into law last year. This bill provides businesses with tax credits of $2,400-$9,600 to hire veterans and extends the Transition Assistance Program, including resume writing workshops and career counseling, to all servicemembers leaving the military.  It also expanded training opportunities for older veterans by providing up to a year of additional Montgomery GI benefits, and provided disabled veterans with up to a year of additional Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits.  Loebsack also introduced and secured enactment of an initiative to increase access to mental health care for members of the National Guard.

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today praised the passage of legislation that would stop the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from finalizing the proposed rule that would limit the work children could perform on family farms.  When the rule was originally proposed earlier this year, Loebsack personally met with the DOL officials to urge them to review Iowans' concerns while working to keep our children safe.  Shortly after the meeting, DOL withdrew the proposed rule.

"Iowa farmers have a long and proud history of feeding their neighbors, state, country and the world," said Loebsack.  "I heard from family farmers earlier this year about the possible negative effects of the rule and personally urged the Department of Labor to not move forward with it.  I was pleased when the Department of Labor withdrew it.  Today's bill takes another step to ensure Iowa's way of life is protected."

In addition to meeting with the DOL, Loebsack urged the Secretary of Labor to ensure Iowa farmers and families had the opportunity to be heard regarding these proposals and also urged the Department to reconsider the provisions relating to the parental exemption for children helping on the farm.

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