Calls for Congress to Stay in Session Until Farm Bill Passes

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack is visiting four farms in Appanoose, Davis, Lee and Wayne counties today to see firsthand the impact the recent drought has had on crops and livestock. Loebsack is touring the farms with local FSA officials to meet with farmers, community members and representatives from the Farm Bureau.  During the tour, Loebsack also announced that he will introduce legislation on Monday to extend agriculture disaster programs created by the previous farm bill through 2012.  The Agriculture Disaster Assistance Act will help our farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law.

"We must move quickly to ensure farmers and livestock producers have a safety net as drought and heat conditions persist throughout many critical agricultural and livestock producing areas," said Loebsack.  "My legislation will extend agriculture disaster assistance and is intended to help our farmers and livestock producers with drought losses beyond insurance until a new farm bill is signed into law."

Loebsack also called on Congress to remain in session until this, job creation and other important issues are dealt with.

"In light of seeing firsthand the devastation already caused by the drought, I am more convinced than ever that Congress must stay in session until a farm bill is passed so our farmers can have comfort that this disaster will be fully addressed.  In less than two weeks, Congress will break for five weeks.  Just because Congress isn't voting does not mean the needs of Iowans will go away.  I have previously called for Congress to work every day until Iowans have some confidence that Congress is working in their best interest.  Taking off for an entire month will only make things worse and does nothing to create jobs, boost the economy, or help drought-stricken farms."

Earlier this week, Loebsack joined a bipartisan group of 79 lawmakers in calling on House leadership to bring a Farm bill to the floor before it expires on September 30^th.  In addition, Loebsack urged Speaker of the House John Boehner and the leader of the House Agriculture Committee to address the expiration of critical USDA disaster relief programs when the Farm Bill is brought to the floor. Loebsack has also asked the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, to determine whether or not he has the authority to extend the SURE program or the Livestock Indemnity Program for 2012 if Congress is unable to complete a reauthorization of the farm bill. He also urged the USDA to consider emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program land in Iowa when appropriate.

Defense Appropriations Bill Mirrors Loebsack Amendment to Block National Guard Cuts

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House passed the FY 2013 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which blocks cuts to the 132nd Fighter Wing and Air National Guard units across the country for one year and requires a Government Accountability Office cost-benefit analysis of the Air Force's proposal.  This action builds on Loebsack's bipartisan amendment in the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prevent cuts to the National Guard personnel and aircraft in Iowa and across the nation.  His amendment was approved by the full House of Representatives as part of the NDAA in May.

"The passage of this legislation is another step in the right direction for the Airmen with the 132nd who are some of the most experienced, most cost effective, and best performing in the country.  I have fought the Air Force's ill advised proposal from the beginning and I will continue to work to make sure the dedicated men and women of the 132nd do not see their positions eliminated."

Background:

February 9- Loebsack Statement on Iowa Delegation Meeting with Air Force Secretary

February 28- Loebsack Questions Air Force Leadership on Proposal to Retire Iowa Air National Guard F16s

March 6- Loebsack Statement Regarding 132nd Fighter Wing Staffing Announcement by the Air Force

May 9- Loebsack to Offer Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing

May 10- Loebsack Amendment to Save the 132nd Fighter Wing Passes Committee on Bipartisan Vote

May 18- Loebsack Amendment to Save 132nd Fighter Wing Passes House

July 12- Loebsack, Branstad Discuss Importance of Iowa's Air Guard During House Hearing

Will visit Southern Iowa Counties

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be touring counties in Southern Iowa on SATURDAY, July 21^st that were recently approved for emergency farm loans because of the recent lack of rain and severe heat in the area and in Missouri.  Loebsack will tour farms, talk with officials from FSA offices and meet with local Farm Bureau and community members in Southern Iowa counties, including Appanoose, Davis, Lee and Wayne.  Reports have said this is the worst drought in Iowa since 1988. Loebsack will also be discussing his call for disaster-loss programs for crops and livestock to be extended in the farm bill to cover this crop year.

"With no end in sight to the hot weather and lack of rain, crops and livestock across Iowa will continue to be adversely affected," said Loebsack.  "I am ready to work alongside these farmers assisting in any way necessary."

The full schedule and additional details will be forthcoming.

Encourages Eastern Iowa Farmers to Attend Drought Meeting July 18th

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today offered his support and assistance to Iowa farmers whose livestock and crops have been damaged by the recent heat wave and lack of rain across the state.  Loebsack has been traveling throughout Iowa, meeting with farmers and livestock producers and has heard firsthand of the worsening conditions, which provided him information to make USDA aware of the conditions on the ground.

"I have kept in close touch with Iowa farmers and livestock producers that have been hurting from the heat wave and lack of rain.  Iowans have lost livestock, are worried about the quality of the crop, and are seeing grazing land dry up. I have taken those concerns directly to USDA to let them know about what I'm hearing from farmers.  I am pleased Iowa farmers will have an opportunity to talk with the Governor about their concerns.  I stand ready to assist the Governor in pursuing assistance for farmers from USDA if necessary.  This is why I also pushed to have a livestock disaster aid program included in the new farm bill and I'm happy to say it's been included in the proposal."

Tuesday, July 18, 2012

9am                 Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds hold public meeting on dry and D1 Drought conditions

Mt. Pleasant High School gymnasium

2104 South Grand Avenue

Mount Pleasant, IA