13 May 2013

Braley Brief: Keeping the Mississippi a Mighty Economic Engine

By Kira Ayish

by Congressman Bruce Braley, D-IA

The Mississippi River connects Iowa communities, businesses, and farmland to the world.  A series of 27 locks and dams managed by the Army Corps of Engineers along the river - 11 of them in Iowa - make the Mississippi navigable to barges that use the river every day to transport items as varied as corn and coal to market. The river is vital to Iowa's agriculture economy; in fact, 92 percent of all US agriculture exports travel down the Mississippi River.

Sadly, for years, Congress has neglected the needs of these locks and dams, leaving the Army Corps of Engineers overwhelmed and years behind schedule on updates. The Army Corps of Engineers currently estimates that they're facing a $60 billion backlog of outstanding construction projects in their lock and dam system. It's important to Iowa's economy that we find a way to fix our locks and dams, and do it fast.

Last month, I traveled down the Mississippi River from the Minnesota border to Missouri to see our locks and dams firsthand, and talk to local officials about the critical upgrades the system needs. I was joined by Reps. Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17), who also represent counties that border the Mississippi River.

Based on what I saw, it's clear Congress must work together to find creative ways to more quickly get the upgrades to the locks and dams that are so desperately needed.

That's why I've signed on to a bipartisan bill called Water Infrastructure Now Public-Private Partnership Act (WIN P3). The bill would create public-private partnerships between the Army Corps of Engineers and private companies to help finance critical lock and dam improvements.

Creating these partnerships will help the Mississippi River locks and dams get the upgrades they need, creating jobs and encouraging economic growth. Our proposal is a creative way to fund lock and dam modernization and one that will speed up badly-needed improvements.

The Mississippi River is incredibly important to Iowa and exploring public-private partnerships to fund improvements is an alternative worth pursuing that won't add to the national debt.  We must continue to work so the river continues to be an economic force that Iowans can rely on for years to come.

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11 Jun 2012

Braley Announces $177,927 for Medicare & Medicaid Fraud Prevention

By Kira Ayish

Empowers seniors to prevent health care fraud

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today announced that Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging will receive a $177,927 grant for their Senior Medicare Patrol project. The project empowers seniors across Iowa to prevent, detect and report health care fraud. Medicare and Medicaid recipients are served by this project.

"I'm happy to announce that the Hawkeye Valley Area on Aging has been awarded a grant for their Senior Medicare Patrol project.," Braley said.  "Health care fraud is a problem in Iowa and across the country. Empowering Iowa seniors who rely on Medicare and Medicaid with the tools to prevent, detect and report fraud is important to ensure that Iowans are getting the health care services they need while taxpayer dollars are safeguarded."

 

The funding was awarded through the Administration on Aging, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

###
05 Jun 2012

Braley Calls on Airlines to Allow Families to Travel Together

By Kira Ayish

Preferred seat charges can add hundreds of dollars to families' travel costs

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood asking the Department of Transportation to provide guidelines to US airlines to make sure that families are not charged more to sit together.

 

"As a parent, I know firsthand how stressful traveling can be with young children. It's appalling to require a parent to pay more just to sit with their young child," Braley said. "Iowa families are already forced to pay higher prices for airline tickets due to increased fares at smaller airports, so these new fees place an unnecessary burden on Iowa families." 

 

Last week, an Associated Press article detailed how families traveling this summer could be forced to pay higher ticket prices to ensure that parents are able to sit with their children. Airlines continue to add fees, and one of these is to make window and aisle seats available only to frequent travelers or to those willing to pay more for preferred seating. This means that as airlines set aside more preferred seating for frequent travelers, parents often have to pay for these preferred seats to make sure that they are able to sit together as a family. Braley joins Sen. Schumer (D-NY) in calling for rules to ensure that families are able to sit together when flying.

 

Braley wrote to Secretary LaHood in December 2011 over concerns that airlines are moving to an increasingly less family friendly business model. The press release and a copy of this letter can be seen here.

 

The full text of Braley's most recent letter to Secretary LaHood follows. A copy of the letter is also available via the following link: http://go.usa.gov/dCo

 

---

 

May 31, 2012

 

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary, Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Ave., NW

Washington, D.C. 20590

 

 

Dear Secretary LaHood:

 

As you know, I wrote you six months ago asking you to investigate media reports that suggested airlines were moving to a less family friendly business model. I've attached a copy of that letter. I was deeply disturbed to learn that airlines plan to charge families more just to allow parents the basic ability to watch and care for their children. Several of the major airlines are increasing their fees for aisle and window seats. These increased seat prices place a significant hardship on traveling families. Many families are now being forced to sit a part from each other on an airplane, unless they pay extra money for an aisle or window seat.

 

As a parent, I know firsthand how stressful traveling can be with young children.  It's appalling to require a parent to pay more just to sit with their young child.  Furthermore, Iowa families are often forced to pay higher prices for airline tickets due to increased fares at smaller airports.  This being said, I urge the Department of Transportation to require airlines to instate a family exemption for seat fees.  By requiring airlines to have a family exemption, it will ensure that parents are not separated from their young children when they are traveling.

 

I ask that you please respond to my letter within 10 business days with an answer on whether or not the DOT will begin requiring airlines to institute a family exemption rule. Thank you for your attention to my request and please feel free to contact me if I can provide further assistance.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce L. Braley

 

# # #
04 Jun 2012

Braley to Hold Roundtable to Discuss Veteran Employment Opportunities

By Kira Ayish

Veterans face high unemployment when they come home, Braley working to ensure there are jobs when they return

 

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold a roundtable discussion with veterans focusing on employment opportunities and the challenges veterans face finding employment when they return home from deployment.

 

"One out of every four veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan is out-of-work. I'm working hard to reduce this number, but it's important we understand the unique challenges our veterans face when it comes to finding employment," Braley said.  "Men and women who've put their lives on the line for our country deserve every opportunity when they return home. "

 

Earlier this month, Braley introduced the Veterans' Job Corps Act, which would allow the executive branch to create the Vets Jobs Corps program as a cooperative project between federal agencies. Members of the jobs corps could be employed to improve public lands and national parks, prevent forest fires, work in public safety jobs like police and fire departments, and control floods. Participation in the corps would be open to unemployed veterans and unemployed widows of veterans.

 

 

TODAY May 29, 2012

 

1:00pm                 Veteran Employment Roundtable

Veterans Freedom Center

2245 Kerper Blvd.

Dubuque, Iowa

 

 

# # #

04 Jun 2012

Braley Statement on Memorial Day

By Kira Ayish

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement on Memorial Day:

"This weekend, families all over the country will gather to honor the brave men and women who have fought for our country and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Memorial Day always brings back memories of my father, who was just 17 when he fought the battle on Iwo Jima, but this year is even more personal. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to visit Iwo Jima with several veterans. It was a moving and memorable experience, and I was so honored to pay my respects to all who fought in that historic battle 67 years ago. As a veteran, my father taught me to take pride in America's values and fight for my beliefs. From him, my family learned of the struggles and challenges facing members of the military and their families when they come home from war. Although this weekend we honor our fallen soldiers, we must also remember our military heroes and their families every day. We must work hard to make sure that they have the care and support they need not only when they're on the front lines, but also when they come home. We owe that to them and their families.

This Memorial Day weekend, I keep all of our fallen heroes and their families in my thoughts. And I extend my deepest thanks to our veterans and their families. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice and your bravery."

 

# # #
20 Apr 2012

Braley, Loebsack Announce More Than $2.6 Million for Improvements to the Eastern Iowa Airport

By Kira Ayish

Will allow for runway and taxiway rehabilitation

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Bruce Braley (IA-01) and Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that the Eastern Iowa Airport will receive a total of $2,644,904 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration.  This funding will be used to rehabilitate and upgrade the runway and taxiway.

 

"This is great news for Eastern Iowa. The grant money will help the Eastern Iowa Airport make critical infrastructure improvements ensuring the safety of passengers and employees," Braley said. "Whether traveling for business or family vacation, Iowans rely on their community airports to be safe, secure and reliable. It's critical we give Iowa's airports the tools they need to provide the safest and most efficient service to their customers."

 

"The Eastern Iowa Airport is a hub for travel, commerce and economic growth in the Corridor," said Loebsack. "I am pleased these funds will help improve the airport and ensure they continue to allow for safe and efficient travel."

 

Specifically, the funds will be used for:

 

Runway rehabilitation - $1,500,000

Taxiway rehabilitation - $1,144,904

 

 

# # #
20 Apr 2012

Braley Calls for Investigation into Lean, Finely Textured Beef Controversy

By Kira Ayish

Consumers deserve accurate information  

 

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings urging them to conduct an investigation into recent claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).

 

A series of recent stories on ABC News about LFTB were critical of companies like Beef Products, Inc. (BPI). Other public figures like celebrity chef Jamie Oliver have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB. Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

 

"As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. We need to know that the food we're feeding our families is safe and nutritious. And as consumers we deserve to have accurate information.

 

"It's important that we investigate the claims made against lean, finely textured beef and do so scientifically to ensure that consumers have accurate information on this and other products."

 

Braley has called for those on all sides of the issue to participate in this hearing including the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.

 

Text of Braley's letter is below; a copy of Braley's letter can be downloaded at the following link: http://go.usa.gov/yXV

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April 20, 2012

 

The Honorable Darrell Issa                          

Chairman                      

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform                        

2157 Rayburn HOB                           

Washington, DC  20515                         

 

The Honorable Elijah Cummings

Ranking Member

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2471 Rayburn HOB

Washington, DC  20515

 

Dear Chairman Issa and Ranking Member Cummings:

As you know, there has been significant controversy surrounding claims made in the media about lean, finely textured beef (LFTB).  The public discussion regarding LFTB followed a series of reports on ABC News which were critical of companies such as Beef Products, Inc. (BPI).  In addition to ABC News, other public figures, such as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, have perpetuated the criticisms of LFTB.  Following these reports hundreds of workers were laid off including over 200 workers from BPI's Waterloo, Iowa facility.

I strongly urge the Committee to conduct hearings and investigate these recent claims. I encourage the Committee to invite all sides to participate in this hearing including, but not limited to, the appropriate producers from ABC News, recognized food safety experts, celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and workers from BPI.  Our constituents deserve accurate information about the products they consume and BPI's workers deserve an opportunity to answer their critics.

As a father of three, I share every parent's concern about what their kids eat. Food choices must be made based on nutrition and safety and consumers are right to demand that their food supply is safe. I look forward to working with you on this important issue so that accurate information is available to consumers for this and other foods. Thanks again.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress

 

# # #
19 Mar 2012

ICYMI: The New York Times: Sexual Violence and the Military

By Kira Ayish

In case you missed it...

 

This refers to Rep. Braley's bipartisan Holley Lynn James Act, which he introduced last year, named for a Dubuque woman who was killed by her husband while both were in the military:

 

A bill from Representative Bruce Braley, Democrat of Iowa, would strengthen military penalties for rape, sexual assault, harassment and domestic violence and end the practice of giving convicted attackers nonjudicial or administrative punishment. It would ensure that allegations of rape and assault are referred to higher-ranking officers to address concerns that lower-level ones are too close to the accused and the victims. It would also allow service members to seek redress in federal court for the military's failure to investigate or prosecute a sexual crime.

 

 

Editorial: Sexual Violence and the Military

The New York Times

March 8, 2012

The rate of sexual assaults on American women serving in the military remains intolerably high. While an estimated 17 percent of women in the general population become victims at some point in their lives, a 2006 study of female veterans financed by the Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that between 23 percent and 33 percent of uniformed women had been assaulted. Those estimates are borne out in other surveys, and a recent Pentagon report on sexual assaults at the service academies found that in the 2010-11 academic year, cadets and midshipmen were involved in 65 reported assaults.

Too often victims are afraid to come forward. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta estimated that the number of attacks in 2011 by service members on other service members ? both women and men ? was close to 19,000, more than six times the number of reported attacks.

The problem has outlasted decades of Pentagon studies and task forces and repeated vows of "zero tolerance." Mr. Panetta has promised that this time will be different. In February, he told Congress, "We have got to get our command structure to be a lot more sensitive about these issues, to recognize sexual assault when it takes place and to act on it, not to simply ignore it."

Mr. Panetta has announced welcome reforms, including more money for training military investigators and judge advocates to prosecute sexual assault cases, more opportunity for victims to report crimes and request transfers and a system to collect and monitor assault cases. The director of the Pentagon's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, or Sapro, Maj. Gen. Mary Kay Hertog of the Air Force, has pledged to enact the reforms and provide more outreach and support for victims.

There is a lot of tough work ahead. A continuing poster campaign by Sapro, which had started before General Hertog took over, is disturbingly clueless. It carries the tag line, "Ask Her When She's Sober," as if predation could be combated through a grotesque parody of an etiquette poster.

The Defense Department's record of prosecuting assault cases is dismal. In 2010, fewer than 21 percent of cases went to trial, for a number of reasons, including decisions by commanding officers not to prosecute or to impose nonjudicial or administrative punishments. About 6 percent of the accused were discharged or allowed to "resign in lieu of court-martial" ? quit their jobs. Only about half the cases prosecuted resulted in convictions.

There are also serious problems in the civilian world. It is even harder for military women to get away from abusers they work with or for; they can't just quit their jobs or leave a combat zone. They must rely on commanding officers who act as investigators, judges and juries, in an extremely tight-knit workplace.

Members of Congress of both parties are trying to address these problems.

A bill from Representative Bruce Braley, Democrat of Iowa, would strengthen military penalties for rape, sexual assault, harassment and domestic violence and end the practice of giving convicted attackers nonjudicial or administrative punishment. It would ensure that allegations of rape and assault are referred to higher-ranking officers to address concerns that lower-level ones are too close to the accused and the victims. It would also allow service members to seek redress in federal court for the military's failure to investigate or prosecute a sexual crime.

The Pentagon insists that it can reform itself, and we are aware of the perils of civilian intrusion into the military justice system. But for "zero tolerance" to become a reality, Congress may have to push reform forward.
24 Feb 2012

Braley Lauds Reopening of Iowa National Guard Aviation Readiness Center

By Kira Ayish

Braley helped secure $2 million to fund renovation project in 2009

 

Davenport, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today attended the reopening of the Iowa National Guard's Aviation Readiness Center, lauding the renovation of the facility and saying it will enhance the ability of the Guard to save lives and protect Iowa.  In 2009, Braley helped secure $2 million to fund the renovation project.

 

"The renovation of the Iowa National Guard's Aviation Readiness Center helped create jobs here in the Quad Cities and has given the facility new life," Braley said.  "I'm proud of my work helping to make this needed renovation happen.  This beautiful facility is a great addition to the Davenport area and will help the Iowa National Guard do its job."

 

The $2.1 million project completed today is the second part of a two-phase project that renovated the entire National Guard facility, originally constructed in 1972.  The first phase of the renovation was completed in 2010.

 

# # #
16 Sep 2011

Braley Working to Rebuild Iowa Communities

By Kira Ayish

Introduces bill to help rehabilitation in Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Des Moines, Davenport, Centerville, Corning and Bloomfield

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) introduced legislation to help rebuild Iowa communities that have been damaged by natural disasters.  The Rebuilding Communities Act extends important tax breaks for the historic tax credit and rehabilitation tax credit, targeted at flooded Midwestern areas for an additional three years. By providing these tax credits to help damaged communities rebuild, they are able to complete important historic rehabilitation development projects and bring numerous employment opportunities back to these areas.

"It is vital that we give flooded cities the tools to continue to renovate and rebuild," said Rep. Braley. "I continue to work hard to help Iowans recover from the floods and tornadoes of 2008, as well as the most recent flooding this summer. Recovering from damage sustained from these disasters takes years, and now is not the time to let this disaster recovery tax credit expire."

"Iowa communities are resilient, but they need support as they rebuild from the damage and destruction these disasters caused.  Helping our communities rebuild after they have been hit by a natural disaster is a critical step on the road to recovery. Ensuring that our communities have the ability to rebuild means increased job creation and faster economic recovery."

The Rebuilding Communities Act will extend tax provisions originally passed in 2008 in the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act.  Included in the legislation were provisions to give tax credits to rehabilitate buildings in communities that were damaged or destroyed by Midwest disasters. Cities throughout Iowa, including Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Bloomfield, Centerville, Corning and Des Moines would all benefit from the extension of these tax breaks.

In 2008, the historic tax credit was raised from 20% to 26% of qualified expenditures for any certified historic structure.  The rehabilitation credit was raised from 10% to 13% of qualified expenditures for certain other buildings undergoing rehabilitation.  Currently, these tax breaks are set to expire on December 31, 2011.  The Rebuilding Communities Act would extend these tax breaks for 3 years, through December 31, 2014.

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