Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced today that Jeff Giertz will rejoin his office to serve as communications director, effective next Monday, September 19th.

"I'm thrilled that Jeff is returning to my office," Braley said.  "His deep experience in communications and passion for serving the people of Iowa will make him a great addition to my team.  I know he will serve the press - and Iowans - with the responsiveness and professionalism he is known for."

Giertz, a native of Moline, Illinois, first worked for Rep. Braley during his successful 2006 Congressional campaign.  Giertz then served as Rep. Braley's communications director during his first two terms in Congress from 2007 until October 2009.  After leaving Rep. Braley's office, Giertz worked as communications director for US Rep. Charlie Melancon's unsuccessful 2010 bid for US Senate in Louisiana.  Since January, Giertz has worked as communications director for the North Carolina state Senate Democratic Caucus in Raleigh, NC.

Giertz is a 2005 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

# # #

Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

(F) 202.225.6666

Braley and Cummings Lead Eight Oversight Committee Democrats in Calling for Investigation

Washington, DC - Amid allegations that Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation sought to hack the telephones of September 11th victims and other U.S. citizens, Congressmen Bruce Braley (IA-01) and Ranking Member Elijah Cummings (MD-07), joined by six other Oversight Committee Members, called on Chairman Darrell Issa today to investigate the allegations.

Rep. Braley previously sent two letters to Chairman Issa, one with fellow Committee Member John F. Tierney, following reports that the company and its subsidiaries may have bribed foreign law enforcement officials and potentially hacked the phone lines of U.S. citizens. Chairman Issa has not responded to either of these letters.

Since these requests, the Justice Department reportedly has opened a preliminary criminal investigation into these allegations, including whether the actions of News Corp. officials may have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

"As you know, we have just observed the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation and these victims deserve to know whether they were targeted in this offensive and potentially illegal manner," the letter said.  "We request that the Committee at least take preliminary steps to determine how to proceed, such as meeting with the September 11th families, consulting with the Department of Justice, and pursuing other measures the Committee has utilized in many other investigations."

"I'm extremely disappointed that Chairman Issa has not responded to my repeated calls for an investigation of News Corp," said Rep. Braley. "I'm pleased that Ranking Member Cummings and six Oversight Committee members have now joined me in calling for this investigation. Yesterday, our nation observed the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The victim's families of these horrific attacks deserve to know whether their loved ones were targeted in this offensive and potentially illegal manner."

"The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has a responsibility to protect the interests of U.S. citizens against the illegal actions of corporations, regardless of their political leanings," the letter said.

A copy of the letter is copied below and a link is available here: http://go.usa.gov/0PP

 

###

Dear Mr. Chairman:

We are writing again to request that the Committee investigate recent allegations of illegal actions by Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation, including in particular allegations that the company sought to hack the telephones of September 11th victims and other U.S. citizens.

This is the third letter that has been sent to you on this topic.  The first letter was sent on July 13, 2011, by Congressman Bruce Braley, and the second letter was sent on July 28, 2011, by Congressman Braley and Congressman John Tierney.  Both letters are attached for your review.  It is unacceptable that you have not even replied to these previous requests.  As you know, we have just observed the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation and these victims deserve to know whether they were targeted in this offensive and potentially illegal manner.[1]

Since these previous requests were sent to you, the Justice Department reportedly has opened a preliminary criminal investigation into these allegations, including whether the actions of News Corporation officials may have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.[2] We do not want to interfere unduly with this ongoing investigation, but we request that the Committee at least take preliminary steps to determine how to proceed, such as meeting with the September 11 families, consulting with the Department of Justice, and pursuing other measures the Committee has utilized in many other investigations.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has a responsibility to protect the interests of U.S. citizens against the illegal actions of corporations, regardless of their political leanings.  We hope you will provide a response to this request as soon as possible, and we thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bruce L. Braley                         Elijah E. Cummings

John Tierney                        William Lacy Clay

Jim Cooper                         Peter Welch

John Yarmuth                        Christopher Murphy


[1] See, e.g., Phone Hacking:  9/11 Victims 'May Have Had Mobiles Tapped by News of the World Reporters', Daily Mirror (Nov. 7, 2011).

[2] Justice Dept. to Probe if News Corp. Hacked Sept. 11 Families, NPR (Aug. 24, 2011) (online at www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/08/24/139927904/justice-dept-to-probe-if-news-corp-hacked-9-11-families).

Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

(F) 202.225.6666

Letter Calls on FEMA to Fulfill Commitments for Disaster Recovery

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) wrote to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate urging him to continue funding Iowa disaster recovery projects, after reports of funds being frozen and redirected to Hurricane Irene recovery.

"Iowa communities are still recovering from the 2008 flooding and tornadoes," said Rep. Braley.  "FEMA has committed to help these communities rebuild through offers of funds, and it is irresponsible to redirect those funds or stop work on projects.  Iowans should be able to trust FEMA's word, and that means FEMA needs to fulfill its commitments to the state."

The FEMA Disaster Relief Fund is strained from responding to numerous disasters this year, and projects from Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 Iowa floods continue to receive disaster recovery funds.  News reports have indicated that FEMA could require an additional $5.2 billion to cover costs for past disaster recovery funding efforts and for the remainder of FY2012.

A copy of the letter is pasted below and available here: http://go.usa.gov/0Ps

###

Dear Administrator Fugate,

I appreciate your agency's efforts in responding to recent disasters in a timely manner.  I'm writing today with concerns over media reports in the wake of Hurricane Irene that funds obligated for past disaster recovery efforts are being delayed or repurposed to respond to this latest disaster.

I have great sympathy for the residents and communities on the East Coast who have been affected by Hurricane Irene and I am committed in my role as a U.S. Representative to ensuring that FEMA has the resources necessary to respond to all disasters.  At the same time, disaster recovery efforts are still under way in Iowa and the Midwest following devastating flooding and tornadoes in 2008.  FEMA has spent several years approving projects and providing funding support for disaster recovery efforts and we have seen numerous delays as part of the bureaucratic process and from funding shortfalls.

In light of the media reports, Iowans deserve an accounting and explanation of how FEMA is using funds committed to Iowa disaster recovery efforts to respond to this current disaster.  Specifically, please provide a detailed accounting of any funds committed or intended for Iowa which are now frozen, or being used for Irene recovery.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and I look forward to hearing from you within the next 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Bruce Braley

Member of Congress

Office of Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01)

1727 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(P) 202.225.2911

(F) 202.225.6666

Braley Statement on President's Jobs Address

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement tonight after President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on job creation:

"I hope tonight's speech helps refocus the debate in Washington right where it needs to be: on creating jobs and growing the economy.

"Ideas like extending the payroll tax cut for middle class families and investments in roads and highways should attract support from Republicans and Democrats.

"I'm proud that tonight, Jan Heister of Peosta, Iowa and owner of Premier Tool, joined First Lady Michelle Obama during the speech.  In February 2010, I introduced the Back to Work Act, which provides tax incentives to businesses to hire unemployed workers and my provisions passed into law in March 2010. Since that time, over 100,000 Iowans were hired using this tax incentive, and some of these workers were hired at Jan's company, Premier Tool. I visited Premier Tool in January 2011 and I was so proud to talk to Jan and some of the workers hired through my Back to Work Act. I'm glad the President has also recognized the good work done at Premier Tool, and invited Jan to attend tonight.

"Focusing on strengthening the middle class - what makes America great - is exactly what we need to be doing to get our economy back on track.  Now, it's time Congress gets to work on these ideas so Iowans can get back to work."

# # #

Braley's Protecting Veterans' Homes Act Moves Forward in House

Washington, DC - Today, the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs unanimously passed Congressman Bruce Braley's bill, the Protecting Veterans' Homes Act. This legislation would protect veterans from being foreclosed upon by banks and would give returning soldiers time to get their finances in order after long deployments. It passed unanimously as part of a larger legislative package and will now likely proceed to the House Floor.

"Our veterans often return from combat only to face new challenges," said Rep. Braley. "Whether it's an injury or a financial crisis caused by long deployments and time off from their civilian jobs, our veterans deserve to know that we're standing up for them. This bill will give our soldiers enough time to get back on their feet and get their finances in order before being kicked out of their homes. This is the least we can do for the brave men and women who serve this country."

Currently, similar protections for veterans are set to expire in December, 2012. Rep. Braley's bill would make these protections permanent and would extend the grace period from nine months to a full year for veterans returning from deployments.

# # #

Braley: Jobs Plan Should Focus on Boosting Iowa's "Struggling Middle Class"

 

Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) released the following statement today before the president's address to a joint session of Congress:

"Creating jobs and growing the economy should be Congress' number one priority, but it sure hasn't been lately.  That's why Iowans are so frustrated with Washington right now.  All they see is partisan gridlock and nothing getting done on jobs.

 

"That's why I hope the president uses tonight as an opportunity to refocus on job creation.  I hope his job creation plan makes helping the struggling middle class a centerpiece.

 

"We need to act now on ideas like extending the payroll tax cut for middle-class families, providing incentives for the hiring of veterans and Iowa Guard members, and investing in our aging roads, highways, and infrastructure.  Then we need to pay for them.  These proven job creators are ideas that I expect would attract bipartisan support."

# # #

Legislation will help create jobs for returned Iowa National Guard Troops and other veterans

Waterloo, IA - This week, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) is introducing a bill to cut payroll taxes for businesses that hire unemployed veterans. The Combat Veterans Back to Work Act provides employers with a payroll tax break if they hire recently returned veterans, including members of the Iowa National Guard, who are unemployed.  Currently, approximately 600 Iowa Guardsmen, who recently returned from Afghanistan, are looking for work. 

"After their distinguished service in Afghanistan, we should do all we can to help members of the Iowa Guard find employment in their civilian lives," said Rep. Braley.  "This legislation will support our friends and neighbors in the Iowa National Guard, Reserves, and veterans who have recently returned home and face a difficult job market." 

"Thousands of Iowans have returned home after serving overseas this past year.  Now we must support them and bring their experience and talent back into the Iowa workforce."

The Combat Veterans Back to Work Act will exempt small businesses from paying the employer's share of the Social Security tax for up to one year through December 31, 2012 - if they hire current members of the National Guard or Reserve, or any veteran who has returned from deployment within the last 18 months and is currently unemployed. Employers who keep eligible employees on the payroll for 52 consecutive weeks will receive an additional $1,000 tax credit.

Congressman Braley has worked closely with the Iowa National Guard throughout his time in Congress.  Last week, he met with Iowa National Guard leaders and their partners at Camp Dodge to discuss employment initiatives for returning Iowa service members. In 2010, he secured long-overdue back pay for nearly 650 members of the Iowa National Guard and over 22,000 National Guard troops nationwide.  Prior to that, Congressman Braley led an investigation that resulted in nearly 3,500 members of the Iowa National Guard receiving their GI Bill education benefits, after these benefits were initially denied by the Pentagon.                      

Congressman Braley currently serves on the U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs, and as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.

This week, Congressman Braley will hold events in Cedar Rapids (Tuesday), Des Moines (Wednesday) and the Quad Cities (Thursday) to inform Iowans of this legislation.

###

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced $425,000 in grant money for port security efforts in Bettendorf and Le Claire.

The Bettendorf Fire Department has been awarded $250,000 and Scott County has been awarded $175,000 to improve security and risk management at ports in Bettendorf and Le Claire.

"This grant money will help ensure the safety of the Quad Cities and other communities along the Mississippi," Braley said. "The river is vital to Iowa's economy and Iowa agriculture.  I'm committed to making sure our ports are secure, and today's funding will help keep Iowa families and businesses safe."

These federal grants are awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

# # #

Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will hold a press conference announcing the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act.   This legislation, which will be introduced tomorrow, provides a payroll tax exemption to employers who hire unemployed members of the Iowa National Guard, who recently returned from Afghanistan, as well as other combat veterans.

***TUESDAY, AUGUST 23***

WHAT: Rep. Braley to hold press conference announcing the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act

WHEN: TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2:30-3:00 PM CDT

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Building

50 2nd Avenue Bridge

Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1225

###

Briefed by city and county officials on damage and recovery efforts

Dubuque, IA -Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) toured Dubuque and Jackson Counties to see flood damage these areas sustained from severe storms that occurred July 27-29, 2011. 

Rep. Braley met with Dubuque City and County officials as he visited areas damaged by the floods last month. He received an update on the damage that occurred to city infrastructure including several bridges and the wastewater treatment facility in Dubuque.  Additionally, he toured flood damage at the Swiss Valley Park & Campground and received an update on flood recovery efforts by local officials who are working on public infrastructure and potential buyouts of private residences. In Jackson County, Rep. Braley was briefed by county officials and toured county roads and bridges that sustained damage during the recent floods.

"As people in these communities continue rebuilding from these storms, I encourage them to contact my office for any help they may need," said Rep. Braley. "I know navigating through government red tape during a time of recovery is the last thing people want to worry about. I'm here to make sure that Iowans get the help they need."

Earlier this month, Rep. Braley led an Iowa House delegation letter to President Obama urging him to support Gov. Branstad's request to declare Dubuque and Jackson counties major disaster areas as a result of the severe storms and flooding that took place in these counties.

"Dubuque and Jackson suffered serious damage from the storms that occurred last month. These storms severely damaged Iowa schools, hospitals, fire stations and other infrastructure critical to these communities," said Rep. Braley. "I strongly urge President Obama to declare these counties disaster areas so they are eligible for the support they need in order to rebuild as quickly as possible."

As these communities begin to recover and rebuild, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has made low-interest disaster loans available to residents and business owners impacted by these storms and flooding. Disaster loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans of up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, and businesses and non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged property or other business assets.

###

Washington, DC - Tomorrow, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will join the Ed Thomas Family Foundation for the book launch of The Sacred Acre, the Ed Thomas Story.  The Ed Thomas Family Foundation was started in the wake of the shooting death of Ed Thomas in 2009.

The Ed Thomas Family Foundation continues the legacy of Ed Thomas by supporting young adults through family, faith and football. There will be a book signing and inter-squad football game following the book signing.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19

WHAT: Rep. Braley to attend book launch in honor of Ed Thomas

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 6:30-7:30 PM CDT

WHERE: Aplington-Parkersburg High School, 610 N. Johnson Street, ParkersburgIA 50665

###

Washington, DC - Tomorrow, Rep. Bruce Braley will visit Dubuque and Jackson Counties to tour flood damage that occurred from severe storms on July 27-29, 2011.

Rep. Braley will meet with Jackson County officials and tour county roads and bridges that sustained damage during the recent flooding. Later in the afternoon, Rep. Braley will tour the City of Dubuque and meet with Dubuque officials to see flood damage across the city and throughout Dubuque County. In addition to touring the damage, Rep. Braley will receive an update on flood recovery efforts by local officials who are working on public infrastructure and potential buyouts of private residences.

***TOMORROW***

WHAT: Rep. Braley to meet with Jackson County officials to tour county roads and bridges that sustained damage during the recent flooding.

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 12:00-12:45 PM CDT

WHERE: Kalmes Restaurant, 100 N. Main Street, St. Donatus, IA 52071

There will be a press avail at 12:00 PM CDT.  Media is encouraged to attend the tour with Rep. Braley and Jackson County officials after the press avail.   

WHAT: Rep. Braley to meet with Dubuque officials to tour flood damage and receive an update on recovery efforts.

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1:45-2:30 PM CDT

WHERE: Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, 13606 Swiss Valley Road, Dubuque, IA 52003

There will be a press avail at 1:45 PM CDT. Media is encouraged to attend the tour with Rep. Braley and Dubuque officials after the press avail.

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